015589   Anand Kumar;Shukla A N (Botanical Survey of India, , Central Circle, Allahabad-211 002) : Pteridophytes of the Indravati tiger reserve, Dantewada, Chhatttisgarh. J Econ Taxon Bot 2010, 34(1), 96-8.

Deals with taxonomic account of 7 species belonging to 7 genera in seven families of pteridophytes which occur in the Indravati Tiger Reserve (Chhattisgarh).

1 ref

015588   Abdar M R;Jadhav B V (Zoology Dep, K.N.P. College, Walwe-416 313) : Migratory water birds from western ghats, India. Geobios 2009, 36(4), 295-7.

Population of migratory birds was studied from November 2003 to October 2004. The result revealed that the population decreased in the year 2004, due to decreased rainfall, hunting, extensive utilization of water for irrigation and unlimited fishing.

2 tables, 6 ref

011399   Krishnakutty C N;Chundamannil M (NO, Kerala Forest Research Insitute, Peechi-680 653) : Protected area conservation through change in fuel-mix: a case study of Periyar tiger reserve in India. Ann For 2009, 17(1), 143-52.

Biotic pressure on Protected Areas (PAs) in developing countries is primarily to satisfy the fuelwood requirements and is one of the factors affecting their conservation. For studying the fuel consumption pattern and the potential of PA conservation through a change in fuel-mix, a fuel consumption survey was conducted during 2002 in households and enterprises around the Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR), one of the famous wildlife sanctuaries in South India. The survey revealed that fuelwood contributed 71 per cent of the annual consumption of 7.2 billion kilocalories of useful heat, LPG contributed 21 per cent, non-wood biomass 4 per cent, kerosene and biogas 4 per cent. This indicated that fuelwood was the most important fuel used for cooking and other purposes. Quantity of fuelwood collected during 2002 from the forests of PTR represented 48 per cent, reserved forests outside PTR 15 per cent, homesteads 9 per cent and dependence on rubber wood, both purchased and obtained from rubber plantations, 28 per cent of the annual consumption of 16,684 metric tonnes (air-dry weight). As the fuelwood requirement was exclusively met from the PTR earlier, a shift from almost exclusive dependence on PTR for fuelwood to other sources was evident. Availability of rubberwood and LPG in some locations has substituted 29 per cent of the fuelwood dependence on PTR. Among the fuels used, liquid petroleum gas (LPG) is the cheapest and the most preferred. Only the initial investment is a hurdle for the poor households. Investment in providing alternate fuels would show quick results as in the case of PTR. If policy measures are taken to subsidise the initial cost of installing LPG stove in all households, the dependence on PTR for fuelwood can almost completely be dispensed with. The role of the Eco Development Committees (EDC) in raising the awareness of conservation in PTR is commendable. Their experimentation with distribution of LPG indicates that there is great scope for forest conservation by entrusting distribution of LPG to the EDCs. The study reveals the potential in adopting a pro active fuel policy to achieve the aim of forest conservation.

6 tables, 5 ref

009232   Vijay Kumar (Indian Institute of Forest Managmenent, Nehru Nagar, Bhopal) : Impact assessment of eco-tourism on visitors and villagers in Satpuda National Park, Madhya pradesh. J trop For 2009, 25(1-2), 62-5.

Satpura National Park has been one of the most liked places of eco-tourism in Madhya Pradesh because of its hilly location. Having been interested in assessment of ecotourism in terms of its objective that is encouragement towards protection and growth in the quantity and quality of forest and environment and betterment of the local people, this study was conducted to know its impact on visitors and local people (villagers). It has been found that the ecotourism in this park has brought significant impact on both of them in terms of its ultimate objective.

3 tables

009231   Raja Sekhar P S;Pandey S P;Anant Raju M; Sunita P (Environmental Sciences Dep, Andhra Univ, Visakhapatnam-530 003, Email: sekharpsr@hotmail.com) : Conservation and mangement of olive ridley sea turtle, Lepidochelys olivacea at north Andhra coast, Bay of Bengal, India. J Aquatic Biol 2009, 24(1), 50-6.

Olive ridley sea turtle, Lepidochelys olivacea is protected under Schedule-1 of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. The IUCN Red Data Book (RDB) is assigned endangered status to Olive ridley turtles for conservation and management from all possible threats. The Nesting population of Olive ridley turtles are migrating from Indian Ocean to the mass nesting (Arribada) beaches located in Orissa State through the coastal waters of Andhra Pradesh during winter months (November to February). A considerable size of migratory nesting Ridley population utilizes the beaches of North Andhra Coast for their sporadic nesting activity. In recent times the breeding population is in declining trends due to direct threatening factors of incidental mortality at off shore waters to predation of eggs and hatchlings on nesting beaches. Besides, loss of nesting sites and foraging habitats nearer to mangrove habitats are the indirect threats. Conservation and management programs have been initiated at Northern Andhra Pradesh Coast (NAC) for the protection of Olive ridley sea turtle from all possible threats. In situ (natural) protection to eggs and hatchlings at nesting beaches and conducted awareness campaign at all fishing villages for Implementation of Turtle Excluder Device (TEDs) to reduce incidental catches at offshore waters and protection to nesting habitats.

1 illus, 2 tables, 12 ref

008194   Teegalapalli K;Hiremath Ankila J;Jathanna Devcharan (Wildlife Conservation Society-India Program, Post-Graduate Program in Wildlife Biology and Conservation, National, P.O. Box: 6501, Hebbal, Bengaluru-560 065, Email: karthik.teegalapalli@gmail.com) : Roll of perches in accelerating seed arrival in human-abandoned clearings within Bhadra Tiger Reserve, India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2008, 105(3), 317-22.

Seed arrival is often the primary limitation to forest regeneration in denuded landscapes, with the number of seeds arriving diminishing rapidly with increase in distance from remnant seed sources compared seed rain collected at Authaur, different distances from the forest edge in seed rain traps with and without introduced bamboo perches in human-abandoned agricultural clearings in Bhadra Tiger Reserve. The number of seeds collected per trap below perches was 38 times greater than the number of seeds collected in traps without perches. The species richness of seeds collected per trap below perches was ten-fold greater than in traps without perches. Our study showed that introducing artificial perches is an effective method to improve seed arrival into tree-less habitats, as has been found in studies elsewhere.

3 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

008193   Sunil Jose K;Sudhikumar A V;Davis S; Sebastian P A (Zoology Dep, Deva Matha College, Kuravilangadu, Kottayam District-686 633, Email: avsudhi@rediffmail.com) : Diversity of spider fauna (Araneae : arachnida) in Paramikulam Wildlife Sanctuary in western ghats, Kerala, India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2008, 105(3), 264-73.

One hundred and forty seven species of spiders belonging to 82 genera and 22 families are recorded from Parambikulam. 51 species are new records for Kerala State and 5 species are new records for India. Moist deciduous forests exhibit higher diversity of spiders compared to evergreen forests. Spider fauna of Parambikulam exhibits affinities with Oriental and Palaearctic regions. 45 species recorded are endemic to the Indo-Sri Lankan region. Family Mimetidae is a new record from southern India. Key to different spider families found in Parambikulam also incorporates all the families so far recorded from Kerala. Distributional data based on literature of all the spiders recorded are included.

1 illus, 1 table, 32 ref

008192   Sharma M (NO, , Village Shankarpur, Ramnagar-244 715, Email: treeswift@gmail.com) : Status and conservation of bristled grassbird Chaetornis striata in Corbett National Park. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2008, 105(3), 339-41.

6 ref

008191   Sathasivam K (NO, , 29 Jadamuni Koil Strret, Mudurai-625 001, Email: kumaran,sathasivam@gmail.com) : Note on the observation of a palm squirrel in Thekkady Periyar Tiger Reserve, Southern India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2008, 105(3), 329.

1 ref

008190   Montrul M;Khan H (Wildlife Research Group, Anatomy Dep, Cambrdge Univ, Dowining Street, Cambrdge CB2 3DY, UK, Email: mmkhan@hotmail.com) : Prey selection by tigers Panthera tigris (Linnaeus 1758) in the Sundarbans East Wildlife Sanctuary of Bangladesh. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2008, 105(3), 255-63.

Study was conducted to determine prey selection by Tigers Panthera tigris in the Sundarbans East Wildlife Sanctuary of Bangladesh. A total of 145 scats were analysed and 78 kills were studied. The frequency of occurrence of different prey species in scats and kills was significantly different. On an average, the Spotted Deer Axis axis was the most frequent prey in scats and kills (78%). Most Spotted Deer kills were adult animals and were in good condition before they were killed. The frequency of occurrence in scats was converted to the relative number of kills, which showed that the Spotted Deer was still the most frequent prey (29.9%). Other than the Spotted Deer, tigers also preyed on Wild Boar Sus scrofa, Rhesus Macaque Macaca, mulatta, and Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus. Soil and sungrass blades were found in scats as non-food items. Scats with soil were more available in winter than in summer. In general, the trend of prey selection appeared to follow prey size and abundance, but Wild Boar and Lesser Adjutant were two most high-ranking prey species, because their selectivity was higher in comparison to their abundance.

4 illus, 6 tables, 60 ref

008189   Kailash Chandra;Gupta S K;Dube K K (NO, Zoological Survey of India, Vijay Nagar, Jabalpur, Madhya pradesh) : Species composition and diversity of orthoptera in Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India. Natn J Life Sci 2009, 6(1), 81-6.

Presents the information on species composition and diversity of Orthoptera in Pench Tiger Reserve, studied during June,2001 to December,200T. A total 54 species belonging to 51 genera and 9 families were recorded. The family Acrididae included maximum 23 species. The species Hedotettix gracilis (de Haan) of the family Tetrigidae was the most abundant constituting 8.75% of the total Orthopteran insects recorded from the study area.

2 tables, 21 ref

008188   Ilangakoon A D (NO, IUCN Species Survival Commission, 215 Grandburg Place, Maharagama, Sri Lanka, Email: anouki@zeynet.com) : Cetacean species richness and relative aboundance around the Bar Reef Marine Sanctuary, Sri Lanka. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2008, 105(3), 274-8.

The Bar Reef Marine Sanctuary, off north-western Sri Lanka, and its adjacent waters were suspected to be an important Cetacean habitat, but a dedicated survey had never been undertaken. Therefore, a one-year survey was carried out from April 2004 to May 2005 to fill the vacuum of knowledge on Cetacean species of the area, and to gather baseline data for management and conservation. Surveys were carried out twice every month. Thirty three sightings of eight cetacean species were documented. The species recorded were Balaenoptera acutorostrata, Balaenoptera musculus, Physeter macrocephalus, Kogia sima, Peponocephala electra, Stenella longirostris, Tursiops truncatus and Sousa chinensis. The first confirmed sighting of S. chinensis in Sri Lanka's waters was recorded while K. sima and P. electra, were sighted off the west coast for the first time. The northern and central parts of the Sanctuary can be termed as 'cetacean hotspots' due to high species richness and year-round abundance. Baseline data from this survey can be used immediately for management purpose, though further research is recommended. S. chinensis needs special consideration as the newly discovered population is heavily dependent on the Puttalam Lagoon which is under intense human use, making these dolphins vulnerable to a multiplicity of anthropogenic threats.

2 illus, 1 table, 13 ref

008187   Gubbi S;Ravi Kumar;Akarsha B M (Wildlife Conservation Society-India Program, Centre for Wildlife Studies, 1669, 16th Main, 31 th Cross, Banashankari 2nd Stage, Bengaluru Karnataka-560 070, Email: gubbi@wcsindia.org) : Two new records of distribution of four-horned antelope Tetracerus quadricornis. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2008, 105(3), 335-6.

008186   Choudhury A (NO, Rhino Foundation for Nature in NE India, c/o Assam Co. Lted., Bamunimaidam, Guwahati-781 021, Email: badru@sancharnet.in) : Distribution and status of the wild water buffalo Bubalus arnee in Bhutan. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2008, 105(3), 332-5.

2 illus, 11 ref

008185   Choudhury A (NO, Rhino Fundation for Nature in NE India, c/o The Assam Co. Ltd., Bamunimaidam, Guwahati-781 021, Email: badru1@sify.com) : Ecology and behaviour of the pig-tailed macaque Macaca nemestrina leonina in some forests of Assam in North-East India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2008, 105(3), 279-91.

Northern Pig-tailed Macaque Macaca nemestrina leonina is among the poorly studied primates of South-east Asia. Its ecology and behaviour in some rainforest pockets of Assam in north-eastern India are presented and discussed here. The study period extended between 1986 and 2006, but detailed observations were carried out during 1992-94 and in 2004 with 290 hours of direct contact. This dense forest-dwelling macaque is largely arboreal. Resting including roosting accounted for about 45% of their diurnal time. Feeding activity followed with 23.5%. Locomotion is a major activity accounting for 17 to 19.4% of their diurnal time. The Pig-tailed Macaque's diet included 65.9% fruits. During feeding, occasionally a group may split into two subgroups for a short period. They live in multi-male and multi-female groups. The group size ranged from 16 to 33. The sex ratio of the adults was 1:5.5, Interactions within group members and with other groups were largely peaceful. The home ranges were between 83 and 347 ha and the overlapping was 25 to 48%. The range length in a day varied between 690 and 2,240 m. Estrous females were observed from August to February. Newborns were observed from mid- January to early May. Females copulated with several males. The time taken for each mounting bout ranged from 2 to 16 seconds and the number of thrusts given by the male partner ranged from 3 to 23. The inter bout gap was 1 to 65 min. After copulation bouts, the male usually uttered a low bark. The female normally groomed the male after a copulation bout. The male remained completely lifted while copulating as his legs held those of the female. The gestation period was estimated to be 171-180 days.

4 illus, 2 tables, 62 ref

008184   Avinandan D;Sankar K;Qureshi Q (NO, Wildlife Institute of Indian, P.O. Box No. 18, Dehradun-248 001, Email: sankark@wii.gov.in) : Prey selection by tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) in Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2008, 105(3), 247-54.

Prey selection by tigers (Panthera tigris tigris) was studied in Sariska Tiger Reserve, Rajasthan, India, from November 2002 to April 2003. The line transect method was used for estimating prey availability and prey selection was determined from scats. Sariska was observed to have a high wild ungulate density of 42.8 animals/sq. km, Chital (Axis axis) was the most common ungulate species (27.6/sq. km) followed by Sambar (Cervus unicolor) (8.4/sq. km) and Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) (5.2/sq. km). Seventy-seven tiger scats were collected and analyzed for prey remains. Scat analysis revealed that Sambar constituted the major prey species in terms of number and biomass. It was the principal and preferred prey (P<60>0.05) of tigers. Other medium to large sized prey species, including domestic livestock, contributed significantly to the tiger diet. The order of selection on the basis of prey occurrence in scats was sambar<62>chital<62>nilgai<62>catt le-buffalo<62>common langur<62>wild pig. It was evident that tigers were heavily dependent on sambar in greater proportion to their availability. This study provides food habits of now extinct tiger population. Two tigresses and a tiger were recently reintroduced from Ranthambhore to revive the population.

6 tables, 51 ref

005063   Sidhu A K;Mehta H S (High Altitude Zoology Field Station, Zoological Survey of India, Saproon, Solan-173 211) : On abundance and conservation of the common red apollo butterfly, Parnassius epaphus in Ladakh (Jammu & Kashmir). Bionotes 2008, 10(4), 141-2.

1 illus, 5 ref

005062   Lurz P W W;Koprowski J L;Wood D J A (School of Biology and Psychology, IRES, Devonshire Building, Newcastle Univ, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK, Email: p_lurz@hotmail.co.uk) : Use of GIS and modelling approaches in squirrel population management and conservation. Curr Sci 2008, 95(7), 918-22.

Modelling approaches in relation to three key areas of sciurid ecology: management, disease risk assessments and conservation. Models enable us to explore different scenarios to develop effective management and conservation strategies. They may also assist in identifying and targeting research needs for tree and flying squirrels. However, there is a need to refine techniques and assure that data used are applicable at the appropriate scale. Models allow managers to make informed decisions to help conserve species, but success requires that the utility of the tool be evaluated as new empirical data become available and models refined to more accurately meet the needs of current conservation scenarios.

1 illus, 62 ref

005061   Asokan S;Samsoor Ali A M;Nagarajan R (P.G. and Research Dep of Zoology and Wildlife Biology, A.V.C. College, Mannampandal-609 305, Email: beeasokan@yahoo.co.in) : Nest construction and nest microclimate of the baya weaver, Ploceus philippinus (Linn.). J envir Biol 2008, 29(3), 393-6.

The nest construction pattern at different stages of nest and variations in the nest microclimate i.e., temperature and light intensity were assessed In different nests of Baya weaver (Ploceus philippinus) between November 2002 and March 2003 in Nagapattinam and Tiruvarur District of Tamil Nadu, India. The Baya weaver constructed nests in palm (Borassus flabellifer), coconut (Cocos nucifera) and date palm trees (Phoneix psuilla) and majority of the nests were found in the solitary palm. The male bird only involved in the construction and took 18 days to construct a single nest. The birds spent different amount of working hours (in terms of days) for completing various stages of nests viz., wad, ring and helmet stage and in which the helmet stage took a maximum of eight days. Furthermore, totally eight active nests were selected and once in a week the variations in the nest microclimate was investigated with reference to atmospheric temperature and light intensity (two active nests) across day throughout the study period. The mean temperature of the nests ranged from 25°C to 29°C and light intensity varied between 25 Lux and 625 Lux. The analysis of variance (ANOVA and ANCOVA) indicated that the nest microclimate varied among the nests in different hr of a day.

1 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

002997   Prasher R S;Sharma S;Negi Y S (Regional Horticultural Research Station, , Jachh, Jassur, Kangra-176 201, Email: r.prasher@rediffmail.com) : Peoples' participation and conservation: a case of eco development in great Himalayan national park, Kullu, Himachal Pradesh, India. J Nat Conserv 2008, 20(1), 1-17.

Local peoples' perceptions towards conservation policy and related management interventions, magnitude of park - people conflicts and possible options for conflict resolution were analysed in the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP), Kullu in Indian Western Himalaya, The study suggested that the formal institutional framework of resource management to be not as effective as the traditional system. The current park management plans lay more emphasis on legal protection rather than protection through ensuring sustainability of livelihood of local communities. This often leads to conflicts between local people and park management Short-term solution to park-people conflicts would require more emphasis by the park management OB educational and extension programmes and the return of at least some control of the park to the local people. The poorest sections of the villages, which were most dependent on the park resources, have not received benefits on the expected lines. This could spell a trouble for the conservation efforts if the indifference of the people continues. la order to conserve the bio-diversity and reduce the exploitative pressures on GHNP, there is a need to improve the environment of the park, control and the economic status and quality of life of the local people. Options like improving the productivity of livestock, agriculture and providing them employment. Changes are therefore needed in the park management approach to allow for a participatory system, the one which is respectful of both the needs of wild life and the rights of human beings.

6 tables, 46 ref

002996   Lee B P Y H;Dinata Y (NO, Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology, Kent Univ, Canterbury, Kent CT2 NR, United Kingdom, Email: benjamin.lee@alumni.nus.edu.sg) : Justifying tiger farms - a step backward for tiger conservation?. Curr Sci 2008, 95(9), 1109-10.

001947   Saraswati P K (Earh Sciences Dep, IIT Bombay, Mumbai-400 076, Email: pratul@iitb.ac.in) : Life history of foraminifera : stable isotopic and elemental proxies. J Palaeont Soc India 2008, 53(1), 1-8.

Foraminifera are morphologically and ecologically a most diverse group of single-celled organisms. They have been major constituents of the marine biomass as observed in the modern seas and in the marine rock records of the Phanerozoic times. For practical reasons, the biology and life history of foraminifera is not known in detail, particularly for a vast number of extinct species that have no living representatives for comparison. Coincidentally, the mineralized shells of foraminifera preserve the records of life conditions and life history of the organism. The incorporation of stable isotopes and trace elements in foraminifcral shells is known to be dependent on physical and chemical conditions of the ambient environment and biological processes of the organism. These geochemical data may therefore act as proxy of life conditions and life history including temperature of the habitat, temperature tolerance, reproduction, depth distribution, life span, calcification and photosymbiosis. It must be emphasized that the stable isotopes and trace elements in foraminiferal carbonate should be first understood well in modern foraminiferal taxa before using them as proxy data in palaeobiology. Improvements in analytical techniques, higher sampling resolution and better understanding of biomineralization processes are opening new possibilities in palacobiological research in foraminifera.

8 illus, 3 tables, 50 ref

000984   Roy B (NO, , Office of the Registrar General, India, Seba Bhaban, R.K. Puran, Sector-1, New Delhi-110 066, Email: babul_roy@hotmail.com) : Folk perception and participation on conservation measures in Garhwal Himalaya (India). J Indian Anthrop Soc 2008, 43(1), 65-81.

Central Himalayan Badrinath is an important hub of Hindu pilgrimage since medieval time, and also one of the traditional summer camps of the trans-human Bhotiya tribe inhabiting the region. During the last few decades, some significant climatic changes have occurred in this region. Ecological threat to this high sensitive alpine region has turned to be alarming for two reasons. First, the steady growth of Hindu pilgrimage as well as local settlers ever since 1960's following the opening up of motor-able road, and second, more generally, the global climatic change (e.g. global warming) certainly have affected the ecology of high altitude Himalayan Badrinath. In response to the changing ecology of Badrinath, the local people found to have culturally retorted well by way of devising conservation strategies and sustainable uses of their ever depleting resources. This study, while giving first hand local information from a high altitude Himalayan settlement of Badrinath, once again reiterates the importance of local knowledge and local participation in developing efficient conservation measures.

8 tables, 35 ref

023435   Mercey K A;Jayaraman K (NO, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Mannuthy-680 651, Email: jaimercey@yahoo.com) : Evaluation of detection function models used for estimating herbivore densities in tropical forests. Scient Trans Envir Technovation 2009, 3(1), 12-19.

Seven detection function models used in line transect sampling for estimating herbivore densities were evaluated using data from tropical moist deciduous forests. The data were collected from nine Wildlife Sanctuaries in Kerala during 1993 on the following species viz., elephant (Elephas maximus), gaur (Bos gaurus) and sambar (Cervus unicolor). Univariate half normal distribution was found promising with respect to accuracy and precision of the density estimates. The use of median in estimating average cluster size reduced animal densities to realistic values and provided more precise estimates. Bivariate detection function models were not effective as the size-bias parameter was not significant for most of the models considered.

3 illus, 3 tables, 8 ref

023434   Kannan P;Bhupathy S (Chennai Snake Park, Raj Bhavan (Post), Chennai-600 022, Email: perukannan@gmail.com) : Spatial distribution pattern of agamid lizards (Family: Agamidae) in the western ghats of Tamil Nadu, India. Scient Trans Envir Technovation 2009, 3(1), 41-7.

A study was conducted using visual encounter survey method from January to December 1995 to examine the distribution pattern of agamid lizards in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR), Indira Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary (IGWLS), Srivilliputhur Grizzled Giant Squirrel Sanctuary (SGGSS) and Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) of the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu. Eleven out of 14 species reported from this hill range were observed during this study, and the notable missing species was Otocryptis beddomii. The tropical thorn (TTF) and dry deciduous (TDD), forests and shola and montane grassland (SMG) were represented with a few, and tropical moist deciduous (TMD) and wet evergreen (TWE) forests with higher number of species. The TTF was dominated by Calotes versicolor and Psammophilus dorsalis, whereas SMG by Salea spp. Lower altitude (>300 m) was dominated by only two species viz., C. versicolor and P. dorsalis (together contributing 89%). Sitana ponticeriana and Salea spp. had narrow distributional range with the former species restricted to <600 m, and the latter to >1700 m above sea level (asl). Encounter rate of lizards was the highest in KMTR (3.5/hour) and lowest in NBR (1.4/hour), which decreased considerably from dry (TTF) to wet (SMG) forest types (3.3 to 0.7/hour). Highest species diversity was observed in NBR (H' = 1.68), TMD (H'=1.73) and in altitude 601 - 900 m ASL (H'=1.79), and the lowest in SGGSS (H'=1.14), SMG (H0.86) and < 300 m (H'=1.0). Agamid communities appear to be different at various spatial levels as they obtained lower overlap indices. It appears that in the Western Ghats, the distribution of agamid lizards is influenced by factors such as vegetation, altitude and climatic conditions.

5 tables, 26 ref

023433   Joshi R;Joshi B D;Rambir Singh (NO, G.B. Pant Institte of Himalayan Environment and Development, Garhwal, ) : Habitat utilization by asian elephant (Elephas maximus) in the Rajaji National Park, India. Natn J Life Sci 2008, 5(1), 63-72.

Rajaji National Park area appears to be India's most successful national park with about 416 Asian elephant (Elephras maxim LIS) in its regime and myriad types of habitat further ensures the long term survival of elephants in this region. Range area used by elephant round the year was calculated for Hardwar, Chilla and Motichur forest ranges. Elephants replace their food preferences according to various seasons and as per the availability of local resources thus, their preferences for habitat change are quite recognizable in Rajaji. The study showed that the movement of elephants in the Hardwar, Chilla and Motichur forest ranges is principally along the east/south-west/north and north/west-south/east axis and the lowest ecological densities were those concerning the dense forest habitat (3.2/100²) whereas, the lowest ecological density for dry and rainy season are lower areas with open forest (3.3/l00m¹) and dense forest (0.2/100m²) habitats. The highest ecological density (10.2/100m²) was recorded from the dense forest/lower areas with open forest. The study is an effort to document the natural habitats of Asian elephant in sub tropical moist deciduous forest of lesser Himalayan region in India.

3 illus, 1 table, 30 ref

022322   Bhardwaj M;Bhargav V K;Uniyal V P (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehra Dun, Uttarakhand) : Occurrence of tiger beetles (Cicindelidae: Coleoptera) in Chilla Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand. Indian For 2008, 134(12), 1636-45.

Tiger beetles (Cicindelidae) are proposed as a good indicator group for identifying area for biodiversity monitoring. The study documenting twelve species of Tiger beetles in five different habitat types in Chill a Wildlife Sanctuary of Rajaji National Park. Riverine habitat was found to he appropriate habitat for eight Tiger beetle species.

2 illus, 1 table, 14 ref

021286   Vyas R (NO, , 505, Krishnadeep Tower, Missio Road, Fatehganj, Vadodara, Gujarat) : Review of the current diversity and richness of amphibians of Gujarat, India. Indian For 2008, 134(10), 1381-92.

Gujarat State is one of the dry states of India. Amphibian fauna of the state has 20 species belonging to 2 orders; 5 families and 13 genera including a species of Caecilian and 19 species of frogs and toads. In overview of amphibian species richness and diversity in sanctuaries and NPs of the state has been discussed. Eight species of frogs and toads viz. Duttaphrynus (=Bufo) melanostictus, B. stomaticus, Microhyla ornate, Euphlycth cyanophlyctis, E. hexadactylus, Hoplobatrachus tigerinus, Fejervarya limnocharis and Sphaerotheca breviceps are evenly distributed in the entire state. High diversity of amphibians is recorded at Vansda National Park and Purna Wildlife Sanctuary of South Gujarat with 17 and 18 species respectively while low diversity was recorded at Kachchh Desert Wildlife Sanctuary and Narayan Sarovar Wildlife Sanctuary. Various aspects of state amphibian fauna still remain unaddressed which needs to be explored scientifically to assess the importance of amphibian fauna.

2 illus, 3 tables, 24 ref

021285   Saxena A K;Bisht N S;Singh C J (Foundation for Ecological Seurity, , Bhilwara, Rajasthan) : Value of the Indian gazelle (Gazella gazella) : a case study in Haryana, India. Indian For 2008, 134(10), 1289-95.

Study was undertaken in three villages of Bhiwani District in Haryana to assess the value of habitat function of planted forests. These villages were located at varying distance from a Blackbuck (Gazella gazella) Breeding Farm, which is a planted forest. Contingent valuation method was by asking the people to reveal their willingness to pay, both in terms of money as well as mandays, for the protection and improvement of the habitat for continued habitat function benefits. The total value of habitat functions provided by the farm was Rs. 15,71,641 per year for three villages out of which Rs. 12,24,112 per year came from the WTP in the form of labour mandays.

2 illus, 3 tables, 10 ref

021284   Rasaily S S;Rai M;Chandran M (NO, , Rajaji National Park, Uttarakhand) : First ever sighting of king cobra nest in the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand. Indian For 2008, 134(10), 1405-8.

2 tables, 2 ref

021283   Jayson E A;Christopher G (Forest Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation Div, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi, Thrissur, Kerala) : Human-elephant conflict in the southern western ghats: a case study from the peppara wildlife sanctuary, Kerala, India. Indian For 2008, 134(10), 1309-25.

Human-elephant conflict in Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary and adjacent areas was studied based on observational methods during the year 1993 to 1996 as a part of project studying the large mammals in the sanctuary. Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, situated at an altitude ranging from 98 to 1594 m amsl in the southern Western Ghats, India has diverse habitats like tropical moist deciduous and evergreen forests and plantations. Elephants were located 73 times during the period of study and altogether 217 elephants were seen, the male to female ratio was 1 : 6 (N = 217). Mean herd size was 10 individuals per herd and maximum numbers was sighted in the moist deciduous forest followed by eucalypt plantation, swampy areas, semi-evergreen forest and evergreen forest. Plant species used as food by elephants was also recorded, when they were not involved in crop raiding. Major animals engaged in crop damage were wild boar and elephant. The animals involved in crop damage were mainly lone males, in the case of elephants and most of the raids were at night. It was observed that substantial amount of crop was damaged as compared to what was consumed by the animals. Coconut was mainly damaged by elephants and the damage was confined to the trees less than 20 years. Coconut trees less than 10 years were pushed down and the central rachis and shoots were consumed. Plantains were also attacked by elephants, the leaves were discarded and the central portion of the stem consumed. Elephant also destroyed paddy, rubber and pineapple by trampling. While damage by wild boar was recorded throughout the year, the attack from elephants was related to the species of crops cultivated. Besides crop damage instances, four human deaths were also recorded. Crop damage is linked to the cropping pattern and location of settlements and it is one of the problems, which severely affects the economic status of tribals.

1 illus, 10 tables, 25 ref

021282   Akhtar N;Chauhan N P S (Wildlife Institute of India, , Chandrabani, Dehra Dun, Uttarakhand) : Status of human-wildlife conflict and mitigation strategies in Marwahi forest division, Bilaspur Chattisgarh. Indian For 2008, 134(10), 1349-58.

Marwahi Forest Division is well known for human-sloth bear conflict. Available forest cover is highly degraded, fragmented and interspersed with agricultural crop fields, and small townships. Data since 1990 onwards reveal 28 cases of human death by wild animals, comprising of 13 men and 15 women. Except 2, all casualties were caused by sloth bear. 801 incidences of human mauling comprised of 591 men and 210 women were registered by Forest Department. A maximum of 528 incidences of mauling were caused by sloth bear followed by 220 and 53 by jackals and other wild animals respectively. Range of incidences per month varied from 51-93 with a mean 66.8 ± 14.8. In Marwahi range 72.5% incidences of human mauling occurred in village area followed by 18.5% and 9.0% in forest and house respectively. Altogether 1453 incidences of livestock lifting were recorded in Marwahi forest division. No major changes were observed in extent of biotic pressure. However, extraction of stones from bear den sites has increased considerably. People need to be educated and made aware of ecology, feeding habits, movement and behaviour of problematic animals such as sloth bear, jackal, hyena and leopard through seminars and workshop so that people can avoid confrontation and play an active role in conservation. Livestock should be properly protected by villagers in enclosures made up of rubble wall. Sloth bear population has declined by 40% during last six years so there is a need to monitor the status of sloth bear population in the area.

4 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

021281   Agnihotri P;Husain T;Maliya S D (Biodiversity & Angiosperm Taxonomy Division, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh) : Aquatic flora of some notified bird sanctuaries of Uttar Pradesh. Indian For 2008, 134(10), 1398-1401.

1 table, 2 ref

020278   Sannadurgappa D;Dharwadkar S N;Ravindranath N H (Centre for Sustainable Technologies, Indian Insittute of Science, Bangalore-560 012) : Fish diversity and conservation of Sharavathi stream, Karnataka. Bull envir Sci 2006, 24(2), 233-9.

Focuses on the diversity of fish population and their conservation in a freshwater streams of Sharavathi hill station streams in Shimoga district Karnataka, India Diversity reduces pest and disease problems and encourages recovery from disturbances due to natural or man made activities. Biodiversity and its conservation are regarded as one of the major issues of enabling sustainable use of natural resources. It is necessary to protect biodiversity in all ecosystems. This study reveals 14 fish species in Sharavathi hill station streams, which belong to 24 genera under 6 families. Of these, 92.1 belong to the primary freshwater group i.e. Cyprinids 40.21, while the rest to the peripheral class. Higher fish diversity was observed during monsoon season. Attempts have been made to portray fish diversity of Sharavathi hill station streams and emphasize the value of conserving biodiversity for the maintenance of diverse, resilient functioning of ecological life-support systems. The most abundant species in the samplings were Gara lissorhynchus, Puntius filament us, Puntius aurlius, Gonoproctopterus dubius, Parlusoma daniconius, Dania aequipinnatus, Salmastoma sardinella, Chanda nama, Clarius batrahcus, Oreochromis mossambicus, Salmostoma boopis, Rasbora daniconius, Cyprinus carpio and Aplocheilus lineatus. The diversity exhibited an inverse gradient to the stream flow, showing the highest diversity.

2 tables, 29 ref

018234   Williams A C;Johnsingh AJ T;Krausman P R; Qureshi Q (NO, , WWF Nepal Program, P.O. Box 7660, Baluwatar, Kathmandu, Nepal, Email: acwill69@yahoo.com) : Ranging and habitat selection by Asian elephants Elephas maximus in Rajaji National Park, North-West India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2008, 105(1), 24-33.

Collected data on Asiatic Elephant Elephas maximus ranging and habitat selection in Rajaji National Park (RNP) in Uttarakhand state, India using radio telemetry from December 1996-March 1998. Elephant home ranges were estimated (using 100% Minimum Convex Polygon) to range from 188 sq. km to > 400 sq. km. Authors could not detect any difference between male and female home ranges. Summer ranges were the smallest due to limited availability of water in the study area; however, it could not detect statistically significant differences between sexes or seasons. The six Elephants that were radio-tracked for over two years showed variability in ranging patterns between the 1st and the 2nd years. The overall Elephant population used the Shorea vegetation significantly less than the other major vegetation types (Shorea-mixed, Miscellaneous and Mixed plantations). This was due to the higher diversity of Elephant food plants in Shorea-mixed and miscellaneous vegetation types when compared to Shorea vegetation type. However, radio-tracking data from individual female Elephants that had young calves at heel indicated a strong preference for the Shorea vegetation type. This was due to the fact that very few species, which can be lopped as fodder for cattle, were found in the Shorea vegetation type and thus had fewer disturbances that made it attractive for females with young calves. Thus, females with young calves clearly preferred to trade off food for safety. The mean cattle densities in the home ranges of radio collared females, who were either pregnant or had young calves at heel, were significantly lower when compared to that of male home ranges. This study has proven beyond doubt that a major influence on ranging and habitat use in the study population is disturbance.

3 illus, 7 tables, 31 ref

018233   Vishwanath W;Linthoingambi I (Life Sciences, Manipur Univ, Canchipur-795 003, Email: wvnath54@yahoo.com) : Redescription of Garra abhoya Hora (Teleostei: Crprinidae: Garrinae) with a note on Garra rupecula from Manipur, India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2008, 105(1), 101-4.

^ssc3 illus, 1 table, 17 ref

018232   Vanak A T;Irfan-Ullah M;Townsend Peterson A (Wildlife Conservation Society-India Program, Graduate Research Assistant, Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, USA, Email: abivanak@mizzou.edu) : GAP analysis of Indian fox conservation using ecological niche modelling. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2008, 105(1), 49-54.

Ecological niche modelling has been used to predict the geographic distribution of the Indian Fox, a canid endemic to the Indian subcontinent. This little known canid, while not yet endangered, is threatened due to rapid habitat loss and poaching throughout its range. Analysed 58 known occurrence locations from survey data collected from three states in peninsular India using the software Desktop GARP. Created an ecological niche model for India using vegetation and topographic data and further refined it by including 18 additional bioclimatic data sets. Based on the ecological niche modelling results, a gap analysis of protection offered to potential Fox habitat in two states of southern India was conducted by everlaying existing protected area boundaries on the refined distribution and calculating the extent of protection. The analysis showed that the Indian Fox habitat consists primarily of low elevation semi-arid grassland, scrub and thorn forests, which rank among the most vulnerable in India owing to conversion to agriculture, industry and urban areas. The gap analysis showed that a little over 1% of predicted Fox distribution is covered by the protected area network. The under representation of these habitats is deleterious not only to the Indian Fox but also to a range of other species, such as the endangered Great Indian Bustard, Indian Grey Wolf and Blackbuck.

2 illus, 3 tables, 41 ref

018231   Sharma A;Zockler C (NO, Centre for Ecological Engineering, Netaji Subhash Road, In front of T.O.P., Malda-732 101, Email: arunayan@gmail.com) : First record of Caspian gulls Larus cachinnans in the Indian Sunderbans Delta. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2008, 105(1), 93-4.

^ssc8 ref

018230   Sharma A (NO, Centre for Ecological, Netaji Subhash Road, In front of T.O.P, Malda-731 101, Email: s_arunayan@rediffmail.com) : Record of large congregation of large whistling-duck Dendrocygna bicolor in the purbasthali-ganges islets, Burdwan District, West Bengal. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2008, 105(1), 97.

^ssc3 ref

018229   Sharma A (NO, Centre for Ecological Engineering, Netaji Subhash Road, In front of T.O.P. Malda-732 101, Email: s_arunayan@rediffmail.com) : Sighting of Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis (Swainson) in the Purbasthali-Ganges islets, Burdwan District, West Bengal. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2008, 105(1), 92-3.

^ssc8 ref

018228   Sathiyaselvam P;Balachandran S;Parmanik D K (NO, , Bombay Natural History Society, Hornbill House, S.B. Singh Road, Mumbai-400 001, Email: sathiyaselvam11@rediffmail.com) : Large congregation of cotton teal Nettapus coromandelianus observed at Chilik lake, Orissa, India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2008, 105(1), 96.

4 ref

018227   Sangha H S;Kulshreshtha M (NO, , B-27, Gautam Marg, Hanuman Nagar, Jaipur-302 021, Email: wildbrook@gmail.com) : Locations of Sind sparrow sightings along the Rajasthan canal and the River Sutej. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2008, 105(1), 91-2.

^ssc1 illus, 5 ref

018226   Ritschard M;Taschler A (NO, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Eberhard-Gwinner-Strasse, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany, Email: mritschard@orn.mpg.de) : Recent observation of white-headed duck Oxypura leucocephala at Gajaldoba barrage, West Bengal, India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2008, 105(1), 95.

^ssc4 ref

018225   Ritschard M;Logtmeijer P;Taschler A (NO, Max Planck Institute for Ornithology, Eberhard-Gwinner-Strasse, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany, Email: mritschard@orn.mpg.de) : Two observations of Malayan night-heron Gorsachius melanolophus from West Bengal, India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2008, 105(1), 97-8.

^ssc10 ref

018224   Oommen M A;Shanker K (NO, , Dakshin Foundation, 88/3, Samvriddhi Gardenia Bytarayanpura, Bengaluru-560 092, Email: kshanker@ces.iisc.ernet.in) : Ecology and behaviour of an endemic treeshrew Tupaia nicobarica Zelebor 1869 of great Nicobar Island, India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2008, 105(1), 55-63.

The Nicobar treeshrew Tupaia nicobarica is an endemic mammal restricted in its distribution to Great and Little Nicobar islands in the Andaman Sea. This article aims to report basic information on the ecology and behaviour as well as a preliminary population assessment of this species on Great Nicobar Island. Nicobar treeshrews spend more than 60% of the day foraging, followed by resting or sleeping (12%). The proportion of time spent on major activities was significantly different across different time periods, with much of the feeding activity in the mornings and evenings. Nicobar treeshrews were observed largely solitarily or as breeding pairs. Observations on mating, aggression and vocalisation are also reported. Most of the ecological and behavioural traits are shared with one or more species of Tupaia in the region. Observations on this species point to its extreme arboreality in comparison to other Tupaia. The species also exhibited a high degree of insectivory during the study period. A combination of these two traits makes this species one among a handful of nonvolant foliage gleaning insectivorous small mammals that exist in the world today. The species was observed in moderate numbers both in the littoral forests as well as in the rainforests in the interior of the island. Although formally classified as endangered (on account of its restricted range), the species is common locally. The current status of the species seems to be stable in the Great Nicobar Island which has some of the best preserved forests in India.

2 illus, 3 tables, 32 ref

018223   Naniwadekar R;Deepak V (NO, , Nature Conservation Foundation, 3076/5, IV Cross, Gokulam Park, Mysore-570 002, Email: rohit.nani@gmail.com) : New distribution record for Calotes nemoricola Jerdon, 1853 from the Kudremukh hills, Karnataka, India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2008, 105(1), 99.

1 table, 10 ref

018222   Kuramoto M;Hareesh Joshy S (NO, , 3-6-15 Hikarigaoka, Munakata, Fukuoka 811-3403, Japan, Email: kuramoto@hyu.bbiq.jp) : Advertisement calls of Indian and Sri Lankan frogs. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2008, 105(1), 14-18.

Acoustic characteristics of the advertisement calls of five Indian and one Sri Lankan frog are described, of which three (Euphlyctis hexadactylus, Sylvirana aurantiacatand and Ramanella obscura) are reported for the first time. Temporal and spectral parameters of the calls are given for each species, together with field observations of the environment where the males were located during calling. The results are compared with available acoustic data on the same or related species.

6 illus, 16 ref

018221   Kunte K (Section of Integrative Biology, Texas Univ at Austin, 1 Univ Station, C0930, Austin, TX 78712, USA, Email: krushnamegh@gmail.com) : Range extension of the wavy maplet Chersonesia intermedia (Nymphalidae, Lepidoptera), from Pakke tiger reserve, Arunachal Pradesh, India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2008, 105(1), 108-9.

^ssc5 ref

018220   Kunte K (NO, University of Texas at Austin, Section of Integrative Biology, 1 University Station C 0930, Austin, Texas 78712-0253, USA, Email: krushnamegh@mail.utexas.edu) : 12 natural history and early stages of the western ghats endemic golden flitter Quedara basiflava (Hesperiidae, Lepidoptera) from south-western India. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2008, 105(1), 104-8.

^ssc6 illus, 1 tables, 6 ref

018219   Khudsar F A;Sharma K;Rao R J;Chundawat R S (School of Studies in Zoology, Jiwaji Univ, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh) : Estimation of prey base and its implications in Kuno wildlife sanctuary. J Bombay Nat Hist Soc 2008, 105(1), 42-8.

The Asiatic Lion Panthera leo persica is restricted to the Gir National Park and Sanctuary in India, which is the only site holding the last surviving wild population of Asiatic Lion in the world. Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) in northwest Madhya Pradesh was selected as the site to establish a second home for the Asiatic Lion. Twenty-four villages were rehabilitated outside the Sanctuary to create a large forest habitat free from human disturbance for the Lions. To assess wild prey availability for the Lions in the Sanctuary, distance sampling method was used to collect and analyse data from roads traversed as transects. Cattle population was estimated using direct head counts at yarding sites. The study was carried out in 2004. The estimated combined density of all the major prey excluding Common Langur and cattle in the Sanctuary was 12.11 animals/sq. km. It was found that the total available prey base including feral cattle and wild ungulates was 1993 kg/sq. km, which is still less than the wild prey biomass of 2784.9 kg/sq. km reported from Gir. While this prey base can support a small reintroduced population of 6-10 Lions, it is recommended that efforts to develop a sufficient wild prey base be given the highest management priority.

7 illus, 3 tables, 28 ref