Shanon Index Research Articles

Edge Effects in Tree Diversity and Carbon Stock in South Slope at Phulchoki Forest, Lalitpur Nepal

The floral community changes in elevation. Due to the more diverse ecological characteristics, the diverse flora, and the number of landscape elements, there is a change in diversity called the edge effect. This study examines the role of altitude (1400–1800 m, 1800–2400 m, and above 2400 m) and how floral diversity changes with altitude variation. The aim of this study is to examine the carbon stock at which altitudinal range it is higher and why. One tree species (oak) was found at highest altitude (2650 m) followed by intermediate altitude (2100 m) further with greatest number of tree species at low altitude (1600 m). Higher species diversity (Shanon Index: 2.1863) and density (5575 individuals per hectares) was found at altitudinal range I (1400 to 1800 m) composed by Rhododendrum arborium, Quercus glauca, Myrica esculenta, and Myrsine capitellat. Whereas Rhododendron arboretum, Castanopsis tribuloides, and Quercus incana dominate altitudinal range II (1800m to 2400m) with diversity (Shannon Index: 1.759) and an average density (2150 individuals per hectare). In Altitudinal Area III (2400 m and above), the forest is dominated by Quercus semicarpifolia. The highest carbon stock was found in the altitudinal range (1800m to 2400m) compared to altitudinal ranges I and III. Edge effects shaped the community composition and affected tree diversity and carbon stock. In conclusion, the floral community and carbon stock were affected by forest edges, which led to conservation actions and mitigation of climate change in surprisingly different ways.

Exploring the bacterial genetic diversity and community structure of crude oil contaminated soils using microbiomics

The impact of environmental pollution in air and water is reflected mainly in the soil ecosystem as it impairs soil functions. Also, since the soil is the habitat for billions of organisms, the biodiversity is in turn altered. Microbes are precise sensors of ecological contamination, and bacteria have a key and important function in terms of bioremediation of the contaminated soil. Hence in the current work, we aimed at assessing the unidentified bacterial population through Illumina MiSeq sequencing technology and their community structural changes in different levels of petroleum-contaminated soil and sludge samples (aged, sludge, and leakage soil) to identify unique bacteria for their potential application in remediation. The studies showed that major bacterial consortiums namely, Proteobacteria (57%), Alphaproteobacteria (31%), and Moraxellaceae (23%) were present in aged soil, whereas Proteobacteria (52%), Alphaproteobacteria (33%), and Rhodobacteraceae (28%) were dominantly found in sludge soil. In leakage soil, Proteobacteria (59%), Alphaproteobacteria (33%), and Rhodobacteraceae (29%) were abundantly present. The Venn diagrams are used to analyze the distribution of abundances in individual operational taxonomic units (OTUs) within three soil samples. After data filtering, they were grouped into OTU clusters and 329 OTUs were identified from the three soil samples. Among the 329, 160 OTUs were common in the three soil samples. The bacterial diversity is estimated using alpha diversity indices and Shanon index and was found to be 4.490, 4.073 and 4.631 in aged soil, sludge soil and leakage soil, respectively and similarly richness was found to be 618, 417 and 418. The heat map was generated by QIIME software and from the top 50 enriched genera few microbes such as Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Mycobacterium, Sphingomonas and Paracoccus, were shown across all the samples. In addition, we also analyzed various physicochemical properties of soil including pH, temperature, salinity, electrical conductivity, alkalinity, total carbon, total organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium to calculate the soil quality index (SQI). The SQI of aged, sludge and leakage soil samples were 0.73, 0.64, and 0.89, respectively. These findings show the presence of unexplored bacterial species which could be applied for hydrocarbon remediation and further they can be exploited for the same.

A Comparative Assessment of Vegetation Diversity Under Coffee Plantations Inside and Outside Protected Forest Areas

The existence of tree vegetation planted in coffee plantations as shade trees is believed to have a positive influence on the growth and production of coffee plants. This study aims to analyze the diversity of coffee plant vegetation in three age classes planted inside and outside protected forest areas included in the administrative area of North Dempo and Central Dempo Districts, Pagar Alam City, South Sumatra Province. The results of observations and calculations of Value IVI found that Albizia sumatrana was the dominant species in all coffee plantations at various age levels. The IVI values of Albazia Sumatrana in coffee plants aged < 5 years were 157.32 (inside PF) and 720.92 (outside PF), in coffee plants aged < 10 years, were 84.30 (inside PF) and 155.51 (outside PF), while in coffee aged > 10 years is 75.46 (inside PF) and 95.92 (outside PF). Assessment using the Shanon Index and Simpon Index showed the same results; coffee plantations at all age levels had a moderate diversity index, except for vegetation in coffee plantations aged < 5 years which were outside protected forest areas and had low diversity index values. Through the availability of this information, it is hoped that it will be used as initial information for selecting vegetation types that will be used to support restoration activities in areas around protected forests.

The ecological, economical and social benefit of Dukuh in South Kalimantan

This study aims to reveal the ecological, economic dan social benefits of the Dukuh agroforestry system. The ecological data were collected using the survey method and interview. There were 16 quadrant plots measuring 20 m x 20 m placed in 4 selected Dukuh. The sampling method used was nested sampling. Fauna and characteristic of land were carried out using the exploration method by following the vegetation measurement plot. Data on socio economic benefits were obtained from interviews about the income, cost, ethnobotany, and social data. Some supporting data needed to be obtained from village office documents and literature references. The ecological data were analyzed by using species composition and diversity index. Species composition was analyzed by tabulation matrices. The species diversity index was calculated using the Shannon-Wiener Index. Economic benefits are assessed from the economic contribution of Dukuh. Ethnobotanical and social benefit data were analyzed descriptively. There are 38 species of trees and 14 species of understorey found in Dukuh. Shanon index value for tree and understorey of Dukuh species are > 2 (medium category). The ecological characters of Dukuh help retain soil aggregates, increase infiltration, reduce erosion and facilitate preference habitat for animal life. Some animals belong to the category of protected fauna (Manis javanica, Varanus borneensis, Harliantus indus). Aves diversity index value is H’= 2.54 (middle category). Dukuh is also a habitat for 13 species of soil fauna. The economic benefits are identified from: The dukuh’s harvest contributes 30% of the farmers’ total income; Some Dukuh plants are useful as emergency income and medicinal plants. The social benefit of Dukuh is increasing friendship between the community and improving the family’s social status. This information provides an overview of how successful local community forest farming is in providing benefits to the environment.

Conservation Status of Bird Species on Promasan Hiking Trail, Mount Ungaran, Central Java

Mount Ungaran is one of the dormant volcanoes in Central Java. The condition of the unspoiled forest in the Mount Ungaran area is a good habitat for fauna, including birds. There are several hiking trails traversed by mountain climbers, one of them is the Promasan hiking trail. This study aims to determine the diversity of bird species and identify their conservation status on the Promasan hiking trail. Data were colected by Indices Ponctuels d'Abondance (IPA), Line Transect, and Point Count methods. Bird species diversity was determined by the Shanon index. Determination of bird conservation status based on the IUCN Red List, CITES Appendix, Government Regulation (PP No. 7 of 1999) and Ministry of Environment and Forestry Regulation (PERMENLHK RI No. 106, 2018). The results showed that there were 24 bird species belonging to 19 families. The diversity of bird species was classified as moderate (Shanon index = 2.59). There were two species including CITES Appendix II. Based on the IUCN Red List, there was one species in the Endangered (EN) category, 23 species in the Least Concern (LC) category. There was one species that is protected according to Government Regulation (PP No. 7 of 1999). The 3 species include as protected under the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Regulation (PERMENLHK RI No. P.106, 2018). Monitoring the presence of birds in this area must be carried out regularly.

Impact of Fish Farming in floating cages on zooplankton Community in Euphrates River, Iraq

The Impact of floating cages Fish culture on zooplankton in Euphrates river of middle of Iraq was examined from cage and non-cage site at monthly intervals from January 2018 to December 2019. the physical and chemical properties of river water were measured including Water Temperature, Turbidity,Total Solid suspended ( TSS), pH, Electrical Conductivity(EC),Total Dissolved Solids(TDS),Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5),phosphate (PO4) and Nitrate (NO3),The results indicated that: the, Turbidity,Total Solid suspended ( TSS), pH, Electrical Conductivity, Total Dissolved Solids(TDS), Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD5), (PO4) phosphate and (NO3) Nitrate values in cage site were significantly higher than non-cage site (p<0.05) This gives evidence of the effect of fish cages on this properties. In the current study about 48 Taxonomic units of zooplankton were identified, the rotifer was dominate group including 23 taxa to rotifera, 12 taxa belonging to cladocera and 13 taxa to copepod. The Zooplankton showed high density in river 9470 ind/m3 during April in non-cage site while lower1100 ind/m3 in December in cage site also the rotifer recorder density from (425 ind/m3 in cage site to 4925 ind/m3 non-cage site), cladocera density from225 ind/m3 in cage site to 1850 ind/m3 in non-cage site and copepod density from 450 ind/m3 in cage site to 2695 ind/m3 non-cage the high values were in spring and autumn while lowest values were recorded in summer and winter. The results of relative abundance index showed that the species rotifera: Keratella cochlearis,K.valga, Euchlanis delatata while the cladocera Alona rectangular, Bosmina longirostris, Chydorus sphaericus, Simocephalus vetulus and the copepods: nauplii were more abundant in the Euphrates river at cage site. The Shanon-Weiner index of total Zooplankton varied from 1.81 to 4.13 bit/ind while the Shanon index of Rotifer from 1.85 to 3.78 bit/Ind, Cladocera varied from 0.001 to 3.04 bit/Ind and Copeoda varied from 0.35 to 2.71 bit/Ind with greatest values were recorded at April and September in non-cage site while lower values at and June and November in cage site that give evident to effect of cage on zooplankton.

Biodiversity of Rotifera and Cladocera in the upper region of Euphrates River- Iraq

Five representative sampling stations were selected in upper region of Euphrates river. Bimonthly sampling were collected from December 2000 to December 2001. Rotifera showed high density in December 2000 while high density of cladocera which recorded in October .The results of relative abundance index showed that rotifera: Polyarthera dolichoptera , Keratella cochlearis , K. valga, Cephalodella auriculata and cladocera: Bosmina longirostris , B.coregoni ,Chydorus spharicus, were more abundant in study stations. The results of constancy index showed 4 taxa belonged to rotifera and 2 taxa belonged to cladocera which were considered constant in the Euphrates river, where the other species varied between accessory and accidental species in study stations. The index values of Species richness of rotifera varied between 0.41 – 2.8 and cladocera varied between 0.5 - 1.95. The Shanon-Weiner index of rotifera varied between 0.54-1.72 bit/ind., while the Shanon index of cladocera varied between 0.5-1.6 bit/ind. The uniformity index of rotifera varied between 0.41 – 0.99 but the uniformity index of cladocera varied between 0.61- 0.98 .

Biodegradación de dos residuos de estaciones de servicio en Río Gallegos - Argentina

La producción de efluentes contaminados con hidrocarburos en las estaciones de servicio es un inconveniente a controlar y dar un tratamiento adecuado. Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo estudiar la biorremediación de dos residuos de estaciones de servicio de la ciudad de Río Gallegos, Santa Cruz, Argentina por medio de biodegradación. Se realizó la caracterización de la fase oleosa obtenida de efluentes de dos estaciones de servicio y se realizó una biorremediación con microcosmos de los mismos. El seguimiento se realizó con análisis de GC/MS para hidrocarburos y perfiles de ácidos grasos microbianos, como también se realizó un seguimiento de las bacterias degradadoras de hidrocarburos. Los dos residuos mostraron diferente perfil cromatográfico; esto impactó sobre la degradación de los mismos que fue para el Residuo 1 de 79,68 % y para el Residuo 2 de 29,23 %. Este último poseía un perfil más rico en hidrocarburos policíclicos que son tóxicos para las bacterias. El impacto sobre la comunidad bacteriana debido a la composición de los residuos también se evidenció en la evolución del índice de Shannon determinado, y de los diferentes grupos microbianos estudiados a partir de los ácidos grasos obtenidos desde el suelo, encontrándose un predominio de bacterias Gram positivas responsables de llevar adelante el proceso de biorremediacón. Los principales resultados obtenidos demostraron que la fase líquida no acuosa obtenida a partir de los efluentes de estaciones de servicio es posible ser biorremediada por la comunidad bacteriana presente en el suelo de estudio.

Association analysis between genetic diversity of the melanocortin4 receptor (MC4R) gene and production traits in turkey

Melanocortin receptor (MC4R) plays an important role in central melanocortin system and regulating feeding behavior in humans and birds. The current study was designed to estimate the frequency of MC4R gene polymorphism and investigate if their polymorphisms have association with production traits Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) by PCR-SSCP method. For this purpose, a number of 100 turkeys were randomly chosen and blood samples were collected. DNA were extracted from blood samples, and amplified a fragment of 469 bp in size from MC4R gene. Single strand conformation polymorphism technique (SSCP) was used to determine genotypes. Electrophoresis of SSCP-PCR products on 6% polyacrylamide gel indicated that the polymorphism of the MC4R gene. Also, results of electrophoresis showed that three genotypes AA, and BB, with frequencies of 0.2397, 0.4998 and 0.2605, respectively. Shanon index, Nei index and observed heterozygosity with frequencies of 0.6929, 0.4998 and 0.5208, respectively. Significant associations (P&lt;0.01) were obtained for genotypes with live body weight. But no significant relationship between the genotypes with egg performance (egg mass, mean egg weight and the number of eggs) is found. These results suggest that, the turkey MC4R gene can be selected as the major candidate gene for the carcass traits such as body weight, and at future more study is required to confirm these results in Turkey.

Genetic structure and variation in Perovskia abrotanoides Karel and P. atriplicifolia as revealed by molecular and morphological markers

Abstract In this study, 63 accessions of Perovskia abrotanoides from 16 populations were collected from different parts of Iran. Four accessions from P. atriplicifolia were also included specifically from southeastern parts of the state. Evaluations of the genetic variation by morphological characteristics and ISSR markers revealed a high morphological variation among and within the studied populations. The lowest coefficient of variation (CV) was obtained for seed length (10.93%) while the highest belonged to leaf width (33.9%). For molecular analysis, thirteen primer combinations were used to produce 110 polymorphic bands. Cluster analysis with STRUCTURE software classified the accessions into three major groups. The results were in most cases confirmed by principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) and morphological classifications. According to AMOVA, 77.33% of the total genetic variation occurred within the populations, while only 22.67% was observed among them. The populations exhibited a relatively high genetic differentiation (Gst = 0.85) and a low gene flow (Nm = 0.36). Among the populations, SESiKh from southeastern Iran showed the highest percentage of polymorphic loci PPL (51.82%), with a Shanon index (I) of 0.29 and a heterozygosity of 0.21. Furthermore, the central and southeastern populations exhibited the lowest admixture of accessions, while the northern and northeastern ones showed the highest admixture. The results of this study may provide a better understanding of the genetic variation and evolutionary dynamics of the genus Perovskia for the beneficial improvement of its breeding programs.

Population of Herbivorous and Carnivorous Arthropods in Rice Field Ecosystem Modified with Vermicompost and Flower Plants

Biological diversity index could be used as an option to assess the stability of an agricultural ecosystem. This limited field research was aimed to determine the effect of vermicompost and flowering plants (Asteraceae) to the diversity of herbivore and carnivore arthropods (M+). Conventional treatment with the application of non-organic fertiliser and without the addition of flowering plant was used as control (M0). Sampling was conducted using insect nets, and began at 30 days after planting (DAT), and repeated every other week until before harvesting. The results showed that the diversity of herbivore and carnivore arthropods in modified plots with organic fertiliser worm cast and flower plants/habitat manipulated system (M+) was moderate (herbivores: Shannon diversity index from 1.1 - 2.2; carnivores: 1.93 - 2.09), as well as the diversity of arthropods in the field of non-modified/custom system (M0) (herbivores: Shanon index of 1.2 - 1.7; carnivore: 1.34 - 2.18). Meanwhile, the number of arthropod species found in the M+ plot was 59 species, consisted of 22 herbivores and 37 carnivores (9 order, 32 families, and 35 genera). Number of arthropods found in the M0 plot was 54 species, consisted of 17 species of herbivores and 37 species of carnivores (7 orders, 28 families, and 30 generas). Statistical analysis showed that there was no significant difference in the plot diversity M+ and M0. Nevertheless, mean diversity of the M+ plot tended to be higher (Shannon Index herbivore and carnivore = 1.6 = 2.01) compared with M0 plot (herbivore and carnivore = 1.45 = 1.76).

Species assemblages and community structure of deep-sea demersal ichthyofauna of the South-eastern Arabian Sea (SEAS)

Studies of species assemblages and community structure are of vital importance in the deep-sea realm. Data for the present study were collected during the research expedition of FORV ‘Sagar Sampada’ in the latitude 8.02°N and 11.58°N, longitude 74.16°E and 78.35°E. High Speed Demersal Trawl – Crustacean Version (HSDT-CV) was used for the operations at a depth of 200 and 1000 m. The total catch came to 2148.35 kg from 10 stations. An analysis of the catch composition was made. Total catch was dominated by Priacanthus hamrur (27.66%) followed by Neoepinnula orientalis (15.57%), Psenopsis cyanea (10.05%), Glyptophidium oceanium (3.55%), Lamprogrammus niger (3.17%), Narcine timlei (3.08%), Lamprogrammus sp. (2.6%), Pterigotrygla hemisticta (2.17%). About 76 species recorded from 22 orders were identified. The diversity indices, Cluster analysis, k-dominance plot were analysed using PRIMER v6 software. The diversity indices including Margalef richness index (d), Shanon index (log e2), Pielou's evenness index (J′) and Simpson diversity index (1 − λ) were calculated. Diversity indices were compared with the previous studies in the same area, and this can be a reference point for future studies.

ESTRUTURA DO COMPONENTE ARBÓREO E ARBORESCENTEDE UM FRAGMENTO URBANO NO MUNICÍPIO DE SÉRIO, RIO GRANDE DO SUL, BRASIL

Fragmentos urbanos rodeados por uma matriz habitacional constituem uma porção de floresta que preserva a riqueza e serve para conservação das relações dos seres vivos entre si e com o ambiente. O presente estudo teve por objetivo descrever a comunidade arbórea e arborescente do fragmento florestal urbano no município de Sério, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), inserido no Bioma Mata Atlântica, na formação fitoecológica da Floresta Estacional Decidual Montana. O levantamento florístico foi realizado através do método de caminhamento, atingindo toda a área, em saídas mensais. Para a amostragem, foram distribuídas 40 unidades amostrais (UAs) de 100 m², distantes 20 metros entre si. Dentro das UAs foram obtidos os dados de altura e circunferência a altura do peito (CAP) de todos os indivíduos com CAP igual ou superior a 15 cm. Foram estimados os parâmetros de dominância, densidade e frequência, absolutas e relativas, e o índice de valor de importância (IVI). O levantamento florístico indicou a ocorrência de 59 espécies arbóreas e arborescentes pertencentes a 48 gêneros e 30 famílias. No levantamento quantitativo foram amostrados 535 indivíduos arbóreos pertencentes a 51 espécies distribuídas em 42 gêneros e 27 famílias. Dentre as espécies, três são exóticas e três encontram-se na lista das espécies ameaçadas de extinção do RS. A densidade absoluta foi estimada em 1.338 ind.ha-1. Actinostemon concolor apresentou os maiores valores de densidade (140 ind.ha-1), seguida por Alchornea triplinervia e Eugenia rostrifolia, ambas com 108 ind.ha-1. As espécies com os maiores IVIs foram Alchornea triplinervia, Vernonanthura discolor, Actinostemon concolor, Eugenia rostrifolia e Araucaria angustifolia. A diversidade estimada pelo índice de Shannon (Hʼ) foi de 3,35 e a equabilidade de Pielou (Jʼ) de 0,85, apontando uma considerável diversidade de espécies. O fragmento constitui um importante refúgio de espécies da flora nativa regional e, para que continue a cumprir com sua função ecológica, é necessária a implantação de medidas que visem a sua preservação, tais como, a eliminação dos indivíduos de espécies exóticas.

Genetic structure and diversity of ajowan (Trachyspermum ammi) populations based on molecular, morphological markers, and volatile oil content

ISSR and morphological markers were used to assess the genetic variation in 117 ajowan accessions belonging to 25 populations collected from different geographical regions in Iran. For this purpose, fifteen primer combinations were applied to produce 120 polymorphic bands. The dendrogram delineated ajowan accessions into three major groups based on STRUCTURE software analysis. Principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) confirmed the results of cluster analysis but morphological classification showed no significant relationships with molecular results. Among the populations, Farsfars and Yazmol exhibited a relatively high genetic distance (0.54) but they possessed relatively low (255.16gr/m2) and high (435.9gr/m2) seed yields, respectively. Esfahfo and Yazsad populations exhibited a relatively high genetic distance (0.64) as well as high essential oil content (5.37% and 4.73%, respectively). While only about 30.33% of the total genetic variation was detected among the populations, 64.65% of the total variation was observed within the populations. The populations investigated showed a high genetic differentiation (Gst=0.35) and a low gene flow (Nm=1.85). From among the populations, the Eastern and Western ones accounted for the highest values of percentage of polymorphic loci PPL (%), Shanon index (I), and heterozygosity. The results of population structure analysis revealed high admixture of ajowan accessions in the populations. Finally, The results of the present study may contribute to a better understanding and management of conservation and breeding of the ajowan germplasm.

POLYMORPHISM OF THE PROLACTIN GENE AND ITS EFFECT ON FIBER TRAITS IN GOAT.

The prolactin gene (PRL) is a potential candidate gene for the goat cashmere traits in marker-assisted selection. Thus, the aim of this study was to detect PRL gene polymorphism and its association with fiber traits in 200 Raini cashmere goats native to the south-east of Iran. A 196-bp fragment encoding exon 5 within the goat PRL gene was amplified using PCR specific primers. The amplification products were subjected to the single stranded conformation polymorphism (SSCP) analysis. Three different SSCP banding patterns (CC, AC and AA) were observed in exon 5 of the caprine PRL gene. The pattern frequencies for CC, AC and AA were 0.39, 0.38 and 0.23 and frequencies of the A and C alleles were 0.42 and 0.58, respectively. The genotypic distributions did not deviate from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (P> 0.05). The number of observed alleles, number of effective alleles, expected heterozygosity, observed heterozygosity, mean of heterozygosity, expected homozygosity, observed homozygosity, Nei's index and Shanon's index were 2.0, 1.9, 0.48, 0.38, 0.48, 0.51, 0.61, 0.48 and 0.68, respectively. Results of association between genotypes and fiber traits indicated that the CC genotype had the highest fiber length compared with the AA and AC genotypes (P < 0.05) while there was no significant association between the PRL gene genotypes and fiber diameter. These results imply that the PRL gene polymorphism can be used as a molecular marker to improve fiber production without a negative effect on fiber diameter.

Biodiversity Assessment of Paddy Field Ecosystem using Birds as a Biodiversity Indicator

Biodiversity assessment is considered in making decisions concerning declaration of protected areas, management of nature reserves and assessment of the success of management decisions within a particular area. Biodiversity indicators are used as measures of biodiversity. Degree of disturbance or fragmentation of a definite habitat can be measured using specific indicator species. A variety of invertebrates and vertebrates are widely used as indicators of biodiversity. Birds are one of the best species for the national and international biodiversity schemes to be used as a biodiversity indicator. This study focused on the use of birds as an ecological indicator to assess the paddy field ecosystem. The study was carried out in a minor irrigation system in Awlegama Agrarian Service area in Wariyapola Divisional Secretariat. Bayawa was the selected tank with nearly a 38 ha of command area. A standard fixed-radius point count method with the radius set at 25 m was used to sample birds in the paddy field ecosystem. Shanon index was used to explain the results. During a single rice cycle, rice plants undergo three main phenological stages namely; vegetative, reproductive and ripening. All these stages are influenced by farming practices such as tillage, irrigation, crop establishment, agrochemical application and weeding. Different stages with different farming practices create distinct habitats for various bird species. According to the results, the highest Shanon index value (highest diversity) was recorded during the vegetative stage. Birds‟ diversity had a significant, strong (p=0.05) negative correlation with the age of the paddy. Initial land preparation and vegetative stages provide more food sources for the predatory birds who feed on worms, insects and snails; some of whom act as pests of paddy. Mixing of upper and the sub-soil layers in land preparation stages supply more feed for predatory birds. Cattle Egret, Red Wattled Lapwing, Intermediate Egrets, Indian Pond Heron, Black Necked Stroke were in abundance at land preparation and vegetative stage. Yellow crowned woodpecker and White throated munia were recorded during the later stages. A variety of management practices such as land preparation, crop establishments, irrigation, nutrient and pest management, harvesting within the paddy field facilitate to create different habitats with different eco systems and suitable food for bird species. The birds as a biodiversity indicator, symbolise the ecosystem and it reflects the existing condition of an ecosystems. A detailed study will reveal how these birds would help to manage different pests in the paddy fields to bring benefits to the farmers. Keywords: Biodiversity indicator, Ecosystem, Paddy field, Birds, Cattle Egret

Medicinal Plants Scenario in Forest Vegetation of Baikunthpur (District-Koria) Chhattisgarh (India)

The State of Chhattisgarh has about 44% of its geographical area covered with forests. The Koria district in Chhattisgarh lies between 22°58’ to 23°49’ North latitudes and 81° 33’ to 82°45’ East longitude. The average rainfall is 121.36 cm. The forest area is 81.23% of total district Area. The district Koria has a very rich flora exhibiting diversity especially of medicinal plants. There is no comprehensive description of the flora as well as vascular cryptogames of the district is available. Some plant species are on the verge of extinction. Keeping these points in view, the present investigation was planned. The present paper deals with diversity of the medicinal plants of the district and their ecological status. Vegetational analysis revealed some interesting observations on phytosociological characters. Shanon index of general diversity was calculated for tree shrub and herb layers. It was 4.21637 for trees, 4.6357 for shrubs and 4.8298 for herbs. A total of 108 angiospermic plant species of medicinal importance were found distributed in 46 dicot and 10 monocot families. Two medicinally important pteridophytes have also been reported. Key words: Diversity, medicinal plants, phytosociology, Koria district.

English

The state of Chhattisgarh has about 44% of its geographical area covered with forests. The Koria district in Chhattisgarh lies between 22°58’ to 23°49’ North latitudes and 81°33’ to 82°45’ East longitude. The average rainfall is 121.36 cm. The forest area is 81.23% of total district area. The district Koria has a very rich flora exhibiting diversity especially of medicinal plants. There is no comprehensive description of the flora as well as vascular cryptogames of the district that is available in some plant species which are on the verge of extinction. Keeping these points in view, the present investigation has been planned. The present paper deals with diversity of the medicinal plants of the district and their ecological status. Vegetational analysis revealed some interesting observations on phytosociological characters. Shanon index of general diversity was calculated for tree shrub and herb layers. It was 4.21637 for trees, 4.6357 for shrubs and 4.8298 for herbs. Total of 108 angiospermic plant species of medicinal importance were found distributed in 46 dicot and 10 monocot families. Two medicinally important pteridophytes have also been reported. Key words: Diversity, medicinal plants, phytosociology, Koria district.

Biodiversity scenario of lower hills of Baikunthpur (Dist.-Koria) Chhattisgarh (India) with special reference to medicinal plants

The State of Chhattisgarh has about 44% of its geographical area covered with forests. The Koria District in Chhattisgarh lies between 22°58’ to 23°49’ North latitudes and 81°33’ to 82°45’ East longitude. The average rainfall is 121.36 cm. The forest area is 81.23% of total dist. area. The district Koria has a very rich flora exhibiting diversity specially of medicinal plants. There is no comprehensive description of the flora as well as vascular cryptogames of the district; some plant species are on the verge of extinction. Keeping these points in view, the present investigation has been planned. The present paper deals with diversity of the medicinal plants of the district and their ecological status. Vegetational analysis revealed some interesting observations on phytosociological characters. Shanon index of general diversity was calculated for tree shrub and herb layers. It was 4.21637 for trees, 4.6357 for shrubs and 4.8298 for herbs. A total of 108 angiospermic plant species of medicinal importance were found distributed in 46 dicot and 10 monocot families. Two medicinally important Pteridophyteswere also reported. Key words: Diversity, medicinal plants, phytosociology, Koria District.

COMPOSITION, STRUCTURE AND FLORAL DIVERSITY OF FOREST COMMUNITIES OF ACHANAKMAR- AMARKANTAK BIOSPHERE RESERVE :A COMPARISON AND CONSERVATION IMPLICATION

The core region of Achanakmar- Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve falls in Chhattisgarh State (India) and lies between lat.22 0 15’ to 20 0 58’ N and long. 81 0 25’N to 82 0 5’E. Shorea robusta Gaertn F. (sal) is the dominant species occurring in this region.The present study deals with the comparative account of composition and diversity of pure Shorea robusta forest and degraded mixed moist forest of Achanakmar- Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve.Based on the repeated reconnaissance of the area, three representative sites of size 1 hac. in pure sal forest was selected for two growth strata stages eg.upper story(trees )under story(,saplings and seedlings ). The forest vegetation was analyzed using 10 randomly placed quadrate(each 10 *10m) within the representative sites. The vegetation data were quantitavely analyzed for frequency, density, abundance and Importance value index and various indices of alpha and beta diversity .The pure Shorea robusta forest showed high density and basal cover of trees (1233stem ha-1,basal cover 36.36 m2ha-1)and under story vegetation (density1575 stem ha-1 ,basal cover 1.85 m2ha-1). The degraded mixed moist deciduous forest sites represents the degraded stage having low density of trees and basal cover(633 stem ha-1,basal cover 32.82 m2ha-1)and under story vegetation (density 918 stem ha-1 ,basal cover 0.37 m2ha-1). The total number of species was high in pure Shorea robusta forest as compared to degraded mixed moist deciduous forest.Similarly plant diversity was also high in pure Shorea robusta (sal) forest for trees and understory(2.82;2.92 Shanon index;4.76;2.32 richness index ,0.99;1.01 equitability ,0.21;0.22 concentration of dominance,5.78;8.82 beta diversity)respcectively than on degraded mixed moist deciduous forests for trees and understory(1.99;2.44 Shanon index;3.48 ;1.43richness index , 0.78;1.04 equitability index,0.39;0.26 concentration of dominance,8.20;11.93; beta diversity)respcectively..The climatic condition of the region supported the regeneration of Shorea robusta (sal) and its associates in the climax formation over a long successional