Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index Research Articles

Diversity of Diptera at Agri-Biodiversity Park, Hyderabad

The diversity and abundance of Diptera at the Agri-biodiversity Park, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Hyderabad was studied from September 2019 to January 2020. Five collection methods (pitfall trap, yellow pan trap, manual collection, light trap and yellow sticky trap) were used and 6739 individuals under 27 families were collected. The results revealed that the most abundant family was Dolichopodidae (10.76%) followed by Sarcophagidae (10.19%) and Ceratopogonidae (8.92%). Yellow pan trap collected maximum number of individuals (2789), and revealed occurrence of maximum number of families (18). Shannon-Weiner diversity Index, Margalef’s species richness index and Pielou’s evenness index of the study area were 2.953, 2.949 and 0.896, respectively, indicating rich diversity of Diptera.

Diversity and abundance of tree species of a protected woodland: Southern Guinea savanna zone (Nigeria)

The study was carried out to assess the diversity and abundance of tree species in Federal College of Wildlife Management, New Bussa, Niger State. Twelve rectangular sample plots of 50x50m (3 hectares) were inventoried in the woodland. 273 trees per hectare were recorded, which belonged to 41 species and 18 families. Anogeissus leiocarpus was the most abundant tree species in the study area. The total basal area was 11.42m2 per hectare. Sterculia setigera had the highest mean diameter at breast height at 51.29 cm while the highest mean height of 14.87 m was recorded for Daniellia oliveri. Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H) value was 3.14. Maximum diversity index (Hmax) was estimated to be 5.61, Pielou’s species evenness index (EH) was 0.56 and Margalef’s index of species richness (M) was calculated to be 7.13. There is need to ensure continuous availability of trees in the study area through effective conservation programme.

Physico-chemical Properties and Fish Composition of Ihawan Spring Community Watershed, Tandag, Surigao del Sur, Philippines

The first assessment study in aquatic ecosystem of Ihawan Spring Community Watershed revealed 23 species of fish belonging to 21 families from 22 genera. Species diversity is high, with values 1.88 and 0.42, respectively for Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (‘H) and Simpsons Dominance (D). Out of the 21 families, Butidae and Eleotridae had the highest species composition (8.70%). Interestingly, the fish composition of Ihawan Spring Community Watershed was primarily composed of native (19 spp.), one (1 spp.) endemic, with two (2 spp.) recorded introduced species and one (1 spp.) Invasive Alien Species. The presence of dominant species of native species indicates the healthy state of the freshwater ecosystem of Ihawan Spring Community Watershed. However, the recently classified Invasive Alien Species of Oreochromis niloticus or Nile tilapia may attribute a negative impact in the river ecosystem that may result in the possible decline of native and endemic fish species present in the area. Whereas, the in- situ reading of some physico-chemical parameters like temperature, dissolved oxygen (DO) and pH of the Ihawan Spring Community Watershed river ecosystem revealed that all parameter tested have passed the standards set by the Philippine Water Quality Standards for Class AA (potable water) intended primarily for waters having watersheds which are inhabited and otherwise protected. From the findings, additional study especially on the abundance of recorded introduced and Invasive Alien Species is highly recommended to monitor the population abundance between the introduced, Invasive Alien Species, native and endemic species and to establish a real profile of the aquatic ecosystem of Ihawan Spring Community Watershed.

Seasonal variation in abundance and diversity of zooplankton in Asu River, Ebonyi state, Nigeria

The Physicochemical variables and Zooplankton of Asu River, Ebonyi State, Nigeria were studied monthly between October 2013 and June 2014 which covered the wet and dry seasons. The study was carried out monthly in two selected sites by collecting water samples for physiochemical analysis and zooplankton identification. Shannon-Weiner diversity and Margalef's indices were used to determine the zooplankton composition. Investigation on the physiochemical variables showed that water temperature, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, pH, conductivity and carbon (iv) oxide all recorded maximum values in the dry season. The present result also showed that the river is not seriously polluted. However, only carbon (iv) oxide and nitrate varied significantly between seasons (p < 0.05). Forty two (42) zooplankton species comprising Rotifera (7 families; 23 species), Copepoda (2 families; 8 species) and Cladoceran (6 families; 11 species) were identified. Rotifera spp. were numerically dominant and the most diverse group but the crustacean, Thermocyclops oithonoides dominated the total zooplankton biomass during the study. Species abundance showed inverse relationship with species richness, Shannon-Weiner diversity and Evenness. Zooplankton abundance was at its peak in the dry season while species richness, Shannon- Weiner diversity and evenness increased from dry season to wet season.

LAND USE CHANGES AND FLORAL DIVERSITY IN KENYA’S MT. ELGON FOREST ECOSYSTEM

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background&lt;/strong&gt;. Montane forests encompass spectacular landscapes, a wide variety of ecosystems, a great diversity of species, and distinctive human communities. Mountain forests support about one quarter of world’s terrestrial biodiversity and include nearly half of the world’s biodiversity “hotspots.&lt;strong&gt; &lt;/strong&gt;Understanding of land use change (LUC) in mountain forest ecosystem is crucial for sustainable management of the ecosystem especially in developing countries like Kenya where the majority of the people depend on natural resources for their livelihoods. Changes in land use in this forest ecosystem could lead to a decline in biodiversity and in the livelihoods of the forest adjacent communities. &lt;strong&gt;Objective:&lt;/strong&gt; To evaluate the differences in land use changes and floral diversity of Mt. Elgon forest ecosystem. &lt;strong&gt;Methodology:&lt;/strong&gt; Differences in land use changes on floral diversity were evaluated using quadrats that were placed in different land uses to measure species diversity and abundance. The Shannon-Weiner diversity index and Whittaker beta diversity index was used to determine changes and similarities in floral diversity, while Kruskal-Wallis test and chi square test was used to determine differences in species abundances. &lt;strong&gt;Result:&lt;/strong&gt; This study established that there were differences in floral diversity in relations to land use changes. The Shannon-Weiner diversity index revealed that control (natural forest) site had the highest species diversity (H=2.07331, evenness=0.884), followed by indigenous plantations (H=1.93962; evenness 0.69957), urban settlements (H=1.85081; evenness=0.66754), Nyayo Tea Zone (H=1.5324, evenness=0.56), mixed farming (H=1.43694, evenness=0.43694) and exotic plantation (H=1.28231, evenness=0.61612). Whittaker beta diversity index for control site verses urban settlements was (0.5385), indigenous plantations (0.2222), Nyayo Tea Zone (0.1429) while mixed farming and exotic plantations (0.000). Kruskal-Wallis test revealed a statistically significant differences in total number of plant species in the various study sites (H=8.288; P=0.049). Similarly, the results revealed a significant difference between specific plant communities (trees, shrubs, herbs, ferns, and climbers) in the study area (H=38.116; P=0.000). Chi square test of homogeneity was used to test difference in distribution of species communities in different location and the results revealed that the differences were insignificant. &lt;strong&gt;Implications:&lt;/strong&gt; Results of species diversity analyses show differences in floral diversity and similarities in areas under different land uses. &lt;strong&gt;Conclusion&lt;/strong&gt;: There are significant differences in floral diversity in areas under different land uses of Mt. Elgon forest ecosystem. Species diversity and similarity of indigenous planted forests and urban settlement closely approach that of the natural forests. Floral diversity play a critical role in provisioning of essential ecosystem services.&lt;/p&gt;

Diversity and abundance of insects in the recreational forest of Bukit Keluang, Besut, Terengganu.

Bukit Keluang is one of the famous natural recreational sites in Besut, Terengganu due to their beautiful sandy beaches and beautiful landscapes. Bukit Keluang recreational forest consist coastal and lowland dipterocarp forest. The studies on the biodiversity are never been reported at this area and thus, we aimed to investigate the diversity and abundance of insects in the coastal and inland forest of Bukit Keluang recreational forest. We built two plots which are Plot A in the coastal area and Plot B in the inland forest at Bukit Keluang. For each plot, three types of insect traps were used; yellow pan traps, pitfall traps, and Malaise traps. The traps were left for seven days and all insect samples collected were brought to the laboratory for sorting, enumerating and identifying up to order level. A total of 455 individuals of insects consisted of 10 orders (i.e. Hymenoptera, Diptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Collembola, Homoptera, Orthoptera, Dermaptera, Blattodea and Isoptera) were successfully collected from the forest of Bukit Keluang. Among them, Hymenoptera order dominated the number of individuals collected at 67.25% followed by Diptera (11.21%) whilst Collembola and Dermaptera were the least abundance order collected at 0.22%, respectively. The coastal forest recorded a total of 271 individuals (nine orders) while inland forest recorded 184 individuals (eight orders). No significant difference (p&gt;0.05) of insect abundance was recorded between both plots. However, the Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (H’) showed that the diversity of insects in the inland forest was slightly higher (H’=1.52) than the coastal forest (H’=0.86). We conclude that the insects’ diversity in Bukit Keluang is relatively higher in inland forest but lower in coastal forest. As no other insect survey has been conducted in this study area in the past, this study delivers a basic evidence and dataset of diversity and abundance for insect which may beneficial for further conservation research at Bukit Keluang in the future.

Mangrove diversity and community structure of Mimika District, Papua, Indonesia

Abstract. Setyadi G, Pribadi R, Wijayanti DP, Sugianto DN. 2021. Mangrove diversity and community structure of Mimika District, Papua, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 22: 3562-3571. Despite being one the largest mangrove forest in the world, there are few studies on mangrove diversity and community structure in Mimika, Papua Province. The study collected data from 4 estuaries of Mimika Region, i.e. Kamora, Tipuka, Ajkwa and Minajerwi. Mangrove species, tree diameter at breast height and canopy height data were collected in 10 m x 10 m plot with three replicates for distance, specifically 0, 250, and 500m perpendicular to the riverbank. This study found 66 mangroves species consisting of 20 major, 10 minor, and 36 associate mangrove species. Their density ranged from 577-1,345 trees ha-1 with diversity Shannon-Weiner diversity indices (H’) ranging from 0.62-1.19 and Evenness Index (J’) ranging from 0.09-0.18. The canopy height of the mangrove trees was ranged from 9-42.5 m. The highest density species was Rhizophora apiculata (333 ha-1) followed by Avicennia marina, Bruguiera gymnorrhiza, and Camptostemon schultzii, while B. parviflora, S. alba, and X. granatum were the least dominant. Regarding basal area, R. apiculata and B. gymnorrhiza were the highest with medians of 7,853 cm2 ha-1 and 5,201 cm2 ha-1 respectively. In the low tidal zone area, mangrove was dominated by A. marina, Sonneratia alba and R. mucronata. Medium low to medium high tidal zones were dominated by B. gymnorrhiza, R. apiculata, and B. parviflora. The high tidal zone was more dominated by Nypa fruticans.

BENTHIC COMMUNITY DIVERSITY AT MARINE ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE, PULAU BIDONG, SOUTH CHINA SEA

An artificial structure on the seafloor will affect the structure of the benthic community. This structure may include a sunken ship or a century-old building that becomes an underwater heritage site. Benthic communities at underwater archaeological sites have been studied around the world, though it is lacking in Malaysia. This study aimed to determine the benthic community composition and diversity in sediment and on an artifact (small ceramic pot) at the marine “Bidong shipwreck” archaeological site. SCUBA divers collected samples (sediment and artifact) from an 18 m depth archaeological site in October 2017. Then, all samples were fixed with 10% buffered formalin and preserved in 80% ethanol prior to identification analysis. Most benthic organisms were identified until class taxon, except for class Polychaeta until family. A total of 2711 benthic organisms which belonged to eight phyla, and 17 classes were recorded, of which 638 are polychaetes. In the archaeological site, Syllidae was the most abundant family in the sediment, and the family Nereididae dominated in artifact while Capitellidae was dominant at the control site. Shannon-Weiner diversity index showed variation and ranged from 1.5 to 2.1, while the evenness index value ranged from 0.56 to 0.77. The benthic community in sediment on both sites were more diverse and even compared to the artifact. Simultaneously, Jaccard’s similarity test discovered that the benthic community’s composition in sediment at the control site was highly similar to the archaeological site (0.80) comparatively to the artifact (0.65). It is suggested that the benthic community at the archaeological site has reached an equilibrium state similar to the control site. The scouring process may influence the lower benthic community composition on the artifact than sediments in its surroundings. These findings provide an overview of benthic community’s post-disturbance resilience and reveal a marine archaeological site’s ecological status.

Zooplankton and meiobenthos diversity at the intertidal sandy shores of Jizan and Farasan coastal areas of Red Sea.

Distinctive studies were conducted for the identification of meiobenthos and zooplankton at Farasan Islands and Jizan sandy shores. The present work compares the meiobenthos and zooplankton communities at Alhsas sandy shore at Farasan Islands and As-Suways sandy shore at Jizan. Population density, species richness and Shannon-Weiner diversity index were determined for meiobenthos and zooplankton inhabiting both the studied sites. Water criteria; surface water temperature, pH and conductivity were determined for each investigated site. Eleven zooplankton species were defined at Alhsas sandy shore Farasan, nine species were identified at the littoral zone at As-Suways sandy shore, Jizan. Ten meiobenthos species were defined at Alhsas site, Farasan. Only eight meiobenthos species were defined at the intertidal zone of As-Suways site, Jizan. The results were discussed to highlight the effect of water criteria on the spatial distribution of zooplankton and meiobenthos at the investigated sites.

Agro-morphological Characterization and Fatty Acid Composition Analysis of Selected Sunflower Accessions

Sunflower is one of the most important oil crops, with the essential fatty acids of its oil considered to be important in the human diet. Various sunflower accessions necessitate morphological and oil research. This study evaluates the agro-morphological characteristics of sunflower using the guidelines developed by the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants (UPOV). Moreover, it also assessed the distinctness, uniformity, and stability among accessions through the agglomerative clustering method, with the morphological diversity estimated using the Shannon-Weiner diversity index that ranges from low to moderate. A significant relationship was observed between pollen diameter and sunflower oil. Twenty (20) accessions were extracted to determine the oil content and fatty acid composition using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Out of 20 sunflower germplasms, 18 accessions had oil extracted. CLSF20 obtained the highest amount of extracted oil. GC-MS analysis revealed that CL-SF14 has 71.5% oleic acid, 6.86% palmitic acid, and the lowest polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acid (P/S) index of 0.4228.

Bird composition, diversity and foraging guilds in agricultural landscapes: a case study from eastern Uttar Pradesh, India

Birds have a significant role in maintaining the ecological balance of agro-ecosystems. But yet there is no documentation related to bird diversity in the agricultural landscapes of eastern Uttar Pradesh. This study was conducted from March 2019 to February 2020 using fixed radius point count method in Ayodhya district of eastern Uttar Pradesh. A total of 139 bird species belonging to 107 genera, 49 families and 15 orders were recorded from the study area. Passeriformes was the most dominant order with 28 families and 76 species. Accipitridae and Muscicapidae were the most diverse families with 11 species each and RDi value of 7.91. Among the recorded bird species, 105 species (76%) were resident, 29 species (21%) were winter visitors and only 5 species (4%) were summer visitors. According to the feeding guilds, omnivores (46 species, 33%) were highly represented, followed by insectivores (31%), carnivores (25%), granivores (6%), frugivores (4%) and nectarivores (1%). The Sohawal tehsil was found to have the highest species richness and a Shannon-Weiner diversity index (133, 4.30). Aquila nipalensis and Neophron percnopterus were the two ‘Endangered’ species, Antigone antigone and Clanga hastata were the two ‘Vulnerable’ species and Ciconia episcopus, Gyps himalayensis, Mycteria leucocephala and Psittacula eupatria were the four ‘Near Threatened’ species found in this region. In addition to this, the region also supported 31 species (22%) whose global population trend is decreasing. This study provides a baseline data on the bird diversity present in agricultural landscapes of this region. Based on which further studies should be designed to understand the factors influencing the diversity of birds in these agricultural landscapes which are continuously subjected to anthropogenic pressures.

Response of water use efficiency and plant-soil C:N:P stoichiometry to stand quality in Robinia pseudoacacia on the Loess Plateau of China

The evaluation of stand quality is of great significance for forest management and sustainable development. Water use efficiency (WUE) and the carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) stoichiometric characteristics of plants and soil are important indexes used to evaluate plant water and nutrients adaptation strategies. However, little is known about the effects of stand quality on WUE and plant‑soil C:N:P stoichiometry. In this study, the growth characteristics of Robinia pseudoacacia plantations and understory plants in an age series of 8-, 15-, 25-, and 35-year-old stands were investigated, and the leaf-level WUE and C:N:P stoichiometry in plants and soil were measured on the Loess Plateau. The results showed that the species richness, Shannon-Weiner diversity index, and evenness index reached their peaks in the 35-year-old stands with increasing afforestation age. WUE reached its highest value in the 35-year-old stands but was only significantly higher than that in the 8-year-old stands. Stand age had different effects on C, N, and P nutrients and stoichiometry in leaves, fine roots, and soil. The most obvious trend was that soil total P decreased significantly with increasing afforestation age, and the leaf N:P ratio was greater than 16 in the four stand ages, which indicated that P was the main limiting factor in R. pseudoacacia plantations. Leaf nutrients and stoichiometry are closely related to forest growth characteristics, while root nutrients and stoichiometry are more related to understory plant composition and diversity. Importantly, the WUE had no significant change with the increase in the stand quality index, and the response of soil stoichiometry to stand quality was stronger than that of plant stoichiometry. These results help us further understand coordinated plant-soil restoration after afforestation.

Diversity of Hemipteran families at Agri-biodiversity park, Hyderabad, India

The diversity and abundance of Hemipteran families at Agri-biodiversity park of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University, Hyderabad, Telangana, India was studied from September 2019 to January 2020. A total of 12,575 individuals under 22 families of Hemiptera were recorded by using five different collection methods viz. pitfall trap, yellow pan trap, manual collection, light trap and yellow sticky trap. Family Cicadellidae was found to be the most abundant family (RA=32.70%), followed by Aleyrodidae (RA=12.47%) and Delphacidae (RA=12.30%), while Eurybrachidae (RA=0.10%), Flatidae (RA=0.10%) and Scutelleridae (RA=0.11%) were the least abundant families. Among the five different collection methods, light trap recorded the maximum number of individuals (6010) followed by yellow sticky trap (3815) whereas, manual collection method (313) recorded the least number of individuals. The Shannon-Weiner diversity Index, Margalef’s species richness index and Pielou’s evenness index for the Hemipteran fauna of the study area were 2.252, 2.225 and 0.728 respectively.

Forest Structure and Tree Species Composition at Kuala Langat South Peat Swamp Forest, Selangor, Malaysia

Kuala Langat South Forest Reserve (KLSFR) was the main highlight when Selangor State Agriculture Corporation proposed to acquire the whole of KLSFR (about 6,908 ha) for the establishment of oil palm plantations. Many parties expressed their concern and opposed the plan as it would lead to the destruction of the forest and its biodiversity. As such, this study was aimed to determine the forest structure and tree species composition to conserve and sustainably manage the forest. Seven plots of 40 m x 20 m covering 0.56 ha were established randomly in KLSFR. All trees with 5 cm diameter breast height (DBH) and above were tagged, measured and identified. Voucher specimens were then taken for further verification purposes. The floristic composition of KLSFR consists of 335 individuals represented by 47 tree species from 21 families. Annonaceae, Guttiferaceae and Myrsticaceae were the most speciose families with five species recorded for each family. Goniothalamus malayanus and Koompassia malaccensis were considered to have absolute dominance at the study site with Important Value index of 14.73 % and 14.19 %, respectively. KLSFR recorded low Shannon-Weiner Diversity index of H’ = 2.85 (H’max = 3.81) and Margalef’s Richness Index with DMG = 7.91. Evenness (E) index of 0.75 portrayed that the tree species are almost equally abundant in the study area. Total trees biomass was estimated at 406.90 t/ha, represented by 349.61 t/ha of above ground biomass (AGB) and 57.29 t/ha of below ground biomass (BGB). The study indicated that KLSFR has uniform distribution of individuals with mixed species composition of trees. Tree distribution showed the pattern of De iocourt’s factor procedure (inverse J distribution) where number of tree decreases with the increase in diameter, representing the natural regeneration of the forest.

Effects of industrial effluent on wetland macroinvertebrate community structures near a wastewater treatment facility

Macroinvertebrate communities and environmental variables were examined in wetlands near an industrial wastewater treatment facility to assess impacts from exposure to historical effluents. Baseline wetland assessments were required prior to cleanup of contaminated sediments at the facility. The study included wetlands historically exposed to direct effluent discharge, wetlands exposed to current effluent discharge (at the time of sampling), and reference wetlands. Wetlands were sampled in June, July, and September 2018 using a new macroinvertebrate community monitoring protocol (“Wetland CABIN”) developed by Environment and Climate Change Canada. Macroinvertebrates were counted and identified to Family level. Data were qualitatively analyzed using pie charts and nonmetric multidimensional scaling, as well as quantitatively with the Shannon-Weiner diversity index, the Berger-Parker index and using pollution sensitivity values. Correlations using Spearman rho were also calculated between indices and measured environmental variables. Wetlands near the treatment facility were not significantly different compared to reference sites. Macroinvertebrate communities near the treatment facility appeared to be relatively unimpacted by historical effluent inputs. The Wetland CABIN protocol may be a useful monitoring tool for assessing wetland macroinvertebrate community structure because it allows for standardized approaches to be used to compare temporal changes at contaminated sites or spatially between sites.

Diversity of Land Snails in the Karst Areas of Sta. Teresita, Cagayan Province, Luzon Island with Notes on New Distribution Records

Malacofaunal research in a karst ecosystem is very limited not only in the northern region of Luzon Island but in the entire Philippines amidst extensive habitat disturbance and destruction. To address this, the diversity and abundance of land snails in the karst areas of Santa Teresita, Cagayan Province were determined. A total of 25 5 x 5 m2 quadrats were randomly set in five stations in the karst landscape. A total of 1206 land snails comprising 45 species under 36 genera representing 17 families were sampled. Camaenidae was the most represented family with 10 species. Luzonocoptis antennae constituted 25.1% of the total number of samples (303 individuals) and was the most abundant species in all stations. Of the 36 genera, five are new records in the Philippines. Several karst endemics and introduced species were recorded. Diversity indices showed diverse land snail fauna with Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H’) of 2.80, with evenness (J’) of 0.36 and dominance index of (D’) of 0.11. Species accumulation curve (SAC) showed late asymptote with a completeness ratio of 0.92. The study demonstrated that land snails in Sta. Teresita, Cagayan Province are rich and diverse. It is very important to recognize Sta. Teresita as priority sites for malacofaunal conservation, and consider the further evaluation of these sites to be designated as a protected area.

Checklist, Indeks Ekologi, dan Status Konservasi Komunitas Fauna Akuatik di Kawasan Sungai Unda dan Sekitar Pantai Jumpai, Kabupaten Klungkung, Provinsi Bali

Aquatic organisms or nekton have an important role in supporting the stability of the aquatic environment and human life. This study aims to determine the nekton type community, ecological index, and their conservation status in the Unda River area and around Jumpai Beach, Klungkung Regency, Bali. The study was conducted in July - August 2020. The study was conducted in 2 communities, namely Macrozoobenthos and Nekton. Macrozoobenthos samples were collected using the quadratic method in the Jumpai Beach area and the direct observation method along the Unda River. Nekton communities are collected through primary data using "survey methods" and secondary data through interviews with fishermen and local communities. The ecological index data were analyzed using the Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H'), dominance index (C), and uniformity index (E), while the data on Nekton type and conservation status were analyzed descriptively. The nekton species community in the waters of the Unda River and Jumpai Beach areas was obtained as many as 26 species in 21 families which were dominated by Kepala Timah (Aplocheilus panchax) and sepat rawa (Trichogaster trichopterus), while Nautica sp for the Macrozoobenthos community. The ecological index of the aquatic community is the Shannon-Weiner Diversity Index (H') value of 2.98 (moderate), the wealth index (R) of 3.95 (moderate), and the evenness index (E) of 1.21. (High). The highest percentage ratio of nekton communities was obtained by the Macrozoobenthos community, namely 53%, while the nekton species was 46%. Conservation status shows that 13 species are included in the LC (Least Concern) category, 12 species are included in the NE (Not Evaluated) category, and 1 species are included in the VU (Vulnerable) category.

Soil nematode community composition, diversity, and soil properties in an age sequence of Haloxylon ammodendron plantations in an oasis-desert ecotone of northwestern China

Restoration of vegetation and soil ecosystems controls desertification, and soil nematodes have been used as bioindicators of ecosystem restoration, but the efficacy of this method is not clear in desert ecosystem. We selected different ages of Haloxylon ammodendron plantations in a desert-oasis ecotone, in Linze County, northwestern China, and sampled surface soil under and outside the canopy to examine the restoration process of plants and changes in the composition and diversity of nematode communities, and relationship between soil physicochemical properties and nematode genera. The results showed that plantation ages of H. ammodendron had significant effects on total nematodes, omnivores-predators and bacterivores. The numbers of total nematodes increased with plantation ages, and reached 228.0 per 100 g dry soil after 46 years. Bacterivores dominated in soil nematode community, accounting for 50.3–94.1% of nematode numbers. The effect of H. ammodendron on soil nematode communities and physicochemical properties was time-dependent. The significant increase of soil nematodes abundance and diversity appeared from 6 years, and soil physicochemical properties varied significantly after 11 years. Shannon–Weiner diversity index, Evenness index, Trophic diversity (TD) index, and Maturity index showed an increasing trend with plantation age, indicating that the food web became more complex, and soil environment gradually stabilized. Nematode genera in different plantation ages were separated by redundancy analysis (RDA), and soil properties significantly affected the temporal and spatial distribution of nematode communities. We concluded soil nematodes can be used as a biological indicator because they reflect the restoration process of the plant-soil ecosystem.

Plant species diversity and crown cover response to vegetation regeneration in community-managed forest in Makawanpur District, Nepal

Abstract. Ghimire P, Lamichhane U. 2020. Plant species diversity and crown cover response to vegetation regeneration in community-managed forest in Makawanpur District, Nepal. Asian J For 5: 36-41. Community forestry is considered as a win-win solution for forest conservation and livelihood provision of forest-based communities. Yet, limited knowledge is available regarding the status of vegetation regeneration in community forests. The study was carried out to assess plant species diversity and crown cover response to regeneration composition in Nawalpur Saraswati (Basamadi) Community Forest of Hetauda Municipality, Makawanpur District, Nepal in November 2020 to December 2020. A stratified random sampling method with a total of 94 sample plots was applied in the study. In total, 44 species belonging to 26 families were recorded in the study site, of which 23 species were represented in tree category, 14 in shrub, and 7 in herb category. Both Shannon-Weiner and Simpson's diversity indices indicated good floral species diversity in the study area. The forest was dominated by Shorea robusta with 396 stem ha-1, followed by Terminalia bellerica 29 stem ha-1, Lagerstroemia parviflora 25 stem ha-1, and Terminalia tomentosa 21 stem ha-1, respectively. Both seedling and sapling were found in good numbers with seedlings 11,583 number ha-1and saplings were 1,896 number ha-1. Both seedling and sapling density was recorded higher in open crown coverage (seedlings=32625 number ha-1; saplings=5033 number ha-1) than in close crown coverage (seedlings=13,708 number ha-1; saplings=2,550 number ha-1). Therefore, the study concluded that crown opening facilitates the growth and development of regeneration density in Shorea robusta and its associated forests. Furthermore, the information generated could be useful to predict future trends in species composition and stand structure in order to optimize the possible forest management strategies.

Різноманіття епіпельних ціанобактерій басейну р. Пінанг, Малайзія, виявлене за допомогою метагеномного підходу на основі 16S

Cyanobacteria are the most widespread group of photosynthetic prokaryotes. They are primary producers in a wide variety of habitats and are able to thrive in harsh environments, including polluted waters; therefore, this study was conducted to explore the cyanobacterial populations inhabiting river tributaries with different levels of pollution. Sediment samples (epipelon) were collected from selected tributaries of the Pinang River basin. Air Terjun (T1) and Air Itam rivers (T2) represent the upper streams of Pinang River basin, while Dondang (T3) and Jelutong rivers (T4) are located at in the middle of the river basin. The Pinang River (T5) is located near the estuary and is subjected to saline water intrusion during high tides. Cyanobacterial community was determined by identifying the taxa via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequence data. 16S rRNA gene amplicons generated from collected samples were sequenced using illumina Miseq, with the targeted V3 and V4 regions yielding approximately 1 mln reads per sample. Synechococcus, Phormidium, Arthronema and Leptolyngbya were found in all samples. Shannon-Weiner diversity index was highest (H’ = 1.867) at the clean upstream station (T1), while the moderately polluted stream (T3) recorded the lowest diversity (H’ = 0.399), and relatively polluted stations (T4 and T5) recorded fairly high values of H’. This study provides insights into the cyanobacterial community structure in Pinang River basin via cultivation-independent techniques using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequence. Occurrence of some morphospecies at specific locations showed that the cyanobacterial communities are quite distinct and have specific ecological demands. Some species which were ubiquitous might be able to tolerate varied environmental conditions.