ID: 57532
Title: Preliminary information on noise pollution in commercial banks of Balasore, India
Author: Shreerup Goswami, Bijay Kumar Swain
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 6, November 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Indian Banks, Noise pollution
Abstract: The environmental noise in some commercial banks of Balasore, in terms of standard noise indices was worked ouit in the present study. Noise pollution was assessed in twenty different commercial banks of the city on 31st August, 2010 and during first week of September, 2010. The present noise monitoring was conducted with the help of sound level meter, which was calibrated acoustically using an external reference source, and placed over the microphone. It is inferred that the noise levels were more than the permissible limit i.e 50 dB as prescribed in USA in all the investigated banks of Balasore and the maximum noise levels were around double of the said permissible limit, which is a contradiction with that of developed countries. Analysis of variance was also computed for al the banks during peak hour (10 a.m - 12 noon). The mean values of noise levels in different banks ranged from 75.5 to 90 dB; from 69 to 83.6 dB and 71.5 to 83.5dB during 10 a.m - 12 noon, 12-2 p m and 2-4 p m., respectively. It was categorically observed that noise levels were more during 10 am - 12 noon than other investigated time intervals in all the 20 investigated banks. It is imperative to mention here that such an attempt of assessing noise in banks is first of its kind in India.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57531
Title: Utilization of intron-flanking EST-specific markers in the genetic characterizatin of Artemisia annua genotypes from the trans-Himalayan region of Ladakh, India
Author: Jitendra Kumar, Prasad Bajaj, Harvinder Singh, Gyan P Mishra, Ravi B Srivastava, Pradeep K Naik
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 6, November 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Artemisia annua, intron length polymorphism, molecular marker, genome characterization
Abstract: Genetic variation was assessed utilizing intron-flanking EST-specific markers among gentypes of Artemesia annua collected from two sampling sites viz. Nubra (9,600 ft) and Leh (11,500 ft ) valleys of the trans-Himalayan region, Ladakh, India. The available ESTs (3,60,906) sequences of A. annua were aligned with the genomic sequences of Arabidopsis to developed ' intron-flanking ' EST-PCR based primers. These primers anneal with the conserved region of exon (flanking to the intron) and amplified the introns. Out of the 39 primers selected and tested on 20 genotypes of A. annua, we successfully exploited 81 condominant intron length polymorphism (ILP) markers, with an average of 2.08 markers per primer and 92.04% polymorphism detection. Clustering of genotypes revealed distribution of genotypes into 2 distinct clusters with respect to their site of collection. Significantly, this study demonstrates that Arabidopsis genome sequence can be useful in developing gene-specific PCR-based markers for other non-model plant species like A. annua in the absence of genome sequences.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57530
Title: Biodegradation of benzo[a] pyrene by the mixed culture of Bacillus cereus and Bacillus vireti isolated from the petrochemical industry
Author: Ramya Mohandass, Pallabi Rout, Sonia Jiwal, Chitrambalam Sasikala
Editor: Dr R C Dalela
Year: 2012
Publisher: Triveni Enterprises, Vol 33, No 6, November 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: Journal of Environmental Biology
Keywords: Benzo(a)pyrene, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus vireti Biodegradation, mixed culture
Abstract: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are a group of compounds that pose threat to humans and animal life. Methods to reduce the amount of PAHs in the environment are continuously being sought. The bacterial consortium capable of utilizing benzo (a) pyrene as the sole source of carbon and energy was isolated from petrochemical soil. The isolates were identified as Bacillus cereus and Bacillus vireti based on morphological characterization, and 16SrDNA gene sequence analysis. About 58.98% of benzo (a) pyrene at concentration of 500 mg l-1 in mineral salts medium were removed by bacterial consortium. GC mass spectral analysis showed the presence of metabolite cis-4-(7-hydroxypyren-8-yl)-2-oxobut-3enoic acid. The results indicate that the bacterial consortium is a new bacterial resource for biodegrading benzo (a) pyrene and might be used for bioremediation of sites heavily contaminated by benzo[a]pyrene and its derivatives.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57529
Title: People ' s perceptions on conservation options and use value of protected area in Garhwal Himalaya, India
Author: Jahangeer A Bhat, Munesh Kumar, Ajeet K Negi and N P Todaria
Editor: Dr P P Bhojvaid
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 10, October 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Forestry
Keywords: Perception, protected area, respondents, Wildlife sanctuary
Abstract: The present study was carried oiut in parts of a protected area of Garhwal Himalaya, namely,Kedarnath, Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS). The main aim of the study was to gather and analyze information from the sanctuary dwellers on conservation of natural resources and its vlaue focussing and its value focusing on the needs of local inhabitants. Ninety three respondents of different age groups from two villages, one located within and the other on the fringe of the sanctuary, were considered for analysis. The respondent ' s opinions varied with regard to different conservation issues and their perception towards conservation and the value of wild animals, plants and wildlife sanctuary. Sixty (60%) percent of the respondents considered Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS) as an effective mechanism in the conservation of flora and fauna while 71% said that local communities contributed much more in conservation efforts prior to declaration of it as a wildlife sanctuary. Fifty seven (57%) percent of respondents think that being a sacred area any kind of disrespect around the vicinity of temple will make deity unhappy and 22% of respondents were of the opinion that the impact as a result of irregularities in climatic conditions can be checked by conserving plant resources. Sixty percent respondents reported damage to agricultural crops by wild animals.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57528
Title: Status and uses of tree flora of Darlaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Solan (H P)
Author: Meenakshi Thakur, V K Santvan and Amrita Nigam
Editor: Dr P P Bhojvaid
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 10, October 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Forestry
Keywords: Status, uses, tree flora, Darlaghat Wildlife sanctuary
Abstract: Present study revealed that 60 tree species were used for various purposes which include house construction, furniture, agricultural implements; for making walking sticks, musical instruments, packing cases, etc. The predominant families are fabaceae with 11 species (8 genera), pinaceae with 5 species (3 genera), salicaceae with 4 species (2 genera). However, bambuaceae (3 genera), euphorbiaceae (3 genera) and fagaceae (2 genera) have 3 species each. Among various plants, 18 plants are predominantly used for house construction, 14 for agricultural implements, 8 for Agriculture and furniture manufacturing, 7 for agriculture and house construction, 4 plants are exclusively used only for furniture, 2 for musical instruments and packing cases each and 3 for making walking sticks.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57527
Title: Assessment of diversity and distribution of dominant acrocarpous moss families in Pachmarhi biosphere reserve (Madhya Pradesh)
Author: Virendra Nath, A K Asthana and Reesa Gupta
Editor: Dr P P Bhojvaid
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 10, October 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Forestry
Keywords: Bryophytes, acrocarpous Mosses, PBR
Abstract: Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve (PBR), situated in Madhya Pradesh India is well known for its biodiversity. Moss flora of the region is immensely significant considering the fact that mosses are abundantly found here. Most abundant families include Bryaceae (9), Pottiaceae (8), Dicranaceae (7) and Fissidentaceae (6) totaling 30 taxa. Interstingly, all the four moss families are acrocarpous indicating the dominance of erect mosses in the region. Further, Fissidens Hedw., Bryum Hedw., Campylopus Bridel. and Hypophila (Hook) Jaeg. are the most abundant gener aof these families. While Pottiaceae is dominant in terms of frequency of occurrence of its genera in different localities of PBR, Bryaceae show maximum representation with 9 members. The mosses account for both epiphytic and terrestrial members and contribute substantially to the ecology and diversity of PBR.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57526
Title: Conservation of Nelapattu bird sanctuary - A review
Author: N V Nanda Kumar, A Nagarjuna, P Mallikarjuna Rao, and P V Chalapathi Rao
Editor: Dr P P Bhojvaid
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 10, October 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Forestry
Keywords: Conservation, Nelapattu bird sanctuary pelicans (Pelecanus philippensis)
Abstract: Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary (Lat. 130 49 ' N to 310 51 ' N; Long . 79057 ' E to 59015 ' E) is located towards west of East coast of Bay of Bengal and about 20 Km west of Pulicat Lake near Sullurpet, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the biggest pelicanery having approximately 1500 pelicans (Pelecanus philippensis) breeding and roosting. It is also an ideal roosting and breeding for long distant and local migrant birds. Vertical gradient and resource partitioning of migratory birds on Barringtonia tree in Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is being observed. A gradual and natural domination of open bill storks is observed over a period of time. A review on management of Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is described for ecological sustainability which include irrigation water managment, deweeding and prevention of algal bloom, Prosopis juliflora plantation for roosting of birds, plantation of Subabul trees for procuring nesting material. Feeding of krishna river water to last only up to May/June 1st week only to avoid stabilization of new summer birds which might compete for space. A statistical relationship worked out between monsoon rainfall and pelican migration.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57525
Title: Floral diversity along sub-alpine and alpine ecosystems in Tungnath ara of kedarnath wildlife sanctuary, Uttarakhand
Author: Ishwari D Rai, Bhupendra S. Adhikari and Gopal S Rawat
Editor: Dr P P Bhojvaid
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 10, October 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Forestry
Keywords: Floral diversity, ecosystem, Kedarnath wildlife sanctuary, Uttarakhand
Abstract: Extensive floristic surveys were carried out at Tungnath area in Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary during 2007-2011. During the survey a total of 433 plant species belonging to 234 genera under 71 families were recorded along the sub-alpine and alpine region (2800-3680 amsl). Of which 349, 42, 18, 13, 5, 6 and species were herbs, shrubs, grasses, trees, seges and climbers, respectively. Among dicotyledonous families Asteraceae was the largest family represented by 42 species followed by Rosaceae (30 species), Ranunculaceae (25 species), Scrophulariaceae (17 species) and Apiaceae (17 species), whereas Orchidaceae (29 species), Poaceae (19 species) and Liliaceae (13 species) were the major families among the monocotyledons. Some uncommon species viz., Balanophora involucrata, Cypripedium spp., Calanthe manii and Eleutherococcus cissifolius were recorded for the first time from the area. The species categorised under various threat categories (rare, endangered and threatenedd) e.g., Cyananthus integer, Dactylorhiza hatagirea, Balanophora involucrata, Fritillaria roylei, Jurinea macrocephala were also recorded during the survey.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57524
Title: Impact of hunting on population of pheasants in the Western Indian Himalayas
Author: Hilaluddin, Rashid Y Naqash and Naim Akthar
Editor: Dr P P Bhojvaid
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 10, October 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Forestry
Keywords: Himalaya, Pheasant, Hunting and impact
Abstract: The present study tested the hypothesis that "game species are lost when forest areas are subjected to hunting and populations of already threatened species may become locally extinct from many forests of the Western Indian Himalaya". The study was designed to determine effects of vegetation structure and heterogeneity, and behavior of animal species on their encounters in hunted and protected sites. The compared forest patches are similar in abundance of trees, herbs and shrubs. Animal densities allowed the investigator to determine whether higher densities of pheasants in the protected areas are simply due to protection efforts accorded within this zone. The study provides scientific evidence that hunting seriously impacts populations of hunted species. The results show that cheer pheasant (Catreus wallichi), kaleej pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos), koklass pheasant (Pucrasia macrolopha) and monal pheasant (Lophophorus impejanus) are seen more often in protected sites than in hunted sites. The locally common species are heavily impacted and at higher risk of local extinctions from forest patches in this landscape than the rare ones.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57523
Title: Human-wildlife conflict in Kitam bird sanctuary: Perceptions and possible solutions
Author: Vikram Pradhan, M A Dar, M Maqbool Rather, Monika Panwar and Nazir A Pala
Editor: Dr P P Bhojvaid
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 10, October 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Forestry
Keywords: Human-wildlife conflicts, crop raiding, Kitam Bird Sanctuary, people ' s perception, damage compensation
Abstract: Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) in the form of crop-raiding and attack wild animals has become integral part for communities located at the borders of protected areas. Stratified-random sample of 103 respondents of 5 villages living in the Kitam Bird Sanctuary were interviewed to understand and manage growing concerns. Most of the farmers interviewed suffered major financial losses annually due to crop damage by wild pigs (Sus scrofa), Indian peacock (Pavo cristatus), Barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak), Assamese macaque (Macaca assamensis), Assamese rabbit (Caprolagus hispidus), Crestless porcupines (Hystrix hodsoni), and jungle fowl (Gallus gallus). A huge majority of respondents considered wild boar to be the most destructing animal among the crop raiders due to the significant adaptability of this animal in their surroundings. The only livestock mostly depredated was Goat by its only depredator, Common leopard (Panthera pardus) with an average loss of 1.55 goats per house. Nonlethal methods such as guarding, constant vigilance during crop seasons, scarecrows, scaring away animals when seen, etc are the measures adopted to protect their fields.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57522
Title: The role of scent marking in the breeding behavior of tiger and other big cats
Author: Vinod Rishi
Editor: Dr P P Bhojvaid
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 10, October 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Forestry
Keywords: Tiger (Panthera tigris), Snow leopard (Uncia unicia), breeding behavior, territoriality, scent marking
Abstract: Marking objects and prominent spots with their urine borne pheromones is believed to be related with the establishment of their territories by the big cats. A study carried out on snow leopards, tigers and leopards at Darjeeling Zoo revealed that these big cats marked objects with their scents in order to induce breeding condition in partners of opposite sex. The paper presents the observation on the role of scent marking in the breeding behaviour of big cats including the tiger.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57521
Title: Differential effects of hunting on populations of hornbills and imperial pigeons in the rainforests of the Eastern Indian Himalaya
Author: Soumya Dasgupta and Hilaluddin
Editor: Dr P P Bhojvaid
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 10, October 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Forestry
Keywords: Pakke Tiger Reserve, Hornbills, pigeons, line transect, density and DISTANCE
Abstract: Responses of hornbills and Ducula pigeons to hunting and disturbances to their habitats may help us understand the implications for the regeneration of their dependent tropical forest trees. Moreover, density estimates serve as a gauge of whether some frugivorous birds can potentially substitute for the decline of their functionally - similar competitors. We carried out a year long survey of 24 line-transects distributed across disturbed (2 sites) and undisturbed (4 sites) habitats in the lowland evergreen forests of Pakke wildlife sanctuary and surrounding forests of Arunachal Pradesh. Hornbill and Ducula densities were estimated with DISTANCE. While densities of the Great Indian Hornbill, Buceros bicornis; Oriental Pied Hornbill, Anthracoceros albirostris, and wreathed hornbill, Aceros undulatus were substantially were reduced in disturbed habitats, densities of the mountain imperial pigeon, Ducula badia and the green imperial pigeon, Ducula aenea were unaffected. These results suggest that Ducula pigeons may potentially provide substitute dispersal services for large-seeded tree species in disturbed sites, but that this response is most likely context driven.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57520
Title: Some observations on butterflies of Pakke Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh
Author: Jis Sebastian and Arindam K Pachoni
Editor: Dr P P Bhojvaid
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 10, October 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Forestry
Keywords: Species diversity, Abundance, Jaccard ' ssimilarity index, IWPA, CITES
Abstract: Butterfly diversity was documented first time in and around Pakke Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh, during autumn. 65 species with in 43 genera representing 14 sub families within 5 families were recorded during the present study. Jaccard ' s similarity index showed greater dissimilarity of butterfly fauna between forest edge and forest habitats and also within families at two sites. This may be due to the difference in vegetation compositon and disturbances at two sites. Out of the 65 recorded butterflies 12 species enjoys a legal protection by Indian Wildlife Protection Act and CITES.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57519
Title: Ecology of Indian Fox Vulpes bengalensis (Shaw, 1800) in and around Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan, India
Author: Sumit Dookia Sanjay K Das and Rajlakshmi
Editor: Dr P P Bhojvaid
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 10, October 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Forestry
Keywords: Ecology, Indian fox, Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan
Abstract: The present study deals with ecological observations on Indian fox (Vulpes bengalensis) in the Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan during monsoon season that coincides with pup rearing period of this animal. Though the sanctuary holds a small population of about three breeding pairs of Indian fox, it serves as a safe breeding ground for source population of the nearby areas. The study showed if the temperature is mild and food is abundant, as on rainy days, the fox may also hunt at mid-day and show bimodal activity in the absence of large predators and any kind of other disturbances. During pup rearing season, most of the time the animal spent in sitting/resting, followed by searching for food and other minor activities. Parental care also found in this animal. Preference for particular den opening by the adults was observed for entry and exist which suggests that adults are well versed of their dens to escape from their predators. Both from availability sampling and scat analysis, insects were found to be the main food item of this animal during the study period which shows that they area selective in their food habit in the monsoon season, as the availability of insects is all time high in these days. The basic social unit of this animal was found to be restricted to individual family level.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 57518
Title: Butterflies of nature awarenes centre Trambri, Mandi Himachal Pradesh
Author: Subeena Thakur and Suneet Bhardwaj
Editor: Dr P P Bhojvaid
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 10, October 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Forestry
Keywords: Butterfly diversity, closed area, Himachal Pradesh, Miscellaneous broad leaved forests, seasons, richness
Abstract: Diversity of butterflies in Nature Awarness Centre Trambri, Sundernagar was studied during different seasons during the year 2011-2012. 49 species of butterflies belonging to 38 genera and 5 families were recorded during present study. Nymphalidae was found to be the dominant family in all the season. Species richness was fouind to be maximum during the rainy season.
Location: TE 15, Biologicalsciences Building, IISc
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None