014710   Bipin Kumar;Ashok Kumar;Yadav M;Arora M P; Tyagi R (Dep of Zool, M.M.H. Coll, Ghaziabad-201 009) : Seasonal ovarian changes in relation to thyroid in common myna, Acridotheres tristis exposed to natural day length and temperature. Biochem Cell Archs 2005, 5(2), 177-84.

Efforts have been made to study the seasonal morphological and histological changes in thyroid and ovary in common myna (Acridotherestristis) under natural day length (NDL) and temperature. On the basis of histology, entire ovarian cycle is categorized into four phases: prebreeding (December-March), breeding (April-June), Postbreeding (July-September) and quiescent (October-November). During breeding phase, thyroid is found most active that suggests its role in the ovarian activity by corresponding to long NDL and high temperature. During post breeding season, the ovarian activity starts decreasing. Though NDL is long and temperature is also high in this phase, long NDL and high temperature are not gonadostimulatory and the birds are said to be photorefractory possibly due to increased activity (secretions) of thyroid. Almost inactive thyroid and regressed ovary reported during quiescent phase indicate the effect of short NDL and low temperature. These seasonal changes in common myna are endogenously regulated and the NDL and temperature make certain the occurrence of physiological process in fixed months of the year.

2 illus, 3 ref

014709   Bhatia N P;Johal M S;Sandhu G S (PG Dep of Zool, S.G.N. Khalsa Coll, Sri Ganganagar, Email: johal_ms2yahoo.com) : Endosulfan induced changes in alkaline and acid phosphatase activity in liver and muscle of Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). Panjab Univ Res J Sci 2004, 54, 127-30.

Endosulfan induced alterations in the alkaline and acid phosphatase activities were studied in the liver and muscle in the catfish, Heteropneustes fossilis. The fish, exposed to different graded concentrations of endosulfan for 5 and 30 days revealed inhibition P. in the activity of alkaline phosphatase activity in both the tissues. Acid phosphatase activity increased in liver on exposure for 5 days but declined on prolonged exposure for 30 days. The muscle, acid phosphatase activity was inhibited both after 5 and 30 days of exposure.

2 tables, 14 ref

014708   AvaSthi R K (Dep of Zool, Vaish Coll, Rohtak-124 001) : Revision of Indian occurring species of Pulvinaria Targ-Tozz. (Homoptera : Coccidae). Bull pure appl Sci-Sect A 2005, 24A(1), 15-18.

Synonymy of Chloropulvinaria with Pulvinaria has been discussed. A key to Indian species of Pulvinaria has been given.

16 ref

014707   Ashima Singh;Gupta S P (Dep of Zool, D A V (P.G.) Coll, Muzaffarnagar-251 001) : Effects of lithium on some biochemical parameters of a freshwater fish, Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch). Biochem Cell Archs 2005, 5(2), 281-5.

In the paper the impact of sublethal levels of lithium on biochemical parameters on fish, Heteropneustes fossilis has been studied. Alterations in enzymes acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, glucose-6-phosphatase, succinic dehydrogenase, glutamic oxalo aceitic transminase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase in the liver and kidney of Heteropneustes fossilis exposed to 240 mg/lit of lithium nitrate for the period of 24, 48 and 72 hrs have been studied. The biochemical parameters were measured comparatively in the control and experimental animals. It is observed that LiNO₃ reacts on the activity of these enzymes. Enzyme alkaline phosphatase inhibited insignificantly in kidney and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase stimulated insignificantly in liver while other enzymes significantly inhibited/stimulated in these organs.

3 tables, 15 ref

014706   Aruldoss K;Indra N (Dep of Zool, Annamalai Univ, Annamalainagar-608 002) : Effect of lead on the histology of gill tissue of the freshwater fish Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters). Biochem Cell Archs 2005, 5(2), 225-8.

Studies on the effect of sublethal concentration of lead on freshwater fish, Oreocliromis mossambicus was studied for 14 days. Gill tissue were removed after 14 days of experiment for histological examinations. The gill showed marked histopathological changes like damaged primary lamellae, secondary lamellae and vascular layer in experimental animals.

6 illus, 19 ref

014705   Ajay Kumar;Alok Kumar (P.G. Dep of Zool, Chinmaya Coll of Sci, Haridwar-249 403) : Impact of vitamins on renal dysenzymia in molybdenotic rats. Biochem Cell Archs 2005, 5(2), 191-5.

Effects of vitamin C and vitamin E on the kidney of molybdenum (Mo) poisoned rats, Rattus rattus albino, has been determined through enzymological parameters. Intake of Mo inhibited all the phosphatases and cholinesterase significantly, however, lipase activity was increased insignificantly. Supplementation of vitamins to Mo fed rats, restored the inhibited enzyme activity. The results also exhibited that administration of vitamin C is more effective than vitamin E in modifying Mo induced changes in enzyme activity. Other pharmacotoxicological aspects of vitamins are also discussed.

2 illus, 24 ref

013514   Susanta Nath;Haldar P (Dep STOPWORD Zool, Darjeeling Govt. Coll, Darjeeling-734 l01, Email: susantanath@sify.com) : Effect of heavy metals on population dynamics of an acridid, Oedaleus abruptus. J envir Sociobiol 2005, 2(1-2), 67-70.

Communication deals with the effect of heavy metals pollution on the population fluctuation of an acridid, Oedaleus abruptus. The amount of lead, cadmium and copper crossed the recommended limit and tolerance limit in the industrial area. The study showed that toxic metal pollution has a significant role in population fluctuation of Oedaleus abruptus.

1 illus, 1 table, 11 ref

013513   Subramanian K A;Sivararmakrishnan K G (NO, Natn Cent for Biol Sci, GKVK Campus, Bangalore-560 065, Email: subbu@ncbs.res.in) : Habitat and microhabitat distribution of stream insect communities of the Western Ghats. Curr Sci 2005, 89(6), 976-91.

Diversity and distribution of stream insect communities in three habitats and 33 microhabitats were explored using data collected from 39 localities in the Western Ghats. The diversity and abundance of taxa vary across habitats. The microhabitat richness was positively correlated and altitude negatively correlated with taxa richness in the cascades and riffles. In pools and cascades, percent canopy cover and average annual rainfall were both positively correlated with taxa richness. Structurally complex microhabitats harboured more taxa than the unstable and detritus poor microhabitats. The importance of habitat and microhabitat distribution in understanding the spatial distribution of stream insects and developing biomonitoring tools is discussed.

6 illus, 3 tables, 46 ref

013512   Srinivasan I U (Dep STOPWORD Zool, Malabar Christian Coll, Calicut-673 001) : Effect of carbofuran on the activity of acetylcholinesterase in the haemolymph and head-thorax region Spodoptera mauritia. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2005, 15(4), 347-50.

Biochemical estimation of unreacted Acetylcholine was undertaken to find out the toxic effect of the carbamate Carbofuran at LC₅₀ on the activity of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase in the head-thorax and haemolymph of the final instar larva of Spodoptera mauritia (Boisd). The results obtained revealed that the enzyme was severely inhibited in both tissues during the early instar; the activity recovered during the mid instar but was again severely inhibited during late instar, whereas maximum activity was obtained at 96 h in the head thorax region (39.2 μ moles acetylcholine hydrolysed/g wet tissue/hour); peak activity was recorded at 120 h in the haemolymph (44.3 μ moles acetylcholine hydrolysed/g wet tissue/hour). However, the inhibition did not affect the process of molting.

2 illus, 8 ref

013511   Shrivastava N P;Desai V R (NO, Cent Inld Fish Res Inst, Barrackpore, Kolkata-700 120) : Some biological aspects of Rhinomugil corsula (Hamilton) from Rihand reservoir (Uttar Pradesh). J Inld Fish Soc India 2005, 37(1), 81-3.

^ssc3 illus, 9 ref

013510   Sharma A K;Seth R K (Med Ent STOPWORD Vector Control Div, Natn Inst of Communicable Dis, 22-Shamnath Marg, Delhi-310 054, Email: 1125849862@mtnlmail.com) : Combined effect of gamma radiation and azadirachtin on the growth and development of Spodoptera litura (Fabricius). Curr Sci 2005, 89(6), 1027-31.

Spodoptera litura is an economically serious and polyphagous pest in the Indian subcontinent. This pest is reported to attack a wide range of food plants belonging to diverse origin 112 cultivated food plants belonging to 44 families all over the world. In order to explore an eco-friendly strategy that could be coupled up with this radio genetic method, i.e., F-1 sterility technique, the attempt was made to study the effect of a safe chemical (azadirachtin) for the effective management of lepidoteran pest, S. litura. Study shown that insecticidal toxicity can be altered if the insects were exposed to radiation prior to insecticidal treatment.

1 illus, 4 tables, 27 ref

013509   Sammaiah C;Vikram Reddy M (NO, Res Envir Biol Unit Dep of Zool, Kakatiya University, Warangal-506 009) : Biodiversity of termites and their damaged trees in a semi-arid tropical urban system. Ecol Envir Conserv 2005, 11(2), 249-58.

Biodiversity of termites and their damaged trees both fruit-bearing and ornamental, were assessed in a semi-arid tropical urban system, Warangal in South central India. Eight species of termites belong to two families were recorded damaging 41 species of trees. Among the termites, Coptotermes ceylonicus was the major damaging species and Cocos nucifera, Eucalyptus spp., and Mangifera indica were found with maximum termite damage. C. ceylonicus attacked stems, branches and dead portion of living plants. Its damage was confined to the inside sap and heart wood that was hollowed out and filled with carton material. Odontotermes spp. attacked basal portion of the tree-trunk covering with earthensheet and in some cases extended upto the branches and damaged upto the sap wood in both living and dead trees, filling the damaged part with soil. Microcemtermes ganeshi attacked live trees and formed irregular earthen runways of blackish brown colour on the inner heart wood of the stem. Microtermes obesi attacked both living and dead plants and damaged the stems filling with soil.

2 tables, 4 ref

013508   Saha H K;Hena Anand;Haldar P (Dep STOPWORD Zool, Visva-Bharati Univ, Santiniketan-731 235) : Seasonal occurrence and sex ratio in acridids (Acrididae:Orthoptera) in the dry deciduous forest of West Bengal, India. J envir Sociobiol 2005, 2(1-2), 71-6.

Acridids are one of the most dominant phytophagus insects which play an important role in the functioning of forest ecosystem. Seasonal occurrence, fluctuation and sex ratio are important components of population structure in acridid community. The investigation on seasonal occurrence and sex ratio on three species of acridid, viz., Dittopiernis venusta (Walker), Oedaleus abrupiits (Thunberg), and Truxalis indica (Bol.) in dry deciduous forest of West Bengal revealed that D. venusta was the most dominant species in the study area. The population of acridids fluctuates in different season and highest number was observed during autumn. Statistical analysis reflects that male and female ratio are more or less equal.

1 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

013507   Saha B K;Nandi N C (NO, Hamadryad', 230, Green Park, Narendrapur, Kolkata-700 103) : Checklist of ophidian fauna of West Bengal, India along with their status, distribution and conservation. J envir Sociobiol 2005, 2(1-2), 49-60.

Checklist of ophidian fauna (snakes) comprising of 112 species belonging to 9 families from West Bengal, India is presented along with their Bengali names, status, distribution and conservation needs. Of these, 46 species are considered herein to be rare, 2 species as threatened and 1 species as endangered in West Bengal. The Hill and Dooars region represents the highest number of 79 species of ophidian fauna from West Bengal. A considerable number of ophidian species exclusively inhabit the coastal waters and the Himalayan foothills. Some suggestions towards conservation and management have been given and inclusion of King Cobra under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act has been recommended.

2 tables, 16 ref

013506   Paul S;Nandi N C (NO, Zool Surv of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata-700 053) : Population and distribution pattern of polychaetes in and around a sewage outfall region in Calcutta metropolis. J envir Sociobiol 2005, 2(1-2), 39-42.

Polychaete species as well as their population density and month-wise variations in population has been studied at the Tolly's Nullah sewage outfall region, Kolkata. Three (Namalycastis fauveli, Dendronereis aesturina and Nephlys oligobranchia) out of six species recorded were found to be dominant at the outfall area. In general, polychaete occurs in higher abundance (as high as 192 no./m²) during premonsoon (February to April) period. They are found to prefer sandy and weedy substratum.

4 tables, 11 ref

013505   Negi K S (N.R.C. Coldwater Fish, (ICAR), Champawat-262 523) : Migratory behaviour and spawning ecology of Tor putitora (Ham.) in Ganga river. J Inld Fish Soc India 2005, 37(1), 77-80.

1 illus, 2 tables, 19 ref

013504   Nagapasupathi N;Pretheep Kumar P;Suganthy M (Dep STOPWORD Ent, Acharya Ngranga Agric Univ, Rajendernagar, Hyderabad-500 030) : Effects of sub-lethal concentration of thiodicarb on growth and development of Spodoptera litura. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2005, 15(4), 351-4.

Studies conducted for evaluating the effects of sub-lethal (LC₂₅) concentration (0.0217 %) of thiodicarb on growth and development of Spodoptera litura resulted in lower mean pupal (44.5 mg) and adult weight (90.0 mg). Treated female adult S. litura laid 262.1 eggs which was found to be significantly lower than that of the untreated adults (829.8 eggs).

2 tables, 8 ref

013503   Lim Jong-Deock (Sch STOPWORD Earth STOPWORD Envir Sci, BK21 Seoul Natn Univ, Seoul-151-742, Korea, Email: jongdeock@yahoo.com) : The first dolphin fossil from the miocene of Korealeading to respiratory distress. Curr Sci 2005, 89(6), 939-40.

2 illus, 11 ref

013502   Kalavati C;Narayana Rao B (Depatment STOPWORD Zool, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003) : Leptotheca mackenzii N. Sp. (Myxozoa: Myxosporea) infecting the urinary bladder of the frog, Lemnectus limnocharis. J envir Sociobiol 2005, 2(1-2), 25-32.

New species of the genus Leplotheca, Thelohan, 1895, (Phylum: Myxozoa), L. mackenzii n. sp. is described from the urinary bladder of the rice field frog, Lemnectus limnocharis collected from the fields in Vizianagaram, Andhra Pradesh, south India. Spores of the parasite were oval measuring 11.2 μm x 15.6 μm with 16-18 distinct oblique striations. Polar capsules were bulb shaped, 6.2 μm x 4.8 μm in size. Polar filaments were thick. Hat and 26.6 <109>m long.

5 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

013501   Joshi K D;Sunder S;Joshi C B;Vass K K (Riverine Div, Cent Inld Fish Res Inst (ICAR), 24 Panna Lal Road, Allahabad-211 002) : Domestication and growth of Schizothorax richardsonii (Gray) at Chhirapani, Champawat, Uttaranchal. J Inld Fish Soc India 2005, 37(1), 64-7.

^ssc2 tables, 12 ref

013500   Ebanasar J;Jayaprakas V (Zool Dep, Govt Coll, Kumbakonam-612 001) : Length weight relationship of Channa micropeltes (Cuvier) from Pechipparai reservoir, Tamil Nadu. J Inld Fish Soc India 2005, 37(1), 60-3.

^ssc4 tables, 10 ref

013499   Dey M;Mitra A (Dep STOPWORD Mar Sci, Univ of Calcutta, 35, B.C. Road, Kolkata-700 019) : Molluscan community around Digha coast, West Bengal, India. J envir Sociobiol 2005, 2(1-2), 43-7.

Study paper deals with the molluscan community of Digha coast, comprising of 90 species belonging to 46 families. It includes 54 species of gastropods, 2 species of scaphopods, 29 species of bivalves and 5 species of cephalopods. In this coast premonsoon season seems to be ideal in so far as molluscan biodiversity is concerned.

1 list, 1 table, 6 ref

013498   Datta S C (Dep STOPWORD Zool, Visva-Bharati Univ, Santiniketan-731 235) : Possible use of Amaranth as catch crop for root-knot nematodes intercropped with mulberry. J envir Sociobiol 2005, 2(1-2), 61-5.

Amaranth and mulberry were grown together along a ring in a large circular vessel; Meloidogyne incognita larvae (J2) were applied as an inoculum at the center of the ring so that all the plants were equidistant from the larvae. A control vessel containing the same plants without inoculation was maintained simultaneously. Plants were harvested 70 days after inoculation. Of the two plant species, amaranth received maximum infection in terms of root-gall number, root protein content, and nematode population in root and plant growth parameters. Thus amaranth could serve as highly effective catch crop/trap crop protecting other susceptible crops from invading larvae. The relative size and biomass of root system are responsible for relative susceptibility between two plants.

1 table, 19 ref

013497   Dasgupta S;Aich A;Mukhopadhyay S K (Post Grad Dep STOPWORD Zool, Maulana Azad Coll, Kolkata) : Evolutionary arms race : a review on the red queen hypothesis. J envir Sociobiol 2005, 2(1-2), 109-18.

Leigh Van Valen (1973), an evolutionary biologist of the University of Chicago, devised Red Queen hypothesis stating : "for an evolutionary system continuing development is needed in order to maintain its fitness relative to the system it is co-evolving with." This hypothesis maintains that biotic interactions are most important drivers of evolutionary changes. On the other hand, Court Jester hypothesis, a class of alternative ideas to Red Queen, regards physical-environment perturbations as indicators of major changes in organisms and ecosystem. From evolutionary point of view, sexual reproduction is not most efficient way of reproducing due to major investment of time and energy for finding a mate. Rather, for spreading genes from one generation to the next asexually reproducing organisms have an edge. Because in sexual reproduction half of the genes from each parent is handed over to the next generation. In this context. Red Queen hypothesis talks about evolution of sex and recombination. This hypothesis describes two similar ideas that (i) co-evolution can lead to situations for which the probability of extinction is relatively constant over millions of years and that (ii) co-evolution, more particularly between hosts and parasites, could lead to sustained oscillations in genotype frequencies. According to this hypothesis the species had to "run" (evolve) a leg race instead of an arms race" in order to stay in the same place (extant). The Red Queen hypothesis emphasises the biotic interaction that imposes changes in species and clearly indicates the necessity of sexual reproduction in comparison with asexual reproduction for stabilising the evolution of sex and recombination.

^iia4 illus, 19 ref

013496   Das S R;Patil S G;Nandi N C (NO, Zool Surv of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata-700 053) : Zooplankton diversity of wetland ecosystems of Goa. J envir Sociobiol 2005, 2(1-2), 15-23.

Zooplankton diversity of two freshwater and two brackishwater wetlands of Goa have been investigated during 2001-02 and 2002-03. A total of 42 species of zooplankton have been recorded, of which 41 species are from freshwater wetlands, 29 species from brackish wetlands/fisheries and 28 species common to both categories. This shows higher diversity of zooplankton in freshwater wetlands than in the brackishwater wetlands in Goa. The population density of different zooplankton groups as measured in terms of number of organisms per 50 litres of water have revealed higher population densities in freshwater wetlands (165-342/50 L) in comparison to that in brackishwater wetlands (86-181/50 L). In general, premonsoon population is higher than postmonsoon population in freshwater wetlands, while postmonsoon population is higher than premonsoon population in brackishwater wetlands.

5 tables, 13 ref

013495   Das S K;Manissery J K;Varghese T J (Dept. STOPWORD Fishery Biol STOPWORD Resour Mgmt (W.B.U.A.F.S.), , Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal) : Impact of formulated plant protein based feeds on production and organoleptic characteristics of carps. J envir Sociobiol 2005, 2(1-2), 33-7.

Three test diets were prepared by partial replacement of fish meal with leaf powders of Eichhornia crassipes (Diet E), Colocasia esculenta (Diet C) and Gliricidia maculata (Diet E). Test diets along with fish meal based control diet (Diet FM) were evaluated for their impacts on total fish production and organoleptic characteristics in two test species, viz., Catla catla and Labeo rohita after a period of culture of 112 days. Catla showed relatively higher production in fish meal based diet whereas rohu registered more production in leaf protein based diets. No significant difference existed in organoleptic characteristics of carps among treatments. However, the difference was significant (P ≤ 0.05) between attributes except raw fish of rohu.

2 tables, 21 ref

013494   Chaudhuri P S;Bhattacharjee G (Coll Tilla, , Agartala, Agartala-799 004) : Earthworms of Tripura (India). Ecol Envir Conserv 2005, 11(2), 295-301.

Study presents a survey of earthworm species from Tripura, a north-eastern state of India including their distribution and diversity in three different habitats viz. low land pasture, compost pit and sewage sludge. Earthworms were sampled by digging and hand sorting. Temperature, moisture, pH and oxidizable organic matter of 0-10 cm soil sample were estimated at each sampling site. A total of 21 species belonging to 10 genera and 5 families were recorded: Megoscoleddoe (Metophire posthumo, M. peguana, M. planata, At houlleti, Lampito mauritii, Perionyx excavatus, Amynthas olexandri, Polypheretima elongata), Octochaetidae (Eutyphoeus gammiei, E comillahnus, L turaensis, E. scutarius, E. gigas, E. ossomensis, Dichogoster modiglianii, D. bolaui), Moniligastridae (Drawida nepalensis, D. limella, D papillifera papillifera), Almidoe (Clyphidrilus spelaeotes) and Glossoscolecidae (Pontoscolex corethrurus).

1 illus, 2 tables, 31 ref

013493   Chakraborty N M;Chakrabarti P P (Regional Res Cent STOPWORD Cent Inst STOPWORD Freshwater Aquacult, Santalpara, Kalyani-741 235) : Embryonic development and larval rearing of Ompok pabda (Hamilton). J Inld Fish Soc India 2005, 37(1), 71-4.

^ssc6 illus, 5 ref

013492   Boral A K (Dep STOPWORD Zool, Jogamaya Devi Coll, Kolkata-700 026) : Emission spectroscopic studies on the inorganic trace elements of Ceylonocotyle scoliocoelium (Trematoda). J envir Sociobiol 2005, 2(1-2), 77-80.

In different parasitic species a wide spectrum of inorganic trace elements is found due to difference in the rate of absorption and uptake processes. Trace elements of Ceylonocotyle scoliocoelium (Trematoda) is computed. Presence of less amount of Cr and Cu suggests the weak tanning process of collagen in the tegument of C scoliocoelium. Moderate amout of Co in this species suggests that it is associated with vitamin B₁₂ synthesis and maturity of the worm. The higher quality of Zn indicates specific enzyme synthesis and existence of highly developed genital organ in C. scoliocoelium. Less amount of Ba does not significantly affects DNA polymerase and alkaline phosphatase activities but their actual functions in parasitic helminthes are not clear.

1 table

013491   Biswas I;Ray N (Muga Res Lab, A.B.N. Seal Coll, Cooch Behar-736 101) : Day-wise egg laying and hatching alongwith seasonal influence on fecundity and hatchability of muga silkworm, Antheraea assama Ww. during different seasons in terai region of West Bengal. Crop Res 2005, 30(2), 263-9.

Experiment was conducted during four different seasons viz., February-March (post-winter), June-July (rainy), August-September (pre-autumn) and October-November (autumn) to study the seasonal influence on egg production in Terai region of West Bengal as well as on different day egg laying and subsequent hatching of seed crop with an objective to suggest the days upto which egg production can be fruitful for successful commercial rearing of muga silkworm. October-November was observed best season for seed production. Dfls as well as quality seeds in terms of hatchability during seed crop rearing season, namely, August-September (fecundity : 250 and hatchability : 179) and February-March (fecundity : 182 and hatchability : 172) could satisfy the seed demand during commercial crop rearing season. Moreover, for supply of quality seed during commercial rearing, collection of first three days well be effective for successful economic and synchronous rearing.

2 illus, 4 tables, 10 ref

013490   Bindu L (NO, Zool Surv of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata-700 053) : Effect of certain factors on the motility and short-term preservation of spermatozoa of Osphronemus gorami. J envir Sociobiol 2005, 2(1-2), 1-8.

Biological properties and quality of semen of the endangered fish, Osphronemus gorami were evaluated by determining the milt volume, spermatozoa concentration, percentage viability and duration of motility. The organic (sugar, cholesterol and protein) and inorganic constituents (phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium) in the seminal plasma were analyzed. Among the three activating media used, fertilizing solution was found to be the ideal medium for sperm activation. The duration of spermatozoan motility was maximum at 8.75 x 10^-3 salinity and at pH 8.0. Duration of motility was longer at lower temperatures and longest at 15°C. The fresh oxygenated milt of O. gorami could be stored in eppendorff tubes at 4°C in the refrigerator for seven days. The duration of motility and percentage viability of the spermatozoa were considerably enhanced by storing semen in oxygen than storage in air. Short-term preservation of undiluted oxygenated semen was found to be significantly better than storage using extenders.

5 illus, 5 tables, 30 ref

013489   Bera S;Ghorai N;Mandal K C;Bera S K;Trivdei A (Bot Dep, Presidency Coll, Kolkata-700 073) : Role of Syrphus serarius Wied. as a pollinator in Darjeeling hills, West Bengal: palynological assessment. Geophytology 2004, 34(1-2), 115-19.

Pollen analysis from the gut content of Syrphus serarius (hoverfly) shows that the members of 16 plant families are regularly foraged and pollinated among which 7 members are economically important. The most preferred 5 families in order of magnitude (in terms of pollen mean recovered from gut) are Caryophyllaceae, Sambucaceae, Asteraceae, Crassulaceae and Brassicaceae.

2 tables, 13 ref

013488   Behera S;Khan M I;Das S K;Nagesh T S (Fishery Biol STOPWORD Resour Managment Dep, Fac of Fishery Sci, Mohanpur, Nadia-741 252) : On the fecundity of stripped gourami, Colisa fasciatus (Bloch and Schneider). J Inld Fish Soc India 2005, 37(1), 68-70.

^ssc4 illus, 10 ref

013487   Amanulla Hameed S V S;Muthukumaravel K;Khan M M W;Udayakumar N (P G STOPWORD Res Dep STOPWORD Zool, Khadir Mohideen Coll, Adirampattinam-614 701) : Toxic effects of copper on hepatopancreas of freshwater mussel, Lamellidens marginalis. J Ecotoxic envir Monit 2005, 15(4), 365-70.

The fresh water mussel, Lamellidens marginalis has been exposed to 10 and 30% sub lethal concentratrations of copper sulphate for 21 days. Histopathological alterations noted in the digestive glands were vaculization in cells, disintegration of collagenous and muscular layer and enlargement of lumen following the atrophy of cells lining the digestive tubules. Results of the present study indicate that the exposure of L. marginalis to 30% (high dose) concentration caused serious damages compared to that of 10% (low dose) concentration of copper sulphate. Therefore, this mussel can be probitably used to biomoniter the heavy metal levels in the water bodies.

3 illus, 28 ref

013486   Alagawadi K R;Manvi F V;Jalalpure S S;Malik K M;Shah A S;Kanjilal S;Prasad R B N (Dep STOPWORD Pharm Chem, KLES Coll of Pharm, Belgaum, Karnataka) : Fatty acid composition of Ziziphus nummularia seed oil and its pharmacological evaluation. J Oil Technol Ass India 2004, 36(2), 51-4.

Ziziphus mummularia (Rhamnaceae) plant family is used in indigenous system of medicine. Fatty acid composition of seed oil has been analysed by GC and GC-MS. Palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acids were found to be major components of oil along with ricinoleic acid in minor quantities. Pet-ether and alcohol extracts of the seeds were evaluated for antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antiarthritis activities. Pet-ether extract showed significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. Both the extracts did not show any antibacterial and antifungal activities.

5 tables, 14 ref

013485   Aich A;Sarkar B;Mukhopadhyay S K (Post Grad Dep STOPWORD Zool, Maulana Azad Coll, Kolkata-700 013, Email: msubhro@yahoo.com) : Diel changes in the avian community at the edge of a Shola forest forest of Western Ghat. J envir Sociobiol 2005, 2(1-2), 9-14.

Diel changes in avifaunal activities were studied at the edge of a shola forest patch belonging to Silent Valley National Park in the southern part of Western Ghat range of Kerala. Twentytwo species of birds under 15 families were recorded to be active at the study site. Highest population density of 19.46 ha^-1 in the evening was recorded while in the morning the density was 9.42 ha^-1. Under 12 families, 19 species were detected in the evening, while only 8 species under 7 families were found in the morning count. A higher diversity index (2.706), recorded from the evening counts, indicates less dominance (0.089) and more evenness (0.955) in comparison with morning counts where diversity estimated at 1.972 emphasises minimum evenness (0.948) and maximum dominance (0.219).

2 tables, 18 ref

012279   Trivedi S;Shrivastava S;Acharya S;Shukla A N (Sch of Stud in Zool, Vikram Univ, Ujjain-456 010) : Decline trends of fish biodiversity in a tropical river Kshipra. Aquacult 2005, 6(2), 143-7.

Studies on fish biodiveristy of river Kshipra at Ujjain around its 30 km stretch revealed significant decline trend in Ichthyofauna based on research work undertaken during the last two decades. The first fauna survey was done in the year 1980 recorded 55 species of fish belonging to 7 order, 14 family and 33 genera. The second, third and fourth investigations were done in 1985, 1990 and 1996, recorded 52 species, 50 species and 46 species of fish respectively. The fifth and latest survey was made in 2000-2002 in which 39 species of fish were recorded belonging to 6 order and 11 families and 25 genera. These results are witnessed in steady decline in fish biodiversity. The paper highlights possible reasons of decline fish biodiversities and suggest conservation techniques of reverine fish biodiversity.

1 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

012278   Thanalakshmi K;Jeyaseeli A;Ezhil J;Narayanan M (Dep of Zool, Holy Cross Coll, Nagercoil, Tamil Nadu) : Bioenergetics of freshwater shrimp, Caridina nilotica in response to biomass and ration. Aquacult 2005, 6(2), 205-11.

Experiments were conducted to study to determine the effects of biomass and ration levels (0%, 25%, 75% and 100%) on the feeding energetics of freshwater prawn, Caridina nilotica. Consumption rates and conversion rates were significantly (P<60>0.01) affected by the size and the ration levels. Since in crustaceans conversion rate was accelerated or correlated with moulting, the minimum number of moults have been reported in starved groups (0%). The observed absorption efficiency was found to be not linear with both the biomass and ration levels. The metabolic rate showed a linear trend with the increasing ration levels.

1 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

012277   Tak P C;Sharma R M (High Altitude Zool Fld Stn, Zool Surv of India, Solan-173 211) : Some observations on kiang equus kiang moorcroft in Changthang Wildlife Sanctuary, eastern Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir state, India. Cheetal 2004, 42(1-2), 19-24.

1 table, 14 ref

012276   Tak J R;Dookia S (Dep of Zool, J.N.V. Univ, Jodhpur-342 005) : Population fluctuation and ecology of Indian flying fox (Pteropus giganteus giganteus, Brunnich, 1782) in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Cheetal 2004, 42(1-2), 47-50.

2 tables, 7 ref

012275   Suresh N;Ranganathan S (Dep of Zool, Annamalai Univ, Annamalai Nagar-608 002) : Light microscopic examination of gut associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) in Indian major carp Catla catla (Hamilton). Aquacult 2005, 6(2), 257-60.

Study describes light microscopic details of gut associated lymphoid tissues in Catla catla. Three distinct layers were observed in the gut, such as mucosa, submucosa, muscularis and serosa. The diffused leucocytes observed in the epithelial region and lamina propria were predominantly with large and small lymphocytes. The other lymphoid cells were granular leucocytes, blast cells and macrophages. The non lymphoid cells such as goblet cells, mucus cell, enterocytes, were also seen along the entire length of the gut. There is no accumulation of lymphoied cells in the entire gut but the presence of isolated leucocytes indicates that gut associated lymphoid tissues (GALT) appeared to be diffused in nature.

6 illus, 15 ref

012274   Sunita K;Bhaskar Rao S;Bhaskar Rao T (Dep of Zool, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal-506 009, Email: peteti_teja@yahoo.com) : Changes in the heamatological values of different experimental chicks due to Plasmodium pinottii. Uttar Pradesh J Zool 2005, 25(3), 271-7.

Plasmodium pinottii infection caused marked decrease in red blood cell count and increase in white blood cell count. When these chicles treated with Artemether and Arteether, the RBC and WBC count becomes normal. Chicks infested with P. pinottii also caused changes in Differential Leucocytes Counting. During infection, increase in the neutrophilic count is observed. When these chicks were treated with drug neutrophilic and monocytic count becomes normal.

4 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

012273   Srivastava H;Sah H C P;Dan M T;Sahay U (Dep Of Zool, Ranchi Univ, Ranchi-834 001) : On the validity of Procamallanus hindensis Chandan Lal, 1965 (Procamallaninae:nematoda). Uttar Pradesh J Zool 2005, 25(3), 285-9.

P. hindensis Chandan Lal, 1965 is a mono-spiculate but non-gubernaculate species under the genus Procamallanus (Procamallaninae:Nematoda). This species was mistakebly synonymised with P. daccai P. Gupta. 1959 by Das & Sahay (1993). The authors have discussed the validity of the above synonymy in question in detail and they have reasons to revalidate P. hindensis to the status of an independent species.

31 ref

012272   Shrestha T K (Dep of Zool, Tribhuvan Univ, G.P.O. Box 6133, Kathamandu, Nepal) : Migration of Ganges river dolphin in the Koshi river and its tributaries. Cheetal 2004, 42(1-2), 8-18.

Combination of underwater and surface observations were used to characterize the migration of Ganges river dolphin in the Koshi river of Nepal. This river supports small number of dolphin population that migrate upstream at the height of flood during monsoon (June-September) crossing the obstacle of Koshi barrage. The dolphin follow strictly prespawning migration of the fish during June and July and return back to lower reaches of Ganges river with down river migration of post-spawned migration of fish. Areas and habitat in the river and tributaries used by dolphin throughout monsoon did not change, until flood is withdrawn in November. Relocation to main cradle of the Koshi river occurred during early winter December to February. At this time current velocity of the river decreased with the increase of transparency. Movements of dolphins and their fish catching activity were observed throughout winter in selected calm water pools with underwater video camera due to prevailing high transparency of water.

4 illus, 2 tables, 7 ref

012271   Sharma S (Dep of Zool, Punjabi Univ, Patiala-147 002) : Quantitative estimation of proliferative population size in intestine of swiss albino mice following radiocalcium and MPG treatment. Uttar Pradesh J Zool 2005, 25(3), 295-7.

Radiocalcium and MPG a radioprotective thiol drug is administered to the Swiss albino mice. The severity of damage caused by β-irradiation (from Ca-45) and the protective effect of MPG is studied on crypt cell population in intestine.

1 table, 12 ref

012270   Sharma B;Sharma N;Kumar D (Dep of Zool, D.N. (PG) Coll, Meerut-250 004) : Biodiversity of freshwater snail fauna of Western Uttar Pradesh. Uttar Pradesh J Zool 2005, 25(3), 303-06.

Deals with snail fauna of few freshwater ponds of Meerut City in western Uttar Pradesh.

3 illus, 4 ref

012269   Sati J P (NO, Zool Surv of India, Dehradun, Uttranchal) : Mammals of Govind Wildlife Sanctuary and National Park, Uttarkashi (Uttaranchal). Cheetal 2004, 42(1-2), 51-9.

9 ref

012268   Ramalingam K;Vijaylakshmi V;Satyaprema Y A (PG & Res Dep of Zool, Govt. Arts Coll, Nandanam, Chennai-600 035, Email: srmadhan@hotmail.com) : Role of adenosine triphosphatase and glycogen phosphorylase in the growth and differentiation of Avitellina lahorea (Woodland, 1927) (anoplocephalid cestode). Uttar Pradesh J Zool 2005, 25(3), 253-6.

Number of studies in the field of cestode enzymology is rapidly increasing but relatively little work has - been carried out on such enzyme systems as adenosine triphosphate and glycogen phosphorylase in different parasites to correlate the metabolism and growth in the same individual at different phases of development. A higher activity of ATPase was observed in gravid proglottid region. With respect to glycogen phosphorylase acitivity. Higher activity was revealed in mature than gravid regions. Both ATPase and glycogen phophorylase activity were found to be increasing antero-posteriorly. It reveals the presence of antero-posterior gradient or polarity with regard to functional proteins in the cestode morphology which has been established in the free living co-phyletic group like turbellarians and in different segments of the same parasites.

1 table, 16 ref

012267   Ramalingam K (PG & Res Dep Of Zool, Govt Arts Coll, Nandanam, Chennai-600 035) : Lectins:biochemical immunological and clinical correlates. Uttar Pradesh J Zool 2005, 25(3), 225-33.

In invertebrates, the immune mechanism is evidenced by the various antibacterial and antiviral substances. However, antibodies like like immunoglobulins, typical of vertebrates are totally lacking. Likewise antibody (Ig) synthesizing blood cells like lymphocytes, plasma cells and memory cells are also lacking. The lacuna of the above immune cells and immune principles in invertebrates is one of the reasons for their poor acquired immunity as compared to vertebrates. It also remains as an impediment for the development of vaccines against the diseases of viral and bacterial origin in invertebrates. However, the defense mechanism in invertebrates possesses humoral substances/principles which exhibit such properties as cell fusion or agglutination of bacterial cells, viruses, RBCs and yeast cells opsonisation, similar to the vertebrate immunoglobulin (Ig) antibodies. These factors/substances which exhibit the above functions of haemagglutination or opsonisation or lysin action are most often designated as lectins in invertebrates (Tripp, 1967; Bayne et al., 1979; Renwrantz & Stahmer, 1983).

^iia48 ref

012266   Rajkumar M;Ravi V (Cent of Advd Study in Mar Biol, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502, Email: arunachalashivamdr@yahoo.com) : Effect of isopod parasite, Cymothoa indica on gobiid fish Stigmatogobius minima from Parangipettai coastal waters (Southeast coast of India). Aquacult 2005, 6(2), 149-58.

Study reported for the first time on the effect of isopod parasite, Cymothoa indica infestation on Stigmatogobius minima an ecologically important gobiid fish from Parangipettai coastal environment (South east coast of India). The losses of weight in host fishes (male 29.54 and female 37.13%) were observed due to parasitism. The weight of uninfested female fish was found to be higher than that of infested one. The calus like thickening developed on the gill arch and gill filaments of host fish due to the constant irritation caused by the appendages of the parasite. The reduction of gill surface area was noticed because of the attachment of the parasite. The maximum reduction found in the first gill arch is mainly owing to the heavy pressure exerted by the parasite. Details of gross lesions observed in the branchial chamber, buccal cavity and body surface was enumerated. Heavy infestations of parasitic juveniles have the potential to kill small fingerlings. The swimming capacity of the fish was also found to be affected.

4 illus, 4 tables, 34 ref