ID: 57682
Title: Biodiversity and cultural lilnkages in India
Author: T Damu
Editor: A. Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Publishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity - Utilization, threats and cultural linkages
Keywords: None
Abstract: None
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57681
Title: Impact fo anthropogenic intervention on the macrofaunal biodiversity of Gorai creek, Mumbai
Author: Vishakha Shingala and Nandini Patil
Editor: A. Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Publishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity - Utilization, threats and cultural linkages
Keywords: Mumbai, wetlands, sediment, macrobenthos, abundance, human intervention
Abstract: Mumbai has a coastal stretch of 603 sq. km. Extensive changes have occurred along the coastal wetlands since these are the only places easily available and visible in and around a metropolis like Mumbai. The prime reason for for our coastal zones being anthropogenically modified is the lack of monitoring mechanism for assessment of Climate Change and Impact of Human Activities resulting in decline in biodiversity of the ecosystems. Macrobenthos, by virtue of being relatively stationary, are constantly exposed to environmental changes, and hence respond very well to pollution. Present study deals with the assessment of macrobenthic biodiversity for the period from September 2006 to August 2007 in the intertidal zone of Gorai creek (190 102, N -190 202 N and 720 462, E-720 552, E) of Northwest coast of Mumbai, India. Sediment parameters were analyzed as per standard methods. Sediment samples containing Macrobenthic invertebrates were collected every month from station 1 and station - 2 of Gorai creek. Since macroinvertebrates population is not uniformly distributed, replicates were taken from the same sampling site and data was pooled. Abundance was computed as number of individuals in square meter area of sediment of Gorai creek. Station -1, with exposure to anthropogenic activities was found to have 13 species of Macrobenthic fauna. It showed dominance of Polychaetes inhabiting in the soft fine sediment while Station-2, comparatively less disturbed, showed presence of 29 species throughout the year, witnessing abundance of Molluscs in the sandy sediment. The population of macrobenthic fauna at Station -1 was 2125 indi/m2, while it was 1580 indi/m2 at station -2; having little difference in density structure. Comparatively low abundance and specific as well as generic diversity of macroinvertebrates points to the alarming condition, which might have resulted due to human interference to the pristine status of Gorai creek.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57680
Title: Haematological profile of two barbs, Puntius mahecola (Valenciennes) and Puntius filamentosus (Valenciennes) (Pisces: Cyprinidae)
Author: K N Vijayakumari
Editor: A. Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Publishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity - Utilization, threats and cultural linkages
Keywords: Peripheral haematology, differential leucocyte count, Puntius mahecola, Puntius filamentosus
Abstract: Peripheral haematological makeup is a useful indicator for assessing the status of health and environmental stress in fishes. Being poikilotherms, with limited powers of homeostasis, and because of the intimate association with their milieu in which they live, fishes are easily affected by even minor fluctuations in the physical and chemical makeup of their environment. Information on the influence of the extrinsic and intrinsic factors on the peripheral haematological makeup of fishes would be highly useful for establishing normal values. Compared to major carps, minor carps of India have not received due attention from haematologists. Therefore, the present study was an attempt to findout the haematological profile of two common minor Cyprinids, Puntius mahecola (Val.) and Puntius filamentosus (Val.). Peripheral corpuscular haemaogram - total erythrocyte, leucocyte and thrombocyte counts (TEC, TLC, TTC), haemoglobin content (Hb), haematocrit (Ht), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), RBC/WBC ratio, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and differential leucocyte count (DLC) of P.mahecola and P. filamentosus were analysed using standard techniques suggested by Hesser (1960), Blaxhall and Daisely (1973) and Daice and Lewis (1991). Interspecific statistical comparison of haematological parameters and differential leucocyte counts were done by Student ' s ' t ' test. The range and mean values of peripheral corpuscular haemogram and differential leucocyte count of P. mahecola and P. filamentosus and their interspecific statistical comparisons are presented in tables I and II. Except for some non-specific variations, significant sex-related differences in the peripheral haematologica makeup and differntial leucocyte count were not observed in these Cyprindis. However, there is a general tendancy for most of the values to be higher in males. The mean TEC, TLC, Ht and MCV were higher in males of both species. In P. filamentosus mean TTC, Hb and neutrophils were also higher in males, whereas in P. mahecola mean Hb was more or less the same in both sexes and mean TTC was slightly lower in males. Mean MCH and MCHC in both species registered marginally higher values in females than in males. Mean ESR of males and females of both species was similar. Four types of leucocytes - lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages - were encountered in both species. Lymphocytes were the most abundant leucocyte type in the peripheral blood (93.5% in P. mahecola; 91.7% in P. filamentosus) in both. Neutrophils the second dominant type constituted 6.39% in P. mahecola and 8.17% in P. filamentous. Monocytes and macrophages were very rare in the peripheral blood of these minor Cyprinids; both together constituted 0.11 to 0.25% in P. mahecola and P. filamentosus. The results of the ' t ' test show that all variables except TEC and ESR and relative abundance of leucocytes other than monocytes and macrophages, differed significantly (P<0.01) between the two species. The mean TLC, Ht, MCV and lymphocytes were significantly higher in P. mahecola, whereas mean TTC, RBC/WBC ratio, Hb, MCH and MCHC and neutrophil count were signficantly higher in P. filamentosus. The range and mean values of the peripheral corpuscular haemogram and leucogram of these minor cyprinids were slightly higher than that of othe rcyprinids. The observed differences are attributable to the effect of various intrinsic and extrinsic factors and also indicative of their active mode of life.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57679
Title: Aquatic biodiversity plays a role in the development of North Bihar
Author: Vidyanath Jha, A B Verma and Prajna Jha
Editor: A. Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Publishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity - Utilization, threats and cultural linkages
Keywords: North Bihar, Aquatic biodiversity, livelihood
Abstract: Being a land of high recurring floods, north Bihar witnesses prolonged waterloggings and as such it has been a repository of aquatic biodiversity since ancient times. People are in the habit of adjusting their lifestyle depending upon the exigencies of the situation. Thousands of natural and man-made ponds help tackle the challenge of climate change by aborbing CO2 at a rate faster than the larger lakes, often comparable with the oceanic absorption. The region provides home to the speciality crop Makhana which is grown in freshwater stagnant pools. Makhana ponds provide ideal habitat to the detritivorous air-breathing fishes and recent endeavour has witnessed its integration with culture fishery as well. Having a discontinuous world distribution Makhana has a localized cultivation in 8 to 10 districts of north Bihar. Known for its spermatogenic and aphrodisiac properties, Makhana finds a specific association with marital rituals. The fact that Makhana is a good source of anti-oxidants and essential fatty and amino acids makes it an ideal food for people suffering with age related problems. It could be held as a favourite choice of obese people on account of having meager fat content. A large number of other aquaphytes growing naturally in the diverse forms of wetlands address to the needs of food, fodder, fuel, biofertilizer and housing materials. Plants like Nelumbo nucifera, Nymphaea spp., Scirpus articulatus, Trapa bispinosa etc. play a role in the regional food security. The much maligned Eicchornia crassipes provides a basis to capture fishery and has the potential to provide raw material to the biomass industries alongwith a number of other invasive species. The region holds a promise for commercial cultivation of aquatic medicinal plants like Acorus calamus, Cyperus rotundus, Vetiveria zizanioides etc. Plants of Sesbania rostrata have emerged as a versatile lifeline in kusheshwarsthan wetlands in Darbhanga district distruct in view of tis growing utilization as fodder with no other alternatives left when there is water all around. It also helps contain the intensity of floods. Plants like Vetiveria zizaniodes and Aeschynomene sp. support the local "Sikki" and "Korhila" art forms. The "Bans-Purain" theme (Bamboo & Lotus) depicted in the famous Madhubani paintings has caught the fancy of art lovers worldwide. Wetlands in this region are the seat of a number of resident water birds. Kabar and Kusheshwarsthan wetlands identified as major potential "Ramsar" sites of the state provide home to the millions of migratory birds which throng the area during winter season. The avian droppings help the addition of nutrients to these water bodies. It is time steps were taken for proper documentation of the use of bioresources in the north Bihar wetlands.
The paper takes into account the diverse utility practices as observed in north Bihar wetlands and traces the scope of prospective applications of biotic products in relation to future development in this area.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57678
Title: A note on the colour morphism of Raorchestes akroparallagi from Western Ghats
Author: V G Sujith, V Gopalan, R Remya, Santhosh K Kumar and Sanil George
Editor: A. Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Publishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity - Utilization, threats and cultural linkages
Keywords: Colour morphism, Raorchestes akroparallagi, DNA barcoding
Abstract: The Western Ghats, a hot spot of biodiversity, is known to harbour almost 325 globally threatened species and also possess a high degree of endemism, especially in the case of lower vertebrates like Fishes, Reptiles and Amphibians. This endemism has been attributed to the prevailing geographical, climatic and phnological conditions providing the necessary humid environment and habitat. Amphibians form an important faunal group of this region, but are incompletely documented; as the tropical forest areas of Southern Western Ghats is known to be a hot spot of Amphibian diversity, as a very high number of species been reported form the area and still more awaiting discovery and identification. We used evidence from DNA barcoding of mitochondrial genes (16SrRNA and CO1) to investigate the colour morphism of Raorchestes akroparallagi from its range. The frog species Raorchestes akroparallagi is known to show a high degree of colour variation in life. In this paper, we report six colour morphs from the Species, with the support mitochondrial markers and photographs.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57677
Title: A study on detrimental effect of developmental activities along coast and off-shore waters of Orissa: An olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) sea turtle perspective
Author: Subrata K Behera, Ved Prakash Ola, Satyaranjan Behera, Sajan John, K. Sivakumar, B C Choudhury and C S Kar
Editor: A. Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Publishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity - Utilization, threats and cultural linkages
Keywords: Onshore, Offshore, Olive Ridley Turtles, Oil Blocks
Abstract: Olive ridley is an endangered species and nest in mass on coastal beaches of Orissa. There are three mass nesting grounds such as Gahirmatha, Devi and Rushikulaya in India are all located in the State of Orissa. There are several coastal developmental activities (chemical industry, ports) including oil exploration in the offshore of Orissa initiated in the recent past. In connection to this, study was conducted to understand the detrimental effect of these coastal developmental activities on the long term conservation of Olive ridley sea turtles along Orissa from October 2006 to November 2010. We fixed 62 platform terminal transmitter (PTTs) on ridleys to track their movements and habitat use in and beyond off coast of Orissa. We also studied the extent of various coastal developmental projects on the coastal land near nesting beaches. We found that the breeding population of olive ridley turtles arrive to the Orissa coast in December and remain in the off-shore waters off Orissa from December to April every year in multiple congregation patches along Gahirmatha, Devi and Rushikulaya within 20 kms from the shore with the highest concentrations within 5 kms. Their post-meeting migration to the foraging areas from the Orissa coast begins by the month of May with majority of turtles scattered along all along the Bay of Bengal. During June and July they were largely along the Andhra coast but scattered throughout the Bay of Bengal and during August-September they reached the Tamil Nadu and Sri Lankan coasts. Most of the turtles moved within a range of 30 km to 400 km from the shoreline with a mean distance of 214 +176 km from shoreline. There are various developmental activities including major ports that are coming up along the Orissa coast which may adversely affect the critical habitat requirements of olive ridley sea turtles. Associated activities of these ports are also bound to influence the turtles and their nesting habitats along the coast. Along with it there are also risks of oil spill and water pollution in these critical turtle areas. Therefore, we have tried to create a 10 km radius core and 15 km radius buffer zones using geospatial tools around three major rookeries to earmarking the area as eco-sensitive and should not to be used for major industrial activities. These buffers are made in compliance to a 2012 directive of the Ministry of Environment, based on the government of India ' s National Wildlife Action Plan. The area falling under these zones should be utilized with utmost caution and care. Our study also identified the temporal and spatial movement pattern of Olive ridley in the Bay of Bengal and this information wouild be used while taking up any hydrocarbon related projects in the region.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57676
Title: Connotation of minor millet biodiversity and indirect payments in tribal homesteads in the backdrop of climate change
Author: Sreejith Aravindakshan and A K Sherief
Editor: A. Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Publishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity - Utilization, threats and cultural linkages
Keywords: Agro-biodiversity, muthuvan, minor millets, opportunity cost, organic agriculture, tribal homesteads, sustainable livelihoods, indigenous people, climate change
Abstract: Unscattered agrobiodiversity remaining insitu today is found on the small-scale farms and homestead gardens of poorer and developing countries (Brookfield, 2001). The indigenous traditional farming of Muthuvan tribe as the case of Finger millet or Ragi (Eleusine coracana), a minor millet cultivated in the Western Ghats in Kerala in the Indian South is one such classic example for in-situ agrobiodiversity management, based on organic farming systems. On such fields, the use of labour intensive, traditional production techniques have persisted throughout the period of controlled state farming and the market based large-scale farming. The homestead gardens close to fringes of ' South Western Ghats-the hotspot of biodiversity ' also play a crucial role in tribalistic context, by contributing to the rural livelihoods in time periods and locations when markets or state institutions do not. This paper attempts to analyse the opportunity costs of minor millet cultivation incurred by indigenous tribe in scheming compensations for biodiversity conservation. It further discusses possibilities to deliver a tangible and hopeful alternative towards sustainable livelihood in the backdrop of climate change. The methodology involves use of ' Switching Regression model ' in the estimation and comprehension of opportunity costs, and further looks at its relevance in tranditional farming of underutilised minor millets in the tribal homesteads and is equated in terms of indirect payment for biodiversity conservation. The analysis of results concludes the importance of creating incentives for the conservation of agrobiodiverstiy, especially the on-farm diversity of underutilised crops and supporting poverty alleviation, and preventing welfare losses among vulnerable communities.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57675
Title: Oxidative stress experienced by freshwater fish Anabas testudineus exposed to sewage effluents of Parvathyputhenar, Kerala
Author: S R Soorya, C Aruna Devi, R N Binitha, B V Amrutha, G Jayalekshmy and Francis Sunny
Editor: A. Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Publishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity - Utilization, threats and cultural linkages
Keywords: Pollution, Anti-oxidant-enzymes, oxidative stress
Abstract: Parvathyputhenar, an artificial canal dating back to the Travancore era, was used for navigation, as an avenue of leisure and even the water was used for bathing and drinking. But over years, it has become a major source of water pollution, posing a health hazard for city residents. In Thiruvananthapuram, a sewage farm was established five decades back at Muttathara. Domestic wastes from the city brought here are drained to the nearby grass land and after this the effluents without any treatment is directly emptied inot Parvathyputhenar, which is the study site. Sewage effluents are a source of chemicals that may alter endocrine function thereby, adversely affecting reproduction or development and other physiological activities in animals. In the present study, the effect of sewage effluents on the antioxidant enzymes such as Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), Glutathione -S-transferase (GST), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione content (tGSH), and lipid peroxidation products Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Conjugate diene were studied in the liver along with brain acetylcholinesterase activity in a freshwater fish, Anabas testudineus. The fish weighing 40+5 g were divided into different groups consisting of eight each and acclimatized in the laboratory.They were exposed to sewage effluents brought from Parvathyputhenar for a period of 7, 14 and 21 days. After stipulated period of exposure, 6 fish from each group were sacrified and liver and brain were excised and stored at -800C for enzymes ' assay. The laboratory acclimatized fish kept in dechlorinated tap water served as control. Exposure to sewage effluents significantly decreased the activigty of SOD, Gpx, and GST. But after 21 days of exposure, the activities of SOD and GST were restored. While the activities of Catalase and Glutathione content and the lipid peroxidation products such as MDA and Conjugate diene were significantly increased after sewage exposure. The present data support the idea that after an initial decrease/increase in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes, the fish readjusted in an adaptive phase that restored the level of SOD and GST by 21st day. It was found that exposure to sewage effects significantly decreased aetylcholinesterase activity for all the time periods. Oxidative stress (OS) is caused by an imbalance of oxidants and antioxidants in favor of the former, and is capable of inflicting injury on membrane lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Alterations in the antioxidant enzymes activity, amelioration in lipid peroxidation products and decline in acetylcholinesterase activity follwoing sewage effluents expsoure clearly reveals that the fish experienced oxidative stress. Aanbas (climbing perch) being an edible species, measures should be taken to protect it and other inhabitants and above all, the polluted river.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57674
Title: Impacts of dam construction on piscine fauna: A case study of Kakkad river
Author: Sherly P Anand
Editor: A. Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Publishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity - Utilization, threats and cultural linkages
Keywords: River damming, Ichthyofauna, Endemic species, Western Ghats
Abstract: Kakkadar is a major tributary of Pamba river in Southern Western Ghats. The present study is intended to make a register of the fish fauna of Kakkadar and to assess the impact of dams on the fish population in this area based on the previous records and ecological parameters. A total of 17 species were received out of which 5 were endemic and 7 were threatened. The most abundant species was Puntius fasciatus followed by Garra mullya. Fishes belonged to Cyprinidae, Bagridae, Balitroidae, Matacembelidae and Siluridae. The loach fouind in Kakkadar is endemic to Western Ghats. Among the 11 Cyprindis 4 are endemic to Western Ghats. Scarcity of water is one of the main problems faced by fish population in this area due to the construction of hydro electric projects. Plantation activities and habitation resulted in distubance to ecosystem. Irrational fishing practices by local people like use of explosives and poisons destroy the entire fish population in that particular area.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57673
Title: Intraspecific variability studies in Terminalia chebula Retz. accessions collected from various agroclimatic zones in South India
Author: Satheesh George, A B Remashree and Indira Balachandran
Editor: A. Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Publishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity - Utilization, threats and cultural linkages
Keywords: Terminalia chebula, Fingerprint, Markers, HPLC, chemical variation
Abstract: Terminalia chebula (Combretaceae) is a large tree with dark brown, often longitudinally cracked, exfoliating in woody scales, ovate or elliptic leaves with a pair of large glands at the top of the petiole, yellowish -white flowers, in terminal spikes and ellipsoidal, obovoid or ovoid, yellow to orange-brown fruits. It is distributed in India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Thailand and Malaysia. Fruits are useful in wounds, ulcers, inflammations, gastropathy, anorexia, helminthiasis, flatulence, haemorrhoids, jaundice, hepatopathy, splenopathy, pharyngodynia, hiccough, cough, asthma, uropathy, vesical and renal calculi, cephalalgia, ophthalmopathy, abdominal diseases, helminthiasis, delirium, pharyngitis, dyspnoea, coryza, scrotal enlargement, urinary disorders, soft chancre, seminal defects, narcosis, fainting, epilepsy, intermittent fevers, cardiac disorders, filaria, obesity, rheumatoid arthritis, whitlow, dandruff, skin disease, leprosy, stomtitis, neuropathy and general debility. Bark contains B-sitosterol. Fruits contain chebulin, anthraquinone glycoside, terchebin, tetrachebulin vitamin C, chebulinic acid and tannic acid. Kernel oil yields arachidic, palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic and behenic acids. Flowers contain chebulin. Leaves yield 2-alpha-hydroxymicromeric acid, maslinic acid and 2-alpha-hydroxyursolic acid. Present study was carried out to elicit information on the diversity of various clones assembled at the Field Gene Bank of Centre for Medicinal Plants Research, Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal. During the present study random collections of Terminalia chebula from different agroclimatic zones of south India were analysed. Thin Layer Chromatographic analyses of the dried fruit extracts were performed on silica gel 60 F254 TLC plates (10 x 20 cm; Merck, Darmstadt, Germany). Aliquots (10l`L ) of the extracts were applied on the plates as bands. Plates were developed in TLC chamber previously saturated (30 min) with the mobile phase, toluene: ethyl acetate (9:1 v/v). Dried fruit (1 g) was refluxed with 10 ml chloroform for 6 hours at 500C. The extract was filtered and concentrated under vacuum until dry and used for the profiling. Solvent system was Toluene: Ehtyl acetate (9:1). Accessions of T. chebula were collected from various agroclimatic zones of South India. There were significant variations in the morphology of fruits of the different accessions. Different mobile phases for the separation of T. chebula extracts were tested, using silica gel TLC plates. The mobile phase that had the best resolution and separation was toluene: ethyl acetate (9:1 v/v). The TLC fingerprint profiles of all the accessions were compared. The extracts were separated into individual components using appropriate solvent systems after preforming trials with a wide range of solvents. The solvent system for TLC separation was selected based on the efficiency of separation and degree of resolution of the system. The comparative TLC profiles reveal the variations between the accessions. HPTLC studies conducted in T. chebula using gallic acid as the marker compounds revealed substantial quantitative variation within different accessions. Among the different accessions studied, the sample from Bandipur forest, Karnataka is found to contain maximum gallic acid content (3.28%). The present work concludes that the morphological and phytochemical variations observed in T. chebular can be used as a lead for undertaking further studies towards identification of superior chemotype for future use in the industry.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57672
Title: An ' SOS ' from the birds of Pichavaram Mangrove wetlands
Author: S Sandilyan
Editor: A. Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Publishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity - Utilization, threats and cultural linkages
Keywords: Mangroves, migratory birds, families, Anthropogenic pressure
Abstract: Pichavaram mangroves and associated wetlands are situated at the mounth of Vellar, Coleroon and Uppanar rivers in Cuddalore district on the Coramandal coast of Tamil Nadu. It is the second largest mangrove in India which has more than 100 years of natural history. This mangrove wetland supports unique wildlife, especially the migratory birds. Unfortunately the literatures regarding the birds of Pichavaram wetlands are scanty till date. The first long term avian ecology study was carried oiut by Sampath (1984-88) after two decades this is the second long term study (2004-2007) in this area. I compared the results of Sampath with mine and found that, there was a striking decline (44%). In terms of number of species in families, 100% decline was noticed in Podicipedidae, Phoenicopteridae, Falconidae, Haematopodidae, Glareolidae, Capitonidae, Pittidae, Lanidae, Campephagidae, Irenidae and Dicaediae. On the other hand, Anatidae (89%), Muscicapidae (75%), Threskiornithide (67%), Ploceidae (66%) are the other families which showed major decline. During my course of investigation I noticed several anthropogenic pressures prevail in these wetlands including habitat conversion, poaching, cattle grazing, overfishing and ecotourism. Moreover the Pichavaram mangrove is affected by tropical cyclones periodically. The combination of anthropogenic pressures and natural calamites might cause the decline of bird species in this area.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57671
Title: Species-specific microsatellite markers: A tool for amphibian conservation genetics
Author: R Remya, V Sujith Gopalan, K Santhosh Kumar and Sanil George
Editor: A. Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Publishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity - Utilization, threats and cultural linkages
Keywords: Microsatellites, Ramanella variegata, Micrixalus nudis
Abstract: Genetic diversity is considered as one of the three fundamental levels of biodiversity. The overall health of a population depends mainly on the conservation of genetic variability. It can be estimated by the mean levels of heterozygosity in a population; i.e. the mean number of alleles per locus, or the percentage of polymorphic loci. Microsatellites are tandem repeats of simple dinucleotide, trinucleotide, tetranucleotide, per nucleotide, or hexanucleotide which occurs abundantly and at random throughout the eukaryotic genomes. They are highly polymorphic in nature. They are typically short in length and ideal for designing flanking primers for in vitro amplification by the polymerase chain reaction. We have developed fourteen pairs of species- specific microsatellite primers for the frog species Ramanella variegata and seven for Micrixalus nudis. Ramanella variegata (Stoliczka, 1872) is distributed across south East Asia whereas Micrixalus nudis (Pillai, 1978) is endemic to Western Ghats. As a matter of fact, no population genetic studies of these amphibian populations have been conducted, because of the unavailability of molecular markers such as species specific microsatellite markers. The polymorphic markers developed in the present study should provide a valuable resource for conservation genetic studies aiming to address taxonomic uncertainties and to study genetic variability and differentiation of local populations.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57670
Title: Athropogenic threats to fish biodiversity of Periyar Lake, a Western Ghats hotspot
Author: K Ranjeet, K V Radhakrishnan, S Sureshkumar and B Madhusoodana Kurup
Editor: A. Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Publishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity - Utilization, threats and cultural linkages
Keywords: Biodiversity, responsible tourism, exotics species, hotspots, conservation
Abstract: The Periyar lake stream system, spanning an area of around 26 sq.km is one of the hotspots for fish biodiversity in the Southern region of Western Ghats. For past few decades, Periyar lake has turned out to be a chosen tourist destination. The present study was conducted to study the status of fish biodiversity in Periyar lake with a view to delineate the possible impact of human interventions in this rather fragile ecosystem. Six stations in Periyar Lake were fixed for bimonthly sampling surveys. Stations 1 to 4 were in the main boat channels. Station 1 was also where the domestic sewage from the urban areas at the west end of the lake is getting discharged. Stations 5 and 6 represent undisturbed regions, at the remote areas of the lake, and were treated as control stations in order to compare and quantify the extent of pollution caused due to tourism. Physico-chemical parameters of soil and water, concentration of hydrocarbon and trace metals, Primary productivity and estimation of phytoplankton and zooplankton and quantification of fishes were also done. Schoener Index of Proportional Overlap was employed to statistically quantify diet overlap among fishes Water quality parameter studies revealed that the Lake is getting polluted. Results showed that among the 36 species of fishes recorded from the water body, seven (Lepidopygopsis typus, Hypselobarbus micropogon periyarensis, Puntius ophiocephalus, Crossochilus periyarensis, Nemacheillus periyarensis, Nemacheilus menoni and Garra periyarensis) are strictly endemic to this water body. However, results of present study showed that these species are facing endangerment due to various types of human interventions the lake is prone to. While evaluating the status of the above species as per IUCN criteria, all of these were categorized as critically endangered species. Results of food overlap showed high possibilities of competition for food among O.mossambicus, L typus and H fossilis and between C. carpio, H. curmuca and T. khudree. The major biodiversity threats identified in the Periyar lake were ever increasing levels of pollutants arising from plying of tourist boats, dumping of sewage from Kumily town, invasion of exotic fishes such as Cyprinus carpio and Oreochromis mossambicus, perennial draught and the consequent water shortage, fish diseases etc. The paper also throws light on various means for the conservation of these rare fish fauna, facilitating the policy makers to draw a master plan specifically to Periyar lake for mitigation of pollution and other anthropogenic interventions and thereby to mainain the unique aquatic biodiversity of the lake
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57669
Title: Cybertaxonomy: A novel tool in biodiversity science
Author: K Rajmohana and C Bijoy
Editor: A. Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Publishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity - Utilization, threats and cultural linkages
Keywords: Information technology, softwares
Abstract: India, a megadiversity country, in the recent years has been on intense development. However, the extensive land use changes have impacted much negatively on the biodiversity locally. This has generated a demand for ways to accelerate the discovery and application of knowledge regarding living organisms. Since taxonomy is the science central to exploring and understanding biodiversity, there now exists a greater demand on this science to supply the increasing need of biodiversity knowledge. Cyber taxonomy is an assemblage of electronic taxonomic tools for accelerating species ' discoveries and application of taxonomic knowlecge in biodiversity studies. This new approach utilizes standardised electronic tools to access information and generates knowledge bases, integrating the best of the ' Information Technology ' (IT) revolution into the taxonomic processes, this expediting the steps in identification and documentation. This is achieved mainly through electronic publications, electronic databases, factsheets and interactive identification keys. In taxonomy, a character state is best defined and information is conveyed more meaningfully, by appending a good illustration to the verbal part. The recent revolution in the digital imaging scenario, has paved ways to capture good resolution 3D digital images of even minute living forms, using advanced light microscopes. Extended focus softwares like Automontage, Cartograph and Combine ZM, by performing image stacking, can gnerate 3D images which incredibly add colour, clarity and value to taxonomic publications. Softwares like Fact Sheet Fusion (FSF) enable rapid generation of web-based biological information systems. There are softwares like Lucid Phoenix, which can create interactive dichotomous keys in comparatively easy steps, also facilitating publishing on the internet or CD. These new generation tools act as an efficient interface bridging the gap between the specialist taxonomic community and a wider public through effective dissemination of taxonomic knowledge This has enabled the conventional taxonomist to communicate more efficiently even on minute forms like parasitic hymenoptera, an insect group whose knowledge hitherto remained largely confined within the scientific community alone. Parasitic Hymenopter quality itself, to be an apt candidate for an effective demonstration of the utilities of cyber taxonomy. An Interactive Identification System generated with the softwares and gadgets mentioned above, with regard to common genera of Platygastridae (Hymenoptera), a little known, yet economically significant group of minute egg parasitoids, abundantly found in the paddy agroecosystems of Kerala has been prepared and is available at http://www.zsi.gov.in/right_menu/IIS/index.html.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57668
Title: Anti-microbial effect of a highly important medicinal plant: Gymnema sylvestre R. BR
Author: G S Nikhila, G Archana and T S Swapna
Editor: A. Biju Kumar
Year: 2012
Publisher: Narendra Publishing House, 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Biodiversity - Utilization, threats and cultural linkages
Keywords: Gymnema sylvestre, Asclepiadaceae, Antimicrobial effect
Abstract: Gymnema sylvestre belongs to family Asclepiadaceae and the plant is considered to be a good source of large number of bioactive molecules. It is vulnerable medicinal plant species and is a slow growing perennial woody climber. Antimicrobial property of this plant was analyzed here. Leaves and stem of the plant was collected separately, dried and powdered. Active ingredients from the fine powder of stem and leaves were extracted by distillation. Solvents used were methanol, acetone and petroleum ether. Nutrient agar medium and potato dextrose agar medium were used for antibacterial and antifungal study respectively. In antimicrobial study, clinically and industrially important organisms were selected. Bacteria selected were Bacillus firmus and Paracoccus species. For anti fungal study organisms selected were Pseudozyma species, Aspergillus niger and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Results shows that extracts from different plant parts showed antimicrobial effect. Among them methanol extract of leaves and acetone extract of leaves were found to be more effective against microbes. So evidently there is scope for development of new anti-microbial agents using the plant.
Location: E 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None