Andaman Islands Research Articles

Serpentine Layering as an Efficient Means of Propagation in Woody Pepper (Piper pendulispicum C.DC.): A Novel Spice from Andaman Islands

Serpentine Layering as an Efficient Means of Propagation in Woody Pepper (Piper pendulispicum C.DC.): A Novel Spice from Andaman Islands

Factors Relevant for the Development of Small Business Management in Andaman and Nicobar

The paper explores the key factors relevant to the development of micro and small businesses in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This study specifically focused on the relevant factors from the islands' perspectives. This study used primary sources of data collected in the South Andaman Islands (Andaman and Nicobar Islands), and the obtained data were analyzed using SPSS. The findings of the study proved that tourism business and marine and wood-based businesses have huge potential in the Andaman Islands. The study's findings highlighted the significance of subsidies and incentives for island promotion and sustainable development, which could be accomplished through capital investment, as well as transportation subsidies, which are critical for new and existing businesses on islands. Cargo transportation from the mainland to islands is the primary mode of sea transportation and the only mode between island regions. Under this situation, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands totally rely on manufacturing or service businesses as a lifeline. Hence, micro- and small businesses will play a vital role in employment generation, production, investments, and the growth of a small business. As a result, the administration of the islands should implement appropriate policy measures based on the relevant factors in the islands' region. The local administration needs to support and provide easy access to finance, transportation, and other facilities for small businesses in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Lactation stages modulate the hematological, serum biochemical, and endocrinological profiles and oxidative stress markers in crossbred cows under tropical humid island ecosystem of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The present study was designed to assess the interrelationship between hematological, serum biochemical, and endocrinological profiles and oxidative stress markers and lactational stages in crossbred (CB) dairy cows of Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI). Healthy (n = 6) CB cows (50-62.50% exotic inheritance; Holstein Friesian × Andaman local) of 4th parity with age of 7-9years and body weight of 350-400kg were selected from Cattle Breeding Farm, ICAR-Central Island Agricultural Research Institute (ICAR-CIARI), Port Blair, ANI. These experimental cows were synchronized with Ovsynch protocol, and parturition was planned to happen in the month of May-June. Lactation was allowed for 305days. Hematological profiles, serum biochemical profiles, oxidative stress markers and endocrinological profiles were measured at a 15-day interval from day 07 to 305 of lactation (after 6days of colostrum). The lactation period was divided into first (day 07 to 90), second (day 91 to 180), and third (day 181 to 305) stage of lactation. Average daily milk yield (L) did not vary among the stages of lactations; however, first (8.56 ± 1.26) and second (9.79 ± 0.87) stages had higher milk yield compared to third (7.93 ± 0.79) stage of lactation. Hematological profiles did not vary among the stages of lactation; however, these values were within the range of bovine species at lactation. Serum glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, total protein, globulin, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) increased (P < 0.05) and albumin and creatinine decreased (P < 0.05) gradually as lactation stages advanced. Activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and concentration of calcium, phosphorous, and magnesium were nearly similar among the stages of lactation. Similarly, triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4) increased and prolactin and cortisol decreased (P < 0.05) gradually as stages of lactation advanced. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) increased and malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased (P < 0.05) as lactation stages advanced. The results of the present study indicated that the lactating CB cows suffered nutritional stress (deficiency of protein, carbohydrate, lipids, and minerals), physiological stress (higher cortisol), oxidative stress (higher MDA and deficiency of total antioxidant capacity), and hormonal imbalance (higher prolactin and cortisol and deficiency of thyroid hormones) during the early stages of lactation. Thus, the first and second stages are more stressful events compared to the third stage of lactation in the CB cows in ANI. Therefore, regular monitoring of blood components and accordingly suitable feeding strategies with balanced nutrients and minerals, supplementation of suitable antioxidants, and appropriate management practices need to be implemented to mitigate these stresses and to prevent metabolic disorders with maximum milk production during different stages of lactation in CB cows under humid tropical island ecosystem of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Peeping into Mitochondrial Diversity of Andaman Goats: Unveils Possibility of Maritime Transport with Diversified Geographic Signaling.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands, a part of South-East Asia, is enriched with the presence of native breeds of livestock (cattle, pig, goat) and poultry. There are two native goat breeds, viz., Andaman local goat and Teressa goat in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However, to date, the origin and genetic makeup of these two breeds have not been detailed. Therefore, the present study describes the genetic makeup of Andaman goats through analysis of mitochondrial D-loop sequence for sequence polymorphism, phylogeographical signaling and population expansion events. The genetic diversity of the Teressa goat was less compared to the Andaman local goat due to its sole presence on Teressa Island. Out of 38 well-defined haplotypes of Andaman goats, the majority of haplotypes belonged to haplogroup A followed by haplogroup B and haplogroup D. The result of mismatch distribution and neutrality tests indicated no population expansion event of haplogroup A and B. Finally, based on poor geographical signaling, we hypothesize that Andaman goats have been imported to these Islands either through multidirectional diffusion or unidirectional diffusion. We justify our hypothesis of multidirectional diffusion on the basis of observation of the haplotype and nucleotide diversity of Andaman goats. Simultaneously, the probability of unidirectional diffusion of goats in these islands from the Indian subcontinent in different spells of domestication events through maritime routes cannot be ignored.

Plastome characterization of Musa indandamanensis, an endemic banana in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

Plastome characterization of Musa indandamanensis, an endemic banana in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

First record of an Anthropocene marker plastiglomerate in Andaman Island, India

One of the most significant environmental issues confronting our world is plastic trash, which is of particular concern to the marine environment. The sedimentary record of the planet may likely one day contain a horizon of plastic that can be potentially identified as an Anthropocene marker. Here we report the presence of ‘plastiglomerate’ from coastal habitats located in the Aves Island, Andaman Sea, India. This novel form of plastic pollution forms with the incineration of plastic litter in the environment and then mixing of organic/inorganic composite materials in the molten plastic matrix. The plastic pollutants were collected from the Aves Island beach during marine litter surveys. Micro-Raman (μ-Raman) spectroscopy was used to evaluate and confirm all putative plastic forms. Plastiglomerates were made of a polyethylene (PE) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) matrix with inclusions of rock and sand. Therefore, our research offers new insight into the intricate process of plastiglomerates formation.

Chirostyloid and galatheoid squat lobsters (Decapoda: Anomura) from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, with three new species

ABSTRACT The squat lobster fauna of the Andaman and Nicobar waters, India is known to be represented by more than 40 species from 19 genera and six families. Seven species, including three new to science, collected from six dedicated surveys of the Fishery Oceanographic Research Vessel Sagar Sampada during 2011–2019 are described. Gastroptychus valdiviae Balss, 1913 is redescribed based on the syntype and the newly collected material. Grimothea krishaha sp. nov. and an unidentified species provisionally assigned to Grimothea Leach, 1820 are reported. These two species of Grimothea differ from known congeners in the spination on the carapace, pleon, antennule, antenna and third maxilliped. Examination of the syntype and newly collected specimen revealed that Munida vigiliarum Alcock, 1901 should be transferred to Leptonida Macpherson and Baba in Machordom et al., 2022. Leptonida vigiliarum comb. nov. is here redescribed. Trapezionida aequispina sp. nov. differs from related species in the spination on the carapace, and in the shape and relative lengths of the second to fourth pereopod dactyli. Trapezionida bharuchai sp. nov. differs from related species in the carapace morphology, the presence of a mesial spine on the antennal peduncle second article, and the armature on pereopods. Leiogalathea sp. does not resemble known congeners in morphological aspects, but because of the poor condition of the unique specimen presently available for study, formal description is deferred in the hope that additional material will be collected. With this report, the number of species reported from the region increases to 47. http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:A82CE9B3-BF67-4282-97DF-20D37CF02464

A review of the genus Bronchocela Kaup, 1827 (Reptilia: Agamidae) in the Nicobar Archipelago with the description of two new species

Species of the agamid genus Bronchocela Kaup, 1827 in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are reassessed based on newly collected specimens from different parts of the Nicobar Archipelago. An assessment based on morphology and distribution of the identified groups reveal two new, unnamed populations, one allied to B. cristatella and the other allied to B. danieli. These two populations are described as new species, and Bronchocela cristatella is redescribed based on Sundaic specimens. The remaining species, B. danieli and B. rubrigularis are redescribed. Distributions of all of these four species are mapped and recommendations on their conservation status are suggested.

Impact of Tourism on Andaman Islands: An Explorative Study to Understand the Problems Faced By Residents

The Andaman Islands were the site of several of the study's operations. These places mostly consisted of those that tourists frequented and where locals who had experience with or knowledge of tourism lived. Even though the islands' tourist industry is still in its early stages of growth, the development might yet have a negative impact on the nature and traditional culture of the islands. The research attempts to present a solution to the issues that the local populace and tourists encounter in the Andaman Islands. Additionally, the study offers sufficient solutions to the issues experienced by the stakeholders. The study's findings will aid decision-makers in comprehending the issues facing these two significant tourist industry stakeholders.

Assessment of water demand and potential water sources to face future water scarcity of hilly regions

Abstract In this work, an attempt is made to predict the future water demand of a hilly region. The study area is selected based on the population and the water demand. For this work, Namunaghar and Wandoor Panchayats of Andaman and Nicobar Islands are selected. Initially, preliminary studies such as the current population and future growth and their water demand were analyzed. Also, using a geographical information system (GIS), the study area is located to identify the surface and groundwater sources. From the GIS data, a detailed map is prepared to conduct the physical verification and collect the water quality measurement. From the population forecast, it was identified that 435,000 and 480,300 l of water are required to meet the water demand in the year 2031 Namunaghar and Wander Panchayat, respectively. It also assessed the GIS data and found out potential water sources of 157 (67 wells, 58 ponds, and other minor sources) and 485 (215 wells, 229 ponds, and other minor sources) at Namunaghar and Wandoor Panchayats, respectively. Finally, all the potential water sources were checked for quality for drinking purposes.

A STUDY ON EFFECTIVENESS OF INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORTS TO SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT IN SOUTH ANDAMAN ISLANDS

This research paper examines the external institutional supports available to micro and small businesses in the Andaman Islands. This study used 344 respondents from micro and small-sized enterprises from primary sources of data collected in the South Andaman Islands. The analysis was done using SPSS software through the Chi-Square test to test for an association. The result of the study indicated that the government and other institutions are playing a significant role in the MSEs, despite the prevailing economic condition and other factors. There is a significant association between the source of finance and the type of enterprise. Based on the findings, it is concluded that the financial, marketing, raw material and training institutes that support the manufacturing and service sectors are important to the development of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In this regard, the administration of the islands should adopt appropriate policies and measures based on the perspective of small businesses in the islands' regions.

Blastopirellula sediminis sp. nov. a new member of Pirellulaceae isolated from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Two cream-coloured strains (JC732T, JC733) of Gram-stain negative, mesophilic, catalase and oxidase positive, aerobic bacteria which divide by budding, form crateriform structures, and cell aggregates were isolated from marine habitats of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Both strains had genome size of 7.1Mb and G + C content of 58.9%. Both strains showed highest 16S rRNA gene-based similarity with Blastopirellula retiformator Enr8T (98.7%). Strains JC732T and JC733 shared 100% identity of 16S rRNA gene and genome sequences. The coherence of both strains with the genus Blastopirellula was supported by the 16S rRNA gene based and the phylogenomic trees. Further, the chemo-taxonomic characters and the genome relatedness indices [ANI (82.4%), AAI (80.4%) and dDDH (25.2%)] also support the delineation at the species level. Both strains have the capability to degrade chitin and genome analysis shows the ability to fix N2. Based on the phylogenetic, phylogenomic, comparative genomic, morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics, strain JC732T is described as a new species of the genus Blastopirellula for which the name Blastopirellula sediminis sp. nov. is proposed, with strain JC733 as an additional strain.

Flaxseed oil modulates testicular biometrics, hormone, libido, antioxidant and semen profiles in endangered Teressa goat of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Teressa goat is a unique goat breed in Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI) of India. Effects of Flaxseed oil (FSO) supplementation in body weight (BW), scrotal circumference (SC), testicular volume (TV) and testicular weight (TW), endocrinological profiles, sex behavioural profiles (SBPs), oxidative stress markers and semen production and its quality profiles in rainy and dry summer season were studied in Teressa goat. Male goats (n=12) of 3-4 years old were equally divided into control and treated groups. Treated animals received 25mL FSO per day. Oral drenching of FSO was done in the morning before feeding the concentrate ration. Body weight, scrotal circumference, TV and TW were measured in bucks of FSO treated and untreated during rainy and dry summer seasons. Blood follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4), cortisol and prolactin, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in bucks of FSO treated and untreated during rainy and dry summer seasons. Libido score (LS), mating ability score (MAS) and sex behavioural score (SBS) were estimated at time of semen collection in bucks of FSO treated and untreated during rainy and dry summer seasons. Semen samples (n=100; 50 semen samples from each season; each 25 semen samples from control and treatment groups per season) were collected and analysed for semen quality profiles. One-way ANOVA (control rainy, control dry, treated rainy and treated dry) revealed that BW, SC, TV and TW, FSH, LH, testosterone, TSH, T3 and T4 were higher (P<0.05) and cortisol and prolactin were lower (P<0.05) in FSO treated bucks of rainy season followed by untreated bucks of rainy season, FSO treated bucks of dry summer season and were lower (P<0.05) in untreated bucks of dry summer season. Similarly, TAC, CAT, SOD and GSH, LS, MAS and SBS, and volume, pH, sperm concentration, mass activity, total motility (TM), viability, acrosomal integrity (AcI), plasma membrane integrity (PMI) and nuclear integrity (NI) were higher (P<0.05) and MDA and TSA were lower (P<0.05) in FSO treated bucks of rainy season followed by FSO treated bucks of dry summer season, untreated bucks of rainy season and were lower (P<0.05) in untreated bucks of dry summer season. The results of the present study indicated that the breeding bucks suffered physiological stress (higher cortisol), oxidative stress (higher MDA and deficiency of antioxidants), hormonal imbalance (higher prolactin and cortisol and deficiency of gonadotropins, gonadal hormone and thyroid hormones) and infertility due to poor libido and poor semen production and its quality profiles during dry summer season. Thus, dry summer was more stressful season compared to rainy season for the goat bucks. FSO supplementation mitigated these stresses and improved the scrotal and testicular biometrics, libido, antioxidants, hormones and semen quality profiles in Teressa goat bucks. The current study concluded that FSO effectively improved the hormones, libido, antioxidant profiles, and scrotal and testicular biometrics with cascading beneficial effects on semen quality profiles in Teressa goat bucks under humid tropical island ecosystem of Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Hepatitis in India: challenges, efforts, and recommendations

Hepatitis in India: challenges, efforts, and recommendations

Harnessing intra-varietal variation for agro-morphological and nutritional traits in a popular rice landrace for sustainable food security in tropical islands.

Rice crop meets the calorie and nutritional requirements of a larger segment of the global population. Here, we report the occurrence of intra-varietal variation in a popular rice landrace C14-8 traditionally grown under the geographical isolation of the Andaman Islands. Based on grain husk color, four groups were formed, wherein the extent of intra-varietal variation was studied by employing 22 agro-morphological and biochemical traits. Among the traits studied, flavonoid and anthocyanin contents and grain yield exhibited a wider spectrum of variability due to more coefficients of variation (>25%). The first five principal components (PCs) of principal components analysis explained a significant proportion of the variation (91%) and the first two PCs explained 63.3% of the total variation, with PC1 and PC2 explaining 35.44 and 27.91%, respectively. A total of 50 highly variable SSR (HvSSR) markers spanning over 12 chromosomes produced 314 alleles, which ranged from 1 to 15 alleles per marker, with an average of 6.28. Of the 314 alleles, 64 alleles were found to be rare among the C14-8 selections. While 62% of HvSSR markers exhibited polymorphism among the C14-8 population, chromosomes 2, 7, 9, and 11 harbored the most polymorphic loci. The group clustering of the selections through HvSSR markers conformed to the grouping based on grain husk coloration. Our studies on the existence and pertinence of intra-varietal variations are expected to be of significance in the realms of evolutionary biology and sustainable food and nutritional security under the changing climate.

First report of free-living, solitary zoanthid from Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Studies on zoantharians (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Zoantharia) from Indian waters are exceptionally sparse. Most studies were carried out on the colonial inter-tidal species whereas exploration from shallow coastal waters is yet to be carried out thoroughly. The present study reports the first record of one of the four species of free-living and solitary genus Sphenopus Steenstrup, 1856; Sphenopus marsupialis (Gmelin, 1791) from Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The specimens were collected from the sandy bottom of Point Island at depths of 25 to 38 m. Detailed morphological features along with distributional ranges are reported here.

Diabetic retinopathy among diabetic patients seen at tertiary care centre in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Diabetic retinopathy among diabetic patients seen at tertiary care centre in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Tropical cyclone risk assessment of Port Blair, Andaman Islands, India by using numerical modelling and geospatial techniques

Tropical cyclone risk assessment of Port Blair, Andaman Islands, India by using numerical modelling and geospatial techniques

Redescription of Acanthochitona mahensis Winckworth, 1927 (Polyplacophora, Acanthochitonidae) from Indian Coasts

A redescription of the chiton species Acanthochitona mahensis collected from the type locality is provided and its holotype is studied. This species has been previously recorded from the coasts of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Eritrea, and Jordan. It is compared with similar species (Acanthochitona biformis, A. jugotenuis, A. intermedia, A. leopoldi, A. penicillata and A. woodwardi). In India, the species has been reported from the mainland and Andaman Islands. New distributional records from the coast of India are also provided.

Morphological and molecular systematics of swimming crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Portunidae) from India collected on-board the FORV Sagar Sampada (cruise no. 378, 385 and 392), with notes on biogeography of the Indian portunid fauna.

Morphological and molecular characters of swimming crabs (Family Portunidae Rafinesque-Schmaltz, 1815) collected during one cruise each of the Fishery Oceanographic Research Vessel Sagar Sampada in the northeastern Arabian Sea (97–110 m depth), southwestern Bay of Bengal (56 m), and southeastern Bay of Bengal (56 m) and western Andaman Sea (53 m) were studied. They are referred to 17 species representing 4 subfamilies, 8 genera and 2 subgenera. Cycloachelous levigatus Koch, 2021, Monomia rubromarginata (Lanchester, 1900), Thalamita malaccensis Gordon, 1938 are first records from Indian waters. The study also reveals variations in the pleonal and genital morphology of Monomia argentata (A Milne Edwards, 1861) form B (sensu Stephenson and Rees, 1967a). Mitochondrial Cytochrome oxidase subunit I and 16S rRNA gene sequences of 14 and 16 species, respectively revealed a monophyletic subfamily Lupocyclinae Alcock, 1899, and polyphyletic subfamilies Portuninae Rafinesque, 1815 and Thalamitinae Paulson, 1875. Analysis of the biogeographic distribution patterns of Indian portunids revealed a total of 104 species representing 22 genera, thereby suggesting mixed diversity in different ecological regions. The highest number of 72 species and 2 subspecies were recorded from the West and South Indian Shelf Province followed by Andaman Province (69 species), Bay of Bengal Province (54 species) and Central Indian Ocean Islands Province (26 species). Among the individual marine ecoregions, Andaman and Nicobar Islands recorded the highest number of species (69 species), followed by South India (57), Eastern India (50), Western India (47), Northern Bay of Bengal (32) and Maldives (26).