Showing 97 results for Type of Study: Original Research Article
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).
Majid Tavakoli, Somayeh Sattari, Asadollah Hosseini-Chegeni,
Volume 2, Issue 3 (9-2020)
Abstract
Zaprionus indianus is a very successful invasive species with a high dispersion capacity. In this paper we present the first host record of the African fig fly pest for western Iran. We use molecular data to support the identification of this species. In total, 250 larval specimens were collected. After immature rearing and adult emergence under laboratory conditions, the specimens were identified as Z. indianus based on morphological characters. Then, the morphological identification was confirmed by BLAST analysis of the COI nucleotide sequence, which showed 97%–100% identity to COI sequences of Z. indianus, submitted from different parts of world. This study can provide some insights into the identification, ecology and host preference of Z. indianus as a new invasive and potentially major pomegranate pest in western Iran.
Gauri Joshi, Bijaya Neupane, Deepa Dahal, Sami Shrestha, Prakash Dhakal, Catherine Mhae B. Jandug, Deepak Gautam,
Volume 2, Issue 3 (9-2020)
Abstract
Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) is on an increasing trend and has become one of the most challenging problems for the rural communities of developing nations like Nepal. There is limited information available on HWC in Kailali district, Nepal. The objective of our study was to explore the different incidents and the perceptions of local people on HWC within four different sites in Kailali district. To collect information three different methods were used, a questionnaire survey (n= 80), key informant interviews (n= 10) and focus group discussions (n= 4); all during February and March 2018. Different records of HWC incidents were collected that occurred during the period of one year in 2017, except for information on human attacks which were collected from 2015 to 2017. Of the total of 102 HWC incidents, crop damage was the most severe problem followed by property damage (15) and livestock depredation (9). The Asian elephant (n= 54) was the most conflicting species for crop damage, followed by the Rhesus macaque (n= 23) and the wild pig (n= 14). Similarly, property damage was mostly caused by elephants (n= 10) and other animals (n= 5). Rice (43%) was the most damaged crop type by the conflicting species, followed by wheat (28%) and then maize (9%). For property damage, 19% of respondents reported suffering house damage while 11% suffered damage to stored food. Shouting and hitting drums was the most applied measure during HWC’s but other measures for human-wild animals co-existence and resolution are suggested.
Khan Ashaharraza, Nirmal U. Kulkarni, K. P. Dinesh, Abhijeet Narsinrao Dani,
Volume 2, Issue 4 (12-2020)
Abstract
Schneider’s Toad, Duttaphrynus scaber (Schneider, 1799) is known to be distributed over the coastal peninsular, northern parts of central India and northeastern states of India. However, despite the availability of multiple published reports, there are few verified records of its occurrence from central India. Herein, we present two records of D. scaber, one from the Vidarbha region of Maharashtra State, central India with morphometric data, another from northern Western Ghats, from the Goa region, with morphometric, as well as molecular, data. The site selection for dormancy, sympatric species, and microhabitat preferences during the breeding season of Duttaphrynus scaber is discussed.
Tekou Guegang, Judith Georgette Makombu, Claudine Tekounegning Tiogue, Alexia Kevine Noubissi Chiassa, Pamela Cynthia Mepa Tchiegang, Boddis Tsigua Zebaze, Augustave Kenfack,
Volume 2, Issue 4 (12-2020)
Abstract
In order to evaluate wild clams for possible domestication with a view to aquaculture, the present study focused on the phenotypic characteristics of wild clams of the genus Egeria Roissy, 1805 in the Lower Sanaga River of Cameroon, with the main objective of contributing to a better understanding of their biology. A total of 2340 clams of different sizes were collected between March 2018 to March 2019 at three sites in the lower part of the Sanaga River, namely Bolounga-Moulongo, Mpombo-Boloy and Maldjedou-Bonapembe. Phenotypic characteristics (including internal and exterior coloration of the shell, type and number of shell stripes, color of the mantle, shape of the pallial sinus, and indices of elongation, compactness and convexity) were collected on each individual and evaluated according to the site and the season. The results showed four predominant colors on the exterior face of the shell (66.0% yellow, 29.1% brown, 4.7% dark and 0.2% pink), three colors on the internal face of the shell (89.4% white, 10.5% white-purple and 0.1% white-pink), three types and number of shell stripes (57.8% visible stripes, 23.4% barely visible stripes and 18.8% absent stripes), two colors of the mantle (17.5% white and 82.5% orange), two types of the pallial sinus (60.5% dorsally angular, and 39.5% regularly rounded), 99.8% oval shapes (elongation index), 99.7% convex shapes (convexity index) and 52.7% compact shapes (compactness index). The results for clam characteristics were not influenced by the site nor the season, apart from the compactness index which varied according to the site. Phenotypically, the clams of the Lower Sanaga River showed several similarities with the species Egeria radiata and the specimens that showed a pink color of the shell similar to the species Egeria rubicunda. Molecular characterization is therefore necessary to explain the origin of the diversity of phenotypic characteristics in the clam’s species population in this area.
Pooja R Patel, Krupal J Patel, Kauresh D Vachhrajani, Jigneshkumar N Trivedi,
Volume 2, Issue 4 (12-2020)
Abstract
The present study deals with gastropod shell utilization of the hermit crab, Clibanarius rhabdodactylus Forest on the rocky intertidal zone of the Saurashtra coast, Gujarat State, India. Collection of the specimens was carried out using a hand-picking method in June and December 2018 during low tide. The hermit crab weight (HW) and shield length (SL) were measured and sorted in different class intervals of 1 mm each. Gastropod shells were identified and morphological variables such as shell dry weight (DW), shell length (SHL), shell volume (SHV), shell aperture length (SAL), and shell aperture width (SAW) were recorded. A total of 2000 individuals of C. rhabdodactylus were collected, occupying 29 different species of gastropod shells. Males and non-ovigerous females occupied a greater number of gastropod shell species (25 and 27 respectively) as compared to ovigerous females (23 species). Males and ovigerous females preferred larger shells as compared to non-ovigerous females. Cerithium caeruleum (Sowerby II) (67.1%) was the highest occupied gastropod shell species followed by Lunella coronata (Gmelin), Tenguella granulata (Duclos) and Turbo bruneus (Roding). Regression analysis showed a moderate relationship between the different morphological variables of hermit crabs and gastropod shells; the highest values of coefficient of determination were obtained between hermit wet weight and gastropod shell dry weight. The values of relationship between different morphological variables of hermit crabs and gastropod shells suggest that shell architecture has a significant impact on shell utilization patterns of C. rhabdodactylus.
Ashraf Jazayeri, Fahimeh Saberi, Tayebeh Mohammadi,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (3-2021)
Abstract
The Marsh frog, Pelophylax ridibundus (Pallas) is distributed in Central Europe from northeastern France, north to the southern shorelines of the Baltic Sea (and extreme southern Finland), south to northeastern Spain, northern Italy and the Balkans including eastern Greece, east to approximately 81° E in Asiatic Russia, and south to western Iran and Afghanistan. The present study has been conducted on populations of P. ridibundus in the northern, eastern and southern regions of the Shadegan Wetland of Khuzestan Province, Iran with the aim of examining some aspects of its morphology and karyotype. Frog specimens were collected from different portions of the Shadegan Wetland during spring and autumn 2016 and transferred to the laboratory. According to the morphological results, three color patterns are identified among the samples in terms of the morphology, morphometry and sex - according to the sex independency test. T-test results between males and females indicate a significant difference in all traits and the results of a T2 Hotelling test show that there is sexual dimorphism between males and females. However, the results of multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) illustrate a separation between males of the northern region and the two other regions, and no differentiation between females in the eastern and southern regions of the wetland. The karyotype of the species in the wetland included 2n = 26, one pair of which had a sex chromosome.
Jash Hang Limbu, Suren Subba, Jeevan Kumar Gurung, Jawan Tumbahangfe, Bharat Raj Subba,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (3-2021)
Abstract
We assessed the correlation of fish assemblages with habitat and environmental variables temporally from July and October, 2019 and January and April, 2020 across 5 study sites in the Phewa Khola stream of Mangsebung Rural Municipality, Ilam, Nepal. We sampled 3571 fish representing 13 species, belonging to 3 orders, 4 families, and 9 genera. An analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) indicated that there is a significant difference between the fish assemblage structure in space (R= 0.833, P= 0.001) but not in time (R= -0.148, P= 0.985). Our habitat study showed that glides, runs, pools and deep pools are the primary habitats contributing to the maximum diversity in the Phewa Khola stream. The canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) affirmed that variables such as pH, water temperature, water velocity, total hardness and dissolved oxygen play an important role in shaping fish species distribution. Results from the similarity percentage analysis (SIMPER) hinted that, 67.08% similarity was found between the months and the major contributing species were Schistura multifasciata (20.61%), Devario aequipinnatus (16.48%), Schistura rupecula (15.65%), Garra annandalei (15.36%), Schistura horai (7.74%), Schistura scaturigina (5.91%), Schistura savona (5.74%), Schizothorax plagiostomus (4.37%), Channa punctata (3.9%), Puntius terio (1.9%) and Neolissochilus hexagonolepis (1.39%). On the contrary, a 76.23% similarity was found between the sites and the major contributing species were Schistura multifasciata (21%), Devario aequipinnatus (16.8%), Garra annandalei (15.89%), Schistura rupecula (15.38%), Schistura horai (7.7%), Schistura scaturigina (5.66%), Schistura savona (4.9%), Schizothorax plagiostomus (4.4%), Channa punctata (3.97%), Puntius terio (2%) and Neolissochilus hexagonolepis (1.43%). Ongoing road development, micro-hydropower generation, the use of poisonous herbicides, illegal electro-fishing, deforestation and water diversion are all found to be major threats to the present fish species of the Phewa Khola stream.
Fanai Malsawmdawngliana, Mathipi Vabeireiryulai, Tara Malsawmdawngzuali, Lal Biakzuala, Lalengzuala Tochhawng, Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (3-2021)
Abstract
The occurrence of the hormurid scorpion Liocheles australasiae (Fabricius) is reported for the first time from the state of Mizoram, northeast India. The specimens were identified on the basis of morphological characters and molecular analysis using a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase subunit I gene. The species is reported from multiple localities within the state, constituting at least seven different populations. The specimens were larger than those from previous records.
Kaushik Deuti, Ramaswamy Aengals, Sujoy Raha, Sudipta Debnath, Ponnusamy Sathiyaselvam, Sumaithangi Rajagopalan Ganesh,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (3-2021)
Abstract
We report on a topotypical specimen of the spot-tailed pit viper Trimeresurus erythrurus recorded from Sunderbans in India and a distant, southerly, range extension from Kakinada mangroves, based on preserved (n= 1, seen in 2019) and live uncollected (n= 2; seen in 2014) specimens, respectively. The specimens (n= 3) share the following characteristics: verdant green dorsum, yellow iris, white ventrolateral stripes in males, 23 midbody scale rows, 161–172 ventrals, 61–76 subcaudals, and reddish tail tip. Drawing on the published records, its apparent rarity within its type locality and lack of records from the Circar Coast of India, our study significantly adds to the knowledge of the distribution and morphology of this species. Being a medically important venomous snake, its presence in the Godavari mangrove basin calls for wider dissemination of this information among medical practitioners, in addition to fundamental researchers like academics and herpetologists.
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.
Jigme Tshelthrim Wangyal, Tandel Zangpo, Sonam Phuntsho,
Volume 3, Issue 1 (3-2021)
Abstract
We report the discovery of the Sikkim Frog, Ombrana sikimensis from Central Bhutan’s Zhemgang district, in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. The frog which is found residing in a clean perennial stream is used by the local for consumption. It is supposed to heal stomach related ailments in human beings. This record will help Bhutan understand the use of the species and help in prioritizing conservation and the importance of the species.
Yatin Kalki, Chayant Gonsalves, Daniel B. Wylie, Karthik A. K. Sundaram, Tristan D. Schramer,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (6-2021)
Abstract
Systematic and thorough studies of snake populations across large areas are rare in the tropics. Bengaluru city in southern India has not had a thorough checklist of snakes in over a century, during which time land-use changes, taxonomic revisions, and fluctuating reptile populations have left the current status of snakes of this region unclear. We combine data from snake rescues, visual encounter surveys, and other reliable records to generate a contemporary checklist of 33 snake species (15 of which are novel) present within the Bengaluru Urban District with comments on their apparent habitat preferences. We also provide evidence and insight on six additional species that have not been recorded but potentially occur within the limits of the district. Compared with the earlier checklist, all but 4 species (Naja naja, Ptyas mucosa, Daboia russelii, and Fowlea piscator) have shown considerable decline within city limits. Additionally, all of India’s “Big Four” medically significant venomous snake species (Naja naja, Bungarus caeruleus, Daboia russelii, and Echis carinatus) are found within the district. Naja naja and Daboia russelii appear to be well-adjusted to urbanization with serious ramifications for human-wildlife conflict and healthcare in the future as the majority of Indian snakebite deaths can be attributed to these two species. The population trajectory of Daboia russelii is of particular interest as it was classified as “not common” in the previous checklist, but it is presently one of the most abundant snake species in the area. Our study provides a new baseline that can be used to monitor ophidian population trends going forward.
Pranav Pandya, Mansi Thakkar, Mansi Goswami,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (6-2021)
Abstract
Natural and human disturbances can affect population and community assemblages in complex ways. The present study was carried out from June 2019 to January 2020, along the Northern Gulf of Kachchh (can also be spelled as Kutch), western India wherein an effort was made to investigate the intertidal assemblage at three distinct but spatially closely located stations (Kathda, Mandvi, and Modhva). The efforts were also made to correlate anthropogenic effects with intertidal assemblage. The Mandvi station served as an anthropogenically active area whereas the other two remained as control stations with minimal disturbance. Replicate quadrat samples on fixed transect lines and wet biomass analyses were carried out for three seasons. In total, 43 species, viz. Mollusca (21), Crustacea (12), Polychaeta (7), Nemertea (1), and fishes (2) were recorded. Cumulatively, during pre-monsoon, post-monsoon and winter, overall population densities ranged from 0 to 999 individuals/m2; biomass from 0 to 899 g/m2, and the Simpson evenness index score remained between 0.15 to 0.89. Overall, high density and diversity were observed during winter (December 2019 and January 2020) with the maximum number of two Mollusc species Umbonium vestiarium and Cerethidia cingulata. High densities were observed at the Modhva station followed by Kathda and Mandvi stations. Relatively lower intertidal macrofaunal diversity and density were clearly observed at Mandvi station which is a famous tourist destination. Comparative data recorded in the present study can serve as a vital baseline and can be a part of future monitoring processes, especially at anthropogenically influenced stations.
Lal Muansanga, Malnica Vanlal Malsawmtluangi, Gospel Zothanmawia Hmar, Lal Biakzuala, Vanlal Siammawii, Mathipi Vabeiryureilai, Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (6-2021)
Abstract
Based on a collection of Kurixalus specimens collected from different localities in Mizoram State, we report the occurrence of Kurixalus yangi from the State. Species identification was confirmed based on morphology and molecular data (mitochondrial 16S rRNA marker gene sequence). In addition, we confirm the previous record of Kurixalus naso from the same region to be erroneous as it is in fact K. yangi. Herein, we reassess the systematic status of this montane population of Kurixalus from Northeast India and provide evidence for its distinction from Kurixalus naso sensu stricto, thereby reporting K. yangi as an addition to the amphibian fauna of Mizoram. This record represents the southernmost distribution of the species.
Naresh Subedi, Babu Ram Lamichhane, Yajna Nath Dahal, Ram Chandra Kandel, Madhuri Karki Thapa, Rajan Regmi, Binod Shrestha,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (6-2021)
Abstract
Conserving tigers (Panthera tigris) in highly fragmented landscapes is a daunting task. Terai Arc Landscape (TAL) at the base of the Himalayas aims to connect the remaining Tiger habitats in southern Nepal and northwestern India. Tiger population clusters in central (Chitwan-Parsa) and western (Bardia-Banke) Nepal are distinct with limited connectivity in recent past. We present the photographic evidence of Bengal tiger (P. tigris tigris) from forest patch between these population clusters for the first time. The photographs were obtained during camera trap survey across Chure region of Nepal in 2018. Two adult tigers–a female and a male—were photographed ~40 km apart. This record indicates the possibility that tiger habitat extends outside the protected areas in Nepal and natural linkages between Chitwan-Parsa and Bardia-Banke tiger population clusters through forest corridors along the Chure region. Conservation efforts should also focus on the forests outside protected areas especially the critical biological corridors to conserve tigers in TAL via a meta-population approach.
Amaal Yasser, Murtada Naser,
Volume 3, Issue 2 (6-2021)
Abstract
The present study is part of an ongoing project on the mollusc diversity of Iraq. Specimens of the gastropod Pupa affinis were collected live from the intertidal zone of the northwest of the Persian Gulf, Iraq, in the Fao region. The species was identified to species level using standard taxonomic literature. It is widely distributed in the Persian Gulf; however, this study provides the first record from the Iraqi coast. Also, a checklist of the marine gastropods from the Iraqi coast is provided and now comprises 32 species belonging to 30 genera within 24 families.
Debayan Gayen, Paromit Chatterjee, Tapajit Bhattacharya,
Volume 3, Issue 3 (9-2021)
Abstract
The present study was conducted to determine the diversity of mammalian species from a peri-urban coal mining region of West Bengal for almost three years from September 2017 to August 2020. The survey was done on the basis of direct sightings, extensive searches, detection and identification of indirect mammalian signs such as pug marks and droppings, opportunistic sightings and road-kill incidents. Secondary information from previous literature and information from local people, citizen scientists and Forest Department were also included in the study. A total of 20 mammals belonging to 9 orders, 15 families and 20 genera were observed from 31 locations during the present study and 6 species belonging to two orders, three families and four genera which were previously reported from the present study location but not observed during this study were also included in the list. Two endangered species, Asian Elephant Elephas maximus and Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata, were observed from the present study location within the study period. Based on the habitat types, the maximum number of species was observed from the Human Habitation (HH) areas whereas the least number of species was noted from the Riverside Zones (RS). Proportion of the different habitat types for each mammalian species found in the present study and also obtained from literature depicted that Asian House Shrew Suncus murinus, Asian Palm Squirrel Funambulus pennant and Indian Pygmy Pipistrelle Pipistrellus mimus were among the most abundant mammals in the study area. Golden Jackal Canis aureus was observed from a wide variety of habitat types whereas the two varieties of civets were only observed from the riverside areas. Principle Component Analysis between species and habitat type indicated that the Bengal Fox Vulpes bengalensis and the Black-naped Hare Lepus nigricollis were only associated with the grasslands. The Hanuman Langur Semnopithecus entellus and other small rodent species were generally found in the human habitation areas. Various threats like habitat destruction, habitat degradation and hunting posed the major problems in the present study location.
Mahamad Sayab Miya, Deepak Gautam, Bijaya Neupane, Apeksha Chhetri,
Volume 3, Issue 3 (9-2021)
Abstract
Odonata are one of the most ancient, well studied and fascinating insect orders considered as bio-indicators of aquatic ecosystems. Studies on Odonata have been carried out in many parts of Nepal, but no specific study has been performed in Tanahun. Hence, a study was conducted to determine the species diversity and abundance of Odonata in the Sishaghat of Tanahun district, Nepal from June to August 2020. A transect survey method was used for data collection. A total of six transects (three in each habitat type: agricultural lands and forest streams), each with a length of 200 m were laid out randomly and each transect was surveyed three times. Data were pooled and analyzed with SPSS. A total of 629 individuals of 26 Odonata species from 20 genera and 7 families were recorded. The overall Shannon-Wiener diversity index was H= 2.25, Shannon Equitability was E= 0.69 and Margalefs’ richness index was R= 3.88. Sub-order Anisoptera was more diverse (H= 1.94) and more abundant (n= 545) than Zygoptera (H= 1.31, n= 84). However, species richness was higher and evenness lower in Zygoptera (R= 2.26, E= 0.55) than Anisoptera (R= 2.22, E= 0.72). Anisoptera comprised 15 species within 10 genera from two families and Zygoptera comprised 11 species within seven genera from five families. The family Libellulidae represented the highest species richness (R= 1.75). Neurothemis fulvia and Orthetrum pruinosum were the most abundant species (RA= 23.21 and 21.78 respectively). Of the recorded Odonata, 25 species are included under the least concern and one under the vulnerable category of the IUCN. A higher number of species was found in agricultural lands (nine species); hence, the water bodies around this habitat should be preserved to conserve the Odonata.
K. Deepak Singh, Bishnu Prasad Bhattarai,
Volume 3, Issue 3 (9-2021)
Abstract
Jakhor Taal is an ox-bow perennial lake, situated in Dhangadhi sub-metropolitan city in Kailali district, Nepal. The present study focuses on the factors determining fish diversity, socio-economic status of fishing communities and conservation challenges of Jakhor Taal. Fish sampling was done by gill net, cast net and other local fishing techniques such as Helka and Tiyari nets and Dhadiya trap. A total of 24 fish species (8 exotic and 16 native) were recorded belonging to 7 orders, 14 families and 22 genera. The order Cypriniformes was found to be highest, obtaining 41.66% of the total fish species recorded and 65.38% of total fish caught during the study period (February 2019 - August 2019) followed by Siluriformes (20.33%) and Perciformes (16.67%), respectively. The Shannon-Weiner diversity index was found highest (2.93) in winter (February) and lowest (2.76) in summer (July). Similarly, the Simpson and Evenness values were also found slightly higher during winter (February) in comparison to summer (July). The Shannon-Weiner diversity index was found highest (2.73) at station II in comparison to station I, III, and IV where it was 2.31, 2.09, and 2.04, respectively. Results from the Redundancy analysis (RDA) revealed that the environmental variables such as water temperature, depth and dissolved oxygen were found to be highly significant to most of the fish species at different stations and months. However, pH and free CO2 was not shown to have any relationship or significance. Altogether, 22 clusters were formed in which exotic species show highly significant clustering in comparison to native species. The socio-economic status of the local fishing communities is below the poverty line and the lake and its fishing resources play vital roles in their diet and income source. In the context of conservation challenges and implications, this lake is highly neglected by both governmental and local communities and this negatively affects its natural properties through habitat destruction, illegal fishing, urbanization, invasive species, and a general lack of awareness.
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