Showing 12 results for India
Sudesh Batuwita, Sampath Udugampala, Udeni Edirisinghe,
Volume 2, Issue 2 (6-2020)
Abstract
We reviewed the species referred to Eutropis carinata complex from Sri Lanka. We provided the data on the lectotype of Eutropis carinata along with a discussion on its synonyms. Examination of the lectotype of Sincus carinatus Schneider, 1801 (= Eutropis carinata), shows this taxon is not conspecific with Mabuya carinata lankae Deraniyagala, 1953 (= Eutropis carinata lankae). Therefore, we resurrected Eutropis lankae (Deraniyagala) as a valid species from Sri Lanka. Based on the available data, we here tentatively recognize Tiliqua rubriventris Hardwicke and Gray, 1829 (= Eutropis rubriventris) as a valid species. Also, a new species of the genus Eutropis Fitzinger is described from Sri Lanka. The new species was previously confused with E. carinata (Schneider) and may be the source of earlier records of E. beddomei (Jerdon) from the Central Hills of Sri Lanka. The new species, Eutropis resetarii sp. nov. differs from the lectotype of E. carinata by the following characters: widely (vs. narrowly) separated supranasal scales, first supraocular not in contact (vs. in contact) with frontal, third pair of chin shields separated slightly or not touching the second pair of chin shields (vs. in contact broadly with the second pair) and 30 (vs. 32) scale rows across the midbody. Eutropis resetarii sp. nov. is distinguished from E. lankae by the following characters: first loreal does not reach the dorsal surface of snout (vs. reaches in E. lankae); lower preocular larger (vs. smaller) than the anterior loreal scale; lateral border of postmental in complete contact with the first and the second (vs. first and partially the second) infralabials; third pair of chin shields not in contact or in narrow (vs. broad) contact with second pair of chin shields; palm and sole scales rounded, more or less juxtaposed (vs. tubercle-like imbricate scales); and having greater external ear opening size, 40–46% (vs. 23–38%) of eye diameter. Eutropis resetarii sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other congeners by a combination of the following characters: in having widely separated supranasals and prefrontals, lacking postnasals, prefrontals reaching lateral sides of snout, only the first supraocular in contact with frontal, six or seven supraciliaries, lower preocular as large as first loreal, two primary temporals, upper pretemporal smaller than lower and both touching parietals, parietals completely separated by interparietal; two post-supralabials, first and second pairs of chin shields separated by a single scale, third pair of chin shields not in contact or in narrow contact with second pair of chin shields; juxtaposed rounded palm and sole scales, comparatively robust digits, having greater external ear opening size (40–46% of eye diameter) and presence of 14–15 subdigital lamellae under 4th digit of pes. The new species has been recorded from the highest elevations (from ~1000 m to ~1600 m), while E. lankae has a wider distribution from coast to ~900 m. The distributional ranges of these two species are therefore allopatric.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Mithila Bhat, Krupal J. Patel, Jigneshkumar N. Trivedi,
Volume 3, Issue 4 (12-2021)
Abstract
Metopograpsus cannicci Innocenti, Schubart and Fratini, 2020 is distributed in the Red Sea, Iran, along the East African coast, Seychelles, Madagascar, and Mauritius. The present paper reports this species for the first time from India indicating its eastward extension.
Ht. Decemson, Mathipi Vabeiryureilai , Lal Lalbiakzuala , Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga,
Volume 3, Issue 4 (12-2021)
Abstract
We report Calotes geissleri from Chandel district in Manipur, India. Till recently allocated to Calotes mystaceus, this complex was revised and C. geissleri described from northeast India and Myanmar. We here report its occurrence in Chandel district, Manipur, adjacent to other northeastern states from where it was known previously. Our Manipur specimens have 0.003% genetic distance from its published type sequences, thereby confirming the identification and the range extension.
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.
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.
Adarsha Mukherjee, Arjun Kumar, Supriya Mahato, Supriya Samanta,
Volume 5, Issue 1 (3-2023)
Abstract
To understand and update the account of the butterfly diversity in Ajodhya Hills, Purulia, West Bengal, India a study was carried out in two consecutive years from January 2020 to December 2021 with photographic documentation. A total of 143 butterflies from 6 families, 19 subfamilies and 95 genera were recorded. The highest richness was found in the families Nymphalidae with 45 species and Lycaenidae with 44 species, whereas Riodinidae had the lowest richness with only 1 species recorded. This study also reports the addition of one species, Black Angle Tapena thwaitesi (Moore), to the state butterfly fauna of West Bengal, as well as the addition of one species, Common Orange Awlet Burara jaina (Moore), to the butterfly fauna of southern West Bengal. In addition, three species, Plain Banded Awl Hasora vitta (Butler), Malabar Spotted Flat Celaenorrhinus ambareesa (Moore) and Common Acacia Blue Surendra quercetorum (Moore), were recorded with the first photographic documentation from southern West Bengal representing the rediscovery of Malabar Spotted Flat after 124 years from the Chotanagpur Plateau of West Bengal. The present study updates knowledge of the butterfly diversity of Ajodhya Hills and discusses the threats and conservation of the area, which may help in threat prevention, developing effective conservation strategies and to build awareness among the local people and government authorities to save the wildlife of Ajodhya Hills and its habitats.
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.
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