Zosterops Palpebrosus Research Articles

Analysis of Avian Diversity at Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary: An Urban Forest Perspective

Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary (CKBS) is an urban forest located on the southern fringes of Kolkata. The objective of our study was to document and analyze the diversity of the avian population in CKBS. The line transect method was used and avian diversity, species richness and evenness were analyzed using Shannon Diversity Index, Shannon Equitability Index, relative diversity and relative abundance. Our study recorded 37 bird species belonging to 9 orders and 23 families with most species being recorded from Order Passeriformes followed by Piciformes and Ciconiiformes. The species were well distributed across a number of avian families. Birds rare in metropolises like the Oriental white eye (Zosterops palpebrosus) were also recorded here. Analysis of relative abundances showed that many species comparatively rare in cities like the common tailor bird (Orthotomus sutorius) and white throated fantail (Rhipidura albicollis) showed an abundance similar to more commonly seen species. Values of 2.844 and 0.788 were obtained for Shannon Diversity Index and Shannon Equitability Index indicating high species diversity and evenness. However, high species diversity is not due to assemblage of migratory birds in winter. Species diversity and evenness are highest during the summer months (Shannon Diversity Index = 2.862; Shannon Equitability Index = 0.812) which could be due to dense forest cover, a large number of fruit bearing trees and many water bodies in the sanctuary which provide a favourable habitat for birds in hot weather. Our study indicates that a number of birds appear to be thriving as a stable avian community at CKBS and this urban forest acts as a haven for bird species otherwise rare in Kolkata, further emphasizing the need for taking necessary conservation measures for protection for this urban forest under the strained environmental conditions prevalent in urban metropolises.

Filament union provides landing site for birds and increase pollen removal and deposition in an ornithophilous species

Filament union is a widely distributed characteristic in angiosperms where the stamens in a flower are united by filaments in diverse modes. Yet, its adaptive significance has remained empirically unexplored. Bombax ceiba (Malvaceae) has large red flowers with two whorls of stamens differing in degrees of filament union, and therefore provides an opportunity to explore the adaptive significance of filament union. We observed floral visitors in a large wild population of B. ceiba in Hainan Island, south China. We manipulated the filament union and dyed pollen grains for two whorls of its stamens to explore effects of filament union on bird visitation and pollination consequences. We found that the main floral visitor to B. ceiba was Zosterops palpebrosa, which foraged for nectar via landing on stamens, petals, and branches. When filaments were separated, bird forage attempts and visit durations decreased due to weakened support for bird landing. Consequently, pollen removal was also decreased significantly. Filament union may help in generating the landing sites for the visiting birds to drink nectar, and thus, increases the frequency of their contact with the nearby five-branched stigmas, facilitating pollen deposition from other flowers. Therefore, filament union in B. ceiba may function as an efficient mechanism of cross-pollination by low-frequency but high-efficiency pollinators through stabilizing the anther position and by providing the united stamens as landing sites for birds, and increasing both pollen removal and deposition.

Blood parasites of bird communities in Sri Lanka and their mosquito vectors.

Avian blood parasites have been shown to have significant health effects on avifauna worldwide. Sri Lanka, a tropical island rich with resident and migratory birds, has not been properly evaluated for avian blood parasites or their vectors. We investigated the presence of avian haemoparasites in Sri Lankan birds and the potential mosquito vectors of those pathogens. Blood samples were collected from local/migratory birds captured by standard mist nets from Anawilundawa bird sanctuary, Hanthana mountain range, and the University of Peradeniya park. Mosquitoes were collected from Halgolla forest reserve and the forest patches in Kurunegala and Gampola areas in addition to the above mist-netting localities. Part of the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) gene was amplified and sequenced to detect the presence of haemoparasites from avian blood samples (86) and mosquito samples (480). Blood parasites of the two genera, i.e., Haemoproteus (4 species; Haemoproteus sp. 1-4) and Plasmodium (5 species; Plasmodium sp. 1-5) were identified from seven bird species (four resident and three migratory). Among these, three bird species (Red-vented bulbul (3/16), Asian Brown flycatcher (1/1), and India pitta (1/1)) were positive for Plasmodium spp., while four (Yellow-browed bulbul (1/4), oriental white-eye (1/4), brown-headed Barbet (1/4), and Indian blue robin (1/1)) were positive for Haemoproteus spp. Two mosquito species were also positive for Plasmodium (3) and Haemoproteus (1) species. Phylogenetic analysis and haplotype networks created using positive sequences of haemoparasites showed that a Plasmodium clade was shared by Cx nigropunctatus mosquitoes and the migratory bird, Indian pitta. The majority (85%) of the Plasmodium and Haemoproteus sequences of this study were not linked to the well-characterized species suggesting the distinct nature of the lineages. Associations between mosquito species and blood parasites of birds suggest the possible vector status of these mosquitoes.

Diversity and abundance of birds in Reiek Biodiversity Spot, Mizoram, northeastern India

Birds are one of the best-known classes of living organisms, they are important bioindicators of an ecosystem. This study was undertaken to determine the diversity and abundance of birds in Reiek Biodiversity Spot, Mizoram, northeastern India. Intensive study was conducted from January to March 2019 by line transect method. A total of 117 species of birds belonging to 37 families and 10 orders were recorded and the Shannon-Wiener diversity index was calculated (H'= 3.85). Family Muscicapidae dominated the area comprising of 16 species, followed by Timaliidae with 6 species. Among all the species recorded, Alcippe nipalensis has the highest relative abundance (13.35%), followed by Staphida castaniceps (Striated Yuhina) and Zosterops palpebrosus (Oriental White Eye) with 8.60% and 6.03% each. Family-wise relative abundance revealed that Pycnonotidae has the highest relative abundance (17.45%), followed by Sylviidae (15.91%) and Timaliidae (13.35%). The area supports a rich and diverse avian community, therefore, recommended better management of the entire landscape.

Remnant Flowering Trees as Avifaunal Refuge in the Fringe Areas of Pakke Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh, India

Remnant trees are prominent structures in modified and anthropogenic landscapes globally and avian species and remnant trees, together play an imperative role in preservation of forest ecosystem by providing several services such as pollination, seed dispersal and insect pest predators/defender. In addition, these trees act as the refuges in an anthropogenic landscape to provide ecological functions such as maintaining microclimate, soil nutrients and support species richness and diversity of birds, mammals and insects. This study was aimed to investigate the conservation values of remnant flowering trees occur in the fringe villages of Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary, Arunachal Pradesh, India in order to highlight their significance in the conservation of avian species through direct observation method. Through regular observations, we estimated a total of 2826 (45.59 ± 16.02) numbers of bird’s individuals from 56 species belonging to 28 families and 9 orders in five flowing tree species, viz. Bombax ceiba (Simolu), Moringa oleifera (Sojina), Erythrina indica (Modar), Cassia renigera (Radhachura) and Bauhunia purpurea (Kanchan) found in the village land. The utmost richness (n = 28 species) of avifauna were recorded in Bombax ceiba. A maximum number of the bird species was recorded from order Passeriformes. Pycnonotus cafer (Red vented bulbul: 31.2%) was recorded as dominant bird species followed by Acridotheres fuscus (Jungle Myna: 11.9%), Saroglossa spilopterus (Spot winged starling: 9.9%), Acridotheres grandis (Great Myna: 8.4%), Zosterops palpebrosus (Oriental white eye: 5.4%) and Sturnia malabarica (Chestnut tailed starling: 5.1%) and remaining bird species were recorded less than 5% during the entire study period. Out of 56 recorded avian species, 55 species recognized as least concern species and one species Psittacula alexandri (Red-breasted Parakeet) which belongs to near threatened (NT) under IUCN categories of conservation. The present findings showed that remnant trees have similar competence to conserve bird species as natural forest of Pakke. Thus, the remnant trees with flowering and fruiting in human modified landscape plays a mutual relationship with surrounding bird diversity and help to support the ecosystem and therefore, plantation of flowering and fruiting trees should be encouraged in fringe villages for not only to increase the aesthetic value of landscape but also to provide quality welfare factors for the avian species conservation.

Changes in Population Densities of Two White-Eye Species (Passeriformes: Zosteropidae) Along an Altitudinal Gradient in Sri Lanka

Understanding relationships between population density and habitat quality are crucial in bird conservation attempts. The present study was conducted to document the densities of Sri Lanka White-Eye (Zosterops ceylonensis) (SLWE) and Oriental White-Eye (Z. palpebrosus) (OWE) in solitary and co-existence situations. Censuses of the two white-eye species were conducted in their allopatric and sympatric zones, between September 2017 and June 2019. The allopatric ranges of both species acted as ‘controls’ for this experiment. Analysis of covariance was used to capture the changes in densities in zones of allopatry whereas, correlation test was done to analyze density changes in sympatric zone. Results showed that there was a marked decline in density of OWE from the end of its allopatric zone to the beginning of sympatric zone. SLWE showed no such change. One-way ANOVA showed that the changes in densities with elevation were significant (P<0.01), which was supported by the analysis of covariance (P<0.01). A significant negative correlation (P<0.01) of density in sympatry with increasing elevation was observed for OWE while SLWE showed no significant correlation between density and elevation, and no negative correlation of densities in sympatry. Association of density of OWE with changes in habitat with elevation was suggested as one possibility since forest structure alone does not limit the distribution of OWE according to its pattern on distribution in India where OWE is the sole white-eye species. Previous studies have also shown that at least one of these species show some character displacement in the sympatric zone. Thus, it can be inferred that SLWE has evolved with sufficient differences for ecological isolation from OWE. This has resulted in ecological release to certain extent where OWE must have been replaced with changes in vegetation structure together with competition from its congeneric species.

Impact of agricultural crop type and hunting on bird communities of two villages in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract. Hakim L, Abdoellah OS, Parikesit, Withaningsih S. 2020. Impact of agricultural crop type and hunting on bird communities of two villages in Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 57-66. Land use change has occurred in the Upper Citarum Watershed over time, converting tropical rain-forest to man-made cash-crop gardens dominate the agricultural landscape, leaving mixed-garden (talun), rice fields and smallholder plantation. This changes species composition, community structure and animal diversity, especially bird species. The objective of this paper was to study bird structure community in rural agricultural landscape in Upper Citarum Watershed. We conducted the survey from February to March 2018. We surveyed birds at 36 point counts (PCs), each PC's surveyed six times for 15 minutes along total 6 km of transects in the agricultural landscape in Sukapura and Resmi Tingal Village, consisting of 12 PCs in mixed-garden, 12 PCs in homegarden and 12 PCs in cash-crop garden. Twenty-nine bird species, 17 families and 1.103 individuals were recorded; 2 species being protected by Indonesian law in all sites, three Javan Island endemics and one species migrant bird species. The insectivorous birds are dominant with 15 species in all land-use types. Passer montanus and Javan munia were the most common birds in all land-use types with 820 of 1.103 individual birds (74,9%) were of two bird species. Mixed-garden had higher bird diversity, species richness, and evenness index than the homegarden and cash-crops garden because of the complexity of vegetation structure and canopy cover stratification. There was a significant decrease in some bird species which in the previous study was dominant to be reduced even to local extinctions such as Oriental White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus), Crescent-chested Babbler (Stachyris melanothorax) and Western Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava). Decreased bamboo-tree garden as Crescent-chested Babbler habitat is suspected to be the cause of declination of this bird population. In addition, unregulated bird hunting is also one of the causes of the declining bird populations, especially birds with market value. Some species such as Oriental White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus), Sooty-headed Bulbul (Pycnonotus aurigaster), Great Tit (Parus major), Bar-winged prinia (Prinia familiaris), Javan myna (Acridotheres javanicus) and Spotted dove (Streptopelia chinensis) have rapidly decreased population because of bird hunting activities.

The Oriental White-eyes hosts plaintive Cuckoo and Rusty-breasted Cuckoo

Abstract. Widodo W, Sulistyadi E. 2019. The Oriental White-eyes hosts plaintive Cuckoo and Rusty-breasted Cuckoo. Biodiversitas 20: 2093-2100. The research aims to indicate that there is a tendency that the Oriental White-eyes Zosterops palpebrosus is used as a host for Plaintive Cuckoo Cacomantis merulinus and Rusty-breasted Cuckoo Cacomantis sepulcralis. The researches were done in the year 2009, 2014, 2016 and 2018 in some conservation forest areas in Mount Pancar Recreation Nature Park and Mount Telaga Bodas Nature Reserve (West Java), Mount Wilis forest (East Java) and Mount Merapi National Park forest (Centre Java). The explorative method was used in this research. We found the fact that, at some occurrences, young Plaintive Cuckoo and Rusty-breasted Cuckoo have been hosted and fed up by a pair of Oriental White-eyes Zosterops palpebrosus. It is new information because this occurrence has never been reported before. That research, however, needs to be continued for further information. Among other things, the research is started with the presence of the Oriental White-eyes’ nest and the strategy of Plaintive Cuckoo and Rusty-breasted Cuckoo to place its egg into the nest of Oriental White-eyes. This research implicates to remind the management authority to maintain the population of remaining songbirds either in conservation areas or in non-conservation areas, as well as their buffer zones.&#x0D;

JENIS AVES DAN MAMALIA DIURNAL YANG MEMANFAATKAN JAMBU TANGKALAK (Bellucia pentamera) SEBAGAI SUMBER PAKAN DI KEBUN RAYA SAMBAS

Sambas Botanical Garden is an ex-situ conservation area, in its management there is the term Vak, which is a small management area with care and supervision that is more focused on the inside plants, Bellucia pentamera in the management of Vak is very limited and cut down, but actually Bellucia pentamera is forest plant which has the criteria of providing fruit almost all year long and is widely used by most wildlife. The study aims to record species of aves and diurnal mammals that use Bellucia pentamera as a source of feed for wild animals in the Sambas Botanical Gardens. The research was carried out in the management area and secondary forest, each represented by three growing places, namely hills, foothills and riparians. The study was conducted in July-August with a survey method by observing direct observation at the point of tangkalak guava stands with repetitions three times. The results showed that seven types of aves were found, namely Chloropsis sonnerati, Dicaeum trigonostigma, Dicaeum trochileum, Pycnonotus goiavie, Chloropsis cochinchinensis, Zosterops palpebrosus, and Arachnothera crassirostris, There are four types of mammals found, namely Macaca fascicularis, Sundasciurus lowii, Callosciurus prevostii, and Callosciurus orestes.Keywords: Aves, Bellucia pentamera, Feed, Mammals

Molecular evidence suggests radical revision of species limits in the great speciator white-eye genus Zosterops

White-eyes (Zosterops spp.) are a group of small passerines distributed across the Eastern Hemisphere that have become a textbook example of rapid speciation. However, traditional taxonomy has relied heavily on conservative plumage features to delimit white-eye species boundaries, resulting in several recent demonstrations of misclassification. Resolution of confused taxonomy is important in order to correctly delimit species and identify taxa which may require conservation, particularly in Asia where the songbird trade is decimating wild populations. In this study, we aim to untangle multiple instances of confused taxonomic treatment in three large, widespread Asian wastebasket species complexes of white-eye (Oriental White-eye Zosterops palpebrosus, Japanese White-eye Zosterops japonicus and Mountain White-eye Zosterops montanus) renowned for their conservative morphology. Using mitochondrial DNA from 173 individuals spanning 42 taxa, we uncovered extensive polyphyly in Z. palpebrosus and Z. japonicus and propose some radically revised species limits under which former members of Z. palpebrosus and Z. japonicus would be reassigned into four and two different species, respectively. The revised taxonomy results in a net loss of two previously recognized species and a net gain of two newly recognized species, leading to significant taxonomic change but a lack of additional species-level diversity. One of the newly elevated species, Zosterops melanurus from Java and Bali, is also the world’s most heavily traded songbird and requires urgent conservation attention.

Kelimpahan Pakan Rusa (Cervus timorensis) di Taman Wisata Alam dan Cagar Alam Pangandaran

The research on abudance and species diversity of birt with the IPA (Indices Ponctuels d’Abondence). method was used to sample the birds in the Ciremai mount area, and also dird identification guide book for determine. A total of 60 individual birds belonging to 23 families and 46 species was recorded. The dominant family was silsiidae, comprising 8 species (13,33%) of the total species. The most abundant species in the mount Ciremai was the burung kacamata biasa (Zosterops palpebrosus). The analysis of abudance and species diversity of bird status was achieved about 11 endemic species, and 15 species as restricted range bird. Based on Indonesia Governmen Policy and IUCN International Convention, there are 21 species as the protected bird. There were 15 feeding guild group of bird include 48 species as insectivore, 8 species as carnivore and 4 species as herbivore. The factors with threat to bird population and its habitat are : 1). Illegal hunting, 2). Forest destruction and 3). Forest fire

The local bird trade and its conservation impacts in the city of Guiyang, Southwest China

China has a history and reputation of substantial exploitation of wildlife, and the harvest and trade of wild birds are common throughout the country, both for exportation and local demand. This study documents the diversity and quantity of birds being traded in the city of Guiyang, Southwest China, and evaluates its potential conservation effects. Data were collected through direct observations and through informal conversations on weekends in a public market between March 2014 and February 2015. In total, 206 species belonging to 40 families and 13 orders were recorded, with the family Turdidae having the largest species diversity observed (28 species). The number of individuals on sale was greatly variable among different species. Ashy-throated parrotbills (Paradoxornis alphonsianus) were the most encountered birds, mainly driven by the practice of bird fighting, followed by Acridotheres cristatellus, Garrulax canornus, Zosterops japonicas, Zosterops palpebrosa, Zosterops erythropleurus, Rhyacornis fuliginosus, Emberiza elegans, Leiothrix lutea and Phoenicurus auroreus, which are all common and native to Guiyang. Our data indicated that at least 2000 individuals have been traded in one year for each of these species. We argue that the current bird trade raises a serious potential threat of over-exploitation of these species, especially due to bird fighting and hunting during the breeding season, as well as raising further potential threats of invasive species spread and disease transmission. Measures to control the trade are discussed here, and environmental education could be the most effective. This study highlights the significance of paying more attention to the domestic bird trade in the subtropical region.

Role of Ficus spp. in the avifauna conservation of Jahangirnagar University campus

A study was conducted on Ficus species to evaluate its role in avifauna conservation Jahangirnagar University campus from December 2012 to September 2013. Ficus benghalensis and Ficus rumphii were found to provide food and shelter to the bird community of Jahangirnagar University throughout the year because of their asynchronous fruiting. A total of twenty four Ficus trees were selected for the study. Number of fruit providing trees varied in different months (? = 11.6, range = 4-22, sd ± 6.29). Twenty seven species of birds were recorded from Ficus spp. throughout the year. Dependency of bird species on Ficus varied in different months ( ? = 18.1, sd ± 2.42, range = 16-22). Common Myna was found to visit Ficus tree more frequently while Oriental White Eye was less frequent. The height of the studied Ficus benghalensis ranged from 17 – 45 feet with the mean ? = 26.67 ± 7.51 while Ficus rumphii ranged from 30-48 feet with the mean ? = 39.33 ± 9.0.Jahangirnagar University J. Biol. Sci. 3(2): 9-16, 2014 (December)

ABUNDANCE AND SIGHTING FREQUENCY OF BIRDS IN SENDI – GAJAH MUNGKUR TRACK, TAMAN HUTAN RAYA RADEN SOERJO, MOJOKERTO REGENCY

&lt;p&gt;Sendi – Gajah Mungkur is one of conservation area in Taman Hutan Raya Raden Soerjo, Mojokerto Regency. This is region mostly composed by tropical rainforest with altitude of 1067 – 1174 amsl with rich biodiversity including orchids, mammals, and birds. Some evidence concerning Taman Hutan Raya Raden Soerjo’s richness are some reports and documentations about the Zoothera andromedae, Ficedula narcis, and Arborophila javanica as new records in West Java. This research is done to determine the abundance and sighting frequency of birds in Sendi – Gajah Mungkur track, Taman Hutan Raya Raden Soerjo, Mojokerto Regency using modified line transect method. Species with the most abundance and sighting frequency are Collocalia linchi, Zosterops palpebrosus, and Dicaeum sanguinolentum.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Keywords:&lt;/strong&gt; Abundance, Sighting Frequency, Sendi, Gajah Mungkur, Taman Hutan Raya Raden Soerjo&lt;/p&gt;

DILEMA ANTARA HOBI DAN BISNIS PERDAGANGAN BURUNG SERTA KONSERVASI BURUNG

Paper discusses result of study on the development of hobby on bird keeping, bird song contest, bird trade business, and conservation strategy for bird sustainable use, based on case study undertaken in the Bandung urban and surrounding areas. The combination of qualitative and quantitative method with descriptive analysis was used in this study. The result of study shows that based on direct inventory it was recorded 96 bird species of 24 families which were being kept by thirty respondents. Among the total species, 29 species and races were recorded as dominant, namely anis merah (Zoothera citrina), murai batu (Copsychus malabaricus), ciblek (Prinia familiaris), several races of kenari (Serinus canarinus), several races of lovebird (Agapornis spp), bentet/toed (Lanius schach), several races of pleci/burung kacamata (Zosterops palpebrosa), robin (Leothrix sp), and perkutut (Geopelia striata). Nowadays, the hobby of bird keeping in the cages has tended to increase caused of development of regular song bird contest in the local, regional and national level. Based on this study, it was recorded that fiveteen bird species have commonly entertained in the local song bird contests by the bird lovers in Bandung urban and surrounding areas. Development of the increasing bird keeping hobby and song bird contests have tended to develop bird trading in the urban bird markets and increasing bird hunting in the villages. Therefore, the activity of bird keeping hobby, song bird contests, and bird trading have been dilemma. On the one hand, these activities have provided some benefits. For example, it has developed the bird trading business and bird captive breeding undertaken by the bird lover communities and providing some economic benefits. On the other hands, these activities have affected to dramatically bird population decrease in nature due to increasing bird hunting in villages. Even some rare birds have high risk to be decrease and maybe disappear in some village areas in the near future. Therefore, to sustainable utilize bird species for fulfilling the hobby of bird keeping, bird contests and bird trading purpose; the conservation effort based on community participation is essentially needed.

Significance of Halgolla Forest, Danture, as a Bird Habitat

Halgolla Forest (N7o18’, E80o31’, 536 m above sea level), located close to the historic townof Danture, Sri Lanka, consists of mixed evergreen tropical plant species spanning over anarea of about 20 ha. Despite its small size, the forest reserve is home to a large number ofbird species, numbering over 50. Present study was conducted from the beginning of June tomid-August 2013. The objective of the present study was to document the bird fauna of thisforest. Peak observation hours were between 0600-0900 h and 1,600-1,830 h. Observationswere done on a weekly basis. Among the notable species were endemics such as the SriLanka gray hornbill (Ocyceros gingalensis), Sri Lanka lorikeet (Loriculus beryllinus),yellow-fronted barbet (Megalaima flavifrons), Sri Lanka scimitar babbler (Pomatorhinusmelanurus), and brown-capped babbler (Pellorneum fuscocapillum). The endemic Sri Lankagray hornbill was observed nesting inside the forest. Several proposed endemic species, suchas Sri Lanka green pigeon (Treron pompadora), Sri Lanka small barbet (Megalaimarubricapillus), and Sri Lanka wood shrike (Tephrodornis affinis) were also observed. Raptorssuch as the crested hawk-eagle (Spizaetus cirrhatus), crested serpent eagle (Spilornis cheela),shikra (Accipiter badius), and owls such as the brown wood-owl (Strix leptogrammica) andcollared scops-owl (Otus bakkamoena) have also been recorded. According to theinformation from local residents, the forest eagle-owl (Bubo nipalensis), which is a rare andlocal species in Sri Lanka, is a resident bird in this forest. Other notable species included theyellow-browed bulbul (Pycnonotus luteolus), Indian hill myna (Gracula religiosa), Orientalwhite-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus), emerald dove (Chalcophaps indica), and alexandrineparakeet (Psittacula eupatria). The populations of all these except the yellow-browed bulbulare suspected to be on the decline due to habitat loss. The fact that the reserve supports acomparatively high number of birds of prey indicates that it is rich in biodiversity since thesespecies are at the top of the food chain in any ecosystem. Given the importance of this forestas a watershed area for nearby tea and paddy cultivations, and the large number of birdspecies it supports, Halgolla Forest is undoubtedly an important area for biodiversityconservation

Pollination in Bruguiera gymnorrhiza (Rhizophoraceae) in Miyara River, Ishigaki Island, Japan, and Phangnga, Thailand

Abstract The bird species Hypsipetes amaurotis and Zosterops palpebrosa var. yonakuni, but no insects, were recorded regularly feeding on flower‐nectar of Bruguiera gymnorrhiza in the Miyara River Biological Preserve, Ishigaki Island, Japan, at 7:00‐9:15 a.m. during the investigation from December 20, 1987, to January 19, 1988. In contrast, Anthreptes malacensis foraged for nectar from 7:00 a.m. to 17:00 p.m. Oriolus chinensis visited the flowers mainly between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. in Phangnga, Thailand, during the investigation from November 30 to December 19, 1986. Pollen grains were sprayed onto the birds’faces and bills and into the air. The highest mean volume of 0.24 pollen grains/l/minute was triggered in calm air by the most frequent nectarivore between 6:45 and 7:00 a.m. at a height of 1.5m under a tree‐branch carrying 145 fresh flowers in the Miyara River population, Japan. The highest mean volume of 0.27 pollen grains/l/minute under the same conditions in the Phangnga population, Thailand. Bruguiera gymnorrhiza is bird‐pollinated but with the possibility of some pollination indirectly by wind.

Effects of prolonged daily photoperiods and estrogen on the hypothalamic neurosecretory system of the passerine bird, Zosterops palpebrosa japonica

The hypothalamic neurosecretory system of the Japanese White-eye, Zosterops palpebrosa japonica, was studied. The neurosecretory cells were divided into seven groups: the neurosecretory cells of the supraoptic nucleus were subdivided into lateral and median groups; the cells of the paraventricular nucleus were subdivided into anterior, periventricular, and lateral groups. The sixth group was distributed in the peduncles, and the seventh group was located in the hilar region of the median eminence. The pathways of neurosecretory axons arising in these seven cell groups are described. The neurosecretory cells of the lateral group of the supraoptic nucleus and those of the anterior and periventricular groups of the paraventricular nucleus were stimulated by prolonged daily photoperiods, but the other groups were not. Estrogen administration activated the neurosecretory cells of the median group of the supraoptic nucleus of the long-day birds and nullified the activating effect of the prolonged daily photoperiods on the neurosecretory cells of the lateral group of the supraoptic nucleus. Functional differences among different neurosecretory cell groups in the hypothalamus are briefly discussed.

Subspecific evaluation of White-Eyes of Yaeyama islands, the Ryukyus, and Hokkaido

Author's reexamination of White-eyes of the Ryukyu Chain, of which opinions disagree among Kuroda (1923, '25), Yamashina (1933-4), the Hand-List, 1942, Momi yama (1947), etc., resulted as follows: Zosterops palpebrosa insularis Ogawa...Tanegashima, YakushimaZ. p. loochooensis Tristram...Amami-Oshima, Kikaigashima to MiyakoSynonymi:Z. P. amami Momiyama, Z.japonicus, subsp. Momiyama(1947)Z. p. iriomotensis Kuroda...Ishigaki, Iriomote, and adjacent islands.Synonym: Z. P. japonicus, subsp. Momiyama(1947)Z. P. yonakuni Kuroda...YonakuniZ. p. daitoensis Kuroda...Minami-DaitojimaThe status of the race yesoensis N. h. Kuroda of Hokkaido was reconsidered based on all the available 23 recent speciments including author's new material.As the result, the original diagnostic characters were found to be distinct enough to separate it as a race. The material of Hokkaido included two apparent Honshuitype specimens.

各種鳥類に対する流行性肝炎病毒の感受性に関する研究

In order to study the possibility of successive transmission and the determination of infection titer of hepatitis virus in fowls, the author used six strains of virus, Ishihara Kanamitsu, Noda, Ogawa, Morimoto, and Aomori stains, which were isolated from the patient materials by the successive transmission through mice and embryonated eggs in our laboratory. As the criteria of infection, the author took the hepatitis-specific pathologic changes of the liver and lung. Of the fowls tested, infection was the severest in Chloris sinica minor T. & S, and became milder in the following order: Chloris sinica minor T. & S. Uroloncha domestica, Serinus canaria, Passer montanus saturatus Stejeneger, Emberiza rustica latifascica Portenko, Pyrrhula pyrrhula griseiventris Lafresnaye, Emberiza cicoides ciopsis Bonaparte of Passeres and Fringillidæ, and zosterops palpebrosa japonicaT. & S. of Zosteropidæ.In each fowl, the histological changes became severer with the successive transmissions, and seemed to be fixed at about the fifth transmission.As to the determination of infection titer, the most remarkable pathologic changes were observed around 10-9× in Serinus canaria and 10-10× in Uroloncha domestica. The tests of reversion of virus from fowls to mice were positive in all cases.