New distribution record of a true coral species, Psammocora contigua (Esper, 1794) from Gulf of Kachchh Marine National Park & Sanctuary, India

Reef-building corals are generally confined to tropical waters across the world oceans. But some coral species are able to tolerate even inhospitable environments and suboptimal extremes, and form lower diversity reefs habitats such as the Gulf of Kachchh, located along the northwestern coast of India. Among the reported hard coral species so far from the Gulf of Kachchh, genus Psammocora is represented by only one species, P. digitata. The present study confirmed a new distribution record of Psammocora contigua from Narara Island. Due to the changing hydro-geographic conditions in the Kachchh region, ramose and branching coral species have been believed to be extinct completely, leaving no sign of live colonies. P. contigua, recorded during the present study is the only living species with ramose growth form recorded so far from the Kachchh waters. The present study also holds out hope to record more new coral species records from the region.

Scars of hope and forewarn of a bleak future: Post-mortem findings of dugongs (Dugong dugon) belonging to a relict population in the Gulf of Kachchh, India

A relict dugong population resides in the Gulf of Kachchh in Gujarat state of India. Very little is known on this population stemming from a lack of focused studies and inadequate examinations of previous strandings. In this study, crucial ecological information is gathered through a systematic necropsy on stranded dugongs in the gulf. As indicated through dorsal tusk-rake scars on both the carcasses, this study presents the first records of derivative physical evidence to the presence of a socially interacting population. Progressive healing and differences in the width of the scars indicated more than two individuals had participated in a sexual agnostic or courtship event. Conversely, our findings report that both the animals suffered relative effects of asphyxiation after fishing net entanglement. An implication of a prior pathological condition(s) in the form of dermal cysts, swollen mesenteric lymph nodes, and endoparasites are also reported. Stomach content was examined for a qualitative dietary characterization. Other potential threats along with fishing net microfilaments found in the stomach contents of both dugongs are discussed in brief.

New records and distribution extension of Nassarius persicus (Martens, 1874) and N. tadjallii Moolenbeek, 2007 (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Nassariidae) to India

We report new findings of live specimens of Nassarius persicus (Martens, 1874) and N. tadjallii Moolenbeek, 2007, extending their range to the Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat, India. The known distribution of both species was limited: N. persicus was distributed in the Persian Gulf, Gulf of Oman, and Karachi in Pakistan; N. tadjallii was reported from the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. We also provide comprehensive taxonomic descriptions of both species, along with additional morphological and ecological information.

Avian congregation sites in the Gulf of Kachchh, Gujarat, India

he present study deals with the congregation of avifauna at various locations in Gulf of Kachchh (GoK), Gujarat, India. The study was conducted between 2011 and 2014. A total of 14 sites were identified in Gulf of Kachchh which had regular and remarkable congregation of mono-species or multi-species of waterbirds. The observations were made through line transects and point count sampling methods. The largest congregation sites were Bhaidar and Pirotan Islands with more than 5,000 individuals of waterbirds. Khijadiya wetland was also recorded with a remarkable number of birds in the congregation, i.e., more than 4,000 individuals. The identified congregation sites were found to be distributed throughout the southern part of GoK. Such sites were intertidal areas, freshwater bodies, saltpans etc. The bird congregations comprised resident and migratory waterbirds and coastal birds.