ID: 56077
Title: Nesting and feeding behaviour of Indian giant squirrel (Ratufa indica) in Dalma Wildlife Sanctuary, Jamshedpur (Jharkhand)
Author: A T Mishra, S E H Kazmi and Satya Prakash
Editor: Dr. S S Negi
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 10, October 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: Indian giant squirrel (Ratufa indica), Nesting behavior, feeding behavior, tall trees top canopy dwelling
Abstract: Indian giant squirrel (Ratufa indica) has been found as an indicator of good health of forest as it feeds on most of the parts of trees like flower, fruits, leaf, bark and young shoots of a variety of species. Although it nests on diverse variety of plant species but mostly prefers tall trees like Terminalia tomontosa, Dillenia indica, D. pentagyna, etc. It prefers to nest on the top of the trees. Though Indian giant squirrel feeds on parts of many plants but plant like ilmli, mahulan, pakur, pipal, pant, barhgad, are very important as the leaves and young shoots are eaten more and more by these animals. Forest with presence of a mixed deciduous forest where it could get diversity of trees to nest and feed on. Such trees provide an ideal habitat for this squirrel. Indian giant squirrel preferred a mixed deciduous forest, where it could get diversity of trees to nest and feed on.
The discontinuity of tree cover, due to illegal felling, cutting of branches to feed the domestic animals by local villagers and illegal hunting (bishu shikar, poaching) have been the major threats for the survival of the Indian giant squirrel.
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56076
Title: A historical account of wildlife protection and management in Tamil Nadu
Author: T Sekar
Editor: Dr. S S Negi
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 10, October 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: Wildlife protection, Protected areas, Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks, Tamil Nadu
Abstract: India is endowed with rich biodiversity and a vast arrary of natural landscapes. The state of Tamil Nadu has also got varied forest types and is characterized by diverse flora and associated fauna. Wildlife protection in the Madras Presidency received some attention by way of promulgation of few laws and declaration of certain areas as sanctuaries in the early period of forest administration prior to independence. More Protected Areas were established in the post-independence decades. With the enactment of Wildlife Protection Act 1972, species-specific conservation programmes gained momentum. Between then and the close of 20the century, many more sanctuaries and national parks were constituted. The new millennium witnessed addition of more areas to protected area network and introduction of landscape-based approach for wildlife conservation, particularly for elephants and tigers. The state has a present 4,578 km2 of forests, accountign for 20% of the total extent of forest area brought under PA management. The unique biodiversity significance of these areas, conservation measures taken and their results in improving the population status of many flagship species have been discussed.
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56075
Title: Impact of hunting on large mammal densities in the West Indian Himalaya
Author: Hilaluddin, Daizy N Khan and Faiza Abbassi
Editor: Dr. S S Negi
Year: 2011
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 137, No 10, October 2011
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: Ungulate densities, hunting impact, extraction, wildlife
Abstract: Game species are lost when forest areas are subjected to hunting and populations of already threatened species may become locally extinct from many such patches. The present study tested this hypothesis in the temperature forests of West Indian Himalaya. The animal densities were estimated in predetermined Belt Transects, whereas vegetation abundance was estimated using point count strategy. The study provides solid evidence that hunting seriously impacts populations of hunted species. The results show that barking deer (Muntiacus muntajak), goral (Nemorhaedus goral), Himalayan tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) and serow (Capricornis sumatraensis) are encountered more frequently in protected sites than hunted sties. The fate of globally threatened species, specifically Himalayan tahr and serow, seems to be heavily impacted; and , both species are at high risk of local extinctions from many forest patches in this landscape of the world.
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56074
Title: Evaluation of growth and soil fertility in Dalbergi sissoo-Zea mays (Silvi-Agri) agroforestry system
Author: R B Singh and H N Hymavathi
Editor: Dr. S S Negi
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: Spacing, Dalbergia sissoo, Maize, Sustainability, integrated, Agri-Silviculture system
Abstract: The field experiment on Agri-Silviculture agroforestry system with three plant geometries and two intercrop spacing (60 cm and 120 cm) tree to crop line was conducted in the on-station research farm at Tropical Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur (M.P) during 2008-2009. Soil properties and growth parameters of Dalbergia sissoo with intercrop of Zea mays were evaluated. The soil pH was found slightly alkaline and Electrical Conductivity (E C) value showed noticeable increase. The organic carbon, available nutrients (Nitrogen and Potassium) and exchangeable cations (Magnesium and Calcium) were found medium where available phosphorus found very low in all spacing.
The growth parameter of Dalbergia sissoo shows a regular increase both in height and collar diameter along with maize crop in all the spacings. The maximum increase in height (22.56 cm) and collar diameter (0.628 cm ) wad observed in spacing 6m x 6m and 60 cm crop line spacing with regard to initial height and collar diameter. The tree distance of 5 m x 5 m with 60cm crop line spacing produced maximum yield of maize crop in Dalbergia sissoo-Zea mays (Agri-Silvi) agroforestry system.
This Dalbergia sissoo-Zea mays (Agri-Silvi) agroforestry system can be suggested for imporving the soil fertiliyt and conserving soil moisture content thereby enhancing the soil productivity along with growth of tree species.
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56073
Title: Ethnobotanical studies of the plant used by the tribals of Bandarban hill district, Bangladesh
Author: M Mohiuddin, M K Alam, Shukla R Basak and M K Hossain
Editor: Dr. S S Negi
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: Ethnobotanical, habit, habitat, use pattern, tribal, Bandarban
Abstract: This study presents results of an ethnobotanical exploratory survey made during 2003-08 on the plants diversity and their uses by the four tribes Bwam, Marma, Murang and Tanchangya in Bandarban Hill District, Bangladesh. The study revealed that 339 plant species are used by above tribes for different purposes. These species were classified on the basis of habit, habitat and use pattern. Based on habit 41.5% were herbs (including creepers and ferns), 17.4% under-shrubs, 25% shrubs, 7.6% trees and 8.5% were climbers. Habitat diversity revealed that 28.28% plants grow in hill slopes, 28.51% along streams, 12.72% along roadsides, 11.62% in shifting cultivation (jhums), 7.04% in scrub forests, 5.7% in hilltops, 3.07% in fallow shifting farm lands (jhums), and 2.63% in homesteads. Diversity in use pattern included medicinal (71.58%), wild food (11.69%), cultivated food (14.83%) and 1.90% as aromatic, dye and soap yielding plant. Similarly index of plant uses showed that the Marma tribe uses highest number of plant species (225 species).
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56072
Title: Rooting behaviour of Bambusa balcooa Roxb. in relation to season, age and growing conditions
Author: Reena Joshi, S K Tewari, R Kaushal and L Tewari
Editor: Dr. S S Negi
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: Bambusa balcooa, vegetative propagation, rooting behaviour, culm cutting
Abstract: The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of age (one and two year old), growing condition (intermittent misting and no misting) and seasons summer, monsoon, autumn and spring) on rooting behaviour of culm cuttings of Bambusa balcooa. The findings indicated that two year old culm cuttings in the intermittent misting condition gave best response. The findings also indicated that rooting and sprouting percent of culm cutiings planted in different season showed response as Spring (March) > summer (June) > Monsoon (August) > Autumn (October).
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56071
Title: Sacred groves as ethnobotanical gene pools in tribal area of the Western Himalaya in India
Author: Vandana Thaplyal, Sanjeev Sharma and Ajay Ballabh Bhatt
Editor: Dr. S S Negi
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: Sacred groves, biodiversity, communities, conservation, ethnobotanical importance
Abstract: Study of sacred groves of Kinnaur district, based on the field survey, using GPS, topo sheets and village maps, supported with questionnaire survey in 17 sacred groves revealed the presence of 96 plant species of ethnobotanical importance within 77 genera and 41 families, representing 10 gymnosperms and 86 angiosperms. The species distributed as 22 trees, 32 shrubs and 42 herbs. As per the IUCN standards, 15 species are endangered, 17 are vulnerable and 6 are critically endangered.
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56070
Title: Protocol for in-vitro clonal propagation of Acorus calamus L an important endangered medicinal plant
Author: Farheen Mazher and Sonu Sharma
Editor: Dr. S S Negi
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: Acorus calamus, medicinal importance, in - vitro clonal propagation
Abstract: Acorus calamus L. (family Acoraceae) a perennial herb is an endangered plant species of medicinal importance. Micropropagation protocol for A. calamus has been standardized. Shoots obtained from the meristems culture on MS medium with BAP (2.0-3.0 mg/l), NAA (0.5-1.0 mg/l), and kinetic (0.5-1.0 mg/l) in various combinations, showed good results of shoot induction and multiplication in 30 days culture. These shoots were elongated, rooted in-vitro and the plantlets were successfully hardened. The high rate of direct shoot-root multiplication and their high rate of post-hardening survival shows that this protocol could be easily adopted for large scale production.
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56069
Title: Shifting cultivation in Northeastern region of India - status and strategies for sustainable development
Author: J M S Tomar, Anup Das, Lokho Puni, O P Chaturvedi and G C Munda
Editor: Dr. S S Negi
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: Jhum, ecosystem degradation, sustainability, alternatives, North eastern India
Abstract: Shifting cultivation locally called jhum is an integral part in tribal life of the northeastern hill regions of India and has direct bearing on their socio-cultural systems. In order to improve and restore the degraded sites under jhum cultivation some short term and long term options have been suggested. Short term options, like proper bunding, residue cycling, use of high yielding varieties, etc, and long term viable options like terracing, water harvesting, agroforestry, integrated farming systems are some improved method of jhum cultivation. Application of appropriate techniques as per land situation would help in conservation of resources, improved soil health and sustainable production. The improvement in jhum cultivation practices would be further enhanced through complete education and awareness of tribal farmers of the region.
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56068
Title: Evaluation of anticancerous and immunomodulatory potentials of Thuja occidentalis
Author: Satish Kumar Verma and Santosh Kumar Singh
Editor: Dr. S S Negi
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: Thuja occidentalis, Human cancer cell lines, in vitro cytotoxicity test, SRB assay
Abstract: Anticancerous and immunomodulatory properties of Thuja occidentalis extracts were analyzed that showed varied responses. In vitro cytotoxicity (performed by standard SRB assay) was observed against the liver (hep-2) and colon (HT-15) human cancer cell lines. The intraperitoneal injection of methanolic extract (240 mg/kg body weight in Swiss mice), proved to be effective against induced Ehrlich Ascitic Carcinoma. Methanolic extract effectively decreased the cancer cell line counts in peritoneal fluid of EAC mice than the normal control groups of mice. A significant increase in humoral and cell mediated response was observed at high doses of methanolic extract of Thuja occidentalis. Significant alterations in the WBC/RBC cound in Ehrlich Ascitic carcinomas bearing mice were observed.
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56067
Title: Pteridophytic flora of Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, lower dibang valley, Arunachal Pradesh (Eastern Himalaya)
Author: Vineet Kumar Rawat
Editor: Dr. S S Negi
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: Pteridophytic flora, Mehao wild life sanctuary, Arunchal Pradesh, Endemic species, epiphytes
Abstract: Over 500 specimens of pteridophytes (Ferns and fern allies) were collected from Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Lower Dibang Valley District of Arunachal Pradesh during exploration tours. The identification of specimens revealed the occurrence of 205 species of pteridophytes under 75 genera and 37 families from ten localities of the study area, of these 20 species belongs to Fern allies and the rest 185 to the Ferns including 6 sub species. The flora is diverse and rich with rare (51 species), endemic (7 species) and curious pteridophytic species. Nine species viz. Oleandra musifolia, Metteucia orientalis, Plagiogyria glaucascens, Arthromeris lehmanni, A wardii, Hupergia dixitiana and Leucostegia immerse, Elaphoglossum marginatum, Idiogramma microphylla are recorded for the first time from Arunachal Pradesh. It is observed that the terrestrial species constitue more than 62% while epiphytes approximately 23% of the total pteridophytic flora. Only 14% species have been found as lithophytes in the sanctuary. The present study shows that family polypodiaceae is the largest family and represented by 33 species, which is followed by Athyreaceae (24 species), Dryopteridaceae (19 species), Thelypteridaceae (18 species) and Aspleniaceae (11 species).
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56066
Title: Edible weeds in paddy (Oryza sativa L) fields of Sivagangai district in TamilNadu, India
Author: S Shanmugam, P Selvakumar, M Annadurai and K Rajendra
Editor: Dr. S S Negi
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: Paddy (Oryza sativa) fields, edible weeds, Sivagangai district, Tamilnadu
Abstract: Occurrence of 19 weeds (18 angiospermic and 1 pteridophytic weed) was observed in the paddy fields of Sivagangai district in Tamil Nadu. The weeds are consumed as vegetables by the local people. During present study, botanical names of the weeds along with their families, vernacular names, mode of consumption and utilities as food have been documented.
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56065
Title: Phenology and fruiting behaviour safed Arand (Jatropha curcas L)
Author: H Puttaswamy, S Gopakumar and B N Sathish
Editor: Dr. S S Negi
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: Jatropha curcas, phenology, fruiting behaviour
Abstract: Phenology of Jatropha curcas was studied by selecting 10 plants and taking monthly observations on leaf shedding, leaf flushing, flowering and fruiting. The extent of fruit set in different modes of pollination viz. open pollination, self pollination and wind pollination was determined. The plant displayed phenological cycle twice a year for all periodical events viz., leaf shedding, leaf flushing , flowering and fruiting. The first cycle lasts from January to July and second cycle starts from May and ends in November. However, the duration of flowering stage was longer in second season as it coincides with rainy season. Fruiting appeared from fourth week of May to first week of July in first ssssssseason and from second week of October to third week of November in second season. The fruit attained yellow to brown stage of maturity at 16 to 19 days after fruit set. The maximum mean length (33.23 mm) and diameter (29.17 mm) were recorded in greenish yellow coloured fruit followed by yellow coloured fruit with 31.97 mm length and 28.47 mm diameter. The flower drop in inflorescence was 94.01% and only 3.99% of flowers set in to fruits.
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56064
Title: Underutilized fruit of Andaman: its biodiversity and role in environmental conservation and nutritional security
Author: D B Singh, B L Attri and Charan Singh
Editor: Dr. S S Negi
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: Underutilized fruit crop, biodiversity, nutritional security, Andaman, Environmental conservation
Abstract: An attempt has been made to explore the possibilites of commercially important by value addition underutilized fruits of Andaman and Nicobar. The Andaman and Nicobar Island have a wide variety and diversity of tropical underutilized fruit tree species especially belonging to family Anacardiaceae, Pandanaceae, Myrtaceae, Anonaceae and Combretiaceae. Many of the species beloning to these families can withstand in adverse climatic and edaphic conditions, so could be used for growing in wasteland. These fruits are rich in vitamins, calcium and minerals and have high medicinal properties in comparison to other tropical fruits. These fruits could be processed for making value added products like jams, jellies, syrup, chutney and pickle. The continuous overexploitation of forest resources resulting in many species has become rare and few endangered, so conservation measures for these species is urgently required.
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 56063
Title: Contribution to the flora of Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve, Central India
Author: Achuta N Shukla and K P Singh
Editor: Dr. S S Negi
Year: 2012
Publisher: The Indian Forester, Vol 138, No 1, January 2012
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: None
Subject: The Indian Forester
Keywords: Contribution, flora, Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve
Abstract: The paper enumerates 137 taxa as new to the flora of Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve. Corection nomenclature, family name, locality and field number of each taxon has been provided.
Location: Kumta Field Station
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None