The use of DNA barcoding to avoid adulteration in olive plant leaf products

Partovi R, Iranbakhsh A, Sheidai M, Ebadi M. 2020. The use of DNA barcoding to avoid adulteration in olive plant leaf products. Asian J For 5: 42-47. The leaves of olive plant species Olea europeae, and O. europeae var. cuspidata have been used for medicinal perfused in Iran. The first species leaves have been used to control the blood pressure, while the leaves of wild olive have been used for abortion by locals. Our preliminary inspection of the medicinal plant market revealed that the leaves of these two olive species are sold mistakenly to the consumers and their health might be at risk. Therefore, we permed this investigation to produce DNA barcodes for correct identification of these two olive species and also identify the potential adulteration in our local market. We used Internal transcribed spacer (ITS), as well as plastid genome trnL-F intergenic spacer and ribosomal protein L16 (rpL16) sequences. These sequences after alignment and curation produced DNA barcodes that can differentiate the two olive species from each other. The phylogenetic trees constructed also separated the samples of these olive species and confirmed the potential use of these short DNA sequences for olive barcoding. The present study revealed that some of the local shops mistakenly sell the wild olive leaves instead of the cultivated olive leaf to be used for blood pressure. This mistake endangers the health of pregnant women consumers if they carry a child. We suggest using a combination of nuclear ITS and plastid intergenic spacer (trnL-F and rpL16) regions for DNA barcoding of olive plants to avoid leaf product adulteration.

Plant species diversity and crown cover response to regeneration composition in community managed forest

Ghimire P, Lamichhane U. 2020. Plant species diversity and crown cover response to regeneration composition in community-managed forest. Asian J For 5: 36-41. The study was carried out to assess plant species diversity and crown cover response to regeneration composition in Nawalpur Saraswati (Basamadi) Community Forest of Hetauda Municipality of Makawanpur District, Nepal in November 2020 to December 2020. A stratified random sampling method with a total of 94 sample plots was laid out for the study. Altogether 44 species belonging to 26 families were recorded in the study site, of which 23 species were represented in tree category, 14 in shrub, and 7 in herb category. Both Shannon Weiner and Simpson's diversity index indicated good floral species diversity in the study area. The forest was dominated by Shorea robusta with 396 stem ha-1, followed by Terminalia bellerica 29 stem ha-1, Lagerstroemia parviflora 25 stem ha-1, and Terminalia tomentosa (syn. Terminalia elliptica) 21 stem ha-1 respectively. Both seedling and sapling were found in good number with seedlings 11,583 number ha-1and for seedlings it was recorded 1,896 number ha-1. Both seedling and sapling density was recorded higher in open crown coverage (seedlings=32625 number ha-1; saplings=5033 number ha-1) than in close crown coverage (seedlings=13,708 number ha-1; saplings=2,550 number ha-1). Therefore, the study concluded that crown opening facilitates growth and development of regeneration density in Shorea robusta and its associated forests. Furthermore, the information generated could be useful to predict future trends in species composition and stand structure in order to optimize the possible forest management strategies.

Livelihood status of Sundarbans dependent people at Shymnagar Upazila of Satkhira, Bangladesh

Azad AK, Pitol MNS, Rakkibu MG. 2020. Livelihood status of Sundarbans dependent people at Shymnagar Upazila of Satkhira, Bangladesh. Asian J For 5: 28-35. The study aims to know the livelihood status and dependency on Sundarbans at Shymnagar Upazila in the Satkhira district. A questionnaire survey was carried from 130 respondents in three unions. Most of the respondents (65%) were middle-aged (30-50 years old) and 22% of them were female and 78% were male. Among them about 51% were illiterate, 24% had primary education, while 25% had secondary education. About 72% of respondents were fully dependent and 21% were partially dependent on Sundarbans for their livelihood. Only 37% of people in these areas had their shrimp farm (gher). The respondents collected fuelwood (92%), aquatic resources (80%), small timber (54%), honey (27%), goran (Ceriops decandra) (8%), and golpata (Nypa fruticans) (6%) from Sundarbans. Only 63% of respondents had their livestock like cows (2%), poultry (68%), and goats (30%), whereas 84% of respondents were involved with different NGOs. Among the respondents, 70% had the access to disaster warnings, whereas only 24% had shelter facilities. Only 28% of respondents had access to drinking water from deep tube-well and 33% from ponds. About 50% of respondents did not get better medical treatment and were dependent on village doctors and only 8% of respondents received treatment from Government hospitals. It was alarming to know that about 91% of respondents did not know co-management in Sundarbans. Most of the people living here were not satisfied with their present occupations and about 98% of them were eager to start a new occupation. Only 11% of respondents got benefitted from government Vulnerable Group Feeding / Vulnerable Group Development support.

Spatial alteration of fragmented landscape in evergreen and semi-evergreen rainforest: A case study in Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh

Mamnun M, Hossen S. 2021. Spatial alteration of fragmented landscape in evergreen and semi-evergreen rainforest: A case study in Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh. Asian J For 5: 17-27. The principal aim of the study was to explore the level of fragmentation and underlying drivers in forests of Bandarban Sadar Upazila, Chittagong Division, Bangladesh from 1988-2018. The ArcGIS v10.5 and ERDAS Imagine v15 software were used to process satellite imageries and assess quantitative data. The study revealed that the area under forest land decreased very rapidly; it was lost about 7165.13 ha and the annual destruction rate was 17.92%. The edge density of forest area and agricultural crops rapidly increased from 1988-2018, while barren land and water bodies were almost consistent. Forest land became fragmented as its total edge area increased by 275.87% from 16469.6 km in 1988 to 61905 km in 2018. There was gradual decline in Shannon Diversity Index from 1988 (1.004), 2003 (0.878), and 2018 (0.615). Among the different factors, agro-horticultural plantation was the main factor for reduction in landscape diversity. This analytic study would help policymakers take necessary steps for sustainable forest management.

Rate of timber harvest and the effects of illegal activities on forest conservation in Southwestern Nigeria

Daramola JO, Adesuyi FE, Olugbadieye OG, Akinbowale AS, Adekunle VAJ. 2020. Rate of timber harvest and the effects of illegal activities on forest conservation in Southwestern Nigeria. Asian J For 5: 8-16. Availability of accurate data on timber harvest is very important for sustainable forest management. These data are not readily available, making forest management more complex. This study aimed at investigating the rate of timber harvest, illegal activities and its impacts on forest conservation in Osun State Forest Reserves. The selected reserves were Shasha Forest Reserve (SFR), Ago-Owu Forest Reserve (AFR), and Ikeji-Ipetu Forest Reserve (IFR). Data were collected using two sets of semi-structured questionnaires. One for the forest community dwellers and the other for forest officers. Simple random sampling was used to select 120 respondents from the population of concessionaires, saw millers, rural community dwellers, taungya farmers and the government officers in the study area. Secondary data was collected and compiled from the State Forestry Department to provide results for timber harvested only in SFR from January to July, 2019. The results revealed that SFR is under massive timber exploitation, as illegal logging and timber processing are the most prevalent driver of exploitation in this area; while AFR and IFR are degraded forest reserves marred with grazing and poaching, and illegal logging, respectively. The impacts of the illegal activities on forest conservation were categorized under economic, social, and environmental impacts. The most exploited species in SFR were Celtis spp. (3024 stems), Ricinodendron heudelotii (1789 stems), and the least exploited was Anthocleista spp. (3 stems). The study showed that many economic tree species that contribute to national development and rural livelihood have been exploited from the study sites and therefore recommend that timber harvest be carried out on a sustainable basis.

Quantitative assessment of tree species diversity of Himchari National Park (HNP) in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

Hossen S, Hossain MK, Hossain MA, Uddin MF. 2020. Quantitative assessment of tree species diversity of Himchari National Park (HNP) in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Asian J For 5: 1-7. The aim of the study was to assess the tree species composition, dominance, and quantitative distribution of tree species of Himchari National Park, Cox’s Bazar in Bangladesh through stratified random sampling method using sample plots (51) of 20 m x 20 m in size during the period of January 2017 to May 2018. A total of 961 stems (dbh ≥ 5 cm) of 88 tree species belonging to 64 genera and 37 families were enumerated where the stem density and basal area were 457.39 stem ha-1 and 10.979 m2 ha-1 respectively. On the other hand, the species diversity index, Shannon-Wiener’s diversity index, Shannon’s maximum diversity index, species evenness index, Margalef’s diversity index, and Simpson’s diversity index were 0.092, 3.733 ± 0.0071, 4.477, 0.834, 12.667 and 0.039 ± 0.0003 respectively. The highest Importance Value Index (IVI) was found for Acacia auriculiformis (23.23) followed by Tectona grandis (13.05), Gmelina arborea (12.66), Syzygium fruticosum (12.34), Casuarina equisetifolia (10.57), and Dipterocarpus turbinatus (10.55). The IVI value represents that Acacia auriculiformis possess highest dominance that is followed by Tectona grandis and Gmelina arborea. Percentage distribution of tree individuals into different height classes found in quadrats showed that height range 3 - <8 m had the highest (59.83%) percentage of tree individuals. On the other hand, different dbh (having dbh ≥5 cm) classes showed that most of the trees (65.97%) belonged to dbh range 5 - <15 cm. The outcome of present study suggests for the protection, sustainable management, and conservation of the tree resources of HNP, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh.

Tree species diversity and structural composition: The case of village common forest in Bandarban District, Bangladesh

Jannat M, Kamruzzaman MD, Hossain MK. 2020. Tree species diversity and structural composition: The case of village common forest in Bandarban District, Bangladesh. Asian J For 4: 76-83. The study was conducted to explore indigenous tree species diversity of Babu para village common forest (VCF) in Bandarban District. Tree species diversity was assessed through stratified random sampling method using sample plots of 20 m × 20 m in size. Babu para VCF with an area of 40 acres has more than 406 individuals of 74 tree species belonging to 30 families, including eight unidentified species. Euphorbiaceae and Moraceae were the dominant families containing 7 species followed by Anacardiaceae (5 species), Mimosaceae (6 species), and Meliaceae (5 species). Both the number of tree species and number of individuals decreased regularly with the increase of total height except ≥ 30 m height range. Number of species and number of individuals was highest in the height range of (5-<10) m. Similar trend was found for dbh (cm) class distribution. Both the number of species and number of individuals were highest in the dbh range of (5-<15) cm. Babu para VCF has diverse floristic resources that seemed from the Shannon-Wiener’s diversity index (3.94), Simpson’s diversity index (0.025), Margalef’s richness index (12.15) and Species evenness index (0.92). The results depict the presence of rich indigenous tree species diversity in studied VCF.

Bringing back the Chakaria Sundarbans mangrove forest of South-east Bangladesh through sustainable management approach

Dutta S, Hossain MK. 2020. Bringing back the Chakaria Sundarbans mangrove forest of South-east Bangladesh through sustainable management approach. Asian J For 4: 65-75. The oldest mangrove forest of Indian sub-continent namely Chakaria Sundarbans (CS) is currently in a critical situation. Destructive anthropogenic and natural impacts coupled with shrimp farming and excessive grazing has caused severe damage to this oldest mangrove ecosystem. A study was carried out based on the extensive literature survey and tried to explore the overall situation and conservation practices for CS of Bangladesh. This paper analyzed, reviewed, and identified the impacts of natural and man-made effects on CS mangroves. Finally, we recommended the sustainable management approach (SMA) including policy and participation of the local people for bringing back this potential natural mangrove forest resource of CS along with rich forest diversity.

Thermal properties of wooden based flask from tropical hardwood species

Ogunsanwo OY, Onakpoma I, Korede M. 2020. Thermal properties of wooden based flask from tropical hardwood species. Asian J For 4: 61-64. Most materials used for production of conventional thermos flask (metals and plastics) are not environment friendly with particular concerns about plastic which are not biodegradable. Wood waste management is important in producing environmentally friendly materials and achieving sustainable development in forestry through wood waste utilization as thermos flask. This study was therefore conducted to investigate the thermal properties of wooden thermos flask (WTF) using tropical hardwood species with a view to promoting the use of greener technology. Offcuts of Tectona grandis and Albizia saman were used to produce 12 WTF of two thicknesses (11 mm and 12 mm), with a height of 10.5'' using bamboo as inner lining. The heat loss and heat gain by the wooden flasks and conventional flask were collected using a thermometer which was inserted into the cap of the flasks through a hole drilled in it, the hole was covered at intervals to prevent heat loss and heat gain from the opening. Data was collected every two hours for twelve hours. The study was laid out in a 2×2 factorial experimental in a completely randomized design. Data were analyzed using ANOVA at p=0.05. The highest heat loss (64.00ºC) after 12 hours was observed in Tectona grandis WTF with 11 mm and 12 mm while Albizia saman thermos flask with 12 mm thickness had the least heat loss (62.00ºC). Metallic flask lost only about 30.00 ºC of its heat content after 12 hours. The highest heat gain (28ºC) after 12 hours was observed in Tectona grandis WTF with 11mm and 12mm while Albizia saman WTF with 11 mm thickness had the least heat gain (25.67ºC). Heat gained by WTF was 28.00ºC and 25.83ºC for Tectona grandis and Albizia saman respectively after 12 hours while heat gain by the metallic flask after 12 hours was 18.00ºC. Species and thickness did not significantly affect heat loss and gain of thermos flask. Significant difference was however observed between the heat lost and gained by WTF and metallic flask. Wooden thermos flask still retained heat and prevented loss to a certain degree but technological improvement would perform better.

Morphological variation of plantain squirrel Callosciurus notatus (Boddaert, 1785) (Rodentia: Sciuridae) population in West Sumatra, Indonesia

Tjong DH, Sari RM, Roesma DI. 2020. Morphological variation of plantain squirrel Callosciurus notatus (Boddaert, 1785) (Rodentia: Sciuridae) population in West Sumatra, Indonesia. Asian J For 21: 54-60. A study about the morphological variation of plantain squirrel among several populations in West Sumatra has been done in West Sumatra. There were 38 specimens of C. notatus collected from Padang, Lubuk Basung, Sangir, and Baso by using a survey and direct collection method. The morphometric measurement was conducted in the Laboratory of Genetic and Biomolecular, Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Andalas University. Morphological measurement data based on 21 external characters and 35 skull characters were analyzed by the Kruskall Wallis test, Principal Component Analysis (PCA), and Unweighted Pair Group Method Arithmetic Average (UPGMA). The result showed that there was morphological variation in ten body characters and nine skull characters. It is necessary to do further research to determine what environmental factors specifically influence certain morphological characters.