ID: 57727
Title: Biosystematics of pteromalidae (Insecta: Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) of Indian subcontinent- An overview
Author: P M Sureshan
Editor: A Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Pubslishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity and taxonomy
Keywords: Parasitoids, biogeography, Host-parasite relation, Biocontrol
Abstract: Pteromalidae is one of the important groups of Parasitic Hymenoptera, whose species are vitally important in terrestrial ecosystem because: (i) they are involved in many tropic interactions comprising green plants, insect herbivores and parasitoids; (ii) they have regulatory effect on their hosts, preventing mass breeding of them or at least reducing their epidemical outbreaks, and (iii) they have higher influence on the ecosystem structure by regulating the population size of insect herbivores. Despite a very rich and diverse fauna occurring in the region, Pteromalidae of Indian subcontinent has received very little attention, both taxonomically and biologically. Hence further inensive work is imperative for the survey, collection, identification and documentation of Pteromalidae of the region in order to fill the following gaps in the knowledge: (i) The Desert, Island, Himalayan and Semi arid (Central India & Gujarat) biogeographic zones of the country are to be surveyed extensively in order to make a complete picture of the Pteromlaid fauna occurring the region and further analysis of the Zoogeographic affinities of the taxa, (ii) Extensive studies on the biology, and biocontrol potential, host parasite relationships etc, of selected species with proven biological control potential has to be undertaken in order ot utilize them in similar projects in India and (iii) Extensive studies on the biology, ethology and host-parasite relationships of more number of species are to be undertaken.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57726
Title: Impact of sand mining on the biodiversity of zoobenthos: A case study from Achankovil river at Pathanamthitta region of Kerala
Author: R Sunil Kumar
Editor: A Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Pubslishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity and taxonomy
Keywords: Zoobenthos, riverine ecology, river bed, sand mining, ecosystem stability
Abstract: The zoobenthos of the study was mainly composed of young stages of insects, polyhaetes, crustaceans and molluscs. Totally eighteen species were found. Insecta was the most dominant group in terms of population density as well as species diversity. All the other groups of organisms were rarely distributed in the study area. The study showed taht all the 18 species were found in the undisturbed areas of the river bottom while only 6 species were found in the mined area and which may only be after the colonization and rebuilding of fauna in a certain period of time. The zoobenthic organisms inhabiting the riverbed sediments regulate the fluxes of nutrients and energy through lotic ecosystem inhabiting the riverbed sediments regulate the fluxes of nutrients and energy through lotic ecosytem and provide a critical link between primary and tertiary production. Thus, they play major role in the functioning of river ecosystem and constitute an important link in the food chain as they form the food of various fishes. These functional roles make the composition of soil biodiversity so important for characterizing the ecological state of river system. The abundance and distribution of benthic organisms in the river bed habitat is governed by the sediment characteristics, as in the present study, and also by water quality. During sand mining process the benthic fauna of bottom habitat was drastically removed along with sand. As far as the life history of Dragon flies, May flies, Caddis flies and chironomus are concerned the mortality of the young stages of these insects due to sand mining definitely affect the terrestrial ecology of the area. In the terrestrial system adult stages of these insects enter into the food chain and also play an important role in the biological control of harmful insects like mosquitoes. It can be concluded that during sand mining process a stabilized riverine bottom habitat is not only altered but also the biodiversity of benthic habitat is lost forever. Even though there is little recovery in the mined bottom habitat after certain period in the form of rebuilding of zoobenthos especially initial young stages of insects, the mining process has profound effect on the various aspects of riverine biodiversity and ecology both directly and indirectly.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57725
Title: Pteridophytes of Western Ghats
Author: Sumesh Dudani, M D Subhash Chandran and T V Ramachandra
Editor: A Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Pubslishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity and taxonomy
Keywords: Pteridophytes, Western Ghats, Conservation
Abstract: The Western Ghats is one of the 34 Global Biodiversity Hotspots and harbours a rich diversity of flora and fauna with many endemic and RET species. Along with the angiospermic plants, the Western Ghats is also a rich repository of pteridophytic plant wealth. The pteridophytes form a conspicuous element of the earth ' s vegetation and are important from evolutionary point of view as they show the evolution of vascular system and reflect the emergence of seed habitat in the plants. About 250 million years ago they formed the dominant part of earth ' s vegetation, but in present day flora have been largely replaced by the seed bearing plants. About 12,000 species of pteridophytes occur in the world flora of which around 1000 species are distributed in different biogeographical regions of Idnia with the main centers being the Himalayas, the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats. The Western Ghats harbour about 320 species of ferns and fern allies with more species diversity in the southern part. The major families of pteridophytes found in the Western Ghats are Aspleniaceae, Polypodiaceae, Thelypteridaceae, Selaginellaceae, Pteridaceae, etc. Whereas on the generic level, maximum diversity is observed in the genus Asplenium, Selaginella, Pteris, Athyrium, Diplazium, etc. The Western Ghats also harbours endemic species like Polystichum manickamii, Cyathea nilgiriensis, Bolbitis semicordata, Selaginella radicata, etc. The habitat of the pteridophytes consists of microclimatic conditions with special preference for moist and shady places and minor disturbance in their microclimate conditions can lead to loss of large number of species. They occur in abundance in tropical, sub-tropical, temperate and moist-deciduous forests of India and their life-cycle is based on the existence of the forests. However, large scale deforestation and increasing anthropogenic factors have caused the elimination of the habitats which is posing a serious threat to the peteridophytes of Western Ghats and many endangered pteridophytes like Psilotum nudum, Tectaria zeylancia, Lindsaea malabarica, Cheilanthes rufa, etc. may soon face the brunt of extinction. In the recent years, although the pteridological studies have picked up in various parts of the country, many questions regarding the pteridophytic wealth of the Western Ghats remain unanswered and hence, more studies are required for developing in situ and ex situ conservation strategies for this wonderful and important groupof plants.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57724
Title: Phytoplankton diversity of Vattakayal, Kollam district, Kerala
Author: B S Suma and C Shaji
Editor: A Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Pubslishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity and taxonomy
Keywords: Biodiversity, Algae, Vattakayal
Abstract: Vattakayal, a part of Ashtamudi estuarine system lies within Panmana adn Karunagapally Panchayats. It receives effluent from KMML industry. The physico-chemical characteristics and phytoplankton diversity of the Vattakayal have been studied for a period of two years from September, 2007 to August, 2009. The water samples were analyzed for 15 parameters viz. temperature, pH, phenolphthalein alkalinity, total alkalinity, free CO2, dissolved oxygen, chloride, total hardness, calcium, phosphate, sulphate, nitrate, BOD, COD and total dissolved solid. The results revealed that the water had high values of chloride (42.6 - 1192.8 mg/l), total hardness (30-2200 mg/l), calcium (9.6 - 922.3 mg/l), phosphate (0.16 - 2.4 mg/l), sulphate (64.8 - 5611.6 mg/l), BOD (11 - 40 mg/l), COD (260-380 mg/l), and TDS (143-3826 mg/l) coupled with low DO (0-8.2 mg/l). A total of 95 taxa belonging to 40 genera were encountered from the kayal. They include Spirulina (1 sp), Oscillatoria (7 spp), Phormidium (3 spp), Lyngbya (2 spp), Anabaena (2 spp), Calothrix (1 sp.), Tolypothrix (1 sp), Chrococcus (1 sp), Dictyosphaerium (2 spp), Scenedesmus (5 spp), Pandorina (1 sp), Eudorina (2 spp), Bulbochaeta (1 sp), Oedogonium (2 spp), Spirogyra (3 spp), Gonatozygon (1 sp), Closterium (7 spp), Pleurotaenium (2 spp), Euastrum (4 spp), Micrasterias (2 spp), Actinotaenium (1 sp), cosmarium (9 spp), Xanthium (2 spp), Saturastrum (4 spp), Onychonema (1 sp), Desmidium (2 spp), Spondylosium (1 sp) Cyclotella (1 sp) Melosira (1 sp), Fragillaria (1 sp), Navicula (3 spp), Nitzschia (4 spp), Surirella (1 sp), Phacus (3 spp), Euglena (3 spp), and Trachelomonas (2 spp). The present paper deals with the systematic enumeration of 95 taxa belonging to 4 major groups of algae viz. Cyanophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Euglenophyceae and Bacillariophyceae. All the taxa are illustrated in the text.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57723
Title: Taxonomy and diversity of octopuses (Mollusca: Cephalopoda) along the Kerala coast, India
Author: V Sreeja and A Biju Kumar
Editor: A Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Pubslishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity and taxonomy
Keywords: Octopus, Cistopus, Amphioctopus, Callistoctopus, Diversity indices, Distribution, Kerala coast
Abstract: Octopuses, represented by over 300 species, are the cephalopod molluscs inhabiting primarily tropical waters around the world. They are known for their secretive nature, uncanny intelligence and the ability to use tools. Thus far 38 species of octopods, representing the families Octopodidae, Tremooctopodidae and Argonautidae, were recorded from Indian coasts and from the Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands. The ongoing study on the taxonomy and diversity of cephalpod molluscs along the Kerala coast recorded the presence of 16 species of octopuses belonging to five genera (family Octopodidae). The newly reported species from Kerala coast are Octopus cyanea, Amphioctopus marginatus, Amphioctopus neglectus, Callistoctopus lechenaultii and Cistopus taiwanicus. Shannon diversity index of octopods recorded a value of 1.956 in Kerala coast and Margalef species richness was 2.593. The values of Pielou ' s evenness index 0.4421 showed lesser even distribution of species, with relatively more value for dominance index (0.7862). This paper reports on the diversity of octopuses off Kerala coast of India.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57722
Title: Diversity of marine ornamental fishes along Kerala coast
Author: T K Sirajudheen and A Biju Kumar
Editor: A Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Pubslishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity and taxonomy
Keywords: Biodiversity, Kerala, Ornamental fish, Aquarium
Abstract: The fish fauna in marine enviorns, particularly those associated with coral reefs, rocky pools, sea grass beds mud flats are renowned for their colouration, peaceful nature, tiny sizes and their ability to adapt to the confiens of aquarium tanks. The wide varieties of natural animals along with modern technologies in aquarium keeping like live rocks, for better management and maintenance enhances the marine ornamental fish industry day by day. Among 1,471 species of marine ornamental fishes in the international trade, as many as 400 species were occurring in coastal waters and the coral reef ecosystem surrounding the islands and mainland of India. The coral reef patches and rocky pools on the shores of teh Lakshadweep sea along with artificial rocky areas formed by sea wall construction materials harbours a wide variety of marine ornamental fishes all along the 590 kms coastal line of Kerala. Even though we hava a good potential of marine ornamental fishes along Kerala coast, the absence of a primary data on the availability and abundance of marine ornamental fish is a major restriction in the expansion as well as regulation of marine ornamental fish trade in the state. The current study aims an inventory to reveal the potential resources of marine ornamental fishes along Kerala coast and discusses strategies for their conservation and sustainable management. The survey conducted during May 2008 to October 2010 at rock pool areas and major fishing harbours along Kerala coast revealed the presence of 117 speciesof ornamental fish categorized under 9 orders, 46 families and 78 genera. Shannon diversity index of ornamental fish recorded a higher value of 4.025 in Kerala coast and the Margalef species richness was 15.74. The values of Pielou ' s evenness index (0.4784) showed lesser even distribution of species, with relatively more value for dominance index 0.9739. The species-rich fish families were Pomacentridae (damsel fishes), Scorpaenidae (Scorpion fishes), Serranidae (groupers) and Lutjanidae (snappers) (8 species each). The groupers and snappers, representing the genera Epinephelus and Lutjanus with 7 species each respectively, represented the most diverse ornamental fish genera of Kerala coast followed by lion fishes of genera Pterois (4 species). Four species are new records to Kerala coast. The newly reported species were Pterois mombasae, Minous dempsterae (Family: Scorpaenidae), Epinephelus radiatus (Family: Serranidae), and Lutjanus decussatus (Family: Lutjanidae). The Kovalam - Poovar belt in Thiruvananthapuram district, Thangasseri-Kollam belt in Kollam district, Kozhikode and Kannur-Kasargode belt were identified as the areas rich in ornamental fish diversity.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57721
Title: Diversity of laccase producing microbial strains from forest soil of Kerala
Author: D Sheena and A Jayakumaran Nair
Editor: A Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Pubslishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity and taxonomy
Keywords: Guaiacol, laccase, detoxification
Abstract: Laccase production efficiency was assessed among different microbial strains isolated from different sources. Soil was collected from forest area of Kerala and was screened for laccase enzyme. The concentration of screening substrate was doubled for selective isolation of potent strains. Colonies producing reddish brons zones by the oxidation of guaiacol to biphenoquinone was selected for secondary screening studies. Out of 41 cultures isolated by this technique 3 fungal strains and 1 bacterial strain were found potent laccase producers. The Vogel ' s Minimal media was selected as optimum media for production of enzyme. The enzyme assay was carried out using ABTS as substrate. The production of laccase was monitored and the enzyme production pattern of each organism was found different. The maximum production of laccase by the bacteria, KBB4 was on 5th day of inoculation where as the fungal strains KBF1, KBF2 and KBF3 produced maximum enzyme on 31st, 102 and 15th day of inoculation respectively. The ability of organisms to oxidize phenolic compounds was also studied. The tolerance for the substrates and oxidation study were conducted with 0.005% of guaiacol, p cresol, p aminophenol, p phenylene diamine, tropolone and hydroquinone. The bacterial strain was able to grow in the presence of guaiacol, p cresol, p aminophenol, p phenylene diamine and hydroquinone. But no growth was observed in the presence of tropolone. The strain could oxidize only guaiacol, p phenylene diamine and hydroquinone. The isolated fungal strains showed diversity in the growth and oxidation pattern. All the fungal strins oxidized guaiacol wehre as p phenylene diamine was oxidized only by the ascomycetes KBF2. Based on the ability to oxidize these compounds the organisms can be selected for various detoxification applications.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57720
Title: Floral biodiversity of moderate to steep slopw land in semi-arid area: A case study near Aravali hills, Avikanagar
Author: R B Sharma and S C Sharma
Editor: A Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Pubslishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity and taxonomy
Keywords: Aravali hills, floral biodiversity, Rajasthan, Semi-arid regions, small ruminant
Abstract: A field study was carried out at sloppy degraded are of CSWRI Avikanagar during 2007-2008. Results reveal that floral biodiversity of the study area comprised of 62 plant species belonging to 28 families. It hold 26 dicotyledons and 2 monocotyledons, consisting 8 trees, 20 shrubs and 34 herbs and grass. Out of these, 26 species were annual 1 was biannual and 35 were belongs to perennial in nature. Among the 62 species, 11 species belonged to Poaceae, 7 species to Fabaceae and 5 species to Tiliaceae families. Others families were represented in the study area having less than 5 species. There was an itneraction among the existing soil condition, climate condition, grazing pressure and biodiversity. Observations of all the three seasons viz. summer, rainy and winter and Shannon and Weaver Index indicated that grazing could be maintained the small ruminants without much problems, since sufficient species were available during the lean period also.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57719
Title: Ichthyofaunal diversity of river Achenkovil in relation physico-chemical characteristics of water
Author: G Santhy, M G Sanalkumar and R S Balamurali
Editor: A Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Pubslishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity and taxonomy
Keywords: Achenkovil river, Ichthyofauna, biodiversity monitoring
Abstract: Rich biodiversity is an indication of the health of a particular habitat and its potential to sustain life. Fishes are paraphyletic collection of taxa which represent visible measure of stream ecosytem structure and function. A database on fish diversity of River Achenkovil in relation to physico-chemical parameters is essential as a decision making tool for conservation and management of fish germplasm, declaration of part of the river as aquatic sanctuaries, protection and preservation of endangered species and mitigation of anthropogenic activities. Fish and surface water samples were collected seasonally from three sites of Achenkovil River during September 2009 - August 2010. Fish samples collected were preserved in 5% formaldehyde for taxonomic identification using standard keys. Surface ater samples for physico-chemical analysis were collected in 1L sterilized plastic containers and were analyzed using standared procedures. Statistical analysis was done by using standard procedures. Diverstiy indices were also calculated to explain the site wise variation in the Piscian diversity, dominance, abundance, richness, evenness and distribution. 54 fish species belonging to 21 families were collected and identified from the study area of which 5 species are endangered and 6 species are vulnerable according to IUCN norms. Family Cyprinidae recorded dominant. Three species found to be endemic to Kerala. The Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H ' ) value is in the range 1.43 - 1.25. Similarly Simpsons Dominance index (D) is in the range 0.006-0.003. Hill ' s Number (Ho) shows the range of 35-27. The Mergaleff species richness index (M) is in the range 25.07-24.16. Mackintosh Distance (U) value shows the range of 1.08-1.09 indicating that fishes possess only a narrow range of distribution. Mackintosh species Evenness (E) values shows the range of 1.154-1.156 which denotes uneven distribution in these sites. Almost all numerical values in the presetn study shows statistical significance (P<0.05). Various Biodiversity indices show that the downstream of the river is more diverse than midstream and upstream. Principle component analysis (PCA) of the category multivariate analysis was employed to find out the principle factors in water affecting the distribution of fishes. Principal component analysis indicates that dissoved oxygen is the first principal component affecting the density and diversity of fish. Nitrate is the second principal component and pH is recorded the third principal component. The study explains that water quality parameters have influence in the diversity and distribution of fishes at river Achenkovil. The presence of rare and endemic forms of fishes in the river makes it qualify as fresh water sites of exceptional fish diversity. But nowadays pollution due to domestic, urban sewage and runoff from agricultural fields have led to water quality deterioration and fish mortalities and toxicity to organisms prevails. Add to this unscientific sand mining resulted in the destruction of feeding and breeding grounds of fishes apart from reducing the self-cleaning capacity fo river water. In this context the existence of many endemic, endangered and vulnerable species in the river arise the importance of the continuous biodiversity monitoring and conservation of river Achenkovil.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57718
Title: Butterflies of Tripura
Author: Rudra Prasad Das, V Balakrishnan, Nelson Rodrigues, K Sasihumar and Arjan Basu Roy
Editor: A Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Pubslishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity and taxonomy
Keywords: Abundance, butterflies, diversity, conservation status, Tripura
Abstract: The state of Tripura is situated in the south-western extremity of north-east India. It shares an international boundary with Bangladesh on its north, south and south-eastern part; whereas on eastern side it shares a common boundary with two Indian states, Assam and Mizoram respectively. The state is located in the Bio-geographic zone of 9B-North-East Hills and has a predominantly hilly terrain with an altitudes ranging from 50 to 3080 ft above sea level. As because, it is geographically situated in the Indian sub-region of Oriental Zoo-geographic region, therefore possesses a very close affinity and resemblance with floral and faunal components of Indo-Malayan and Indo-Chinese sub-regions. Tripura is not a big state with an area covering only 10,491.69 sq km., but around 60% of that area is forest cover. The main forest types are tropical evergreen, semi evergreen, and moist deciduous; also sizeable area is covered with bamboo brakes. Tripura is extremely rich in bio-diveristy point of view. However, little studies had done on its butterfly diversity. Keeping that in consideration, one preliminary survey for butterfly fauna was planned during October - November 2009. During this seventeen days long survey period, a large part of the state was covered. An amazing 196 species of butterflies from five different families were recorded from different habitats such as plantation, cultivation and natural forests. Nymphalidae was the dominant family, with most species number (81), followed by families Lycaenidae (44), Hesperiidae (39), Pieridae (18) and Papilionidae (14) respectively. Among the recorded butterfly species, some of them are protected under different schedules of the Indian wildlife Protection Act, 1972.Here also, habitat loss and fragmentation of habitat continuously threatening the overall faunal diversity. During the study, more number of species was recorded from the natural forest area whcih supports a large diversity of flora. The results showed that the change of environment quality and altitude influenced the diversity of butterfly remarkably. The diversity pattern shows exterme richness in the Jampui Hills region, whereas in Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary it is considerably low. The other regions of Tripura showed moderate diverstiy of butterfly species. The result of the present survey will be helpful for further detailed study on butterfly diversity in the region.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57717
Title: Diversity and spatiotemporal variation of actinomycetes population in the soils of tropical Montane forest of Westernghats, Kerala
Author: Rinoy Varghese, R Suchithra, S Nishamol, Joby Paul and A A Mohamed Hatha
Editor: A Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Pubslishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity and taxonomy
Keywords: Tropical Montane forest, Actinomycetes, Shola forest, Grassland
Abstract: Actinomycetes are Gram positive, aerobic and mycelium forming bacteria and this group of prokaryotes is well-known for their activity in nutrient cycling, nitrogen fixation, production of secondary metabolites and plant-growth support in soil. Thus the studies on soil actinomycetes are very important. Although some information is available on the populations of actinomycetes in a range of soils. virtually nothing is known about the population of actinomycetes in the soils of shola and grassland soils of tropical montane forests of Kerala. The present sutdy is aimed at exploring the diversity and spatio temporal variation of actinomycetes in the soils of tropical montane forest. Floral composition of the study sites was also analysed. Actinomycetes load high during pre monsoon followed by post monsoon and monsoon seasons. In shola soils Actinomycetes load ranged from 21 x 102 to 40 x 103 CFU/g and in grassland soil it is ranged from 44 x 103 to 17 x 103 CFU/g during the three seasons studied. The identification of the total isolates collected (36) from shola soil revealed that most of the isolates were belongs to the genus Streptomyces (17) followed by Nocardia (9), Micromonospora (3), Pseudonocardia (2), Streptosporangium (2), Nocardiopsis (2) and Saccharomonospora (1). Characterisation of the isolates (33) from grassland soils exposed that the majority of them were come under Streptomyces (15) followed by Nocardia (11), Micromonospora (2), Pseudonocardia (2), Streptosporangium (1), Nocardiopsis (1) and Saccharomonospora (1). In shola forest, the sampling location comprised of altogether 28 species of plants belongs to 19 families. The flora is dominated by trees (42.85%) followed by shrubs (39.28%) and herbs (17.85%). The most dominant family based on the species diversity was Lauraceae (4 spp) followed by Acanthaceae, Rubiaceae, Myrsinaceae and Myrtaceae with two species each. Analysis of plant diversity of the grassland sampling locations recorded 8 families of plant species and the vegetatin profile showed that grass species dominated the vegetation followed by herbs and shrubs.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57716
Title: Biodiversity of anomuran crabs (Arthropoda: Anomura) along Kerala coast, India
Author: R Reshmi and A Biju Kumar
Editor: A Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Pubslishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity and taxonomy
Keywords: Hermit crab, biodiversity index, decapoda, Coenobita, Calcinus, Diogenes, Dardanus, Nematapagurus, Oncopagurus
Abstract: Anomurans are a group of fascinating and attractive crabs in the infraorder Anomura of Phylum Arthropoda. Among anomurans hermit crabs represent an important component of the intertidal and moderately deep benthic marine communities worldwide. Barring a few scattered reports, there have been no studies on the taxonomy and diversity of Anomuran crabs along southwest coast of India. This paucity of information coupled with taxonomic ambiguities with regard to Indian speciesof anomurans demands a thorough study on their taxonomy. The anomuran crabs were collected for a period of two years from the intertidal areas, mangrove swamps and the major fishing harbours of Kerala coast. The survey recorded the presence of 35 species of anomuran in Kerala coast classified under the families Diogenidae (24 species), Coenobitidae (2 species), Parapaguridae (1 species), Paguridae (1 species), Hippidae (2 species), Galatheidae (2 species), Chyrostylidae (1 species) and Procellanidae (2 species). Shannon diversity index of Anomuran crabs recorded a higher value of 2.595 in Kerala coast and the Margalef species richness index was 4.661. The distribution of the crabs showed dominance of some species (dominance index = 0.8985), with lesser evenness (evenness index = 0.3828). The study revealed four new reports from India viz. Coenobita brevimanus, Coenobita rugosus, Calcinus morgani and Diogenes klaasi and eighteen new reports from Kerala Coast viz., Calcinus laevimanus, Clibanarius arethusa, clibanarius padavensis, Clibanarius infraspinatus, Clibanarius merguiensis, Dardanus lagopodes, Dardanus megistos, Dardanus hessi, Dardanus setifer, Diogenes avarus, Diogenes costatus, Diogenes custos, Diogenes manaarensis, Diogenes merguiensis, Diogenes planimanus, Diogenes violaceus, Nematopagurus lepidochirus and Oncopagurus monstrosus. The family Diogenidae represented the most diverse family of Anomurans in Kerala coast.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57715
Title: Patterns of distribution of bryophytes in Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala
Author: K Remya, S L Shilpa and K Murugan
Editor: A Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Pubslishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity and taxonomy
Keywords: Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Bryophytes, species diversity, conservation , habitat
Abstract: The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the southern state of Kerala in India is spread over the southeast corner of the Western Ghats, and covers a total area of 128 km2. It is located between 770 8 ' to 77017 ' East longitude and 8029 ' to 80 37 ' North latitude, central location 8033 ' - 8055 ' N to 77012 ' -77020 ' E. Although it was declared as a sanctuary in 1958, not much was doen about wildlife conservation, until 1985, when a separate wildlife wing was set up and as a result, conservation efforts have gathered momentum. This is the drainage basin for the Neyyar River and its tributaries -Mullayar and Kallar which originate in Agasthyarkoodam, the second highest peak in Kerala. The towering peak of Agasthyamalai at an elevation of 1868 meters is a very prominent landmark. Bryophytes are nonvascular plants generally reproducing by spores. They are considered to be pioneers that colonize terrestrial habitats from an aquatic environment. They are the simplest and the most primitive of the land plants and lack well developed conductive tissue system. A total of 76 species of bryophytes were recorded from 16 tarnsects of 50 m x 10 m between altitudes of 90 to 1868 m of Neyyar Wildlife sanctuary. 41 of these are lignicolours species occuring on woody, 14 are terricolous growing on soil and 10 are saxicolous inhabiting rocks only. The other 11 species occur on more than one major types of substrate. Bryophyte species diversity is at its highest in middle altitudes where all three major substrates are simultaneously availabe. Bryophyte species diversity of Neyyar wildlife Sanctuary appears to be under threat from deforestation and fires, as well as from loss of soil microhabitats due to overgrowth of weeds seemingly caused by cessation of summer grazing. Deforestation, excessive fuel wood collection and fire, all adversely affecting wood loving species of bryophytes appear to be major threats to the rich bryophyte flora of the hills. Although firm evidence is lacking, it si also possible that the ban on summer grazing in the meadows of Agasthyamalai may be adversely affecting bryophyte diversity, since this cessation of grazing has led to spread of weedy species and shrinkage of soil microhabitats of the bryophtes. The rich bryophyte flora of Neyyar belt could play an importatn economic role as well.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57714
Title: Diversity and distribution of aquatic insects in the River Achencovil during monsoon season in relation to water quality
Author: Reeja Jose, M G Sanal Kumar and S Nanda Kumar
Editor: A Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Pubslishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity and taxonomy
Keywords: Aquatic insects, Diversity, Distribution, Achencovil river, Water quality
Abstract: The persent study analyse the diversity and distribution of aquatic insects at selected sites of Achencovil river with respect to its physico-chemical environment. Persistent absences or declines or in some cases appearances of aquatic insects may indicate a change in aquatic health. Aquatic insects and surface water samples were collected from six sampling stations of Pandalam segment and each of them having a 500 m distance. The sampling was carried out monthly during June-October 2010 (monsoon). Aquatic insects were collected by following the single habitat and multihabitat composite sampling method. Collected samples were preserved in 70% ethanol an assigned to order, family and genus using standard taxonomic keys. Surface ater samples for physico-chemical analysis were collected in IL sterilized pastic containers and analysed using standard methods. Principle component analysis (PCA O of the category multivariate anlaysis was applied to relate the relationship between faunal changes and physico-chemical variables. Diversity indices were also calculated to explain the site wise vairation in the insect diversity, dominance, abundance, richness, evenness and distribution. A total of 319 individuals belonging to 8 orders, 19 families and 20 genera were recorded during teh 5 month sampling period of the study. The greatest diversity was observed among Ephemeroptera (28.21%). Ctenipocoris belonging to the family Naucoridae ranks the most abundant genus in the present study. Ranatra belonging to the family Nepidae was the least recorded genus. Among the water quality parameters, dissolved oxygen was found to be the principle component (PC1) affecting the distribution of aquatic insects. Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) was the second principle compnent, while pH found to be third principle component. Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H ' ) was rang from 0.995-1.237, which shows that site 4 possess highest diversity of aquatic insects. Simpson ' s dominance index (D) was ranging from 11.625-19.286, indicating maximum dominance at site 5. Hill ' s Number (Ho) observed are ranging from 12-20, showing that site 3 and site 4 possess most abundance in the occurrence of aquatic insects. Margaleff ' s richness index (M) ranges from 9.459-13.428, indicating maximum richness at site 1. Mackintosh Distance (U) value comes in the range 0.344-0.736, shows that aquatic insects possess only a narrow range of distribution. Mackintosh Evenness (E) values are ranging from 1.263-1.28 shows that aquatic insects are not evenly distributed in these sites. Almost all numerical values in the present study shows statistical significance (P<0.05). The study explains that water quality parameters have great influence in the diversity and distribution of aquatic insects at Pandalam segment of river Achencovil especially during monsoon. Moreover, this study also explains the importance of using aquatic insects as bioindicators of environmental disurbances.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57713
Title: Breeding status of lesser sand plover from chandertal Wetland: A new record
Author: Ranjith Singh and D R Thakur
Editor: A Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Pubslishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity and taxonomy
Keywords: Charadrius mongolus, breeding, Chandertal wetland, North-west Himalayas
Abstract: Chandertal wetland is situated above the tree line in north-west Himalaya, at an altitude of 4370 meters above the mean sea level and is internationally known as Ramsar site (no. 1569) due to its unique and a few endangered floral and faunal elements. The lake with its 2.5 km circumference and with a few small semi-permanent water bodies interspersed in between grassy meadows and rocky pastures, hosts different alpine chordates and non chordate organisms. Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus Pallas 1776 is a wader noticed in sanctuary area within breeding plumage and its juveniles.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None