Showing 12 results for Raju
Harshil Patel, Raju Vyas, Bhautik Dudhatra, Vaibhav Naik, Ashish Chavda, Devendra Chauhan, Amit Vaghashiya, Ramesh Vagadiya, Pranav Vaghashiya,
Volume 1, Issue 2 (12-2019)
Abstract
The Saurashtra Peninsula, the largest geographical region of Gujarat state, is a prominent place for herpetofauna in the state and recent herpetological explorations have uncovered three new reptilian species from this region. However, fine scale information on the distribution status of amphibians and reptiles, and baseline information about the regional herpetological diversity of many areas of Saurashtra is still lacking. In an attempt to fill the gaps in information, we surveyed the Girnar hill complex of Gujarat state for its herpetofaunal diversity from September, 2016 to August, 2018. In all, 56 species, comprising 10 species of amphibians belonging to 7 genera and 3 families and 46 species of reptiles, belonging to 31 genera and 15 families were recorded; of which, 2 unidentified frog and 2 unidentified lizard species need further taxonomic attention.
Govindappa Venu, Narayanappa Govinda Raju, Mark Wilkinson, Robert Kenneth Browne, Kulkarni Varadh, Gandlahalli Narasimaiah Balakrishna, Sompalem Ramakrishna, Govindaiah Venkatachalaiah,
Volume 2, Issue 3 (9-2020)
Abstract
In the present study, we report the discovery of the poorly known striped ichthyophiid caecilian Ichthyophis longicephalus from three new localities, each in three southern Indian states; Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Present records and available information on this species enable us to revise its IUCN Red List conservation status from Data Deficient (DD) to Least Concern (LC).
Harshil Patel, Raju Vyas,
Volume 2, Issue 3 (9-2020)
Abstract
We re-address the findings of recent publications on herpetofaunal diversity of certain urban areas of Gujarat, India, in which, authors have claimed to report nine frogs and two lizard species for the first time from the State, without any morphological data and/or voucher specimens. We present our critique and comments, with the known distributional ranges of these species and on these erroneous records. We also advocate removal of such species from the faunal list of Gujarat until confirmed reports, based on correctly identified vouchers, are presented. We recommend here that identification of a species should be done following standard protocols and by facilitating the deposition of voucher specimen/s in responsible public repositories for studies involving taxonomy, morphology and range extension.
Raju Vyas,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (3-2021)
Abstract
Blanford’s Rock Agama, Psammophilus blanfordanus is an Indian endemic species of lizard in family Agamidae. A pair of the species was kept in captivity for six months for a breeding biology study. The female laid six eggs (average size 12.61 x 8.13 mm) in the month of August and hatchlings emerged after 34 days of incubation. Ambient temperature ranged between 27.5 to 31.5 °C. Average hatchling size was 24.15 mm snout to vent length and 33.63 mm tail length. All of the six eggs hatched.
Harshil Patel, Rajdeep Jhala, Raju Vyas,
Volume 3, Issue 3 (9-2021)
Abstract
We provide an account on the distribution, morphology and biology of the Indian trinket snake, Coelognathus helena (Daudin, 1803) from Gujarat, India, and report the first record of the subspecies, Coelognathus helena nigriangularis Mohapatra, Schulz, Helfenberger, Hofmann, Dutta from the Gujarat state based on reptile surveys throughout the state. We show that our understanding regarding the morphology of this species is not fully known as our series of specimens shows a high range of 204–245 ventral scales in C. h. helena and 219–279 ventral scales, 78–98 subcaudal scales in C. h. monticollaris.
Anirudh Vasava, Raju Vyas, Vishal Mistry, Pradhyuman Sindha,
Volume 3, Issue 4 (12-2021)
Abstract
The freshwater ecosystems in Gujarat State, in the western part of India, are important habitats for various freshwater turtles. Due to the lack of information on survival and the morality of the freshwater turtles, we present new information on threats to the the Indian Flap-shelled turtle Lissemys punctata (Bonnaterre) and species mass mortalities observed in some water bodies of the Gujarat State. Approximately 1071 specimens of L. punctata and three specimens of the Ganges Soft-shelled turtle Nilssonia gangetica (Cuvier), along with large numbers of many other species of reptiles and fishes were recorded dead within a span of five years from January 2016 to December 2020. In some of the cases, the circumstantial evidence suggests that entanglement and trapping in fish nets could have been the reason, but large number of the deaths remained mysterious. This mysterious sudden death of aquatic reptiles in various water bodies of the state is of serious concern. We also discuss the possible explanation for these mysterious deaths.
Raju Vyas, Vishal Mistry, Pranav Vaghasiya, Devendra Chauhan,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
Railway lines, roadways, canals, and electricity cable networks, pose serious problems to wildlife, fragmenting habitats worldwide. These infrastructures are well-recognized as linear intrusions. Today it is a threat to wildlife, including the Mugger or Marsh Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris). The current study documents 15 crocodile-vehicle collisions (CVC) recorded in two years (2021 and 2022); 11 were on roads, and four were on railway tracks. Sex was determined for 11 individuals (five males, six females), and four unknown due to crushing). A total of 13 individuals were found dead at the various sites of collision, and two juvenile individuals were found injured, and one of them was treated successfully and returned to the wild. The high numbers (9) of CVCs occur in the Central Gujarat and follow 3 CVCs in Saurashtra, 2 CVC in the Kutch region, and one in north Gujarat. Mitigation measures would be required for the collision situationsin Gujarat are discussed. The literature survey shows totals of 75 CVCs were recorded within the last 18 years due to the state's road (n= 51, 68%) and railway (n= 24, 32%) networks, with the highest numbers of 56 CVCs observed in the Central Gujarat and lowest 2 CVC noted in north Gujarat, and no CVC was noted in south Gujarat. The high number of subadults and juvenile muggers victimized due to the CVC. The CVC site location in different regions of Gujarat state positively corresponds to crocodile populations. However, the Mugger crocodile (C. palustris) has been nationally protected under Indian Wildlife Act as Schedule I species, the IUCN criteria as ‘Vulnerable’, and the Appendix I of CITES, therefore conservation acts are essential. The CVC incidences were recorded widely in the entire species distribution range, from Iran, India, and Sri Lanka and can be classified as an emerging threat for mugger crocodiles.
Raju Vyas, Kartik Upadhyay,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (6-2023)
Abstract
The blackbuck Antilope cervicapra (Linnaeus) is a grassland antelope widely distributed in Pakistan, Nepal, and India. Here we present a review of the known horn anomaly in the species followed by two new examples: a male with an abnormal right 'curled' horn and a female with a horn at the Blackbuck National Park, Velavadar, Bhavnagar District, Gujarat State, India. We also provide a photographic record of a female with horns in captivity.
Talakadu Siddaraju Jayarajashekara, Pannaga Prasad Ganapathi, Honnagondanahalli Channaveerappa,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (6-2023)
Abstract
In this paper, a structural analysis of the rarely encountered hydrozoan medusa Limnocnida indica Annandale is discussed. This diploblastic, radially symmetrical organism has a body plan typical of hydrozoan medusae. In this study more emphasis was given to observation of the supporting components of its anatomical structures. Detailed observation on the distribution of supportive components including chitin, collagen, and noncellular fibers within the tissue organization has been carried out with the application of different types of staining methods. The neuromuscular arrangement at the rim of the umbrella and basal part of the gastrovascular cavity and the distribution of the neurons in the sub epithelial region of ectoderm have been analyzed both by staining and by scanning electron microscopy studies. Supporting blocks of chitin at the base of tentacles, along with statocysts, and ring-like deposition of chitin and collagen on the tentacles are documented. Distribution of collagen around radial canals in the mesoglea was found to be unique to this species. The mesoglea seems to be a storehouse for the macromolecules chitin and collagen.
Anisha Parajuli, Chitra Rekha Basyal, Manoj Baral, Hari Adhikari, Shailendra Kumar Yadav, Janga Bdr. Basnet, Sachin Timilsina,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (10-2023)
Abstract
Human-wildlife conflicts (HWC) are common in locations where human settlements and wildlife ecosystems intersect. Conflict between people and wildlife is a significant conservation issue that is challenging to resolve. Therefore, this research aims to reveal the trends, status, and patterns of HWC in the Buffer Zone (BZ) of Chitwan National Park (CNP) from July 2012 to July 2021. Primary data were collected through household surveys, key informant interviews (KIIs), direct observation, and secondary data from park offices, the Buffer Zone User Committee (BZUC), and institutions through reports, documents, and booklets. Our study shows crop raiding was the most common and notable problem, followed by livestock depredation, with 4416 documented cases. According to the report, elephants are the biggest conflict-causing species, accounting for 37.86% of overall losses. HWC occurrences peaked in 2018, accounting for 23.41% of total incidents from July 2012 to July 2021. During the research period, victims of HWC received compensation totaling ~0.805 million US dollars (106641196.00 Nepalese rupees). Autumn is identified as the greatest season for HWC, owing to paddy harvesting, which draws animals. Most people believe that the population density of wildlife increases in the park due to positive human participation. By adopting a participatory management approach to conservation, the park has the potential to increase the number of locals who benefit from it significantly.
Raju Vyas, Devendra Chauhan, Pranav Vaghashiya, Harshil Patel,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (In Press 2024)
Abstract
Mugger Crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) are apex predators of freshwater aquatic ecosystems throughout South Asia whose natural history and ecology are incompletely known. We present some noteworthy observations on feeding behavior, hunting strategy, and diet of the species based on seven observations during the last four years as part of a long-term monitoring study in Junagadh, Gujarat, India. We found Muggers of this region feeding on the domestic dog (Canis familiaris), Indian rock python (Python molurus), Indian flap-shelled turtle (Lissemys punctata), several species of fishes, as well as cannibalism events. Moreover, we review and discuss some published observations of the species.
Devvratsinh Mori, Raju Vyas, Gourav Dadhich,
Volume 6, Issue 2 (In Press 2024)
Abstract
The Merlin Falco columbarius, is a small falcon widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and North America. Merlin falcons are winter visitors to north India. They occur from an arid area in Gujarat to far northeast Arunachal Pradesh. Here, we present details of the Merlin's diet on winter foraging grounds in Gujarat and Rajasthan, Western India, based on a combination of direct observations from 2009 to 2023 and secondary data extracted from various social media platforms. A total of 99 hunting events of Merlin with their prey bird were collected from the study areas, including 39 generated from direct observation of falcon hunting and 60 images of falcons with prey items acquired from various electronic media. The higher number (72) of falcon hunting events were noted from Gujarat, while a lower number (28) of observations were noted from Rajasthan. Of the total of 99 hunting events, 83 were carried out by males, 11 by females, and 5 juvenile falcons observed hunting. The hunting times of the falcons were noted in the morning (67%), in the evening (28%), and the least (5%) were recorded in midday periods. Merlins hunted and consumed 17 different types of smaller birds belonging to seven families; the highest number (45.45%) of prey items were the Greater Short-toed Lark, Calandrella brachydactyla, from Family Alaudidae and the second highest prey species (7%) was the Barn Swallow, Hirundo rustica, family Hirundinidae. Most of the prey birds were larks of different species (70.70%), with the remaining prey birds in very low numbers. However, the present study supports an earlier study stating that a higher portion of smaller migratory birds are in the diets of Merlin falcons.
|