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

024067   RANA N, YASEEN M, RUQIA G, RASHEED F, RIASAT S, AFZAL S, IMRAN M, IQBAL M Z (Zoology Dep, Agriculture Univ, Faisalabad) : Distribution of soil macro fauna around dry (Rosa fields) and wet (fish farm) territory under the ecological conditions of district Faisalabad (Punjab), Pakistan. J Ent Zool Stud 2018, 6(1), 48-54.

During present study, from both sites, total 556 specimens were collected during entire sampling and maximum population was recorded from dry land (rosa fields) 51.33 % (N=290), and least population was recorded from wet territory (fish farm) 48.67 % (N=275). In case of rosa fields, total 23 species were recorded belonging to 11 orders, 20 families and 22 genera; whereas, at fish farm, total 26 species were recorded belonging to 9 orders, 15 families and 21 genera. Wherein in case of rose fields (dry land), maximum population was recorded during (3rd sampling) 41±11.90 and least values were recorded during 5th sampling (12±8.61); species abundance was recorded utmost in 7th and 9th sample (11) species at temperature 24 ºC and 71 % humidity and least was recorded during 5th sampling i.e. 4 species at 27ºC temperature and 75 % humidity. In case of fish farm (wet land), maximum population was recorded during 10th sampling (37±9.96) and least values were recorded during 1st and 12th sampling (11±8.43); species abundance was recorded utmost in 7th sampling (10 species) at temperature 24ºC and 71 % humidity and least was recorded during 1st sampling i.e. 3 species at 29 ºC temperature and 75 % (humidity). From dry land (rosa fields), Lumbricus terristris (Lumbricidae) was recorded abundantly with relative abundance of 32.07 % (N=93) and from wetland, Oniscus asellus (Oniscidae) was recorded as an extraordinary contributing species with relative abundance of 26.91 % (N=74); diversity was recorded maximum from dry land (0.0725) and least from wet land (0.0683). Evenness ratio was also recorded in same context (0.0294 and 0.0280 respectively). Analysis of Variance among both territories showed non-significant results (F=0.01; P=0.9153).

4 tables, 39 ref

024066   SHARMA J, RAINA A K (Environmental Sciences Dep, Jammu Univ, Jammu- 180 006, Email: anilkraina@yahoo.com) : Quantitative analysis, distributional pattern and species diversity of woody plant species of Lamberi forest range, Rajouri, J&K, India. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 522 - 7.

Quantitative analysis, distributional pattern and species diversity of woody plant species of Lamberi Range of Rajouri Forest division, J&K, has been carried out by laying 50 quadrats (10m X 10m size) for trees and 100 quadrats (5m X 5m size) for shrubs. Various phytosociological parameters like frequency, density, abundance, importance value index IVI and diversity indices for trees and shrubs has been used to reveal the plant community structure of the area. The abundance to frequency ratio (A/F) for different species was determined to assess the distribution pattern of the species (regular <0.025, random 0.025-0.05 and contagious >0.05) which indicated the contagious distribution for all the species. Survey of the area revealed presence of 63 woody plant species from the study area comprising of 43 trees and 20 shrubs. Pinus roxburghii (IVI 49.7, Abundance 81.1) and Carissa opaca (IVI 81.12 abundance 7.05) have been recorded as the dominant tree and shrub, respectively, of the area. The computation of diversity indices showed that species richness and evenness i.e Shannon- Weiner’s, Margalef’s and Menhinick’s remained high for trees and low for shrubs. Simpson’s index of dominance was also high for trees. Species which needs priorities for conservation and protection and also required to be monitored have also been highlighted.

1 illus, 2 tables, 45 ref

024065   PAVITHRA M, POONGUZHALAN R (Agronomy Dep, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Coll of Agriculture and Research Institute, Puducherry- 609 603, Email: pavimuthukumar@gmail.com) : Weed flora of aerobic rice and their effect on growth, yield and nutrient uptake by rice Oryza sativa in the coastal region of Karaikal of Puducherry, India. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 397-402.

A field experiment was conducted at farm lands of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru College of Agriculture and Research Institute, Karaikal to know the weed floristic composition and their effect on growth, yield and nutrient up-take by aerobic rice (Oryza sativa). The results revealed that totally 29 species of weeds from 22 genera belonging to 17 families were noticed. Among them, four were grasses, six were sedges, and nineteen were broad leaved weeds. Of this 29 species, four were perennials, and the rest were annuals. During initial stages (30 DAS), sedges dominated (38.3 %) whereas at later stages (60 DAS) broad leaved weeds dominated the aerobic rice fields (42.5 %). Grasses were found to be comparatively less dominant at both the stages. Echinochloa colona Link. (28.1 %) followed by E. cruss-galli (L.) Beauv. (6.1 %) among the grasses; Cyperus difformis L. (19.8 %) followed by C. iria L (9.9 %) among the sedges and Ludwigia abyssinica (28.0 %) among the broad leaved weeds, were the predominant weed species in aerobic rice cultivation. Weeds, when left unchecked, competed with rice for all resources like nutrients, space, light and soil moisture. The unweeded control recorded the maximum nutrient depletion by weeds (76.6, 6.4 and 106.8 Kg of N, P and K ha^-1). Due to severe competition, weeds suppressed the growth of rice which resulted in lower growth and yield attributes leading to lower grain (333 kg ha^-1) and straw yields (1903 kg ha^-1).

4 tables, 26 ref

024064   KHURANA P S (SRM Univ, Modinagar- 201 204, Email: punnu.k@gmail.com) : Natural regneration of plant species as affected by biotic disturbances in Hastinapur forest of North West Uttar Pradesh, India. J Appl Nat Sci 2018, 10(1), 158-64.

In the present study various phytosociological attributes like frequency, density and abundence of woody vegetation were analysed along the disturbance gradient in tropical dry deciduous forest of Hastinapur region of North west Uttar Pradesh, India. Three sites were analysed for floristic composition, distribution pattern, species diversity and dominance (i.e. Hillock, Block-1 and Block-2) Hillock was highly disturbed, while Block-1 and Block-2 were moderately and least disturbed sites respectively. Maximum number of tree, seedlings and saplings were recorded for Block-2 and minimum for Hillock. Number of shrub species was maximum on Hillock because of open forest canopy due to disturbances, which provide favourable conditions for growth of shrubs and other weeds. Most of species except shrubs were regular followed by random in distribution pattern. The value of CD and H’for trees 0.01 on Block-1 to 0.035 on Hillock and 0.00 on Block-2 to 0.014 on Hillock respectively. These low values clearly indicate aridity of the area and habitat destruction. Phytosociological study of this area indicates that there is an urgent requirement of conservation practices

3 illus, 7 tables, 27 ref

023891   KUMAR G V, KULKARNI A V, GUPTA A K (Cryosphere Science Dep, ESSO-National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research, Goa, Email: gaddam_vinay@ymail.com) : Mass balance estimation using geodetic method for glaciers in Baspa basin, Western Himalaya . Curr Sci 2017, 113(3), 486-92.

Himalayan glaciers, which contribute to water security for almost 1.3 billion people in Asia, are now under threat due to climate change. Assessment of glacier mass balance changes is crucial to determine the implications of climate change, but in situ measurements are limited due to rugged terrain and harsh climate of the Himalaya. Remote sensing-based geodetic method is therefore important for studying the evolution of Himalayan glaciers at a large scale. In this study, the mass balance of glaciers located in Baspa basin (Western Himalaya) is estimated for a period of 11 years between 2000 and 2011, using geodetic method. Out of 89 glaciers in the basin, 42 glaciers (greater than 1 km² ) covering an area of ~72% (215 km² ) of the total glaciated area were selected for the study. A mean thinning of ~50 ± 11 m and mean accumulation of ~35 ± 11 m was observed during the study period, with the cumulative mass balance varying between –36.9 ± 1.98 and 6.47 ± 1.98 m.w.e. A mean annual mass loss of –1.09 ± 0.32 m.w.e.a^–1 was observed for the entire basin, suggesting that the glaciers in Baspa basin are losing mass at higher rate compared to the glaciers in central and eastern Himalayas. This study demonstrates the utility of geodetic method to estimate mass balance of glaciers at basin scale, which will be useful to assess future changes in glacial extent and stream run-off.

6 illus, 2 tables, 35 ref

023890   RADHA M, KANMANI S (Anna Univ, Chennai, Email: skanmani@annauniv.edu) : Performance of cathode catalysts for bio-electricity from paper recycling, wastewater-fed, microbial fuel cells . Curr Sci 2017, 113(3), 468-73.

This work deals with the performance of a microbial fuel cell, focusing on the electrocatalytic activity of selected cathodes constructed by coating nanocomposites over graphite felt under neutral pH in a doublechamber configuration using paper-recycled waste water as a typical electrolyte. Among all cathodes, iron phthalocyanine (FePc) combined multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) shows the highest power density (9.34 W/m²) compared to other two catalysts, FePc/Ketjan black (4.68 W/m²) and MWCNT(2.9 W/m²) under similar conditions of using a reference platinum/carbon (Pt/C) loading of 0.5 mg/cm². The morphology of these catalyst coated electrodes was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Their electrocatalytic activities were examined using cyclic voltammetry. This work provides an appropriate alternative for cathode catalysts in treatment as well as in electricity production as demonstrated by the high power density of the above catalysts compared to that using precious Pt metal catalyst in microbial fuel cells.

10 illus, 7 ref

023889   MUSLIM M, ANSARI M S, Hasan F (Plant Protection Dep, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Uttar Pradesh, Email: Mohdmuslim9@gmail.com) : Paralysis and parasitisation potential of Bracon hebetor on various Lepidopteran hosts. Agric Sci Dig 2017, 37(4), 327-8.

Bracon hebetor is a Lepidopteran parasitoid which is used in IPM program as biological control agents. Corcyra cephalonica is fictitious host for mass rearing of B. hebetor in laboratory, rest hosts reared on their respective hosts i.e. Corcyra cephalonica, Plodia interpunctella, Ephestia kuehniella were reared on wheat flour, Galleria mellonella on its artificial diet, Helicoverpa armigera on chickpea pods, Earias vitella on okra fruits, Spodoptera litura and Spodoptera littoralis on castor leaves. The results of this study showed that the paralysis and parasitisation potential of B. hebetor were found higher on C. cephalonica followed by G. mellonella, E. kuehniella, P. interpunctella while it was shortest on S. litura and S. littoralis.

1 illus, 5 ref

022294   Dadwal N;Bhatt D (Avian Diversity and Bioacoustics Laboratory, Zoology and Environmental, Gurukula Kangri Univ, Haridwar-249 404, Email: navjeevan.dadwal@gmail.com ) : Influence of astronomical (lunar)/meteorological factors on the onset of dawn song chorus in the pied bush chat (Saxicola caprata). Curr Sci 2017, 113(2), 329-34.

Climatic factors which prevail during the breeding season of avian species in spring and early summer may trigger the onset of singing behaviour in songbirds. To understand the effect of climatic variables on the onset of dawn song chorus, we conducted a study in the natural habitats of a tropical songbird, the Pied Bush Chat Saxicola caprata in Haridwar, Himalayan foothills, India during early spring. The results indicated that the onset time of dawn chorus depends on a number of environmental factors. The song bout length depended on daily temperature, rainfall rate, wind direction, photoperiod, lunar phase, indices of apparent temperature, dew point, sunrise timing and day length, whereas the song rate depended on daily temperature, photoperiod, indices of apparent temperatures, dew point, sunrise timing and day length. Further, stepwise multiple regression revealed that onset time of dawn chorus was dependent on photoperiod and lunar phase, while song bout length and song rate were influenced by day length and sunrise timing respectively.

3 illus, 1 table, 41 ref

021317   Vaishnav C K;Dodia P P (Botany Dep, Sir P.P. Institute of Science, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, Email: pravinsangdodia@gmail.com) : Avian diversity of dhrafad water reservoir and surrounding area in sarsai village, dist. Junagadh (Gujarat) India. Flora Fauna 2016, 22(2), 171-85.

Dhrafad water reservoir is a fresh water reservoir(Dam). The area has good avian diversity as well as floral diversity. It provide good habitat to the water birds and plant species. Total 148 species of birds belonging to 53 families have been observed in the study area. Ninety six sp. are resident and breeding, 36 species are migratory, 10 species are resident, 03 species are residential, 02species are residential and migratory, - 15 - breeding and migratory and 01 species is resident and breeding in summer. Encroachments in the reservoir with drying of water for cropping and fishing are the threats to bird species.

1 illus, 2 tables, 5 ref

021316   Sreenivasa Kumar (studies in Environmental science Dep, Mysore Univ, Manasagangitri, Mysore-570 006, Email: sreenivasaseenu123@gmail.com) : Assessment of avian diversity present with in 2KM radius of bannerghata national park, Karnataka, India. Int J Sci Nat 2017, 8(3), 484-8.

The survey was carried out by following the transact method. A total of seven transacts each one measuring two km in distance end to end were laid evenly within 2km area surrounding the park excluding the northern part which is more or less residential. At 250m point interval of each transact, four nearest trees were pointed for enumerating bird species name, distance of the transact line. The survey results suggest that the region is of high avian diversity with a minimum of 139 birds with more number of juveniles present in it were identified during the survey period.

2 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

019351   Ojha A P;Sharma G;Rajpurohit L S (Animal Behavior Unit, Zoology Dep, Jai Narain Vyas Univ, Jodhpur (Rajasthan), Email: drlsrajpurohit@yahoo.co.in) : Ecology and conservation of golden jackal (Canis aureus) in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. J appl nat Sci 2017, 9(4), 2491-5.

At north-west of India there is dry, semi arid region called as The Great Indian Thar desert. It lies between 24° and 35° 5' N latitude and 70° 7' and 76° 2' E. Mammals of Thar desert includes the wolf (Canis lupus), the stripped hyaena (Hyaena hyaena), golden Jackal (Canis aureus), the Indian desert fox (Vulpes v. pusilla), wild bore (Susscrofaspc.), black buck (Antilo pecervicapra), blue bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus), chinkara (Gazella benneti), Hanuman langur (Semenopithecus entellus) etc. Golden Jackal is unique in distribution, occurrence, and survives at different environmental conditions in India including the hot desert. Present study has been carried out at Phitkasni village, situated south-east of Jodhpur city. Large population of golden Jackal has observed and data of their homerange, territory, inter-specific relation, conflict with human and mortality has been studied. It is concluded that regular monitoring and proper conservation management is needed in this area so Jackal and other carnivore like wolf, desert fox and hyena can also be conserved.

5 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

019350   Kala C P (Ecosystem & Environment Management, Indian Institute of Forest Management, Nehru Nagar, Bhopal-462 003, Email: cpkala@yahoo.co.uk) : Grasslands and migratory birds of the himalayan region. Indian J For 2016, 39(2), 97-100.

The Himalayan grasslands from - 5 - sub-tropical to temperate, alpine and steppe have been exploited historically by humans for multiple uses including grazing lands for livestock. Besides domestic and wild animals, a large number of migratory birds use these grasslands and wetland areas dotted in these grasslands during their vertical and horizontal migration in the Himalayan region during breeding season. Despite quite unique and sensitive ecosystems these grasslands are least studied. The present study, therefore, aims to study the structure and composition of Himalayan grasslands with respect to their multiple utilities, including breeding grounds for migratory birds.

2 tables, 23 ref

018390   Rai D;Chopra G;Gulia R;Vats P (Animal Behaviour & Wildlife Conservation Lab, Zoology Dep, Kurukshetra Univ, Kurukshetra-136 119, Email: rakeshgulia1@gmail.com) : Avian diversity of basai wetlands, Haryana (India): An iba site. J expl Zool 2017, 20(1), 109-17.

The avian diversity of Basai Wetlands (an IBA site) was studied from October, 2015 to June, 2016. Basai Wetands is located at 28°292 N and 76°592 E in the Gurgaon (now Gurugram) district of Haryana, close to Delhi, and is among one of the five IBAs of Haryana. Results revealed a total of 128 species of birds belonging to 15 orders and 37 families. The order Passeriformes was found to be dominant, consisting of 12 families and 40 species, while among the families; family Anatidae was dominant with 15 species from order Anseriformes. Out of the 128 species of birds, 79 species were Resident (R), 45 were Winter Migrant (WM) and 4 were Summer Migrant (SM). According to the IUCN Red List version 3.1, 7 species were Near Threatened (NT), 4 species were Vulnerable (VU) and 2species were Endangered (EN). Various stress factors were observed in and around the study site which are responsible for habitat degradation, habitat fragmentation and habitat destruction. For long term management of this crucial IBA site of Haryana, proper action plan and regulation strategies are needed.

15 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

017413   Payra A;Bhutia N G (Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation Dep, North Orissa Univ, Odisha-757 003, Email: arajushpayra@gmail.com) : Some new records of odonata (insecta) fauna from Sikkim Himalaya, India. Ambient Sci 2017, 4(2), 36-7.

1 illus, 26 ref

017412   Narayana B L;Swamy K;Surender G;Rao V V (All India Network project on Vertebrate Pest Management, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural Univ, Rajendranagar, Hyderabad-500 030, Email: narayana.laxmi8@gmail.com) : Observation on parenthood of red-vented bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer). Ambient Sci 2017, 4(2), 40-1.

4 illus, 2 ref

017411   Dutta S K (Zoology Dep, Govt. PG College, Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh, Email: dutta.sushil@yahoo.com) : Avifaunal diversity and conservation status in Bastar district of Chhattisgarh, India: An update. Ambient Sci 2017, 4(2), 31-5.

Currently, the Bastar Plateau is divided into 7 districts. The present avifaunal survey has been focused specifically on Bastar district. This paper describes the detail of sightings and adds 50 newly recorded species to the avifaunal diversity of Bastar district. From the total 50 bird species; 14 bird species were re-encountered as recorded earlier from Bastar plateau, interestingly, out of 50 new records; 06 species are the first record to Central India. The current 50 new avifauna species adds to the previous record and updates the avifauna diversity of the Bastar district to 319 species.

2 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

017410   Dube K K;Bhandari R;Dubey S (NO, Government Science College, Jabalpur Madhya Pradesh) : Avian fauna in gun carriage factory estate area Jabalpur district, Madhya Pradesh, India. Int J Fauna biol Stud 2017, 4(5), 34-5.

The present paper is based on observations and sighting records of birds taken from Gun Carriage Factory estate area of Jabalpur district of Madhya Pradesh, India including agricultural fields of those villages in and around estate area. The avian diversity of the estate includes 46 species of birds belonging to 13 Orders, 18 families.

1 table, 3 ref

016406   Mondal K;Bandyopadhyay N;Nath S;Haque S (Zoology Dep, University of Kalyani, Kalyani, Nadia-741 235, Email: kausik.mondal2007@gmail.com) : Human-elephant conflicts in Purulia and Bankura districts, West Bengal, India. J envir Sociobiol 2016, 13(1), 91-4.

Human-elephant conflict has been a major issue for managing wild elephant population. Over last two three - 9 - decades the problem has intensified because of growing population and developmental activities. West Bengal serves as inter-state and inter-country elephane corridors at several points, both at South Bengal and at North Bengal. The present report emphasises on Human-Elephant conflict in southern part of West Bengal (primarily Purulia and Bankura districts) which is being experienced with increased man-elephant conflict due to several development activities.

7 ref

016405   Damor P L;Patel K B (Zoology Dep, Sheth M.N. Science College, Patan-384 265, Email: pushpa.damor89@gmail.com) : Comparative occurance and population status of bird species in different talukas of Anand district, Gujarat. J Envir Biosci 2016, 30(2), 447-51.

The present study was conducted in Anand district. Anand district is located in central Gujarat. The total area of the district is 2,94,751 hectares. This district area is known as 'Charotar' area. The area of the district comprises plain land. The region has typically fertile soil. The climate is semi-arid and tropical monsoon type South Western current in summer bring monsoon rain from the third week of June to September end. The study was conducted during 2012-14 in the selected study area of Anand district with its eight talukas (Anand, Anklav, Borsad, Khambhat, Petlad, Sojitra, Tarapur and Umreth) and observed 123 species of birds. As comparative study, 5-10 species of birds were found as most in all taluka of Anand district, 19-28 species of birds found as common birds, 09-23 bird species as less common and 35-48 species of birds as rarely found in Anand district.

1 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

016404   Ahmad R;Sharma N;Pacchnanda U;Suhail I;Deb K;Bhatnagar Y V;Kaul R (NO, , Wildlife Trust of India, F-13, Sector 8, Noida-201 301, Email: riyaz@wti.org.in) : Distribution and conservation status of the western tragopan Tragopan melanocephalus in Jammu and Kashmir, India. Curr Sci 2017, 112(9), 1948-53.

In India, western tragopan is reported from Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), Himachal Pradesh and Uttara-khand. We documented the current status and distri-bution of western tragopan in J&K. We also predicted its potential distribution in the state. We used litera-ture, field surveys and semi-structured questionnaire surveys to ascertain the distribution and conservation status of the pheasant species in J&K. Between 2007 and 2011, we conducted counts of western tragopan in five areas: Tattakuti Wildlife Sanctuary, Khara Galli Conservation Reserve (CR), Limber Wildlife Sanctu-ary (WLS), Lacchipora WLS and Kazinag National Park (NP) to assess its current status. We estimated 113 callers of western tragopan from Kazinag NP, Limber WLS, Lacchipora WLS, Tattakuti WLS and Khara Galli CR. We also discovered four new sites-Tattakuti WLS and Khara Galli CR (through direct surveys), Noorpur Galli and Narian-Ratannard (through secondary surveys)-of this species. We have confirmed the presence of western tragopan in Lac-chipora WLS and re-confirmed its presence in Padder, Bhadarwa and Sudh Mahadev. Our habitat model predicted potential distribution of western tragopan, adding few additional potential sites. There is an urgent need to plan long-term monitoring and initiate appropriate measures to conserve the species.

3 illus, 2 tables, 23 ref

015466   Lakshmi B B;Rao B T (Zoology Dep, Andhra Univ, Vishakapatnam-530 003, Email: bharathalakshmi.bt@gmail.com) : Rare and endangered birds of Andra Pradesh. J appl Zool Res 2017, 28(1), 1-25.

The present study focused on rare and endangered birds of Andhra Pradesh represented by altogether 116 species belonging to 86 genera included in 46 families of 18 orders. Andhra Pradesh is an important region for land birds, shore birds and waterfowl and home to a number of globally threatened species. The topography of the state lends itself to the occurrence of varied habitats like the Deccan Plateau region, Hills of Eastern ghats, Nallamalai and Erramalai hills, Mangroves and Coastal plains ramified by a network of river systems opening into the Bay of Bengal. All these habitats have contributed to the variety of forest habitats from semi-evergreen to dry-thorny forests, wetlands harbouring a variety of birds and a long coast line contributed to the high diversity of bird fauna. The various bird species which were recorded in Andhra Pradesh State have been categorized in terms of their status. A check list of the rare and endangered birds has been presented along with the status and range of distribution. Threats to the survival, strategies for conservation and befitting conservation measures have been suggested.

3 illus, 2 table, 48 ref

014524   Virkar P S;Shrotriya S;Uniyal V P (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, Po. Box 18, Chandrabani, Dehradun-248 001, Email: preeti@wii.gov.in) : Building walkways: observation on nest duplication of stingless bee Trigona iridipennins smith (1854). Ambient Sci 2014, 1(1), 38-40.

Beekeeping for honey and other bee products is an age old practice. Besides the popular honeybees, Apis cerana and Apis mellifera, stingless bees belonging to the tribe Meliponini, subfamily Apinae and family Apidae (Michener, 2007) are also reared for honey, having high medicinal value. Stingless bees are exclusive to tropics and their size ranges from 2mm to slightly bigger than the popular honeybee A. mellifera (O'Toole & Raw, 1999). The practice of keeping stingless bees is called meliponiculture, and once it was an integral part of the culture of indigenous people of South and Central - 16 - America. It held a social and religious significance in the meso-American culture, mainly the ancient Mayans (Sommeijer, 1999). Stingless bee products such as honey, wax and propolis formed a small-scale economy in their livelihood as well (Cortopassi-Laurino et al., 2006). Although least explored, meliponiculture is an age old practice in India also. Kani tribe in Western Ghats is the only reported reference, keeping stingless bees (Kumar et al., 2012). Trigona iridipennis is the widespread stingless bee species in the Indian subcontinent and used for meliponiculture.

1 illus, 15 ref

014523   Vanjari R S (School of Dep, Azim Premji Univ, Electronics City, Hosur Road, Bangalore, Email: rvanjari@yahoo.co.in ) : Ecosystem services by the Indian courser bird cursorius coromandelicus. Bionotes 2017, 19(3), 104-5.

10 ref

014522   Soni V C;Rana A;Dave S M;Bhalodia K (Biosciences Dep, Saurashtra Univ, Rajkot-360 005, Email: davesanjay@gmail.com) : Birds and their status in Khijadia Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat, an Asian fly way stopover place in India. Bionotes 2017, 19(3), 99-103.

3 tables, 10 ref

014521   Singh H S (NO, National Board for Wild Life, Plot-44, Sector-8, gandhinagar-382 010, Email: hss.ifs@gmail.com) : Dispersion of the asiatic lion Panthera leo persica and its survival in human-dominated landscape outside the Gir forest, Gujarat, India. Curr Sci 0000, 112(5), 933-40.

Expansion and consolidation of Gir Protected Area, Gujarat, India - habitat of the Asiatic lion, and response of prey and predator to the management and dispersion trend of lions outside the Gir forests are interesting and noteworthy. During the last five decades (1965-2015), an approach for the Asiatic lion conservation is one of the best efforts in the world. Unlike other super predators, the number of lions has increased by 4-folds and wild ungulates by over 13-folds in the Gir forest during this period. The distribution range of lions has also expanded to a large landscape in four districts in the state. The consistent shift in feeding patterns of lions is mainly due to the improved availability of wild prey. Lions were restricted in the Gir forest till 1990, and the dispersion started when their population increased. In two decades, more than 40% of the total number of lions was spotted outside the Gir landscape. It is interesting to know that lions and leopards live in human-dominated landscape outside the Gir forest. Blue bull, wild boar and feral cattle, and carcasses of livestock in the villages are major food for the lions. The prey population, predation behaviour of the lion and acceptance of the lion as honourable animal by the villagers indicate that the present trend may continue in the near future as well.

2 illus, 3 table, 17 ref

014520   Pegu R;Tamuli A K;Teron R (Life Science & Bioinformatics Dep, Assam Univ- Diphu Campus, Diphu, Karbi Anglong-782 462, Email: robin.teron@gmail.com) : Assessment of human-wildlife conflicts in Poba reserved forest, Dhemaji district, Assam (India). Ambient Sci 2014, 1(2), 36-46.

Human-wildlife conflicts from 1971-2013 in Poba Reserved Forest is presented here. Data collection included interview, records of forest department and participant observation. There is an increasing trend of human-wildlife conflict in Poba RF. Encroachment for agricultural expansion, frequent venturing into forests to collect minor forest products and livestock grazing are major causes of conflicts. Most cases of conflict occurred in forests and crop fields suggesting encroachment and venturing into animal habitat exposed human to conflict with wildlife. Pearson's correlation at 0.01 level of significance showed positive correlation between wildlife injured/killed and livestock killed/injured (0.819411) and wildlife injured/killed and property damaged (0.658009) but negative correlation between wildlife injured/killed and crop damaged (-0.04104). Crop raiding by wildlife caused considerable damage to crops and property resulting in food insecurity and economic loss to farmers; farmers also suffered economic loss due to livestock lifting by prey animals. Long years of exposure to crop and property loss and risk to life are associated - 15 - with negative attitude towards wildlife. The present report will be useful in understanding the nature of conflicts and help local forest department in initiating appropriate conservation measures in Poba RF.

8 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

014519   Paunikar S;Talmale S S;Gupta D (NO, Tropical Forest Research Institute, PO RFRC, Mandal Road, Jabalpur-482001, Madhya Pradesh) : Food habit of spotted owlet athene brama (Temminck, 1821) in the campus of tropical forest research Institute, Jabalpur: an ecological representation of central India. Ambient Sci 2015, 2(1), 9-15.

The study on food habits of the Spotted Owlet, Athene brama (Temminck, 1821) in Tropical Forest Research Institute campus, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India was conducted in June 2011 to May 2012 by analyzing their regurgitated pellets. The insect order Coleoptera with three dung beetle species, Onitis philemon, Onitis virens, Onitis brahma and two orders and five species of small mammals, Mus booduga, Vandeleuria oleracea, Millardia meltada, Suncus etruscus and Suncus murinus were recorded from the pellets. The other insect taxa found in the pellets include Carabidae and Hydrophilidae beetles and Earwigs in the order Dermaptera. This is for the first time food habits of the spotted owlets, being reported from the state of Madhya Pradesh, which further provides identifying key characters of the dung beetles along with illustrations, obtained from the pellet materials. The study on the feeding habits of the owlet species is very important not only for its significance in conservation but also for their predatory potential, as they are the main predators of insects and non insect pests (rodents) of forestry and agricultural importance.

2 illus, 1 table, 27 ref

014518   Patel D;Dharaiya N (Life Sciences Dep, GNG Univ, Patan, Gujarat, Email: nadharaiya@gmail.com) : Human-wildlife conflicts in arid areas of western India: strategies for mutual co-existence. Ambient Sci 2014, 1(1), 29-37.

The study has been carried out in the North Gujarat region of Gujarat state, Western India which represents unique habitats from arid regions to dry deciduous forests with annual rainfall ranging from 25-125 cms. Human-wildlife conflicts are intensifying owing to increase in human population and destruction of wildlife habitats. In the present study we characterized and classified the conflicts, identified zones with acute conflicts and evaluated the economic loss to the local villagers due to such humanwildlife conflicts. Sampling methods mainly included village surveys for interviewing locals who are affected by wildlife damage. The information was overlaid on the existing digital land use data to identify landscape characteristics associated with wildlife occupancy in the region. The result depicts that 80% of total damage in seasonal crop is caused by wild ungulates. Wild animals like Blue bull, Wild The study has been carried out in the North Gujarat region of Gujarat state, Western India which represents unique habitats from arid regions to dry deciduous forests with annual rainfall ranging from 25-125 cms. Human-wildlife conflicts are intensifying owing to increase in human population and destruction of wildlife habitats. In the present study we characterized and classified the conflicts, identified zones with acute conflicts and evaluated the economic loss to the local villagers due to such humanwildlife conflicts. Sampling methods mainly included village surveys for interviewing locals who are affected by wildlife damage. The information was overlaid on the existing digital land use data to identify landscape characteristics associated with wildlife occupancy in the region. The result depicts that 80% of total damage in seasonal crop is caused by wild ungulates. Wild animals like Blue bull, Wild boar and Porcupine are reported as a chief crop raider. The Leopard is the only big cat occurring in the region reported to cause human injury and livestock predation. Sloth bear attacks on human are very common in some part of the study area. Conflicts are more severe around unprotected forests while high intensity of conflicts was recorded on the fringes of the forests. Less compensation and delayed process of compensation by the government makes the local community more hostile towards the - 14 - presence of wildlife in the area. boar and Porcupine are reported as a chief crop raider. The Leopard is the only big cat occurring in the region reported to cause human injury and livestock predation. Sloth bear attacks on human are very common in some part of the study area. Conflicts are more severe around unprotected forests while high intensity of conflicts was recorded on the fringes of the forests. Less compensation and delayed process of compensation by the government makes the local community more hostile towards the presence of wildlife in the area.

5 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

014517   Parida S;Sajan S K;Debata S;Das G C;Rout S D;Sahu H K (P.G Dep. of Wildlife & Biodiversity Conservation, North Orissa Univ, Baripada, Email: sangramparida02@gmail.com) : Group size and age-sex comparison of Gaur (Bos gaurus) in Kuldhia wildlife sanctuary, Eastern Ghats, India. Ambient Sci 2015, 2(2), 25-30.

The Gaur is under the vulnerable category on Red list and Schedule-I species as per Wildlife Protection Act (1972) in India. Till date, little information is - 13 - available on group size and age-sex composition of Gaur from Kuldhia Wildlife Sanctuary. Thus, by keeping the same in mind an investigation of group size and age-sex composition of Gaur was carried out during January to June 2013 in Kuldhia Wildlife Sanctuary. In addition, the secondary sources of data from 2007-2013 were also collected from forest department. During investigation 26 direct sightings and 72 saltlick record from different part of the sanctuary was considered. A total of 14 group-sizes were recorded and the group size varied from one to eighteen individuals. Solitary male group constitute 27.55% (n=27), which is the dominant group size from other three group (Mixed, all male and all female). For age and sex composition, gaur mainly classified into four type's i.e. adult male, adult female, juvenile (sub adult male and female) and calf. Total 98 (saltlick and direct sighting data) sightings consisted 453 individuals of gaur in KWLS, out of which 27 sightings were of loners. All the loners were adult male and they were found apart from the groups. Adult male constitute 22.51% (n=102) from the total number of gaur sighted.

4 illus, 18 ref

014516   Mishra S R;Bisht H K (Office of regional Chief Conservator of Forest & Field Director, Similipal Tiger Reserve, Baripada-757 002, Email: mishra_sandeepranjan@yahoo.co.in) : Evidence dependent population distribution patterns of Tiger and Leopard in Similipal Tiger Reserve, Odisha, India. Ambient Sci 2015, 2(2), 42-4.

The Tiger (Panthera tigris) is an endangered carnivore with uncertain demographic status spanning 13 Asian countries. Due to its larger body size and carnivorous diet in nature it always occurs at low population densities. Further prey depletion due to overhunting (Karanth & Stith, 1998), poaching, habitat shrinkage (Kenny et al., 1995, Wcs, 1995) and direct killing altogether have also become a major factor for depletion of wild tiger populations tiger. Monitoring the abundance and its alteration is always important for the effective management of endangered species. Tiger is categorized as "Endangered" on the IUCN Red List (IUCN, 2008) and listed under Schedule-I of Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 in India and Appendix-I of the CITES. Leopard (Panthera pardus) is also included in the Schedule- I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and is placed under "Least Concern" category of 2002 IUCN Red List of threatened animals. Similipal Tiger Reserve is one of the largest Tiger Reserves of India with an area of 2750 km2. Therefore we have to depend mainly on the direct sightings and evidence records of the animals to analysis the status and distribution pattern of these two big cats in the core area of this Tiger Reserve.

2 illus, 7 ref