023471   Goyal V;Singh V;Dalal P;Malik V (NO, FGM PG G College, Adampur, Hisar-125 052, Email: vinaymalik71@gmail.com) : Diversity of migratory birds in Ottu lake, Sirsa, Haryana, India. J expl Zool 2014, 17(2), 507-12.

The diversity of migratory birds according to their respective families was studied during January 2009 to April 2012 in Ottu Lake, which is situated (29°29'39.38'' N 74°54'02.42''E) located 12 km West of Sirsa, Haryana, India. Lake provides a good wintering place for migratory birds. A total of 64 avian species belonging to 44 genera and 27 families distributed in 9 orders were recorded in the study period of three years comprising primarily of winter and summer seasons. Among the total avian fauna of 64 species 57 species were winter visitors accounting 89% while 7 species were summer visitors contributing 11%. Family Scolopacidae (Waders) dominated the migratory birds in total number of species representing 11 species (17%) followed by Family Anatidae (ducks) with 10 species (16%) and Motacillidae (wagtails) with 07 species (11%). So far as abundance status is considered 51 species were common, 11 uncommon and 2 rare. Thus considering the diversity richness of Ottu lake it is recommended to take effective measures for preserving and converting this water body into a bird sanctuary.

2 illus, 2 tables, 16 ref

023470   Gangopadhyay A;Parui P (NO, Academy of Biodiversity Conservation (ABC), 297, Bangur Avenue, Block-B, Kolkata-700 055, Email: abckolkata55@gmail.com) : On the record of Meroplius fasciculatus (Brunetti, 1909) (Diptera : Sepsidae) as an extant species to West Bengal, India. J expl Zool 2014, 17(2), 785-7.

In the present study, a species of coprophagous Diptera, Meroplius fasciculatus (Brunetti, 1909) belonging to the family Sepsidae is recorded from Kolkata after a gap of one century. Previously the species was recorded from Sri Lanka and West Bengal. The diagnosis and distribution data of the species are provided here.

3 illus, 7 ref

023469   Elumalai V;Viswanathan C;Pravinkumar M;Raffi S M (Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502, Email: va7hills@gmail.com ) : Infestation of parasitic barnacle Sacculina spp. in commercial marine crabs. J parasitic Dis 2014, 38(3), 337-9.

Commercial crab species infected of rhizocephalan cirripedes are reported from the coast of Parangipettai. Sacculina spp. were collected from brachyuran hosts Portunus sanquinolentus, Portunus hastatoides, Chaybdis feriatus, Charybdis variegate, Charybdis natator, Charybdis miles, Charybdis lucifera, Charybdis hoplites, Charybdis hellerii, Charybdis granulate, Charybdis amboinensis and Thalamita coeruleipes respectively.

1 illus, 14 ref

023468   Dhirender;Prasad J (Zoology Dep, Jai Narain Vyas Univ, Jodhpur-342 001, Email: dhirender.jnvu@gmail.com) : Histoenzymological demonstration of alkaline phosphatase activity in the liver of HgCl₂- treated carnivorous bony fish, Channa striatus. J expl Zool 2014, 17(2), 617-19.

Present studies incorporate hepatotoxic effects of HgCl₂ on the distribution of alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity in the liver tissue of the carnivorous fresh water bony fish, Channa striatus. It was observed that alkaline phosphatase activity in the liver of HgCl₂ -treated carnivorous fish showed little change in enzymic intensity. However, the toxicity resulted in cell necrosis, rupturing of plasma membranes of hepatocytes. The endothelial lining of the blood vessels and capillaries also showed disorganization having diffuse enzymic depositions. Besides, in control experiment, it was observed that alkaline phosphatase activity in the liver of carnivorous fish, Channa striatus appears to be especially confined to the periphery of hepatocytes and blood vessels.

3 illus, 21 ref

023467   Deb S;Chakrabarty S;Hazra N;Saha A K (Zoology Dep, The Univ of Burdwan, Burdwan-713 104, Email: sumandev22@gmail.com) : Effect of grasserie on gonadosomatic index (GSI) and tissue somatic index (TSI) of different commercial breeds and hybrid of Bombyx mori L.. J expl Zool 2014, 17(2), 543-9.

Silk worm Bombyx mori L is commercially reared in different sericultural regions of West Bengal, India. The major commercially silk producing districts of West Bengal are Malda, Murshidabad and Birbhum. Grasserie, a viral disease caused by Bombyx mori Neuclear Polyhedrosis Virus (BmNPV) causes maximum damagae to the crop during unfavourable rearing seasons. In the present study Nistari (Multivoltine), NB4D2 (Bivoltine) and NistarixNB4D2 (Hybrid) of B.mori are used to determine the Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) and Tissue somatic Index (TSI) before and after grasserie infection to access the impact of growth of tissue in body as well as gonad in enhancement of the sericulture in broad sprectrum.

1 illus, 12 ref

023466   Dayal R;Singh S P;Sarkar U K;Pandey A K; Pathak A K;Chaturvedi R (NO, National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Canal Ring Road, Lucknow-226 002, Email: rdayal3@rediffmail.com ) : Fish biodiversity of western ghats region of India : a review. J expl Zool 2014, 17(2), 377-99.

Western Ghats of India is one of the richest hotspot of biological diversity in the world and harbour 38 east- and 27 west-flowing rivers to drain the entire watershed region and other wetlands which are the natural abode of numerous aquatic animals including fishes. Though several attempts were made to prepare the checklist of fishes of the Western Ghats, there is still scope to update the available list and associated information for user-friendly storage and retrieval of data. This paper reviews the current status of fish diversity described and reported so far and discusses the methodologies used in developing the checklist of 379 fish species reported from the entire Western Ghats region. The revised checklist reports distribution of fish diversity under 48 families, and 143 genera, of which about 151 are endemic (39.84%) and 8 are exotics distributed in different ecosystems. Interestingly, the present synthesis of published information shows that about 30 new species from this region were reported since 2003. The present compilation provides the revised scientific name of the species with latest taxonomic nomenclature and recent information on common name, family, habitat, endemic nature and conservation status of fish species as per IUCN Red List (2012). It is expected that the updated list would be much useful for decision making and effective management of the fish genetic resources in this region.

^iia1 illus, 7 table, 114 ref

023465   Das G;Roy S;Ghosh L K (Zoology Dep, Bidhannagar College, E B - 2, Sector - I, Salt Lake City, Kolkata-700 064, Email: geetanjali.das000@gmail.com) : Preliminary study on aquatic insects in salt lake city, Kolkata. J expl Zool 2014, 17(2), 567-70.

Aquatic insect diversity and abundance of the species belonging to Hemiptera and Coleoptera was observed in two different water bodies (Polluted and Non polluted) during November, 2012 to June, 2013 in Salt Lake, Kolkata (West Bengal). Altogether, 12 species of aquatic insects belonging to nine families under the orders Hemiptera and Coleoptera have been recorded. Species diversity was found maximum in order Hemiptera (8 species) compared to order Coleoptera (4 species). The abundance of Hemiptera (87%) was maximum followed by Coleoptera (13%). Out of these, Limnogonus fossorum (49%) was found as dominant aquatic insect followed by Diplonychus rusticus (14%), Nychia marshalli (13%), Ranatra sordidula (9%), Berosus indicus (4%), Cybister javanus (4%) in the winter season (November 2012 - February 2013). Limnogonus fossorum (33%) was found as dominant species again in Summer season (March - June 2013) followed by Diplonychus rusticus (23%), Nychia marshalli (16%), Ranatra sordidula (8%), Cybister javanus (7%) and Berosus indicus (4%). The other aquatic insects namely Laccotrephes griseus, Lethocerus indicus, Mesovelia indica, Micronecta merope, Helochares anchoralis, Dineutus indicus were also found as negligible at both seasons.

2 illus, 2 tables, 14 ref

023464   Chowdhary N;Kurl S P (Aphid Research Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Multanimal Modi College, Modinagar-201 204, Email: drspkurl5@gmail.com) : Variations of chromosome number in Lipaphis erysimi (Kaltenbach) (homoptera: aphididae) in relation to its host plants. J expl Zool 2014, 17(2), 501-5.

The karyology of mustard aphid, Lipaphis erysimi shows a great deal of variations in their chromosome numbers (2n) collected from different host plants belonging to family Cruciferae. From Brassica campestris the diploid complements show 2n=8,9,10,12 chromosome. Similar numbers were obtained from Brassica napus and Raphanus sativus while collected from Brassica oleracea var. botrytis indicated only 2n=8,10,12. In order to compare, their chromosomal morphometrical data, karyotypes and idiograms are being reported in the present studies.

15 illus, 2 tables, 9 ref

023463   Biswas T;Bandyopadhyay P K (Parasitology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Kalyani Univ, Kalyani-741 235, Email: prabir0432@hotmail.com) : Prevalence of a protozoan parasite Cristigera sp. (Ciliophora:Ciliatea) from edible oysters (Mollusca:Bivalvia) of Sundarbans, West Bengal, India. J parasitic Dis 2014, 38(3), 297-301.

The coastal region of West Bengal is bestowed with a wide range of natural forest and aquatic resources. The estuarine complex is a culmination of the interaction of land, sea and freshwater. It offers diverse specialised habitats such as mangroves, non vegetated mudflats, inter tidal zones and reclaimed areas. Such areas are home to a number of terrestrial, freshwater and marine communities. Edible oyster resources in these regions are Crassostrea gryphoides and Saccostrea cucullata, which are the keystone species found in the intertidal zone and can tolerate huge variation of salinity. These are used as food by local people and marketed to earn cash. The population of this species has been declined due to parasitic infection and pollution. There are many protozoan parasites which infect these oysters causing diseases. During survey period, a protozoan parasite of the genus Cristigera have been observed only from the edible oyster Crassostrea gryphoides collected from Kaikhali and Frasergunj among three selected sites namely Kaikhali, Frasergunj and Digha of West Bengal mainly during monsoon and post-monsoon season. Considering such rare and specific prevalence of Cristigera sp, it may be considered as potential bio-indicator.

6 illus, 2 tables, 7 ref

023462   Bahuguna A;Sharma N (Northern Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India, 218, Kaulagarh Road, Dehra Dun-248 195) : New record and habitat of endangered species of tortoise Indotestudo elongate (Bylyth) from Sonandi wildlife sanctuary (Nainital, uttarakhand). Ann For 2014, 22(2), 262-5.

Testudines and Chelonians are the most primitive reptiles and amphibious creatures and have adaptations to diverse habitat. Indotestudo elongate (Blyth) sighted and photographed at Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary belongs to Order Testudines and family Testudinidae. The species is known to be terrestrial and during survey Sonanadi Wildlife Sanctuary it was located at Tunu ((29 34.725°N, 078.940° E, 1155 m elev.; WGH 84). The species has been listed as endangered under IUCN and in Appendix II of CITES.

3 illus, 6 ref

023461   Adesh Kumar;Rakesh Kumar (Parasitology Laboratory, Zoology Dep, Government Post Graduate College, Ranikhet-263 647, Email: dr.adeshkumar@yahoo.in) : Seasonal changes in the population of Menacanthus cornutus (Phthiraptera: Amblycera). J parasitic Dis 2014, 38(3), 307-10.

The chicken body louse, Menacanthus cornutus (Menoponidae s.l.) completes its whole life cycle on the body of Gallus gallus domesticus. The louse exploits the microclimate developed by host skin temperature and feather cover. The weekly visual examination has demonstrated the pronounced response on the population fluctuation of M. cornutus to the seasonal changes in the environment despite all favourable condition on the body of homothermic host. The experiments commences from April 2008. The peak index was obtained in the month of August followed by drastically decline in succeeding 5 months. Lice index begins building up slowly from the months of February and March. The correlation between mean monthly lice indices with temperature and photoperiod were analyses as strong positive. The moderate positive correlation was found with relative humidity and it remained insignificant with rainfall.

1 illus, 40 ref

022640   Vaitheeswaran T;Rajasekaran T;Balasubramani S (NO, , Rarbio Energies Private Limited, Dep of New Drug Discovery (Marine Div), <35>311/2, Vellalar Street, Mel Aya) : New record of calaxius acutrirostris (Sakai and de Saint Laurent, 1989) (family: Axiidae: Bor-Radaile, 1903) Crustacea: Decapoda: Axiidea) off Thoothukudi, Southeast coast of India (08° 53.6'N 78° 16'E and 08° 53.8'N 78° 32'E). Indian J vet Anim Sci Res 2015, 44(2), 135-41.

A new record of Axiidae off Thoothukudi coast of Gulf of Mannar, southeast coast of India is reported. Calaxius acutirostris species is newly recorded from Indian waters. The present species (Calaxius acutirostris) are recorded from Thoothukudi coast of Gulf of Mannar, southeast coast of India. One specimen was caught at the depth of 310 m as an incidental by-catch. It was found in tropical waters from about 08° 53.6 'N 78° 16'E and 08° 53.8 'N 78° 32 'E/310m from Thoothukudi fishing harbour, southeast coast of India.

1 illus, 29 ref

022639   Sofi T A;Ahmad F (Zoology Post Graduate Dep, Kashmir Univ, Srinagar-190 006, Email: stanveer96@gmail.com) : Comparative karyological analysis of three species of Bothriocephalus Rudolphi 1808 (Cestoda: Pseudophyllidea) from Schizothorax species of Kashmir valley. J parasitic Dis 2014, 38(1), 16-21.

Karyotypes of three species of Bothriocephalus were studied using conventional Giemsa staining and comparative karyometric analysis. Bothriocephalus clavi-ceps and Bothriocephalus gregarius showed a karyotype with 2n = 14 chromosomes. All chromosomes of B. claviceps were biarmed, metacentric or meta-submeta-centric. The two first pairs of homologues were markedly -larger than the remaining elements and represented 48.62% of the total chromosome length. The karyotype of B. gregarius had similar metric values for the chromosomes, but clearly differed in the chromosome morphology of pairs 5, 6 and 7, which had terminally located centromeres. The diploid number 2n = 12 was found in B. scorpii. The karyotype consists of five pairs of metacentric and one pair of submeta-metacentric chromosomes. The possible pathways of karyotype evolution within Bothriocephalus spp. and their phylogenetic relations with the other karyologically studied groups in the order Pseudo-phyllidea are discussed.

3 illus, 3 tables, 29 ref

022638   Singh R;Harpreet Kaur (Zoology and Environmental Sciences Dep, Punjabi Univ, Patiala-147 002, Email: harpreet_bimbra@yahoo.com) : Two new and two already known species of genus Thelohanellus Kudo, 1933 (Myxozoa: Myxosporea: Bivalvulida) infecting Indian major carp fishes in Punjab wetlands (India). J parasitic Dis 2014, 38(1), 49-60.

A survey of parasites of freshwater fishes in Ha-rike, Kanjali and Ropar wetland of Punjab (India) revealed the presence of two new and two already known myxosporean species belonging to the genus Thelohanellus Kudo, 1933 parasitizing fins and gills respectively. Spores of the first species, T. kalavatae n. sp. measure 1 1.5 x 4.9 μm, clon-gately oval in valvular view having rounded blunt anterior end and rounded posterior end with lateral walls almost parallel to each other. Polar capsule is globular in shape and measure 5.2 x 3.3 μm in size. Anterior end of the polar capsule terminate into a small distinct neck. Spores of the second species, T. kalbensi n. sp. measure 9.5 x 4.9 μm, egg shaped to ovoid in valvular view having narrower anterior end with a prominent pore and broad rounded posterior end. Polar capsule is globular in shape with a short distinct tubular neck, measure 4.8 x 3.16 μm and occupies almost two-third of the spore body cavity. Spores of third species, T. avijiti Basu and Hal-dar, 2003 measure 10.1 x 6.6 μm, egg shaped in valvular having tapering, bluntly pointed anterior end and broad rounded posterior end. Polar capsule is rounded to sub-spherical in shape, measure 3.3 x 3.0 μm and is situated anteriorly. Spores of fourth species, T. gangeticus Tripathi, 1952 measure 13.3 x 4.8 μm, elongately pyriform in valvular view having tapering anterior end and rounded posterior end. Polar capsule is also elongately pyriform in shape measure 6.6 x 3.1 μm with thin neck and occupy half of the spore body cavity.

10 illus, 7 tables, 56 ref

022637   Sheeja M S;Padma Kumar K (Aquatic Biology and Fisheries Dep, Kerala Univ Campus, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala) : New record of Plakobranchus ocellatus Van Hasselt, 1824 from Kerala coast, India. Indian J Life Sci 2014, 4(1), 1-5.

Plakobranchus ocellatus Hasselt, 1824 (Sacoglossa, Opisthobranchia) is a marine tropical shallow water herbivorous mollusc. They are found well camouflaged in the silty substratum. Body colour and ornamentation tremendously varies with the locality. The genus Plakobranchus, belonging to its own family, Plakobranchidae has unique morphological and anatomical characters i.e., truncate body, small admedian eyes, lateral parapodia, longitudinal dorsal lamellae, anterodorsal anus, large ocellate spots, penial stylet etc. The present study is the new record of Plakobranchus ocellatus from Vizhinjam coast of southwest India.

6 illus, 24 ref

022636   Sharma P K;Joshi P C;Sharma V (Zoology Dep, D.A.V. (P.G.) College, Dehradun-248 001) : Feeding potential of seven spotted ladybeetle, Coccinella septumpunctata Linn. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) on cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch. J Envir Biosci 2014, 28(1), 105-8.

Feeding potential of seven spotted ladybird beetle Coccinella septumpunctata (Linn.) was studied under laboratory conditions on cow pea aphid Aphis craccivora Koch. In unstarved conditions, the fourth instar larvae consumed the highest number of aphids in comparison to the other instars and adults and the hourly consumption was 3.30±0.67, 2.80±0.78 and 2.20±0.63 for first, second and third hours, respectively. In starved conditions, the fourth instar larvae also consumed the highest number of aphids in comparison to the other instars and adults and the hourly consumption was 4.10±0.73, 3.40±0.69 and 2.70±0.67 for first, second and third hours, respectively.

2 tables, 26 ref

022635   Sharma A P;Bhaumik U;Mukhopadhyay M K; Shrivastava N P;Roshith C M (NO, Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore-Kolkata-700 120) : Impact of habitat shifting on fishery of Hilsa in Tapti estuary. J Inld Fish Soc India 2014, 46(1), 84-6.

^ssc1 illus, 2 tables, 5 ref

022634   Sen D;Chatterjee A;Manna B (NO, , Zoological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata-700 053, Email: debabrata.zsi@gmail.com) : One new and two known species of Dorylaimoides Thorne and swanger, 1936 (Nematoda: Mydonomidae) from West Bengal, India. J parasitic Dis 2014, 38(2), 208-17.

A few specimens of were collected from the soil around the roots of guava (Psidium guajava L.) and litchi (Litchi chinensis Sonn.) plantations in South 24-Parganas district of West Bengal, India. It yielded a few species of which one is new to science. Dorylaimoides (Dorylaimoides) geraldi sp. n. is characterized in having long odontostyle (9.5-11 μm), amphidelphic genital system in females, and by short rounded tail. The male is characterized by shorter body length, shorter spicules, and three regularly spaced ventromedian supplements with an adanal pair. Although D. (D.) geraldi sp. n. comes closer to D. (D.) buccinator D. (D.) indicus, D. (D.) parateres, D. (D.) teres and D. (D.) websteri among the didelphic-amphidelphic species of the genus having short tails, it differs in having shorter body length, longer odontostyle, amphidelphic genital system in females, absence of pars dialata in oviduct, short rounded tail and by different morphometric ratios. The male differs from the closely related species in having shorter body, different number and arrangements of ventromedian supplements, shorter spicule and tail. The known species agree well with the earlier reported specimens except some morphometric variations.

4 illus, 3 tables, 11 ref

022633   Sajina;Sudheesan A M D;Samanta S;Paul S K; Bhowmick S;Nag S K (NO, Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, Kolkata, West Bengal-700 120) : Juvenile fishery of Gonialosa manmina in Hirakud Reservoir, India: relevance of seasonal subsistence fishery in the riparian livelihoods. J Inld Fish Soc India 2014, 46(1), 87-91.

^ssc2 illus, 24 ref

022632   Roy George K;Malini N A;Rajasree D (Zoology Post Graduate and Research Dep, St. Thomas College, Kozhencherry-689 641, Email: dr.roygeorgek@gmail.com) : Effects of acclimation on the haematological indices of different groups of fresh water teleosts. J appl nat Sci 2015, 7(1), 5-9.

Hematological parameters have been recognized as valuable tools for monitoring fish health. The aim of the present study was to obtain a basic knowledge of the hematological responses of different groups of fresh water teleosts during acclimation period. Haematological analysis was carried out in three different groups of teleosts namely Group I: Heteropneustes fossilis and Clarias gariepinus (Siluriformes), Group II: Anabas testudineus and Channa striatus (Perciformes), Group III: Labeo rohita and Cyprinus carpio (Cypriniformes). In all groups of teleosts, RBC and Hb were significantly (p<0.05) decreased after 7 days of captivity in response to stress factors raised in capture, handling and sampling procedure. WBC was found to be significantly (p<0.05) increased in group I (Siluriformes), group II (Perciformes) and group III (Cypriniformes) of teleosts after 7 days of captivity due to enhanced production of leucocytes in the hematopoietic tissue of the kidney and the spleen. RBC count and WBC count were found to be higher in H. fossilis and C. gariepinus than other groups of teleosts due to their active predacious nature. Hb values were high in 2 group (Perciformes) consisting of A. testudineus and C. striatus by virtue of their possessions of accessory respiratory organs. PCV, MCV and MCHC were significantly (p<0.05) increased in three groups of teleosts during acclimation values were high in second group of consisting of A. testudineus and C. striatus. MCH was higher in 3rd group of fishes consisting of L. rohita and C. carpio.

2 tables, 26 ref

022631   Ray A B;Sharma A P;Patra B C;Choudhury S R (NO, Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, Kolkata-700 120) : Fish diversity of Sarni reservoir with special reference to threats and conservation measures. J Inld Fish Soc India 2014, 46(1), 38-47.

Documented and updated the fish diversity of Sarni, a medium sized reservoir in Betul district of Madhya Pradesh. The study revealed occurrence of 39 fish species classified under 25 genera and 10 families; Catla catla was the most abundant species among Indian major carps. Sarni reservoir supported reasonably good fish diversity, but adequate conservation measures are required in face of the increased man-induced activities. Issues related to various threats to aquatic environment and conservation strategies in the reservoir have been discussed.

4 illus, 4 tables, 37 ref

022630   Ramnath;Jyrwa D B;Dutta A K;Das B;Tandon V (Zoology Dep, North-Eastern Hill Univ, Shillong-793 022, Email: tandonveena@hotmail.com) : Molecular characterization of the Indian poultry nodular tapeworm, Raillietina echinobothrida (cestoda: cyclophyllidea: davaineidae) based on rDNA internal transcribed spacer 2 region. J parasitic Dis 2014, 38(1), 22-6.

The nodular tapeworm Raillietina echino-bothrida is a well studied avian gastrointestinal parasite of family Davaineidae (Cestoda: Cyclophyllidea). It is reported to be the largest in size and second most prevalent species infecting chicken in north-east India. In the present study, morphometrical methods coupled with the molecular analysis of the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) region of ribosomal DNA were employed for precise identification of the parasite. The annotated ITS2 region was found to be 446 bp long and further utilized to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships and its species-interrelationships at the molecular level. In phylogenetic analysis similar topology was observed among the trees obtained by distance-based neighbor-joining as well as character-based maximum parsimony tree building methods. The query sequence R. echinobothrida is well aligned and placed within the Davaineidae group, with all Raillietina species well separated from the other cyclophyllidean (taeniid and hymenolepid) cestodes, while Diphylloboth-rium latum (Pseudophyllidea: Diphyllobothriidae) was rooted as an out-group. Sequence similarities indeed confirmed our hypothesis that Raillietina spp. are neighboring the position with other studied species of order Cyclophyllidea against the out-group order Pseudophyllidea. The present study strengthens the potential of ITS2 as a reliable marker for phylogenetic reconstructions.

2 illus, 1 table, 45 ref

022629   Rameshkumar G;Ravichandran S (Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Science, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai-608 502, Email: grkumarcas@gmail.com) : Problems caused by isopod parasites in commercial fishes. J parasitic Dis 2014, 38(1), 138-41.

Crustaceans are found in every type of aquatic ecosystem, and there are species adapted to extremes of temperature, pressure, salinity, and even anoxia. Parasitic isopods are typically marine and usually inhabit the warmer seas. They are blood-feeding; several species settle in the buccal cavity of fish, others live in the gill chamber or on the body surface including the fins. Isopods can cause morbidity and mortality in captive fish populations. The damage of gill filaments thus was not only due to the feeding but also by the pressure exerted by the dorsal side of the parasite. Erosion of gill lamellae, damage of gill rakers and gale gills were the severe gross lesions observed as a consequence of isopod infestation. Infested fish exhibited histopathological anomalies such as tissue reactions, primarily associated with the formation of granulo-mas consisted of macrophages and epithelioid cells, which are occasionally surrounded by a thin rim of fibroblasts. A marked increase in the size of the parasite is associated with the development of marsupium full of juvenile parasite. The infestation usually pressure atrophy often accompanies the presence of larger parasites. They may lead to economic losses in commercial species of fish. Thus, treating fishes infected with isopods without treating their environment may only provide temporary relief. It is also important to recognize the potential for secondary infections associated with severe isopod infections.

^ssc5 illus, 20 ref

022628   Raja K;Vijayakumar R;Karthikeyan V; Saravanakumar A;Sindhuja K;Gopalakrishnan A (Center of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Annamalai Univ, Parangipettai, Tamilnadu, Email: aquagopal@gmail.com) : Occurrence of isopod Nerocila phaiopleura infestation on whitefin wolf-herring (Chirocentrus nudus) from southeast coast of India. J parasitic Dis 2014, 38(2), 205-7.

The present study reported the first observation of isopod parasite, Nerocila phaiopleura infestation on Chirocentrus nudus an economically important fish from Cuddalore coast, Southeast coast of India. The maximum prevalence of 6.3% and mean intensity of 3.2 were observed during pre-monsoon 2010 and monsoon 2010 respectively. The highest intensity 7 was observed in the single host during monsoon. The site of attachment leads to wound and offer the secondary infection. Two pathogenic bacteria Streptococcus aureus and E. coli were isolated from the wound.

1 table, 15 ref

022627   Pal M;Kar S;Mishra S S (NO, Sovarani Memorial College, Jagatballavpur, Howrah-711 408, Email: subhrendumishra@gmail.com) : Overview of the fishes on Indian Sundarbans and their conservation status. J envir Sociobiol 2014, 11(2), 171-86.

Study of the fishes of Sundarbans dates back to Hamilton (1822) and during last two centuries there is accumulation on knowledge on the fi sh fauna of Indian Sundarban. Based on published information and observations during the last decade, Indian part of Sundarban is known to harbour 305 species of fi shes as on date. About 73.8% of those fi shes are utilized as food fi shes and seen to be marketed fresh. While the Biosphere Reserve remains to be hope for replenishment of fi sh stock in and around, threats to the fi shes continue unabated. In all, 34 elasmobranchs under 20 genera and 10 families and 271 bony fi shes belonging to 173 genera and 61 families are known from Sundarban. Out of 34 species of cartilaginous fi shes found in Sundarbans, three are critically endangered, three endangered, nine vulnerable and ten near threatened as assessed by IUCN. Among bony fi shes six are near threatened and one vulnerable.

2 tables, 15 ref

022626   Mukherjee M;Banik S K;Suresh V R;Manna R K; Panda D;Sharma A P (NO, Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, Kolkata-700 120) : Rotifers, their distribution, abundance and seasonal variation in Chilika lagoon. J Inld Fish Soc India 2014, 46(1), 29-37.

Distribution, diversity, abundance of rotifers and influence of environmental variables on them in Chilika lagoon have been studied. Twenty three species of rotifers, unreported earlier from Chilika, have been identified. Members of the family Brachionidae were most abundant in the lagoon. Northern sector of the lagoon was most diverse and southern sector was the least. Bray-Curtis similarity and PCA showed distinct seasonal difference in distribution and abundance. Salinity, transparency, silicate and total hardness were the most critical environmental parameters influencing rotifers in the lagoon.

7 illus, 2 tables, 35 ref

022625   Mitra A (NO, Laboratoire Evolution, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, avenue de la Terrasse, Batiment 13, Gif sur Yvette, 91190, France, Email: mitra.aniruddha@gmail.com) : Queen pheromone and monopoly of reproduction by the queen in the social wasp Ropalidia marginata. Proc Indian Natn Sci Acad 2014, 80(5), 1025-44.

Ropalidia marginata is a primitively eusocial (truly social) wasp found in peninsular India. It is different from the typical primitively eusocial species in having docile queens that cannot use aggression to maintain reproductive monopoly. Recent studies using chemical analysis and bioassays indicate that Dufour's gland is a source of the queen pheromone in this species. Queens appear to signal their presence to workers through their Dufour's gland compounds, possibly by applying them on the nest surface, and this results in suppression of reproduction by workers, resulting in reproductive monopoly by the queen. The Dufour's gland was found to contain saturated long chain hydrocarbons, which have recently been suggested to be the ancestral state of fertility signals in Hymenoptera. The Dufour's gland composition differed significantly between queens and workers, and was also correlated with the state of ovarian development, varying continuously as a function of ovarian development, thereby advocating the honesty of the queen pheromone. This elucidates the mechanism of maintenance of eusociality through pheromonal queen signalling by the Dufour's gland compounds.

6 illus, 1 table, 127 ref

022624   Manna S K;Samanta S;Bandopadhyay C;Sarkar K; Sharma A P;Maitra N (NO, Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, Kolkata-700 120) : Influence of temperature, pH, and oxic state on Ca<. J Inld Fish Soc India 2014, 46(1), 48-53.

Phosphorus, (P) is a limiting nutrient determining the trophic state in freshwater ecosystems. Besides Fe-P interaction, organic matter decomposition is important in sediment P chemistry or release. Although Ca-P often forms the major inorganic P pool in sediment, role of Ca-P in P cycling/ release is not well studied. The present work conducted in laboratory microcosm using freshly collected floodplain wetland sediment showed that lower pH and moderate to high temperature slowly and significantly influence the Ca-P release; redox condition has less defined role. Besides Ca-P dissolution and P release by microbiota, including phosphate solubilizing bacteria, temperature also dictates microbial P requirement and uptake, ultimately determining the available P level in sediment. In winter chemical interactions might majorly regulate the sedimentary P cycle, however, microbial activities play an important role in P mobilization during summer.

2 illus, 1 table, 23 ref

022623   Mandal D;Gupta S K;Debnath N (Zoology Post Graduate Dep, Vidyasagar College, CL Block, Salt Lake, Kolkata-700 091, Email: mandaldebalina284@gmail.com) : Mites infesting medicinal plants in Eastern Himalayan region of West Bengal. Envir Ecol 2015, 33(1A), 257-60.

The present paper reports the occurrence of mites on medicinal plants from eastern Himalayan region of West Bengal. This includes a total of 31 species of mites, under 18 genera. 10 families and 3 orders, of these 19 species belong to phytophagous group and 11 to predatory group. All these mites are listed with their collection localities, host / habitat records and remarks giving information pertaining to nature of damage for phytophagous species and prey records, if any. for predatory species.

1 table, 4 ref

022622   Kumar N R;Nayyar K;Sharma R;Anudeep (Zoology Dep, Panjab Univ, Chandigarh-160 014, Email: anuresearch_aedes@yahoo.com ) : Scanning electron microscopic studies on tongue of open-nesting honey bees Apis dorsata F. and Apis florea E. (Hymenoptera: apidae). J appl nat Sci 2015, 7(1), 324-7.

Taste stimuli play vital role in the life of honey bees. Sensory structures observed on tongue of the honey bees with the help of Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have become an important tool in analyzing honey bee biodiversity which offers an advanced diagnostic tool to study honey bee biogeography and determine adaptive variations to native flora. Tongue of honey bees present a high geographic variability in regard to the floral resources visited by the bees. The present study has determined to determine differences in the tongue of open-nesting bees by scanning electron microscopy of Apis dorsata and Apis florea. The two bees showed distinct morphological variations with respect to the lapping and sucking apparatus. It was observed that the ridges on the proximal region exhibited rough surface on A.dorsata whereas spinous in case of A.florea. Moreover, the arrangement of hair in the middle part of the tongue also differed in the two species. The shape of flabellum differed in the two species reason being the influence of native flora. It was observed that the shape of flabellum was oval in A.dorsata whereas in A.florea it was triangular. These differences indicated for the role of native flora and honey bee biodiversity.

6 illus, 12 ref

022621   Katare M B;Basavaraja N;Joshi H D;Archana C (Aquaculture Dep, Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences Univ, College of Fisheies, Mangalore-575 002, Email: mcofsn@gmail.com) : Effect of letrozole on masculinization of siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens). J appl nat Sci 2015, 7(1), 425-33.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of letrozole (a non-steroidal aromatase inhibitor) on masculinization of Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens). Different doses of letrozole 50, 100, 150 and 200 ppm (mg/kg feed) were incorporated into diet and fed for periods of 30, 40 or 50 days. Immersion treatment of letrozole at selected doses (250, 500, 750 and 1,000μg/l) for 3 h each on third, fifth and eighth day-post-hatching (dph) (Trial 1) and fourth, sixth and eighth dph (Trial 2) was given. The oral administration of letrozole for 30, 40 or 50 days did not have any significant effect on the sex ratio of B. splendens. The immersion treatment of letrozole induced 100% masculinization at 500 and 1000μg/l in trial 1, while it yielded only 66.66 and 90% male population at 500 and 1000 μg/l in Trial 2. The dietary administration of letrozole for 30 and 50 days caused tail deformities and/or rudimentary and absence of dorsal fin. The progeny testing of males from letrozole treated (both oral and immersion) groups indicate that the sex ratio of progenies of each of the males tested did not differ significantly from that of control, indicating that all those males carried XY genotype. Letrozole treatments suppressed ovarian development (atretic oocytes were common). However, the testicular development was unaffected. The study revealed that immersion treatment of letrozole was more effective in inducing masculinization of B. splendens than the oral administration of letrozole.

3 illus, 7 tables, 28 ref

022620   Jyoti Rani;Gupta R C (Zoology Dep, IFTM Univ, Moradabad) : Alteration in cholesterol level of hepatopancreas, gill and muscle of Macrobrachium lamarrei at acute and chronic exposure of flavone dyes. J Envir Biosci 2014, 28(1), 47-9.

Experiments were carried out at different concentration on the mortality of Macrobrachium lamarrei. The cholesterol was found to be decreased significantly (P<60> 0.05) in hepatopancreas, gill and muscle of Macrobrachium amarrei under acute and chronic exposure of Flavone dyes.

3 tables, 11 ref

022619   Joshi K D;Jha D N;Alam M A;Das S C S; Srivastava S K;Vijay Kumar (Allahabad Regional Centre, CIFRI, Allahabad-211 002) : Massive invasion of resilient exotic fishes in the river Ganga: a case study at Allahabad stretch. J Inld Fish Soc India 2014, 46(1), 92-5.

^ssc4 illus, 13 ref

022618   Joshi H D;Ghode G S;Gore S B (Aquaculture Div, Central Institute of Fisheries Education, Andheri (West), Mumbai-400 061, Email: harshjoshicofsn@gmail.com) : Efficiency of letrozole loaded PLGA nanoparticles on sex reversal of Poecilia reticulata (Peters, 1859). J appl nat Sci 2015, 7(1), 394-9.

Males of Poecilia reticulata showed extreme diversity in color, particularly of their fins, while the females lack the bright colors and are largely whitish. Such extreme variability of color and finnage lead to demand of males in the markets. The aim of present work was to develop a new Letrozole (LTZ)-loaded PLGA nanoparticles for effective delivery of the masculinization drug, letrozole, as an alternative to commercially available masculinization agents. The LTZ-loaded PLGA NPs were prepared by solvent displacement technique. The particle size of LTZ-loaded PLGA NPs was analyzed using LICOMP particle size analyzer and was found to be in the range of 72 nm to 520 nm with average size of 221.5±63.3 nm. Zeta potential was estimated to be about 21.35 mV with loading efficiency of 43.63±4.63%. In the present study, a series of experiments were carried out to induce masculinization using LTZ-loaded PLGA nanoparticles during the sex differentiation period. Guppy (P. reticulate) fry were treated with LTZ-loaded PLGA nanoparticles at dosages 5, 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg diet for 10, 15 and 30 days. The gonopodium index and GSI showed increasing order in male and female respectively with dose of LTZ-loaded nanoparticles. The results indicated an increase in the proportion of males with dosage and duration of treatment. This has been done for the first time using nanotechnology efficiently which has shown an increase in the male population of Poecilia reticulata with lesser dose of nano-encapsulated Letrozole (LTZ)-loaded PLGA nanoparticles drug as compared with naked control Letrozole (LTZ) drug delivery.

4 tables, 19 ref

022617   Joshi B D;Joshi N;Mishra I (Zoology & Environmental Sciences Dep, Gurukula Kangri Univ, Haridwar-294 404, Email: joshi_bd@rediffmail.com) : Differential counts & cyto-morphological variations of blood corpuscles in the fish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch.) found infected with trypanosomes. J Envir Biosci 2014, 28(1), 77-80.

In a batch of 30 individuals of Heteropneustes fossilis, purchased from the fish market of Haridwar, in the month of October 2013, sixteen fishes were found hosting the haemoflagellate parasite Trypanosomes. The intensity of infection i.e. the status of parasitemia varied from fish to fish as found from the Giemsa stained blood smears. The differential blood cell counts made for leucocytes and for the erythrocytic cells showed a wide range of variations in numerical as well as in their cytomorphological characteristics, as compared to healthy i.e. fishes having no infection of any sort and any other disease for the same lot of fishes. The infected fishes showed lowered values of erythrocytes, large & small lymphocytes, eosinophils, basophils and thrombocytes. The number of small & large haemoblasts has increased along with monocytes, macrophages and neutrophils, besides the erythroblasts & microcytes. The number of distorted blood cells, with increased numbers of cell casts, basket cells, nuclear shadows and poikilocytes was also conspicuous. The status of parasitemia varied between 1 to as much as ten parasites per thousand erythrocytes or 6-8 parasites per scan under 40x power of objective lens.

2 illus, 2 tables, 27 ref

022616   Jaiswal N;Upadhyay S K;Malhotra A;Malhotra S K (Zoology Dep, Allahabad Univ, Allahabad-211 002, Email: philonym@gmail.com) : Ecological morphotaxometry of trematodes of garfish (Teleostomi: Belonidae) from gangetic riverine ecosystem in India. III. principal component analysis in the dynamics of Cephalogonimus yamunii (Upadhyay, Jaiswal, Malhotra and Malhotra, 2012). J parasitic Dis 2014, 38(2), 153-62.

The attributes of multivariate analyses were applied to infer peculiarity in distribution dynamics of Cephalogonimus yamunii Upadhyay et al. (J Parasit, 2012) in Xenentodon cancilla under influence of interionic interactions amongst hydrobiological factors. Non-parametric Mann-Whitney's Test χ^{2 statistic was significant for the effect of Dissolved Oxygen and magnesium. The temperature optimum 23-27 °C was concluded for expression of peak prevalence and mean intensity during change in water temperature between autumn and winter periods. The dominant Ist component (PC1 p ) from Principal Component Analysis of monthwise response of infection data by C. yamunii in X. cancilla was further confirmed by Scree Plot of Eigenvalues and Factor Loadings Plot to identify the critical impact of hardness of water on infection prevalence and mean intensity. The findings of larger PC1 p positive coefficients comprehensively substantiated predominating hardness factor, under the influence of enhanced Dissolved Oxygen and optimum thermal effect. Therefore, the role of multifactorial etiology is a definite possibility.}

8 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

022615   Imkongwapang R;Jyrwa D B;Lal P;Tandon V (Zoology Dep, Nagaland Univ, Lumami, Mokokchung, Nagaland-798 601) : Checklist of helminth parasite fauna in Anuran amphibia (frogs) of Nagaland, Northeast India. J parasitic Dis 2014, 38(1), 85-100.

An exhaustive exploratory survey on helminth parasite fauna of anuran frogs was carried out in several localities falling under 5 districts of western region of Nagaland state. Altogether 34 parasite species were recovered from a total of 29 host species surveyed. The parasite spectrum (represented in all the localities by at least one or more parasite species) comprises 2 monoge-nean, 15 trematode (13 adult and 2 metacercaria stages), 4 cestode (3 adult and 1 larval stages), 12 nematode and 1 acanthocephalan taxa. A checklist of both the parasite and host species with short remarks for each parasite species is provided herein.

1 illus, 1 table, 128 ref

022614   Gupta P (Zoology Dep, D.A.K. College, Moradabad) : Alteration in lactic dehydrogenase enzyme in the blood of a freshwater fish Labeo rohita induced by azodyes. J Envir Biosci 2014, 28(1), 39-41.

The present study is an attempt to evaluate the toxic effects of two azodyes Metanil yellow (4- aniline azo benzene - m - sulfonic acid) and Bismark brown (2, 4 - diamino 3' amino azo benzene ) on lactic dehydrogenase activity in the blood of a fresh water fish Labeo rohita. An increased lactic dehydrogenase activity in the blood was observed at both acute (48 hrs. and 96 hrs.) and chronic (15 days and 30 days ) exposures. The results were statistically highly significant (P<60> 0.01).

1 table, 19 ref

022613   Gupta P (Zoology Dep, D.A.K. College, Moradabad) : Alteration in the activity of glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase in the blood of a freshwater fish Labeo rohita induced by azodyes. J Envir Biosci 2014, 28(1), 21-3.

The present study is an attempt to find out the effects of two azodyes Metanil yellow (4- aniline azobenzene-m- sulfonic acid) and Bismark brown ( 2, 4- diamino 3' aminoazo benzene ) on Glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase ( GOT ) activity in the blood of a freshwater fish Labeo rohita. GOT activity in the blood was found to be elevated at both acute and chronic exposures of both the dyes. The results were statistically highly significant (P<60> 0.01)

1 table, 19 ref

022612   Geetha S;Jagadish K S (Agriculture Entomology Dep, Agricultural Sciences Univ, GKVK, Bengaluru-560 065, Email: kallesh.geetha5@gmail.com) : Biology and life-table of Spodoptera litura (Fab.)on sunflower. Green Fmg 2015, 6(1), 133-6.

Biology and Life table of Spodoptera litura (Fab.) on sunflower were undertaken during 2012-13 at Zonal Agricultural Research Station, UAS, Bengaluru. The incubation period of the eggs of S. litura varied from 2.94 to 3.01 days, with an average of 3.01±0.06, larvae took 5.88 to 14.19 days to complete five instars with an average of 15.12±0.93 days, pupal period varied from 9.87 to10.33 days with a mean of 10.07±0.16 days and the longevity of male moths varied from 4.33 to 6.91 days with a mean 6.03±1. 12 days. Female moths lived longer than the male moths. The life span of female moths varied from 6.91-11.91 days with a mean of 9.40 ± 1.81 days. Life fecundity table were studied for S. litura on sunflower under laboratory conditions at 26.6 to 30.4°C. The net reproductive rate (R₀) was 506.30 females with the generation period (T) of 45.72days. The innate capacity (rm) and finite rate (A) of increase were found to be 0.18 and 1.15 females/day, respectively with a weekly multiplication rate of 2.5945 times. The per cent contribution of eggs, larvae, pupae and adults were 45.96, 47.16,5.72 and 1.17, respectively at stable age distribution of S. litura on sunflower.

5 tables, 12 ref

022611   Dev Roy M K (Crustacea Section, Zoological Survey of India, 27 Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata-700 016) : Inventory of decapod crustaceans from India. J envir Sociobiol 2014, 11(2), 219-74.

An inventory of decapod crustacea has been presented in this communication based on author's observations as well as from published literature. A total of 1655 decapods belonging to 567 genera and 115 families recorded so far from India is communicated herein. Maximum species diversity has been observed in Brachyura (931 species), followed by Caridea (323 species) and Anomura 190 species. New families and genera described from India are also included along with monotypic genera. List of doubtful species, unavailable names and nomen nudum are also presented.

2 tables, 58 ref

022610   Das S;Sau S K;Dasgupta M;Trivedi R K (Fisheries Dep, Aquaculture, Aquatic Resources and Fishing Harbour, Government of West Bengal) : Fluctuations of plankton population in Ox-Bow lake in Nadia district (West Bengal). J Inld Fish Soc India 2014, 46(1), 76-83.

Study was carrierd out to assess the diversity, abundance and fluctuations of plankton in an ox-bow lake in West Bengal. Total 21 genera of phytoplankton belonging to Chlorophyceae, Myxophyceae, Bacillariophyceae and Euglenophyceae and 21 genera of zooplankton of Copepoda, Cladocera, Rotifera, Ostracoda and Rhizopoda were identified from the lake. Total plankton varied from 20 to 505 nos. 1^{-1 and showed two peaks, one in April and the other in February. Chlorophyceae and Myxophyceae were dominant among phytoplankton and Copepoda was abundant among zooplankton.}

5 illus, 9 tables, 27 ref

022609   Das P;Bandyopadhyay S A (Zoology Dep, Sarojini Naidu College of Women, 30 Jessore Road, Dum Dum, Kolkata-700 028, Email: soma_bandyopadhyay@yahoo.com) : Coral reefs in peril-an appraisal. J envir Sociobiol 2014, 11(2), 279-84.

Anthropogenic activities like careless boating, diving, snorkeling, overfi shing, destructive fi shing practices and harvest of live corals for commercial purpose affect the integrity and ecosystem functions of coral reef. Urban and industrial waste, sewage, agrochemicals and oil spills are contaminating sea water, thereby, destroying corals and dependent taxa. Soil erosion due to various human activities augments river sediment content that settles in the ocean, increasing possibility to 'smother' corals by cutting off their sunlight. Dwindling mangrove forests, which normally trap large amounts of sediment, is magnifying the problem. Global warming has already led to increased levels of coral bleaching, and this is predicted to increase in frequency and severity in the coming decades. Thus, conservation strategies to reduce threat and restoration of degraded conditions needs to be prioritized to sustain ecosystem services derived from coral reefs. Stringent legislation to prevent contamination of sea water and reduced human interference around the coral reefs should be implemented instantly.

19 ref

022608   Das M K;Samanta S;Mitra K;Bandyopadhyay M K; Bhowmick S (NO, Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute, Barrackpore, Kolkata-700 120) : Assessment of fishery and ecological integrity of the anthropogenically stressed river Churni, India. J Inld Fish Soc India 2014, 46(1), 9-28.

River Churni a major source of surface water provides food and income security to nearly 0.3 million riparian people. Anthropogenic activities over the years have resulted in frequent fish mortality and decline in fish population. The frequent discharge of sugar mill effluents in the river alter the dissolved oxygen to critical levels of 0.8 mg 1^{-1. 54 fish species belonging to 24 families and 41 genera were recorded during the study. The relative abundance of Cyprinids was maximum (0.7-16%) followed by Bagrids (1.5-3.6%). The dominant species across the sites were Puntius conchonius, Glossogobius ginris, Salmophasia bacaila and Amblypharyngodon mola. Carnivorous species (54%) were dominant in all sites followed by omnivores (26%) and herbivores (20%). The local fish assemblages were structured by environmental influences at multiple scales. The most important parameters determining variability of fish assemblages are DO, pH, CO₂, NH₃-N and hardness. Evaluation of fish health of L. rohita reared in cages in situ at the stressed site and at the non-stressed site of the river indicated significant alteration in blood chemistry and cellular structure of the fishes in the stressed site compared to the control. The Index of Biotic Integrity revealed that 40% of the sampled sites supported fish assemblages in acceptable condition. Appropriate management strategy has been suggested to restore the ecological integrity of the river.}

6 illus, 10 tables, 37 ref

022607   Dalal P;Malik V;Chaudhry D;Shukla V (Zoology Dep, Maharshi Dayanand Univ, Rohtak-124 001, Email: vinaymalik71@gmail.com) : Association of ambient air quality with resident's lung function in Rohtak city, India. J Envir Biosci 2014, 28(1), 51-5.

The subjects living in areas with higher levels of air pollution in Rohtak city showed higher prevalence rates of respiratory symptoms and a larger decrease of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF), and ratio of FEV1/FVC compared with those living in areas with low levels of air pollution. When the differences in mean number of symptoms experienced by the individuals of high polluted area (HPA) and low polluted area (LPA) were compared, it was found that the symptoms were more likely to occur in HPA population than the subjects residing in the LPA. The forced vital capacity (FVC) value was 78.83% in the subjects of high polluted area and 86.53% in low polluted area. The FEV1 values were 73.66% and 84.80% in the subjects of high and low polluted area, respectively. This finding indicated the restrictive nature of pulmonary involvement in the study group.

5 illus, 2 tables, 21 ref

022606   Chitra J (Protozoology Section, Lower Invertebrate Div, Zoological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata-700 053) : Case study on rhizopoda (Protozoa) fauna of temple premises from Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu. J envir Sociobiol 2014, 11(2), 275-8.

The present investigation was made from several temple premises of Kancheepuram district, viz., Kamatchi Amman temple, Ulagalandha Perumal temple, Kaleeswarar temple, Sri Adi Parameswari Kalikambal temple and Kumarakottam temple, which are famous heritage places in Tamil Nadu, southern part of India. The samples from soil, trees, gardens, water tanks, walls, etc., from the temple premises were collected. From the analyses of these samples, 9 species of rhizopoda under 4 genera and 3 families, viz., Arcellidae, Centropyxidae and Euglyphidae belonging to 2 orders, viz., Testacealobosa and Testaceafi losa were recorded. These protozoan species are reported for the fi rst time from these heritage premises of Tamil Nadu.

1 table, 12 ref

022605   Chauhan A;Gupta P K (Zoology Dep, D. S. B. Campus, Kumaun Univ, Nainital-263 002, Email: anu26ch@gmail.com) : Periphyton community of lake Nainital, Uttarakhand. J Envir Biosci 2014, 28(1), 61-4.

The present paper embodies the species richness and community abundance of periphyton on the natural stone substrate in a subtropical Himalayan lake, Lake Nainital. A total of 43 species of periphyton, including zooperiphyton and phytoperiphyton were identified from the lake during 1 year study from April 2011 - March 2012. The average periphyton community abundance varied from 6.12 ind/cm2 in September 2011 to 36.12 ind/cm^{2 in February 2012. The influence of temperature, pH, free carbondioxide, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrate-nitrogen and phosphate phosphorous on community abundance of periphyton was studied. However, none of these factors could be significantly correlated with community abundance of periphyton.}

2 illus, 1 table, 26 ref

022604   Biswal D;Nandi A P;Chatterjee S (Parasitology and Microbiology Research Laboratory, Zoology Dep, The Univ of Burdwan, Burdwan-713 104, Email: soumen.microbiology@gmail.com) : Biochemical and molecular characterization of the cyclophyllidean cestode, Cotugnia cuneata (Meggit, 1924), and endoparasite of domestic pigeons, Columba livia domestica. J parasitic Dis 2014, 38(1), 106-10.

Analysis of the major biochemical constituents of Cotugnia cuneata revealed that the total protein, carbohydrate, glycogen and lipid contents (as percentage of dry weight) were 25.22 ± 0.93, 32.90 ± 0.30, 21.33 ± 0.99 and 9.94 ± 0.42 respectively. The results showed that the carbohydrate content was the highest followed by protein and lipid contents respectively. Glycogen content was relatively high which showed that carbohydrate was mainly present in the form of glycogen in these cestodes. The A + T and G + C contents were obtained as 49.82 and 50.18% respectively. The phylogenetic tree showed that C. cuneata branched with its closest cluster comprising of Raillietina tunetensis, Raillietina australis, Fuhrmann-etta malakartis and Raillietina sonini with 99% bootstrap support.

3 illus, 26 ref

022603   Banyal H S;Sanjeev Kumar (Desert Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India, Jodhpur-342 005, Email: dr.harinderbanyal@gmail.com) : New record of fish diversity in the Luni river at Sanchore region of Rajasthan state. J Envir Biosci 2014, 28(1), 45-6.

Present paper deals with studies on fish diversity of Luni River at Sanchore region of Jalore district of Rajasthan state. Luni is a seasonal river of Western Rajasthan and due to intermittent release of surplus water from Narmada Canal into the Luni River, many perennial water pools are formed in its bed. The river was surveyed in the year 2013 & eight species of fish were recorded for the first time from the study area. Cypriniformes was the dominant order with five species followed by Siluriformes, Perciformes and Osteoglossiformes each represented by one species.

2 illus, 1 table, 5 ref

022602   Arya M K;Joshi P C;Agarwal A (Zoology Dep, D. S. B. Campus Kumaun Univ, Nainital) : Species diversity and fluctuation in population density of coleopteran insects of shyampur forest range in the shivalik foot hills, Haridwar, India. J Envir Biosci 2014, 28(1), 85-91.

Species diversity and fluctuation in population density of Coleopteran insects of Shyampur forest range in the Shivalik foot Hills near Haridwar, India was studied during the study period 2007-09. A total of 676 individuals of Coleopteran insects were recorded, representing 17 species belonging to 6 families. Scarabaeidae was the most dominant family with 6 species constituting 35.29% of the total species of Coleopterans followed by Chrysomelidae with 4 species constituting 23.54%, Meloidae, Lycidae and Cicindelidae with 2 species (11.76%) each and Coccinellidae with single species. Zygogrmma bichloreta Pallister (Family: Chrysomeidae) was the most dominant species in the study area followed, by Coccinella sepumpunctata Linn. (Family: Coccinellidae), Mylabris pustulata Thun. (Family: Meloidae) and Gymnopleurus cyaneus Fabr (Family: Scarabaeidae). Shannon-Wiener index of diversity across the two years of study for the Coleopteran insects was 2.174 and 2.037 during the study period 2007-08 and 2008-c09, respectively. During both the years of study, maximum population densities were 23.25 and 17.5 insect ha^{-1 observed during rainy seasons.}

4 tables, 31 ref