Maximum Number Of Species Research Articles

Ferns and Fern-Allies of Dangori Reserve Forest of Tinsukia District, Assam, India

The ferns and fern-allies, the second largest vascular plant group has significant contribution to the plant diversity. The present study deals with the enumeration of 35 species of ferns and fern-allies belonging to 28 genera, 17 families and 7 orders from Dangori reserve forest. The order polypodiales and family pteridaceae shows maximum numbers of species.

Butterfly Species Diversity and Richness in Govt. Girls’ P.G. College Ujjain Madhya Pradesh (India)

Butterflies are not only beautiful creatures, but do a great deal for the environment. Like bees, they are plant pollinators and they provide population control for a number of plant and even insect species by eating them. They also serve as sustenance for other species. A study to find out the diversity and richness of butterflies at the Govt. Girls’ P.G. College Ujjain, India was carried out over a period of two years from 2019 to 2020.A total 31 butterfly species belonging to 5 families and 01 order. The maximum number of species belong to family Nymphalidea with 13 species, Lycaenidae and Pieridae with same number of 6 species, and minimum number of species in two family with same number of species Papilionidae and Hasperidae with 3 species. Out of 31 species Euremahecabe was the most dominate species followed by Talicadanyseus and Catopsillapyranthe. Diversity and richness of butterfly species were calculated during the course of study which were H=2.396 and 5.660 respectively. Dominance of the species can be explained by the presence of their larval form and host plants in the college campus.

Survey and documentation of timber yielding plant species raised on farm lands of Bharangi Village, Sorab Taluk, Shivamogga district, Karnataka

Trees are the essential component of the indigenous agricultural systems and they are preserved or managed to meet the immediate needs of the population. The present study was undertaken to document the timber yielding species and pattern of utilization in Bharangi village. The total of 35 timber yielding species belonging to 17 families was documented. Maximum number of farmers preferred to grow Tectona grandis (80.0%) and Mangifera indica (63.33%) on their farms lands. Among the total 35 timber yielding species, maximum number of species (25) was utilized for agricultural implements and fuel wood. followed by house construction (23), furniture (10) and least for ply wood and decorative articles (4). Hence, it’s essential to raise the quality seedlings of most preferable species by the forest department nurseries and private nurseries for providing seedlings to farmers for planting purpose and in turn to reduce the pressure on forests and to conserve biodiversity.

A floristic survey across three coniferous forests of Kashmir Himalaya, India – a checklist

This study presents a checklist of the flora of three coniferous forests of the Himalayan biodiversity hotspot in Kashmir: low-level blue pine (BP), mixed coniferous (MC) and subalpine (SA) forests. The list includes altitudinal distribution and conservation status of 272 vascular plant species representing 196 genera and 64 families. Excluding neophytes (70 taxa, 62 genera, and 27 families), Magnoliophyta comprised 190 taxa, 139 genera, and 50 families; Pinophyta seven taxa, six genera, and three families; and Pteridophyta three taxa, three genera, and two families. Most speciose families from Magnoliophyta include Compositae, Apiaceae, and Rosaceae. Genera such as Artemisia, Potentilla, Viola, and Saussurea contributed the maximum number of species. In case of Pinophyta, the principal families are Pinaceae with four taxa followed by Cupressaceae (2 taxa), whereas genus Juniperus comprised two species. In Pteridophyta, Pteridaceae (2 taxa) formed the most speciose family. The herbs contributed 177 taxa, followed by tress (15 taxa), shrubs (8) and subshrubs (2). The maximum number of taxa belongs to SA (136 taxa) followed by MC (134 taxa) and BP (83 taxa) forests. The species distribution reveals 20, 30, and 46 taxa are exclusive to BP, MC, and SA forests. More than 16% of taxa are categorized in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List, and 24 taxa are endemic to the Himalayan landscape. The checklist provides a roadmap for research, protection and conservation of plant diversity, especially the threatened taxa.

Beytepe Göleti’nin Zooplankton Faunası Üzerine Bir Ön Çalışma (Ankara/Turkey)

In this research, zooplankton and some water quality parameters were investigated in Beytepe Pond (Ankara / Turkey). The material of the study consists of zoplankton samples taken from 3 stations (3 zones on the pond) and water quality parameters taken from 5 stations (3 zones on the pond and pond inlet and outlet zones) in the field study on 24.09.2018. When evaluated according to general chemical and physicochemical parameters of inland water resources; In terms of nitrate nitrogen and orthophosphate values, the pond is of 2nd class quality; According to the same criteria, it was found as 3rd quality in terms of total nitrogen and total phosphorus. A total of 13 zooplankton species were identified. Rotifera groups (85%) and Cladocera (15%) were detected in the pond. The maximum number of species was found at the 1st station (11 species), and the minimum number of species was determined at the 2nd and 3rd (5 species) stations. The dominant species were determined as Polyarthra dolichoptera, Keratella cochlearis and Trichocerca pusilla.

Aboveground Biomass Stockpile of Trees in Vallanadu Blackbuck Sanctuary, Peninsular India

A forest tree inventory study was conducted in Vallanadu Black buck sanctuary, Tuticorin. The current study was conducted to assess tree density, species richness, basal area (BA) and aboveground biomass (AGB) stockpile. The study area has been classified as Southern Thorn Forest (SFT). One hundred square plots (total area 1 ha), each 10m × 10m (100 m2 each) laid randomly across study area. All live trees with ≥5 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) measured at 137 cm above the ground. As the whole, 1335 individual trees ≥5cm DBH recorded. A total number of 18 species recorded from 14 genera and 11 families in study area. The family Mimosaceae has maximum number of species (7 species) followed by Rhamnaceae (2 species), while 9 families had just single species’ each. The total basal area recorded was 22.046 m2 ha-1, while, the mean wood density (WD) of trees estimated as 0.70±0.093 g cm-3. Total amount of 50.065 Mg ha-1 present in STF. The contribution of different species in terms of total AGB varied significantly. Commiphora berryi stocked 45.13% (22.588 Mg ha-1) of AGB followed by A. planifrons (23.31%, 11.669 Mg ha-1), A. mellifera (7.233%, 3.621 Mg ha-1), whereas remaining 15 species collectively stocked 24.327% (12.187 Mg ha-1) AGB. The STF had a large number of trees compared to some dry forests within Tamil Nadu. Southern Thorn Forest endowed with a moderate number of trees species. Aboveground biomass stockpile of trees is comparable with the range recorded from Indian dry forests. The study area experiences lesser mean annual rainfall and >6 months dry season. Further, endowed with short-bole and smaller leaved trees, hence stocked a relatively lesser AGB in trees.

Classification and Characterization of the Manoor Valley's (Lesser Himalaya) Vegetation from the Subtropical-Temperate Ecotonal Forests to the Alpine Pastures along Ecological Variables.

Plant species are distributed in different types of habitats, forming different communities driven by different sets of environmental variables. Here, we assessed potential plant communities along an altitudinal gradient and their associations with different environmental drivers in the unexplored Manoor Valley (Lesser Himalaya), Pakistan. We have implemented various ecological techniques and evaluated phytosociological attributes in three randomly selected 50 m-transects within each stand (a total of 133) during different seasons for four years (2015–2018). This phytosociological exploration reported 354 plant species representing 93 different families. The results revealed that the Therophytic life form class dominated the flora, whereas Nanophyll dominated the leaf size spectra. There were a total of twelve plant communities identified, ranging from the lowest elevations to the alpine meadows and cold deserts. The maximum number of species were found in Cedrus–Pinus–Parrotiopsis community (197 species), in the middle altitudinal ranges (2292–3168 m). Our results showed that at high altitudes, species richness was reduced, whereas an increase in soil nutrients was linked to progression in vegetation indicators. We also found different clusters of species with similar habitats. Our study clearly shows how altitudinal variables can cluster different plant communities according to different microclimates. Studies such as ours are paramount to better understanding how environmental factors influence ecological and evolutionary aspects.

Food and culture: Cultural patterns related to food by indigenous communities in Kashmir – A Western Himalayan region

Background: Food and culture have both local and global implications. Through their distinct culinary habits, communities are linked to their culture. Foods can transmit a variety of cultural meanings in and of themselves. It describes the community's social standing, ethnicity, and income in addition to informing us about a specific event. A certain culture or sub-culture to which they belong passes down its food habits with great care. Methods: Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect information, whereas principal component analysis and Two-way cluster analysis was done to analyze the data using PAST software ver.3.14. Results: The present study recorded 75 edible species used in cultural foods in the Kashmir valley. These species were grouped as animals (N=6), birds (N=12), fish (N=5), vegetables (N=27), spices (N=13), and fruits (N=12). In case of plants, fruit was the main part used, followed by seed, and leaf, similarly in animals, flesh was the most often used part. The maximum number of species reported from an ethnic group was by Kashmiri, while the Gujjar reported the minimum number of species used. During cultural usage, festivals and marriages showed greater similarity of species usage, whereas the least overlap was observed between funerals and marriages. In case of cultural recipes, festivals and marriages showed greater similarity, whereas the least overlap was observed between festivals and funerals. Conclusion: According to the findings of the current study, all ethnic groups living the Kashmir valley have a profound cultural link to the flora and fauna, particularly when it comes to food. This is the first complete research of the flora and fauna utilized in diverse dishes in different ethnic groups' cultural events, and it will aid in the preservation of traditional gastronomic expertise in Kashmir's valley. Keywords: Recipes; Cultural occasions; Ethnic groups; Marriage; Funeral; Festivals

Chronology of the use of woody plants in landscaping of Kryvyi Rih

Aim. Analysis of the chronological sequence of involvement of woody plants in landscaping of the city of Kryvyi Rih to develop conceptual foundations for their more effective use. Methods. Chronology of species implementation of woody plants in landscaping of the city were studied until the year 2000 on the basis of archival documents, scientific publications, as well as studies of the dendroflora of Kryvyi Rih. Results. In total, 185 species and forms of woody plants belonging to 82 genera were used in the landscaping of the city until the year 2000. In the period between 1870–1910, only 26 species were involved. In the postwar period (1945–1950), the number of species planted in the city was already 38 species, it increased significantly up to 78 species in the 1960s, and the maximum number of species - 90 was used in the landscaping of the city in the 1970s. In the first half of the twentieth century the most common species were members of the genus Acer L., among them A. negundo L., as well as Robinia pseudoacacia L.; species of the genera Ulmus L. and Fraxinus L. 1970–1980 years can be called the era of species of the genus Populus L. Conifers were solitarily planted in the city in the 1950s and 1960s, these are species of the genus Thuja L.and Juniperus L. In the late 1970s and 1980s, species of the genera Picea A. Dietr., Pinus L. and Taxus L. were massively introduced in the city. Today, such species as Picea pungens Engelm., as well as forms of P. pungens f. coerulea and P. pungens f. glauca is most represented among conifers in plantations, slightly less – Pinus pallasiana D. Don and P. sylvestris L. At this time and in the following years, Juniperus sabina L. is widespread in the city. Conclusions. In the urban environment of the XX century, the species, with a high level of vitality, primarily among deciduous Acer, Betula L., Catalpa Scop., Crataegus L., Fraxinus, Gleditsia L., Malus Mill., Morus L., Padellus Vass., Populus, Prunus L., Pyrus L., Quercus L., Rhus L., Sophora L., Tilia L., Ulmus proved to be stable and among coniferous — species of the genera Picea, Pinus, Taxus, Juniperus and Thuja, which are promising for further use.

Species diversity of macrophytes in Jagadishpur Reservoir, Kapilvastu District, Nepal

The present research was conducted for quantitative study and diversity analyses of aquatic macrophytes dwelling littoral zone of Jagadishpur reservoir, Kapilvastu district in three seasons, as winter (December), summer (April), and rainy (August). Altogether 58 species of macrophytes were recorded in study site, of which highest number of species (54) was occupied by angiosperms followed by three species of pteridophytes and one species of alga. These macrophytes varied in different morphological groups, viz., emergent, submerged, and rooted-floating leaf type. Maximum number of species were represented by emergents (39) followed by rooted-floating leaf type (12) and submerged (7) macrophytes. There was distinct seasonal variation in the distribution of macrophytes: based on importance value index, Nelumbo nucifera (IVI = 22.87), Scripus sp. (IVI = 28.01), Ipomoea carnea (IVI = 24.67) and Typha angustifolia (IVI = 29.01) were dominant in the winter; Nelumbo nucifera (IVI = 20.05), Cynodon dactylon (IVI = 20.07) and Ipomoea carnea (IVI = 21.17) were dominant in the summer and Nelumbo nucifera (IVI = 23.8) and Scripus sp. (IVI =25.56) were dominant in the rainy season. The highest species diversity (H’) of macrophytes was observed during summer (3.451), followed by rainy season (3.135) and winter (3.008). The luxuriant growth of aquatic macrophytes evidenced the highly productive nature of the lake, while the dominance of emergents among the growth forms indicates the encroachment of littoral vegetation, indicating a successional trend toward marsh meadow.

Phytoplankton in relation to physico-chemical factors in Poyang lake, Jiangxi

Changes of phytoplankton structure and water quality were investigated in Poyang Lake from March 2014 to December 2019.The number of identified species in Poyang Lake was 187 belonging to 87 genera and 8 phyla (excluding undetermined species). Among them, Cyanophyta (74 species) had the maximum number of species, followed by Bacillariophyta (51 species) and Chlorophyta (36 species). The average numbers of phytoplankton cells were counted 2783.85 ± 458.5×104 cells/l. A total of 20 dominant species were identified in Poyang Lake, including 6 of Cyanobacteria, 6 of Diatoms, 7 of Chlorophyta, 1 of Cryptophyta and 1 of Dinoflagellates. Among phytoplankton, Cyanophyta cell density was the highest, accounting for 91.06%. Chlorophyta and diatoms accounted for 5.52 and 2.09%, respectively. The cell density of Xanthophyta was the lowest, accounting for only 0.03%. The four seasons showed obvious changes, and the order was summer - autumn - spring - winter. Algae were the most common, including green algae 153 (53%), diatoms 74 (26%), cyanobacteria 17 (17%), similar to other domestic studies. Bangladesh J. Bot. 50(3): 855-863, 2021 (September) Special

A holistic perspective on species conservation

In a holistic perspective, species conservation has to optimize three objectives, the conservation of a maximum number of species and differentiated population groups within species, the fitness of these conservation units under current conditions and their evolvability that ensures their long-term survival under changing environmental conditions. Optimizing the three objectives may require trade-offs between the number of conservation units versus population size and genetic diversity within conservation units. Further trade-offs are necessary between optimizing fitness under current environmental conditions versus increasing variability and, thus, (mal-)adaptation, to increase evolvability. Finally, the limitation of funds requires conservation triage, a trade-off between the usage of the available funds for measures improving habitat area, connectivity and quality for many species versus for assisted migration of a few species. The former use of funds may often be more sustainable and cost-effective in order to maximize conservation outcome.

COMMUNITY STRUCTURE AND REGENERATION STATUS OF TREE SPECIES IN KYONGNOSLA ALPINE SANCTUARY, EASTERN HIMALAYA, INDIA

Habitat destruction, over exploitation, monoculture are major reasons for loss of primary forests in Himalaya. Tree population, composition and diversity particularly in the temperate Himalaya play a key role in the maintenance of many ecosystem services and natural biogeochemical cycles. The present study explores composition and regeneration status of tree species in a temperate mixed forest in Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, East Sikkim, India. Two sites at an elevation range of 2800–3800 m were selected and 20 plots of 20 m × 20 m for trees, 80 plots of 5 m × 5 m for saplings, and 160 plots of 1 m × 1 m for seedlings were sampled to study the regeneration status. A total of 17 tree species belonging to 9 genera and 8 families were recorded of which Rhododendron was the most dominant genus with maximum number of species. All the phytosociological attributes, such as relative density, abundance and important value index were calculated. The average species richness of adult trees and saplings was 13.5± 0.7 and for seedlings it was 12.5 ± 0.07. The mean density of seedlings was 3609.77 ± 494.39 individuals ha-1, for saplings 1540 ± 113.13 individuals ha-1 and of mature trees 548.75 ± 8.83 individuals ha-1. Total basal area cover ranged from 36.61 to 40.35 m2 ha-1 for trees, from 1.54 to 1.71 m2 ha-1 for saplings. Fair regeneration was observed in 64.72% of total species; good regeneration observed in 17.64% species, 11.76% species exhibited poor regeneration while 5.88% showed no regeneration.

COMMUNITY STRUCTURE AND REGENERATION STATUS OF TREE SPECIES IN KYONGNOSLA ALPINE SANCTUARY, EASTERN HIMALAYA, INDIA

Habitat destruction, over exploitation, monoculture are major reasons for loss of primary forests in Himalaya. Tree population, composition and diversity particularly in the temperate Himalaya play a key role in the maintenance of many ecosystem services and natural biogeochemical cycles. The present study explores composition and regeneration status of tree species in a temperate mixed forest in Kyongnosla Alpine Sanctuary, East Sikkim, India. Two sites at an elevation range of 2800–3800 m were selected and 20 plots of 20 m × 20 m for trees, 80 plots of 5 m × 5 m for saplings, and 160 plots of 1 m × 1 m for seedlings were sampled to study the regeneration status. A total of 17 tree species belonging to 9 genera and 8 families were recorded of which Rhododendron was the most dominant genus with maximum number of species. All the phytosociological attributes, such as relative density, abundance and important value index were calculated. The average species richness of adult trees and saplings was 13.5± 0.7 and for seedlings it was 12.5 ± 0.07. The mean density of seedlings was 3609.77 ± 494.39 individuals/ ha, for saplings 1540 ± 113.13 individuals/ha and of mature trees 548.75 ± 8.83 individuals/ha. Total basal area cover ranged from 36.61 to 40.35 m2/ha for trees, from 1.54 to 1.71 m2/ha for saplings. Fair regeneration was observed in 64.72% of total species; good regeneration observed in 17.64% species, 11.76 % species exhibited poor regeneration while 5.88% showed no regeneration. Density-diameter distribution exhibited decrease in tree densities towards higher DBH classes. The study not only provides reliable information on the ecosystem’s health of the sanctuary but also will help in understanding the complexity of the ecosystem function and an approach to conservation of biota.

Multi-Species Feeding Association Dynamics Driven by a Large Generalist Predator

Multi-species feeding associations (MSFAs) are temporary communities of animals exploiting the same or co-occurrent resources. Their dynamics are species dependent, often creating competitive interactions, but they can also increase foraging efficiency and ultimately individual fitness. The foraging behaviors of some species can enhance prey capture by others, with different roles depending on the species present. Here, we use the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, as a model system to quantitatively characterize the principal types of MSFAs between 2011 and 2020. We determine the foraging associations of a large generalist predator, the Bryde’s whale, and how shifts in its prey preference change the dynamics between seabird competitors. Hierarchical clustering from influential predator groups identified three types of MSFAs. Two of mainly fish-feeding predators, one including and one lacking Bryde’s whales, and one involving (although not limited to) plankton-feeders associated with Bryde’s whales. Cluster frequencies featured significant temporal trends, whereas MSFA diversity and whale association rate showed no significant changes. Bryde’s whales’ increasing reliance on zooplankton highlights their foraging plasticity, with changes in cluster frequencies and resource competition related to this shift from fish to zooplankton. The role of Bryde’s whales varies from joiners and terminators in fish-feeding aggregations to initiators with plankton-feeding seabird associations, thereby changing the MSFA dynamics. MSFAs tend toward a diversity equilibrium, i.e., a maximum number of species involved before competitive effects exceed the benefits of interaction. Functional MSFAs where heterospecific interactions are important to foraging success can be affected by changing composition. Future work should focus on the behavioral interactions between key predators, prey availability and their effect on MSFAs.

Spatial-temporal distribution of birds in the northern macroslope of the Kyrgyz mountain ridge (Tien Shan)

Based on the results of our analysis, a classification of bird species of the Kyrgyz mountain ridge (Northern Tien Shan) was compiled according to their preference for habitats and occurrence throughout the year. The program of factorial classification used for this unites species according to the maximum similarity in their distribution and stay in an unspecified number of clusters. In total, 4 supertypes and 12 types of preferences have been identified along the Kyrgyz ridge. In the supertype of birds that prefer undeveloped areas, 6 types were distinguished, namely, the species choosing: 1 – high mountains, 2 – high and medium mountains, 3 – medium mountains, 4 – medium mountains and foothills, 5 – foothills, and 6 – found at all heights. The supertype of birds preferring built-up areas is represented by one type only: the species preferring foothill sheaths and villages, and the supertype of birds preferring rivers and their banks is represented by four types, namely, the species preferring: high-mountain rivers in the summer and autumn; high-altitude and mid-mountain rivers in the spring and summer; mid-mountain rivers in the autumn; and foothill rivers in the first half of the summer. The supertype uniting species found in all habitats is represented by one type of preference, namely, found throughout the whole year. It is shown that of the 154 recorded bird species, most were found in undeveloped habitats, and 6 and 12 times less were in built-up areas and rivers, including their banks. In undeveloped areas, most bird species prefer high- and mid-mountainous landscapes and half as many prefer foothill landscapes. In residential landscapes, most species tend to the foothills, and among rivers, they prefer high-altitude and mid-mountain areas. At to the seasons, the maximum number of species was recorded in the spring-summer and summer periods.

Exploring and understanding the floristic richness, life-form, leaf-size spectra and phenology of plants in protected forests: A case study of Dachigam National Park in Himalaya, Asia

Protected areas are contributing people's livelihoods and working as the backbone of all forms of biodiversity conservation. The reformed rules and the legal local protection have come up as a means of conserving trees and associated diversity of life throughout the world. But due to the anthropogenic pressures and climate change especially in the global south and even those within the well-recognized national parks, community conserved forests, wetlands, nature reserves, and similar other species-rich sites are under human pressure. Lots of research works have been carried out related to conservation parameters, still, the qualitative studies on legal protection and management of forest biodiversity in many hotspots regions such as the Himalayas and Indo-Myanmar are lacking. Realising the future perspective of potential and economic valued higher plants in forests, the assessment of species composition of Dachigam National Park (DNP) was carried out in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) of Himalaya. A total of 181 plant species belonging to 129 genera and 56 families were documented from DNP. It has been observed that the species distribution pattern across the documented families was unequal, with 11 families contributing approximately half of the species number, while 21 families were monotypic and represented by only 1 species. Family Rosaceae (19) with the maximum number of species was the dominant group followed by Asteraceae (16 spp.) and Lamiaceae (10 spp.). In terms of functional trait diversity, herbaceous and perennial woody forms of plants were dominant over the other forms. The biological spectrum analysis revealed the dominance of therophyte life-form, indicating the disturbed vegetation in DNP. A multivariate ecological community analysis software was used to classify the phenological similarities and differences among the different flowering seasons. The phenological spectrum revealed the maximum plant flowering season ranges from March to June, where a total of about 53% species were recorded in full blooming. The leaf-size spectra were also investigated and found 36% of the structure were microphyll, followed by mesophyll (28%); the majority of the species (62%) had simple leaf lamina. These research findings provide important baseline data for better prediction of phenological shifts associated with Himalayan species over contemporary climate change and species composition of protected areas in Himalaya.

Underwater photo contests to complement coastal fish inventories: results from two Mediterranean Marine Protected Areas

Assessing fish assemblages and providing reliable fish inventories are tasks of particular relevance for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). In this study we demonstrated the usefulness of underwater photo contests as complementary tools to accomplish this goal. We examined a total of 3513 underwater pictures taken by both free-diving and SCUBA during two Italian photo contests organized by the Italian Federation of Sport Fishing and Underwater Activities (FIPSAS). The competitions, held during the years 2017-2018, took place in the MPAs of Punta Campanella (Tyrrhenian Sea) and Capo Rizzuto (Ionian Sea). Overall, we identified 97 fish species: 89 at Punta Campanella and 75 at Capo Rizzuto MPA, occurring in a depth range of 0-19 m across different coastal habitats. This number resulted to be considerably higher than that reported with other census techniques and close to the maximum number of species, as evidenced by accumulation curves. Significant differences in species richness were highlighted at the level of both location and habitat type. Reasons of these differences are discussed, along with the advantages and limitations of the underwater photo contest as a participatory tool for gaining regular updates on coastal fish inventories in Marine Protected Areas and beyond.

Ethnobotanical Utilization of Forest Resources in Sindh Forest of Kashmir Himalaya, India

Background: This study was focused on the ethnobotany of Manasbal range of the Sindh Forest Division of Jammu and Kashmir (India) to assess, document and to provide a comprehensive inventory of plants used by the people of this rural area. Such an investigation and documentation along with the associated traditional knowledge are crucial to raise the socio-economic status of underprivileged population in this rural area and for the conservation of biological resources.Methods: Multi-stage random sampling technique was employed in the selection of villages and respondents for the household survey. Interview schedules for both village as well as respondents’ survey were prepared based on literature referred, reconnaissance survey of the study area, and discussion with local people/ consultation with the experts.Results: A total of 135 plant species belonging to 121 genera and 58 families were being utilized as forest resources. The family Compositae had the highest representation with 13 species followed by Leguminaceae (11) and Poaceae (10). Fourteen different use categories of forest resources were reported. The forest species collected by the people were mostly herbs (103) followed by trees (18), shrubs (12) and climbers (2). The maximum number of species (54) was utilized as medicine, followed by fodder (51), vegetables (18), fuelwood and (16) edible fruits.Conclusion: The present study confirmed that the Manasbal range of the Sindh Forest Division is an interesting area for the study of traditional plant use. This study further suggests that the local denizens have an in-depth knowledge of use of local plant resources and that these exploit diverse NTFPs substantially to support their day-to-day needs. Hence, livelihood diversification through forestry interventions using existing resources is needed as important strategy of poverty reduction and socioeconomic development of backward local people. The study has documented the baseline data for further studies in the field of ethnobotany, medicinal plants, and ethno-pharmacologyKeywords: Ethnobotany; Forest; Livelihood; Resources; Edible; Medicinal

A study on the community structure of damselflies (Insecta: Odonata: Zygoptera) in Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, India

For gauging suitability of zygopteran odonates as bioindicators of ecosystems, an attempt was made to record the seasonal diversity of damselflies from seven different types of habitats in Paschim Medinipur District, West Bengal covering 14 land use sites. The study revealed existence of 19 species of damselflies belonging to 10 genera under two families. While the riparian zone had maximum number of species (15), paddy field had the lowest number (six). Ceriagrion coromandelianum and Agriocnemis pygmaea were the most common species. C. coromandelianum was eudominant in grassland and wetland-forest interface, whereas A. pygmaea was eudominant in fish pond and paddy field. Six species, viz., Paracercion calamorum, P. malayanum, Pseudagrion australasiae, P. decorum, P. spencei, and P. microcephalum were confined only to the riparian zone. Maximum abundance of damselflies was found in the riparian zone and minimum in the paddy field. Damselflies exhibited a distinct peak in March–April and a lesser peak in September–October. Most of the land use patterns exhibited similar zygopteran faunal composition. Species diversity index was moderate (1.4–2.5) and evenness index was on the higher side (0.76–0.94). Dominance Index ranged from 26.2 to 64.6. Riparian zone appeared to be the least stressed and most equitable habitat with highest diversity and evenness index and lowest dominance index. Paddy field seemed to be the harshest habitat for damselflies with least diversity and highest dominance index. The present study suggests that community analysis of damselflies can be quite useful in the assessment of the quality of any ecosystem.