023174   Bar M S (Zool Dep, Dr H S Gour Univ, Sagar-470 003) : Effects of temperature on testicular cycle of wild birds black headed munia and spotted munia. J envir Biol 2005, 26(1), 135-9.

A long term investigation was made on the effects of temperature in the reproduction of tropical wild birds, Black headed munia, Munia malacca and Spotted munia, Lonchura punctulata. In Spotted munia delayed gonadal development as well as regression were observed in 12°C treated group. In 20°C treated birds the testicular volume was significantly less in the month of September and October and was significantly more in November compared to the corresponding control values. In 27°C treated birds delay in testicular development was observed. In Black headed munia delayed gonadal development and regression was observed in 12°C and 20°C treated groups. But maximum gonadal development Delayed regression was also noticed in 20°C group. In 27°C treated group an inhibition of the testicular development was noticed during progressive phase (September). Present findings suggest that neither temperature nor continuous illumination could alter the circannual nature of testicular cycle in spotted munia indicating that temperature acts only as supplementary factor in the reproduction of these two bird models. We further suggest that temperature effects are mediated through changes in thyroxine levels.

2 illus, 10 ref

023173   Baig M;Beja Pereira A;Mohammad R;Kulkarni K; Farah S;Luikart G (Population Biol Laborratory Zool Dep, Govt Vidarbha Inst of Sci and Humanities, Amravati, Email: samiramumtaz@yahoo.com) : Phylogeography and origin of Indian domestic cattle. Curr Sci 2005, 89(1), 38-40.

3 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

023172   Anitha N;Nair G M (Dep of Agric Ent, Coll of Agric, Vellayani, Thiruvananthapuram-695 522) : Life table and intrinsic rate in increase of pseudostem weevil Odoiporus longicollis oliv. on popular banana clones of Kerala. Entomon 2004, 29(4), 345-50.

Studies were conducted on the life table of the pseudostem weevil Odoiporus longicollis Oliv. on popular banana clones, viz., Njalipoovan, Red banana, Robusta, Palayankodan, Poovan, Nendran and Karpooravally. The net reproductive rate varied from 2.18 (Njalipoovan) to 5.89 (Nendran) in a generation time of 5.6 and 6.36 weeks respectively. The innate capacity for increase varied from 0.14 (Njalipoovan) to 0.36 (Poovan). The finite rate of increase was 1.15 in Njalipoovan and 1.43 in Poovan. Based on the age specific survival and natality, the clones Nendran and Poovan were found more susceptible to O. longicollis and better suited for the population build up.

3 tables, 7 ref

023171   Altaff K;Sugumaran J;Naveed M S (PG and Res Dep of Zool, The New Coll, Chennai-600 014, Email: kaltaff@rediffmail.com ) : Impact of tsunami on meiofauna of Marina beach, Chennai, India. Curr Sci 2005, 89(1), 34-9.

4 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

023170   Alkahem H f;Ahmad Z;Alghanim K A (Dep of Zool, Coll of Sci King Saud Univ, P O Box 2455, Riyadh 11451, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia) : Monthly innovations in haematological profile and biochemical composition of liver and white muscle of oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758). Geobios 2005, 32(2-3), 105-112.

The glycogen levels in liver and muscle of O.niloticus were low during spawning period (July to September). The muscle protein was low and that of liver high from June to September, plasma protein being highest in May. Triglyceride was highest in February and falls gradually till September. The plasma glucose was high from July to November, whereas the plasma triglyceride and glycogen were low in these months. Haemoglobin, haematocrit values, erythrocytes and leucocytes counts showed considerable variations throughout.

4 illus, 30 ref

023169   Ahirrao K D;Kulkarni a B (Zool Dep, R L Coll, Parola, Jalgaon-425 111) : Effects of sevin on lipid and cholesterol content of the snail, Thiara lineata. Bioinfolet 2005, 2(2), 126-9.

Carbamates are now a days increasingly used due to their biodegradable nature and less persistence in the environment. However, indiscriminate use of these pesticides for crop protection causes much damage to the aquatic fauna. The carbamate, Sevin, caused severe alterations in biological steps of aquatic snail, Thiara lineata. This snail is economically important which sreves as an intermediate host of various trematod parasites, which causes severe diseases to human beings as well as domestic animals. The three groups of ten snails each, were exposed to 1/5 th of predetermined LC₅₀ concentrations of sevin for 1,7 and 14 days along with the control. The first group was sacrificed and different parts of the body viz. gonad, hepatopancreas and foot were separateed. From second group, reproductive tract and visceral organs (rest of the body) and from the last group whole body was separated and total lipids and cholesterol were estimated after different exposure periods. The total lipid content in all the tissues under investigation decreased throughout the exposure periods. The total cholesterol content in present investigation exhibited a tissue specific and time dependent response to Sevin. The changes in metabolites were statistically analyzed and were found to be significant.

1 table, 8 ref

023168   Agoramoorthy G;Hsu M J (NO, Tajen Inst of Technol, Yanpu, Pingtung 907, Taiwan) : Population size, feeding, forearm length and body weight of a less known Indian fruit bat, Latidens salimalii. Curr Sci 2005, 88(3), 354-6.

2 illus, 2 tables

023167   Acharya S (B-3/135(A) Kalyani Nadia-741 235, , ) : Henneguya ritae spp N (Myxozoa: bivalvulida) from the skin of catfish, Rita Rita (hamilton) in West Bengal, India. Geobios 2005, 32(2-3), 129-32.

New myxozoan parasite, Henneguya ritae sp. n. was found to infect the skin of Rita rita from Kalyani. A survey revealed a prevalence rate of 14.5% of this parastie. Macroscopic milky whitish plasmodia were seen in the skin of the fish.

1 illus, 1 table, 9 ref

023166   Abhiranjan Kumar;Ranjan R K;Pandey B N;Nasim Akhtar S;Verma S N (Dep of Zool, Magadh Univ, Bodh Gaya-824 234) : Effect of hormones on carbohydrate metabolism, level of protein and lipid and enzyme kinetics in some tissues of Channa gachua (HAM). Proc Zool Soc India 2004, 3(2), 57-65.

Studies of some hormones on glucose, glycogen, lactic acid and level of protein and lipid level in liver, muscles and blood tissues and enzyme kinetics (SDH, Alkaline and Acid Phosphates) in muscle and liver were made in a fresh water air breathing snake headed murrel teleostean fish, Channa gachua (Ham.). The treatment of L-thyroxine (T₄), Hydrocortisone (HC) and Methyl testosterone (MT), brought different effect in different tissues (tissue specific) so far their (hormones) effect on glucose, glycogen, lactic acid, level of protein and lipid, enzyme kinetics were concerned. The reason for such changes has been discussed in this paper.

1 table, 26 ref

021934   Tantarpale V T;Pawar A H;Kapil S R;Kulkarni K M (PG Department of Zoology, Vidya Bharti Mahavidyalaya, Camp, Amravati-444 602) : Modulated GPT (Glucose pyruvate transaminase) activity in the frog Rana cyanophlyctis exposed to Cythion. Envir Ecol 2005, 23(1), 42-5.

The enzyme activity of GPT (glucose pyruvate transminase) have been studied on exposure to different concentrations of cythion in the tissues such as liver, muscle and kidney of the frog, Rana cyanophlyctis. The GPT activity was significantly increased in all the tissues.

3 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

021933   Siddique Y H;Afzal M (Genetics Section, Zoology Dep, A M U, Aligarh-202 002) : Antigenotoxic effect of nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) against SCES induced by estradiol - 17β in human lymphocyte chromosomes in vitro. Indian Biol 2004, 36(1), 25-7.

Estradiol-17β administration to human lymphocytes in culture was shown to be genotoxic. With a view to study the ameliorative action of Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) against this effect, NDGA was used separately and combination along with estradiol-17β at different dosages in human lymphocyte cultures. Cultured human lymphocytes from two female donors were used for the experiment. The levels of SCEs were lowered by NDGA suggesting its protective role against estradiol-17β genotoxicity in human lymphocyte chromosomes in vitro.

1 table, 11 ref

021932   Siddique Y H;Afzal M (Section of Genetics, Dep of Zoology, A M U, Aligarh-202 002, Email: afzal1235@rediffmail.com) : Evaluation of genotoxic potential of synthetic progestin lynestrenol in human lymphocytes in vitro. Indian Biol 2004, 36(1), 11-17.

The genotoxicity study of a synthetic progestin lynestrenol, used as oral contraceptives, was carried out on human lymphocyte chromosomes using sister chromaitid exchange (SCE), replication index (RI) and chromosomal aberrations (CA) as parameters. The study was carried out in the presence as well as in the absence of metabolic activation (S9 mix). Lynestrenol was studied at three different concentrations (20, 40 and 60 μg/ml of peripheral blood lymphocyte culture) and was found to be non-genotoxic in absence of metabolic activation. But in presence of S9 mix lynestrenol increased SCE (F<60>0.03) and CA (F<60>0.005) frequencies and inhibits lymphoeyte proliferation (F<60>0.03) at 60 μg/ml. The results suggest a genotoxic and cytotoxic effect of lynestrenol in human peripheral blood cultures in vitro.

4 tables, 26 ref

021931   Sharma V K (Chronobiology Laboratory, Evolutionary and Organismal biology Unit, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, Jakkur, Bangalore-560 064, Email: vsharma@jncasr.ac.in) : Brain clocks for morning and evening behaviour. J Genet 2004, 83(3), 227-30.

2 illus, 10 ref

021930   Ramasamy S;Charles manoharan A (NO, , 18, S M Nagar, Samayanallur, Madurai-625 402, Email: biorams@rediffmail.com) : Antibacterial effect of volatile components of selected medicinal plants against human pathogens. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2004, 6(2), 209-10.

Antibacterial effect of volatile components from various solvent extracts of Anosomeles indica, A. malabrica, Blumea lacera and Melia azadirachta against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcesens and Staphylococcus aureus have been studied by tube diffusion method. Acetone and methanol extracts of all plants showed strong antibacterial effect, whereas petroleum ether and aqueous did not exhibit any effect. P. aeruginosa and Se. marcesenes were relatively more sensitive.

1 table, 10 ref

021929   Pramanik M K;Raut S K (Ecology & Ethology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Calcutta Univ, Kolkata-700 019) : Seasonal effects on the life history of the vector mosquitoes Aedes aegypti, Anopheles subpictus and Culex quinquefasciatus occurring in Kolkata, India. Envir Ecol 2005, 23(1), 77-83.

Life history of the vector mosquitoes Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762), Anopheles subpictus Grassi, 1899 and Culex quinquefascintus Say, 1823 was studied in four different seasons viz. monsoon, post monsoon, winter and summer in Kolkata, India. It revealed that a freshly laid egg took 6, 9, 10 and 12.5 days in case of Ae. aegypti; 6, 9, 11 and 10.5 days in case of An. subpictus, and 6, 9, 9 and 12 days in case of Cx. quinquefascialus in summer, monsoon, post monsoon and winter respectively to attain the imago stage. The length of developmental period of eggs and I, II, III, IV instar larvae and pupa varied from 1.0-3.5 days in respect to the seasons concerned. The rate of metamorphosis varied to a great extent with the seasons. It is noted that, out of 100 eggs 36, 44, 53 and 64 in monsoon, summer, post monsoon and winter respectively in Ae. aegypti; 30, 30, 34 and 38 in monsoon, winter, summer and post monsoon respectively in An. subpictus, and 33, 46, 59 and 68 in monsoon, summer and winter respectively in Cx. quinquefasciatus attained the imago stage. Mortality rate of the eggs, larvae and pupae also varied with the seasons. On average 6.0, 7.89, 9.4 and 10.6% Ae. aegypti died at each of the six developing stages in winter, post monsoon, summer and monsoon respectively. In An. subpictus such mortality rate was comparatively higher 10.37% in post monsoon, 11.06% in summer, 11.69% in winter and 11.73% in monsoon. Likewise, Cx. quinquefasciatus experienced 5.37, 6.85, 8.92 and 11.14% mortality in winter, summer, post monsoon and monsoon respectively. The effect to seasons on the developing mosquitoes is highly influenced by the physico-chemical parameters like temperature, pH, salinity, alkalinity and acidity of the water used in the culture though such influences are not statistically significant.

4 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

021928   Gupta S S;Ashok Kumar;Srivastava J P (Zoology Dep, D A V College, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh) : Haematological morbidity in heteropneustis fossilis (Bloch) under exposure to nigrocin black (A tanning industry dye). Agric biol Res 2005, 21(2), 173-82.

The study deals with the effect of nigrocine black (NB) on haematological morbidity in fish- H. fossilis. A sub-acute and chronic exposure of LC₅₀ of (1/20th and 1/40th) nigrocine black produced qualitative and quantitative changes in blood parameters of fish during 15 and 90 days experiment. Nigrocine black produced out deformity in the morphology of red blood cells. It converted normal RBC into macrocytic cells at early stage and in the later stage the nucleus became acentric in position and finally cells became pear shaped, ovalocytosis and target cells. The toxicant also enlarged and bulged the nucleus of RBC. The absence of nucleus was observed in RBC after middle period of the experiment. The WBC showed leucopenia, lymphocytosis, (small lymphocytosis) and neutropenia. The morphology of lymphocytes showed macrocytosis. Large lymphocytes increased in their size while small lymphocytes decreased in their size after exposure to the chemical.

8 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

021927   Dwivedi S C;Karwasara K (Ecotoxicology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Univ of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302 004) : Screening of plant extracts for ovicidal effect on the mosquito, Aedes aegypti. Indian Biol 2004, 36(2), 31-4.

Seven plant extracts viz, Quisqualis indica, Lantana camara, Bignonia venusta, Jasminum arboriscens, Tagetes erecta, Ipomoea palmata and Ricinus communis were extracted in acetone and their ovicidal action was studied against the mosquito, Aedes aegypti. Each extract was tested at 1 ml/100 ml dose level along with a control in acetone. Quisqualis indica at 2 ml/100 mldose level revealed maximum mortality (88.335%) while least mortality (26.315%) was exhibited by Bignonia venusta at the same dose level.

1 table, 18 ref

020974   Yakeen T A;Okorie T G;Bakare A A (Zoology Dep, Ibadan Univ, Ibadan, Nigeria) : Evaluation of the acute and sublethal effects of ethanolic extracts of Piper guineense in mice. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2004, 6(4), 513-9.

The West African Black Pepper, Piper guineense is commonly used as a spice to flavour food and as traditional medicine for the cure of some ailments in Nigeria. Its acute and sublethal effects through LD₅₀ determination, induction of abnormal sperm morphology and effects on haematological indices, weights and histopathology of liver, kidney and lungs using mice were evaluated. For LD₅₀ determination, the test animals were exposed intraperitoneally (IP) to 0.5ml of the ethanolic extracts at concentrations of 5.0% (parts per Thousand), 6.0%, 7.0%, 8.0% and 9.0% for five consecutive days. An LD₅₀ of 6.45% was obtained. The sublethal effects were analysed at doses of 1.0%, 2.0%, 3.0%, 4.0% and 5.0% of the test chemical. Blood samples taken per week for 3 weeks showed that extracts of P. guineense did not induce any significant effect on the haematological parameters except the white blood cell whose values were significantly different(P<60>0.05, ANOVA) from the controls. Absolute and relative weight of the kidney, liver and lungs showed no significant difference from the control. Histopathological analysis of these organs showed no lesion in the liver, but congestion of blood vessels in the kidney and lungs; and haemorrhage of the renal tissue, only in the kidney. In the mouse sperm morphology tests, data obtained 35 days after exposure showed that the extracts increased the ftequencies of abnormal sperm above the control value. This increase was dose dependent and significant (P<60>0.05) at the higher 2 concentrations, indicating that the extract might be mutagenic. These findings provides more information on the intrinsic toxic and potential mutagenic activity of extracts of P. guineense.

3 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

020973   Vineet Kumar;Sharma H B (Zoology Dep, Agra, College, Agra, Uttar Pradesh) : Study of bio-ecology of Hemipimelodus jatius (HAM). Flora Fauna 2004, 10(2), 161-6.

The fishes Hemipimelodus jatius shows monthly, seasonal and varitation in weight. The fish was collected for the Yamuna river and its tributaries for bio-ecological purposes.

3 illus, 5 tables, 10 ref

020972   Vijayakumari B (Bot Dep, Avinashilingam Deemed Univ, Coimbatore-641 043) : Response of Eleusine coracana to textile dyeing industry effluent. J Ecobiol 2005, 17(1), 79-82.

A pot culture experiment was conducted at Avinashilingam Deemed University, Coimbatore to assess the response of Eleusine coracana L. var. TNAU 90 to textile dyeing factory effluent. The plants were irrigated with diffrent concentrations (25, 50, 75 & 100 per cent) of effluents with normal tap water as control. The plants irrigated with 25 per cent concentrated effluent registered maximum growth parameters like root length (75.9 cm), shoot length (44.8 cm), leaf length (50.8 cm), root volume (9.8 cc), fresh and dry weight of shoot (25.9 & 1.2g) and root (5.6 & 0.8 g) on 30 and 60 days after sowing. The germination percentage 100 pre cent in control and 25 per cent effluent treated pots. The higher vigour index (4993) was also recorded in 25 per cent effluent treated plants.

2 tables, 6 ref2 tables, 6 ref

020971   Verma Y;Ruparelia S G;Hargan M C;Kulkarni P K (Aquatic Toxicol Lab, Natn Inst of Occup Hlth, Meghani Nagar, Ahmedabad-380 016) : Acute toxicity of the wastewater (influent and effluent) of textile mills to waterflea. J Ecobiol 2005, 17(1), 67-73.

Toxicity of the four textile mills (labelled A, B C & D) wastewater (influent & effluent) was assessed by performing the actue toxicity test using an invertebrate test model Daphnia magna exposing to five different concentrations (25, 12.5, 6.25, 3.12 & 1.56%) of influents and three concentrations (100, 50 & 25%) of effleunts. At the concentration of 25% of the influent the mortality was found to be 100-70%. At the 12.5% concentrations, it ranged from 70 to 30%, whereas at the concentration of 3.12% immobility was not observed. The 24-h LC₅₀ value was 15.45, 13.60, 21.20 and 14.95% and its 95% confidence limit ranged from 12.90-18.50, 10.72-18.20, 17.00-30.47, and 11.20-22.70% of the influent concentrations. The 48-h LC₅₀ value was 13.51, 8.30, 18.12 and 14.95% and its 95% confidence interval ranged from 11.30-16.06, 6.72-10.20, 14.67-23.79 and 11.20-22.70% of the influent concentration, respectively. These results showed good linear relationship (y=4.3423x-20.902), (y=3.0203x-4.1552), (y=2.9368x-0.6764) and (y=2.8949x-13.935), with a high degree of confidence (R² = 0.09797, R² = 0.9773, R² = 0.942 and R²=0.9797) between mortality and test concentrations, respectively. In general, the textile mill effluent (treated wastewater) was either least toxic or non toxic to Daphnia compared to the untreated wastewater (influent).

2 illus, 4 tables, 17 ref

020970   Vandercone R;Sajithran T M;Wijeyamohan S; Santiapillai C (Zoology Dep, Peradeniya Univ, Sri Lanka) : The status of the Baobab (Adansonia digitata L) in Mannar Island, Sri Lanka. Curr Sci 2004, 87(12), 1709-13.

The baobab (Adansonia digitata) is not native to Sri Lanka, but was introduced centuries ago, perhaps by Arab traders. Today about 40 trees survive in Sri Lanka, of which 34 have been identified and measured in the island of Mannar. The most abundant size class was between 5 and 9.9 m (girth at breast height), which accounted for more than 50% of the trees. About 40% of the trees in Mannar are between 300 and 400 years old. The oldest tree is estimated to be about 723 years of age. Despite the baobab being an introduced species, it is protected in Sri Lanka given its rarity and antiquity. Mannar Island appears to be the last bastion for the baobab in Sri Lanka. That the baobab still survives in the island is largely due to its status as a 'zero-cost species'. A potential threat for the future may come from the aspirations of the people for a better quality of life, and through ill-conceived and over-ambitious tourism de-velopment projects.

2 illus, 15 ref

020969   Tiwari A C;Chaturvedi C M (Zoology Dep, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi-221 005) : Effect of temporal synergism of neural oscillators on gonadal development, egg production and hatchability of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Indian J Poult Sci 2003, 38(2), 83-8.

To study the effect of temporal synergism of neural oscillators (serotonergic and dopaminergic) on gonadal development, egg production and hatchability, three weeks old sexually immature Japanese quail were divided into three groups. First group quail received two daily injections of normal saline (control), second group quail received serotonin precursor (5-Hydroxytryptophan-5-HTP, 5 mg/100gm body weight) at 5.00 A.M. and dopamine precursor (L-dihydroxyphenylalanine-L-DOPA, 5mg/100gm body weight) at 1.00 P.M. (8-hr) and third group quail received above two injections at the interval of 12 hour i.e. at 5.00 A.M. and 5.00 P.M. respectively (12-hr). Each group contained colony of male and female quail (1:2 ratio). After 11 days of treatment, given in continuous condition of light (LL), quail were transferred to long day length condition (L.D 16:8) and biweekly observations were taken. The 12-hr quail showed significant increase in the rate and degree of development of cloacal gland and testicular size, whereas in 8-hr group suppression of reproductive development was seen compared to control. Female quail also showed similar trend in follicular diameter and ovarian weight. Onset of egg laying was observed by 5th week in 12-hr quail by 7th week in control and no egg laying was noted in 8-hr quail. Moreover, rate of egg production, egg size and hatchability rate was remarkably high in 12-hr quail compared to control. It is obvious that 12-hr relation induced precocious sexual maturity and increased the rate of fertility. These observations suggest that injections of serotonergic and dopaminergic precursor drugs (5-HTP and L-DOPA) given at specific time interval had significant influence on the maturation of neuroendocrine gonadal axis as well as rate of reproduction.

2 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

020968   Thejaswi S (NO, , 639, "Sibia House", 16th Cross, 'B' Block, Vijayanagar 3rd Stage, Mysore-570 017, Email: dumaketu@rediffmail.com) : Kemmangundi revisited: notes on birds observed at the Bababudan Hills, Karnataka, South India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2004, 101(2), 235-43.

Kemmangundi, a popular hill station in the central Western Ghats, was visited for seven days inMay 2002 to survey the birdlife in the surrounding shola-grassland mosaic. Several threatened species endemic to the Western Ghats, such as Brachypteryx major, Schoenicola platyura and Columba elphinstonii were among the 97 species of birds recorded.

2 tables, 30 ref

020967   Terdalkar S;Kulkarni A S;Kumbhar S N; Matheickal J (Zool Dep, Gogate Jogalekar Coll, Ratnagiri-415 612) : Bio-economic risks of ballast water carried in ships, with special reference to harmful algal blooms. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2005, 4(1), 43-7.

Invasive aquatic species are one of the four greatest threats to the world's oceans, which can cause extremely severe environmental, economic and public health impacts. Shipping moves over 80% of the world's commodities and transfers approximately 10 million tones of ballast water internationally each year. It is estimated that at least 7,000 different marine species are being carried in ship's ballast tanks around the world. Along with these, several potent toxic dinoflagellate spores are also transferred through the ballast tank sediments. These spores are responsible for causing harmful algal blooms (HABs) in the local waters. Highlights the transfer of toxic spores and their human health impacts.

1 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

020966   Subhash Babu K K;Nayar C K G (Zoology Research Laboratory, Christ College, Irinjalakuda-680 125, Email: ckgnayar@rediffmail.com) : A new species of the blind fish Horaglanis menon (Siluroidea: Clariidae) from Parappukara (Trichur district) and a new report of Horaglanis krishnai menon form Ettumanur (Kottayam district) Kerala. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2004, 101(2), 296-8.

Horaglanis alikunhii-a new species of blind fish of Family Clariidae (Siluroidea) is described from Trichur district, Kerala. Horaglanis krishnai Menon is newly reported from Ettumanur, Kottayam district, Kerala.

1 illus, 1 table, 7 ref

020965   Smetacek P (NO, , Jones Estate, Bhimtal, Nainital-263 136, Email: petersmetacek@rediffmail.com) : Descriptions of new lepidoptera form the Kumaon Himalaya. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2004, 101(2), 269-76.

Comostola hauensteini sp. nov., Neptis miah varshneyi ssp. nov., Anambulyx elwesi kitchingi ssp. nov., Hypochrosis hyadaria forma stigmata nov., the Wet Season Form male and both seasonal forms of the hitherto undescribed female of Garaeus parva discolor Warren are described from theKumaon Himalaya.

3 illus, 17 ref

020964   Sinha R K (Environmental Biology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Patna Univ, Patna-800 005, Email: rksinha@mail.girija.net.in ) : The irrawaddy dolphins Orcaella brevirostris of Chilika Lagoon, India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2004, 101(2), 244-51.

The Irrawaddy Dolphin Orcaella brevirostris, known as 'Khera' in local parlance in Chilika, is a facultative cetacean species found both in fresh as well as coastal waters. It is also found in two lagoons - Chilika in India and Songkhla in Thailand. It is distributed in southeast Asia, extending to northern Australia. It was first described by Owen based on a specimen found in 1852, in the harbour of Vishakhapatnam on the east coast of India. The status of the Irrawaddy Dolphin in its entire distribution range is not well known; however, the population is expected to be less than a thousand. Its population in Chilika is not more than 50. A maximum number of 31 dolphins were sighted during three surveys conducted in July, September and December, 2000. Except in the northen zone, which recieves a heavy load of sediments through several tributaries of the River Mahanadi, these dolphins are found throughout Chilika lake. Deliberate killings of dolphins in Chilika have not been reported, but the species is under threat from intensive and extensive fishing, unorganised tourism using mechanised boats, and habitat degradation. At least 15 dolphins were found dead in the lagoon during 1999 and 2001. Immediate attention in required to protect the dolphins from being hit by mechanised boats and from drowning in fishing nets. Besides the habitat improvement programme being undertaken by the Chilika Development Authority, which will help in conserving the Chilika lagoon in general and the dolphins in particular, education and awareness among the masses and tourists is warranted. However, a Dolphin Conservation Programme would focus on the specific requirements and help in conserving the rareIrrawaddy Dolphins of Chilika.

2 illus, 1 tables, 30 ref

020963   Singaravelu G;Deepa K;Prabu P;Sakila M (Zoology Dep, Thiruvalluvar Univ, Vellore-632 004) : Biochemical action of BmNPV infection on certain tissues of silkworm Bombyx mori L.. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2004, 6(4), 675-9.

The incidence of viral borne diseases were more frequent as well as drastic in sericulture industry. In order to establish a thorough knowledge for a successful control of disease transmission it is imperative to understand the metabolic alterations in the infected silkwormi Bombyx mori L. On the basis the investigation has been undertaken. During the first day of V instar, Bombyx mori Nuclear polyhedrosis virus (BmNPV) was given through leaves to the experimental group na concentration of 10 mg/larva. For the subsequent days of the V instar the larvae were fed with normal leaves of the MR₂ variety. The impact of inoculation of BmNPV on silkworm larvae was carried out on 20 hours intervals. During every 20 hours intervals quantitative changes in the levels of important biomlolecules such as glycogen, protein and reducing sugar was analysed on 3 target tissues namely the fatbody, midgut and haemolymph of Silkworm Bombyx mori L. Changes in the levels of this biomolecules envisage the metabolic stress that the silkworm Bombyx mori experiences due to NPV infection. The results were statistically analysed and discussed with pertinent literature.

3 tables, 19 ref

020962   Shiny K J (Zoology Dep, Sacred Heart College, Thevara, Kerala) : Free amino acids in the haemolymph of different life stages of three orders of inseects. Biosci Biotechnol Res Asia 2003, 1(1), 67-8.

Two dimensional chromatographic studies were conducted on the adults and nymph/larval stages of insects belonging to three different orders. The results obtained indicates that the free amino acids present in the different stages of insects varies. Certain free amino acids are present in the adult but absent in nymph/larval stages and vice versa.

^ssc2 tables, 2 ref

020961   Sharma A K;Pandey R;Pandey K (Zoology Dep, Lucknow Univ, Lucknow-226 007) : A report on the occurrence of amphizoic amoebae from carrot. Flora Fauna 2004, 10(2), 141-3.

Small free-living amphizoic amoebae Acanthamoeba culbertsoni and A. rhysodes were isolated fromraw vegetable (carpet). These amoebae were found to be pathogenic in Albino mice causing cent percent mortality and showing typical symptoms of chronic Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis (GAE). Besides above-mentioned amoebae, nonpathogenic Hartmannella vermiformis was also isolated from carrot.

3 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

020960   Shadab G G H A;Ahmad M E;Azfer M A (Sect of Genet Zool Dep, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh-202 202) : Evaluation of genotoxic potential of steroidal drug betamethasone in human lymphocyte chromosomes in vitro. J Nat Conserv 2004, 16(2), 401-11.

Keeping the biological importance of betamethasone apart from which is already well studied, an attempt was made to study its genotoxic effect in human lymphocyte supplemented with rat liver S mix. The frequency of chromosome aberration and sister chromatid exchange (SCE) was studied under the action betamethasone in doses of 10, 25 and 50<128><109<255>g/ml each. It was found tht the dose of 25<109><255>g/ml induces maximum clastogenic activity while at 50 <128><109><255>g/ml, insignificant resutls were obtained, due perhaps to its cell killing effects at the given concentration. The time response analysis reveals that the drug is effective up to the 48h old culture and gradually decreases thereafter. The same was found in the frequency of SCE analysis. The present findings coupled with the reports of other workers suggest that the betametasone is capable of inducing genomic alternations and its prolonged use may pose serious genetic health hazard to mankind.

3 tables, 47 ref

020959   Sethuramalingam T A;Santha A S;Lakshmi M; Hariharan;Jebaraj R (Zool Dep, Cent for Aquafeed and Nutri (CAFeN) St. Xavier's Coll, Palayankottai-627 002) : Effects of formulated diets on growth, feed utilization and carcass composition of Channa striatus fingerlings. J Nat Conserv 2004, 16(2), 297-307.

A 4 x 3 factorial experiment was conducted to find out the efficacy of various animal protein sources such as Chicken intestine waste (Cw), Prawn head waste (Pw), Squid waste (Sqw) and Silkworm pupae (Skp) incorporated into diets containing 35, 40 and 45<> crude protein levels with 397-461 Kcal/g of energy at each protein levels, fed to triplicate groups of Channa striatus fingerlings for 41 days. The highest growth was attained by murrel fingerlings at 40<> protein diets with P/E ratio of 91-95 mg/Kcal. A lower growth was noticed in 45<> protein diet with P/E ratio between 99.63-101.69 mg/Kcal. High specific growth rate (SGR), protein in take, protein efficiency ratio (PER) and protein productive value (PPV) were evidenced in Cw, Pw and Sqw incorporated diets at 40<> dietary protein with a digestible energy of 420-426 Kcal/g in the diet. The carcass moisture decreased as body protein increased whereas body protein and fat were negatively correlated to each other. The body ash increased gradually with increase of dietary protein but not significantly. From this study it could be concluded tht CW, PW and Sqw (35-38<>) and SKP (26<>) were found to be the best replacers for fish meal with a P/E ratio (85-95) mg/Kcal and could be effectively used in the diets of C. striatus fingerlings without any adverse effects.

4 tables, 40 ref

020958   Serajuddin M;Ali R;Faridi A A (Zool Dep, K.N. Govt P.G. Coll, Gayanpur, Sant Ravidas Nagar, Bhadohi-221 304) : Freshwater fish diversity of Sant Ravidas Nagar, Bhadohi district of Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India. J Nat Conserv 2004, 16(2), 413-22.

Sant Ravidas Nagar, Bhadohi district (U.P.), surrounded by Ganga, Varuna and Morva rivers, was surveyed during 1999-2002. Altogether fortyeight species of fishes belonging to thirty-three genera were recorded. Scientific names along with local and english names, notes on morphological characters, distribution, status and relative abundance of these fishes have been discussed.

1 illus, 1 table, 24 ref

020957   Saxena R M;Mahendru V K (Zoology Dep, Bareilly College, Bareilly-243 001) : Effect of dichlorvos on protein, amino acid and alkaline phosphatases in ovotestis of the snail, Achatina fulica. Flora Fauna 2004, 10(2), 170-2.

Effect of dichlorvos on protein metabolism and alkaline phosphatases on the giant African snail Achatina fulica after exposing them to 40% and 80% of LD₅₀ for 48h. and 72h. were studied. Significant decrease in protein level and activity of alkaline phosphatases were observed while a significant increase in amino acid level was seen.

2 tables, 14 ref

020956   Saxena A;Shukla S (Zool Dep, Govt Sci Coll, Rewa-486 001) : Study of the effect of Trypanosome parasitism on the haematological parameters of Cyprinus carpio at Rewa. J Nat Conserv 2004, 16(2), 389-93.

In Cyprinus carpio fluctuations in various haematological parameters were observed after Trypanosome-infection. TEC, PVC, MCV, MCHC, Hb, CT, SP. Gr, PV, blood glucose, urea and cholesterol, percentage of large lymphocytes, neutrophils and thrombocytes decreased, whhile values of ESR and percentage of small lymphocytes, monocytes and eosinophils increased considerably.

2 tables, 13 ref

020955   Satyalatha B D J;Vardhani V V (Zoology Dep, Nagarjuna Univ, Nagarjuna Nagar, India) : Alterations in the level of phosphatases and creatinine during ancylostomiasis in mice treated with lead. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2004, 6(4), 691-5.

Administration of lead (0.01 mg) leads to the alteration in the activity of Phosphatases and level of Creatinine in heart, liver and skeletal muscles of mice due to cellular destruction and encapsulation. Phosphatases level increased and decreased significantly in liver and heart respectively. Level of Creatinine decreased significantly in skeletal muscles. Evidently, these changes are as a result of onset of cellular destruction leading to the impairment of metabolic secretory activity of tissues. The possible involvement of the disease, ancylostomiasis in drug induced cell destruction has been discussed.

3 tables, 11 ref

020954   Sathe T V (Zoology Dep, Shivaji Univ, Kolhapur-416 004) : Biodiversity of braconid pest bicontrol agents from southern Maharashtra. Flora Fauna 2004, 10(2), 149-50.

Thirty seven species of braconids (Hymenoptera) were reported from southern Maharashtra and used in pest control.

7 tables, 6 ref

020953   Roy B;Dey S (Zool Dep, Pachunga Univ Coll Mizoram Univ, Aizwal-796 001) : Scanning electron microscopic detection of the possible ultrasonic receptor in Chironomous samoensis. J Nat Conserv 2004, 16(2), 333-6.

Stereoscan observations on male and female Chironomous samoensis revealed the occurrence of several (80 per mm²) long sensilla trichobothria on their antennae and abdominal cuticle. Each sensilla are provided with double chambered socket at its base. The length (200-240 μm) of the sensilla is found to be 60-80 times its width (3-3.3 μm). Physical arrangement of this sensilla and the relative size of the upper chamber (7-8 μm) and lower chamber (16-18μm) socket suggest that the trichobothria may be analogous to the cylindrical bar of the sound producing or receiving devices which are set into vibration at very high frequencies.

4 illus, 8 ref

020952   Reddy Y R (Zoology Dep, Nagarjuna Univ, Nagarjunangar-522 510, Email: yrangareddy@yahoo.com) : Existence of the order bathynellacea (Crustacea, syncarida) in South Asia: a new species of genus Habrobathynella schminke 1973, form river Pennar, South India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2004, 101(2), 277-84.

A new species of the genus Habrobathynella Schminke 1973, is described from River Pennar near Cuddapah, South India. Named Habrobathynella schminkei, the new species belongs to Family Parabathynellidae. It differs from its two known Madascan congeners, H. milloti and H.jeanneli (Delamare and Paulian 1954) in several morphological details, namely the presence of one ventral plumose seta at distal inner angle of sympodite of uropod; two strongly unequal setae on the basal segment of maxilla; much elongated endopodite on uropod; absence of seta on third endopodite segment of thoracopods I-VII. A key to the identification of the three species of Habrobathynella is also given. This is the first report of the Order Bathynellacea in South Asia, while the record of Habrobathynella in South India fills the vast gap in the distribution range of the Family Parabathynellidae, and lends support to the East Asian origin of this family.

4 illus, 12 ref

020951   Prasad A;Wadhwani Y (Zool Dep, Insect Microbial and Herbal Control Lab, Mohan Lal Sukhadia Univ, Udaipur-313 001) : Morphological and toxic effects of nuclear polyhedrosis virus against fourth instar larvae of Spodoptera litura (Fabricus). Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2005, 4(1), 19-21.

Biopesticide, nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV), used for experiment against Spodoptera litura (Fabricus) proved to be target oriented and specific in action. The annova test applied on the experimental results revealed significant `F' value at CD 1% both for concentration of doses as well as duration of the treatment. 78.88% mortality was recorded with applied dose of 0.75 mL of NPV (concentration 1x10⁹ polyhedra/mL)mL of water at 144 hrs. Besides general toxicity, various morphological abnormalities were also observed. The treated larvae showed swollen flaccid body, change of colour of ventral abdominal part and ruptured integument with oozing out of white body fluid. Further, the larvae were found hanging from the substrate with prolongation of abdominal legs. So the effect of the biopesticide is two-fold on the pest which shows the superiority of this biopesticide over other insecticides against fourth instar larvae of Spodoptera litura.

5 illus, 1 table, 4 ref

020950   Pajni H R;Tewari P K (Zoology Dep, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014, Email: ptewari01@hotmail.com) : A new species of Uscana girault (Trichogrammatidae: hymenoptera form the eggs of field bruchids. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2004, 101(2), 285-7.

A new parasitoid Uscana bruchidiusi on the eggs of four species of Bruchidius, namely B. pygomaculatus, B. saundersi B. aureus, B. multilineolatus, all attacking Albizzia lebbek in the field, has been described. A key to the known Indian species of genus Uscana is also given.

1 illus, 9 ref

020949   Narendran T C;Sudheer K (Systematic Ent Lab, Zool Dep, Univ of Calicut, Kerala-673 635) : Descriptions of two new species of Antrocephalus kirey (Hymenoptera: Halcididae) from oriental region and notes on the synonymy of a genus and a species of chalcididae. J Ecobiol 2005, 17(1), 89-98.

Two new species of Antrocephalus Kirby, viz., A. samoaensis sp. now. from Samoa and A. jayensis sp. nov. from Irian jaya, Indonesia are described and illustrated. A. samoaensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from A. nitidus Narendran and A. decipiens Masi in having a distinct and long genotemporal furrow and a short postmarginal vein. A. jayensis sp. nov. differs from A. nitidus Narendran in having striated scrobe, colour of pubescence and length of basal carinae of first tergite. A new synonymy of Psilochalcis Kieffer is also included Chalcidiopsis odontomera Masi is found as new junior synonym (syn. nov.) of Psilochalcis carinigera (Cameron).

12 illus, 10 ref

020948   Muthazhagu S;Tamilvanan R;Durairaj S;Baskaran P (Zoology Dep, Arignar Anna Government Arts College, Cheyyar-604 407) : Screening of Vitex negundo Linn, (F. verbanaeceae) against ascite tumor in Mus musculus. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2004, 6(4), 635-7.

Anti tumor property of Vitex negundo was assessed in group I (control), group II (Dalton's lymphoma tumor induced): group III (DLA induced animals treated with V. negundo) by studying heamatological parameters in Mus musculus on 15th and 30th day. Among the different groups, Group II animals showed the increase of total WBC, which restored to normal level in Group IV animals due to treatment and differential counts showed heterogeneous trends. Polymorphs and eosinophils were increased in Group IV and monocytes though present in Group I were disappeared in all group except in group II on 30th day.

1 illus, 8 ref

020947   Mishra A K (Zool Dep, P.U.P. Coll, Motihari-845 401) : Hypophysation of a crap, Cirrhinus mrigala (HAM.) through pituitary extract injection. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2005, 4(1), 127-30.

Hypophysation experiment was conducted in perfectly matured both the sexes of Cirrhinus mrigala. Total 8 sets of test fish Cirrhinus mrigala were allowed breeding through pituitary hormone injection extracted from Labeo group of fishes in the ratio of 1:2 (female to male). After 1st injection, 5 sets were spawned successfully and 3 sets did not spawn even after 2nd injection with higher dose, resulting 62.5% spawning. It was also revealed that the response of hypophysation was slightly quciker when the water temperature was high. Water physico-chemical conditions suggest the favourable ecological conditions for production potential for fish C. mrigala.

^sscl table, 21 ref

020946   Manzer M B H;Nehal M;Rahmatullah M;Bazmi S H (Zool Dep, L.N. Mithila Univ, Darbhanga-846 004) : A comparative study of population kinetics and seasonal fluctuation of zooplankton in two diverse ponds of North Bihar. Nat Envir Pollut Technol 2005, 4(1), 23-6.

A comparative study of seasonal variation of zooplankton communities of freshwater perennial ponds (Gausaghat at Gami ponds) were made during November 2002 to October 2003. The zooplankton belonging to rotifers, copepods, cladocerans, ostracods and protozoans were recorded in both the ponds. Total number of zooplankton were recorded 653 and 623 in Gausaghat and Gami ponds respectively. The rotifers were found dominant over the other groups throughout the year in both the ponds. Abundance of zooplanktonic fauna were recorded during summer while lower number of zooplankton were recorded during rainy months. This flactuation of zooplankton are mainly due to environmental changes.

3 tables, 14 ref

020945   Mahalakshmi A;Sujatha K;Shenbagarathai R (PG Department of Zoology and Research Centre, Lady Doak College, Madurai, Tamil Nadu) : Study of native Bacillus thuringiensis isolates and analysis of its effect on Spodoptera litura. Asian J Microbiol Biotechnol envir Sci 2004, 6(4), 641-5.

The control of Spodoptera litura is imperative to minimise severe damage they cause to diverse crops. It is possible to control Spodoptera by using the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis that characteristically produces Insecticidal Crystal Proteins (ICPs). Describes the attempt of isolation of B. thuringiensis from Madurai soil samples and evaluation of its pathogenicity towards S. litura. The strains were named as B. thuringiensis LDC-1 to B. thuringiensis LDC-85. Among eighty five isolates of B. thuringiensis from seventy field soil samples, twelve isolates were selected for evaluation of toxicity against S. litura based on Colony and Parasporalinclusion morphology. The insecticidal activity of the selected twelve strains of B. thuringiensis from soil samples was assayed against second instar of S.titura larvae and scored only five active strains. After a second bioassay evaluation of the five active strains, one of the most potent strain B. thuringienis LDC-7 was selected for further characterization. The insecticidal activity of the effective strain B. thuringiensis LDC- 7 was similar to reference strain B. thuringiensis var. entomocidus towards S. litura. This isolate was further characterized biochemically and their results are in accordance with standard B. thuringiensis var. entomocidus.

2 illus, 2 tables, 38 ref

020944   Gupta Y C;Khandelwal V K (Zoology Dep, B.S.A. College, Mathura) : Study of a new species of the genus Rhagovelia. Flora Fauna 2004, 10(2), 189-91.

Rhagovelia Mayr, 1865 is an important genus of family Veliidae, is hereto represent by eight species viz. R. nigricans Burm, 1835 and R. ravana. R. lundbladi, R. cotabatoensis, R. hoberlandti, R. usingeri, R. mindanaoensis and R. hoogstrali. One new species of the genus Rhagovelia (s.str.) polhemi sp. nov. is described from Maharastra. India.

1 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

020943   Gupta S (Animal Science Dep, M.J.P. Rohilkhand Univ, Bareilly-243 006) : Effect of tulsi (Ocimum sanctum) on certain parameters of growth and development of T.castaneum. Flora Fauna 2004, 10(2), 173-8.

Diet treated with 1% & 2% Ocimum sanctum leaf powder did not show any significant difference inlengths (L₁= 0.12, L₂ = 0.16, L₃= 0.24, L₄= 0.32, L₅= 0.36, L₆ = 0.39 mm) and widths (L₁ = 0.13, L₂ = 0.17, L₃= 0.25. L₄= 0.34. L₅ = 0.41, L₆= 0.44mm) of the head capsule of larvae of T. castaneum. Higher rates of eggs mortality (20% in control, 21% in 1% & 22% in 2% diet) were recorded. In the control experiment larval mortality increased from 3.7% (L₁) to 7.3% (L₄) which were identical to those reared on diet mixed with 1% leaf powder (Tables - 2 and 3) in case of 2% mixture of 0. sanctum leaf powder the highest mortality of L₂ (9.6%) was similar to that of L₄ (8.0%). The mortality of pupae increased to 5.3% in case of insects reared on 2.0% mixture of leaf powder in the diet in comparison to controls (2.2%). The fresh biomass of untreated larvae increased rapidly from L₁ (0.06 mg) to L₆ (1.9 mg) and declined in pupae (1.8 mg). Fresh weights of L₁, L₃, L₄ and L₅ (0.06, 0.34, 0.99 and 1.23 mg respectively reared at 2% dose were significantly lower (P/_0.05) than those of controls. The dry weights of some of the larval stages treated with 2% leaf powder of O.sanctum (L₅= 0.47, L₆ = 0.68, pupae = 0.64, adult = 0.58 mg) were significantly lower than those of controls (L₅ = 0.58, L₆ = 0.84, pupae = 6.78, adult = 0.72 mg). The absolute growth rate at L₄ stage (0.072mg/day) declined to 0.06 mg/day at 1% dose and 0.057 mg/day at 2% dose. The growth rates of pupae was minimal (-0.007mg/day) at 2% treatment, although adults indicated identical growth rates.

2 illus, 8 tables, 14 ref

020942   Gautam R K;Gautam S (Zool Dep, St. John's Coll, Agra-282 002) : Different food habits alter intestinal basic proteins in moth larvae. J Nat Conserv 2004, 16(2), 447-50.

A study has been done to know the effects on intestinal basic protein in moth larvae due to different food habits. Three larvae selected were Exelastis catomosa, Margaronea caesalis Sonders and Dichoerocis punctiferalis Guen feeding on papilionaceae spp. Cucurbiataceae spp. Euphorbiaceae spp. Histochemical observation made on basic proteins (fibrin and collagen) in the digestive tract of the above mentioned larvae revealed significant co-relatiosn in regard to their food habits.

1 table, 7 ref