008146   Archunan G (Centre for Pheromone Technology, Animal Science Dep, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli-620 024, Email: garchu56@yahoo.co.in) : Vertebrate pheromones and their biological improtance. J expl Zool 2009, 12(2), 227-39.

The biological importance of pheromones (i.e. species-specific chemosignals) has been well established from yeast to human. The chemosignals produced from urine, faeces, saliva, vaginal mucus, sweat and scent glands are found to be significant for several applications in vertebrate species. Individual identification, mother-young interaction, sexual attraction, aggression, detection of estrus, and some primer pheromonal effects on puberty, estrous cycle, and pregnancy are some of the notable events influenced by pheromones. Eventhough the role of pheromones is evident in almost all the species, the present review deals with the significant part of pheromones particularly in aquatic organisms, amphibia, reptiles, birds and mammals with specific examples. The pheromones identified from vertebrates assist the animal breeding, offspring survival, protecting from predator, pest management, reducing the aggressiveness, improving the wild life populations, human fertility regulation etc. The role of pheromone carrying proteins and the perception of chemosignals have also been discussed in this review.

^iia165 ref

008145   Amiri M;Gharezi A;Mohammadzadeh S (Biology Dep, Lorestan University, Lorestan, Iran, Email: mohammaddzadeh.s@lu.ac.ir) : Morphological traits of Salamander (Neurerus kaiseri) with an emphasis on reproduction in the female. J expl Zool 2009, 12(2), 415-18.

Amphibians play an important role in ecobiocycie. The role of Sillamander, Neurerus kaiseri is not much known since the studies related to this salamander is meagre. Morphological traits and histological studies were performed on ovary of N. kaiseri using routine techniques and findings are discussed in light of present literature.

5 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

008144   Alvarado M D S;Ramirez-Lozano R G; Gonzalez-Rodriguez H;Vazquez-Ulloa G;Dominguez-Gomez T G (Faculted de Ciencias Forestales, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, Apartado Postal 41 Linares NL 67700, Mexico, Email: faunerasan@yahoo.com.mx ) : Diet comparison between three exotic cervids and white-tailed deer. Int J Agric Envir Biotechnol 2009, 2(4), 466-70.

Exotic wildlife introduction is an important phenomenon around the world. In Mexico this is a common practice mainly in the northern states. Even though, there are records of the consequences of this activity, more information is required about the potential effects of exotic introductions on native wildlife under the Sierra de Alvarez, San Luis Potosi, Mexico. The objectives of this study were to determine, seasonally, the dietary similarity among white-tailed Odocoileus virginianus), Axis (Axis axis), Fallow Dama dama) and Sika (Cervus nippon) deer in an oak forest. To determine the botanical composition of diets, plants of the area and feces of the cervides were collected seasonally, and analyzed by the microhistological technique. Sorensen's index was used to determine dietary overlap between diets. A three factorial arragement was used to analyse data being factor A the type of cervids, factor B the type of forage (forbs, grasses, shrubs and trees) and factor C seasons (dry and wet). There were no significant differences (p=0.05) on factor A. However, significant differences were detected in factor B. The interaction AXB showed that each cervids preferred one group of forage although all groups were consumed through the year. In addition, there was a significant effect in the interaction BXC. Axis had the highest Sorensen Index of similarity values vs white-tailed deer during the dry season (36%) and Axis and Sika during the wet season (35%). It is concluded exotic cervids preferred grasses than other group of plants and white-tailed deer selected more shrubs than other group of plants.

6 tables, 17 ref

008143   Agarwal B L;Dhimar S C;Agarwal R (Zoology Dep, K.L.D.A.V. (PG) College, Roorkee-247 672) : Food preference of Cletus signatus Walker (Heteroptera : Coreidae). J expl Zool 2009, 12(2), 325-6.

Cletus signatus Walker (Heteroptera coreidae) feeds on a wide range of host plants namely Amaranthus spinosus, Amaranthus viridis, Amaranthus oleracea, Spinacia Oleracea, Chenopodium album, Chenopodium anthelminticum, Millets, Cow pea, Lucerne, Juglans and Lagenaria vulgaris etc. Some experiments were carried out in the laboratory on the food preference of this insect using aforesaid host plants. It was discussed that C. signatus feeds mainly on the host plants belonging to the family Amaranthaceae. Further, among the members of this family, A. spinosus is the most preferred host plant of the bug. On this food plant it has favour to inflorescence and younger seeds than the other parts of the plant. This preference is due to some unknown aminoacid or alkaloid occurring mainly in abundance in A. spinosus.

2 tables, 6 ref

008142   Agarwal B L;Dhiman S C;Agarwal R (Zoology Dep, K.L.D.A.V.P.G. College, Roorkee-247 622) : Effect of matings on ECG production in a coreid bug Cletus signatus Walker. J expl Zool 2009, 12(2), 345-6.

Mating and egg production of a coreid bug, Cletus signatus have been studied in laboratory conditions and it was found that minimum fecundity was sis.

1 table, 10 ref

008141   Agarwal B L;Dhiman S C;Agarwal R (Zoology Dep, K.L.D.A.V. P G. College, Roorkee-247 622) : Tentorium in Cletus signatus Walker (Heteroptera : coreidae). J expl Zool 2009, 12(2), 335-6.

Tentorium of C. signatus has been described which consists anterior tentorial pits and anterior tentorial arms. The posterior tentorial arms have been amalgamated with the posterior hypo pharyngeal wings to form the hypopharyngeal tentorial complex.

14 ref

008140   Agarwal B L;Dhiman S C;Agarwal R (Zoology Dep, , ) : Some ecological observations on leptus sp. Larvae Parasitizing the coreid bug, Cletus signatus Walker. J expl Zool 2009, 12(2), 317-18.

Leptus (Acarina: Erythraeridae) occurs as an ectoparasite in the larval stage on the coreid bug, Cletus signatus walker in north-western U.P. and southern Uttrakhand. It is red in colour and available in abundance during July to September. Maximum infestation has been recorded as 34 percent while the minimum 2.00 percent. Highly parasitized bugs become week and unable to fly. Introduction of the parasite in nature may help in the biological control of these bugs.

2 tables, 3 ref

008139   Agarwal B I;Dhiman S C;Agarwal R (Zoology Dep, K.L.D.A.V.(PG), College, Roorkee-247 672) : Food plants and seasonal occurrence of Cletus signatus Walker (Heteroptera - coreidae). J expl Zool 2009, 12(2), 311-12.

Cletus signatus Walker is a Heteropteran insect which belongs to family coreidae. Narula (1969) worked out the morphology and anatomy of the mycetome of this insect. Singh and Pant (1976) made studies on the location, transmission and identification of the symbiotes of C. signatus and reported its occurrepce on the inflorescence of Amaranthus viridis. Dhiman (1983a) recorded the presence of C. signatus in the north-western districts of Uttar Pradesh. As C. signatus is a polyphagous bug, hence, knowledge of its known food plants and seasonal occurrence is of paramount importance prior to the application of proper control measure. An attempt has been made to describe the aforesaid aspect.

1 table, 6 ref

008138   Absalon K V;Ajima M N O;Nwani C D;Ayodele B J (Zoology Dep, University of Jos,, Jos, Nigeria) : Acute toxicity of water soluble fractions (WSF) of kerosene on nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings under laboratory conditions. J expl Zool 2009, 12(2), 297-300.

The effects of 96- hour LC₅₀ of water soluble fractions (WSF) of kerosene on Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus was investigated under laboratory conditions. The concentrations of the fractions used were 150.00, 75.00, 37.00, 18.75 and 9.38ml/L. The 96- hour was 15.85ml/L with upper and lower confidence limits of 39.78ml/L and 6.31 ml/L respectively. The opercular ventilation rate per minute decreased with an increase in concentrations of WSF at the end of 96 hours exposure period. Respiratory distress, sluggish movement, loss of balance and erratic swimming were commonly observed before death during the investigation period. Histopathological examinations of the gill and liver of treated fish showed oedema 'of gill lamella and gill hyperplasia to vacucolation and necrosis of the liver cells. The implications of the findings as they affect the exposed fish and the aquatic ecosystem are discussed.

1 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

008137   Abidi S M A;Khan P;Saifullah M K (Zoology Dep, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Section of Parasitology, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, Email: abbasabidi92@hotmail.com) : Characterization of the glutamate dehydrogenase activity of Gigantocotyle explanatum and Gastrothylax crumenifer (Trematoda: Digenea). J parasitic Dis 2009, 33(1-2), 57-64.

Glutamate dehydrogenase (GLDH) (EC 1.4.1.3) is a ubiquitous enzyme, which is present at the protein and carbohydrate metabolism crossroads. The enzyme activity was investigated in biliary and rumen amphistomes, Gigantocotyle explanation and Gastrothylax crumenifer, respectively, infecting the Indian water buffalo Bubalus bubalis. The enzyme activity was consistently higher in G. explanatum as compared to G. crumenifer, where NAD(H) was utilized as coenzyme and the pH optima was recorded at 8. The K_m and V_max values for α-ketoglutarate were 2.1 mM and 9.09 units in G. explanatum, whereas 3.03 mM and 1.90 units in G. crumenifer, respectively. Among the allosteric modulator nucleotides, AMP, ADP, ATP, GMP, CMP and UMP, only AMP enhanced GLDH activity in G. crumenifer while ADP was stimulatory in G. explanatum. The amino acid leucine stimulated the GLDH activity in both the amphistomes while alanine was stimulatory only in G. crumenifer. Pronounced interspecific differences in response to different metabolic inhibitors like diethyldithiocarbamate, semicarbazide hydrochloride and mercurial ions were also observed. The osmotic stress alters the enzyme activity, particularly in hypertonic saline the GLDH activity increased significantly (p <60> 0.01) in G. explanatum, while insignificant effects were observed in rumen dwelling G. crumenifer. Histoenzymology revealed region/tissue specific distribution of GLDH with prominent staining in tissues like vitellaria, lymph system and tegument/subtegument, thus showing specific distribution of GLDH indicating differential metabolic state. Such intergeneric differences in GLDH activity could also be a consequence of occupying different microenvironments within the same host.

9 illus, 2 table, 28 ref

007020   Wani A H;Aggarwal S;Sahi D N (P.G. Zoology Dep, Jammu Univ, Jammu-180 006) : Vertical stratification of birds in temperate forest of tehsil Doda, (J&K). J Nat Conserv 2009, 21(1), 185-8.

The vertical stratification of birds with respect to vegetation was carried out in tehsil Doda of District Doda (J&K State) which lies in the Pir Panchal range of middle Himalayan chain of North-West Himalaya. The area stretches between 32° - 55' and 33° 33' north latitudes and 75° -21' and 75° -75' east longitude with an altitudinal variations ranging between 900 m to 4200 m. The average rainfall of the study areas was 90 cm per annum. The vegetation structure includes as pinus forest, Quercus forest and Alnus forest. The study documents 41 species of birds. The study also reveals the canopy structure in different habitats along with floristic structure and richness.

1 table, 6 ref

007019   Srivastava U C;Maurya R C (Zoology Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad-211 002) : Neuronal morphology of lateral cerebral cortex of the Indian wall lizard, H. Flaviviridis. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2009, 32(9-10), 291-5.

The cerebral hemisphere of lizards is divided into pallium (cerebral cortex) and subpallium. The lateral cerebral cortex of the H. flaviviridis has been studied by Cresyl violet and Golgi impregnation methods. The lateral cortex shows three neu-ronal layers viz. outer plexiform layer, middle cellular layer and inner plexiform layer. The ependymal layer is absent. Using characteristics such as criteria of location, soma shape and size, dendritic tree pattern/dendritic field shape, and dendritic spine covering four types of neurons have been distinguished in the cellular layer of lateral cortex: monotufted neurons (23%), bitufted neurons (29%), pyramidal neurons (28%) and stellate neurons (20%). The dendrites of stellate neurons did not show spines. The morphology of these neurons has been discussed with the neurons of the avian and mammalian homologous structures.

^ssc2 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

007018   Singh S;Mishra J (Zoology Dep, MDPG College, Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Email: shailendra_ald@yahoo.com) : Ecogenetics of fruit bait preference in laboratory populations of Montium-species complex of the genus Drosophila. J Adv dev Res 2010, 1(2), 148-54.

Ecogenetics of preference to different fruit baits in laboratory population of montium-species complex of the genus-Drosophila (Dipetra-Drosophilidae) collected from natural habitat of Pratapgarh and adjoining location were analysed. Ten locally available fruits were used as bait. Two baits attracting least number of flies at each step were eliminated and thus only two fruits were left in the end. Flies were captured, counted, analysed taxonomically and identified as D.punjabiensis, D. kikkawai & D. jambulina. Its chromosomal polymorphism were also compared with observations of fruit baits preferences. Pattern of preferences to different fruit baits and its possible causes have been discussed.

2 illus, 4 tables, 26 ref

007017   Shinde S R;Bhagwan M;Waghmare;Gorgile V T; Bajgire R S;Sumant G T;Bharat S N (Botany Research Centre, Maharashtra Mahavidyalay, Nilanga, Distt. Latur, Maharashtra) : Antimyco-bacterial activity of medicinal plants of Kinwat forest. J Nat Conserv 2009, 21(1), 143-8.

Eight highly medicinal plants from different ranges of Kinwat forest were collected and their different parts in form of tubers, roots, bark and leaves with their alcoholic extract were screened against highly human pathogenic bacteria and seed-borne fungi. The fungi were isolated from cereals, pulses and oil seeds, the results are very promising. Alcoholic root extract of Cryptolepis buchananii and young leaf extract of Celastrus emerginatus proved highly inhibit the growth of all test fungi. It is interesting to note that, different alcoholic extracts of all test plant parts were beneficial to maximum inhibition to Fusarium moniliforme and Penicillium species. The minimum response to growth inhibition in case of Aspergillus niger in presence of all different extract of test plants. Seven medicinal plants were studied in order to understand antibacterial potentiality against four highly human pathogenic bacteria, which were served for their inhibition of growth in presence of plant extracts, the results are very significant. The inhibition of the growth occur in the presence of 1% leaf extracts of Andrographis paniculata highest in case of S. aureus followed by E. coli and B. subtilis as well as S. aureus in presence of 1% tuber extract of Dioscorea bulbifera. S. typhi is not respond to any plant extracts. The maximum inhibition of growth is found in S. aureus followed by E. coli, and B. subtilis only in presence of alcoholic tuber extract of Dioscorea bulbifera.

4 tables, 4 ref

007016   Sharma M K;Singh P K;Gupta A K;Vajpeyi A P (Zoology Dep, School of Life Sciences, Dr. B.R.A. Univ, Khandari Campus, Agra-282 002) : Hypolipidemic activity of alcoholic extract of Pedalium murex in albino rats. J Nat Conserv 2009, 21(1), 105-8.

The study has been designed to evaluate the main hypolipidemic effect of Pedalium murex. The plant Pedalium murex belongs to family pediliaceae, it has been used in Ayurveda for more than 2500 years to treat a variety of ailments. The fruit of this plant was always a peculiar substance to enhance libido. The evaluation of hypolipidemic effects of such a natural medicinal product at 50 mg/kg body weight has been conducted on the serum lipid profile in albino rats for a period of 7, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days. Bada gokhru treated rats showed significantly decreased level of serum total cholesterol, LDL, VLDL and TG, however the levels of HDL increased significantly. These results suggested that alcoholic extract of P. murex might alter the metabolism of body and help to prevent obesity, CHD and other lipid related disorders.

1 table, 7 ref

007015   Sharma A D;Sharma B (Zoology Dep, A. V. (PG) College Kekri, Ajmer, Rajasthan-305 404) : Allelo-chemicals: an alternate of synthetic pesticides. J Nat Conserv 2009, 21(1), 1-8.

It is necessary to search the alternative methods of pest control by the indiscriminate use of chemical pesticides has resulted in increasing incidence of resistance in insects, pests and weeds to synthetic pesticides, greater environmental pollution and health hazards. Allelopathy a substitute for chemical control or in reducing the dose of conventional pesticides, offers, potential for controlling insects pests and weeds. Allelo chemicals often exhibit selectivity similar to synthetic pesticides. Natural products of plants and microbes offer a vast array of secondary compounds with biological activity, including phyto toxicity. Several natural compounds viz. caffeine, dhurrin, gallic acid, juglone, phloridzin, amsomycin, bialophos, herbicidins, patulin, tentoxin etc. have been identified with herbicidal activity. Degradation of natural compounds in the environment proceeds faster than that of synthetic compounds and thus inhibit environmental pollution and groundwater contamination.

2 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

007014   Sambyal P;Sahi D N (Zoology Dep, Jammu Univ, Jammu-180 006) : Social interactions of rhesus monkey inhabiting bahu-fort, Jammu (J&K). J Nat Conserv 2009, 21(1), 137-42.

The investigation was undertaken in the temple area of Bahu-Fort, Jammu from March 2005 - Feburary 2006 to study the social interactions of rhesus monkey. The study was conducted on a troop consisting of 152 individuals inhabiting the Bahu-Fort area which is situated on a hillock at an altitude of 325 m on the left bank of River Tawi. The investigation reveals the intraspecific interactions exhibited by the individuals of different age and sex classes. Besides intraspecific interactions, interspecific interactions were also studied. The interactions studied during the present course of work were found to be positive, negative and neutral.

28 ref

007013   Sajwan M;Bhatt J P (Zoology and Biotechnology Dep, H.N.B. Garhwal Univ, Srinagar-246 174) : Use of randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (Rapd), PCR marker in genetic study of Parapenaeopsis stylifera and penaeus indicus (Shrimp). J Nat Conserv 2009, 21(1), 97-103.

Random Amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers can be generated using short arbitrary primers to amplify genomic DNA, giving a genotype-specific pattern, of bands. The RAPD was a simple and good technique for the genetic analysis of a species or between species. Using a set of 6 Primers to generate RAPD profile of Parapenaeopsis Stylifera out of 6 primers only 2 primers produced good profile. In present study, only 10 individuals were used for analysis due to time limitation. The genetic distance with in two species P. indicus and P. Stylifera was 0.025.

25 ref

007012   Rukhsana A;Bhat B A;Maqbool S (Post Graduate Zoology Dep, Kashmir Univ, Srinagar-190 006) : Effect of Bothriocephalus acheilognathi (Cestoda: Pseudophyllidean) on health of five species of Schizothorax. Bioinfolet 2011, 8(1), 107-9.

In Dal Lake, five species of Schizothorax viz., Schizothorax niger, Schizothorax esocinus, Schizothorax curvifrons, Schizothoraxplagiostomus and Schizothorax labiatus, were examined for infection by cestode Bothriocephalus acheilgnathi. The study clearly documents the difference between health of infected and uninfected fishes. The fishes infected with Bothriocephalus acheilgnathi were found to have reduced growth rate. There was negative correlation between the number of Bothriocephalus acheilgnathi and weight of fish indicating that this helminth parasite reduces the growth rate of Schizothoraxwtih increased intensity.

3 tables, 9 ref

007011   Rajeev Kumar;Lall A (School of Entomology, St. John's College, Agra) : Ground beetle (Carabidae: Coleoptera) communities in Defferent habitat types in Kullu valley region in the Northwest Himalaya. J Nat Conserv 2009, 21(1), 157-60.

Field investigations were carried out during the pre-monsoon and Post-monsoon seasons in the upper reaches of Kullu Valley in Northwest Himalaya in the month of March and October during the year 2007-2008 and four different habitat types viz., river banks, alpine meadows, forest floors, and cultivated fields were selected to study the ground beetle composition in these habitats and was observed that the Alpine meadow and River bank habitats were more preferred by Carabid beetles. The dominant species of Ground beetles from these habitats and temperatures and humidity conditions at the collection sites were also observed in Kulu valley region.

1 illus, 1 table, 4 ref

007010   Rajakumari K;Sethuramalingam T A;Esakkiammal B;Ananth Kumar Y (Centre for Aqua Feed and Nutrition (CAFeN), Research Advanced Zoology and Biotechnology Dep, St. Xavier's College, Palayamkottai-627 002) : Influence of 17 α-methyl testosterone on growth performance and sex reversal of Poecilia sphenops. J Nat Conserv 2009, 21(1), 83-8.

The attempt to reverse the sex in Poecilia sphenops through immersion in steroid solution at doses ranging 0.01 to 0.04 μg of 17 - α-Methyl testosterone (MT)/λ of water for 3 hrs after hatching, induced a maximum of 80% males and 20% females. In the natural population of this species the sex ratio is (4:1) male: female. Thus during mascullinization, among the individuals that were destined to become females at the optimum treatment, about 73% transformed in to phenotypic males owing to hormone treatment, but the remaining 27% could not be masculinized and remained as females inspite of treatment at higher doses. The percentage of sex reversal was high at 0.03 concentration. The highest survival was recorded in the control and MT - 1 diet (100%) where as a linear decrease in the% survival from 80-60% was observed in MT - 2 to MT - 4 diets fed fishes.

16 ref

007009   Pokale S N;Gangotri V M;Gangotri M S (Zoology Dep, New Arts Commerce and Science College, Parnr- Dist : Ahmednagar-414 303) : Ichythyofauna of Hanga lake dist, Ahmednagar (M.S.). Bioinfolet 2011, 8(1), 36.

The water reservoir of Hanga lake in parner tahsil was visited and fish samples were collected during the months of October 2008 to March 2009. The study showed presence of 11 edible fish species.

007008   Pathre R F;Patil M (Zoology Dep, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada Univ, Aurangabad-431 005) : Gonad index and maturation in freshwater crab Barytelphusa cunicularis. Bioinfolet 2011, 8(1), 29-35.

Freshwater crabs, Barytelphusa cunicularis were collected from backwaters of Jayakwadi dam during June 2007 to July 2009. The highest ovarian (5.83 ± 0.104) and testicular (3.06 ± 0.027) index was found in the month of July 2007. The ovarian index in July 2008 was 4.97± 0.011 and in Aug 2008 highest testicular index 3.22 ±0.021 was recorded. The freshwater crab, Barytelphusa cunicularis is a continuous breeder and reproducing females and males were found during the months of July to September. Maximum number of ovigerous females were observed during July to September and the breeding peak was correlated with maximum development of gonads in the crabs. During vitellogenesis, the amount of oocytes in secondary stage increased in the ovary, resulting in the change in coloration of the gonad. Oogonia, primary oocytes, secondary oocytes and follicu-lar cells were histologically described and measured.

2 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

007007   Pandey A K;Trivedi S P (Environmental Toxicology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Lucknow Univ, Lucknow, Email: atindrabiochem@rediffmail.com) : Genotoxicity assessment of DNA damage by single cell gel electro-phoresis (SCGE)/comet assay in fish. Natn Acad Sci Lett 2009, 32(9-10), 257-61.

Single cell gel electrophoresis (SCGE), referered to as "comet assay' is a relatively simple, but sensitive and well validated tool for measuring strand breaks in DNA in single cells. The comet assay has advantages over other DNA damage methods, such as sister chromatid exchange, alkali elution and micronu-cleus assay, because of its high sensitivity and DNA strand breaks are determined in individual cells. The advantages of the SCGE assay include its demonstrated sensitivity for detecting low levels of DNA damage, the requirement for small numbers of cells per sample, its flexibility, low costs, ease of application, and short time needed to complete a study. Therefore, together with the convential chemical analysis, mutagenicity/genotoxicity assay should be included as additional parameter in water quality monitoring programme, their use could permit the quantification of mutagenic hazards in surface waters. Based on the current stage of knowledge, the comet assay can be used to determine DNA strand breaks in aquatic animals exposed to genotoxicants both in vitro and in vivo. In fisheries sector researcher are also interested in detecting damage at a genetic level, to provide information needed to assist ecotoxicological monitoring and environmental assessment.

1 illus, 33 ref

007006   Niraj C B;Vardhan H B;Sinha U S;Randhir Singh R R;Singh R R (P.G. Zoology Dep, Veer Kunwar Singh Univ, Ara, Bihar-802 301) : Effect and evaluation of Carica papaya on haemoglobin in guinea pig Cavia porecllus. J Nat Conserv 2009, 21(1), 167-71.

The study was aimed at evaluating the effects of papaya (Carica papaya) fruit for estimation of Hb content on Cavia porcellus. Papaya was fed to experimental animal @ of 40 gm/kg body weight. The value of Hb% in control animal was 7.0gm/dl and the experimental values recorded shows an effective increase of 8.2%, 9.8%, 10.6% and 10.96% from the control value after feeding with unripe papaya fruit for 7 days, 15 days, 30 days and 60 days respectively. The body weight of the experimental animal recorded after feeding was 2.24%, 4.08%, 6.12% and 6.88% more than the initial body weight of the experimental animal on the days of sacrifices exhibiting a gradual increase.

1 illus, 2 tables, 11 ref

007005   Madhava Rao S;Ravi Sekhar P;Pushpa Raju C J; Jayantha Rao K (Zoology Dep, S. V. Univ, Tirupati-517 502, Email: kjrao_1954@rediffmail.com) : Changes in carbohydrate profiles during azadirachtin exposure in brain and liver tissues of Rana hexadactyla. J Nat Conserv 2009, 21(1), 23-8.

The study revealed variations in total carbohydrate, glycogen, SDH, LDH and MDH activities under sublethal concentration (40 ppm) of Azadirachtin for 7 days and 15 days. The total carbohydrate, glycogen, content and Succinate Dehydrogenase (SDH), Malate dehydrogenase (MDH) activities were decreased where as Lactate Dehydrogenase activity was increased in brain and liver tissues of Rana hexadactyla. The decrease can be interpreted as rapid utilization of total carbohydrates to with stand the pesticidal toxicity. The consistent fall in glycogen levels in all the tissues shows its demand by the tissues for energy to cope with Azadirachtin induced stress. Inhibition of SDH by azadirachtin is an indication of reduction in energy synthesis by lowering the conversion of succinate to fumerate. The LDH activity increases during conditions favouring anaerobic respiration to meet the energy demands, when aerobic oxidation is lowered. The decrease in MDH activity might be due to disruption of mitochondrial integrity augmented by cellular damage during the impending toxicity of pesticides.

1 table, 21 ref

007004   Lalramliana;Yadav A K (Zoology Dep, Pachhunga University College, Mizoram Univ, Aizawal-796 001, Email: irl_zoo@yahoo.co.in) : Occurrence of entomopathogenic nematodes (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) in Meghalaya, NE India. Sci Vision 2010, 10(3), 89-100.

In the study, the entomopathogenic nematodes were recorded from 89 samples (5.37%) out of 1656 samples collected from 20 sites representing ecologically diverse types of habitats in Meghalaya, India. Out of 89 positive samples, the frequency of occurrence of Steinernema spp. was found to be more (73.03%) than Heterorhabditis sp. (26.97%). All the EPN positive samples were from the forest soils except the one isolated from banana plantations near teak forest in Jorabat. No entomopathogenic nematodes were isolated from dryland, jhumland (burned and cultivated land) and wet land (water-saturated soil). Steinernema spp. were mostly isolated from sandy loam soils while Heterorhabditis sp., was isolated from red loamy soil. The isolates were identified as Heterorhabditis indica, Steinernema thermo-philum and S. glaseri using morphometric analysis and scanning electron microscopic studies.

3 illus, 4 tabes, 49 ref

007003   Lalramliana (Zoology Dep, Pachhunga Universithy College, Mizoram Univ, Aizwal-796 001, Email: lrl zoo@yahoo.co.in) : On the new catfish, Pseudolaguvia virgulata, from Mizoram, India. Sci Vision 2010, 10(3), 73.

1 illus

007002   Joshi H K;Bahuguna P;Bahuguna P K;Dobriyal A K;Bahuguna S N (Zoology Dep, H. N. B. Garhwal Campus Pauri Univ, Pauri Garhwal-246 001) : Morpho-histological study on the testicular cycle of Himalayan golden Mahseer, Tor putitora (Ham.). J Nat Conserv 2009, 21(1), 77-81.

Deals with the male reproductive cycle of fish Tor putitora (Ham.)- Fish perform potamodromous migration, and it migrates from the foothill section to the upper reaches of the Himalaya for the purpose of breeding. The testicular cycle of Tor putitora can be divisible into 3 successive phases, i.e. pre-migratory, migratory and post-migratory phase. During theses phases testes shows remarkable changes in its shape, size, and in its cellular components.

18 ref

007001   Jadhav S (P.G. Zoology Dep, New Arts Commerce and Science College, Ahmednagar-414 001) : Insecticidal property of plant extracts on oxygen uptake in larvae of rice moth Corcyra cephalonica (ST.). Int J Pharmac biol Sci 2010, 4(3), 63-70.

The measurement of oxygen uptake is one of the best indices to determine the changes in the metabolism. It is used as a quality control measure to assess the physiological fitness of the mass reared parasites. The effects of plant extracts Annona squamosa, Acorus calamus and Tephrosia purpurea on oxygen uptake of larvae of Corcyra cephalonica (st.) was studied throughout the larval period which is the active feeding stage. It was observed that the oxygen consumption of Corcyra cephalonica decreases with the increase in body weight. It indicates that oxygen consumption bears allometric relation with its body weight. The oxygen consumption of normal larvae is cyclical in accordance with the cycles of growth and development. The plant extracts show variations in oxygen consumption of all the larval instars of C. cephalonica. There is tremendous increase in oxygen consumption immediately after the treatment of the plant extracts. After 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours of treatment due to plant extracts, the oxygen consumption goes on decreasing. The initial elevation is due to sudden response to the toxic stimulus to plant extracts. But with the onset of symptoms of poisoning, the rate decreased in the later period of exposure probably due to acclimation to the chemical environment. The plant extracts are showing dual effect on oxygen consumption i.e. fumigation as well as juvenilizing effect.

12 illus, 9 ref

007000   Jadhav B V;Sathe T V (Zoology Dep, Balasaheb Desai College, Patan, Distt. Satara-415 206) : Biodiversity of aphids (Hemiptera) from Kolhapur district of western ghats. J Nat Conserv 2009, 21(1), 161-5.

Aphids (Order: Hemiptera) are very important economically since they cause damage to agricultural and forest plants by sucking the cell sap and affecting growth. Thus, they cause tremendous economic loss in the yield and quality in products of the crops. Therefore, biodiversity of aphids have been studied in Western Ghats of Kolhapur district. In sil*** 33 species of aphids were reported belonging to the 4 subfamilies. The important genera viz. Aphis, Myzus, Rhopalosiphum, Melanophis, Brevicoryne, Lipaphis, Siphocronyne, Dactynotus, Hyadaphis, Macrosiphum, Toxoptera, Pentalonia, Eutrichcsiphum, Mollitrichosiphum, Cervaphis, Ceratovacuna, Pemphigus, Eroisoma and Tetraneura. Their seasonal abundance and distribution in plain and hilly region of Kolhapur district have been studied.

1 table, 10 ref

006999   Jadhav B V;Kadam S D;Bhingardeve L S;Thorat D D (Zoology Dep, Balasheb Desai College, Patan, Maharashtra-415 206, Email: drbvjadhav@rediffmail.com) : Observations on the Ichthyophis bombayensis (Taylor) from Koyana, district Satara, Maharashtra. J Nat Conserv 2009, 21(1), 29-35.

Conducted survey at Koyana region of Patan Tahsil of northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra from August 2004 to October 2008. Western Ghats of India is well known biodiversity hotspot. We randomly selected 15 spots either side of Koyana river and encountered the Ichthyophis bombayensis from different habitats. The morphometric and meristic data of a holotype and 8 paratypes were studied. One female Ichthyophis with egg clutch were carried in laboratory and studied the reproductive behaviour.

1 illus, 2 tables, 10 ref

006998   Chourasia N;Bhargava S (Zoology Dep, Dr. H. S. Gour Univ, Sagar, Madhya Pradesh-470, Email: navchourasia@yahoo.co.in) : Studies on the herd structure and composition of chital Axis axis in different seasons at Pench Tiger Reserve M.P.. J Nat Conserv 2009, 21(1), 109-16.

For the present study of herd size and composition of chital (Axis axis) in different seasons at Pench Tiger Reserve, M.P. two study sites each of 15 sq km. area were selected. (Site-I Pench National Park and Site-II Rukhar Reserve Forest). Weekly observations were made throughout the study period (October 2005 to September 2006). Number of chitai in a herd and its composition was recorded three times in a day and mean values of these three observations were considered as the value for that particular days observation. December 2005 was the month which reported the smallest herd size at both study sites (23 members at Site-I and 29 members at Site-II). However the biggest herd size at both the study areas were observed in the same month- July 2006 (160 members at Site-I and 149 members at Site-II). Observations made in different seasons recorded the minimum herd size in winter (37 chital) season and maximum in rainy season (134 chital). To study the composition of herd, number of male, female and number of members of different age groups like adult buck, yearling buck, doe and fawn present, were also recorded at the time of each observation made at both study sites.

5 tables, 19 ref

006997   Bixapathi V;Surender Reddy K;Anil Kumar M (Zoology Dep, Kakatiya Univ, Warangal-506 009) : Post helminth infection changes on the nitrogen metabolism in Calotes versicolor. J Nat Conserv 2009, 21(1), 149-55.

In the post-helminth infection, proteins and related molecular changes have been studied in the liver of Calotes versicolor due to the intestinal infection by Proteocephalus beddardi. Various biochemical parameters that have been investigated are Ammonia, Urea, Uric acid and Glutamine. All the parameters that have been assayed showed an increase in the liver. The increase in the content of substrate and the activity levels of enzymes suggest that in the liver, the rate of Nitrogen metabolism is greatly enhanced. These indicate that liver by helminth worms. The increase in the various biomolecules indicates biochemical adaptations of hosts to the parasitic adaptations.

4 illus, 3 tables, 33 ref

006996   Bhaker N R;Rajpurohit D S;Devilal;Vijay P; Rajpurohit L S (Animal Behaviour Unit, Zoology Dep, Faculty of Science, N. N. V. Univ, Jodhpur-342 005) : Alarm calls in hanuman langurs, Semnopithecus entellus: evidence for predator defence strategies. J Nat Conserv 2009, 21(1), 179-83.

A study was conducted on vocalization in general and alarm calls in particular in Hanuman langurs (Semnopithecus entellus ) around Jodhpur, Western Rajasthan (India) during 2006 -07. Langurs are equipped with ample means for generating vocalization of a wide variety and degree of loudness. The feral dogs are the main predator of langurs at Jodhpur, however, jackals and wolves are also found in the vicinity. The langurs use a vary successful cooperative domains technique, which differ strongly from other animals. In this study, we found two different alarm calls from langurs in the habitats - high pitched short alarm calls and low pitched threat alarm calls. The alarm calls are altered in response to the appearance of a natural predator. Such calls generally given by resident male, but any other member may also produce on the appearance of predator. However, females give alarm calls in connection with agonistic inter group interaction and may also heard in connection with the troop scattering. These calls are followed by immediate flight reaction, or at least by immediate cessation of all routine activities. Langurs exhibit no predator specific alarm calls of the kind. But such calls are evidences for defense strategies. Vocalization in general from langurs appear to function in a representational fashion within the social system.

32 ref

006995   Balde G J;Dhondge R M;Nanware S S (Research and P. G. Zoology Dep, Yeshwant Mahavidyalaya, Nanded, Maharaashtra, Email: govindbalde@gmail.com) : Glucose metabolism and lactic acid production in sheep nematodes from Nanded (M.S.). J Nat Conserv 2009, 21(1), 189-92.

Helminth parasites are known to metabolize carbohydrate mostly by glycolytic pathway with lactic acid as one of the main end products. Lactic acid is readily produced by Ascaris lumbricoides (Von Brand, 1934) by A. megalocephalus (Toryu, 1936) and A. galli (Shrivastava, Ghatak and Murti, 1970) with a view to explain the extent of damage caused by the nematodes in different niches of the alimentary canal of sheep, the carbohydrate metabolism was studied in the stomach worm i. e. Oesophagostomum columbianum (Curtis, 1890) and O. asparum (Railliet et Henry, 1913). A study of uptake of glucose and conversion to lactic acid were discussed.

2 tables, 6 ref

006994   Balde G H;Nanware S S (Research and P.G. Zoology Dep, Yeshwant Madhavidyalaya, Nanded-431 602, Email: govindbalde@gmail.com) : Total protein nucleic acids quantification of Ascaridia galli-a most hazardous non-native poultry nematode. J Nat Conserv 2009, 21(1), 59-62.

Helminthes, especially nematodes, which occurs as parasites, inhabit almost all parts of the body. Most of them live in environment which is rich in protein. The proteins have significant role in the body movements also, the musculature as well as the body of the parasites are protinacious in composition. Knowledge of the total protein content of a parasite is of importance in understanding the body frame work. The nucleic acids are essential and important macromolecules, intimately connected with cellular metabolism. Further, investigation was under taken to understand the quantification of total protein and nucleic acids in Ascaridia galli, a intestinal parasite of domestic fowl.

2 tables, 8 ref

006993   Bahuguna S N;Upadhyay M K (Zoology and Biotechnology Dep, Post Box-70, H.N.B. Garhwal Central Univ, Srinagar, Garhwal-246 174) : Foraging and food hoarding behaviour of himalayan mouse hare Ochotona roylei; Lagomorpha) from Garhwal Himalaya, Uttarakhand, India. J Nat Conserv 2009, 21(1), 89-96.

Himalayan mouse hare (O. roylei) is herbivore and fulfills its foraging requirement by consuming ferns, grasses, herbs, leaves, stems, roots, flowers and fruits of some aromatic, medicinal and cultivated plants of subalpine areas. In their home range more than 30 plant species were abundant most of in have aeromatic and medicinal properties. Himalayan mouse hare (0. roylei) collects and stores many types of food materials including dry grasses and different parts of plants during onset of winter. In present study more than 68 food hoardings were searched from Tungnath Himalaya areas. Out of these 25 hoardings was gathered and 19 plant species were identified. The smaller hoarding contains less than 20 pieces while biggest one contains 114 pieces of plants materials respectively.

32 ref

005776   Verlecar R X N;Susan Manohar;Qureshi T A; Borana K;Patil S (Applied Aquaculture and Zoology Dep, Barkatullah Univ, Bhopal-462 026) : Mesozooplankton composition in the mandovi estuary during pre-monsoon period in relation to environmental conditions. Indian J appl pure Biol 2010, 25(1), 177-82.

The Mandovi and Zuari estuaries contain zooplankton fauna of nearly 20 different taxonomic groups. The study was carried from January, 2007 to April, 2007 in the Mandovi estuary in Goa. Zooplankton samples were collected at monthly interval using fishing. Trawler. Mesozooplankton biomass ranged from 0.83-39.55 ml/100 m³ during the study period. The group distribution showed that copepoda was the major group contributing to more than 68% of the population and the larger forms such as medusae, Ctenophores and Decapods were either very little or almost absent in the samples. During the study, the temperature was almost steady and fluctuated between 26.64-31.18°C at different stations. Petroleum Hydro Carbon (PHC) fluctuated between 0.86-5.8 μ.g/1 and BOD values ranged from 0.09-3.09 mg/l.

3 tables, 11 ref

005775   Vardhan H B;Niraj C B;Sinha U S;Singh R R (P.G. Department of Zoology, V.K.S. University, Ara, Bihar) : Evaluation of tissue carbohydrate content in guinea pigs (Cavia porcellus Linn.) after feeding with Moringa oleifera Lam.. Modern J Life Sci 2009, 8(1-2), 67-70.

Experimental animals, Cavia porcellus, were fed moringa seeds (40 g/kg body wt./day) for different durations i.e., 7, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days. A gradual depletion in liver glycogen content in comparison to the control value (82.25 mg/g) to the extent of 1.82, 6.97, 10.58, 12.64 and 15.81% respectively was observed. Muscles glycogen content also found in depleting order at the rate of 2.07, 11.34, 16.26, 20.02 and 23.89% respectively from the control value (18.33 mg/g), which suggests an antidiabetic property of moringa seeds.

1 table, 13 ref

005774   Suja N;Muthiah P (NO, Tuticorin Research Centre of Central Marine Fisheries Research Institu, 115, N.K. Chetty Street, Tuticorin-628 001, Email: nsjua_r@yahoo.co.uk) : Variations in gross biochemical composition in relation to the gametogenic cycle of the baby clam, Marcia opima (Gemelin), from two geographically separated areas. Indian J Fish 2010, 57(1), 53-9.

Gross biochemical composition and condition index were investigated in two geographically separated populations of the baby clam, Marcia opima during December 1998 - January 2000. Proteins, lipids, total carbohydrates and glycogen showed similar patterns of the variation according to the reproductive cycles in clams from both the areas, highlighting the importance of the reproductive cycle and physiological features of the species and also the influence of environmental conditions in determining biochemical composition. Proteins and lipids were maximum in the mature clams and decreased during and after spawning. Lipids were higher in females. Seasonal variations of lipid were inversely related to glycogen contents. Total carbohydrates and glycogen increased during summer and decreased during monsoon. Condition index was influenced by environmental conditions, which further determined the spawning season.

4 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

005773   Shamsan E F;Ansari Z A (NO, National Institue of Oceanography, Dona Paula, Goa-403 004, Email: zakir@nio.org) : Biochemical composition and caloric content in the sand whiting Sillago sihama (Forsskal), from Zuari Estuary, Goa. Indian J Fish 2010, 57(1), 61-4.

Fish condition as well as the seasonal variation in biochemical composition (moisture content, lipid, protein and carbohydrate) of an economically important fish, Silago sihama (Forsskal), from Zuari estuary, Goa were monitored over a period of fifteen months from January 2004 to April 2005. Moisture content ranged from 76.2 to 79.6%. Lipid content varied between 4.2 and 2.2%. Protein content formed the highest percentage among the various other components and ranged from 19.1 to 24.96%, while carbohydrate was the lowest, which fluctuated between 0.46 and 0.63 %. The results revealed that moisture content was high when lipid was low during the peak spawning, indicating a significant inverse relationship between the two components (r = - 0.6, π <60> 0.05). Highest protein values were recorded in November when the lipid content was lowest. Carbohydrate did not appear to contribute much to the reserve in the body.

2 tables, 19 ref

005772   Poongodi R;Bhavan P S;Vijayan P;Kannan S; Karpagam S (Zoology Dep, Bharathiar Univ, Coimbatore-641 046, Email: bhavanps@yahoo.co.in) : Population of zooplankton in relation to physico-chemical parameters of a seasonal pond. Res Envir Life Sci 2009, 2(2), 105-10.

The zooplankton population in relation to physico-chemical parameters of Vedappatti pond, at Coimbatore was studied in order to understand its suitability for utilizing inland aquaculture. The following ranges of water quality parameters were recorded: Temperature, 26.6-33oC; total dissolved solids, 268-395 mg L^-1, pH, 7.0-7.8: salinity, 0.06-0.84 ppt; total alkalinity, 126-246 mg L^-1, total hardness, 122^-190 mg L^-1, dissolved oxygen, 3.2-7.7 mg L^-1, calcium, 12-52 mg L^-1, magnesium, 13-28 mg L^-1, iron, 0.84-2.95 mg L^-1, free ammonia, 0.16-0.38 mg L^-1, nitrite, 0.09-0.12 mg L^-1, nitrate, 5^-13 mg L^-1, chloride, 27-39 mg L^-1, fluoride, 0.4^-1.00 mg L^-1, sulphate, 11-21 mg L^-1 and phosphate, 0.02-0.04 mg L^-1. In the present study, 18 species of zooplankton belong to four major type cladocera, rotifera, copepoda and protozoa were recorded. Among these cladocerans were found dominant followed by rotifers copepods, and protozoan members. Zooplankton population was found in increasing trend during winter months, whereas, the reverse trend was seen during summer months. A maximum of 5211 nos. L^-1 zooplankton was observed during winter month and a minimum of 1453 nos. L^-1 was during summer month with an overall mean average of 3709 nos. L^-1. The result indicates the fact that water quality was favouring zooplankton growth during winter months. Therefore, it could be utilized for inland aquaculture practices.

005771   Niraj C B;Vardhan H B;Sinha U S;Singh R R (P.G. Department of Zoology, Veer Kunwar Singh University, Ara-802 301, Email: niraj_cb@yahoo.com) : Influence of Carica papaya (Linn.) ingredient on total plasma protein in a mammal Cavia porcellus (Linn.). Modern J Life Sci 2009, 8(1-2), 71-4.

Influence of ingredient of semi ripe papaya fruit at the rate of (40gm/kg weight/day) to the experimental Cavia porcellus for 7, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days exhibited an increase in the total plasma protein (TPP) level in control animals (4.10 gm/dl). While an increase in plasma protein level from control values were observed as 7.31, 13.41, 21.95, 29.26 and 36.18% respectively with the increasing feeding schedule, which were found significant on statistical analysis.

1 table, 10 ref

005770   Mehanna S F;El-Gammal F I (NO, National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries, P.O. Box 182, Suez, Egypt, Email: sahar_mehanna@yahoo.com) : Growth and poputation dynamics of the cuttlefish Sepia savignyi blainville in the gulf of Suez, Red Sea. Indian J Fish 2010, 57(1), 1-6.

Growth, mortality, recruitment and yield per recruit of the cuttlefish Sepia savignyi from the Gulf of Suez were examined during October 2002 - May 2004. Growth differed significantly between sexes where females grew faster and reached larger sizes than males. The theoretical maximum mantle length MLα, was estimated as 18.15 cm for males and 30.92 cm for females. The growth parameter K was 1.61 year^-1 for males and 0.59 year^-1 for females. Total, natural and fishing mortality coefficients were 4.15, 1.61 and 2.54 year^-1 respectively for males and 1.78, 0.66 and 1.12 year^-1 respectively for females. The exploitation ratio obtained (0.61 for males and 0.63 for females) suggested that the population of 5. savignyi in the Gulf of Suez has been heavily exploited. Length at first maturity was estimated at 9.51 and 10.22 cm ML, while the length at first capture was estimated at 7.23 and 8.38 cm ML for males and females respectively. Yield per recruit and biomass per recruit analysis for sexes combined revealed that F should be reduced by about 44% to achieve the maximum Y/R. All approaches point to the need for drastic reduction in fishing pressure by about 40-50% of the present level in the Gulf of Suez.

6 illus, 4 tables, 20 ref

005769   Manojkumar T G;Madhusoodana Kurup B (School of Industrial Fisheries, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Cochin-682 016, Email: manojkumartg@yahoomail.com) : Age and grwoth of the carnatic carp, Puntius carnaticus (Jerdon, 1849) from Chalakudy river, Kerala. Indian J Fish 2010, 57(1), 81-5.

Based on length composition of commercial landings of Puntius carnaticus from the river Chalakudy in Kerala, growth parameters such as asymptotic length (Lα), growth co-efficent (K) and growth performance index (ϕ)) were estimated using ELEFAN I programme as 493.5 mm, 0.5 and 5.08 per annum in male and 504.6 mm, 0.65 and 5.22 per annum in female respectively. The life span of P. carnaticus was estimated to be 4-5 years. Males and females attain 286.9 mm and 345.18 mm respectively at the end of I year. The growth co-efficient 'K' of P. carnaticus (male= 0.5; female = 0.65) was also found to be comparable with many of the freshwater species used in aquaculture. Based on the present study, it can be concluded that along with other favorable characteristics, the higher growth rate of P. carnaticus in the first year of its life span makes this species an excellent candidate for freshwater aquaculture.

4 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

005768   Madhulika Singh;Borana K (Biotechnology Dep, Sadhu Vaswani College, Bairagarh-462 001) : Bio-chemical and anti-microbial sensitivity of a few pathogenic isolated from fish culture pond. Indian J appl pure Biol 2010, 25(1), 151-6.

Aeromonas and Pseudomonas cultures were isolate from fish culture pond water sample on nutrient agar plat and GSP plate. The isolated cultures were identified as Aeromonas and Pseudomonas on the basis of Gram-staining, morphological cultural characteristics, ctalase, cytochrome oxidase, glucose and other different bio-chemical tests. 15 antibiotics were studied against these bacteria possibly for treatment. Species of Aeromonas and Paeudomonas were sensitive to amikacin, amoxicillin, erythromycin, gentamicin, kanamycin, neomycin, polymixin, streptomycin, sulphadiazine, tetracycline and tobramycin but resistant to penicillin, ampicillin and bacitracin. Pseudomonas isolates were resistant to chloramphenicol but Aeromonas isolates were sensitive to chloramphenicol.

3 tables, 21 ref

005767   Kumar S;Singh R R;Singh R R;Pandit D N (Zoology Dep, V.K.S. University, Arrah-802 301) : Effect of growth on heart of Channa punctatus (Bloch). Modern J Life Sci 2009, 8(1-2), 21-4.

Deals with effect of growth on heart of Channa punctatus (Bloch). It was observed that the weight of heart of Channa punctatus (body weight 4.0±1.31 to 94.6±7.31 g) increased from 10.0±02 to 87.0±13 mg at 20±±1°C and the corresponding weight specific mass of heart decreased from 2.5±0.123 to 0.92±0.283 mg. Statistical analysis showed that with an increase in body weight, the weight of heart of Channa punctatus per individual and per unit body weight increased and decreased respectively by functional power of 0.558 and -0.014. The discussion concludes that Channa punctatus is an active fish.

1 table, 6 ref

005766   Kumar J;Kanaujia A (Zoology Dep, Lucknow Univ, Lucknow-226 007, Email: kanaujia.amita@gmail.com) : Conservation status of flying mammal : bats. Res Envir Life Sci 2009, 2(3), 137-46.

Bats are the only mammals that are capable of true flight. They belong to order Chiroptera, class of Mammalia. At present, there are approximately 1001 species of bats that are subcategorized as Megachiroptera (1 Family, 167 Frugivorous bat species) and Microchiroptera (16 Families, 834 Insectivorous species). They are found all over the world except the Arctic, the Antarctic and some islands. One of most unique features of bats is their modified forelimbs which support a wing membrane- Patagium (Flight adaptation). Bats play an important role in various ecosystems as they are important pollinators, seed dispersors and the most effective biological control agents of insect pests. Like many other species of wildlife, bats have also been subjected to the pressures of human population growth and development. The population decline for various species of bats have been attributed mainly to loss of habitats and persecution by humans. Approximately 25% of all species (nearly 238 species) are considered threatened by the International Union for Conservation Nature and Natural resource (IUCN), of which 29 bat species are categorized as critically endangered. Literature reveals that bats are no popular mammal and one of the least studied mammalian groups in Indian subcontinent. Besides other conservative measures, it is necessary to tackle the negative attitudes towards bats through a variety of educational activities, items and projects aimed at different strata of our society.

005765   Krishan Lal;Rawat G S (NO, Himachal Pradesh PWD, Sangrah, Sirmaur-173 023) : Additions to the flora of Himachal Pradesh from Sirmaur district-II. Indian J For 2009, 32(4), 611-12.

Five species of angiosperms are being reported here for the first time from the state of Himachal Pradesh. These are Chonemorpha fragrans (Moon) Alston, Glycosmis arborea (Roxb.) DC., Ipomoea sindica Stapf, Polygala erioptera DC. and Ventilago denticulata Willd. All species were collected from Sirmaur District during recent floristic surveys.

9 ref