Indian Rock Research Articles

Prevalence of Amblyomma gervaisi ticks on captive snakes in Tamil Nadu.

Ticks are the important ectoparasites that occur on snakes and transmit rickettsiosis, anaplasmosis and ehrlichiosis. A total of 62 snakes (Reticulated python, Indian Rock Python, Rat snakes and Spectacled cobra) were examined for tick infestation at Chennai Snake Park Trust (Guindy), Arignar Anna Zoological Park (Vandalur) and Rescue centre (Velachery) in Tamil Nadu from September, 2015 to June, 2016. Ticks from infested snakes were collected and were identified as Amblyomma gervaisi (previously known as Aponomma gervaisi). Overall occurrence of tick infestation on snakes was 66.13%. Highest prevalence of tick infestation was observed more on Reticulated Python (Python reticulatus, 90.91%) followed by Indian Rock Python (Python molurus, 88.89%), Spectacled cobra (Naja naja, 33.33%) and Rat snake (Ptyas mucosa, 21.05%). Highest prevalence of ticks were observed on snakes reared at Chennai Snake Park Trust, Guindy (83.33%), followed by Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur (60.00%) and low level prevalence of 37.50% on snakes at Rescue centre, Velachery. Among the system of management, the prevalence of ticks were more on captive snakes (70.37%) than the free ranging snakes (37.5%). The presences of ticks were more on the first quarter when compared to other three quarters and were highly significant (P≤0.01).

Burrow characteristics and its importance in occupancy of burrow dwelling vertebrates in Semiarid area of Keoladeo National Park, Rajasthan, India

Burrows are engineered shelters providing crucial refuge and protection against temperature extremes, fire and predation. Understanding the ecological role of them in terms of providing habitats to other animals is very significant. Burrowing animal assemblages occur in almost all landscapes, particularly in arid and semi-arid habitats. The present work was carried out to understand external and internal burrow features and to identify the factors determining the animal assemblage. A total of 44 burrow systems were located in Keoladeo National Park, India. External burrow characteristics such as: number of openings, inter-opening distances, size and opening orientation were collected. The internal architecture (n = 9) of the burrow systems was studied using a burrow video camera. The internal characteristics such as: dimensions of tunnels and chambers, total length, number of branches, and distance between chambers were collected. Degree of convolution and Reichman's index were used to determine the complexity and linearity. Camera traps and a burrow video camera were used to determine the presence of animals dwelling inside. The burrow systems had a looping structure with a mean total length of 13.33 ± 6.51 m. Burrow systems were co-occupied by four vertebrate species; Indian crested porcupine, golden jackal, leaf-nosed bat and Indian rock python. All the animals except porcupines, were observed to occupy burrows based on specific burrow characters, wherein jackals occupied burrows with larger chambers, pythons occurred in smaller compact chambers and bats occupied burrows with fewer branching and openings. The occupancy of Indian crested porcupine and gecko did not show any significant correlation with burrow characters. Occupancy of jackal was positively correlated (r = 0.72, P < 0.05) and python was negatively correlated (r = −0.82, P < 0.01) with mean chamber height. Bats showed a significant negative correlation with number of branches (r = −0.69, P < 0.05) and number of openings (r = −0.85, P < 0.01).

Response of Haloalkaliphilic Archaeon Natronococcus Jeotgali RR17 to Hypergravity

The survival of archaeabacteria in extreme inhabitable environments on earth that challenge organismic survival is ubiquitously known. However, the studies related to the effect of hypergravity on the growth and proliferation of archaea are unprecedented. The survival of organisms in hypergravity and rocks in addition to resistance to cosmic radiations, pressure and other extremities is imperative to study the possibilities of microbial travel between planets and endurance in hyperaccelerative forces faced during ejection of rocks from planets. The current investigation highlights the growth of an extremophilic archaeon isolated from a rocky substrate in hypergravity environment. The haloalkaliphilic archaeon, Natronococcus jeotgali RR17 was isolated from an Indian laterite rock, submerged in the Arabian sea lining Coastal Maharashtra, India. The endolithic haloarchaeon was subjected to hypergravity from 56 – 893 X gusing acceleration generated by centrifugal rotation. The cells of N. jeotgali RR17 proliferated and demonstrated good growth in hypergravity (223 X g). This is the first report on isolation of endolithic haloarchaeon N. jeotgali RR17 from an Indian laterite rock and its ability to proliferate in hypergravity. The present study demonstrates the ability of microbial life to survive and proliferate in hypergravity. Thus the inability of organismic growth in hypergravity may no longer be a limitation for astrobiology studies related to habitability of substellar objects, brown dwarfs and other planetary bodies in the universe besides planet earth.

Archaeological Investigations at the Brahmagiri rock shelter: Prospecting for its context in South India late prehistory and early history

Recent investigations in the granitic landscapes of late prehistoric sites in southern Deccan are increasingly identifying rock shelters in and near open air settlement sites, suggesting regular use and reuse of shelters by the occupants. These shelters are either associated with cultural materials or rock art, or both, as in the case of newly found shelter at Brahmagiri, and this research attempts to contextualise it within the south Indian late prehistory and early history, through the study of its deposited cultural materials and the pictographs found within. Classification, sequencing and chronology of the panel motifs are proposed based on its stratigraphy (differential pigment colours and image superpositioning) and image morphology (form and technique). The approach taken here is less common than the subject matter based classification usually applied in Indian rock art studies and was selected because the panel has poor thematic and diagnostic elements, except for the motifs of two horse riders and two objects. Based on my analysis, I propose an Iron Age date for the images and the primary use of the rock shelter.

Juventudes, identidades y transculturación. Un acercamiento analítico al rock indígena en Chiapas

Se examina la producción de música rock indígena en Los Altos de Chiapas como reflejo de procesos de cambio identitario juvenil. Se muestra que tales procesos no son adopción (pasiva) de formas musicales que encuentran en su entorno o en medios de comunicación, sino procesos interculturales e intergeneracionales basados en sus raíces culturales en la búsqueda de su posicionamiento en tiempos de cambios radicales. Su música ha sido catalizadora, de oposición o de complementariedad. Se exploran temas como lo sagrado y profano, lo occidental y lo indígena, y se analizan los conflictos entre lo moderno y lo tradicional.

Juventudes, identidades y transculturación. Un acercamiento analítico al rock indígena en Chiapas

This article examines the construction of transcultural spaces of otherness and identity processes in youth and musical experience. Being in touch with other speeches and environments allows young indigenous, transform their imaginary about everyday environments and how they fit into present realities. The Indian rock in Chiapas, a new musical form that fuses among young local sounds with the rhythms and harmonies of rock, is a resource to revalue their cultural belongings. As a recent identity phenomenon expands the horizons as to what indigenous youth and socio-cultural environments in which it operates.

Nachweis von Nidoviren bei lebenden Pythons und Boas

Nidoviruses have recently been described as a putative cause of severe respiratory disease in pythons in the USA and Europe. The objective of this study was to establish the use of a conventional PCR for the detection of nidoviruses in samples from live animals and to extend the list of susceptible species. A PCR targeting a portion of ORF1a of python nidoviruses was used to detect nidoviruses in diagnostic samples from live boas and pythons. A total of 95 pythons, 84 boas and 22 snakes of unknown species were included in the study. Samples tested included oral swabs and whole blood. Nidoviruses were detected in 27.4% of the pythons and 2.4% of the boas tested. They were most commonly detected in ball pythons (Python [P.] regius) and Indian rock pythons (P. molurus), but were also detected for the first time in other python species, including Morelia spp. and Boa constrictor. Oral swabs were most commonly tested positive. The PCR described here can be used for the detection of nidoviruses in oral swabs from live snakes. These viruses appear to be relatively common among snakes in captivity in Europe and screening for these viruses should be considered in the clinical work-up. Nidoviruses are believed to be an important cause of respiratory disease in pythons, but can also infect boas. Detection of these viruses in live animals is now possible and can be of interest both in diseased animals as well as in quarantine situations.

Rheological Behaviour of Rock Salt Under Uniaxial Compression

Rock salt is considered as the most suitable material for underground storage of hydrocarbons as well as the disposal sites for hazardous waste in view of its unique physical and mechanical behaviour. In India, rock salt reserves are spread sub-surface over an area of more than 50,000 sq.km. covering much of north-western region of Rajasthan. So far, limited studies on the physical and mechanical properties of rock salt in this region have been carried out. This paper discusses the behaviour of rock salt under uniaxial compression (UCS) measured from the samples collected in-situ. As reported in literature that the rock salt is likely to exhibit highly viscous behaviour, and therefore there is a need for understanding rheological behaviour of rock salt through a theoretical model. In the present study, a rheological model is proposed for predicting the stress-strain behaviour of Indian rock salt under UCS condition. Predicted stress-strain curve from the proposed rheological model using MATLAB is compared with the experimentally measured stress-strain curve. Comparison of the both experimental and predicted results indicates that proposed rheological model is able to predict stress-strain behaviour of rock salt under UCS condition. The results show that rock salt exhibits distinct time-dependent viscous behaviour and deformations.

Phosphorus Supplying Capacity of Value Added Compost Prepared from Low-Grade Indian Rock Phosphates and Crop Residue

In this study, value added compost was prepared from low-grade Indian rock phosphates (RPs) and isabgol straw as an alternative sources of phosphorus. Three different sources of low-grade RP namely Udaipur, Jhabua and Purulia were evaluated for alternative source of P. Total carbon (C) decreased while total nitrogen (N) increased, leading to a decrease in the C/N ratio at the end of composting. Notable increases in total and available P was found in the composts charged with RPs. The rate of P released from the composts was studied through leaching experiment in the laboratory. An incubation study was carried out to evaluate the effect of different compost on soil P availability. Data revealed that the sharp increase in water soluble P from all the compost at 14 days of leaching then a gradual decrease. Significantly higher water soluble P released from the value added (RP charged) compost as compared to ordinary compost throughout the leaching period. Application of value added compost in soil increased water soluble, available P, microbial biomass C and P as well as acid and alkaline phosphatase activity in soil. Initially, the value added compost showed lower available P as compared to DAP however, improved significantly at a later stage of incubation. The increase in different labile pools of P in soil amended with value added compost also indicates substantial amount of P mobilized from the compost during incubation. Thus, the value added compost could be an effective alternative of chemical fertilizer and promising technology to utilize low-grade RP as P source.

Dining in the City: Dietary Shifts in Indian Rock Agamas across an Urban–Rural Landscape

Rapid urbanization is a growing threat to biodiversity, causing wide-scale extirpation of species from their natural habitats. Some species such as rock agamas, Psammophilus dorsalis, seem to be sufficiently tolerant and continue to persist in urban environments. Given that urbanization alters species composition at multiple trophic levels, we expect a shift in the diet composition and hunting modes of populations across rural and urban areas. Based on identified contents from stomach flushes, we found that P. dorsalis are generally myrmecophagous, and their diet is mainly composed of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Diet of males and females in each area overlapped highly (80–91%), even though males were significantly larger than females. Dietary overlap between urban and rural populations also was high (80.3%). Surprisingly, rural lizards had lower body mass indices than did urban lizards, despite the greater diversity of prey types and the larger volume of food consumed. This species uses a sit-and-wait hunting strategy, but we found that the rate of movement of males was higher in rural areas compared to urban areas, which likely results in higher energy expenditure. Individuals of P. dorsalis do not seem to be negatively affected by urbanization but instead manage to hunt in and around the small patches of vegetation that remain, enabling them to maintain a higher body condition than that of lizards in undisturbed rural habitats.

Parallel WorldsCrow Indian Rock Art: Indigenous Perspectives and Interpretations. By Timothy P. McCleary. Walnut Creek, CA: Left Coast, 2016.

Parallel WorldsCrow Indian Rock Art: Indigenous Perspectives and Interpretations. By Timothy P. McCleary. Walnut Creek, CA: Left Coast, 2016.

First identification of nanoparticles on thorax, abdomen and wings of the worker bee Apis dorsata Fabricius

Abstract The presence of nanoparticles on the body of the honeybee Apis dorsata Fabricius, was investigated for the first time to better understand the bee’s behaviour. These have been observed by using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and confirmed by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Our study clearly denotes that the Indian rock honey bee Apis dorsata possess calcium silicate and calcium phosphate nanoparticles on its body surface of 5-50 nm in diameter. In particular, the nanoparticles on the abdomen and thorax of A. dorsata have an average diameter of about 10 nanometers and they are smaller than those found on wings of the same bees which are about 20 nanometers. The nanoparticles found are different of the ones previously observed on honey bees or other insects. The origin and role of these natural nanoparticles on the body of the Indian rock bee need to be to be further investigated; more research in the subject might raise important aspects in relation to the conservation of these unique pollinators.

Potentiality of Indian rock phosphate as liming material in acid soil

Most of the Indian rock phosphates (RPs) are not suitable for production of commercial phosphate fertilizer because of their low phosphorus (P) content (low-grade). They are suitable as source of P in acid soil, but not effective for direct use in neutral to alkaline soil. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the potentiality of these RPs as liming material and subsequently their effect on P availability in acid soil. Four Indian RPs namely, Udaipur, Mussoorie, Jhabua and Purulia were evaluated for their liming potential through theoretical calculations, laboratory titration and soil incubation studies. The incubation experiment was carried out for 90days to quantify more accurate per cent calcium carbonate equivalence (%CCE) values of RPs as well as the changes in pH, exchangeable aluminum (Al) and P availability in an acid soil having pH4.53. Results emanated from the theoretical calculation showed that the %CCE of Indian RPs varied from 59 to 62. While, laboratory studies on quantification of %CCE (AOAC method 955.01) of RPs by titration ranged between 39.9 and 53.7 which were lesser than the theoretical values. The %CCE values obtained in soil incubation study at lower rate of RP application followed the similar pattern as those values obtained in the theoretical calculation. Though RP was less effective in increasing soil pH as compared to CaCO3, there was an increase in soil pH due to application of RPs, which is sufficient enough to decrease the content of Al much below the toxic and safe limit for supplying available P for plant growth. Thus, application of low-grade RPs could be a potential option as liming material in acid soil in addition to a source of P for crop production.

Parasitic fauna of captive snakes in Tamilnadu, India

ObjectiveTo study the parasitic fauna on serpentines under captive condition in zoological park of Tamilnadu, India. MethodsFecal samples were collected from (n = 247) serpentines, Arignar Anna Zoological Park (n = 22), Vandalur, Tamilnadu, India and Snake Park (n = 27), Guindy, Tamilnadu, India and screened for endoparasites using sedimentation techniques. Ectoparasites were also reported in this study. ResultsCoprological examination (n = 247) from captive snakes (n = 49) on random analysis revealed strongyles were predominant in Arignar Anna Zoological Park, Vandalur and Snake Park, Guindy, however the parasites were absent in king cobras (Ophiophagus hannah). Eggs of Capillaria sp. showed less predominance in Vandalur and Gunidy. Rat snakes [Ptyas mucosus (P. mucosus)] showed higher prevalence of strongyle infection in Vandalur, and Russell's viper (Daboia russelii) showed higher prevalence in Guindy. Study on ectoparasites revealed Aponomma gerviasii ticks in P. mucosus, Indian cobras (Naja naja), king cobras (Ophiophagus hannah), reticulated pythons (Python reticulates) and Indian rock pythons (Python molurus), among them, the most heavy infestation was documented in P. mucosus (n = 9). ConclusionsConfinement favour stress and dysecdysis in captive condition affect the health status of snakes in zoological park.

Indie-(an) Music

Local English-language adaptations of western rock are performed in India primarily for consumption by young, western-influenced, and English-speaking middle-class Indians. As Indian rock is predominantly a live rather than a recorded practice, venues are of particular import within the Indian rock scene. However, little formal research upon live Indian popular music has been undertaken. Between September and December 2013, the author undertook research in Delhi investigating live popular music. This article uses an ethnographic approach to investigate and contextualise the music-culture of a music venue, Café 27, within the Indian rock scene in Delhi. The article finds that the venue in question has a two-fold purpose: it provides a space for performance of local adaptations of popular music genres permitting Delhi-ite musicians to earn a living, and it provides a space for the western-influenced middle- and upper-classes to define their identity.

Cosmological Landscapes and Exotic Gods: American Indian Rock Art in Arkansas

American Indian rock art is distributed across a portion of the east-flowing Arkansas River Valley in a distinctive spatial pattern in which motifs and compositions referencing spirit world subject matter predominate along the north side of the river, in contrast to imagery depicting the observable world on the south. This pattern accords with cosmological components of the belief systems of Dhegiha Siouan-speaking tribes, as expressed in the spatial elements of other cultural phenomena, including village layouts and ritual choreographies, among such groups as the Osage and Quapaw, who occupied the region during later historic times. One sandstone prominence also located south of the river attracted the attention of Precolumbian artists, who decorated its exposed surfaces with an intriguing depiction of a mask, partly obscured by lichen, exhibiting the telltale eyes and other characteristics of the Mesoamerican rain god Tlaloc. Examination of this image, along with a second possible Mesoamerican- or Southwestern-inspired image located north of the river, serves to enlarge our understanding of the wider distributional pattern, especially on the topic of how local communities incorporated exotic ideas into the fabric of their cosmological landscapes.

Gastric impaction in an Indian Rock Python (Python molurus molurus)

A case of gastric impaction and resultant systemic toxemia in an Indian Rock Python is being reported. Grossly, stomach was found over-distended and impacted with greyish semisolid pasty odourless mass. Microscopically, mucosa and submucosa of stomach were found severely inflamed. Diffuse hepatic necrosis, nephrosis and pulmonary haemorrhages were evident. The cause of death was attributed to systemic toxemia as a result of gastric impaction.

West Indian iguana Cyclura spp reintroduction and recovery programmes: zoo support and involvement

Many West Indian rock iguanas Cyclura spp comprise small restricted island populations that are threatened by habitat conversion and degradation, free‐ranging domestic animals and invasive species. In the 1980s, concerted conservation efforts were initiated for Caribbean iguanas, using a combination of captive‐breeding programmes and head‐starting of wild‐collected hatchlings for reintroduction, and habitat protection. Zoological facilities have been involved in the conservation efforts from the start, providing expertise, resources and extensive funding for various aspects of the conservation programmes, and by providing space to house ex situ groups of iguanas as assurance populations. Health assessments of wild and captive iguanas, and databases related to the biology and health of the species have benefited not only the wild populations but also those being bred and maintained in captivity. Data compilation and analysis through the use of population‐management software have made it possible to manage the genetic diversity of the individuals being captive bred for release. The involvement of zoological facilities has been fundamental to the efforts that have gone into bringing the Grand Cayman blue iguana Cyclura lewisi and the Jamaican iguana Cyclura collei back from the brink of extinction. A review of the conservation efforts for West Indian iguanas, including the role played by zoos, is presented.

Optimization of fermentation conditions for producing Indian rock bee (Apis dorsata) mead using response surface methodology

Mead is a traditional drink which results from the alcoholic fermentation of diluted honey carried out by yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae KF233529). The present investigation was carried out for the optimization of fermentation parameters for maximizing the yield of ethanol. Response Surface Methodology (RSM) based central composite design was employed to obtain best combination of temperature, fermentation time and total soluble solids (TSS). The optimum conditions for ethanol yield were temperature 28°C, TSS 15°Brix and 6 days after fermentation. The model showed that the value of R2 (0.9998) was high and p- value of interaction of variance was &lt;0.0001. Hence the model can be said to be of highly significant.

Analysis of the α-amylase gene sequence and the enzyme activity of Indian rock oyster Saccostrea forskali

Indian rock oyster Saccostrea forskali is an important commercial species in Thailand. In this study, its full-length α-amylase (SfAmy) cDNA nucleotide sequence was investigated. The SfAmy cDNA was 1,689 bp long and contained a 1,563-bp open reading frame encoding 520 amino acid residues, including a 17-amino acid signal peptide. The molecular mass and the estimated isoelectric point (pI) of the deduced mature S. forskali α-amylase (SfAMY) were 55.948 kDa and 6.45, respectively. The deduced protein sequence showed 45–88 % identity to other mollusk AMYs. The molecular weight was confirmed by the weight of the purified native enzyme. The specific activities of crude and purified native enzymes toward 1 % starch were 29.53 and 187.42 U/mg. In addition, the obtained recombinant SfAMY also showed activity in digesting 1 % starch. The specific activities of the crude and purified recombinant proteins were 11.8 and 46 U/mg. Both enzymes showed optimal activity temperature at 40 °C but their optimum pH values were different, 6.0 for the native and 5.0 for the recombinant. The expression of SfAmy examined by RT-PCR showed the highest levels in the digestive gland but none was observed in the adductor muscle.