ID: 66596
Title: New Record of an arboreal snail Rhachistia bengalensis from Sankarpu reserved foret, west Bengal and its implication in small protected areas management
Author: Partha Debnath,Rana Datta and Neera Sena Sarkar
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (10) Oct 25 Pg No. 971-981 (2025)
Subject: New Record of an arboreal snail Rhachistia bengalensis from Sankarpu reserved foret, west Bengal and its implication in small protected areas management
Keywords: Arboreal snails, Small reserved forests, PA management, Biodiversity documentation
Abstract: This study documents the first recorded presence of an arboreal small Rhachistia bengalensis in the Sankarpur Reserved Forest, expanding its known geographical distribution. Additionally, its highlights the ecological correlates of this record and discusses its implications in the management of small, reserved forests. Most arguments favour the superiority of large Protected areas (PA over small reserves. These arguments are justified primarily on the basis of island biogeography theory, focusing on importance of sustainaing viable populations of top predators but many times outlook the evidence in favour of the importance of strategically placed smaller species in small, reserved areas which are anthropogenically altered or disturbed. In fact, small, reserved forests though with common features of large geographical expanses, are seldom evaluated for their synergistic contribution to biodiversity conservation. This study shows that small, reserved areas are prevalent features of landscapes and suggests how they should be studied and managed at multiple scales. Applying systematic conservation planning in a spatially hierarchical manner. This approach can help ensure that small. local projects contribute to global goals. With the above consideration, the present study focusses on the sudden appearance of new arboreal small in a small, reserved forest under the Nadia Murshidabad Division in West Bengal.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Aravind N.A.Rajashekhar K.P and Madhayystha N.A. (2005).Species diversity, endemism and distribution of land snails of the Western Ghats, India. Rec West Aust Mus, 68:31-38.
Aravind N.A. Patil R.K. and Madhyastha N.A. (2008).Micromolluscs of the Western Ghats, India: diversity, distribution and threats. Zoosymposia,1:281-294.
Literature cited 2: Aravind N.A. and Patill-Gargely B. (2018).Dicharax (?)bawal n. sp from southern India (Gastropoda:Cyclophoroidea:Alycaedae), Archiv fur Molluskerkunde,147:55-62.
Armsworth P.R. Jackson H.B., Cho S.H., Clark M., Fargione J.E., lacona G.D, Kim T.,Larson E.R., Minney T. and Sulton N.A. (2018). Is conservation right to go big? Protected area size and conservation return-on-investment. Biological Conservation,225:229-236.
ID: 66595
Title: Utilization of Terai floodplain grassland communities by the wild mammals in Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Bihar, India
Author: Krishna Murari,Gautam Talukdar,Yadvendradev V, Jhala Bivash Pandav and Gopal singh Rawat
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (10) Oct 25 Pg No. 919-926 (2025)
Subject: Utilization of Terai floodplain grassland communities by the wild mammals in Valmiki Tiger Reserve, Bihar, India
Keywords: Association, Flood plain, Grassland, Habitat, Ivlev,Mammals, Terai, Ungulate
Abstract: Endangered grassland-obligate fauna of the Terai region exhibit strong associations with distinct grassland communities across both managed and unmanaged grasslands. An understanding of grassland-mammal associations is essential for the management of the Terai floodplain grasslands. Valmiki Tiger Reserve (VTR) has the only relic of the Terai grassland remaining in Bihar. A total of 223 belt transects were laid on the already classified grassland communities for investigating the use of grassland communities by mammals. The Pellet groups and dung were counted in these belt transects. Ivlev's Electivity indices were computed to identify the preference of grassland vegetation community by mammals. Grasslands associations were established for Chital, hog deer, nilgai, wild pig, domestic cattle and rufous tailed hare. Chital, hog deer, and domestic cattle preferred communities of S.munja as well as Imperata-Vetiveria -Typha-S.spontaneum, indicating high niche overlap and competition. Nilgai, wild pig, and rufous -tailed hare were found to prefer degraded association of Sclerostachya fusca, the tall wet association of Typha-S.arundinaceum and dry upland association of S.munja respectively. Since grassland management in Terai is necessary for augmenting the prey population, the Protected Area Managers should consider the preference of fauna for grassland communities, while practicing the management interventions such as cutting and burning.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Aryal A. and Yadav H.K. (2010).First cameras trap sighting of critically endangered hispid hare (Caprolagus hispidus) in Shuklapphanta Wildlife Reserve-Nepal. World Applied Sciences Journal, 9 (4):367-371.
Aryal A., Brunton D., Ji, W.,Yadav H.K.,Adhikar B. and Raubenheimer D. (2012).Diet and habitat use of hispid hare Caprolgus hispidus in Shuklaphanta Wildlife Reserve. Nepal Mammal Study,37 (2):147-154.
Literature cited 2: Bell D. and Oliver W.L. (1992).Northern Indian tall grasslands: management and species conservation with special reference to fire In:Tropical Ecosystems: Ecology and Management. Wiley Eastern, pp.109-123.
Birdlife International (2017).Important Bird Areas factsheet:Valmiki Tiger Reserve and Saraiyaman Lake: Downloaded from http://www.birdlife.org on 16/08/2017
ID: 66594
Title: Home gardens as potential roosting sites for Indian flying fox (Pteropus medius) in Assam, North-East India: Status and Distribution
Author: Deepankar Barman,Jayanta Kumar Roy, Manabendra Ray Choudhury,Pinaki Adhikary, Awadhesh Kumar, Tanveer Ahmed, Rupali Thakur and Anukul Nath
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (10) Oct 25 Pg No. 958-963 (2025)
Subject: Home gardens as potential roosting sites for Indian flying fox (Pteropus medius) in Assam, North-East India: Status and Distribution
Keywords: Fruit-bat, Home garden, Roost site, Assam, Human habitation
Abstract: The decline in available roosting sites are one of the major threats to the Indian flying fox in India. Present study investigates the status and diurnal roosting site characteristics of India n lying fox in Assam, north-east India. A total 16,237 (colones ranges: 45-1012) individuals of Indian flying fox were recorded from 47 roosting colonies located mostly in human dominated landscape mostly in home gardens (89%), Majority of roost (90%) ad been occupied for more than ten years. Bombax ceiba (20.54%), was the most used plants for roosting followed by Bambusa tulda and Ficus rumphil. Roosting trees had an average height of 28.8 ± 0.2 m, GBH of 1.63 ± 0.49 m and canopy cover 47.7 ± 2.3 %. Previous research on the status and distribution of the species within Assam was also reviewed. The present study concluded that human dominated landscape such as home gardens have significant contribution in conservation of bat species, if managed and protected properly.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ahmed T., Murugavel ,B. Sharma B. Ul-Hassan, A & Salim, M. (2025).Pterocopus medius. The ICUCN Red List of Threatened Species2024, eT18725A230958344.
Ali 2007). Ecology of Indian Flying Fox. medius Brunnich ,1782 of Assam. PhD thesis submitted to Gauhati University, Assam.
Literature cited 2: Ali A. (2007). Population trend and conservation status of Indian Flying Fox P.Medius Brunnich, 1782 (Chiroptera:Pteropodidae 0in western Assam. The Ecoscan, 4.311-312.
Almeida F.C., Giannini N.P. De Salie R. and Simmons N.B. (2011). Evolutionary relationships of the old-world fruit bats (Chiroptera, Pteropodidae). Another star phylogeny? BMC Evolutionary Biology.11:281.https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2148-11-281.
ID: 66593
Title: Year-Round avian diversity and seasonal trend at sam higginbottom university of agriculture,technology and sciences (SHUATS) campus
Author: Shivam Tiwari
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (10) Oct 25 Pg No. 953-957 (2025)
Subject: Year-Round avian diversity and seasonal trend at sam higginbottom university of agriculture,technology and sciences (SHUATS) campus
Keywords: Bird diversity,SHAUTS,Avian richnes, Seasonal trends, ebird,urban ecology,citizen science, migratory birds, Pragraj
Abstract: This study analyses the diversity of bird species on the Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences SHAUTS) campus by analysing observation data from the author's e Bird account.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Ajimon H.T., David B. Nandi N., Raj S., Jacob S.J. and Bharti P. (2022). Avian biodiversity in spring at SHAUTS campus. Prayagraj, India: A survey. Pharma Innovation Journal 11 (5S): 1911-1915.
Literature cited 2: eBird (2025a). Sam Higginbottom University of Agricultural Pradesh: Species List and Observations. Cornell lab of Ornithology.
ID: 66592
Title: Preliminary assessment of ecological separation among medium-sized mammals in the cantonment forest of Ranikhet, Kumaon Himalayas, India
Author: Umrah viquar and Orus Ilyas
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (10) Oct 25 Pg No. 946-952 (2025)
Subject: Preliminary assessment of ecological separation among medium-sized mammals in the cantonment forest of Ranikhet, Kumaon Himalayas, India
Keywords: Ecological separation, Niche, Niche breadth, Niche overlap, Ranikhet
Abstract: The study aimed to investigate the ecological separation among the medium-sized mammals in the Ranikhet region of Kumaon Himalayas, focusing on the population abundance, habitat utilization, niche overlap, and food and feeding habits. The study included five target species: yellow-throated marten, red fox, Indian crested porcupine, red giant flying squirrel, and Indian hare. A method was employed to collect data by direct and indirect sightings, plot establishment, and scat/pellet collection. A total of 138 utilized and available plots were established along six selected trails and three random trails. The trails represented two major habitats, oak-mixed and chir pine. For each plot, habitat parameters such as tree density, diversity etc., and other attributes were estimated. The total fieldwork effort was recorded to be 182 hours, covering a distance of 81.4 kilometres across all the trails. The present study provides an insight into the population abundance, habitat utilization, niche overlap and food and feeding pattern of the medium-sized mammals to assess ecological separation in the Ranikhet region. Depicts non-significant and overlapping results between the sympatric species and habitat, giving reference to investigate further.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Abdelghany S. (2019). An INTRODUCTION TO MAMMALS. Abrams P.A. (1998). Implications of dynamically variable traits for identifying, classifying and measuring direct and indirect effects in ecological communities. The American Naturalist, 152(5):595-608.
Alkon P.U and Saltz D. (1998). Foraging Time and the Northern Kerr). Journal of Biogeography, 15 (3):403-408.
Literature cited 2: Amori G. Hulterner R., Krystulek B., Yigit N., Mitsainas G. and Palomo L. (2021).Hystrix indica (amended version of 2016 assessment). The IUCN Red List of
Threatened Species.a. T10751A197516522
Bandopadhyay M., Biswas S. and Dasgupta 2022) Patterns of coexistence between two mesocarnivores in the presence of anthropogenic disturbances in the Western Himalayas. PREPRINT (Version 2) available at Research Square. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs-1939883/v2
ID: 66591
Title: Camera trap survey in Mammalian diversity hotspot in Bonai forest division North Western Odisha, India
Author: Lalit Kumar Patra, Susanta Kumar Jena,Nimain Charan Palei, Bhakta Padarbinda Rath,Manoranjan Giri and Arun Kumar Mishra
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (10) Oct 25 Pg No. 935-945 (2025)
Subject: Camera trap survey in Mammalian diversity hotspot in Bonai forest division North Western Odisha, India
Keywords: Mammalian diversity, Camera trap poto,Livestock pressure, Relative abundance index, Bonai, Odisha, India
Abstract: The mammalian diversity and abundance of Bonal forest Division, North-Western Odisha was assessed by using camera traps from 25th April 2023 to 25th December, 2023 covering an area of 404 sq.km.A total of 207 camera traps were stationed with a total sampling effort of 5150 trap days,4126 photographs of mammals belong to 20 families including 28 species, of mammals, seven species, of mammals ,seven species of birds photographs were captured in the study area.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Abade L., Cusack J., Moll R.J., Strampelli P., Dickman A.J., Macdonald D.W. and Montgomery R.A. (2018). Spatial variation in leopard (Panthera pardus) site use across a gradient of anthropogenic pressure in Tanzania's Ruah landscape PLoS ONE, 13 (10):1-17; https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0204370
Augugliaro C. ,Chrisyte P.Janchivlamdan C., Baymanday H. and Zimmermann F. (2020).Patterns of human interaction with snow leopard and co-predators in the Mongolian western Atal: Current Issues and perspectives. Global Ecology and perspectives. Global Ecology and Conservation, 24:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gecco.2020e01378.
Literature cited 2: Blake J.G,Mosquera D.,Loiselle B.A., Swing K. and Romo D. (2017).Long-erm variation in abundance of terrestrial mammals and birds in eastern Ecuador as measured by photographic rates and occupancy estimates. Journal of Mammalogy, 98 (4):1168-1178; https://doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyx046
Boitani Land Powell R.A. (2012). Carnivore ecology and conservation: a handbook of techniques.Oxford University Press
ID: 66590
Title: Ecological and Behavioural drivers of human-Sloth Bear Coexistence in and around Jessore Wild life Sanctuary, Gujarat
Author: Kanakba Rathod ,Devendrasingh Jhala and Sandeep Munjapara
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (10) Oct 25 Pg No. 927-934 (2025)
Subject: Ecological and Behavioural drivers of human-Sloth Bear Coexistence in and around Jessore Wild life Sanctuary, Gujarat
Keywords: Human-wildlife conflict, Sloth bear, Habitat management, Anthropogenic attractants, Conflict mitigation
Abstract: This study is about human-sloth Bear (Melursus ursinus) interactions in Banaskantha district, Gujarat, India, within and around Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary (JWS) from January 2023 to December 2024.Conducted in four villages (Kapasiya, Vara, Balundra, Vavdhara), the study employed transect sampling (20 transects, 29 km effort), camera trapping (30 cameras, 30 days/site), structured interviews (n=181), and focus group discussions to assess Sloth ear presence and Human-Sloth Bear dynamics. Of 211 defections,63% (n=133) near human food sources, 19.9% (n=42) near water sources, and 1.4 % (n=3) near human food sources, indicating a strong forest preference. Human sightings (n=147) were higher in anthropogenic areas (e.g., 17.0% in settlement peripheries), differing significantly from ecological detections (X2 =42.58, p < 0.00001).Sloth Bear showed crepuscular/nocturnal activity (83% defections from 18.00-06.00), with 60% in summer due to water scarcity. Conflicts, often involving females with cubs in summer (x2=16.28,p=0.012), decreased due to artificial water sources, fruit-tree plantations, and community deterrents.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Bargali H.S, Akhtar N. and Chauhan N.P.S (2012).The sloth bear activity and movement in highly fragmented and disturbed habitat in Central India. World Journal of Zoology, 7 (40:312-319.
Champion, Harry G. and Seth S.K. (1968). A revised survey of the forest types of Inida. New Delhi: Manager of Publications, Government of Indi a.
Literature cited 2: Densai P.Shalu Mesaria,Vishal Patel, Nishith Dharaiya (2025) Insights on human-sloth bear conflict in and around eco-sensitive zone: Chhota Udepur ,Gujarat, India. Journal of Wildlife and Biodiversity, Vol.9 No.1.
Dharaiya N. (2009). Evaluating Habitat & Human -Bear Conflicts in North Gujarat, Inida, to seek Solutions for Human Bear Coexistence. Research Project Report 1-submitted to the Small Grants Division, Rufford Foundation. London, England, UK
ID: 66589
Title: Local community's perception towards a protected area in the Shivalik landscape, India
Author: Sakshi Rana,Priti Kumari,Ruchi Badola and Syed Ainul Hussain
Editor: Richa Misra
Year: 2025
Publisher: Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: The Indian Forester Vol. 151 (10) Oct 25 Pg No. 919-926 (2025)
Subject: Local community's perception towards a protected area in the Shivalik landscape, India
Keywords: Perception, Altitude, Local communities, Park-people relationship, Management of protected area
Abstract: In Global South, protected areas (PA) in human-dominated landscapes create unavoidable tradeoffs between biodiversity conservation and local livelihoods. The authors surveyed 157 respondents adjacent to Kalesar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary (KNPWLS) in Shivalik Landscape, India to assess perceived benefits and costs of living near the PA and perception towards it. Overall, 81.5% of respondents recognized Kalesar Forests as a PA, while about 78 % of them supported the continued existence of the PA. Perceived benefits centered on access to fuelwood, fodder and other forest products. The principal costs were crop and livestock losses attributable to wild animals. Despite these recurrent losses, most respondents maintained positive attitudes towards conservation, suggesting that support can be sustained when livelihood needs are acknowledged and addressed. These findings highlight the need for locally tailored co management strategies that extend tangible benefits, such a equitable tourism revenue, alternative fodder sources and rapid compensation for wildlife damage to the most vulnerable groups. By shifting from top-down enforcement to participatory governance and targeted benefit sharing, managers can foster durable community support and reconcile conservation goals with human wellbeing across densely settled PA landscapes in South Asia.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Allendorf T.D. (2020). A global summary of local resident's attitudes toward protected areas. Human ecology, 48 (1) :111-118.
Allendorf T.D. (2022). A global summary of local residents perceptions of benefits and problems of protected areas. Biodiversity and Conservation,31 (2),379-396.
Literature cited 2: Ananya F.C. and Espiritio-Santo M.M (2018). Protected areas and territorial exclusion of traditional communities, Ecology and Soiety,23 (1).
Aridrade G.S. and Rhodes J.R. (2012). Protected areas and local communities: an inevitable partnership toward successful conservation strategies?. Ecology and Society
ID: 66588
Title: Anna Mani – The Uncut Diamond
Author: Radhika Ramachandran
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (12) 25 Dec . 2025 1115-1116 (2025)
Subject: Anna Mani – The Uncut Diamond
Keywords: None
Abstract: Anna Mani was a physicist and
meteorologist par excellence. She was
born in Peermede, Kerala, India, in a
family where education was given top
priority. After schooling in Kerala,
Anna passed her honours course in
chemistry, physics, and mathematics
from the Presidency College, Chennai. Although she began her doctoral
work under the legendary Sir C. V. Raman on the spectroscopy of rubies and
diamonds, upon completing her doctoral work, she obtained a scholarship
for postdoctoral studies in the UK,
focusing on meteorological instrumentation. After returning to India,
her research focused on weather and
climate science, particularly on solar
radiation and atmospheric ozone. Her
pioneering effort in the country to develop meteorological instrumentation
for accurate measurements of atmospheric parameters won her laurels
far and wide. Today, much of India’s
foundation for weather and climate
research is based on the pioneering
efforts of Anna Mani. She retired
as the Deputy Director General of
the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Delhi, in 1976 and continued
as a Visiting Professor at the Raman
Research Institute (RRI), Bengaluru,
until 1980, where she worked on the
meteorological measurements necessary to set up a millimetre-wave
radio telescope. While at Bengaluru,
she also served as the Editor of Patrika, the newsletter of the Indian
Academy of Sciences, and as President of the Current Science Association. After that, she took on the role of
Scientist-in-Charge of the Field Research Unit IITM–Indian Institute of
Tropical Meteorology (FRU–IITM)
project, based in Bengaluru, to establish wind and solar energy stations.
She had an office at RRI but also a
factory in Peenya, where many of the
instruments were manufactured. She
continued in this project till about
1996–97 when severe illness brought
her to Thiruvananthapuram, where
she spent the rest of her life with her
close family members, till her passing
away in 2001.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1:
Literature cited 2:
ID: 66587
Title: Leaf-rolling weevils infesting phalsa (Grewia asiatica L.) in India: new observations on Pseudallapoderus sissus and Henicolabus octomaculatus
Author: Uma Shankar and Yousra Mukhtar
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (12) 25 Dec . 2025 1112-1114 (2025
Subject: Leaf-rolling weevils infesting phalsa (Grewia asiatica L.) in India: new observations on Pseudallapoderus sissus and Henicolabus octomaculatus
Keywords: Attelabidae, Henicolabus, leaf-rolling weevils, phalsa, Pseudallapoderus
Abstract: Phalsa (Grewia asiatica L.) is an underutilised fruit crop
valued for its nutritional and therapeutic benefits. In
India, around twelve insect pests are known to infest
this crop. During surveys in phalsa orchards of the
Jammu subtropics, two new leaf-rolling weevils, Pseudallapoderus sissus (Marshall, 1913) and Henicolabus
octomaculatus (Jekel, 1860) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Attelabidae), were observed feeding on phalsa
foliage and constructing characteristic leaf rolls (nidi).
Field data indicated measurable incidence of infestation, leaf damage, and nidus formation, confirming
their association with phalsa and suggesting their potential as emerging pests. These findings expand the
known host range of both species and provide baseline
information for further studies on their biology and
economic importance
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: . Abrol, D. P. and Shankar, U., Phalsa is an excellent forage plant for
bees and other visiting insects. Bee World, 2021, 98(2), 1–4.
Kumar, R., Bakshi, P., Kumar, V., Singh, V. B. and Trilokia, M., Phalsa
is a profitable fruit crop in the Jammu subtropics. Indian Hortic., 2019,
60(4), 21–22.
Literature cited 2: Karuppaiah, V., Insects pests of phalsa (Grewia asiatica Linn) and their
management options. Pop. Kheti, 2017, 2(4), 83–85.
Arnett, R. H., American Insects: A Handbook of the Insects of America
North of Mexico, CRC Press, Boca Raton, Florida, 2007, p. 1024.
ID: 66586
Title: Myanmar Earthquake Mw 7.7 on 28 March 2025: geodynamic and spaceborne DInSAR perspective
Author: R. S. Chatterjee and J. R. Kaya
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (12) 25 Dec . 2025 1109-1111 (2025)
Subject: Myanmar Earthquake Mw 7.7 on 28 March 2025: geodynamic and spaceborne DInSAR perspective
Keywords: DInSAR, geodynamic perspectives, Myanmar Earthquake 2025, Sagaing Fault, super shear
Abstract: On 28 March 2025, a devastating earthquake (Mw 7.7)
ruptured the central segment of the Sagaing Fault, a
major right-lateral strike-slip fault that accommodates
the northward motion of the Myanmar Microplate
relative to the Sunda Plate. Historical records, GPS
measurements, and past seismic activity had already
identified this fault segment as a seismic gap which
has been accumulating strain since the 1839 great
earthquake (M∼8.3). The recent earthquake in 2025
produced an exceptionally long rupture, widespread
surface displacements and ground shaking, causing significant casualties and destruction across Myanmar
and neighbouring regions. The present study employs
spaceborne interferometric synthetic aperture radar
(InSAR) analysis to map land surface displacements
and rupture geometry associated with the event.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: . USGS, M 7.7 Mandalay, Burma (Myanmar) Earthquake. U.S. Geological Survey, 2025; https://www.usgs.gov/news/featured-story/m77-
mandalay-burma-myanmar-earthquake# (accessed on 17 April 2025).
2. Molnar, P. and Tapponnier, P., Cenozoic tectonics of Asia: effects of a
continental collision. Science, 1975, 189(4201), 419–426
Literature cited 2: Huchison, C. S., Tectonic evolution of Southeast Asia. Bull. Geol.
Soc. Malays., 1989, 60, 1–18.
4. Le Dain, A. Y., Tapponnier, P. and Molnar, P., Active faulting and tectonics of Burma and surrounding regions. J. Geophys. Res., 1984, 89,
453–472.
ID: 66585
Title: Aquaculture growth and its role in India’s aquatic food supply: a trend analysis and projection to 2033
Author: Bhupeshri V. Shetye, Ravindra A. Pawar, Kajal B. Rathod and Vivek H. Nirmale
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (12) 25 Dec . 2025 1074-1080 (2025)
Subject: Aquaculture growth and its role in India’s aquatic food supply: a trend analysis and projection to 2033
Keywords: Aquaculture growth, aquatic food, capture fisheries, food security, nutritional security.
Abstract: India’s aquatic food systems require a comprehensive
assessment to ensure nutritional security amid demographic expansion. We examined aquatic food balance sheet elements (total production, imports, exports,
domestic availability, non–food uses, and per capita
supply) during 2010–2022 and species–specific production dynamics (2004–2023), projecting trajectories to
2033. Total fisheries production is projected to increase 46.0%, with per capita food supply requiring
42.7% growth to meet demand under 0.69% annual
population growth. Capture fisheries demonstrated
a precipitous decline (86.8% reduction), precluding
wild resources from long–term food security. Aquaculture emerged as the primary driver, exhibiting
39.1% expansion with Indian major carps projected
to reach 11,082 thousand tonnes by 2033. Going
forward, our scenario–based analysis identified ‘business–as–usual’ pattern as optimal. Critical vulnerabilities exist in relation to climate stress and disease
outbreaks, with emphasis on biosecurity and climate resilient strain development. Our assessment provides
empirical foundations for strategic sectoral prioritization in the national aquatic food security planning.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: United Nations, World population prospects 2019: highlights, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, New York,
2019.
Kawarazuka, N. and Béné, C., The potential role of small fish species
in improving micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries: building evidence. Public He
Literature cited 2: Bogard, J. R., Thilsted, S. H., Marks, G. C., Wahab, M. A., Hossain,
M. A. R., Jakobsen, J. and Stangoulis, J., Nutrient composition of important fish species in Bangladesh and potential contribution to recommended nutrient intakes. J. Food Compos. Anal., 2015, 42, 120–133.
Ahmed, N., Ward, J. D. and Saint, C. P., Can integrated aquaculture–agriculture (IAA) produce "more crop per drop"? Food Security,
2014, 6(4), 767–779.
ID: 66584
Title: Population structure and regeneration status of Dalbergia latifolia Roxb. (Indian rosewood) in forest areas of Karnataka, India: implications for conservation and sustainable management
Author: S. M. Balakrishna , T. N. Manohara and H. S. Suresh
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (12) 25 Dec . 2025 1063-1073 (2025)
Subject: Population structure and regeneration status of Dalbergia latifolia Roxb. (Indian rosewood) in forest areas of Karnataka, India: implications for conservation and sustainable management
Keywords: Carbon sequestration, conservation management, Dalbergia latifolia, invasive species, population structure, regeneration dynamics, Western Ghats
Abstract: Dalbergia latifolia Roxb. (Indian rosewood) is a
valuable tropical hardwood native to South and
Southeast Asia, increasingly threatened by habitat
loss, overexploitation, and regeneration challenges.
The present study provides a comprehensive field based assessment of population structure, regeneration dynamics, and ecological factors across thirteen
forest divisions in Karnataka, India, including Reserve Forests (RFs) and Wildlife Sanctuaries/Tiger
Reserves (WLS/TRs). A total of 190 transects were
surveyed, recording 1,705 individuals classified as
seedlings, saplings (poles), or mature trees. The average tree density was 6.66±6.51 individuals per 0.1
hectare (range: 0–34). Regeneration was mainly seed originated, accounting for 92.5% of individuals, with
minimal contribution from root suckers. Seedling (520
individuals/ha) and sapling (330 individuals/ha) densities were significantly higher in RFs compared to
WLS/TRs, where regeneration was considerably limited despite the presence of mature trees. Size-class
distributions in RFs showed a reverse J-shaped pattern, indicating active recruitment, whereas WLS/TRs
displayed recruitment bottlenecks dominated by mature cohorts. Invasive species such as Lantana camara and Chromolaena odorata have been identified
as significant barriers to regeneration, intensifying
competition and increasing fire risk. Biomass and
carbon stock assessments revealed significant spatial
variation, with the Madikeri and Bhadra divisions
contributing notably to carbon sequestration. These
findings emphasise the urgent need for adaptable, sitespecific management approaches, including invasive
species control, fire mitigation, enrichment planting,
and regeneration support, guided by ongoing ecological monitoring. The integrated methodological
framework presented here offers a scalable model for
assessing other endangered hardwood species, delivering essential insights to promote conservation, sustainable forest management, and global climate resilience.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Arunkumar, A. N., Warrier, R. R., Kher, M. M. and Teixeira da Silva,
J. A., Indian rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia Roxb.): biology, utilisation, and conservation practices. Trees, 2022, 36(3), 883–898; DOI:
10.1007/s00468-021-02243-3.
Kadambi, K., The silviculture of Dalbergia latifolia. Monograph of
Indian Trees No. 1, Government of India, Manager of Publications,
Delhi, 1954.
Literature cited 2: Sasidharan, K. R., Prakash, S., Muraleekrishnan, K. and Kunhikannan,
C., Population structure and regeneration of Dalbergia latifolia Roxb.
and D. sissoides Wight & Arn. in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, India. Int.
J. Adv. Res. Rev., 2020, 5(9), 51–66.
Chopra, N. et al., Estimation of biomass and carbon sequestration
potential of Dalbergia latifolia Roxb. and Melia composita Willd.
plantations in the Tarai Region (India). Forests, 2023, 14(3), 646;
https://doi.org/10.3390/f14030646.
ID: 66583
Title: Genetic architecture, inter relations in selection programme for yield enhancement in paddy (Oryza sativa L.)
Author: B. Manjunatha and B. Niranjana Kumara
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (12) 25 Dec . 2025 1058-1062 (2025)
Subject: Genetic architecture, inter relations in selection programme for yield enhancement in paddy (Oryza sativa L.)
Keywords: Diversity, genetic coefficient of variability, paddy, phenotypic coefficient of variability, yield enhancement.
Abstract: The present study was carried out at the Agricultural
and Horticultural Research Station, Kathalagere,
India. Sixty-seven sophisticated paddy breeding lines
were used in the experiment. Three replications of the
experiment were carried out, each with a plot size of
4 m × 3 m. Grain yield per plot (kg), grain yield per
hectare (kg), plant height (cm), panicles per square
meter, days to 50% flowering, and days to maturity
were all noted. Genetic variability and diversity parameters – two important aspects of plant breeding
– were analysed. When selecting the genotypes, varieties, and breeding lines, higher genetic and phenotypic coefficients of variability (GCV and PCV) should
be taken into account to progress and prosper in the
yield and yield contribution towards varietal performance. These include days to 50% flowering, days to
maturity, plant height (cm), panicles per square meter, and grain yield per plot (kg). Genetic diversity
studies demonstrated that the factors that contributed
most to the genotypes’ divergence were the following:
plant height, grain production per plot, panicles per
square meter, days to 50% flowering, and days to maturity. Several crossing studies have shown that transgressive segregants with high genetic yield potential
and early maturity can improve the quality of some
clusters, which are made up of superior genotypes.
Location: T E 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: Sarla, N. and Swamy, B. P. M., Oryza glaberrima: a source for the
improvement of Oryza sativa. Curr. Sci., 2005, 89(6), 955–963.
Khush, G. S. and Virk, P. S., Rice breeding achievements and future
strategies. Crop Improv., 2000, 27(2), 115–144
Literature cited 2: Smith, B. D., The Emergence of Agriculture, Scientific American Library, New York, USA, 1995, p. 256.
Hossain, M., Siwar, I. C., Mokhtar, M. B., Dey, M. M., Jaafar, A. H.
and Alam, M. M., Standard Evaluation System Manual, International
Rice Research Institute, Manila, Philippines, 1996
ID: 66582
Title: The role of satellite laser ranging in space geodesy: developments, applications and Indian perspective
Author: Pramod Gandugade, Sushant Shekhar , Somalin Nath, B. Nagarajan and Onkar Dikshit
Editor: S.K.Satheesh
Year: 2025
Publisher: Current Science Association and Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: ENVIS, CES & EWRG, CES
Reference: Current Science Vol. 129 (12) 25 Dec . 2025 1048-1057 (2025)
Subject: The role of satellite laser ranging in space geodesy: developments, applications and Indian perspective
Keywords: None
Abstract: Satellite laser ranging (SLR) has been a key geodetic technique for over 60 years, contributing to reference frame realisation, Earth orientation monitoring, orbit determination, and gravity field modelling. The International Laser Ranging Service (ILRS)
operates a global network of 50 tracking stations,
ensuring millimetre-precision measurements for the
International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF).
However, challenges such as uneven station distribution, atmospheric effects, and retroreflector degradation impact data accuracy. The United Nations
(UN) adopted the Global Geodetic Reference Frame
(GGRF) resolution in 2015, aiming for 1 mm accuracy and 0.1 mm/year stability; however, the current
precision stands at 5 mm and 0.5 mm/year. Advancements such as MiniSLR technology, automation, and
high-power kHz lasers enhance precision. India is
expanding its SLR capabilities with ISRO-tracked
stations at Mount Abu and Ponmudi, alongside colocated geodetic sites at IIT Kanpur’s Geodesy Village. The National Geospatial Policy 2022 (NGP 2022)
supports the Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) network for horizontal datum definition,
strengthening India’s self-reliance in space geodesy
and terrestrial reference frame realisation. The objective of the present article is to consolidate global
and Indian developments in SLR, highlighting its
applications in geodesy and India’s geodetic future.
Location: T E 15 New Biology building
Literature cited 1: Altamimi, Z., Coulot, D. and Collilieux, X., Status of ITRF development and SLR contribution. In Proceedings of the 16th International
Workshop on Laser Ranging, 2009, pp. 35–42.
Pearlman, M., The International Laser Ranging Service and its support
for IGGOS. J. Geodyn., 2005, 40, 470–478.
Literature cited 2: Altamimi, Z., Sillard, P. and Boucher, C., ITRF2000: a new release of
the International Terrestrial Reference Frame for earth science applications. J. Geophys. Res. Solid Earth, 2002, 107, B10.
Appleby, G., Rodríguez, J. and Altamimi, Z., Assessment of the accuracy of global geodetic satellite laser ranging observations and estimated impact on ITRF scale: estimation of systematic errors in LAGEOS observations 1993–2014. J. Geod., 2016, 90, 1371–1388.