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- Study on the diversity of birds in the new abode of wetlands created by
the 2004 tsunami in South Andaman
Authors: Neelam Purti, V. Shiva Shankar, G. Narshimulu, Satyajit Halder, C. Ramayya, Ravi Pratap Singh
Pages: 20811 - 20820
Abstract: Subsidence and upliftment of landmass were encountered in Andaman & Nicobar Islands due to the 2004 tsunami. The subsided landmass at the coastal front was permanently waterlogged ensuring a conducive new habitat for wetland birds. Pre- and post-tsunami Landsat satellite data products were used to demarcate the permanently waterlogged areas. A total of 63 bird species belonging to nine families comprising of five orders were identified and documented through direct observation technique in six stations of the 2004 post-tsunami-created wetlands in South Andaman. Order Charadriiformes and Anseriformes recorded the highest (47.62%) and least (4.76%) taxonomic composition of wetland birds, respectively. Scolopacidae family recorded the highest (56.67%) species composition. Among the six stations, the highest diversity of birds was observed in Sippighat and Ograbraj stations.
PubDate: 2022-04-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.6804.14.4.20811-20820
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 4 (2022)
- Population abundance of Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus (Aves:
Phoenicopteridae) in district Gurugram of Haryana, India
Authors: Amit Kumar, Sarita Rana
Pages: 20821 - 20827
Abstract: We quantified the population abundance of Greater Flamingo Phoenicopterus roseus in Najafgarh Drain (Jheel), Basai Wetland, and Sultanpur flats of district Gurugram, Haryana from October 2018 to December 2020. A total of 72 visits were made to the study sites. In this study, we explored the uses of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with a 5-megapixel camera to census the population and distribution of Greater Flamingos. The Nikon 10 x 50 field binoculars were used for observations. A photographic record was taken using a Canon Powershot sx70hs camera. To estimate the population size, point count method was used and videos and image analysis were carried out for a more accurate count in densely packed flocks. The mean population of Greater Flamingos was 267 ± 47 observed throughout the study period from the three sites. For three years, the highest mean population of Greater Flamingos recorded was 745 ± 76 at Najafgarh Drain and the lowest was 19 ± 8 at Sultanpur Flats. The Greater Flamingos were found to be residents at Najafgarh Drain. At the Basai Wetland, two major human activities were the construction of highways along wetlands and wetland drainage have been observed that resulted in habitat fragmentation and shrinkage, which is responsible for the huge decline in their population. While at Najafgarh Jheel fishing activities and overgrowth of water hyacinth were a major threat that affect the Greater Flamingo population. The findings in this study will be beneficial for the conservation efforts of the flamingos in this area.
PubDate: 2022-04-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.7607.14.4.20821-20827
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 4 (2022)
- Freshwater fish diversity in hill streams of Saberi River in Eastern Ghats
of Odisha, India
Authors: Supriya Surachita, Sharat Kumar Palita
Pages: 20828 - 20839
Abstract: Freshwater fish diversity of the hill streams of Saberi River (a major tributary of the Godavari River system) in Koraput district in Eastern Ghats of southern Odisha was studied from September 2017 to August 2019. Sites for the present study were located between Gupteswar Proposed Reserve Forest (PRF) of Odisha on the eastern side, and Kanger Valley National Park of Chhattisgarh on the western side. A total of 36 species of freshwater fish belonging to 24 genera, 13 families and six orders were recorded from the study sites, of which two species are exotic. Family Cyprinidae dominated with 14 species. Species richness and diversity is greater during the pre-monsoon months followed by post-monsoon and monsoon months respectively. The physico-chemical parameters of water in the study sites during all seasons are within prescribed limits for fish culture. Among the four major types of fish habitats identified in the study sites (riffles, runs, pools and logs), pools were the most preferred, and logs the least preferred habitat for the fishes. Habitat analysis indicated that deep pools and runs are the primary habitats contributing to the maximum species diversity, and therefore, protection of these particular habitats is recommended for conservation and management of ichthyodiversity.
PubDate: 2022-04-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.7341.14.4.20828-20839
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 4 (2022)
- Hatching in Coromandel Marsh Dart Damselfly Ceriagrion coromandelianum
(Fabricius) (Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae): process and influence of the
oviposition substrate
Authors: Payal Verma, Nilesh Thaokar, Raymond Andrew
Pages: 20840 - 20847
Abstract: Coromandel Marsh Dart Damselfly Ceriagrion coromandelianum (Fabricius) breeds in stagnant pools, small garden tanks and ornamental cement ponds containing submerged and/or floating vegetation. Eggs were collected to observe two aspects of larval development: (1) The hatching rate of eggs deposited in different vegetation (Nymphaea nouchali, Lemna paucicostata, Hydrilla verticillata). Although C. coromandelianum prefers to oviposit in the broad leaves of N. nouchali, the highest rate of hatching was found in H. verticillata (95.8%) followed by N. nouchali (87.6%) and L. paucicostata (81.3%). Hatching commenced on Day 5 and was completed by Day 9. Maximum hatching (56%) was recorded on the sixth day of oviposition followed by the seventh day (20%) in all three substrates. (2) To document the process of hatching as follows: Around three minutes prior to hatching, the embryo exhibits cyclic pumping and pushing movements of the head (caused by the peristaltic movement of the mid- and hind- gut) of low intensity followed by high intensity and long pumping movements interspaced with smaller pulsating movements. Swelling of the head forces the apical chorion to split along the micropylar chute and like a lid, the apical tip topples over as a conical cap. This allows the prolarva to exit the egg. As it does so, it twists and the thorax swells breaking the prolarval sheath and releasing the first instar larva.
PubDate: 2022-04-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.6455.14.4.20840-20847
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 4 (2022)
- Distribution of the genus Pinguicula (L., 1753) (Lentibulariaceae) in
Gunma Prefecture, Japan with new records
Authors: Hiro Shimai, Takehiro Ohmori
Pages: 20848 - 20858
Abstract: We studied the distribution of two Pinguicula (Butterwort) species in Gunma Prefecture, Japan based on our herbarium specimen examinations and field observations. As a result, several localities of Pinguicula macroceras, such as Mt. Akagi-yama or the Tanigawa Mountain Range, were present today. In addition, two new localities of P. macroceras, Mts. Hotaka-yama and Ojikazawa-no-kashira, which had not been previously recorded, were found. However, only a single locality of P. ramosa, a threatened species (Endangered in the Red List of Gunma Prefecture and Vulnerable in the Red List of the Ministry of the Environment of Japan), was confirmed to be present in the prefecture. The two species have extremely narrow environmental preference and are restricted to specific environmental niches. The population size of both species at each microhabitat is small and there is a potential risk of disappearance of those localities in the future by the impacts of environmental stress or human activities. This study documents the current situations of the genus in Gunma Prefecture and suggests that urgent conservation is necessary to protect both the two species and their habitats in the prefecture.
PubDate: 2022-04-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.7485.14.4.20848-20858
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 4 (2022)
- Reproductive biology of two threatened and highly traded medicinal plants,
Salacia gambleana and Salacia oblonga, from the Western Ghats of India
Authors: P.S. Krishnasree, P.A. Jose, K. Subin, T.V. Sarath
Pages: 20859 - 20865
Abstract: Salacia is a genus of flowering plants in the family Celastraceae, consisting of woody climbers distributed in tropical America, Africa, and Asia. In India it is represented by 21 species, of which 15 occur in peninsular India. Most species of the genus have been used in traditional medicine, mainly the Ayurvedic system. Apart from overexploitation for medicinal purposes, the low fruit set and infestation of seeds have affected natural regeneration, and led to the rarity of Salacia species in their natural habitats. The reproductive biology of Salacia oblonga and S. gambleana was studied for the first time to understand the reproductive constraints of these threatened and medicinally important species. The flowering phenology, pollen viability, germination, stigma receptivity, and insect-pest interaction were analyzed. The obligatory entomophily coupled with insufficient pollinators and seed pest infestation were found to be the main reproductive constraints responsible for the low fruit set and poor natural regeneration of these species.
PubDate: 2022-04-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.6381.14.4.20859-20865
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 4 (2022)
- Cytotaxonomy and palynology study of some weed species from the state of
Punjab, India
Authors: Rai Singh, M.C. Sidhu
Pages: 20866 - 20872
Abstract: The present study was conducted in Malwa region of Punjab, India in 2019–2020. A total of 10 weed species belonging to seven genera and four families were recorded from different crops. Meiotic analysis has revealed the chromosome numbers in different weed species as Datura innoxia (n= 12), Erigeron bonariensis (n= 13), Nicotiana plumbaginifolia (n= 10), Physalis angulata (n= 24), Sesbania bispinosa (n= 6), Sida cordifolia (n= 8), Solanum americanum (n= 12), Solanum nigrum (n= 36), Solanum villosum (n= 24), and Solanum virginianum (n= 12). Chromosome numbers of Solanum americanum and S. villosum have been worked out for the first time from the state of Punjab, India. Morphological features along with the chromosome numbers have authenticated the identity of weed species. Similarly, pollen fertility analysis has suggested the potential of seed production by the weed species and their subsequent invasiveness.
PubDate: 2022-04-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.7092.14.4.20866-20872
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 4 (2022)
- Philately of mangroves: local to global reflection
Authors: Mahesh Shindikar, Yogesh Deshpande, Prasad Kulkarni, Anand Billade, Ajit Vartak
Pages: 20873 - 20889
Abstract: Philately is one of the most popular hobbies since its inception and there are millions of known philatelists across the globe. Other than just a hobby, it can also be seen as a tool for reflecting social, political, natural specialities of the country for internal and external demonstration. It is an effective medium to display the richness of natural diversity, customs, and traditions and also the man-made wonders for its users. Stamps and other philatelic items can be viewed as conservation tool. They not only sensitize the public to the fate of the threatened environment or biota but also help in raising funds. Mangroves represent one of the most diverse coastal ecotonal wetlands of tropics and subtropics. They are the ecosystems inhabited by diverse group of floral, faunal, and microbial elements. Though neglected initially, these forests have attracted the global attention after understanding their role in coastal ecology and economy. The current study is a modest attempt to use themed philately to investigate the unique representation of the world’s most diversified mangrove ecosystem. With this goal in mind, a systematic spatio-temporal review of philatelic publications was conducted, and the results are presented along with the available data and alternative interpretations.
PubDate: 2022-04-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.7443.14.4.20873-20889
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 4 (2022)
- Amanitaceous fungi of central Western Ghats: taxonomy, phylogeny, and six
new reports to Indian mycobiota
Authors: Rangappa Kantharaja, Maddappa Krishnappa
Pages: 20890 - 20902
Abstract: The study presents nine species from the family Amanitaceae collected during field work in Western Ghats forests of Karnataka State, of which six species (Amanita ballerina, A. franzii, A. griseofusca, A. lignitincta, Saproamanita manicata, and S. praeclara) are newly recorded from India. Descriptions, illustrations, molecular phylogenetics of all species, and brief discussions on distinguishing characters, ecology, & distribution are provided.
PubDate: 2022-04-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.7801.14.4.20890-20902
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 4 (2022)
- Distribution records of Dormer’s Bat Scotozous dormeri (Dobson, 1875)
(Mammalia: Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in Nepal
Authors: Dibya Raj Dahal, Sanjan Thapa, Delip Singh Chand, Nanda Bahadur Singh
Pages: 20903 - 20907
Abstract: Dormer’s Bat is endemic to southern Asia and distributed in tropical, semi-arid, or arid climatic zones in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal (Srinivasulu & Srinivasulu 2019). It is insectivorous in nature and plays an important role in the natural control of insects. Roost search and mist netting were conducted during early evening to 2200 h in three sites and the species was identified by field-based morphology including medium body size, pale gray brown color on the dorsal side, buffy white ventral surface, and face is necked and uniform mid-brown in color. A total of five individuals of Scotozous dormeri were recorded from east to west Nepal and the forearm ranged 34.4–36.00 mm in length. An individual was observed in a cavity in a pillar in a wooden house at Ramjhoda, Sunsari District. Two individuals each were trapped at the Morange River, Morang District in the east and Hattikhauwa, Dang District in the west. Three localities of the species’ record lie in the dry and arid sub-tropical areas. This study records the second to fourth locality records of the species distribution to Nepal.
PubDate: 2022-04-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.7730.14.4.20903-20907
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 4 (2022)
- A report on the butterfly (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) diversity of the
Upper Ganga River Ramsar site in Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Kritish De, Keshav Kumar , Amar Paul Singh , Virendra Prasad Uniyal , Syed Ainul Hussain
Pages: 20908 - 20914
Abstract: This study provides a primary inventory of the butterfly diversity of the Upper Ganga River Ramsar site in Uttar Pradesh, India. The study was carried out in two phases, first in March 2019 and then in November 2019. A total of 44 species of butterflies belonging to 34 genera and five families were seen in the area. The species observed in the study site belonged to the families Hesperiidae (4 genera, 4 species), Lycaenidae (4 genera, 4 species), Nymphalidae (18 genera, 24 species), Papilionidae (2 genera, 4 species), and Pieridae (6 genera, 8 species). Three of these species are legally protected under various schedules of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972).
PubDate: 2022-04-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.7327.14.4.20908-20914
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 4 (2022)
- Case report of hook worm Grammocephalus hybridatus and stomach bot
Cobboldia elephantis infections in a free-ranging Asian Elephant Elephas
maximus in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Kaveri Theerthagiri Kavitha, Chirukandoth Sreekumar, Bhaskaran Ravi Latha
Pages: 20915 - 20920
Abstract: Elephants in the wild are susceptible to many gastrointestinal parasites. In the present study, necropsy was conducted on a free-ranging Asian Elephant Elephas maximus female aged about 15 years which died at Coimbatore forest range, Tamil Nadu state, India. The necropsy revealed that the liver was infected with round worms and the stomach was heavily infested with dipteran larvae. These round worms and larvae were collected and processed by dehydrating in ascending grades of alcohol and then cleared in carbolic acid. The cleared samples were mounted and examined under light microscopy for species identification. Faecal samples collected from the rectum were analysed by sedimentation for the presence of helminth eggs. On microscopic examination, the head end of the round worms showed a buccal capsule which possessed a pair of semilunar ventral cutting plates. Male worms showed well-developed bursa at the posterior end. The anterior end of the dipteran larvae showed two powerful oral hooks with cephalopharyngeal skeleton. Anterior spiracle appeared as a short club-shaped tube with 12 lobes. The abdominal segments of the larvae had a row of belt-like triangular spines. The posterior spiracles of the larvae had three longitudinal parallel slits in each spiracle with closed peritreme. Based on the above morphological characters, the round worms and larvae were identified as Grammocephalus hybridatus and Cobboldia elephantis, respectively. Strongyle eggs were identified in the faecal sample based on the morphology of thin shell and segmented yolk. This appears to be the first report of G. hybridatus infection in a free-ranging elephant in Tamil Nadu state, India.
PubDate: 2022-04-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.6910.14.4.20915-20920
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 4 (2022)
- Management of traumatic ulcerative keratitis in a Red Serow
Authors: Deepjyoti Deka, Panchami Sharma, Arup Das, Kongkon J. Dutta, Syed A. Arif, Tinku Das
Pages: 20921 - 20925
Abstract: Red Serow Capricornis rubidus is an elusive herbivore native to the montane forests of the Himalaya. Currently it is categorized as ‘Vulnerable’ in the IUCN Red List and placed under Schedule I species of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. A serow was presented with complaints of mild inappetence, irritability, sporadic scratching of head over the enclosure barrier and serous ocular discharge from the left eye. Based on detail clinical examination, the animal was diagnosed with unilateral conjunctivitis, corneal oedema, and ulcerative keratitis. A combination of Xylazine @ 1.5mg/ kg body weight and Zolatile® (zolazepam and tiletamine) @ 2.5 mg/kg body weight was used to chemically restrain the animal, followed by auriculo-palpebral nerve block using 1 ml of 2 % lignocaine hydrochloride. The affected eye was adequately cleaned with isotonic sterile Normal Saline solution (NSS). Combination of 0.5 ml of ceftriaxone and 0.5 ml of flubiprofen was injected into upper and lower palpebral conjunctiva. The cornea and the third eyelid flap were carefully sutured using 5-0 and 3-0 Vicryl, respectively. Finally, tarsorrhaphy was done using 2-0 nylon. Post-operative care consisted of an antibiotic regimen of Cephalaxin @ 20 mg/ kg body weight b-i.d-twice in a day for seven days along with probiotic supplement (Vizylac®) and Vitamin A capsules (Aquasol A®) orally once daily for the next 30 days. The animal showed complete recovery within 30 days of proper treatment, monitoring, care and management.
PubDate: 2022-04-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.7611.14.4.20921-20925
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 4 (2022)
- Group size pattern and distribution of threatened Sambar Rusa unicolor
(Artiodactyla: Cervidae) in Moyar River Valley, India
Authors: Vedagiri Thirumurugan , Chandravilasam Sreedharan Nair Vishnu, Nehru Prabakaran , Chinnasamy Ramesh
Pages: 20926 - 20929
Abstract: Sambars are usually observed as solitary or in small groups with fewer than six individuals. We discuss some insights on infrequent larger aggregations of Sambar based on our sighting records between January 2018 and January 2020 in the Moyar River Valley landscape of Tamil Nadu, southern India.
PubDate: 2022-04-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.7445.14.4.20926-20929
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 4 (2022)
- First photographic record of the presence of Smooth-coated Otter Lutrogale
perspicillata in Ghaghra River, India
Authors: Saurav Gawan, Ashish K. Panda, Aakash Mohan Rawat
Pages: 20930 - 20934
Abstract: The presence of Smooth-coated Otter was documented at two different locations in Ghaghra River, the transboundary tributary of river Ganga, during the rapid ecological assessment undertaken in the year 2019–2020. The distance between the two sightings along the river was 250 km. Smooth-coated Otters were photographed swimming near river banks and grooming themselves by rubbing their bodies on the sandbanks. These sightings (documented via photographs) are the first primary evidence of their presence from Ghaghra River, indicating its importance as a suitable habitat outside the protected area.
PubDate: 2022-04-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.7769.14.4.20930-20934
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 4 (2022)
- Back after 40 years: a rare sighting of Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus
(Linnaeus, 1758) (Aves: Passeriformes: Fringillidae) in Himachal Pradesh,
India
Authors: Paul Pop, Kuldeep Singh Barwal, Puneet Pandey, Harminder Pal Singh, Randeep Singh
Pages: 20935 - 20938
Abstract: We report a rare sighting of Eurasian Siskin Spinus spinus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Himachal Pradesh, a re-sighting after 40 years, and only the second record for the state. In November 2021, a male S. spinus was briefly seen in Gushaini, in the ecozone of the Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area, Kullu district. The two low elevation records from 2021 strongly contrast previous records from India. This paper expands upon the sparse information available on the migration of this species within India.
PubDate: 2022-04-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.7779.14.4.20935-20938
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 4 (2022)
- First record of the jumping spider Pancorius changricus Żabka, 1990 from
India (Araneae: Salticidae)
Authors: Anushka Gurung, Aita Hang Subba Limboo, Bhoj Kumar Acharya, Dhruv A. Prajapati
Pages: 20939 - 20942
Abstract: Pancorius changricus Żabka, 1990 is recorded for the first time from India. Detailed illustrations of the general morphology and male copulatory organ are provided. The distribution records of the species are also mapped.
PubDate: 2022-04-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.7890.14.4.20939-20942
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 4 (2022)
- An abandoned nest of Vespa affinis (Hymenoptera: Vespidae)
Authors: Shanjida Sultana, Sharmin Akter
Pages: 20943 - 20945
Abstract: During a survey of hymenopteran species at Barishal Sadar Thana of Barishal metropolitan area in Bangladesh, a nest of Vespa affinis was discovered; it was later abandoned by the wasps prior to the arrival of winter. As no records of studies have been found on wasp nests in Bangladesh, some features of the collected abandoned nest are discussed here.
PubDate: 2022-04-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.7275.14.4.20943-20945
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 4 (2022)
- Endemic Primula xanthopa Balf.f. & R.E. Cooper: rediscovery after 88 years
from Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhutan
Authors: Namgay Shacha, Karma Sangay, Tshering Dendup, Tez Bdr Ghalley
Pages: 20946 - 20950
Abstract: During recent floristic exploration Primula xanthopa Balf.f. & R.E.Cooper was rediscovered from south-west of Bumdeling Wildlife Sanctuary, Bhutan on 5 August 2021 at an elevation of 3,785 m. The plant is recorded for the first time after initial discovery by R.E. Cooper in 1915. Identification and morphological description of P. xanthopa was done through Flora of Bhutan manual. It was found thriving in a small population in a fir forest among grazing and anthropogenic activities. A detailed description, distribution, habitat, conservation status, and photographic illustrations are provided.
PubDate: 2022-04-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.7718.14.4.20946-20950
Issue No: Vol. 14, No. 4 (2022)
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