Eighty-four Species Research Articles

Bird diversity of in and around Melamadai Lake Madurai city, Tamil Nadu state, India; A preliminary study

Fresh water Lakes are suitable habitat for birds along with food and water. In the present study an attempt has been made to assess the diversity of avian fauna in Melamadai Lake in Madurai district, Tamilnadu state. The duration of study period in January 2021 to December 2021. Eighty-four species of birds were observed, belonging to 41 families, 18 order in Melamadai lake. In this study recorded in Least concern (LC) 79 species and Near Threatened (NT)Five species. The five Near Threatened species - Oriental Darter (Anhinga melanogaster ), Pied Cuckoo-dove(Reinwardtoena browni ), Spot-billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis), Black-headed Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus) and Painted Stork-(Mycteria leucocephala)- are protected under Schedule IV of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. The diversity of avifauna is taken for identifying the importance of biodiversity for Madurai which is among the top ten tourism sites of world. The role of urban areas in functions such as provision of ecosystem services will largely be determined by patterns of biodiversity within that area.

Ethnobotany and diversity of medicinal and food plants used in the region Chtouka Ait Baha and Tiznit (Western Anti-Atlas), Morocco

Western Anti-Atlas of Morocco represents an important area with interesting knowledge of medicinal and food plants, particularly the use of medicinal plants for human healthcare. Moreover, the geographic location of this region makes this site a remarkable area of incredible biodiversity and the highest levels of endemism. This work aims to make an inventory of plant species used in Chtouka Ait Baha and Tiznit provinces in folk medicine to manage different diseases and, at the same time, used in food. The survey was carried out using semi-structured questionnaires. A total of 450 interviews were conducted with traditional health practitioners and knowledgeable villagers. The data were analyzed using the use-value (UV) and the relative frequency citation (RFC). Eighty-four species belonging to 37 families were inventoried in this survey, with Lamiaceae as the dominating family. Two species that showed a significant value of UV (UV≥1.50) and RFC (RFC≥0.50) are Thymus leptobotrys Murb. and Thymus saturejoides Coss. with the highest value obtained for Thymus leptobotrys Murb. (UV=2.60). The digestive system was the highest foremost treated disease in the region (22% of treated infections). The obtained results also showed that seeds and leaves were the most cited plant part used, and the decoction is the preferred mode of preparation. The method of consumption the medicinal plants as food is fresh or dried with a percentage of 36%.

Inventory of fish fauna in Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape, Surigao del Norte, Philippines

Siargao Island Protected Landscape and Seascape (SIPLAS) has an extensive mangrove area that supports marine biodiversity. This study documented mangrove fishes in three selected sites using a fishery-dependent survey approach, with samples taken by commissioned fishing or landed catch by local fishermen. A total of 129 species belonging to 38 families were documented and identified in the study. Dapa had the highest species richness with 70 species (54.26%), followed by Santa Monica with 63 species (48.84%), and San Benito with 28 species (21.71%). Eighty-four species (65.11%) were recorded as 'target' or economically significant, 39 (30.23%) were 'major species' or fishes that are not commercially valuable, while six (4.65%) were identified as 'indicator species' or species with ecological importance. The high fish species richness recorded for commercially important families, i.e., Haemulidae, Acanthuridae, Serranidae, Lethrinidae, Lutjanidae, and other target species indicate mangrove resilience to support these species. Six species (Balistoides viridescens, Chaetodon auriga, Chaetodon kleinii, Chaetodon lunulatus, Chaetodon octofasciatus, and Chaetodon ulietensis) were identified as ecologically important and native in the area. Juvenile fishes of coral reef species were recorded, such as Naso spp., C. auriga, Hemigymnus melapterus, Arothron spp., Naso vlamingi, Hemigymnus melapterus and Scolopsis margaritifera. Apart from these juveniles, the rest of the species observed are usually found on coral reefs, such as commercially significant threadfins, trevallies, queenfish, snappers, and groupers, which are all considered major migratory species. Findings of this study will undoubtedly supplement important data of SIPLAS for more conservation efforts (e.g. designation as Ramsar Site).

Spatial and bathymetric trends in composition and taxonomic diversity of Polychaeta (Annelida) assemblages from the deep Southern Gulf of California

The deepsea fauna from the southern Gulf of California is currently poorly known, with only 193 species reported to date. The aim of this study was to analyze the composition, density, species richness, and taxonomic diversity (Δ) of the deepsea polychaetes of this region. Fifteen stations (238–2900 m depth) were sampled in 2012 and 2013. Eighty-four species from 58 genera and 26 families were identified. Density ranged from 4.76 to 42.86 ind 0.1m−2 and was not significantly correlated with depth; species richness ranged from 2 to 17 species per station, the lowest (2–6 species) occurring between depths of 651 and 915 m. Four assemblages were identified associated with depth (RANOSIM = 0.43, P = 0.002) and geographic position (RANOSIM = 0.56, P = 0.001): Prionospio elhersi–Subadyte mexicana–Syllis alternata (<350 m depth) and Aricidea sp. A–Ninoe jessicae (600–1000 m) in the western gulf; Onuphis similis–Aricidea (Acmira) simplex (1300–1600 m) and Aglaophamus paucilamellata–Sthenolepis spargens (>1200 m) in the middle gulf; stations 14A and 2A, sharing only their position at the far eastern gulf, remained isolated from any other assemblage. The highest diversity was found at 1300–1600 m (Δ = 86.1) and at >2000 m (Δ = 83–98) but decreased to Δ = 61.85 at 600–1000 m. The assemblage structure based on genera and family levels were similar to those based on species (Rho > 0.6), suggesting that either of the former two could be suitable surrogates for monitoring changes at the studied depths.

Risk assessment of plastic pollution on marine diversity in the Mediterranean Sea

Plastic marine pollution is an increasing threat to global marine diversity. Quantifying this threat is particularly difficult and complex, especially when evaluating multiple species with different ecological requirements. Here, we examine the semi-enclosed basin of the Mediterranean Sea where the inputs of plastic pollution and its impact on marine diversity are still widely unknown. Eighty-four species from six taxonomic classes were evaluated to assess the risk of ingesting plastic marine debris, integrating inter-specific factors such as plastic exposure rates and life history traits (e.g., motility, habitat, and body size). Species were modelled within a spatial context to identify and estimate their exposure to plastic ingestion across the Mediterranean Sea using literature data, species distribution maps and plastic dispersion models. Our approach identified hotspots for the risk of plastic ingestion across multiple taxa in the Mediterranean Sea, highlighting that coastal species are at higher risk of ingesting plastic in the marine environment than open-sea species. The plastic exposure analysis indicated that species with larger home ranges were more at risk of exposure with increased distances while local species were more likely to be exposed to plastic closer to the centre of their home range location. The approach used in this study can be applied to support management and mitigation efforts throughout the Mediterranean Sea and in other geographic regions to minimize the impact of plastic pollution on marine diversity.

HUNTING ACTIVITIES IN THE SEMIARID POTIGUAR UNDER THE STUDENTS PERSPECTIVE

Abstract In areas of Caatinga, hunting is considered a threat to fauna and ecological balance, and the study of hunting activity is relatively important for the elaboration of conservation strategies. This research aims to identify hunted wildlife species, their use, and hunting techniques in two towns of Rio Grande do Norte state, Brazil. We interviewed 80 resident students from rural areas. Eighty-four species were recorded, which fall into the following categories of use: food (73), pets (43), medicinal (14) and trade (45). The animals are captured through 15 techniques, the shotgun being the most impactful technique for local fauna. The species with the highest Use Value were the six-banded armadillo (Euphractus sexcinctus) and the ruddy ground dove (Columbina talpacoti). The use of faunal resources and the achievement of hunting activities in the studied areas are closely related to cultural and socioeconomic factors.

Assessment of a novel bile solubility test and MALDI-TOF for the differentiation of Streptococcus pneumoniae from other mitis group streptococci

This study assesses a novel bile solubility test and MALDI-TOF for the differentiation of Streptococcus pneumoniae from other mitis group streptococci, including differentiation of S. pneumoniae from Streptococcus pseudopneumoniae. Eighty-four species verified mitis group isolates were subjected to our bile solubility test (which measures and calculates the differences of absorbance in the test tube containing 10% sodium deoxycholate versus a blank control tube, after incubation for 10 minutes at 36 °C using a spectrophotometer) and MALDI-TOF MS (both the standard result output and by visual spectra evaluation). Applying a calculated optimal cut-off absorbance-value of 2.1, differentiated S. pneumoniae from all but one other mitis group streptococci (one S. mitis isolate generated an OD-value above 2.1). MALDI-TOF score value identification identified correctly 46 S. pneumoniae and 4 S. pseudopneumoniae but misidentified 16 other mitis group strains. Visual spectra evaluation correctly identified all S. pneumoniae and S. pseudopneumoniae strains but misidentified 13 other mitis group strains. The bile solubility test based on spectrophotometric reading described in this study can differentiate S. pneumoniae from other Streptococcus species. Combining the bile solubility test and the MALDI-TOF spectra results provide a correct identification of all S. pneumoniae and S. pseudopneumoniae isolates.

Brentidae of Peru (Coleoptera: Curculionoidea).

Eighty-four species of Brentidae (not including Apioninae) are listed from Peru, 13 presently only known from this country. Stereodermus platycornis Mantilleri, sp. nov. and Teramocerus spathulifer Mantilleri, sp. nov., are described from Tambopata Province. A micropterous species, Stereodermus micropterus Mantilleri, sp. nov., is described from Alto Madre de Dios River. Stereodermus barbirostris Sharp, 1895, S. breviceps Sharp, 1895, S. nigriceps Sharp, 1895, Pertusius errabundus (Kleine, 1927), Rugosacratus punctirostris (Boheman, 1840), Teramocerus appendiculatus (Soares & Scivittaro, 1972), T. eletus Kleine, 1927, and T. suturalis (Lund, 1800), are newly recorded from Peru.

Levantamento Florístico das Espécies Arbóreas de um Trecho de Mata Ciliar no Município de Astorga, Paraná, Brasil

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo conhecer a composição florística e estágio sucessional das espécies arbóreas que compõem as margens da mata ciliar do Ribeirão da Içara (23º09’51.74’’S e 51º39’21.60’’W), no município de Astorga, na região norte do Estado do Paraná. O clima da região é classificado como Cfa, e altitude média de 532 m. A área de estudo apresenta 0,5 ha, pertence ao domínio de Floresta Estacional Semidecidual, consiste em um trecho de mata ciliar formado por uma vegetação nativa com agrupamentos densos de árvores, cipós (trepadeiras), pouca vegetação rasteira e reflorestamento. A ocupação do solo do entorno é a pecuária e a produção de culturas de cana-de-açúcar e laranja. As coletas de material botânico foram realizadas através de expedições mensais com duração de três dias no período de dezembro de 2010 a março de 2011. Foram amostrados os indivíduos arbóreos em estágio reprodutivo, os quais foram incorporados ao acervo do HUEM. Algumas espécies foram coletadas apenas suas partes vegetativas. O material coletado foi identificado com auxílio de bibliografia específica e por comparação com o material do acervo do HUEM, seguindo o sistema APG III. As espécies foram classificadas quanto ao estágio sucessional através de consulta a bibliografias específicas e observações de campo, sendo que as exóticas e as indeterminadas não foram consideradas para esta análise. Foram registradas 84 espécies reunidas em 77 gêneros e 28 famílias, das quais seis foram identificadas apenas em nível de gênero, quatro ao nível de família e uma de família indeterminada. Fabaceae apresentou o maior número de espécies (23), seguida de Myrtaceae com seis, Malvaceae e Meliaceae com cinco, Anacardiaceae, Bignoniaceae, Euphorbiaceae e Sapindaceae com quatro, Rutaceae com três. Nestas famílias estão contidos 69,05% do número de espécies. O gênero com maior número de espécies foi o Machaerium (três). Quanto ao estágio sucessional, 35,93% das espécies pertencem à classe sucessional pioneira, 32,81% secundária inicial, 20,31% secundária tardia e 10,44% clímax. Este resultado, com predomínio de espécies pioneiras e secundárias, mostra que existe uma substituição gradual das espécies, o que possivelmente pode estar relacionado com a retirada de espécies de importância comercial. Flower Survey of Tree Species of Riparian Vegetation in Astorga, Brazil The floristic composition and successional stage of tree species in riparian vegetation of the Ribeirão da Içara (23º09’51.74’’S and 51º39’21.60’’W) in the municipality of Astorga in the northern region of the state of Paraná, Brazil, are analyzed. Climate is Cfa and average altitude is 532 m. The 0.5 ha area under analysis belongs to the Semideciduous Seasonal Forest and consists of a stretch of riparian vegetation formed by native vegetation with dense tree groups, creepers, ground vegetation and reforestation. Surrounding ground is occupied by livestock and the production of sugar cane and orange trees. Botanic material was collected by 3-day monthly expeditions between December 2010 and March 2011. Tree specimens in the reproduction stage were sampled and voucher specimens were incorporated to the collection of the State University of Maringá. Only the vegetal parts of some species were collected and the material was identified by specific bibliography and compared with specimens at the university, following the APG III system. Species were classified with regard to their successional stage by specific bibliography and field observations, although exotic and indeterminate plants were not taken into account in current analysis. Eighty-four species, with 77 genera and 28 families, were registered. Six were identified at genus level, four at family level and one family was undetermined. The Fabaceae had the highest number of species (23), followed by Myrtaceae (6), Malvaceae and Meliaceae (5), Anacardiaceae, Bignoniaceae, Euphorbiaceae and Sapindaceae (4), Rutaceae (3). Further, 69.05% of species belong to these families. Machaerium (3) was the genus with the highest number of species. With regard to the successional stage, 35.93% were species of the pioneer succession class; 32.81% initial secondary class; 20.31% late secondary class and 0.44% climax class. Results, featuring predominantly pioneer and secondary species, show a gradual replacement of species, perhaps related to the removal of commercially relevant species. KEYWORDS: Água do Içara Stream; Successional Stage; Native Vegetation.

Resources of medicinal plants in the Kuznetsky Alatau

The paper aims to study the resources of medicinal plants in the the Kuznetsky Alatau. Eighty-four species of vascular plants applied in scientific medicine have been identified, 35 of which have industrial reserves of raw material (resources of categories I and II). The remaining 49 species are not recommended for industrial procurement. Reserves of raw materials have been ascertained for 12 commercial species among which Paeonia anomala (9138 t), Polygonum bistorta (3200 t), Bergenia crassifolia (571 t), Sorbus sibirica (346 t), Veratrum lobelianum (342 t) and Rhaponticum carthamoides (328 t) have been assessed to have the biggest volumes of raw materials’ reserve. Five commercial species of medicinal plants, namely B. crassifolia, P. bistorta, Bupleurum multinerve, P. anomala and R. carthamoides, and a rare valuable medicinal plant Rhodiola rosea are confined to mountain habitats. We determined the optimal part of the cenocomplex, the conditions of habitation and the density of reserves for these species. The paper makes recommendations for their sustainable use. Despite the relatively small territory of the Kuznetsky Alatau, it is considered to have great potential for harvesting of medicinal plants.

Phylogeny and Classification of Prunus sensu lato (Rosaceae)

The classification of the economically important genus Prunus L. sensu lato (s.l.) is controversial due to the high levels of convergent or the parallel evolution of morphological characters. In the present study, phylogenetic analyses of fifteen main segregates of Prunus s.l. represented by eighty-four species were conducted with maximum parsimony and Bayesian approaches using twelve chloroplast regions (atpB-rbcL, matK, ndhF, psbA-trnH, rbcL, rpL16, rpoC1, rps16, trnS-G, trnL, trnL-F and ycf1) and three nuclear genes (ITS, s6pdh and SbeI) to explore their infrageneric relationships. The results of these analyses were used to develop a new, phylogeny-based classification of Prunus s.l. Our phylogenetic reconstructions resolved three main clades of Prunus s.l. with strong supports. We adopted a broad-sensed genus, Prunus, and recognised three subgenera corresponding to the three main clades: subgenus Padus, subgenus Cerasus and subgenus Prunus. Seven sections of subgenus Prunus were recognised. The dwarf cherries, which were previously assigned to subgenus Cerasus, were included in this subgenus Prunus. One new section name, Prunus L. subgenus Prunus section Persicae (T. T. Yü & L. T. Lu) S. L. Zhou and one new species name, Prunus tianshanica (Pojarkov) S. Shi, were proposed.

Application of Medicinal Plants in Maternal Healthcare and Infertility: A South African Perspective

Plants have played significant roles as medicine during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care in many rural areas of the world. In addition to this, plants have been used for centuries to treat infertility and related reproduction problems. The aim of this paper was to review the current status of plant species used in maternal healthcare, including infertility, in South Africa, in terms of scientific evaluation for efficacy and safety. In addition to this, the role of medicinal plants as a tool in achieving the MDG5 of reducing maternal mortality by 2015 was evaluated. A search was done with the aid of Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, peer-reviewed papers, and books, using keywords such as child birth, labour pain, maternal health, maternal mortality, menstrual pains, and postpartum. The plants listed in the different research articles were classified according to their use and the target effect of a plant extract or compound on reproductive function. Eighty-four plant species were found to be used to treat infertility and related problems. Twenty plant species are used during pregnancy, while 26 plant species are used to ease childbirth. For postpartum healing and any problems after childbirth, nine plant species were recorded. Unhealthy pregnancy and birth complications are among the factors that contribute to the loss of cognitive potential in the developing world's children, condemning them to impoverished lives. The best way to keep a country poor is to rob its children of their full developmental potential. In this respect, medicinal plants play a significant role in reducing maternal mortality and ensuring the birth of healthy children.

<p class="HeadingRunIn"><strong>Diversity, chorology and conservation of the grasses (Poaceae) in Serra do Ouro Branco, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil</strong></p>

A survey of the Poaceae species that occur in Serra do Ouro Branco based on fieldwork and herbaria collections as well as bibliographical data is presented. Eighty-four species were found and are presented in a checklist. Five of these species were introduced to the area from Africa. Isachne (Micrairoideae) is a new record in the Espinhaco Range and Dichanthelium stipiflorum is a new record in the State of Minas Gerais. An analysis of the geographic distribution patterns of native species is presented together with a comparison with the Poaceae diversity on other mountains of the Espinhaco Range.

Temperature and salinity as interacting drivers of species richness of planktonic rotifers in Turkish continental waters

Salinity and temperature are known to be important factors driving species richness and species composition in inland waters, but their effect and interaction are still not completely clear. In this paper we examine their interaction on species richness and species composition of planktonic rotifers in Turkey, controlling for other confounding effects. Eighty-four species of Rotifera belonging to 32 genera were recorded from eight sampling sites in Develi Plain (Middle Anatolia, Kayseri, Turkey), collecting repeated samples in different seasons (April, July, October and December 2007), and measuring water parameters (electrical conductivity, pH and temperature). Generalised Linear Models and Mixed Effect Models were used to disentangle the effect of the environmental parameters on species richness and composition. Temperature positively affected species richness as expected from previous studies. Whereas this effect was clear in the freshwater habitats (less than 1000 μS cm-1), it was not observed at all at higher salinities. Surprisingly, species richness significantly increased with salinity in subsaline waters between 1000 and 6000 μS cm-1. Species composition varied among sampling sites (accounting for 36.2% of total variation), but no other factors were found to be involved

Annotated List of the Leaf Beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) of Kentucky: Subfamily Galerucinae, Tribe Alticini

Abstract An examination of leaf beetle specimens (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in the largest beetle collections in Kentucky, recent inventory work in state nature preserves and other protected areas, and a review of the literature revealed eighty-four species of the tribe Alticini (Subfamily Galerucinae) present in Kentucky, forty-five of which are unreported previously for the state. Distribution maps and label data are presented for the eighty-four Kentucky species including spatial (state and Kentucky county records), temporal (years and months of collection in Kentucky), and plant association information. The following species are reported from Kentucky for the first time: Blepharida rhois (Forster), Luperaltica senilis (Say), Phyllotreta cruciferae (Goeze), Ceraltica insolita (Melsheimer), Glyptina brunnea Horn, Glyptina cyanipennis (Crotch), Glyptina spuria LeConte, Longitarsus acutipennis Blatchley, Longitarsus arenaceus Blatchley, Longitarsus melanurus (Melsheimer), Longitarsus pratensis (Panzer), ...

Breeding Bird Communities Across an Upland Disturbance Gradient in the Western Lake Superior Region

Upland breeding bird communities were sampled from 225 points in 15 survey routes in the coastal region of western Lake Superior to examine relationships to human land use. Eighty-four species were detected and 50 were abundant enough to be included in data analysis. Monotonic quadratic regression models were constructed for these 50 species by using species counts as the dependent variable and the proportion of human conversion of the landscape (residential, agriculture, and commercial/industrial land uses) within each study area as the independent variable. Twenty-seven bird species had significant regressions (P < 0.05), 18 of which generally avoided areas developed by humans and 9 of which were attracted to development. Detrended correspondence analysis using counts of these 27 bird species was used to investigate multivariate, community responses to development. The first DCA axis was interpreted as a gradient from urban avoiding to urban exploiting bird species and was strongly correlated with land cover variables related to human development. Our results advance the idea that breeding bird communities can be used as indicators of ecological condition and can diagnose potential causes for changes in these conditions. Further, our study points out the usefulness of bird monitoring data in regional planning efforts that incorporate goals for maintaining native biological diversity.

LEAF ANATOMY OF CONOPHYTUM N. E. BR. (AIZOACEAE)

Leaf anatomy of Conophytum–a genus of 100 species of miniature xerophytic plants from the succulent Karoo in southern Africa–was examined using thin sections of plastic-embedded tissue and bright-field and polarized-light microscopy. Eighty-four species, from all recognized sections of the genus, were sectioned using material of known wild origin, with many species represented by multiple infraspecific taxa or populations. The broad scope of this investigation permits, for the first time, a meaningful study of the comparative anatomy of this large, morphologically diverse genus. The distribution of anatomical characters is described including: the pattern of deposition of calcium oxalate crystals in the epidermis, the presence and number of layers of hypodermis, and the presence and shape of tanniniferous idioblasts in the mesophyll. Typically xeromorphic characters like a hypodermis and epidermal crystal layers tend to be reduced or absent in species from sheltered niches, including soil-embedded, subterranean species with windowed leaves. Embedded species also frequently lack tannin cells, perhaps because their growth form reduces the need for chemical defenses against herbivores.

Patterns in the distribution, abundance and body size of carabid beetles (Coleoptera: Caraboidea) in relation to dispersal ability

The effects of dispersal ability, measured as two wing size categories (brachypterous vs. macropterous), on the distribution, abundance and body size, and on the relationships between these variables were examined in eighty-four species of carabid beetles over twenty-two sites in the northern Iberian peninsula. Geographic ranges of species (restricted to the northern Iberian peninsula vs. widespread European or wider range) were also taken into account in the analyses because macropterous species significantly tended to exhibit wider geographic ranges than did brachypterous species. Regional distributions were wider in brachypterous-restricted and brachypterous-widespread species than in macropterous-widespread species. The three groups did not differ in abundance. Differences in regional distributions between groups may be explained by referring to a trade-off between dispersal ability and establishment ability indicated in the literature. Macropterous species would occupy relatively few sites due to a high frequency of unsuccessful colonizations. The relationships between regional distribution and abundance were positive for all the three groups, brachypterous-restricted, brachypterous- widespread and macropterous-widespread species. The regression line for the last group showed a lower elevation than those for brachypterous-restricted and brachypterous- widespread species. This fact was probably due to differences in regional distributions between groups. No relationship between abundance and body size was significant. Regressions of regional distribution on body size were positive in brachypterous-restricted and brachypterous- widespread carabids, but the relationship was not significant in macropterous-widespread carabids. These results were interpreted in terms of differences in body size-dependency of travelling velocities between flying and running carabids.

Vertical distribution and assemblages of corticolous myxomycetes on five tree species in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

Corticolous myxomycetes of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park were studied in relation to their association with certain tree species and height of occurrence in the forest canopy. Using the double-rope climbing method, bark was collected at 3 m increments to the tops of trees of five different species. Bark samples from 25 trees were used to prepare 418 moist chamber cultures maintained and observed 4 wk. Eighty-four myxomycete species were identified, including 30 species not known to occur in the park. Tree species, pH, height in tree and water-holding capacity of the bark samples were analyzed to determine the relationships of myxomycete assemblages cultured on the bark. Results suggested that myxomycete community composition among selected tree species were similar, but occurrence and abundance of certain species were related to differences in bark pH. Community similarity values among trees of different species show that trees with the most similar myxomycete communities also have the most similar bark pH. Most myxomycete species in this study have a pH optimum. No variation in species richness was detected at different heights in the trees, and most species were obtained at all heights up to at least 24 m. The water-holding capacity of the bark could not be correlated with species richness or abundance of myxomycetes that inhabit the bark of living trees. This is the first study to characterize myxomycete communities of tree canopies.

TRADITIONAL USES OF PERENNIAL HOMESTEAD GARDEN PLANTS IN BANGLADESH

ABSTRACT Traditional uses of perennial homestead garden (homegarden) plants in four physiographic regions of Bangladesh (Deltaic, Dry land. Hilly and Plain) were explored using different Participatory Rural Appraisal tools (transect walk, participatory vegetation survey, open-ended interview). A total of 120 perennial species were recorded from 200 homegardens surveyed in the four regions; i.e., from 50 homegardens randomly selected from one village in each region. Twenty-four traditional uses of the 120 plant species were documented of which seven were in the primary use category and 17 were secondary uses. Edible species represented the largest proportion of the seven primary use categories (35%), followed by medicinal (26%), construction material (17%), household (16%), spices (3%), craft (2%) and live fence (2%) uses, respectively. Eighty-four species had more than one use. The highest number of uses recorded for a given species was seven (Mangifera indica). Fifty-seven species were common to all regions and these were ranked according to their Relative Importance Values (RIV). The mean ranking of the common species, based on RIV across all the four regions, indicated that Cocos nucifera was the most preferred species followed by the M. indica and Ziziphus mauratiana, respectively. The wide range of uses of homegarden plants indicates that Bangladesh farmers possess and nurture a rich heritage of such traditions, and reflects the importance of conserving them.