Shanon-Wiener Index Research Articles

Diversity and distribution of crustaceans in the mangrove forest of Nusa Lembongan, Bali, Indonesia

Abstract. Ginantra IK, Muksin IK, Joni M, Wijaya IMS. 2023. Diversity and distribution of crustaceans in the mangrove forest of Nusa Lembongan, Bali, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 4533-4541. Research on the diversity and distribution of crustaceans in the mangrove forest of Nusa Lembongan, Bali, Indonesia was conducted from March to June 2022. Sampling was carried out using the quadratic method at seven mangrove forest sites. The identification of crustacean species is based on morphological characteristics, namely carapace color, claw shape, legs, and body size. Crustacean density was determined based on the number of individuals per unit area of mangrove forest, diversity was determined by the Shanon-Wiener Index, and crustacean distribution was determined based on the frequency of species presence in each square at the seven study sites. Environmental factors were also measured: Mangrove vegetation, substrate type, temperature, pH, and salinity. The results showed that 12 species of crustaceans were found, consisting of 10 species of crabs and two species of hermit crabs. Several species of crabs are quite dominant in the mangroves of Nusa Lembongan namely Sesarma pictum (De Haan, 1835), with a density of 7 individuals/5 m2, Uca tetragonon (Herbst, 1790) of 3.7 individuals/5 m2, Uca rosea (Tweedie, 1837) with a density of 2.5 individuals/ 5 m2, and Uca triangularis (A. Milne-Edwards, 1873) with a density of 2 individuals/5 m2. Environmental factors support the life of Nusa Lembongan crustaceans, namely the type of substrate, mostly muddy and sandy, diverse species of mangrove plants, both true and associated mangroves, water temperature 27.70-29.00°C, pH 6.88-7.15 and water salinity ranging from 27.83-31.53‰. Crustacean diversity is included in the moderate category with their diversity index. There are three crab species with moderate to frequent (absolute) frequency of presence, namely U. rosea (Fi: 57.15%), S. pictum (Fi: 71.43%), and U. tetragonon (Fi: 85.71%). These species are present in four to six mangrove forest sites.

Mangrove ecosystem provisioning services for the sustainability and diversity of bird species in the coastal region of Lombok Island, Indonesia

Abstract. Syukur A, Zulkifli L, Mahrus H. 2021. Mangrove ecosystem provisioning services for the sustainability and diversity of bird species in the coastal region of Lombok Island, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 24: 1589-1599. Ecological services offered by mangroves are imperative for various faunal species. The present study is focused on assessing the role of mangroves in the sustainability and diversity of bird species in the coastal region of Lombok Island, Indonesia. The aims of the study are (i) to describe the conservation status of bird species and (ii) to describe the value of the ecological index of birds as an indicator of mangrove conservation. The species diversity of birds is assessed by observation, whereas the quadratic transect method is used to assess mangrove vegetation structure. Data analysis has been carried out using univariate statistical analysis, namely the Shanon-Wiener index (H'), Simpson Index (d), Evenness Index (E), Richness Index (R), and linear regression analysis. The genus Rhizophora and Avicennia species have an even distribution in the study area. Rhizophora species in the study area result from revegetation, whereas Avicennia species grow naturally. Altogether, a total of 19 bird species have been observed in the present study. Of these, eight species have a limited distribution, four bird species are Near Threatened (NT), and others are Least Concern (LC) concerning their conservation status. The estimated Diversity Index (H') is ranged between 3.09-3.67, whereas Evenness (E) and Richness (R) index are ranged between 0.72-0.85 and 7.09-10.33, respectively. The ecological index value shows that the research locations have high species diversity and richness, and species are evenly distributed across the sites. Therefore, the value of the index of bird ecology and the distribution of bird species are indicators of mangrove supply services for the preservation of birds at the study site. The study concluded that the diversity of ecological indices and the conservation status of birds are important information for the success of mangrove conservation through revegetation at the study site. However, a comprehensive study is needed on the functional relationship of mangrove supply services with the diversity of bird species to obtain validity and rehabilitation as conservation indicators.

Species diversity, richness, and conservation status of Pteridophyta in the karst ecosystem of Donorejo Forest, Kaligesing, Purworejo, Indonesia

Abstract. Pramudita DA, Armando MF, Rahmayani D, Afifah FN, Putri NRA, Hartanti AN, Safira RN, Mahajoeno E, Indrawan M, Nazar IA, Buot Jr IE, Setyawan AD. 2023. Species diversity, richness, and conservation status of Pteridophyta in the karst ecosystem of Donorejo Forest, Kaligesing, Purworejo, Indonesia. Intl J Trop Drylands 7: 16-25. Pteridophyta is often used as an environmental bioindicator. It can be found anywhere because of its cosmopolite ability. Karst ecosystem is one type of Pteridophyta habitat and roles as a pioneer plant. This study aims to determine Pteridophyta's biodiversity and conservation status in Donorejo Forest, Kaligesing, Purworejo, Central Java, Indonesia. The data collection of Pteridophyta species was carried out by survey method. Furthermore, the species found were analyzed using the Shannon-Wiener species Diversity Index (H'), Margalef Species Richness Index (Dmg), and Evenness Species Index (E). The research found 1387 individuals from 14 families and 34 species. Then, from the analysis that has been carried out using the calculation of tree indices, the following results are obtained; Shanon-Wiener Index (H') = 2.53, Margalef Species Richness Index (Dmg) = 4.56, Evenness Species Index (E) = 0.72. Selaginella plana (Desv. ex Poir.) is the most dominant in the area. From its conservation status, there are two species in LC (Least Concern) under IUCN conservation status, namely Pteris vittata L. and Sphaeropteris glauca (Blume) R.M.Tryon., while the rest are in NE status (Not Evaluated). Moreover, the CITES found one species under Appendix II status, S. glauca. Those biodiversity indices showed that Donorejo Forest has a stable, productive, and complex ecosystem with moderate biodiversity, a high value for Margalef Species Richness Index (Dmg), and an Evenness Species Index (E). At the same time, it faces threats from dominant species and local community activity. This study result can be used for diversity assessment, especially karst land ecosystems, and for further research to make the appropriate conservation strategy.

The Effect of Shrimp Waste Fertilizer Application on Spinach (Amaranthus tricolor L.) with the Presence of Weeds

The presence of weeds in spinach cultivation land is strongly influenced by the application of fertilizer. Fertilizer has a different content so that it will have an impact on the weed species growth. Identification in this study aims to determine the types of weed species that grow and the dominant types of weed species that grow on spinach cultivation land before and after the application of shrimp waste fertilizer. This research was conducted from June to August 2021, on horticultural crop cultivation in the Sinar Harapan Farmers Group, Tarakan City. The sampling method was a random method using a square plot method with a size of 1 x 1 m as many as 30 samples before and after the application of shrimp waste fertilizer. Observation parameters are counting the number of weed species and the name of the weed species. The data obtained in the field is then processed to determine the level of density, frequency, significant value index (INP), Summed Dominance Ratio (SDR), Margalef Index, Shanon-Wiener Index, Evennes Index and Sorensen Index. The results showed that the weed species before the application of shrimp waste fertilizer on spinach plants were 27 species with the dominant weed species being Cyperus compressus with a Summed Dominance Ratio value of 22.72%. Weed species before the application of shrimp waste fertilizer on spinach plants were 25 species with the dominant weed species namely Cyperus compressus with a Summed Dominance Ratio value of 20.51%. The Margalef index before the application of shrimp waste fertilizer was 3.20 and after the application of shrimp waste fertilizer was 3.05. The Shanon-Wiener index before the application of shrimp waste fertilizer was 2.60 and after the application of shrimp waste fertilizer was 2.40. Evennes index before the application of shrimp waste fertilizer is 0.79 and after the application of shrimp waste fertilizer is 0.74 and the Sorensen index is 85%

The role of urban green space design to support bird community in the urban ecosystem

Abstract. Prihandi DR, Nurvianto S. 2022. The role of urban green space design to support bird community in the urban ecosystem. Biodiversitas 23: 2137-2145. The increase in human population due to urbanization causes the expansion of urban areas that threatens forest lands to be lost and makes a serious threat to its biodiversity. Along with changes in the landscape due to urbanization, open green space is an alternative solution to maintaining biological diversity in urban areas. However, various types of open green spaces were developed following certain objectives of landscape management that potentially have different effects on biodiversity. This research aimed to identify the role of various open green spaces designs on bird biodiversity. Birds can be a good indicator of environmental quality because birds are a type of animal that can move in different habitat types and habitat areas and are often used as an indicator of habitat quality in urban areas. Bird observation was conducted using the point count method, while the environmental conditions were recorded using the nested and protocol sampling method. Those data were collected in five different open green spaces of Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta Province. Species diversity shows the diversity of species in a bird community in a certain area using the Shanon-Wiener index. Bird communities were also analyzed using rarefaction analysis. This analysis was used to standardize the species abundance in each type of green open space to estimate the ideal species richness of open green space from the different number of samples. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the value of diversity, richness, and relative abundance of bird species among five different types of open green space. We used Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) to visualize the bird's response toward environmental gradients. Generalized Linear Model (GLM) was employed to determine the effect of the environmental factors on the diversity of bird species. The result showed that different types of urban green spaces have different richness and relative abundance of bird species. We found 5925 individual birds from 40 species in five different types of open green spaces. The garden was the type of open green space with the highest bird species diversity. Of the many variables taken, the slope and the number of vehicles per minute affected the diversity of species. Those two variables were also negatively correlated with the diversity of bird species in the five types of open green spaces. The number of vehicles causes noise and pollution, which causes a decrease in bird populations. Flat slopes can also help birds get food, such as seeds on a flat surface. Creating more gardens for public and private spaces becomes an alternative solution to enhance bird diversity in the urban area.

Keanekaragaman Serangga Pengunjung Tanaman Cabai Rawit (Capsicum annuum L.) di Wiyoro, Bantul

<p><em>Chili is one of the plants that’s planted Indonesian. Excessive use of chemical insecticides in chili planters can cause damage to ecosystems for example reducing in biodiversity. This study aims to determine the diversity and abundance of insects found in chili plants in Banguntapan, Bantul. Sampling uses indirect capture, insect nets, yellow pan traps (YPT), and pitfalls. Insect nets were swung along vertically in chili beds. 15 pieces of YPT and pitfalls were installed for each trap. Sampling was done 8 times in 2 months. The results were order that had most species was Hymenoptera (83 species), while the least were Blattaria, Dermaptera, Diplura, Strepsiptera, and Trombidiformes, each 1 species. The order that has the most abundance individuals was Diptera with 2939 individuals. The species that has the highest abundance was Paratrechina longicornis (Hym: Formicidae) with 1071 individuals. The Shanon-Wiener Index value obtained is 1.883621, which classified as medium diversity.</em><em></em></p>

The Diversity of Freshwater Fish Species in Way Sindalapai River, Liwa Botanical Garden, West Lampung

The diversity of freshwater fish in Way Sindalapai River is quite abundant but there has not been much study on the diversity of fish in Way Sindalapai River. This study aims to determine the diversity of freshwater fish species in Way Sindalapai River, Liwa Botanical Garden. The study began with a preliminary survey with a purposive sampling method and sampling was carried out at 3 sampling locations. The tools used in this study include fishing nets (gill nets), fishing rods, scoop, traditional fishing gear (raas), Global Positioning System (GPS), rulers, and cameras. The sampling points include upstream, middle, and downstream areas. The method used in sample identification is by measuring the morphometry of the samples directly at the sampling location which includes total length, standard length, head length, and height, and collection of fish samples photos. Research parameters and data analysis include environmental factors, the diversity index, the evenness index, and the dominance index. The results showed that 170 fishes were found, 8 species, 2 families, and 4 genera. The fish diversity index in the Way Sindalapai river is included in the medium category from the Shanon-Wiener index calculation results, starting from the upstream, middle, downstream, respectively 1.37; 1,34 and 1,22. Evenness index at all locations are included in the low category from the Shannon-Evenness index calculation results, respectively 0.16; 0.14; and 0.12. The dominance index at all locations is included in the low category based on Simpson's dominance index, which has a value of 0.35; 0.32; and 0.28. Based on the conservation status of the IUCN Red List, ichthyofauna in the Way Sindalapai river is 5 species of low risk (least concern) namely Barbodes microps (wader goa), Rasbora bunguranensis (seluang), Barbodes binotatus (wader cakul), Thynnichtys thynnoides (lumoh), Channa striata (bogo). One species that is critically endangered is Rasbora tawarensis (depik), and two species are lacking information (data deficient) namely Rasbora sumatrana (seluang), and Rasbora semilineata (seluang)

Genome-wide assessment of population structure and genetic diversity for Anabasis aphylla based on specific length amplification fragment sequencing

ABSTRACT Anabasis aphylla is a salt and alkali resistant shrub grows in arid and semi-arid areas, which is also a constructive species of desert soil. To reveal the population structure and genetic diversity in populations of A. aphylla, a total of 106 samples were used as experimental materials for sequencing by specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing. In total, we obtained 300105 SNP which had high consistency. Phylogenetic tree of A. aphylla result showed there was a certain difference between these samples, which can be divided into two groups. The Shanon–Wiener index of A. aphylla was 0.4440 and the Nei diversity index was 0.2854. AMOVA analysis showed there was genetic differentiation among the seven groups to a certain level. The genetic diversity analysis showed the genetic variation of A. aphylla mainly from groups. This study provides a reference for further comprehensive study of the genetic structure and evolutionary adaptation of A. aphylla.

FIRE EFFECTS ON SOIL FUNGI IN A CERRADO VEGETATION AREA ACCORDING TO THE COLLECTION PERIOD

The Cerrado is recognized for its biodiversity, but is currently considered a threatened biome. This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of low-intensity fire on the abundance and richness of fungal communities in a Red Yellow Latosol in Sensu Stricto Cerrado. Five treatments were defined in control and burned plots, which represent the soil collections as a function of the periods after prescribed firing. The fire effects were evaluated in the 0-5 and 15-20 cm layers of soil depth. For statistical analysis, the Shanon-Wiener, Simpson and Berger-Parker indexes were used. A significant reduction of 33.3% was observed (ANOVA; Dunnett Test p> 0,05) in total abundance (UFC.g-1), in the superficial layer and in the deeper soil profile (15-20 cm) of the burned plots when compared to the control plots. However, it was observed a fungi recolonization at 2 months after burning. A total of 21 fungi genera were found, and more diversity was observed in the burned plots compared to non-burned. The maximum Shanon-Wiener index was H´=0,85 in the 15-20 cm depth for the burned plots. For the dominance index, a maximum value of 70% was observed for the Aspergillus genus (in the treatment before burning for the 15-20 cm depth). The fluctuations in the diversity of fungi after burning were not affected by the fire, but by the rainfall indexes in the treatments after burning. The equity was uniform and showed differences in the numerical richness in burned plots and control. Rainfall has a great impact on the fungal recovery speed.

Stand performance of revegetation of post coal mining

The success of revegetation can be monitored by an assessment of the performance of the revegetation stand. This study aims to analyze and comparing the performance of post-coal revegetation stands conventional cropping patterns and hydroseeding planting patterns. The research location is revegetation area of PT. Adaro Site Tanjung Tabalong. The research took place for 2 months from data collection, analysis of data and reporting article. Data is collected using nested plot, the main plot size used is 10 m x 40 m. The main plot is divided into 4 measuring plots measuring 10m x 10m. The main plot measuring 10m x 40m was purposively placed on 2 locations of conventional cropping revegetation stands and 4 locations for revegetation stands of hydroseeding planting patterns. Data collected are stand dimensions data in the form of individual numbers, diameter and height of trees. The composition of plant species was analyzed by tabulation matrix, the percentage of plant growth was calculated based on number of plant growth/ha, stand diversity was assessed by the Shanon-Wiener index (H’), stand volume was analyzed by volume formula, plant health was analyzed qualitatively from observations of visualization of revegetation stand. The composition of plant species used in revegetation is 6 species. The percentage of planting success for conventional planting patterns is 93.5%, while the hydroseeding planting pattern is can’t be determined by the percentage of growth. The number of revegetated plants compared to the two cropping patterns has exceeded the established revegetation success rules (625 individuals / ha). Conventional plants have fewer plants / ha than the hydroseeding pattern, but have a higher average diameter, height, stand volume and diversity index value. Based on visual observations, there was no difference in plant health between the two revegetation plots. The revegetation stand performance from the results of this study can be categorized as good.

Diversity and abundance of termites along altitudinal gradient and slopes in Mount Slamet, Central Java, Indonesia

Pratiknyo H, Ahmad I, Bambang Heru Budianto BH. 2018. Diversity and abundance of termites along altitudinal gradient and slopes in Mount Slamet, Central Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 19: 1649-1658. A study on diversity and abundance of termites along an altitudinal gradient and the different slope was done in plantation forest of Mount Slamet. This research aimed to define the species composition along the altitudinal gradient and slope and to define the environmental factors affecting it. The sampling of termites was carried out following standardized belt transects (100 m x 2 m) laid vertically on the altitude of 700 up to 1300 m asl on four slopes. Each 100 m length of the belt transects was divided into 20 sections (5 m x 2 m), and termites were taken in each section from the trees, branches, barks and the ground. Data of termites composition were analyzed for diversity index (Shanon-Wiener, H') and domination index (Simson, D); the correlation among environmental factors with the family were analyzed by multivariate correlation, and then a Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) was used to define the most associated environmental factor to the diversity and abundance of termites. A total of 7349 individuals belonging to 11 species in nine genera, five subfamilies, and two families were recorded. Four wood feeder species were Schedorinotermes javanicus, Macrotermes gilvus, Odontotermes javanicus and Microtermes insperatus, while humus feeder was Capritermes samarangi, Procapritermes stiger, Nasutitermes matangensis, N. matangensiformis, Bulbitermes spp., and the soil feeders were PeriCapritermes javanicus and P. dolichocephalus. Based on the Shanon-Wiener index, the Western Slope was the highest in diversity with five main environmental factors (altitudes, maximal rainfall, N content, manure application and light intensity) the most influencing while the CCA ordination showed that the canopy closure and light intensity were the most associated factor to the diversity and abundance of termites. In conclusion, the slopes caused the species richness differently with the most associated environmental factors was the canopy closure and light intensity.

Responses of plant species diversity and soil physical-chemical-microbial properties to Phragmites australis invasion along a density gradient

The invasion of ecosystems by strongly colonising plants such as Phragmites australis is viewed as one of the greatest threats to plant diversity and soil properties. This study compared a range of diversity measures including soil properties and mycorrhizal potential under different degrees of Phragmites density among three populations in coastal wetland, Victoria, Australia. Species richness, evenness and Shanon-Wiener index had significantly higher values in low degree of Phragmites density in all populations. Higher densities had the lowest diversity, with Shannon-Wiener index = 0 and Simpson’s index = 1 indicating its mono-specificity. Significant alterations in soil properties associated with different degrees of Phragmites density were noticed. These had interactive effects (population × density) on water content, dehydrogenase activity, microbial biomass (C, N and P) but not on pH, electrical conductivity, phenolics, organic carbon, and spore density. Furthermore, the study elucidated decrease of competitive abilities of native plants, by interfering with formation of mycorrhizal associations and biomass. Overall, our results suggest that significant ecological alterations in vegetation and soil variables (including mycorrhizal potential) were strongly dependent on Phragmites density. Such changes may lead to an important role in process of Phragmites invasion through disruption of functional relationships amongst those variables.

TINGKAT PENCEMARAN WADUK PENJALIN KECAMATAN PAGUYANGAN KABUPATEN BREBES DITINJAU DARI STRUKTUR KOMUNITAS PLANKTON

Penjalin Reservoir is located in Brebes Regency, Indonesia. Human activity around Penjalin Reservoir, such as irrigation, aquaculture, and sanitation can affect its water’s quality. Plankton can be used as bioindicator since its existence is heavily affected by water physical and chemical factors. Polluted waters can affect diversity and abundance of plankton. The purpose of this research were to determine waters quality of Penjalin Reservoir, to know plankton community structure (abundance, diversity, and domination), and pollution level of each sampling station based on plankton diversity. This research used survey method on 6 sampling stations covering inlet, middle of reservoir, and outlet with 3 replicates and 4 weeks interval. Water quality were analyzed descriptively based on criteria of PP No. 82 Tahun 2001. Abundance and diversity were estimated as Shanon-Wiener index. Domination were estimated as Simpson index. Plankton abundance values varies from 4,970.30 to 12,923.37 ind/l with the most abundant species was Tetraedon minimum. Diversity index (H’) were high with value around 3.28–3.55 and domination index were around 0.04–0.07. These diversity indexes showed that the water quality of Penjalin Reservoir were not polluted.

English

Tropical Afromontane forests are among the most species-rich ecosystems on earth and comprise exceptional species richness and high concentrations of endemic species. The natural forest of Agama, an Afromontane forest, was studied with the objectives of determining its species composition, diversity and community types. Systematic sampling design was used to collect vegetation data. Soil samples were taken from each releve at a depth of 0 to 30 cm and soil pH, sand, clay and silt were analyzed. The plant communities’ classification was performed using the hierarchical cluster analysis. We evaluated species richness, eveness (Pielou J’ index) and diversity (Shanon-Wiener index). Sorensens’s similarity ratio was used to compare Agama forest with other similar forest in Ethiopia. A total of 162 plant species, 130 genera and 70 families were recorded from which Acanthaceae and Rubiaceae were the richest families. Furthermore nine endemic plant species were identified. In this study, four plant community types were identified and described. Post-hoc comparison of means among the community types showed that altitude was differed significantly between community types, indicating altitude is the most important factor in determining community type. Phytogeographical comparison of Agama Forest with other vegetation using Sorensens’s similarity ratio revealed the highest similarity with Masha and Godre forest. In conclusion Agama forest presents high richness, diversity and endemism, with different plant communities according to altitude. Thus conservation of plant biodiversity is highly recommended. Key words: Diversity, altitude, phytogeography, richness, endemism.

The diversity of non-methanogenic bacteria involved in biogas production from tofu-processing wastewater

Sunarto, Tsaaqifah H, Purwoko C, Pangastuti A. 2014. The diversity of non-methanogenic bacteria involved in biogasproduction from tofu-processing wastewater. Biodiversitas 16: 62-68. The energy crisis is an important current issue, so diversificationof energy is needed to solve the problem. Biogas from tofu-processing wastewater is one potential alternative energy to be developedbecause it has high organic matter content. The amount of methane formed by methanogens is also influenced by the presence ofbacteria, so it is necessary to do research on the diversity of non-methanogenic bacterial communities. This study aimed to determine thediversity of non-methanogenic bacteria in anaerobic fermentation using ARDRA (Amplified Ribosomal DNA Restriction Analysis)method. Tofu-processing wastewater was anaerobically fermented, followed by DNA extraction, amplification of 16S rRNA markergene, and cloning. Then, restriction was done using MspI and AluI restriction enzymes, followed by sequencing of different patterns.The data were analyzed to know the diversity of non-methanogenic bacteria and the relative importance of each phylotype in thecommunity using Shannon-Wiener index of diversity (H’) and evenness (E).The results showed that there were 38 positive clones of16S rRNA genes clones. The sequencing using BLASTn analysis showed the presence of 10 species of non-methanogenic bacteria.There were four sequences with 97% similarity, indicating that the bacteria belong to species from GeneBank data. There were 6sequences that had 96% similarity with the closest relative in the database, indicating that these bacteria are new species. The Shanon-Wiener index was 1.291, categorized as low and the evenness was 0.561, categorized as low because there was dominance of a species.

Variations in zooplankton diversity and abundance in five research fish ponds in northwest Amhara region, Ethiopia

Zooplankton diversity, abundance and some selected environmental parameters of water quality were monitored in five aquaculture research ponds between December 2007 and June 2008 in North West Amhara region of Ethiopia. Bichena-I and Bichena-II fish ponds which received sub-surface water showed significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05) values of temperature and turbidity than the surface water-sourced ponds. In contrast, Amanuel, Yewela and Gozamen fish ponds that received surface water showed lower values of total hardness, conductivity, total dissolved solids, nitrate and ammonia than Bichera 1 and 11 ponds. Zooplankton diversity was determined using Margalef's index of species richness(S), Shannon–Wiener diversity index(H) and Evenness Index (E) while correlation coefficient values were used to determine the relationship of zooplankton diversity and the environmental parameters considered. The zooplankton fauna consisted of 52 species comprising 19 species of rotifers (Rotifera), 18 species of copepods (Copepoda) and 15 species of cladocerans (Cladocera). The values of all the three measures of diversity considered (S, H 1 and E) all pointed to the fact that the fish 1 ponds that received surface water were characterised by high zooplankton diversity than those that received subsurface water source. Margalef species richness (S) and Shanon-Wiener's index (H') were both highest in Yewela fish pond and lowest in the turbid Gozamen fish pond. The highest value of evenness index (E) was recorded for the Amanuel fish pond while the lowest value was in Bichena-I fish pond. The study indicated that the fish ponds replenished with water sourced from surface water bodies showed higher zooplankton diversity than those of the subsurface water sourced ponds thereby suggesting preference for surface water source as better option for achieving optimal feeding conditions for managing fish ponds in the locality. Keywords : Copepoda, Cladocera, Rotifera, Species Richness, Surface, Sub-surface Water

Vegetation structure, composition and diversity in relation to the soil characteristics of temperate mixed broad-leaved forest along an altitudinal gradient in Garhwal Himalaya

The focus of the study is to characterize the structure, composition and diversity of Banj Oak ( Quercus leucotrichophora ) forests at different altitudes and slopes in Mandal-Chopta area of Garhwal Himalaya. Competing co-dominant tree layers comprised of Persea duthiei and D. himalense at the higher altitude (2100m a.s.l.) and steeper slope (45°); D. himalense and Betula alnoides at the middle altitude (1700m a.s.l.) and moderate slope (38°); and Lyonia ovalifolia and Myrica esculenta at lower altitude (1550m a.s.l.) and gentles slope (30°) were observed in these forests. Community diversity was highest (3.140) at the higher altitude (site-1) whereas the concentration of dominance followed the opposite trend of the diversity. Physico-chemical properties of soils have revealed that availability of higher average total nitrogen and moisture contents might have given birth to higher total basal cover values at middle altitude. The tree density was positively correlated with the tree diversity and tree richness (P<0.001). The vegetational parameters A/F ratio, Shanon-wiener index, Species richness, Margalef index and soil parameters especially pH and available phosphate (kg/ha) were significant (P<0.05%) among the forest sites.