Kalyan Mukherjee, Ayan Mondal,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (6-2023)
Abstract
In this paper, we present a preliminary checklist of butterfly larval host plants from the Bankura and Purulia districts, which are a part of the Chotanagpur Plateau of West Bengal, India. The authors found 223 plant species from 52 plant families, which were used as larval hosts by 124 butterfly species. In terms of the use of plant families and species, we discovered a strong positive association between Nymphalidae and Hesperiidae and between Lycaenidae and Pieridae. According to our two-way ANOVA findings, there are notable variations in plant usage among butterfly families, which were elaborately discussed using hierarchical classical clustering. Most of the plant species utilized were from the Fabaceae and Poaceae families.
Fred Kraus,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (6-2023)
Abstract
I describe a new species of blindsnake of the genus Ramphotyphlops Fitzinger, 1843, from Woodlark Island, off the southeastern tip of New Guinea. The new species is a member of the R. flaviventer (Peters, 1864) group and is characterized by a unique combination of number of longitudinal scale rows, details of the shape of the rostral scale, color pattern, and shape of the tail spine. The nearest related species (R. depressus Peters, 1880) in this group occurs 380 km to the northeast from the new species, and the remaining species of the group lie no closer than 2570 km distant. The new species seems most similar morphologically to relatives from far western New Guinea, but this could be due to homoplasy or plesiomorphy. The species seems common in the widespread mature secondary forest that occurs across the island, but non-traditional land tenure and repeated outside proposals to deforest much of the island pose a continuing series of threats to this and other endemic species on Woodlark.
Pritom Roy, Antara Das, Md. Asir Uddin, Jadab Kumar Biswas,
Volume 5, Issue 2 (6-2023)
Abstract
We used linear morphometric measurements to assess secondary sexual dimorphism in the external traits and pelvis of the lesser bandicoot rat, Bandicota bengalensis (Gray). Multivariate analysis of variance revealed significant difference between the sexes in both external (Wilks' lambda = 0.542, F = 3.378, P < 0.05) and pelvis measurements (Wilks' lambda = 0.238, F = 10.05, P < 0.05). Males were larger than females in most of the external traits. In contrast, females were larger in most variables of the pelvis. Separation between the sexes was also demonstrated in the discriminant analysis. Although allometric slopes did not differ between the sexes, means adjusted for allometry were sexually dimorphic in five out of seven variables of the pelvis. In conclusion, our results revealed differential patterns of secondary sexual dimorphism for the external morphology and pelvis in B. bengalensis. These patterns are explained with respect to the accessible evolutionary theories on mammalian sexual dimorphism.
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.
Khean Harvey S. Acuevas, Dave P. Buenavista,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (10-2023)
Abstract
The Center for Ecological Development and Recreation (CEDAR) is an ecotourism site comprised of natural and human-modified ecosystems in Bukidnon, Philippines. With very little existing research on the influence of human-modified ecosystems on amphibian assemblages in the Philippines, we designed this study to evaluate amphibian assemblages in CEDAR. Using a combination of transects sampling, active searching, and auditory samplings, amphibian samplings were conducted at three sites: a human-modified area, a dipterocarp forest, and the Dila River System. A total of 425 individuals of 18 species from 13 genera and 7 families were documented. The family Ceratobatrachidae was the most represented group, with four species. Out of 18 species, 14 (78%) were Philippine endemics, indicating a high rate of amphibian endemism at CEDAR. In terms of IUCN conservation status, 14 out of 18 species were classified as Least Concern and two as Near Threatened, while two have undetermined conservation status. The Shannon-Weiner and Gini-Simpsons Diversity values revealed that the Human-modified area had the highest diversity compared to the Dila River System and dipterocarp forest. Surprisingly, the human-modified area in CEDAR was found to be the habitat of many anuran species, in particular, a number of generalist species, whilst some specialist species were restricted to natural habitats like the dipterocarp forest and Dila River System. The high amphibian diversity in the human-modified area requires further field studies; hence, additional amphibian samplings are recommended. Long-term wildlife evaluation and monitoring should be carried-out in CEDAR to facilitate the conservation of amphibian populations and their natural habitats in this area.
Soheila Shafiei Bafti, Mohammad Ebrahim Sehhatisabet, Naeim Moradi,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (10-2023)
Abstract
One juvenile specimen of the desert Cobra (Walterinnesia morgani) was obtained from Kerman Province, southeastern Iran. Three further localities of the species were recorded during 2010–2020. The farthest locality is situated about 270 km northeast of easternmost limit of the range. These records indicate a wider distribution of Walterinnesia morgani on the Iranian Plateau than previously thought. Results indicated that Walterinnesia morgani has a compatible distribution pattern with the zoogeographical region of Khuzestan Plain and the Persian Gulf Costs. In addition, information of pholidosis and habitat is presented.
Rajesh Lenka,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (10-2023)
Abstract
The present study was undertaken from November 2020 to October 2021 to understand the bird species diversity, and variation in their seasonality, near the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) area of Talcher located in Angul district of Odisha state in India. The identified birds included 668 individuals of 90 species (including three near-threatened species) belonging to 18 orders, 41 families and 75 genera. As per the study, Passeriformes is found to be most dominant with 34 species (38% of total bird species). Considering the feeding guilds of birds, insectivore bird species were found in higher number (32 species) followed by carnivores (16 species), and then omnivores and frugivores (10 species each). It was found that the winter season was the most species rich (70 species, 328 individuals), and the monsoon season the least (43 species, 127 individuals). The Shannon-Wiener index (H'= 3.48) was also found to be high in winter season but the evenness index (E= 0.65) was found to be higher in monsoon season. The cluster analysis showed that the bird composition of the summer season strongly correlates with bird composition of the winter and monsoon seasons, but the bird composition of the monsoon season is not significantly correlated with bird composition of the winter season. The results from the study can act as the baseline for further research on birds in the Angul district of Odisha.
Aniruddha Majumdar,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (10-2023)
Abstract
Temporal activity patterns of different age and sex classes of a Bengal tiger population were studied at Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh between May 2006 and July 2009 using systematic camera traps. Based on the exact time of photo-capture tigers, information on temporal activity patterns of following age and sex categories of individual tigers (resident male (n= 55 photographs), female with cubs or breeding female (n= 70 photographs), female without cubs or non-breeding female (n= 72 photographs) and transient male (n= 42 photographs)) were recorded. Breeding females utilized significantly different activity period compared to transient males (P< 0.001) and females without cubs (P<0.001). Overall activity period between breeding female and resident male did not differ significantly (P >0.6) during the study period. The observed temporal segregation may provide valuable information on cub survival strategies adopted by breeding tigresses, potentially enhancing their reproductive success in a tropical deciduous forest. The adoption of camera trap-based population monitoring studies is advocated for the reproductive behavior of elusive large carnivores such as tigers in the wild on a long-term basis.
Shahbaz Ahmed Khan, Anil Kumar Nair, Sujnan Mohan Kumar, Ali Jabran, Shubham Prakash Bhise, Ekta Shekhawat,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (10-2023)
Abstract
We report the first record of the White-bellied flying squirrel Petaurista albiventer (Gray, 1834), within the Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, which is part of the Terai Arc Landscape in India. This marks a new geographical distribution for P. albiventer within the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. This study contributes to the understanding of the geographical distribution, habitat ecology and taxonomy of the genus Petaurista (Link, 1795), shedding light on its presence in various ecologically significant regions and emphasizing the importance of preserving its habitat and promoting further research.
Samuel Mbungu Ndamba, Albert Maba Ngaka, Serge Nzinga, Jérémie Sambu Banganga, Hong-Yu Lai, Koen van Waerebeek,
Volume 5, Issue 3 (10-2023)
Abstract
The first inventory of cetacean diversity in coastal waters of the Congo River Estuary, Democratic Republic of the Congo, was obtained between May 2021 and April 2022, through incidental sightings (n=17) reported mainly by artisanal fishers and direct observations of bycatches at fish landing sites. Confirmed records include five odontocete species: four Delphinidae: Delphinus capensis Gray, Pseudorca crassidens (Owen), Stenella frontalis (G. Cuvier), Tursiops truncatus (Montagu); one Kogiidae: Kogia sima (Owen). There was one mysticete, Balaenopteridae: Megaptera novaeangliae (Borowski). Of six small cetaceans documented landed for use as aquatic bushmeat, four (66.7%) were T. truncatus. Megaptera novaeangliae was the most frequently sighted cetacean (47.1% of reported sightings), registered between 17 May–3 September 2021, with a seasonality (austral winter) consistent with the SE Atlantic breeding stock (‘B-Stock’). All information was collected by locals, the at-sea sightings by trained fishermen in a citizen science framework. The main benefits included a welcome marine conservation educational component, and low-cost, opportunistic fishing boat use. Shortfalls comprised a deficiency in scientific detail and effort quantification, occasional data loss and lack of biological sampling. However, in a remote coastal region like the DRC’s Congo River estuary, where marine mammals have never before been studied, local citizen science methodology proved effective and, after adjustments, should be scaled-up.
Cyrell Ann Ruales, Christian Tripole, Joshua Donato, Marian Dara Tagoon, Elsa May Delima-Baron,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (10-2023)
Abstract
Published data on bats in green spaces in Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines, remains scarce. This study provides an additional account of fruit bats of the family Pteropodidae occurring in green spaces both in the center of Davao City and its fringe communities. Our survey ran from January to April 2019. Mist nets were installed in possible flyways within select green spaces of bats and were checked from 6:30 pm to 4:30 am. Eight fruit bat species were documented, four of which are endemic to the Philippines. Two species, Megaerops wetmorei Taylor, 1934 and Eonycteris robusta Miller, 1913, are currently listed as vulnerable (VU), while the rest are considered non-threatened in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The site in the Carmen Baguio district (Site 5) had the highest number of captures (n= 31), while the Mt. Talomo-Lipadas site (Site 6) had the highest species richness among surveyed green spaces. The inventory suggests that fruit bats occur in urban green spaces and could be supported by these urban green fragments. More studies are needed to determine how fruit bats utilize and benefit from urban green space fragments of the city.
Farangis Ghasemi, Mohammad Miri,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (10-2023)
Abstract
This study aimed to document the significance of parasites in transmitting zoonotic pathogens from bats to domestic animals and humans. To achieve this, we performed an examination of ten large caves in Fars Province (Iran), which served as bat roosts. Bats were captured using a mist net, and identified based on morphological characteristics. The ectoparasites were collected using brushes, and preserved in separate vials containing 70% ethyl alcohol. Bats were released after collecting all ectoparasites from their bodies, except 3 bats. The collected ectoparasites were then prepared as slides and identified using a taxonomic key. The results revealed that out of 66 bats examined, 56 individuals were infested by a total of 113 ectoparasites. These included bat flies [Nycteribia kolenatii (22.1%), Paratrichobius sp. (10.6%) and Penicillidia sp. (11.5%)], mite [Macronyssus flavus (55.0%)], and Acari [Ixodes sp. (0.8%)]. Among the bat species, Myotis blythii and Rousettus aegyptiacus exhibited the highest levels of ectoparasite contamination. Three bats from different species were transferred to the lab, dissected, and their feces were centrifuged using the Formalin Detergent method. Several worms, including, nematodes [Seuratum sp], and Cestoda [Hymenolepis rhinopomae] were isolated from their intestines and feces. The identified specimens were properly deposited in the Iranian National Parasitology Museum (University of Tehran). Some of these findings represent new records in Iran. The results indicate a high contamination rate with bat flies showing a wide distribution and high density in the research region. Therefore, further research is recommended to expand our knowledge of bat parasites.
Hyder Ali Rather, Varsha Gautam,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (10-2023)
Abstract
Avifauna is an important constituent, as well as an important link in the food chain, of every ecosystem. Birds are regarded as important biological indicators since they can live in a variety of settings and are environmentally adaptive. Wetlands are important bird habitats and birds use them for breeding, nesting and rearing young. Upper Lake is a tropical wetland in Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, and harbors rich biodiversity. This study documents the avifaunal diversity around Upper Lake, Bhopal over a period of four successive years (2018–2021). To assess bird diversity, the point-count method was used but opportunistic spotting was also included. During the survey, a total of 158 avian species, belonging to 18 orders, 52 families and 115 genera were recorded. Out of 18 orders, Passeriformes had the highest avian species richness (67 species). At the family level, Muscicapidae and Anatidae were the most dominant families with 13 species each. The results, derived from various diversity indices (Shannon-Weiner, Margalef and Pielou), suggest that Upper Lake, Bhopal supports rich avifaunal diversity. However, certain anthropogenic threats pose serious threats to the avifaunal diversity. Habitat destruction and degradation pose the most significant threat With hunting of various migratory water birds and threatened species as a growing concern. Therefore, to ensure continued diversity within the region, it is recommended that these anthropogenic activities be regularly monitored and kept to a minimum.
Naeim Moradi, Soheila Shafiei Bafti, Mohammad Ebrahim Sehhatisabet, Behzad Zadhoush, Eskandar Rastegar-Pouyani,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (10-2023)
Abstract
The genus Lytorhynchus, spanning from the Sahara’s western fringes to the Middle East, eastern Pakistan, and northwestern India, has seen numerous species and subspecies classifications over the years. Many of these have been deemed synonymous due to overlapping morphological traits, a problem compounded by the absence of a comprehensive phylogenetic study. The taxa residing in Iran exhibit morphological variations attributable to their broad distribution and disjunct populations. Of the seven recognized species, three have been confirmed in Iran, although some populations display pholidosis distinct from initial descriptions. Species identification has also been fraught with ambiguities. This study aims to elucidate the diagnostic characteristics of taxa and furnish an updated identification key by revisiting past studies and examining new voucher specimens. The biogeography of Iranian taxa is also explored.
Zahra Rahimi, Reyhaneh Hajian, Hossein Javanbakht,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (10-2023)
Abstract
Blood parasites of the phylum Apicomplexa, order Adeleiorina are a diverse group of haemoparasites reported from almost all vertebrate classes. The most commonly recorded haemoparasites to parasitize anurans are species of Dactylosoma. To date, six Dactylosoma species have been described from anurans and fishes. In the present study, we used molecular characterization for identifying haemoparasites detected by microscopy in blood smears of Pelophylax ridibundus, a frog in the north of Iran. Blood samples were examined from four adult individuals. The smears were prepared and stained by Gimsa. By microscopic investigation, one individual was found positive for blood parasites. According to morphological characteristics, it was identified belongs to the genus Dactylosoma. In genetic analysis, the blast of obtained sequences from part of 18S rRNA gene sequences showed 100% identity with Dactylosoma sp. and D. ranarum. Phylogenetic analysis showed the Dactylosoma sp. of the present study as a monophyletic group in Dactylosoma species, clustered with Dactylosoma sp. and D. ranarum (support > 80%). This study is the first report of a dactylosomatid parasite from Pelophylax ridibundus.
Laxmi Sagar, Dhan Bdr Gurung, Karma Wangchuk, Karma L. Wangmo, Rinchen Dorji, Tshering Zangmo, Rupesh Subedi,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (10-2023)
Abstract
Bhutan's freshwater fishes is dominated by the family Cyprinidae, yet significant gaps exist in understanding their diversity and assemblage. Cyprinids were sampled from 54 plots across four river basins (Aiechhu, Jaldakachhu, Mangdechhu, and Punatsangchhu) using systematic sampling at an interval of 5 km. A total of 850 individuals belonging to 22 species and 13 genera were recorded. Aiechhu had the highest diversity and evenness (H’= 1.66±0.28, J’= 0.95±0.03) followed by Punatsangchhu (H’= 1.58±0.34, J’= 0.94±0.04). However, Jaldakachhu and Mangdechhu exhibited the lowest diversity and evenness (H’= 0.90±0.66, J’= 0.84±0.54 and H’= 0.54±0.70, J’= 0.38±0.49). There was a significant difference in diversity among river basins (χ2 (3)= 20.98, p <.001) with specific variation between Mangdechhu and Punatsangchhu (Z= 3.80, p= .00), Mangdechhu and Aiechhu (Z= 3.35, p= .01), and Jaldakachhu and Punatsangchhu (Z= 2.83, p= .03). Canonical Correspondence Analysis indicated that Cyprinid assemblage was significntly correlated with environmental variables (r= 0.94, p= .001 in axis 1 and r= 0.82, p= .001 in axis 2) explaining77% of variance. Axis 1 was positively correlated with temperature (r= 0.92), total dissolved solids (r= 0.53), conductivity (r= 0.51), and salinity (r= 0.39) and negatively correlated with elevation (r= -0.69). Axis 2 was negatively correlated with total hardness (r= -0.82) and dissolved oxygen (r= -0.65). Cluster analysis identified three clusters based on dominant species. Further studies exploring other river basins of Bhutan are needed to better understand the ecological dynamics of Cyprinids in Bhutan.
Abdullah Atabey, Recep Karakaş,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract
Birds have a special importance in the exceptionally rich biodiversity of Türkiye; nevertheless, the ornithological importance of some parts of the country is inadequately known. The bird diversity of Mount Zülküf (MZ) was studied together with recommendations for conservation proposals. In total, 26 field surveys were conducted on MZ, which is located 6 km from Ergani district of Diyarbakır province, south-eastern Türkiye. During the field observations, transect line and point count methodologies were used, accompanied by the use of standard ornithological equipment, between April 2017 and April 2018. It was aimed at determining the seasonal status, breeding status, and threatened categories of bird species, together with suggesting conservation proposals. Within the scope of the studies conducted in the limited area over one year, 73 bird species, belonging to 25 families and nine orders were determined. Among the bird species identified, 19 are possible, 16 are probable, and 14 are certainly breeding species for the area; which means that 67% of them have breeding potential in the study area. Among the recorded bird species, there is one globally threatened species, while seven are threatened within Türkiye with many more least concern or data deficient species. Recording the bird diversity of the mountain, together with the existing cultural importance of the area in terms of religious tourism, will help to bring to light the ecotourism potential of the area, and could be used for monitoring the area for conservation plans. Raising awareness of the region's bird diversity, amongthe local people, will offer nature-based tourism opportunities via ornithology in the region.
Akohogni À Mmira, Evrad Medjo Kouopestchop, Boddis Tsiguia Zebaze, Alexia Kevine Noubissi Chiassa, Pamela Cynthia Mepa Tchiegang, Claudine Tekounegning Tiogué, Dorothy Fon,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract
This study was carried out between October 2020 and October 2021 with the aim of determining sustainable management options and nutrition for the domestication of Mormyridae fish species living in the lower reaches of the Sanaga River in central Cameroon. For this purpose, 451 specimens collected from local fishermen were identified and grouped into 4 genera and 7 species (20.84% Campylomormyrus phantasticus (Pellegrin), 5.32% Hippopotamyrus castor Pappenheim, 24.61% Mormyrops anguilloides (Linnaeus), 18.63% Mormyrops caballus (Pellegrin), 4.66% Mormyrops zanclirostris (Günther, 1867), 15.52% Mormyrus rume Valenciennes, and 10.42% Mormyrus tapirus Pappenheim). Fishes were measured, and parameters were obtained after dissection using intestinal morphometric characteristics and stomach content analysis methods. The emptiness coefficient varied from 0% (Hippopotamyrus castor and Mormyrops zanclirostris) to 26.66% (Mormyrus rume). The relative mass of the intestine was low in all studied species; the intestinal coefficient and the Zihler index of all these species are within the range of carnivorous species. Analysis of stomach contents revealed a broad food spectrum containing twelve categories of prey. Insects, macrophytes and larval shelters were the preferred foods of Mormyrops anguilloides, Mormyrops caballus and Mormyrops zanclirostris, while insect larvae and larval shelters were the preferred prey for other species. Site and season had little effect on the categories of prey consumed by these species.
Ajaz Ansari, Neeraj Sharma,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract
This communication reports the evidence of Himalayan Brown bear in the twin mountainous protected areas of Bani Wildlife Sanctuary and Sudhmahadev Conservation Reserve in Jammu division of Jammu and Kashmir. With the established presence of Himalayan brown bear in the region, systematic surveys are necessitated to gain a better understanding about its behaviour and population dynamics, as well as to make management decisions linked to its conservation in the region.
Jannat Un Naim Tuli, Md. Manzoorul Kibria, Afia Khanam Beli, Shah Mohammad Kaisar, Jadab Kumar Biswas,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract
We conducted a study on the morphology of the forelimb long bones and ribs in the Ganges River dolphin, Platanista gangetica (Lebeck, 1801) using traditional morphometric methods. A total of 17 morphometric measurements of six specimens of P. gangetica were taken. The humerus was the longest bone in the forelimb morphology, with its length ranging from 41.75 to 52.78 mm (mean: 45.57, SD: ± 5.07) in juveniles/subadults and 60.56 to 90.92 mm (mean: 76.75, SD: ± 22.90) in adults. The length of the scapula was 85.84 to 135.46 mm (mean: 102.18, SD: ± 23.00) in juveniles/subadults and 171.79 to 251.95 mm (mean: 211.87, SD: ± 56.68) in adults. Of 10 ribs, the sixth rib was the longest (mean: 133.55, SD: ± 24.12) in juveniles/subadults and the seventh (mean: 240.62, SD: ± 54.24) in adults. All measurements (except the two variables of the scapula) were significantly correlated (P < 0.05) with specific bone length. The allometric coefficients of all correlated variables of the humerus, radius, ulna, scapula, and the depths of ribs exhibited isometry against the length of the particular bone, respectively. We discussed the morphological patterns of the forelimb long bones and ribs in P. gangetica along with the structural and functional aspects of the aquatic lifestyles.
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