|
|
- Social structure and ecological correlates of Indian Blackbuck Antilope
cervicapra (Linnaeus, 1758) (Mammalia: Artiodactyla: Bovidae) sociality at
Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, India
Authors: Subhasish Arandhara, Selvaraj Sathishkumar, Sourav Gupta, Nagarajan Baskaran
Pages: 24151 - 24168
Abstract: Indian Blackbuck’s social system is fluid and composed of distinct groups. Information on age-sex association, temporal stability, and socio-ecological correlates are scarce. For establishing a baseline information on these, we studied the Blackbuck population at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, southern India, aimed at understanding the (i) social structure, (ii) association patterns, temporal stability and (iii) socio-ecological correlates related to predation, season, and anthropogenic covariates. Focal herds were observed following scan sampling during 2017–2019. Female herds and territorial pseudo-harems spread tightly, while mixed herds were spread in different degrees. Bachelor herds were loose or scattered with small herds. Dyadic associations of female herds were stronger and more stable than mixed-sex herds and pseudo-harems, but males were in flux. Both grasslands and habitat openness were associated with higher levels of female sociality, indicating their importance in foraging, sociality, and predator vigilance, to which proliferating invasive Prosopis juliflora poses a detrimental effect. The presense of sympatric invasive species and lower level of anthropogenic activity was another significant covariate that influenced resource choice grouping, fission-fusion, and ultimately association dynamics. To help answer broader questions about the blackbuck’s sociality, and its socio-ecological environment that drive its association patterns, we present here some baseline data on the species from a coastal forest. We suggest control of invasive species and more detailed societal studies to arrive at conservation and management clues through understanding evolutionary and ecological basis of sociability of the antelope species.
PubDate: 2023-11-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.8451.15.11.24151-24168
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 11 (2023)
- Diversity and Distribution of Birds in the Bharathapuzha river basin,
Kerala, India
Authors: P.N. Anoop Raj, A.D. Velankar, P. Pramod
Pages: 24169 - 24183
Abstract: Bharathapuzha River is the second largest, west-flowing river in Kerala, Western Ghats. This river is exposed to high levels of anthropogenic and natural pressures. This study attempts to understand the diversity and distribution of birds in this river basin. The observations were made from October 2017 to July 2019 in 70*1 km2 grids distributed in three strata (i.e., upper, middle, and lower reaches). A total of 262 bird species were recorded from the river basin. The diversity and richness of birds were found high in the upper reaches of the river and the species abundance was found more in the lower reaches. Due to the high turnover of migratory species, the rank abundance model for upper and lower reaches showed a high degree of dominance while middle reaches showed a relatively even distribution of abundances. Deforestation, sand mining, and water pollution were found to be the major threats in the river basin. Hence the results show the importance of the protection and rejuvenation of the ecosystems associated with the river for the conservation of avian diversity in the region.
PubDate: 2023-11-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.8573.15.11.24169-24183
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 11 (2023)
- A review of the status of vultures in the southern state of Karnataka,
India
Authors: Praphul Gopal, Honnavalli N. Kumara
Pages: 24184 - 24200
Abstract: Vultures are vital scavengers that maintain ecological balance by feeding on carcasses. Among the nine vulture species in India, four are categorised as ‘Critically Endangered’, one as ‘Endangered’, three as ‘Near Threatened’, and one as ‘Least Concern’ as per the IUCN Red List. The vultures have experienced a global decline, while in India, majorly due to the use of diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). A review of all available literature on vultures from 1838 to December 2022 and extracting of all sight records from eBird to understand their status, occurrence, and distribution for the Indian state of Karnataka. The study reveals a total of seven vulture species recorded from the state, of them, one was misidentified, two are vagrants, and the other four species, namely Egyptian Vulture, White-rumped Vulture, Indian Vulture, and Red-headed Vulture, are residents. The resident vulture population in the state is experiencing a consistent decrease and has been confined in recent years to in and around Bandipur and Nagarahole tiger reserves, while Egyptian Vulture is mostly observed in human-inhabited areas. In contrast to the gradual recovery of the Gyps vulture population across the country, the population in the Ramadevarabetta Vulture Sanctuary remains relatively low or decreasing. Periodic systematic population assessments and monitoring of nest sites, evaluating breeding patterns, and ensuring the availability of undisturbed carcasses for vultures to feed on are suggested.
PubDate: 2023-11-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.8627.15.11.24184-24200
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 11 (2023)
- Spatial, temporal and trophic resource partitioning among the four egret
species (Aves: Pelecaniformes: Ardeidae) in a tropical wetland ecosystem,
India
Authors: Faiza Abbasi, Mohd Shahnawaz Khan
Pages: 24201 - 24211
Abstract: The diversity of micro-habitats in tropical wetlands allows the coexistence of several species. These sympatric species interact with each other, either directly or indirectly, to optimally use the available resources. They achieve this through niche separation or minimal overlap to avoid competition. India’s wetland ecosystems are home to various sympatric species, such as the Great Egret Ardea alba (GE), Median Egret Ardea intermedia (IE), Little Egret Egretta garzetta (LE) and Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis (CE). These egret species are closely related, and as a result, have similar niche requirements, which could lead to high intra-specific competition. However, there have been few studies on how these species utilize resources. This study aims to understand the possible mechanisms that enable the coexistence of these species in a tropical wetland. We have examined habitat characteristics, feeding behaviour, timings of seasonal and daily activities, and spacing patterns to evaluate possible models of species coexistence. We discovered that these four sympatric egret species have differences in microhabitat selection, activity patterns, both daily and seasonally, and feeding preferences. The study further indicates that there is a relationship between the niche dimensions, but it is only partially dependent on each other.
PubDate: 2023-11-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.8429.15.11.24201-24211
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 11 (2023)
- Larval descriptions and oral ultrastructures of some anurans
(Duttaphrynus, Minervarya, Nyctibatrachus, Rhacophorus, & Polypedates)
(Amphibia) from Wayanad and Vagamon hills, Western Ghats, India
Authors: Prudhvi Raj
Pages: 24212 - 24240
Abstract: The external and buccopharyngeal morphologies of tadpoles belonging to six anurans (Duttaphrynus melanostictus, Minervarya agricola, Nyctibatrachus periyar, Rhacophorus malabaricus, R. lateralis, & Polypedates pseudocruciger) from Wayanad and Vagamon hills, in Western Ghats are here-in described. Characterizations of larvae are illustrated by detailed images along with morphometric measurements. Four of the larval descriptions (M. agricola, N. periyar, R. lateralis, & P. pseudocruciger) are previously unknown, while two (D. melanostictus & R. malabaricus) are re-descriptions with additional information. Comparisons with congeners of the respective genera are made. This study is a small step towards advancing our knowledge of anuran larvae and supporting future research form Western Ghats and the adjacent regions.
PubDate: 2023-11-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.8572.15.11.24212-24240
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 11 (2023)
- Flies in the high for floral hike' Altitudinal variation in species
diversity and composition of Diptera (Insecta) in the eastern Himalaya,
India
Authors: Shuvra Kanti Sinha, Santanu Mahato, Pravas Hazari, Sarmistha Ojha, Nandan Jana, Niyatee Pandya, Amita Hajra, Ujjal Ghosh, Silanjan Bhattacharyya
Pages: 24241 - 24254
Abstract: Species diversity and composition enable us to understand the conservation and management of an ecosystem. There is scarcity of knowledge in understanding the diversity change across the gradients of elevation, especially in the Himalaya. Here, we focused in the eastern Himalaya to investigate the patterns of taxonomic and functional diversity of true flies with relation to variation in altitude. The study was conducted in protected area (Neora Valley National Park) in the eastern Himalaya, India and the survey was conducted at five altitudinal zones (from 500 to 3,000 m). A total of 201 species of Diptera, with 105 genera and 33 families were recorded, of which 25 species are new to the state of West Bengal and eight species are new to India. The species diversity increased with elevation (maximum was near 2,500 m) and most of the flies preferred to be close to bushes with flowers, with a substantial percentage of them being pollinator species. Flies adapt to the various vegetation and climate patterns, which was evident by the abundance of fly species at high altitudes (1,500–2,500 m). Hence, it is very important to implement appropriate actions to protect the diversity of true flies in this Himalayan landscape.
PubDate: 2023-11-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.8461.15.11.24241-24254
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 11 (2023)
- Body growth and condition of endangered Tor putitora (Hamilton, 1822)
(Actinopterygii: Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) in the crucially important
breeding and nursery grounds of the Ganga stock
Authors: Priyanka Rana, Prakash Nautiyal
Pages: 24255 - 24260
Abstract: The study evaluates seasonal differences in length-weight relationship and relative condition factor (Kn) of Tor putitora in the Nayar, a critical breeding and nursery ground in the mountain zone of the Ganga. The growth coefficient of T. putitora varies seasonally between 2.86 and 2.99 while relative condition factor between 1.00 ± 0.06 to 1.061 ± 0.3. Mahseer shows negative allometric growth (except the monsoon season) with better condition factor throughout the study period. The present Kn factor for different size groups show deviation from past which may be due inadequate of food resources or excessive fishing in the Nayar.
PubDate: 2023-11-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.8553.15.11.24255-24260
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 11 (2023)
- The arboreal microsnail Insulipupa malayana (Issel, 1874) (Gastropoda:
Stylommatophora: Vertiginidae) from West Bengal, India
Authors: Himangshu Barman, Pranesh Paul, Gautam Aditya
Pages: 24261 - 24265
Abstract: Studies on occurrence, host plant preference and morphometric features of the arboreal microsnail Insulipupa malayana (Issel, 1874) (Gastropoda: Stylommatophora: Vertiginidae) were carried out from selected sites of West Bengal, India. The snail species use the stem and bark of five plant species (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, Mangifera indica, Aegle marmelos, Swietenia macrophylla, and Roseodendron donnell-smithii) as microhabitat, and the most preferred host plant was A. marmelos (Jacobs’ selectivity index Dia= 0.5 ± 0.19). The mean ± SE values of shell height (SH), shell width (SW), aperture length (AL), aperture width (AW), body weight, apical angle (AA) and spire ratio (SR) of the collected specimens were measured as 1.95 ± 0.06 mm, 1.03 ± 0.01 mm, 0.54 ± 0.02 mm, 0.74 ± 0.02 mm, 0.86 ± 0.06 mg, 0.55 ± 0.02, and 1.89 ± 0.06, respectively. The present study will be informative to frame conservation strategies for I. malayana in India and elsewhere.
PubDate: 2023-11-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.8613.15.11.24261-24265
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 11 (2023)
- Mapping invasive alien plants through citizen science: shortlisting
species of concern for the Nilgiris
Authors: Shiny Mariam Rehel, R.S. Reshnu Raj, Samuel Thomas, Milind Bunyan, Anita Varghese, Ankila J. Hiremath
Pages: 24266 - 24276
Abstract: Species introduced from elsewhere are known as alien species. They may be introduced as crop plants or ornamental plants, or for timber. A small proportion of introduced species can become invasive thereby spreading at the cost of native species and habitats, negatively affecting biodiversity, food security, and human wellbeing. Despite the growing recognition of the threat of invasive alien species, we still lack information about the distribution and abundance of species widely accepted to be invasive. To address this information gap regarding invasive alien species distributions, we initiated a pilot citizen science effort to create an atlas of invasive plants in the Moyar-Bhavani landscape of the Nilgiri District. We aimed, through this pilot effort, to develop and test user-friendly mapping protocols and develop an interface for citizen scientists to use. Ultimately, we hope to create a model that can be scaled up to large conservation landscapes, such as the Western Ghats, the central Indian Highlands, and the Himalaya.
PubDate: 2023-11-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.8576.15.11.24266-24276
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 11 (2023)
- Chemical immobilisation of free ranging Tibetan Wolf Canis lupus chanco
Gray, 1863 (Mammalia: Carnivora: Canidae) with Ketamine-Xylazine
combination in Ladakh, India
Authors: Animesh Talukdar, Pankaj Raina
Pages: 24277 - 24279
Abstract: The Tibetan Wolf Canis lupus chanco is one of the two Critically Endangered species of Ladakh, India. Six free-ranging Tibetan wolves were immobilized using ketamine and xylazine mixture as part of the rescue operations. Dose rates of 4.92 ± 0.52 mg/kg body weight and 2.08 ± 0.29 mg/kg body weight for ketamine and xylazine respectively provided good level of anesthesia for carrying out effective capture. Drug induction was recorded at 4.4 ± 1.1 minutes with animal coming into sternal recumbency by 5.6 ± 1.5 minutes and animals were approached at 6.2 ± 1.7 minutes. Duration of anesthesia was 35.25 ± 6.07 minutes. Yohimbine administered for reversal at the dosage of 0.125 mg/kg body weight provided reversal effect with animal standing by 15.5 ± 4.2 minutes. The current information suggests that xylazine and ketamine mixture is effective and safe for capturing the free-ranging Tibetan Wolves for wildlife management interventions.
PubDate: 2023-11-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.8502.15.11.24277-24279
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 11 (2023)
- A preliminary observation on the nesting of the Indochinese Roller
Coracias affinis Horsfield, 1840 (Aves: Coraciiformes: Coraciidae) in
Assam and northern West Bengal, India
Authors: Sachin Ranade, Jay Gore, Sonali Ranade
Pages: 24280 - 24283
Abstract: The nesting of Indochinese Roller was observed in Rani, Kamrup, Assam for 49 days in April–May 2022. The male was noted hunting more frequently compared to the female, but its prey items consisted of smaller biomass than those the female hunted. Opportunistically, more nests were recorded at Buxa Tiger Reserve, West Bengal and Kaziranga National Park, Assam. The preferred tree species for nesting were Sal Shorea robusta, Mynah Tetrameles nudiflora, and Koroi Albizia procera; the preferred nest height was 9.2 m.
PubDate: 2023-11-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.8630.15.11.24280-24283
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 11 (2023)
- First photographic record of Hoary-bellied Squirrel Callosciurus
pygerythrus (I. Geoffroy Saint Hilaire, 1832) (Mammalia: Rodentia:
Sciuridae) from Banke National Park, Nepal
Authors: Yam Bahadur Rawat, Shyam Kumar Shah, Sunjeep Pun, Dristee Chad
Pages: 24284 - 24287
Abstract: South Asia’s forest ecosystem is home to a high diversity and endemism of squirrels. The Hoary-bellied Squirrel Callosciurus pygerythrus dwells in patches of dense to moderately dense evergreen forests in mid-canopy temperate, tropical, and subtropical moist habitats including riverine woodland, mixed broad-leaf forest zone, central and eastern Siwalik foothills, Mahabharat range, and modified and altered habitats, settlements as well as farmlands in Nepal. The species is listed under the Least Concern category in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. The existing IUCN distribution map does not provide the baseline records or data on the status and distribution of the species in the western part of Nepal. Opportunistic observation was done during anti-poaching field operations and wildlife monitoring work. The current record is the first photographic evidence of the Hoary-bellied Squirrel from Banke National Park.
PubDate: 2023-11-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.8683.15.11.24284-24287
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 11 (2023)
- Cyperus babakan Steud. (Liliopsida: Poales: Cyperaceae), a new record for
southern India
Authors: B.S. Anakha, A.R. Viji
Pages: 24288 - 24290
Abstract: Cyperus babakan Steud. is reported here for the first time from southern India based on the collection made from Kerala, India. Descriptions, images of the species, distribution and phenology are provided here.
PubDate: 2023-11-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.8422.15.11.24288-24290
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 11 (2023)
|
Open Access journal
