Food habits of the Indian bush rat (Golunda ellioti Gray, 1837) in Pothwar region, Pakistan

Mammalia ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 84 (6) ◽  
pp. 553-561
Author(s):  
Ruqqya Naz ◽  
Amjad Rashid Kayani ◽  
Muhammad Sajid Nadeem ◽  
Muhammad Mushtaq ◽  
Mazhar Qayyum
Keyword(s):  
Triticum Aestivum ◽  
Food Habits ◽  
Arid Regions ◽  
Climatic Changes ◽  
Frequency Of Occurrence ◽  
Field Observations ◽  
Digitaria Sanguinalis ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Young Leaves ◽  
The Arid Regions

AbstractThe Indian bush rat, Golunda ellioti, is indigenous to the Indo-Pak subcontinent. Food habits of this bush rat were investigated using its stomach and fecal contents. Trapping was conducted every month from November 2013 to February 2016. This over 28 months generated a total of 2520 trapping nights. Sample slides from 82 stomach and 10 fecal samples were compared with the reference slides. Field observations along with feeding the Indian bush rat in captivity revealed that it preferably fed on 27 species of grasses with Digitaria sanguinalis [frequency of occurrence (FO) = 13.5%] being the most abundant one followed by Pennisetum orientale (FO = 8.5%). However, the Berger-Parker index revealed that D. sanguinalis (d = 0.148) was followed by Triticum aestivum (d = 0.145). Along with that, they also consumed tillers and seeds of wheat, gram seeds and young leaves of mustard. Considering the climatic changes, its success in adapting to the arid regions and dependence on grasses for food and cover may favor this species in future.

scholarly journals Determination of Botanical Origin of Propolis from Monte Region of Argentina by Histological and Chemical Methods

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1934578X1601100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Salas ◽  
María I. Mercado ◽  
Iris C. Zampini ◽  
Graciela I. Ponessa ◽  
María I. Isla
Keyword(s):  
Honey Bees ◽  
Arid Regions ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Food Supplement ◽  
Botanical Origin ◽  
Selective Harvest ◽  
Young Leaves ◽  
The Arid Regions ◽  
Larrea Divaricata

Propolis production by honey bees is the result of a selective harvest of exudates from plants in the neighborhood of the hive. This product is used in Argentina as a food supplement and alternative medicine. The aim of this study was to determine the botanical origin of propolis from the arid regions of Monte of Argentina using rapid histochemical techniques and by comparison of TLC and HPLC-DAD chromatographic profiles with extract profiles obtained from Zuccagnia punctata, Larrea divaricata and Larrea cuneifolia, plant species that grow in the study area as a natural community named “jarillal”. Microscopical analysis revealed the presence of several Z. punctata structures, such as multicellular trichomes, leaflets, stems and young leaves. Remarkable was the richness of the propolis in two bioactive chalcones, also present in Z. punctata resin; these compounds can be regarded as possible markers for propolis identification and justify its use as a dietary supplement, functional food and medicinal product. This study indicates that the source of resin used by honey bees to produce propolis in the Monte region of Argentina is only Z. punctata, a native shrub widespread in this phytogeographical region, while other more abundant species ( L. divaricata and L. cuneifolia) in the region were not found, indicating that this propolis could be defined as a mono-resin, type- Zuccagnia.

scholarly journals Aspects of the ecophysiology and the dietary strategy of the greater bilby Macrotis lagotis: a review.

2004 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 179 ◽  
Author(s):  
LA Gibson ◽  
ID Hume
Keyword(s):  
Nutritional Value ◽  
Arid Regions ◽  
Food Source ◽  
Arid Zone ◽  
Feeding Strategy ◽  
Separation Mechanism ◽  
European Settlement ◽  
In Captivity ◽  
Dietary Strategy ◽  
The Arid Regions

Since European settlement, the distribution of the greater bilby (Macrotis lagotis), an omnivorous peramelid marsupial, has contracted into the driest and least fertile parts of its former range. A review of the dietary, metabolic and digestive strategies used by M. lagotis provides the basis for an explanation of its ability to persist in the arid regions where it is now restricted. M. lagotis utilises an opportunistic feeding strategy, selecting dietary items in accordance with their abundance. Termites, ants and seeds, that form a concentrated food source, are prevalent in their diet. In captivity, M. lagotis exhibits a flexible digestive strategy that enables them to use diets of varying nutritional value. However, the absence of a colonic separation mechanism in the hindgut suggests that they are limited to relatively low-fibre diets, and this is reflected in their diet in the field. The low water and maintenance nitrogen requirements of M. lagotis are consistent with arid habitation, but the field metabolic rate is higher than expected for an arid-zone mammal, which suggests that water rather than energy conservation is a priority for this species.

scholarly journals Effects of irrigation on precipitation in the arid regions of Xinjiang, China

2012 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 132-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yong ZHAO ◽  
YongJie FANG ◽  
CaiXia CUI ◽  
AnNing HUANG
Keyword(s):  
Arid Regions ◽  
The Arid Regions

scholarly journals On the Pleistocene Snow-Line Depression in the Arid Regions of the South American Andes

1971 ◽  
Vol 10 (59) ◽  
pp. 255-267
Author(s):  
Stefan L. Hastenrath
Keyword(s):  
Arid Regions ◽  
South American ◽  
The South ◽  
Temperate Latitude ◽  
The Andes ◽  
Western Cordillera ◽  
Snow Line ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
The Arid Regions ◽  
June July

AbstractField observations during a journey through the arid regions of the South American Andes in June-July 1969 are evaluated in conjunction with available air photographs and reports from adjacent regions of the High Andes. Results indicate an increase of the Pleistocene snow-line depression in the western Cordillera from about 700 m at lat. 12° S. to more than 1 500 m at lat. 30° S. The Pleistocene snow-line depression decreases from the Pacific to the Atlantic side of the Andes, but particularly strongly so on the poleward fringe of the arid region. From this geomorphic evidence it is suggested that the atmospheric circulation during the glacial period was characterized by an Equatorward displacement of the boundary between tropical easterlies and temperate-latitude westerlies.

СИСТЕМНОЕ РЕШЕНИЕ ПРОБЛЕМЫ ВОДООБЕСПЕЧЕННОСТИ ОБЪЕКТОВ МЕЛИОРАТИВНОГО КОМПЛЕКСА

2020 ◽  
pp. 7
Author(s):  
V.B. Zhezmer
Keyword(s):  
Water Use ◽  
Water Availability ◽  
Arid Regions ◽  
Crop Yields ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Drainage Systems ◽  
Amount Of Information ◽  
Main Factors ◽  
The Creation ◽  
The Arid Regions

Водообеспеченность объектов мелиоративного комплекса имеет решающее значение при обеспечении высоких и устойчивых урожаев сельскохозяйственных культур в аридных регионах страны. В статье рассмотрены способы устранения негативного влияния основных факторов, способствующих созданию дефицита воды для орошения. Проведен анализ схемы, в которой целью мероприятий является эффективное вложение средств при восстановлении элементов гидромелиоративных систем и обеспечение рационализации водопользования. Установлено, что алгоритмы и конечные выводы, подученные в ходе анализа, могут различаться в зависимости от поставленных задач и объема информации.Water availability of the reclamation complex facilities is crucial in ensuring high and sustainable crop yields in the arid regions of the country. The article discusses ways to eliminate the negative impact of the main factors contributing to the creation of a shortage of water for irrigation. The analysis of the scheme in which the purpose of the measures is an effective investment in the restoration of elements of irrigation and drainage systems and ensuring the rationalization of water use is carried out. It is established that the algorithms and final conclusions obtained during the analysis may vary depending on the tasks and the amount of information.

The genus Wellstedia (Boraginaceae: Wellstedioideae) in southern Africa

Bothalia ◽  
2008 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Retief ◽  
A. E. Van Wyk
Keyword(s):  
Southern Africa ◽  
Arid Regions ◽  
Taxonomic Revision ◽  
Dwarf Shrub ◽  
Disjunct Distribution ◽  
Distribution Map ◽  
Strong Similarity ◽  
The Family ◽  
Northern Cape ◽  
The Arid Regions

This regional taxonomic revision of the genus  Wellstedia  Balf.f., a member of the family Boraginaceae  s.I. (including Hydrophyllaceae s.str.), is part of a series of publications on the Boraginaceae in southern Africa.  Wellstedia comprises six species, five in Socotra, Somalia and Ethiopia with the remaining one.  W. dinteri Pilg.. occurring in southern Africa.  W dinteri Pilg. subsp. dinteri occurs in Namibia and the Northern Cape, whereas the newly instated subspecies W. dinteri subsp. gracilior (D.R.Hunt) Retief A.E.van Wyk, based on W. dinteri Pilg. var. gracilior D.R.Hunt, is confined to Namibia only. The disjunct distribution of Wellstedia and numerous other plant and animal taxa between the arid regions of northeastern Africa and southern Africa is usually explained by the postulated periodic existence of an arid corridor between the two regions during the arid phases of the Pleistocene and even earlier.  Wellstedia is treated here in Wellstedioideae, a subfamily of Boraginaceae s.I. but is sometimes placed in a family of its own, Wellstediaceae Pilger. Morphologically Wellstedia displays strong similarity to genera of the Ehretioideae and also to certain members of the Hydrophyllaceae. The genus is characterized by a perennial, dwarf shrub habit, densely hairy leaves. 4-merous flowers, a terminal, bifid style and a 1- or 2-seeded capsule. A key to the two subspecies, diagnostic characters, a distribution map and illustrations of various macro- and micromorphological features are provided.

scholarly journals A Review of Central Asian Glaciochemical Data

1990 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 301-306 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cameron P. Wake ◽  
Paul A. Mayewski ◽  
Mary Jo Spencer
Keyword(s):  
Central Asia ◽  
Arid Regions ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Continental Scale ◽  
The North ◽  
Spatial Coverage ◽  
High Calcium ◽  
The Arid Regions ◽  
Very High ◽  
Snow Samples

The glaciers of central Asia provide suitable locations from which to recover continuous, high-resolution glaciochemical records on a continental scale. Although the glaciochemical investigations undertaken to date in central Asia are few in number and limited in terms of spatial coverage and length of record, some preliminary observations can be made concerning regional and seasonal trends in snow chemistry in this region. The sodium chloride ratio for most snow samples collected in central Asia approaches the ratio found in sea water (0.86 in μeq kg−1), reflecting a marine source for these constituents. Sodium and chloride concentrations are, on average, 3–10 times higher in the Himalayas than in the Karakoram, demonstrating the greater influence of monsoonal sources of moisture in the Himalayas. Very high sodium concentrations from Khel Khod Glacier probably reflect a local crustal source from surrounding ice-free areas. Low nitrate concentrations were found in snow collected from the southern margin of the Himalayas and high concentrations in snow deposited on the north margin of the Himalayas. This strong regional trend in the spatial distribution of nitrate suggests the influx of continental aerosols, rich in nitrate, originating from the arid regions of central Asia. High calcium concentrations measured in snow from Mount Everest and the north-west corner of China are also indicative of dust derived from the arid regions of central Asia. Very high sulfate concentrations found in snow from the Tien Shan and the Bogda Shan most likely reflect local anthropogenic sources. The altitude effect on isotopie composition is not apparent from snow samples collected in central Asia. Understanding the processes which control the chemical content of snow, the local-to-regional scale complexities, and the seasonal variability are fundamental steps necessary to assess the potential for recovering representative long-term glaciochemical records from central Asia.

scholarly journals An Evaporation Correction Approach and Its Characteristics

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 519-532 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jiamin Li ◽  
Chenghai Wang
Keyword(s):  
Soil Moisture ◽  
Land Surface ◽  
Arid Regions ◽  
Amazon Basin ◽  
Hydrological Cycle ◽  
Central Africa ◽  
Tropical Regions ◽  
Western Asia ◽  
The Arid Regions ◽  
Temporal And Spatial Characteristics

AbstractEvaporation is a principal factor in the hydrological cycle and energy exchange; however, estimations of evaporation include large uncertainties. In this study, a modified estimation of evaporation based on empirical linearly simplified Penman evaporation (PES) is proposed, soil moisture and precipitation are used to correct the land surface evaporation estimation, and the temporal and spatial characteristics of the corrected evaporation (CE) are investigated globally. The results show that CE is strong at low latitudes and weak at high latitudes. CE has obvious seasonal variation, ranging from 0.2 to 4.0 mm day−1; CE is prominent in summer but feeble in winter. Compared to PES, CE is generally weaker in most regions, especially in arid regions, with differences of more than 9 mm day−1. CE agrees well with evaporation derived from FLUXNET-Model Tree Ensemble (FLUXNET-MTE), MERRA, and GLDAS. In general, the root-mean-square error (RMSE) between annual CE and FLUXNET-MTE is less than 0.2 mm day−1, and CE is about 5%–10% less than the evaporation of FLUXNET-MTE. In the arid regions, the maximum CE almost occurs in the month with the strongest precipitation; in the tropical regions, soil moisture enhances CE only when precipitation is less. In the context of global temperature rise, PES always shows an apparent increasing trend due to the water supply is not considered; however, CE decreases in western Asia, the western United States, the Amazon basin, and Central Africa, but weakly increases in the other study regions from 1984 to 2013. This study provides a method for estimating evaporation considering more restrictive factors on evaporation.

scholarly journals HESS Opinions: The myth of groundwater sustainability in Asia

2020 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 489-500
Author(s):  
Franklin W. Schwartz ◽  
Ganming Liu ◽  
Zhongbo Yu
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Management ◽  
Arid Regions ◽  
Global Climate ◽  
Irrigated Agriculture ◽  
Know How ◽  
Groundwater Sustainability ◽  
Advanced Technologies ◽  
The Arid Regions ◽  
Economic Tools ◽  
Business As Usual

Abstract. Across the arid regions of water-stressed countries of Asia, groundwater production for irrigated agriculture has led to water-level declines that continue to worsen. For India, China, Pakistan, Iran, and others, it is unrealistic to expect groundwater sustainability in a verifiable sense to emerge. Fragmented governance and the general inability to bring traditional socio-economic tools to bear on reducing groundwater demands have impeded progress to groundwater sustainability. For India and Pakistan, where operational management is at the level of states and provinces, there is no capacity to regulate. Also in both China and India, the tremendous numbers of groundwater users, large and small, confound regulation of groundwater. With business as usual, groundwater-related problems receive insufficient attention, a situation referred to as an “accelerating and invisible groundwater crisis” (Biswas et al., 2017). Another obstacle to sustainability comes from trying to manage something you do not understand. With sustainable management, there are significant burdens in the needed technical know-how, in collecting necessary data, and in funding advanced technologies. Thus, there are risks that Iran, India, and Pakistan will run short of groundwater from over-pumping in some places and will also be adversely affected by global climate change.

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