Dry Evergreen Research Articles

Changes in tree diversity and carbon stock over a decade in two Indian tropical dry evergreen forests

ABSTRACT Repeated and continuous monitoring of changes in a habitat provides a platform to investigate concurrent variation in the structure, species composition, and function of a forest. We assessed tree diversity and carbon stock changes in two Indian tropical dry evergreen forest (TDEF) sites namely Sendhirakillai (SK) and Palvathunnan (PT) after 10-year time scale. Two 1-ha plots were delimited one in each disturbed and undisturbed site in 2007 and re-measurements were undertaken in 2017. Over the sampling period, species richness showed little variation in both the sites. Out of 38 species identified, 26 species decreased in abundance, nine increased, and three remained unchanged. A total of 860 trees were lost from both the sites in 10-year interval. Site PT witnessed maximum loss (44% – 559 stems). Tree species density, basal area, and carbon stocks decreased tremendously in all girth classes at site PT. Total biomass and carbon stocks were decreased by 42% in site PT and conversely, they increased by 9% in site SK. The substantial difference noticed between the two sites highlights the impact of human disturbance and the need for periodical biodiversity assessment through re-census in Indian TDEFs and also in similar global dry tropical forests.

Risk of Forest Fire in Uva Province of Sri Lanka

The forest fire is influenced by both natural and human factors. Previous studies proved that most of the forest fires are caused by human factors in Sri Lanka. The increasing trend of temperature, dry spells and less rainfall and humidity might be the triggering factors for spreading the forest fire. The objective of this research is to examine the causes of forest fire in Badulla and Moneragala districts of the Uva province in Sri Lanka and to examine the measures that can be taken to minimise it. Apart from the secondary data the primary data was obtained through questionnaire survey and focused group interviews. The questionnaire survey has been conducted for Haldummulla and Ella DS divisions from Badulla district, and Moneragala, Wellawaya, and Buttala DS divisions from Moneragala district. 30 households have been surveyed from the random sampling. 93% respondents stated that the forest fire occurs from June to September and with the peak in August. The high temperature, less rainfall and the low humidity are recorded in this month. During this period entire area of Uva province get dry due to the inverse direction of the monsoon rainfall. Dry mix evergreen and sub mountain forests are predominant in this area. 87% respondents stated that forest fire is purposely done for hunting purposes. Animals such as bulls, rabbits, deer, and pheasants are targeted by hunters. Some wild animals come to eat the ashes after burn the forest. People set up the animal-traps to capture animals when they fire the forest. 26% said that forest fire is done for making “jungle-based feedings” for cattle herds. They expect fresh grass to bloom in the rainy season by setting fires in the dry season. Burning of degraded forests for shifting cultivation and Bee honey collection are the other reasons. They put smoke to remove flies, but after collecting beehive they drop the firing stuffs in the forest. Forest fires rarely pose any threat to human life or property. Environmental damage and economic losses caused by forest fires might be greater in many forms. When a forest fire occurs, the Forest department and Disaster management centre send the SMS message to aware the community. The notice boards with essential information are set-up in the forest fire sensitive areas. There is a model village in Sadinnawala, demonstrating the fire breaks such as (Green belts; corridors with Hana trees) and (Mix belts; corridors without and with floras) as Buffer zones to minimise the forest fires. Theses barricades are maintained by the Forest Department with the support of the village community. Keywords: Forest fire, Human factors, Risk, Green belt, Model village

Variation in soil organic carbon stock with forest type in tropical forests of Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Ghats, India.

Sequestration of atmospheric carbon-dioxide in biospheric carbon (C) pools is a key strategy towards climate change mitigation. Soil is a huge C reservoir and its storage potential varies greatly with forest types. Therefore, in the present study, the soil organic carbon (SOC) storage pattern was assessed from 70 plots laid at three selected forest types comprising seven study sites at Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Ghats, India: tropical dry deciduous (TDD I and TDD II), tropical semi-evergreen (TSE I and TSE II) and tropical evergreen forest (TEF I, TEF II and TEF III) at three depths (0-10, 10.1-20 and 20.1-30 cm). Statistical analyses were performed to understand the relationships between SOC stocks with other predictor variables. The SOC stock varied markedly with forest type and site-wise. The SOC ranged from 58 (TEF III) to 123.6 (TDD I) Mg C/ha with a mean of 84.9 ± 4.4 Mg C/ha at 0-30 cm depth. SOC stock decreased, while soil bulk density increased with increase in soil depth. The TDD forest type (115.6 Mg C/ha) stocked the highest SOC compared to TEF (75.1 Mg C/ha) and TSE (68.9 Mg C/ha) forest types. Of the total SOC stock (0-30 cm), 44.2, 32.0 and 23.8% were stored in 0-10, 10.1-20 and 20.1-30 cm respectively in all the forest types. In contrast, litter C stock were high in TEF and TSE forest types and low in TDD forest type. SOC showed significant (P < 0.01) negative relationships with bulk density, litter C, and vegetation attributes. The SOC stock stored in the study sites amount to 212.9 (TEF III) to 453.6 (TDD I) Mg of CO2 equivalents. The present study reveals that forest type and site characteristics have a profound impact on SOC stock, which would, in turn, exert a great bearing on the ecosystem C cycling. These results would also enhance our ability to evaluate the role of these forest types in soil C sequestration and for developing and validating SOC models for tropical forest ecosystems.

Addressing the Vepris verdoorniana complex (Rutaceae) in West Africa, with two new species

SummaryVepris verdoorniana (Rutaceae) has long been regarded as a widespread and variable species occurring from Guinea to Gabon. Recent evidence has shown that the original material from the type locality in Cameroon consists of two different species, V. verdoorniana in the strict sense, endemic to Lower Guinea (Cameroon, Gabon and C.A.R. in W-C Africa) and V. letouzeyi Onana, which was thought to occur from Guinea to Cameroon. In this paper we show that the West African (Upper Guinea) material previously referred to as V. letouzeyi/V. verdoorniana is separate morphologically from that in Cameroon (Lower Guinea). In fact the West African material referred to comprises two distinct species, here described as V. occidentalis Cheek & Onana (Guinea to Ghana, but probably extending to Benin) a tree of lowland marginal dry evergreen and semi-deciduous forest, and V. fer Cheek, a species restricted to four mainly lower submontane forest locations on iron substrates in Liberia and Sierra Leone (also Upper Guinea). Vepris occidentalis is here assessed as Least Concern due to its wide range and high frequency, whilst V. fer is assessed as Endangered due to the low number of locations and threats from iron ore mining projects. Both new species are illustrated and mapped.

Preliminary research on insect diversity at Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary, Cambodia

Cambodian insect fauna is virtually unstudied, especially compared to the extensive research completed on vertebrate biodiversity and conservation management. Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary (KPWS) in Preah Vihear province is one of the best examples of biodiverse habitats in Cambodia, including endangered and rare species such as Thaumatibis gigantea (the giant ibis). The study aims to: (1) conduct a preliminary insect survey at KPWS; (2) document species composition and the distribution of insect biodiversity across various habitat types; and (3) identify the insect species sampled and classify them in a database of insect fauna present at KPWS with references to new Cambodian species. An insect survey in KPWS was conducted between the 12th and 21st of October 2017 across six survey sites, where 775 insect specimens were collected comprising 12 orders, 53 families, and 147 morphospecies. The three dominant orders sampled were Coleoptera (beetles), Hemiptera (true bugs) and Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths). An analysis of the species diversity showed that the insect community at KPWS is abundant and evenly distributed within a Shannon's diversity index and Shannon’s equitability value of H = 4.20694 and EH = 0.85, respectively. The study also found the richness of insect species at KPWS is supported by the availability of different habitat types endemic to the region, including deciduous dipterocarp and dry evergreen forests.

Diel activity pattern of meso-carnivores in the suburban tropical dry evergreen forest of the Coromandel Coast, India

Sympatric and similar body-sized species exhibit interspecific competition for resources. The present study investigated diel activity of five meso-carnivore species (Canis aureus, Felis chaus, Paradoxurus hermaphroditus, Viverricula indica, and Herpestes edwardsii) in a human-dominated region of Auroville and around Pondicherry University using camera-trap survey data. Diel activity pattern and overlap were estimated using the kernel density method. The Jungle Cat Felis chaus and the Golden Jackal Canis aureus exhibited cathemeral diel activity with a high overlap between them (Δ̂1 = 0.78). The Indian Grey Mongoose Herpestes edwardsii displayed a diurnal activity pattern and had low overlap with the Small Indian Civet Viverricula indica (Δ̂1 = 0.34). Moderate overlap was found between the Small Indian Civet and the Palm Civet Paradoxurus hermaphroditus (Δ̂1 = 0.32). Therefore, diel activity patterns of mesocarnivores indicate inter- and intra-specific trade-off competition avoidance resulting in successful foraging. The present camera-trap survey has provided insights into diel activity patterns and more attention is required to be paid to the study of feeding and breeding ecology of these species in human-dominated landscapes.

Elevational changes in vascular plants richness, diversity, and distribution pattern in Abune Yosef mountain range, Northern Ethiopia

The aim of this research is to investigate the patterns of vascular plant species richness, diversity, and distribution along an elevation gradient in the Abune Yosef mountain range, Ethiopia. Preferential systematic sampling was employed to collect vegetation and environmental data along the elevation gradient. We found that plant species richness declines monotonically from low to high elevations. Specifically, vascular plant species richness and diversity were lower in the Afroalpine grassland (high elevation) than in the Dry evergreen Afromontane forest and Ericaceous forest (low elevations). In contrast, endemic vascular plant richness was significantly higher in the Afroalpine grassland than in the Dry evergreen Afromontane forest and Ericaceous forest. Elevation showed a significant impact on the richness, diversity, and endemism of vascular plants. According to Sørensen's coefficient, the similarity between Dry evergreen Afromontane forest and Ericaceous forest vegetation types is higher (32%) than the similarity between Ericaceous forest and Afroalpine grassland (18%). Only 5% similarity was recorded between the Dry evergreen Afromontane forest and Afroalpine grassland. Growth forms showed different elevational richness patterns. Trees and liana increased monotonically up to 3300 m. Shrub and herb richness patterns followed a hump-shaped and inverted hump-shaped pattern along the elevation gradient. The elevation patterns of vascular plant species richness, diversity, and growth form in the present study may be attributed to differences in management intensity, spatial heterogeneity, microclimatic variations, and anthropogenic disturbances.

Structure, composition and diversity of trees within the dry evergreen reserve forest of Kondapalli (Eastern Ghats, southern India)

Abstract The dry evergreen forest of Kondapalli (Andhra Pradesh state, India) is declared as a forest reserve, but, despite of this, it is subjected to degradation resulting in loss of biodiversity. Thus, the current study was carried out to investigate the tree diversity of Kondapalli forest. A total of 566 ±16 trees (≥10 cm) representing 46±8 species from 40 genera and 21 families were recorded from the 0.36 ha area of Kondapalli forest. Mimosaceae was the most species rich family, while Rutaceae was the most abundant family. Atalantia monophylla was most frequent and abundant species and, with respect to basal area, Melia azedarach and Syzygium cumini were the dominant taxa. The recorded stem density was 1572 stems ha−1 and the mean forest basal area was 47.17 m2 ha−1. The results of cluster analysis revealed that Atalantia monophylla, characterised by a high ecological amplitude, had a wide distribution and was associated with species forming different communities. The study showed that Kondapalli forest is characterised by a fairly high species richness, which provides the baseline data on the floristic structure and diversity of this forest for better management and conservation.

Assessment of liana diversity and carbon stock in differently disturbed tropical dry evergreen forests of southern India

Assessment of liana diversity and carbon stock in differently disturbed tropical dry evergreen forests of southern India

Composition and organization of highly speciose Empidoidea (Diptera) communities in tropical montane forests of northern Thailand.

This study is based on more than 25,000 specimens of the superfamily Empidoidea (Diptera) collected throughout a full year on a 2000 m elevational habitat succession gradient along a 21 km transect on Doi Inthanon, the highest mountain in Thailand. The samples were sorted to 58 genera and 458 morphospecies (Empididae, 73; Hybotidae, 203; Dolichopodidae, 179; Brachystomatidae, 3). The data were used to prepare the first thorough taxon-focussed description of how diversity of a major group of Diptera is structured in tropical forest biotopes. We found significant spatial (elevation / habitat) and temporal (seasonal) variations in richness (α-diversity) and abundance at family-level. α-Diversity of the four families was maximal in damp evergreen forests at higher elevation (1500-2500 m), but Dolichopodidae also had a major subsidiary peak in lowland dry evergreen forest at 500-1000 m. Genus-, tribe- and subfamily level α-diversity / elevation profiles were varied, indicating that overall family-level richness is a composite of many taxa that contribute low, high or mid-elevation specialisms. We provide a detailed analysis of these specialisms for each of the 58 genera. Adult phenology was correlated with the monsoon and had three characteristic phases: (i) pre-monsoon commencement during the latter part of the hot dry season, (ii) a 'flush' of maximal richness during the early-monsoon, and (iii) a secondary richness maximum associated with the late-monsoon. Maximum α-diversity occurred in phases (i) and (ii) but communities in phase (iii) had characteristically low evenness in which a few abundant species were dominant. Cluster analysis and ordination resolved three well-founded communities with different species-abundance distributions, high levels of species-level specialism and habitat-fidelity associated with moist hill evergreen forest (MHE) at >2000 m; mid elevation evergreen forests (EM) at 1000-2000 m and dry lowland forest (DL) at 1000 m. The three forest types with which these communities are associated are widespread and typical of northern Thailand and the diversity characteristics of each habitat are likely scalable to larger geographic areas. The transition from lowland DL through to upper montane MHE communities was generally characterised by increasing abundance, lower evenness (higher dominance), slower temporal turnover of community composition (relaxation of seasonality), longer periods of adult flight activity and rare species contributing less to species richness. Oriental biogeographic influences are strong at lower elevations but Palaearctic influences are increasingly important at higher elevations. The mixing of Oriental and Palaearctic elements in MHE forests is thought to explain the greater phylogenetic complexity at higher elevation (as measured by taxonomic distinctness).

Sowing time and direct seeding success of native tree species for restoring tropical forest ecosystems in northern Thailand

Direct seeding (sowing seeds directly into ground) is potentially a cost-effective method of forest restoration that could replace or complement conventional tree planting, under certain conditions. However, the effects of timing on both the success and practicability of direct seeding has received little attention. Therefore, this study determined the effect of seed sowing time on direct seeding efficiency in terms of yield (number of established seedlings per 10 seeds sown) and seedling growth. We tested the hypothesis that seeds, stored and sown at the start of the rainy season, have higher and more rapid germination and that the resultant seedlings perform better, compared with those sown immediately after seed collection. Seeds of 17 native tree species, typical of seasonally-dry, upland, evergreen forest, were collected. Triplicates (50 seeds per replicate) were sown directly into degraded land, shortly after collection and compared with the same for stored seeds, sown at the start of the rainy season. Control seed batches were also germinated in a nursery for comparison. Seed germination was recorded weekly and growth and survival of resultant seedlings were recorded periodically. Our results did not support the above hypothesis. Differences in mean yield (number of seedlings established per 100 seeds sown) and growth between the two sowing times were not significant. Germination percentage and median length of dormancy (MLD) did not differ significantly between the sowing times, except for Artocarpus lacucha and Horsfieldia amygdalina, whose seeds germinated better immediately after seed collection than after storage (p < 0.01). Storage shortened median length of dormancy of Hovenia dulcis, Melia azedarach, Phyllanthus emblica, Prunus cerasoides and Spondias pinnata seeds (p < 0.01). Seedling growth of a few species rivalled reported values of planted saplings (P. cerasoides, M. azedarach and B. variegata), regardless of sowing time. Timing of the direct seeding did not appear to be critical. This provides forest restoration project managers with flexibility in their use of this technique as a restoration tool. The advantages and disadvantages of direct seeding, immediately after seed collection or at the start of the rainy were compared with those of conventional tree planting. We conclude that species selection matters more than timing, when direct-seeding in forest restoration projects (except for recalcitrant species, which can only be direct seeded soon after seed collection). From this study, Adenanthera microsperma, Bauhinia variegata, Melia azedarach, Phyllanthus emblica and Prunus cerasoides are recommended, for direct seeding, to restore seasonally dry upland evergreen forest ecosystems in northern Thailand and at other sites within their natural species ranges.

Changes in woody species composition and structure of Denkoro dry evergreen Afromontane forest over 16 years (2001–2017), South Wollo, Ethiopia

Conservation of forest ecosystems plays a great role to combat one of the major environmental problems of biodiversity loss. This study was conducted in Denkoro dry evergreen Afromontane forest, south Wollo zone of Amhara National Regional State, Ethiopia to evaluate the changes of woody species composition, structure and regeneration status over 16 years (2001–2017) of conservation effort. Thirty-eight permanent sample plots of 10 m × 50 m size were laid along 50 m altitudinal intervals via nine transect lines which were running parallel to each other for vegetation data collection. Subplots of 2 m × 10 m were laid at two opposite corners of main plots for seedling and sapling inventory. Fifty woody species that belong to 43 genera and 31 families and 59 woody species that belong to 49 genera and 32 families were recorded in 2001 and 2017, respectively. Seventeen new species were registered and eight species were lost in 2017. The density and total basal area of woody species increased from 986 to 1011 individuals ha−1 and 32.68 to 34.74 m2ha−1, respectively over 16 years. Olinia rochetiana, Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata and Apodytes dimidiata were the most frequent species in the forest in 2017. Myrsine melanophloes, Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata, Apodytes dimidiata and Olinia rochetiana were the most ecologically important woody species with higher important value index over the studied period (2001–2017). The overall population structure of woody species showed that the forest is under good recruitment potential in both assessments. The numbers of medium DBH class individuals increased in 2017. Poor recruitment and regeneration were also evident in certain woody species. Though woody species composition, structure and regeneration in Denkoro dry evergreen Afromontane forest improved, the forest needs more attention for further conservation and management efforts.

A new species of the ant genus Recurvidris Bolton, 1992 (Hymenoptera, Formicidae, Myrmicinae) from Thailand.

Recurvidris Bolton, 1992 is a small myrmicine genus of the tribe Crematogastrini. Until now, eleven species are known in this genus from Asia. A new species, Recurvidrislekakulisp. n., is here described from Thailand based on the worker caste. The type series of the new species was collected from leaf litter in a dry evergreen forest. A key to the Asian species of Recurvidris based on the worker caste is provided.

Estimating Leopard Cat Prionailurus bengalensis Kerr, 1792 (Carnivora: Felidae) density in a degraded tropical forest fragment in northeastern Thailand

The Leopard Cat Prionailurus bengalensis is thought to be Asia’s most abundant wild cat. Yet, the species’ status is poorly known due to a lack of rigorous population estimates. Based on the few studies available, Leopard Cats appear to be more abundant in degraded forests, potentially due to increased prey availability. We conducted camera trap surveys, rodent live-trapping, and spatially-explicit capture-recapture analyses to estimate the density of Leopard Cats within a degraded tropical forest fragment (148km2) in northeastern Thailand. A total effort of 12,615 camera trap nights across 65km2 of trapping area resulted in at least 25 uniquely identified individuals. Average rodent biomass (the main prey of Leopard Cats) was highest in the dry evergreen forest (469.0g/ha), followed by dry dipterocarp forest (287.5g/ha) and reforested areas (174.2g/ha). Accordingly, Leopard Cat densities were highest in the dry evergreen forest with 21.42 individuals/100km2, followed by the reforested areas with 7.9 individuals/100km2. Only two detections came from the dry dipterocarp forest despite both an extensive survey effort (4,069 trap nights) and available prey. Although the dipterocarp supported the second highest average rodent biomass, it lacked a key prey species, Maxomys surifer, possibly explaining low encounter rates in that habitat. Our results provide important baseline information concerning the population status of Leopard Cat in southeastern Asia. Further, our findings corroborate with other studies that found a tolerance among Leopard Cats for degraded forests, highlighting the potential for forest fragments to serve as long-term conservation areas for the species.

Slow loris density in a fragmented, disturbed dry forest, north-east Thailand.

Primate survival in disturbed forests can be governed by a complex of forest variables. For nocturnal arboreal primates, determining these ecological features is notoriously difficult but is critically important for their conservation. Here we assessed the effects of forest type, food availability, human disturbance, and forest structure on the nocturnal Bengal slow loris (Nycticebus bengalensis) in Sakaerat Biosphere, north-east Thailand, a small disturbed fragment containing dry evergreen, dry dipterocarp, and plantation forests. Distance sampling revealed plantation forest had the highest density estimate (27 loris/km2 ) followed by dry evergreen forest (17 loris/km2 ), while dry dipterocarp forest only had four detections. Based on forest type selection analyses, loris had a positive association with sap and fruit-flower productivity which was highest in plantation forest compared to the natural dry evergreen or dry dipterocarp forests. Furthermore, forest structure selection analysis indicated loris preferred denser canopies. Loris presence was positively associated with canopy height, canopy connections, tree trunk vegetation cover, and canopy density. The higher loris density found in the plantations, as also reported by other studies, was associated with dense vegetation structure and higher food productivity, particularly sap. However, the important structural features found in the plantation forest are strongly dependent on forest maturity, and the reduced longevity of such exotic tree species may limit the conservation importance of plantation forest, merely acting as a short-term alternative to natural habitat.

Nesting near road edges improves nest success and post-fledging survival of White-rumped Shamas (Copsychus malabaricus) in northeastern Thailand

ABSTRACT Road edges in the temperate zone often negatively affect reproductive success, post-fledging survival, and dispersal of forest birds through processes associated with edge habitats. This pattern is less clear in the tropics due to a lack of studies using natural nests and radio-tagged fledglings as well as an almost complete absence of information on nest and fledgling predators. We investigated the influence of road edge on nest success, post-fledging survival, and dispersal of White-rumped Shama (Copsychus malabaricus) in a dry evergreen forest in northeastern Thailand. One hundred nest boxes were placed in forest interior (≥1,000 m from edge of a 5-lane highway) and 100 near forest edge (≤200 m) to assess nesting success. We radio-tracked 50 fledglings from these boxes, 25 each for edge and interior, for 7 weeks after fledging. Nest success and post-fledging survival were 11.6% and 23.6% higher at the edge versus the interior. Predation had the strongest influence on survival, accounting for 100% of nest and 94% of fledgling mortality. Fledglings used locations with denser understory vegetation cover relative to the available habitat, probably to reduce predation risk. Green cat snake (Boiga cyanea) and northern pig-tailed macaque (Macaca leonina), which likely prefer forest interiors over edges, were the primary predators of nests and fledglings in this landscape. There were no significant differences in timing of dispersal and dispersal distance or dispersal direction in relation to proximity to edge. Our results suggest that the impacts of edge effects on the reproductive success of birds appear to be strongly dependent on the habitat preferences of locally dominant predators. Further research will be needed to identify key predators and broadly assess their foraging behaviors in individual landscapes.

The genus Dumasia (Fabaceae) in Thailand

In Thailand two species of Dumasia occur, D. villosa subsp. villosa and D. yunnanensis. They grow in montane and dry evergreen forests, in open or disturbed areas and limestone ridges 550–2,500 meters above sea level, in northern, northeastern, and central Thailand. We present a key to the two Thai Dumasia based on their vegetative, flowering and fruiting characters, and provide nomenclature, descriptions, photographs, illustrations, and information about their distribution and ecology.

Late Pleistocene and Holocene vegetation changes and anthropogenic impacts in the Cauvery delta plains, southern India

A 5 m long core from Uttarangudi in the distal plain of Cauvery delta in South India provides evidences of vegetation, climate and anthropogenic activities during the late Pleistocene and Holocene. The pollen catchment area for this region is the localised sources, including the adjoining Tertiary upland plateau. The recorded variation in pollen assemblages and sediments indicates that the environmental conditions have changed over time from aerial oxidising to lacustrine or ponded environment. The lack of pollen records from 17,802 cal BP until 11,535 cal BP suggests severe drier conditions and an extremely patchy, species-poor Tropical Dry Evergreen Forest (TDEF) vegetation community associated with an arid climate. Between 11,535 and 8487 cal BP, partial climatic amelioration appears to have occurred, and the trend become humid until 7034 cal BP characterised by the expansion of the TDEF vegetation and strengthening of the monsoon precipitation. The period from 7034–3553 cal yr BP recorded a regressive transition of the forest taxa influenced by a weakened monsoon precipitation and enhanced anthropogenic activity. The subsequent increase of disturbance signals post 3553 cal yr BP is in agreement with independent archaeological evidences obtained from this region.

Endemic plants of tropical dry evergreen forest, Southern India

Abstract During the last two decades of intensive botanical survey of the tropical dry evergreen forest, a total of 82 endemic taxa were found out of 1142 species enumerated from 85 sites in the three Coromandel Coastal districts of the state Tamil Nadu: Cuddalore, Kancheepurm and Villupuram, and in the Pondicherry district. Of 82 species, 17 are trees, 11 shrubs, 9 climbers and 45 herbs. Distribution of these endemic species was analyzed and categorised as endemic to the country, peninsular India, southern India, Eastern and Western Ghats, and at the state and district level. Interestingly, the study found that some endemic species were disjunctly distributed between districts, states, ghats, climatic regimes and bioregions. Anthropogenic disturbance and species threat status were also studied and discussed.

Resource use among sympatricCallosciurusspp. (Sciuridae) in tropical seasonal forests during the dry season in northeastern Thailand

Southeast Asia contains a diverse array of squirrels, with several species living sympatrically. However, limited data are available on how the squirrels coexist and share resources in the same habitat. Here, we examined resource-use variation between sympatric Callosciurus finlaysonii and C. caniceps in two habitats of northeastern Thailand: dry dipterocarp forest (DDF) and dry evergreen forest (DEF). Both species were bimodally crepuscular and did not differ in daily activity patterns. Callosciuruscaniceps was fewer in number than C. finlaysonii in DDF, but they had similar frequencies in DEF. The two species generally consumed different plant species, though some preferred fruits overlapped. Callosciurus finlaysonii from DEF remained higher in the trees than C. caniceps; all nests at elevated locations belonged to C. finlaysonii. When feeding, the preferred height of both species varied depending on food availability. In DEF, C. caniceps dominated C. finlaysonii during interactions. Together, our observations indicate that sympatry is possible because the two species differ in food choice and/or engage in vertical zonation.