Population distribution and habitat analysis of Rufous treepie (Dendrocitta vagabunda) in Abbottabad, Pakistan

The Rufous treepie (Dendrocitta vagabunda) belongs to family corvidae, order Passeriformes which includes about 100 species. The current study was conducted to gather information about the Population distribution and habitat analysis of D. vagabunda at District Abbottabad, Pakistan. The data were collected on monthly basis both morning and evening times (2018-2019). “The ‘’Point count Method” was used for population estimation and ‘’Quadrates Method” for habitat analysis of study area. The result shows an average month-wise population density of D. vagabunda was maximum at Jhangra 0.14±0.039/ha, whereas minimum at Havelian 0.11±0.022/ha. There was no significant difference (p>0.05) among monthly population densities of D. vagabunda, however, a significant difference (p<0.05) was found between morning and evening times population of the specie. The present study revealed that importance value index (IVI) of plants species at Sherwan, Bakot, Havelian, Langra and Jhangra were 59.6±12.6, 50.1±6.9, 53.4±6.3, 66.8±10 and 60.1±7.7. Likewise, the frequency of shrubs at Sherwan, Bakot, Havelian, Langra and Jhangra were 33.3±4.2, 45±9.4, 46.7±8.2, 55.6±22.2 and 37.5±8.5. Similarly, the frequency of herbs at Sherwan, Bakot, Havelian, Langra and Jhangra were 40.4±6.0, 37.5±5.6, 53.3±7.4, 48.5±5.2 and 46.9±7.4 respectively. Our results show the study area as suitable habitat for D. vagabunda.

Nutrient Analysis and Species Diversity of Alpine Grasslands: A Comparative Analysis of Less Studied Biodiversity Hotspots

The alpine grasslands of Kashmir Himalaya act as a treasure house of floristic biodiversity. They have remained largely unstudied because of their remoteness and inaccessibility. It is imperative to have quantitative studies of these areas to allow the long-term monitoring of flora in these fragile ecosystems. During the present study, nutrient analysis and species diversity of some alpine grasslands were investigated. Electroconductivity (EC) of the soils ranged between 0.12 and 0.33 (dSm−1). With an increase in altitude and precipitation and a decrease in temperature, soil pH and available macro-nutrients (OC, N, P, K) show a considerable decrease. Sixty-six plant species belonging to twenty-nine families and fifty-one genera were reported with members predominantly from the Asteraceae, Rosaceae and Plantaginaceae families. Seven species were common to all study areas and Renyi diversity profiles showed that Kongwattan was the most diverse followed by Poshpathri and Yousmarg. The results of the Sorensen β diversity index showed a relatively lower dissimilarity index among the three studied alpine sites. In the majority of the growth forms, growth initiation was recorded in April, whereas senescence occurred in September. The highest bloom was seen in June-July. The plant species exhibited a greater variability in their phenophases under different environmental conditions and altitudinal gradients. Plants were more vigorous at lower altitudes and showed rapid response to the prevailing conditions. Stoloniferous forbs and tussock forming graminoids such as Sibbaldia cuneata, Trifolium repens, Plantago major, Trifolium pratense, Poa compressa, Poa angustifolia, and Plantago lanceolata showed a greater importance value index (IVI). The sedentary system of livestock rearing at Yousmarg resulted in the decreased density of the palatable species. This study allowed us to conclude that direct knowledge of soil nutrient composition and species diversity in alpine ecosystems can enhance conservation and ensure better management practices over a period of time.

Keanekaragaman Vegetasi Pohon pada Lahan Pekarangan di Desa Tambakrejo Kecamatan Jombang Kabupaten Jombang

Tambakrejo Village is an urban area located in the Jombang District. Tree vegetation continues to decline; one of the factors is the conversion of the function of yardland to residential areas. Changes in the land area will impact the structure of tree vegetation. This research was conducted by purposive sampling in 4 hamlets. Transects and species were included as random effects using the transect quadrat method (quadrat transect) by purposive sampling with tree size (10x10 m²). The data analysis was done qualitatively and quantitatively. Quantitative data analysis using vegetation analysis, namely: Importance Value Index (IVI), Dominance (C), and Diversity Index (Ĥ). Strata 3 tree vegetation H’ index in Tambakrejo Village, each hamlet is different, for Tambakberas Hamlet, H’ index value is 3.11%, Gedang Hamlet 2.97%, Nglungu Hamlet 2.91%, and for Petengan Hamlet 2, 89%. Most of the hamlets in Tambakrejo Village fall into medium-level diversity. INP index of Tambakberas Hamlet of 22.59% and lowest 2.07%. Gedang of 27.57% and lowest 2.84%, Nglungu of 19.76%, and lowest 2.86% Petengan of 28.79% and lowest 2.73%, The lowest Important Value Index is due to the transfer of the function of yard land for residential areas.

Composition, Community Structure and Vertical Distribution of Epiphytic Ferns on Bamboo Species In Bogor Botanic Gardens, Indonesia

Ecological study of epiphytic ferns growing on bamboo species in Bogor Botanic Gardens, a man-made ecosystem located in a wet lowland area was carried out. The 350 phorophytes of 35 bamboo clumps belonging to 9 species and 3 genera were observed. Each culm was divided into intervals of 1 m from ground level to a height of 3 m. A total of 1984 individuals belonging to 12 species, nine genera, and six families of epiphytic ferns were recorded, with the highest species richness in Polypodiaceae (7 spp.). Dendocalamus giganteus Munro was the best host for epiphytic ferns (9 spp.). Two dominant species, Asplenium nidus L. and Davallia denticulata (Burm.f.) Mett. ex Kuhn with the same frequency value (97.14%), and relative species abundance of 31.49 individuals per clump and 14.94 individuals per clump, showed the highest Importance Value Index (IVI) of 83.19 and 54.00%, respectively. The first one-meter level of bamboo culms hosted all the species. Pyrrosia piloselloides (L.) Price was the only species that grew until the highest intervals of height with a decreasing frequency from the bottom. Bangladesh J. Bot. 50(4): 1095-1107, 2021 (December)

EFEITO DAS ATIVIDADES ANTRÓPICAS NA COBERTURA VEGETAL NA RESERVA FLORESTAL DE MECUBÚRI, MOÇAMBIQUE

O estudo foi realizado na Reserva Florestal de Mecubúri, em Moçambiquee, visando avaliar os efeitos das atividades antrópicas sobre a cobertura florestal. Áreas de queimada, agrícola e de exploração florestal foram comparadas com uma área controle em termos de composição e fitossociologia. Em cada área, foram estabelecidas, de maneira sistemática, parcelas quadrangulares de 20 x 20 m, distantes 20 m uma da outra, sendo realizado o levantamento da vegetação adulta e da regeneração. Foram determinados índices de similaridade, diversidade e riqueza. Os resultados indicaram existir dissimilaridade entre as áreas, sendo que as espécies Julbernardia globiflora, Diplorhynchus condylocarpon, Brachystegia utilis, Millettia stuhlmannii, Afzelia quanzensis, Burkea africana e Cussonia arborea destacaram-se em termos de abundância, frequência, dominância, Índice de Valor de Importância (IVI) e regeneração. O maior número de árvores por hectare foi encontrado na área de controle e o menor número foi encontrado na área agrícola. Com base no índice de dispersão de Morisita, a maior parte das espécies distribui-se de forma aleatória e agrupada. A distribuição diamétrica das árvores seguiu o padrão de J-invertido, característico de florestas naturais. As práticas de queimadas, agricultura e exploração florestal contribuem na redução da cobertura florestal na Reserva Florestal de Mecubúri. Palavras-chave: fitossociologia; conservação; desmatamento. The effect of anthropic activities on forest coverage in the Mecubúri Forest Reserve, Mozambique ABSTRACT: The study was carried out in the Mecubúri Forest Reserve, Mozambique, with the purpose of evaluating the effects of human activities on the forest cover. Burning, agricultural and logging areas were compared with a control area in terms of composition and phytosociology. In each area were systematically established 20 x 20 m quadrangular plots, 20 m apart from each other, in which were carried out the survey of adult vegetation and regeneration. The similarity, diversity and richness indices were determined. The results showed that there is dissimilarity between the areas and the species Julbernardia globiflora, Diplorhynchus condylocarpon, Brachystegia utilis, Millettia stuhlmannii, Afzelia quanzensis, Burkea africana e Cussonia arborea stood out in terms of abundance, frequency, dominance, Importance Value Index (IVI) and regeneration. The largest number of trees per hectare was found in the control area, and the smallest number was found in the agricultural area. Based on the Morisita dispersion index, most species have random and clustered distribution. The diametric structure of the trees followed the inverted-j, typical of natural forests. Burning, agriculture and logging contribute to the reduction of forest cover in the Mecubúri Forest Reserve. Keywords: phytosociology; conservation; deforestation.

FITOSSOCIOLOGIA DE PLANTAS DANINHAS EM CULTIVO DE FEIJÃO-CAUPI NO SEMIÁRIDO MINEIRO

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo caracterizar a dinâmica da comunidade infestante de plantas daninhas em cultivo do feijão-caupi no semiárido mineiro. Os tratamentos consistiram na coleta das plantas daninhas aos 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63 dias após a emergência (DAE), posteriormente foi feito o controle da comunidade infestante por capina mecânica. A coleta de plantas daninhas foi feita pelo método padrão do quadrado inventário, lançado aleatoriamente na área útil de cada parcela, recolhendo todas as plantas. Foram determinados o número de indivíduos por espécie em cada parcela e o número total por coleta. Após a identificação e contagem das espécies, foi realizado o cálculo das variáveis fitossociológicas: Frequência, Densidade, Abundância, Frequência relativa, Densidade relativa, Abundância relativa, Dominância relativa, Índice de valor de importância (IVI), Índice de valor de cobertura (IVC) e Índice de similaridade (IS). As espécies Portulaca oleracea, Amaranthus viridis e Sorghum bicolor apresentaram maiores valores de IVI. Foi possível afirmar que é alta a similaridade florística das espécies de plantas daninhas que ocorreram durante o ciclo do feijão-caupi. Quanto ao Índice de valor de Cobertura (IVC), destacaram-se as espécies Portulaca oleracea, Sorghum bicolor e Senna obustifolia. Palavras-chave: comunidade infestante; Vigna ungiculata; levantamento fitossociológico. Phytosociology of weeds in cultivation of cowpea in the semi-arid region of Minas Gerais ABSTRACT: The present work aimed to characterize the dynamics of the weed community in cultivation of cowpea in the semi-arid region of Minas Gerais. The treatments consisted of collecting the weeds 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63 days after emergence (DAE); following each collection, the weed community was controlled by mechanical weeding. The collections were carried out using the standard method of the inventory square, randomly launched in the useful area of each plot, collecting all the plants. The number of individuals per species in each plot and the total number per collect were determined. After identifying and counting the species, the phytosociological variables were calculated: Frequency, Density, Abundance, Relative frequency, Relative density, Relative abundance, Relative dominance, Importance value index (IVI), Coverage value index (CVI) and Similarity Index (SI). The species Portulaca oleracea, Amaranthus viridis and Sorghum bicolor presented the largest IVI. It was possible to affirm that the floristic similarity of the weed species that occurred during the cowpea cycle is high. The species Portulaca oleracea, Sorghum bicolor and Senna obustifolia presented the highest CVI values. Keywords: infestant comunnity; Vigna ungiculata; phytosociological survey.

Tree species diversity in Kalidhar forest of western Shiwaliks, Jammu, JK (UT)

The present study was conducted in Kalidhar forest of western Shiwaliks, Jammu, JK (UT), to assess the tree diversity and undertake phytosociological analysis in three major land use (LU) classes i.e. Forest, Agriculture and Scrub area. A total of 70, 50 and 50 sample plots of 0.1 ha were laid respectively in forests, scrub and agriculture LU classes. The study revealed that in forests possess a total 39 tree species belonging to 19 families and 31 genera, whereas, in scrub and agriculture lands a total of 9 tree species (8 families and 9 genera) and 60 tree species (26 families and 46 genera) were recorded respectively. Mallotus philippensis was the most dense tree species with 2.85 individuals per ha in forests followed by Pinus roxburghii 2.06 per hectare. In scrub and agriculture land Acacia modesta and Grewia optiva were found the densest species respectively. The value of Importance value index (IVI) was found highest for Pinus roxburhii (44.63) in forests, whereas, respective values were recorded highest for Syzygium cumini (82.64) and Grewia optiva (29.0) in scrub and agriculture lands. Flacourtia indica and Pinus roxburghii showed random distribution in forest and Syzygium cumini was also found to have random distribution in the scrub lands. Contiguous distribution was found for all tree species encountered in agriculture (LU) class. The diversity values of Shannon Wiener and Simpson indices showed highest tree diversity in agriculture lands with the values of 3.19 and 0.07 respectively followed by that in forests (2.47 and 0.14). Tree species richness was found high in agriculture area with Margalef’s (59.86) and Menhinick’s (1.80).

Species diversity of macrophytes in Jagadishpur Reservoir, Kapilvastu District, Nepal

The present research was conducted for quantitative study and diversity analyses of aquatic macrophytes dwelling littoral zone of Jagadishpur reservoir, Kapilvastu district in three seasons, as winter (December), summer (April), and rainy (August). Altogether 58 species of macrophytes were recorded in study site, of which highest number of species (54) was occupied by angiosperms followed by three species of pteridophytes and one species of alga. These macrophytes varied in different morphological groups, viz., emergent, submerged, and rooted-floating leaf type. Maximum number of species were represented by emergents (39) followed by rooted-floating leaf type (12) and submerged (7) macrophytes. There was distinct seasonal variation in the distribution of macrophytes: based on importance value index, Nelumbo nucifera (IVI = 22.87), Scripus sp. (IVI = 28.01), Ipomoea carnea (IVI = 24.67) and Typha angustifolia (IVI = 29.01) were dominant in the winter; Nelumbo nucifera (IVI = 20.05), Cynodon dactylon (IVI = 20.07) and Ipomoea carnea (IVI = 21.17) were dominant in the summer and Nelumbo nucifera (IVI = 23.8) and Scripus sp. (IVI =25.56) were dominant in the rainy season. The highest species diversity (H’) of macrophytes was observed during summer (3.451), followed by rainy season (3.135) and winter (3.008). The luxuriant growth of aquatic macrophytes evidenced the highly productive nature of the lake, while the dominance of emergents among the growth forms indicates the encroachment of littoral vegetation, indicating a successional trend toward marsh meadow.

Does the severity of a forest fire modify the composition, diversity and structure of temperate forests in Jalisco?

Introduction: Forest fires are natural disturbances that influence structure, dynamics, performance, composition and diversity of species. Objective: To compare composition, structure and diversity of temperate forest vegetation affected by different levels of severity of a forest fire in Jalisco. Materials and methods: Composition, horizontal structure, importance value index (IVI), diameter class, diversity indexes of Shannon, Simpson, Margalef richness and Bray-Curtis similarity were evaluated in three regions (Bosque La Primavera and Sierra de Tapalpa and Sierra de Quila) of temperate forest with three levels of severity (no fire, moderate and extreme). Results: Twelve species from six families were recorded. Pinaceae and Fagaceae were the most dominant. Dominance ranged from 0.2 to 50 m2∙ha-1 in moderate and extreme severity sites. Pinus devoniana recorded the highest IVI (71 %) in Sierra de Tapalpa. The highest number of trees was recorded in diameter class ≤30 cm. Diversity and richness indices showed significant differences (P < 0.05) for Sierra de Tapalpa and Sierra de Quila and among fire levels; the highest indices were recorded in sites of moderate severity. Tree composition similarity between regions was low (<33 %). Conclusions: Moderate severity of forest fire favored composition, structure and diversity of vegetation in temperate forests of Jalisco, indicating that the level of severity influences resilience of forest ecosystem communities.

Role of Anthropogenic drivers in altering the forest community structure in a prime tiger habitat in central India

Tropical forests are complex systems with heterogenous community assemblages often threatened under anthropogenic disturbances and grazing. We studied the change in plant community composition and structure under a disturbance gradient in the tropical dry deciduous forest of the corridor area between Nagzira-Navegaon Tiger reserve of central India. We tested the hypothesis that the plant community will change along the proximity gradient from the human settlement depending on the anthropogenic stress. We sampled 183 nested quadrat plots to collect data on species abundance and various disturbance parameters. Density, diversity, and Importance Value Index were calculated and multivariate analysis was done to assess the changes in species assemblage along the disturbance gradients. We found 76% overall dissimilarity between the plant communities in the three distance classes perpetrated by the difference in mean abundance of species like Tectona grandis, Terminalia sp, and Largerstroemia parviflora. The anthropogenic factors influence the density and diversity of tree species and regeneration classes. We found the abundance of regeneration class increased along the distance from the villages. The study intensifies the need for proper management and conservative approach to preserve the diversity of the forest patches for its structural and functional contiguity as a corridor in the central India's highly susceptible and intricate corridor framework.