Impact of habitat disturbance on the distribution of endemic species of small mammals and birds in a tropical rain forest in Sri Lanka

We tested whether species endemic to Sri Lanka were less able than non-endemics to tolerate disturbed habitats. Small mammals were surveyed in four habitat types along a disturbance gradient (unlogged forest, selectively logged forest, cultivated areas and areas abandoned after cultivation) within and around the Sinharaja rain forest in south-west Sri Lanka. Twenty 90-m×40-m plots were live trapped in each of these habitat types. Twelve taxa: nine rodents (Srilankamys ohiensis, Rattus rattus kelaarti, R. r. kandianus, Mus mayori, M. cervicolor, Bandicota indica, Funambulus layardi, F. sublineatus and F. palmarum) and three insectivores (Crocidura miya, Suncus zeylanicus and Feroculus feroculus) were recorded. Of these, five were endemic to Sri Lanka at the species level (species confined to the island) and six at subspecies level (subspecies confined to the island; other subspecies occurring on the Indian subcontinent). Species richness of small mammals decreased with the magnitude of forest disturbance. The endemic species selectively utilized sites within the forest whilst the majority of the other taxa used both forest and non-forest habitat types or were restricted to the latter. Bird surveys were carried out in the same plots, using sightings and calls. Sixty-six bird species were recorded, of which 21 were endemic species. Twenty endemic bird species preferentially used sites within the forest. The findings suggest that the forest-dwelling endemic species of both small mammal and bird encounter difficulties in tolerating modified landscapes, whilst other taxa are less affected. This highlights the vulnerability of endemic species to forest conversion.

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First Detection of Bartonella spp. in Small Mammals from Rice Storage and Processing Facilities in Myanmar and Sri Lanka

Microorganisms ◽

10.3390/microorganisms9030658 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 658

Author(s):

Inga Böge ◽

Martin Pfeffer ◽

Nyo M. Htwe ◽

Pyai P. Maw ◽

Siriwardana Rampalage Sarathchandra ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Sri Lanka ◽

Small Mammals ◽

Target Genes ◽

Bartonella Henselae ◽

Rattus Rattus ◽

Suncus Murinus ◽

Mammal Species ◽

Urban Settlements ◽

D 12 ◽

Zoonotic Bacteria

(1) Background: Bartonella spp. are zoonotic bacteria with small mammals as main reservoirs. Bartonella spp. prevalence in small mammals from Myanmar and Sri Lanka are yet unknown. (2) Methods: Small mammals were snap trapped in Sri Lanka and Myanmar in urban surroundings. Spleens-derived DNA was screened for Bartonella spp. using conventional PCR based on three target genes. Positive samples were sequenced. (3) Results: 994 small mammals were collected comprising 6 species: Bandicota bengalensis, Bandicota indica, Rattus exulans, Rattus rattus, Mus booduga, and Suncus murinus. In Myanmar, the Bartonella prevalence in Bandicoot rats (68.47%) was higher than in Rattus rattus (41.67%), Rattus exulans (21.33%), and Suncus murinus (3.64%). Furthermore the prevalence in Myanmar (34%, n = 495) was twice as high as in Sri Lanka (16%, n = 499). In Sri Lanka, Bartonella spp. occurred almost exclusively in R. rattus. In Myanmar, Bartonella kosoyi was mainly detected (56%), followed by Bartonella sp. KM2529 (15%), Bartonella sp. SE-Bart D (12%) and Bartonella henselae (1%). In Sri Lanka, B. phoceensis (60%) and Bartonella sp. KM2581 (33%) were predominant. (4) Conclusions: Bartonella spp. were detected in all investigated small mammal species from Myanmar and Sri Lanka for the first time. Bartonella kosoyi and B. henselae are zoonotic. As these small mammals originated from urban settlements, human bartonellosis seems likely to occur.

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Identification of Novel Rodent-Borne Orthohantaviruses in an Endemic Area of Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology (CKDu) in Sri Lanka

Viruses ◽

10.3390/v13101984 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (10) ◽

pp. 1984

Author(s):

Devinda S. Muthusinghe ◽

Kenta Shimizu ◽

Sithumini M. W. Lokupathirage ◽

Zhouoxing Wei ◽

Yomani D. Sarathkumara ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Chronic Kidney Disease ◽

Sri Lanka ◽

Kidney Disease ◽

Small Mammals ◽

Endemic Area ◽

Phylogenetic Analyses ◽

Rattus Rattus ◽

Genetic Evidence ◽

Unknown Etiology ◽

Sri Lankan

We reported the genetic evidence of circulating hantaviruses from small mammals captured in a chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) hotspot area of Sri Lanka. The high seroprevalence of anti-hantavirus antibodies against Thailand orthohantavirus (THAIV) has been reported among CKDu patients and rodents in Sri Lankan CKDu hotspots. We captured 116 small mammals from CKDu endemic regions in the Polonnaruwa District of Sri Lanka. Seven animals (five out of 11 Mus booduga and two out of 99 Rattus rattus) were PCR-positive for the hantavirus. A rat-borne sequence was grouped with a THAIV-like Anjozorobe virus. In contrast, Mus-borne sequences belonged to the THAIV lineage, suggesting a novel orthohantavirus species according to the phylogenetic analyses and whole-genome comparisons. Our genetic evidence indicates the presence of two THAIV-related viruses circulating in this CKDu endemic area, suggesting a basis for further investigations to identify the infectious virus in patients with CKDu and the CKDu induction mechanism of these viruses.

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List of Species and Conservation Status of Avifauna and Small mammal around Bade Segment Area of River Yobe, Yobe State, Nigeria

International Journal of Current Science Research and Review ◽

10.47191/ijcsrr/v4-i12-18 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 04 (12) ◽

Author(s):

Adam, L. I. ◽

Keyword(s):

Small Mammals ◽

Small Mammal ◽

Conservation Status ◽

Habitat Type ◽

Bird Species ◽

Line Transect ◽

Habitat Types ◽

Mammal Species ◽

River Bank ◽

Small Mammal Species

The study was carried out to assess a Checklist of avifauna and small mammal species along Bade catchment area of Yobe State, Nigeria. Preliminary survey was conducted around the river, three (3) habitat types were identified; (river bank, farm lands and flood plain). The line transect was 8 km in length. Two (2) transects were established per habitat type, making a total of six (6) transects. The transects were 100 m apart to the left or right in order to avoid double counting of species. A distance of 200m was maintained between each habitat. The data obtained were analyses using descriptive statistics (Frequency tables and Charts were used to portrayed the findings. The result of the study; showed that a total of 50 bird species in 28 families were recorded. RB had the highest individuals of Fifty (50) species while FP has the lowest with ten (10) species. The Bird family Columbidae has the highest number with six (6) of species, while the lowest were Ardeidae, Sturnidae and Tytonidae with one species in each of the habitat types. However, checklist of small mammal species also indicated that a total of 6 species of small mammals belonging to 4 families were identified. The result of the study shows that the family Muridae has 3 species which was the highest number of per family identified in the study area, this is due to the fact that Muridae family are the most common small mammals in the study area. And both bird small species fell under least concern (LC) category except Pallid Harrier Circus macrourus which felled under near threatened (NT) species. However, awareness campaign should also be organize for the residents around the study area on the presence, distribution of bird and small mammal species and also disturbing effect of their activities on bird and small mammal around the segment area of river Yobe.

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Conserving the endemic birds on the Comoro Islands, III: bird diversity and habitat selection on Ngazidja

Bird Conservation International ◽

10.1017/s0959270900001180 ◽

1995 ◽

Vol 5 (4) ◽

pp. 463-480 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Jan Stevens ◽

Michel Louette ◽

Luc Bijnens ◽

Marc Herremans

Keyword(s):

Species Diversity ◽

Endemic Species ◽

Bird Species ◽

Bird Diversity ◽

Forest Types ◽

Habitat Types ◽

Endemic Birds ◽

Grande Comore ◽

Bird Species Diversity ◽

Comoro Islands

SummaryBird species diversity is investigated in different habitat types on Ngazidja (Grand Comoro), Comoro Islands. Total bird diversity does not differ significantly among different forest types, but the proportion of endemic species, endemic subspecies and non-endemic species does. Both intact mature forests and pioneer forests on the slopes of Mount Karthala are important for the preservation of bird endemism. The forests on La Grille are poor in endemic species, but their bird species diversity is high thanks to non-endemics. Planting of Eucalyptus is useless for endemic birds. Humblotia flavirostris, Turdus bewsheri and Nesillas brevicaudata avoid logged forests, but Alectroenas sganzini is numerous in them. Foudia eminentissima is common in forests with bananas planted in the undergrowth.La diversité en espèces d'oiseaux est étudiée dans différents habitats à Ngazidja (Grande Comore), lies Comores. La diversité totale ne varie pas d'une manière significative parmi les différents types de forêt, mais la fraction due aux especès endémiques, aux sous-espèces endémiques et aux espèces non-endémiques varie. Aussi bien les forêts intactes et matures et les forêts jeunes sur lave sont importantes pour la préservation d'oiseaux endémiques sur les flancs du Mont Karthala. Les forêts à La Grille sont pauvres en oiseaux endémiques, mais leur diversité est grande, grace aux espèces non-endémiques. Les plantations d'Eucalyptus n'ont pas de valeur pour les oiseaux endémiques. Humblotia flavirostris, Turdus bewsheri et Nesillas brevicaudata évitent les forêts exploitées pour le bois, mais Alectroenas sganzini y est nombreux. Foudia eminentissima est commun dans les forêts plantées de bananiers sous les arbres.

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Suicide on the Indian Subcontinent

Crisis ◽

10.1027//0227-5910.23.3.104 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 23 (3) ◽

pp. 104-107 ◽

Cited By ~ 36

Author(s):

Murad M. Khan

Keyword(s):

Sri Lanka ◽

Mental Health Professionals ◽

Indian Subcontinent ◽

Interpersonal Relationship ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Elderly Subjects ◽

Important Public Health Problem ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Formidable Challenge ◽

Causative Factors

Summary: The Indian subcontinent comprises eight countries (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, Bhutan, and the Maldives) and a collective population of more than 1.3 billion people. 10% of the world's suicides (more than 100,000 people) take place in just three of these countries, viz. India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan. There is very little information on suicides from the other four countries. Some differences from suicides in Western countries include the high use of organophosphate insecticides, larger numbers of married women, fewer elderly subjects, and interpersonal relationship problems and life events as important causative factors. There is need for more and better information regarding suicide in the countries of the Indian subcontinent. In particular, studies must address culture-specific risk factors associated with suicide in these countries. The prevention of this important public health problem in an area of the world with myriad socio-economic problems, meager resources, and stigmatization of mental illness poses a formidable challenge to mental health professionals, policy makers, and governments of these countries.

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Revision of the bamboo leafhopper tribe Mukariini (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) from the Indian subcontinent with description of new genera and species

Zootaxa ◽

10.11646/zootaxa.4547.1.1 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 4547 (1) ◽

pp. 1

Author(s):

C.A. VIRAKTAMATH ◽

M.D. WEBB

Keyword(s):

Sri Lanka ◽

Type Species ◽

Tamil Nadu ◽

Andhra Pradesh ◽

West Bengal ◽

New Records ◽

Indian Subcontinent ◽

Madhya Pradesh ◽

New Genera ◽

New Subgenus

Leafhopper genera and species of the tribe Mukariini from the Indian subcontinent are revised. Nine genera and 22 species including two new genera, one new subgenus and 12 new species are dealt with. The new taxa described are Aalinga gen. nov. with its type species Aalinga brunoflava sp. nov. (India: Andaman Islands), Buloria indica sp. nov. (India: Karnataka). Buloria zeylanica sp. nov. (Sri Lanka), Flatfronta bella sp. nov. (India: Karnataka; Bangladesh), Mohunia bifurcata sp. nov. (Myanmar), Mukaria omani sp. nov. (India: Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh), Mukaria vakra sp. nov. (India: Karnataka), Mukariella gen. nov. with its type species Mukariella daii sp. nov. (India: Manipur), Myittana (Benglebra) cornuta sp. nov. (India: Karnataka), Myittana (Myittana) distincta sp. nov. (India: Karnataka), Myittana (Savasa) subgen. nov. with its type species Myittana (Savasa) constricta sp. nov. (India: Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttarakhand) and Scaphotettix arcuatus sp. nov. (India: West Bengal, Meghalaya, Mizoram). Genera Buloria Distant (new placement), Crispina Distant (new placement) and Myittana Distant (new placement) are placed in the tribe Mukariini. Genus Mohunia is redefined based on the study of its type species. Benglebra Mahmood & Ahmed 1969 is synonymised with Myittana Distant 1908 and considered as its subgenus. Myittana (Benglebra) alami (Mahmood & Ahmed) comb. nov., Myittana (Savasa) bipunctata (Mahmood & Ahmed) comb. nov.. Myittana (Benglebra) introspina (Chen & Yang 2007) comb. nov. and Mukariella bambusana (Li & Chen) comb. nov. are proposed; the first two species were earlier placed in the genus Benglebra, the third species in the genus Mohunia and the fourth in the genus Mukaria. Genera Flatfronta Chen & Li and Myittana are new records for India and Scaphotettix striata Dai & Zhang is a new record for the Indian subcontinent and Sri Lanka. All taxa dealt with are described and illustrated and keys for genera and their species are also given.

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An Overview of the Carbonatites from the Indian Subcontinent

Open Geosciences ◽

10.1515/geo-2020-0007 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 12 (1) ◽

pp. 85-116 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Kirtikumar Randive ◽

Tushar Meshram

Keyword(s):

Sri Lanka ◽

Indian Subcontinent ◽

Source Rocks ◽

Time Range ◽

Alkaline Complex ◽

Comprehensive Information ◽

Igneous Origin ◽

Continental Rifts ◽

Low Degrees ◽

Orogenic Belts

AbstractCarbonatites are carbonate-rich rocks of igneous origin. They form the magmas of their own that are generated in the deep mantle by low degrees of partial melting of carbonated peridotite or eclogite source rocks. They are known to occur since the Archaean times till recent, the activity showing gradual increase from older to younger times. They are commonly associated with alkaline rocks and be genetically related with them. They often induce metasomatic alteration in the country rocks forming an aureole of fenitization around them. They are host for economically important mineral deposits including rare metals and REE. They are commonly associated with the continental rifts, but are also common in the orogenic belts; but not known to occur in the intra-plate regions. The carbonatites are known to occur all over the globe, majority of the occurrences located in Africa, Fenno-Scandinavia, Karelian-Kola, Mongolia, China, Australia, South America and India. In the Indian Subcontinent carbonatites occur in India, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Sri Lanka; but so far not known to occur in Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Myanmar. This paper takes an overview of the carbonatite occurrences in the Indian Subcontinent in the light of recent data. The localities being discussed in detail cover a considerable time range (>2400 Ma to <0.6 Ma) from India (Hogenakal, Newania, Sevathur, Sung Valley, Sarnu-Dandali and Mundwara, and Amba Dongar), Pakistan (Permian Koga and Tertiary Pehsawar Plain Alkaline Complex which includes Loe Shilman, Sillai Patti, Jambil and Jawar), Afghanistan (Khanneshin) and Sri Lanka (Eppawala). This review provide the comprehensive information about geochemical characteristics and evolution of carbonatites in Indian Subcontinent with respect to space and time.

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Small mammals of the Addo Elephant National Park

Koedoe ◽

10.4102/koedoe.v18i1.916 ◽

1975 ◽

Vol 18 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

P. Swanepoel

Keyword(s):

Introduced Species ◽

Small Mammals ◽

National Park ◽

Sex Ratios ◽

Rattus Rattus ◽

Reproductive Activity ◽

Body Measurements ◽

Suricata Suricatta ◽

Rhabdomys Pumilio ◽

Mus Minutoides

A survey of the small mammals of the Addo Elephant National Park resulted in a checklist, as well as information on relative numbers, distribution within the Park, reproductive activity, sex ratios, and body measurements. Forty mammals species occur in the Park, while three re-introduced species probably do not occur any longer. Of the 40 species 28 are considered small mammals comprising 13 rodent, eight carnivore, two shrew, two bat, one primate and one lagomorph species, as well as the aardvark: Crociduraflavescens, C. cyanea infumata, Rousettus aegyptiacus, Eptesicus capensis, Cercopithecus pygerythrus, Canis mesomelas, Ictonyx striatus, Poecilogale albinucha, Genetta sp., Herpestes pulverulentus, Suricata suricatta, Proteles cristatus, Felis caracal, Orycteropus afer, Lepus saxatilis, Cryptomys hottentotus, Hystrix africae-australis, Pedetes capensis, Graphiurus murinus, Aethomys namaquensis, Praomys natalensis, Rhabdomys pumilio, Mus minutoides, Rattus rattus, Saccostomys campestris, Desmodillus auricularis, Otomys irroratus and 0. unisulcatus.

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