Abundance Of Indicator Species Research Articles

Snake Diversity in Human Landscapes: A Comprehensive Study of Snake Species in Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh, India

This comprehensive study documents the diversity of snake species within the human landscape of Kushinagar district, Uttar Pradesh, India. Carrying out extensive fieldwork using direct and indirect encounter methods revealed 18 snake species from six families, with the Indian Spectacled Cobra (Naja naja) being the dominant venomous species, along with Russell's viper (Vipera russellii) and the Indian Common Krait (Bungarus caeruleus). Biostatistical analysis showed that the Colubridae family was the most diverse group, comprising 61% of the recorded snake species. Species richness, abundance, and diversity indices were analysed, with the Shannon Diversity Index (H') and Simpson Diversity Index (D) indicating variations in species richness and evenness across different areas. The correlation matrix highlighted ecological interactions, such as predator-prey dynamics and habitat sharing, while non-parametric tests revealed significant differences in abundance among the study areas. The study emphasizes the importance of utilizing additional biostatistical strategies to examine non-normally distributed data and ensure robust conclusions. The findings contribute to understanding snake ecology and provide valuable insights for habitat management and biodiversity conservation planning in the Kushinagar region, which is crucial for protecting these enigmatic animals and their ecosystems.

Longitudinal fish species diversity and distribution in a medium-sized Afro-tropical river in the Lake Victoria Basin

Despite significantly influencing fisheries characteristics of major global basins, medium-sized rivers such as Awach Kibuon remain the least studied. This study evaluated longitudinal fish species diversity, distribution, and environmental influence in Awach Kibuon River, Lake Victoria Basin, Kenya, to inform sustainable management of fisheries resources within the region. Nine sites located in different zones of the river were sampled monthly for eight months in 2019 and 2020. Fish samples were collected for 45 minutes using a backpack electrofisher on a 50-m river reach in every sampling site. Selected physico- chemical parameters (pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, conductivity, and turbidity) were measured in situ using standard methods. Longitudinal river fish diversity was assessed using species richness, Simpson's Index (D), Shannon-Weiner Index (H′), and Pielou's Evenness Index (J). A total of 983 fish specimens belonging to 21 species, 12 genera, seven families, and six orders were caught during sampling. Cyprinidae was the most dominant family, represented by nine species, followed by Claridae, Mochokidae, and Cichlidae, represented by three species each. Longitudinal species richness, abundance, and diversity indices deviated from the expected downstream increase. Upstream stations had no fish, whereas midstream and river mouth stations had moderate and high species diversity, respectively. Pearson's correlation analyses showed that temperature, conductivity, TDS, depth, and velocity influenced fish species richness in the river. The above findings call for the inclusion of medium- sized rivers in fisheries management plans of Great Lakes Basins for sustainability.

Fire effects on plant communities in Ozark woodlands and glades

BackgroundDecades of fire suppression caused drastic changes to community structure and composition across ecosystems, including in Ozark woodlands in Missouri, USA. Reintroducing fire can restore ground flora by reducing midstory tree density, increasing ground layer light, and reducing leaf litter accumulation, but we lack a clear understanding of how these effects vary across time and space. We investigated the effects of repeated prescribed fire on ground flora species richness, floristic quality, abundance, community composition, and stand structure over 20 years in a landscape matrix of dry-mesic woodlands, dry woodlands, and glades using data collected from the Ozark National Scenic Riverways Fire Effects Monitoring program in the Current River Watershed in the Missouri Ozarks.ResultsWe found that fire plays a key role in driving community structure and dynamics across community types, although with varying levels of intensity. Herbaceous species richness, abundance, and floristic quality index increased across all community types, while mean coefficient of conservatism decreased. Abundance and floristic quality effects were stronger in drier sites. Community composition changed with successive burns, resulting in several indicator species for post burn treatments. The density of midstory trees declined across community types with repeated fire. The number of burns significantly affected overstory tree density overall, but overstory tree density only declined in dry woodlands and glades and not in dry-mesic woodlands.ConclusionsOur results suggest that landscape fire shapes plant community structure and dynamics. Specifically, these findings show that fire effects vary among community types and suggest that land managers should consider landscape heterogeneity in fire application for restoration. Separate community types imbedded in the same landscape may respond to fire differently. Understanding repeated fire effects over several decades across multiple community types is critical to informing fire-driven woodland restoration across landscape scales.

Variabilitas Spasial Makrozoobenthos di Zona Pesisir Tropis: Studi Kasus dari Pantai Kastela, Ternate, Indonesia

Kastela Beach, located in Kastela Village, Ternate Island District, Ternate City, North Maluku, has main characteristics such as stretches of fine alluvial sand and an ecosystem of seagrass beds and coral reefs extending over 2 km. This research aims to identify the types of macrozoobenthos, study their distribution and abundance, and analyze the factors affecting them along the coast of Kastela Beach. The research was conducted using qualitative methods with an observational approach and quadrat analysis. The data analysis technique used the species abundance index according to the Ludwig and Reynold formulation. The research results revealed the presence of six macrozoobenthic species evenly distributed across five plots: Holothuria atra (21 individuals), Diadema setosum (30 individuals), Tridacna gigas (9 individuals), Conus marmoreus (11 individuals), Strombus sp (22 individuals), and Pinctada margaritifera (5 individuals). Factors of physicochemical environment, such as brightness, water temperature, salinity, and local community activities, were found to play an important role in influencing the abundance of macrozoobenthos.

Prevalence of Rotifers in the Tigris River before and after the Al Kut Dam /Iraq

A study was conducted to analyze the makeup of the rotifera community in terms of both quantity and quality. The study took place over four seasons at two locations on the Tigris River, both before and after the construction of Al-Kut's Barrage. The study period spanned from January to December 2023, during which a total of 48 taxonomic units of rotifera were discovered. The overall population density of the Rotifera at the initial location prior to Al-Kut's Barrage varied between the peak value of 10509.9 individuals/m3 in the spring and the minimum value of 2621.1 individuals/m3 in the winter. The second location downstream of Al-Kut's Barrage had a peak density of 5198.8 persons per cubic meter during spring, while the lowest density of 1088.3 individuals per cubic meter was seen during winter. The study examined the indicators of relative abundance and the Shannon-Wienercoefficient of biological diversity. The values observed ranged from 2.198 to 6542 bits per individual. The index of species appearance homogeneity ranged from 0.67 to 0.85, and the index of species abundance ranged from 5.25 to 7.89. The decline in the population of Rotifera during winter is attributed to the adverse impact of cold temperatures, which hampers the restricted growth of the species. During the winter season, there is a reduction in illumination and phytoplankton, resulting in a fall in food availability. This shortage of food is responsible for the decline in Rotifera populations.

Mosquito Vector Ecology in Swamp Ecosystems

This study investigates the ecological dynamics of mosquito vectors in the swamp ecosystems of Desa Kebun Raya, Kecamatan Kintap, Kabupaten Tanah Laut, Kalimantan Selatan. An entomological survey was conducted to assess species composition, abundance, and larval indices in relation to the unique swamp habitat. Four mosquito species were identified: Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex tritaeniorhynchus, Aedes aegypti, and Aedes albopictus. The dominance of Culex species, particularly C. quinquefasciatus, suggests a strong adaptation to the swamp environment. Larval indices indicated a high risk of vector-borne disease transmission, with a House Index (HI) of 35%, Container Index (CI) of 0.14%, and Breteau Index (BI) of 64%. The study highlights the complex interactions between swamp ecology, mosquito population dynamics, and potential disease transmission risks in this understudied region of Indonesia.

Estructura comunitaria de peces, asteroideos y equinoideos en el Farallón de San Ignacio, arrecife situado en la “brecha faunística de Sinaloa”, México

Even though there is extensive research on the rocky reefs in the Gulf of California, some areas still have scarce information, such as the Farallón de San Ignacio, which is well known for its high biodiversity and its location in the biogeographic transition zone known as the "Sinaloa gap." Due to the limited information available for this site, the present study aimed to describe the composition and structure of asteroid and echinoid fish assemblages at the Farallón de San Ignacio. For this purpose, visual surveys were conducted in November 2016 using belt transects of 25 m long by 4 m wide for fish and 25 m long by 2 m wide for invertebrates, to estimate species abundance, richness, diversity, and evenness indices, and to compare them with other rocky reefs located at the same latitude on the western coast of the Gulf of California that were visited the same year. A total of 34 species were recorded, including two asteroids and four echinoids. The most abundant species were the fish Azurina atrilobata, the starfish Phataria unifacialis, and the sea urchin Diadema mexicanum. Despite the Farallón’s isolation, the complexity of its community structure is similar to that of other islands in the Gulf of California, although there were differences in species composition due to the high abundance of herbivorous species at this site.

Diversity and community structure of predators in surjan (polyculture) and lembaran (monoculture) paddy fields

Predator diversity decreases because of low ecosystem quality in modern agriculture that applies monoculture systems. However, polyculture systems in paddy fields can improve biodiversity, including pests, natural enemies, and microorganisms. Surjan is a local polyculture farming practice that originated in Yogyakarta. This farming practice consists of raised beds for cultivating palawija or horticultural crops and sunken beds for rice cultivation. Surjan farming may have an impact on predatory diversity and abundance, although this has not been studied. To address this issue, research was carried out to investigate the diversity, abundance, and structure of the community of predators in the paddy fields of surjan (polyculture) and lembaran (monoculture). The field experiment was conducted in three pairs, surjan and lembaran, in Panjatan District, Kulon Progo Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region, Indonesia. In each field, five random plots arranged in a cross pattern were used to collect a sample of predators. Several traps, including sweeping, pitfall traps, yellow adhesive traps, and yellow pan traps, were used to determine the abundance and diversity of predators. Results showed that species diversity, abundance, species composition, and biodiversity index in surjan farming were significantly improved compared to lembaran farming. Ceratopogonidae and Formicidae were the most abundant families in both surjan and lembaran farming, although they are more abundant in surjan. It can be concluded from the study that surjan farming could improve ecosystem quality by implementing predators for pest management.

Weed Biology and Ecology Studies: Diversity, Dominance and Prediction of Yield Loss of Corn (Zea mays L.) Due to Broadleaf Weeds Competition in Dryland

The aim of the research was to determine the diversity, distribution, dominance, and yield loss of corn due to competition from broadleaf weeds. Descriptive research method with direct survey techniques of research objects. Data were collected using 10 sample plots measuring 1 m2, which were placed using random sampling. Observation parameters include the population and dry biomass weight of weeds and corn. The data was analyzed descriptively and comparatively by calculating density, frequency, and dominance to obtain an important value index and summation diminance ratio (SDR). The results of the research showed that 14 species of broad-leaved weeds were found with high species diversity, distribution, dominance, and abundance indices. The competitiveness and relative weighted dominance of six weed species, namely Amaranthus spinusus, Amaranthus gracilis, Synedrella nodiliflora, Acalypha indica, Ageratum conyzoides, and Alternanthera philoxeroides, are higher than those of other weed species, causing corn yield losses of 5.56%–21.90%. Therefore, these six weed species must be controlled.

Seasonal Dynamics of Fruit Flies (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Natural Parks of Moscow City, Russia.

The insect fauna of natural parks in large cities has not been sufficiently studied in Russia. This study represents the first investigation of the seasonal dynamics and species diversity of Drosophilidae in Moscow city. Traps with fermenting liquid were placed on the ground under trees to collect flies from four natural park sites between early May and late September from 2021 to 2023. A total of 26,420 individuals belonging to 11 genera and 33 drosophilid species were identified, with 21 species from 6 genera being new to the fauna of Moscow. Drosophila obscura Fll., D. phalerata Mg., and D. testacea Roser were the most abundant species in the traps. Peaks in the abundance of drosophilids varied between years, but the lowest abundance was always observed in May. In 2022, the highest number of flies was collected (9604 specimens), with slightly fewer in 2023 (8496 specimens), and even fewer in 2021 (8320 specimens). In 2022, the highest species diversity of drosophilids was also recorded-33 species-while 28 species were found in both 2021 and 2023. The high variability in the abundance of individual drosophila species obscures the differences between the studied years due to the effects of the "Month" and "Site" factors. The diversity metrics exhibit similar patterns among drosophila communities inhabiting comparable biotopes. Specific climatic factors, such as the temperature and precipitation, impact the species abundance and community diversity indices primarily through their effects on the preimaginal stages of drosophila development. For several species, the population dynamics in the spring, post-hibernation, are influenced by the conditions preceding winter.

Vegetation diversity and composition in relation to different grazing intensity levels in an arid environment in Jordan

Grazing practices fundamentally shape plant community composition and biodiversity worldwide, more importantly in water-limited environments. This study aimed to investigate plant community composition, species distribution of occurrence and diversity indices in an arid rangeland under different grazing intensities. The quadrat method was used to select 90 × 1 m2 quadrats in heavy-grazing, light-grazing and ungrazed sites. Plant species frequency, relative frequency, abundance, relative abundance and density, as well as species richness, evenness, Shannon diversity index and Simpson’s diversity index were calculated. A total of 46 plant species belonging to 17 families were recorded. The Asteraceæ family was represented with the highest frequency (28%). Overall in the study area, around 95%, 70% and 40% of recorded plant families existed in light-grazing, ungrazed and heavy-grazing sites, respectively. The species richness of identified plants in light-grazing and ungrazed sites was 300% and 200% greater, respectively, than in the heavy-grazing sites. Around 85% of existing plants in heavy-grazing sites were therophyte plants. The species frequency, abundance, density and diversity indices were higher in light-grazing sites compared to those under heavy grazing, which indicates a more diverse, heterogenous and balanced plant community in the light-grazing site. Plant communities in light-grazing and ungrazed sites were similar, except for higher species frequency, density and evenness in light-grazing sites. This suggests that light-grazing intensities in the arid rangelands of Jordan enhance plant diversity more than grazing exclusion, which encourages decision-makers and environmentalists to implement regulations prohibiting intensive grazing in the arid rangelands of Jordan.

Heterogeneous changes in gut and tumor microbiota in patients with pancreatic cancer: insights from clinical evidence

BackgroundPancreatic cancer is the foremost contributor to cancer-related deaths globally, and its prevalence continues to rise annually. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms behind its development remain unclear and necessitate comprehensive investigation.MethodsIn this study, a total of 29 fresh stool samples were collected from patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. The gut microbial data of healthy controls were obtained from the SRA database (SRA data number: SRP150089). Additionally, 28 serum samples and diseased tissues were collected from 14 patients with confirmed pancreatic cancer and 14 patients with chronic pancreatitis. Informed consent was obtained from both groups of patients. Microbial sequencing was performed using 16s rRNA.ResultsThe results showed that compared with healthy controls, the species abundance index of intestinal flora in patients with pancreatic cancer was increased (P < 0.05), and the number of beneficial bacteria at the genus level was reduced (P < 0.05). Compared with patients with chronic pancreatitis, the expression levels of CA242 and CA199 in the serum of patients with pancreatic cancer were increased (P < 0.05). The bacterial richness index of tumor microorganisms in patients with pancreatic cancer increased, while the diversity index decreased(P < 0.05). Furthermore, there was a change in the species composition at the genus level. Additionally, the expression level of CA242 was found to be significantly positively correlated with the relative abundance of Acinetobacter(P < 0.05).ConclusionOver all, the expression levels of serum tumor markers CA242 and CA19-9 in patients with pancreatic cancer are increased, while the beneficial bacteria in the intestine and tumor microenvironment are reduced and pathogenic bacteria are increased. Acinetobacter is a specific bacterial genus highly expressed in pancreatic cancer tissue.

Altitudinal pattern of Odonata diversity in Kabylia (Algeria): a contrasting pattern in lotic and lentic habitats

Environmental conditions change rapidly across altitude, shaping diversity and structure of communities. Because lotic and lentic communities are often distinct and experience different environmental and anthropogenic conditions, understanding whether the diversity of these communities changes similarly across altitude is fundamental to determine how biota responds to ecological gradients in a human-dominated landscape. In this study, we carried out a comparative analysis of the altitudinal pattern of the diversity of odonates in lotic and lentic ecosystems in Kabylia (north-central Algeria) across 16 sites (eight lotic and eight lentic sites). We estimated species richness, abundance, and Shannon index as well as three environmental factors (water temperature, pH, and human disturbance) in each site. We recorded a total of 33 species (10 Zygoptera and 23 Anisoptera) with 20 species in lotic sites and 28 species in lentic sites. We recorded a similar decreasing altitudinal pattern of water temperature and human influence, but no pattern in pH. Interestingly, species richness, abundance, and Shannon index increased with altitude in lotic sites, but showed a weak negative correlation in lentic sites. These contracting patterns could be due to the interplay of a geographic gradient in anthropogenic pressure and habitat-specific species sensitivity to anthropogenic stress.

Diversity and Abundance of Edible Wild Fruit and Leaf Plants in Parts of Forest and Savanna Eco-regions, Nigeria.

Wild foods are important sources of nutrition for one out of six people worldwide and it remains an open access source of food and income, especially to vulnerable group such as the resource-poor and malnourished children. Different ecological zones in Nigeria are endowed with diverse edible fruits and leaves and hence their diversity and abundance differ. With the previous and current rate of deforestation particularly in the African continent and specifically in Nigeria, the diversity and abundance of these invaluable forests –derived foods across the forest and savanna ecozones in Nigeria are unknown. An inventory of forest-derived edible fruits and leaves was conducted using a systematic line transect in two (2) selected forest reserves in each ecological zone. Five line transects of 515 m in length, with a distance of at least 150 m between two parallel transects was used. Five sample plots of 25 m x25 m in size were laid in alternate position along each transect at 100 m interval. A total of 25 sample plots were laid in each of the selected forest reserves. In each sample plot, all edible fruits and leaves encountered were identified and their frequency recorded. The frequency of the species per ha was used to compute the relative species abundance and Shannon weiner diversity index. The species diversity across the ecological zones was compared using one-way analysis of variance. Shannon-weiner diversity index (3.49) for the rainforest edible wild fruits and leaves is significantly higher (P≤ 0.05) than in all the other ecological zones. This is followed by Guinea savanna (3.10), Derived savanna (3.02), Sudan savanna (2.91), and Sahel savanna (2.83) while the mangrove forest has the lowest diversity index (2.53). Assessing species diversity helps in understanding the resilience of forest ecosystems. This knowledge is crucial for fostering environments that can withstand and recover from adverse events. Policy makers rely on scientific studies to design regulations and conservation strategies. This research provided evidence-based insight necessary for informed decision-making to protect forest reserves

Effect of environmental drivers of fish assemblage and diversity patterns in temporal scale in Mongra Reservoir: A case study from one of the tributaries of Mahanadi Basin, Central India

AbstractInfluence of seasonal variations in environmental parameters on fish assemblage and species diversity patterns was studied in a tropical reservoir of Central India during March 2021 to February 2022. A total of 41 species belonging to 7 orders, 15 families and 29 genera were recorded with highest diversity during post‐monsoon season compared to the pre‐monsoon season and monsoon season. The fish abundance similarity between the monsoon and post‐monsoon reached a maximum of 89%. Seasonal variations in the mean species abundance, Simpson dominance index, Shannon diversity index, Pielou's evenness index and Margalef's richness index were determined. One‐way ANOVA revealed a significant difference (P &lt; 0.05) at the temporal scale. There was a significant seasonal difference in species abundance (P = 0.0006) and evenness index (P = 0.02) among the diversity indices. During the study period, three ‘vulnerable’ species, three ‘near threatened’ species and two ‘endangered’ species were caught. Carnivore dominance was evident throughout the year in the trophic guild of fishes. The Pearson correlation test revealed that water pH, dissolved oxygen, sediment organic carbon and clay percentage were positively correlated to all four diversity indices. Simpson and Margalef species richness diversity indices were positively correlated to sediment pH. Fish abundance was positively associated with sediment pH, silt, phosphorus and nitrogen content. Canonical correspondence analysis was used to investigate the relationships between fish assemblages and environmental conditions. Among the 19 physicochemical parameters, nine (dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, conductivity, transparency, hardness, phosphate and chlorophyll‐a, sediment nitrogen and phosphorus) characteristics were shown to be statistically significant (P &lt; 0.05) in determining fish diversity. Dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, conductivity, transparency, hardness, phosphate and chlorophyll‐a of water and sediment nitrogen and phosphorus qualities were the key factors for the species abundance. The reservoir boasts a diverse fish population that allows multi‐species fishing and generates revenue for numerous local fishers. Fish habitats should be protected in order to maintain diversity and long‐term ecological benefits.

Used macroinvertebrates as bioindicators to compare water quality from different land uses in Watumokala and Nokambu Rivers, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia

Abstract. Kahirun, Basrudin, Siwi LO, Indriyani L, Bana S, Sudia LB, Erif LOM, Midi LO, Maulina N, Jamaluddin N. 2023. Used macroinvertebrates as bioindicators to compare water quality from different land uses in Watumokala and Nokambu Rivers, Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 5693-5708. Macroinvertebrates are animals that live in waters, both on the surface of the water, in riverbeds attached to substrates or mud, and in several biotypes, which are used as bioindicators of water quality due to anthropogenic disturbances that can change land use around rivers. This study aimed to describe the physicochemical parameters and macroinvertebrate community in the Watumokala and Nokambu rivers in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, and to compare the water quality in the two rivers based on ecological index measurements. This study used a survey method at the upstream, middle, and downstream sampling locations for each river with different land use. Data collection on macroinvertebrates and physicochemical parameters was carried out at each station in each river. The data analysis carried out in this study was to calculate the Shannon-Wienner diversity index, species abundance index, uniformity index, Margalef richness index, and the Family Biotic Index (FBI). The results of this study indicated that in the Watumokala River, there were 17 families from 9 macroinvertebrate orders with an abundance of 1852 individuals, more than in the Nokambu River where 14 families were found from 8 orders with an abundance of 904 individuals. There is an influence of land use habitat on macroinvertebrates in the Watumokala and Nokambu Rivers. In the Watumokala River station 1 and station 3 are similar and have a significant correlation with several indicators indicating that the water quality is still good, while at station 2 there is a positive correlation with physicochemical parameters which indicates that the water quality is slightly polluted. Likewise, in the Nokambu River, at station 1 and station 2, there are similarities and significant correlations between physicochemical parameters and macroinvertebrate communities in providing indicators that water quality is still good, while station 3 shows a significant correlation with physicochemical parameters and macroinvertebrates as indicators of water quality polluted. So, the results of this research are useful in efforts to manage land and water in rivers that are experiencing pollution.

Unveiling the Secrets of South Kalimantan's Rivers: Biodiversity, Ethnobiology, and Water Quality

This brief paper summarises recent study findings on South Kalimantan's rivers' biodiversity, ethnobiology, and water quality. We wanted to shed light on these rivers' rich biodiversity, traditional knowledge systems, and environmental well-being by performing field surveys and using multidisciplinary methodologies. The ecological significance of the rivers was assessed using biodiversity data, such as species richness, abundance, and diversity indices. Water quality data were examined using the proper statistical techniques to evaluate regional variations and potential effects on the rivers' environmental health. The findings of the field studies showed a great range of species living in the area's rivers, ranging in size from tiny minnows to more giant predatory species. In addition to fish, the surveys identified 58 bird species, including both migratory and resident species. Conservation initiatives, sustainable river management methods, and incorporation of local knowledge systems are urgently required to maintain these ecosystems' natural integrity and cultural past.

Asteroidea in the Timbul Bone Labunta Sand Waters, Buton Tengah, Southeast Sulawesi

This study aims to determine the community structure of starfish (Asteroidea) at three observation stations, namely sandy substrate, sandy substrate dominated by seagrass, and sandy substrate dominated by coral reefs in Pasir Timbul Bone Labunta waters. Sampling was carried out in April-May 2023. The indicators in this study are the species abundance index, diversity index, uniformity index, and dominance index. This type of research is a type of quantitative descriptive research. Determination of stations using purposive sampling technique, namely sampling based on substrate conditions and the presence of starfish (Asteroidea). The results of data analysis are presented in the form of figures and tables. The results showed that there were 4 species of starfish in the Asteroidea class, namely Protoreaster nodosus, Linckia laevigata, Archaster typicus, and Culcita novaeguineae. The diversity index at all observation stations showed a moderate category. The uniformity index at all observation stations shows a high category. The dominance index of Protoreaster nodosus, Linckia laevigata, Archaster typicus, and Culcita novaeguineae at all stations showed a moderate category.

Birds of Kanetiya area - inventory, notable sightings, and overview of seasonal changes in reporting frequency of bird species in an unprotected area of Himachal Pradesh, India

Biodiversity of unprotected areas in the western Himalayan region is under threat. Despite this, it is poorly studied and documented. The citizen science platform eBird was used to record bird species of the unprotected Kanetiya area (Darbhog panchayat), Shimla, Himachal Pradesh from August 2019–2020. Reporting frequency using this data was calculated to represent an index of species abundance. This was calculated independently for each species across three seasons and reported as a metric that can be tracked over time. One-hundred-and-twenty-four (20% of the species from Himachal Pradesh) species of birds belonging to 13 orders and 43 families were recorded. Of these, 37 (30%) were recorded year-round and the remaining 87% (80%) were migratory. The checklist consisted of five species of high conservation concern and 22 species of moderate conservation concern. This checklist also provides insights into the distributions of some species whose ranges within India are not yet well defined (Northern Long-eared Owl Asio otus, Aberrant Bush Warbler Horornis flavolivaceus, Himalayan Owl Strix nivicolum) and into migration through this part of the Himalaya (Black Stork Ciconia nigra). Locals can be educated to upload short checklists for monitoring since they have helped the local forest department’s conservation efforts.

Factors that affect long-distance movements of small rodents and shrews in the Ural taiga: disentangling dispersal from excursion movements

Abstract Long-distance movements (LDMs) of small mammals (SMs) are complex phenomena that cover both dispersals and excursions occurring outside the home ranges of individuals. Owing to methodological difficulties, there are a lack of data on LDMs for SMs. In this study, we aimed to determine the factors that influence the LDMs of different mouse-sized rodents and shrews in the Ural taiga (Sverdlovsk region, Russia). We conducted a field experiment in a boreal forest using individual- (capture–marking–recapture [CMR]) and group- (biomarkers: tetracycline and rhodamine B) marking methods, in conjunction with additional feeding. The species, sex, maturity, plot ID, additional food supply, species abundance indices, individuals/100 trap-nights indices in the capture plot, and body weight of each animal were analyzed as predictors of LDMs. We identified 89 individuals from six species that moved at distances of 250, 350, and 500 m. LDMs varied with the particular species and its population abundance. Most of the observed movements were excursions and not dispersal events. Applying mathematical simulations to the obtained empirical data facilitated estimation of the intensity of the excursion activity for different species. We present the 1st excursion data on Sylvaemus uralensis (Pallas, 1811), Microtus arvalis (Pallas, 1778), and Sorex caecutiens (Laxmann, 1788). The detected excursion distance (250 m) for Myodes glareolus (Schreber, 1780) is the maximum excursion distance known for this species. We demonstrate that with comparable labor and time costs, the use of biomarkers makes it possible to detect many more LDMs than CMR allows.