Spartaco Gippoliti ,
Volume 4, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
Many users of taxonomic lists believe them to be based on consistent data, but this is rarely true, and biased knowledge may be the rule rather than the exception. In the present essay on the taxonomy of primates of the Horn of Africa, I show how taxonomic history has consequences for the present appreciation of primate diversity in the region, and thus in directing conservation efforts. To minimize future losses, it is necessary that international bodies recognize taxonomic checklists as works in progress, eventually encouraging further integrated approaches to taxa delimitation.
Sagar Adhurya, Debayan Gayen, Suvendu Das, Santanu Ray,
Volume 4, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
The focus of the present study was (i) to develop a complete checklist, (ii) to find the seasonal variation of waterbird diversity, and (iii) to assess the population trends of different waterbirds at Lake-2 of the Ballavpur Wildlife Sanctuary (BWLS), Birbhum District, West Bengal, India. The study was carried out from January 2018 to November 2019. All waterbirds spanning in the freshwater lake were counted with field binoculars and digital cameras. The bird count data were used to calculate different biodiversity indices (such as Shannon-Weiner diversity index, Simpson’s Diversity Index etc.). Further, we assessed the population trends of different waterbirds with the data available from eBird. A total of 32 waterbird species belonging to 27 genera, 9 families and 8 orders were recorded during the present study. Dendrocygna javanica (Horsfield) was found to be the most dominant species throughout the year. Maximum richness and abundance were recorded during the winter months (December to February), whereas the highest species diversity was recorded during the monsoon months (March to June). The present study further establishes that both the richness and abundance of the waterbirds at BWLS have increased as compared to the past data. However, various species of wading waterbirds that were recorded previously were not observed during the present study. Moreover, the population trend analysis revealed a strong decline in the population of Mareca strepera (Linnaeus) and a moderate increase in the population of Ardeola grayii (Sykes). Thus, the present study concludes that BWLS supports high waterbird diversity irrespective of its small area.
Laxmi Prasad Upadhyaya, Naresh Pandey, Laxman Khanal,
Volume 4, Issue 1 (3-2022)
Abstract
The Kathmandu Valley, encompassing the capital city of Nepal, is one of the fastest growing metropolitan areas in South Asia. Rapid population growth and urbanization in Kathmandu have degraded the urban environment affecting the native biota. Therefore, a detailed assessment of avian species richness and its distribution in potential green spaces of the Kathmandu Valley is essential. We assessed the avian diversity in different habitats of the Tribhuvan University area, a potential refuge for birds in the urban landscape, by the point count method in the winter and summer of 2020. A total of 71 bird species from 39 genera and 32 families comprising 10 orders - ‘including the globally endangered Steppe eagle (Aquila nipalensis)’ - were recorded. Of the 10 orders, Passeriformes (44 species), had the highest richness followed by Columbiformes, Piciformes and Cuculiformes (with four species in each). Among the feeding guilds, the insectivorous guild (with 28 species) had the highest species richness followed by omnivores and carnivores. A higher Shannon’s diversity index was recorded in forest habitats (3.51) than built-up areas (3.45) or farmland (3.42). Despite the small size, our study has shown that the Tribhuvan University area is an important greenspace for birds in the Kathmandu Valley. An extensive exploration, monitoring and management of greenspaces are crucial for maintaining the ecological integrity of the urban landscape of the Kathmandu Valley.
Subhajit Roy, Aniruddha Singhamahapatra, Amar Kumar Nayak,
Volume 4, Issue 2 (6-2022)
Abstract
The diversity and heterogeneity of Odonata was studied at 10 sites located across almost all parts of the Bankura district (except northwestern and northeastern boundary regions), in the state of West Bengal, India from July 2015 to June 2022. Analysis of variance and rarefaction was performed to study the β-diversity and compare the taxa abundance at the sites to understand the heterogeneity of Odonata observations. The seasonality of the species and their site-wise distribution were also studied. A total of 74 odonate species belonging to eight families, represented by 46 genera were recorded. The study adds 17 species to the known Odonata fauna of Bankura district, including the addition of Microgomphus torquatus (Selys) to the fauna of West Bengal. It also confirms the addition of Ictinogomphus kishori to the known Odonata fauna of West Bengal, which has been confused with and misidentified as Ictinogomphus distinctus for long, the latter being described from the state of West Bengal and is also found in the region adjacent to the study area. Most recorded odonates belonged to the family Libellulidae (29 species), followed by Coenagrionidae (19 species), Gomphidae (nine species), Platycnenididae (six species), Aeshnidae (five species), Macromiidae (three species), Lestidae (two species), and Chlorocyphidae (one species). Species diversity and abundance assessments are essential for conserving the habitats of the restricted and endemic (to peninsular India) species.
Lam Norbu, Phuntsho Thinley, Ugyen Dechen, Bal Krishna Koirala, Tshering Dorji, Dawa Tshering, Pasang Dorji, Sonam Tobgay,
Volume 4, Issue 2 (6-2022)
Abstract
A rarely recorded small carnivore, the Spotted linsang (Prionodon pardicolor), is among Asia’s least studied members of the family Prionodontidae. We report the first photographic evidence of its presence from the Tashigang Forest Division of eastern Bhutan. A non-invasive camera trap survey during the nationwide tiger survey in 2014–2015 and an opportunistic wildlife monitoring exercise in 2020 photo trapped the species on two independent occasions. On the first occasion the individual was recorded at the altitude of 2,308 m a.s.l. and the later at 2,952 m a.s.l. The main threats to the species in the region are not currently well known, highlighting the importance of additional studies to ascertain its distribution and status in the Tashigang Forest Division.
Rajendra Singh, Garima Singh,
Volume 4, Issue 2 (6-2022)
Abstract
In this review, an updated checklist of spider diversity in Rajasthan, India is presented. A total of 173 spider species from 90 genera belonging to 25 families are listed with records/descriptions originating from only 20 out of 33 districts of Rajasthan. A total of 74 taxa recorded from various districts of Rajasthan were identified only up to generic level. The maximum number of spider species were recorded from Jodhpur district (72 species), followed by Ajmer (69 species), Bharatpur (66 species), Pali (63 species), Jaipur (58 species), Dholpur and Karauli (38 species each), Jhunjhunu and Sikar (31 species each), Sri Ganga Nagar (26 species), Hanumangarh (25 species), and Jaisalmer (26 species). A fewer number of species are known from other districts. Thus far, no faunal surveys of spiders have been conducted in 13 districts of Rajasthan. Most of the national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, forest areas, agricultural fields, human dwellings, etc. within the state still await intensive and extensive surveys to record the spider fauna.
Spartaco Gippoliti, Dario Fraschetti, Osman Gedow Amir, Francesco M. Angelici,
Volume 4, Issue 2 (6-2022)
Abstract
There is an increased recognition of the threat status of the African lion (Panthera leo), once a widespread top predator of open African habitats. However, our knowledge about the biology of the species is often based on a few study sites in South and East Africa, and the present subspecific taxonomy developed by the IUCN reinforces an idea of homogeneity of the species in Africa. A synthesis of available knowledge regarding the lions of Southern Somalia, formerly proposed as a distinct subspecies, Panthera leo somaliensis is presented. Particular attention is paid to the issue of manelessness in males, a phenomenon that has been studied in Tsavo (N.E. Kenya) but it is highlighted for the first time for the Southern Somalia region. Although our data cannot lead to a definitive answer about the taxonomic status of Somali lions, there is enough evidence to call for further studies and conservation efforts, also in the light of the increased evidence of genetic discontinuity in lions associated with strong ecological barriers.
Ahmad Mahmoudi, Atilla Arslan, Masoumeh Khoshyar, Boris Kryštufek,
Volume 4, Issue 2 (6-2022)
Abstract
Although recent molecular data has advocated the distinct position of Arvicola persicus De Filippi from Iran, karyotypic and differential chromosome staining data, informative tools to describe biological diversity, are lacking. Here we present the first description of the chromosome complement of A. persicus from its type locality in Sultaniyeh, southern Alborz Mountains, Iran. Though the diploid chromosome number (2n= 36) and the fundamental number of autosomal arms (FNa= 60) did not deviate from that reported for Arvicola amphibius sensu lato in Eurasia (2n= 36, FNa= 60–68), there appear to be significant differences between A. persicus and A. amphibius s.l. in terms of C-bands and NOR-bearing autosomes. Banded karyology, therefore, provides further evidence for delimiting A. persicus as a species, which is distinct from A. amphibius.
Erica Demilio, Denis V. Tumanov, Colin Lawton, Reinhardt Møbjerg Kristensen, Jesper Guldberg Hansen,
Volume 4, Issue 2 (6-2022)
Abstract
Two new heterotardigrade (Tardigrada) species, Bryodelphax pucapetricolus sp. nov. and Bryodelphax wallacearthuri sp. nov., are described from moss associated with limestone pavement in the Republic of Ireland. The species description process for these two taxa initiated a more detailed exploration of several morphological characters of importance in Bryodelphax Thulin including cuticular sculpture elements and ventral plate morphology. Division of the third dorsal median plate in the context of the genera Bryochoerus Marcus and Bryodelphax is further discussed. We recommend minor emendations to the generic diagnoses of Bryochoerus and Bryodelphax. Also, we emend the species diagnoses of Bryodelphax aaseae Kristensen, Michalczyk and Kaczmarek and Bryodelphax parvuspolaris Kaczmarek, Zawierucha, Smykla and Michalczyk, record the genus Parechiniscus Cuénot from the Republic of Ireland for the first time, and make suggestions relevant to the taxonomy of limnoterrestrial heterotardigrades.
Milan Baral, Anisha Neupane,
Volume 4, Issue 2 (6-2022)
Abstract
The Black-headed Bunting Emberiza melanocephala Scopoli is a scarce winter visitor and passage migrant bird in Nepal being recorded mainly in the eastern part of the country. Similarly, the Blue-winged Laughingthrush Trochalopteron squamatum (Gould) is an uncommon resident of Nepal with rare observations reported from central-west to eastern Nepal. Also, the Tricolored Munia Lonchura malacca (Linnaeus) is considered as a local resident in Nepal especially in the Chitwan National Park, Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and Kathmandu Valley. None of these species have been photographed in the Pokhara Valley previously. This study presents the first photographic record of E. melanocephala and T. squamatum, and the first ever record of L. malacca from the Pokhara Valley, Nepal. Emberiza melanocephala was observed during the winter season in bushes of Ipomoea carnea while T. squamatum and L. malacca were recorded during the autumn and monsoon season in evergreen Schima-Castanopsis forest, and clumps of the reed Phragmites karka respectively.
Jigme Tenzin, Yeshi Phuntsho, Dr. Phuntsho Thinley, Karma Tenzin,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (9-2022)
Abstract
In Bhutan, protected areas constitute 51.4% of the total geographical area, out of which 7.7% is designated biological corridors (BCs) that serve as connectors between protected areas. The biological corridor (BC-03) constitutes a total area of 407.7 km² and connects Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary in the west, Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park and Royal Manas National Park in the north and southeast through Sarpang–Tsirang District landscapes. However, most BCs, including BC-03, lack comprehensive inventories of mammal species. We conducted joint rapid biodiversity assessment (RBA) using camera trap surveys from November 2019 to February 2020. Our findings from BC-03 include records of 26 mammal species belonging to 11 families in five orders. Nearly half of these species are listed as Endangered, Vulnerable, or Near Threatened. Overall, the BC-03 landscape was found to support 77.8% of the mammal species of Sarpang District and 21.7% of Bhutan (as per Biodiversity Statistics of Bhutan, 2017). Therefore, BC-03 is of conservation interest. Comprehensive conservation plans, periodic monitoring of keystone species, and restrictions on the expansion of cardamom plantations in BCs are suggested for securing wildlife habitats and ensuring long-term persistence of keystone species, including within BC-03 in southcentral Bhutan.
Lam Norbu, Phuntsho Thinley, Norbu Jamtsho, Lekey Dorji, Pema Tenzin, Tandin Wangchuk, Ugyen Lhendup, Pasang Dorji, Zapa Dorji, Karma Jamtsho, Tshering Dorji, Tandin Jamtsho, Sangay Lodey, Ugyen Dechen,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (9-2022)
Abstract
Hawkmoths are a charismatic, diverse group of moths that are well-studied worldwide. In this study, we explored and presented the first ever comprehensive hawkmoth checklist for Tashigang Forest Division, Bhutan with five new taxa records for the country. We conducted fauna exploration over a period of five years (2017–2021). Data were collected opportunistically from twelve different localities. Online database and the current literature on hawkmoths of Bhutan were referred to for correct species identifications and nomenclature. We recorded a total of 48 species belonging to 23 genera and four subfamilies. Macroglossinae was the most dominant subfamily with 29 species, followed by Smerinthinae with 14 species, Sphinginae with four and Langiinae with one species. Ampelophaga thomasi Kitching and Cadiou, Cechetra subangustata Rothschild, Macroglossum saga Butler, Rhagastis confusa Rothschild and Jordan, and Notonagemia analis R. Felder are here reported as representing five new records to Bhutan. Further investigation in the area and in other parts of Bhutan appear necessary to discover more hawkmoth species and reveal endemism.
Namgay Dorji, Bal Krishna Koirala, Tashi Phuntsho, Yeshi Tshering, Khandu Tshomo, Phuntsho Tobgay,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (9-2022)
Abstract
The Great slaty woodpecker Mulleripicus pulverulentus (Temminck) is a globally threatened bird species and has been categorized as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. We report the first photographic evidence of M. pulverulentus from Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary (PWS), Sarpang district, in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. A group, comprising five individuals, of M. pulverulentus was sighted opportunistically at the study location on 19 April 2022. We recorded the nesting cavities actively used by M. pulverulentus in the forest habitat dominated by Sal trees (Shorea robusta). This study highlights the significance of protecting lowland forests, and mature Sal stands in particular, for conservation of this globally threatened species of bird.
Lutz Christian Maul ,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (9-2022)
Abstract
The book by Boris Kryštufek and Georgy I. Shenbrot, published a few weeks ago, is an encyclopaedic masterpiece and up-to-date standard work on the rodent group of Arvicolinae Gray, 1821 (voles and lemmings) belonging to the family Cricetidae Fischer, 1817 (hamsters). The authors are two experts on these mammals, and are known worldwide by scientists working in mammalogy for their publications. In addition to countless individual articles, B. Kryštufek is best known for his monograph on the ‘Mammals of Turkey and Cyprus’, which he published together with Vladimír Vohralík (Kryštufek and Vohralík, 2001; 2005; 2009). Georgy Shenbrot wrote, among many other books and papers, mainly devoted to desert and steppe rodents, ‘An Atlas of the Geographic Distribution of the Arvicoline Rodents’ in co-operation with Boris Krasnov (Shenbrot and Krasnov, 2005). It is certainly no exaggeration to call the present book, reviewed here, a worthy, up-to-date successor to Hinton's classic ‘Monograph of Voles and Lemmings’ (Hinton, 1926) and Gromov and Polyakov's volume on ‘Voles (Microtinae)’ (Gromov and Polyakov, 1977) in the framework of the ‘Fauna SSSR’ series (which actually always represented the entire group worldwide). So, one can say that a fundamental work on voles appears about every 50 years.
Vasantkumar M. Rabari, Arzoo Malik, Nishith Dharaiya,
Volume 4, Issue 3 (9-2022)
Abstract
Knowledge of the occurrence and distribution of terrestrial mammals is imperative in the design of conservation strategies in protected areas. There is a lack of information available on the occurrence and abundance of wild mammals in the Balaram-Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat of India. Thus, the present study was carried out to understand the relative abundance of the wild mammalian species in the Balaram-Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary via camera trapping. We used day/night camera traps to record the presence of diurnal and nocturnal mammals in the Balaram-Ambaji Wildlife Sanctuary. We plotted 11 cameras near water bodies for 20 days from 6 January 2020 to 26 January 2020. A total of 268 photographs of wild animals were captured. Among the photos 13 wild mammalian species were identified, including the Rusty-spotted cat Prionailurus rubiginosus (I. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire), which is reported for the first time in this area. The Relative Abundance Index (RAI) of each identified species was calculated to understand the species richness, providing baseline data for species occupancy.
Biswarup Mandal, Subhajit Roy,
Volume 4, Issue 4 (12-2022)
Abstract
Diversity and abundance of butterfly (Papilionoidea) species were studied intensively between January 2017 and December 2021 from six heterogeneous sites of the newly created Jhargram district in West Bengal state, India. A total of 142 species from all six butterfly families were recorded from the study sites, of which 45 belong to the family Lycaenidae, 42 to Nymphalidae, 29 to Hesperiidae, 14 from Pieridae, 11 from Papilionidae and 1 from Riodinidae. Thirteen of the species observed are new reports from the district. New distributional records of Deudorix epijarbas (Moore, [1858]), Notocrypta curvifascia (C. Felder and R. Felder, 1862) from the southern part of West Bengal are reported. Rachana jalindra (Horsfield, [1829]) is rediscovered from the southern part of West Bengal after a long period. Gangara thyrsis (Fabricius, 1775) is reported from this part of the state for only the second time. Additionally, Cupitha purreea (Moore, 1877), Gerosis bhagava (Moore, [1866]), Sarangesa dasahara Moore, [1866], Celaenorrhinus leucocera (Kollar, [1844]), Rapala pheretima (Hewitson, 1863), Athyma inara Westwood, 1850, Athyma selenophora (Kollar, [1844]) and Tanaecia lepidea (Butler, 1868) are among the other notable species which are reported for the first time from Jhargram district. The statistical analysis of the diversity and abundance of the study sites and the analysis of variance and rarefaction have been performed to study the β-diversity and compare the abundance of the sites in order to understand the heterogeneity of butterfly observations. The distribution by site of the species has also been studied.
Shipra Khanduri, Vedagiri Thirumurugan, Chandravilasam Sreedharan Nair Vishnu, Chinnasamy Ramesh, Abhijit Das, Gautam Talukdar,
Volume 4, Issue 4 (12-2022)
Abstract
A comprehensive record of reptiles found in the Moyar River Valley Landscape (MRVL) is presented in this manuscript. The observations did not adhere to standardized survey methods, and are based on opportunistic encounters during our vegetation survey in different habitats of the MRVL between December 2017 and December 2019. A total of 135 live individuals and 31 road-killed specimens, representing 37 species of reptiles were recorded of which two species are Vulnerable, 13 are Least Concern and 22 species are Not Evaluated in accordance with the criteria of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The recorded species belonged to six families of lizards (Agamidae, Chamaeleonidae, Gekkonidae, Lacertidae, Scincidae, and Varanidae), six families of snakes (Colubridae, Elapidae, Erycidae, Pythonidae, Typhlopidae, and Viperidae), two families of chelonians (Geoemydidae, and Testudinidae), and one family of Crocodylia (Crocodylidae,). The road-killed specimens were recorded between the year 2018 and 2020 and come under Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Though the present work did not follow a specific survey method, the contribution provides baseline information on the reptile diversity of the MRVL and presents interesting findings from the Sathyamangalam and Mudumalai Tiger Reserves in north-western Tamil Nadu, India.
Kado Rinchen, Bal Krishna Koirala,
Volume 4, Issue 4 (12-2022)
Abstract
We report the first record of the Tiger shrike, Lanius tigrinus Drapiez from Bhumtang District in the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. The new geographical distribution of L. tigrinus in the Indian subcontinent, specifically in Bhutan, occurring at an elevation greater than 3,000 m is beyond the elevational records of the species in Southeast Asia. This range extension of the Tiger shrike at vast spatial scales, from East Asia to the Eastern Himalayan region of South Asia, provides new scientific insights.
Brian Sabanal, Marion John Michael Achondo, Pedro Alviola Iv, Lief Erikson Gamalo, Mae Responte,
Volume 4, Issue 4 (12-2022)
Abstract
In addition to protected landscapes, anthropic land covers (ALCs) can also harbor spiders in human-modified landscapes (HMLs). This study determined the diversity of spiders in seven different ALCs within the University of the Philippines Mindanao campus in order to identify ALCs with the highest priority for spider conservation. Direct sampling methods were employed to collect specimens within 2,000 m2 belt transects. A total of 364 spider individuals belonging to 69 morphospecies from 40 genera and 13 families were documented. Highest species richness was observed from the family Araneidae. Nephila pilipes Fabricius (Araneidae) and Heteropoda venatoria Linnaeus (Sparassidae) were found across sampling sites. Among the ALCs, site 5OGSF (old- growth and secondary forest) had the highest species richness (q0 (26)) while site 7AF (agroforest) had the highest species diversity (q1 (17.16); q2 (13.83)). Site 3CTP (cacao tree plantation) was consistently the least species-rich (q0 (10)) and least diverse (q1 (6.92); q2 (5.54)). The different vegetation density and structural complexity of ALCs on the campus support spider communities in which the highest species richness and diversity were observed in the secondary forest and agroforest, respectively. This paper highlights that spider communities have varying levels of diversity in different small-scale ALCs.
Marian Dara T. Tagoon, Joshua L. Donato, Treaseur B. Susulan, Karyn Chrislene A. Vitor, Samuel Herbert T. Mamora, Elsa May Delima-Baron,
Volume 4, Issue 4 (12-2022)
Abstract
Data on anurans in Davao City watersheds remains depauperate. This study provides the first account of anurans of the Panigan-Tamugan watershed using visual encounter survey (VES) and microhabitat searches along fifteen 10 × 10 m belt transects. A total of 14 species belonging to 11 genera and five families were recorded for all three sampling sites in the Panigan-Tamugan Watershed. Eleven out of 14 anurans species documented in this survey are endemic to the Philippines. Anuran families recorded during the survey included Bufonidae Gray (n= 3), Dicroglossidae Anderson (n= 4), Megophryidae Bonaparte (n= 2), Ranidae Batsch (n= 1), and Rhacophoridae Hoffman (n= 4). Additional records of anurans from this study, namely Fejervarya vittigera (Wiegmann), Occidozyga laevis (Günther), Pelophryne brevipes (Peters), and Philautus worcesteri (Stejneger), increased the number of species known from watershed areas of Davao City, as they were not reported in previous inventories conducted in the city. Species richness data may not necessarily reflect the true number of species in the site. Future studies should include an increased number of transects and man hours. Although the list comprises the limited information on this taxon in watersheds, more inventories are necessary for a full understanding of anuran composition in the city's several watersheds.
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