Showing 12 results for Biodiversity
Vahid Sepahvand, Christopher C. Tudge,
Volume 1, Issue 2 (12-2019)
Abstract
An annotated checklist of the extant burrowing shrimps (infraorders Axiidea and Gebiidea) of southern waters of Iran is presented for the first time. Six species of Gebiidea and 18 species of Axiidea have been documented from the southern waters of Iran, based on published literature. The species belong to six families: Upogebiidae (6 species), Axiidae (1), Callianassidae (5), Callianideidae (1), Callichiridae (9) and Ctenochelidae (2). The Persian Gulf with 18 species appears to be more diverse than the Gulf of Oman with four species, and two species are common in the both gulfs. Corallianassa martensi (Miers, 1884) is recorded for the first time across the Iranian coast. The present finding is based on specimens collected from the Chabahar, Gulf of Oman coast. A brief diagnosis and illustrations of C. martensi are provided.
Keyvan Abbasi, Mehdi Moradi, Alireza Mirzajani, Morteza Nikpour, Yaghobali Zahmatkesh, Asghar Abdoli, Hamed Mousavi-Sabet,
Volume 1, Issue 2 (12-2019)
Abstract
The Anzali Wetland is one of the most important water bodies in Iran, due to the Caspian migratory fish spawning, located in the southern Caspian Sea basin, Iran. During a long-term monitoring program, between 1994 to 2019, identification and distribution of fish species were surveyed in five different locations inside the Anzali Wetland and eleven related rivers in its catchment area. In this study 72 fish species were recognized belonging to 19 orders, 21 families and 53 genera, including 66 species in the wetland and 53 species in the rivers. Among the 72 identified species, 34 species were resident in freshwater, 9 species were anadromous, 9 species live in estuarine and the others exist in different habitats. These species include 4 endemic species, 50 native species and 18 exotic species to Iranian waters. The number of species in different locations inside the Anzali Wetland was comparatively similar while it had high variation in different rivers. Twenty fish species are new records for the Anzali Wetland basin, including 10 estuarine, 5 ornamental, 2 riverine, one anadromous, one euryhaline and a small exotic fish.
Ganesh S.r., Bubesh Guptha,
Volume 3, Issue 3 (9-2021)
Abstract
Herpetological diversity of the Eastern Ghats hill range in the Indian peninsula has been mostly overlooked and incompletely documented. We here present information on the amphibian and reptile diversity in the poorly-explored Central Eastern Ghats hill range in peninsular India. Based on a 1,000-hour bio-inventory study of the series of ranges between the Palar River (abutting Tamil Nadu) and the Krishna River (abutting Telangana) for about 10 months (300 field days), we present the following results. A total of 105 species of herpetofauna, consisting of 24 amphibian species, 35 lizard species, 42 snake species and 4 chelonian species were documented. Several new range extension records and new findings of rare species are discussed, substantiated by photo-vouchers, pre-existing museum specimens or both.
Bhushan Kumar Sharma, Sumita Sharma,
Volume 3, Issue 4 (12-2021)
Abstract
Our assessment of Rotifera biodiversity of the floodplain wetlands of the Majuli River Island of the Brahmaputra basin in Assam state, northeast India (NEI) reveals a total of 175 species belonging to 39 genera and 19 families. The rich and diverse assemblages of the phylum categorize the Majuli as one of the megadiverse Rotifera region of India. The observed biodiversity of Rotifera is hypothesized to be associated with the habitat diversity of the Majuli wetlands, including its varied aquatic macrophytes, the location of the study areas in the ‘Indo-Burmese biodiversity hotspot’ and the ‘Rotiferologist effect’, and merits conservation interest in light of the extinction threat to this alluvial floodplain. We record one rotifer species as new to the Indian sub-region and NEI, and 29 species as new records from the Majuli. We also consider various newly recorded species to be of global and regional biogeography interest, with some hypothesized to have a biogeographic role linked to the ‘Assam gateway’. High richness of Lecane > Lepadella ≥ Trichocerca, the richness of Testudinella, and the paucity of Brachionus species are noteworthy features. Reports of 175 species from floodplain lakes and 148 species from small wetlands indicate biodiverse rotifer assemblages in these two categories of wetlands and present a useful contribution to Rotifera ecological diversity of the Indian and the tropical floodplains.
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.
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.
Hoda Khaledi,
Volume 4, Issue 4 (12-2022)
Abstract
Benthic macrofauna has a pivotal role in the energy flow and material cycles of marine ecosystems. Abiotic and biotic factors determine the presence and distribution of benthic macrofauna. The present study investigated possible relationships between benthic macrofauna and natural abiotic factors along the coastal region of the Gulf of Oman, including the north of Chabahar Bay, Konarak, and Tis. This was achieved through survey of the supra-littoral and intertidal zones at low tide, during the cold and warm seasons. In each zone, nine transects were sampled at random using quadrats. Then, sediment characteristics and macrofaunal abundance were determined. Mollusks and echinoderms had the highest and the lowest species richness, respectively. The average values for the Shannon–Wiener index of the transects at Tis, north of Chabahar Bay, and Konarak were 3.22, 3.28, and 3.20 in the warm season, respectively, while the index reached 3.29, 3.47, and 3.17 in the winter. Regardless of seasonality, the level of biodiversity was at a maximum in the northern part of Chabahar Bay, and Konarak showed the minimum biodiversity. The results of multi-linear regression analysis proposed that non-biological factors are suitable proxies for predicting the levels of species density in the study regions (R2= 0.72, F(6,71) = 2.25, p< 0.05).
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.
Laxmi Sagar, Dhan Bdr Gurung, Karma Wangchuk, Karma L. Wangmo, Rinchen Dorji, Tshering Zangmo, Rupesh Subedi,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (10-2023)
Abstract
Cyprinidae (Teleostei: Cypriniformes) is the predominate family among Bhutan's freshwater fishes, yet significant gaps exist in the knowledge of 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). Meanwhile, 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, respectively). There was a significant difference in diversity among river basins (χ2 (3)= 20.98, p < 0.001) with specific variation between Mangdechhu and Punatsangchhu (Z= 3.80, p= 0.00), Mangdechhu and Aiechhu (Z= 3.35, p= 0.01), and Jaldakachhu and Punatsangchhu (Z= 2.83, p= 0.03). Canonical correspondence analysis indicated that cyprinid assemblage was significantly correlated with environmental variables (r= 0.94, p= 0.001 in axis 1 and r= 0.82, p= 0.001 in axis 2) explaining 77% 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, among the local people, will offer nature-based tourism opportunities via ornithology in the region.
Marina Armel À Mmira Akohogni, Evrard Kouopestchop Medjo, Boddis Tsiguia Zebaze, Alexia Kevine Noubissi Chiassa, Pamela Cynthia Mepa Tchiegang, Claudine Tekounegning Tiogué, Dorothy Engwali 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 Sanaga River in central Cameroon. For this purpose, 451 specimens collected from local fishermen were identified and grouped into four genera and seven species, constituting 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). Fish 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 insect 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.
. Joseliph Abin, Padayatty Davis Samson,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract
Identification and characterisation of urban habitats and ascertaining their species associations are essential for the conservation and management of biodiversity in urban landscapes. The study attempts to identify, describe and categorise potential urban habitats in Kochi city, Kerala, India, and to explore the association of bird faunal assemblages within each of the habitats. The study was conducted from June 2018 to May 2020. The Urban Habitat Categories were identified, described and categorised as per the Urban Habitats Biodiversity Assessment (UrHBA) procedure and a sample biotope map was prepared. The habitat association of bird species was determined from each of the identified Urban Habitat Category by evaluating the species composition of each habitat. Species sharing between the identified habitats was also examined. Critical habitats of conservation concern were identified, and their specific features were ascertained. A total of 38 Urban Habitat Categories were characterised from the landscape of Kochi City with 162 species of birds to be found associated within the urban habitats. The wide variety of urban habitats provide excellent dwellings for a large number of birds including several threatened and migratory species. Out of the five major urban habitat categories, most of the species utilise Sparsely vegetated - Life form categories. Among the 38 urban habitats, Forest phanerophytes supports greater numbers of bird species. Vegetation structure is an important factor that determines bird diversity of the urban habitats. Together with the well-vegetated habitats, sparsely vegetated, non-vegetated and artificial built habitats also significantly contribute to biodiversity of urban centres. The diverse urban habitats and the associated bird species identified from Kochi city emphasise that modified urban landscapes are equally potent as natural landscapes in upholding diverse life forms. The study highlights the necessity of maintaining habitat complexity in urban landscapes for sustainable conservation of urban biodiversity. The baseline data on urban habitats and their species association will serve as a planning tool for safeguarding the critical habitats.
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