Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index Research Articles

Multiple-Locus Variable-Number Tandem Repeat Analysis Genotyping of Biofilm-Producing Pseudomonas aeruginosa Clinical Isolates

Background: Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) significantly contributes to hospital-acquired infections. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity of P. aeruginosa strains using multiple-locus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) and to explore the relationship between biofilm production and antibiotic resistance. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 79 P. aeruginosa isolates were collected. Antibiotic sensitivity was tested using the Kirby-Bauer method, and biofilm production capability was assessed through the microtiter plate method. Genetic diversity was evaluated by MLVA, analyzing eight variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR) loci: MS-213, MS-214, MS-207, MS-217, MS-222, MS-209, MS-77, and MS-172. Phylogenetic relationships were delineated using PHYLOViZ 2.0 software. Results: The patient cohort comprised 51.9% males, with the majority of samples (35.4%) obtained from urine. Ceftazidime (CAZ 30µg) showed the highest resistance rate at 77.2%. Notably, 92.4% of isolates were capable of forming biofilms, categorized as 22.7% weak, 28.7% moderate, and 46.5% strong. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated variability across one or more VNTR loci. Simpson’s index (0.906) and Shannon-Weiner diversity indices (H: 3.466, J: 0.910, Hmax: 3.807, Hmin: 1.242) identified MS77 as the most informative marker for genetic diversity among the isolates. Conclusions: The study highlights an alarming trend in antibiotic resistance, underscoring the necessity of regular monitoring. The findings confirm that MLVA is a straightforward, rapid genotyping method suitable for assessing the genetic diversity of P. aeruginosa.

Unveiling Peru’s Agricultural Diversity: Navigating Historical and Future Trends in a Post-COVID-19 Context

Over a comprehensive 5-year assessment, and extrapolating it prospectively until 2025, a thorough examination was conducted of productive agrobiodiversity in nine rural agricultural districts across Peru. The present study involved in-depth interviews with 180 representative farmers of the Coast, Highlands, and Jungle natural regions. Employing the Shannon–Weiner diversity index and the Margalef species richness index, the dynamics within years and across different zones were analyzed. Utilizing quadratic trend models, we assessed the frequency of each crop, aiming for the optimal fit concerning absolute deviation from the mean, mean squared deviation, and mean absolute percentage error. These findings revealed five distinct crop types—tuberous, fruits, cereals, legumes, and roots—distributed across 25 diverse families. Looking ahead to 2025, our projections indicated positive trends in 15 families and negative trends in 9 crop families. The nuanced mathematical distinctions observed in crop management decisions varied significantly depending on the specific area and year, underscoring the importance of localized considerations in agricultural planning.

DETERMINATION OF FISH DIVERSITY IN THE ROCKY HABITAT AROUND MERSIN BOĞSAK ISLAND (NORTHEAST MEDITERRANEAN) BY VISUAL CENSUS METHOD

This study was conducted in the rocky habitat of Boğsak Island in Mersin Bay in November, March and July, representing the fall, spring and summer months of 2022-2023, by scuba diving between 0-18 m depth for approximately 40 hours. The Go-Pro Hero 12 black camera was used in the study. In the study, the structure of the fish community of the rocky bottom habitat of Boğsak Island in Mersin Bay was determined, and the seasonal availability, abundance, feeding status, and distribution of local and non-native fish species were determined. Sampling was carried out using the underwater visual counting method, and surveys were made along a linear line. Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (H'), Homogeneity and Relative Diversity Index Evennes (J) and Species Richness Index Margalef Rhichnes (D) were used to determine the species diversity. The distance of the relationship between the data was determined with N-MDS, one of the multidimensional scaling analyses. The Euclidean formula was used to determine the distances of coordinates in the scaling. Principal component analysis was used to classify species based on the number of individuals. A total of 29 fish species, including 28 bony fish species belonging to 15 families and 1 cartilaginous Gymnura altavela (Linnaeus, 1758), were identified in the study area. The richest family in terms of species diversity was Sparidae (6), followed by Mullidae (3), Serranidae (3), Tetraodontidae (2), Soleidae (2), Labridae (2) and other families with 1 species each. Of the fish species identified throughout the year in the study area, 52% were Atlantic, 37% were Indo-Pacific and 11% were cosmopolitan. It was found that 41% of the fish species were invertivores, 22% carnivores (feeding on fish and invertebrates), 18% omnivores, 11% planktivores, 4% herbivores and 4% piscivores. Torquigener flavimaculosus in summer, Cheilodipterus novemstriatus in spring, and Chromis chromis in fall were the most abundant species. According to the Shannon diversity index (H'), the highest species diversity was found in the fall (H'=2,956), followed by spring (H'=2,501) and summer (H'=2,458). Homogeneity and relative diversity index Evennes (J) was determined as J=0.642 in spring, J=0.531 in summer and J=0.800 in fall. The species richness index Margalef Rhichnes (D) was highest in autumn (d=4.804), then in summer (d=3.917) and lowest in spring (d=3.632). This is the first study to investigate the structure of rocky habitat fish communities in the northeastern Mediterranean, which shows a dynamic structure in terms of biodiversity, and is expected to contribute to researchers working in this field.

Phenotypic Variability among Chilli Germplasms Using Shannon-Weiner Index (H')

The investigation was conducted during the rabi season (September 2019 to February 2020) of 2019 to 2020 at the research field of All India Co-ordinated Vegetable Crops, located at Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya in Kalyani, Nadia, West Bengal, India. The aim of the study was to examine the characteristics of twenty-six chilli genotypes across twelve qualitative traits. The investigation unveiled a broad range of phenotypic variability using Randomized Block Design in three replications. Among the assessed traits, leaf density, leaf shape, fruit shape, plant habit, fruit curvature, and anther colour exhibited the most extensive variations among the genotypes. Conversely, the traits with the least diversity values, all falling below the overall mean, included fruit surface (0.28%), leaf colour (0.42%), stem pubescence (0.42%), stem colour (0.42%), anthocyanin colouration at nodes (0.48%), and leaf pubescence (0.48%). The Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (H') ranged from 0.28 to 1.07. Of the traits evaluated, leaf density displayed the highest diversity index (1.07), followed by leaf shape (1.05), fruit shape (1.01), plant habit (0.86), fruit curvature (0.69), and anther colour (0.58). The obtained Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index, with an average value of 64.66%, confirmed the presence of significant diversity within the examined chilli genotypes. The results suggest that the indirect selection of chilli parent plants based on a range of morphological characteristics can offer advantages in the management of both biotic and abiotic stresses. The information holds significant value for effective pre-breeding, management, and utilization in crop improvement initiatives, in addition to augmenting the genetic potential of the crop.

Zooplankton Bio-indicators Against Changing Hydrological Parameters at Bidyadhari River of Indian Sundarbans

Sundarban Estuarine System is influenced by periodic tidal input and fresh water inflow. It is surrounded by world’s largest mangrove ecosystem and harbour naturally grown fishery. The total system is intersected by a network of many rivers and creeks. Bidyadhari is one of the major rivers of Sundarbans that is surrounded by human habitation on both banks. The dynamic condition of the river due to tidal inflow and fresh water input which is further increased many folds due to human interventions. In the present study, 26 zooplankton taxa have been recorded where 16 taxa were found perennial in all three seasons. 19 species showed its highest density in the monsoon season, 4 in post-monsoon and 3 in pre-monsoon season. Considering all seasons, Pseudodiaptomus serricaudatus was found to be the most abundant species in monsoon when there was a marked increase in temperature, nitrate, phosphate, silicate and a decrease in salinity, DO, TDS, EC and chlorophyll-a concentration. On the other hand, Acrocalanus longicornis was most abundant during the post-monsoon season when pH, EC, DO, chlorophyll-a were found to be highest and temperature was lowest of all seasons. Only 3 of the 26 taxa were found in highest concentration during pre-monsoon season when salinity was found in highest concentration. The Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index, Simpson 1_D Index and Margalef Richness Index of zooplankton diversity were found highest in station 3 (nearest to the sea) during all the three seasons. Pearson Correlation Analysis showed some significant correlation between different hydrological parameters and zooplankton diversity indices. The result of the study indicates the presence of organic pollutants and eutrophication in Bidyadhari river that demands regular monitoring of water quality for maintenance of long-term sustainability of one the largest naturally grown fisheries in the world.

Analysis of Pollen in Stingless bee (Meliponula ferruginae [ Moure]) Honey, an Indicator of Deforestation Levels at University of Ilorin and its Environs

Pollen analysis of the honey of stingless bees was conducted to ascertain the levels of deforestation in the campus of the University of Ilorin, North Central Nigeria. Thirteen honey samples from the nests of Meliponula ferruginae in four different localities, with varied deforestation levels, in the University of Ilorin Agro-Ecological areas were analysed. Pollen grains were identified and counted under high power light microscope. Species diversity assessed using Shannon diversity index, species richness and dominance of the floral origin of the pollen were calculated using PAST Software. A total of 43 pollen types belonging to 26 families, and a fungal spore, Lasiodiplodia theobromae, were recovered. Twenty-four pollen types were recovered from samples from Bolounduro and Oyun, both slightly disturbed agro-ecological areas; 14 pollen types were from the Senior Staff Quarters, a slightly disturbed agro-ecological area bordered with date palm plantation and twenty-six pollen types were from Jalala, a highly disturbed agro-ecological area. The most dominant pollen types namely Hymenocardia acida, Lannea sp., Elaeis guineensis, Alchornea sp., Vitellaria paradoxa, Entada abyssinica and Parkia biglobosa indicated that the study area was Guinea savanna. The honey samples from the slightly disturbed localities yielded pollen of open/secondary forest while those from the highly disturbed locality yielded an array of the pollen of economic plants and herbs characteristic of anthropogenic disturbance. The honey samples from all the sites showed high diversity of pollen types. Polyflora honey with high Shannon-Weiner Diversity index and monoflora with low Shannon-Weiner Diversity index were observed in all the sites except at Bolounduro where monoflora with high Shannon-Weiner Diversity index was observed.

Floristic composition and species diversity at Gunung Inas forest reserve, Kedah, Peninsular Malaysia

Monoculture plantations such as Musang King durian farms on a big scale become a controversial issue due to its potential devastating impact to the diversity of forest reserves at some areas in Kedah including Gunung Inas Forest Reserve. This study intended to determine the floristic composition and species diversity at Gunung Inas Forest Reserve (GIFR), Kedah. Three plots of 70 m x 25 m covering 0.53 ha were established at GIFR. Each tree with diameter at breast height of 5 cm and above in the study plots were tagged, measured and identified up to species level. Voucher specimens were then taken for further identification purposes. The floristic composition of GIFR consists of 53 individuals represented by 16 species from 12 families. Anacardiaceae was the most speciose family with four species recorded. The most dominant species was Swintonia schwenkii (Anacardiaceae) with 14 tree individuals. S. schwenkii (Anacardiaceae) was considered to have an absolute dominance at the study site with Important Value Index (IVi) of 12.48%, meanwhile Myrtaceae recorded 20.87% of IVi, reflecting this family to be relatively dominant than other families. GIFR recorded moderate Shannon-Weiner Diversity index of H’ = 2.66 (H’max = 2.77) and Margalef’s Richness Index of DMG = 8.7. High Evenness Index of 0.71 portrayed that the tree species are almost equally abundant at the study area. The total tree biomass in the GIFR was estimated at 76.26 t/ha, contributed by 66.04 t/ha of above ground biomass and 10.22 t/ha below ground biomass. Data and information from this study can serve as a guideline for future ecological research and particularly in planning conservation efforts to ensure the biodiversity and sustainability of forests for future generations.

The impact of heavy metal concentrations on aquatic insect populations in the Asan Wetland of Dehradun, Uttarakhand

This study, centered on the Asan Wetland in Uttarakhand, examines the ecological impact of heavy metals on aquatic insects biodiversity. It highlights the detrimental effects of metals like chromium, mercury, and lead, stemming from natural and anthropogenic sources, on aquatic insects diversity. Aquatic insects, particularly sensitive to water quality, are emphasized as key indicators of environmental health, illustrating the importance of understanding and managing the influences on wetland ecosystems. Wetland ecosystems are vulnerable to various environmental stressors, including pollution from heavy metals. These toxic substances can alter water quality parameters, disrupt nutrient cycling, and negatively impact the biodiversity and ecological balance of the system. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of several heavy metals (namely Cd, As, Cu, Fe, Pb, Ni, Zn, Al, Cr) on the distribution and biodiversity of various aquatic insect species, including Coeleoptera, Diptera, Ephemeroptera, Odonata, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera. The research utilized data collected between November 2021 and October 2022 from specifically chosen sites (S1, S2, S3) within the Asan Wetland in Dehradun, Uttarakhand. After collecting and identifying samples, various statistical (Sorenson, Shannon-Weiner diversity index, Margelef index) and multivariate tests (CCA, PCA, One-way Anova), have been applied to show the effects of these parameters. This study offers significant findings regarding the distribution patterns of heavy metals, the abundance of aquatic insects, and their interconnectedness within the ecosystem of the Asan Wetland. The abundance of aquatic insects, represented by 13 genera belonging to 6 orders, was assessed at three different sites (S1, S2, and S3) within the wetland. It was concluded that the heavy metals concentration and aquatic insects’ density increases and decreases vice-versa in monsoon and winter seasons might be due to unfavourable factors. These findings contribute to the understanding of ecological dynamics and potential impacts of heavy metals on aquatic biota in wetland environments.

Conservation and Population Status of Freshwater Fishes from Kelekar River, South Sumatra, Indonesia

This study assessed the conservation and population status of the fish species collected from the Kelekar river. This study was conducted between May 2022 and June 2023. A total of 1.267 fish belonging to 49 species and 19 families were recorded. Cyprinidae was found to be the richest family (18 species) followed by Osphronemidae (5 species), Channidae (4 species), Siluridae (3 species), Bagridae, Claridae, Pangasidae, Pristolepidae (2 species), and others (1 species). The Shannon-Weiner diversity index was 3.547. The Simpson’s dominance index was 0.035, and the Evenness index was 0.921. The biodiversity index of the Kelekar river was in the high category. Base on the latest IUCN red list, one species as data deficient, forty-three species as least concern, two species as near threatened, two species as vulnerable, and one species as critically endangered. The IUCN based population status of fish species present in the Kelekar River was unknown (35%), stable (47%), and decreasing (18%).

Dung Beetle Functional Diversity and Ecosystem Services (Resource Relocation) in Different Land Use Types in the Upper Walawe Basin Area

Conversion of forest habitat to different land uses will change the environmental quality of the altered land. Since the relationship between anthropogenic disturbance and animal diversity and ecosystem services emerged, much scientific research has been conducted on this aspect. The present study focuses on comparing dung beetles, a known biological indicator, on examining five diverse environs (large forests, forest patches, Pinus plantations (Pinus caribaea), home gardens, and tea plantations) Coprophagous beetles of the subfamily Scarabaeinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). This study examined whether dung beetles' diversity, species richness, functional groups, and ecosystem services (dung removal) vary with the habitat types. We also assumed that the intensity of anthropogenic activities varies in these habitats. The experiment was conducted for 48 hours each in five habitat types with three selected replicates per each habitat type. The Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index shows that the highest dung beetle diversity is recorded in large forest areas (2.1719). The highest species abundance (186) and richness (22) were recorded in the large forest. The lowest species abundance was recorded in tea plantations (109). The lowest species richness was recorded in pinus plantations (10). Moreover, functional group diversity is high in habitats with fewer human activities. The dominant species in large forests is Onthophagus favrei (dominancy index-2.9%). In forest patches and pinus plantations, Onthophagus amphinasus (19%) and Paracopris signatus (36.30%) appeared consecutively. In home gardens and tea plantations, the most dominant species is Onthophagus unifasiatus (26.50% and 28.40%). Habitats with anthropogenic activities have less species richness and a high dominancy index. Furthermore, dung beetle resource relocation efficiency was skewed toward forest areas. The highest dung removal percentage was recorded in forest areas (large forest-9.58% and forest patches-7.33%). The dung removal in the anthropogenic activities related to land uses was decreased as a home garden (7.17%), Pinus plantation (6.58%), and tea plantation (5.42%). Moreover, large dung beetles (body mass≥0.5 g) were only recorded in large forests and forest patches. Low diversity in tea plantations could be attributed to pesticide and fertilizer usage, as beetles are highly sensitive to these chemicals. Pinus plantations showed low rates of dung removal because resource availability in those habitats is less due to the fewer mammals. These findings indicate that replacing forests and forest areas with simplified human residential areas and agricultural systems can result in shifts towards less specialized dung beetle communities with altered proportions to other animal groups. 
 Keywords: Scarabaeinae, Dung removal, Species richness, Species abundance, Dominance index

The Carbon Storage of Reforestation Plantings on Degraded Lands of the Red Soil Region, Jiangxi Province, China

To assess the effects of reforestation on ecosystem carbon storage, a long-term Forest Restoration Experimental Project (FREP) was established in 1991 on southern degraded red soil in Taihe County, Jiangxi Province, China. In this study, we selected five types of plantations: Schima superba plantation (SS), Liquidambar formosana plantation (LF), Pinus massoniana plantation (PM), Pinus elliottii plantation (PE), and P. elliottii and broadleaf mixed plantation (MEB). The unforested land was used as an experimental control check (CK). We aimed to assess the changes in carbon storage in plantations and the factors affecting them. Thirty years after reforestation, the ecosystem carbon storage of the five types of plantations was significantly higher than that of the control site, and there were also significant differences in the ecosystem carbon storage between the different plantation types (p < 0.05). The ecosystem carbon storage of SS, MEB, LF, PM, and PE were 211.71 Mg ha−1, 199.02 Mg ha−1, 160.96 Mg ha−1, 155.01 Mg ha−1, and 142.88 Mg ha−1, respectively. Compared to the CK, these values were increased by 436.8%, 404.6%, 308.1%, 293.1%, and 262.3%, respectively. The ecosystem carbon storage was significantly positively correlated with soil porosity, total nitrogen (TN), and stand density, and was significantly negatively correlated with pH, Pielou’s evenness index (PEI), and the Shannon–Weiner diversity index (SWDI). The soil water content (SWC), bulk density (BD), SWDI, and stand density can be used as indicators of the impact of reforestation plantings on ecosystem carbon storage. The research results has shown that reforestation plantings significantly increase ecosystem carbon storage, and that afforestation should be encouraged on degraded land.

Community structure and regeneration capacity of mangrove forest

Mangrove forests play a vital role in the environment. They provide a number of ecosystem services for supporting marine biodiversity, humans, and other living organisms inhabiting the area. This study aimed to determine the community structure and regeneration capacity of mangrove forests in Lebak, Sultan Kudarat, Philippines. Community structure was determined through relative density, relative frequency, relative dominance, and importance value. Using the center point circular plot method, 13 plots with 40 m diameter were established in two sampling sites: natural stand and reforested. Shannon-Weiner diversity and evenness indexes were used to determine species diversity and distribution, respectively. This study recorded a total of 14 462 individuals within the 1256 m² sampling plots, having Rhizophoraceae as the most abundant family with seven species that cover about 71% of both mangrove ecosystems. The vegetation analysis revealed that Ceriops tagal (70.35%) and Rhizophora mucronata (96.51%) had the highest importance value in the natural stand and reforested mangrove forests, respectively. Furthermore, these two species were also accounted for having the highest regeneration contribution among all species in each site. Shannon-Weiner diversity index revealed that the natural stand was more diverse compared to the reforested mangrove forest. However, the Shannon-Weiner evenness index showed that species in the reforested mangrove forest are more evenly distributed than species in the natural stand. Natural mangrove stands in Lebak have complex community structure and have higher regeneration capacity than the reforested mangrove forest. With this, the study suggested continuing the best practices employed for mangrove conservation in the area and crafting a strategic plan for sustainable mangrove resource utilization.

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) diversity and population in UPV Nature Trail, Miagao, Iloilo, Philippines

Abstract. De Asis EPT, Demetillo FMM, Paguntalan DP. 2023. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) diversity and population in UPV Nature Trail, Miagao, Iloilo, Philippines. Biodiversitas 24: 6692-6703. Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) are soil microorganisms that form the most prevalent mutualistic associations with plant species. Studies revealed its global distribution in various terrestrial habitats, but available local literature remains few. This study investigated AMF diversity in the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) Nature Trail, Miagao, Iloilo, Philippines. AMF spores were isolated using wet sieving, decanting, and centrifugation. A total of 2815 individual spores were documented, with 114 distinct morphospecies representing 16 genera, nine families, and four orders classified. Glomus clarum, Acaulospora sp.7, and Scutellospora pellucida tallied the highest abundance across all points. Scutellospora pellucida (FOC=83.3%) recorded the highest species richness, followed by Ambispora sp. (FOC=77.78%), then Acaulospora mellea and Glomus australe (FOC=72.22%). Overall, Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H=3.6019) and Simpson diversity index (D=0.0420) revealed a very high AMF diversity in the trail, while the Pielou evenness index (J=0.7605) suggested a semi-balanced number of individuals among each morphospecies. A more abundant, even, and diverse, albeit not statistically significant, AMF community was recorded in forested areas compared to non-forested areas of the trail. Results generally suggest that the AMF community is diverse and abundant regardless of the location, ecosystem type, and faunal association.

Determination of the soil health status of wheat fields in Tekirdağ, Türkiye, based on nematode diversity

Objective: A study was conducted in wheat cultivation areas in Tekirdağ to estimate the soil health of fields using nematode biodiversity indices.
 Material and Methods: In the study, nematode taxa identified in wheat fields were subjected to community and food web analyses and several indices were calculated to determine the health status of soils in sampled areas. 
 Results and Conclusion Nematodes belonging to 41 genera were identified in wheat fields. The mean values of 10 biodiversity indices calculated in each sampled field were as follows; the Maturity index (MI): 2.26±0.28; the Maturity index MI2-5: 2.32±0.33; the Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H′): 2.03±0.24, the Evennes (J′): 0.90±0.06, the Genera Richness index (GR): 8.32±3.17, the Channel index (CI): 91±20.44; the Basal index (BI): 42.35±12.66; the Enrichment index (EI): 41.93±14.3, the Structure index (SI): 33.6±26.49 and the Plant-parasitic (PPI) index: 2.89±0.17. The nematode faunal indices indicate that 21% of surveyed wheat fields have well-developed and 79% have degraded soil profiles.

Impact of Irrigation Dams on Fish Diversity of Budhikhola in Bardiya, Lumbini Province of Nepal

This extensive study describes the current status of freshwater fish diversity in the Budhikhola which is an important branch of the Karnali River that runs through the western region of the Bardiya district covering about 30 km distance in the north-south direction. To examine the effects of irrigation dams on habitat modification and fish variety, fish were collected from the entire Budhikhola stretch, with four sampling stations established depending on habitat structure. The freshwater system of the Budhikhola harbors a diverse and ecologically complex fish community comprising 41 species from 6 orders and 13 families. The dominance of the Cyprinidae family, represented by Barilius barna, Chanda nama, Chagunius chagunio, etc., highlights its ecological significance. On the other hand, the loss of important fish species is proof that the building of irrigation dams has had significant ecological effects. Human-induced hazards such as damming and overexploitation, have adversely impacted the river environment, resulting in reduced water depth, habitat structure changes, and restricted nutrient flow. The majority of the riverbed had been observed to be silt-covered. Significant fish species loss indicates ecological instability brought on by human activity. Changes in the distribution of fish sizes and spatial differences between upstream and downstream areas highlight the complex link between habitat modifications and community functioning. The catch-per-hour seasonal tendency, which peaks in September and falls in March, is correlated with fishing patterns, environmental factors, or breeding seasons. The evenness value (0.96) and high Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (H'= 3.57) show a diverse and harmonious fish community. The relevance of family-level distinctions in implementing effective conservation and management measures is highlighted by major differences among family groups (p<0.001). As the findings make clear, the long-term survival of the diversified fish ecosystem of the Budhikhola depends on addressing and reducing anthropogenic stressors. This study provides valuable insights for informed conservation efforts in the aquatic ecosystems of Nepal.

Herpetofauna of forest fragments within the Agata Mining Ventures Incorporated (AMVI), Agusan del Norte, Caraga Region, Philippines

The Philippines holds an extraordinary record of amphibian and reptile diversity and endemism; however, factors like habitat loss and fragmentation that may result from activities related to resource extraction, such as mining, pose a significant threat to their conservation. This study examined the herpetofauna composition in select forest fragments within one of the important mining sites in Caraga, the Agata Mining Ventures Incorporated, between 2018 and 2021. Standardized time searches along the established two 2km transects in two sampling stations (Lawigan and Tinigabasan) were conducted to record reptiles and amphibians accounting for 880 man-hours. A total of 513 individuals representing 12 species of amphibians, and 17 species of reptiles were recorded in the area in both surveys. Of these species, 62% (n = 18 spp.) are Philippine endemic, 35% (n = 10 spp.) native, and 3% (n = 1 spp.) were invasive alien species. Overall, the Shannon-Weiner diversity index is high (H’=2.52) and varied significantly across survey periods (Mann-Whitney U test = 248.5, p=0.007). The species-area relationship analysis showed a strong positive correlation for total herpetofauna (R2 = 0.98), amphibians (R2 = 0.87), and reptiles (R2 = 0.99), and a significant correlation existed between reptiles and forest area (p = 0.05). The result suggests a strong reliance of herpetofaunal richness to forested area. Combined forest clearing and the effects of mining activities currently happening in the area might threaten these environment-sensitive taxa. Preserving these forest fragments within AMVI and allocating buffer zones is highly recommended. Periodic scientific field-based surveys and re-surveys, encompassing not only amphibians and reptiles but also various other species are recommended to monitor species distributions, population trends and impacts of on-going activities. These efforts aim to update data-driven sources supporting the mining area’s rehabilitation program, thereby contributing to societal and environmental benefits.

Assessing and understanding diversity and foraging guilds of bird community structure in Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary, Bihar and Jharkhand, India

This study was conducted between June 2017 and December 2018 to assess the bird community structure, diversity, feeding guilds, and the residential status of birds in Gautam Buddha Wildlife Sanctuary (GBWS). Avian diversity and guild organization in five different habitat types were classified according to the forest type present in the landscape. The results indicated a total of 99 avifauna that belongs to 48 families, distributed in 16 orders. Among the 99 species, 77 were residents, 17 were winter visitors, four were summer visitors, and only one was a passage migrant. Based on the feeding guild evaluation, the majority were insectivorous (47%), followed by omnivorous (24%), carnivorous (14%), granivorous (8%), frugivorous (4%), insectivorous (1%), and piscivorous (1%). The scrubland, among other forest types, represented the highest diversity value for the Shannon-Weiner diversity index (3.2), evenness was recorded highest in riverine habitat (0.63), whereas utmost Simpson’s dominance (0.98) and Fisher’s index value (41) were in human settlement. These findings of our study illustrate the outstanding potential of GBWS as an important protected site for mixed bird diversity and specific feeding guilds, precisely in terms of the insectivorous and omnivorous communities. Hence, the study outcomes set a notable landmark for understanding birds and their habitats.

Freshwater Gastropod Diversity in The Selected Lotic Environment, Betong, Sarawak, Borneo

Freshwater Gastropoda can be considered as the biological indicator in ecosystems such as rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. The objectives of this study are to identify freshwater gastropod species, diversity, and distribution along Sungai Penebak, Sungai Nanga Tiga, and Sungai Kabo in the Betong division. The study was conducted on 10 November 2020. A 50 m transect was laid on the riverbank of all three stations. The existing specimens were counted and collected from each sampling point and stored were taken to the laboratory for species identification. The diversity index and morphological study of freshwater gastropods were performed. Five species of freshwater gastropods belonging to four families were discovered. The five species of freshwater gastropods consisted of Sulcospira pageli, which shows great abundance, followed by Clea nigricans, Brotia costula, Pila ampullacea, and Vittina pennata. The diversity indices of collected Gastropoda species from the different stations, for instance, Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H’), Pielou’s evenness index (J’), and Margalef’s richness index were assessed; where station 3 showed higher diversity of Gastropoda compared to other two stations. The information presented in this paper might be helpful for ecological wealth studies and considered as the baseline data for the stream ecosystem in Sarawak, Malaysia.

Impacts of Freshwater Fish Sanctuaries on Fish and Crustacean Diversity, Catch, and Household Income of Fisherfolk in Baggao, Cagayan, Philippines

The study was conducted from February to March 2022 to assess the impacts of fish sanctuaries on fish and crustacean diversity, catch, and income of fisherfolk in Baggao, Cagayan. Data were collected from the 59 registered fisherfolk in the study areas using a structured survey instrument and were analyzed using descriptive methods. The Shannon-Weiner Diversity and Pielou indices were computed to determine fish diversity and evenness, respectively. The results showed that the diversity indices in the three study areas were 1.91 in Duba Cave, 1.66 in Hot Spring, and 1.58 in Bluewater Falls, and the average species evenness was 0.7. Further, the major species caught include Anguillasp., Oreochromis sp., Trichopodus sp., Crenimugil sp., Macrobrachium sp., Ciprinus sp., Clarias sp., Arius sp., Chana sp., Glossogobius sp., Sundathelphusa sp., Hyphorhamphus sp., and Gambusia sp. The volume of fish catch depends on the production space in the buffer zone, the time of fishing or fishing frequency, and the fishing gears used by the respondents. The sanctuaries also served as alternative livelihood and source of income for the respondents with the development of tourism, which provided jobs (e.g., tour guides, river wardens, project monitors, and laborers) to community residents. The study's results confirmed the positive impacts of fish sanctuaries on the diversity, catch, and household income of fisherfolk.

Diversity, Abundance, and Local Use of Fishes in Lake Danao, Ormoc City, Philippines

Lake Danao lies within the Lake Danao Natural Park in Ormoc City, Leyte, Philippines. The lake provides a habitat for various aquatic flora and faunal species. However, existing data on fish assemblage in Lake Danao is scarce and outdated. This study determined Lake Danao’s diversity, abundance, and local use of fish. With the help of local fishers, fish samples were collected from different parts of the lake twice a month for 14 months (March 2021 to June 2022). In addition, an ethnoicthyological survey was conducted to supplement the information on the provenance, endemism, and local use of the fish species in Lake Danao. This study recorded eight species of fish in Lake Danao, and only two are considered native (Anguilla marmorata and Clarias batrachus). Only five species were obtained from the fishers throughout the entire sampling period. On average, Glossogobius giuris was the most abundant species (95.96%), while Channa striata was the least (0.07%). The low Shannon-Weiner diversity index (mean = 0.19) and high Simpson’s dominance index (mean = 0.92) indicate low diversity and dominance of other species (e.g. G. giuris). No significant difference was observed in the diversity, dominance, and evenness of fishes between the sampling months. All of the fish species were used as alternative food sources. With the dominance of introduced species, local authorities are strongly encouraged to strictly regulate the entry, possession, and cultivation of exotic fish in Lake Danao and to continue the aquatic biodiversity assessment and monitoring in the area.