scholarly journals Black Kites on a Flyway Between Western Siberia and the Indian Subcontinent

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ivan Literák ◽  
Jan Škrábal ◽  
Igor V. Karyakin ◽  
Natalya G. Andreyenkova ◽  
Sergey V. Vazhov
Keyword(s):  
Indian Subcontinent ◽  
Home Range Size ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Migration Routes ◽  
Arrival Date ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Milvus Migrans ◽  
Black Kite ◽  
Departure Date

Abstract Background The Black Kite (Milvus migrans) is one of the most widespread raptors in the World. The Palaearctic is populated by two migrating subspecies, Milvus migrans migrans and Milvus migrans lineatus, in the western and eastern part of this realm, respectively. The intergradation zone of M. m. migrans/M. m. lineatus covers large areas in-between. Migration routes of M. m. migrans from Europe to Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East are well known including large waterbodies as main environmental obstacle. MethodsWe tagged with GPS/SMS/GPRS telemetry loggers 13 and 6 Black Kite pulli in lowland around Biysk and in mountains around Kosh-Agach. ResultsBlack Kites originating from Biysk migrated through the Western Circum-Himalayan Corridor. Black Kites originating from Kosh-Agach used the Trans-Himalayan Corridor crossing the Himalayas in altitudes of up to 6 256 m asl. The average total distance travelled of Black Kites from both subpopulations was 9 166 m without any significant differences between these subpopulations. Timing of autumn migration varied slightly among individuals in departure date (30 August ± 9 days) and differed more in arrival date (26 October ± 92 days). The timing of spring migration varied less in both departure date (17 April ± 12 days) and arrival date (09 May ± 14 days). Black Kites from both subpopulations wintered in low elevations of anthropogenic areas of Pakistan and India. Birds wintered on average for 190 days, and the mean area of individual home ranges was 4 704 km2. During the breeding period, birds occupied mainly natural or semi-natural habitats in southwestern Siberia, where they spent on average 106 days with an average home range size 3 554 km2. Conclusion Black Kites crossing the Himalayas fly and, moreover, stay for hours resting at night in the environment of mountains at altitudes over 5000 m. It seems that the vast breeding territory of Black Kites in the Palearctic realm is connected with the unusual behavioural flexibility of Black Kites to surmount various environmental obstacles on their migration routes.

scholarly journals Environmental factors affecting the wintering raptor community in Armenia, Southern Caucasus

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gianpasquale Chiatante ◽  
Michele Panuccio
Keyword(s):  
General Pattern ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Theoretic Approach ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Milvus Migrans ◽  
Gyps Fulvus ◽  
Black Kite ◽  
Southern Caucasus ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Information Theoretic Approach

AbstractThe species–habitat relationships can change during the year because of the seasonality of resources. Therefore, the investigation of habitat use by animals in each season plays a fundamental role in their conservation. The main aim of this research was to investigate the raptor community that spends the winter in Armenia, southern Caucasus, and to explore its relationship with environmental features, such as land use and topography. During January 2012, we collected data by carrying out 15 roadside counts along which we calculated three community parameters: the relative abundance, the species richness, and the species diversity. Then, we carried out a multiple linear regression with the Information-Theoretic Approach, to explain the relationship between the parameters and environmental variables. Besides, we computed a Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) between the species and the environment around their observations. As a general pattern, the community was associated with permanent crops, maybe because of their heterogeneity, which in turn allows them to support higher densities of prey during the winter. The most abundant species was the Black Kite (Milvus migrans), followed by the Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) and the Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus). To our knowledge, this is one of the first studies investigating the wintering raptor community in the Caucasus, with raptors generally studied in this area during the breeding season and migration.

scholarly journals Black Kite Milvus migrans in Slovenia – its distribution, phenology, breeding and habitat

Acrocephalus ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (178-179) ◽  
pp. 71-83
Author(s):  
Dejan Bordjan
Keyword(s):  
Sea Level ◽  
Arable Land ◽  
Breeding Population ◽  
Water Bodies ◽  
Lower Percentage ◽  
Breeding Density ◽  
Breeding Sites ◽  
Milvus Migrans ◽  
Black Kite

Abstract Between 1984 and 2017, 1,388 Black Kites were recorded, mostly in lowlands with 70% of observations made at Dravsko polje. They were observed from sea level to around 1,600 m a.s.l. with an average elevation of 271 m a.s.l. The species was present in Slovenia from mid-March to early December with indistinct spring and autumn migrations. The highest number of observations was recorded in May. The Black Kite was observed in 71 out of 238 10x10 km grid squares in Slovenia (29.8%), with more observations around known breeding sites and at sites with higher observer effort. Both the number of observations and the number of probable and confirmed breeding pairs increased. In 2011–2018, 10 breeding pairs were found at 7 sites (3–7 per year). Additionally, 11 probable breeding pairs at 9 sites (0–6 pairs per year) were found. The breeding population in 2011–2018 is estimated at 10–21 pairs with an average breeding density of 0.3–0.9 breeding pairs per 100 km2. The highest density was recorded at Dravsko polje with 0.6–2.2 breeding pairs per 100 km2. If possible breeding (breeding attempts) were also taken into consideration, the estimate would be up to five breeding pairs higher. The species was recorded at known breeding sites in most years after the breeding was confirmed. Black Kites were observed closer to larger water bodies and to rubbish tips than expected by chance. More Black Kites were recorded in areas with a lower percentage of forest and arable land and a higher percentage of meadows, settlements and wetlands.

scholarly journals Biodiversity reporting in India: a view from the top

2014 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 418-427
Author(s):  
Mansi Mansi ◽  
Rakesh Pandey ◽  
Carolyn Stringer
Keyword(s):  
Biological Diversity ◽  
Indian Subcontinent ◽  
Biodiversity Loss ◽  
Habitat Destruction ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Reporting Practices ◽  
Monitoring Centre ◽  
Rare And Endangered Species ◽  
Rare And Endangered ◽  
Impact On Biodiversity

The purpose of this study is to explore the biodiversity reporting practices inside Indian companies. Biodiversity reporting studies across Indian companies are important because India has a wealth of biodiversity assets, that is, wildlife, flora, fauna, natural habitats, rare and endangered species and biological resources, and accounts for 7.8% of the global recorded species (Biological Diversity Act, the Biodiversity Rules, Andhra Pradesh Biodiversity Board, 2009). There are approximately 45,500 species of plants, 91,200 species of animals and 5,550 microbial species documented in India (National Biodiversity Authority, 2014). The International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has listed 132 species of animals and plants in the Critically Endangered Category (Sudhi, 2012). To date, the literature omits to explore the biodiversity reporting practices inside Indian companies. Another important reason to conduct is this study is that India has alarming population levels; thus there is a huge demand for land, energy, and resources, which leads to massive biodiversity loss, deforestation, and habitat destruction. It is very likely that with the limited land mass and increasing population in India, several ecosystems, wildlife, flora and fauna will be/have been exploited, disturbed, and endangered. Given the high potential impact on biodiversity by industries, we are concerned that there is a dearth of biodiversity reporting studies within the Indian subcontinent. We concentrate on the largest companies (based on market capitalisation) because similar to Van Liempd and Busch (2013), we also expect that the largest companies have the greatest impact on biodiversity; therefore, they are expected to show more accountability to their stakeholders. Therefore it is worth exploring how Indian companies are engaging in biodiversity reporting practices (e.g. biodiversity conservation, biodiversity protection, habitat and ecosystem conservation); and whether these organisations are disclosing their impact(s) (both in quantity and quality) on biodiversity (such as wildlife, flora and fauna). Moreover, India has also been classified as one of 17 mega-diversity countries by The World Conservation Monitoring Centre which account for more than 70% of the planet’s species (Williams, 2001). All these reasons make this study timely and important.

Roosting habits and habitats of the Indian Flying Fox Pteropus medius Temminck, 1825 in the northern districts of Tamil Nadu, India

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 19675-19688
Author(s):  
M. Pandian ◽  
S. Suresh
Keyword(s):  
Colony Size ◽  
Tree Species ◽  
Tamil Nadu ◽  
Water Bodies ◽  
Species Selection ◽  
Milvus Migrans ◽  
Black Kite ◽  
Geographical Regions ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Flying Fox

This paper pertains to the study on roosting habits and habitats of the Indian Flying Fox Pteropus medius Temminck, 1825 in 12 villages of four northern districts—Vellore, Krishnagiri, Tiruvannamalai, and Viluppuram—of Tamil Nadu. Studies targeted roosting tree species, population status, diurnal-roosting behaviour, interactions with other animals, and probable threats to the species. A total of 22,365 individuals of the species were observed in 72 roosting colonies in 72 trees belonging to nine families, 11 genera, and 13 species. The tree species that harbored the greatest population of P. medius (n= 12,465) were those of Tamarindus indica L. (Fabaceae) (n= 39), followed by Ficus religiosa L. (Moraceae) (n= 3,960), Madhuca latifolia J.F. Macbr. (Sapotaceae) (n= 2,760), and Ficus benghalensis L. (Moraceae) (n= 1,620). One-Way ANOVA revealed that a significant relationship exists between  colony size and tree diameter at breast height (dbh), and their canopy size (p <0.05). However, no significant difference occurred between the colony size and tree height. The time taken for emergence of individuals of the colony from the canopy for foraging varied between 20 and 40 min after 1750 h in the evening. The species mostly roosted on trees proximal to human settlements, electrical power lines, and water bodies. Individuals of P. medius used various tree species in different areas in different geographical regions and did not maintain any consistency in roosting tree species selection. A majority of individuals (88.7 %; n= 887) were found roosting using both legs and a minority of P. medius (11.3 %; n= 113) were clinging to tree branches using one. Individuals of P. medius flew to nearby water bodies to quench thirst and cool their bodies. Mating was observed during day roost in 146 pairs including male-female fellatio in seven pairs. Smoke from shrines in sacred groves, pruning of branches for various cultural reasons, populations of House Crow Corvus splendens (Vieillot, 1817) (Corvidae), Black-winged Kite Elanus caeruleus (Desfontaines, 1789) and Black Kite Milvus migrans (Boddaert, 1783) (both Accipitridae) were key disturbances to roosting populations of P. medius.

scholarly journals Neurocysticercosis – A Journey from Pre-independence to Modern India

2016 ◽  
Vol 52 (02) ◽  
pp. 076-099
Author(s):  
Gagandeep Singh ◽  
Monika Singla
Keyword(s):  
Indian Subcontinent ◽  
Taenia Solium ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Ct Scans ◽  
Common Finding ◽  
Cns Involvement ◽  
High Prevalence ◽  
Endemic Areas ◽  
Sub Saharan

ABSTRACTNeurocysticercosis (NCC) is infestation of the human brain by the larva of worm, Taenia solium and is the most prevalent central nervous system (CNS) helminthiasis. The disease is widespread in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including the Indian subcontinent, China, Sub-Saharan Africa, Central and South America and contributes substantially to the burden of epilepsy in these areas(1) . CNS involvement is seen in 60-90% of systemic cysticercosis. About 2.5 million people worldwide are infected with T. solium, and antibodies to T. solium are seen in up to 25% of people in endemic areas(1-3) . A higher prevalence of epilepsy and seizures in endemic countries is partly because of a high prevalence of cysticercosis in these regions. Seizures are thought to be caused by NCC in as many as 30% of adult patients and in 51% of children in population based endemic regions (2) . About 12% of admissions to neurological services in endemic regions are attributed to NCC and nearly half a million deaths occurring annually worldwide can be attributed directly or indirectly to NCC (Bern et al.). Punctate calcific foci on CT scan are a very common finding in asymptomatic people residing in endemic areas, found in 14-20 % of CT scans. Both seizures and positive cysticercus serology are associated with the detection of cysticerci on CT scans. Seroprevalence using a recently developed CDC- based enzyme-linked immunotransfer blot (EITB) assay is estimated at 8-12% in Latin America and 4.9-24% in Africa and South-East Asia. It is estimated that 20 million people harbour neurocysticercosis worldwide(1) .

Smoking Among Immigrant Groups in the United States: Prevalence, Education Gradients, and Male-to-Female Ratios

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 532-538 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fred Pampel ◽  
Myriam Khlat ◽  
Damien Bricard ◽  
Stéphane Legleye
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Indian Subcontinent ◽  
The United States ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Foreign Born ◽  
Current Cigarette Smoking ◽  
World Region ◽  
Duration Of Residence ◽  
Low Prevalence ◽  
Male To Female

Abstract Introduction Immigrants in the United States are less likely to smoke than those born in the United States, but studies have not fully described the diversity of their smoking patterns. We investigate smoking by world region of birth and duration of residence in the United States, with a comprehensive approach covering current prevalence levels, education gradients, and male-to-female ratios. Methods The data originate from the National Health Interview Surveys, 2000–2015, and the sample of 365 404 includes both US-born and foreign-born respondents aged 25–70 years. World region of birth and duration of residence in the United States measure immigrant characteristics. Current cigarette smoking was analyzed using logistic regression. Results Immigrant groups were protected from smoking and had weaker education gradients in smoking and larger male-to-female smoking ratios than the US-born population. However, large differences emerged among the immigrant groups for region of birth but less so for duration of residence in the United States. For example, immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa and the Indian subcontinent have low prevalence, weak education gradients, and high male-to-female ratios. Immigrants from Europe have the opposite pattern, and immigrants from Latin America fall between those two extremes. Conclusion The stage of the cigarette epidemic in the region of birth helps explain the diverse group profiles. Duration of residence in the United States does less to account for the differences in smoking than region of birth. The findings illustrate the heterogeneity of immigrant populations originating from diverse regions across the world and limited convergence with the host population after immigration. Implications The study identifies immigrant groups that, because of high smoking prevalence related to levels in the host country, should be targeted for cessation efforts. It also identifies immigrant groups with low prevalence for which anti-smoking programs should encourage maintenance of healthy habits. Many immigrant groups show strong education disparities in smoking, further suggesting that smokers with lower levels of education be targeted by public health programs.

scholarly journals Historical and current distribution, population size and possible migration routes of the Blue Swallow Hirundo atrocaerulea in Africa

2010 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 240-254 ◽  
Author(s):  
STEVEN W. EVANS ◽  
H. BOUWMAN
Keyword(s):  
Population Size ◽  
Democratic Republic ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Total Current ◽  
Migration Routes ◽  
Breeding Grounds ◽  
Republic Of The Congo ◽  
Migratory Routes ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
And Migration

SummaryThe Blue Swallow Hirundo atrocaerulea is restricted to sub-Saharan Africa, its population size previously estimated at fewer than 1,500 pairs, and is classified as Vulnerable. A better understanding of its current distributional range, population size, protection status and migration routes would improve our ability to conserve the species and the grassland and wetland habitat on which it depends. We now estimate that the Blue Swallow population in the 1850s may have numbered between 1,560 and 2,300 pairs. Based on an assessment of available data, we now estimate the total current Blue Swallow population at 1,006 pairs or 2,012 individuals, an estimated 36–56% decline over the last 150 years. There may be three separate Blue Swallow sub-populations and seven separate migratory routes between their breeding and non-breeding grounds. The Blue Swallow’s range in South Africa and Swaziland has contracted by 74%. The majority of Blue Swallows occupy unprotected areas on their non-breeding grounds in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and Kenya. The Blue Swallow population in Africa will continue to decline unless the causes of reduction in Blue Swallow habitat quantity and quality can be stopped and sufficient and additional habitat set aside to sustain viable Blue Swallow populations throughout their range.

Nests of Black Kite (Milvus migrans govinda) in Urban Landscape of Kolkata, India

2016 ◽  
Vol 70 (2) ◽  
pp. 201-205
Author(s):  
Subhendu Mazumdar ◽  
Dipankar Ghose ◽  
Goutam Kumar Saha
Keyword(s):  
Urban Landscape ◽  
Milvus Migrans ◽  
Black Kite ◽  
Milvus Migrans Govinda

scholarly journals COVID-19, Systemic Crisis, and Possible Implications for the Wild Meat Trade in Sub-Saharan Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 76 (4) ◽  
pp. 1045-1066
Author(s):  
James McNamara ◽  
Elizabeth J. Z. Robinson ◽  
Katharine Abernethy ◽  
Donald Midoko Iponga ◽  
Hannah N. K. Sackey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Complex Dynamics ◽  
Central Africa ◽  
Rural Livelihoods ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Wildlife Trade ◽  
Human Populations ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Policy Perspective ◽  
Systemic Crisis ◽  
Wild Meat

Abstract Wild animals play an integral and complex role in the economies and ecologies of many countries across the globe, including those of West and Central Africa, the focus of this policy perspective. The trade in wild meat, and its role in diets, have been brought into focus as a consequence of discussions over the origins of COVID-19. As a result, there have been calls for the closure of China’s “wet markets”; greater scrutiny of the wildlife trade in general; and a spotlight has been placed on the potential risks posed by growing human populations and shrinking natural habitats for animal to human transmission of zoonotic diseases. However, to date there has been little attention given to what the consequences of the COVID-19 economic shock may be for the wildlife trade; the people who rely on it for their livelihoods; and the wildlife that is exploited. In this policy perspective, we argue that the links between the COVID-19 pandemic, rural livelihoods and wildlife are likely to be more complex, more nuanced, and more far-reaching, than is represented in the literature to date. We develop a causal model that tracks the likely implications for the wild meat trade of the systemic crisis triggered by COVID-19. We focus on the resulting economic shockwave, as manifested in the collapse in global demand for commodities such as oil, and international tourism services, and what this may mean for local African economies and livelihoods. We trace the shockwave through to the consequences for the use of, and demand for, wild meats as households respond to these changes. We suggest that understanding and predicting the complex dynamics of wild meat use requires increased collaboration between environmental and resource economics and the ecological and conservation sciences.

scholarly journals Interindividual variation and consistency of migratory behavior in the Eurasian woodcock

2019 ◽  
Vol 66 (2) ◽  
pp. 155-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Tedeschi ◽  
Michele Sorrenti ◽  
Michele Bottazzo ◽  
Mario Spagnesi ◽  
Ibon Telletxea ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breeding Site ◽  
Interindividual Variation ◽  
Migratory Behavior ◽  
Temporal Consistency ◽  
Migration Routes ◽  
Intraindividual Variation ◽  
Scolopax Rusticola ◽  
Departure Date ◽  
Wintering Areas ◽  
Spatio Temporal

Abstract Diverse spatio-temporal aspects of avian migration rely on relatively rigid endogenous programs. However, flexibility in migratory behavior may allow effective coping with unpredictable variation in ecological conditions that can occur during migration. We aimed at characterizing inter- and intraindividual variation of migratory behavior in a forest-dwelling wader species, the Eurasian woodcock Scolopax rusticola, focusing on spatio-temporal consistency across repeated migration episodes. By satellite-tracking birds from their wintering sites along the Italian peninsula to their breeding areas, we disclosed a remarkable variability in migration distances, with some birds flying more than 6,000 km to Central Asian breeding grounds (up to 101°E). Prebreeding migration was faster and of shorter duration than postbreeding migration. Birds moving over longer distances migrated faster during prebreeding migration, and those breeding at northernmost latitudes left their wintering areas earlier. Moreover, birds making longer migrations departed earlier from their breeding sites. Breeding site fidelity was very high, whereas fidelity to wintering areas increased with age. Migration routes were significantly consistent, both among repeated migration episodes and between pre- and postbreeding migration. Prebreeding migration departure date was not significantly repeatable, whereas arrival date to the breeding areas was highly repeatable. Hence, interindividual variation in migratory behavior of woodcocks was mostly explained by the location of the breeding areas, and spatial consistency was relatively large through the entire annual cycle. Flexibility in prebreeding migration departure date may suggest that environmental effects have a larger influence on temporal than on spatial aspects of migratory behavior.

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