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- Nesting habitat and nest directionality of the Indian Giant Squirrel
Ratufa indica maxima (Schreber, 1784) (Mammalia: Rodentia: Sciuridae) in
the Nelliyampathy Reserve Forest, Western Ghats, Kerala, India
Authors: K. Mohan, Joseph J. Erinjery, Mewa Singh
Pages: 23139 - 23146
Abstract: The information on selection of nesting habitat and nest directionality for arboreal species is crucial in developing conservation and management plan for the species. We studied the factors which affect the nesting habitat selection and the nest orientation by using the quadrat sampling method in Nelliyampathy Reserve Forest, Kerala. A total of 119 nest sites were observed on 26 different tree species in four different habitat types. Around 56.30% and 36.13% of the nests were sighted in contiguous forests and plantation with native tree shade, respectively. Of the 119 nests, 112 were in trees of height up to 30 m. Cullenia exarillata, Mesua ferrea, Actinodaphne malabarica, and Schleichera oleosa accounted for 45.4% of the nest with 15.9%, 11.8%, 9.2% and 8.4% nests, respectively. About 24.4% of the nests were directed towards the north-east direction (n = 29) whereas least preferred direction was the south (n = 05). This shows that the nests are oriented towards sun rise and to avoid wind and rainfall of monsoon which is foreseen from the south-west direction.
PubDate: 2023-05-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.8480.15.5.23139-23146
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 5 (2023)
- Impact of human activities on wild ungulates in Nagarjunsagar Srisailam
Tiger Reserve, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: K. Ashok Kumar, Qamar Qureshi, Yadavendradev V. Jhala
Pages: 23147 - 23163
Abstract: Human activities affect wildlife in several ways, ungulates tend to avoid areas of high human use and alter their behavior to avoid human activity. We used remote camera traps to quantify the relative abundance and activity of wild ungulates in high and low human use areas within Nagarjunasagar Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR). Major human activity in NSTR included collection of forest produce and fuel wood, and livestock grazing. Poaching for bush-meat and the use of hunting dogs was also prevalent, but could not be quantified. The relative abundance of wild ungulates was high in low human-use areas except for chital and wild pigs, which require flat terrain and water found in prime areas for settlements. Diurnal ungulates like Chital and Nilgai substantially altered their activity in response to human activity, as did nocturnal species like Sambar and Mouse Deer. The demographic response of ungulates in NSTR has been poor compared to other tiger reserves that have been made free of human use. Our research highlights the importance of having human-free protected areas so as to achieve the desired conservation objectives of harbouring viable populations of large carnivores that require high prey abundance.
PubDate: 2023-05-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.8145.15.5.23147-23163
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 5 (2023)
- Diversity, distribution, and conservation status of fish species in Kallar
Stream, Achankovil River, Western Ghats of Kerala, India
Authors: A.S. Vishnu, Melbin Lal, Josin C. Tharian, M.P. Prabhakaran, P.H. Anvar Ali
Pages: 23164 - 23189
Abstract: The current study presents the findings of fish species inventories conducted at 12 locations in ‘Kallar’, the perennial tributary of the undammed Achankovil River that flows through the Achankovil Reserve Forest in Kerala State. A new checklist of ichthyofauna is prepared, by adding the updated scientific names, which comprises 35 species from 27 genera, 13 families, and eight orders. In order of abundance, Opsarius bakeri, Salmostoma boopis, and Garra surendranathanii were the most prevalent species in the Kallar tributary. Eight of the total species documented are listed as threatened on IUCN Red List. The study reports the presence of a poorly known smiliogastrin cyprinid, Dawkinsia lepida for the first time in the Achankovil River as well as the range expansion of the threatened catfish, Batasio travancoria, and the Malabar Spiny Eel Macrognathus guentheri to the Kallar tributary. The study also reports a species of Balitora from Kallar, distinct from its congeners in several morphometric and meristic characteristics. The absence of any non-native fish species in the study area revealed the pristine nature of the stream habitat. A comparison of diversity indices with the available pre-flood study revealed that the fish species composition in Kallar stream has not altered as a result of the 2018 catastrophic flood. The main existing threat is the practice of destructive fishing at high levels by local communities adjacent to but outside the forest area during the dry season by damming the streamlets and then applying plant-based piscicides. It is recommended that fishing be banned during dry season because this is the time of year when the majority of the upstream fishes breed. The existing environment and fisheries acts should also be strictly enforced. For the sake of future conservation, the competent authorities should see to it that the last remaining natural forest cover in the Kanayar and Kallar ranges are safeguarded from being converted to forest plantations.
PubDate: 2023-05-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.7980.15.5.23164-23189
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 5 (2023)
- Effect of ecological factors on the grass dynamics at Point Calimere
Wildlife Sanctuary, India
Authors: Selvarasu Sathishkumar, Subhasish Arandhara, Nagarajan Baskaran
Pages: 23190 - 23199
Abstract: Grass dynamics play a major role in the density and diversity of grazing mammals. To understand the drivers of grass quality and quantity, we assessed the height, cover, soft-texture, green leaves, and reproductive phase of grass species in relation to 13 ecological covariates belonging to climate, vegetation, human disturbance, and wild herbivores at Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary, southern India during November 2018─September 2020. From the 1,024 quadrates, we recorded 22 grass species and 10 sedges. The grass parameters varied significantly among habitats and between seasons. The grass height and grass cover were more in open scrub, while the soft-textured green grasses were more in grasslands. All the grass parameters except reproductive stage were highest during the wet season. The general linear model (GLM) based analysis on the covariate effect on grass quantity and quality demonstrated that among the 13 covariates compared, Prosopis, an alien invasive species, is the major driver, with negative influence on both grass quantity; the cover, and grass quality; soft-texture and greenness of grass. The feral horse, an alien invasive, negatively influenced grass height. Earlier studies have also shown the devastating effects of these exotics on native flora and fauna at Point Calimere, and measures suggested by these studies are recommended to safeguard natural communities in the area.
PubDate: 2023-05-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.8277.15.5.23190-23199
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 5 (2023)
- Current populations of Colobus vellerosus (Geoffory, 1834) & Cercopithecus
lowei (Thomas, 1923) and land-use, land cover changes in Boabeng-Fiema
Monkey Sanctuary, Ghana
Authors: Edward Debrah Wiafe, Karen K. Akuaku, Isaac Sarkodie, Maxwell Kwame Boakye
Pages: 23200 - 23209
Abstract: Background and Research aim: This study evaluated the density of two primate species Colobus vellerosus and Cercopithecus lowei and the change in land-use types in Boabeng-Fiema Monkey Sanctuary in Ghana, from 2007 to 2019. Method: Total counts of individual monkeys were done in all six patches of forest in the Sanctuary in 2019. Using Landsat imagery, land-cover maps of the study area were examined to evaluate the change that has occurred over a nine-year period between 2010 and 2019. Results: A total of 602 individuals of C. vellerosus were counted in 34 groups (0.58 group/ha). Group locations were: 15 at Boabeng (0.12 groups/ha), five at Fiema (0.08 group/ha), three at Bomini (0.09 group/ha), four at Busuyna (0.13 group/ha), three at Bonte (0.06 group/ha), and four at Akrudwa (0.11 group/ha). C. lowei was only encountered at Boabeng and Fiema, with a total of 351 individuals distributed in 26 groups. In 2010, forest covered a land area of 1,540.08 ha, and it was estimated to have increased to 2,643.12 ha in 2019. Farmlands covered 5,069.07 ha in 2010, and in 2019 were estimated to cover 4,155.03 ha. Built-up areas in 2010 covered an area of 433.89 ha, and in 2019 had declined to 244.89 ha. Conclusion: The monkey populations have increased and spread to occupy all patches in the Monkey Sanctuary. On LULCC, 72% increase, 18% reduction, and 44% reduction in forest cover, farmland and built-up areas were observed respectively. Implications for conservation: There is a blend of traditional and conventional conservation efforts contributing to the increase in primate population, the occupancy of previously ‘empty’ forest patches and change in areas of land-use types.
PubDate: 2023-05-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.8297.15.5.23200-23209
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 5 (2023)
- Roadkill records of two civet species on National Highway 715 passing
through Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape complex, Assam, India
Authors: Somoyita Sur, Prasanta Kumar Saikia, Malabika Kakati Saikia
Pages: 23210 - 23215
Abstract: This study was conducted on a continuous 64-km stretch of National Highway (NH) 715, which bifurcates the Kaziranga-Karbi Anglong landscape complex, with Kaziranga National Park on its southern side and North Karbi Anglong Wildlife Sanctuary on the northern side. The survey was carried out from October 2017 to September 2018 via two-way journeys three days a week, with two observers using a motor vehicle at a steady speed of 25–35 km/hour. Roadkill reports of one Large Indian Civet Viverra zibetha and six Small Indian Civets Viverricula indica were collected. Both the species are solitary and nocturnal, and prefer to inhabit secondary landscapes intermingled with human habitation. This stretch of NH 715 forms a crucial passage for wildlife foraging and breeding, and this study reflects the impacts of roads causing wildlife-vehicle collision for two civet species.
PubDate: 2023-05-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.7270.15.5.23210-23215
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 5 (2023)
- Evaluating the influence of environmental variables on fish abundance and
distribution in the Singhiya River of Morang District, eastern Nepal
Authors: Jash Hang Limbu, Dipak Rajbanshi, Jawan Tumbahangfe, Asmit Subba, Sumnima Tumba, Rkashya Basnet
Pages: 23216 - 23226
Abstract: Monitoring the impact of fishing pressure on the Singhiya River is critical for resource development and sustainability, and the present situation is alarming and causing critical concern among the public. This study aimed to identify fish community trends over time and space in the river, and to investigate the impact of environmental variables on fish abundance and dispersion. Monthly fish sampling was performed from October 2020 to September 2021 from the 5th to 10th of each month. We used three cast nets of various mesh sizes (0.5, 2, & 4 cm) and monofilament gill nets with mesh sizes of 6, 8, & 10 cm. A total of 7,593 fish were collected, representing 61 species from seven orders, 20 families, and 37 genera. Similarity percentage (SIMPER) analysis revealed 78.8% similarity among six stations, with the primary contributing species: Puntius chola (28.2%), Puntius sophore (13.5%), Pethia ticto (5.33%), Chagunius chagunio (3.76%), Barbonymus gonionotus (3.69%), Puntius terio (3.46%), Opsarius shacra (2.2%), and Opsarius bendelisis (2.1%). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) on canonical correspondence analysis revealed that four of the seven selected environmental variables had significant relationship with the fish assemblage such as water parameters velocity, temperature, pH, and hardness. Overfishing and direct discharge of industrial waste into water resources may be the primary causes for the decline in fish diversity in Singhiya River.
PubDate: 2023-05-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.7952.15.5.23216-23226
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 5 (2023)
- Three new records of odonates (Insecta: Odonata) from Sindhudurg District,
Maharashtra, India
Authors: Akshay Dalvi, Yogesh Koli, Rahul Thakur
Pages: 23227 - 23232
Abstract: Genus Indolestes Fraser, 1922 and Dysphaea Selys, 1853 were previously known from Goa, Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, parts of Gujarat, and eastern India. In this paper, we report the first confirmed records of Indolestes gracilis davenporti Fraser, 1930 and Dysphaea ethela Fraser, 1924 based on a specimen collected from Sindhudurg District, Maharashtra, India. We have also provided additional records of Macrodiplax cora (Brauer, 1867) from Maharashtra based on photographic evidence from Sindhudurg District.
PubDate: 2023-05-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.8399.15.5.23227-23232
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 5 (2023)
- A first report of dung beetle Garreta smaragdifer (Walker, 1858) attending
the faecal matter of Northern Plain Gray Langur Semnopithecus entellus
(Dufresne, 1997) with range extension and a checklist of the genus Garreta
Janssen, 1940
Authors: Aparna Sureshchandra Kalawate, Muhamed Jafer Palot
Pages: 23233 - 23239
Abstract: Genus Garreta Janssens, 1940 is an Afrotropical and of Oriental origin, consisting of 25 species and two subspecies from the world, eight species from India and two species from Maharashtra. Out of eight Indian species two are endemic to India. The present report is the first report of feeding of Garreta smaragdifer (Walker, 1858) on the faecal matter of Northern Plain Gray Langur Semnopithecus entellus (Dufresne, 1997) and also its range extension from central India to Maharashtra.
PubDate: 2023-05-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.8095.15.5.23233-23239
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 5 (2023)
- An evaluation of the wetland grass flora of Mizoram, India
Authors: S. Pathak
Pages: 23240 - 23247
Abstract: Mizoram, a diminutive state in northeastern India forms a major segment of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspots. The wetland grasses in the ecosystem are elements adapted in assorted habitat as one of the primary producers. This present assessment is principally focused to augment and evaluate information on the current status of the aquatic and semi-aquatic grasses from the taxonomic and ecological perspectives from this ecoregion. The paper encompasses the present taxonomic account of the wetland grasses with recent citations, protologue, type, basionym, phenology, growth forms, field status, worldwide distribution and specimens examined. The present investigation revealed the occurrence and distribution of 16 genera including 23 species of wetland grasses from this state. This kind of study always sets the ground for launching in-depth ecological projects for working out the present ecological characteristics and status of the wetlands and their restoration and conservation.
PubDate: 2023-05-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.8292.15.5.23240-23247
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 5 (2023)
- New distribution records of polyporoid fungi (Agaricomycetes:
Basidiomycota) from India
Authors: Avneet Kaur, Avneet Pal Singh, Saroj Arora, Ellu Ram, Harpreet Kaur, Gurpaul Singh Dhingra
Pages: 23248 - 23256
Abstract: A descriptive account of four polypore species collected from Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and Union Territory of Chandigarh has been provided. Among these, Fomes dahlii Henn., Ganoderma tsunodae (Yasuda ex Lloyd) Sacc., and Xanthoperenniporia maackiae (Bondartsev & Ljub.) B.K.Cui & Xing, Ji are described as new to India and Ganoderma tropicum (Jungh.) Bres., as new to Himachal Pradesh and Union Territory of Chandigarh.
PubDate: 2023-05-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.8111.15.5.23248-23256
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 5 (2023)
- Odonate fauna (Insecta: Odonata) of Kashmir, Jammu & Kashmir, India: a
preliminary report
Authors: Nisar Ahmad Paray, Altaf Hussain Mir
Pages: 23257 - 23261
Abstract: The current study was conducted to investigate the variety of Odonata in Kashmir from November 2020 to November 2022. The study revealed the existence of 24 species, which includes 18 species of Anisoptera (dragonflies) under eight genera & two families and six species of Zygoptera (damselflies) in five genera & three families. New records of four species Orthetrum sabina (Drury, 1770), O. internum McLachlan, 1894, Aeshna petalura Martin, 1906, and Anax guttatus (Burmeister, 1839) from the region are provided herewith. Libellulidae (12 spp.) followed by Aeshnidae (six spp.) were recorded as two dominant families. This study provides some important baseline information on the odonates of Kashmir, Jammu & Kashmir, India.
PubDate: 2023-05-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.8406.15.5.23257-23261
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 5 (2023)
- Record of Himalayan Marmot Marmota himalayana (Hodgson, 1841) (Rodentia:
Sciuridae) from Arunachal Pradesh, India
Authors: Hiranmoy Chetia, Murali Krishna Chatakonda
Pages: 23262 - 23265
Abstract: In India, the Himalayan Marmot Marmota himalayana occurs in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh. In this communication, we describe the single sighting of foraging and storing of grass by Himalayan Marmots in the eastern Himalayan landscape of western Arunachal Pradesh and address the threats that we noticed. Though the species occur in different areas of India, no systematic work has been done till now to assess their population status and distribution, let alone in the state of Arunachal Pradesh.
PubDate: 2023-05-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.8402.15.5.23262-23265
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 5 (2023)
- First photographic record of the Indian Giant Flying Squirrel Petaurista
philippensis Elliot, 1839 (Mammalia: Rodentia: Sciuridae) in Badrama
Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha, India
Authors: Phalguni Sarathi Mallik, Nimain Charan Palei, Bhakta Padarbinda Rath
Pages: 23266 - 23269
Abstract: We report the presence of the Indian Giant Flying Squirrel Petaurista philippensis Elliot, 1839 in Badrama Wildlife Sanctuary, a first record to Odisha. The presence of the species was identified through direct sighting and photo capture. We also observed feeding behaviour of the flying squirrels on Tamarind and Sal trees in the sanctuary.
PubDate: 2023-05-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.8217.15.5.23266-23269
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 5 (2023)
- Photographic evidence of the Indian Pangolin Manis crassicaudata Geoffroy,
1803 (Mammalia: Pholidota: Manidae), in Kaimur Wildlife Sanctuary, Bihar,
India
Authors: Mujahid Ahamad, Umar Saeed, Vivek Ranjan, Syed Ainul Hussain, Ruchi Badola, S. Kumarasamy
Pages: 23270 - 23272
Abstract: Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) represents the world’s most trafficked and highly threatened species due to poaching and habitat destruction (Newton et al., 2008). In India, two species of Pangolin; the Indian Pangolin (Manis crassicaudata), also called thick-tailed Pangolin and the Chinese Pangolin (Manis pentadactyla), are distributed throughout the country except for the Trans-Himalayan region (Mahapatra et al., 2015). The species remains endangered by IUCN (Mahmood et al., 2019) and Appendix I in CITES. The species is protected as a Schedule I species under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
PubDate: 2023-05-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.8248.15.5.23270-23272
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 5 (2023)
- Sighting of Lesser White-fronted Goose Anser erythropus (Linnaeus, 1758)
(Aves: Anseriformes: Anatidae) in Hadinaru Kere, Mysuru, India
Authors: Basavaraju Shivakumar, Gopal Praphul
Pages: 23273 - 23275
Abstract: Lesser White-fronted Geese are a long-distance migratory species; they are known to visit northern and north-eastern regions, with occasional occurrences in the west; we report the goose sighting from Hadinaru Kere, Mysuru, Karnataka. This is the species first occurrence in the state and southern India, expanding its known distribution range.
PubDate: 2023-05-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.8432.15.5.23273-23275
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 5 (2023)
- New distribution records of two jumping spiders (Araneae: Salticidae) from
Gujarat, India
Authors: Subhash Parmar, Dhruv A. Prajapati
Pages: 23276 - 23278
Abstract: Two jumping spider species, Modunda staintoni (O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1872) and Vailimia ajmerensis Caleb & Jangid, 2020, are reported for the first time from Gujarat. Illustrations of the general morphology and copulatory organs of both species are provided.
PubDate: 2023-05-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.8463.15.5.23276-23278
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 5 (2023)
- Polychorous Puncture Vine Tribulus terrestris L. (Zygophyllaceae), a
potential forage source for a guild of insect pollinators during the wet
season
Authors: P. Suvarna Raju, A.J. Solomon Raju
Pages: 23279 - 23282
Abstract: Tribulus terrestris is a herbaceous weed capable of growing throughout the year in many habitats. It is hermaphroditic, protogynous, and self-pollinating, although it is also insect-pollinated. The insects involved in pollination use their flowers as a potential forage source by displaying fidelity during the wet season when profuse flowering occurs. The functional traits relating to sexual reproduction such as autonomous selfing, insect-pollination, polychory, and C4 photosynthetic pathway are quite advantageous for the plant to grow as a successful weed in different habitats, prominently in open habitats.
PubDate: 2023-05-27
DOI: 10.11609/jott.8276.15.5.23279-23282
Issue No: Vol. 15, No. 5 (2023)
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