scholarly journals Seasonal distribution and habitat use preference of Barking deer (Muntiacus vaginalis) in Murree-Kotli Sattian-Kahuta National Park, Punjab Pakistan

2022 ◽  
Vol 82 ◽  
Author(s):  
U. Habiba ◽  
M. Anwar ◽  
M. Hussain ◽  
R. Khatoon ◽  
K. A. Khan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Distribution ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Tree Cover ◽  
Preferred Habitat ◽  
Floral Diversity ◽  
Broad Leaved Forest ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Chir Pine ◽  
Elevational Range ◽  
Steep Slopes

ABSTRACT Microhabitat factors associated with the habitat of barking deer (Muntiacus vaginalis) were examined and compared between summer and winter seasons. Habitat characteristics and preferred habitat were measured by locating direct and indirect signs. To quantify the habitat utilization of barking deer, each selected study site was sampled for floral diversity from 2015 to 2017. Quadrats were deployed along transect lines to determine seasonal distribution. Barking deer were not evenly distributed across vegetation types in the study area; they occurred more often in the broad-leaved forest than in Chir pine forest, at an elevational range of 550-850 m, in thick vegetation on steep slopes. The most preferred habitat included trees and shrubs with 30% and 69% cover, respectively. Barking deer avoided thicker tree cover, possibly as it hinders movement and escape from predators. No significant difference (χ2 = 6.37, df = 3, p = 0.19) in seasonal vegetation cover was recorded.

scholarly journals Diversity of Medicinal Plants among Different Tree Canopies

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (5) ◽  
pp. 2640
Author(s):  
Muhammad Zubair ◽  
Akash Jamil ◽  
Syed Bilal Hussain ◽  
Ahsan Ul Haq ◽  
Ahmad Hussain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Coniferous Forest ◽  
Canopy Cover ◽  
Local Communities ◽  
Tree Canopy ◽  
Tree Cover ◽  
Open Spaces ◽  
Floral Diversity ◽  
Tree Canopy Cover ◽  
Closed Canopy

The moist temperate forests in Northern Pakistan are home to a variety of flora and fauna that are pivotal in sustaining the livelihoods of the local communities. In these forests, distribution and richness of vegetation, especially that of medicinal plants, is rarely reported. In this study, we carried out a vegetation survey in District Balakot, located in Northeastern Pakistan, to characterize the diversity of medicinal plants under different canopies of coniferous forest. The experimental site was divided into three major categories (viz., closed canopy, open spaces, and partial tree cover). A sampling plot of 100 m2 was established on each site to measure species diversity, dominance, and evenness. To observe richness and abundance, the rarefaction and rank abundance curves were plotted. Results revealed that a total of 45 species representing 34 families were available in the study site. Medicinal plants were the most abundant (45%) followed by edible plants (26%). Tree canopy cover affected the overall growth of medicinal plants on the basis of abundance and richness. The site with partial canopy exhibited the highest diversity, dominance, and abundance compared to open spaces and closed canopy. These findings are instrumental in identifying the wealth of the medicinal floral diversity in the northeastern temperate forest of Balakot and the opportunity to sustain the livelihoods of local communities with the help of public/private partnership.

scholarly journals Habitat selection of Himalayan Musk Deer Moschus leucogaster (Mammalia: Artiodactyla: Moschidae) with respect to biophysical attributes in Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 18703-18712
Author(s):  
Bijaya Neupane ◽  
Nar Bahadur Chhetri ◽  
Bijaya Dhami
Keyword(s):  
Endangered Species ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Mixed Forest ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Musk Deer ◽  
Importance Value Index ◽  
Importance Value ◽  
Conservation Area ◽  
Preferred Habitat ◽  
Annapurna Conservation Area

Himalayan or White-bellied Musk Deer Moschus leucogaster, an IUCN indexed endangered species, is distributed in isolated pockets in the Himalaya. The deer population is decreasing owing to several pressures that include habitat loss and fragmentation, and poaching. It is essential to identify preferred habitat characteristics to support appropriate management strategies for conserving this endangered species. This study was carried out in the Nysheang basin of Annapurna Conservation Area of Nepal to identify habitats preferred by the musk deer. Habitat field parameters were collected using transect surveys. To analyze vegetation use and availability, nested quadrate plots size 20 m2 were established. Ivlev’s electivity index (IV) (-1 to +1) was employed to determine habitat preference, and one-way ANOVA (F) and chi-square tests (χ2) were used to examine different habitat parameters. Similarly, the importance value index (IVI) of the vegetation was calculated. Our results showed that the Himalayan Musk Deer strongly preferred habitats at 3601–3800 m altitude (IV= 0.3, F= 4.58, P <0.05), with 21–30º slope (IV= 0.2, F= 4.14, P <0.05), 26–50 % crown cover (IV= 0.25, F= 4.45, P <0.05), 26–50 % ground cover (IV= 0.15, F= 4.13, P <0.05), and mixed forest (IV= 0.29, χ2= 28.82, df= 3, p <0.001). Among the trees, Abies spectabilis (IVI= 74.87, IV= 0.035) and Rhododendron arboretum (IVI= 55.41, IV= 0.02) were the most preferred, while Rhododendron lepidotum, Cassiope fastigiata (IV= 0.35) and Berberis aristata (IV= 0.25) were the most preferred shrubs, and Primula denticulata (IV= 0.87) and Primula rotundifolia (IV= 0.31) were the most preferred herbs. These preferred habitat conditions should be maintained and conserved to sustain a viable population of deer in the study area. Further studies will be required to assess the effects of climate change on habitat suitability. 

scholarly journals First evaluation of coral recruitment in Madagascar

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 47-62
Author(s):  
Gildas G.B. Todinanahary ◽  
Nomeniarivelo Hasintantely ◽  
Igor Eeckhaut ◽  
Thierry Lavitra
Keyword(s):  
Larval Density ◽  
Average Density ◽  
Recruitment Rate ◽  
Seasonal Distribution ◽  
Coral Recruitment ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Southwest Region ◽  
The Mean ◽  
First Time ◽  
Very High

The distribution of larvae and recruitment of scleractinians in the southwest region of Madagascar were evaluated for the first time between October 2013 and September 2014 at 3 sites. The presence of coral larvae (planulae) was monitored through weekly sampling using a plankton net and the recruitment rate evaluated by monthly sampling of the newly settled corals (<1 year stage) on recruitment tiles and by a monitoring of the recruitment of juveniles (1< Juveniles < 2 years) using the quadrat method. Planulae were present in the plankton for 9 months during the survey. The recorded mean annual density of planula varied from 0.43 ± 0.41 larvae m-3 to 3.23 ± 5.72 larvae m-3 depending on site, with a peak in larval density towards the end of November and the beginning of December. The variability in the occurrence of planula is very high and implied that the density observed in the year does not present a significant difference between the sites (pKW=0.33). The average density of total recruits was 620.13 ± 621.30 recruits m-2, 40.28 ± 50.97 recruits m-2 and 36.34 ± 33.82 recruits m-2, respectively at the sites of Nosy Tafara, Grande Vasque and Rose Garden. Seasonal distribution of coral recruitment was different between the sites. The mean annual density of newly settled recruits (< 1 month stage) was significantly higher at Nosy Tafara with 94.91±101.08 recruits m-2 compared to Grande Vasque and Rose Garden with 18.75±34.32 recruits m-2 and 11.57±18.47 recruits m-2 (pKW<0.001), respectively. The highest density of newly settled recruits was observed between October to December. Higher density of recruits was also observed in March at Nosy Tafara and in May at all three sites. Results of juvenile monitoring showed high rates (> 10 juveniles m-2) compared to other regions and the threshold, but it revealed high mortality among recruits. Coral recruitment in the southwest region of Madagascar was found to be high and could result in increased resilience of the coral reef assemblages.

scholarly journals The presence of quill mites (Gabucinia bicaudata) and lice (Struthiolipeurus struthionis) in ostrich wing feathers

2006 ◽  
Vol 77 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
R.G. Cooper ◽  
H.A.A. El Doumani
Keyword(s):  
Optical Microscope ◽  
Right Wing ◽  
Left Wing ◽  
Skin Damage ◽  
Quill Mites ◽  
Preferred Habitat ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Class 1 ◽  
Oral Preparation ◽  
The Right

Quill mites (Gabucinia bicaudata) and lice (Struthiolipeurus struthionis) may infest ostrich feathers, resulting in skin damage, pruritis and excessive feather preening and loss. Four different feather types (prime white, femina extra wide, femina class 1, and femina short; n = 10) were collected. The quill mites and lice were removed with fine forceps, studied using a photographic optical microscope and counted microscopically at ×100 magnification following collection by sedimentation. They were placed in separate Petri dishes containing lactophenol solution and examined (×40 magnification). Anatomical features are described. The density of quill mites in all feather types of both wings was higher than that of the lice. There was no significant difference between the counts of both arthropods on the left wing and the right wing, respectively, except for the femina class 1 quill mites (P = 0.01). The femina extra wide feathers were a preferred habitat in both wings. Large standard deviations (quill mites left wing: 73 + 8; quill mites right wing: 69 + 7) suggested variations in the degree of migration between feather shafts or as a response to escape preening. It is recommended that ostriches be treated with an oral preparation of Ivermectin administered per os at a dosage rate of 0.2 mg / kg at 30-day intervals for quill mites, and with a 1-5 % Malathion dust at 14-day intervals for lice.

scholarly journals Broadleaved regeneration dynamics in the Pine plantation

2011 ◽  
Vol 57 (No. 10) ◽  
pp. 432-438 ◽  
Author(s):  
K.K. Islam ◽  
S. Patricia ◽  
RinchenY
Keyword(s):  
Vegetation Change ◽  
Pinus Nigra ◽  
Tree Cover ◽  
Pine Plantation ◽  
Explanatory Variables ◽  
Litter Cover ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Broadleaved Tree ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Site Types

&nbsp; In an Island of the Netherlands, Pine (Pinus nigra) was planted to stabilize the dunes and to protect the arable lands from the blowing sand. This research was conducted to understand the most important environmental factors responsible for a vegetation change in the Pine plantation and effect of this change on the rare orchid population: Goodyera repens and Listera cordata. Vegetation sampling was carried out according to the Braun-Blanquet phytosociologic method within the three sites of this Island. Twinspan analysis confirmed the definition of three site types and redundancy analysis showed a significant difference between the pure Pine stands and the plots with regeneration. The results revealed that the most significant explanatory variables were litter cover, broadleaved tree cover, and shrub cover indicating the vegetation change under the Pine plantation. The abundance of Goodyera repens is strongly associated with the Pine forest and negatively related to broadleaved cover. Listera cordata could apparently cope with vegetation change. Controlling the herbaceous layer in the Pine plantation can promote the orchid population but on the contrary, promoting the natural regeneration of broadleaved species might endanger them.

scholarly journals Some ecological aspects of free-living Haemaphysalis juxtakochi Cooley, 1946 (Acari: Ixodidae) in Panama

2014 ◽  
pp. 3984-3989 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gleydis García G ◽  
Angélica Castro DF ◽  
Sergio Bermúdez C ◽  
Santiago Nava
Keyword(s):  
Seasonal Variation ◽  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Seasonal Distribution ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Major Peak ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Wooded Area ◽  
Ecological Aspects ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
One Year

ABSTRACTObjective. To describe the seasonal variation and perform a comparative analysis on habitat preference of Haemaphysalis juxtakochi in Panama. Materials and methods. Ticks were collected from the vegetation, using a white cloth, between January 2009 and March 2010, in four site located in Summit Municipal Park (SMP), two in wooded area (WA) and two in grasslands (GR).The ticks were determined as larvae, nymphs and adults of H. juxtakochi. The number of ticks collected in each area was employed to describe the seasonal distribution of both immature and adult stages, and the non-parametric Mann-Whitney U test. Results. A total of 2.338 ticks in WA and 560 ticks in GR were collected. The major peak of adults from May to July, nymphs peaked from January to April and the peak of larvae abundance from December and January. There was a significant difference in the number of ticks collected in the two areas for each tick stage (larvae, mean number (MN) in WA 120.14, MN in GR 57.07, P: 0.02; nymphs, MN in WA 46.42, MN in GR 16.38, P: 0.018; adults, MN in WA 6.64, MN in GR 1.78, P: 0.02). Conclusions. The results suggest that H. juxtakochi maintains a one-year cycle in the study areas. This cycle would be characterized by the immature population peaks in the dry season; while adults are distributed throughout year, with a peak in the transition from the rainy and dry. Moreover, H. juxtakochi was more abundant in forests than in grasslands, which could lead to a better adaptation to forested conditions.

scholarly journals The Invasive of Freshwater Prawn Macrobrachium lanchesteri (De Man, 1911) from Watershed in Palangkaraya University, Kalimantan, Indonesia

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Anita Maulina ◽  
Angelina Inocencia ◽  
Ebrry Dwi Putra ◽  
Inriyati Satriani ◽  
Linda Lusiana
Keyword(s):  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Freshwater Prawn ◽  
Tree Cover ◽  
Central Kalimantan ◽  
East Kalimantan ◽  
Macrobrachium Lanchesteri ◽  
De Man ◽  
First Time ◽  
Species Being

Freshwater prawn species Macrobrachium lanchesteri (De Man, 1911) in Kalimantan for the first time was reported to be found only in East Kalimantan and there have been no reports of this species being found in Central Kalimantan. This study aims to reveal the presence of invasive freshwater prawn and habitat characteristics found in the watershed of Palangka Raya University. This study was conducted in October–November 2019 covering five stations. Specimens were collected using a purposive sampling method. Environmental parameter measurements were made including types of substrate, water velocity, tree cover, water depth as well as width. The identification of specimens from the watershed of Palangka Raya University based on morphological characteristics shown that the species very similar to the alien freshwater prawn, M. lanchesteri. Based on the results of research, this report has revealed the presence of this invasive species in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia.

scholarly journals Population Density, Habitat Characteristics and Preferences of Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) in Chakwal, Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 74-83
Author(s):  
AMIR NASEER ◽  
MUHAMMAD BILAL ◽  
UMAR NASEER ◽  
NAUREEN MUSTAFA ◽  
BUSHRA ALLAH RAKHA
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
Vulpes Vulpes ◽  
Red Fox ◽  
Estimation Method ◽  
Habitat Destruction ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Line Transect ◽  
Importance Value Index ◽  
Preferred Habitat ◽  
Study Sites

The Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a least concern carnivore according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (2016). However, in Pakistan Red fox is considered as Near Threatened (NT), due to habitat destruction and depletion of food resources. The objective of the study was to identify habitat preferences and population density of Red fox in District Chakwal, Pakistan. Line transect census method was used to estimate the population density of Red fox through direct sighting and indirect method of burrow counting, presence of footprints and scats. A total of 10 transects were carried out at three potential sites: Devi, Photaki and Chumbisurla Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS) in Chakwal based on preliminary surveys. Habitat preference was estimated by comparing three different study sites by quadrat method and found that CWS area is preferred habitat for Red fox. A total of 24 plant species were recorded in the study areas, among them Cynodon dactylon is major herb found to provide shelter to Red fox in all study sites based on Importance value Index (I.V.I) at CWS (IVI=208.8) followed by Devi (IVI=185.93) and Photaki (IVI=142.33). The maximum population density of Red fox through direct sighting at CWS having 0.26 individuals/km2 compared to Devi and Photaki having 0.16 and 0.13 individuals/km2, respectively. The indirect estimation method revealed that maximum dens were found in CWS area compared to Devi and Photaki, while footprints and scats were found maximum in Devi and Photaki, respectively. It is concluded that Red fox preferred habitat is CWS site. Habitat destruction and conflicts with fox are causing the population of the Red fox to dwindle in Chakwal, Pakistan.

scholarly journals Parasitic infections in ornamental cichlid fish in the Peruvian Amazon

2015 ◽  
Vol 24 (1) ◽  
pp. 82-86 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jefferson Yunis Aguinaga ◽  
Paulo Fernandes Marcusso ◽  
Gustavo da Silva Claudiano ◽  
Bruno Tadeu Marotta Lima ◽  
Fernanda de Alexandre Sebastião ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Parasite Species ◽  
Cichlid Fish ◽  
Dry Season ◽  
Seasonal Distribution ◽  
Fish Behavior ◽  
Parasitic Infections ◽  
Ichthyophthirius Multifiliis ◽  
Peruvian Amazon ◽  
Preferred Habitat ◽  
Pterophyllum Scalare

The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and seasonal distribution of the main parasite species in Amazonian ornamental cichlids that affect their trade. The study was conducted from August 2007 to September 2009. We sampled 3042 specimens from 9 different species, of which 9.47% had at least one type of external parasite. 81.25% of the cases occurred in the dry season. Crenicichla anthurus (28.57%) was the most parasitized, followed by Aequidens diadema (26.32%), Pterophyllum scalare (22.69%), Cichlasoma sp. (9.52%), Apistogramma sp. (3.88%) and Symphysodon aequifasciatus (3.66%). Monogenea was the most abundant group of parasites, occurring in 66.67% of the cases, of which 96.88% occurred in the dry season. This parasite infested 95.68% of Pterophyllum scalare, 76.67% of Apistogramma sp, 33.33% of Cichlasoma sp. and 23.81% of Symphysodon aequifasciatus cases. Ichthyophthirius multifiliis infested 100% of Aequidens diadema, 76.19% of Symphysodon aequifasciatus, 66.67% of Cichlasoma sp, 41.67% of Crenicichla anthurus and 23.33% of Apistogramma sp cases. Myxosporidia infested 58.33% of Crenicichla anthurus. Trichodina infested 4.32% of Pterophyllum scalare. The prevalence of these parasites is related to the season, preferred habitat, fish behavior, individual susceptibility and handling of animals during transportation by fishermen.

scholarly journals Responses of small mammals to habitat characteristics in Southern Carpathian forests

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Maria Benedek ◽  
Ioan Sîrbu ◽  
Anamaria Lazăr
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Use ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Geographical Location ◽  
Elevational Gradient ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Habitat Characteristics ◽  
Tree Cover ◽  
Myodes Glareolus ◽  
Wide Range

AbstractCompared to Northern Carpathians, the small mammal fauna of Southern Carpathian forests is poorly known, with no data on habitat use; our study seeks to fill this gap. To this end, we conducted a survey in the Southern Carpathians for five years, assessing habitat use by small mammals in forests along an elevational gradient. Trapping was done using live traps set in transects at elevations between 820 and 2040 m. For each transect we evaluated variables related to vegetation structure, habitat complexity, and geographical location. We considered abundance, species composition and species richness as response variables. The rodents Apodemus flavicollis and Myodes glareolus and the shrew Sorex araneus were common and dominant. Their abundance were positively correlated with tree cover, the best explanatory variable. Responses to other variables were mixed. The strong divergence in the relative habitat use by the three most abundant species may act as a mechanism that enables their coexistence as dominant species, exploiting the same wide range of habitat resources. Overall, habitat use in our study area was similar to that reported from Northern Carpathians, but we found also important differences probably caused by the differences in latitude and forest management practices.

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