Plant Endemism in Western Ghats and Identification of Ss 1

PLANT ENDEMISM IN WESTERN GHATS AND IDENTIFICATION OF CRITICAL SPECIES AND HABITATS
SS 1
Nayar, M.P.
First Indian Biodiversity Congress 2010 : Book of Abstracts
Former Director, Botanical Survey of India Environmental Resources Research Centre, 10/30.N.C.C.Road Perrorkada, P Thiruvananthapuram-695005, Kerala .O. nayarmp@yahoo.co.in The flora of Western Ghats comprises about 10500 species from unicellular cyanobacteria to the flowering plants. In the floristic spectrum of India the Western Ghats flora represents about 25 percent. Of the 4000 species of flowering plants about 1500 species are endemic to Western Ghats. The Western Ghats mountain chain is part of the Indian plate of the Gondwanaland origin. The flora of Indian plate was subjected to different climate stresses during its passage from southern latitudes (c.100my BP) resulting in the impoverishment of its palaeotropic flora. Just as Himalayas presides over the biogeography of India, the Western Ghats to a large extent presides over the ecology and biogeography of Peninsular India. The physiographic features of the mountain chains of Northern Western Ghats straddling through the states of southern Gujarat, Maharashtra, northern Karnataka having steep gradient on the windward side and gradual sloping on the leeward side is in quite contrast to the steep slope on the leeward side and gradual sloping on the windward side of the southern Western Ghats straddling the southern Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The latitudinal position and altitudinal gradients with its rainfall patterns of southwest and northeast monsoons, changes of climatic shifts due to variations in dry months on the leeward side of the mountains, the stratified mountain topography due to flow of Deccan lavas, the presence of mosaic of soil types, soil nutrients have resulted in a mosaic of ecological islands, niches and refugia which favour high degree of endemism, viccariance and relicts. One of the criteria for selecting habitats for conservation is the degree of endemism. Scientifically planned protected area network should include such endemic centres, however small they may be, and this would ensure saving species of restricted distribution. Most of the endemic plants of Western Ghats are palaeoendemics occurring in the ecological niches, habitat temperature/ rainfall gradients and interphases. There are two mega endemic centres ie. southern Western Ghats and northern Western Ghats which includes six micro endemic centres in Western Ghats: i.e., Agasthyamalai hills, Anamalai-High Ranges, NilgrisSilent valley-Waynad-Kodgu region, Shimoga- Kanara, Mahabaleswar-Khandala, Konkan-Raigad centre. There are about 60 endemic genera in Western Ghats of which 49 are monotypic. The endemic genera of Western Ghats are diverse assemblages of herbs, succulent scapigerous herbs shrubs, climbers and trees. Trees are poorly represented in the endemic generic category. It is generally considered that woody life forms are of relictual nature. The arborecent nature at the generic level is seen in the endemic genera Poeciloneuron, Blepharistemma, Erinocarpus, Pseudoglochidion, Otonephelium and Meteoromyrtus. The presence of endemic elements in a flora which are taxonomically isolated from the nearest taxonomic group indicates its isolation from the main stock for a long period of time. Such taxonomically isolated endemic genera the age of its origin, since intermediate groups might have become extinct due to palaeoclimatic changes. The following endemic genera of Western Ghats are of phylogenetic and taxonomic importance: Haplothismia, Indotristicha and Hubbardia. Some of the important endemic tree species of Western Ghats which occur in specific ecological niches and which may come down in populations are highlighted in the paper. In the present scenario of the Western Ghats the genotypic and ecological basis of populations of 45 endemic species are critical for survival. In order to stop looming extinction, it is necessary to study the conservation biology of the threatened endemic species.
AN OVERVIEW OF MICRO-FUNGAL DIVERSITY IN THE FORESTS OF WESTERN GHATS, INDIA
SS 2
Bhat, D.J.
Department of Botany, Goa University, Taligao plateau, Goa 403206 bhatdj@rediffmail.com
Fungi are achlorophyllous, filamentous or unicellular, micro-organisms which subsist as saprophyte, parasite or mutualists. Micro-fungi produce small fruiting bodies. Taxonomically they belong to Zygomycota and Ascomycota with their anamorphs. Though microscopic they are a diverse group of organisms. The forests of Western Ghats form an important zone of fungal biodiversity in the world. Since 1990, we made consistent efforts to systematically collect, isolate, identify and document the micro-fungi of the region, major areas of survey included freshwater aquatics, marine driftwoods, decaying plant debris (litter and humus), endophytes, aerial leaves (folliicolous), dead or live insects (entomogenous), soil and herbivore dung (coprophilous). This paper gives an overview of the microfungal diversity of region, various isolation techniques utilized in present study and a checklist of the fungi isolated and identified till date from the forests of Western Ghats along with illustrations of novel and interesting fungi hitherto published by the author. The paper also discusses about the on-going ex-situ conservation and bioprospecting efforts at Goa University.
WESTERN GHATS BIODIVERSITY OPEN COLLABORATIVE INFORMATION SYSTEM KNOWLEDGE COMMONS FOR CONSERVATION
SS 3
Prabhakar, Ramesh B.R. 1, Balasubramanian, D.1, Prabhakar, R.2, Muthusankar, Ayyappan, N.1, Narendiran, K.1 and Muthusankar, G.1
French Institute, Pondicherry - 605 001 (Corresponding author) 2 Strand Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd, Bangalore 560024. email: ramesh.br@ifpindia.org; balu.d@ifpindia.org; prabha@strandls.com; ayyappan.n@ifpindia.org; naren@ifpindia.org;
Over the last few decades there has been an explosion of studies to assess the past and present status of species and ecosystems of the Western Ghats. Despite the opportunities provided by these studies there are concerns about the present status of biodiversity, and the ability to predict the response of biodiversity to local and global environmental change. There are extensive studies and collection of specimens, species occurrence records, and distribution maps of species of the Western Ghats dispersed among many institutions and individuals. A primary impediment for any comprehensive biodiversity conservation effort is to know the availability of multitude of datasets and the access to these datasets. Lack of a good social network among the stakeholders of conservation in Western Ghats also partly contributes to this problem. So, all the data, information, and knowledge generated by various entities during various time periods across various themes, if shared on an open, collaborative information platform, could serve to overcome the stated impediments. The Western Ghats Biodiversity Open Collaborative Information System or shortly Western Ghats Portal (WGP) aims to serve as a one-stop solution for biodiversity information needs of Western Ghats conservation community. WGP will be a collaborative information system that will aggregate and integrate an array of biodiversity knowledge (eg. datasets, analysis tools and published works) available with several entities in order to identify and prioritize conservation of biodiversity in the Western Ghats. Such a comprehensive, single point, collaborative and community owned information system will facilitate a transparent and informed approach towards conservation. WGP portal intends to aggregate biodiversity information for public good, by leveraging Web 2.0 technology to aggregate data and publish it on a portal with the objective of connect, share, disseminate. All data on the portal will be freely and openly available to the public over the Internet and distributed under the Creative Commons (CC) licenses. WGP will have five major components. They are (a) a WebGIS platform, (b) a non-map module like species pages with rich content, (c) a collaboration and social networking module for stakeholders, contributors, reviewers and end-users, (d) Application tools for data visualization and species identification and (e) Application programming interfaces for exchanging data with other global databases. WGP will evolve as a public knowledge base on Western Ghats biodiversity as it will be, (a) a community initiative, (b) a knowledge sharing platform and (c) a portal of high standards interacting with other global biodiversity informatics initiatives. 3
DIVERSITY OF MOTH FLIES AND SAND FLIES (DIPTERA: PSYCHODIDAE) OF THE WESTERN GHATS
SS 4
K. Ilango
Zoological Survey of India, Southern Regional Centre #130 Santhome High Road, Chennai-600028 kilangozsi@gmail.com
Moth flies and sand flies are tiny true flies of the family Psychodidae (Insecta: Diptera) comprising one of the oldest lineages of lower Diptera originated in the Permian (250 Million Years Ago). Members of the Psychodidae are widespread in tropical and subtropical countries exhibiting morphological and ecological diversities with 2,900 species classified into 6 subfamilies: Bruchomyiinae, Sycoracinae, Horaiellinae, Trichomyiinae, Psychodinae and Phlebotominae. Adult flies of the non-phlebotomine Psychodids and their immature stages are associated with moist habitats, while Phlebotminae, often referred as Phlebotomine sand flies are known for their blood-sucking habitat and terrestrial breeding. Aquatic habitats of moth flies are vulnerable to ecological changes, thus some species are indicator species. Sand flies in the genus Phlebotomus that contains vectors of human leishmaniasis reported in the western ghats. Because of their cryptic biology and behaviour, the knowledge of Indian psychodids is only partial with less than 100 known species. This paper deals with Psychodid fauna of the Western Ghats: (i) on the taxonomic classified check list and their biogeographical patterns, (ii) epidemiological implication of sand flies involved in the new foci of leishmaniasis from the western ghat states of Kerala and Gujarat.
WESTERN GHATS FRESHWATER BIODIVERSITY: AN ASSESSMENT OF THEIR CONSERVATION STATUS

1
SS 5
Molur, B.A. Smith, K.G.,1 Molur, S., 2 and Daniel, B.A. 3

Freshwater Biodiversity Unit, Species Programme, IUCN - International Union for Conservation of Nature, 219c Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 ODL, UK Kevin.Smith@iucn.org (Corresponding author) 2,3 9A, Lal Bahadur Colony, PB 1683, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu , India badaniel@zooreach.org, zooreach@zooreach.org
The Western Ghats is an exceptional hotspot of freshwater biodiversity, with an estimated 289 species freshwater fishes, at least 80 species of molluscs an estimated 160 species of odonates (dragonflies and damselflies) and over 500 species of aquatic plants. These freshwater species and their associated wetland ecosystems are hugely important to local and regional livelihoods. The Western Ghats rivers provide water to 245 million people in the Indian peninsular states, over 200 species of fish are used for food and 100 species are harvested for the aquarium trade. Freshwater biodiversity is also critical in supporting the provision of many indirect ecosystem services such as the control of pest species, filtration of water and flood control. Despite the importance of freshwater systems, they are amongst the most endangered of Earths ecosystems. There is considerable evidence to show that the freshwater ecosystems of the Western Ghats are facing growing impacts from economic development through increased quantities of silt runoff into rivers (associated with deforestation), dams and irrigation projects, sand mining, chemical and biological pollution of rivers, overharvesting, and introduction of exotic fishes. River systems in the region have lost more than 30 native species over the last 60 years as a result of these activities. These threats to the freshwater ecosystems of the Western Ghats also impact the large number of people who rely on these ecosystem resources, especially the most disadvantaged people the poorest of the poor that are most heavily dependent on aquatic resources (particularly for food from fisheries). Accurate, up to date and easily accessible information is needed on the status, distribution and value of freshwater biodiversity in the Western Ghats to ensure that development and conservation planning is well informed. This project (funded by the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF), and run by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Zoo Outreach Organisation (ZOO)) will fill the information gap that currently impairs conservation planning and policy decisions by implementing comprehensive IUCN Red List assessments and digital distribution maps of the freshwater biodiversity (all species of freshwater fishes, molluscs, odonates and selected plant families) throughout the Western Ghats region. This has been completed through Indian and international experts to compiling the most up to date species data which has been peer reviewed at workshops in India. The project is not yet complete (May 2011) therefore preliminary results of this assessment will be presented at the IBC 2010, showing the areas of greatest freshwater biodiversity species richness, threatened species, endemic species and area of conservation priority (Key Biodiversity Areas, Alliance for Zero Extinction Sites). The final results will be published in a report written by the taxonomic experts and all the data, including digital species distributions will be made freely available through the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (http://www.iucnredlist.org/). 5
CONSERVATION PHOTOGRAPHY: SAVING THE WORLD; ONE IMAGE AT A TIME..
SS 6
Balan Madhavan
Fellow, International League of Conservation Photographers (www.ilcp.com) www.balan.in
The world around us is changing.. and it is not for the good. Global warming and climate change are no longer terms discussed exclusively among the academicsand scientific communities of the world. It is a reality that we all need to face andaddress every moment of our life. In a world where the common man, out of ignorance, is more responsible for the ill effects of climate change than all the corporates put together, it is the responsibility of the creative personalities of the world to use their knowledge, skill and popularity to spread the message of conservation to the masses. And 21st Century is the era of visual communication and photography is the best tool to spread this message. The 9th World Wilderness Congress held in Merida, Mexico emphasized the role photographers and filmmakers should play in making the common man aware of their responsibility to nature & environment. We should also understand that while protection is a policing job for the authorities, conservation is an emotional subject. It is an accepted fact that people will try to conserve and protect only those things that they love. Nobody would want to save a particular ecosystem for the reason that it is home to a rare species of plant or animal. But they will be concerned about a beautiful landscape or a waterfall in that ecosystem if an image of that place has touched their soul. In order to achieve this the academics and scientific community should welcome the creative persons among us with both hands to communicate to the masses. The collective strength of writers, poets, actors, architects, musicians, sportsmen etc. should be tapped by the conservationists. Through their creative expressions, the artists can influence the minds of the masses and evoke a feeling of love to the nature around them. This, and this alone, will save our world, save our children and theirs to come, as saving and preserving comes only from caring and loving. This will be a Multimedia presentation with examples of work done in various parts of the world by the International League of Conservation Photographers, of which the author is the Only Fellow from India. Visual campaigns and their outcome will be discussed in the presentation. 6
MAINSTREAMING BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION SS 7 IN THE PRODUCTION LANDSCAPE INITIATIVES OF KANAN DEVAN HILLS PLANTATIONS COMPANY IN MUNNAR
Mohan C. Varghese and Balasubramanian, S.

High Range Wildlife & Environment Preservation Association, Kanniamallay, Munnar- 685612, Kerala mohan.varghese@kdhptea.co.in; Balasubramanian.s@kdhptea.co.in
The Western Ghats of India is considered one of the Biodiversity hotspots in the world. It is a large repository of invaluable species of plants and animals. The region with several endemics has also a number threatened species. Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Company Private Limited is one of the largest single stakeholders in this ecologically important landscape. The tea plantation of the Company, the largest participatory management companies in the plantation sector is located in Munnar. The company, located within the landscape with a number of Protected Areas, has been active in conservation of the area with several initiatives of ecological significance. The company has pursued the rich tradition of environment conservation, initiated by its predecessors and fulfills its responsibility in assisting the Kerala Forest and Wildlife Department in the management of the Eravikulam National Park, the formation of which was facilitated by the predecessors of the Company. The company implements a unique Shola rejuvenation programme, to help regenerate degraded patches in the pristine shola forests, which lie within the companys holdings. The protection of the Shola forests is an integral part of the companys functions, and the success of this effort finds mention in a study conducted by a premier research institution. The plantation areas within the landscape are well preserved and act as wildlife refuges and corridors for animal movement. The sightings of animals in different estates are periodically and systematically recorded in a format. The documentation reveals a well distributed and diverse wildlife population in the tea garden areas. Steps are taken to avoid disturbance to wildlife promoting co-existence thus avoiding conflict from the human wildlife interaction. The Company is also involved in the welfare programmes of the Muduvans, the indigenous community of the area by providing employment in the conservation actions and supporting them for their welfare. The Kanan Devan Hills Plantation Company also facilitates conservation oriented programmes by providing logistics and forum for discussion on conservation initiatives. The paper attempts to give the details of the Company initiatives in mainstreaming biodiversity in production sector. 7
BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT PERSPECTIVE IN INDIA WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO AVIFAUNA
01 I1
Yahya, H.S.A.
Dept. of Wildlife Sciences, AMU Aligarh Present Address: OSD AMU Malapurram Centre, Perinthalmanna hsa.yahya@gmail.com
Although sustainability of mankind on this planet largely depends on biodiversity resources and since the beginning of the civilization most religions and social doctrines have emphasized on contentment and judicious use of resources, there has been gross negligence to manage it properly. Exceeding overexploitation and mismanagement of biodiversity has become catastrophic now and future of this planet is in great danger. Despite better awareness and facilities, the casualness towards biodiversity conservation and management is unsatisfactory even in developed counties. There is an immense lack of public and political will in sincerely implementing the policies and legislations that are formulated after great deliberations, meetings and seminars. Owing to globalization the consumerism is widely spreading. We have to chalk out plans based on local needs and expertise which are simple and effective as well as safeguard judicious use of biological resources. Without effective will power and engaging locals in capacity building conservation and management of biodiversity will remain illusive; and degradation of our planet will continue. By encompassing a number of bio-geographical zones and diversified climatological regimes, India is bestowed with a very rich biodiversity and is rightly considered as one of the twelve Mega-biodiversity areas of the world. Comprising of 1260 species of birds, the avian diversity of the country is also quite rich and has been rather well documented. India has a history of three centuries old ornithology. However, despite a glorious past, due to gradual decline in the quality and content of most of the wildlife habitats, the future of Indias wildlife, vis--vis birds, is far from secure. Environmental degradation, more notably the decline and fragmentation of forest cover in India is perhaps the most damaging factor for jeopardizing the sustainability of our faunal and floral heritage. Indiscriminate use of pesticides and insecticides and ineffective implementation of wildlife protection acts to control poaching are other anthropogenic pressures adversely affecting the avifauna of the country. On a rough estimate over hundred species of Indian birds are struggling under various categories of endangerment, while future of the rest is also insecure. While vultures have vanished from several areas, population of common birds like house sparrows is declining. Though this is perhaps a global phenomenon, we need to discuss this issue more seriously. In addition to various conservation measures prevailing in the country we ought to emphasize the importance of education and awareness more elaborately and effectively. There is an urgent need to identify areas of gaps even in the regime of research and management. India being such a large country more coordinated efforts are needed for the proper management of any sector as well as for the conservation of our biodiversity. Several theoretical exercises, including preparation of National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), have so far not yielded desired results. 8
FRESHWATER BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION ASSESSMENTS IN THE EASTERN HIMALAYA BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT

1
01 I2
Molur, B.A. Allen, D.,1 Molur, S., 2 and Daniel, B.A.2

Freshwater Biodiversity Unit, IUCN Species Programme, 219c Huntingdon Road, Cambridge CB3 0DL, UK, david.allen@iucn.org. (Corresponding Author) 2 Zoo Outreach Organisation, 9A, Lal Bahadur Colony, PB 1683, Peelamedu, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, sanjaymolur@gmail.com, badaniel@zooreach.org, zooreach@zooreach.org
The Eastern Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot contains exceptional freshwater biodiversity and ecosystems that are of vital importance to local and regional livelihoods, but these are under threat from the developmental and use pressures arising from the 62 million people living in the area. Widespread plans for large water resource development in the region could put further pressure on the ecosystems. It is of great importance to support sustainable use and conservation of freshwater in order to safeguard the livelihoods of those dependent upon the biodiversity of inland waters. A two year project, funded by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, assessed the conservation status and mapped the global distributions of key freshwater species, aiming to address the lack of baseline information on freshwater species distributions and their ecological requirements through the implementation of assessments throughout the Hotspot. The project encompassed the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Kaladan and Irrawaddy River basins. Selected priority groups of freshwater species (fishes, molluscs, and Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies)) that cover a range of trophic levels and thereby provide an indicator of the condition and conservation status of freshwater ecosystems. With advice from regional project partners and from relevant IUCN Species Survival Commission Specialist Groups, regional and international experts were identified and trained in the application of the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria to assess each species risk of extension, the use of IUCNs Species Information Service database, and GIS mapping at a training workshop held in Nepal in July 2009. The experts compiled available data on species distribution, habitat requirements, ecology, population trends, and threats, and assessed each species risk of extinction. A global distribution map was produced for each species, showing known and inferred presence at the river sub-catchment level using HydroSHEDS GIS data as the base layer. Expert review workshops were held (in Kolkata and in Coimbatore, India) to ensure that the species assessments and distribution maps were informed by the best available knowledge. Completed assessment and distribution maps have been published on the IUCN Red List of Threatened SpeciesTM and made freely available through a project report and CDrom containing species assessments and maps. A total of 1,076 species were included in the assessment. Regions of high species richness and endemism, and areas where environmental threats are greatest, have been identified and mapped. Whilst few species were assessed as Threatened (7.3% of species assessed as Critically Endangered, Endangered, or Vulnerable), very high levels of Data Deficient species (31.3%) were identified, highlighting the urgent need for a greatly increased level of research into species taxonomy, distributions, and populations trends, as well as into threats to species and their habitats. Over all groups, 55.9% of species were assessed as Least Concern. Dams, fishing, pollution, deforestation, and residential and commercial development were cited as the leading threats across the region. With the threats for more than 45% of species unknown, the results again highlight the importance of further research into the distribution and impact of key threats to freshwater systems. 9
DISTRIBUTION, DIVERSITY AND EX SITU CONSERVATION OF NOTHAPODYTES NIMMONIANA, AN ANTI-NEOPLASTIC PLANT, IN WESTERN GHATS OF INDIA
01 01
Abdul Kareem, V.K.. Rajasekharan , P.E.* and Vasantha Kumar, T.

Division of Plant Genetic Resources, Section of Medicinal crops Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta lake PO, Bangalore 560 089 *rajasekharan.pe@gmail.com
Nothapodytes nimmoniana Graham is an important Indian medicinal plant with rich source of quinoline alkaloid Camptothecin which is one of the most promising anticancer drug of the twenty first century. It is a medium sized tree distributed in the evergreen, semi-evergreen and deciduous forests of Western ghats of India, North East India, Srilanka, Myanmar and Thailand. In our recent study in four states of Western Ghats (Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Maharashtra), we could observe tremendous morphological, and genetic variability in N. nimmoniana. ISSR analysis of 12 populations showed that high genetic variation among the populations (73.7%) and low variation within the populations (41.09%). Among the populations, population from Coorg showed highest intrapopulation diversity (53.3%) followed by population from Chickamagalur (52.4%), whereas population from Kodaikanal showed lowest (31.6%) intrapopulation diversity. morphological Variation was evaluated by in situ evaluation of leaf length, leaf breath, petiole length, intermodal length and lenticels length. Although the local people are not aware of its medicinal value, they were destructively harvesting the species for multinational companies. Dried raw material was exported from India to countries like Japan, USA and Spain and the export business was completely managed by private sector. Due to this destructive harvesting and habitat loss the population number and size were rapidly decreasing and the species is under serious threat. In fact, it is estimated that in the last decade alone, the population has declined 50-80% leading to the red listing of the species. The species was confined to the remnant of forest pockets and needed urgent attention for its conservation. To counter over-exploitation of wild populations and consequent threats to biodiversity, sustainable harvesting practices need to be adopted for and conservation of this medicinally important species . These issues and diversity and ex situ conservation strategy for this species will be discussed in this presentation 10
OCCURRENCE AND DIVERSITY OF TERMITOMYCES SPECIES IN KODAGU DISTRICT OF WESTERN GHATS
01 02
Abolfazl Pahlevanlo and Janardhana., G.R.*

Mycology and Plant Pathology Laboratory Department of Studies in Botany, University of Mysore, Mysore 570 006 Karnataka State -India * grjbelur@gmail.com
The termites belong to subfamily Macrotermitinae have been an obligate symbiotic relationship with fungal genus Termitomyces. The fungus-growing termites cultivate Termitomyces fungus in a comb like structures that made from fecal plates consists of semi digestive plant material passed quickly through the termites of mid gut. The nest of Macrotermitinae is inoculated by viable conidiophores of Termitomyces by young workers to the comb. In this mutualistic symbiosis the fungal symbiont degrades complex substances such as lignin or cellulose into substances that can be used by termites and along with mycelium which acts as a source of protein to the termites. On the other hand the termites provide the favorable home environment for Termitomyces species. This type of association is very common in the regions of Western Ghats of India. The diversity and wealth of mushroom flora in the Kodagu region (Western Ghats) is a place of mycologists paradise. However, there is a great threat to the species of Termitomyces, as these mushrooms are hand picked by the local people unscientifically from the termite nests as they are edible. The exact number and the occurrence of Termitomyces species in the Kodagu region have not been investigated. A study was conducted in the eastern part of Western Ghats of Karnataka during May 2009 to September 2010 in the Kodagu region to record the occurrence of rich and unique assemblage of Termitomyces. All the available species were carefully studied without damaging the termite nests. All the Termitomyces species were also examined in the laboratory based on macroscopic and microscopic characteristics. The species were identified based on mushroom keys described and illustrations were made with the help of Camera Lucida. The voucher specimens were deposited in the Museum at the Department of Studies in Botany University of Mysore, Mysore. Eight diverse species of Termitomyces namely T. microcarpus, T. indicus, T. clypatus, T. cylindricus, T. globulus, T. eurhizus, T. heimii, T. mammiformis belong to the genus Termitomyces and one species namely Sinotermimyces taiwanensis belong to Sinotermitomyces were identified based on macromorphological characteristics such as basidiocarps such as pileus, lamellae, stipe, pseudorhiza, partial veil and micromorphological characteristics such as basidiospore, basidia ,cystidia and hymenophoral trama. As there is great demand for these mushrooms particularly during mid monsoon, mushroom pickers are damaging the termites nests and there is threat to the diversity of Termitomyces. There is an urgent need to protect nests so that conservation and sustainable utilization of Termitomyces possible. This is the first report on the diversity of Termitomyces species in Kodagu region of Karnataka. 11
SCIENTIFIC VALIDATION OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINAL USE OF CYCLEA PELTATA DIELS., AN IMPORTANT MEDICINAL PLANT OF WESTERN GHATS
01 03
Akhilesh Bhat and Raveesha, K.A.

Herbal Drug Technology Laboratory, Department of Studies in Botany University of Mysore, Manasagangotri, Mysore-570006
Cyclea peltata Diels. (family- Menispermaceae) is a climbing shrub with peltate leaves, distributed widely in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. The leaves of the plant are known to be medicinally important and they are indicated in ayurvedic literature as a medication for Urinary Tract Infections and skin diseases. The scientific validation of its use in the treatment of microbial infections is yet to be done. The leaves of the plant were evaluated for antimicrobial property. Polarity based solvent extraction of the leaves was carried out and the extracts were subjected to antibacterial and antifungal activity assay by cup diffusion and disc diffusion methods. Bacillus cereus (MTCC 1272), Escherichia coli (MTCC 7410), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (MTCC 424) and Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC 7443) served as the test bacteria, whereas Candida albicans (MTCC 183), Epidermophyton floccosum (MTCC 613), Microsporum canis (MTCC 2820), Microsporum gypseum (MTCC 2830) and Trichophyton rubrum (MTCC 296) served as test fungi. The ethyl acetate extract showed significant antibacterial activity. Further work to isolate and characterize the bio-active compound is in progress. The present investigation aids in the scientific validation of traditional medicinal use of this plant.
12
UNDERSTANDING SPECIES-HABITAT RELATIONSHIP AND ROLE OF ETHNIC COMMUNITIES IN CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF HORNBILLS AND THEIR HABITAT, ANAMALAIS (PARAMBIKULAM TIGER RESERVE) SOUTHERN WESTERN GHATS
1
01 04
Amitha Bachan K. H.*1 and Kannan, R.
.Aranyak, Kandarumadathil, Mathilakam P 680685, Thrissur Dt., Kerala, India. .O. Ph: 09497627870, email: amith.hornbill@gmail.com. 2 .Department of Biology, University of ArkansasFort Smith, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72913, USA
The forests of Anamalais landscape are one of the important among the three biodiversity hot spots in the Western Ghats and were reported as the most important habitat for the Hornbills in the entire Western Ghats. Degradation of potential forests with suitable nesting trees and poaching of hornbill squabs were reported as the major reasons for the diminishing of hornbill population. Potential moist primary forests in the landscape are located around the boundary of recently established Parambikulam Tiger Reserve of Kerala. Hunting by the endemic Kadars were cited as an important threat to hornbill population in the Anamalai Landscape unit, most important Hornbill habitat of Western Ghats and suggested need of continuous monitoring and protection against hunting of squabs as an important conservation measure. The Kadars are non agrarian, forest dwelling, primitive tribe with a limited population (<2000) within 24 settlements of the landscape. This paper elucidate the significance of involving local ethnic communities in monitoring and conservation of important species like hornbills, need of assessing the status of habitat and understanding species-habitat relationship in the conservation and management of biodiversity. A preliminary survey in the Vazhachal division conducted during 2004-05 with support of the Kerala Forest Department (KFD) and the endemic Kadar tribal people. The survey was developed into a participatory monitoring and conservation programme with involvement of community groups (VSSVana Samrakshana Samithy). They were trained in the field to monitor hornbills during the nesting season. Protection of nesting trees was ensured with regular patrolling of the selected tribal guards. A support from the CEPF-ATREE small grants 2009 was used to strengthen and spread the program across the landscape involving local ethnic people and also to asses the status of the nesting habitat of Great Hornbill and Malabar Pied hornbills in the area. Mapping of the potential vegetation and hornbill nest sites were done using GIS. Analysis of the composition and status of nesting trees and their habitat was done while laying out 15 m radius circular plots. Protection and monitoring all the identified nest trees through empowering the Kadar tribesmen was also done. A total of 62 Great Hornbill 6 Malabar Pied Hornbill were protected during the study. Involvement of 36 Kadar tribesmen from 11 settlements of the Vazhachal and Parambikulam forest divisions were ensured during the process. An initial survey was conducted at the adjoining divisions. The potential forest area suitable for hornbill nesting in the landscape is about 890 sq km, about 43 % of the total forest area (2027 sq. km). These include 620 sq km (70%) within six forest administrative divisions of the Kerala state and the rest 270 sq km (30%) in the Valparai-Topslip area of Tamil Nadu. The Sholayar and Vazhachal forests of the Vazhachal forest division account for the 80% Great Hornbill nests and the covers about 50% of suitable hornbill habitat of the landscape. The Great Hornbill here found to depend on 19 emergent trees species of which 90% of the species are endemic plants and 50% are of endangered (RET) category. About 85% of nest trees of Great Hornbills and all the recorded nests of Malabar Pied Hornbills were prone to various threats indicating the vulnerability of Hornbill nest sites. There is direct correlation between degradation nest trees with that of representing vegetation. The Malabar Pied hornbills found restricted to a single location in the low elevation (100300m) riparian evergreen forests of Vazhachal. All the six nest trees located are under threat and suitable nest trees are absent in the habitat. Urgent measures should be initiated to protect the species from extinction. Understanding the status of nesting habitat and species-habitat relationship would provide important data in the conservation of species like Hornbills and that could lead us into effective specific habitat enhancement and protection strategies. It is important to protect all the nesting sites of hornbills in the landscape with proper participatory protection and habitat enhancement activities. Involvement of local ethnic community can contribute significantly to the conservation and monitoring of forest habitats and also for important species. The very knowledge and skill within each ethnic group could be utilized in the conservation of biodiversity and that can also support the survival right of the ethnic groups.
13
THE COMMUNITY COMPOSITION AND CLASSIFICATION OF THE RIPARIAN VEGETATION OF THE CHALAKKUDY RIVER, WESTERN GHATS AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE IN THE MANAGEMENT OF FORESTED LANDSCAPE AND BIODIVERSITY
1
01 05
Amitha Bachan K. H.*1 and Pradeep, A. K.2

.Aranyak, Kandarumadathil, Mathilakam P 680685, Thrissur Dt., Kerala, India. email: amith.hornbill@gmail.com. .O. 2 .Herbarium Curator, Department of Botany, University of Calicut, Kerala, India. Email:akpradeep1@rediffmail.com
The riparian vegetation is a very less understood, but most wide spread and extensively manipulated ecosystem of the world. The term Riparian was used by many scientists to address diverse conditions of wetlands, including marginal vegetation of waterbodies with stagnant water such as lakes and ponds. It is clear that all the riparian zones are wetlands and a clear delineation from all other wetlands is a necessity. Studies on the riparian plant communities were very limited from the tropical countries and were seldom conducted in the Indian region and also from the Western Ghats. This pioneering work brings about definition, community composition and bioclimatic classification of the riparian vegetation of the Chalakkudy river basin, an important river originating exclusively within the Anamalai landscape unit of the Southern Western Ghats. Bioclimate and vegetation of the river basin were analysed according to methods provided by Meher-Homji (2001) and using 20 years of rainfall data. The GIS utility was used for mapping the physical and vegetation features of the river basin. A clustered random sampling method was employed for Phytosociological analysis of the vegetation. About 109 plots of 15 x 20 sizes were taken from different riparian samples of the river basin during the 2001-2009 periods. All the plant species were identified during floristic exploration and the plot data were statistically differentiated using cluster analysis based on species similarity. Each clusters then obtained were analyzed for phytosociological characteristics including Importance Value Index to understand community composition. The clusters were brought under representing bioclimate and compared using PCA for the overall Dominance (Simpson diversity), Shanon Diversity and Basal Area and understood the hierarchy relationship to bring out the classification. About 85 % of the phytosociological samples collected during the study were segregated successfully during cluster analysis into 20 riparian plant community associations. These were successfully grouped under four major bioclimate of the river basin and classified according to bioclimatic classification of the major vegetation types of Peninsular India (Meher-Homji 2001). Variations in the community composition in each representing riparian vegetation types were compared with environmental parameters using PCA for identifying responses of the riparian communities to various environmental factors including disturbances. The significance of the riparian plant communities in the conservation and management of biodiversity of the forested landscapes were discussed in detail. The Chalakkudy river basin has a diverse bioclimate ranging from Primary Dry deciduous types with 1300 mm annual rainfall to Wet evergreen types with rainfall greater than 4000 mm. Detailed analysis of the rainfall with the Probable year mean provided satisfactory explanation to the representing bioclimate of the basin. Peculiar physiography of the Kuriyarkutty sub basin is accounted for the dry vegetation type in the area. A clear definition of the riparian system has been brought out while delineating it from other wetland ecosystems. The vegetation mapping provided information on the extent and distribution of riparian vegetation in the river basin along with all other primary and secondary forest types. The riparian vegetation is estimated to have nearly 480 ha, distributed mainly in the low-medium elevation area of the Chalakkudy river. About 85% of the phytosociological samples collected during the study were segregated successfully into 20 riparian plant community associations. The major primary riparian vegetation types include 1. Dry Deciduous Riparian forest (Primary) 2. Moist Deciduous Riparian forest (Primary) (II. 14. Rip) 3. Montane Shola/Evergreen Streamside/riparian forest (IV.21. Rip.) 4. Evergreen Riparian vegetation (Low-elevation) (IV. 26. Rip.) and 5. Moist (Wet) Evergreen Riparian forest (IV. 27. Rip.) This also include 16 subtypes representing various stages (pioneers, seral, climax and secondary). A detailed account of the dominant plant communities in each layer of the vegetation was provided for each major and sub types. The low-medium elevation evergreen riparian vegetation showed maximum dominance and diversity and the secondary dry and moist types showed least values. Basal area ranges from 1.27 m2/ha to 0.013 m2/ha. Shannon Diversity Index H varies between 1.618 and 0.466. Simpson Index for negative Dominance was in between 0.4 and 0.026. The riparian vegetation in the Vazhachal-Orukombankutty area accounted for the 62% available in the region and 70-80% of flora including many endemics and threatened species with narrow range of distribution. The riparian vegetation is the only corridor between fragmented primary forests in the landscape. The relics of riparian vegetation in the degraded forest areas including that of plantations found shelter the natural gene pool of the area including many species of plants and animals. Every riparian vegetation in an area provides elements for future vegetation dynamics. All these were accounted for the great significance of the riparian forests in the conservation biodiversity. Various riparian subtypes especially degraded secondary types correlated successfully with various environmental factors such as stream flow diversion and regulation due to Dams and also degradation of surrounding vegetation due to various plantation and forestry activities. This bench-mark data on various riparian forest types could be used as a measure to understand status of riparian vegetation in a landscape and its impact of various interventions in the riverfront.
14
OCCURRENCE, SPECIES COMPOSITION AND ABUNDANCE OF CHAETODONTID FISHES ALONG VIZHINJAM COAST, THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, KERALA
01 06
Anil, M.K., Santhosh, B., Prasad, B.O., Jasmine, S. and Rani Mary George
Research Centre of the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Vizhinjam, Kerala-695221, India.
Many popular species of marine ornamental fishes are available around the Vizhinjam coast, southwest coast of Kerala. Around 150 species of ornamental fishes belonging to 35 families were collected and studied. Among them, one of the most prevalent groups is Butterfly and Banner fishes, which belong to the family Chaetodontidae. Along the Vizhinjam coast, family Chaetodontidae shows a very rich biodiversity with 20 species of fishes. The fishes were surveyed using a specially designed trap operated in Vizhinjam Bay. The most dominant species among the butterflies is Chaetodon collare and among banner fishes, Heniochus acuminatus. Maximum catch of Chaetodon collare was during April to August and for Heniochus acuminatus was during June to September. Maximum diversity of Cheatodontids were during June-July months. These fishes are mostly trapped in gill nets and shore seines and ultimately rejected as thrash fishes. Most of these fishes have high preference in the aquarium market.
15
EXPLORATION OF ANT DIVERSITY ACROSS AN ELEVATION GRADIENT IN EAGLENEST WILDLIFE SANCTUARY (NE HIMALAYAS, ARUNACHAL PRADESH)
01 07
Aniruddha Marathe* and Priyadarsanan Dharma Rajan

Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE) Royal Enclave, Srirampura, Jakkur Post, Bangalore - 560 064, India. *aniruddha.marathe@atree.org
Elevation gradients are highly heterogeneous in terms of environmental conditions, habitat types and species assemblages. Pattern of change in species diversity across elevation can therefore answer several questions about distribution of species on environmental gradients. Unexplored natural areas covering wide elevation range are therefore important target areas of ecological studies. Here we present the results of pilot study of ants across an elevation gradient in Eaglenest Wildlife sanctuary (NE Himalayas, Arunachal Pradesh). Sampling was done from 6 locations at 500m intervals between 500m and 2500m. Ants were collected from a 50m transect using 10 pitfall traps of 5cm diameter and hand collection was done near the transect. During this effort 36 species of ants were collected and most species were recorded from 700m elevation. Species ranges appear to be short and therefore high turnover in species composition is expected. This short sampling effort has recorded more than 50% of species reported in ant fauna of the state. This suggests that ant diversity of the region remains highly unexplored.
16
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION OF TRICHOPUS ZEYLANICUS SUBSPECIES TRAVANCORICUS THROUGH COMMUNITY BASED CULTIVATION
01 08
Anoop, P.K.*1, Dileep Kumar, R.2, Narayanan, M.3, Sugunan, V.S. 4 and Oommen V.Oommen1,2
1
Centre for Bioinformatics, University of Kerala, 2Department of Zoology, University of Kerala, 3Kerala Kani Samudhaya Kshema Trust, Kottoor, 4 Department of Zoology, University College, Thiruvananthapuram. *Email ID: anoop.cbi@gmail.com
Trichopus zeylanicus sub-species travancoricus, a perennial herb, belongs to the family Trichopodaceae and it is popularly known as Arogyapacha. Trichopus zeylanicus sub-species travancoricus is endemic to the southern part of the Western Ghat mountain ranges, in India. The fruit of this plant is consumed by Kani tribes of Kerala (India) for getting instant stamina, amelioration of old age-related disorders. The Kerala Kani Samudhaya Kshema Trust was the key player in supplying the raw material for producing Jeevani the wonder Drug formulated out of Trichopus zeylanicus. In the recent years the benefit from this channel stopped which resulted in the mass decline of area that Trichopus zeylanicus was once cultivated. Universally it is found that genetic biodiversity of traditional medicinal herbs and plants is continuously under the threat of extinction as a result of growth-exploitation, environmentunfriendly harvesting techniques, and loss of growth habitats and unmonitored trade of medicinal plants. Free radical scavenging assay done at our lab on Trichopus zeylanicus confirmed the presence of antioxidants in significant amount, which in turn may be the reason for its anti-fatigue property by scavenging the free radicals in the body. This is a scientific proof of the traditional practice of Kani tribes who use Trichopus zeylanicus seeds as an immediate energy booster. At this juncture, our aim of study is to develop a value added product and there by increase the economic value of Trichopus zeylanicus. With the collaboration of Kerala Kani Samudhaya Kshema Trust we are encouraging the original knowledge bearers, the Kani tribes for mass cultivation of the Trichopus, which will lead to the sustainable development options for these highly threatening plant species and more broadly for the local Kani people of the Western Ghat region.
17
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY, ANALGESIC AND ANTI-LIPID PEROXIDATIVE PROPERTIES OF THE FERTILE FRONDS OFDRYNARIA QUERCIFOLIA (L.) J. SMITH.
01 09
Anuja, G. I., Latha, P. G.*, Suja, S. R., Shine, V. J., Shyamal, S., Sini, S., Shikha, P., Krishnakumar, N. M., Sreejith, G., Rajasekharan, S.
Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram 695 562, Kerala, India, *plathagopalakrishnan@gmail.com Infectious and inflammatory diseases are among those treated using traditional remedies. Although several modern drugs are used to treat these types of disorders, their prolonged use may cause severe adverse side effects. Consequently there is a need to develop new anti-inflammatory agents with minimum side effects. As most of the present day analgesic drugs exert a wide range of side effects, a study on plant species that are traditionally used as pain killers shall be a logical and fruitful research strategy, in the case of analgesic drugs. Lipid peroxidation refers to the oxidative degradation of lipids. Measurement of lipid peroxide levels plays a significant role in evaluating cellular damage caused by oxidative stress. The level of lipid peroxides is an index of cellular membrane damage caused by the action of free radicals. Drynaria quercifolia (L.) J. Smith (Polypodiaceae), an epiphytic or epilithic medicinal pteridophyte has been widely used by ethnic groups of India to treat inflammation, rheumatism, bone fracture, and jaundice. The fronds are used for poulticing swellings. Nicobarese use the plant to treat bodyache, headache and rheumatic pain. In the present study, pharmacological analysis of fertile fronds of Drynaria quercifolia has been undertaken with respect to its antiinflammatory, analgesic, and anti-lipidperoxidative properties. The fertile fronds of D. quercifolia were washed thoroughly, shade-dried and powdered. The powder was extracted with ethanol for 24 h, the extract filtered and concentrated at 40 C under reduced pressure (yield, 6% w/ w). The crude ethanolic extract (FF) was suspended in 1 % Tween-80 to required concentrations and used for the experiments. The antiinflammatory effect of FF was evaluated using carrageenan-induced paw oedema in Wistar rats, acetic acid induced vascular permeability in Swiss albino mice. In vitro HRBC membrane stability effect was also studied. Analgesic activity was evaluated by acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin induced paw licking test in Swiss albino mice. In vitro anti lipid peroxidation assay was performed. FF was also subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening. The total phenolic content in FF was determined by Folin-Ciocalteus method. Oral administration of FF produced significant inhibition of carrageenan induced paw oedema in rats, acetic acid induced vascular permeability in mice, and in vitro hyposaline induced HRBC membrane damage, almost comparable to that caused by indomethacin. FF significantly attenuated acute and delayed phases of formalin-induced pain and acetic acid - induced writhing episodes in mice. The analgesia was comparable to that produced by sodium salicylate and aspirin respectively. FeCl2 AA treatment resulted in an increase in lipid peroxidation levels in rat liver homogenate. FF significantly reduced accumulation of lipid peroxides in vitro in a dose dependent manner. Phytochemical analysis gave positive tests for phenolics, flavonoids, steroids, saponin and tannins. TLC studies helped to confirm the presence of -sitosterol. The total phenolic content in FF was 76 mg/g of gallic acid equivalent. The results suggest that FF has potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anti-lipid peroxidative effects and justifies its use for alleviating painful inflammatory conditions in the traditional Indian system of medicine.
18
ECONOMIC POTENTIAL OF THE FOREST TREES USED IN FESTIVALS OF THE INDIGENOUS POPULATION IN THE LATERITIC ZONES OF INDIA
01 10
Archana Banerjee
Surendranath College, Kolkata 700009. archanabotany@yahoo.co.in
Indigenous plants are used as food, fuel, medicine, in festivals and rituals by tribal and other village people. The forest- based folkways and festivals of the Chotanagpur plateau areas are karam or plantation, sohrae/bandhna or harvesting, baha or flowering festival, sakam/pata parab or leaf -emergence festivals whereas the women keep themselves away from the hunting festival. They spontaneously compose lyrics on trees like Shorea robusta Gaertn. f., Buchanania lanzan Spreng., Butea monosperma (Lam.) Kuntze, Madhuca latifolia (L.) Macbride, Mangifera indica L., Mytragyna parviflora Korth., Aegle marmelos Corr., Alangium salvifolium (L.) Wang., Azadirachta indica A.Juss., Bauhinia spp.., Pterospermum acerifolium Willd., Phyllanthus emblica Gaertn, Saraca asoca (Roxb.) De Wilde, Syzygium cumini Skeels, Tamarindus indica L. and also Acacia nilotica, Ailanthus excelsa, Albizzia spp., Anogeissus latifolia, Arthocephalus chinensis, Artocarpus heterophylla, A.hirsutus, Bombax ceiba, Careya arborea, Dalbergia latifolia, D.sissoo, Diospyros melanoxylon, Dillenia aures, Emblica officinalis, Ficus glomerata, Garuga pinnata, Gmelina arborea, Haldinia cordifolia, Hymenodictyon excelsum, Lagerstroemia spp., Lannea grandis, Litsea sebifera, Mitragyna parviflora, Moringa tinctoria, Schleichera oleosa, Swietenia spp., Semicarpus anacardium, Sterculia urens, Spondias pinnata, Pterocarpus dalbergioides, P. marsupium, P. santalinus, Tectona grandis, Terminalia arjuna, T.belerica, T. chebula, T.tomentosa, Toona ciliata; Climbers and shrubs: Bauhnnia vahili, Millettia auriculata, Butea superba, Combertum decandrum, Smilax spp .Dioscorea spp. Asparagus racemosus, Abrus precatorius Woodfordia fruticosa, Zizyphus spp. Bambusa arundinacea, Dendrocalamus strictus, Borassus flabellifer. The trees are praised as Goddess jahera, the representative of Mother Nature. Felling of flowering branches is prohibited among santhal, oraon, munda and many other ethnic groups. The tribal females sing in chorus of the festivals and in the evening while returning after whole day toil. Males play flute and drum accompaniments. The Deities, Durga, Lakhshmi, Saraswati, Krishna, Shiva, and the Pongal, Onum festivals in the lateritic zones of eastern and western ghats are also nature and plant based but that have been replaced by images, idols and unnecessary accessories that cause threat to the environment. The nature based festivals, eco friendly methods of collection of the non timber forest products by women and children are important for the cultural stabilization and conservation of the vanishing Chotanagpur plateau forest, a unique biodiversity minor hot spot of India. The indigenous tropical trees rich in tannoid principles and other phenolic compounds traditionally known to have high medicinal value that can be evaluated by free radical scavenging capacity, hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antitumour and anticancer activities. Plants with high medicinal potential and other economic importance could be selected for plantation programs.The traditional method of extractions for medicine, fuel, dye and other products are to be improved following nondestructive harvesting methods for income generation opportunities to the local people. 19
PRESENT STATUS OF RARE RAPTORS OF WESTERN GHATS
01 11
Ashok Verma
Department of Forestry, Wildlife & Environmental Sciences, Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur, Chhatis Garh 495 009
An attempt was made to evaluate the present status of seven raptor species of the Western Ghasts during 2004 viz. Jerdons Baza Aviceda jerdoni, Black Baza Aviceda leuphotes, Crested Goshawk Accipiter trivirgatus, Rufous-bellied Hawk Eagle Hieraaetus kienerii kienerii, Changeable Hawk Eagle Spizaetus cirrhatus, Mountain Hawk Eagle Spizaetus nipalensis, and Indian Black Eagle Ictinaetus malayensis. The survey was carried out at sixteen sites in six states of the country (i.e. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and Gujarat). All the species except were recorded in the present survey. Of all, the Jerdons Baza with no sighting in the present survey was found to be the rarest raptor species followed by Mountain Hawk Eagle. The present study recommends strongly for the expansion of field work with emphasis on collecting information on species ecological requirements, distribution, population estimates and home range sizes.
20
BIODIVERSITY AND NESTING ECOLOGY OF DWARF BEE APIS FLOREA ( FABR.) IN THE CAUVERY DELTAIC REGION OF TAMILNADU, SOUTH INDIA.
01 12
Baskaran, M.* and Thiyagesan, K.

Division of Wildlife Biology, P and Research Department of Zoology, .G. A.V.C. College (Autonomous), Mannampandal, 609 305,TN., India *beebaskaran@rediffmail.com
Biodiversity and nesting ecology of Dwarfbee Apis florea was carried out in the cauvery deltaic region of Tamilnadu, (Nagapattinam,Dist.) A total of 137 colonies were located covering 44 villages, out of which 108 were live and 29 were abandoned. The plants for nest-site selection by Apis florae were classified into two categories such as trees and shrubs. All the colonies were found on 12 tree sps., and on 9 shrubs. Out of 21 plant species both the tree and shrubs, maximum 92 colonies were observed in the Bambusa arudinaceae and followed by 28 and 17 were found in Mangifera indica and Prosobis julifera respectively. The preference of nest site selection of Apis florea were found at 4 to 6m height from the ground invariably near to a water source. The direction of colonies in the nest sites were in accordance with the prevailing wind direction. Thus, the aspect of nesting ecology of dwarf bee studied appears to have largely unchanged from its open nesting behavior.
21
BUTTERFLY DIVERSITY OF WESTERN GHATS GRASSLANDS OF KERALA A CASE STUDY IN VAGAMON
01 13
Brilliant Rajan, Vincy Mary Varghese, Toms Augustine Babu Padmakumar and PradeepKumarA. P.
School of Environmental Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam
The Western Ghats, also known as the Sahyadri Mountains is one of the worlds ten hottest biodiversity hotspots. The Western Ghats boasts exceptional endemism for many taxonomic groups, including plants (35%), fishes (42%), reptiles (48%) and amphibians (75%). The habitat types of the southern Western Ghats include the wet montane evergreen forests and shola-grassland complexes at elevations over 1000 meters. The South Western Ghats montane rain forests are the most species-rich ecoregion in peninsular India; eighty percent of the flowering plant species of the entire Western Ghats range are found in this ecoregion. It also holds a very rich butterfly fauna with a number of endemics (Gaonkar, 1996). Butterflies are widely considered as good ecological indicators in terms of anthropogenic disturbance and habitat quality and important flagship taxa in biodiversity inventories. Vagamon (90 34 N and 760 58 E) is a hill station in Kerala, located on the western fringes of Idukki district, bordering with Kottayam district. It falls within the Western Ghats, lies 1100 metres above MSL and is rich in endemic flora and fauna. This area, unique for grasslands and shola forests with laterite soil type has an extent of 27.19 sq. km. However the threats to this ecoregions natural habitats and biodiversity are manifold. Recent introduction of tourism development activities has resulted in deterioration of the environmental quality of these hills. The wetlands and sholas are being drained, cleared and filled at an alarming pace. Extensive developmental activities like road construction in the grass lands undermined the stability of hill slopes and cause hazards like landslides. The present study is intended to reveal the current status of butterfly fauna in the hill areas of Vagamon. The methodology consists of observation of butterflies in selected transects along different types of habitats such as sholas, grass lands, croplands and streams. Butterfly species were identified directly in the field or, in difficult cases, following capture or photography. Collection was restricted to those specimens that could not be identified directly and released them after identification. Nomenclature and systematics followed are after Gaonkar (1996). A total of 112 species of butterflies belonging to five families were recorded during the study period. The family Nymphalidae dominated with 44 species followed by Lycaenidae (24), Hesperiidae (19),Papilionidae (13) and Pieridae (12). This included four species endemic to the Western Ghats. They are Troides minos Cramer (Southern Birdwing), Pachliopta pandiyana Moore (Malabar Rose), Parantica nilgiriensis Moore (Nilgiri Tiger) and Aeromachus pygmaeus Fabricius (Pygmy Grass Hopper). The butterflies observed were segregated into categories such as Common (C), Uncommon (UC) and Rare (R) based on their occurrence during the survey. Catopsilia Pomona (Common Emigrant), Ypthima huebneri (Common Four-ring) and Tirumala limniace (Blue Tiger) were the common species found in the study area. 22
ECOBEHAVIOURAL STUDY OF INDIAN PEAFOWL (PAVO CRISTATUS) IN THE MACHIYA SAFARI BIOLOGICAL PARK OF JODHPUR (RAJASTHAN), INDIA
01 14
Chena Ram*, Goutam Sharma and Rajpurohit, L.S.

Animal Behaviour Unit Department of Zoology, J.N.V. Univrsity, Jodhpur *ramchena@ymail.com
Birds evolved more than 150 million year ago. They have a close relationship with humans as part of biodiversity, as pest , as wisdom, as objects of beauty and wonder, as food and indicator of environmental health. The study area Machiya Safari Biological Park (MSP) is about 8-10 km away from Jodhpur city. The present contribution is based on the recent field observation made during 65 field visits of 3 hours each during March 2010 to July 2010. The study bird Indian Peafowl or Peacock (Pavo cristatus) is widely distributed in India and declared as National Bird of India in 1963. In our study area (Machiya Safari Biological Park which is a protecte area) Indian Peafowl generally find near mosaic of scrubs, near canal which is passing from, near another water bodies except canal and open area with adequate site for dust bating. In study area generally they roosted on tall trees and top of Machiya fort which is located in the MSP. Present paper highlight about its population and distribution status, activity pattern, food and feeding habits and the many ethological aspects of Pavo cristatus in the Machiya Safari Biological park of Jodhpur (MSP). In the absence of reliable data it is hard to place population size in Park but number of individuals in this small area are about 125. The Indian Peafowl is under threat and is listed as least concern species in the redlist of International Union for Conservation of Nature. In the India it is utmost protection by inclusion in the schedule I of Indian Wild Life Act, 1972.
23
ECHINODERM BIODIVERSITY ALONG KERALA COAST, INDIA
01 15
R.P. Kumar A, umar, Deepa, R.P.1 and Biju Kumar, A, 21 Dept. of Zoology, N.S.S College, Pandalam 689 501, Kerala.
Email: deepakudassanad@rediffmail.com Dept. of Aquatic Biology and Fisheries, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 695 581, Kerala. Email: abiju@rediffmail.com
2
Phylum Echinodermata comprise fascinating group of free living non parasitic organism found at all ocean depths. Echinoderms were collected from five coastal stretches of Kerala coast Poovar -Kovalam (Thiruvananthapuram district), Thirumullavaram-Neendakara (Kollam district), Thikkodi- Kozhikkode, Kannur and Kasargod during 20072009 period and from the intertidal belt and shallow coastal waters by SCUBA diving. Collections were also made using bottom trawlers along Kerala coast up to a depth of 100 m. A total of 57 species of echinoderms are collected along Kerala coast, which include 3 species of Crinoids, 11 species of Asteroids, 10 species of Ophiuroids, 16 speciesof Echinoids, 17 species of Holothuroids. Most of echinoderms from Kerala coast were obtained in shallow water (<30 meters depth) and from the rocky shore areas. The 10 species of echinoderms reported for the first time from India included four species of sea cucumbers and 3 species each of star fish and sea urchins. Stomopneustes variolaris and Lovenia elongata are reported for the first time from Kerala coast. Temnopleurus hardwicki, Temnopleurus reevesi and Pericosmus melanostomus are new reports from India. Class Holothuroidea representing 17 species forms the species-rich taxon of echinoderm in Kerala coast. Stichopus herrmanni, and Phyllophorus cebuensis are new reports to Southwest coast of India. Holothuria imitans, Trachasina crucifera, Trachythyone typica and Thyonina articulata are new reports from India. Total new records of echinoderms from Kerala coast include 28 species representing 1 species of Crinoid, 6 species of Asteroid, 6 species of Ophiuroid, 5 species of Echinoid and 10 species of Holothuroid echinoderms. 24
HABITAT LOSS FORCING KING COBRAS (OPHIOPHAGUS HANNAH) TO MIGRATE TO HUMAN HABITATS?
01 16
Dileep Kumar, R*1 , Suresh, B.2, Baiju, S.2, Anaswara, K.1, Divya, L.1 and Oommen, O.V1
1
Department of Zoology, University of Kerala, Kariavattom 695591 2 Reptile Study Group, Thiruvananthapuram 695573 *dileepkamukumpuzha@gmail.com
The king cobra (Ophiophagus hannah) is the worlds longest venomous snake, widespread throughout Southeast Asia and parts of India, and is found mostly in jungles with thick undergrowth, cool swamps and bamboo clusters. The king is fierce, agile, and can deliver a large quantity of highly potent neurotoxic venom (600mg) in a single bite and is one of the most dangerous and feared Asiatic snakes. The current study aimed to document the migration status of king cobra from human habitats of Kerala region, to record the seasonal day-night data, and to establish a baseline dataset for future comparisons. A preliminary survey of on the sightings of king cobras on human habitats of entire Kerala region conducted during the period October 2008 - November 2010. Almost all these snakes were caught by local snake catchers from places like bathrooms, courtyards of houses and thoroughly frequented public paths and released into the forest region. A total of 26 sightings were recorded across various locations of Kerala during the period of survey and were frequently seen during the rainy season. The occurrences are very strange as king cobras are never known to trespass into human habitats and also expose the danger of humans getting contact with snake. The migration of king cobras from their natural habitats in bamboo-rich dense evergreen forests (habitatloss) to villages may be due the large-scale deforestation and the disturbances caused by poachers and illicit liquorbrewers scouring the habitats of the magnificent snakes. Deforestation and increasing human population, which results in utilization of agricultural land or forest land for in-habitation or for industrialization. Much of the king cobras rainforest habitat has unfortunately been lost as a result of deforestation in response to increasing demand for timber and agricultural land, fuelled by spiralling human population growth. The remaining rainforests of the Western Ghats are heavily fragmented, and the area is in urgent need of research, conservation and education activity, both for the survival of the kings habitat, and the welfare of the millions of people dependent on the forest for resources and water. 25
DIVERSITY OF MANGROVE LITTER INHABITING MICROARTHROPODS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THEIR FUNCTIONAL ROLE IN MIDNAPORE (EAST) COAST , WEST BENGAL, INDIA.
01 17
Dey, M.K.*1, Hazra, A.K.1 and Chakraborty, S.K.2

1. Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata-700053, West Bengal, India. 2. Department of Zoology, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore-721102, West Bengal. *mrinaldey@hotmail.com/mrinalkanti_dey@yahoo.com
Microarthropods , an important faunal components in mangrove estuarine complex have been found to play significant role in nutrient cycling in mangrove ecosystem and exhibited spatial and temporal variation in respect of their density and distribution . The present paper deals with the diversity, seasonal variation of population density and community indices in relation to major ecological parameters in coastal estuarine environment of Midnapore(East) , West Bengal, India. All total number 44 species under 18 genus 12 families of microarthropods have been recorded from different ecozones and litters of different mangrove species of the study areas. Maximum density and diversity have been shown at Nayachar Island followed by Dadanpathrabhar, Khejuri and Junput . A comprehensive laboratory studies on the role of different microarthropods in the decomposition of a selected mangrove plant species revealed successional occurrences of different microarthropods in different stages of decomposition. Microarthropodal materials from soil/litter were collected by stainless steel corer followed by an extraction process with Tullgreen faunal. Preserved sample (70% alcohol) have been identified and quantified under stereoscopic binocular microscope. The changes of physio-chemical parameters also studied viz. p H ,organic carbon(%) , salinity(ppt), total-N(ppm), total-P(ppm), available-K(PPM) to relate such changes with the changing pattern of species composition, density fluctuation of species composition and density fluctuation of microarthropods in different selected study areas.
26
IS THOTTEA BARBERI, AN ENDEMIC ENDANGERED TAXON OF SOUTHERN WESTERN GHATS, STRUGGLING FOR ITS EXISTENCE? AN INSIGHT
01 18
Femy K. Haneef*, Radhamany, P. M. and Gangaprasad, A.

Department of Botany, University of Kerala, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India-695581 *femsunflower@gmail.com; radhamany_m@rediffmail.com
Thottea barberi (Gamble) Ding Hou (Aristolochiaceae), endemic to southern Western Ghats, is in the brink of extinction and listed as an endangered species. In traditional medicine, Thottea spp. are used as an antidote to snake poison and as a remedy for stomach ache. Except some floristic reports, a detailed scientific investigation was not recorded till now in T. barberi. Studies on quantitative assessment play a vital role in the ecology of the endemic endangered species and it helps in determining the performance of populations under different sets of conditions and provides desired information about the specialized ecological requirements of a taxon. Considering these factors, we conducted floristic explorations and population viability assessment of this neglected taxon as an attempt to analyze its present status. Survey and mapping of T. barberi were done by quadrat sampling method and using Global Positioning System. During floristic explorations, we were able to locate populations of this species only from Athirumala and Chemmunji Hills. Population described earlier from Pongalappara was completely deteriorated. On subsequent visits, decline in population strength and gradual increase in population fragmentation and narrow distribution range were noticed. When the plants were brought to lower altitudes, they show only 10% survival rate, extremely stunted growth and gradual death. Protein profiling of these plants using SDS-PAGE showed loss of protein bands compared to the plants in its natural habitat. Quantification of stress enzymes and isozyme analyses showed that the plant is facing severe stress during its acclimatization in lower altitudes. This confirms that T. barberi very much requires its natural habitat for its survival. Thottea barberi exhibits less flower production, lack of effective pollination, low level of fertilization, abortion of seeds and pre-mature fruit predation. The plant propagates mainly by runners and they exhibit very slow growth rate and plantlets are found to be susceptible to various fungal diseases. All these factors revealed that T. barberi is struggling hard for its existence. This has a conservation implication, as the species with specific habitat requirements have greater possibilities of extinction than the species with broad habitat range. Since a minimum population size is required for a long term viability of T. barberi. So the status of the plant is found to be changed from endangered to critically endangered. This valuable medicinal plant species need immediate attention and intensive management for its survival 27
ESTIMATION OF GENETIC DIVERSITY IN CELASTRUS PANICULATUS USING ISSR
01 19
Gerald Martin*, Raghu A.V., Geetha S. P. and Indira Balachandran

Centre for Medicinal Plants Research, Arya Vaidya Sala, AVS Square, Kottakkal, Malappuram, Kerala - 676 503, India *geraldmartin@rediffmail.com/avscmpr@sify.com
Celastrus paniculatus Willd. (Jyotishmati) commonly called climbing staff tree / Black oil plant / intellect tree, is an important medicinal plant belonging to the family Celastraceae. It is a large, woody, unarmed climbing shrub reaching to a height of 10 m, distributed throughout India upto an altitude of 1200m, mainly in deciduous forests. The species is vulnerable in the Western Ghats of South India (Rajesekharan and Ganeshan, 2002). Its bark is an abortifacient, depurative and a brain tonic. Root bark extract also showed anti-malarial activity (Rastogi and Mehrotra 1998). Leaf sap is a good antidote for opium poisoning. Seeds are useful in abdominal disorders, leprosy, skin diseases, fever and for stimulating the intellect (Prajapati et al 2003). Among the Gonds tribe of Uttar Pradesh, India, the powdered root is considered useful for the treatment of cancerous tumors (Parotta, 2001). Chemical constituents as revealed by phytochemical analysis were sesquiterpene alkaloids like Celapagine, Celapanigine and Celapanine (CSIR 1992). While observing the accessions established in the Gene Bank of Arya Vaidya Sala (AVS), Kottakkal, Kerala, a wide range of morphological variations was observed in this species. Variations in shape and size of leaves, pubescence and glabrous nature of leaves, variations in flowering and fruiting etc could be observed. The difference is so marked that often doubts arise whether these are different varieties. Hence an initial investigation has been carried out with the collections from Kerala. Knowing the extent of genetic variation will help evolve a strategy for conserving this important medicinal plant. Total of 15 accessions of C. paniculatus was collected from the Gene Bank of AVS. Total genomic DNA was isolated from young leaves following the CTAB extraction method (Murray and Thompson, 1980). DNA was re-suspended in 100 l 1 X TE buffer (pH 8.0). Quantification and purity of the genomic DNA was determined by Biophotometer (Eppendorf). DNA samples were diluted with sterile distilled water to 10 or 100 times depending upon the concentration of DNA. ISSR assay was carried out in 0.5 ml PCR tubes with 25l reaction mixture containing 2.5l reaction buffer, 0.5 l dNTPs (Finnzymes, Finland), 0.5 U Taq polymerase (Finnzymes, Finland), 0.3 l primer (Biogene, UK) and 50 ng of genomic DNA on a MJ Research thermalcycler. After the initial cycle of 2 min at 94 oC, 2 min at 52 oC and 2min at 72 oC, 35 cycles of 1 min at 94 oC, 1 min at 52 oC and 2min at 72 oC were performed. The last cycle was followed by 7 min extension at 72 oC. Amplified products were resolved in 1.2% agarose gel (1 X TBE) stained with Ethidium Bromide (EtBr). The gels were scanned in Geldoc (Alpha Imager, USA) and the images were documented and analysed. A total of 12 primers was used for the estimation of variation in Celastrus paniculatus. 214 scorable markers were produced among the genotypes. The size of the amplified products ranged from 210 to 5090 bp. The number of scorable markers produced per primer ranged from 11 to 25. The total number of polymorphic markers and the percentage of polymorphism were 207 and 96% respectively. On an average the primers generated 17.8 products and 17.2 polymorphism per primer. Eight primers produced 100% polymorphism and not a single primer revealed 100% monomorphism. The similarity index ranged from 0.20 to 0.72 with a mean value of 0.51 thereby suggesting high level of genetic variability in the species. This study included accessions from wide spread area and the extent of variability was also high. Further studies need to be carried out to find the extent of variability within and between populations so that appropriate management prorgammes can be designed to conserve this species. If the genetic variation is high between populations, each population should be regarded as an important contributor to the overall amount of genetic variations.
28
MARINE MICROPHYTOBENTHOS ON SANDY BEACHES OF NORTH KERALA COAST
01 20
Harikrishnan E1*, Rajasekharan Nair, P T1 and Joseph, K J

2
1 .Dept of Botany, Payyanur College, P O Edat, Kannur-670327 .Professor (Retired), Dept of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, CUSAT, Kochi-16, Kerala. *eharikrishnan@gmail.com
The sandy beaches of Kerala coast is growing rapidly into hot tourist spots. The sandy beaches of North Kerala is found to have a rich species composition of microphytobenthos. A preliminary study along ten selected stations along the Arabian Sea coasts of Kannur and Kasargod districts- North Kerala, revealed the presence of several species benthic microalgae of the classes Bacillariophyceae, Cyanophyceae and Dinophyceae. The hydrography and peculiarities of the sandy beaches are being correlated with the qualitative nature of the microalgae. It was found that the substratum quality affected the species composition of microalgae. The study becomes significant because marine microphytobenthos along North Kerala coast is less studied and it becomes the baseline data.
29
DIVERSITY, DISTRIBUTION AND ENDEMICITY OF EARTHWORMS IN THE SOUTHERN KERALA STRETCH OF WESTERN GHATS
01 21
Jaya Manazhy1, Aja Manazhy1, Vijayakumaran Nair, K.2

1
Research scholar, Department of Zoology, Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram, India (e-mail: jayamanazhy@yahoo.co.in; manazhyaja@yahoo.co.in) 2 Department of Zoology, Mar Ivanios College, Thiruvananthapuram, India (e-mail: vijayakumarnairk@yahoo.co.in)
Diversity and distribution of the earthworm fauna in Southern Kerala stretch of Western Ghats was studied. The study area constitutes different sites from the urban, suburban and hilly areas as well as the high altitude stretches of up to 1890 m surrounded by shola forests regions. A total of 12 species of earthworms belonging to 6 genera coming under 4 families were recorded from the pedoecosystems of this region. These species were Pontoscolex corethrurus, Lampito mauritii, Perionyx excavatus, Perionyx sansibaricus, Perionyx pullus, Megascolex cochinensis, Megascolex konkanensis, Megascolex travancorensis, Megascolex trivandranus, Dichogaster annae, Dichogaster travancorenesis, Drawida travancorensis. They belonged to the families, Glossoscolecidae, Megascolicidae, Octochaetidae and Moniligastridae. Of the 12 species recorded, P corethrurus is exotic peregrine and L. mauritii, P sansibaricus, P . . . excavatus, P pullus, M. cochinensis, M. travancorensis, M. trivandranus, M. konkanensis, , Dichogaster travancorenesis, . D. annae and Drawida travancorensis are native. It is found that M. trivandranus, M. travancorensis and M. cochinensis are endemic to the southern stretch of Western Ghats of Kerala. Of all the sites surveyed in this region, Karumam, a suburban hamlet, exhibited the highest density of the worms. The worms coming under the family Megascolecidae were common across all the localities and habitats, except in Kazhakkuttam. The species, M. cochinensis and P. pullus are being reported for the first time from Thiruvananthapuram. The earthworms belonging to the major family Lumbricidae could not be located from the study area. The worms belonging to the genus Megascolex exhibited highest density and L. mauritii is the only species common to all the localities. Co-existence of as many as four different species has been noticed from the same collection site. The present study has revealed that the species diversity of earthworms in this stretch of Western Ghats is much more than what has been recorded during the past seventy five years. 30
ANURAN FAUNA OF HIGHER ALTITUDES OF ARAVALLI HILLS, RAJASTHAN, INDIA
01 22
Krishan Kumar Sharma* and Satya Prakash Mehra

Laboratory of Biodiversity Research, Department of Zoology, Maharshi Dayanand Saraswati University, Ajmer 305009 Rajasthan, India, ph: 09414280984 *kksmds@gmail.com, spmehra@yahoo.com
The decline in amphibian population is a major concern throughout the world. The widespread approach of surveys and preparation of checklists should be taken along with quantitative estimates to devise potential conservation measures. Southern parts of Rajasthan hold many sites which need immediate attention. The present studies were conducted in the series of field explorations to measure attributes such as abundance, richness, diversity indices of anuran fauna of the Aravallis. The study was carried out for three years from mid 2006 to 2009 in the terrains of nine districts of southern Rajasthan. Extensive field surveys of the region were conducted along with the transect sampling. The visual encounter method and call census were the main techniques used during the field works. Regular seasonal surveys along with periodic transect sampling were undertaken for the collection of data from the two selected sites viz., Abu Hills and Kumbhalgarh Hills, for the observations on high altitudes of Aravallis comprising of altitudes >800msl. Habitats of southern Rajasthan were home for ten anuran species, of which sampling sites harbored eight species of anurans. These were Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis, Hoplobatrachus tigerinus, Fejervarya limnocharis, Duttaphrynus melanostictus, Bufo stomaticus, Microhyla ornata, Sphaerotheca breviceps and Uperodon systoma. Three species F. limnocharis M. ornata and E. cyanophlyctis were found throughout the altitudinal range, former two species found all over hills in the wet and humid habitats from the foothills to the high peaks whereas later was restricted to the water bodies at all altitudes. The species richness decreased with the elevational gradient at both the sampling sites. The range of 800 to 1000msl of Abu Hills and the range of 600 to 800msl of Kumbhalgarh Hills were found as important altitudinal range for the anuran diversity. During the study, it was found that habitat alteration is major cause of concern for the future of the anurans. The present investigation may become baseline information for the further investigations and comparisons for the Aravallis. 31
COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT CLUSTERING PATTERNS AND DEVELOPMENT OF STATISTICAL KEY FOR VIGNA TAXA
01 23
Latha, M., Presannakumari, S., Krishnan, Abraham, Z. and Minimol, J.S.

National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources, KAU P .O., Vellanikkara, Kerala 680 656
Vigna belonging to the family Leguminoseae is a large genus comprising of seven sub-genera and over 150 species (Verdcourt, 1970; Marechal and Baudoin 1978). One-hundred and fifty accessions belonging to 22 different taxa of Vigna maintained at the National Bureau of Plant Genetic Resources Regional Station, Thrissur were observed for 48 qualitative and 24 quantitative characters. Cluster analysis was performed using NTSYS programme for quantitative and qualitative characters separately. For each qualitative cluster the percentage of accessions of each taxa distributed into various quantitative clusters were worked out to find out the relationship between qualitative and quantitative clustering patterns. The weighted averages of various quantitative characters in different taxa were computed using the formula n
Weighted average = pi xi i n pi i
Where pi is the percent accessions falling in quantitative cluster i, xi the corresponding character mean based on the members falling in quantitative cluster i and n is the total number of quantitative clusters. The number of clusters formed based on qualitative characters and quantitative characters were different. The clustering based on qualitative characters and quantitative characters grouped the 150 accessions into 10 and 5 clusters respectively. The result showed that majority of accessions of each taxa in a single qualitative cluster fell into a single quantitative cluster indicating the similarity among these accessions at quantitative level also. The key quantitative characters for each taxa were identified as those which had a CV above 25 percent in all the respective quantitative clusters in which the accessions of the taxa were distributed. Using these key quantitative characters a statistical key was developed for distinguishing the various taxa. 32
ROLE OF VARIENTS AND STORAGE CONDITION, IN STANDARDIZATION OF RAW MATERIALS
01 24
Madhavachandran, N.
Manager, Research & Development Nagarjuna Herbal Concentrates Ltd, Kalayanthani P Thodupuzha, .O. Idukki District, Kerala
Standardization of raw, materials is one of the major challenges faced by Ayurvedic Industry. There are various factors hindering the possibility of standardization of raw materials such as location, genotypical and phenotypical variability, ontogenic variability, adulterations, storage conditions, hygiene, period of storage moisture, fungal and bacterial contaminations, presence of termites and insects, residual pesticides, chemical fertilizers, presences of heavy metal, etc. This article describes the role of location, period and storage conditions for preservation in standardization of raw materials.
33
FISH FAUNAL DIVERSITY, DISTRIBUTION AND CONSERVATION STATUS IN ANAMALAI TIGER RESERVE
01 25
Manimekalan, A.
Department of Environmental Sciences, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India-441 041 manimeklan@buc.edu.in
In India, the traditional approach to wildlife conservation has been focused on the charismatic large vertebrates and their habitats. This has involved the creation of sanctuaries or national parks for their protection. Western Ghats subdivided into a northern section (the Deccan trap area from the river Tapti), a middle section (upto the Nilgiri hills) and a southern section (the Anamalai, Palani and Cardamom hills). The fish diversity of Middle Western Ghats is not studied well. Many of the species recorded from Anamalai hills are under tremendous stress due to habitat changes and other human induced impacts. Therefore an attempt was made to provide information on the diversity and conservation status of the fishes in relation to species richness and abundance, assess habitat changes, their causes and evolve strategies for their conservation. Sampling site was chosen in the streams/rivers to represent a wide range of habitat conditions such as altitude, stream order, habitat types, forest type, velocity, disturbed and undisturbed habitat. At each sampling site, fishes were visually counted as far as possible and then fishes were sampled using gill nets (different 8 mm 22 mm), cast nets and dip nets depending upon the depth. Sampling was conducted in 46 sites of Parambikulam river basin, Idamala Ar Basin, Aliyar Basin, Thirumurthi river basin, Amaravathi river Basin in Anamali hills. A total of 68 species were collected which belonging to 8 orders, 16 families and 30 genera. In this 6 species are found to be new (under publication). Among the 68 species family belonging to Cyprinidae was the dominant family with 44 species (69.9%) compared to other families. The maximum species richness (S), diversity (H) was observed in Parambikulam basin (S-38; H-1.44) followed by Aliyar (27; 1.35), Idamalai Ar (22; 1.24), Amaravathi (20; 1.30) and Thirumurthi (16; 1.12) river basins (Fig. 3&4). Maximum diversity and richness was recorded in Varakali Ar Camp site and the maximum abundance was recorded in Ambili check Dam. The distribution of endemic, threatened and exotic fishes were identified, this is very important for the conservation of fish fauna of Anamali hills. There is lot of taxonomic ambiguities in the genus Tor and also in the order Cypriniformes. Barcoding will help to salve the taxonomic ambiguities of many species and it will help for it conservation. 34
BRYOPHYTE DIVERSITY ALONG A GRADIENT OF HUMAN DISTURBANCE IN THE PONMUDI HILLS, OF KERALA, WESTERN GHATS
01 26
Manoj, G.S and Murugan, K*

Department of Botany, University College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
Ponmudi, the golden peak is a hill station in the Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala in South India. It is on the outer edge of the SouthernWestern Ghats near Agasthyakoodam which is perched at 1868 m and the second tallest peak after Anamudi. Altitude ranged from 90 - 1868 m. It is a part of the Western Ghats mountain range that runs parallel to the Arabian Sea. Thick tropical forest greets one at the foot of the Ponmudi hill range. The road passes under a canopy of thickly matted foliage. The forest recedes gradually giving way to neatly clipped tea bushes and plantations like rubber, pepper, cardamom and tea. The change is abrupt. Meenmutty Falls is also a famous attraction in the area. This study examined the impact of anthropogenic disturbances on species richness, pattern of bryophyte diversity, in the Ponmudi hill forests of kerala. Bryophyte species richness and biological diversity varied along a disturbance gradient in different forest types. A total of 134 species were identified. The highest species richness (125 species) was found in the low disturbed forest type, and the lowest species richness (19 species) in the highly disturbed forest type. Bryophyte density declined with an increase in disturbance intensity. Highly disturbed forests can no longer be considered natural habitats for natural plant species due to shifting cultivation and agroforestry. Highest Species diversity was shown by evergreen forest followed by degraded forests and plantations. Similarly, highest number of exclusive species was noted in the natural forest than the monoculture plantations. The latter have more generalized and tolerant species. Thus the study reveals the human interference leading to replacement or disappearance of species.
35
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF BACILLUS STRAINS FROM THE WATER SAMPLES OF A TROPICAL WETLAND ECOSYSTEM
01 27
Maya George*1 and Mohamed Hatha, A. A.2

*1. School of Environmental Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam, mayarosegeorge@gmail.com, 2.Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, School of Marine Sciences, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Cochin-682 016, mohamedhatha@gmail.com.
Microbial diversity of unexplored geographical locations assumes significance considering the various physiological and metabolic capabilities of microorganisms, especially bacteria. Many of them may possess the ability to solve new and emerging disease problems and to advance biotechnology. Bacillus species constitute a diverse group of bacteria widely distributed in soil and the aquatic environment. Bacilli are sporeforming, rod shaped bacteria with fermentative, respiratory, or mixed metabolism. The present study was carried out in the Kumarakom region of Vembanadu lake which is virtually an unexplored wetland ecosystem as far as the microbial diversity is concerned. Water samples were collected from five different sites in the Kumarakom lake during July-2007 to June 2008. The broad objective of this investigation was to explore the diversity of Bacillus strains isolated from water samples. In this study, Bacillus strains isolated from the wetland were characterized by morphological and biochemical methods as described in Bergeys Manual of Determinative Bacteriology (Eighth edition, 1974). Morphological features were observed microscopically after gram staining and spore staining, which could reveal not only the presence of spore but also its shape, position of spore and mother cells change. The size and location of the spore within the vegetative cell are also significant for the identification of organisms. Spores can be centrally, subterminally or terminally located and they can be smaller or larger in diameter than the vegetative cell. Physiological characteristics such as production of acetoin, growth under anaerobic conditions, nitrate reduction, phenylalanine deamination, production of oxidase, utilization of citrate, glucose, cellobiose, galactose, raffinose, xylose, mannitol, arabinose, lactose and sucrose were also investigated. The strains were also observed for their growth under various temperatures (25oC, 35oC, 45oC and 55oC) and at various salt concentrations such as 5%, 7% and 10% of NaCl. The isolates were tested for their ability to elaborate various hydrolytic enzymes such as amylase, protease, DNase, hippurase, lipase, urease and tyrosinase. In the present investigation the taxonomic characteristics of 142 Bacillus sp. isolated from water samples of Vembanad lake were studied. Sixty nine percent of isolates were identified up to their species level and they were assigned to 20 groups based on their character similarities. Analysis of the data revealed that B. subtilis ssp. subtilis (16.2%) was the most predominant species in the region under study followed by B. cereus (14.08%). More diverse strains were isolated during the monsoon season, probably due to land run-off and possible strains from terrestrial origin. The isolates show differences in certain characteristics such as, shape of the spore, position of the spore and swelling of the sporangium. About 53% and 23% of the total isolates could grow in media with salt concentrations of 7% and 10% respectively. Nearly 16% of the isolates were able to survive temperature up to 55oC. While 35% of the isolates exhibited DNase activity, the ability to hydrolyse casein, Tween 80 and starch were frequently encountered. Only 13% of isolates were capable of elaborating tyrosinase. Carbohydrate fermentation ability of Bacillus isolates revealed that glucose is the most preferred carbon source. Several strains of Bacilli encountered in the present study could be further exploited for several biotechnology applications in industry.
36
POISONOUS INVADERS OF THE HIMALAYAN PARADISE
01 28
Mudasir Ahmad*1, Shah, M. Y1., Naqshi, A.R.1 and Rashid, I2.

1
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar 190006 2 Govt. Degree College Baramulla, Kashmir. *shahmuddathir@gmail.com
Invasive alien species pose a significant threat to biodiversity. Moreover, compelling evidence exists, based on global trade and movement patterns that the magnitude of this threat is increasing globally. There is a strong belief that invasive alien species alter ecosystem processes, decrease native species abundance and richness via competition, predation, hybridization and indirect effects, changes community structure and alter genetic diversity. Here we document the poisonous plant species of Kashmir Himalaya, which are alien to this region and have started invading this recently declared Biodiversity hotspot. A survey of the poisonous plant diversity in the flora of the region was made. A total of 154 poisonous plant species belonging to 127 genera and 59 families were recorded. Of these 138 species representing 89.61% are used for medicinal purposes. Asteraceae has the highest number (17) of plants possessing medicinal properties followed by family Ranunulaceae (11). Information of these species is presented with their medicinal properties. Among all the poisonous plants, 90 (58%) species are aliens to the area and among these alien plants species 34 (38%) are invasives.
37
BUTTERFLY MIGRATION STUDIES IN KERALA PART OF WESTERN GHATS AN OVERVIEW
01 29
Muhamed Jafer Palot

Western Ghat Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India Kozhikode- 673 006, jaferpalot@gmail.com
Bird migration has been known for about hundreds if not thousands of years, but the migration of butterflies is a relatively a recent discovery. Unlike birds, most butterflies migrate in one direction only from the place where they are born to a new area. There are several possible reasons for this to avoid overpopulation; shortage of larval food plants; to find a new home when a temporary habitat is destroyed; or to respond to the changing seasons. Another theory is that these migrations are some times a survival of bygone habits caused by climate or other reasons, and now the instinct remains though the conditions no longer exist. In India about 64 species of butterflies show migratory behaviour. Most of the migratory flights are recorded from the Himalaya, Palni Hills, North-eastern India and Nilgiris. No historical records of butterfly migration has been documented from Kerala part of Western Ghats in the past. In the present communication we have made an attempt to study the migration of butterflies in the Kerala part of Western Ghats and adjoining areas like Anamalai, Nilgiris, Coorg and Palni Hills. The present study reveals that about 46 species of butterflies regularly take part in migration. The common migrant butterfly species of Kerala are the Dark Blue Tiger (Tirumala septentrionis), Blue Tiger (Tirumala limniace), Common Crow (Euploea core), Double Branded Crow (Euploea sylvester), Common Emigrant (Catopsilia pomona), Mottled Emigrant (Catopsilia pyranthe), Lime Butterfly (Papilio demoleus) and the Common Albatross (Appias albina). The migratory path of mixed danaine butterflies typically takes place from Western Ghats to plains during April/May and also from the plains to Ghats in October or November. Normally the danaine migrations initiate immediately after a shower (south west monsoon or north east monsoon). The migration of Emigrants and the Lime Butterfly is mainly noticed during April or May flying from Western Ghats to plains or from southeast to north. The altitudinal migration of Common Albatross butterfly is regularly observed in December-February, along the tracts of southern Western Ghats. 38
SCHEMATIC IDENTIFICATION OF CHETHIKODUVELI (PLUMBAGO ROSEA L.) IDEOTYPE FOR OPTIMAL PLUMBAGIN CONTENT
1
01 30
Namboodiri Raji Vasudevan*1 and Krishnan, S.2

. C.C.R.P (Cadbury-KAU Co-operative Cocoa Research Project), Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur -680656 2. Department of Agricultural statistics, College of Horticulture, Kerala Agricultural University, Vellanikkara, Thrissur -680656 * rajipbg@rediffmail.com
Plumbago rosea (Chethikoduveli) and Plumbago zeylanica (Vella koduveli) are two medicinally important species and a well known source of naturally occurring naphthoquinone plumbagin. The species require fifteen to eighteen months for production of tuberous roots containing this therapeutically active component. The roots are used in various ayurvedic preparations after proper curing and drying. Pharmaceutical companies largely depend on material procured from naturally occurring stands which are being depleted rapidly, raising concern about possible extinction and providing justification for conservation of this species. The cultivation of the Plumbago species is limited, owing to the perennial nature of the species. As such their large-scale cultivation is economically less attractive. The present study was carried out in the Department of Plant breeding and Genetics, College of Horticulture, Vellanikkara during 2005-2007 with the major objective to collect and evaluate Plumbago germplasm for selecting ideotype/ideotypes with optimal plumbagin content. Twenty five accessions of Plumbago rosea and one accession of Plumbago zeylanica were collected and evaluated in replicated trial for genetic variability with respect to their morphological and biometrical traits including plumbagin content. Plumbago species being perennial, seasonal observations on the six morphological characters namely plant height, number of branches per plant, internodal length, number of leaves, leaf length and leaf breadth were recorded up to fifteen months, the time maturity for harvest. The data were analysed using repeated measures analysis of variance. For each character different homogenous subsets of the accessions were obtained. As the realization of optimal plumbagin content was the strategy, accessions which were common to all the subsets for each character were identified and listed. From such groups the accessions further common for all the morphological characters were selected. This process resulted in the selection of IC-566507, the lone accession which was common to all subsets for the all the characters except internodal length. In addition to this accession, two accessions IC-566511 and the P zeylanica accession were identified as . outliers for the reason that the P zeylanica accession possessed maximum values and the accession of P rosea IC-566511 possessed minimum . . values with respect to four characters namely, plant height, number of branches, internodal length and number of leaves. The distinctiveness of the accession IC-566507 with the outliers such as accession IC-566511 and P zeylanica accession was investigated through graphical method. . The accession IC-566507 with 86.11 cm height, 14.78 branches, 202 leaves, 6.93 cm leaf length and 3.75cm leaf breadth was identified as the most suited accession to yield optimal plumbagin content. Repeated measures ANOVA was based on morphological traits or rather above ground characters alone. The development of ideotype plant in Plumbago species is justified when the root characters and plumbagin content are also simultaneously considered along with morphological characters. Hence, for developing an ideotype with optimal plumbagin content cross tabulation of six morphological traits and five biometric traits namely, number of roots, root girth, total biomass, dry root weight and fresh root weight along with two additional traits namely dry weight recovery of roots and root length with plumbagin content was carried out. The chi-square statistics for cross tabulation of plumbagin content with number of branches, plant height, number of leaves, root number,fresh plant weight, dry root weight and dry weight recovery were found to be significant. Thus, plumbagin content may be a variable character with respect to all these morphological and root characters especially dry weight recovery. As the objective of present study was to achieve optimal plumbagin content, 2 to 3 per cent plumbagin was identified as the threshold level. The threshold levels of the characters influencing optimal level of plumbagin were also identified. Thus, the desirable characters of P rosea yielding an optimal plumbagin content may be identified for the . following ranges such as 1-20 number of branhces,50-100 cm plant height,100-200 number of leaves, 5-15 number of roots, 150-250 g fresh plant weight, 20-40 g dry root weight and 25-35 per cent dry weight recovery of roots. Development of the characteristics of Plumbago rosea to these levels will yield fruitful results.
39
MARINE BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT IN INDIA
01 31
Nammalwar, P.
Project Leader (INCOIS) Institute for ocean management, Anna university, Chennai-600025. drnrajan@gmail.com
The coastal marine ecosystems play a vital role in Indias economy by virtue of their natural resources, potential habitats and wide biodiversity. India has a long coastline of 8129 kms with Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of 2.5 million sq.km which is an important area both for exploration and exploitation of natural resources. Marine biodiversity affords enormous economical, environmental and aesthetic value to human kind. Humans have long depended on marine aquatic resources for food, medicine and materials as well as for recreational and commercial purposes such as fishing and tourism. Marine organisms also rely upon the great biodiversity of habitats and resources for food, materials breeding and larval disposal environment. This interdependence is essential and maintaining a balance between them is cardinal. But the marine ecosystems are deteriorating at an alarming rate. The factors responsible for it are over exploitation of species, introduction of exotic species, pollution from urban, industrial, and agricultural areas as well as habitat loss and alteration of water diversion, excessive use of water resources etc. As a result, valuable marine aquatic resources are becoming increasingly susceptible to both natural and manmade environmental changes. The present paper deals with the strategies to protect and conserve marine biodiversity which are necessary to maintain the balance of nature and support the availability of natural resources for future generations in India.
40
STUDY ON AVIFAUNA ASSOCIATED WITH CARDAMOM RESEARCH STATION. PAMPADUMPARA, KERALA AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY.
01 32
Narayana, R.*, Murugan, M., Dhanya, M.K., and Sreekala, G.S.

Cardamom Research Station, Pampadumpara, Kerala Agricultural University. Idukki - District
Kerala is one of the states with reserves of evergreen forest in southwestern India. The high avian species diversity in the tropics is largely contributed by the rainforest in the high ranges. The diverse vegetation grown in these areas and the microhabitats provide the avifauna the food, nesting and roosting places. The cardamom research station Pampadumpara a, High range station of Kerala Agricultural University is situated in cardamom Reserve hills of Idukki district. The area, a century ago must have been a tropical ever green forest of Indo-Malayan type. A study was conducted on the avifauna of this campus and neighboring areas where cardamom and coffee are widely cultivated. This campus represents a tropical evergreen forest altered and exploited by manmade factors. The plants, trees, insects, birds, reptiles and other animals still remains are those which successfully adapted to semi altered natural ecosystem. These are sufficiently numerous and diverse to justify the area being considered a prospective biodiversity zone. The most frequent and abundant species were Indian Tree pie, White billed tree pie, Hill Myna, Blue winged parakeet, Lorikeets, Rocket tailed Drango, and Jungle babbler. Three species endemic to Western Ghats i.e. White billed tree pie, Blue winged parakeet and Malabar whistling thrush were recorded in the station. Around 100 species representing about 30 families were recorded in our study. These also include many winter visitors. In spite of environmental alterations, CRS Pampadumpara still remains a sufficiently variegated bird population to be considered a viable hill bird sanctuary.
41
DIVERSITY ANALYSIS OF THE GENUS CRYPTANTHUS USING MORPHOLOGICAL AND CYTOLOGICAL PARAMETERS
01 33
Nisha Raj, R.S. and Radhamany, P.M.

Department of Botany, University of Kerala, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India-695581 e-mail:radhamany_m@rediffmail.com
The genus Cryptanthus consists of about 50 terrestrial species belonging to the family Bromeliaceae and subfamily Bromelioideae. They are commonly called earth stars because of their shape. In the present study morphological and cytological characters of 6 species of Cryptanthus was analysed. Morphology was studied and discussed with the emphasis on 12 quantitative and 12 qualitative characters. Statistical tool such as UPGMA cluster analysis was used for the elucidation of species variation and their inter relationships. Cytological study was carried out using mitotic chromosome analysis and karyotypic analysis. From the morphological studies on the inflorescence and flower character, variation was observed in the Cryptanthus species. Stomata was paracytic in all the species except C. beuckeri and C. bivittatus Tricolor which contain paratetracytic type of stomata. Cytological study showed that all the species of Cryptanthus except C. bivittatus Tricolor (2n=50) have somatic chromosome number 2n=34. The present study support dibasic model of chromosome evolution in Cryptanthus. Within this genus, except C. bivittatus Tricolor cryptic structural hybridity play a role in the species diversity.
42
COASTAL AND MARINE BIODIVERSITY - THE INDIAN SCENARIO
01 34
Perumal Santhanam
Department of Marine Science, School of Marine Sciences, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli-620 024. Tamil Nadu, sanplankton@yahoo.co.in
Coastal and marine ecosystems are the global storehouses for rich biodiversity. Conservation and sustainable utilization of the marine biological resources are of critical importance for meeting the health and wealth of human population. About 55% of the worlds population and more than 70% of the East Asian population lives in coastal areas, and depends on coastal and marine resources for food, employment and income. The total number of species in marine ecosystems will probably remain unknowable. According to Census of Marine Life (COML), the marine species may number between 1 and 1.4 million excluding microbes. According to the Global Biodiversity Assessment produced by the United Nations Environment Programme, there are 1,78,000 marine species in 34 phyla so far discovered. The most diverse regions identified by the COML are around Australia and South East Asia. Among the Asian countries, India is perhaps the only country that has a long record of inventories of coastal and marine biodiversity. India is one among 17 mega-biodiversity countries and 25 hotspots of the richest and highly endangered eco-regions of the world. India has 8,118 kms long coastline, 0.53 million sq. km shelf area and 2.02 million sq. km of exclusive economic zone adjoining the offshore islands and a productive coastal ecosystems such as estuaries, lagoons, mangroves, backwaters, salt marshes, seagrasses, rocky shores, sandy stretches and coral reefs, which are characterized by distinctive biotic and abiotic assets and practices. The number of species known could be of the order of 13,000 or higher in India (Ramakrishna and Venkataraman 2002). Coastal zone represents 18% of the earth surface, providing space for 60% of the human population since about 70% of the worlds cities with population more than 1.6 million are located in coastal zone and 90% of the world fish catch is obtained from this zone. It represents about 18-33% of total primary production which is basic energy for finfish and shellfish stock. This zone has high biological potential as it serves as feeding, nursery and spawning grounds with rich biodiversity and as in intermediary biotope between marine and freshwater environments (Venkataraman, 2003). Marine and coastal ecosystems provide a wide range of important products and services. Fish, crustaceans and mollusks are major food and they provided about 7 million tones of human food and live stock supplements in the year 2007-2008 in India (CMFRI, 2009). The recent trend on coastal and marine biodiversity components has been of great concern. Climate change, over exploitation, pollution and habitat loss can be accelerated the species loss that, according certain estimates is of the order of species per day. About half of the worlds coastal ecosystems face threats to their existence due to human activities. About 35% of the mangroves and 20% of the coral reefs have been destroyed on a worldwide. The coastal and marine ecosystems have also become the ultimate sink for discharges of waste, spillage of oil, discharge of radioactive materials, alien species by ballast water and eutrophication due to domestic and industrial waste run-off. In recent years, s significant improvement in management of coastal and marine resources has been observed in India. But there is still a considerable improvement is needed to conserve the coastal and marine biological resources.
43
SPECIES COMPOSITION, DISTRIBUTION AND BIOMASS OF MACROALGAE IN THE SEAGRASS ECOSYSTEM OF MINICOY ATOLL, LAKSHADWEEP, INDIA
01 35
Prabhakaran, M.P*1., Pillai, N.G.K.2 and Bijoy Nandan, S.1

2
School of Marine Sciences, CUSAT, Kochi - 682016 Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Kochi, Kerala State, India 682 018 * prabhusagar@gmail.com
Spatial and temporal variations in species composition, distribution and biomass of macroalgae in the seagrass ecosystem of Minicoy Atoll of Lakshadweep, India were assessed for two years (2000-2002). Four stations were selected for the study. The seagrass ecosystem consists of five species of seagrasses, namely, Thalassia hemprichii, Halophila ovalis, Syringodium isoetifolium, Halodule uninervis and Cymodocea serrulata. During the study period, 42 species were obtained from the seagrass meadow. They belonged to 3 classes, 9 orders, 17 families and 26 genera. The most dominant group was Class Rhodophyceae, represented by 4 orders, 9 families and 12 genera and 20 species, followed by Class Chlorophyceae, having 2 orders, 5 families, 8 genera and 16 species. Class Phaeophyceae consisted of 3 orders, 3 families, 5 genera and 6 species. Halimeda gracilis formed the most dominant species in the Station I (33.75%) and Station II (60.9%), whereas G. crassa formed the dominant species (31.18%) in the Station III and G. edulis (17.40%) in the Station IV. Class Rhodophyceae contributed a major share in the total seaweed biomass and distributed almost uniformly in all the stations. Classes Chlorophyceae and Phaeophyceae showed significant variations in biomass seasonally and spatially. Both the drifting and rhizophytic macro algae in the seagrass ecosystem influenced the structural complexity, as they act as food source for numerous organisms and as shelter. From the results, it could be inferred that the potential for changes in the distribution and abundance of macro algal communities of seagrass habitats could be correlated with changes in environmental regime, especially pH and dissolved oxygen. The changes on the tidal emergence and submergence, topography of the coast, surf action and levels at which the plants grow, contributed much to the fluctuations in the distribution, abundance and community structure of macro algae in the seagrass ecosystem of Minicoy Atoll. 44
MICROBIAL DIVERSITY IN SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE DEVELOPMENT
01 36
Pramod W. Ramteke* and Ashok Rathore

Sam Higginbottom Institute of Agriculture, Technology and sciences (SHIATS) Allahabad 211007, UP India, Mob: 91-9415124985 , *pwramteke@yahoo.com; pwramteke@gmail.com
Agricultural practices in India is heavily dependent on agrochemicals like fertilizers and pesticides. These agrochemicals have greatly influenced natural rhizosphere microbes in agro systems and led to the frequent and deliberate contamination of cultivated soils. The economic and ecological problems of today have re-invigorated the idea of using natural rhizosphere microbial population in order to reduce the application of costly and environmentallypolluting agrochemicals to a minimum. Plant beneficial microbialresources promise to replace and/or supplement many such destructive, high intensity practices and support ecofriendly crop production. Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) may promote plant growth directly through the processes such as by fixation of atmospheric nitrogen, solubilization of phosphorous, production of siderophores that solubilize and sequester iron, or production of plant growth regulators (hormones), lytic enzymes and hydrogen cyanide. Some bacteria support plant growth indirectly, by improving and/or eliminating the growth-restricting conditions either via production of antagonistic substances or by inducing resistance against plant pathogens and through competition for nutrients and space can improve significantly plant health and promote growth, as evidenced by increases in seedling emergence, vigor, and yield. Thus, microbial diversity has ecological, environmental, and social benefits. It plays a crucial role as integral component of sustainable development.
45
HUMAN ELEPHANT CONFLICTS IN KERALA: THE PATTERN OF CROP RAIDING BY ASIAN ELEPHANTS IN MUNNAR REGION OF WESTERN GHATS
01 37
Prasad, G.1, Rajesh Reghunath2 and V. Prasannakumar3

1 2
Department of Zoology, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala Department of Geology, University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala 3 Centre for Geo-Information Science and Technology, University of Kerala, Kariavattom, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
A preliminary study was conducted on the crop raiding pattern of Asian elephants at Munnar region of Kerala, South India. Munnar region is predominantly hilly plantation, tribal dominated region and lies at the eastern part of Idukki distract of Kerala state. The region in and around Munnar varies in height from 2,000 meters (6,562 ft) to 2,600 meters (8,530 ft) above mean sea level. The temperature ranges between 10 C (50 F) and 0 C (32 F) in winter and 8 C (46.4 F) and 16 C (60.8 F) in summer. Most of the native flora and fauna of Munnar have disappeared due to severe habitat fragmentation resultant from the creation of the plantations. The land use of Munnar can be grouped into natural vegetation (forest) and plantations. The terrain is highly undulating and slope varies from gentle to very steep. The average rainfall is 4260mm. We collected data by people participation surveys during the period from April 2008-to March 2010 by monitoring 15 settlement areas/fields, interviewing farmers and local people. . We recorded total 222 cases of conflicts for the two years and all are crop raiding. Crop raiding was the primary form of conflict between elephants and humans and was reported by all the settlement areas studied Two man slaughters incidents were reported in the study period and both are occurred on the buffer areas of the forest. The maximum raids occurred in Thenmala Tea Factory area settlement in 2008-09 and Devikulam- Gundala-Muthuvakundu area which is followed by Marayoor and Kundala Chanrose settlements in 2009-10 periods. There is a marked increase in the crop raids in the 2009-10. The majority of crop raiding was reported to have occurred in two peak periods, one from February to May and the other from September to December. The major crops raided were plantain, coconut and all other usual crops such as sugar cane, paddy, cabbage, carrot etc. Female groups damaged more area than male groups. The major reasons of HEC, current mitigation measures practiced as well as the problems of habitat degradation and conservation practices in this area are discussed in detail. 46
DIVERSITY OF LITTER DEGRADING MICROFUNGI FROM THE FORESTS OF WESTERN GHATS, INDIA
01 38
Pratibha J.1, Bhat, D.J. 2 and Raghukumar, S.1

1
Myko Tech Pvt. Ltd., Mapusa Industrial Estate, Mapusa Goa 403507, India 2 Department of Botany, Goa University, Goa 403206 India
Western Ghats, one of the mega biodiversity hotspots is a treasure house for several new and interesting fungi. Tropical forests produce a large amount of litter which is a favoured source of nutrient for fungal colonization. Generally, litter is divided into leaf litter, branch litter, bark litter, fruit litter and seed litter. Fungi are the major degraders of plant litter which is composed of basically cellulose and lignin. Litter fungi play a major role in carbon and nitrogen cycling in forest ecosystem. In an attempt to document the biodiversity of litter fungi of the region, litter samples were collected from different places in Goa and some parts of Karnataka, Kerala and Maharashtra. The fungi were isolated and cultured by direct isolation, moist chamber incubation and particle filtration methods. In all 300 litter fungi belonging to 140 genera of hyphomycetes, ascomycetes and coelomycets were isolated. These included several rare and interesting species in the monotypic genera like Bibanasiella, Cheiromyceopsis, Esdipatilia, Megacapitula, Pseudogliophragma, Morrisiella etc. New species belonging to Dendryphiopsis, Digitoramispora, Spondylocladiopsis, Stauriella, Tetraploa and Vamsapriya have been recorded. This study further extends the distribution of these fungi to the Western Ghats region of Goa.
47
ANTS ( FORMICIDAE): NEST AND HABITAT
01 39
Presty John1, Rabeesh, T.P. and Karmaly .K.A

Dept. of Zoology, St.Xaviers College for women, Aluva 1 Dept. of Zoology, S. H. College Thevara *dr.karmaly@gmail.com
Ants are the diverse group of insects, and having a highly developed social animal. Ants form one of the very dominant arthropods of about 12071 living species with 28 subfamilies,71 tribes and 408 genera. (Bolton, 2005). Ants, like the honey bees and one section of the wasps are social insects , with a well established nest or community .they display a remarkable range of social behavior, foraging habits and association with other organisms( Hlldobler and Wilson, 1990). Some species even form symbiotic association with particular group of plants, which produce suitable pre-formed nest sited to attract the ants to take up residence (Bolton, 1994). The design and architecture of nest is distinctly purposeful and constructed with patience. They construct nests in various types of habitats some nest in cavities in plants, but majority of ants make net in the ground. Same colony of ants may adopt very different methods of nest building at different periods during the growth and development (Wheeler, 1913)
48
CHERAI BEACH- A HAVEN OF TAXONOMIC DIVERSITY
01 40
G. Priyalakshmi1* and N. R. Menon2

Department of Zoology, Bharata Mata College, Thrikkakara, Kerala, India. Pin: 682021; Mob: 9895104164; E-mail: priyalakshmig@yahoo.co.in 2 Emeritus Professor and Hon. Director, C-IMCOZ, School of Marine Science, CUSAT & NERCI, Kerala, India.Pin:682016 E-mail:drnrmenon@gmail.com
1
Sandy beaches harbour a plethora of life forms in the interstices of fine and coarse sand grains. In the light of enhanced rate of species extinction caused by human (anthropogenic) activity, the need for a reliable estimate of the variety of species has become a need of the hour. A study of psammophilous fauna of Cherai beach (lat.10 09' N; long.76 02E), revealed that species from nine taxa dominated by nematodes abound this beach. Curiously enough, gastrotrichs occupied the second position. Miniaturisation of body along with bizarre morphological architecture by representatives of macrobenthic group especially polychaetes, cnidarians and copepods became common residents of the interstitial realm. Despite the heterogeneity of the various animal groups present in this microcosm, all interstitial taxa are subject to integrating adaptations by the constraints and dynamics of this habitat. Methodology includes collection of sediment samples, extraction of interstitial fauna by sedimentation-decantation method (Wieser,1960),sorting, preparation of microscopic slides of organisms by graded alcohol series and Seinhorsts method(1959) and detailed examination of specimens using high power microscope equipped with 100X oil immersion lens. Categorisation of nematode species into different trophic groups was done (Wieser, 1953). CHN analysis (using CHN analyzer Elementar VarioIII) and textural analysis of sediments was carried out (Buchanan, 1984). Hydrographic parameters such as temperature, pH, salinity and dissolved oxygen (Winklers method) were noted. Taxonomic studies of selected aberrant groups brought to light forty three species that come under Nematoda, Gastrotricha, Polychaeta, Kinorhyncha, Isopoda and Cnidaria. Subjected to considerable daily and seasonal fluctuations, the taxa occupying this beach exhibit variegated morphological features. Macrodasyd gastrotrich, Pseudostomella cheraensis Priyalakshmi et.al. (2007) is new to science. Halichaetonotus spinosus and Halichaetonotus sp. (Gastrotricha) are premier records from the Indian beaches. All the gastrotrich species recorded from Cherai are premier reports from the coast of Kerala. A striking feature of the species distribution is the distinct discontinuity in its occurrence and abundance. Nematode community and their diversity are largely determined by the sediment structure. The moderately well sorted medium sand harboured a rich and diverse nematofauna, though the density of some of the forms was low. 28 species belonging to 3 orders, 12 families and 22 genera abounded this beach. Distribution and abundance of the type of trophic groups highlighted the presence of deposit feeders at par with predators indicating the over-riding importance of the quality of organic matter as a source of energy. The pattern of prevalence of nematode communities was such that two sampling locations with more or less same pattern of substratum were occupied by two different species. Species like Daptonema setifer, Rhynchonema hirsutum and Paramonhystera albigensis found in abundance in one season were outnumbered by Onyx perfectus, Oxyonchus culcitatus and Gammanema sp. in the following season. Faunal diversity of Cherai was enriched by 7 interstitial polychaetes such as Pisione remota, Pisione sp., Saccocirrus minor, Protodrilus pierantonii, Protodrilus sp., Hesionides sp., and Polygordius madrasensis. Though a taxonomic enquiry was not possible, turbellarians made their presence in fairly good numbers. A good representation of a typical mud dweller, Cateria styx (Kinorhyncha) is indicative of the faunal richness of this habitat. The species preference of the substratum was evident by the presence of single species of isopod, Angeleria phreaticola in large numbers. A group with erratic distribution and rare occurrence was Cnidaria with very few numbers of Halammohydra octopodides. An interesting (remarkable) observation made was the quantum of harpacticoids wherein, 7 species present in the sediment sample are all new to science (unpublished data). BEST analysis revealed the correlation co-efficient (Rho) to be 0.202 and 0.075 for sediment and hydrographic parameters respectively. Organic carbon and Nitrogen determined the abundance and distribution of fauna and among the hydrographic parameters, Dissolved Oxygen seemed to be the most important factor. The diversity of interstitial taxa in Cherai is an index of the high nutritional nature of this pristine beach.
49
POPULATION ECOLOGY OF DIPTEROCARPUS BOURDILLONII BRANDIS, A CRITICALLY ENDANGERED TREE SPECIES
01 41
Puttaswamy, H.*1, Kushalappa2, C.G. Swarupanandan,3 K. and Ajayan, K.V1.

2.
1.Research Scholars, College of Forestry, Ponnampet, Kodagu 571216 Professor and Head, Dept. of FBT, College of Forestry, Ponnampet, Kodagu 3. Scientist F, Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), Peechi, Thrissur *puttaswamih@gmail.com
Dipterocarps are well known for the timber value of their species. The Indian species of the genus are Dipterocarpus bourdillonii and D. indicus, both are endemic to the Western Ghats. The timber of the species has long been exploited for their softwood. Dipterocarpus bourdillonii, is a flagship species identified as typical tree in composition and architecture of the low elevational evergreen forests and its population is very low compared to D. indicus. As per the CAMP (Conservation Assessment and Management Plan) process, the species has been given the Critically Endangered status. The future genetic value, the endemicity, the discontinuous distribution, and critically endangered status of the species underline the urgent need for its conservation. Intensive field investigations in Central Western Ghats (Karnataka) region shows that D. bourdillonii is largely confined to southern part of the state (Kodagu or Coorg district) while D. indicus is widely distributed all through the state. Although the area of distribution of the species is restricted to Coorg, it is broken into a few disjunct patches, especially towards the northern part of the district. As of now only fourteen individuals of the species are identified in the entire state of Karnataka and their distribution is broken into three patches within the distance of 7-8 kms in the District. The species is recorded only along streams and in some inaccessible areas of Kadamakkal forests in Pushpagiri wildlife sanctuary, Kodagu (Coorg) at an elevation of less than 300m. Dipterocarpus bourdillonii started to bear flowers from November, set fruits during December and retained till April to May. A weevil belonging to Alcidode sp. caused severe damage to its flower and fruits which resulted in very poor natural regeneration of the species. The regeneration pattern of the species was assessed under the adult tree. As the D. bourdillonii seeds are winged and they are wind dispersed, the seeds fall at certain distance from base of the tree. Number of D. bourdillonii regenerates increases as the distance increases from base of the mother tree and maximum number (20) of regenerates was found at 10-15 m distance, afterwards it stated to decrease. Girth class distribution of D. bourdillonii regenerates shows that the highest per cent (33.3%) of regenerates are of Class II and it was followed by Class I. Species richness under the mother tree was gradually increased as the distance increases from the its base. 50
GENETIC DIVERSITY OF ANTAGONISTIC POTENTIAL STREPTOMYCES SPP. ISOLATED FROM NAMBOR RESERVE FOREST OF ASSAM, INDIA
01 42
Rajal Debnath, Rupak K Sarma, Tarun C Bora, and Ratul Saikia*

Biotechnology Division North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR), Jorhat 785006, Assam, India *rsaikia19@yahoo.com
In this study we isolated thirty Streptomyces from Nambor Wild Life Sanctuary of Assam, India. All the isolates were screened for extracellular enzyme production such as proteases, chitinase, -glucanase and antimicrobial metabolites. Out of 30 isolates 4 showed protease production, 6 had the ability to degrade colloidal chitin and 5 degraded laminarin when amended in the growth media. Moreover 60% of isolates showed antagonistic potential against phytopathogenic fungus viz. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri (Foc), Fusarium semitectum (Fs), Aspergillus niger (An), Rhizoctonia solani (Rs) and bacterial pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus (Sa) and Escherichia coli (Ec). Phylogenetic relationship of the Streptomyces were analyzed by 16S rDNA-RFLP and BOX profiling with respect to reference strains of Streptomyces glaucescens (MTCC 276), Streptomyces coelicolor (MTCC 8), Streptomyces fradiae (MTCC 321). Investigation of polymorphic bands of 16S rDNA using three tetra cutter restriction enzymes (HaeIII, AluI and MspI) revealed considerable variations among the isolates.
51
DIVERSITY, DISTRIBUTION MAPPING AND EX SITU CONSERVATION OF RARE, ENDANGERED AND THREATENED MEDICINAL SPECIES OF THE CENTRAL WESTERN GHATS
01 43
Rajasekharan, P.E., Ravish, B.S., Mini, S. and Vasantha Kumar, T.*

Division of Plant Genetic Resources, Section of Medicinal crops Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta Lake PO Bangalore 560 089 *rajasekharan.pe@gmail.com
Targeted exploration and collection missions were conducted in Western Ghats of Karnataka,Kerala and Tamilnadu and variability in targeted species of RET medicinal plants collected from hotspots of south from 31 collection missions-374 accessions collected Pass port data has been collected for every accession and an attempt was made to develop descriptors. The distribution of the RET species was mapped using the primary data which was obtained from the various exploration and collection missions conducted in south India. The latitude, longitude and altitude of the locations were obtained using a global positioning system (Garmin) Using the passport data the distribution of 32 target species were mapped using DIVA GIS software. Domain model DIVA GIS (Hijmans et al, 2003) distribution map of 32 RET medicinal plants were created using DIVA GIS Software. With the help of Bioclim/Domain tool the possible habitat of various ret species was predicted (Map 2).Out of 19 climatic variables four of them were used for this prediction. With the help of Bioclim/Domain tool was used predictive niche modeling. For ex situ conservation of species an integrated strategy has been employed. A Field Gene Bank (FGB) is established for targeted RET medicinal plants at IIHR, Bangalore. The present FGB at IIHR established the following species accessions of RET medicinal plants : Kaempferia galanga11, Kaempferia galanga 8, Holostemma adakodien 4, Oroxylum indicum 9, Embelia ribes 2, Celastrus paniculatus 23, Decalepis hamiltonii 6, Aristolochia tagala 3, Saraca asoca 6, Alpinia galanga19,Kaempferia galang 26,Rauvolfia serpentiana10. The FGB is completely organic in mangement and chemical sprays and fertilisers were avoided. Adaptability of species to the new location, pollination ecology, and morphological characterization was taken up in the FGB. Seed bank for RET medicinal plants established for Oroxylum indicum, Decalepis hamiltonii, Holostemma adakodien. In vitro multiplication and coservation protocols were optimised for Alpinia calcarata, Kaempfieria galanga and Acorus calamus.implications of these strategies in conservation of these RET medicinal plant species will be discussed in the presentation. 52
HUMAN PERCEPTIONS OF, AND INTERACTIONS WITH, CAECILIAN AMPHIBIANS IN THE SOUTHERN WESTERN GHATS OF INDIA
01 44
Ramachandran Kotharambath* and Oommen V. Oommen

Department of Zoology, University of Kerala, Karyavattom, Thiruvananthapuram-695581 *ramachandrank6@gmail.com
Among the extant amphibians the least known are caecilians (Order Gymnophiona), probably because most species of this largely tropical group live in soil. Caecilians are elongate and limbless and have skin that is divided into annuli, so they appear superficially snake- or worm-like. The Western Ghats is a centre of caecilian diversity with more than 10% of global species diversity occurring here. There has been a substantial increase in knowledge of the caecilians of the Western Ghats in the last 10 years, and much of this has been possible because they can be found in anthropogeneic habitats as well as (their presumably natural home) forests. Indeed, some species occur in very high densities in altered habitats, to the point where they can be locally the most abundant vertebrates. The adaptability of some caecilians to human-altered landscapes results in face-to-face interactions with humans along the Ghats region. Preliminary previous work in peninsular India indicated that at least some caecilian species might be persecuted by humans, as well as killed accidentally on roads and in plantations. In order to study caecilian anthrozoology in further detail we interviewed people from all walks of life who were encountered at caecilian localities along the Western Ghats region of Kerala during January 2008- October 2010. There is no specific name for caecilians in the local language. Different names people use for caecilians are invariably applied also to soil-dwelling snakes. Caecilians are identified by laypeople usually as earthworms or snakes, depending on the species in question. People generally find caecilians frightening (if they believe them to be snakes) or at least slimy and unappealing. Occasional fear exists because of misidentification and myths and not through harmful experiences. Knowledge that caecilians are amphibians is almost non-existent. Culturally, in this part of the Ghats caecilians are not well represented except for some faint proverbs and one or two mentions in writings in the local language. Our findings might cause some concern for caecilian conservation in anthropogenic habitats, but we also found that laypeople responded well to brief, informal education sessions and demonstrations that these animals are not dangerous and may even be beneficial in the health of agricultural soils. 53
LARGE PREDATORS AND PREY POPULATION IN MUDUMALAI TIGER RESERVE, WESTERN GHATS
01 45
T.*, Sankar, Ramesh, T.*, Riddhika, K., Sankar, K. and Qureshi, Q.

Wildlife Institute of India, P Box 18, Dehradun 248001, Uttarakhand, India. .O. * ramesh81ngl@gmail.com
The abundance and prey availability of tiger, leopard and dhole were studied within an intensive study area of 187 km2 covering deciduous forest, semi evergreen forest and dry thorn forest of Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu between January 2008 and April 2010. Population of tiger and leopard was estimated using camera traps with 50 trap stations by capture-recapture method. Dhole population was estimated by vehicle transects with a total effort of 4496 km. Time activity pattern of large carnivores was examined from photo-captures. Prey availability was estimated using line transects laid randomly with a total effort of 473 km. The density (individuals/100 km2) estimate of tiger using half mean maximum distance moved, full mean maximum distance, spatially explicit maximum likelihood and inverse prediction methods was 12.1 2.6SE, 9.1 2.3SE, 9.2 2.4SE, 10.7 4.4SE respectively and for leopard the density estimates were 17.4 4.2SE, 13.7 3.3SE, 15.1 5.0SE, 20.7 9.9SE respectively. Camera trapping revealed 28 individual tigers (seven males, 17 females and four unidentified individuals) and 31 leopards (11 males, 17 females and three unidentified individuals) from an effort of 2000 trap nights. Dhole density estimate (individuals /100 km2) was 37 16SE. Tiger showed crepuscular activity, leopards were active throughout the day while dholes were found to be diurnal. The estimated density of prey species was in the following order: chital (43.8 10.7SE), common langur (31.0 3.8SE), gaur (6.7 1.3SE), Indian giant squirrel (6.4 10.7SE), sambar (4.9 0.96SE), elephant (4.9 0.75SE), grey jungle fowl (3.9 1.2SE), red spur fowl (2.7 1.6SE), black-naped hare (2.7 1.5SE), barking deer (1.5 0.73SE), peafowl (1.3 0.80SE), wild pig (1.2 0.52SE), bonnet macaque (1.0 0.59SE), mouse deer (0.95 0.47SE) and chausingha (0.35 0.35). This study indicates high availability of prey species for the sustenance of high predator populations in the Mudumalai landscape which is most important for conservation of tiger, leopard, dhole and biodiversity of Southern Western Ghats. 54
MICROBIAL POPULATION IN THE CONTINENTAL SHELF SEDIMENTS OF KERALA COAST

Ramya,K.D1, Jimly Jacob1, Bright Singh, I.S
2
01 46
and Rosamma Philip*1
1 Department of Marine biology, Microbiology & Biochemistry, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Fine Arts Avenue, Cochin-16. 2 National Centre for Aquatic Animal Health, Cochin University of Science and Technology Fine Arts Avenue, Cochin-16. *rosammap@gmail.com
Microorganisms play an important role in the biogeochemical cycling of elements. A comprehensive study on micro faunal community structure in the sediments will help us to understand the role of microbes in the benthic realm and group of microbes involved in the specific transformations. Microbial population in the shelf sediments of Kerala coast have been studied during the 258th cruise of the Research vessel FORV Sagar Sampada. Sediment samples were collected from the shelf regions (50 and 200m depths) of Kerala covering 9 stations over 5 transects (Trivandrum, Kollam, Cochin, Kozhikode & Kannur).Sediment texture analysis was carried out using particle size analyzer (SYMPA TECH, Germany) and organic matter by wet oxidation method (El Wakeel & Riley, 1957).Total count of bacteria was carried out by Acridine orange direct count (AODC) method. Microbiological analysis was carried out by using conventional spread plate method. Bacterial isolates were identified up to generic level as per Bergeys Manual of Systematic Bacteriology (1984). Generally the sediment was olive green in color. At 50m depth the sediment was mainly silty sand in nature but at 200m depth it was generally sandy in nature. The organic matter composition ranged from 0.9516 3.09 % and it was found that at 50m depth zone, the organic matter increased towards the northern side. Total bacterial count was higher at 50m depth compared to 200m depth and ranged from 6.01106 to 6.8107 cells/gm dry wt of the sediment.In the present study a postive correlation could be observed between bacterial population and organic matter in the study area.Yeast population ranged from 0.04 to 3.22 cfu/gm dry wt. of the sediment and fungal population from 0.0462 to 0.76 cfu/gm dry wt. of the sediment. Yeast population was found to be higher at 50m depth whereas fungal population at 200m depth. Out of 164 isolates, 54% were gram negative and 46% gram positive. Alteromonas(16%) and Micrococcus (13%) were found to be the dominant genus in the sediment samples followed by Bacillus (11%).In the present study, it could be observed that the bacterial population was more at 50m depth compared to 200m depth and organic matter play a significant role controlling the distribution of heterotrophic bacteria in the marine sediments. 55
DIVERSITY OF SOIL MICROARTHROPODS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO COLLEMBOLA UNDER DIFFERENT LANDUSE PATTERNS OF CACHAR DISTRICT, ASSAM
01 47
Ranabijoy Gope and Ray, D.C.*

Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Assam University, Silchar, Cachar, Assam 788011 *raydulal@yahoo.com
Deforestation and land use conversion has been attributed as the major cause for decline in biodiversity. We attempted to correlate land-use variables with arthropod community across a diversification gradient in land use patterns in the Cachar District of Assam. Field experiments were also conducted to explain the effect of deforestation on arthropod community vis-a-vis use of arthropod as bioindicators of forest degradation. Five (5) soil sample units were taken through stratified sampling, strata being the rate of degradation in the forest area. Soil sampling was conducted with stainless steel soil augur (2.5cm diameter) at a depth of 0-10cm. Tullgren funnel extractor was employed for specimen collection. Specimens were mounted in DPX mounting and identified. Result revealed total sixteen order of phylum arthropoda were extracted from all the investigated sites. Cryptosigmatid mites were predominant order in undisturbed forest, moderately disturbed forest and grassland. Collembola (54624.22 6229.08 No.m-2) and diptera (14675.16 2838.91No.m-2) were the dominant orders in severely disturbed forest and deforested land respectively. The dominancy of cryptostigmatid mites may be due to their capability to withstand wide range of microclimatic conditions. The result of similarity test (Jaccard index of similarity) between the land use patterns showed that maximum diversity among undisturbed forest and moderately disturbed forest (52.94) while minimum was found in deforested land and moderately disturbed forest (15.38). Shannon wiener index of diversity revealed that collembolan communities are related to forest decline. Therefore collembola may act as bioindicators of land use patterns.
56
BREEDING STATUS OF LESSER SAND PLOVER FROM CHANDERTAL WETLAND A NEW RECORD
01 48
Ranjit Singh* and Thakur, D. R.

Department of Biosciences, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla - 5, India *ranjitsrana@gmail.com
Chandertal wetland is situated above the tree line in north-west Himalayas, at an altitude of 4370 meters above the mean sea level and is internationally known as Ramsar site (No. 1569) due to its unique and a few endangered floral and faunal elements. The lake with its 2.5 km circumference and with a few small semi-permanent water bodies interspersed in between grassy meadows and rocky pastures, hosts different alpine chordates and non chordate organisms. About 80% birds of Indian subcontinent have been noticed throughout the Himalayan range, but the avian species composition found in western Himalayas is less as compared to its eastern part, due to decreased precipitation and trend of the Himalayas which follows a more northerly course. The alpine meadows and pastures along with sandy and rocky areas surrounding the Chandertal lake acts as perfect breeding grounds for high altitude birds in summer season. With the onset of summer, snow melts and wetland support the growth of floral and faunal species (aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates) which become easy food resources for breeding birds and other vertebrates. Lesser Sand Plover Charadrius mongolus Pallas 1776 is a wader noticed in sanctuary area within breeding plumage and its juveniles.
57
ASSESSING THE LONG TERM IMPACT OF BOTTOM TRAWLING BY SINGLE DAY FISHING TRAWLERS (SDF) AT MANGALORE AND MALPE (KARNATAKA) DURING 1989-2002.
01 49
Raveendra Durgekar*, Zachariah, P.U., Anoop Krishnan. A and Krishnakumar, P.K.

Central marine Fisheries Research Institute, marine Drive Extension, Ernakulam North, Ernakulam: 682018 *ravind12@gmail.com
In India fish and fisheries have always played an important role in nutrition and livelihood. However, concentrated efforts at development of Indian fisheries began only after the Independence of India, then over a span of 50 years, marine fish catches increased considerably from 0.6 to 3.3 million t. The single day trawl fishery (SDF) catch data for Mangalore landing center and Malpe landing centre was taken from Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute database. Fishes were classified into target and non-target. Catch details of sensitive species such as Cynoglossus macrostomus, sharks and rays were obtained. The data was further analyzed using PRIMER software for Taxonomic Distinctness (TD) as explained in chapter 2. The mean trophic level of all the species recorded in the catch was calculated for the period 1989-2002. In summary, both at Mangalore and Malpe, finfishes were the most dominant group in the SDF catch followed by stomatopods and shrimps. A general increase in shrimp catches (target) in SDF operated off Mangalore-Malpe coast was observed during 1990s and then the catches showed a decreasing trend. Generally, the MTL of the total trawl catch showed a decreasing trend from 3.12 in 1989 to 3.05 in 2002 and MTL of non-target in trawl catch at Mangalore showed significant reduction (R2 = 0.57). This reduction in MTL of nontarget species in the SDF catch at Mangalore indicates the exploitation of smaller fishes such as plankton feeders. It also indicates that the fishing may decline along with the already declining trophic level along the Mangalore and Malpe coast in the next decades. Bottom trawling may adversely affect the habit and habitat of bottom dwelling fishes like flatfish, shark and rays. A gradual decrease in landing of these species from Karnataka waters has been noticed. Significant reduction in the landing of sharks in trawl catch at Mangalore (R2=0.43) and Malpe (R2=0.23) and rays at Mangalore (R2=0.57) was observed during 1989 to 2002. 58
PATTERNS OF DISTRIBUTION OF BRYOPHYTES IN NEYYAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY, KERALA
01 50
Remya Krishnan, Shilpa Satheesh L and Murugan, K*

Department of Botany, University College, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
The Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the southern state of Kerala in India is spread over the southeast corner of the Western Ghats, and covers a total area of 128 km2. It is located between 77 8 to 77 17 East Longitude and 8 29 to 8 37 North Latitude, central location 8332N 7712.52E / 8.55N 77.2083E / 8.55; 77.2083. Although it was declared as a sanctuary in 1958, not much was done about wildlife conservation, until 1985, when a separate wildlife wing was set up and as a result, conservation efforts have gathered momentum. This is the drainage basin for the Neyyar River and its tributaries - Mullayar and Kallar which originate in Agasthyarkoodam, the second highest peak in Kerala. The towering peak of Agasthyamalai at an elevation of 1868 meters is a very prominent landmark. Bryophytes are nonvascular plants generally reproducing by spores. They are considered to be pioneers that colonize terrestrial habitats from an aquatic environment. They are the simplest and the most primitive of the land plants and lack well developed conductive tissue system. A total of 76 species of bryophytes were recorded from 16 transects of 50 m x 10 m between altitudes of 90 to 1868 m of Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary.Forty-one of these are lignicolous species occurring on woody, 14 are terricolous growing on soil and 10 are saxicolous inhabiting rocks only. The other 11 species occur on more than one major types of substrate. Bryophyte species diversity is at its highest in middle altitudes where all three major substrates are simultaneously available. Bryophyte species diversity of Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary appears to be under threat from deforestation and fires, as well as from loss of soil microhabitats due to overgrowth of weeds seemingly caused by cessation of summer grazing. Deforestation, excessive fuel wood collection and fire, all adversely affecting wood loving species of bryophytes appear to be major threats to the rich bryophyte flora of the hills. Although firm evidence is lacking, it is also possible that the ban on summer grazing in the meadows of Agasthyamalai may be adversely affecting bryophyte diversity, since this cessation of grazing has led to spread of weedy species and shrinkage of soil microhabitats of the bryophytes. The rich bryophyte flora of Neyyar belt could play an important economic role as well. 59
HABITAT OCCUPANCY OF SMALL FELIDS, VIVERRIDS AND HERPESTIDS IN MUDUMALAI TIGER RESERVE, TAMIL NADU
01 51
Riddhika Kalle*, Ramesh Tharmalingam, Sankar Kalyanasundaram and Qamar Qureshi

Wildlife Institute of India, P Box # 18, Chandrabani .O. Dehra Dun-248 001, Uttarakhand, India; Tel: 09751499125 *riddhikalle@gmail.com
Small carnivores represent some of the most threatened species, but also the least known because of their rarity, elusiveness and cryptic habits. Conservation efforts commonly use habitat models as a surrogate of empirical data on monitoring the status of multi-species when documenting species occurrence as well as to predict the efficacy of management interventions. Occupancy surveys offer a potentially efficient and robust means of assessing elusive carnivore populations. We evaluated the influence of habitat models on site occupancy rates of small felids, viverrids and herpestids using presence/absence data in a capture-recapture framework from systematically placed remote camera traps (1.25 km x 1.25 km grids) in Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Tamil Nadu over a period of 6 months from November 2009 to April 2010. We identified 64 sites covering three different habitat types (dry thorn forest, deciduous forest and semi-evergreen forest) which were repeatedly surveyed for 30 days in the dry season amounting to 1920 trap nights. The habitat models increased site occupancy rates of certain small carnivores. The dry thorn forest influenced site occupancy rate of jungle cat (psi = 0.19 0.06SE), small Indian civet (psi = 0.26 0.09SE), ruddy mongoose (psi = 0.14 0.06SE) and grey mongoose (psi = 0.13 0.07SE) while the semi-evergreen forest increased site occupancy of brown palm civet (psi = 0.33 0.27SE). The study revealed that habitat type contributed to the distribution of small carnivores indicating species-habitat relationships. Occupancy estimates from this study provide a benchmark for long-term monitoring of small carnivore populations in the future.
60
STUDIES ON BUTTERFLY DIVERSITY OF TENGA WATERSHED AREA, ARUNACHAL PRADESH
01 52
Ridip Choudhury*, Mech, J., Das, N., Bhuyan, M. and Bhattacharyya, P.R.
Division of Medicinal, Aromatic and Economic Plants, North East Institute of Science & Technology, Jorhat-785006, Assam *ridip2007@gmail.com
Watershed represents a segment of the landscape with a common hydrological boundary within which the biotic communities link inextricably. The goal of watershed management is to plan and work towards an environmentally and economically healthy watershed for the benefit of biotic communities in the watershed area itself and its dependent territories. In this context, the watershed areas of Arunachal Pradesh have tremendous prospect not only for the state alone but also for the entire plain land of Assam. Butterflies are designated as the indicator species for assessing quality of environment. Watershed areas, which take active role in biodiversity wealth, need to be examined for understanding the changes and initiating remedial measures (if needed) to restore quality. Therefore, an attempt has been made to assess butterfly diversity in a watershed i.e. Tenga and to utilize it as potential indicator. So far, there is not any report of butterfly fauna of Tenga watershed. Tenga watershed of Arunachal Pradesh is located at 27.211 N-27.235 N latitude and 92.466 E-92.484 E longitude covering an area of 232.18 hectare at altitudinal range of 1360 m to 2600 m. The local people of Tenga watershed are primarily dependent on jhum cultivation. Slash and burn shifting or jhum cultivation, the predominant form of agriculture in hill tracts of the watershed is established within natural alpine forests of Tenga Valley. Pinus wallichiana, Pinus khasiana are dominant in this area, but alpine trees like Rhododendron nivale., R. anthopogon, R. thomsonii, Sedum sp., Festuca sp., Rhodiola sp, Saxifraga sp., Saussaurea sp., Arenaria sp., Rheum sp. etc. are also present in some packets. Butterflies were surveyed in four seasons i.e. pre-monsoon, monsoon, post-monsoon and winter at Tenga watershed of Arunachal Pradesh. Surveys were conducted in two line transects drawn within 200 x 200 m of grid. Grids were located in the field by comparing field GPS data with base map of the watershed and accordingly GPS was used to trek the line transects. The butterflies observed in the line transects were either caught with aerial net or photographed for recording species diversity. Butterflies observed on either side of transact up to 5 m wide were considered for recording. During survey a total of 80 species of butterflies were recorded for the first time at the watershed. Among them 47, 49, 33 and 25 species of butterfly were recorded during pre-monsoon, monsoon, post-monsoon and winter period, respectively. Of these Nymphalidae and Pieridae were found to be the dominant families, in contrast to Papilionidae, Lycaenidae and Hesperiidae. A few butterfly species protected under Schedules of Wildlife Protection Act was also recorded. During the survey period, it was observed that many new areas within the watershed were opened for jhum cultivation by removing natural vegetation. The process may affect butterfly population in future due to lack of suitable host plants and disturbance of natural ecosystem. Extensive use of pesticides in the jhum crops prevalent in the watershed may contaminate the natural ecosystem. As this is a watershed area, so pesticide pollutants may be washed out to other areas through water. The investigation will open a fruitful indication of the health and status of the watershed as well as to strategize a comprehensive plan for management of baseline ecological aspects of the watershed through butterfly indicator.
61
DIVERSITY AND SPATIOTEMPORAL VARIATION OF ACTINOMYCETES POPULATION IN THE SOILS OF TROPICAL MONTANE FOREST OF WESTERNGHATS, KERALA
01 53
Varghese Paul Rinoy Varghese1, Suchithra R.1, Nishamol S.1, Joby Paul and Mohamed Hatha*2
1
School of Environmental Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam 2 Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology and Biochemistry, Cochin University of Science and Technology, Cochin, Kerala *mohamedhatha@gmail.com
Actinomycetes are Gram positive, aerobic and mycelium forming bacteria and this group of prokaryotes is well-known for their activity in nutrient cycling, nitrogen fixation, production of secondary metabolites and plant-growth support in soil. Plant-growth promotion may occur due to both direct and indirect effects. Direct effects comprise production of phytohormones, phosphate solubilization, nitrogen fixation and increased nutrient uptake. While indirect effects may be due to the control of pathogens by the production of secondary metabolites, competition, parasitism and induction of resistance. Thus the studies on soil actinomycetes are very important. Although some information is available on the populations of actinomycetes in a range of soils, virtually nothing is known about the population of actinomycetes in the soils of shola and grassland soils of tropical montane forests of Kerala. The present study is aimed at exploring the diversity and spatio temporal variation of actinomycetes in the soils of tropical montane forest. Floral composition of the study sites were also analysed. The study area is located at the top areas of Eravikulam National park lies between 1005N - 1020N latitude and 770E - 7710E longitude in Idukki district (Anamudy region) at an altitude of 1900 - 2400 m above MSL. Most of the land in this area is covered by grass lands and shola. In the present study soil samples were collected from twelve selected sites six from shola forest and six from grassland at different altitudes. The soil samples were collected from the pre-fixed stations in the shola forest and grassland. Collections were carried out during pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons. Soil samples were collected from a depth of 15 to 20 cm from the surface after removing the top soil. Isolation and enumeration of actinomycetes were carried by standard serial dilution plate technique using Kusters Agar. Actinomycete strains which are maintained as pure culture on Kusters Agar were characterized by morphological tests as per Bergeys Manual of Determinative Bacteriology (2000) and physiological tests (Gordon, 1967). The morphology of actinomycetes strains was examined using slide culture technique (Bergeys Manual of Determinate Bacteriology, 2000). For the vegetation study qualitative and quantitative methods were employed. The qualitative method included the collection, Identification and verification of plant components using standard floras and herbarium. The vegetation quantity was determined by Quadrate method. Actinomycetes population of the grassland and shola soils of tropical montane forest showed variation in their load both spatially and temporally. Actinomycetes load high during pre monsoon followed by post monsoon and monsoon seasons. In shola soils Actinomycetes load ranged from 21102 to 40103 CFU/g and in grassland soil it is ranged from 44103 to17103 CFU/ g during the three seasons studied. The identification of the total isolates collected (36) from shola soil revealed that most of the isolates were belongs to the genus Streptomyces (17) followed by Nocardia (9), Micromonospora (3), Pseudonocardia (2), Streptosporangium (2), Nocardiopsis (2) and Saccharomonospora (1). Characterisation of the isolates (33) from grassland soils exposed that the majority of them were come under Streptomyces (15) followed by Nocardia (11), Micromonospora (2), Pseudonocardia (2), Streptosporangium (1), Nocardiopsis (1) and Saccharomonospora (1). In shola forest, the sampling location comprised of altogether 28 species of plants belongs to 19 families. The flora is dominated by trees (42.85%) followed by shrubs (39.28%) and herbs (17.85%). The most dominant family based on the species diversity was Lauraceae (4 spp) followed by Acanthaceae, Rubiaceae, Myrsinaceae and Myrtaceae with two species each. Analysis of plant diversity of the grassland sampling locations recorded 8 families of plant species and the vegetation profile showed that grass species dominated the vegetation followed by herbs and shrubs. In conclusion diversity and variation of actinomycetes in shola and grassland soils of tropical montane forest showed more or less same pattern and exhibited good diversity. Further studies on their activity in nutrient cycling, nitrogen fixation, production of secondary metabolites and plant-growth assume significance.
62
A SURVEY ON THE FINFISH DIVERSITY OF THE SUNDERBANS ECOSYSTEM
01 54
Roshith, C. M.*, Manna, R. K., Naskar, K. R., Utpal Bhaumik, Roy Chowdhary, A. and Sanfui, D.
Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR), Barrackpore, Kolkata, West Bengal 700 120 *varunasree2003@yahoo.com
Sunderbans ecosystem is considered to be unique due to its species richness in terms of diverse mangrove flora and mangrove associated fauna of different groups. This unique ecosystem has been declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and it represents the largest single chunk of deltaic mangrove forest on this planet formed at the mouth of the Ganga - Brahmaputra river system, both in India and Bangladesh. Indian Sunderbans is situated within the longitude 88102 E - 89512E and latitude 21312N - 22302N, under the jurisdiction of both 24 Parganas districts (South and North) of West Bengal. In the present study, survey has been conducted to study the fish diversity and species abundance in the Sunderbans region. Samples were collected from 18 sampling stations covering the various rivers, canals and creeks, viz., Matlah, Bidya, Gomdi, Ganral, Durgadwani, Jheela and Thakuran. All the fishing gears that were operational during the study period were covered to estimate the species composition. Water samples were also collected and it was observed that the salinity varied from 14.8 ppt (Durgadwani Gomdi river crossing) to high value of 33.9 ppt (Fraserganj). A total of 118 species of fin fishes belonging to 40 families were reported during the study. 57% of the total fish species belonged to nine families, viz., Clupeidae (shads and sardines), Engraulidae (anchovies), Pristigasteridae (ilishas and pellonas), Mugilidae (mullets), Carangidae (trevallies and queen fishes), Sciaenidae (croakers), Ariidae (sea catfishes), Hemiramphidae (half beaks) and Gobiidae (gobies and mudskippers). Sciaenids were the dominant group in terms of species diversity and comprised of 14 species followed by Gobiidae (13 species) and Engraulidae (10 species). Overall catch composition shows that the Bombay duck, Harpodon nehereus, is the most abundant species contributing to 41.95% of the total catches followed by Liza parsia (24.24%) and Escualosa thoracata (16.23%). The mudskippers (Boleophthalmus boddarti, Periophthalmus koelreuteri, Periophthalmodon schlosseri and P. tredecemradiatus) are another dominant group even though they are not generally a part of commercial catches. Among elasmobranchs, the most dominant species was the sting ray, Himantura bleekeri. Majority of the fishes (88 species) were marine migrants followed by estuarine residents (28 species). Two freshwater migrants were also observed during the study, viz., Pangasius pangasius and Sperata aor. Targeted fishing for Penaeus monodon seed (locally known as bagda) has now become a serious threat to the fish biodiversity of this region. 63
BUTTERFLIES OF TRIPURA
01 55
Rudra Prasad Das1, Balakrishnan Valappil2, Nelson Rodrigues3, Sasikumar, K.4 and Arjan Basu Roy*5
2,3
1,5 Nature Mates-Nature Club, 6/7 Bijoygarh, Kolkata-700032 DiversityIndia, 5, Koustubha CHS, B.P Deshpande Road, Vishnunagar, Naupada, Thane, 400602 . 4 Department of Forest, Government of Tripura * naturemates@gmail.com
The state of Tripura is situated in the south-western extremity of north-east India. It shares an international boundary with Bangladesh on its north, south and south-eastern part; whereas on eastern side it shares a common boundary with two Indian states, Assam and Mizoram respectively. The state is located in the Bio-geographic zone of 9B-NorthEast Hills and has a predominantly hilly terrain with an altitudes ranging from 50 to 3080 ft above sea level. As because, it is geographically situated in the Indian sub-region of Oriental Zoo-geographic region, therefore possesses a very close affinity and resemblance with floral and faunal components of Indo-Malayan and Indo-Chinese subregions. Tripura is not a big state with an area covering only 10,491.69 sq. km., but around 60% of that area has forest cover. The main forest types are tropical evergreen, semi evergreen, and moist deciduous; also sizeable area is covered with bamboo brakes. Tripura is extremely rich in bio-diversity point of view. However, little studies had done on its butterfly diversity. Keeping that in consideration, one preliminary survey for butterfly fauna was planned during October-November 2009. During this seventeen days long survey period, a large part of the state was covered. An amazing 196 species of butterflies from five different families were recorded from different habitats such as plantation, cultivation and natural forests. Nymphalidae was the dominant family, with most number of species (81), followed by families Lycaenidae (44), Hesperiidae (39), Pieridae (18) and Papilionidae (14) respectively. Among the recorded butterfly species, some of them are protected under different schedules of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. During the study, more number of species was recorded from the natural forest area which supports a large diversity of flora. The results showed that the change of environment quality and altitude influenced the diversity of butterfly remarkably. The diversity pattern shows extreme richness in the Jampui Hills region, whereas in Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary it is considerably low. The other regions of Tripura show moderate diversity of butterfly species. The result also indicates that the fragmentation of habitat and the overall degradation of habitat quality have tremendous impact on Butterfly diversity. The present information will be helpful for further detailed study on butterfly diversity of this region. 64
EXPLORATION OF GENETIC AND FUNCTIONAL DIVERSITY OF FLUORESCENT PSEUDOMONADS ISOLATED FROM KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK, ASSAM, INDIA.
01 56
Tarun Rupak K Sarma, Rajal Debnath, Tarun C Bora, Ratul Saikia*

Biotechnology Division, North East Institute of Science and Technology (CSIR), Jorhat 785006, Assam., India. *rsaikia19@yahoo.com
Thirty -five fluorescent pseudomonads from rhizospheric soil were isolated and screened for the production of enzymes and hormones such as phosphatase, protease, indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), and antimicroboal metabolites. Out of 35 isolates; 10 isolates have the ability to produce plant growth hormone IAA, 5 isolates exhibited ACC deaminase; similarly 12 isolates produced protease and 5 have the ability to produce phosphatase. Isolates showed good antagonistic activity against phytopathogenic fungi, Fusarium oxysporumf. sp. raphani (For), Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. ciceri(Foc), Fusarium semitectum (Fs), and Rhizoctonia solani(Rs); and bacterial pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. Genetic diversity among these fluorescent pseudomonads was analysed through 16S rDNA-RFLP and BOX PCR fingerprinting with respect to four reference strains of Pseudomonas fluorescens NCIM 2099T, P aeruginosa MTCC . 2582T,P aureofaciens NCIM 2026T, and P syringae MTCC 673T. 16S rDNA-RFLP analysis using three tetra cutter restriction . . enzymes (HaeIII, AluI and MspI) revealed huge genetic variations among the isolates.
65
INVENTORY ON NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS DIVERSITY OF PLANT ORIGIN, USE AND LOCAL DEPENDENCE IN MIZORAM, NORTH-EAST INDIA
01 57
Sahoo, U.K.*, Jeeceelee, L., Lalremruata, J.H.1 and Lalramnghinglova, H.1

Department of Forestry, Mizoram University, Post Box 190, Aizawl (Mizoram), India 1 Department of Environment Science, Mizoram University, Post Box 190, Aizawl (Mizoram), India * uksahoo_2003@rediffmail.com
North-East India is one of the 12th Mega-biodiversity hot spot of the world with high degree of endemism and endangerment. The people of this region who are popularly known as ecosystem people largely depend on forest resources for varied purposes. The annual production of the marketable forest products for some north eastern state like Meghalaya is reported to be more than `1926 million, however, for the state of Mizoram, the contribution of NTFPs to the economy of the state largely remain unaccountable due to lack of systematic NTFP inventory . The paper reports preliminary findings of a NTFP study which covered 34 villages under 10 forest areas in the state of Mizoram. A total of 314 different species (168 medicinal plants, 40 fruit species, 17 edible plant species, 15 fodder species, 22 fuel wood species, 9 canes, 6 palms, 10 Ornamental species, 17 bamboo species) belonging to 100 plant families contributed to NTFP diversity in the state. A diverse variety of NTFPs of plant origin like bamboo poles, small timber, broom grass, rattan, medicinal plants, vegetables, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, leaves, availability of different kinds of flowers during winter months and numerous fruits, bark of some trees, honey, orchids during summer months not only supplement dietary requirement of the rural poor but also provide good income during the bloom period. The study further reveals that a diverse variety of forest produce could potentially find alternative livelihood for the forest fringe villages provided marketing interventions and other measures are undertaken to promote such products facilitated by appropriate government policies/incentives are made to the people to promote cultivation of such produce in the degraded/un-classed forests.
66
DIVERSITY OF ARBOREAL AND SOIL COLLEMBOLANS IN SUBTROPICAL EVERGREEN FOREST OF SOUTHERN ASSAM, N. E. INDIA
01 58
Salam Manoranjan Singh, Leimapokpam Amarjit Singh, Ranabijoy Gope and Ray, D. C.*
Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Assam University, Silchar, Cachar, Assam 788011 * raydulal@yahoo.com
In tropical evergreen forest of Southern Assam, we examined the composition and diversity of collembolan communities in the canopy attached litter (dead branches) of three dominant plant species (Toona ciliate M. Roem, Artocarpus Chama Buch-Hum. and Zanthoxylum limonella (Dennst.) Alston) and compared them with those in soil communities of the same species. Five (5) soil samples units were taken from the root zone of the selected tree species having five individuals of each species with stainless steel soil augur (2.5cm diameter) at a depth of 0-10cm. Branch clipping method was applied for collection of canopy litter microarthropods and Tullgren funnel extractor was employed for extraction of collembola from both soil and branch litter. Specimens were mounted in DPX mounting and identified. Detritivorous and fungivorous collembolans were dominant in the canopy. Numbers of all microarthropods per unit dry weight of leaf or per unit area of branch ranged from 0.40 to 0.63 g-1 dry weight on T. ciliate, 0.17 to 0.34 g-1 dry weight on A. Chama and 0.35 to 0.52 g-1 dry weight on Z. limonella. In the root zone soil, the number of individuals per unit ground area ranged from 46878.993091.11 individuals m-2 in T. ciliate, 525864797.39 individuals m-2 in A. Chama and 39541.414056.00 individuals m-2 in Z. limonella. Study on diversity indices revealed that species richness was higher in the soil (ranged between 10 to 14) compared to canopy litter (ranged between 4 to 5). Similar trend of result also found in case of diversity index. This may be due to the fact that canopy only having litter dwelling collembolan while soil having both true litter and truly soil inhabiting species. Distribution of collembola in the canopy litter suggested that the decomposition of dead branches initiated in the canopy.
67
A NOTATIONAL COMPOSITION OF BIRD SPECIES OF NILGIRI WESTERN SLOPE FORESTS A PARADISE OF AVIFAUNA IN THE SOUTHERN WESTERN GHATS
01 59
Sanalkumar, M G 1*, Balamurali, R. S.1, Nandakumar, S.1 and Sankar, S.2

1.PG & Research Department of Zoology, N.S.S. College, Pandalam 689 501 2.Division of Forestry & Human Dimensions, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi 680 653, Kerala, India
Avifaunal composition of Nilgiri Western Slope forests was studied. A total of 160 species were identified of which 9.38% are migratory. 56.25% were common, 35.46% were not common, 1.94% were rare, 1.25% were local migratory by status. Very high richness index (25.56846) and Shannons diversity index (4.822978) indicating a luxuriant bird species composition in this habitat. The low value of dominant index (0.008) indicating co-dominance of species and the evenness index value near to one indicating even distribution or continuous distribution of bird species in this locality. Lower anthropogenic disturbances, lack of hydroelectric dams, forest continuity and luxuriant vegetation of the area harbours good avian population in this locality and the area can be considered as a paradise for avian conservation in the Southern Western Ghats.
68
ICHTHYOFAUNAL DIVERSITY OF RIVER ACHENKOVI IN RELATION TO WATER PHYSICO-CHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS.
01 60
Santhy.G*. sanalkumar, M.G. and Balamurali, R.S

PG & Research Department of Zoology, N.S.S. College, Pandalam 689 501, Kerala, India *santhysatheesh@gmail.com
Rich biodiversity is an indication of the health of a particular habitat and its potential to sustain life. Fishes are paraphyletic collection of taxa which represent visible measure of stream ecosystem structure and function. A data base on fish diversity of River Achenkovil in relation to physico-chemical parameters is essential as a decision making tool for conservation and management of fish germplasm, declaration of part of the river as aquatic sanctuaries, protection and preservation of endangered species and mitigation of anthropogenic activities. Fish and surface water samples were collected seasonally from three sites of Achenkovil River during September 2009- August 2010. Fish samples collected were preserved in 5% formaldehyde for taxonomic identification using standard keys. Surface water samples for physico-chemical analysis were collected in 1L sterilized plastic containers and were analyzed using standard procedures. Statistical analysis was done by using standard procedures. Diversity indices were also calculated to explain the site wise variation in the Piscian diversity, dominance, abundance, richness, evenness and distribution. 54 fish species belonging to 21 families were collected and identified from the study area of which 5 species are endangered and 6 species are vulnerable according to IUCN norms. Family Cyprinidae recorded dominant. Three species found to be endemic to Kerala. The Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H) value is in the range 1.43-1.25. Similarly Simpsons Dominance index (D) is in the range 0.06-0.03. Hills Number (H0) shows the range of 35-27. The Mergaleff species richness index (M) is in the range 25.07-24.16. Mackintosh Distance (U) value shows the range of 1.08-1.09 indicating that fishes possess only a narrow range of distribution. Mackintosh species Evenness (E) values shows the range of 1.154-1.156 which denotes uneven distribution in these sites. Almost all numerical values in the present study shows statistical significance (P<0.05). Various Biodiversity indices show that the downstream of the river is more diverse than midstream and upstream. Principle component analysis (PCA) of the category multivariate analysis was employed to find out the principle factors in water affecting the distribution of fishes. Principal component analysis indicates that Dissolved oxygen is the first principal component affecting the density and diversity of fish. Nitrate is the second principal component and pH is recorded the third principal component. The study explains that water quality parameters have influence in the diversity and distribution of fishes at river Achenkovil. The presence of rare and endemic forms of fishes in the river makes it qualify as fresh water sites of exceptional fish diversity. But nowadays pollution due to domestic, urban sewage and runoff from agricultural fields have led to water quality deterioration and fish mortalities and toxicity to organisms prevails. Add to this unscientific sand mining resulted in the destruction of feeding and breeding grounds of fishes apart from reducing the self cleaning capacity of river water. In this context the existence of many endemic, endangered and vulnerable species in the river arise the importance of the continuous biodiversity monitoring and conservation of river Achenkovil. 69
STATUS OF THE GLOBALLY THREATENED SPECIE IN THE HABITATS OF SOUTHERN ARAVALLIS, RAJASTHAN, INDIA
01 61
Sarita Mehra*1, Satya Prakash Mehra2 and Krishan Kumar Sharma3

Rajputana Society of Natural History, Kesar Bhawan, 16/747, P No. 90, . B/D Saraswati Hosp., Ganeshanagar, Pahada, Udaipur 313001 Rajasthan, India *spmehra@yahoo.com
The State of Rajasthan shows a wide diversity of habitats. The Aravalli (a beam lying across) hills running diagonally across the state form the geomorphic and climatic boundary of the desert in the east. These ranges form a Labyrinth of low hills in southern parts and stretch north-east in the form of undulating low hills. Towards southwest, the ranges become more prominent with peaks upto 1,055msl. The avifaunal study was conducted in the selected habitats of the southern parts of Aravallis from July 2006 to March 2010. Line transect and point count methods were mainly employed for sampling. Seasonal field visits in the morning and evening hours were made for collecting observations. About 295 bird species representing 69 families were recorded from the whole of the region comprising of nine districts of southern Rajasthan. Out of the total 295 species, 185 species were recorded from the terrestrial habitats and 110 species from the aquatic habitats. These also include 23 globally threatened (GT) species. The GT species include three critically endangered (CR) vulture species, namely Indian White-backed (Gyps bengalensis), Long-billed (Gyps indicus) and Redheaded (Sarcogyps calvus); two endangered (EN) species Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) and Lesser Florican (Sypheotides indica); six vulnerable (VU) species Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus), Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus), Lesser Kestrel (Falco naumanni), Sarus Crane (Grus antigone), Pied Tit (Parus nuchalis) and Green Avadavat (Amandava formosa). Near threatened (NT) species recorded from the area include Darter (Anhinga melanogaster), Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala), Black-necked Stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus), Oriental White Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus), Lesser Flamingo (Phoenicopterus minor) Ferruginous Pochard (Aythya nyroca), Greater Grey-headed Fish-Eagle (Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus), Laggar (Falco jugger), Black-tailed Godwit (Limosa limosa), Eurasian Curlew (Numenius arquata), Black-bellied Tern (Sterna acuticauda) and European Roller (Coracias garrulus). 19 GT species showed their presence in habitats of the eastern and western peripheral habitats of Aravallis within study area whereas 16 GT species were recorded from habitats from central parts of Aravallis. Habitats of southern parts were home for 15 GT species and northern parts harbored 12 GT species. All the three CR species of vultures were recorded in the peripheral habitats of the study area. EN species of vulture was recorded from all the habitats of study. Among the VU species Sarus Crane and Dalmatian Pelican were recorded from all the major wetland habitats of study area. All other GT species were having restricted distribution. Green Munia was found distributed in the terrestrial habitats hilly terrain of Abu Hills and Kumbhalgarh Hills. The distribution ranges of all the GT species were plotted on the map and specific sites were marked for the species with restricted range. 70
FLORISTIC STRUCTURE, DIVERSITY AND CONSERVATION SIGNIFICANCE OF THE TROPICAL WET EVERGREEN FORESTS OF WESTERN GHATS OF KARNATAKA
01 62
Sathish, B.N1*. Kushalappa,C.G1.and Viswanath, S.2

1 .College of Forestry, Ponnampet, 2. Institute of Wood Science and Technology, Bangalore. *satibn@gmail.com
The present study was carried out in the tropical wet evergreen forests of Western Ghats region of Karnataka state (Kodagu and Uttar Kannada districts), south India. Sampling was done by using randomized sampling technique, wherein, a belt transact of one kilometer length and five meter width were laid randomly in a grids of 6.25 sq. km. Totally 22 such grids were sampled for trees measuring e 30 cm GBH (1.37 m). The data was analyzed for species richness, threatened and endemic species richness, Shannons diversity index and prevalence index. For each of these measurements a score was assigned to compute the Conservation Priority Area Index. Among the four top conservation priority areas in Kodagu region, three were with in the protected area network (Brahmagiri wildlife sanctuary), and other site is bordering the Talakauvery wildlife sanctuary. Even though, Marigundi and Beedalli sites come under Pushpagiri wildlife sanctuary, the conservation value was least. None of the conservation priority areas fall with in the protected area network/nor close to it in Uttara Kannada district. Hence, there is an urgent need to take suitable measures in formulating new protected areas network, and inclusion of priority areas which are close to/bordering protected areas.
71
DIVERSITY OF DUNG BEETLES (COLEOPTERA: SCARABAEIDAE: SCARABAEINAE) OF SHENDURNEY WILDIFE SANCTUARY (WESTERN GHATS: KERALA)
01 63
Seena Narayanan Karimbumkara* and Priyadarsanan Dharma Rajan

Insect Taxonomy and Conservation Laboratory, Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, Royal Enclave, Srirampura, Post Jakkur, Bangalore. Pin: 560 064. Ph: 91-80-23635555, Fax: 91-80-23530070 *seena.narayanan@atree.org
Dung beetles play a major role in our ecosystem. The scientific interests on dung beetles are increasing worldwide because of their value in ecosystem functions like nutrient cycling, pollination, secondary seed dispersal and parasite suppression. The sub-family Scarabaeinae; the true dung beetles, comprises of almost 5,700 species worldwide. The dung beetles have been identified as an ideal focal group for biodiversity monitoring and inventory, because they fulfill all the requirements of a useful bio-indicator. This study aims to assess the diversity of dung beetles in five different forest types of Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary viz. myristica swamps, low- elevation evergreen, moist deciduous, degraded and the mid-elevation evergreen forests. Dung beetles were sampled by six randomly placed baits of one litre cow dung in three seasons: pre-monsoon, post-monsoon and winter. The dung baits were retrieved after 24 hrs and the beetles were recovered by floating. The beetles were more abundant and species rich in degraded forest followed by the moist deciduous forest and they were least abundant and species rich in the myristica swamps. The species richness of mid elevation evergreen forest were almost the same as the low elevation evergreen, while dung beetles were more abundant in mid elevation evergreen. The degraded habitat was more species rich in winter. The mid elevation and low elevation evergreen didnt show any significant difference in the dung beetle diversity across various seasons.
72
DIVERSITY AND FAUNASTIC STUDIES ON GELECHIOIDEA (INSECTA: MICROLEPIDOPTERA) OF WESTERN GHATS, KERALA
01 64
Shamsudeen, R.S.M.*1 and George Mathew2

2
1 Department of Zoology, Sir Syed College, Taliparamba, Kerala-670142 Division of Entomology, Kerala Forest Research Institute, Peechi-680653 smartysamsu@gmail.com
In a study on the Microlepidoptera fauna of Kerala, 42 species of insects mostly belonging to Gelechiidae and Oecophoridae were recorded. The fauna was rich and diverse and contained several new reports to the state and south India. Taxonomic Segregation indicates that the main characteristics of the main characteristic of gelechiiodiea are Vertex and frons, antenna smaller than 3/4th length of forewings, labial palpus upturned, second segment long, acute, hindwing with vein R1 and Sc beyond base of wing, discocellular perpendicular to long axis of wings. Other than light trap, a new method was followed for Microlepidoptera collection, which is helpful in taxonomic studies. An inventory of 42 species is given with new records; an endeavor for the first time to the state.
73
FLORAL BIODIVERSITY OF MODERATE TO STEEP SLOPE LAND IN SEMI-ARID AREA : A CASE STUDY NEAR ARAVALI HILLS, AVIKANAGAR
01 65
Sharma, R. B.1 and Sharma, S. C.2

Central Sheep and Wool Research Institute, Avikanagar, Rajasthan 304 501, India environmentalistrbs @ yahoo.com
A field study was carried out at sloppy degraded area of CSWRI Avikanagar during 2007-2008. Results reveal that floral biodiversity of the study area comprised of 62 plant species belonging to 28 families. It holds 26 dicotyledons and 2 monocotyledons, consisting 8 trees, 20 shrubs and 34 herbs and grass. Out of these, 26 species were annual 1 was biannual and 35 were belongs to perennial in nature. Among the 62 species, 11 species belonged to Poaceae, 7 species to Fabaceae and 5 species to Tiliaceae families. Others families were represented in the study area having less than 5 species. There was an interaction among the existing soil condition, climate condition, grazing pressure and biodiversity. Observations of all the three seasons viz. summer, rainy and winter and Shannon and Weaver Index indicated that grazing could be maintained the small ruminants without much problems, since sufficient species were available during the lean period also.
74
DIVERSITY OF LACCASE PRODUCING MICROBIAL STRAINS FROM FOREST SOIL OF KERALA
01 66
Sheena Devasia and Jayakumaran Nair, A*

Department of Biotechnology, University of Kerala, Kariavattom, P O. Box 695581, Thiruvananthapuram . *jekksnair@gmail.com
Laccase production efficiency was assessed among different microbial strains isolated from different sources. Soil was collected from forest area of Kerala and was screened for laccase enzyme. The concentration of screening substrate was doubled for selective isolation of potent strains. Colonies producing reddish brown zones by the oxidation of guaiacol to biphenoquinone was selected for secondary screening studies. Out of 41 cultures isolated by this technique 3 fungal and 1 bacterial strains were found potent laccase producers. The Vogels Minimal media was selected as optimum media for production of enzyme. The enzyme assay was carried out using ABTS as substrate. The production of laccase was monitored and the enzyme production pattern of each organism was found different. The maximum production of laccase by the bacteria, KBB4 was on 4th day of inoculation where as the fungal strains KBF1, KBF2 and KBF3 produced maximum enzyme on 23rd, 102 and 7th day of inoculation respectively. The ability of organisms to oxidize phenolic compounds was also studied. The tolerance for the substrates and oxidation study were conducted with 0.005% of guaiacol, p cresol, p aminophenol, p phenylene diamine, tropolone and hydroquinone. The bacterial strain was able to grow in the presence of guaiacol, p cresol, p aminophenol, p phenylene diamine and hydroquinone. But no growth was observed in the presence of tropolone. The strain could oxidize only guaiacol, p phenylene diamine and hydroquinone. The isolated fungal strains showed a diversity in the growth and oxidation pattern. All the fungal strains oxidized guaiacol where as p phenylene diamine was oxidized only by the ascomycetes KBF2. Based on the ability to oxidize these compounds the organisms can be selected for various detoxification applications.
75
ENVIRONMENTAL CORRELATES OF SPECIES DIVERSITY IN THE WESTERN GHATS BIODIVERSITY HOTSPOT, INDIA
01 67
Shijo Joseph1,2,3 *, Ch. Sudhakar Reddy1, Anitha, K3. and Thomas, A. P.3
Forestry and Ecology Division, National Remote Sensing Centre, Indian Space Research Organization, Hyderabad, India. 2. Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Enviornment (ATREE), Jakkur, Bangalore, India 3. School of Environmental Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University, Kerala, India. *shijonrsa@gmail.com
1.
Tropical forests support the most diverse plant communities on earth, with hundreds of tree species coexisting in a single hectare. Though there are many studies to identify the environmental correlates of such species richness, most of them were carried out in the Neotropics with very little in the Old world tropics. The present study characterise the tree communities with respect to topographic and climatic variables, and identify the most important environmental correlate of species richness in an Old world tropical Biodiversity Hotspot in India. Digitally derived environmental variables in combination with tree species richness information were analysed using Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) to characterise the communities. Multiple regression technique based on stepwise backward elimination was used to identify the most important environment correlate of species richness. Canonical correspondence analysis results six major tree communities along the first and second axes. Precipitation is the dominant environmental gradient influencing vegetation patterns on the first CCA axis while elevation showed the highest correlation with the second CCA axis. Backward elimination regression technique yielded precipitation as the most important environmental correlate of species richness. Results were in agreement with the observations in the Neotropics that rainier areas maintain high species diversity.
76
REPRODUCTIVE BIOLOGY OF THE ENDEMIC AND THREATENED CYPRINID, PUNTIUS DENISONII IN THE WESTERN GHATS AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR CONSERVATION
01 68
Simmy Solomon1, Ramprasanth, M. R. 1, 2, Fibin Baby1, Josin Tharian1, 3, Benno Pereira1, Anvar Ali1 and Rajeev Raghavan*1, 4
Conservation Research Group, St. Alberts College, Kochi, Kerala, India Integrated Rural Technology Center (IRTC), Mundur, Palakkad, Kerala, India 3 Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, St. Johns College, Anchal, India 4 Durrell Institute of Conservation & Ecology, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK *rajeevraq@hotmail.com
2
The Denisons Barb, Puntius denisonii is an endemic and threatened cyprinid of the Western Ghats Hotspot that is currently the focus of unmanaged collections for the aquarium pet trade. Baseline information on the reproductive biology of P denisonii, from three major river systems (Chandragiri, Valapatanam and Chaliyar) flowing through the . Hotspot, was generated to inform conservation action. Maximum observed length in P denisonii was 180mm (males) . and 163mm (females) respectively. Males attained sexual maturity at a lower size than females with mean size at first maturity determined as 91.5 12.39mm for males and 100.5 9.71mm for females. Fish spawned from October to March with minor differences in the peak breeding months between river systems. Sex ratio of P denisonii deviated . significantly from 1:1 and was extremely skewed in favour of males (2 between 19.810 and 63.947). Absolute fecundity varied from 376 (fish of 102mm total length) to 1098 (fish of 106mm total length) eggs. Based on results of the present study, it has been revealed that the existing conservation plans for P denisonii in Kerala including closed . seasons and minimum catch size have been wrongly designed, and offers little or no protection to wild stocks. Improved conservation plans based on results of current and recent studies have been suggested.
77
EVALUATION OF WOUND HEALING POTENTIAL OF KAEMPFERIA ROTUNDA L. BY IN VIVO EXCISION AND INCISION MODELS
01 69
Sini, S. 1, Latha, P.G.* 1, Anilkumar, T.V. 2, Suja, S.R. 1, Shyamal, S. 1, Shine, V.J. 1, Anuja, G.I. 1, Shikha, P. 1, Krishnakumar, N.M. 1, Sreejith, G. 1, Vineetha, V.P. 2 and Rajasekharan, S. 1
1
Tropical Botanic Garden and Research Institute, Palode,Thiruvananthapuram-695562, India. 2 Biomedical Technology Wing, Sree Chitra Tirunal Institute fo Medical Sciences and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram-695012, India *plathagopalakrishnan@gmail.com
Wound healing is an intricate, organized response to tissue injury, that involves cellular and extra cellular matrix components.Usually,wound healing is a self-controlled physiological process and does not need much treatment.But in patients with some disease conditions or complications such as diabetes, ischemia and immunosuppression, the healing process is disrupted. Postponed or incomplete wound healing becomes troublesome, leading to discomfort, infection, prolonged hospitalization and increased risk of amputation.The use of agents expediting healing is therefore strongly suggested. Kaempferia rotunda L. (Zingiberaceae) is a handsome herb with tuberous fleshy roots, with a bitter, pungent, camphoraceous taste. It is commonly known as Chengazhineerkkizhangu in traditional medicine of Kerala. The juice of the tuber is given in dropsical affections of hands and feet and as effusions in joints. It also improves burning sensation. The rhizomes of K. rotunda were extracted with ethanol overnight with constant stirring. This crude extract, referred to as KR, was studied for its wound healing effects on two different cutaneous wound models, excision and incision wounds in Wistar rats. In the excision model, the skin of the impressed area was excised to full thickness to obtain a circular wound area of about 500 mm2.After wound creation, experimental animals were divided into six groups (six/ group).Group I, the vehicle control group was topically treated with petroleum jelly. The animals of groups II, III, IV and V were topically treated with 0.5, 1, 3 and 5 % of KR ointment respectively.Group VI served as the reference standard and was treated with 5% (w/w) betadine ointment in an identical manner. The healing was assessed by determination of the rate of wound contraction and period of epithelialization.This was followed by histopathological study in which wound tissue specimens from control, test and standard treated rats were collected. 3-5m thick sections were cut and stained with Harriss haematoxylin and eosin and observed in respect of fibroblast proliferation, collagen deposition, angiogenesis and re-epithelialization. In the incision wound model, the degree of healing was gauged by determining the skin breaking strength. The categorization and treatment of experimental animals was similar to that of the excision wound model.Preliminary qualitative phytochemical screening of KR was performed for the identification of various classes of active chemical constituents using standard methods. The total phenolic content (TPC) in the KR was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu reagent with gallic acid as calibration standard. KR treatment produced a significant increase in wound contraction and decrease in epithelialization period of excision wound and a significant increase in the tensile strength of the incision wound when compared to vehicle control. Histological study of the excision wound tissue obtained from the KR treated group showed elevated levels of discreetly organized bands of collagen and profusion of fibroblasts, compared to the control. In effect, KR appeared to facilitate the healing process.Preliminary phytochemical analysis of KR showed the presence of phenolics (80.28 mg/g of gallic acid equivalents), crotepoxide, -sitosterol, stigmasterol, coumarins, triterpenes and tannins. Increased wound contraction, tensile strength, augmented fibroblast proliferation and collagen deposition caused by K. rotunda support its traditional use in the topical management of wounds.
78
BIODIVERSITY OF MARINE ORNAMENTAL FISHES ALONG KERALA COAST
01 70
Sirajudheen, T.K. and Bijukumar, A.* T.K. Bijukumar, A.*

Dept. of Aquatic Biology & Fisheries University of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram 695581, Kerala *abiju@rediffmail.com
The fish fauna in marine environs, particularly those associated with coral reefs, rocky pools, sea grass beds, mud flats are renowned for their colouration, peaceful nature, tiny sizes and their ability to adapt to the confines of aquarium tanks. The wide varieties of natural animals along with modern technologies in aquarium keeping like live rocks, for better management and maintenance enhances the marine ornamental fish industry day by day. Among 1,471 species of marine ornamental fishes in the international trade, as many as 400 species were occurring in coastal waters and the coral reef ecosystem surrounding the islands and mainland of India. The coral reef patches and rocky pools on the shores of the Lakshadweep sea along with artificial rocky areas formed by sea wall construction materials harbours a wide variety of marine ornamental fishes all along the 590 kms coastal line of Kerala. Even though we have a good potential of marine ornamental fishes along Kerala coast, the absence of a primary data on the availability and abundance of marine ornamental fish is a major restriction in the expansion as well as regulation of marine ornamental fish trade in the state. The current study aims an inventory to reveal the potential resources of marine ornamental fishes along Kerala coast and discusses strategies for their conservation and sustainable management. The survey conducted during May 2008 to October 2010 at rock pool areas and major fishing harbours along Kerala coast revealed the presence of 117 species of ornamental fish categorized under 9 orders, 46 families and 78 genera. Shannon diversity index of ornamental fish recorded a higher value of 4.025 in Kerala coast and the Margalef species richness was 15.74. The values of Pielous evenness index (0.4784) showed lesser even distribution of species, with relatively more value for dominance index 0.9739. The species-rich fish families were Pomacentridae (damsel fishes), Scorpaenidae (Scorpion fishes), Serranidae (groupers) and Lutjanidae (snappers) (8 species each). The groupers and snappers, representing the genera Epinephelus and Lutjanus with 7 species each respectively, represented the most diverse ornamental fish genera of Kerala coast followed by Lion fishes of genera Pterois (4 species). Four species are new records to Kerala coast. The newly reported species were Pterois mombasae, Minous dempsterae (Family: Scorpaenidae), Epinephelus radiatus (Family: Serranidae) and Lutjanus decussatus (Family: Lutjanidae). The KovalamPoovar belt in Thiruvananthapuram district, Thangasseri-Kollam belt in Kollam district, Kozhikode and Kannur-Kasargode belt were identified as the areas rich in ornamental fish diversity. 79
OXIDATIVE STRESS EXPERIENCED BY FRESH WATER FISH, ANABAS TESTUDINEUS EXPOSED TO SEWAGE EFFLUENTS OF PARVATHYPUTHENAR.
01 71
Soorya, S.R*, Aruna Devi, C., Jayalekshmi, G., Amrutha, B.V. andFrancis Sunny
Department of Zoology, University College, Thiruvananthapuram. * soorya_beladev@yahoo.com
Parvathyputhenar, an artificial canal dating back to the Travancore era, was used for navigation, as an avenue of leisure and even the water was used for bathing and drinking. But over years, it has become a major source of environment pollution, posing a health hazard for city residents. In Thiruvananthapuram, a sewage farm was established five decades back at Muttathara. Domestic wastes from the city brought here are drained to the nearby grass land and after this the effluents without any treatment is directly emptied into Parvathyputhenar, which is the study site. Sewage effluents are a source of chemicals that may alter endocrine function thereby, adversely affecting reproduction or development and other physiological activities in animals. In the present study, the effect of sewage effluents on the antioxidant enzymes such as Superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), Glutathione-S-transferase (GST), Catalase (CAT), Glutathione content, and lipid peroxidation products Malondialdehyde (MDA) and Conjugate diene were studied in the liver along with brain acetylcholinesterase activity in a freshwater fish, Anabas testudineus. The fish weighing 405 gm were divided into different groups consisting of eight each and acclimatized in the laboratory. They were exposed to sewage effluents brought from Parvathyputhenar for a period of 7, 14 and 21 days. After stipulated period of exposure, 6 fish from each group were sacrificed and liver and brain were excised and stored at -800C for enzymes assay. The laboratory acclimatized fish kept in dechlorinated tap water served as control. Exposure to sewage effluents significantly decreased the activity of SOD, Gpx, and GST. But after 21 days of exposure, the activities of SOD and GST were restored. While the activities of Catalase and Glutathione content and the lipid peroxidation products such as MDA and Conjugate diene were significantly increased after sewage exposure. The present data support the idea that after an initial decrease/increase in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes, the fish readjusted in an adaptive phase that restored the level of SOD and GST by 21st day. It was found that exposure to sewage effluents significantly decreased acetylcholinesterase activity for all the time periods. Oxidative stress (OS) is caused by an imbalance of oxidants and antioxidants in favor of the former, and is capable of inflicting injury on membrane lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Moreover, oxidative stress is apparent in pathology associated with aging and many age related chronic diseases, including atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, and neurodegenerative diseases. Alterations in the antioxidant enzymes activity, amelioration in lipid peroxidation products and decline in acetylcholinesterase activity following sewage effluent exposure clearly reveals that the fish experienced oxidative stress. Anabas (climbing perch) being an edible species, measures should be taken to protect it and other inhabitants and above all, the polluted river. 80
PHYTOPLANKTON PRODUCTION AND DYNAMICS IN A COASTAL MUDFLAT ECOSYSTEM OF SEWRI - MAHUL COASTAL BAY - MUMBAI
01 72
Sreedevi, O.K.1, Bijoy Nandan, S.1and Lalitha Vijayan2

Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology & Biochemistry School of Marine Sciences Cochin University of Science & Technology, Cochin-16. 2 Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History, Coimbatore.
The phytoplankton production and its diversity in the different zones of the Sewri-Mahul region in Mumbai was investigated during the monsoon, summer and winter periods during 2007-08 period. The composition, distribution, abundance and diversity of plankton from the different stations in the eight zones of the mudflat are presented.The occurrence distribution and abundance of phytoplankton was highest during the monsoon and the summer months.Chlorophyceae, myxophyceae and Bacillariophyceae formed the major groups of phytoplankton encountered during the study. The myxophyceae (50.76%) followed by bacillariophyceae (21.34%) and chlorophyceae (11.19%) showed the highest mean percentage abundance in the eight zones in the three seasons. Season wise analysis also showed a similar trend in the eight zones. During the monsoon and winter periods the myxophyceae was the dominant planktonic group followed by bacillariophyceae. In summer the variations between the myxophyceae and bacillariophyceae was only marginal whereas it showed wide differences with chlorophyceae. Three species of Spirulina Viz. S. major, S. subsalsa and S. subtilissima represented the myxophyceae during monsoon season. The species diversity (Shannon) of phytoplankton also was highest during the summer (av. 1.386) followed by the monsoon (av.1.02) and the winter (av. 0.97). The richness and evenness indices also showed a similar trend as the Shannon Weiner diversity values. The abundance of plankton showed a positive correlation with dissolved oxygen and pH values in the different study stations.
81
A NOTE ON THE COLOURMORPHISM OF RAORCHESTES AKROPARALLAGI FROM WESTERN GHATS
01 73
Sujith V. Gopalan, Reveendran Remya, Santhosh Kumar K and Sanil George*

Chemical Biology, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, PO- Thycaud, Poojappura, Thiruvananthapuram - 695 014, Kerala, India
The Western Ghats is a known hot spot of biodiversity (Myers et al., 2000). The region is known to harbour almost 325 globally threaten species and also possess a high degree of endemism, especially in the case of lower vertebrates like Fishes, Reptiles and Amphibians. This endemism has been attributed to the prevailing geographi cal, climatic and phenological conditions providing the nec essary humid environment and habitat (Roelants et al.,2004). Amphibians form an important faunal group of this region, but are incompletely documented (Bossuyt, 2002); as the tropical forest areas of Southern Western Ghats is known to be a hot spot of Amphibian diversity as a very high number of species been reported from the area and still more awaiting discovery and identification. The family Rachophoridae, commonly called as tree frogs, consist of more than 300 species of frogs. They are wide spread in tropical regions of Africa and Asia. The genus Raorchestes is a member of Rachophoridae that are currently represented by 30 species from Western Ghats.Raorchestes and Psedophilautus are unique genus in the sense that they have direct development with all growth inside the egg and no free swimming tadpole stage. To differentiate between the two species of closely related Raorchestes is extremely difficult, because of their weak morphological difference and henceforth several authors (e.g. Dring, 1987; Bossuyt & Dubois, 2001) have already emphasised on the importance of non morphological techniques like molecular taxonomy and bioacoustics for species identification. We support the same, by providing a note on the high degree of colourmorphism and similarity that the traditional alpha taxonomy would find hard to reveal. We used evidence from DNA barcoding of mitochondrial genes (16SrRNA and CO1) to investigate the colourmorphism of Raorchestes akroparallagi from its range. The frog species Raorchestes akroparallagi is known to show a high degree of colour variation in life (Biju and Bossuyt 2009). We hereby report six colour morphs from the Species, with the support mitochondrial markers and photographs. The variation in colouration and the reported six colourmorphs not only reinforces the significance of molecular taxonomy but also brings about the significance of Western Ghats as a Biodiversity hot spot and prioritisation of its conservation. 82
IMPACT OF SAND MINING ON THE BIODIVERSITY OF ZOOBENTHOS : A CASE STUDY FROM ACHANKOVIL RIVER AT PATHANAMTHITTA REGION IN KERALA
01 74
Sunil Kumar, R.
Post Graduate and Research Department of Zoology Catholicate College (Affiliated to Mahatma Gandhi University) Pathanamthitta 689 645, Kerala sunilpanchavady@rediffmail.com The river ecosystem stability is basically concerned with the dynamics of relationships among the various organisms within the biotic community of bottom sediments and water columns. Extensive illegal sand mining occurring in the river systems of Kerala has evidently deteriorated and thereby destabilized the ecosystem. Realizing these ecological aspects in environmental impact assessment related to sand mining in rivers of Kerala, an attempt is made here to evaluate the community composition of zoobenthos and their importance in keeping the riverine ecosystem stability and balance. Study area is located in the river Achankovil at Pathanamthitta region in Pathanamthitta district, Kerala. Ten stations were selected in the river bottom and of these stations; three stations were disturbed area where sand mining being carried out extensively up to two feet. In the seven undisturbed stations, sand mining was not done by the miners. Samplings were made from the disturbed areas only after the period of one month right from the beginning of sand extraction. Sediment samples were taken quadruplicate by using a corer (135 cm2 area) to a depth of 5-8 cm in both undisturbed and disturbed areas and were sieved through 2 mm mesh size sieve to remove coarse fractions of the sand. After that, residue was again sieved through 0.5 mm mesh sieve to separate the zoobenthos. Organisms were preserved in 5% formalin for further study. Population density was expressed in 0.1 m2 area. The zoobenthos of the study area was mainly composed of young stages of insects, polychaetes, crustaceans and molluscs. Totally eighteen species were found. Insecta was the most dominant group in terms of population density as well as species diversity. All the other groups of organisms were rarely distributed in the study area. The study showed that all the 18 species were found in the undisturbed areas of the river bottom while only 6 species were found in the mined area and which may only be after the colonization and rebuilding of fauna in certain period of time. The zoobenthic organisms inhabiting the riverbed sediments regulate the fluxes of nutrients and energy through lotic ecosystem and provide a critical link between primary and tertiary production. Thus, they play major role in the functioning of river ecosystem and constitute an important link in the food chain as they form the food of various fishes. These functional roles make the composition of soil biodiversity so important for characterizing the ecological state of river system. The abundance and distribution of benthic organisms in the river bed habitat is governed by the sediment characteristics, as in the present study, and also by water quality. During sand mining process the benthic fauna of bottom habitat was drastically removed along with sand. As far as the life history of Dragon flies, May flies, Caddis flies and Chironomus are concerned the mortality of the young stages of these insects due to sand mining definitely affect the terrestrial ecology of the area. In the terrestrial system adult stages of these insects enter into the food chain and also play an important role in the biological control of harmful insects like mosquitoes. It can be concluded that during sand mining process a stabilized riverine bottom habitat is not only altered but also the biodiversity of benthic habitat is lost forever. Even though there is little recovery in the mined bottom habitat after certain period in the form of rebuilding of zoobenthos especially initial young stages of insects, the mining process has profound effect on the various aspects of riverine biodiversity and ecology both directly and indirectly.
83
BIOSYSTEMATICS OF PTEROMALIDAE (INSECTA : HYMENOPTERA : CHALCIDOIDEA ) OF INDIAN SUBCONTINENT-AN OVERVIEW
01 75
Sureshan, P.M.
Western Ghat Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India, Kozhikode . 673006, Kerala , India. pmsuresh43@yahoo.com
Parasitic Hymenoptera forms a major component of the Insect diversity and is an economically important group of insects. Family Pteromalidae is one of the largest families of Chalcidoidea ( Hymenoptera Parasitica ) with over 3500 species described under 558 genera word wide ( Gibson et al, 1997, Noyes, 2003). Our knowledge on the Pteromalid fauna of Indian subcontinent is still far from satisfactory and only 205 species under101 genera are known from the area (Sureshan, 2009). About 95 % of the Pteromalidae are primary or secondary parasitoids attacking a large range of insect orders in their various stages of development, hence playing an important role (though often hidden) in the natural regulation of population of insect pests. They have also been proved to be one of the successful agents as biological control agents of insect pests. Pteromlaid fauna of Indian subcontinent (including Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka) is not isolated in the world. Apart from the cosmopolitan species introduced by man (mainly with various crops) many Palearctic genera are widely represented in the Region followed by the Ethiopian, Australian and Nearctic elements. Few genera are endemic to the Region, the statuses of which are yet to be ascertained. Among the species known from the Region about 60 % are endemic, followed by Oriental and Palearctic elements. Recent collection and study of specimens from different parts of the country proved the dominance of Palearctic species in the Western Himalaya , Indo-Chinese and Malayan elements in the Eastern Himalya, Ethiopian elements in the Decan Peninsula and mixture of all these in the Indo-Gangetic plains. Besides the discovery many new taxa from Sri Lanka, many species of the Deccan Peninsula, and Western Ghats are also reported from the area. Despite having great value as biocontrol agents of insects, only scanty information is available on the biology, host-parasite relationships, ecology and ethology of Pteromlaidae from the Indian subcontinent. Poor taxonomic knowledge of the group mainly hampers the attempts to study their biology and to utilize them in biological control programmes in the Region where many species with proven biological control potential are available. An increased study on the systematics, ecology, biology and ethology of Pteromalidae is imperative in order to exploit their potential in the fight against insect pests of our crops. The Present paper gives an overall account on the taxonomic knowledge of Pteromalide of Indian subcontinent and patterns of distribution and probable affinities of various taxa known from the Region. Some aspects of the biology and biocontrol potential of Pteromalidae known from the Region are also discussed. 84
DOCUMENTATION AND DISTRIBUTION OF AQUATIC PLANTS IN RELATION WITH CERTAIN ENVIRONMENTAL VARIABLES OF KUTTANAD WETLAND ECOSYSTEM, KERALA
01 76
Sylas, V.P.*, John, C. M., Joby Paul, Unni, K.S., Thomas, A.P. and Ramasamy, E.V.
School of Environmental Sciences, Mahatma Gandhi University Kottayam 686 560, Kerala, India Phone : 0481- 2732120 Fax: 0481- 2732620 *sylasvpa@gmail.com
Aquatic plants play a significant role in the self purification of wetlands and its distribution is closely related with environmental factors. The present study carried out in Kuttanad wetland ecosystem, part of Vembanad-Kol Ramasar site, is unique for its ecological and cultural diversity. Comprehensive survey was carried out from January 2006 to December 2007 for the documentation and distribution aquatic plants with percentage cover. Water and sediment samples were also collected monthly from its growing habitat (a total 40 sampling locations) and were analysed as per standard procedure. Multivariate statistical tools were employed for the determination of environmental variables supporting the aquatic plant distribution. The study recorded a total of 130 aquatic plants including 7 pteridophytes. A total of 9 exotic (non-native) plants were recorded and among them Eichhornia crassipes, Cabombo caroliniana, Salvinia molesta and Limnocharis flava are found invading in the productive paddy fields of Kuttanad. C. caroliniana, L. flava and Alternanthera philoxeroides, the recently introduced exotics, have shown gregarious growth which replaces local plants. E. crassipes showed high percentage cover during premonsoon season in the canal systems of Kuttanad and comparatively low during the monsoon season. Ischaemum travancorense, an endemic grass species, mainly growing in the abandoned fields, formed sudd communities. Environmental variables like COD, nitrate, potassium, BOD, phosphate and potassium in sediments have shown negative correlation with the distribution of macrophytes. Water quality parameters like DO, phosphate, acidity, pH, sulphate and the sediment characteristics like pH, available nitrogen and organic carbon were highly influencing the distribution of C. caroliniana, N. hydrophylla, N. indica - H. verticellata - L. heterophylla and N. pubescens - H. aristata associates. The distribution of all aquatic plants except R. corymbosa and N. pubescence has shown negative correlation with salinity, chloride and hardness. The increase of abandoned fields and the filling of paddy fields and canal systems have greatly influenced the ecology of Kuttanad. The seasonal salinity intrusion from the Vembanad lake is essential for controlling the aquatic plant growth especially for the invasive weeds. In Kuttanad, the aquatic plants are efficient in purifying the polluted waters and the periodic harvest and removal of these plants during cultivation time enable the system for restoration to a great extent. These plants are a boon in disguise to the maintenance of the Kuttanad wetland ecosystem from further deterioration. 85
GENERIC DIVERSITY OF BEETLES (COLEOPTERA: INSECTA) IN PUNE DISTRICT
01 77
Tamboli, A. S.*1 and Korad, V. S.2

1
Department of Biology, Abeda Inamdar Junior College, Pune-411001. 2 Department of Zoology, Fergusson College, Pune-411004. *afsanatamboli@yahoo.com
The beetles (Coleoptera: Insecta) play a vital role in the terrestrial ecosystem. The survey performed during 20082010 indicates that the fauna is rich in generic diversity in the vicinity of Western Ghats of Pune district. Present survey reported in all 24 genera and 31 species of beetles from the study area. It includes 06 genera feeding on plants, 07genera of predators and 11 genera of scavengers. The rich generic diversity of beetles indicates balanced ecological conditions of the ecosystem concerned.
86
BRUCHIDS (COLEOPTERA: BRUCHIDAE) SPECTRUM OF ACACIA CATECHU (L.F.) WILLD. FROM HIMACHAL PRADESH
01 78
Thakur, D. R. and Vinay Katoch*

Department of Biosciences, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla - 5, India *vinaykatoch84@gmail.com
The order Coleoptera of class Insecta has the largest number of described species and family Bruchidae (Coleoptera: Chrysomeloidea) is a small but economically important possessing about 2000 known species worldwide. Bruchids are seed borers and attack on wild leguminous hosts in field and the edible legumes in stores. All the known beetles of family Bruchidae feed on seeds of 34 families of kingdom Plantae and about 80% of them feed on the seeds belonging to family Fabaceae. Bruchids attacking green pods of wild legumes are usually univoltine, has specific but long developmental period and life span. These are generally referred as field bruchids. Bruchids are universal beetle infest leguminous plant and their larvae entering the seed and feed on cotyledons and embryo and rendering them nonviable. Under the present investigation Bruchidius albizziae has been found associated with A. catechu (Willd.) in different parts of Himachal Pradesh, India. B. albizziae lays eggs on green pods of host plant during the month of August, September or October and adults emerged by making a circular hole on the wall of seed and pods on the onset of summer in next year. Seasonal abundance of adults was maximum in the month of March and April due to the favorable environmental conditions and lowest in December to February. Along with the emergence of adult bruchids, a larval parasitoid Entedon albiziarum Raspul belonging to subfamily Entedontinae, family Eulophidae has also been recorded. This bio-controlling agents play an important role in the suppression of the pest population in the field.
87
VIRULENCE DIVERSITY AMONG NEWCASTLE DISEASE VIRUS IN CHICKENS - A PLAQUE ASSAY APPROACH
01 79
Tincy K Thomas*, Sherin, S and Jayakumaran Nair, A

Department of Biotechnology, University of Kerala * tincykthomas123@gmail.com
Newcastle Disease (ND) is a highly contagious and fatal viral disease that affects all species of birds which has worldwide distribution. ND is caused by Newcastle Disease Virus which is being classified into three pathotypes based on the severity of the disease as velogenic, mesogenic and lentogenic .The variations in the virulence of different New castle disease virus was studied in the chick embryo fibroblast cultures by the Plaque Assay method. The plaque study was carried out in chick embryo fibroblast cell using two lentogenic and mesogenic strains. For this two lentogenic and two mesogenic strains were propagated in allantoic fluid of embryonated eggs and used for further study. The haemagglutination titre of all the strains was studied before using it for plaque assay method. The mesogenic strains showed more haemagglutination titre than the lentogenic strains. The overlay used in plaque assay method was also varied using Agarose and Agar. The plaque assay study has shown that the size, number, morphology and the time for the formation of plaques also varied with the two different strains.
88
DIVERSITY OF SCUM ALGAE GROWING IN DIFFERENT INDUSTRIA EFFLUENTS IN WEST BENGAL
01 80
Tuli Bandopadhayay, Shilpa Datta, Swapna Das* and Neera Sen Sarkar
West Bengal Biodiversity Board, Paribesh Bhawan, Salt Lake, Kolkata *Department of Botany, Scottish Church College, 1 & 3 Urquhart Square, Kolkata *swapnascottish@yahoo.com
Algae are ubiquitous forms of life. They occupy a very large and diverse range of habitats. These also include areas under stress too. The stress may relate to extreme climatic conditions and also highly polluted environments as well. The present study relates to algae growing in different polluted environs created by some industries surrounding Kolkata and suburbs. Polluted environs are obviously stressful for living organisms and only stress-tolerant species can grow under such conditions. Nevertheless, different algal groups growing as scums and blooms are encountered there. Literature review reveals significant works related to this perspective. The objective of the present study is to focus on the diversity of the algae occupying the selected polluted areas and to study the organisms so as to find their roles as bio-indicators. For the present study, five different industries in and around Kolkata were selected for the study. Regular sampling for algae was conducted from each industry both from the Effluent Treatment Plant (ETP) and from the discharge area. Different algal compositions were studied for the samples microscopically. Measurements were taken and identifications done with the help of available literature. Each community studied was analysed for different diversity & dominance indices using standard methodology. The present study revealed different algal communities represented in each of the different industry studied. Though no major shift was observed in the composition of communities in each of the area with regards to ETP sample and the discharge area sample but significant changes in dominant components were observed in each case. The genera/ species have been described with morphological characteristics and notes on their habitats for the identified species in each sample area. Detailed enumeration of the communities reveals that the scums in distillery, dairy effluents, thermal power effluents and herbal medicine unit effluents are dominated by cyanophycean members, though the dairy effluents have diatoms as co-dominant members along with the cyanophycean members, which is not observed in the other industries studied. 89
A FEW RARE, ENDEMIC, ENDANGERED AND THREATENED PLANTS OF WESTERN GHATS FOR CONSERVATION CONCERN
01 81
Udayan P.S.1 and Harinarayanan, M.K.*2

1
Department of Botany, Sree Krishna College, Ariyannur P .O., Guruvayur, Thrissur District, Kerala 680 102 2 Kerala State Biodiversity Board, Pettah, Thiruvananthapuram -24 *harinmk@yahoo.co.in
Botanical explorations were carried out for fast 8 years for collection and documentation of the medicinally important plants of the Western Ghats forest areas of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. This survey resulted in the collection of many species that are of conservation concern which includes rare, endemic, endangered and threatened plants. The present paper presents information of 60 such Rare, Endemic and Threatened species collected and studied from the Western Ghats region. The list includes seven species of new reports to the state, some contributed to the extended distribution and the others formed new locations. This paper enumerates the 60 species, with their correct botanical name, family, local name, distribution, voucher numbers of collection, threat status and notes if any. The voucher specimens are deposited in the herbarium of Centre for Medicinal Plants Research, Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal, Malappuram District, Kerala.
90
DOCUMENTATION OF FLOWERING PLANT DIVERSITY OF KUTTANAD REGION OF VEMBANAD ESTURINE SYSTEM
01 82
Unnikrishnan, N.
Dept. of Botany, S V R N S S College, T P Puram, Vazhoor, Kottayam. 686 505. unnikrishnan62@rediffmail.com
Kuttanad is the southern part of the Vembanad-Kol estuarine system, a Ramsar site of Kerala. The Thannermukkam salt water regulator divides the Kuttanad region from the rest of the estuarine system. This wetland system spreads out in the three districts, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha and Kottayam covering an area of 850km 2.It is one of the major rice growing areas of the state. This area consists of the Vembanad Lake, vast paddy fields, marshes, canals and palm groves and offers diverse habitat for a variety of wetland vegetation. Extensive field work was conducted in this area and plants were collected, identified and recorded. The flora of this region includes mangroves, mangrove associates, hydrophytes, medicinal plants and other important wetland dependent species. Important mangrove species found growing here are Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, Rhizophora apiculata, R.mucronata, Sonneratia caseolaris, Kandelia candal, Avicennia officinalis, Acanthus ilicifolius and Excoecaria agallocha. Anona glabra, Cerebera odollam, Ardisia liltoralis, Derris trifoliata, Morinda citrifolia,Clerodendrum inermi, Shirakiopsis indica etc. are some of the important mangrove associates growing in this ecosystem. This wetland is also a treasure of medicinal plants. Eclipta postrata, Premna cerratifolia, Bacopa monnieri, Ipomea mauritiana, Barringtonia racemosa, Monochoria vaginalis, Hygrophila schulli are some of the examples. Calophyllum inophyllum, Erythrina fusca, Crataeva magna are some of the important wetland dependent trees. The screw pine Pandanus odorifer is an important fibre yielding plant of this habitat. Aponogeton appendiculatus is a rare hydrophyte which is endemic to the Vembanad Lake and is included in the red data book. Different species of true hydrophytes are also found growing here. Nymphaea nouchali, Utricularia aurea, Vallisneria natans, Potamogeton octandrus, Hydrilla verticillata, Ottelia alismoides etc are some of the examples. In this study it was observed that some of the invasive species become a threat to this ecosystem. Eichhornia crassipes, Limnocharis flava, Phragmites karka and Cabomba caroliniana are examples. During this study 245 hydrophytes and wetland dependant plants under 57 families were documented from this ecosystem. It is found that Cyperaceae and Poaceae are families having maximum species diversity. Among the dicot families Scrophulariaceae is having maximum representation. The biodiversity of the Kuttanad area is under great pressure due to tourism activities and water pollution. There is an urgent need to take immediate steps to conserve this fragile ecosystem. 91
IMPLICATIONS OF THE QUALITY OF DRINKING WATER IN THE RESIDENTIAL AREAS OF KOLLAM CORPORATION, KERALA
01 83
Usha, S.
Department of Zoology, S N College for Women, Kollam, Kerala, ushasubhagan@gmail.com
Disease surveillance is an important component of public health programme. Although numerous epidemiological studies have been conducted over the years to evaluate the role of drinking water in human illness the present status in Kollam corporation is still not clear. Hence a water quality study was conducted in some of wards of the corporation. The test parameters were dissolved oxygen, carbon dioxide, conductance, hardness, pH, temperature, turbidity, essential and trace elements, dissolved solids and coliform bacteria using standard methods. The results of study showed an increase in certain parameters in two wards of Kollam corporation. An investigation was carried out based on a questionnaire survey in two residential areas (College nagar and Thattamala nagar) of these wards. When the quality of sanitary facilities and handling of water in the areas were examined it was found that sanitary facilities were better and many people used boiled water for drinking. It was found that although the drinking water was contaminated with fecal coliforms, disease prevalence was less in College Nagar. 27% of individuals used unboiled drinking water. Chlorination of wells was also less frequent. 68% had proper toilet facilities and water logging was less in this area. A similar study in Thattamala nagar showed a significant increase of several water borne diseases such as dysentery, gastroenteritis etc. Tonsillitis occurred in significantly higher rates among children. Other nonenteric illness outbreaks have also been documented such as dermatitis, conjunctivitis and outer ear infections especially among children below 15 yrs of age. People were aware of the causes of these diseases and were taking necessary medications. Although in the first residential area ie College Nagar, self medication was prevalent, people consulted doctors in Thattamala Nagar. 55% of individuals used to chlorinate their wells annually in Thattamala Nagar. Drainage conditions were poor in both these residential areas. Mosquito borne diseases were also reported and it was found to be related to improper drainage system. Improper solid waste dumping was found as one of the reasons of well water pollution. Statistical analysis based on Pearsons correlation coefficient revealed significant correlation between the extent of groundwater pollution and dumping of solid waste effluents in the immediate vicinity of well water. Also there is no doubt that storm waters are laden with Escherichia coli and other fecal indicator bacteria. It was revealed that coliform content was much higher than the BIS standards indicating high risk. The results of the study help in enhancing awareness of health hazards of contaminated water among the individuals as well as in drawing attention of health regulatory authorities. 92
HAEMATOLOGICAL PROFILE OF TWO MINOR CARPS, PUNTIUS AMPHIBIUS (VALENCIENNES) AND PUNTIUS FILAMENTOSUS (VALENCIENNES) (PISCES: CYPRINIDAE)
01 84
Vijayakumari, K.N.
Department of Zoology, Maharajas College, Ernakulam, 682011 k.n.vijayakumari@gmail.com
Peripheral haematological makeup is a useful indicator for assessing the status of health and environmental stress in fishes. Being poikilotherms, with limited powers of homeostasis, and because of the intimate association with their milieu in which they live, fishes are easily affected by even minor fluctuations in the physical and chemical makeup of their environment. Information on the influence of the extrinsic and intrinsic factors on the peripheral haematological makeup of fishes would be highly useful for establishing normal values. Compared to major carps, minor carps of India have not received due attention from haematologists. Therefore, the present study was an attempt to findout the haematological profile of two common minor Cyprinids, Puntius amphibius (Val.) and Puntius filamentosus (Val.). Peripheral corpuscular haemaogram total erythrocyte, leucocyte and thrombocyte counts (TEC, TLC, TTC), haemoglobin content (Hb) haematocrit (Ht), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), RBC/WBC ratio, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and differential leucocyte count (DLC) of P. amphibius and P. filamentosus were analysed using standard techniques suggested by Hesser (1960), Blaxhall and Daisely (1973) and Daice and Lewis (1984). Interspecific statistical comparison of haematological parameters and differential leucocyte counts were done by Students t test. The range and mean values of peripheral corpuscular haemogram and differential leucocyte count of these cyprinids are presented in tables I IV and interspecific comparison in table V. Except for some non-specific variations, significant sex-related differences in the peripheral haematological makeup and differential leucocyte count were not observed in these Cyprinids. However, there is a general tendancy for most of the values to be higher in males. The mean TEC, TLC, Ht and MCV were higher in males of both species. In P. filamentosus mean TTC, Hb and neutrophils were also higher in males, whereas in P. amphibius mean Hb was more or less the same in both sexes and mean TTC was slightly lower in males. Mean MCH and MCHC in both species registered marginally higher values in females than in males. Mean ESR of males and females of both species was similar. Four types of leucocytes lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes and macrophages were encountered in both species. Lymphocytes were the most abundant leucocyte type in the peripheral blood (93.5 % in P. amphibius; 91.7% in P. filamentosus) in both. Neutrophils the second dominant type constituted 6.39% in P. amphibius and 8.17% in P. filamentosus. Monocytes and macrophages were very rare in the peripheral blood of these minor Cyprinids; both together constituted 0.11 to 0.25% in P. amphibius and P. filamentosus. The results of the t test show that all variables except TEC andESR and relative abundance of leucocytes other than monocytes and macrophages, differed significantly (P<0.01) between the two species. The mean TLC, Ht, MCV and lymphocytes were significantly higher in P. amphibius, whereas mean TTC, RBC/WBC ratio, Hb, MCH and MCHC and neutrophil count were significantly higher in P. filamentosus. The range and mean values of the peripheral corpuscular haemogram and leucogram of these minor Cyprinids were slightly higher than that of other Cyprinids. The observed differences are attributable to the effect of various intrinsic and extrinsic factors and also indicative of their active mode of life.
93
COMPOSITION AND ABUNDANCE OF BENTHIC FAUNA IN A TROPICAL KOLE WETLAND, KERALA, INDIA.
01 85
Vineetha, S., Bijoy Nandan, S,. Rakhi Gopalan and Amal Dev, S.
Department of Marine Biology, Microbiology & Biochemistry School of Marine Sciences Cochin University of Science & Technology, Cochin 682016
Maranchery Kole wetland, a part of Vembanadu Kole wetland, a Ramsar site between 100 20 and 100 44 N latitudes and 75.0 58 and 760 11 E longitudes with an area of 18,632 ha spread over Thrissur and Malappuram districts in Kerala state. It is a shallow water body; a part of it is under seasonal paddy cultivation or fish farming operations. Seasonal and monthly variations in the distribution of macrobenthos in Maranchery Kole wetland in relation to land use pattern and sediment characteristics were studied from November 2009 to October 2010 period. Water depth showed wide variation from 0.1 to 3 meters. The benthic samples included Annelida (oligochaetes), Arthropoda (insects and crustaceans), Mollusca (gastropods). The sediment temperature ranged from 270C to 310C. pH values showed no much variation among stations on a monthly scale. The oxidation reduction potential showed a reducing trend during most part of the year. Moisture content ranged from 3.17% to 4.85%. Organic Carbon ranged from 2.34% at station 1 during December 2009to 9.1% in station 4 during April 2010, which is classified as high organic carbon availability class. Depth showed wide variations among the stations, which influenced the community structure of benthic fauna. During November 2009 to January 2010, benthic population was dominated by oligochaetes followed by insect larvae. The benthic population was dominated by insect larvae followed by oligochaetes from January 2010 to June 2010. However during June 2010 to October 2010, benthic population showed a considerable increase in numerical abundance which can be due to increased food availability due to decaying vegetation and plant matter in the wetland. Benthic community pattern and population was influenced strongly by the land use pattern in Maranchery Kole Wetland. 94
CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT OF ENDEMIC AND THREATENED PLANTS OF THE KALAKKAD-MUNDANTHURAI TIGER RESERVE IN INDIA
01 86
Viswanathan, M. B.
Centre for Research and Development of Siddha-Ayurveda Medicines (CRDSAM), Department of Plant Science, Bharathidasan University, Tiruchirappalli 620024, Tamil Nadu, India. vinaabdu@gmail.com
The Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Reserve, established as 17th Tiger Reserve during 19881989, is located in the Agastyamalai (Regional Centre of Endemism: CPD site IS7 or one of the 25 micro centres of endemism) Biosphere Reserve covering an area of 895 km2 in the mega endemic centre of the Southern Western Ghats. The Reserve has about 2,105 species under 872 genera belonging to 157 families. An in-depth research that has lasted for more than 13 years with the financial support of several funding agencies such as Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India, and FREEP of the World Bank routed through the Wildlife Institute of India and the Forest Department of Tamil Nadu has resulted to describe 8 new species such as Polyalthia tirunelveliensis, Memecylon mundanthuraianum, Aganope agastyamalayana, Neurocalyx bremeri, Impatiens tirunelvelica, Syzygium agastyamalayanum, Teucrium ramaswamii, Hedyotis kottangathattiensis, and 2 new varieties such as Balanophora indica vars. agastyamalayana and tirunelvelica, rediscovery of presumably extinct species, Wendlandia angustifolia, Marsdenia tirunelvelica, Syzygium beddomei, S. gambleanum and S. myhendrae, rediscovery of three Rubiaceous species Knoxia sumatrensis var. linearis, Pavetta oblanceolata and Psychotria globicephala after type, emendment of incompletely described species Cinnamomum walaiwarensis and Dalbergia tinnevelliensis, rediscovery of poorly known species Phyllanthus beddomei and new distributional records of endemics Ardisia blatteri, Syzygium courtallense and Dioscorea spicata. Based on the range of distribution and affinity, 217 endemic and threatened taxa comprising 186 species, 5 subspecies, 24 varieties and 2 forma of the Reserve are divided into 7 categories such as 53 new species described from the Reserve, 22 strict endemic species, one species as new record to Peninsular India, 12 species each showing phytogeographical affinity with the Sri Lankan Flora and as endemics of the Tirunelveli District, 20 species as endemics of the Tamil Nadu and 97 species as endemics of the Tamil Nadu and Kerala. They fall under 4 threat categories of the IUCN such as one probably extinct, 65 critically endangered, 96 endangered and 55 vulnerable. Habit wise account of strength comprises 74 trees, 46 shrubs, 32 herbs, 6 each of epiphytic herbs, subshrubs, and climbing shrubs, 4 terrestrial herbs, 3 each of succulent herbs and climbers, 2 each of root parasites, decumbent herbs, scapigerous herbs, and woody herbs, 1 each of aquatic herb, twining undershrub, scandent shrub, straggling shrub, prostrate herb, climbing herb, scandent undershrub, epiphyte, twining herb, trailing herb, acaulescent herb, suffruticose shrub and epiphytic subshrub. Southern tropical wet evergreen forests alone have 177 endemics. Remaining ones are distributed in montane, semi-evergreen and deciduous forests. Conservation management priorities are elaborately given. Seven types of threats have been identified. Conservation measures suggested include establishment of orchidarium, botanic garden, regulation of tourist inflow, stopping of grazing in the buffer zone, establishment of fire protection squads in each range to extinguish annual fires and punishing violators who set fires and removal of grass growth either by organized firing or by cutting during summer, ensuring switch off of audio and video electronics in the tourist vehicles inside the Reserve and controlled and regulated pilgrimage at Sorimuthayyanar Temple.
95

Plant Endemism in Western Ghats and Identification of Ss 1

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