047320   IBRAHIM N I, SULIEMAN A M E, HANNACHI S, STEVENSON S L (Biology Dep, Univ of Hail, Hail - Saudi Arabia, Email: abuelhadi@hotmail.com) : The effect of wildfires on wood-decay fungi in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Adv life Sci 2020, 8(1), 73 - 7.

In late November and early December of 2019, wildfires occurred over portions of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. More than 4,000 ha were affected by the wildfires. The objective of the research reported herein was to access the impact of these wildfires on the assemblages of wood-decay fungi associated with the study areas in the park. The investigated fungi were confined to two study areas; the first subjected to a relatively high intensity burn and the second subjected to a relatively low intensity burn. In addition to specimens of fungi obtained in the field, small pieces of coarse woody debris were assembled, brought back to the laboratory and placed in plastic chambers for incubation and kept moist. Over the course of two months, fruiting bodies appearing in these incubation chambers were observed and collected. All specimens from both the field and incubation chambers were identified from sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal DNA. A total of 31 different taxa were identified along with nine taxa reported previously as unknown and uncultured. However, almost all of these records were from the study area subjected to the relatively low intensity burn. The relatively high intensity burn site was almost completely devoid of wood-decay fungi.

3 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

047314   RAMTEKE I P, SRINIVASU T (Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur Univ, Nagpur - 440 033) : Some additions to the flora of Wardha District. Bioinfolet 2020, 17 (3 B), 517 - 9.

Total four new species of family Leguminosae (Fabaceae) were reported, which include Aeschynomene americana L., Crotalaria pusilla DC., Stylosanthes fruticosa (Retz.) Alston. (Papilionoideae DC.) and Senna uniflora H. S. Irwin & Barneby (Caesalpinioideae DC.). These species were added to the existing flora of Wardha district. Some of them are medicinal plants. Detail taxonomic descriptions, location, status and other relevant information has been given on the basis of fresh collections. Local name of the species along with their medicinal use have been briefly mentioned.

7 ref

047311   BRAMHANKAR K B, GHUGAL S I, RAHILE B S (S. S. E. S. Amaravati's Science Coll, Bhandara) : Melittopalynological studies on pollen load of apis cerana indica from pauni region of Bhandara District (Maharashtra). Bioinfolet 2020, 17 (3 B), 507 - 11.

The forest area of Pauni region (District Bhandara, Maharashtra State ) is of mix deciduous type forest along with agricultural tracks, which provides a rich diversity of pollen grains. Honeybees play an important role in cross pollination of various indigenous, wild, cultivated, agricultural and horticultural crop plants, resulting into substantial increasing in their yield associated with an improvement in the quality of the crops. Present study was undertaken on bee fauna of Pauni region, which include analysis of pollen pollen load of domesticated honey bee Apis cerana indica, during summer season of 2016. During qualitative analysis of pollen load on honeybees, out of 110 pollen loads, 65 ( 59.9 % ) pollen loads were found to be unifloral, 5 (4.54 % ) bifloral and 40 (36.36 %) multifloral. The plants contributing their pollen grains included Psidium guajava, Alangium salvifolium, Citrus sps., Pongamia pinnata, Parthenium hysterophorus, Mangifera indica, Azadiracta indica, Sonchus olaraceous, Tridax procumbens, Sphaeranthus indicus, Solanum sps., Coriandrum sativum, Physalis minima, Albezia lebbeck, Acasia nilotica, Poaceae sp., Terminalia sps. Sapindus detergens and Bombax ceiba. In all nineteen pollen types, belonging to the plants of fourteen families were obtained from pollen load on the honeybees of Pauni region.

1 illus, 1 table 10 ref

047307   DESHMUKH S S (Shivaji Science Coll, Nagpur) : Leech fauna of Melghat region. Bioinfolet 2020, 17 (3 B), 496 - 8.

Present present paper deals with latest information on species diversity of freshwater and terrestrial leeches of Melghat Region It includes 6 species. belonging to 2 orders ( Rhynchobdellae, Arhynchobdellae) and 2 families (Erpobdellidae and Hirudidae ). Geographic distribution and morphological characters of each species have been given.

1 table, 11 ref

039387   VELLINGIRI S, DUTTA P, SINGH S, SATHISH L M, PINGLE S, BRAHMBHATT B (Indian Institute of Public Health, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, Email: priya.iiphg@gmail.com) : Combating climate change-induced heat stress: Assessing cool roofs and its impact on the indoor ambient temperature of the households in the urban slums of Ahmedabad. Indian J Occup Environ Med 2020, 24(1), 25-9.

The rising global temperature and frequent heatwaves are the adverse effects of climate change. The causalities and ill impacts of the heat stress were higher among the slum dwellers because of the vulnerable household structures, which were made by heat-trapping materials like tin sheets, cement sheet (asbestos), plastic, and tarpaulin. The houses are not only dwellings but also a source of livelihood for many slum dwellers as they are involved in home-based work. The increase in the temperature of more than 40°C severely affects health and increases energy expenditures.  The present study conducted to identify the efficient cool roof technologies that reduce indoor temperature of the households and improve the heat resilience of dwellings located in the urban slums of Ahmedabad.  The performances of cool roof interventions were compared with the non intervention - roof types, namely, tin, asbestos/cement sheet, and concrete. Relative humidity/temperature data loggers (Lascar EL-USB-2-LCD, Sweden) were used to measure the indoor ambient temperature and humidity. The questionnaire-based survey also has been conducted to understand the socioeconomic status and the perceptions related to roofing and health.  The results revealed that selected cool roof technologies including Thermocol insulation, solar reflective white paint on the outer surface of the roof, and Modroof are effectively reducing the indoor temperature as compared to the non intervention roofing.Cool roof technologies have a wider scope as number of informal settlements are increasing across the cities in India and other developing countries. The governments may not able to provide proper housing to all these inhabitants due to various reasons including the land tenure of the habitats. Validated cool roof technologies can be promoted as these structures are not requires legal sanctions and easily dismantled and installed in multiple places and safeguards the investment of urban poor.

5 illus, 21 ref

039149   CHAI Y, WANG H, GE C (Shandong Univ, Weihai- 264 209, Email: changzige@sdu.edu.cn) : Maintenance mechanism of Enteromorpha prolifera green tide: From perspective of nutrients utilization. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2020, 49(2), 293-7.

Green tide caused by macroalgae is one of the global ocean ecological disasters and nutrients with high concentration are considered as materials base for the outbreak of green tide. Nevertheless, there is no continuous nutrients supply formacroalgae during their floating in sea areas. Thus, there must be special nutrients utilization strategy for the macroalgae to maintain growth and proliferation even if the nutrients in seawater can not supply enough nutrients for them. To verify the hypothesis, Enteromorpha prolifera responsible for green tide was exposed to nutrients with different concentrations.E. prolifera absorbed and stored excrescent nutrients when it encountered nutrient eutrophication, then released and reutilized those stored nutrients for growth and proliferation in the nutrient-shortage seawaters. Thus, the green tide can be maintained by the nutrients regulation ability of E. prolifera. Results of the present work may be helpful to provide enlightenment on prediction and controlling of macroalgae green tide. 

6 illus, 1 table, 22 ref

039146   IMCHEN T, EZAZ W (CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa-403 004, Email: temjen.imchen@gmail.com) : Time course nutrient uptake study of some intertidal rocky shore macroalgae and the limiting effect due to synergistic interaction. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2020, 49(2), 287-92.

The time course nutrient uptake study of some intertidal rocky shore macroalgae showed a marked variation in the uptake of nutrients. In the present study, Caulerpa sertularioides, Padina tetrastomatica, Sargassum cinctum, and Gracilaria corticata which are slow growing assimilated ammonium, whereas the fast growing Chaetomorpha antennina, Ulvaflexuosa, and Ulva lactuca assimilated nitrate. Nitrate in the medium was assimilated quickly by these three species.It was below the detection level after five hours. The study showed that the characteristic of nutrient uptake varies between different macroalgae. The slow growing perennial macroalgae preferred ammonium and fast growing annuals preferrednitrate. The preference of different form of nitrogen is inferred to be mainly due to low energetic cost and opportunistic uptake. The combination of nutrient-N and phosphate in the medium showed a synergistic interactive effect in some of thealgae wherein the uptake of nutrient was slowed comparatively. This synergistic interactive effect was significant (P < 0.05) and these were observed in Caulerpa sertularioides, Chaetomorpha antennina,and Ulva lactuca.

1 illus, 2 tables, 31 ref

039141   SALARI-ALIABADI M A, MONJEZI-VEYSI M (Marine Biology Dep, Khorramshahr Univ of Marine Science and Technology, Iran, Email: Salari1346@yahoo.com) : Application of calcareous spicules for the identification of sea cucumbers in the rocky shores of northern Persian gulf. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2020, 49(2), 281-6.

Sea cucumbers as a large group of marine invertebrates have traditionally been demanded as a food with high nutritional value and for medicinal aims in Asia and the Middle East for many years. To identify and compare sea cucumber species in the tidal rocky northern coast of the Persian Gulf, samples were collected from six stations in the four seasons. Based on the results of morphological and microscopic aspects, two sea cucumber species were identified including, Holothuria parva and Holothuria arenicola from Holothuriidea, Echinodermata. Comparison based on the calcareous structures (spicules orcalcareous ossicles), is an important key in the identification, as it displays obvious differences between both species. The most common type of spicule of H. parva was various forms of rod shape, and for H. arenicola was related to Buttony spicules. Overall, our results indicated that skeletal microscopic structure can be used in the taxonomy of sea cucumbers,and also established the important role of calcareous spicules as an identification key to distinguish sea cucumber species.

4 illus, 8 tables, 35 ref

039062   SUNNY A R, REZA M J, CHOWDHURY M A, HASSAN M N, BATEN M A, HASAN M R, MONWAR M M, HOSSAIN M S, HOSSAIN M M (Coastal and Marine Fisheries Dep, Sylhet Agricultural Univ, Bangladesh, Email: atiksunny@yahoo.com) : Biodiversity assemblages and conservation necessities of ecologically sensitive natural wetlands of north-eastern Bangladesh. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2020, 49(1), 135-48.

North-Eastern region of Bangladesh is very promising for freshwater capture fisheries, nevertheless, comprehensive assessment on faunal composition and diversity assemblages of natural wetlands are scant. This study identifies theoccurrence, different biodiversity indices and composition of fish with various gear types by means of qualitative and quantitative approaches in Tanguarhaor and Dekarhaor. A total of 75 fish species were identified, of which 53 % were Cypriniformes, followed by Siluriformes (15 %), Perciformes (14 %), Channiformes (7 %) and Clupeiformes (4 %). Amongthe identified taxa 42 species were not threatened, 12 vulnerable, 11 endangered and 8 critically endangered. The values of diversity indices explicitly Shannon-Weiner (H'), Pielou evenness (J'), Margalef richness (d) and Simpson dominance(c) indices indicated that Tanguarhaor was more diversified and evenly distributed than Dekharhaor. For effective management of the haors comprehensive stock assessment, establishment of fish sanctuaries, and combination of input and output control is suggested.

5 illus, 3 tables, 50 ref

039059   RAY D, MOHAPATRA A (Bajkul Milani Mahavidyalaya, West Bengal, Email: anil2k7@gmail.com) : First report of ten grouper species (Serranidae: Epinephelinae) from the West Bengal coast, along the east coast of India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2020, 49(1), 108-17.

Present paper reports 10 groupers (family Serranidae) from West Bengal coast on the east coast of India for the first time.These 10 species are Cephalopholis formosa, Epinephelus areolatus, E. bleekeri, E. caeruleopunctatus, E. erythrurus,E. fasciatus, E. longispinis, E. magniscuttis, E. radiatus, E. sexfasciatus. This paper provides comprehensive morphometriccharacters, description, photography and distribution of these 10 groupers.

11 illus, 2 tables, 28 ref

039058   RAY D, MOHAPATRA A (Bajkul Milani Mahavidyalaya, West Bengal, Email: anil2k7@gmail.com) : New record of five ornamental triggerfishes (Tetraodontiformes: Balistidae) from West Bengal coast, India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2020, 49(1), 102-7.

The present paper reports five ornamental triggerfishes (Tetraodontiformes: Balistidae) for the first time from the coastalwaters of West Bengal. The five species namely, Balistapus undulatus (Park, 1797) Balistoides viridescens (Bloch &Schneider, 1801), Canthidermis maculata (Bloch, 1786), Odonus niger (Ruppell, 1836) and Sufflamen fraenatum (Latreille,1804) are reported here for the first time from West Bengal coast with detailed morphometry.

5 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

039057   DASH D, ROY S, YADAV R, PATRO S, MOHAPATRA A (Marine Science Dep, Berhampur Univ, Odisha- 760 007, Email: shesdevpatro@yahoo.com) : First record of grunting toad fish, Allenbatrachus grunniens (Linnaeus, 1758) (Batrachoidiformes: Batrachoididae) from Odisha Coast, India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2020, 49(1), 99-101.

This paper reports Allenbatrachus grunniens (Linnaeus, 1758), a toadfish species for the first time from Odisha coast. The specimen was collected from the mangrove area of Mahanadi estuary at Paradeep. From Odisha coast only one species of fish from the Batrachoididae family, Austrobatrachus dussumieri (Valenciennes 1837), presently known as Colletteichthys dussumieri (Valenciennes, 1837) was reported. Here a systematic account of Allenbatrachus grunniens (Linnaeus, 1758) with its morphometry is reported for the first time as an additional record to the fish fauna of Odisha.

1 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

039056   VINOTHKUMAR R, RAJKUMAR M, THIRUMALAISELVAN S, SARAVANAN R, REMYA L, BATCHA S M S, NAZAR A K A (ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi- 682 018, Email: vinothanars16@gmail.com) : First record of deformity in Chinese Pomfret, Pampus chinensis (Euphrasen, 1788) from Indian waters. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2020, 49(1), 95-8.

The Chinese pomfret Pampus chinensis (Euphrasen, 1788) (Stromateidae) observed with deformity from fish landings atthe Jegathapattinam fishing harbour along Palk Bay coast of Tamil Nadu. The abnormality owing to fractional dorsal finmay call as ‘saddleback syndrome’ and this may be due to any kind of physical injury during early stages or to a higher chance of predation and in due course, the wound healed and the individual survive even with extreme deformed condition. Such a deformity for this species of Pomfret has never been documented from Indian waters and this could be the first record in Pampus chinensis.

3 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

039052   THOMAS L C, SATHISH T, JESLIN I J, SREERAG A, NANDAN S B, PADMAKUMAR K B (Marine Biology Dep, Cochin Univ of Science and Technology, Kochi-16, Email: kbpadmakumar@gmail.com) : Unusual mass shoreward movement of bivalve (Mollusca) Donax scortum Linnaeus along the coastal waters off Calicut - South Eastern Arabian Sea. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2020, 49(1), 67-72.

Eutrophication and oxygen depletion are the major factors influencing the responses of benthic organisms in coastal ecosystems. Along the coastal waters of South Eastern Arabian Sea a mass shoreward movement of bivalve Donax scortum (locally referred as “eranthu”) occurred during end phase of summer monsoon upwelling. Possible reasons for this shoreward movement points to the low dissolved oxygen (0.25 ml L^-1) in the bottom waters. Intense blooms of large dinoflagellate species, Noctiluca scintillans were observed a week prior to this event along these coastal waters and the crashing related decaying might have resulted in lower DO values in the region. The study discuss on the deleterious effects of hypoxic conditions caused by summer monsoon algal blooms on benthic fauna of South Eastern Arabian Sea.

5 illus, 29 ref

026241   CHAROENSUK A, JAROENSUTASINEE M, JAROENSUTASINEE K (Walailak Univ, Nakhon Si Thammarat- 801 61, Thailand, Email: mullica.jn@gmail.com) : Quantitative and qualitative analysis of non-timber forest product after change in National Park designation of Parah forest in Thailand. J Environ Biol 2018, 39(3), 387-92.

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are an important aspect of forests and forest use in many parts of the world. The present study aims at examining how local communities have changed their ways of NTFP utilization in the Parah forest after Khao Nan National Park was designated as a national park in the year 2009. A questionnaire survey was conducted using 150 randomly selected households from four villages bordering the Parah forest, Khao Nan National Park. The questionnaires were divided into two categories: socio-economics and NTFP utilization. The socio-economics of the interviewees were composed of gender, age group, marital status, education level, number of members/household, principle occupation and level of income. Income was categorized into three income categories, which ranged from poor (< 334 $/month), moderate (334-500 $/month) and rich (>500 $/month), based on the Thailand minimum daily wage. NTFP utilization composed of type of NTFP, harvested quantity and harvesting frequency. NTFPs from the Parah forest were used by 74.67 % of villagers. No differences in the amount of all NTFPs obtained in 2007 and 2015 were found. However, the price of NTFPs has increased over the years, and so the value of NTFPs in the Parah forest in 2015 reached 2,773.36 US Dollars/household, which was much higher than that reported in 2007. The frequency of the NTFPs that were harvested by villagers, ranked from highest to lowest, were as follows: Parah seeds, honey, stink bean fruits (Parkia speciosa), fruits of Archidendron  spp., termite mushrooms (Termitomyces spp.), fruits of Parkia javanica, medicinal plants, jiringa fruits (Archidendron jiringa), fruits of Sandoricum koetjape and bamboo shoots. The harvesting quantity of NTFPs did not change after Khao Nan National Park was designated as a national park in the year 2009. The existence of a variety of Parah NTFPs are of great importance to the villagers; therefore future planning is needed for conservation and sustainable utilization.

1 illus, 4 tables, 30 ref

026240   CHOUKSEY S, SINGH S, PANDEY R, TOMER V S (SHIATS, Allahabad – 211 007, Email: sandeepchouksey@hotmail.com) : Monitoring the status of human-wildlife conflict and its impact on community based conservation in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(2), 710 - 5.

The Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve is one of the famous tiger reserve in India. The human wildlife conflict is on rise for few years. A total of 194 human casualties and 1960 livestock depredation were reported between 2001 to 2011. Out of 194 casualties, 6.7 % were lethal which caused death and 93.3 % were injuries. Out of these maximum 37.57 % (68) were reported by Jackal (Canis aureus) followed by 27.64 % (50) of Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus), 20.99 % (38) by Wild boar (Sus scrofa), 8.84 % (16) by Tiger (Panthera tigris), 3.31 % (6) by Leopard (Panthera Pardus) and 1.65 % (3) by other carnivores. Out of 194 casualties 71.13 % were male and 28.87 % were female. The livestock killings were reported to be 1960 out of which maximum 81.78 % (1603) were by tiger followed by 17.60 % (345) by leopard and rest 0.62 % (12) by other carnivores. The mean livestock killing was 178.182 ± 42.82 (SE) per year. Discussions and surveys were made with affected peoples to know the views about conflict and its alleviation by using Close ended questionnaire. Total 180 individuals were surveyed. Out of these 151 (83.89 %) respondent felt that wildlife should be conserved while 29 (16.11 %) felt there is no need for conservation. Adequate compensation, habitat management practices, livestock and crop insurance scheme and bio fencing around the affected villages and conservation awareness could be the way to mitigate existing conflict.

2 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

026238   GANGULY I, CHAUHAN N S, VERMA P (Amity Univ, Noida- 201 303, Email: ishitaganguly23@gmail.com) : Assessment of human-macaque conflict and possible mitigation strategies in and around Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary, Delhi NCR. Environ Ecol 2018, 36(3), 823-7.

Human-macaque conflict in urban environment is one of most challenging issues for conservation biologists today. No information existed prior to this  study  to quantify attacks, injuries, bites and substantial property damages by urban rhesus macaquesin urban landscape of Delhi  NCR. The number of cases of human-monkey conflict was recorded from May 2016 to April 2017 by questionnaire survey method and direct encounter in and around Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary. On average 14.74 % cases of attack, 12.01 % cases of injury, 11.15 % cases of bites, 15.56 % cases of snatching foods, 11.23 % cases of threatening, 11.49 % cases of entering into the houses, 11.36 % cases of property damage and 8.27 % of littering were found from select sites. The result of one-way ANOVA ($\alpha$= 0.05) shows the number of conflict cases varies significantly among localities of suburban areas (df = 6, F = 5.02, p < 0.001) and it shows significant difference (p < 0.05) among different sites of incidence (N=13). Age-class distribution of victims exhibits that the individuals are affected chronologically from age class 16-30 years (33.68 %), 0-15 years (24.49 %), 31-45 years (19.86 %), 46-60 years (14.04 %) and lastly 61-75 years (7.91 %). Mitigation strategies for human-monkey conflict and action plan have been suggested. Incidents of conflict showed significant seasonal differences among the study sites (p<0.001) and we calculated 34.04 % conflict cases in summer (March-June), 16.57 % in monsoon (July-September), 26.28 % in post monsoon (September-November) and 23.16 %  in winter (December-February) months. This study was conducted for the first time on urban rhesus macaques in Asola-Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary and it provides the detailed quantitative measure of human-macaque conflict incidences in urban to suburban environment and recommends possible mitigation strategies.

1 illus, 12 ref

026237   MAURYA P K, GUPTA S, MAJHI S K (ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow- 226 002, Email: sullipkm@gmail.com) : Factors posing threat to the endangered catfish Clarias magur (hamilton 1822) and strategies for conservation. Environ Ecol 2018, 36(3), 749-54.

The Clarias magur, commonly known as magur, is one of the widely preferred fish species because of less spine, high nutritional value and flesh quality. Recently, the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources) has declared C. magur as an endangered species. Several known and unknown factors are responsible for its population decline, over-exploitation in wild being one among them. Here, we have critically discussed the factors responsible for its declining population and possible strategies to conserve and revive the fishery. It is worth mentioning that, the culture of C. magur is more profitable than several other fish species cultured in India due to its unique characteristics of  less water and oxygen utilization. Thus, conservation and propagation through aquaculture is very much essential to revitalize the population of C. magur so that the biodiversity and ecological balance in nature could be maintained.

1 table, 13 ref

026236   SHAW S, MITRA S, MONDAL K (Zoology Dep, Kalyani Univ, Kalyani- 741 235, Email: kausik.mondal2007@gmail.com) : Acanthopotamon panninigi, A new record in fresh water crab fauna of Mizoram, India. Environ Ecol 2018, 36(3), 727-9.

Acanthopotamon panninigi (Bott, 1966) is an addition to the  freshwater crab diversity in North-East Himalaya, so far this species was reported from its type locality at Madhya Pradesh, so this report is important in view of zoo-geographical aspect due to the crabs are considered as an economic and bio indicator species of fresh water ecosystem.

1 illus, 6 ref

026239   HAIHUA W B W, YANPING F H Z (Fisheries Research Institute of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang- 330 000, China, Email: haihuawang998@sina.com) : Estimating some population parameters and stock assessment of Dark Sleeper Odontobutis potamophila in the Gaosha River, Wuyuan County, Jiangxi Province, China. Indian J Anim Res 2018, 52(5), 664-8.

A study was conducted to investigate the growth parameters, mortality and recruitment pattern of Odontobutis potamophila collected in the Gaosha river fish landing site, west part of Wuyuan County (Latitude: 29° 14' 29" N, Longitude: 117° 45' 49" E). O. potamophila were collected from November, 2013 to October, 2014. Growth parameters, asymptotic length (L$\infty$ = 192 mm and growth coefficient (k) = 0.22 year^-1. Growth performance index (Ø’) =3.91, total mortality (Z) = 0.72 year^-1 , natural mortality (M) = 0.32 year^-1, fishing mortality (F) = 0.40 year^-1 and exploitation rate (E) = 0.55 year^-1.The estimated exploitation rate (E) has slightly exceeded the optimum value of E indicating this species was sustainable exploitation in the study area. The exploitation ratios were computed as E_max = 0.61, E₁₀= 0.52, E₅₀= 0.34. The length at first capture at 50 %, (L_c ) was 77 mm. The recruitment pattern of the species was found continuous all-round the year with one peak. The observation of the annual recruitment of O. potamophila found to occur from May to July. Steady biomass also increased with length class until 121- 125 mm, and the total steady state biomass was found to be 2240 kg.

7 illus, 14 ref

026235   YURIMOTO A, YURIMOTO T, KASSIM F M (Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences, Ibaraki, Japan, Email: yurimoto@outlook.com) : Wild otter observation on Gurney Drive coast in Penang Island, Malaysia. Int J Aquat Biol 2018, 6(3), 122-5.

Otter was irregularly observed on Gurney Drive coast in the northern part of Georgetown, Penang Island from June 2015 to March 2016. Authors examined relationship between the otters sighting date and time and the tide pattern. Otter was observed a total of five times on 27^th June, 17^th August, 6th December 2015, 14^th March, and 16^th March 2016. These otters were identified same species which was the smooth-coated otter, Lutrogale perspicillata, from the morphological characteristics. Swimming direction of the otters were characterized two patterns that the first was the otters swam from inner part to east coast in a cove of Gurney Drive coast and the second was the otters swam from the east coast to inner part of the cove. From this result, it was suggested that the otters swam to drive fish toward tide flow and the otters catch the fish efficiently.

4 illus, 8 ref

026234   BANYAL H S, KUMAR S (Desert Regional Centre, Jodhpur- 342 005, Email: dr.harinderbanyal@gmail.com) : Exploration of ichthyo faunal diversity in Jakham Stream, Pratapgarh, Rajasthan. J Env Bio-Sci 2018, 32(1), 161-3.

Fish collection was made from Jakham streams during 2014 to assess the composition of fish faunal diversity. Six species offishes belonging to Cypriniformes order were reported from the stream.

1 illus, 24 ref

026233   KUMAR K, JOSHI P C, BADONI V (G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment and Sustainable, MohalKullu, 175 126, Himachal Pradesh, Email: kishrokkothari5@gmail.com) : Variation in population density and biomass of grasshoppers (Insecta: Orthoptera) in Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR), West Himalaya, India. J Env Bio-Sci 2018, 32(1), 125-35.

Estimation of population density and biomass of grasshoppers (Orthoptera) from the Nanda Devi Biosphere Reserve (NDBR) was carried out during 1998-2000. All the selected sites fall within the buffer zone of NDBR and representing to Chamoli Garhwal administrative district of Uttarakhand State. Across the selected study sites, a total of 14 species of grasshopper belonging to 14 genera of 02 families were recorded. Among the recorded Orthopteran, Acrididae was the most dominant family with 8 species and 8 genera followed by Tettigonidae with 6 species and 6 genera. Maximum numbers of grasshopper's species diversity, population density, and biomass were recorded from the study sites located between low to mid altitudinal area and comparatively low diversity, density and biomass of grasshoppers were recorded from the study sites located in the high altitudinal area. Conocephalu maculates (Le. Guillou) is the only species among the tettigonids reported from higher altitudinal sites. The Acridid grasshoppers were diverse in their distribution among all the sites; expect the Xenocatantops karnyi (Kirby), Spathosternum prasiniferum, Prasiniferum Walk and Gastrimarques transversus Thun. Across the years, it's observed that the diversity, population density, and biomass of the grasshoppers are highly influenced by seasonal pattern, weather, and climate of the study sites. Generally, higher density and biomass values of the grasshoppers were recorded during the rainy season while minimum values of density and biomass are recorded during the winter season.

7 illus, 2 tables, 88 ref

026232   MALIK A, AJITA, GOYAL V, DALAL P (Zoology Dep, Maharshi Dayanand Univ, Rohtak- 124 001, Email: vinaymalik71@gmail.com) : Avian fauna of Maharshi Dayanand University campus, Rohtak, Haryana. J Env Bio-Sci 2018, 32(1), 99-103.

Avifauna of Maharshi Dayanand University Campus, Rohtak was studied during May 2017 to April 2018. A total of 51 avian species belonging to 43 genera in 28 families distributed in 13 orders were reported. The passerine birds with 28 species dominated the 23 non passerine bird species. The campus harboured 43 resident species and 8 migrant species. All except Alexandrine Parakeet were having least concerned threat status. Family Turdinae representing five species dominated in the number of the species. Insectivorous feeding habit was the most dominant behaviour and was exhibited by 31 % of all the studied birds. The rich avian fauna of the university campus indicates the pertinent conservation strategies for the protection of birds in their natural ecosystems.

2 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

025001   YADAV S K, PALANISAMY M, MURTHY G V S (Botanical Survey of India, Southern Regional Centre, Coimbatore - 641 003, Email: samy_bsi@yahoo.co.in) : New records of two red seaweeds from Kerala coast, India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(5), 1042-6.

Present paper reports the occurrence of two red seaweeds i.e. Catenella impudica (Mont.) J. Agardh and Meristotheca papulosa (Mont.) J. Agardh (Order Gigartinales) for the first time from Kerala coast. Therefore, these are new additions to the seaweed flora of Kerala. Detailed taxonomic account of these two taxa have been provided for easy identification.

5 illus, 25 ref

024092   SAHER N U, KANWAL N, GONDAL M A, AMANAT Z, QURESHI N A (Karachi Univ, Pakistan, Email: noorusaher@yahoo.com) : Diversity indices and distribution of brachyuran crabs found in the lagoon waters of Sonmiani, Balochistan. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(03), 712-20.

A total of 8 species of Brachyuran crabs was recorded,crabs belong to the family Portunidae were dominant and represented by 6 species. Portunus pelagicus and Portunus sanguinolentus were found throughout the years.Various ecological indices were calculated through the obtained data. The diversity ranged from 0.63 - 1.64, the richness varied from 0.84-1.76, the evenness ranged from 0.1- 0.35, the index of dominance varied from 0.36 - 0.73. Maximum diversity was recorded during Pre monsoon (yr. 2005-06). The ecological indices were positively correlated with environmental parameters.

4 illus, 3 tables, 35 ref

024091   SAHER N U, NIAZI R M, QURESHI N A (Karachi Univ, Karachi- 752 70, Email: noorusaher@yahoo.com) : Occurrence and abundance of commercially important fish species of family Clupeidae and Engraulidae in the MianiHor, Sonmiani Bay, Balochistan. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(03), 702-11.

Family Clupeidae found dominant with 15 species in which Dussumieriaacuta, Ilisha megaloptera and Escualosa thoracata found abundant in most of the year, whereas Engraulidae family ranked second with 9 species among those the Stolephorus indicus, Thryssa vitrirostris and Thryssa mystax found in abundance. Species distribution and catch size varied with the months and showed a seasonal pattern in lagoon water. The change in salinity and temperature was observed as the main factor for change of species diversity and abundance in the Sonmiani Bay.

5 illus, 3 tables, 53 ref

024090   MAHESH R, MURUGAN A, SARAVANAKUMAR A, KHAN F, SHANKER S (Annamalai Univ, Tamil Nadu-608 502, Email: asarvaan@gmail.com) : New distributional record of the endemic estuarine sand whiting, Sillago vincenti McKay, 1980 from the Pichavaram mangrove ecosystem, southeast coast of India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(03), 660-4.

The Sillaginids, commonly known as sand whiting are one among the common fishes caught by the traditional fishers in estuarine ecosystems all along the Tamil Nadu coast. The present study records the new distributional range extension for Sillago vincenti from the waters of Pichavaram mangrove, whereas earlier reports were restricted to only the Palk Bay and Gulf of Mannar regions of the Tamil Nadu coast, whereas it enjoys a wide range of distribution both in the east and west coast of India. This study marks the additional extension of the distributional record for S. vincenti in the east coast of India. Biological information on these fishes will have ecological applications particularly on account on their extreme abundance in the mangrove waters. The present study is based on the collection of specimens from handline fishing practices undertaken in the shallow waters of Pichavaram mangroves, on the southeast coast of India.

2 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

024089   NAIK R K, DAMARE S, YAPA K K A S, COSTA P M D, ROY R (ESSO-National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research, Goa- 403 804, Email: ravi@ncaor.gov.in) : First report of toxic Prorocentrum rhathymum (Dinophyceae) and its pigment composition from coastal waters of the eastern Arabian Sea. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(03), 645-52.

Prorocentrum rhathymum,a toxic dinoflagellate, was isolated for the first time from coastal waters of the eastern Arabian Sea. Batch cultures were grown and cell pellets were extracted in methanol for analysis of algal toxin. LCMS/MS studies exhibited presence of dinophysis toxin 1 (DTX1) with no detectable Okadaic Acid. Growth rates varied between 0.23 day,^-1 (exponential phase) and 0.05 day^-1 (decline phase). Phytoplankton pigment studies revealed the presence of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll c1c2, peridinin and diadinoxanthin. The average chlorophyll a production was found to be 163 pg cell^-1 and ranged between 73 to 223 pg cell^-1. Peridinin, the marker pigment of dinoflagellates, had an average value of 55 pg cell^-1 and ranged between 30 – 114 pg cell^-1. Further studies to identify its molecular diversity along with toxicity are presently underway. To our knowledge, this is the first report of successful isolation and culturing of Prorocentrum rhathymum from this region.

5 illus, 30 ref

024088   TRIPATHI S K (Geological Survey of India, Kolkata- 700 091, Email: stripathi208@gmail.com) : Symbiont bearing foraminifera from inner shelf area of Great Nicobar Island, Andaman Sea: Coral retrieval. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(03), 629-34.

Present study is an attempt to use algal symbiont bearing foraminifera as tool to monitor the coral ecology. Inner shelf area of Great Nicobar Islands have maximum abundance of symbiont bearing foraminifera, mainly Amphistegina lessonii, calcarina hispida, Baculogypsinoides spinosus, Heterostegina depressa, Planoperculina heterosteginoides, Operculina ammonoides, Cycloclypeus carpenteri, Planostegina operculinoides, Discorbis sp., and Sorites sp. Dominance of these different genera in the samples depicts congenial environment for reef ecology. Present study from inner shelf area shows maximum diversity of corals and symbiont bearing foraminifera, implies faunal retrieval and congenial environment for coral reefs.

4 illus, 1 table, 28 ref

024087   KRISHNAPRIYA P P, MINU M, NANDAN S B (Marine Biology Dep, Cochin Univ of Science & Technology, Cochin- 682 016, Email: bijoynandan@yahoo.co.in) : Composition and distribution of meiobenthos in Arctic Kongsfjord (Svalbard) with reference to carbon potential of selected fauna. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(03), 613-22.

The meiobenthic samples collected as a part of Summer Phase III group 2 – Indian Arctic Expedition 2011, forms the basis of this study. There were some vital observations regarding the sediment characteristics that, inner and outer fjords were similar in terms of granulomertic composition and also the silt dominated in the entire Kongsfjord. Total carbon (TC) and total organic carbon (TOC) were higher in the outer fjord, but the inorganic carbon (IC) was slightly lower in the inner fjord. The meiofauna comprised of Nematoda, Foraminifera, Bivalvia, Polychaeta, Harpacticoid copepoda, Gastrotricha, and Kinoryncha. Nematodes (54 %) formed the dominant phylum among the fauna followed by foraminifera (37 %). Forty five nematodes belonging to nineteen families were identified, in which Anticoma eberthi (14.06 μg) contributed the highest carbon, followed by Marylynnia complexa (12.94 μg) in the Arctic Kongsfjord. Fifty six species of foraminiferans belonging to five sub orders were identified of which, Cribrostomoides jeffreysii (0.074 μg) and Globobulimina auriculata (0.071 μg) structured the maximum carbon content. Total carbon sequestered in the Kongsfjord accounted to an average of nematodes and foraminiferans respectively. The net carbon sequestrated by the nematodes and foraminiferans were higher in the outer fjord as compared to inner fjord of Kongsfjord region.

6 illus, 2 tables, 42 ref

024086   GOBALAKRISHNAN R, SIVASANKAR P, SIVAKUMAR K (District Institution of Education and Training, Kalaiyarkoil- 630 551, Email: gobalaldy@gmail.com) : Marine actinobacteria: A concise account for young researchers. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(03), 541-7.

Present article consists the marine actinobacteria with reference to their occurrence, potentiality, culture media, pretreatment and identification. This information is important as it would pave way for future microbiologists to elucidate the potential of the marine actinobacteria for various economical applications.

109 ref

024085   LAKHMAPURKAR J, GAVALI D (Gujarat Ecology Society, Gujarat-390 023, Email: deepa.gavali@gmail.com) : Coral reef structure at Kachhigarh, Gujarat. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(02), 503-8.

Presence of corals in the Kachhigarh area, located around 10 km from Marine National Park is reported for the first time with occurrence of 24 species. The paper describes the abiotic features of the area that sustain the corals, outside Marine protected area. Area harness threatened coral species such as Favia lacuna, Favites complanata, Favites halicora, Goniopora minor categorised as Near Threatened species (ver 3.1, IUCN 2015). Cluster analysis showed strong relation between Favia, Favites and Porites species.

6 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

024084   MURUGAN A, RAMKUMAR B, JAYASINGH M, RAMAKRITINAN C M (Value Added Aquaculture Dep, Vivekananda Coll, Agasteeswaram - 629 701, Email: arumugam.murugan@gmail.com) : Morphological observations on the endemic velvet leatherjacket, Lalmohania velutina Hutchins, 1994 (Family: Monacanthidae) and updated distributional records after three decades from its discovery in Gulf of Mannar, Tamil Nadu Coast, India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(02), 409-14.

The present study pertains to the occurrence of the fish commonly known as the velvet leatherjacket, Lalmohania velutina with extended distributional records that update its original scientific description. This paper delineates the morphological, genital and skeletal observations recorded of L. velutina based on 12 specimens collected from multiple fishing sites, from shore seine fishing operations practiced along the south-east coast of India. Group-wise (distribution, sex and type specimens) statistical analysis revealed that the specimens collected from the Palk Bay region are larger than the Gulf of Mannar specimens. Morphological, gonadal and skeletal examination of the collected specimens attest to these features proved its idiosyncrasy.

4 illus, 3 tables, 26 ref

024083   RAMKUMAR B, MURUGAN A (Marine and Coastal Studies Dep, School of Energy Environment and Natural Resources, Madurai- 21, Email: arumugam.murugan@gmail.com) : Occurrence and characteristics of the brown-spotted spine foot, Siganus stellatus (Forssk?l, 1775) from Gulf of Mannar, Southeast coast of India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(02), 390-4.

The present paper reports the occurrence of the fish, brown-spotted spinefoot, Siganus stellatus (Forsskal, 1775) from Gulf of Mannar waters, caught from the bottom set gillnet locally called as 'maya valai’ normally deployed in reefs and over a rocky substratum. A description of the observed specimen and their morphometric differences from their congeners is provided.

3 illus, 2 tables, 32 ref

024082   NAUFAL P J, PADMAVATI G (Ocean Studies and Marine Biology Dep, Pondicherry Univ, Port Blair- 744 112, Email: padma190@rediffmail.com) : Meiofaunal distribution and abundance from the intertidal seagrass patches of Chidiyatapu, Port Blair. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(02), 357-64.

Study on the meiofaunal distribution and abundance on the leaf blades of three sea grasses viz. Thalassia hemprichii, Halophila ovalis and Halodule uninervis was conducted during December 2012- February 2013. During the study period, total of 15 different meiofaunal taxa were recorded of which Harpacticoida was the most diverse group and comprised of 18 different species followed by Foraminifera with 15 and Polychaeta with 7 species. Halodule uninervis and Thalassia hemprichii leaf blades (6.0±0.2 cm) with flat surface area supported a large no of associated fauna compared to H. ovalis (2.1±0.3 cm). Low diversity and more equitability in the harpacticoid population in H.ovalis (avg. length) were found compared to that of Thalassia Hempirichii and Halodule uninervis. The species in Thalassia Hempirichii and Halodue uninervis leaf blades formed one cluster and less diverse and more evenly distributed copepod species in Halophila ovalis formed a separate cluster.

5 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

024081   SOUMYA J, KHORA S S (Medical Biotechnology Dep, VIT Univ, Vellore- 632 014, Email: sskhora@vit.ac.in) : Seasonal variation in toxicity of puffer fish, Arothron immaculatus, Chelonodon patoca and Lagocephalus scleratus along Tamil Nadu coast. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(01), 231-9.

Anatomical distribution of toxin in the puffers were studied by mouse bioassay. Presence of Tetrodotoxin was analyzed by UV spectrophotometry, FTIR and fluorescence spectrophotometry. During the study we observed that Arothron immaculatus, Chelonodon patoca were toxic throughout the year, while Lagocephalus scleratus showed slight toxicity in its skin and muscle during the monsoon season and was non-toxic during pre-monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. In Arothron immaculatus, particularly the skin and gonad were mostly toxic. In Chelonodon patoca, gonad was highly toxic while the skin and intestine also showed increase in their toxicity at times. However, in both the toxic species, muscle tissue did not show any toxicity.

6 illus, 3 tables, 40 ref

024080   BHATT S, DODIA P P, SRINIVASAN M (Marine Science Dep, Maharaja Krishnakumar Sinhji Bhavnagar Univ, Bhavnagar, Email: shuchimarine@gmail.com) : Current status of marine worms at Rangbai coast. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(01), 217-8.

Present study is to prepare a baseline data base of diversity of the marine worms in intertidal zone of Rangbai coast. During study periods we were observed two marine worms species Eulalia viridis(Linnaeus, 1767) and Alitta virens(M.Sars, 1835). Both worms are belonging to class Polychaete.

1 illus, 8 ref

024079   DEEPAK S V, KRISHNAN P, ABHILASH K R, SREERAJ C R, PATRO S, SANKAR R, PUROHIT M, PURVALA R, RAMESH R (Anna Univ Campus, Chennai- 600 025, Email: rramesh_@yahoo.com) : Diversity of marine molluscs in the bycatch from lobster nets, Erwadi, Gulf of Mannar. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(01), 170-5.

The current study was carried out to document molluscs that are caught in lobster nets (Singhi valai), an indigenous gear operated by fishers in the Gulf of Mannar to harvest lobsters, crabs and fishes. This net is operated in depths up to 15 m from the traditional country craft,‟ Vallam‟. A total of 73 species of marine molluscs from class Bivalvia (32 species belonging to 4 families) and Gastropoda (41 species belonging to 27 families) have been documented. Vulsella vulsella was dominant (12.35 %) among bivalves whereas Lambis lambis was dominant (14.7 %) among the gastropods. The family Veneridae in bivalves (29%) and the family Strombidae in gastropods (17 %) contributed the highest among the documented molluscs.

5 illus, 2 tables, 25 ref

024078   LEKSHMI N M, SREEKANTH G B , SINGH N P, VENNILA A, KUMAR R R, PANDEY P K (ICAR–Central Coastal Agricultural Research Institute, Goa- 403 402, Email: manjuaem@gmail.com) : Variations in phytoplankton assemblages in different aquaculture systems in coastal waters of Goa. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(01), 35-45.

The dynamics of phytoplankton were studied corresponding to the environmental conditions in different aquaculture systems from coastal waters of Goa for a period of two years. A total of 45, 39, 51 and 24 species were identified from open water system (OWS) with mussel culture, semi-enclosed water system (SEW) with mussel culture, SEW with multispecies culture and OWS with multispecies culture, respectively. Diatoms and dinoflagellates were the major groups in all the culture systems. Nutrients, chlorophyll-a, phytoplankton biomass and diversity were significantly higher in semi-enclosed systems. This observation in semi-enclosed systems is inferred as a reaction to driving forces like polymixis, water-level changes and nutrient loading due to less flow rate in the system.

3 illus, 6 tables, 40 ref

024077   MARIMUTHU N, VERMA A K, KUMAR J S Y, ADHAVAN D, SATYANARAYANA (Forest and Environment Dep, Gujarat Ecology Commission, Gandhinagar-382 011, Email: marinemari@hotmail.com) : Integrated coastal zone management project funded coral restoration processes in the Gulf of Kachchh ? A present scenario. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(01), 15 - 9.

About fifty-three hard coral species recorded till date in the Gujarat coast based on the available literature. One of the projects under Integrated Coastal Zone Management Programme, Coral transplantation, are in progress to improve the quality of reefs at GoK. Major aim of this project is to develop a protocol for coral transplantation processes and making transplanted reef park at GoK by using local massive coral species as well as re-introducing the Acropora spp. from other parts of Indian reef ecosystems.

1 table, 22 ref

024076   RAJASHEKARA S (Zoology Dep, Bangalore Univ, Bengaluru-560 056, Email: rajachandra3908@yahoo.co.in) : Need for monitoring and conservation of marine floral and faunal biodiversity in the coastal region of Karnataka, India. Indian J Geo-Mar Sci 2018, 47(01), 7 - 14.

Marine environment of India consists of unique ecosystems are known for their aesthetic beauty and provides habitat for numerous biological species. Mangroves are unique ecosystem of tropics and sub-tropics which support naturally diverse groups of aquatic and terrestrial organisms. These ecosystems serves has a haven for many varieties of birds and other fauna. Several Islands of Karnataka is an excellent place to enjoy the seascape, the mangroves with waves wading at their roots, several water birds and the spectacular dusk. Marine organisms have some physical and special adaptations that are unique to their lifestyle. Many species of seabirds spend much of their time in and around the seawater that have special types of behavior. The practice of coastal regions by monitoring of marine flora and fauna is an important topic of study in the coastal zone of Karnataka, India forms a good baseline work for the assessment of human–animal interactions. The comprehensive catalogues can be prepared separately for the marine flora and the fauna in order to recognize priority areas for maintenance in the coastal and non- coastal regions of Karnataka, India.

1 illus, 67 ref

024075   KUMAR V, SHARMA N, SINGAL K, SHARMA A (Genetics Dep, Maharshi Dayanand Univ, Haryana, Email: neelforensics@gmail.com) : A wildlife forensic study for the species identification of Indian Blackbuck through forensically informative nucleotide sequencing (FINS). Biosci Biotech Res Asia 2018, 15(1), 175-9.

Identification of exhibits obtained in wildlife cases usually presents challenging tasks for the forensic science investigators. This study describes a casework, where a degraded tissue sample was recovered from pathology department LUVAS University Hisar, Haryana to resolve the identity of the questioned sample. The mitochondrial DNA region of the questioned sample was amplified and sequenced using universal primers of cytochrome b gene to determine the forensically informative nucleotide sites to find the species identity. The obtained sequencing results were compared with the most homologous sequences extracting from NCBI-GenBank database and a phylogenetic tree was done with the aligned sequences to determine the species identity with strong bootstrap support. The informative sites generated revealed that the degree of sequence similarity showed maximum homology (100 %) with the sequence obtained from the database. Based on the FINS analysis the recovered sample related to Antilope cervicapra (family Bovidae).

1 illus, 1 table, 19 ref

024074   SIMATUPANG D F, YANTY J S, RACHMAYANTI Y, WARGANEGARA F M, AKHMALOKA (Chemistry Dep, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia, Email: loka@chem.itb.ac.id) : Diversity of tropical marine Macroalgae from coastal area of Sayang Heulang, West Java Indonesia. Biosci Biotech Res Asia 2018, 15(1), 139-44.

Genetic diversity of nine marine macroalgae from coastal area of Sayang Heulang were assessed based on phenotypic and ribotyping analysis. Morphology of the macroalgaes were classified based on the color of the organism such as red (4 samples), brown (3 samples) and green (2 samples). Genomic DNA from the organisms were isolated using CTAB method with slight modification. The 18S rRNA gene amplified by PCR method using standar primers for V4 region of 18S rRNA gene. The amplicons were sequenced and analysed. The results showed that all the sequences are closed to V4 region of 18S rRNA gene. Comparison among the nine sequences showed a variation of homology. The best homology was shown by the sequence of SB and TC (99,1 %), both are brown color macroalgea. The lowest homology was shown by GU (red color) and TC (brown color) with the homology at around 64,6 %. Further analysis by comparing among the same color and the cross color showed that the same color does not show genetically close each other. Phylogenic analysis showed that the three brown colors are closed each other, however the rest are seen different and far away each other.

4 illus, 3 tables, 16 ref

024073   HALWASIA S, DHANESHA M, UDHANI H, DEORE K (Biotechnology Dep, Thadomal Shahani Engineering Coll, Bandra, Email: snehahalwasia@gmail.com) : Rapid escape response - A behavioral response on Eisenia fetida. J Vet Sci Technol 2018, 9 (1), 1-6.

A behavioral assay is described for studying locomotory behavior in annelid Eisenia fetida. This assay presents a method using a gustatory repellant Sodium Chloride (NaCl) to induce a locomotory response in the earthworm. This assay helps us understand the ambulation that is under control of a well co-ordinated nervous system, precisely, the Ventral Nerve Cord. To confirm this a lesion was performed on the nerve cord and functional activity under the repellant was again assayed. Results suggest that an undamaged ventral nerve cord is essential for earthworms’ rapid escape responses.

7 illus, 3 tables, 42 ref

024072   BEKELE N, KEBEDE A, MULATU E (Wollega Univ, Ethiopia, Email: abrahamkebede2016@gmail.com) : Prevalence of bovine Trypanosomosis in Didessa Woreda, Oromiya region, Ethiopia. J Vet Sci Technol 2018, 9 (1), 1-5.

A cross sectional study was conducted at Didessa Woreda, Oromiya region, south west Ethiopia. The study was carried out from November, 2011 to April 2012 on indigenous cattle breed managed under mixed corop-livestok production system, to determine the prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis. This study employs parasitological survey by the use of Buffy coat examination, thin smear and hematological study. The overall prevalence of bovine trypanosomosis in the present study was 5.47 %. The predominant species recovered was Trypanosome congolense (61.9 %) followed by Trypanosome vivax (23.8 %) the Trypanasome brucei (9.5 %). Mixed infection due to Trypanosome congolense and Trypanosome vivax (4.7 %) was also recorded in the study. Discrepancy in the prevalence of Trypanosome infection was recorded in the different age groups, between sex and different body conditioned animals, but the difference was not statically siginificant (p>0.05). The mean PCV of parasitemic animals was significantly lower (21.15=4.675) than the parasitemic animals (24.316=4.93) (p<0.05). Although the present study came up with low prevalence of bovine trypanosomiasis in the study area, the potential impact of this disease on production and productivity of cattle shall not undermined. Therefore, sustainable community based tsetse and trypanosomsis control program should be implemented.

5 tables, 39 ref

024071   TALPUR M N R, SHAH S A H, SIDDIQUI A A, KHANZADA K K, JAMALI A, JALBANI F H, JAT M I, MASTOI S M (Entomology Dep, Sindh Agriculture Univ, Pakistan) : Population dynamics of red flour beetle on different wheat varieties at room temperature. J Ent Zool Stud 2018, 6(1), 307-10.

The experiment comprised of eight wheat varieties under laboratory condition. The recording of observations was started on 7th April, 2016 and lasted until to 11th August, 2016. The fortnightly population of the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) fluctuated significantly (P<0.05) and the results indicated that at first observation (07-04-2016), the red flour beetle population was (15.00±1.73), in variety ‘Sindhu’, gradually increased and reaching its peak population (51.66±1.20), on the last observation (11-08-2016). The interaction of variety × observation date examined that the red flour beetle were highest (51.66±1.20) in variety Sindhu when observed on 11th August; while lowest (3.33±0.88) in variety TD-1 on 7th March. Further the minimum populations of red flour beetle (8.59±1.17 and 8.53±1.05) were equally recorded for varieties Sarsabz and Hammal at minimum-maximum temperature (20.60-38.35oC) and relative humidity (40.70 %). The ANOVA shows that there was significant (P<0.05) difference in population of red flour beetle between wheat varieties in all observational dates. Average maximum weight loss (96 %) while the optimum was examined (85.61 %). There was a positive and significant correlation in the red flour beetle population with mini-maximum and relative humidity, there is also a linear association of red flour beetles with the temperature and relative humidity.

1 illus, 2 tables, 22 ref

024070   NAIR N, BHATTACHARJEE T, THANGJAM B, GIRI U, DEBNATH M R (Agril. Entomology Dep, Agriculture Coll, Tripura) : Species diversity of Dacine fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae: Dacinae: Dacini) in Tripura, N.E. India. J Ent Zool Stud 2018, 6(1), 297-302.

The present study was conducted from May, 2015 to May, 2017 to identify the Dacine fruit fly species present in Tripura, N.E. India. Para-pheromone traps (cue-lure and methyl-eugenol) and food bait traps were used to catch the Dacine fruit flies. Twenty species of Dacine fruit flies have been recorded form this North-Eastern state of India. Among these, 11 species are new records for the state and 6 species, namely Bactrocera nigrifacia, B. rubigina, B. tuberculata, B. bogorensis, B. vulta and B. apicalis) are new records for India. Taxonomic keys and coloured photo graphs for identification of these fruit flies are provided.

1 table, 30 ref

024069   USMAN K, REHMAN H U, KHUDADAD S, PERVAIZ K, ALI S Z U A, MAQSOOD M J, JAWAD S M, AZIZ-UD-DIN, IHTESHAM Y (Chemistry Dep, Kohat Univ of Science and Technology, J&K) : Investigation of heavy metals in river Kabul at Jehangira lower Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. J Ent Zool Stud 2018, 6(1), 100-2.

The aim of the present study was to estimate the amount of heavy metals in the water of River Kabul at Jehangira Lower Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Water sampling was carried out in different interval of time for detection of heavy metals at PCSIR laboratories Peshawar. The highest concentration of the heavy metals was found Cu 0.2-1.66, Cd 0.06-0.96, Pd 0.02-1.1, Cr 0.01-0.06 while the lowest concentration was found Mn 0.11-0.23 and zinc 1.13-2.37 respectively. The highest concentration of the heavy metals found may effect on may aspect of life. This high range of heavy metals is very toxic to all living organisms including human being. The results of the heavy metals investigation revealed that the condition of water is not fitting for aquatic life and human utilization due to addition of public and manufacturing contamination. This problem needed to be resolved directly with both community and Private Corporation.

2 illus, 1 table, 10 ref

024068   VIKRAM, KUMAR A, MEHRA K, CHOUDHARY R (Entomology Dep, SHIATS, Allahabad) : Effect of weather parameters on incidence of key pest, Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) on tomato. J Ent Zool Stud 2018, 6(1), 97-9.

A field experiment was conducted at Central Research Farm, SHIATS, Naini, Allahabad during Rabi, 2014-15 to study the effect of weather parameters on incidence of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) on tomato during Rabi, 2014-15. The incidence of H. armigera started in 8th standard meteorological week (third week of February) with an average population of 2.0 larvae per plant thereafter, larval population increased gradually and reached to its peak level (6.0 larvae per plant) in 12th standard meteorological week (third week of March). Weather parameters, temperature [maximum (r = 0.625) and minimum (r = 0.668)], wind velocity (r=0.527) and sunshine hours (r=0.722) showed significant positive correlation with larval population. Relative humidity [morning (r=-0.160) and evening (r=-0.388)] had non-significant negative correlation while, rainfall had non-significant positive correlation (r=0.091) with larval population.

1 illus, 1 table, 14 ref