006280   Zafar Ul Islam M;Menon S;Xingong L;Townsend Peterson A (NO, Bombay Natural History Society, Opp. Lion Gate, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road, Mumbai-400 001, Email: mzafarul.islam@gmail.com ) : Forecasting ecological impacts of sea-level rise on coastal conservation areas in India. J Threatened Taxa 2013, 5(9), 4349-58.

In addition to the mounting empirical data on direct implications of climate change for natural and human systems, evidence is increasing for indirect climate change phenomena such as sea-level rise. Rising sea levels and associated marine intrusion into terrestrial environments are predicted to be among the most serious eventual consequences of climate change. The many complex and interacting factors affecting sea levels create considerable uncertainty in sea-level rise projections: conservative estimates are on the order of 0.5-1.0 m globally, while other estimates are much higher, approaching 6rn. Marine intrusion associated with 1-6 m sea-level rise will impact species and habitats in coastal ecosystems severely. Examining areas most vulnerable to such impacts may allow design of appropriate adaptation and mitigation strategies. We present an overview of potential effects of 1m and 6m sea level rise for coastal conservation areas in the Indian Subcontinent. In particular, we examine the projected magnitude of areal losses in relevant biogeographic zones, ecoregions, protected areas (PAs) and important bird areas (IBAs). In addition, we provide a more detailed and quantitative analysis of likely effects of marine intrusion on 22 coastal PAs and IBAs that provide critical habitat for birds in the form of breeding areas, migratory stopover sites and overwintering habitats. Several coastal PAs and SBAs are predicted to experience higher than 50% areal losses to marine intrusion. We explore consequences of such inundation levels for species and habitats in these areas.

2 illus, 3 tables, 45 ref

005297   Singh L A K (NO, , 1830 Mahatab Road, Friends Colony, Old Town, Bhubaneswar-751 002, Email: laksinghindia@gmail.com) : Supplement to Khan 2012 - Technological enhancements needed in photo-trap approach for forthright use by tiger population managers. J Threatened Taxa 2012, 4(4), 2551-2.

^ssc11 ref

004148   Zathang L (NO, , , Email: tlana_z@yahoo.com) : Dampa: out of woods. Cheetal 2012, 50(2), 14-37.

42 illus, 7 ref

004147   Vinod Rishi (NO, , , Email: vinodrishi@rediffmail.com) : Conservation within cages. Cheetal 2012, 50(2), 79-84.

1 illus

004146   Suhas Kumar (NO, , , Email: sukum48@rediffmail.com) : Tourism tumult: the way out. Cheetal 2012, 50(2), 57-71.

8 illus

004145   Sinha S K (NO, , , Email: samir.wild@gmail.com) : Valmiki: the story of Bihar's forgotten tigers. Cheetal 2012, 50(2), 1-13.

7 illus, 13 ref

004144   Singh L A K (NO, , , Email: laksinghindia@gmail.com) : How the Tiger changed his coat. Cheetal 2012, 50(2), 92-8.

7 illus, 28 ref

004143   Karoo R (NO, , , Email: roheetwlcdc@gmail.com) : Umred-Karhandla wildlife sanctuary-wild Maharashtra's best kept secret. Cheetal 2012, 50(2), 38-56.

21 illus

004142   Gupta P D (NO, , , Email: pidiji@yahoo.co.in) : Birdsongs from the land of dawn-lit mountains. Cheetal 2012, 50(2), 99-103.

4 illus

003124   Dave S M;Bhalodia K;Soni V C (Biosciences Dep, Saurashtra University, Rajkot-360 005, Email: davesanjay@gmail.com) : Heronry nesting during predrought and postdrought conditions in the semiarid Saurashtra, Gujarat. Bionotes 2013, 15(3), 76-7.

8 ref

003123   Bhattacharya S (ARD (Microbiology), Wildlife Disease Diagnosis Laboratory, Institute of Animal Health & Veterinary, Biologicals (R. & T), Kolkata) : State of faunal status with special referece to Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) in Sundarban Delta. Explor Anim med Res 2011, 1(1), 41-52.

The mangrove ecology of Sundarban delta is one of the global biodiversity hotspots. The ecology harbours the Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) besides other. The species is highly threatened as per Red Dalta Book. The ecology has suffered huge degradation over the years by many known and unknown forces of vaying magnitude. Though various efforts are being made to conserve the ecology but yet the degradation could nor be checked up to expectation. The effect of degradation is clearly reflected through the status of Panthera tigris tigris in its natural habitat. Hence the different aspects of faunal status with special reference to Bengal Tiger Hl Sundarb.111 ecology during about last two decades has been searched and discussed briefly.

3 tables, 7 ref

002147   Singh S P;Purohit M K (P G Department of Zoology, SGRR (PG) College, Pathir Bagh, Dehradun-248 001, Uttarakhandeniael.drshivpalsingh49@yahoo.com) : COmmunication among animals. Cheetal 2012, 50(1), 55-6.

002146   Singh L A K (Governemtn of Orissa, , , Email: laksinghindia@gmail.com) : Language and technique for popular wildlife science. Cheetal 2012, 50(1), 30-6.

002145   Sati J P;Tak P C (Northern Regional Centre, Zoology Survey of India, Dehra Dun-248 195, Email: jpsatizsi@yahoo.co.in) : On population of Non-human primats of Kalesar National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary, Yamunanagar, Haryana, India. Cheetal 2012, 50(1), 47-54.

2 tables, 23 ref

002144   Mishra S R;Nayak A K;Panda B K (Odisha Forest Department (Wild life), , Bhanjapur, Baripada, Mayurbhanja, Odisha, Email: mishra_sandeepranjan@yahoo.co.in) : Interstate migration of Elephant from West Bengal to Baripada Division. Cheetal 2012, 50(1), 37-46.

3 tables, 11 illus, 4 ref

002143   Cuthbert R J;Vibhu Prakash;Saini M;Upreti S; Swarup D;Das A;Green R E;Taggart M (NO, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire, United Kingdom, Email: richard.cuthbert@rspb.org.uk) : Are conservation actions reducing the threat to India's vulture populations?. Curr Sci 2011, 101(11), 1480-4.

Veterinary use of the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, diciofenac is responsible for the population collapse of resident vulture species in India. Conservation efforts, including a ban on veterinary diciofenac and the identification of a vulture-safe alternative (meloxi-cam), were introduced in 2006 in order to address the threat. Sampling of domesticated ungulate carcasses available to vultures in India was undertaken in three surveys prior to, around the time of, and 1-2 years after the ban in order to quantify the prevalence of diciofenac and meloxicam residues. A total of 1445, 1488 and 1251 liver tissue samples were collected from nine states and analysed with a validated LC-ESI/MS methodology. Overall diciofenac prevalence levels declined by almost a half over the three surveys, and there was an increase in meloxicam prevalence between the second and third surveys, although some states revealed little change. These surveys indicate that two of the key conservation actions to counter the threat faced by vultures - banning veterinary diciofenac and promoting meloxicam as a safe alternative - are beginning to take effect. However, because only a small proportion of diclofenac-contaminated carcasses is sufficient to cause vulture population declines, further efforts are needed to eliminate diciofenac from the food supply of India's vultures.

3 illus, 1 table, 20 ref

002142   Bhadra S (NO, , Geograpghy Dep) : Buxa Tiger Reserve- a zone of bio-diversity in West Bengal. Indian J Landsc Syst ecol Stud 2012, 35(2), 180-88.

The present paper deals with the study of characteristics of Flora and Fauna of Buxa Tiger Reserve, West Bengal. B.T.R is world renowned for its valuable wildlife. Buxa was declared a tiger reserve in 1983 and got the status of National park in 1992 located in the Assam- Bhutan border. The park holds maximum number of elephant, Indian bison, leopard, many species of deer and many smaller mammals, innumerable species of birds and reptiles. Buxa is rich with bio- diversity and has a great collection of rare orchids and medicinal plants. The jungles of B. T.R is an extremely rich bio- diversity zone but today faces a declining Rhino and Tiger population, political unrest in the entire zone and incidences of elephants being hit by speeding trains in their migratory corridors are one of the major problem.

5 tables, 8 ref

002141   Ali M;Bhat G A (P.G. Environmental Science Dep, Kashmir Univ, Srinagar-190 006, Email: wild_defenders@yahoo.com) : Selection of food plants under captivity by Kashmir musk deer, Moschus cupreus: a brief experiment and comment. Ecol Envir Conserv 2011, 17(1), 111-15.

This study is a result of opportunistic direct observation when the musk deer fawn was offered forbs from the enclosure. The animal exhibited wittiness of high degree and sniffed every plant carefully before accepting or rejecting it. The food plants accepted by the musk deer comprised Alchemilla vulgaris L. (Ro-saceae), Agrimonia pilosa (Rosaceae), Achillea millefolium (Asteraceae), Bellis perennis (Asteraceae), Clinopodium vulgare (Boraginaceae), Erigeron alpinus (Asteraceae), Fragaria nubicola (Rosaceae), Geranium wallichianum (Geraniaceae), Hypericum perforatum (Hyperiaceae), Indigofera heterantha (Fabaceae), Oxalis corniculata (Oxalidaceae), Plantago lanceolata (Plantaginaceae), Ranunculus laetus (Ranunculaceae), Solidago virga-aurea (Asteraceae), Taraxacum officinale (Asteraceae), Trifolium pretense (Leguminosae), Trifolium repens (Leguminosae) and Viburnum grandiflorum (Caprifoliaceae). While as the plants rejected by the musk deer included Bothriochloa pertusa (Gramineae), Capillipedium parviflorum (Gramineae), Cynodon dactylon (Gramineae), Cirsium wallichii (Asteraceae), Oryzopsis munroi (Gramineae), Poa annua (Gramineae), Poa sp. (Gramineae), Themeda anathera (Gramineae) and Urtica dioica (Urticaceae). The relevance of the present study is that tentatively 17 species of food plants have been added to the available literature on the food plants of musk deer listed in different studies carried out in Indian Himalaya, and demarcates 8 species of plants (mostly graminoids) avoided by the musk deer.

3 tables, 8 ref

001060   Patel P (NO, , Himadri Enviro Protection Consultants, A 506, Wall Street 2, Ahmedabad-380 006, Email: drpratikshapatel@gmail.com) : Will development spare the spiny-tailed lizards in Kachchh?. Curr Sci 2012, 101(12), 1519-20.

1 illus, 7 ref

024151   Thakur S;Bhardwaj S (NO, Nahan Circle, Nahan, District Sirmour-173 001, ) : Butterflies of Nature Awareness Centre Trambri, Mandi, Himachal Pradesh. Indian For 2012, 138(10), 887-90.

Diversity of butterfiles in Nature Awareness Centre Trambri, Sundernagar was studied during different seasons during the year 2011-2012. 49 species of butterfiles belonging to 38 genera and 5 families were recorded during present study. Nymphalidae was found to be the dominant family in all the seasons. Species richness was found to be maximum during the rainy season.

2 illus, 2 tables, 17 ref

024150   Thakur M;Santvan V K;Nigam A (NO, Govt. Degree College, Nagrota Bagwan, Kangra, Email: mins_pk@rediffmail.com) : Status and uses of tree flora of Darlaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Solan (H.P.). Indian For 2012, 138(10), 958-60.

Study revealed that 60 tree species were used for various purposes which include house construction, furniture, agricultural implements; for making walking sticks, musical instruments, packing cases etc. The predominant families are fabaceae with 11 species (8 genera), pinaceae with 5 species (3 genera), salicaceae with 4 species (2 genera). However, bambuaceae (3 genera), euphorbiaceae (3 genera) and fagaceae (2 genera) have 3 species each. Among various plants, 18 plants are predominantly used for house construction, 14 for agricultural implements, 8 for Agriculture and furniture manufacturing, 7 for agriculture and house construction, 4 plants are exclusively used only for furniture, 2 for musical instruments and packing cases each and 3 for making walking sticks.

1 table, 6 ref

024149   Sebastian J;Pachoni A K (Ecology and Biodiversity Div, Rainforest Research Insitute, Jorhat, Assam) : Some observations on butterflies of Pakke Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh. Indian For 2012, 138(10), 897-901.

Butterfly diversity was documented first time in and around Pakke Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh, during autumn. 65 species with in 43 genera representing 14 sun families within 5 families were recorded durint the present study. Jaccard's similarity index showed greater dissimilarity of butterfly fauna between forest edge and forest habitat and also within families at two sites. This may be due to the difference in vegetation composition and disturbances at two sites. Out of the 65 recorded butterflies 12 species enjoys a legal protection by Indian Wildlife Protection Act and CITES.

1 table, 9 ref

024148   Sanwal C S;Lone R A (Forestry and Natural Resources Dep, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana-141 004) : Assessment of the -Asiatic black bear-human conflicts in Kupwara district, Jammu & Kashmir, India. Indian For 2012, 138(10), 881-6.

Survey focussed to assess the nature and extent of the human-Asiatic black bear (Uusus thibetanus) conflicts in the Kupwara district recorded 68 cases of human casualties by black bear reported during 2005 to 2011. Male causalities by black bear were more (60.29%) then females (39.70%). Maximum human casualties (34.53%) were recorded during 2010 to 2011, showing increasing trend in human-black bear conflicts. Average data during 2005 to 2011 revealed moarked montly occurrence of attacks with highest in August (26.47%) followed by July (13.23%). Maximum cases of bear attacks on human occurred at crepuscular times (44.11%) in crop fields (51.47%. Drumming of empty tin or metal containers is the most commonly traditionally used protection measure, as 71% respondents reported using this technique. Recommendations include monitoring high conflict areas, public education and awareness to change the intolerant attitude of public towards black bear, etc. are some measures which may help to minimize the human-black bear conflicts.

2 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

024147   Rishi V (NO, , Chandrabani Grant, P.O. Mohabbewala, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Email: vinodrishi@rediffmail.com) : Role of scent marking in the breeding behavior of tiger and other big cats. Indian For 2012, 138(10), 910-14.

Marking objects and prominent spots with their urine borne pheromones is believed to be related with the establishment of their territories by the big cats. A study carried out on show leopards, tigers and leopards at Darjeeling Zoo revealed that these big cats marked objects with their scents in order to induce breeding condition in partners of opposite sex. Presents the observation on the role of scent marking in the breeding behavior of big cats including the tiger.

13 ref

024146   Rai I D;Adhikari B S;Rawat G S (Habitat Ecology Dep, Wildlife Institute of India, P.O.Box #18, Chandrabani, Dehradun, Uttarakhand-248 001, Email: adhikaribs@wii.gov.in) : Floral diversity along sub-alpine and alpine ecosystems in Tungnath area of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarakhand. Indian For 2012, 138(10), 927-40.

Extensive floristic surveys were carried out at Tungnath area in Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary during 2007-2011. During the survey a total of 433 plant species belonging to 234 genera under 71 families were recorded along the sub-alpine and alpine region (2800-3680m amsl). Of which 349, 42, 18, 13, 5, 6 and species were herbs, shrubs, grasses, trees, sedges and climbers, respectively. Among dicotyledonous families Asteraceae was the largest family represented by 42 species followed by Rosaceae (30 species), Ranunculaceae (25 species), Polygonaceae (24 species), Scrophulariaceae (17 species) and Apiaceae (17 species), whereas Orchidaceae (29 species), Poaceae (19 species) and Liliaceae (13 species) were the major families among the monocytyledons. Some uncommon species viz., Balanophora involucrata, Cypripedium spp., Calanthe manii and Eleutherococcus cissifolius were recorded for the first time from the area. The species ctaegorised under various threat categories (rare, endangered and threatened) e.g., Cyananthus integer, Doctylorhiza hatagirea, Balanophora involucrata, Fritillaria roylei, Jurinea macrocephala were also recorded during the survey.

3 illus, 12 ref

024145   Pratihar S (Zoology Dep, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore-721 102, Email: pratihar_vu@rediffmail.com) : Conservation of amphibians in India. Indian For 2012, 138(10), 973-4.

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024144   Pradhan V;Dar M A;Rather M M;Panwar M;Pala N A (NO, Doon (PG) College of Agriculture Science and Technology, Camp Road, Selaqui, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, Email: maqboolfri@gmail.com) : Human-wildlife conflict in Kitam Bird Sanctuary: perceptions and possible solutions. Indian For 2012, 138(10), 915-20.

Human-wildlife conflict (HWC) in the form of crop-raiding and attack by wild animals has become integral part for communities located at the borders of protected areas. Stratified-random sample of 103 respondent of 5 villages living in the Kitam Bird Sanctuary were interviewed to understand and manage growing concerns. Most of the farmers interviewed suffered major financial losses annually due to crop damage by wild pigs (Sus scrofa), Indian peacock (Pavo cristatus), Barking deer (Muntiacus muntjak), Assamese macaque (Macaca assamensis), Assamese rabbit (Caprolagus hispidus), Crestless Porcupines (Hystrix hodsoni), and Jungle fowl (Gallus gallus). A huge majority of respondents considered wild boar to the the most destructing animal among the crop raiders due to the significant adaptability of this animal in their surroundings. The only livestock mostly depredated was Goat by its only depredator, Common leopard (Panthera pardus) with an average loss of 1.55 goats per house. Nonlethal methods such as guarding, constant vigilance during crop seasons, scarecrows, scaring animals when seen, etc. are the measures adopted to protect their fields.

4 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

024143   Paundikar S (NO, , T-III/13, Tropical Forest Research Institute, Campus, PO. RFRC, Mandla Road, Jabalpur-482 021) : Killing of Indian jackal (Canis aureus indicus Hodgson, 1833) by heavy traffic movements at highways of the tropical forest areas of Jabalpur, India. Indian For 2012, 138(10), 971-2.

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024142   Nath V;Asthana A K;Gupta R (Bryology Lab, National Botanical Research Institute (Council of Scientific & Indust, Lucknow-226 001) : Assessment of diversity and distribution of dominant acrocarpous moss families in Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve (Madhya Pradesh). Indian For 2012, 138(10), 952-7.

Pachmarhi Biosphere Reserve (PBR), situated in Madhya Pradesh, India is well known for its biodiversity. Moss flora of the region is immensely significant considering the fact that mosses are abundantly found here. Most abundant families include Bryaceae (9), Pottiaceae (8), Dicranaceae (7) and Fissidentaceae (6) totaling 30 taxa. Interestingly, all the four moss families are acrocarpous indicating the dominance of erect mosses in the region. Further, Fissidens Hedw., Bryum Hedw., Campylopus Bridel. and Hyophila (Hook.) Jaeg. are the most abundant genera of these families. While Pottiaceae is dominant in terms of frequency of occurrence of its genera in different localities of PBR, Bryaceae shows maximum representation with 9 members. The mosses account for both epiphytic and terrestrial members and contributed substantially to the ecology and diversity of PBR.

10 illus, 14 ref

024141   Nanda Kumar N V;Nagarjuna A;Mallikarjuna Rao P;Chalapathi Rao P V (Fishery Sciences and Aquaculture Dep, Sri Venkateswara University, Tirupati-517 502, Email: venkatananda_7@rediffmail.com) : Conservation of Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary. Indian For 2012, 138(10), 941-51.

Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary (Lat. 13°49'N to 31°51'N; Long. 79°57'E to 59°15'E) is located towards west of East coast of Bay of Bengal and about 20 km west of Pulicat lake near Sullurpet, Nellore District, Andhra Pradesh. It is one of the biggest pelicanery having approximately 1500 pelicans (Pelecanus philippensis) breeding and roosting. It is also an ideal roosting and breeding for long distant and local migrant birds. Vertical gradient and resource partitioning of migratory birds on Barringtonia tree in Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is being observed. A gradual and natural dominant of open bill storks is observed over a period of time. A review on management of Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is described for ecological sustainability which include irrigation water management, deweeding and prevention of algal bloom, Prosopis juliflora plantation for roosting of birds, plantation of Subabul trees for procuring nesting material. Feeding of Krishna river water to last only up to May/June 1st week only to avoid stabilisation of new summer birds which might compete for space. A statistical relationship worked out between monsoon rainfall and pelican migration.

9 illus, 3 tables, 20 ref

024140   Hilaluddin;Naqash R Y;Akthar N (NO, Planninc Commission, National Rainfed Area Authority, D.P. Shastri Marg, New Delhi-110 067, Email: hilaluddin@yahoo.com) : Impact of hunting on pupulations of pheasants in the Western Indian Himalayas. Indian For 2012, 138(10), 921-6.

Study tested the hypothesis that "game species are lost when forest areas are subjected to hunting and populations of already threatened species may become locally extinct from many forests of the Western Indian Himalaya". The study was designed to determine effects of vegetation structure and heterogeneity, and behaviour of animal species on their encounters in hunted and protected sites. The compared forest patches are similar in abundance of trees, herbs, and shrubs. Animal densities allowed the investigator to determine whether higher densities of pheasants in the protected areas are simply due to protection efforts accorded within this zone. Provides scientific evidence that hunting seriously impacts populations of hunted species. The results show that cheer pheasant (Catreus wallichi), kaleej pheasant (Lophura leucomelanos), koklass pheasant (Pucrasia macrolopha) and monal pheasant (Lophophorus impejanus) are seen more often in protected sites than in hunted sites. The locally common species are heavily impacted and at high risk of local extinctions from forest patches in this landscape than the rare ones.

3 tables, 33 ref

024139   Dookia S;Das S K;Rajlakshmi (University School of Environment Management, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, Sector-16 C, Dwarka, New Delhi-110 075, Email: Sumitdookia@gmail.com) : Ecology of Indian fox Vuples bengalensis (Shaw, 1800) in and around Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan, India. Indian For 2012, 138(10), 891-6.

Deals with ecological observations on Indian fox (Vuples bengalensis) in the Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary, Rajasthan during monsoon season that coincides with pup rearing period of this animal. Though the sanctuary holds a small population of about three breeding pairs of Indian fox, it serves as a safe breeding ground for source population of the nearby areas. The study showed if the temperature is miled and food is abundant, as on rainy days, the fox may also hunt at mid-day and show bimodal activity in the absence of large predators and any kind of other disturbances. During pup rearing season, most of the time the animal spent in sitting/resting, followed by searching for food and other minor activities. Parental care also found in this animal. Preference for particular den opening by the adults was observed for entry and exist which suggests that adults are well versed of their dens to escape from their predators. Both from food availability sampling and scat analysis, insects were found to be the main food item of this animal during the study period which shows that they are selective in their food habit in the monsoon season, as the availability of insects is all time high in these days. The basic social unit of this animal was found to be restricted to individual family level.

3 illus, 16 ref

024138   Dasgupta S;Hilaluddin (NO, Wildlife Trust of India, Pakke Tiger Reserve, Seijusa, East Kameng District, Aruhachal Pradesh) : Differential effects of hunting on pupulations of hornbills and imperial pigeons in the rainforests of the Eastern Indian Himalaya. Indian For 2012, 138(10), 902-9.

Responses of hornbills and Ducula pigeons to hunting and disturbances to their habitats may help us understand the implications for the regeneration of their dependent tropical forest trees. Moreover, density estimates serve as a gauge of whether some frugivorous birds can potentially substitute for the decline of their functionally-similar competitors. Carried out a year long survey of 24 line-transects distributed across disturbed (2 sites) and undisturbed (4 sites) habitats in the lowland evergreen forests of Pakke wildlife sanctuary and surrounding forests of Arunachal Pradesh. Hornbill and Ducula densities were estimated with DISTANCE. While densities of the Great Indian Hornbill, Buceros bicornis; Orniental Pied Hornbill, Anthracoceros albirostris, and wreathed hornbill, Aceros undulatus were substantially reduced in disturbed habitats, densities of the mountain imperial pigeon, Ducula badia and the green imperial pigeon, Ducula aenea were unaffected. These results suggest that Ducula pigeons may potentially provide substitute dispersal services for large-seeded tree species in disturbed sites, but that this response is most likely context driven.

4 tables, 42 ref

024137   Bhat J A;Munesh Kumar;Negi A K;Todaria N P (Forestry and Natural Resources Dep, H.N.B. Garhwal University, Srinagar (Garhwal) Uttarakhand-249 161, Email: muneshmzu@yahoo.com) : People's perceptions on conservation options and use value of a protected area in Garhwal Himalaya, India. Indian For 2012, 138(10), 961-7.

Study was carried out in parts of a protected area of Garhwal Himalaya, nemely, Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS). The main aim of the study was to gather and analyse information from the sanctuary dwellers on conservation of natural resources and its value focusing on the needs of local inhabitants. Ninety three respondents of different age groups from two villages, one located within and the other on the fringe of the sanctuary, were considered for analysis. The respondent's opinions varied with regard to different conservation issues and their perception towards conservation and the value of wild animals, plants and wildlife sanctuary. Sixty (60%) percent of the respondents considered Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary (KWLS) as an effective mechanism in the conservation of flora and fauna while 71% said that local communities contributed much more in conservation efforts prior to decleration of it as a wildlife sanctuary. Fifty seven (57%) percent of respondents think that being a sacred area any kind of disrespect around the vicinity of temple will make deity unhappy and 22% of respondents were of the opinion that the impact as a result of irregularities in climatic conditions can be checked by conserving plant resources. Sixty percent respondents reported damage to agricultural crops by wild animals.

2 tables, 38 ref

024136   Behera S;Sivakumar K;Choudhury B C;Tripathy B;Kar C S (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, Chandrabani, Dehra Dun, Email: behera.satyaranjan@gmail.com) : Occurrence of olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) solitary nests and their future conservation implications in Gahirmatha Rookery, Odisha, India. Indian For 2012, 138(10), 869-75.

Current study on olive ridley turtles was undertaken from 2007 to 2010 in Gahirmatha rookery of Odisha coast especially during their breeding season. Entire period of study the solitary nest and their predation and erosion level were studied in Islands as well as mainland beach. All succesful nests were taken to nearest beat and translocated into temporary made hatchery. Total 3,046 solitary nests had been encountered in three years period of study. Out of 3,046 only 294 were translocated in hatchery and remaining nest were destroyed by predation, erosion and inundation in the field itself. The mean hatching success rate was 54.7% in three years of study. As soon as turtles start laying upon the nest; they become vulnerable to predation.

4 illus, 1 table, 52 ref

024135   Behera S;Sivakumar K;Choudhury B C;Sethy J (NO, Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun-248 001, Email: behera.satyaranjan@gmail.com) : Occurrence of oil sardine (Sardinella longiceps) along Babubali island in Gahirmatha Marine Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha, India. Indian For 2012, 138(10), 970.

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024134   Bargali H S;Akhtar N;Chauhan N P S (NO, The Corbett Foundation, Ramnagar, Uttarakhand) : Sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) habitat in the forests of North Bilaspur forest division, Chhattisgarh. Indian For 2012, 138(10), 876-80.

Practical way of identifying potential of a species is to have a thorough examination of land use patterns (e.g. natural forests, plantations, water bodies, road network, human habitation, etc.) in an area from the remotely sensed data. The framework of a species habitat suitable model also envisage to ascertain features such as compact forest blocks especially those along the courses of the least fragmentation, smallest stretches of discontinuity and of the adjacent poorly covered forests communicating with the large blocks for gene flow and terrain, availability of forage and water in such areas specifically, during dry season and its distance from the human hatitations with a view to ascertain its amenability to revival besides least biotic interferences. We, therefore incorporated all such variables into our habitat suitablility model for sloth bear (Melursus ursinus). A statistically desirable porporation of sloth bear grographic locations based on direct sightings during the course of study were randomly selected and were laid over the spatial layers so as to generate potential available habitat for sloth in North Bilaspur Forest Division. Logistic regression model was used to develop the probability distribution map.

1 illus, 3 tables, 35 ref

024133   Anand Y;Tatu K;Pandey C N (NO, GEER Foundation, Gandhi Nagar, Gujarat, Email: yashaanand@gmail.com) : First record of feeding trails of Dugong in Gulf of Kachchh (GoK), Gujarat. Indian For 2012, 138(10), 968-9.

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023066   Sarkar J (NO, , , Email: jaimini_dhane@hotmail.com) : Tiger estimate, 2010. Curr Sci 2011, 101(7), 834-6.

1 illus, 1 table, 3 ref

023065   Inogwabini B I;Thompson J A M (Durrell Institute for Conservation and Ecology, Kent at Canterbury Univ, UK, Email: bi4@kentforlife.net) : Golden-bellied mangabey Cercocebus chrysogaster (primates:cercopithecidae): distribution and conservation status. J Threatened Taxa 2013, 5(7), 4069-75.

During the period 1994 through 2007, three intermittent and discontinuous surveys were conducted which documented the presence or absence of Cercocebus chrysogaster (Golden-bellied Mangabey). The three surveys were performed within the forest block areas of: (1) the region including the southern sector of the Salonga National Park (SMP) to the Sankuru River, (2) the region between Lokoro and Salonga-Looto Rivers inside the SNP, and (3) the region between the Kwa-Kasai and the Lulonga Rivers, west of Lake Maindombe. The results indicated that C. chrysogaster currently inhabits a very restricted range of approximately 70,000krn²; the species is now absent in more than 37% (25,000km²) of its presumed historical range. Classification of the habitat using satellite images indicated that the species occupied a region where 58,15% was swamp forest. Patterns of the species distribution and its conservation status lead to the conclusion that the species is highly threatened. The principal threats are the result of human pressure, particularly hunting for bushrneat and pet commerce. Logging constitutes a further potential threat because almost the entire range of the species is within logging concessions.

2 illus, 34 ref

023064   Dev Roy M K;Mitra S (NO, Zoological Survey of India, 'M' Block, New Alipore, Kolkata-700 016) : Note on the nesting plant of baya weaver bird (Ploceus sp.) in Odisha mangroves. J envir Sociobiol 2012, 9(1), 96.

^ssc1 illus, 1 ref

023063   Baral H S (School of Environmental Sciences, Charles Sturt Univ, NSW Australia, Email: hem.baral@gmail.com) : Survey of Bengal florican Houbaropsis bengalensis bengalensis (Gmelin, 1789) (gruiformes:otididae) in the Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve and adjoining areas, Nepal. J Threatened Taxa 2013, 5(7), 4076-83.

Bengal Florican Houbaropsis bengalensis is a Critically Endangered bird species. Populations have been monitored in Nepal since 1982, and the most recent study showed a precipitous decline despite the species being mainly confined to protected areas. A systematic survey was conducted in parts of the Koshi area during April and May 2012 by walking transects in known and accessible grasslands. The total of 47 birds counted during this survey represents the largest known population in Nepal, and perhaps the most densely populated area in the entire Indian subcontinent. A crude extrapolation of the count for the entire Koshi area gives an estimate of 60 birds. Several conservation recommendations have been made to ensure florican populations continue to thrive in the Koshi Tappu area.

1 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

023062   Agoramoorthy G;Vijay Kumar V;Patel P (NO, Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, PO Boc 83, Bhuj-370 001, Email: agoram@mail.tajen.edu.tw) : Rice-eating Jackals of the Rann of Kachchh. Curr Sci 2011, 101(7), 828.

1 illus, 6 ref

020968   Rahalkar S;Tiwari A (NO, Govt. Bilasa Girls P.G. (Autonomous) College, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh, Email: rahalkar_s@rediffmail.com) : Community structure of birds around some ponds on Bilaspur (C.G.). Life Sci Bull 2011, 8(2), 189-93.

In India small village ponds are home of number of water birds. Vegetation around the pond and marshy area also gives shelter to good number of avian fauna. Bird census and monitoring is an extremely cost effective method of measuring overall health of water bodies. The study was undertaken, for two years from April, 2008 to March, 2010; to document bird fauna around some ponds and marshes of Bilaspur city. Seventy bird species belonging to fourteen orders were found in present investigation from five study sites. Eighteen species of birds were recorded from wetland area. Forty six Species were recorded from area surrounding water body and marshes, while six avian species had with overlapping habitat. Common Myna (Stumus contra) and Pied Myna (Acridotheres tristis) were the most abundant species (relative abundance 7.87%) followed by Red-vented Bulbul, Picnonotus cafer (relative abundance 6.06%). House Crow, Corvus splendens (relative abundance 5.26%) Ashy wren Warbler, Prinia socialis (relative abundance 4.28%) found around water bodies. Indian Pond Heron (Ardeola grayii), Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis), Sand Piper (Tringaspp.), Bronze-Winged Jacana(Metopidius indicus) were common wetland birds found in present study.

3 illus, 1 table, 12 ref

020967   Daniels R J R (NO, , Care Earth Trust, No.15 (old no 8), 2nd Main Road, Thillaiganganagar, Chennai-600 061, Email: ranjit.daniels@gmail.com) : Snake abundance: the limits of occupancy-based estimates. Curr Sci 2011, 101(2), 137-8.

^ssc1 illus, 5 ref

019939   Sunanda Devi O;Saikia P K (Animal Ecology and Wildlife Biology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Gauhati Univ, Guwahati-781 014, Email: sunan_o@rediffmail.com) : Nest-site characteristics of yellow-legged green-pigeon, Treron phoenicoptera in a tropical evergreen forest patches of Eastern Assam, India. Bioscan 2012, 7(2), 277-82.

Columbidae (pigeons and doves) is one of the most threatened bird families in the world yet it has received relatively little attention for conservation. And surveyed Yellow- legged Green-pigeon at Jeypore Reserve forest to study their nesting habitat and nest-site characteristics during two breeding seasons in 2008 and 2009. Parameters of nest sites were measured and enumerated using specific habitat quantification methods. A total of twenty nest trees were located during the survey and twelve nest-site parameters were measured and analyzed. It was found that nest trees differ significantly from centre trees of non-nest plots in terms of size. There have also been differences in the other nest tree variables such as GBH, height of tree etc of nest plots and centre tree variables of non- nest plots. PCA performed extracted three principal components which explained 74.81% variability. Apart from these, twenty potential nest tree species of Yellow-legged Green-pigeon that occurred in the 0.25 ha plots were identified. Bombax ceiba and Tetramelos nudiflora are the most common tree species among them and their overall occurrence were 4.5 trees/ha and 3.0 tree/ha respectively. Nesting attempts were recorded on 20 nests. Of the total nests located, 60.9% nests were successful as squabs were hatched in these nests while 39.1% were unsuccessful.

2 illus, 5 tables, 20 ref

019938   Balkhande J V;Balkhande S V;Bhowate C S; Kulkarni A N (P.G. Zoology & Fishery Science Dep, N.E.S. Science College, Nanded-431 605, Email: balkhandejay1986@gmail.com) : Check-list of birds near the river Purna, dist. Parbhani, Maharashtra. Bionotes 2012, 14(4), 110-12.

1 table, 10 ref

018930   Sahoo p;Das S K;Parida S P (NO, Barunel Nodal U.P. School, At-Mutunia, PO Bhandisahi, Via-Kakatpur, Puri-752 108, Email: pradeepgrasshopper@gmail.com) : Annotated checklist of Odonata (Insecta) of Kanha Tiger Reserve and adjoining areas, central India. J Threatened Taxa 2013, 5(1), 3559-64.

1 illus, 1 table, 18 ref

018929   Pande S;Padhye A;Deshpande P;Ponkshe A; Pandit P;Pawashe A;Pednekar S;Pandit R;Deshpande P (NO, Ela Foundation, C-9, Bhosale Park, Sahakarnagar-2, Pune-411 009, Email: pande.satish@gmail.com) : Avian collision threat assessment at `Bhambarwadi Wind Farm Plateau' in northern Western Ghats, India. J Threatened Taxa 2013, 5(1), 3504-15.

To address the shortage of power in India, wind energy is increasingly harnessed as an alternate and renewable energy source. There is a rapid increase in the number of wind farms at suitable sites all over the country. Some of the key sites with optimal wind velocities are the plateaus on the Western Ghats - a global hotspot of biological diversity. The rocky plateaus on the Western Ghats are terrestrial habitat islands facing extreme micro-environmental conditions; however, scanty information is available on the ecology of these plateaus. Undertook a two-year study to assess the impact of wind farms on birds. Also documented the avian diversity at Bhambarwadi Plateau, northern Western Ghats, India. This is the first such study in India. Recorded 89 avian species on the plateau, 27 of which flew in the risk area swept by the rotor blades, and hence are potentially at risk of collision. The collision index (the number of bird collisions with wind turbines over a period of one year assuming that the birds do not take any avoidance measure) for these species were estimated. Also identified species at risk from collision with transformers and wind-masts, and at risk from electrocution. Reduction in avian activity in the study area was evident with progress of wind farm erection. Despite the small footprint of an individual wind turbine, the associated infrastructure development causes wider habitat modification and destruction resulting in a displacement effect. Therefore, wind farm erections in strategic locations such as biodiversity hotspots should be subject to prior site based strategic environmental assessments (SEA) as well as environmental impact assessment (EIA) studies.

4 illus, 5 tables, 34 ref

018928   Muthamizh Selvan K;Veeraswami Gopi G;Habib B;Lyngdoh S (NO, Wild Life Institute of India, Post Box 18, Chandrabani, Dehradun-248 001, Email: selvan@wii.gov.in) : Hunting record of endangered marbled cat Pardofelis marmorata in the Ziro valley of lower Subansiri, Arunachal Pradesh, India. J Threatened Taxa 2013, 5(1), 3583-4.

18 ref