ID: 58908
Title: An expedition to Narcondam: Observations of marine and terrestrial fauna including the island-endemic hornbill.
Author: T R Shankar Raman, Divya Mudappa, Tasneem Khan, Umeed Mistry, Ajai Saxena, Kalyan Verma, Naveen Ekka, Janaki Lenin, Romulus Whitaker.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 3), pp. 346-360 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Conservation, coral reefs, endemic species, Narcondam Hornbill, oceanic islands, wildlife protection.
Abstract: Oceanic islands, known for their ecologically sensitive ecosystems and endemic species, are of high conservation significance. The volcanic island of Narcondam in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Indian Ocean,is a prime example and the only home of the endemic and globally endangered Narcondam Hornbill. Despite its ecological and evolutionary significance, there has been limited biological exploration and research on the island over the last century. Here, we report on a 2010 expedition to Narcondam, presenting results of our rapid survey of island invertebrates, herpetofauna, mammals and birds (especially the endemic hornbill), and marine life in adjoining waters. The survey recorded dense coral growth in the surrounding water, and identified 17 fish, 2 sea cucumber, 8 reptile, 28 bird, and 2 mammal species and 13 spider and 8 butterfly taxa. Of these, 4 spiders, 3 butterflies and 6 birds identified to species are new records for the island. The Narcondam Hornbill was frequently encountered and we report trail-based estimates of encounter rate and density, which can serve as baseline for future monitoring. Both despite its isolation and because of it , Narcondam has faced a number of recent and serious conservation threats, including feral goats, poaching, habitat degradation around the police camp, and proposed installations. While efforts have been made by the Government authorities to stave-off various threats, we highlight the need for further scientific research and monitoring, while according primacy to strict protection and conservation.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58907
Title: Home range and resource selection of ' problem ' leopards trans-located to forested habitat.
Author: Krishnendu Mondal, Subhadeep Bhattacharjee, Shilpi Gupta, Kalyanasundaram Sankar, Qamar Qureshi.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 3), pp. 338-345 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Home range, Human-leopard conflict, Panthera pardus, radio-telemetry, resource selection.
Abstract: To understan the home range and resource selection of trans-located leopards, two male leopards were captured from conflict areas and released in the Sariska Tiger Reserve, western India (March 2009-August 2010). Both the leopards were fitted with VHF radio-collar, and 148 locations were collected from the first leopard (SP1) and 268 locations from the second (SP2). Third order resource selection function (resource selection of the individual animal within its home range) was estimated from trans-located leopards using generalized linear mixed effect model with data on vegetation types, elevation, encounter rate of prey species and presence of tiger. With 100% minimum convex polygan (MCP), the estimated home range of SP1 and SP2 was 84.3 and 63.2 km2 respectively. Both the leopards established their home ranges in and around the Sariska Tiger Reserve. The resource use of the these translocated leopards increased with increasing area of Zizyphus mixed forest and Acacia mixed forest, and decreased with increasing area of Anogeissus- dominated forest. Similarly, they selected habitats with higher encounter rate of wild pig and nilgai, and used less the habitats with high encounter rate of chital and common langur. Finally, it was observed that the ' problem ' leopards in this study showed significant positive selectivity to the available natural vegetation types and wild-prey abundance, rather than degraded habitats and domestic prey species.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58906
Title: Light gaseous hydrocarbon studies in the near-surface soils of Tatipaka, Pasarlapudi and Kaza areas of Krishna- Godavari Basin, India.
Author: M Lakshmi, M A Rasheed, B Rajeswara Reddy, T Madhavi, M S Kalpana, D J Patil, A M Dayal.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 3), pp. 330-337 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Adsorbed soil gas, hydrocarbons, micro seepage, oil and gas fields, petroleum exploration.
Abstract: One hundred and thirty-five soil samples were collected from a depth of 2-2.5 m near oil and gas fields of Tatipaka, Pasarlapudi, Ponnamanda, Kaza and Palakollu areas of Krishna-Godavari Basin, Andhra Pradesh, India and were analysed for light hydrocarbon gases. The adsorbed soil gas analysis showed the presence of moderate to low concentrations of methane (CH4; 2-83 ppb), ethane (C2H6 ;1-92 ppb), propane (C3H8 ; 1-134 ppb), butane (n-C4H10; 1-187 ppb), pentane (n-C5H12; 1-316 ppb) and ?
C2+ sum of C2H6, C3H8 and n-C4H10 (1-729 ppb) in the soil samples of the study area. The carbon isotopic composition ?13C1 of the samples ranged between -36.6% and -22.7%, which indicates thermogenic origin of methane. Observed concentrations of absorbed light hydrocarbon gases in soils have shown an interesting correlation of surface light hydrocarbon anomalies with the subsurface oil and gas accumulation in the study aea, demonstrating the usefulness of adsorbed soil gas technique in petroleum exploration.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58905
Title: Analysis of travel time reliability of an urban corridor using micro simulation techniques.
Author: Ch. Ravi Sekhar, E Madhu, B Kanagadurai, S Gangopadhyay.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 3), pp. 319-329 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Micro simulation, road network, traffic congestion, travel time reliablity, urban corridor.
Abstract: The ever-increasing traffic congestion on urban roads leads to uncertainities in travel time necessitating the need to consider travel time reliability in measuring the efficiency of the transport system. In view of this, an attempt has been made in this study to examine the travel time reliability under the influence of various demand and supply side factors of the transportation system. For this purpose, an urban corridor of 2.5 km on National Highway 2 in the city of Delhi was considered. The traffic volume, speed and travel time data for one week were collected to analyse the travel time reliability measures. In order to assess the impact of various demand and supply side variations on travel time reliability, a microscopic traffic simulation model was developed using VISSIM software. The developed simulation model was successfully validated with the observed data and it was found from the analysis that travel time increases 5.3 and 6 times for the scenarios of increase in demand by 50% and lane closed for about 30 min respectively.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58904
Title: Conservation through cultivation: a promising opportunity for the critically endangered tree Gymnocladus assamicus.
Author: Baharul Choudhury, M L Khan.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 3), pp. 294-295 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Conservation, cultivation, endangered tree, Gymnocladus assamicus.
Abstract: Extinction of species is considered as one of the greatest threats to humankind. Unfortunately, 99% of the species are threatened due to human activities such as habitat fragmentation, resource exploitation and global climate change. With the alarming increase of species extinction, scientists estimated the rate as high as 1,000-10,000 times higher than the natural extinction rate. If the process continues, we will be loosing as many as 30%-50% of all species by mid-century. Therefore, effective conservation and management of the biological diversity is urgently needed to face the challenges of climate change, sustainable development and food security.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58903
Title: Sustainable mountain development in Indian Himalayan region is under the shadow of regional instability.
Author: Chandra Prakash Kuniyal.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 3), pp. 293-294 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Sustainable mountain development, Indian Himalayan region, regional instability.
Abstract: Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is characterized by a complex socio-ecological system, rich cultural and biological diversity. Himalaya forms as continuous chain of mountains from the West to East. However, the diversity in topography, latitudinal variations and rainfall factors in different parts of the Himalaya is incredible. The Himalayan mountains, located in Northern India play a significant role in deriving ecological benefits for mountains and adjacent plains of the country. Snow covered mountains, high altitude lakes and perennial rivers originating from the region are vital sources of drinking water, irrigation and hydroelectric power for nearly 1.5 billion people of eight countries located in IHR. Approximately 207,937 sq. km of forest cover spreading in IHR is pivotal to the ecosystem. The value of Himalayan forests in terms of carbon sequestration has been estimated to be around Rs 943 billion/year. IHR is also bestowed with a variety of medicinal plants. There are nearly 99 wildlife sancturies, 28 national parks, 5 biosphere reserves, 4 tiger reserves, 11 elephant reserves and 2 world heritage sites. Owing to the scenic topography, natural resources and sacred mountains, IHR is a leading destination for tourism, piligrimage, generation of hydroelectric power, medicinal plants and establishment of natural resources-based enterprises.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58902
Title: Potential of social network and internet media for biodiversity mapping and conservation.
Author: N A Aravind.
Editor: R Srinivasan
Year: 2013
Publisher: Current Science Association, Indian Academy of Sciences.
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Current Science Vol 105(no 3), pp. 291-293 (2013)
Subject: Current Science.
Keywords: Social network, Internet media, biodiversity mapping conservation.
Abstract: Internet and digital technology has revolutionized the rate and efficiency with which data and knowledge are transmitted and shared among people. In particular, the social media such as Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Flickr, e-mail discussion groups, etc,. has shrunk the communication space like never before and has turned out to be powerfull agents for obtaining rapid news updates, Their relatively easy access through computers, mobile phones and a host of other gadgets have made these very user friendly so much so they are probably the most frequently used technologies today. No wonder then an army of social networking sites are set afoot that transmit and share information on almost infinite number of issues ranging from sighting traffic offenders to stars in the night sky. Here, I discuss a specific case of how social network and internet media can effectively be used in biodiversity mapping and conservation.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58901
Title: Brazil: GIS for sustainable agriculture.
Author: Mateus Batistella.
Editor: Arup Dasgupta
Year: 2013
Publisher: Sanjay Kumar
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Geospatial World Vol 4(no 2), pp. 50-51 (2013)
Subject: Geospatial World
Keywords: GIS, Sustainable agriculture, geotechnologies.
Abstract: Brazil, one of the world ' s main agricultural powers, utilises geotechnologies to integrate datasets from several sources for sustainable agribusiness.
SOMABRASIL organises, integrates and makes geospatial databases available on the Web for spatially explicit analysis and dynamic visualisation, thus contributing to the understanding of land use and land cover changes.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58900
Title: UAS to monitor crop health status.
Author: Tamme Van Der Wal.
Editor: Arup Dasgupta
Year: 2013
Publisher: Sanjay Kumar
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Geospatial World Vol 4(no 2), pp. 48-49 (2013)
Subject: Geospatial World
Keywords: Crop health status, Multispectral , thermal, hyperspectral, cameras.
Abstract: UAS is a flexible and agile way of collecting imagery to monitor crops and for mapping out differences in crop growth and health status.
Besides multispectral and thermal cameras, hyperspectral cameras are also being made available for UAS platforms. Given the increasing autonomy of the UAS Platform, it may not be long before every farmer posseses his UAS.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58899
Title: RS technology for Crop Insurance.
Author: Joachim Herbold
Editor: Arup Dasgupta
Year: 2013
Publisher: Sanjay Kumar
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Geospatial World Vol 4(no 2), pp. 42-44 (2013)
Subject: Geospatial World
Keywords: Remote Sensing, Crop Insurance.
Abstract: Despite advances in the use of remote sensing technology in the field of agriculture, data analysis and developing applications for agricultural risk management have proved to be more complex and expensive than anticipated.
Crop insurance systems will be developed and implemented as public-private partnerships more and more in developing economies as advances in remote sensing technology fuels this trend.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58898
Title: G-tech supports a Common Agriculture Policy in Europe.
Author: Philippe Loudjani
Editor: Arup Dasgupta
Year: 2013
Publisher: Sanjay Kumar
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Geospatial World Vol 4(no 2), pp. 38-39 (2013)
Subject: Geospatial World
Keywords: G-Tech, Agricultural policy, Geo-referenced, uptodate nation wide image datasets, technical innovations, geospatial domain, Europe.
Abstract: Europe ' s Common Agricultural Policy has moved towards accomodating geo-referenced, online information supported by upto-date nation-wide image datasets. This has largely been facilitated by technical innovations within the geospatial domain.
Location: TE 12 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58897
Title: The Geo Green Revolution
Author: Mark Noort, Anand Kashyap.
Editor: Arup Dasgupta
Year: 2013
Publisher: Sanjay Kumar
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: Geospatial World Vol 4(no 2), pp. 28-37 (2013)
Subject: Geospatial World
Keywords: Geo-green, UAV.
Abstract: From determining land-use and crop patterns to optimising resources, automated farming to use of UAVs, technological advances could change the face of agriculture, which is under tremendous pressure given the growing population, urbanisation and climate change.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58896
Title: Spider Diversity along Altitudinal Gradient and Associated Changes in Microclimate Attributes in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Uttarakhand, India.
Author: Shazia Quasin, V P Uniyal.
Editor: V P Uniyal, Aseem Shrivastava.
Year: 2011
Publisher: ENVIS
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: ENVIS Bulletin: Wildlife & Protected Areas Vol 14(no 1), pp. 219-232 (2011)
Subject: ENVIS Bulletin: Wildlife & Protected Areas : Anthropods and their Conservation in India.
Keywords: Spider Diversity, Altitudinal Gradient, Microclimate Attributes, Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve, Uttarakhand, India.
Abstract: Global species diversity patterns are likely to change across spatial gradients in response to changes in climate, area, lattitude, altitude, productivity, available resources and habitat complexity (MacArthur, 1972; Rosenzweig, 1995; Trevelyan and Pagel, 1995). As altitudinal gradients are usually characterized by rapid environmental changes over short horizontal distances, they thus known to be ideal for investigating diversity patterns (Hodkinson, 2005). The patterns of species diversity of invertebrates along the elevation gradient have long been contentious topic. The two general patterns that emerge are monotonic decrease in species richness with increasing elevation (MacArthur, 1972; Stevens, 1992) and a hump-shaped relationship, with a peak at intermediate elevations (Rahbek, 1995). Studies have been conducted on several taxa along elevation gradients that reveal that there is a large variation in diversity patterns. Both patterns have been documented in a variety of habitats and taxa (Terborgh, 1977; Stevens, 1992; Brown, 1995; Rahbek, 1995; Rosenzweig, 1995). However, the two most commonly observed patterns of species richness along altitudinal gradients are a steady decline in diversity with increasing elevation and a unimodal pattern (Nogues-Bravo et al., 2008). It is observed that biodiversity generally decreases at higher elevations in plants (Hamilton and Perrott, 1981; Kessler, 2001; Hemp, 2002) and animals (Rahbeck, 1995).
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58895
Title: Insect Fauna of States and Union Territories in India.
Author: Kailash Chandra.
Editor: V P Uniyal, Aseem Shrivastava.
Year: 2011
Publisher: ENVIS
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: ENVIS Bulletin: Wildlife & Protected Areas Vol 14(no 1), pp. 189-218 (2011)
Subject: ENVIS Bulletin: Wildlife & Protected Areas : Anthropods and their Conservation in India.
Keywords: Insect Fauna, State and Union Territories, Biodiversity.
Abstract: The paper presents an account of the current insect biodiversity in India. For the first time, the insect species diversity of states and union territories is described, and the gaps are highlighted by region and group. An introduction is provided to threatened species of insects, and a strategy for conservation of insects is also discussed.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None
ID: 58894
Title: Mygalomorphs of India: An Overview.
Author: Manju Siliwal, Sanjay Molur, Robert Raven.
Editor: V P Uniyal, Aseem Shrivastava.
Year: 2011
Publisher: ENVIS
Source: Centre for Ecological Sciences
Reference: ENVIS Bulletin: Wildlife & Protected Areas Vol 14(no 1), pp. 175-188 (2011)
Subject: ENVIS Bulletin: Wildlife & Protected Areas : Anthropods and their Conservation in India.
Keywords: Mygalomorphs, India, spiders.
Abstract: The mygalomorph spiders remain poorly studied in India. So far, 89 species under 27 genera and eight families have been reported from the country. Most of the mygalomorph descriptions from the region were done more than a century ago, based on a few prominent morphological characters. In the last 10 years, interest in mygalomorphs has revived, and along with taxonomy, studies on ecology, natural history and conservation of mygalomorphs have been initiated. Nineteen new species have been reported, and 18 taxa have undergone taxonomic revision. Endemism is high at the species level, and the endemic species are threatened with habitat loss, fragmentation and pet trade. Fourteen species of mygalomorph were listed in the IUCN Red List in 2008. Immediate conservation actions are needed to prevent the extinction of threatened tarantulas in the wild.
Location: TE 15 New Biology Building
Literature cited 1: None
Literature cited 2: None