A new genus Bongotarsonemus with two new species of tarsonemid (Acari: Heterostigmata) mites discovered from the Himalayan forests of West Bengal, India

Bongotarsonemus unicornus gen. nov., sp. nov. (Tarsonemidae: Tarsoneminae) is described from adult females and males collected on leaves of Sweet Cherry, Prunus avium L. (Rosaceae). Another species, Bongotarsonemus bicornus sp. nov. is described from adult females collected on leaves of a mountain fern Arthromeris wallichiana (Spreng.) Ching (Polypodiaceae). Both species were collected from the Himalayan forests of Darjeeling district in the State of West Bengal, India. Adult females of this new genus are unusual in having a median raised section of the prodorsum which is delimited by elongated tubercles bearing setae v1 and sometimes sc2. This area is ornamented with sclerotized ridges or elevated strial thickenings; and has a single or bifurcated spear-shaped horn between bases of setae v1. The new genus also has a characteristically bipartite sejugal apodeme and seta d on tibia I often reaching beyond the claw. Adult males are characterized by seta sc2 subequal to sc1; tarsus II with baciliform seta pl'' longer than half the length of the segment, and a conspicuously enlarged solenidion on tarsus IV. Both sexes are unique in having a fish-hook shaped claw on leg I with an elongated shank and strongly curved apex, and seta l' on femur I plumose.

Quantification and Diminution of Quercus semecarpifolia Forests Ecosystem Services in Himalayan Region- An Overview

The genus Quercus comprises very important tree species of the Himalayan forests. Oaks are crucial for a multitude of ecosystem services and livelihood support services reaped by the locals in the Himalayan region. Quercus semecarpifolia is the oldest and dominating species of the Himalayan region. It is considered a lifeline for people of this region due to the wider range of ecosystem and livelihood services provided by it. But this species forest is depleting very rapidly in his region due to over dependency. Major cause of overexploitation is lopping for fodder and fuelwood. The present study attempted to Quantify, recognize, and group the ecosystem services provided by Q. semecarpifolia. Further, certain factors responsible for regular shrinkage of Q. semecarpifolia forests were also addressed.

Russula rubricolor sp. nov. from Himalayan forests of Pakistan

A new species, Russula rubricolor, was collected in the Himalayan forests of Pakistan. This species is morphologically characterized by the yellowish hymenium, bright red pileus that is convex to flat with central depression and finally infundibuliform and striate towards margin, becoming blackish red with age. The newly reported species is placed in Russula subsect. Maculatinae based molecular phylogenetic analysis of ITS sequence data and supported by the red pileus color.

Vulnerability of Forest Vegetation Due to Anthropogenic Disturbances in Western Himalayan Region of India

The Western Himalayan zone of India is not only threatened by rapid climatic changes, natural floods, and fires, but also by anthropogenic activities. Himalayan forests are vulnerable due to climatic changes and faced severe ecological deterioration due to anthropogenic pressures. The degradation of forests due to anthropogenic disturbances is increasing because of overgrowth of population, high poverty ratio, as well as the limitations of alternative livelihood options. Further resources from forest makes it inseparable to manage forest stands without considering the importance of socio-economic status and ecological aspects of forest management to the well-being of local communities. Therefore, the Himalayan forests and the communities depending on forests should be seen as a part of an evolving. This chapter will explore the vulnerability of the knowledge towards Western Himalayan forests and community-based management of forests. Additionally, it will sketch potential sites affected through anthropogenic pressures.