Similipal Biosphere Reserve Research Articles

A New Species of Rhacophorid Frog from Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Orissa, India

Philautus similipalensis , a new species of rhacophorid frog is described from the proposed Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Orissa, in southeastern India. The new species is compared with congeners from India and Sri Lanka, from which it differs in the following characters: head size, supratympanic fold, finger and toe webbing, indistinct tympanum, skin texture and coloration and tongue without papilla.

Genetic resources of wild tuberous food plants traditionally used in Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Odisha, India

The subterranean parts of many wild plants form an important constituent of traditional diet of the tribal inhabitants of Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Odisha especially in times of food scarcity during critical periods. However, no specific study has been made so far on this aspect. The present study was conducted during 2008–2012 as a search for sources of food and to assess the dietary diversity, consumption pattern, culinary uses and prioritized species of wild tuberous plants sustained by local tribes. The exploration and germplasm collection missions along with intensive botanical survey, focus group discussions, structured household interview and market survey were conducted in 30 villages interacting with 102 key informants of core and buffer zones. A total of 55 wild edible tuberous species representing 37 genera and 24 families were inventoried including 17 species used during food deficiency to meet seasonal shortages. The analyzed data contributed 5 use categories, 4 preparation methods, 7 kinds of food items, 10 species as children snacks, 35 species of pharma-foods and 20 prioritized species. Ten species were domesticated by tribes thus reducing threats on wild tubers and 20 species were traded in local markets to generate additional income exemplifying economic benefits from wild tubers. Seventeen species were identified as novel uses of food items from India. The findings suggested that the nutritional profile along with pharmaceutical attributes of preferred wild food plants be analyzed for recommending suitable species for better nutrition and development of nutraceuticals. Further, many genetic resources of these wild tuberous species of agri-horticultural importance constitute the wild genepool hence their economic and breeding potential along with desirable attributes need to be investigated for utilization in crop improvement programmes.

Nutritional and bioactive potential of two wild edible mushrooms (Lentinus sajor-caju and Lentinus torulosus) from Similipal Biosphere Reserve, India

The nutritional and medicinal potential (antioxidant and antibacterial activities) of 2 wild edible mushroom species (Lentinus sajor-caju and Lentinus torulosus) of Similipal Biosphere Reserve were determined. The macronutrient profile of these mushrooms in general revealed high source of protein (27.31–28.36 g/100 g), carbohydrate (64.95–68.24 g/100 g), and low amounts of fat (1.36–2.42 g/100 g) and possessed good quantities of micronutrients (vitamins and carotenoids) and minerals (P, K, Mn, Ni, and Fe). The solvent extracts (ethanol, methanol, and water) of the mushrooms exhibited strong antioxidant properties (ABTS, DPPH, H2O2, and metal chelating activities) with scavenging activity upto 70.54% along with phenol, flavonoid, and total antioxidant capacity. Both the mushrooms showed moderate antibacterial activity (11.0–18.33 mm inhibition zones) against Streptococcus aureus and Vibrio cholerae. Being a rich source of nutritional and medicinal potential, these 2 studied mushrooms can be used in human diet as nutraceuticals and functional foods.

Analysis of Temporal and Spatial Changes in the Vegetation Density of Similipal Biosphere Reserve in Odisha (India) Using Multitemporal Satellite Imagery

National parks and protected areas require periodic monitoring because of changing land cover types and variability of landscape contexts within and adjacent to their boundaries. In this study, remote sensing and GIS techniques were used to analyse the changes in the vegetation density particularly in the zones of higher anthropogenic pressure in the Similipal Biosphere Reserve (SBR) of Odisha (India), using Landsat imagery from 1975 to 2005. A technique for the detection of postclassification changes was followed and the change in vegetation density as expressed by normalized difference vegetation index was computed. Results indicate that high dense forest in the core zone has been conserved and the highest reforestation has also occurred in this zone of SBR. The results also reveal that anthropological interventions are more in the less dense forest areas and along the roads, whereas high dense forest areas have remained undisturbed and rejuvenated. This study provides baseline data demonstrating alteration in land cover over the past three decades and also serves as a foundation for monitoring future changes in the national parks and protected areas.

Enumeration of Bacterial Population of the Rhizopheric Soil by Culturable Method of Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Odisha, India

Enumeration of Bacterial Population of the Rhizopheric Soil by Culturable Method of Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Odisha, India

A Note on the Lichens from Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Odisha, India

The paper records 141 species of lichens from Similipal Biosphere Reserve in Mayurbhanj district of Odisha state. 129 species marked by an asterisk (*) are new records for the state of Odisha while 3 species viz. Conotrema lumbricoides Siepman, Megalotremis biocellata Aptroot, and Ocellularia lankaensis Hale marked by double asterisk (**) are new records for India.

MAN IN BIOSPHERE RESERVE: A REMOTE SENSING STUDY IN SIMILIPAL, ORISSA

Abstract. The Similipal is a densely forested hill-range in the heart of Mayurbhanj district,Orissa, lying close to the eastern-most end of the Easternghats. Similipal Biosphere Reserve is located in the Mahanadian Biogeographical Region and within the Biotic Province, Chhotanagpur Plateau.There are 4 villages in the core and 61 villages in the buffer area of the biosphere reserve .Agriculture is not well developed and employment opportunities are very poor , most of the people derive their income from collection of NTFP and sale of firewood and timber. A collaborative work is carried out by Regional Remote Sensing Centre(East) and Anthropological survey of India,Kolkata to study the impact of those four villages in the core area of SBR on the conservation of natural resources over the decades.Change in vegetation density as measured by NDVI over the decades is analysed to study the impact of these villages on the core area of Similipal Biosphere Reserve.

Anticandidal activity of Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. Bark from Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Orissa, India

The anticandidal activity and phytochemicals of bark of Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. (Ebenaceae) was evaluated against four species of Candida viz. C. albicans, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis and C. tropicalis. Both polar and nonpolar extracts viz. petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, ethanol, methanol and aqueous were prepared and studied for anticandidal activity using agar cup and broth dilution methods. Although all five extracts showed promising anticandidal activity against all tested Candida species, yet maximum activity was observed in ethanol extract. Minimum inhibitory concentration values for most of the extracts ranged from 0.375 to 6.0 mg/ ml, while the least minimum fungicidal concentration value was observed at 3.0-6.0 mg/ml. Phytochemical analysis exhibited the presence of carbohydrates, protein and amino acids, tannin and phenolic compound, glycoside, steroid and sterols and flavonoids in different extracts. Thin layer chromatography bio-autography showed zones of inhibition 22 mm (C. parapsilosis) and 21 mm (C. tropicalis) with Rf value 0.72 for ethanol extract. These results exhibit the anticandidal activity of D. melanoxylon bark extracts, which may be useful in treatment of candidiasis. However, the active components responsible for antifungal activity need to be evaluated. Key words: Candidiasis, Diospyros melanoxylon, MIC, plant extract, Similipal Biosphere Reserve.

Antimicrobial activity of Diospyros melanoxylon bark from Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Orissa, India

The antimicrobial activity of five extracts of Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. bark collected from Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Orissa was evaluated against human pathogenic bacteria and fungi. The extracts including both polar and non polar solvents; petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanol, methanol and aqueous were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity against three gram positive and five gram negative bacteria as well as three fungal strains. Although, all the five extracts exhibited promising antibacterial activities, yet maximum activity was observed in ethanol extract. In case of antifungal activity, except petroleum ether extract none of the extracts were found to be active against the fungal strains. MIC values for most of the extracts ranged from 1.5 to 6 mg/ml, while MBC values varied from 3 mg/ml to values greater than 12 mg/ml. Phytochemical analysis exhibited the presence of steroids, alkaloids, glycoside, proteins, tannins, phenolic compounds, carbohydrates, gums and mucilage in acetone, methanol and ethanol extracts with maximum phytochemicals in ethanol extract. Least phytochemicals was observed in case of petroleum ether. These results, so obtained, demonstrate the broad spectrum activity of D. melanoxylon bark extracts which may be useful in treatment of various microbial infections. However, the active components responsible for antimicrobial activity need to be evaluated.

Antibacterial activity and phytochemical screening of leaf and bark extracts of Vitex negundo L. from similipal biosphere reserve, Orissa

The antimicrobial activity and phytochemicals of the leaves and bark of Vitex negundo L. was evaluated against three Gram-positive bacteria viz.Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus and five Gram-negative bacteria viz. Escherchia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Vibrio cholerae and Vibrio alginolyteus. Both polar and nonpolar extracts viz. petroleum ether, chloroform, ethanol, methanol and aqueous extracts were prepared and studied for antibacterial activity using disc diffusion, agar cup and broth dilution methods. Results showed promising antibacterial activity of all the extracts of both leaf and bark against E. coli, followed by S. aureus. Ethanol and methanol extracts of the leaf showed inhibition activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria where as petroleum ether and chloroform extracts of bark had better antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. MIC showed that 5% of the extracts were active in a concentration of 0.312 mg/ml; 27.5% in a concentration of 0.625 mg/ml and 88.75% in a concentration of 1.25 mg/ml; were active against different human pathogenic bacteria. At concentration about 2.5 mg/ml, 100% of inhibition was recorded against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The result obtained with ethanol and methanol extracts of leaves; petroleum ether and chloroform extract of bark exhibited significant antibacterial activity, a property that supports traditional use of the plant in the treatment of some diseases as broad spectrum antibacterial agents. Key words: Antibacterial activity, similipal biosphere reserve, MIC, Vitex negundo,phytochemical, medicinal plant activity.

Ethno-zoological studies and medicinal values of Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Orissa, India

This paper documents zootherapeutic practices in Similipal Biosphere Reserve of Mayurbhanj district, Orissa, India. It is primarily based on field surveys carried out in villages, where dwellers provided information on animal species used as medicine, body parts used to prepare the remedies, and the illnesses to which the remedies were prescribed. The dominant tribes involved in using animal parts as medicines in the district are Santhal, Kol, Bhumija, Bhuyan, Mahalis, Sounti and Saharas. The animal parts, namely, blood, excreta, feather and hair were used in raw or cooked forms for the treatment of piles, asthma, skin diseases, fever and rheumatism.The species used as medicinal drug and their respective families were: Bos gaurus gaurus(Mammalia), Buceros bicormis (Bucerotidae), Crocodylus palustris(Crocodilidae), Pavo cristatus(Phasianidae), Hystrix indica (Rodentia), Pterocarpus giganteus (Chiroptera) and Sus scorofacristatus (Mammalia).These zootherapeutical resources were used for the cure of 12 illnesses. Key words: Ethnomedicine, ethnozoology, Orissa, Similipal, traditional knowledge, zootherapy.

VEGETATION ECOLOGY OF THE SIMILIPAL BIOSPHERE RESERVE, ORISSA, INDIA

Vegetation analysis of the forest ecosystem of Similipal Biosphere Reserve (SBR) was carried out at 10 sites to study changes in structure and composition in plant community distributed in the core (undisturbed) and buffer (disturbed) areas of the reserve. The study reveals a higher number of herbs and shrubs and a lower number of trees in the buffer area indicating greater anthropogenic disturbance. Total tree basal area varied from 48.7 to 78.61 m 2 ha -1 in the buffer area and 81.4 to 104.9 m 2 ha -1 in the core area. The density of saplings and seedlings was nearly equal both at the disturbed and undisturbed sites. However, the rate of conversion of saplings to trees was greater at undisturbed sites. The lower rate of conversion at disturbed sites is due to the removal of seedlings of most of the tree species. The high herb diversity (2.14 - 3.50) and low tree diversity (2.14 - 2.98) in buffer area is a result of Environmental openings providing greater opportunity for the recruitment of herbs and shrubs. The presence of only a few individuals of major tree species in larger diameter classes and more in young diameter classes in buffer areas indicate that the plant community was subjected to disturbance and are in the regenerating stage. Greater fluctuation in the species / genus ratio in the herbaceous species at sites of the buffer area in comparison to core area has led to variation in developmental status of plant communities among the core and buffer areas of the reserve. However, the presence of the seedlings of dominant tree species in the buffer area may help in the restoration of the plant communities in the long-run, provided protection means are strengthened and biotic stress reduced.

On the Occurrence of Two Balitorid Fishes of the Genus <I>Schistura</i> McClelland from Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Orissa

On the Occurrence of Two Balitorid Fishes of the Genus <I>Schistura</i> McClelland from Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Orissa

Antimicrobial Activity and Ethnomedicinal Uses of Some Medicinal Plants from Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Orissa

Antimicrobial Activity and Ethnomedicinal Uses of Some Medicinal Plants from Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Orissa

Antimicrobial potentials of endophytic fungi inhabiting three Ethno-medicinal plants of Similipal Biosphere Reserve, India

Fungal endophytes have been studied from three ethno medicinal plants of Similipal Biosphere Reserve. All the plants were found colonized with endophytic fungi. The endophytes were isolated using three different mycological media namely potato dextrose agar (PDA), malt extract agar (MEA) and water agar (WA). Maximum endophytes were isolated in PDA and minimum on WA medium. Altogether 60 fungal endophytes belonging to 14 genera were isolated from the three medicinal plants. Out of which, 31 endophytes (51.66%) were obtained as filamentous forms and 29 of them (48.33%) as yeast colonies. Species of Curvularia, Fusarium, Alternaria and Penicillium were isolated as dominant and host specific endophytes. Out of the 31 fungal endophytes isolated as filamentous forms, 13 isolates (41.9%) could display antimicrobial activity inhibiting at least one of the test pathogens. Among the potent strains, 19.3% displayed both antibacterial and antifungal activity and 6.4% strain showed antimicrobial activity against all the test pathogens. An endophytic fungus identified as Fusarium sp. displayed significant antimicrobial activity. The crude extract of this endophytic strain was very effective against the bacterial pathogens and moderately active against the fungal pathogens. The study reinforced the assumption that endophytes of ethno medicinal plants could be a promising source of antimicrobial substances.

Fauna of Protected Areas - 31: Observations on odonates in Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Mayurbhanj, northern Orissa

Fauna of Protected Areas - 31: Observations on odonates in Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Mayurbhanj, northern Orissa

Ethnomedicinal plant resources of Similipal Biosphere Reserve, Orissa, India

© Zoo Outreach Organisation; www.zoosprint.org Manuscript 1435; Received 17 September 2005; Revised received 02 May 2006; Finally accepted 17 June 2006; Date of publication 21 July 2006 2372 August 2006 | ISSN 0973-2535 (Print edition); 0973-2551 (Online edition) On a global scale, the current dependence on traditional medicine system remains high, with a majority of world’s population still dependent on medicinal plants to fulfill most of their healthcare needs. It is estimated that about 64% of the total global population depend on traditional medicines (Farnsworth, 1994; Sindiga, 1994). Nearly 8000 species of plants have been recognized as of ethnobotanical importance (Anon., 1994). Medical ethnobotany deals with the nature and application of plants used within traditional medical systems and it involves the identification of plants used in traditional remedies, and sometimes includes investigations into folk systems of classifying medicinal plants. This paper deals with the study of ethnomedicinal plant resources of the Similipal Biosphere Reserve.