Maximum Number Of Species Research Articles

Two and a Half Centuries after Houttuyn: A Review of Avian Cestodes (Platyhelminthes: Cestoda) from Africa

Information on cestode parasites in birds in Africa published in 1772–2022 in 177 works is summarised. The data of 434 cestode species belonging to 147 genera, 14 families and 3 orders are presented. For each species, the valid name, the synonyms used in the literature for Africa, bibliographic reference to the original records, names of the hosts and data on the geographical distribution on the continent are included. The cestode orders Dyphyllobothriidea and Tetrabothriidea are represented by one and seven species, respectively. The order Cyclophyllidea is represented by 426 species belonging to 146 genera and 12 families. The most species-rich families are Davaineidae (118 species), Hymenolepididae (105), Dilepididae (86) and Paruterinidae (50). In total, 333 species of birds belonging to 76 families and 27 orders have been recorded as hosts of cestodes in Africa. A host–parasite checklist is presented. The cestode complexes detected in avian orders are characterised by high levels of host specificity. The degree of knowledge of the avian cestode fauna of Africa is considered fragmentary and insufficient; it varies across countries, with the maximum number of species recorded in Egypt (112 species) and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (104 species). There are no records of avian cestodes for 19 African countries.

Seaweed diversity and community structure on the west coast of Aceh, Indonesia

Abstract. Erniati, Erlangga, Andika Y, Muliani. 2023. Seaweed diversity and community structure on the west coast of Aceh, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 2189-2200. One of the commodities that continues to be developed by the Indonesian government in fisheries is seaweed. The potential of seaweed as a food ingredient in Aceh is very abundant. However, diversity and community structure of seaweeds on the west coast of Aceh have not been studied much. Therefore, this study has been carried out to assess the diversity and community structure of seaweeds on the west coast of Aceh based on transect method. Sampling has been carried out in all districts/cities (6 districts and 1 city) of west coast of Aceh. Altogether, a total of 50 species have been identified; of which, maximum number of species belongs to Phaeophyta (21 species) followed by Chlorophyta (16 species) and Rhodophyta (13 species). The estimated value of diversity (H'), uniformity (E), and dominance (D) index is 1.02, 0.50 and 0.51 respectively. Based on the univariate diversity indices analysis, it has been found that seaweed on the west coast of Aceh is in the moderate category. Furthermore, the water quality parameters revealed the existence of conducive environmental conditions for the growth and life of seaweed. So, it is proposed that use of appropriate seaweed culture techniques can be carried out on the west coast of Aceh to able to make Aceh a seaweed center in Indonesia.

Earthworm (Annelida: Clitellata) fauna of Chhattisgarh, India

Present communication is the first study on earthworm fauna of Chhattisgarh in central India. A total of nine species belonging to seven genera and five families—Moniligastridae, Eudrilidae, Lumbricidae, Megascolecidae, and Octochaetidae—were collected from different parts of the state. Among the families, Megascolecidae is most dominant with maximum number of species; other families are represented by a single species in each. The earthworm fauna of the state is comprised of both native (5 species) and exotic peregrine (4 species). A brief description, distribution and identification key for the recorded species is provided. Further surveys are required, which could lead to finding of more species.

Quantitative ethnobotanical appraisal of Shawal Valley, South Waziristan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Background: This study's primary goal was to collect and document uses of plants by local residents of Shawal Valley, South Waziristan, Pakistan. Methodology: A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview 65 residents (24 women and 41 males). The Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), Use Value (UV), Fidelity Level (FL), Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), and Jaccard Index (JI). Results: The research region is abode of 60 plant species belonged to 32 families of ethnobotanical significance. Lamiaceae family contributed maximum number of species (7), followed by Pinaceae (6 species). The most preferred plant parts among the reported species were the leaves (60%), followed by the stem (28.3%). Thymus mongolicus was found to have the highest RFC (0.86), while Adiantum capillus-veneris had the lowest (i.e. 0.02). The UV was between 0.02 and 1. Thymus mongolicus was found to have the greatest UV (UV=1); whereas, Adiantum capillus-veneris had the lowest UV (0.02). Twelve plants had a fidelity level of 100% while Quercus dilatata had the lowest (33.3%). Plants' ICF values varied from 0.87 to 0.96. The Average Direct Matrix Ranking revealed that Quercus dilatata received the highest rating (1st) for its many uses, followed by Pinuswallichiana (2nd), and Rumex dentatus (3rd), Pinus gerardiana (4th), and Zingiberofficinale (5th). Conclusion:Ethnomedicinal research indicates that indigenous people in the studied area are knowledgeable on the use of plants. These plants and indigenous knowledge must be preserved.

Towards an Understanding of Large-Scale Biodiversity Patterns on Land and in the Sea

This review presents a recent theory named 'macroecological theory on the arrangement of life' (METAL). This theory is based on the concept of the ecological niche and shows that the niche-environment (including climate) interaction is fundamental to explain many phenomena observed in nature from the individual to the community level (e.g., phenology, biogeographical shifts, and community arrangement and reorganisation, gradual or abrupt). The application of the theory in climate change biology as well as individual and species ecology has been presented elsewhere. In this review, I show how METAL explains why there are more species at low than high latitudes, why the peak of biodiversity is located at mid-latitudes in the oceanic domain and at the equator in the terrestrial domain, and finally why there are more terrestrial than marine species, despite the fact that biodiversity has emerged in the oceans. I postulate that the arrangement of planetary biodiversity is mathematically constrained, a constraint we previously called 'the great chessboard of life', which determines the maximum number of species that may colonise a given region or domain. This theory also makes it possible to reconstruct past biodiversity and understand how biodiversity could be reorganised in the context of anthropogenic climate change.

A comparison of four sampling techniques for assessing species richness of adult odonates at riverbanks

Members of the insect order Odonata are known as good ecological indicators. Many are sensitive to habitat modifications and are easily monitored for use in environmental assessment studies. Rapid assessments rely on efficient sampling techniques. However, there is limited information available on sampling techniques for adult odonates, and protocols require evaluation. To do this, we standardized counting methods during sampling of odonates from August to November 2016 at the Mula River, Pune, India. We used four counting techniques; full-width belt transect (FWBT), full-circle point count (FCPC), half-width belt transect (HWBT), and half-circle point count (HCPC). For HWBT and HCPC areas facing the river were sampled, and for each technique we took multiple temporal replicates. We compared species detected per unit time, species detected per unit area, new species detected per unit time, and new species detected per unit area. Additionally, we compared species estimates. With HCPC we detected the maximum number of species and new species per unit area, whereas FWBT returned maximum coverage of recorded species. We recommend our proposed techniques be considered in the future across various habitats to decide the most suitable sampling strategy for the different habitats or situations.

Invertebrates and herptiles for livelihoods-ethnozoological use among different ethnic communities in Jammu and Kashmir (Indian Himalayas).

Ethnic communities have relied on animals and their derived products for ages, and their use is often intricately related to many cultural features. In remote regions across the globe, indigenous peoples have been using invertebrates and herptiles for a variety of purposes (medicine, food, culture, and spiritual importance); however, related scientific research is sparse, particularly in the western Himalayas. In this respect, we collected useful information on invertebrates and herpetofauna from Jammu and Kashmir, India, across different ethnic groups, i.e., Gujjar, Bakarwal, Dogra, Kashmiri, and Pahari. The data were gathered using semi-structured interviews followed by group discussions. The information gathered was analyzed using ordination techniques (principal component analysis). The Venn diagram was used to investigate cross-cultural similarities and differences between ethnic groups. We documented 30 species belonging to five classes and 20 families used for different ethnozoological practices (medicinal, magico-religious, food, costume, omen, poultry, and agricultural purposes). The use of fauna resources varied across ethnic groups, and cross-cultural examination revealed that Kashmiri and Pahari populations were more similar in their species utilization. The maximum number of species (27%) was uniquely used by Kashmiri, followed by Pahari (17%), and the least by Dogra and Gujjar (3% each). The ethnozoological use of all documented species is unprecedented. In addition to ethnozoological usage, various documented species (Apis cerana, Apis mellifera, Hirudinaria granulosa, and Bombyx mori) were also important for the local population's livelihoods. Our findings can be considered the baseline for understanding the relationship of invertebrates and herptiles with specific ethnic groups and will aid in the development of future research projects that can assess the interaction between local fauna and the diverse ethnic groups.

Living ostracods (Crustacea) from Algerian Sahara and High Plains: ecological data and new records

Between 2017 and 2018, in order to complete the list of the Algerian freshwater ostracods, 62 water bodies were sampled across the Sahara and the semi-arid High Plains. The physico-chemical parameters (salinity, temperature and pH) were measured, and the coordinates of the sites, their surface area and altitude were also recorded. A total of 24 ostracod species were identified, belonging to 4 different families (Darwinulidae, Ilyocyprididae, Cyprididae and Cytherideidae). The maximum number of species in a single site was six. The most common species was Heterocypris incongruens (24 records). Three species are new to Algeria: Darwinula stevensoni, Oncocypris muelleri and Candelacypris aragonica. The ecology of the new and the most common species is discussed. Moreover, in order to evaluate the relationship between the distribution of ostracods and environmental parameters (pH, salinity and temperature), a canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was performed. The first two axes of the CCA diagram explain 92.97% of the cumulative variance of the relationship between species and physico-chemical parameters of the sites.

Species Diversity and Distribution of Synanthropic Acarid Mites (Acariformes, Acaridia) in Transcarpathia

This article presents the results of research on the species composition of acarid mites and their abundance in Transcarpathia. 24 species of acarids were identified in the studied substrates. The maximum number of species was found in the lowlands – 24, in the foothills – 20, and in the mountainous areas — 17. The highest number of mites was collected in the foothills (2031 individuals), and the lowest — in the mountain area (1149). The indices of the species diversity of acarid mites in different altitudinal zones were not characterized by significant fluctuations. A significant correlation (-0.75) was found between altitudinal zonation and the number of mites species. The lowest indicators of species richness and number of acarid mites were identified in haylofts, regardless of their zonal distribution. On the other hand, in the other synanthropic sites we studied, the greatest diversity of mites was found in storehouses and the maximum number of mites in barns.

An Exploration of Plant Diversity Along the Mutha River Banks in Pune, Maharashtra, India

Mutha is an east-flowing seasonal river flowing through Pune City, one of the most urbanized cities in Western Maharashtra. Ever-increasing urban sprawl has negatively affected the riparian vegetation and river ecology. Hence present study was conducted to document plant diversity along the Mutha River banks and provide suggestions to conserve and enhance the existing diversity. A total of 243 flowering plant species belonging to 204 genera and 68 families were recorded from various sites located along the river. The maximum number of species (100) were recorded from Vitthalwadi, followed by Khadakwasla (93). Dominant families in the study region were Asteraceae and Poaceae, followed by Fabaceae, Malvaceae, Convolvulaceae and Euphorbiaceae. Comparison with previous studies revealed the disappearance of species from families Hydrocharitaceae, Molluginaceae, Campanulaceae, Gentianaceae, Nyctaginaceae, Orchidaceae and Amaryllidaceae which were recorded in 1958. Garbage dumping, microhabitats loss, pollution, invasive species, and urban development are major threats to Mutha vegetation.

Мостові споруди як місця поселення рукокрилих (Chiroptera): видова та просторова різноманітність

In 2000–2021, 150 various types of bridge structures were examined in different regions of Ukraine, where 742 individuals of 13 bat species were found: Myotis dasycneme, Myotis daubentonii, Myotis brandtii, Myotis mystacinus, Myotis aurascens, Myotis nattereri, Nyctalus noctula, Plecotus auritus, Plecotus austriacus, Pipistrellus pygmaeus, Pipistrellus nathusii, Pipistrellus kuhlii, and Eptesicus serotinus. The occupancy rate was 30.7%. M. daubentonii and P. auritus were observed in most of the studied regions. The frequency of observations of M. daubentonii was 50% of inhabited bridges (n = 23) and almost 65% of the number of individuals, with a concentration of localities in the western and north-western parts of the country. P. auritus (frequency 32.6%) dominated the bridges of the Dnipro Lowland and the Western Polissia. M. aurascens (Azov Sea region), M. mystacinus and M. brandtii (Western Polissia), P. austriacus (Black Sea region), and P. kuhlii (Azov Sea region) were found singly or only in some regions. Nursery colonies of M. daubentonii were found in the Western Polissia, Volynian–Podolian Upland, and Dnipro Lowland, N. noctula in the Dnipro region, P. auritus in the Western Polissia and the Black Sea region, and M. aurascens in the Azov Sea region. In a geographical aspect, the number of species in bridges is the highest in the regions of Western Polissia and Azov Sea (7 species each), and slightly lower in the Dnipro Lowland (n = 6). The highest percentage of inhabited bridges (64.3%) was found in the Dnipro Lowland; in other regions it was 37.8–10.5%. Bridges play an important role as summer roosts for bats (both for single individuals and breeding colonies), as well as in late summer–autumn (after the disbandment of breeding colonies) and as spring roosts (during seasonal migrations). Bridge structures can be important for the settlement of bats in regions with no underground cavities of natural or anthropogenic origin. We assume that this is the reason why the maximum number of species and abundance of bats in bridges was found in the Western Polissia and Dnipro Lowland, which are characterised by flat topography and lack of abundant and various underground cavities.

Coleopteran Diversity at the three selected areas in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

The diversity of coleopteran species was studied at three different selected areas in Dhaka city from December 2016 to November 2017. A total of 11,397 individuals of 56 coleopteran species belonging to 50 genera, including 15 families, were recorded in the study areas during the study period. Of them, 47 species (4916 individuals) of 13 families were found at the Ramna Park, 48 species (2441 individuals) of 15 families at the National Botanical Garden, and 42 species (4040 individuals) of 11 families at the Atomic Energy Research Establishment (AERE) campus. A total of 30 species, 25 genera, and 11 families were common in these three study areas. At the Ramna Park, the highest species richness included the family Chrysomelidae (34.04%), and the lowest was under the six families including Staphylinidae, Bostrichidae, Nitidulidae, Geotrupidae, Erotylidae, and Scarabaeidae (2.13%). At the National Botanical Garden, the maximum number of species was recorded under the family Chrysomelidae (6.24%), and the lowest was under seven families including Staphylinidae, Bostrichidae, Nitidulidae, Geotrupidae, Erotylidae, Elateridae, and Dermestidae (2.08%). The maximum number of coleopteran species was identified under the family Chrysomelidae (35.71%), and the lowest was under six families including Staphylinidae, Cerambycidae, Nitidulidae, Geotrupidae, Elateridae, and Dermestidae (2.38%) at the AERE campus. The Shanon’s Diversity Index (H′) and Simpson’s Index (λ) indicate high coleopteran diversity at the Ramna Park (H′=3.41, λ=0.05), the AERE Campus (H′=3.07, λ=0.06), and the National Botanical Garden (H′=2.93, λ=0.08). The high species evenness in the Ramna Park (J’= 0.89) and the AERE campus (J’= 0.82) indicates that the species were evenly distributed, whereas at the National Botanical Garden (J’= 0.76) they were comparatively less evenly distributed. The calculated Sorenson’s Coefficient (CC) is 0.66, indicating that these three communities were fairly similar or overlapped. The Community Dominances were 21.03%, 32.16% and 18.66% for the Ramna Park, National Botanical Garden, and AERE campus, respectively. Bangladesh J. Zool. 50 (2): 185-200, 2022

DIVERSITY AND IMPACT OF SEASONAL VARIATION IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF MOLLUSCS IN MANAPADU COASTAL AREA, THOOTHUKUDI DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU, INDIA

Molluscs are economically and ecologically important components of aquatic ecosystems. In addition to supporting valuable aquaculture and wild-harvest industries, their populations determine the structure of benthic communities, cycling nutrients and they serve as prey resources for higher trophic levels. This study aims at identifying the diversity of Molluscs in the coastal area of Manapadu, Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu. The result of the study shows that a total of 61 species of molluscs belonging to 35 families were identified. Maximum numbers of species were identified during the post-monsoon season. Minimum species were identified during the summer season. ANOVA was carried out to test the level of significance. Significant results were observed only during the monsoon season. Biodiversity indices were calculated in which maximum species diversity of Shannon(H) Weiner index was noted as 4.107ng during the monsoon season, and minimum species diversity was recorded as 4.037 ng during the post-monsoon season. Alpha index and Margalf’s index were also used in the study which showed varied diversity throughout different seasons. The study shows that molluscan species fluctuated seasonally throughout the year. Suggestions to update the checklist and distribution of Molluscs from the Manapadu region located on the southeast coast of India were presented in this study.

​Avian Diversity in Agricultural Mosaics in District Ludhiana, Punjab, India

Background: The birds constitute one of the most popular and easily recognizable groups of animals. They constitute the largest class of terrestrial chordates. The present paper deals with the documentation of number of avian species from agricultural mosaics in Ludhiana district of Punjab along with their residential and IUCN status 2020. Methods: During the present study, periodic monthly as well as random surveys were conducted to document various bird species occurring in the study area from May 2016 to April 2019. The study area was categorized into agricultural, aquatic and forest habitats. Result: A total of 173 species of birds referable to 17 orders and 56 families have been documented from the study area and identified on the basis of various morphological features and calls. During this study, maximum number of species have been recorded from agricultural habitat (118 species), followed by aquatic habitat (114 species) and the area covering the forest habitat and roadside plantations (71 species). However, some species have been found as common in these habitats.

Altitudinal partitioning of syrphid flies (Diptera) increases along elevation gradients in pollinator communities in the Eastern Himalayas, India

ABSTRACT The diversity and altitudinal distribution patterns of syrphid flies in the Neora Valley National Park, in the Eastern Himalaya was studied, including the ramifications of pollination by drone fly (Eristalis tenax) showing Batesian mimicry of honeybees. Considering the altitudinal variation and visitation rate, the study found a total of 30 Syrphidae species, among which Eristalis himalayensis, E. tenax, Chrysogaster sp., Episyrphus balteatus, Paragus haemorrhous and Syrphus dalhousiae had the highest encounter rate. The maximum number of species was observed at ≥ 2500 m asl. The diversity of Syrphidae in the Neora Valley reflects the supremacy of these flies over other pollinator insects in the study area. The mean visit per hour of drone fly (E. tenax) was 21 ± 2.73SE (SE – standard error) individual at the lower altitudes but the rate was higher (37.1 ± 4.09SE) in the absence of honeybees at the higher altitudes. More information about the primary determinants of the dynamic nature of pollination is required in this area in order to understand plant–pollinator responses to global warming.

Kemer Koyu Mollusca faunası (Marmara Denizi)

In the present study, mollusc species distributed in the Kemer Bay (Sea of Marmara) were determined seasonally (November, February, May, and August) in the years 2010 and 2011. The benthic samples were collected from different biotopes in 16 stations at depth ranging between 0.2 and 5 m by using a quadrate sampling gear. As a result of the evaluation of collected benthic materials, a total of 66 mollusc species belonging to 3 classes (Polyplacophora, Gastropoda, and Bivalvia) were identified. When the number of species and individuals are compared based on the seasons, maximum number of species (46 species) and individuals (168825 ind. m-2) were counted in autumn and spring, respectively. Mytilus galloprovincialis (Lamarck, 1819) and Mytilaster lineatus (Gmelin, 1791) were the most abundant species in all the seasons. Whereas, Bittium reticulatum (da Costa, 1778), Rissoa membranacea (Montagu, 1803), and Tricolia pullus pullus (Linnaeus, 1758) were characterized as species having the highest frequency index values in all seasons.

Vegetation Community Characteristics and diversity in different phases of mining at Charhi and Kuju coal mining areas, Jharkhand, India

The increase in the energy requirement of a country shows its economic advancement. Coal mining activity has increased considerably to compensate for the increased energy requirements. As a result, open-cast coal mining methods induced a drastic change in land use and seriously jeopardized the sustainability of the ecosystem. Once disrupted by open-cast or underground mining, the condition of the land cannot be entirely recovered, making it a non-renewable asset to the environment and support of human life. An attempt was made to study the existing flora of the different zones (operating, abandoned, control) of Charhi and Kuju Coal mining area, Jharkhand, India. From 2015 to 2018,173 species belonging to 75 families of angiosperms, terrestrial and aquatic ferns have been reported and identified so far from this study area. The most dominant family is Poaceae with the maximum number of species in the area, where mining has not yet been done. This paper's findings would help assess the dominant species in this area, which can be used for reclamation of the abandoned mining areas.

Biodiversity of Benthic Ciliates of Fresh Waters of Lankaran Natural Area

The article presents data on the species diversity of benthic ciliates in various water bodies of the Lankaran natural area. The conducted studies have shown that the greatest species diversity of free-living ciliates was observed on silty soils prevailing in the fresh waters of the natural area. Among them, the biotopes of gray oily and algal oozes should be noted, on which more than 60% of all species were found. When studying ciliates in relation to the active reaction of the environment, it was revealed that, although in most cases, the maximum number of species is observed in a slightly alkaline environment, sometimes there are exceptions. Since ciliates belonging to the euryionic group have been noted several times at pH above 8.5 and at pH 4.7 with a relatively high number. The diversity of conditions in freshwater bodies is the main for the rich species diversity of freshwater benthic ciliafauna. In addition, observations of the food relationships of free-living ciliates with other groups of benthic inhabitants are presented. The noted ciliates were divided into groups, such as phytophages, bacteriophages, predators, and their diet was studied. Small diatoms have been found to be of great importance in the diet of many species. And the free-living ciliates themselves are food objects of large predatory species. Thus, we observed that representatives of the Trachelidae family actively feed on many bacteriophages ciliates.

Feeding guild structure of birds at Keshopur Chhamb wetland, Gurdaspur

To achieve a comprehensive understanding of avian feeding guild structure the present study was conducted at Keshopur wetland Ramsar site, district Gurdaspur, Punjab, India. A total of 121 species of birds belonging to 19 orders and 47 families were observed. Direct observation techniques and focal sampling methods were used to study their foraging behaviour. Seven major feeding guilds ie., carnivorous, insectivorous, omnivorous, granivorous, herbivorous, frugivorous and nectarivorous were found. Maximum number of species were of carnivorous guild (28%) followed by insectivorous (21%). Cattle egret and red-wattled lapwing, members of carnivorous guild were observed to feed on insects also, hence placed in multiple guilds. Northern shoveler, eurasian coots and purple moorhen were seen foraging in association with each other. The large number of insectivorous birds depicts the presence of rich number of insects. The presence of birds belonging to seven foraging guilds highlight the significance of Keshopur wetland in providing a rich feeding ground to both migratory as well as resident birds.

Species-area relationship and richness persistence as a proxy of environmental carrying capacity: A case study in a neotropical show cave

Community stability and carrying capacity are essential core concepts in ecology because they reflect the interactions between organisms and their environment and provide clues to predictability. Since caves are considered stable habitats, we used long-term invertebrate monitoring to understand temporal and spatial carrying capacity in a neotropical cave based on species richness and beta diversity. Invertebrates were monitored from the entrance to the inner parts of the cave in plots (25m long each) in five sampling events over 10 years. Overall, 181 species were recorded. Although the turnover in species composition was considered high, the number of species remained almost constant along time, obviously considering the species oscillations between dry and rainy periods. The partitioning of beta diversity showed that in the rainy period and in the inner regions, the species replacement (turnover) was responsible for the differences in species composition over time. The richness stability and the turnover along time seem to indicate a maximum number of species that may coexist in the cave (∼64 species), probably a proxy of environmental carrying capacity. Then, despite the environmental stability of the caves, the permanent absence of light and scarcity of food resources makes these habitats restrictive to colonization, printing an intense temporal turnover in faunal composition, although with constant richness. Hence, at least for the studied cave, it seems that there is a maximum number of species it can shelter, regardless of which taxa.