JOURNAL

OF THE

BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

AUGUST 2005 VOL. 102 (2)

JOURNAL OF THE BOMBAY NATURAL HISTORY SOCIETY

Hornbill House, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Marg, Mumbai 400 023.

Executive Editor

Asad R. Rahmani, Ph. D.

Bombay Natural History Society, Mumbai

Editorial Board

M.R. Almeida, D. Litt.

Bombay Natural History Society, Mumbai

Ajith Kumar, Ph. D.

National Centre for Biological Sciences, GKVK Campus,

Hebbal, Bangalore

M.K. Chandrashekaran, Ph. D., D. Sc.

Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru Centre

for Advanced Scientific Research,

Bangalore

Anwaruddin Choudhury, Ph. D.

The Rhino Foundation for Nature, Guwahati

Indraneil Das, D. Phil.

Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation,

Universiti Malaysia, Sarawak, Malaysia

Raghavendra Gadagkar, Ph. D.

Professor, Centre for Ecological Sciences,

Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore

Y.V. Jhala, Ph. D.

Wildlife Institute of India, Dehra Dun

K. Ullas Karanth, Ph. D.

Wildlife Conservation Society - India Program,

Bangalore, Karnataka

T.C. Narendran, Ph. D., D. Sc.

Professor, Department of Zoology,

University of Calicut, Kerala

Aasheesh Pittie, B. Com.

Bird Watchers Society of Andhra Pradesh,

Hyderabad

G.S. Rawat, Ph. D.

Wildlife Institute of India, Dehra Dun

K. Rema Devi, Ph. D.

Zoological Survey of India, Chennai

J.S. Singh, Ph. D.

Professor, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi

S. Subramanya, Ph. D.

University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK,

Hebbal, Bangalore

R. Sukumar, Ph. D.

Professor, Centre for Ecological Sciences,

Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore

Romulus Whitaker, B. Sc.

Madras Reptile Park and Crocodile Bank Trust,

Tamil Nadu

Senior Consultant Editor

Mr. J.C. Daniel, M. Sc.

Consultant Editors

Raghunandan Chundawat, Ph. D.

Wildlife Conservation Society, Bangalore.

Nigel Collar, Ph. D.

BirdLife International, UK

Rhys Green, Ph. D.

Royal Society for Protection of Birds, UK

QamarQureshi, M. Phil.

Wildlife Institute of India, Dehra Dun

T.J. Roberts, Ph. D.

World Wildlife Fund - Pakistan

Editorial Assistant: Vibhuti Dedhia, M. Sc.

Layout and Typesetting: V. Gopi Naidu

recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS). Enquiries

concerning reproduction outside the scope of the above should be addressed to the Honorary Secretary, BNHS at the address given above.

VOLUME 102 (2): AUGUST 2005

1 JUL 50 2014 )

CONTENTS

EDITORIAL 141

TROPICAL RAINLOREST BIRD COMMUNITY STRUCTURE IN RELATION TO ALTITUDE, TREE

SPECIES COMPOSITION, AND NULL MODELS IN THE WESTERN GHATS, INDIA

T.R. Shankar Raman, N.V. Joshi and R. Sukumar 145

STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION OF A NEWLY DOCUMENTED RESIDENTIAL GANGETIC DOLPHIN

( PLATANISTA GANGETICA ROXBURGH 1801) POPULATION IN EASTERN ASSAM

A. Wakid 158

A TAXONOMIC STUDY OF THE GENUS PEALIUS QUAINTANCE & BAKER (HOMOPTERA: ALEYRODIDAE)

IN INDIA

Anil Kumar Dubey and R. Sundararaj 162

THE FOOD OF THE HIMALAYAN NEWT TYLOTOTRITON VERRUCOSUS (ANDERSON): A PRELIMINARY

STUDY

N. Thambalshangbi Devi 166

FAUNAL DIVERSITY OF ROTIFERS (ROTIFER A: EUROTATORIA) OF DEEPOR BEEL, ASSAM (NORTHEAST

INDIA) - A RAMSAR SITE.

B. K. Sharma and Sumita Sharma 169

A PRELIMINARY SURVEY ON FRESHWATER ALGAL FLORA OF GARUDA TAL NEAR NAINITAL,

UTTARANCHAL, INDIA

M.R. Suseela 176

CLUTCH AND BODY SIZE ANALYSIS OF SPHAEROTHECA ROLANDAE (ANURA: RANIDAE)

Sushil K. Dutta, Sruti M. Das and P. Mahapatra 181

THE EPIPLEMINAE (LEPIDOPTERA: URANIIDAE) OF THE KUMAON HIMALAYA

Peter Smetacek 186

NEW DESCRIPTIONS

S ALAR I AS RETICULATUS (PISCES: BLENNIDAE), A NEW FRESHWATER BLENNY FROM CHALAKUDY

RIVER, KERALA (SOUTH INDIA)

B. Madhusoodana Kurup, T.G. Manojkumar and K.V. Radhakrishnan 195

EUONYMUS KANYAKUMARIENSIS - A NEW SPECIES OF CELASTRACEAE FROM INDIA

C. Murugan and V.S. Manickanr 198

A NEW SISORID CATFISH OF THE GENUS GLYPTOTHORAX BLYTH FROM MANIPUR, INDIA

W. Vishwanath and I. Linthoingambi 201

THREE NEW SPECIES OF FIPPATALEYRODES SUNDARARAJ AND DAVID (ALEYRODIDAE: HEMIPTERA)

FROM WESTERN GHATS OF SOUTH INDIA

A.K. Dubey and R. Sundararaj 204

DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES OF THE GENUS NEOCLARKINELLA REMA & NARENDRAN

(HYMENOPTERA: BRACONIDAE) FROM INDIA

Z. Ahmad, K. Pandey, A. A. Haider and Shujauddin 208

A NEW NEMACHEILINE FISH OF THE GENUS SCHISTURA MCCLELLAND (CYPRINIFORMES:

BALITORIDAE) FROM MANIPUR, INDIA

W. Vishwanath and M. Shanta Kumar 210

REVIEWS

1. PERSPECTIVES ON BIOSYSTEMATICS AND BIODIVERSITY: PROF. T.C. NARENDRAN

COMMEMORATIVE VOLUME

Reviewed by Gayatri Ugra 214

2. HANDBOOK ON INDIAN WETLANDS BIRDS AND THEIR CONSERVATION

Reviewed by Asad R. Rahmani 214

3. FOCUS ON SACRED GROVES & ETHNOBOTANY

Reviewed by S.S. Ranade 215

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

MAMMALS

1 . Occurrence of the Tibetan Sand Fox Vulpesferrilata

Hodgson in Ladakh: A new record for the Indian

subcontinent

By Tsewang Namgail, Sumanta Bagchi,

Yash V. Bhatnagar and Rinchen Wangchuk

2. Domestic dog (Canis familiaris): Threat for the

Golden Langur Trachypithecus geei

By Dilip Chetry, Rekha Medhi. RC. Bhattacharjee

and B.N. Patiri

3. An update on the Elephants of Interview Island

By Rauf Ali

4. Status and distribution of Grey Goral (Naemorhedus

Gored) and Serow ( Capricornis sumatraensis) in

Kumaon Himalayas, Uttaranchal, India

By Orus Ilyas and Jamal A. Khan

5. Record of the Chinese Goral Naemorhedus caudatus

in Arunachal Pradesh

By Charudutt Mishra, Aparajita Datta and

M.D. Madhusudan

BIRDS

6. Charakla Saltpans: A haven for Black-necked Grebe

Podiceps nigricollis Brehm

By Anika Jadhav, B.M. Parasharya and

Bharat Rughani

7. Migration of Black-eared or Large Indian Kite Milvus

migrans lineatus (Gray) from Mongolia to North-

eastern India

By Anwaruddin Choudhury

8. Mammalian prey species of the Forest Owlet

Heteroglaux hlewitti Hume

By G.A. Jathar, S.S. Talmale, M.S. Pradhan

and A.R. Rahmani

9. Sighting of Long-eared Owl ( Asio otas) in Banni

region of Kachchh district, Gujarat India

By Justus Joshua, Nischal M. Joshi.

V. Vijay Kumar. Pankaj N. Joshi, S.V. Subba Rao,

Yogesh Sharma and Ramnaresh Guleria

10. Breeding of Sand Martin ( Riparia riparia) on the

banks of River Ganga in Chilla part of Rajaji National

Park, Uttar Pradesh

By Justus Joshua

1 1 . Sighting of Sand Martin (Riparia riparia ) and Plain

Martin (Riparia paludicola) in Banaskantha district.

North Gujarat, India

By Justus Joshua, Hiren Soni, Nischal M. Joshi,

Pankaj N. Joshi and S.V. Subba Rao

12. Occurrence of Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti

and Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe isabellina in

Mahbubnagar district, Andhra Pradesh

By Aasheesh Pittie and M. Shafaat Ulla

13. New records of birds in Periyar Tiger Reserve,

Thekkady, Kerala

By A. Veeramani, Pranrod G. Krishnan and

Deepakumar N. Kurup

FISHES

14. Occurrence of the Two-spot Gourami Trichogaster

trichopterus (Pallas) in Porur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu,

India

By Ranjit Manakadan

1 5. Extension of range of Nemacheilus keralensis (Rita

& Nalbant) and Puntius ophicephalus (Raj) to River

Meenachil, Kerala (India)

By K.V. Radhakrishnan and

B. Madhusoodana Kurup

INSECTS

16. Recent records on the distribution, seasonality and

occurrence of Redspot Butterfly, Zesius chrysomallus

Hiibner from the lower western Himalaya

By Arun P. Singh 238

17. Occurrence of Graphium doson Common Jay

Butterfly, Family Papilionidae, in Mumbai,

Maharashtra

By Naresh Charturvedi, Sheila Tanna and Varad Giri 240

18. Cannibalism observed in the Monkey Puzzle

Butterfly Rathinda amor( Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae)

By Anuradha Rajagopalan 240

19. Mukurthi National Park: A migratory route for the

butterflies

By B. Senthilmurugan 241

20. First record of Scatella stagnalis (Fallen)

(Ephydridae: Diptera), from India

By Bulganin Mitra, Dhriti Banerjee and P. Parui .. 242

21. Addition to the Mantid fauna of Sanjay Gandhi

National Park, Mumbai and some new records from

Maharashtra

By Naresh Chaturvedi, T.K. Mukherjee

and Varad Giri 242

OTHER INVERTEBRATES

22 . New record of the Salticid Spider Thiania hhamoensis

Thorell (Araneae: Salticidae) from Kerala, India with

its redescription and field notes on behaviour

By Samson Davis, A.V. Sudhikumar, K. Sunil Jose

and PA. Sebastian 245

23. First record of a Wind-scorpion (Arachnida:

Solifugae) from Seoni district, Madhya Pradesh

By Pawan Gajbe 249

24. Occurrence of the Mud Crab Scylla tranquebarica

(Fabricius) (Brachyura: Portunidae) from the west

coast of India

By R.K. Singh, V.R. Vartak and A.K. Balange 250

BOTANY

25. New sites of Nepenthes khasiana from Meghalaya

with new eastern and western range extensions

By Anwaruddin Choudhury 252

26. Lindernia estaminodiosa (Blatt. & Hallb.)

Mukherjee (Scrophulariaceae): A new distributional

record to Andhra Pradesh

By M. Chenna Kesavulu and R.R. Venkata Raju . 253

27. Ethnobotanical information of Eulophia epidendraea

(Retz) Fischer (Orchidaceae) in the Kambli

Malaikovil Forest, Tirunelveh district, Tamil Nadu

By M. Maridass, B. Victor and U. Ramesh 255

28 . Occurrence, fruiting and seed morphology of endemic

Bulbophyllum fimbriatum (Lindl.) Reichb. F.

By Vinaya S. Ghate and Savita Nagarkar 255

29. Indigenous uses of Rhododendrons in Nepal

By Narayan Prasad Manandhar 257

30. Paspalum conjugation Berg. (Poaceae), a new record

to Andhra Pradesh, India

By A. Madhusudhan Reddy, S. Sunitha and

B. Ravi Prasad Rao 259

31. A note on the collection of Pteris puberula Ching

(Pteridaceae: Pteridophyta) in the North-western

Himalaya from Kumaon Hills

By Y.P.S. Pangtey 260

Cover Photograph: Praying Mantis Schizocephala bicornis

By Meethil Momaya

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We are grateful to the Ministry of Science and Technology,

Govt of India,

FOR ENHANCED FINANCIAL SUPPORT FOR THE PUBLICATION OF THE JOURNAL.

Animal Rights ! Species Wrong !

During the last 30 years, animal rights movement in the world (Singer 1975, Rollin 1981 , Regan 1983) and in

India has grown from strength to strength, whether it is the question of transport of animals or the question of

minimum space provided to display animals in zoos, or the treatment of circus animals. This is certainly a good

development - an indication of a mature and humane society. We all agree that college laboratories should avoid

or minimize experiments on animals, especially if they are collected from the wild (e.g. frogs, lizards, scoliodon), and

research laboratories should keep experimental animals in healthy conditions. Experiments that are inhuman and

painful should be avoided, since many can now be simulated in computers. Who would not agree that our zoos

need total reform? The naked cages should be replaced by large enclosures with moats and natural barriers, and

zoo animals should have some private areas, where they can retreat from time to time. Animals living in groups (e.g.

most deer species) should not be kept in solitary confinement, and solitary animals (e.g. Leopard, Tiger) should be

provided enough space so that they feel comfortable. Inquisitive animals such as apes and monkeys should be

provided emotional enrichment and novelties in food and for play, so that they are kept busy and happy.

On the wildlife front, we should see that more attention is given to habitat and species protection, that

poaching is strictly controlled, the number of protected areas is increased to include all the species and ecosystems,

the forest guards are better trained and equipped, and the local communities benefit from biodiversity conservation.

I think no one would have any objection to the above-mentioned suggestions. The problem comes when animal

rights activists start interfering in conservation action and management. Good conservation is a different ball

game. I will give a few examples to illustrate how animal rights activism and emotional conservation are playing

havoc with the conservation movement in India.

Along with habitat loss and over-exploitation, invasive species are the second greatest threat to biodiversity

conservation in the world (BirdLife International 2001 ). Both animal and plant invasives are playing havoc in India.

There are numerous examples, such as Lantana camara in the Indian forests (Sawarakar 1984); Prosopis chilensis

or Mesquite in northwest India; Parthenium in disturbed areas (Sushikumar and Saraswati 2001); Mimosa in

Kaziranga (Vattakkavan et al. 2005); Water Hyacinth Eichornia crassipes in almost all tropical wetlands; crows,

cats, elephants and Chital in Andaman Islands (Ali 2004); Andaman Red-whiskered Bulbul Pycnonotus jocosus

whistleri on Nancowry group of islands of Nicobar (Sankaran 1998); goats on Narcondam Islands (Vijayan and

Sankaran 2000); and feral dogs on Great Nicobar (Ali 2003). While most conservationists and animal lovers agree

that plant invasives should be removed to save local fauna and flora, when the question of eradication of invasive

animals is brought up we hear howls of protest.

Biological invasions are now considered to be one of the world’s most challenging environmental threats

(Vitousek et al. 1996; Parker 2000). Invasive species are entirely or partially responsible for the majority of bird

extinctions since 1800. Introduced predator species, particularly cats, rats and mongooses, are currently threat to

nearly 25% of the globally threatened bird species (BirdLife International 2000). Most of these extinctions have

occurred and still occur on small remote islands, where birds lack natural defences to introduced predators, such

as cats, foxes, rats, mongoose, crows etc. These invasive animals are commensal of man and travel with him, or are

sometimes deliberately introduced. India is a continental country so we do not have many such examples, except

in the Andaman & Nicobar and Lakshadweep Islands. Nonetheless, on our islands, the story is not very different

to what had happened in New Zealand, Hawaii and many other islands. According to a very interesting study by

Dr. Ravi Sankaran of the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History (SACON) (Vijayan and Sankaran

2000), goats introduced by the Indian Government to provide fresh meat to the policemen were playing havoc on

Narcondam Island by browsing saplings of Ficus species. Most nests of the Narcondam Hornbill (Aceros

narcoiulami ) are found in old, fissured and hollowed trees (Hussain 1984. Vijayan and Sankaran 2000, Yahya and

Zarri 2002). Due to storms and old age, many trees die every year on this small, 6.8 sq. km island. The nest sites are

at premium and out of the 300-400 Narcondam Hornbills that occur there, there is a stiff competition for nest sites.

The goats are not allowing regeneration so there is very little recruitment. Based on his fieldwork, Ravi believed

that if the goats were not eradicated and the old trees keep dying at the present rate (no one can stop this), then

in another 80 years there would be no old tree left to have nest cavities for this highly endangered and endemic

species to breed. The question is: what is more important? Goat, the most widely distributed domestic animal in the

world, or the Narcondam Hornbill, which lives only on this 6.8 sq. km island and has a population of less than 400

individuals? Shouldn’t hard-core conservation measures over-rule the bleeding heart’s maudlin appeals to protect

goats? Which is more important: the Narcondam HombilTs right to exist, or the feral goat’s right to nibble away the

last Ficusl Fortunately, most of the goats were removed from the island in 1999, and while it is possible that a few

stragglers survive in remote corners, a major threat has been averted by the implementation of good conservation

practices, based on good science. But do we have many such examples? This was possible to do on a remote

island, away from the prying eyes of vocal animal rights buffs. Can we do this on the mainland?

Another example from the Andaman Island is the ecological havoc by the introduced Chital ( Axis axis) (Ali

2004 ). The British introduced this prolific deer nearly 1 00 years ago. Since then they have spread to most islands in the

group. Like many volcanic islands, the rainforest of Andaman & Nicobar has also evolved without grazing and

browsing pressures from large herbivores. Till about three decades ago, the number of Chital was kept under control

by legal hunting, but now that has more or less stopped. Chital is in Schedule II in the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act,

1972 and its hunting is totally banned. Conservationists have repeatedly recommended to the Government to control

the number of Chital by allowing hunting in large islands, and total eradication from smaller islands, the local flora and

ecosystem would be otherwise irreversibly damaged (Ali 2004). The Shekar Singh Committee-2002 that was supposed

to look at conservation issues of Andaman & Nicobar Islands has recommended darting of the alpha male Chital with

anti-fertility drugs to control the population of this gregarious animal. An emotional protectionist’s philosophy has

again won over practical conservation. Firstly, it is not easy to selectively dart/catch alpha male Chitals, secondly as

soon as dominant alpha males lose their vigour, the subdominant males would become dominant quickly and do the

‘job’ , perhaps happily ! Thirdly, when you are catching this invasive species, why not eat it. Chital is anyway one of the

most widely distributed deer in India and Sri Lanka. What is more important in small remote islands of Andaman:

ecosystem integrity or the prolific Chital? We have a national obligation to eliminate invasive species under Section 8

h of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). India has signed the CBD, so why are we shying away by not

taking some concrete actions (merely to placate animal rights activists?).

It is not only the feral invasive species that are the problem for biodiversity conservation. Even our domestic

animals are a big problem for wildlife, especially in urban and semi-urban areas. Nearly 40% of wildlife survives

outside protected areas, and many species live in a large landscape or waterspace. These species are already

under tremendous biotic pressures; do they need dogs, cats or crows to put more pressures on them? The Black-

necked Crane Gras nigricollis is a Vulnerable species (BirdLife International 2001) and about 55-60 individuals are

found in Ladakh (a much bigger population of several thousands birds is found in Tibet). In India, 10-12 pairs nest

every year in the high altitude lakes of Ladakh. According to Pfister (2004), nearly 50% chicks fall prey to semi-feral

dogs in certain years. If we have such a small population, should we not control the population of these dogs and

save the chicks of this Vulnerable species? In the high alpine regions of Upper Sikkim (Ganguli-Lachungpa and

Rahmani 2005), abandoned dogs, some of which have now become feral, move in packs and kill Himalayan

Marmots Marmota bobak , Hill Fox Vulpes montana, Tibetan Fox V. ferrilatus. Woolly Hare Lepus oiostolus,

Tibetan Snowcock Tetraogallas tibetanus and highly threatened Tibetan Gazelle Procapra picticaudata and

Kiang Equus kiang. I have seen dogs swimming in the high altitude lakes after Brahminy Shelduck chicks and

digging up Marmot burrows. These aggressive dogs also chase the Snow Leopard Uncia uncia , Lynx Lynx lynx

and Tibetan Wolf Canis lupus chanko. The Snow Leopard, Tibetan Wolf, foxes and various species of weasels

and stoats are the natural predators in the alpine and semi-alpine regions. They occur in low densities and their

predatory pressure is not enough to disturb the natural predator-prey balance, but when large aggressive, packs

of feral dogs come on the scene, the balance is tilted against the prey species. Therefore, should we not control the

number these domestic/feral dogs to save the globally threatened Black-necked Crane or the clumsy Himalayan

Marmot? On many beaches feral dogs are the major problem for the nesting sea turtles, as they dig up the nests.

For small birds, with cutting of trees and bushes, and pollution our urban environment is becoming a

nightmare to live in. To top this we have the menace of ever-increasing number of crows and cats. Which Bulbul

142

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

or Iora would be able to raise her chicks when hundreds of crows and cats are prowling all around her? In the

United Kingdom, millions of birds are killed every year by domestic cats. Controlling the cat numbers is such an

emotional issue that even a million-member Royal Society for the Protection of Birds is not willing to take up the

cudgel with the fanatic animal rights activists. Despite thousands of dog bites every year, and many human

deaths, animal rights activists have become so strong and vocal that killing of a stray dog in Mumbai becomes

front page news! There is even a Stray Dog Welfare Association in Mumbai!

Most of our cities are now full of stray dogs, thanks to the ban imposed on their killing. Van Vihar National Park

near Bhopal is a large zoo with big open enclosures. Recently, a pack of stray dogs killed ten Chitals in an enclosure.

Another sordid example is the release of more than 700 dogs in Nauradohi Wildlife Sanctuary by the Municipal

Corporation of Sagar, Madhya Pradesh. Faced with a public outcry over rise in dog bites, owing to a huge increase in

the population of stray dogs in the town, the Municipal Corporation authorities decided to release the dogs in a

sanctuary, on the recommendations of animal rights activists, thus not violating the ban on killing of stray dogs

imposed by the State Government. Isn't it time for the real conservationists to stand up to these extremists. Dogs and

cats are undoubtedly wonderful pets, but the question is: should we allow them to run ‘wild’ in our cities, towns,

countryside and sanctuaries? According to me, every dog should be a pet dog, with a responsible owner who takes

care of it. We do not need stray dogs, rummaging on garbage bins, biting children, chasing late -returning working

women, and barking continuously in the middle of the night in residential areas. I would like to see a bulbul successfully

raise her brood in my backyard as much as I would like to see a pet dog or a cat with a responsible owner.

Another issue that the Government is afraid to tackle is the problem of locally over-abundant animals such

as Nilgai Boselephus tragocamelus, Blackbuck Antelope cervicapra and Wild Pig Sus scrofa. All these species

are prolific breeders and have increased to pest proportions in many agriculture areas. For example, in 1983-84,

there were not more than 20 Blackbuck and 60-100 Great Indian Bustards in and around Rollapadu (Manakadan

and Rahmani 1989). Once the Sanctuary was declared for the protection of the highly endangered Great Indian

Bustard Ardeotis nigriceps , protection was given to all species. Initially, local people were very happy that their

area was coming into limelight due to the bustard and wholeheartedly cooperated with the Forest Department, but

within a decade when the population of Blackbuck went up steeply and became a menace to their crops, the

villagers turned against the Sanctuary. From being friends of the Great Indian Bustard and the Sanctuary, they

have become enemies of both, and rightly so. Which marginal farmer would allow his crops to be destroyed year

after year? While the Blackbuck numbers have gone up from 20-25 to 800, the bustard has declined from 60-100 to

30-37 (Thulsi Rao and Javed 2005). Recently, the Andhra Forest Department has taken some measures by

translocating about 150 Blackbuck, but are we solving the problem or translocating the problem? While we still

have some hope to save the bustards of Rollapadu, there is no hope left to bring back the bustards of Karera

Bustard Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh and Sorsan Bustard area in Rajasthan. What is happening in Rollapadu

now happened in Karera and Sorsan a decade ago. Sadly in both these areas, the Great Indian Bustard is now

extinct. In both Karera and Sorsan, crop-damage related resentment has created so much hostility that villagers

are demanding denotification of the sanctuaries.

While I would not say that culling locally abundant species should be the first option, but can't we keep this

as the last option in certain cases, for certain species and for certain areas? In the present conservation atmosphere

in India, wildlife managers are afraid to even discuss this option due to strong backlash from animal rights activists

and emotional city-based conservationists. To save endangered species, we should do everything and anything,

even if it involves culling of certain animals or control of predators. We should have a menu of options such as

strict control on poaching, habitat manipulation, translocation, improving the gene pool in small populations,

conservation breeding and reintroduction, eradication of invasive species, and culling of common species, if they

are impacting the recovery of endangered species.

As someone has rightly said, animal rights activists are interested in protecting every individual animal,

while conservationists are interested in saving species and ecosystems. The two are not necessarily the same,

and most of the time animal rights activism interferes in saving species and ecosystems. As we have seen from the

above-mentioned cases, ‘animal rights’ can be species wrong!

Asad R. Rahmani

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

143

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In: Alien weeds in moist tropical zones: banes and benefits (Eds: Sankaran, K.V., S.T. Murphy & H.C. Evan). Proceedings of

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Vattakkavan, J.. N.K. Vasu, S. Varma, N. Gureja & A. Aiyadurai (2005): Silent Stranglers: Eradication of Mimosa in Kaziranga

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Vijayan, L. & R. Sankaran (2000): A Study of the Ecology, Status and Conservation Perspectives of Certain Rare Endemic Avifauna

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for comments and suggestions.

144

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

145-157

TROPICAL RAINFOREST BIRD COMMUNITY STRUCTURE IN RELATION

TO ALTITUDE, TREE SPECIES COMPOSITION, AND NULL MODELS IN THE

WESTERN GHATS, INDIA1

T. R. Shankar Raman2-3, N. V. Joshi2-4 and R. Sukumar2-5

'Accepted 2005

^Centre for Ecological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560 012, Karnataka. India.

’Email: [email protected]

4Email: [email protected]

’Email: [email protected]

Studies of species distribution on elevational gradients are essential to understand principles of community organisation

as well as to conserve species in montane regions. This study examined the patterns of species richness, abundance,

composition, range sizes, and distribution of rainforest birds at 14 sites along an elevational gradient (500-1400 m) in the

Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) of the Western Ghats, India. In contrast to theoretical possibilities,

resident bird species richness did not change significantly with elevation although the species composition changed

substantially (<10% similarity) between the lowest and highest elevation sites. Constancy in species richness was

possibly due to relative constancy in productivity and lack of elevational trends in vegetation structure. Elevational

range size of birds, expected to increase with elevation according to Rapoport’s rule, was found to show a contrasting

inverse U-shaped pattern because species with narrow elevational distributions, including endemics, occurred at both

ends of the gradient (below 800 in and above 1200 m). Bird species composition also did not vary randomly along the

gradient as assessed using a hierarchy of null models of community assembly, from completely unconstrained models to

ones with species richness and range-size distribution restrictions. Instead, bird community composition was significantly

correlated with elevation and tree species composition of sites, indicating the influence of deterministic factors on bird

community structure. Conservation of low- and high-elevation areas and maintenance of tree species composition

against habitat alteration are important for bird conservation in the southern Western Ghats rainforests.

Key words: structure and floristics, mid-domain effect, non-equilibrium dynamics, null models, community assembly

INTRODUCTION

Since the pioneering work of Terborgh( 1971, 1977, 1985)

and Terborgh and Weske (1975), research on altitudinal

distribution patterns of birds has tended to focus on three

major aspects — variation in richness with altitude, range

sizes, and species turnover rates — and on one region with

relatively well-documented information on bird altitudinal

distributions, the Neotropics (Rahbek 1997; Patterson et al.

1998; Stotz 1998; Blake and Loiselle 2000). Most studies have

shown a general pattern of decreasing species richness with

increasing altitude, believed to mirror the well-recognised

latitudinal gradient in species richness (MacArthur 1972;

Patterson et al. 1996, 1998; Bachman et al. 2004). Monotonic

decline in species richness with altitude may also occur when

altitudinal range sizes of species increase with altitude, as

suggested by Stevens (1992) in an extension of Rapoport’s

rule, a matter of intense debate (Rapoport 1982; Gaston et al.

1998; Taylor and Gaines 1999).

Other studies have suggested that species richness

may show a non-monotonic, hump-shaped pattern with

diversity peaking at mid-altitudes (Janzen 1973; Rahbek 1997;

Stotz 1998), as in diversity-productivity gradients

(Rosenzweig and Abramsky 1993). This pattern may become

apparent when data are corrected for sampling effort for local

species richness (Terborgh 1977; Patterson et al. 1996), or

area for regional species richness (Rahbek 1997; Bachman

et al. 2004). Models that evaluate consequences of geometric

constraints (hard upper and lower limits) on the altitudinal

ranges of species also predict mid-altitude peaks called the

‘mid-domain effect’ (Rahbek 1997; Colwell and Lees 2000;

Veech 2000).

In contrast to species richness, community

compositional change (turnover rates) at the regional level

may increase with altitude (Rahbek 1997), or show peaks and

troughs corresponding to transition zones between lowland

and montane avifauna ( Patterson et al. 1 996; Stotz 1 998 ). Little

is known of factors influencing bird community composition

at local levels in tropical rainforests. Along successional

gradients, habitat structure and tree species composition

influence bird community structure, wherein structurally and

floristically similar sites have more similar bird communities

( Raman et al. 1 998 ). Along altitudinal gradients, past studies

of local bird community structure have largely ignored the

relative influence of deterministic differences between sites

in habitat attributes versus the effects of chance, null models,

or altitude per se.

The present study explores variation in local bird

TROPICAL RAINFOREST BIRD COMMUNITY STRUCTURE IN WESTERN GHATS

community structure, species composition, and turnover rates

along an altitudinal gradient in a tropical rainforest of the

Western Ghats of India. Although recognised as a global

biodiversity hotspot (Myers etal. 2000) and an endemic bird

area (Stattersfield etal. 1998), this region is peculiar in being

relatively depauperate in its rainforest bird community due to

historical isolation from larger tracts of rainforest in northeast

India and southeast Asia (Daniels etal. 1992). Here, we explore

how bird community attributes vary with altitude in tropical

rainforest. Specifically, we ask: does species richness show a

monotonic decline with altitude or a hump-shaped pattern

due to the ‘mid-domain effect’? Is there support for Rapoport’s

rule? Does altitudinal distance and degree of change in habitat

influence and correlate with change in bird community

composition or are turnover rates estimated accurately by

null models that simulate non-equilibrium dynamics? The

results are used to assess the relative influence of

deterministic versus non-equilibrium factors on tropical

rainforest bird community structure.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Study area

The 1600 km long chain of hills called the Western Ghats

runs along the west coast of the Indian peninsula from 8° N

to 21° N. Moist forests, including tropical wet evergreen forest,

are found largely south of 16° N (Pascal 1988), and contain a

higher diversity of endemic plant and animal taxa (Ali and

Ripley 1983;Daniels 1992; Kumar etal. 2004). The fieldwork

was carried out in the Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve

(KMTR, 895 sq. km, 8° 25' to 8° 53’ N, 77° 101 to 77° 35' E) in the

Agasthyamalai region at the southern end of the Western

Ghats. KMTR ranges between 50 m and 1700 m above msl

with rainforest occurring chiefly above 500 m. This reserve

along with adjoining areas has one of the largest remaining

contiguous tracts (over 400 sq. km) of relatively undisturbed

tropical rainforest in the Western Ghats (Ramesh etal. 1997).

The rainforest vegetation in KMTR has been classified mid-

elevation tropical wet evergreen rainforest of the Cullenia

exarillata-Mesua ferrea-Palaquium ellipticum type (Pascal

1988; Ganesh et al. 1996; Parthasarathy 2001). Within the

rainforest, the mean monthly daytime temperature ranges

between 19 °C in January and 24 °C in April-May (at

Sengaltheri, 1040 m, range 15-31 °C). The total rainfall was

2283 mm in 1998 and 2230 mm in 1999 at Sengaltheri. There

are three seasons: (a) dry season (February to May),

(b) southwest or summer monsoon (June to September), and

(c) northeast or winter monsoon (October to January). KMTR

receives over half its annual precipitation during the northeast

monsoon.

Although 278 bird species have been recorded in and

around KMTR, only 84 species occur in rainforests including

12 endemics and 13 winter migrants (Raman 2001). A majority

of species breed between late January and May (Ali and Ripley

1983, TRSR pers. obs). The sites chosen for intensive bird

community sampling were located at Kannikatti (740 m, 8° 37'

N and 77° 1 6' E), Sengaltheri ( 1 040 m, 8° 3 1 ’ N and 77° 26 E),

and Kakachi ( 1 220 m, 8° 33’ N and 77° 24’ E) in KMTR. These

areas contain rainforests between 500 m and 1400 m altitude,

contiguous with rainforests elsewhere in the Reserve. Fourteen

sites located along this altitudinal gradient in relatively

undisturbed rainforest were selected randomly, within

logistical constraints, around three forest camps (four

accessed from Kannikatti, six from Sengaltheri, and four from

Kakachi) and located on topographic maps using landmarks

and a global positioning system receiver (GPS).

Bird surveys

The fixed-radius point count method was used to

survey bird populations in each site in a relatively uniform

and efficient manner during the main breeding season ( Vemer

1985; Ralph etal. 1995). Point count surveys (5 min duration)

were carried out during the first three hours after sunrise (see

Raman 2003 for details of field technique). Densities estimated

by the fixed radius approach were used as they were highly

correlated to variable-radius point count estimates across

species (Raman 2003).

Each sampled site represented an area of around 1 2- 1 5 ha

lying at the designated altitude and was surrounded by

contiguous rainforests on at least three sides. Within each

site a 600-700 m long transect or narrow animal trail was marked

at 25 m intervals for the point count surveys. At each site,

25 point count surveys (yielding 167-247 detections and an

estimated 334-597 individual birds per site) were carried out,

excluding the Kodayar site where only 1 8 counts were carried

out. Sampling of all sites around Sengaltheri and Kakachi

was carried out mostly between February and May 1998,

during the peak breeding season when resident and migrant

birds were present. For reasons of logistics, the four sites

around Kannikatti were sampled only in March 1999.

Vegetation sampling

In each of the 14 sites, densities of trees greater than

30 cm girth at breast height (GBH at 1.3 m) were estimated

using the point-centred quarter method (PCQ, Krebs 1989).

Thirteen PCQ plots, with successive plots spaced 50 m apart,

were measured in each site, giving a sample of 52 trees per

site. Comparison with two completely enumerated 1 ha plots

(>1800 stems each) in Sengaltheri showed that the density

estimates from this PCQ sample was <2% different from the

146

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

TROPICAL RAINFOREST BIRD COMMUNITY STRUCTURE IN WESTERN GHATS

more laborious enumeration. All trees were identified to species,

or in a few cases to genus (Gamble and Fischer 1915-1935; Pascal

and Ramesh 1997). Distance from plot centre to the middle of

the bole and GBH were recorded for each tree. At each of the

1 3 PCQ plots, 2 m radius plots were laid to enumerate shrubs. In

addition, the number of cane plants and the presence or absence

of bamboo within 5 m radius was recorded.

Altitude, canopy measures and leaf litter variables were

measured at 25 points, evenly spaced 25 m apart, in each site.

Canopy height was measured using a rangefinder and

percentage canopy cover using a spherical densiometer.

Vertical stratification was assessed at these 25 points by

noting the presence or absence of foliage in the following

height intervals (in metres): 0-1, 1-2, 2-4,4-8,8-16, 16-24, 24-

32, and >32, directly above and in a 0.5 m radius around each

point (Raman etal. 1998). Leaf litter depth on the forest floor

was measured using a calibrated wooden probe. As ground

vegetation and litter were disturbed along trails, the samples

were taken 10 m away from trails into the rainforest interior.

Data analysis

The cumulative list of bird species recorded in each

site was used as a basic measure of bird species richness.

However, because only 18 point counts were sampled at the

Kannikatti site, we obtained standardised estimates of bird

community parameters for all sites for 17 sampled points.

Using the program Estimates (Colwell 1997), 100 permutations

(17 samples without replacement) were performed to estimate

the following parameters and their standard deviations:

( 1 ) bird species richness, measured as the cumulative number

of species; (2) bird abundance, estimated as the number of

individual birds/ha; (3) Shannon-Weiner diversity, calculated

as -Z(p ln p), where p is the proportion of the i* species and

the summation is across all species in the pooled samples;

(4) rarefaction richness, standardising for sampling effort

using Coleman rarefaction curves (Colwell 1997); (5 ) bootstrap

species richness, an incidence-based estimator denoted as

Shoo, - Sobi + 1 ~ Pk)m, where p is the proportion of m samples

with species k and the summation is across all S species in

the pooled samples; and (6) Chao 1 richness, an abundance-

based estimator of species richness (see Colwell 1 997 for the

formula and correct variance estimator of this index).

Smaller scale point richness and abundance estimates

were also obtained by averaging across replicate point count

surveys in each site. The average number of species,

detections, and individuals per point and their standard errors

were estimated for all species combined and for resident

species alone. For each site, tree density and basal area were

calculated using the PCQ method (Krebs 1989). Average values

across replicate sampling points in each site were calculated

for other vegetation and site variables: shrub, cane, and

cardamom densities, leaf litter depth, canopy height and cover,

and altitude. Vertical stratification was measured as the average

number of strata with foliage across the 25 points sampled in

each site. The coefficient of variation of vertical stratification

was used as an index of horizontal heterogeneity (following

Raman et al. 1 998). The total number of tree species recorded

in the PCQ plots was recorded as a measure of tree species

richness. Relationships between bird community and

vegetation variables were assessed using Kendall rank

correlations (Siegel and Castellan 1988).

Altitudinal range size of each species was estimated as

the difference between the maximum and minimum altitude at

which the species was recorded in the point count surveys.

The altitudinal range midpoint and a weighted range midpoint,

estimated using the abundance of each species in each site,

were calculated for each species. Similarities in bird community,

foliage profile, and tree species composition between sites

were computed using the Morisita index that is least sensitive

to sample size effects (Wolda 1981; Raman et al. 1998). The

matrix of pair-wise dissimilarities ( 100-Morisita index in %) in

bird community composition was related to corresponding

matrices of similarity/distance in tree species composition,

foliage profile, altitude, and geographic distance between sites

using Mantel tests (Manly 1994). Geographic distance

between sites was measured as the straight-line distance

between sampling sites. Statistical significance of Mantel tests

was assessed through 10000 random permutations. To examine

the independent effects of different variables, partial Mantel

tests, derived from the Kendall tau approach, were used

(Hemelrijk 1990). The tree and bird community similarity

matrices were also used to ordinate study sites using

multidimensional scaling (Manly 1994).

We used correlation and regression techniques to

assess statistical significance of altitudinal trends. Linear and

non-linear (chiefly quadratic) regressions were applied to

describe spatial trend data. We also used non-parametric

Kendall (tau) rank-order correlation coefficients to assess

statistical significance (Siegel and Castellan 1988).

Null model analyses

The mid-domain effect (Colwell and Lees 2000) was

assessed using the null model of Veech (2000). Species’

altitudinal range widths were retained but located randomly

on the altitudinal gradient between 500 and 1400 m (divided

into 18 zones of 50 m width) in 1000 simulations to obtain an

expected species richness curve along this gradient. The

observed pattern of species richness was compared to the

simulated curve to obtain a mean displacement, D, where

D = (Zd)/ 18, where d is the absolute difference in species

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

147

TROPICAL RAINFOREST BIRD COMMUNITY STRUCTURE IN WESTERN GHATS

richness between the two curves being compared for each of

the 18 zones (Veech 2000). A further 1000 simulations of the

data were used to determine the distribution of D values in

each run and to assess statistical significance.

Null models were also used to assess the likelihood of

obtaining, under the null model assumptions, estimates

equivalent to two measures of the average similarity between

sites in bird community composition. These measures were:

(i) average similarity between all possible pairs of sites (N =

91 comparisons), and (ii) average similarity between

successive sites along the altitudinal gradient (N - 13

comparisons). The Jaccard index (Krebs 1989) was used to

measure similarity in bird community composition. With the

presence-absence matrix of species across sites, five null

models were evaluated:

1 . Unconstrained model: matrix total constant, row and

column totals varied;

2. Saturation model: fixed column totals (species richness

at each site);

3. Distribution model: fixed row totals (number of sites

each species occurred in);

4. Doubly constrained model: fixed row and column

totals by a procedure equivalent to the Knight's tour algorithm

(Sanderson 2000);

5. Range-contiguity model: this model simulated, in

addition to the distribution constraint, the contiguity of ranges

of species along the gradient. Simulations showed that species

occurrences were distributed more contiguously along the

gradient than expected by random placement (P < 0.001 ). Using

the observed occurrences in the species-by-site matrix, the

relative probability of occurrence in any one of the 12

intermediate sites (excluding the 2 ‘edge' sites-the lowest

and highest site) was found to be enhanced by a factor of 9.0

if the species also occurred in sites immediately above and

below, and by a factor of 4.5 if it occurred only in one adjacent

site either above or below. These enhancement factors were

in relation to the probability of occurrence in a site when the

species was absent from both adjacent sites on the gradient.

For the edge sites, occurrence was enhanced by a factor of

3.6 if the species occurred in the adjacent site in relation to

occurrence when it was absent in the adjacent site. These

were then used to distribute occurrences in simulations to

produce probabilistic contiguous distributions.

These models attempt to simulate the effects of chance

and biological constraints on the assembly of species

communities (Farnsworth and Ellison 1996; Stone etal. 1996;

Sanderson 2000). In contrast to the unconstrained model, the

saturation, distribution, and doubly-constrained models

implement constraints on the number of species that can fill

each site and simulate the effects of interspecific differences

in distribution and occurrence probabilities. Our range-

contiguity model incorporates, in addition, constraints on

species’ altitudinal distributions and contiguity of ranges.

We retained in the contiguity model the number of

intermediate absences or ‘holes’ in range but randomised their

location. Even with these constraints, we checked and

established that over 5000 different matrices existed in

simulations. For each of the above models, we simulated 5000

randomised matrices and the averages of the obtained

distribution of similarity values (between all possible pairs of

sites and adjacent sites) were statistically compared to the

observed average similarity values.

RESULTS

Bird species richness, diversity, and abundance

Across the 14 sites, we obtained over 2900 detections

comprising approximately 6600 individuals of birds belonging

to 67 species. Of these, nine species were latitudinal (winter)

migrants and the remaining were resident species. Thirteen

species were detected only once and a further seven species

were seen less than five times overall. Total bird species

richness (cumulative list in each site) was significantly

negatively correlated to altitude of the site (Kendall rank-

order correlation, x = -0.52, n- 14, P = 0.01, Table 1). Resident

bird species richness appeared to decline with altitude, but

this trend was not significant statistically ( P = 0.08). The

standardised estimates for 17 point counts obtained over 100

runs (sampling with replacement) of species richness,

Shannon-Weiner diversity, Coleman rarefaction richness,

bootstrap richness, and the Chaol richness were all significantly

negatively correlated to altitude (P < 0.05, Table 1 ). Most of

the decrease occurred between 500 m and 900 m altitude, after

which there was little change in species richness. Bird

abundance showed a converse positive association with

altitude that was marginally significant (x = 0.39, n = 14,

P = 0.055, Table 1). The per point estimates of total and

resident bird species richness, detections, and abundance

showed significant variation across the 14 sites (one-way

ANOVA, Fj3 3,9 > 5.58. P < 0.004). Whereas the number of

detections per point showed weak negative correlations with

altitude ( x = -0.4 1 , P = 0.04 ), the trends for total and resident

species richness and detections with altitude were non-

significant. Bird abundance per point increased with altitude,

weakly and non-significantly in the case of total abundance

(x = 0.38, P- 0.06) and significantly in the case of abundance

of resident species (x = 0.52, P = 0.009).

Vegetation and birds: correlations

Vegetation variables were not significantly correlated

148

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

showing Kendall rank-order correlations with altitude

TROPICAL RAINFOREST BIRD COMMUNITY STRUCTURE IN WESTERN GHATS

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J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

149

TROPICAL RAINFOREST BIRD COMMUNITY STRUCTURE IN WESTERN GHATS

with altitude (Kendall correlations, ft > 0.05), except for

bamboo culm density (T = 0.52, n = 14, P = 0.01) mainly due to

the occurrence of bamboo at only two higher altitude sites.

The six standardised estimates of bird species richness.

Shannon- Weiner bird diversity, and the per-point total and

resident bird species richness were all significantly negatively

correlated to one of the vegetation variables: leaf-litter depth

(x < -0.45, n= 14, P < 0.03 in all cases). These variables were

also not correlated to any of the other vegetation variables.

Bird abundance (standardised and per-point) and the total

number of bird detections per point were not correlated to

any vegetation variable. The average number of resident bird

Weighted midpoint of altitudinal range (m)

500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500

Altitude (m)

Fig. 1: Bird species richness and range size relationships in

rainforests of KMTR; (a) upper panel: evaluation of the Veech (2000)

null model of the mid-domain effect — line shows best fit curve to

null model estimates against observed curve (dotted line); (b) middle

panel: altitudinal range size of 58 resident bird species in relation to

the weighted mid-point of their altitudinal range; and (c) lower panel:

mean altitudinal range of species at each of the 1 4 sampled sites in

relation to altitude of the sites.

detections per point was negatively correlated to leaf litter

depth (x = -0.47, P = 0.037).

Range distributions, sizes, and species richness

The range size and distribution pattern across the 58

resident bird species varied from species occurring in one to

all 14 sites spanning the entire gradient. Twenty-three species

(39.7%) were either restricted to lower altitudes or showed

declining trends with altitude in population density (Kendall

correlations, P < 0.10, Appendix). Sixteen species (27.6%)

displayed a trend of increase in population density with

altitude (P < 0. 10) or were restricted largely to higher altitude

sites (Appendix). Only two species of woodpeckers, Dinopium

javanense and Dryocopus javensis, appeared to be restricted

to mid-altitudes. The spatial distributions of the remaining

species were widespread and relatively uniform ( 14 species)

or could not bedetermined due to low sample sizes (3 species).

Across the gradient, the number of resident bird species

whose ranges intercepted each 50 m altitude zone was nearly

constant at around 35 species (Fig. la). This was significantly

different from the Veech (2000) null model that predicted a

mid-domain peak (Fig. 1 a, d = 6.5 1 , P < 0.001 ). The relationship

between altitudinal range size of a species and the weighted

midpoint of its altitudinal range was also non-linear and

quadratic (Fig. lb, fitted curve: y = -0.0046 x2 + 8.8633 x -

3496.8, R2 = 0.72). Similarly, in contrast to the expectation

under Rapoport’s rule, the mean altitudinal range of species

in each site showed a quadratic relationship with the altitude

of the site (Fig. 1 c, fitted curve: y = -0.0005 x2 + 8.8839 x +

2 16.99, .ft2 = 0.78).

Bird species turnover

Species turnover was considerable along the altitudinal

gradient. Non-metric multidimensional scaling ordination

using the Morisita dissimilarity matrix of the data on tree and

bird species composition showed similar patterns (stress =

0.070 and 0.034, Fig. 2a, b, respectively). Sites below 900 m

tended to cluster together as did sites above 1 100 m, while

intermediate sites were relatively dissimilar to the others (with

exceptions shown in tree species composition by site D at

843 m and site Mat 1341 m).

Partial Mantel tests showed that dissimilarity in bird

community composition between sites was independently

positively correlated to both altitudinal distance between sites

(T = 0.60, ft < 0.0001, Fig. 3a) and dissimilarity in tree species

composition (ft = 0.22, ft = 0.013, Fig. 3b). Correlations with

both these variables were significant even when controlled

for the effects of geographic distance (ft = 0.69 and 0.51,

ft < 0.0003). In contrast, geographic distance between sites

had no effect on bird species composition, when the effects of

150

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

TROPICAL RAINFOREST BIRD COMMUNITY STRUCTURE IN WESTERN GHATS

Dimension 1

Fig. 2: Ordination of study sites on the basis of similarity in (a) tree

species composition (upper panel) and (b) bird community

composition (lower panel) using multidimensional scaling. Sites are

named A to N in increasing order of altitude.

altitudinal distance were controlled for (T = 0.08, P = 0.12),

indicating the primary importance of altitude. We found no

significant effect of foliage profile dissimilarity on bird

community composition.

Species turnover between sites (average of 91 all-

possible pairs) was 0.529 ±0. 1 39 SD by the Jaccard similarity

index and 0.608 +0.25 1 SD by the Morisita similarity index.

This was lower than average similarity in bird community

composition between adjacent sites (Jaccard index: 0.693

±0. 1 07 SD, Morisita index: 0.860 ±0.1 03 SD). The pattern of

turnover was not monotonic or increasing with altitude, and

remained relatively low but for higher turnover (lower

similarity) around 1000 m (Fig. 4).

Null models of species turnover

We assessed whether the five null models of bird

species turnover could accurately estimate the observed

Jaccard similarity between all possible pairs of sites (0.529

±0. 139 SD) and between adjacent pairs of sites (0.693 ±0. 107

SD). The unconstrained model and saturation models gave

similar results, producing similarity estimates that were

significantly lower than the observed ( P < 0.0002, Fig. 5). The

estimated average similarities between all possible pairs of

sites by the range-contiguity model and the double-constraint

model were close to that actually observed (0.516 vs. 0.529),

but were, nevertheless, significantly lower (P < 0.0002). The

double-constraint model also performed poorly in estimating

average similarity between adjacent sites (0.517 vs. 0.693).

The range-contiguity model estimated similarities between

adjacent sites that were higher and much closer to the observed

value (0.622 vs. 0.693). However, the model estimates were

significantly lower than the observed values for double-

constraint and range contiguity models (P < 0.0002, Fig. 5).

DISCUSSION

Species richness

Species richness of resident rainforest birds varied little

despite substantial change in community composition across

the altitudinal gradient, in contrast to expectation from the

four main models hitherto proposed (Rahbek 1997). The

general model, propounding a monotonous decline in species

richness with altitude in parallel with an assumed decline in

productivity, finds weak support, if any, when all bird species

including latitudinal migrants are considered. The pattern of

range sizes observed in this study results in local species

richness patterns that depart significantly from expectations

0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900

Altitudinal distance between sites (m)

0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

Tree species dissimilarity (Morisita index %)

Fig. 3: Bird community dissimilarity between sites (91 all-possible

pairs) in relation to corresponding between-site (a) altitudinal

distance (upper panel) and (b) tree species dissimilarity (lower

panel).

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

151

TROPICAL RAINFOREST BIRD COMMUNITY STRUCTURE IN WESTERN GHATS

Altitude (m)

0.6 r

0.5 -

0.4

(D

c 0.3

t-

02

0.1

0.0

500 600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500

Altitude (m)

Fig. 4: Turnover in rainforest bird community composition as a function

of altitude in KMTR. In the upper panel (a) similarity between each

site and the immediately higher site is plotted against altitude of the

lower site. The lower panel (b) uses data from 10 roughly equally-

spaced sites along the gradient and plots rate of change in similarity

between a site and the sites immediately lower and higher to it

against altitude of the central site. The rate of change of similarity

was calculated as 1/2[(d1/w,)+(d2/w2)], where d, and w1 are the

Morisita index dissimilarity and altitudinal distance between a site

and the lower site, and d, and w2 the corresponding values for the

higher site.

under Rapoport's rule, hump-shaped relationships with

productivity (Rosenzweig and Abramsky 1993), or mid-altitude

peaks arising from geometric constraints (the mid-domain

effect, Colwell and Lees 2000).

Instead, the observed pattern of bird species richness

is a spatial analogue of the recent theoretical model proposed

by Brown etai (2001 ), to explain the regulation of local species

richness over time in changing environments. This model

suggests that species composition may vary substantially

over time, but species richness, as an emergent property of

ecosystems, is often regulated within narrow limits. Five

conditions are necessary and sufficient for this to occur

(Brown etal. 2001 ): (i) productivity, or resource availability,

remains relatively constant, ( ii ) other abiotic or biotic factors

vary, causing turnover in species composition, (iii) a regional

species pool provides a source of colonists to local sites that

are open systems with respect to species colonisation and

Unconstrained Saturation Distribution Double Range Observed

constraint contiguity

Fig. 5: Between-site similarities (average Jaccard index) in rainforest

bird community composition estimated from the five non-equilibrium

null models compared with observed values in the data set. Vertical

lines are 1 SD.

extinction, (iv) the species pool contains species capable of

utilizing the entire range of resources and showing

compensatory shifts in abundance, and (v) the division rule

governing apportioning of resources across species results

in similar ranked species-abundance distributions.

There is partial support for these criteria for rainforest

birds in KMTR. Although productivity could not be directly

measured, the relative lack of clinal change in vegetation

variables across the altitudinal gradient suggests that habitat

structure and resource availability did not vary substantially.

This is partly because a narrower altitudinal gradient was

sampled in this study (500-1400 m) compared to studies from

the Neotropics (Terborgh 1971, 1977;Rahbek 1997). Over a

wider altitude range, bird diversity may decline with altitude

and corresponding reduction in forest structural complexity

as in the Peruvian Andes (Terborgh 1977). In the present

study, bird species richness variables were uncorrelated to

any vegetation variables except for a negative, possibly

spurious, correlation with leaf litter depth. The second

condition of Brown et al. (2001), species turnover due to

changes in abiotic and biotic variables, finds clear support in

the correlated variation in bird community composition in

relation to altitude and tree species composition. The existence

of a species pool that is nearly twice as large (with at least 58

species) as in any one local sampling site (around 30 species),

adduces support for the third criterion. Finally, the occurrence

of a number of species that occurred across the entire

altitudinal gradient and the similar overall bird abundance

and ranked species-abundance distributions (data not

presented here) suggest support for the final criteria. Further

support is, however, required regarding compensatory shifts

in abundance of bird species along the altitudinal gradient,

possibly in relation to occurrence of other bird species

(Terborgh andWeske 1975).

152

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

TROPICAL RAINFOREST BIRD COMMUNITY STRUCTURE IN WESTERN GHATS

Species range sizes and distribution

Range sizes of rainforest birds at KMTR do not conform

to the expectations under Rapoport's rule, which may operate

only under specific ecological conditions including

competition and the rescue effect (Taylor and Gaines 1999).

The failure of Rapoport’s rule and the mid-domain effect is

consequential to the peculiar distribution pattern of rainforest

birds in KMTR. A number of species, particularly those

endemic to the Western Ghats, were restricted in distribution

to lower (e.g., Ocyceros griseus , Cyornis pallipes) or higher

(Ficedula nigrorufa , Brachypteryx major) altitudes

(Appendix, Ali and Ripley 1983). Daniels (1992) has noted

that a significant proportion of endemics, among birds and

angiosperins in the Western Ghats, is restricted to the higher

hills (> 1 000 m). In other words, bird distributions were mainly

of three types, restricted-range species of low and high

altitudes, and widely distributed species, with no mid-altitude

species with small ranges. The low altitude species included

many that also use moist deciduous forest habitats (e.g.,

Ocyceros griseus, Psittacula columboides, Pycnonotus

priocephalus ), whereas high-altitude restricted species are

largely confined to wet evergreen rainforest (e.g., Ficedula

nigrorufa, Brachypteryx major, Eumyias albicaudata, Ali and

Ripley 1983). This pattern may be a consequence of historical

factors that influenced the prevalence and distribution of

rainforest over geological time scales.

Species turnover

A spectrum of opinion exists on the factors influencing

the composition or assembly of species communities at

particular sites and their variation over space and time. At

one extreme, equilibrial models suggest that local communities

are integrated, repeatable units whose composition is strictly

regulated and predictable as a result of deterministic factors

such as the varying environmental tolerances of species and

competition (Clements 1916; Mac Arthur 1972; Pandolfi 1996;

Terborgh et al. 1996; Pitman et al. 2001). In contrast, non-

equilibrium approaches note that community composition

varies substantially over space and time, apparently due to

stochastic or historical effects of colonization and extinction

(Gleason 1926; Whittaker 1970; Strong et al. 1984; Hubbell

and Foster 1986; Brown etal. 2001 ). A fundamental distinction

between non-equilibrium and equilibrium models is that under

the former, community composition may be expected to ‘drift’

or vary continuously through space and time, whereas the

latter predicts that spatially or temporally independent sites

with similar environmental conditions would have similar

communities (Hubbell and Foster 1986; Terborgh etal. 1996).

Using a space-for-time substitution approach, biological

influences and deterministic structure have been

demonstrated for communities of tropical rainforest trees

(Terborgh et al. 1 996; Pitman et al. 200 1 ) and birds (Terborgh

andWeske 1975; Raman et al. 1998).

The significant effect of altitude and tree species

composition on bird community composition and the lack of

influence of geographic distance, suggests the inapplicability

of non-equilibrium models of randomly-varying distribution-

abundance patterns with spatial dependence (Terborgh et al.

1996). Thus, high-altitude sites in Sengaltheri clustered with

high-altitude sites farther away (Neterikal trail, Kakachi and

Kodayar) than to virtually adjacent sites at lower altitudes.

Bird community composition may be constrained by the

altitude-specific environment including temperature,

irradiance, and other biological factors known to vary with

altitude in tropical rainforests (Richards 1996). In addition,

tree species composition appears to be a key determinant of

rainforest bird community composition in this study as in

other studies from south-western India (Raman and Sukumar

2002), and north-eastern India (Raman etal. 1998).

The pattern of species turnover with altitude indicated

the occurrence of distinctive community composition at low-

altitudes (< 900 m) and high altitudes (>1100 m) separated by

a transitional zone of high turnover. This paralleled the

observed range size distributions and placements of rainforest

birds in. KMTR. The occurrence of the transition zone at

around 1000-1200 m altitude may be due to environmental

changes related to the formation of cloud- and mist-cover

during the monsoon months in the southern Western Ghats

as in other tropical montane rainforest regions (Richards 1 996).

Null models of community assembly

In large-scale community studies, models with few or

no constraints that attempt to parsimoniously simulate the

effects of pure chance, almost invariably fail to explain

community structure (Farnsworth and Ellison 1 996; Terborgh

et al. 1 996; Pitman et al. 200 1 ). In this study, we evaluated a

hierarchy of null models with constraints that attempt to inject

varying degrees of biological realism. The results clearly

indicate that non-equilibrium models that do not incorporate

essential biological constraints fail to predict or reproduce

the observed pattern of similarities in species composition

between sites. Even with constraints on site richness, species’

range widths, and contiguity, the results suggest that

assuming species are distributed independently of each other

can result in community similarities close to, but departing

significantly from, those actually observed. Thus, Whittaker’s

( 1 970) models of local community structure as a consequence

of independent overlapping species distributions along

ecological gradients are only partly supported. The data

suggests the possibility that some species have significantly

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

153

TROPICAL RAINFOREST BIRD COMMUNITY STRUCTURE IN WESTERN GHATS

higher overlap or avoidance due to biological determinants

such as joint distributions up to ecotones or exclusive

distributions due to competitive interactions (Terborgh 1971,

1985). Field research in the Western Ghats on competition

and on avian distributional ecology along with null model

tests (e.g. Hofer et al. 19§9, 2000) may shed more light on

these aspects.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This research was funded by the Ministry of

Environment and Forests, India, and John D. and Catherine

T. MacArthur Foundation, USA. We thank the Tamil Nadu

Forest Department for research permissions and V. K. Melkani

for his interest and support in the field. N.M. Ishwar, Divya

Mudappa, and K. Vasudevan were helpful and inspiring

colleagues and we thank them and Ravi Chellam for

unstintingly sharing the field station resources. Divya helped

enormously in fieldwork, data collection, and discussions.

We are grateful to P. Jeganathan for assistance with

vegetation data collection and to U. Hofer and M.B. Krishna

for discussions. M. Jeyapandian, A. Silamban, Sashikumar

and many others are thanked for their assistance in the

field.

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155

Appendix: Range distribution and abundance (individuals/ha) of resident rainforest bird species in KMTR. Species are arranged increasing order of elevationai mid-point. Rank

refers to increasing correlation (Kendal! Tau) between site elevation and abundance across sites A to N (see Table 1).

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J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

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157

‘Species endemic to Western Ghats, incomplete data: (a) also occurs sporadically in elevations below site G, more infrequently above, (b) also occurs in higher elevation sites,

(c) vagrant, seen only once during the study, (d) a non-forest species, occurring at the rainforest edge only in the slightly disturbed site M.

Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

158-161

STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION OF A NEWLY DOCUMENTED RESIDENTIAL

GANGETIC DOLPHIN (PLATANISTA GANGETICA ROXBURGH 1801) POPULATION

IN EASTERN ASSAM1

A. Wakid2

'Accepted June, 2003

department of Life Sciences, Dibrugarh University, Dibrugarh 786 004, Assam, India. Email: [email protected]

Among the four freshwater species of dolphin, the Gangetic Dolphin ( Platanista gangetica ) is found in the Ganga and

Brahmaputra drainage systems of India. At present, P. gangetica is considered a highly endangered mammal in India and

is strictly protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 as a Schedule I species. This species was once common

in the Brahmaputra river system, but due to various natural and anthropogenic pressures, its population is decreasing

rapidly, resulting in the disappearance of most of the residential dolphin populations, especially from eastern Assam. In

this critical situation, a residential dolphin population has recently been identified downstream of Lohit river. An

extensive effort has been made to investigate the population status and distribution pattern of this dolphin population.

The present communication is a result of that effort.

Key words: Platanista gangetica, status, distribution, population, Brahmaputra, conservation

INTRODUCTION

There are only four species of freshwater dolphins in

the world. Among them, Buoto ( Inia geoffrensis) is found in

South America. Baiji (Lipotes vexillifer) in the Yangtze river

system of China, Bhulan (Platanista minor) in Pakistan and

Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica) in the Ganga-

Brahmaputra-Meghna and Karnapuli river systems of India,

Bangladesh and Nepal (Anderson 1878; Kasua and Haque

1972; Jones 1982; Mohan 1989; Reeves and Brownell 1989;

Shrestha 1989; Reeves etal. 1993).

The distributional range and numbers of the Gangetic

Dolphin have been declining in many areas (Reeves and

Leatherwood 1995) and the IUCN revised its threatened status

from Vulnerable (Klinowska 1991) to Endangered (IUCN 1996).

Some studies have been undertaken to determine the

status and distribution of Platanista gangetica in

Brahmaputra river (Biswas et al. 1997; Mohan et al. 1997;

Biswas and Baruah 2000). But information on its conservation

status in the tributaries of Brahmaputra is very poor. No

intensive study has been undertaken in these tributaries

(which once provided good habitats for the Gangetic Dolphin),

except Mohan et al. ( 1 998) on the Kulsi river of middle Assam.

During our study, we investigated new dolphin habitats in a

few tributaries in eastern Assam, and found that a dolphin

population exists downstream of Lohit river throughout the

year. An effort has been made to determine the status and

distribution of this population.

STUDY AREA

The study was carried out in 2000-2002, downstream of

Lohit river, which originates from the Yoku peak (6,614 m above

msl) of China (Sarma 1993). After flowing c. 350 km, Lohit

enters Assam ( Sarma 1993) and becomes an important tributary

of River Brahmaputra. River Lohit started changing channels

due to frequent floods in the Dibang river, another major

tributary of River Brahmaputra, in 1985-1986; within ten years,

by 1 995-96, the Lohit started flowing down from Saikhowaghat,

through the southern boundary of the Dibru-Saikhowa

National Park, engulfing Dangori and Dibru rivers, finally

joining Brahmaputra at Balijan.

The study was carried out downstream of Lohit river

from Saikhowaghat (27° 47 N, 95° 40 E) to Balijan (27° 34' N,

95° 1 0 E), a stretch of 60 km (Lig. 1).

METHODOLOGY

At the beginning of this study, we collected secondary

information on the dolphin’s existence (throughout the year),

in the major tributaries of River Brahmaputra in eastern Assam.

We targeted the local fishermen and villagers for this

information. The information so collected revealed the

existence of dolphins downstream of Lohit River throughout

the year.

Surveys were conducted upstream and downstream of

the River on a country boat, with local boatmen as field guides.

I covered 20 km of the river in a single day during the

downstream journey and 15 km during the upstream journey,

spending maximum time in dolphin surfacing areas. The survey

took three days for downstream and four days for upstream

observations. A direct-count method (Perrin and Brownell

1989) was followed during the survey. After confirming the

existence of dolphins, one continuous survey was made from

upstream to downstream and vice versa in a motorboat of low

sound emission, at an optimum speed (8-9 km/hr). During this

survey, three observers sat at the front of the boat. One was

a secondary observer and the data collector, while the other

GANGETIC DOLPHIN POPULATION IN EASTERN ASSAM

90° E 91° E 92° E 93° E 94° E 95° E 96° E

Fig. 1 : Map showing the location of Lohit River

two, on either side of him, were primary observers. The

maximum, minimum and best count method was followed for

a fairly accurate estimation of the population. Maximum and

minimum counts indicate the maximum and minimum

possibilities of dolphin occurrence in a particular river stretch,

while the best counts indicate the optimum occurrence of

dolphins. A standard datasheet was used to record the dolphin

sightings, habitat status and anthropogenic pressures. A GPS

instrument was used at one kilometre intervals to collect data

on coordinates. Altogether five surveys (three by row boat

and two by motor boat) were made within the study period in

the Lohit river.

RESULTS

Population status and distribution of dolphins in Lohit river

During this two year survey, altogether 14 (maximum

16, minimum 13, best 14) dolphins (group size 1-3) were

observed in the stretch of River Lohit from Saikhowaghat to

Balijan. These dolphins were observed at different locations

as different groups in the Lohit river (Table 1 ), identified only

in the winter. During summer, especially during the high flood

season, the groups were hardly observed in these locations;

most of them were traced in the streams of the Dibru-Saikhowa

National Park, which join the Lohit river.

The encounter rate of dolphins in Lohit river was

estimated to be 0.23 individuals per km. However, differences

in density and distribution were observed in different stretches

of the Lohit river. The encounter rate was higher (0.26

individual per km) between Saikhowa and Guijan (27° 34 N,

95° 19 E) than between Guijan and Balijan (0. 16 individual per

km ). Guijan was found to be a demarcating line between these

two river stretches, as there was frequent motorboat crossing

here (two motor boats per hour). While determining the rate

of anthropogenic disturbances, it was found that the Lohit

river between Saikhowa and Guijan had less fishing activity

(2.14 gill nets per km) than between Gui jan and Balijan (5.22

gill nets per km ). Also, the intensity of traffic between Saikhowa

and Guijan (0.07 motorboat per km) was less than between

Guijan and Balijan (0.55 motorboats per km).

Age group

During the study period, one calf each was observed in

Dighaltarang and Memdubi. Three subadults were observed,

one each in Hatighuli, Memdubi and Balijan. Altogether nine

adults were observed in the entire stretch, one each in

Hatighuli, Laina and Memdubi, and two each in Doijan, Balijan

and Dighaltarang (Table 1 ). The age class analysis of the

dolphins of Lohit river is presented in Fig. 2.

Habitat use

During the survey period, the dolphins were observed

in different habitats. Most of the dolphins (43%) were seen in

the river confluences (Memdubi and Balijan), followed by

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

159

GANGETIC DOLPHIN POPULATION IN EASTERN ASSAM

Adult

(65%)

Fig. 2: Age class analysis of dolphins in Lohit River

Confluence

Wide single

channel

(36%)

Fig. 3: Habitat use by the dolphins in Lohit River

wide single channel (> 300 m) in the Lohit river. The results

are presented in Fig. 3.

DISCUSSION

The distribution of dolphins in Lohit river is seasonal.

During the investigations, the above mentioned dolphin

groups in Lohit river were seen only during winter (November-

March). From April, monsoon precipitation leads to an increase

in the water level of Lohit river. As a result, the dolphins are

found scattered in the river. During July-August, the area

experiences high flooding due to heavy rainfall. At that time,

the dolphins migrate locally to the perennial streams (Kolomi,

Ajuka, Hamukjan, Laikajan, Dodhiajan etc.), seasonal streams

(Garamjan, Erasuti etc.) and wetlands (Tarali, Sal, Burhibeel

etc.) of the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, as well as to other

parts of the Lohit river. From the last week of September, the

water level in these water bodies starts shrinking, and by

October the Lohit river and the locations mentioned on Lohit

river (Table 1 ), are the only deep water bodies in the area.

These become the ultimate shelter for the dolphins of Lohit

river.

An interesting aspect of this dolphin population is that

they are comparatively newcomers to this stretch of Lohit

Table 1: Distribution of dolphins in Lohit river

river. Before 1995-96, they were commonly seen in this area

during high flood season. At that time, they migrated during

flood seasons from the Brahmaputra river to the Dangori river

which would have high levels of water owing to flood. But

due to changing of channels, the Lohit River started flowing

through the Atlanta nallah and Dangori river. This resulted in

the widening of Dangori and Dibru rivers at least three

times (pers. comm., local villagers). The seasonally sighted

dolphins started to live in that stretch of Lohit river from

1995-96 and in the last seven years they have become

residents.

The dolphin population of Lohit river is now facing

serious problems, the major threat being fishing. About thirty

fringe villages with a population of 25,000-30,000 live on the

left bank of the Lohit river. Of these, about 30% are dependent

on fishing, and for them this stretch of Lohit river is an

important fishing ground. These fishermen employ different

fishing gear in the river, including the most dangerous gill-net

fishing. During the study period, an average of 2.9 gill-net

fishing per km was observed. This heavy fishing leads to

accidental dolphin killing. In the last two years, there were

four dolphin deaths in the river, of which three were accidental

from gill-net fishing. On the other hand, round-the-clock

fishing and fish poisoning (especially in the Taralimukh

area) are also serious threats to the food sources of these

dolphins.

Though dolphin poaching is not so prominent in this

river stretch, one dolphin was killed in the Dighaltarang area

in November, 2001.

CONCLUSION

At present, the status of freshwater dolphin in India

has been considered critical due to a steep decrease in their

population; hence they are protected under the Wildlife

(Protection) Act, 1972 as a Schedule I species. Protection of

the dolphin population of Lohit river should be the topmost

160

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

GANGETIC DOLPHIN POPULATION IN EASTERN ASSAM

priority of concerned management bodies, as well as locals

for ecological equilibrium of the region. For effective

conservation, the following measures are suggested, based

on my experience in this region.

a. Fishing control: Use of small mesh cast nets, gill nets,

using of pesticides and round-the-clock fishing should

be strictly banned in the Lohit river.

b. Fishing free zone: Hatighuli, Laina, Doijan, Dighaltarang,

Memdubi and Balijan should be declared fishing free

zones, especially in the winter.

c. Traditional fishing: The fishermen should be encouraged

to use traditional fishing practices, like Jheng fishing in

the river stretch from Saikhowa to Balijan of Lohit river

for sustainable development of fishery resources for the

local communities and the dolphins.

d. Eco-tourism: As an alternate livelihood for fishermen,

eco-tourism (river dolphin viewing) can be encouraged

in Lohit. This will definitely improve the socio-economic

conditions of the fringe villagers and encourage them to

participate actively in dolphin conservation,

e. Awareness programme: A long-term and continuous

awareness programme for dolphin conservation is the

top-most priority in all the fringe villages of Lohit river,

without which one can only expect a bleak future for this

dolphin population.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I sincerely thank Dr. S.P. Biswas of Dibrugarh University

and Prof. R.K. Sinha of Patna University for their valuable

guidance and encouragement for completing this work. I also

thank Mr. J. Abedin, Mr. S. Das and the D.F.O., Range Officers

and staff of Tinsukia Wildlife Division for their cooperation

in fieldwork.

REFERENCES

Anderson, J. ( 1 878): Anatomical and zoological researches comprising

an account of zoological results of two expeditions of western

Yunnan in 1868 and 1875; and a monograph of two cetacean

genera. Platanista and Orcella. Vol. 1 & 2, B. Quatrich, London

985 pp.

Biswas, S.P. & S. Baruah (2000): Ecology of river dolphin (Platanista

gangetica) in the Upper Brahmaputra. Hydrobiologia 430 : 97-

111.

Biswas, S.P., A. Baruah & R.S.L. Mohan (1997): Current status of

river dolphin ( Platanista gangetica) in the river Brahmaputra.

Internatl. J. Ecol. Envir. Sci. 23: 357-361.

IUCN (1996): 1996 IUCN Red List of Threatened Animals. IL1CN,

Gland, Switzerland and Cambridge, UK. 448 pp.

Jones, S. (1982): The present status of the Gangetic susu, Platanista

gangetica (Roxburgh), with comments on the Indus susu,

P. minor ( Owen). FAO Advisory Committee on Marine Resources

Research, Working Party on Marine Mammals. FAO Fisheries

Series 5(4): 97-115.

Kasua, T. & A.K.M. Aminul Haque ( 1972): Some information on the

distribution and seasonal movement of the Ganges dolphin. Sci.

Rep. Whales Res. Inst. Tokyo, 24: 109-115.

Klinowska, M. ( 1991 ): Dolphins, Porpoises and Whales of the World.

The IUCN Cetacean Red Data Book. IUCN, Gland, Switzerland

and Cambridge. UK. viii + 429 pp.

Mohan, R.S.L. ( 1989): Conservation and management of Ganges River

Dolphin Platanista gangetica in India. Pp. 64-69. In: Biology

and Conservation of the River Dolphins. (Eds: Perrin, W.F.,

R.L. Brownell Jr., Zhou Kaiya and Liu Jiankang). IUCN Species

Survival Commission Occasional Paper No. 3. IUCN, Gland,

Switzerland.

Mohan, R.S.L., S.C. Dey, S.P. Bairagi & S. Roy ( 1997): On a survey of

the Ganges River Dolphin, Platanista gangetica of the

Brahmaputra river, Assam. J. Bombay Nat Hist. Soc. 94(3):

483-495.

Mohan, R.S.L., S.C. Dey & S.P. Bairagi (1998): On a residential

population of the Ganges river dolphin, Platanista gangetica in

the Kulsi river (Assam) a tributary of Brahmaputra. J. Bombay

Nat. Hist. Soc. 95(1): 1-7.

Perrin, W.F. & R.L. Brownell Jr. (1989): Report of the workshop.

Pp. 1-21. In: Biology and Conservation of the river dolphin

(Eds: Perrin, W.F., R.L. Brownell Jr., Zhou Kaiya and Liu

Jiankang). IUCN Species Survival Commission Occasional Paper

No. 3. IUCN. Gland, Switzerland.

Reeves, R.R. & R.L. Brownell Jr. (1989): Susu Platanista gangetica

(Roxburgh, 1801 ) and Platanista minor (Owen, 1853). Pp. 69-

99. In: Handbook of Marine Mammals (Eds: Ridgway, S.H. and

R. Harrison). Vol. 4. Academic Press, London.

Reeves, R.R. & S. Leatherwood (Eds) (1995): Report of the First

Meeting of the Asian River Dolphin Committee, Ocean Park,

Hong Kong, 5-7 December 1994. Ocean Park Conservation

Foundation. Honking. Pp. 1-16.

Reeves. R.R.. S. Leatherwood & R.S.L. Mohan (Eds) ( 1993): A Future

for Asian River Dolphins: Report from a Seminar on the

Conservation of River Dolphins of the Indian Subcontinent,

18-19 August 1992, New Delhi, India. Whale and Dolphin

Conservation Society. Bath, U.K.

Roxburgh, W. (1801): An account of a new species of Delphinus, an

inhabitant of Ganges. Asiatic Res. (Calcutta), 7: 170-174.

Sarma, J.N. (1993): The Rivers of Assam. Assam SahityaSabha, Jorhat.

Pp. 336.

Shrestha, T.K. ( 1989): Biology, status and conservation of the Ganges

river dolphin Platanista gangetica in Nepal. Pp. 70-76. In:

Biology and Conservation of the River Dolphins (Eds: Perrin.

W.F., R.L. Brownell Jr., Zhou Kaiya and Liu Jiankang). IUCN

Species Survival Commission. Occ. Pap. No. 3. ILICN, Gland,

Switzerland.

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

161

Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

162-165

A TAXONOMIC STUDY OF THE GENUS PEALIUS QUAINTANCE & BAKER

(HOMOPTERA: ALEYRODIDAE) IN INDIA1

Anil Kumar Dubey2,1& R. Sundararaj2 4

'Accepted December 2003

’Wood Biodegradation Division, Institute of Wood Science and Technology, 18th Cross,

Malleswaram P.O., Bangalore 560 003, Karnataka, India.

’Email: [email protected]

JEmail: [email protected]

Martin (1999) concluded that Odontaleyrodes Takahashi was a junior synonym of Pealius Quaintance & Baker.

Therefore, detailed study was undertaken on the type specimens of the Indian species of Pealius and Odontaleyrodes.

The study confirmed the observation of Martin (1999) that the two genera are congeneric. Hence, O. indicus David,

O. elongatus David etal.. O. nilgiriensis David, O. sairandhryensis Meganathan & David and O. splendens David etal.

are assigned to the genus Pealius Quaintance & Baker. Further, examination of the type specimens of O. artocarpi

(David et al), O. selvakumarani (David et al.) and Pealius nagerkoilensis Jesudasan & David revealed that they are

identical in their taxonomic characteristic features; it was concluded that these species are synonymous. In the light of

these findings, a revised key to the genus Pealius has been provided.

Key words: Whiteflies, Aleyrodidae, Homoptera. Pealius , Odontaleyrodes

INTRODUCTION

Quaintance and Baker (1914) erected the genus Pealius

for Aleyrodes tnaskelli Beniis. Takahashi (1954) erected the

genus Odontaleyrodes for two species of Pealius namely

P. akebiae (Kuwana) and P rhododendri Takahashi from

Japan. Martin (1999) synonymised Odontaleyrodes with

Pealius. Hence, detailed study was undertaken on the type

specimens of the Indian species of Pealius and

Odontaleyrodes. The study confirmed the observation of

Martin (1999) that the two genera are congeneric. Further, the

study resulted in synonymisation of 2 species of

Odontaleyrodes with Pealius and 5 new combinations. The

details are as follows:

1 Pealius azaleae ( Baker & Moles)

Aleyrodes azaleae Baker & Moles 1 920; Proc. Ent. Soc.

Washington 22: 81-83.

Pealius azaleae (Baker & Moles) Takahashi 1954:

Insecta Matsumurana 18: 50.

Neopealius nilgiriensis David & Subramaniam 1976:

Rec. zool. Surv. India 70: 204-205.

Neopealius nilgiriensis (David & Subramaniam),

Martin 1999: CS1RO Entomology Technical Paper 38: 92.

(Synonymised by Martin 1999).

David and Subramaniam ( 1976) described a new species

Neopealius nilgiriensis which was synonymised with Pealius

azaleae (Baker & Moles) by Martin (1999).

Distribution: india: Tamil Nadu: Ootacamund (The

Nilgiris) (David and Subramaniam 1976).

Host Plant: Azalea indica (David and Subramaniam 1976).

Material examined: Holotype puparium, India: Tamil

Nadu: Ootacamund, Neopealius nilgiriensis on Azalea

indica. 3.vii. 1969, B.V. David (loaned by Prof. B.V. David).

2. Pealius elongatus (David, Sundararaj & Regu) comb. nov.

Odontaleyrodes elongatus David et al. 1991 . J. Insect.

Sci. 4(2): 117-119.

David et al.( 1991) provided a detailed description of

the species.

Distribution: india: Tamil Nadu: Kunnathoor (David

etal. 1991).

Host Plant: Ailanthus excelsa (David et al. 1991).

Material examined: Holotype puparium, India: Tamil

Nadu: Kunnathoor, Odontaleyrodes elongatus on Ailanthus

excelsa , 25. i. 1989, K. Regu (loaned by Prof. B.V. David).

3. Pealius indicus (David) comb. nov.

Odontaleyrodes indicus David 1972: Oriental Ins. 6(3):

309.

David (1972) gave adequate description of the species.

Distribution: india: Karnataka: Saklespur (David 1972).

Host Plant: Unidentified shrub.

Material examined: Holotype puparium, India:

Karnataka: Saklespur, on unidentified shrub, 1 2,viii. 197 1 , B.V.

David (loaned by Prof. B.V. David).

4. Pealius nagerkoilensis Jesudasan & David

Pealius nagerkoilensis Jesudasan & David 1991:

Oriental Ins. 25: 320.

TAXONOMIC STUDY OF THE GENUS PE4Z./V5 QUAINTANCE & BAKER

Odontaleyrodes artocarpi David, Sundararaj & Regu

1991 syn. nov. J. Insect Sci. 4(2 ): 117-1 19.

Odontaleyrodes selvakumarani David, Sundararaj &

Regu 1991 syn. nov. J. Insect Sci. 4(2): 117-119.

The examination of the holotypes of Odontaleyrodes

artocarpi David et al., O. selvakumarani David et al. and

Pealius nagerkoilensis Jesudasan & David revealed that

they are identical in their taxonomic characteristic features

and concluded that these species are synonymous. Therefore,

O. artocarpi (David et al.), O. selvakumarani (David et al.)

are proposed as junior synonyms of P. nagerkoilensis

Jesudasan & David.

Distribution: india: Tamil Nadu: Kunnathoor, Madurai

(David et al. 1991); Nagercoil (Jesudasan & David 1991);

Kotagiri. Elaimalai, Jamunamarathur hills; Karnataka: Kudremukh

National Park, Tal Cauvery (new distribution records).

Host Plants: A rtocarpus hirsutus, A. incisa,

Chickrassia velutina (David et al. 1991); Loranthus sp.

(Jesudasan and David 1991); Ageratum conyzoides, Butea

monosperma. Oestrum aurantiacum, Derris sp., Osbeckia

reticulata, Gnidia glauca, Madhuca neriifolia. Salvia

splendens (new host records).

Material examined: India: Tamil Nadu: Nagercoil,

Holotype puparium, Pealius nagerkoilensis on Loranthus

sp., 27. xii. 1985, Augustine; Kunnathoor, Holotype puparium,

Odontaleyrodes artocarpi on Artocarpus hirsutus, 1 6.vi. 1 989,

K. Regu; Cumbum, Holotype puparium, Odontaleyrodes

selvakumarani, on Chickrassia velutina, 7,iv. 1988, S.

Selvakumaran (all loaned by Prof. B.V. David); Karnataka:

Kudremukh National Park, 2 puparia, on Madhuca neriifolia,

1 2. viii.200 1 , A.K. Dubey; Kudremukh National Park, 2 puparia,

on unidentified plant, 8.viii.2001, A.K. Dubey; Tal Cauvery,

2 puparia, on Butea monosperma, 24.iii.2001, A.K. Dubey;

Kemmangundi, 5 puparia, on Gnidia gluca, l.i.2001, A.K.

Dubey; Tamil Nadu: Elaimalai, 1 puparium on unidentified

plant, 17.iii.2001, A.K. Dubey; 2 puparia, on Ageratum

conyzoides, Kotagiri, 10. iii. 2001, A.K. Dubey; Kodaikanal,

3 puparia, on Osbeckia reticulata , 13. iii. 2001, A.K. Dubey;

Ootacamund, 4 puparia, on Oestrum aurantiacum, 9. iii. 2001 ,

A.K. Dubey; 1 puparium, on Salvia splendens, Kotagiri,

lO.iii. 2001, A.K. Dubey; Jamunamarathur hills, 2 puparia, on

unidentified plant, 19. iii. 2001, A.K. Dubey.

5. Pealius nilgiriensis (David) comb. nov.

Odontaleyrodes nilgiriensis David 1972 : Oriental Ins.

6(3): 309-312.

The description by David (1972) is adequate and no

further description is necessary.

Distribution: india: Tamil Nadu: Ootacamund (The

Nilgiris) (David 1972).

Host Plant: Unidentified twiner (David 1972).

Material examined: India: Tamil Nadu: Ootacamund

(The Nilgiris), Holotype puparium, on unidentified twiner,

3. viii. 1 969, B.V. David (loaned by Prof. B.V. David).

6. Pealius sairandhryensis ( Meganathan & David) comb. nov.

Odontaleyrodes sairandhryensis Meganathan & David

1994: FIPPAT Entomology Series 5: 47.

The description provided by Meganathan and David

( 1994) is adequate.

Distribution: india: Kerala: Silent Valley (Meganathan

& David 1994).

Host Plant: Oreocnida integrifolia (Meganathan &

David 1994).

Material examined: India: Kerala: Silent Valley,

Holotype puparium, on Oreocnida integrifolia, 2,ii . 1 99 1 ,

P. Meganathan.

7. Pealius simplex (Singh)

Aleurocanthus simplex Singh 1931: Mem. Dept. Agric.

India I2( 1 ): 69.

Dialeurocles glomerata Singh 1931: Mem. Dept. Agric.

India 12(1): 39. (Synonymised by Jesudasan & David 1991 ).

Pealius indicus David & Subramaniam 1976: Rec. zool.

Surv. India 70: 206. (Synonymised by Jesudasan & David).

Detailed descriptions were provided by Singh ( 1931 );

David and Subramaniam (1976), and Jesudasan and David

( 1991 ); no additional description is needed, as the information

provided by them is adequate.

Distribution: india: Bihar ( Pusa) ( Singh 1931); Tamil

Nadu: Coimbatore, Ootacamund (the Nilgiris) (David and

Subramaniam 1976); Padappai (Jesudasan and David 1991).

Host Plants: Ficus bengalensis, F. glomerata (Singh

1931 ), Azalea indica (David and Subramaniam 1976).

Material examined: India: Karnataka: Kudremukh

National Park, lOpuparia, on unidentified shrub, 12. viii. 2001,

A.K. Dubey.

Comments: The puparium collected from the upper

surface of leaves were larger in size; margin smooth and

subdorsum with minute setae. The puparium from the lower

surface of leaves were rather small; margin deflexed at several

places and subdorsum with long setae. The nature of leaf

surface is apparently responsible for this kind of moiphological

diversity. Similar observations were also recorded in P. simplex

by David and Subramaniam (1976), and Jesudasan and David

(1991).

8. Pealius spina (Singh)

Dialeurodes spina Singh 1931: Mem. Dept. Agric. India

12(1): 27.

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

163

TAXONOMIC STUDY OF THE GENUS PEALIUS QUAINTANCE & BAKER

Aleuroplatus spinus Takahashi 1952: Mushi 24: 23.

Pecilius spina David and Subramaniam 1976: Rec. zool.

Surv India 70: 209.

The description of the species by Singh (1931),

Takahashi ( 1952), and David and Subramaniam ( 1976) are

adequate and no further addition is necessary.

Distribution: India: Bihar: Mirpur Khas, Daulatpur

(Singh 1931 ); Tamil Nadu: Salem (David and Subramaniam

1976); Padappai (Jesudasan and David 1991); Kerala:

Kozhikode (new distribution record).

Host Plants: Ficus religiosa (Singh 1931); F. arnotiana

(new host record).

Material examined: India: Kerala: Kozhikode, 3 puparium

on Ficus religiosa. 17.iii.2002, A.K. Dubey; Kozhikode,

10 puparia, on Ficus arnotiana. 10.iii.2001 , K. Regu.

9. Pealius spinosus Jesudasan & David

Pealius spinosus Jesudasan & David 1991: Oriental

Ins. 25: 322-323.

Jesudasan and David (1991) provided a detailed

description of the species.

Distribution: india: Tamil Nadu: Erode (Jesudasan and

David 1991); Karnataka: Yellapur (new distribution record).

Host Plant: Unidentified tree.

Material examined: India: Tamil Nadu: Erode, Holotype

puparium, Pealius spinosus, on unidentified tree, 8.x. 1985,

Augustine, (loaned by Prof. B.V. David); Karnataka: Yellapur,

1 puparium, on unidentified tree. 1 1 .x.200 1 . A.K. Dubey.

1 0. Pealius splendens (David, Sundararaj & Regu) comb. nov.

Odontaleyrodes splendens David, Sundararaj & Regu

1991:/. Insect. Sci. 4(2): 117-119.

The description by David et al. ( 1991 ) is adequate.

Distribution: india: Kerala: Tripunithura (David et al.

1991).

Host plant: Tectona grandis (David etal. 1991).

Material examined: India: Kerala: Tripunithura,

Holotype puparium, Odontaleyrodes splendens. on Tectona

grandis. 30.vii. 1987. B.V. David (loaned by Prof. B.V. David).

Key to the Indian species of Pealius

1. A dark brown patch on median area of first and second

abdominal segments absent 2

A dark brown patch on median area of first and second

abdominal segment present

cinnamomi (Sundararaj & David 1991 )

2. A brown patch cephalad of cephalic seta absent 3

— A brown patch cephalad of cephalic seta present

indie us (David 1972)

3. Submarginal setae present 4

— Submarginal setae absent

walayarensis (Jesudasan & David 1991)

4. A submedian row of papillae present 5

— A submedian row of papillae absent 8

5. Setae on mesothorax/metathorax present 6

- — • Setae on mesothorax/metathorax absent 7

6. Setae present on meso- and metathorax; submedian papillae

on cephalothorax and abdomen present

sairandhryensis (Meganathan & David 1994)

— Setae present only on metathorax; submedian papillae only

on abdomen present misrae (Singh 1931)

7. Puparium elliptical. 0.60-0.68 mm long, 0.40-0.47 mm wide,

margin with 22 crenulations in 0.1 mm; vasiform orifice

subrectangular (30 x 37.5 pm)

splendens ( David, Sundararaj & Regu 1991)

— Puparium elongately oval, 0.83 mm long, 0.44 mm wide;

margin with 15 crenulations in 0.1 mm; vasiform orifice

subcordate (47.5 x 37.5 pm)

elongatus (David, Sundararaj & Regu 1991 )

8. Transverse moulting suture not reaching margin 9

— Transverse moulting suture reaching margin 12

9. Thoracic tracheal pore not marked by small rounded teeth,

subcircular rim near thoracic tracheal pore absent 10

— Thoracic tracheal pore marked by small rounded teeth, a

subcircular rim near thoracic tracheal pore present

azaleae (Baker & Moles 1920)

10. Submarginal setae less than 13 pairs and not in a row 1 1

— Submarginal setae in 13 pairs and in a row

bengalensis ( Peal 1903)

1 1 . Puparium roundly elliptical; dorsum not tuberculate; 1 0 pairs

of subdorsal and 2 pairs of submarginal setae evident

spina (Singh 1931 )

— Puparium oval; dorsum tuberculate; 9 pairs of subdorsal and

5 pairs of submarginal setae; shape and length of setae vary

depending on hairy or glabrous nature of leaf surface on which

it develops simplex (Singh 1931 )

12. First abdominal setae present 13

— First abdominal setae absent nilgiriensis (David 1972)

13. Tracheal combs not discernible

nagerkoilensis (Jesudasan & David 1991 )

— Tracheal combs discernible

schimae (Takahashi 1950)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We thank Prof. B.V. David for loaning the types and for

his valuable comments on the manuscript. Financial

assistance from Ministry of Environment and Forests,

Government of India for conducting this study is gratefully

acknowledged.

164

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

TAXONOMIC STUDY OF THE GENUS PEALIUS QUAINTANCE & BAKER

REFERENCES

Baker, J.M. & M.L. Moles (1920): Anew species of Aleyrodidae found

on Azalea (Horn.). Proc. Ent. Soc. Washington 22: 81-83.

David, B.V. (1972): Two new species of Odontaleywdes Takahashi

(Homoptera: Aleyrodidae) from India. Oriental Ins. 6(3): 309-

312.

David, B.V & T.R. Subramaniam (1976): Studies on some Indian

Aleyrodidae. Rec. zool. Suit. India 70: 204-206.

David, B.V.. R. Sundararaj & K. Regu ( 1991 ): On the four species of

Odontaleywdes Takahashi (Aleyrodidae: Homoptera) with a

key to Indian species. J. Insect Sci. 4(2): 1 17-1 19.

Jesudasan, R.W.A. & B.V. David (1991): Taxonomic studies on Indian

Aleyrodidae (Insecta: Homoptera). Oriental Ins. 25: 320.

Martin, J.H. (1999): The whitefly fauna of Australia (Sternorrhyncha:

Aleyrodidae), A taxonomic account and identification guide.

CSIRO Entomology Technical Paper 38: 92.

Meganathan, R & B.V. David ( 1994): Aleyrodidae fauna (Aleyrodidae:

Homoptera) of Silent valley, A tropical evergreen rain-forest,

in Kerala, India. FIPPAT Entomological Series 5: 47.

Quaintance. A.L. & A.C. Baker (1914): Classification of the

Aleyrodidae Part U.U.S.D. A. Bin: Ent. Tech. Ser. 27: 95-109.

Singh, K. (1931): A contribution towards our knowledge of the

Aleyrodidae (whiteflies) of India. Mem. Dept. Agric. India 12:

1-98.

Takahashi, R. (1952): Some Malayan species of Aleyrodidae

(Homoptera). Mitshi 24: 21-27.

Takahashi, R. ( 1954): Key to the tribes and genera of Aleyrodidae of

Japan, with descriptions of three new genera and one new species

(Homoptera). Insecta Matsumurana 18: 47-53.

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

165

Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

166-168

THE FOOD OF THE HIMAEAYAN NEWT TYLOTOTRITON VERRUCOSUS

(ANDERSON): A PRELIMINARY STUDY1

N. Thambalshangbi Devi2

'Accepted February 2004

^Department of Zoology, D.M. College of Science, Imphal 795 001, India. Email: [email protected]

The present study investigates the diet of the Himalayan Newt Tylototriton verrucosus (Anderson) based on the

specimens collected from Ukhrul and Senapati districts of Manipur. Barring sporadic reports on the occurrence of this

species in this region, no detailed studies have been reported. The present study aims at examining the types of food

material consumed by this animal on the basis of their gut contents. The food items of the specimens collected between

April and October 1996 consisted of insects, insect larvae, millipedes, spiders, scorpions, molluscs, plant and inorganic

matter, including pebbles, sand and mud, which are incidentally ingested along with the food.

Key words: gut, mollusc, Lengva , pebble, swampy area, chara

INTRODUCTION

The Himalayan Newt Tylototriton verrucosus

(Anderson) (Lengva in Tangkhul) is found in Ukhrul and

Senapati, the hill districts of Manipur (including the Siroi-

Kasom Hill range of Ukhrul district, which extends up to Mao

of Senapatidistrict), at altitudes from 1 ,500 to 2,200 m above

msl.

T. verrucosus is found in small numbers in small water

pools and swampy areas of the northern and eastern hills of

Manipur. Except Nair (1996), who stated that it feeds on

aquatic vegetation, insect larvae, tadpoles and earthworms,

no detailed information on the food items of this animal is

available. This paper, therefore, aims to investigate the food

items of T. verrucosus collected from Ukhrul (Hundung,

Siroi, Kasom) and Senapati districts (Oinam Ching) of

Manipur.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Analysis of the gut (stomach and large intestine)

content of T. verrucosus was carried out between April and

October 1996. During this period, the animals were collected

and stored in plastic bottles, containing 10 ml chloroform and

thereafter 5% formaldehyde solution was injected into the

stomach of each animal to preserve the organs and to check

further mixing of the food particles with gastric juice. In the

laboratory, the specimens were grouped on the basis of the

month of collection. The stomach and the large intestine of

each animal were removed and preserved separately in

70% alcohol.

The guts were later dissected longitudinally and their

contents transferred to a petridish containing 70% alcohol.

The contents were examined under a microscope, and later

photographed and grouped as follows: 1. Insects: (a) Insect

fragments, namely head, dissociated legs and wings, (b) Larvae

of different types of insects; 2. Nematodes; 3. Millipedes; 4.

Scorpions; 5. Spiders; 6. Molluscs; 7. Eggs of Himalayan Newt.

They were further identified using diagnostic taxonomic

characters.

RESULTS

The number of Himalayan Newts collected between

April and October 1996 and the prey recorded are given in

Table 1 .

The primary food item of the newt was insects, which

were identified using Richards and Davies (1977), Riley

(1977) and Zanetti and Adriano (1977). The guts of the

dissected newts contained scorpions, spiders (6 spiders were

found in one individual), nematodes, millipedes, molluscs,

and eggs of Himalayan Newts (Table 1 ). 25 Himalayan Newt

eggs were found once in the gut of an individual, and

21 eggs were found in another. The eggs per gut range

between 6-10. The newts start consuming eggs from June

(see Table 1 ). No egg was found in the gut contents after

August.

Materials found in the guts other than those described

above are plants such as Blue Green Algae, pieces of straw

and chara (Table 1 ). The newt feeds on a variety of insects

belonging to different orders; Honey Bees (Table 2) were

consumed in large numbers (22.29%) (Fig. 1 ).

The food items consumed by T. verrucosus (Anderson)

appear to be dependant on the availability of insects and

other organisms in the area during a specific period of the

year. April marks the beginning of the warm season, which is

usually punctuated by sporadic rains. Before the onset of

heavier monsoon rains in June, the flowering of the number

FOOD OF THE HIMALAYAN NEWT TYL OTO TRITON VERRUCOSUS

Table 1 : Month-wise number of Himalayan Newts and their prey

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

167

PERCENTAGE

FOOD OF THE HIMALAYAN NEWT TYL OTO TRITON VERRUCOSUS

25

20

15

20

5

0

Fig. 1 : Quantity of insects found in the guts of Himalayan Newt

gut of the newts collected between April and September are

predominantly insects and insect parts. An interesting

observation is that it also consumes its own eggs.

The rate of food consumption is high in May, June and

July, declining after August. The gut of the newt is devoid of

food materials in October. Voracious consumption of food

coincides with the onset of reproductive activities in June.

Apart from insects, which constitute the main food items of

the newts, fragments of plants, small pebbles and mud were

found in their guts. These are perhaps ingested incidentally.

The rainy season starts in May and continues up to July;

during this period the newts consume the small molluscs,

which abound in their habitat. The newts lay eggs from June

to August.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I thank the team of the IC TV, an Imphal - based cable

TV operator, who visited the Zaimeng lake for a video

coverage of the newts in July 2002, for presenting four live

newts to me.

REFERENCES

Nair, S. M. ( 1996): Endangered Animals of India and their Conservation.

National Book Trust, India A-5 Green Park, New Delhi.

Richards, O.W. & R.G. Davies (1977): Imm’s General Textbook of

Entomology, Vol. 2 Classification and Biology. Chapman and

Hall Ltd., 1 1 New Fetter Lane, London.

Riley, N.D. (1977): Insects in Colour. Blandford Colour Series, Link

House, West Street, Poole, Dorset BIHS 166.

Zanetti, Adriano (1977): The World of Insects. Sampson Low

Berkshire House, Queen Street, Maidenhead, Berkshire SL, 6

INF.

168

1 Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

169-175

FAUNAL DIVERSITY OF ROTIFERS (ROTIFERA: EUROTATORIA)

OF DEEPOR BEEL, ASSAM (NORTHEAST INDIA) - A RAMSAR SITE1

B.K. Sharma2 and Sumita Sharma3

'Accepted April 2004

’Department of Zoology, North-Eastern Hill University, Umshing, Shillong 793 022, Meghalaya, India.

Email: [email protected], [email protected]

-’Eastern Regional Station, Zoological Survey of India, Risa Colony, Shillong 793 003, Meghalaya. India.

Email: [email protected]

This pioneering taxonomic study on Rotifera of Ramsar sites of India deals with the analysis of plankton samples

collected (from November, 2002 to October, 2003) from Deeporbeel, a tropical floodplain lake of the Brahmaputra river

basin of lower Assam (NE India). One hundred and ten species belonging to 35 genera and 20 families, documented in

this study register the highest biodiversity of this phylum known till date from any aquatic ecosystem of the Indian

subcontinent and reflects greater environmental heterogeneity of the sampled Ramsar site. The rotifer communities are

characterized by Cosmopolitan (67.3%) > Pantropical ( 17.3%) > Cosmotropical (10.0%) elements, predominance of

Lecanidae > Brachionidae > Lepadellidae > Trichocercidae, general tropical characters and several biogeographically

interesting elements and acidophilus species. Species richness (43-65; 56 ±6 species) depicts trimodal monthly pattern

with peak and minima during winter and early summer respectively, and shows 45.1-82.5% community similarity ( vide

Sorenson’s index). The richness registers significant inverse correlation with water temperature, rainfall, free CO, and

Calcium, and direct relationship with specific conductivity, dissolved oxygen and BOD... Our observations indicate lack

of definite periodicity of occurrence of different species or families or groups of rotifers and record fewer perennial

species. The examined collections show dominance of littoral or periphytic elements, fewer planktonic species and

relatively higher number of small-sized taxa. Sladecek’s Q quotient depicts mesotrophic-eutrophic nature of Deepor

beel.

Key words: Ramsar site, Rotifera, biodiversity, distribution, temporal variations

INTRODUCTION

Floodplain lakes (locally known beels) attract special

global interest for their rich aquatic biodiversity and great

biogenic production potential. These interesting ecotones

comprise an integral component of the valley districts of Assam

and Manipur of northeast India. Beels cover an area of 0. 1

million ha of Assam, and constitute about 93% of its total

fish-prone (i.e. area under fisheries) and play vital role in the

socio-economic development of the region. Of these, Deepor

beel, one of the largest wetland in the Brahmaputra valley of

lower Assam, is under severe environmental pressure because

of human encroachment and general degradation. This water

body of great economic importance has been designated

as a Ramsar site in November 2002, and attempts are being

initiated for its biodiversity conservation. Very little is known

about the micro-faunal diversity of this ecosystem

(www.wwfmdia.org) and information on rotifers is still lacking.

This pioneering taxonomic study on the Rotifera of Ramsar

sites of India assumes significance in view of limited works

on biodiversity of this phylum (Sharma and Sharma 2001)

from the floodplain lakes of India, in general, and that of the

Northeast region in particular. The observations are made on

species composition of the rotifer taxocoenosis of Deepor

beel with remarks on its general nature and composition,

species richness, temporal variations, community similarities,

interesting elements and on trophic status of the wetland

based on the rotifer taxa (vide Sladecek’s quotient).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The present study is a part of limnological survey,

undertaken during November 2002 to October 2003, in Deepor

beel, a perennial floodplain lake (26° 03' 26" N and 90° 36' 39"

E; area: 40 km2; altitude: 42 m above msl) located in the Kamrup

district of lower Assam. This beel is covered with luxuriant

growth of diverse aquatic macrophytes, namely Hydrilla

verticillata, Naias indica, Euryaleferox, Vallisnaria spiralis ,

Utriculariaflexuosa, Trapa bispinosa , Eichhomia crassipes ,

Monochoria liastaefolia , Xanthium straumarium, Ipomea

fistulosa, Croton borplandianum, Hydrorhiza aristata ,

Polygonum hydropiper and Limnophila sp. Water samples,

collected monthly, were analyzed for various abiotic factors

following APHA (1992) while water temperature, specific

conductivity, pH, transparency and dissolved oxygen were

recorded by field probes. Qualitative plankton samples were

obtained regularly every month by towing nylobolt plankton

net (No. 25) from different parts of the beel and preserved in

5% formalin. These samples were subsequently screened for

various rotifer species and their permanent mounts were made

FAUNAL DIVERSITY OF ROTIFERS OF DEEPOR BEEL, ASSAM

in polyvinyl alcohol-lactophenol mixture. The rotifer taxa were

identified following Kutikova ( 1970). Koste (1978), Koste and

Shiel ( 1990), Segers ( 1995) and Sharma and Shanna ( 1999,

2000). In addition, Segers (2002) was followed for the recent

nomenclature of Rotifera. Percentage similarities between

monthly rotifer communities were calculated vide Sorensen

index. Ecological relationships were computed vide simple

correlation coefficients (r). QB ] quotient (Sladecek 1983) has

been used to comment on the general trophic status of the

wetland.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Deepor beel is characterized (Table 1) by low ionic

concentration which warrants its inclusion under ‘Class T

category vide Tailing and Tailing (1965). Mean water

temperature affirms tropical range related to its geographical

location. Circum-neutral and marginally hard waters of this

floodplain lake depict moderate dissolved oxygen, low free

CO„ low concentration of micro-nutrients and other abiotic

factors. Chloride and BODs reflect some possible impact of

human activity on this Ramsar site. The ranges of the recorded

abiotic factors agree with earlier reports of Sharma and

Hussain ( 1999), Sharma (2000a, b) and Sharma and Sharma

(2001).

The present study reveals the highest diversity of

Eurotatoria ( 1 10 species, 35 genera and 20 families) known till

date from any aquatic environ of the Indian subcontinent

Table 1: Abiotic factors of Deepor beel

(Table 2). The rich and diversified rotifer taxocoenosis is

undoubtedly an indicator of greater environmental

heterogeneity of the Deepor beel and thus concurs with

generalizations of 'Josede Paggi ( 1993), Bonecker et al. (1998)

and Shiel etal. (1998) on floodplain lakes of Argentina. Brazil

and Australia respectively. Besides, this salient feature lends

significant support to the hypothesis of Segers et al. (1993)

indicating (sub) tropical floodplains to be the world’s richest

habitats for rotifers. The documented species comprise

notable fraction (30.9%) of the Indian Rotifera and the fauna

of NE India (57.6 %). Overall, rotifer richness of this Ramsar

site compares well with 1 1 1 species from floodplains of

Argentina (Jose de Paggi 1993); is marginally higher than the

1 04 species from Laguana Bufeos, Bolivia ( Segers etal. 1 998 )

and is lower than the reported 136 species (Iyi-Efi lake) and

124 species (Oguta lake) in the Niger delta (Segers etal. 1993),

and 1 30 species from Lake Guarana, Brazil (Bonecker etal. 1994).

Referring to the Indian conditions, the rotifer diversity

of Deepor beel presents a significant increase in the peak

value of 65 species recorded by Sharma and Sharma (2001 )

from Dighali beel, Assam and exceeds the recent highest record

of 103 species again from Dighali beel (Sharma 2005). The

richness is distinctly higher than the reports of only 29 species

from four beels (Goswami 1997), 48 species from 33 beels

(Sarma 2000), 54 species from five beels (Sharma 2000b) and

9 species from Mori beel (Goswami and Goswami 2001 ) of

Assam state. It is also significantly higher than 1 1 species

from two floodplain lakes of Kashmir ( Khan 1 987 ) as well as

of 37 species from two Ox-bow lakes (Khan 2002), and 38

species from 9 floodplain lakes (Khan 2003) of South-eastern

West Bengal. The poor records in several Indian works are in

fact not due to actual paucity of rotifers in the floodplain

lakes, but due to inadequate sampling, overlooking

identification of smaller taxa and incomplete analysis due to

lack of taxonomic expertise (BKS pers. comm.). Interestingly,

the rotifer richness of this floodplain lake of the Brahmaputra

river basin corresponds to the 1 10 species from the backwaters

of the river Yamuna at Delhi (Arora and Mehra 2003). This

study, however, shows only 50% community similarity with

the latter, and hence shows significant divergence in the

communities of two environs.

Lecanidae (30 species) > Brachionidae (19 species) >

Lepadellidae (15 species) > Trichocercidae (7 species)

constitute a dominant fraction (64.6%) of Rotifera of Deepor

beel and of their monthly composition (54.5-69.8%, 60. 1 ±4.2%).

The stated dominance trend corresponds with the reports

from floodplains of South America (Bonecker et al. 1994, 1998;

Lansac-Toha etal. 1997;Rossa 1997; Serafim 1997), Argentina

(Josede Paggi 1993, 2001), Africa (Segers a/. 1993), Bolivia

(Segers et al. 1998), Thailand (Sanoamuang 1998) and India

170

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

FAUNAL DIVERSITY OF ROTIFERS OF DEEPOR BEEL, ASSAM

Table 2: Rotifer Taxocoenosis of Deepor Beel

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

171

FAUNAL DIVERSITY OF ROTIFERS OF DEEPOR BEEL, ASSAM

Tabie 2: Rotifer Taxocoenosis of Deepor Beel ( contd .)

Abbreviations (months): N-November, D-December, JN-January, F-February, MA-March, AP-Apri!, M-May, J-June, JL-July, A-August,

S-September, O-October

(Sharma and Sharma 2001). This trend also confirms with the

composition of the Indian Rotifera (Sharma 1 998). In addition,

Euchlanidae = Filiniidae = Testudinellidae = Flosculariidae >

Notommatidae comprise an important component (22.7%).

Qualitative significance (37.3%) of 'tropic-centered’ genera

namely Lecane (30 species) and Brachionus (1 1 species)

imparts tropical character to the rotifer fauna of Deepor beel

affirming such generalizations on other tropical faunas

(Fernando 1980: Dussart et al. 1984: Segers 1996). This

conclusion is, in turn, supported by paucity of ‘temperate -

centered’ Keratellci (5 species). Lecane spp. alone comprise

a notable fraction (27.3%) and their dominance compares with

the rotifer communities of other floodplains (Segers et al.

1993, 1998; Sanoamuang 1998: Jose de Paggi 2001 ).

The predominance of cosmopolitan species (67.3%),

another salient feature of this study, concurs with the results

of Sharma and Sharma (2001). Besides, pantropical >

cosmotropical species together form notable component

(27.3%). The examined material includes four interesting

palaeotropical elements, namely Testudinella greeni,

T. brevicaudata, Lecane unguitata and Lepadella discoidea.

The first two species are so far recorded only from the

floodplains of NE region while the lecanid is apparently widely

distributed in India. L. discoidea is known from Indonesia,

Australia, Zaire, Nigeria and Papua New Guinea while its

Indian reports are from Delhi and the northeastern state of

Assam. Segers (1993) proposed possible inclusion of the new

taxon Lepadella ovalis f. larga described by Sharma (1978)

from West Bengal under the former species. The specimens

from West Bengal are larger than Segers’ species

(L. discoidea) and more material is required to ascertain correct

status of the Indian taxon. Other biogeographically important

elements recorded presently are the pantropical Brachionus

donneri, Lecane pertica. L. hastata, L. thienemanni , Filinia

camascela and Trochosphaera aequitorialis. In addition, the

colonial Sinantherina spinosa, the sessile Floscularia

ringens, Lacinularia flocculosa and Limnias ceratophylli

as well as cosmopolitan Lepadella biloba , L. minuta and

Lecane sola are examples of regional distributional interest.

Among these, B. donneri and L. sola deserve special mention

as species originally described from this country. A majority

of the stated species are rare in our material and also represent

rare elements in the Indian fauna.

Qualitative abundance of periphytic or littoral elements

(76.2%) and occurrence of fewer planktonic species (23.8%)

indicate lack of definite pelagic habitats (De Manuel 1994)

which, in turn, can be attributed to shallow nature of Deepor

beel as well as the presence of aquatic macrophytes. Our

observations exhibit frequent occurrence of non-planktonic

taxa in open waters of the sampled lake; this feature of

establishment of both planktonic and non-planktonic taxa in

beel with marginal vegetation suggests occupation of

different niches (Bonecker et al. 1998). Besides, the present

study indicates occurrence of a number of small-sized rotifer

172

J. Bombay Nat. Hist Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

FAUNAL DIVERSITY OF ROTIFERS OF DEEPOR BEEL, ASSAM

70 r

ndjfmamj jaso

Months

Fig. 1: Species richness of Rotifera

taxa, which may be attributed to conditions of low

concentrations of food (Papinski 1990) and predation by fish

and invertebrates (Baumgartner et al. 1 997 ). The former aspect

is supported by lower phytoplankton density and primary

productivity of Deeporbeel (Sharma unpublished).

Acidophilus elements (Koste 1978) reported presently

include Plationus patulus macracanthus, Dipleuchlanis

propatula, Euchlanis triquetra, Mytilina bisulcata,

Lepadella acuminata, Lecane pertica, Monommata

longiseta and Testudinella emarginula. The relative paucity

of Brae hi onus ( 1 1 species) in general is attributed to acidic-

circum neutral nature of the sampled beel. Only sixteen rotifers

(14.5%) namely Brachionus caudatus, B, falcatus , Plationus

patulus, P. patulus macracanthus , Platyias quadricornis,

Keratella cochlearis, K. tropica, Euchlanis dilatata, Lecane

bulla, L. leontina, L. unguitata, Asplanclina priodonta,

Polyarthra vulgaris, Sinantherina socialis, Conochilus

unicornis and Testudinella patina represent perennial

elements. Twenty eight species (25.4%) i.e., Brachionus

angularis, B. bidentatus, B. falcatus, B. forficula,

B. quadridentatus, Anuraeopsis fissa, Keratella cochlearis,

K. tropica, Plationus patulus , Euchlanis dilatata, Mytilina

ventralis, Trichotria tetractis , Lepadella ovalis,

L. rhomboides, Lecane bulla, L curvicornis, L. luna,

L. leontina, L. papuana, L. ungulata, L. lunaris, Polyarthra

vulgaris, Testudinella patina, Trichocerca porcellus,

T. similis , Filinia longiseta, F. opoliensis and F camascela

exhibit common occurrence while Brachionus mirabilis,

Mytilina bisulcata, Lepadella apsida, L. minuta,

L. discoidea, Lecane hastata, L. monostyla, L. furcata ,

L. sola, Filinia brachiata, Testudinella brevicaudata and

T. greeni are rare elements.

The present observations depict qualitative

predominance of rotifers in Deepor beel throughout the study

period and this trend concurs with the results of Sarma (2000),

Sharma (2000a, b), Sharma and Sharma (2001) and Khan

NOJ FWAMJ JASO

Months

Fig 2: Species richness of dominant families

(2002). The richness (43-65; 56 ±6 species) shows a trimodal

pattern of temporal variations (Fig. 1) with peak during

January (winter) and minima in April (early summer). In

general, higher richness (60-65 species) noticed during winter

(Decernber-February) is supported by significant inverse

correlation with water temperature (r = -0.764) while it also

records inverse relationship with rainfall (r = -0.5 16), free CO,

(r = -0.469) and Calcium (r = -0.442). Species richness, however,

registers significant direct correlation with specific

conductivity (r = 0.534), dissolved oxygen (r = 0.469) and

BODs (r = 0.474). Three eurotatorien families namely

Brachionidae (13-17; 15 ± 1 species) > Lecanidae (1 1-15; 13

±1 species) > Lepadellidae (4-8; 5 ±1 species) mainly influence

(Fig. 2) temporal variations of rotifer diversity, but do not

follow any definite seasonal or monthly trend. The later

generalization also holds true for occurrence of different

species. The communities similarity (45.1- 82.5%) depicts

distinct variations in species composition. Peak similarity is

noted between the samples collected in February and July,

while April registers lowest similarity (45. 1 -59.6%) with other

monthly samples. Further, the matrix indicates (Table 3) fewer

cases of < 50% and > 80% similarity, which ranges between

60-70% in majority (48.6%) of instances.

Sladecek (1983) proposed Q r quotient based on ratios

between Brachionus : Trichocerca species to depict trophic

status of different ecosystems or even individual samples.

The utility of application of this quotient under Indian

conditions is ascertained by Sharma and Dudani ( 1992) and

Sharma (2000a). The present results indicate Q = 2.4 and,

thereby, reflect general mesotrophic status of Deepor beel

while its monthly values ranging between 1.4-4. 5 indicate

mesotrophic nature with shift towards eutrophy in certain

months. This generalization is broadly affirmed by water

quality of the wetland and temporal variations of various

parameters during the study period.

To conclude, this study provides an exhaustive

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

173

FAUNAL DIVERSITY OF ROTIFERS OF DEEPOR BEEL, ASSAM

Table 3: Percentage similarities (Sorenson's index) between Rotifer communities

inventory of the rotifer taxa of the sampled Ramsar site and

exhibits rich and diversified nature of the examined

taxocoenosis. The rotifer communities are predominated by

the monogonont taxa. Planktonic and littoral species are well

documented in this study while epiphytic, benthic and

bdelloids still need specific attention. The observations on

the rotifer communities in relation to diverse aquatic

macrophytes in this ecotone will be of special future interest

to analyse species associations and horizontal distributional

patterns.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The senior author is thankful to the G.B. Pant Institute

of Himalayan Environmental Development, Almora for

research grant for the study and the Head, Department of

Zoology, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong for laboratory

facilities. One of the authors (SS) is also thankful to the

Director, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata and the Officer-

in-charge, Eastern Regional Station, Zoological Survey of

India, Shillong.

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Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

176-180

A PRELIMINARY SURVEY ON FRESHWATER ALGAL FLORA OF GARUDA TAL,

NEAR NAINITAL, UTTARANCHAL, INDIA1

M.R. SUSEELA2

'Accepted May 2004

’Phycology Laboratory, National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow 226 001, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Email: [email protected]

Garuda Tal (lake) is located 23 km from Nainital town of Uttaranchal state in Kumaon division, and situated in the

foothills of the Himalaya, at an altitude of 1450 m above msl. An assessment of the diversity of freshwater algal flora of

Garuda Tal resulted in a total of 19 species, representing 15 genera of which 3 species were Blue-green Algae

(Cyanophyceae), 5 species were Green Algae (Chlorophyceae), and 1 1 were Diatoms (Bacillariophyceae). Rhizoclonium,

Spirogyra and Gomphonema were abundant in this lake. A preliminary survey and morpho-taxonomic details of

freshwater algal flora of Garuda Tal has been described in the present communication.

Key words: freshwater algal flora, diversity, Garuda Tal

INTRODUCTION

Nainital district (29° 24' N and 79° 28' E; area 1 1 .73 sq.

km) of Uttaranchal lies in the Kumaon division abutting

Himalayan ranges to its north, at an altitude of 1938 m above

msl. This area is highly mountainous marked with rugged

topography, comprising of high ranges, steep hills, deep

valleys, cliffs and sloping meadows. Gola and Kosi rivers

flow through this region along with a number of small streams

and lakes. The present contribution is the result of preliminary

studies carried out on the freshwater algal flora of Garuda Tal,

a serene lake.

Garuda Tal is situated 23 km from Nainital town at an

altitude of 1450 m above msl. The lake is about 745 m long,

300 m broad and 19 m deep (Das 2003) and lies at the foothills

of Western Himalaya. This serene lake is not disturbed by

anthropogenic activities; its lush green water is surrounded

by thick, tall pine, oak trees along with several herbs and

shrubs. The soil of this hilly region varies from loamy to clay

loamy. The climate is tropical with cool summers and extremely

cold winters. The atmospheric temperature varies from 3- 16 °C

in winter and 10-28 °C in summer; the average rainfall is

260 cm (National Information Centre, Dehradun, 2000-2005).

The temperature of the water varied from 1 4- 1 6 °C and the pH

was 5.5 during the study period.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 1 4 freshwater algal samples were collected

during May 2002 from Garuda Tal with the help of a simple

sample collecting spoon with a long handle. Epilithic algal

samples were collected by scraping submerged rocks. Some

of the samples were collected by hand squeezing the aquatic

plants of the lake. Samples stored in 50 ml sample bottles

were preserved in 4% formalin and deposited in the collections

of the Phycology laboratory. National Botanical Research

Institute, Lucknow. The samples were observed under an

Olympus light microscope and camera lucida diagrams were

drawn. For diatoms, permanent slides were prepared as per

Patrick and Reimer (1966). Taxonomic identification was done

as per Desikachary (1959), Jeffery et al. (1983), Noda and

Lorin (1985), Prasad and Srivastava (1992), Prescott (1951),

and Tzanou and Economou (1995).

RESULTS

Among the freshwater algal flora, green algae, blue-

green algae and diatoms were identified and their taxonomic

descriptions are given below:

Cyanophyceae

Chroococcus minutus (Kuetz) Naegeli (Fig. 2)

A small amorphous, mucilaginous mass in which

spherical or hemispherical cells are compactly arranged within

a wide hyaline envelope, individual cell sheaths indistinct

not lamellate, cell contents blue green, either homogenous or

finely granular, cells 5-10 pm in diameter.

Gloeothece samoensis Wille (Fig. 3)

Cells ellipsoidal, without sheath 4-5 pm broad, 8 pm

long, cells yellowish or bluish green, in round colonies, mostly

2-4 in a common envelope, envelope colourless.

Oscillatoria nigra Vaucher (Fig. 1)

Trichomes aggregated to form a thick, mucilaginous

blackish green mass on submerged objects, becomes free

floating, straight or slightly tapering towards the apex and

curved, apical cell rotund not capitate without calyptra; cells

PRELIMINARY SURVEY ON FRESHWATER ALGAL FLORA OF GARUDA TAL, UTTARANCHAL

8- 1 0 pm in diameter, 4.5 pm long, not constricted at the cross

walls, which are sometimes granular, cell content dark olive

green.

Chlorophyceae

Rhizoclonium hookeri Kuetzing (Fig. 8)

Filaments crisp, freely branching, composed of long,

cylindrical or regularly inflated cells, cell 68 pm in diameter,

380 pm long. An epilithic alga found attached to submerged

rocks. Licmophora flabellata is an epiphyte on its filament.

Bulbochaete dispar Wittrock (Fig. 10)

Branched filament arising from a basal cell, which has a

holdfast organ. Cells cylindrical, ovoid, having successive

divisions at the basal cell only, bearing a long seta with a

bulbous base. Vegetative cells 35 pm in diameter, 30-40 pm

long.

Closterimn pseudodianae Roy, West & West var. curvata

Kant & Gupta (Fig. 9)

Cells much longer than the type, curved at both the

ends, sickle shaped, chloroplast divided into two halves, end

pointed or rounded, cells 440-450 pm long, 50 pm in diameter.

Ankistrodesmus falcatus (Corda) Ralfs var. radiatus

(Chodat) Lemrn. (Fig. 1 1 )

Acicular cells not twisted around each other, arranged

in radiating bundles, cells straight or curved, 61-73 pm long,

4.5-5. 0 pm in diameter.

Cosmarium medioscrobiculatum West & West

var. egranulatum Gutw. f. major Pandey & Pandey (Fig. 12)

Granules are uniformly distributed and there are no

scrobicutations in the centre of the semi cells. Cells 50 pm

broad, 90 pm long, and isthmus 32 pm wide.

Spirogyra sp. (Fig. 4)

Vegetative cells 260 pm long, 38 pm in diameter with

plane end walls, chloroplast 2-3 making 2.5-3 turns.

Spirogyra sp. (Fig. 5)

Vegetative cells 200 pm long, 22 pm in diameter with

plane end walls, chloroplast 1 making 4 turns.

Spirogyra sp. (Fig. 6)

Vegetative cells 210 pm long, 34 pm in diameter with

plane end walls, chloroplast 1 making 3 turns.

Spirogyra sp. (Fig. 7 )

Vegetative cells 240 pm long, 72 pm in diameter with

plane end walls, chloroplast 3 making 3 turns.

Bacillariophyceae

Cocconeis pseudomarginata Gregory (Fig. 22)

Rapheless valves with lanceolate sternum and two

zones of striae separated by longitudinal hyaline area. Valves

52 pm long, 35 pm wide with delicate radiate striae, marginal

striae 13 in 10 pm, axial striae 16 in 10 pm. Raphe with polar

nodule small extending downwards into an arrow shaped

hyaline area.

Cocconeis diruptagreg \AC. flexella (Janish & Rabenhorst)

Grunow (Fig. 23)

Differentiated from the nominate variety by the sigmoid

axial of the rapheless valve. Valves 40 pm long, 24 pm wide

with 19-20 striae in 10 pm, in the rapheless valve.

Cymbella tnmida (Breb. ) Vanheurck (Fig. 14)

Valves asymmetrical, curved, broadly naviculoid with

rostrate poles, convex dorsal side and straight or slightly

convex ventral sides having medium expansion, raphe

eccentric, axial area narrow, central area large, round with a

ventrally placed prominent isolated dot, transverse striation

radiate, punctate, cells 18-20 pm in diameter, 52 pm in length,

striae 10 in 10 pm.

Cymbella ventricosa Kuetzing (Fig. 13)

Valves asymmetrical, lunate with dorsal margin convex

and ventral margin almost straight, ends acutely rounded,

raphe thick, eccentric, slightly undulate, central nodules bent

dorsally, while terminal fissure curved ventrally forming a

question mark, axial area narrow, linear central area broad,

striae coarse, lineate radiate throughout the wall, cells 1 8 pm

in diameter, 65 pm in length, striae 10-11 in 10 pm.

Amphora veneta Kuetzing (Fig. 19)

Frustules oblong, elliptical with truncated rounded

ends, in valve view, linear lunate with constricted, ventrally

bent, obtusely rounded ends, dorsal side convex but ventral

side somewhat concave, raphe thin, straight, eccentric,

terminal fissure bent ventrally, axial area narrow, linear, striae

lineate, radiate throughout, present on dorsal side. It is 30 pm

long, 10 pm broad, striae 1 5 in 10 pm.

Amphora coffeaeformis Agardh (Fig. 20)

Valves linear, semi-lanceolate with constricted much

produced rounded ends, dorsal margin broadly arcuate,

ventral margin straight or concave, raphe thin eccentric,

slightly undulate, central nodule bent dorsally, axial narrow,

gradually widening towards centre, dorsal striae coarse

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

177

PRELIMINARY SURVEY ON FRESHWATER ALGAL FLORA OF GARUDA TAL, UTTARANCHAL

Figs 1-12: 1 . Oscillatoria nigra 1 0 x 40; 2. Chroococcus mmutus 1 0 x 40; 3. Gloeothece samoensis 1 0 x 40; 4. Spirogyra sp. 10x10;

5. Spirogyra sp 1 0 x 1 0; 6. Spirogyra sp 1 0 x 1 0; 7. Spirogyra sp. 1 0 x 1 0; 8. Rhizoclomum hookeri 10x10;

9. Closterium pseudodianae var curvata 1 0 x 1 0; 1 0. Bulbochaete dispar 1 0 x 1 0; 1 1 . Ankistrodesmus falcatus var radiatus 1 0 x 40;

1 2. Cosmarium medioscrobiculatum var egranulatum f. major 1 0 x 40

lineate, radiate, parallel throughout the valve, ventral striae

very short, fine and close. It is 53 pm long, 20 pm broad,

dorsal striae 1 1 - 1 3 in 1 0 pm, and ventral striae 20-22 in 1 0 pm.

Amphora clevei Grun. (Fig. 2 1 )

Frustules crescent shaped in valve view, broadly elliptic

with truncated poles in girdle view, raphe presents two curved

lines near the ventral margin of the valve and the two curves

meeting over the central nodule, valves 30 pm long, 1 5 pm in

diameter.

Epithemia argus (Ehr) Kuetzing (Fig. 18)

Frustules solitary or in a group, valve arcuate, dorsal

side convex and ventral planoconvex, ends rounded, raphe

178

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

PRELIMINARY SURVEY ON FRESHWATER ALGAL FLORA OF GARUDA TAL, UTTARANCHAL

Figs 1 3-23: 1 3. Cymbella ventricosa 1 0 x 40; 1 4. Cymbetta tumida 1 0 x 40; 1 5. Hantzschia amfioxys 1 0 x 40;

1 6. Gomphonema hebndense 1 0 x 40; 1 7. Gomphonema constrictum 1 0 x 40; 1 8. Epithemia argus 1 0 x 40;

1 9. Amphora veneta 1 0 x 40; 20. Amphora coffeaeformis 1 0 x 40; 21 . Amphora clevei 1 0 x 40;

22. Cocconeis pseudomarginata 1 0 x 40; 23. Cocconeis dirupta var flexella 1 0 x 40.

curved, V-shaped on the ventral side. Cells 62 pm long, 12 pm

in diameter, costae 3 in 10 pm.

Hantzschia amfioxys (Ehr. ) Grunow (Fig. 1 5 )

Valves narrowly linear, lanceolate, dorsal side convex,

ventral side slightly concave, with deep median depression,

ends slightly attenuated, constricted, rounded capitate, keel

punctae distinct thick slightly elongated, medium two set

apart, central nodule prominent, striae fine, lineate, parallel

throughout the valve. It is 74 pm long, 7 pm broad, striae 1 8-

25 in 10 pm.

Gomphonema constrictum Ehr. (Fig. 17)

Valves broadly clavate. broadly rounded, apex not very

large, central area defined with more isolated punctae, raphe

thick and straight, striae alternately long and short, valves

45 pm long. 1 2 pm in diameter, striae 10-12 in 10 pm.

Gomphonema hebridense (Greg.) Her. (Fig. 16)

Valves broadly clavate, axial area not very large, central

area defined, median striae not alternately long and short,

valves very slender and central area very small. Valves 5 pm

in diameter, striae 6 in 10 pm.

DISCUSSION

The present study documents nineteen taxa of high

mountainous freshwater algal flora of Garuda Tal.

Cyanophyceae was represented by three genera and three

species, Chlorophyceae by six genera and five species,

Bacillariophyceae by six genera and eleven species;

Rhizoclonium , Spirogyra and Gomphonema were abundant,

whereas Oscillatoria , Chroococcus , Cocconeis and

Cymbella were common. Kant and Gupta (1998) have also

given detailed taxonomic enumeration of freshwater algae like

1 Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

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PRELIMINARY SURVEY ON FRESHWATER ALGAL FLORA OF GARUDA TAL, UTTARANCHAL

Oscillatoria , Chroococcus , Spirogyra, Cymbella,

Gomphonema and Cocconeis from the ponds and streams of

Ladakh, Kashmir. Sahin (2003) reported Cymbella,

Fragillaria, Pinnularia and Surirella as common diatoms,

Oscillatoria was the common blue-green alga and desmids

were the common green algae from the mountain lakes of

Eastern Black Sea region, Turkey. Diatoms were numerous in

both the GarudaTal and lakes of Eastern Black Sea. The results

obtained from GarudaTal are similar to the data of Sahin (2003)

from the Eastern Black Sea.

Medvedeva (2001 ) recorded Cyanophyta, Chlorophyta,

Bacillariophyta and few taxa of Chrysophyta, Dinophyta and

Xanthophyta from temperate benthic communities in Sikhote

Alin biosphere reserve in Russia. These forms were also

reported by Tolotti (2001 ) from Adamello Brenta Regional Park

in Italy and by Banderas-Tarabay (1997) from lake E lsol in

Mexico. We did not encounter algal forms belonging to

Chrysophyta, Dinophyta and Xanthophyta from GarudaTal.

Ever increasing population, agricultural activities and

industrial pollution are the main threats to our environment.

Garuda Tal is an ideal example of a natural system and it is

largely ecologically intact and remote from industrial and

agricultural centres of this region. Therefore, algal assemblage

of this lake can be of great value in providing base line data

for future monitoring and assessing the effects of

anthropogenic activities.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We are grateful to the Director, National Botanical

Research Institute, Lucknow for constant encouragement and

laboratory facilities.

RS F! FENCES

Banderas-Tarabay, A.G. (1997): Phycoflora of the tropical high

mountain lake E lsol. Central Mexico and some biogeographical

relationship. Hydrobiologia 354 : 17-40.

Desikachary, T.V. (1959): Cyanophyta, I.C.A.R. Monograph on Blue-

Green Algae. Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi.

686 pp.

National Information Centre (2000-2005): Dept. Information

Technology, Govt, of India, Ministry of Communications and

Information Technology, Dehradun, Uttaranchal.

Jeffery, R.J., R.R Samuel & D.B. Jack (1983): Monograph on algal

flora of Novajo National Monument Arizona, USA Nova Hedwigia

38: 501-553.

Kant, S. & P. Gupta ( 1 998): Algal flora of Ladakh. Journal of Economic

and Taxonomic Botany 15: 38-341.

Medvedeva, L.A. (2001): Biodiversity of aquatic algal communities in

the Sikhote Alin Biosphere Reserve (Russia). Cryptogamie

Algologia 22(1): 65-100.

Noda, A.S. & E.S. Lorin (1985): Diatoms of the Damour River, Lebanon,

Nova Hedwigia 41: 291-342.

Patrick, R. & C.W. Reimer (1966): The diatom of the United States

exclusive of Alaska and Hawaii. Academy of National Sciences,

Philadelphia. Pp. 1-13.

Prescott, G. W. ( 1 95 1 ): Algae of the Western great lakes area Michigan,

U.S. A. Cranbrook Institute of Science, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.

USA, Pp. 1-950.

Prasad, B.N. & M.N. Srivastava (1992): Fresh water algal flora of

Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh,

Dehra Dun, India. 369 pp.

Sahin, A. (2003): Biodiversity of benthic algal communities in some

high mountainous lakes of the Turkish Eastern Black Sea Region.

Cryptogamie Algologia 24(4): 341-353.

Tzanou, M. & A. Economou (1995): Marine pennate diatoms from

the lower Pliocene, deposits of Agios Thomas, Aegina (Greece).

Nova Hedwigia 60: 423-455.

Tolotti, M. (2001): Phytoplankton and littoral epilithic diatoms

in high mountain lakes of Adamello-Brenta Regional

Park (Trentino, Italy) and their relation to trophic status

and acidification risk. Journal of Limnology 60(2): 171-188.

m

180

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

181-185

CLUTCH AND BODY SIZE ANALYSIS OF SPHAEROTHECA ROLAN DAE

(ANURA: RANIDAE)1

Sushil K. Dutta2, Sruti M. Das4 and R Mahapatra3

'Accepted May 2004

2P.G. Department of Zoology, North Orissa University, Baripada 757 003, Orissa, India. Email: [email protected]

3P.G. Department of Zoology, Utkal University, Bhubaneswar 751 004, Orissa, India. Email: [email protected]

4Department of Zoology, B.J.B. College, Bhubaneswar, Orissa, India.

Clutch size analysis of Sphaerotheca rolandae was examined based on eggs obtained from ovaries of females and laid by

amplecting females. Clutches of 42 amplecting females were counted. The measurement of snout-vent length (SVL) and

weight (WT) of amplecting males and females indicate larger females. The minimum and maximum clutch size of 42

females was 449 and 1037 respectively; there was no correlation between body size and clutch size. Eggs counted from

both the ovaries of 18 gravid females suggest that the minimum and maximum clutch size is 1896 and 5472 respectively.

Like in amplecting females, the body size is not a factor of clutch size in gravid females. Larger egg counts for gravid

females than for amplecting females were due to the presence of immature oocytes in the ovaries of the former.

Key words: Anura, Ranidae, Sphaerotheca rolandae, clutch

INTRODUCTION

Reproductive pattern and clutch size of amphibians are

relatively well documented for temperate species than tropical

ones (Tilley 1968; Bruce 1969; Salthe 1969; Crump 1974;

Brockelman 1975). A good deal of information is also available

on the annual reproduction of tropical anurans from Southeast

Asia (i.e. Bufo melanostictus in Java: Church 1960a and in

Singapore: Berry 1964; Rana cancrivora in Java: Church

1960b; Rana erythraea in Borneo: Inger and Greenberg 1963;

Kaloula pulchra, Microhyla butleri , M. heymonsi and

Leptobrachium nigrops in Singapore: Berry 1964;

Limnonectes leporinus, R. macrodon (incertae sedis),

Limnonectes ibanorum and R. hosii in Borneo: Inger and

Bacon 1968).

A series of studies by Mohanty-Hejmadi and Dutta

(1979); Dutta and Mohanty-Hejmadi (1976); Dutta etal. (1991,

1992); Mohanty-Hejmadi and Dutta (1988); Mohanty ( 1993)

and Rath (1994) report the number of eggs per clutch of

Hoplobatrachus crassus, H. tigerinus , Limnonectes

limnocharis (= Fejervcirya syhadrensis), Euphlyctis

cyanophlyctis, Ramanella variegata and Bufo melanostictus.

In this paper, morphometric parameters and clutch size of

another member of Ranidae, Sphaerotheca rolandae has been

described.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Clutch sizes have been analyzed for both gravid and

amplecting females. Amplecting males and females (42) were

collected from breeding grounds at night over a period of

nine years. They were brought to the laboratory in polythene

bags and transferred to glass containers with amphibious

environment. Precaution was taken to avoid external

disturbances such as light and sound, which interfere with

safe egg laying. Immediately after egg laying, the egg clutches

were transferred to enamel trays containing conditioned tap

water. The snout-vent length (SVL) and weight (WT) of each

specimen was measured. The eggs were counted and reared

in the laboratory.

To determine the clutch size of gravid females,

specimens were collected from their breeding grounds and

preserved in 4% formaldehyde. Prior to preservation, they

were measured and weighed. A total of 1 8 gravid females were

collected during four years. The preserved specimens were

dissected and both the ovaries were removed. The eggs were

separated from lobules and staged following Dumont (1972).

At least 20 eggs (containing all the available stages) were

measured from each clutch to determine the range of ovum

size.

Cumulative means, SD, minimum and maximum SVL and

weight (WT) of amplecting males and females have been

determined from individual parameters. Correlation matrix of

SVL and WT of amplecting pairs and clutch sizes has been

analysed. Year-wise analysis of morphometric parameters for

both males and females, and clutch sizes has been conducted

to provide a comparative statement.

RESULTS

Clutch and body size of amplecting pairs (Tables 1 -3):

The minimum and maximum SVL and WT of amplecting

CLUTCH AND BODY SIZE ANALYSIS OF SPHAEROTHECA ROLANDAE

Table 1 Cumulative mean, Standard Deviation (SD), minimum and

maximum of SVL (mm) and WT (gm) of amplecting males and

females and clutch size (N = 42)

i. The ‘t’ for SVL of amplecting males and females is 11.381,

which is highly significant at 1% level of probability,

ii Regression relationship between SVL (female) and clutch size.

Clutch size = - 0 0463 + 756.1082.

females and males are presented in Table I . Correlation matrix

of SVL and WT is presented in Table 2.

Year-wise analysis (Table 3) indicated that females with

lowest SVL (35.74 mm) were observed in 1987 and highest

(43 mm ) in 1 992. Males with lowest SVL (30.96 mm) and highest

SVL (35.66 mm) were recorded in 1986 and 1991, respectively.

Analysis of weight showed the lowest (5.46 gm) and heaviest

(7.56 gm) females in 1987 and 1991, respectively. It was

interesting to note that the weight of the males was comparable

with SVL, as the minimum (3.90) and maximum (4.73) were

observed in 1 986 and 1991, respectively. The minimum value

for mean number of eggs (646.63 ± 1 77.220) was recorded in

1980, and the maximum value for mean number of eggs

(918.5 ±19.091 ) in 1992. This indicated that there was no

correlation between mean clutch size and mean SVL or WT of

amplecting males and females, because neither males nor

females with minimum or maximum mean SVL and WT were

recorded during 1980 or 1992.

The mean clutch size of amplecting males and females

is 754.428 ± 1 50.742, the minimum clutch size (449) was for the

female with 38.0 mm SVL and the maximum clutch size

( 1 037) was for the female with 39.0 mm SVL. However, the

Table 2: Correlation matrix of SVL (mm) and WT (gm) of

amplecting males and females and clutch size (refer to Table 1)

NS = Not significant.

* = Significant at 5% level.

** = Significant at 1% level.

smallest female (35.0 mm SVL) laid 820 eggs and the largest

female (44.0 mm SVL) laid 932 eggs. This indicates that no

correlation exists between the body size and clutch size in

this species.

A comparative assessment of SVL of amplecting males

and females indicated that the smallest male (29.0 mm SVL)

was found in amplexus with a female measuring 40.9 mm in

SVL, and the largest male (38.0 mm SVL) amplected with a

female measuring 38.0 mm in SVL. Therefore, no correlation

exists between SVLs of amplecting males and females.

However, all the amplecting males were smaller than the

amplecting females. The “t” value for SVLs of amplecting

males and females is 1 1 .38 1, which is highly significant at 1 %

level of probability.

Clutch and body size of gravid females (Table 4):

Interestingly, the largest female (50.0 mm SVL), with the

maximum weight (9.3 gm), had the maximum number of oocytes

(5472). However, the smallest female (39.0 mm SVL) had more

number of oocytes (4048) than several larger females. Data

on mean, SD and range of SVL, WT and clutch size is

presented in Table 5. Correlation matrix of SVL, WT and clutch,

size is given in Table 6.

Table 3: Year-wise mean and Standard Deviation (SD) of clutch size, SVL (mm) and WT (gm) of amplecting males and females

M: Male; F: Female

182

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

CLUTCH AND BODY SIZE ANALYSIS OF SPHAEROTHECA ROLANDAE

The clutch size of gravid females was more than that of

the amplecting females. This is because the total oocytes

present in both the ovaries of gravid females were taken into

account. Also, the oocytes of gravid females were at stages

I-III and VI, whereas for amplecting females, only mature ova

(stages VI) were laid. The size (diameter) of the ovum also

varied between the clutches of both the categories. The eggs

laid by amplecting females were > 1 .0 mm in diameter, whereas

the eggs of gravid females were < 1 .0 mm in diameter and in

several cases, the egg sizes were <0.5 mm in diameter. This is

obviously due to the presence of oocytes of Stage I, II and III

in the ovaries.

DISCUSSION

Sphaerotheca rolandae is a seasonal breeder (Das

1995) and reproductive output of seasonal breeding depends

only on the number of eggs laid by a female. Several workers

(Terentjev 1960 on anurans; Salthe 1969 on salamanders;

Matsui and Ota 1984 on anurans) have reported correlation

between body and clutch size. Clutch size is generally affected

by the mode of reproduction and aquatic species have larger

clutch sizes than species dwelling on land (Crump 1974;

Duellman and Trueb 1985). No correlation was observed

between the body and clutch size of S. rolandae and this is

also comparable with previous studies on Hoplobatrachus

tigerinus , H. crassus , Fejervarya syhadrensis and

Polypepdates maculatus. Terentjev ( 1960) first reported the

correlation between body size and clutch size of frogs. Inger

and Bacon ( 1968) tested the formula of Terentjev (1960) for

studies on Rana erylhraea , which was significantly below

expectation. Terentjev’s formula has not been used for clutch

size analysis of S. rolandae. However, egg clutches of

42 females have been utilized to establish the correlation with

SVL, WT and clutch sizes. The gravid specimens were utilized

to assess the number of oocytes present in both the ovaries,

where as the amplectant specimens were utilized to assess

the number of eggs laid. Interestingly, the clutch sizes (ovarian

eggs) of gravid females were more than the clutch size (laid

eggs) of amplecting females. No such comparative assessment

of clutch size of any Indian anuran is available. When the

clutch and body size of S. rolandae is compared to that

of other Indian ranids (H. tigerinus, H. crassus and

F. syhadrensis), it is noticed that H. tigerinus and H. crassus

(except F. syhadrensis) laid more eggs than S. rolandae and

their sizes were also comparable with that of Inger and Bacon’s

( 1 968 ) studies on four ranids from Borneo. Hence, it is assumed

that in ranids the clutch size increases with the increase of

body size between species, but not within a species.

A comparative assessment of clutch sizes of S. rolandae

with P. maculatus, a rhacophorid (Rath 1994) indicates a

deviation from the assumption made for ranids i.e. more eggs

for larger species. Though P. maculatus is a relatively larger

species the clutch size of this species is small. This deviation

Table 4: SVL, WT, clutch size, oocyte stages and ovum sizes of gravid females

i. Mean clutch size is 2946.444

ii. Regression relationship between SVL (female) and clutch size: Clutch size = -1106.1250 + 93.461 SVL

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

183

CLUTCH AND BODY SIZE ANALYSIS OF SPHAEROTHECA ROLANDAE

Table 5: Mean. Standard Deviation (SD), minimum and maximum

of SVL (mm), WT (gm) and clutch size of gravid females

(refer to Table 4)

could be attributed to the specialized breeding strategy of

P. maculatus, which lays eggs inside foams and that the

embryonic development is completed inside the foams. Thus,

P. maculatus exhibits indirect parental care for successful

reproduction. On the other hand, though S. rolandae lays a

larger clutch, due to direct egg laying in water, the eggs are

subjected to environmental constraints. Thus, the hatching

success is reduced like in other ranids. It is interesting to

note that all the species with larger body - larger clutch size,

unlike P. maculatus. have no parental care.

Additional comparative assessment of clutch sizes of

5. rolandae with other inter-generic species (microhylids:

Uperodon systoma : (unpublished data) and Ramanella

va tie gat a: Dutta et al. 1 992). also suggests variation. Being a

larger species than S. rolandae , the clutch sizes of U. systoma

are also larger than rolandae. Similarly, R. variegata a smaller

species than S. rolandae has a smaller clutch size.

Interestingly, all the above three species live sympatrically

and are burrowers. Hence, it is hypothesized that specialized

mode of living is also correlated with clutch size.

Several other studies (Kuramoto 1978; Inger and Bacon

Berry, P.Y. (1964): The breeding patterns of seven species of Singapore

Anura. J. Anim. Ecol. 33: 227-243.

Brockelman, W.Y. (1975): Competition, the fitness of offspring and

optimal clutch size. Amer. Naturalist 109: 677-699.

Bruce, R.C. (1969): Fecundity in primitive plethodontid salamanders.

Evolution 23: 50-54.

Church, G. (1960a): Annual and lunar periodicity in the sexual cycle of

the Javanese toad, Bufo melanostictus Schneider. Zoologica

44: 181-188

Church, G. (1960b): The effect of seasonal and lunar changes on the

breeding pattern of the edible Javanese frog. Rana cancrivora

Gravenhorst. Treubia 25: 215-233.

Crump, Martha L. (1974): Reproductive strategies in a tropical anuran

community. Misc. Publ. Univ. Kansas, Mus. Nat. Hist. 61: 1-68.

Das, S.M. ( 1995): Morphometric, growth, breeding and development

of Tomopterna rolandae (Anura: Ranidae). Ph D. thesis, Utkal

University, Orissa.

Duellman, W.E. & L. Trueb ( 1985): Biology of Amphibians. McGraw

Hill Book Comp., New York. Pp. 21-38.

Dumont, N. James ( 1972): Oogenesis in Xenopus laevis (Daudin): stages

of oocyte development in laboratory maintained animals.

J. Morphol. 136: 153-180.

Table 6: Correlation matrix of SVL (mm), WT (gm) and clutch size

of gravid females (refer to Table 5)

NS = Not Significant.

* = Significant at 5% level

1968; Wagner 1965, cited by Duellman and Trueb 1985;

Mohanty-Hejmadi and Dutta 1979; Mohanty 1993) have also

reported clutch sizes of both tropical and temperate species

of ranids. The maximum clutch size of a ranid R. fuscigula

(15,000 eggs) was reported by Wagner (1965). However, the

maximum clutch size known for any anuran is 22,4 1 2 for Bufo

melanostictus (unpublished). On the whole, the clutch size

of ranids breeding seasonally and occupying similar habitats

is correlated to body size at inter-generic level. Thus, the

present study agrees with the interpretation of Salthe and

Mecham (1974) who reported “female body size increases

phylogenetically within any given mode of reproduction with

increase in clutch size”.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We thank the Head, Department of Zoology, Utkal

University for laboratory facilities. Financial assistance from

the Ministry of Environment & Forests, Government of India

(Grant No. 23/4/99-RE to S. K. Dutta) is gratefully

acknowledged.

VICES

Dutta, S.K. & P. Mohanty-Hejmadi (1976): Breeding and life history

of the Indian bull frog, Rana tigrina. Prakruti -Utkal Univ.

J. Sci. 13(1-2): 51-59.

Dutta, S.K., S. Jena & P. Mohanty-Hejmadi (1991). Breeding and

development of Ramanella variegata. J. Zool. India 42-43:

55-76.

Dutta, S.K.. P. Mahapatra & P. Mohanty-Hejmadi (1992): Size

analysis and sex ratio of Jerdon’s bull frog Rana crassa Jerdon

(Anura: Ranidae). J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 88: 234-241.

Inger, R.F. & J.P. Bacon (Jr.) ( 1968): Annual reproduction and clutch

size in rain forest frogs from Sarawak. Copeia 3: 602-606.

Inger, R.F. & B. Greenberg (1963): The annual reproductive pattern

of the frog Rana erythraea in Sarawak. Physiol. Zool. 36 (1):

21-33.

Kuramoto. M (1978): Correlations of quantitative parameters of

fecundity in amphibians. Evolution 32(2): 287-296.

Matsui, M. & H. Ota (1984): Parameters of fecundity in Microhyla

ornata from the Yaeyama group of the Ryukyu Archipelago.

Japanese J. Herpetol. 10(3): 73-79.

Mohanty, A.K. (1993): Biology of Indian Paddy field frog, Rana

limnocharis (Anura: Ranidae) Ph D. thesis, Utkal University,

India.

184

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

CLUTCH AND BODY SIZE ANALYSIS OF SPHAEROTHECA ROLANDAE

Mohanty-Hejmadi, P. & S.K. Dutta (1979): Breeding and development

of Rana cyanophlyctis. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 76(2): 291-

296.

Mohanty-Hejmadi, P. & S.K. Dutta (1988): Life history of the common

Indian tree frog, Polypedates maculatus (Anura: Rhacophoridae).

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 85(3): 512-517.

Rath, S. (1994): Biology of Indian tree frog Polypedates maculatus

(Anura: Rhacophoridae). Ph.D. Thesis, Utkal University, India.

Salthe, S.N. (1969): Reproductive modes and the number and sizes of

ova in the Urodeles. Amer. Midi. Nat. 81: 467-490.

Salthe, S.N. & J.S. Mecham (1974): Reproductive and courtship patterns.

In: Physiology of the Amphibia (Ed. Lofts, B ). Vol II. Academic

Press, New York. Pp. 309-521.

Terentjev, P.V. (1960): Some quantitative peculiarities of frog eggs

and tadpoles. Zool. Acad. Sci. USSR. 39: 779-781.

Tilley, S.G. ( 1968): Size-fecundity relationship and their evolutionary

implications in five desmognathine salamanders. Evolution 22:

806-816.

Wagner, V.A. ( 1965): The Frogs of South Africa. Capetown, Published

by Purnell and Sons. pp. 242.

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

185

Journa! of the Bombay Natural History Society, 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

186-194

THE EPIPLEMINAE (LEPIDOPTERA: URANIIDAE) OF THE KUMAON HIMALAYA1

Peter Smetacek2

'Accepted November 2004

-’The Retreat, Jones Estate, Bhimtal, Nainital 263 136, Uttaranchal, India.

Email: [email protected]

Fourteen moth species of the subfamily Epipleminae are reported from the Kumaon Himalaya. Of these, nine are new

records for the Himalaya west of Nepal. Observations on their ecology are noted. One new species, one new form, four

new genera and seven new combinations are proposed.

Key words: Epipleminae, Uraniidae, Lepidoptera, Kumaon, Himalaya

INTRODUCTION

The Epipleminae comprise a group of small moths and

are currently placed in Family Uraniidae, although earlier

(Hampson 1895, 1896; Barlow 1982; Holloway 1986) they were

accorded family rank. The greatest diversity of species is

found in hilly parts of the Tropics, while relatively few species

are found on the lowlands proper. In the Himalaya, they

ascend to at least 2200 m and are generally found in or near

forests, rarely on meadows or in degraded areas.

STUDY AREA

The present study was carried out in the outermost

range of the Kumaon Himalaya, in the state of Uttaranchal.

All except three of the species discussed in this paper were

collected or noted in Jones Estate (1500 m), 2 km by road

northwest of Bhimtal. Bhimtal lake, in the center of town, lies

at 29° 20' 40" N and 79° 36' 1 6" E in Nainital district.

Two specimens of Phazcica leucocera (Hampson) were

recorded at Durgapur ( 1 600 m), a suburb of Nainital. A pair of

Dysaethria himalayica sp. nov. was recorded in Maheshkhan

17 km north of Bhimtal in the Gagar range at 2100 m. The

single specimen from Garhwal was taken in a forest near Auli

ski resort above Joshimath in Chamoli district at 2100 m.

All these locations except Durgapur are densely

forested, with different species of Oak (Fagaceae) as nodal

species, Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus in Jones Estate,

Q. leucotrichophora and Q. floribunda Lindley ex A. Camus

in Maheshkhan and Q. floribunda and Q. semecarpifolia Smith

in the forest near Auli. In addition, there are stands of Pinus

roxburghii Sarg., Cupressus torulosa D. Don and tropical

deciduous species such as Sapium insigne Trim., Bauhinia

vareigata L., Erythrina suberosa Roxb., etc. in Jones Estate.

Durgapur has a mix of Chir Pine ( Pinus roxburghii) and

miscellaneous deciduous forest, the Oak having been

practically eradicated through human agency.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The present paper is based on specimens recorded by

the author. All the specimens examined in this study are from

the period after 1 990 and are in the author’s personal collection

at Jones Estate, Bhimtal, Nainital, Uttaranchal.

All the specimens examined, except a pair of Dysaethria

himalayica and one specimen of Somwaria restricta

(Hampson) comb. nov. were attracted to artificial light. The

main attractants used were mercury vapour lamps of 125 W

and 160W.

The genitalia of the species were not examined. The

key diagnostic features for Dysaethria Turner and some other

genera are to be found in the genitalia (Holloway 1998).

However, some external characters are also diagnostic. These,

especially the hindwing venation, have enabled me to place

species in genera or propose new ones, as discussed in the

systematic section.

In the systematic section, the distribution of species has

been excerpted from Hampson ( 1 895, 1 896) and Holloway ( 1 998).

Hampson does not mention forewing length, hence the

measurements given are of the specimens examined in this study.

SYSTEMATIC SECTION

Dysaethria reticulata (Moore) comb. nov. (Fig. 1)

1 888. Descr. new Lep. Ins. Colin. W.S. Atkinson ; 259

Fig. 1: Hindwing recto venation of Dysaethria reticulata

(Moore) male

EPIPLEMINAE OF THE KUMAON HIMALAYA

Material Examined: 16 exs., 30.viii. 1 995 (bred);

7.viii. 1997; 15.viii.1997; 16.viii. 1997 x 5; 22.viii. 1997; 23.viii. 1997;

1 .ix. 1 997 ; 25.V.1998; 15.vi. 1998; 21.vi.2000; 28.viii.2000.

14.ix.2004.

Forewing Length: 9-13 mm.

Expanse: 30 mm (Hampson 1895); 20-30 mm (mihi).

Distribution: Sikkim; Khasis (Meghalaya).

Remarks: A new record for Kumaon. It is well

established in the Bhimtal valley, where it is perhaps the

commonest member of its Subfamily. It was bred on Jasminum

dispermum Wallich (Smetacek and Smetacek 2000). It is

common around the main study site where there are many

plants of J. dispermum , over five individuals being attracted

in the course of an evening during their peak flying times.

Since J. dispermum occurs as far west as Kashmir, D. reticulata

probably occurs west of the Bhimtal valley, but it is not certain

how much further west. It does seem unlikely that it occurs in

Kashmir.

D. reticulata rests with its head and costae of the

outstretched forewings nearly touching the substrate, while

its wings and body are held at an angle of roughly 45 degrees

to the substrate. The tip of the abdomen and tornal parts of

the hindwing thus become the highest parts of the moth above

the substrate. This position is adopted irrespective of the

plane of the substrate or the direction in which the moth is

facing. Usually, the moth takes up this position immediately

upon settling, especially if it has been disturbed and forced

to rise from its previous perch.

Besides the material examined, this species has been

noted to be on the wing continuously from late June to late

October, with peak flying times at the end of June, the first

week of August and the third week of September.

The material examined matches Hampson’s (1895)

description. In addition, there is a curved antemedial line on

the hindwing and some dark submarginal marks on the

forewing between the apex and vein Cu la. The sexes are similar.

Dysaethria himalayica sp. nov. (Fig. 2)

Material Examined: 4 exs.: Holotype: 4.vi. 1 998, female,

Maheshkhan 2100 m, Nainital district. Forewing Length:

16 mm.

Paratypes: 4.vi. 1 998, male, Maheshkhan 2 1 00 m, Nainital

district; 28.vii.2000, female; 19.xi.2000, female, Jones Estate,

Bhimtal. Forewing Length: 13-16mm.

Expanse: 28-34 mm.

Distribution: see under remarks.

Type Locality: Same as Holotype.

Etymology: The specific name refers to the presence of

this species in the Himalaya.

Fig. 2: Dysaethria himalayica sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Differs from Hampson’s ( 1 895 ) description

of Epiplema moza Butler in the following points: on the

forewing, the three dark submarginal specks below the apex

are present, but the lowest speck is expanded into a relatively

large lunule; on the hindwing, there is a faintly discemable

medial line highly angled at vein M, and a dark speck rather

than a brown line on the discocellulars; there is a dark, ill-

defined submarginal band from vein M3 to the dorsum. The

hindwing has tails at veins M3 and Rs and is toothed at Mr

This appears to be the only species of this genus of

those examined that displays sexual dimorphism, albeit very

slight, in the ground colour of the wings. The colour of the

females is darker than that of the males and consequently the

markings are clearer in the female.

Remarks: Hampson (1895) treated this species as

Epiplema moza Butler. Since moza is a Japanese taxon and

the allied Dysaethria suisharyonis (Strand) (from Taiwan) and

Dysaethria subflavida (Swinhoe) (from Malaya, Java and

Borneo) are not known to extend to the Himalaya, it followed

that the Himalayan taxon lacked a name; hence the present

name is proposed. Material from other locations, i.e. Himachal

Pradesh and Meghalaya, from where “moza" has been

reported (Hampson 1895) has not been examined, but it is

likely that himalayica is found in Himachal Pradesh. However,

material from the Khasi Hills will need to be compared before

himalayica can be reported with certainty from there.

It is a rather rare moth in the Bhimtal valley. It appears

to be a commoner in forests above 1600 m. I have found them

settled on the upper surface of leaves of low growing shrubs

during the daytime in damp ravines in Maheshkhan. Only

two specimens have been recorded so far from the Bhimtal

valley, both of them females. There is no information on how

far these moths can travel in the course of dispersing the

species. Therefore, it is uncertain whether these females were

from a small, established population near the main study site

or whether they are from a distant population that reached

Jones Estate in the course of dispersing the species. It is

noteworthy, though, that males have not been recorded so

far in Jones Estate, which suggests that the latter possibility

is the likelier.

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

187

EPIPLEMINAE OF THE KUMAON HIMALAYA

The species appears to have at least two annual

generations. It is likely that it will also be found in September

at higher elevation, eg. in Maheshkhan, when other species

recorded from above 1600 m such as Dysaethria multi strigaria

(Moore) comb. nov. are also on the wing. The record from

November is unusual since few moths are on the wing at that

time. It is possible that the specimen recorded is an unusually

late specimen rather than a member of a regular pre-winter

brood.

The moth spends the daylight hours resting with the

wings outspread and pressed flat against the substrate, with

no part of the moth raised above the surface. There is a gap

between the fore- and hindwings.

Dysaethria multistrigaria (Moore) comb. nov. (Fig. 3)

1888. Descr. new bid. Lep. Ins. Colin. W.S. Atkinson :

260.

Material Examined: 9 exs.: 10. ix. 1995; 28.viii. 1997;

24.vi.1999; 7.vii. 1999; 7.ix.l999; 19.vi.2000; I8.ix.2000;

20.ix.2000; 26.ix.2003.

F orewing Length : 10-12 mm.

Expanse: 26 mm (Hampson 1 895); 22-26 mm (mihi).

Distribution: Shimla (Himachal Pradesh); Sikkim.

Remarks: Not a very common species in the Bhimtal

valley. It is, however, a regular visitor to the MV light and

appears regularly every year. There are at least two annual

broods, one beginning in the second half of June and

continuing to July and the second in September. Peak flying

time is in the second week of July, when six or more individuals

may appear in the course of an evening.

Individuals have also been noted in late July

( 18.vii. 1999) and in August (9. viii. 1999). It is not clear whether

these were stragglers or members of a small brood. The former

possibility seems more likely.

This species rests in a manner very similar to that

adopted by D. reticulata , which is already described under

that species. It differs slightly in that the head and costae of

the forewings are held further off the substrate.

The specimens examined match Hampson’s (1895)

description, but some are smaller than the material examined

by Hampson.

Fig. 3: Hindwing recto venation of Dysaethria multistrigaria

(Moore) male

The record from Shimla indicates that the species will

probably also be found at higher elevation, about 2000 m. Its

flying time may be more restricted in the higher reaches of its

range.

Dysaethria rhagavata (Walker) (Fig. 4)

1861. Cat. Lep. Het. in Brit. Mus. 23: 848.

Material Examined: 1 ex.: 7.X.2001 female.

Fore wing Length: 13 mm.

Expanse: 28-32 mm (Hampson 1895); 28 mm (mihi).

Distribution: Sikkim, Khasis (Meghalaya), Sri Lanka.

Fig. 4: Dysaethria rhagavata (Walker)

Remarks: Only a single specimen has been recorded

so far. It might be commoner at lower elevation.

The specimen has been placed under this species

tentatively. According to Holloway (1998), D. rhagavata is

found in Sri Lanka, while a specimen from the N.E. Himalaya

(Khasis), in the British Museum (Natural History) in London

(? the same on the basis of which Hampson included Khasis

in the distribution of rhagavata ), is probably referable to

D. rhagavolita Holloway.

The specimen examined in the present study differs

from Hampson’s (1895) description in lacking the dark

triangular mark on the middle of the forewing’s outer margin;

from his description of typical rhagavata it differs on the

hindwing in having the post medial line angled at veins M3

and Mj and the lunules on the outer margin of the hindwing

not extending nearly to the anal angle. In addition, the

specimen bears dark blotches on the dorsum of both wings

basad of the postmedial lines and the postmedial line on the

hindwing originates from a dark mark on the costa.

It is certainly not referable to rhagavolita. Hampson

noted that some specimens have dark blotches on the inner

margins of both wings. Since the present specimen fits this

description and there appears to be no name for this form (or

possibly species), the name nigropunctata nov. is proposed.

The type specimen can be the species examined in the present

study, since it has been adequately described above. However,

its true affinity and status will only emerge when more material

is available.

188

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

EPIPLEMINAE OF THE KUMAON HIMALAYA

Dysaethria ruptciria (Moore) comb. nov.

1888. Descr. new. Ind. Lep. Ins. Colin. WS. Atkinson.

259.

Material Examined: 5 exs.: 20.ix. 1 995; 6.ix. 1 997 female;

T.viii. 1999; 9.viii. 2000; 26.vii. 2003.

Forewing Length: 7-8 mm.

Expanse: Male 16 mm; female 1 8 mm (Hampson 1 895);

16-18 mm (mihi).

Distribution: Dharamsala (Himachal Pradesh); Calcutta

(W. Bengal).

Remarks: The smallest member of the genus in the

area. This is the first record from the outer ranges of the

Himalaya, although its appearance in Calcutta (=Kolkata)

suggests that it occurs at all elevations up to 1800 m and

throughout the breadth of the Himalaya, at least as far west

as Dharamsala, which is in the main range.

It is not a common moth in the Bhimtal valley. There

appear to be two annual broods, one in early August and the

second in September. There may be more broods at lower

elevation.

It rests with the wings outspread, the head and the

costae of the forewings touching the substrate, while the

remaining part of the forewings slope upwards at an angle of

roughly 30 degrees to the substrate. The inner margins of the

forewings are thereby raised quite high above the substrate,

and are nearly in a straight line when viewed dorsally. The

apices of the hindwings also touch the substrate but the

remaining portion of the hindwings slope proximally towards

the dorsum of the abdomen. Although they do not cover the

abdomen, they form a sort of tent with the uncovered abdomen

as centre pole.

All the specimens examined match Hampson’s (1895)

description.

Sylviplema gen. nov.

Type species: bicaudata (Moore)

Diagnosis: Similar to Dysaethria Turner, but differs in

the presence of two anal veins in the hindwing. Vein M, is

present in the hindwing. The venation and head of the male is

illustrated in Hampson (1895: fig. 71). The venation of the

female’s hindwing is similar to both sexes of Somwaria gen.

nov. described below.

Sylviplema bicaudata (Moore) comb. nov. (Fig. 5)

1 867. Proc. zool. Soc. Land :. 643, pi. 33, fig. 12.

Material examined: 3 exs.: 1 7. viii. 1992 Auli, Chamoli

district 2100 m, male; 25.viii.1997 female; 24. vi. 2000

female.

Forewing length: 11-12 mm.

Fig. 5: Hindwing recto venation of Sylviplema bicaudata

(Moore) female

Expanse: 26 mm ( Hampson 1 895 ); 24-26 mm ( mihi ).

Distribution: Dharamsala (Himachal Pradesh); Sikkim;

Khasis (Meghalaya).

Remarks: The present records are the first from the

outer ranges of the Himalaya west of Nepal. It is a rare species

in the Bhimtal valley, but may be commoner in the main range.

I have recorded it from Auli in the main range and Dharamsala

is also in the main range.

The moth rests in a manner similar to Somwaria

restricta Hampson comb, nov., which is described below. S.

bicaudata and restricta should perhaps be placed in the

same genus, given the similar fascies, resting posture and

venation of the female. The male’s venation, however, is

difficult to reconcile and until some more stable character is

discerned, perhaps in the genitalia, it is best to treat them in

separate genera.

The specimens match Hampson’s ( 1895) description.

There appear to be two annual generations, one in late June

and early July and the second in late August.

Somwaria gen. nov.

Type species: restricta (Hampson)

Diagnosis: Similar to Dysaethria Turner but differs in

the absence of vein M, on the hindwing. There are no

discocellulars on the hindwing and only one anal vein.

Venation of both sexes similar, unlike Sylviplema.

Somwaria restricta (Hampson) comb. nov.

1 895. Faun. Brit. Ind., Moths 3: 1 30.

Material Examined: 13 exs.: 1 3. viii. 1995; 15. viii. 1995;

ll.vii. 1990; 9.viii. 1997x2; 19.viii. 1997x2; 20. viii. 1998; 12.vi.1999;

2.vii. 1999; 3.viii.l999; 30.vii.2000; 2.viii.2000.

Forewing Length: 10-1 1 mm.

Expanse: 26 mm ( Hampson 1 895); 22-24 ( mihi ).

Distribution: Sikkim; Nagas (Nagaland).

Remarks: Anew record for the Himalaya west of Nepal.

It is a common moth in the Bhimtal valley, much more

frequently met than Sylviplema bicaudata. However, it is

doubtful whether it is found in the main range.

1 Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

189

EPIPLEMINAE OF THE KUMAON HIMALAYA

In addition to the material examined, individuals of this

species were also noted on 8.ix. 1 999 and 30. ix. 1999. There

appear to be several overlapping generations in the Bhimtal

valley during the monsoon months.

The moth rests with its wings outspread, the inner

margin of the forewings held in a straight line, the head and

distal half of the forewings pressed to the substrate. The

outstretched hindwings are drawn together towards the

abdomen, leaving a gap between the fore- and hindwings.

The hindwings do not cover the abdomen and, unlike

Dysaethria ruptaria , do not touch the substrate. Although

the hindwings rise tent-like towards the dorsum of the

abdomen, both fore- and hindwings are in more or less the

same plane, unlike D. ruptaria. The body of the moth is held

at an angle to the substrate, so that it rises gradually towards

the tip of the abdomen, which is the part of the moth furthest

from the substrate.

This moth is an agile runner and can run forward or

sideways with equal facility. It is a very nervous creature and

gets agitated if other insects move about near it, unlike

D. reticulata and D. multistrigaria.

During the daytime, they settle in the position described

above on the upper surface of low growing shrubs, especially

on overcast or rainy days.

Pangteyia gen. nov.

Type species: ocusta (Swinhoe)

Diagnosis: Male with antennae thickened and flattened.

Forewing with the outer margin produced to points at Culb

and M ; veins R( and R, stalked, R: anatomosing with Sc;

hindwing with the costa excised at middle and with a tuft of

hair before middle; vein M, present; the first anal vein weakly

developed along the basal half of dorsum, the second normally

developed; the outer margin produced to an oblique tail at

vein M and to points at veins Culb and Rs.

The genus is named for Y.RS. Pangtey, former Professor

of Botany at Kumaon University, Nainital, in recognition of

his many kindnesses over the years.

Pangteyia ocusta (Swinhoe) comb. nov. (Fig. 6)

1894. Trans. Ent. Soc. Load.'. 165.

Material Examined: 5 exs.: 9.ix.l998; lO.vii. 1999;

1 2.ix. 1999; 26.vii.2000; 2 1 .v.2003.

Forewing Length: 12 mm.

Expanse: 24 mm (Hampson 1 895); 26 mm (mihi ).

Distribution: Sikkim; Khasis (Meghalaya).

Remarks: Anew record for the Himalaya west of Nepal.

It is quite a rare moth in the Bhimtal valley. The above records

suggest that the moth has at least two and perhaps three

Fig. 6: Hindwing recto venation of Pangteyia ocusta

(Swinhoe) male

annual broods. This in turn suggests that it is better established

at some locality within dispersal range of the main study site

and the moth is not actually resident in the Bhimtal valley.

The moths examined match Hampson’s (1895)

description except in the matter of size and that on the fore wing

recto the antemedial line does not expand into a red brown

patch. At night, it settles with its wings outspread, rather like

Dysaethria himalayica. During the daytime, the wings are

pressed flat to the substrate and crumpled lengthwise, so

that they appear to be corrugated. There is a gap between the

tornus of the forewing and the apex of the hindwing.

Himaplema gen. nov.

Type species: pectinicornis (Dudgeon)

Diagnosis: Antennae of male bipectinate; outer margin

of forewing evenly curved; male with a fovea below base of

cell; hindwing produced to points at veins M, and Rs; a lobe

at base of costa articulating with the retinaculum as well as

the frenulum; vein M, weakly developed and the costal lobe

with a curved veinlet.

Himaplema pectinicornis (Dudgeon) comb. nov. (Fig. 7)

1 896. Faun. Brit. Ind., Moths 4: 549.

Material Examined: 12exs.: 8.viii. 1 997 ; 20.viii. 1997;

23.viii.1997; 26.viii.1997. l.ix.1997; 23.V.1998; 14.vii.1999;

3.viii. 1999; 9.vi.2002; 27.vii.2003; 5.viii.2003; 23.viii.2003.

Forewing Length: 11-12 mm.

Expanse: 26 mm (Hampson 1 896); 24-26 mm (mihi ).

Fig. 7: Hindwing recto venation of Himaplema pectinicornis

(Dudgeon) male

190

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

EPIPLEMINAE OF THE KUMAON HIMALAYA

Distribution: Sikkim; Bhutan.

Remarks: A new record for Kumaon. It is well

established in the Bhimtal valley. In addition to the material

examined above, a specimen was also noted on 23. vii. 1999;

two on 26. vii. 1999; five on 6.viii. 1999; three on 1 2. viii . 1999;

one each on 22. viii. 1 999 and 24. viii. 1999; two on 25. viii. 1999

and one on 26. viii. 1999.

It is relatively common in some years, with the peak

flying time in August. The record from May is unusual, since

it is hot and dry at the time, whereas most members of this

subfamily are on the wing only during periods of high

atmospheric humidity.

The moth rests with its wings outspread and held

against the substrate. There is a gap between the fore- and

hindwings not as wide as in Dysaethria rapt aria, Sylviplema

bicaudata and Somwaria restricta. It is possible that this

moth adopts a different position when resting during the

daytime, but this has not been observed so far.

The specimens examined match Hampson’s (1896)

description. In addition, on the forewing recto, there is an

indistinct antemedial line and a dark spot on the discocellulars.

In some individuals, the submarginal lunulate dark mark below

the forewing apex is broken up into two spots, the upper one

smaller than the lower one.

Phazaca theclata (Guenee)

1857. Hist. Nat. Ins. Lep .: Uran. etPhal. 2: 36.

Material Examined: 1 ex.: 28.x. 2003 (male).

Forewing Length: 1 0 mm.

Expanse: 22 mm (Hampson 1895; mihi).

Distribution: W. Africa; throughout India, Sri Lanka,

Myanmar (Hampson 1895); Afrotropical Region, mainland

Asia (Holloway 1998).

Remarks: A new record for Kumaon. Almost certainly

will be more frequently met at lower elevation. The single

specimen recorded is the only one seen so far in the Bhimtal

valley.

In the specimen examined, the pale ochreous brown

ground colour of the hindwing’s distal half extends past the

medial line to parts of the proximal half of the wing.

Phazaca sp. of the unicaucla (Hampson) group

1891. Illust. Typ. Lep. Het. in the Colin. Brit. Mas. 8\

103, pi. 150, fig. 21.

Material Examined: 2exs.: 29.vii.2001 female; 20. vii.2003

female.

Forewing Length: 8 mm.

Expanse: 22 mm (Hampson 1895); 18 mm (mihi).

Distribution: Sikkim; Nilgiris (Tamil Nadu) (Hampson

1895); Indian Subregion (Holloway 1998).

Remarks: The two specimens have not been assigned

a species, since the fascies match quite well the illustration of

the putative female of Phazaca unicaudoides Holloway

( 1 998), (pi. 7, fig. 46), but since the latter is restricted to Borneo,

it is better to err on the side of caution until more material is

available. The next closest is unicaucla, but the specimens

examined differ in having two short tails on the hindwing,

exactly as in Holloway's specimen mentioned above. The

remaining differences between Hampson’s description and

the specimens examined i.e. the reduction of the marginal

fuscous lunules on the forewing to a series of specks; the

presence of a curved postdiscal line and a short medial spur

on the costa, the hindwing with the postdiscal line angled

rather than curved and the absence of a marginal lunulate line

are perhaps too many to ascribe to sexual dimorphism, since

Hampson’s description is of a male and the specimens

examined are females. Holloway ( 1998) is also quite clear that

the female of unicaucla lacks the hindwing tails. In addition,

the vertex of the head and antennae are brown, not white in

the specimens examined.

An examination of males of this species, when they

eventually appear, will help resolve the status of this species

unequivocally.

Phazaca leucocera (Hampson)

1891. Ulus. Typ. Lep. Het. Coll. Brit. Mas. 8: 1 02, pi. 1 50,

fig. 13.

Material Examined: 15exs.: 18. vii. 1995 x2; 25.x. 1998;

II. viii. 1998 Durgapur, Nainital 1600 m; 20. vii. 2003 x3;

21 .viii.2003 x5; 26.ix.2003 Durgapur, Nainital 1600 m; 1 .ix.2003;

25.xi.2003.

Forewing Length: 9- 1 0 mm.

Expanse: 22 mm (Hampson 1895); 20-22 mm (mihi).

Distribution: Nilgiris (Tamil Nadu); Sri Lanka ( Hampson

1895); South India; Hong Kong, Borneo, Solomon Is.

(Holloway 1998).

Remarks: A new record for Kumaon. The species is

quite common and I have also recorded it from Durgapur. It

swarmed in both locations for two weeks from August 10 to

24, 2005, with over 50 individuals settled around each lamp

left on in the area.

Both the specimens mentioned by Holloway (1998) are

from low elevation, so it is more than likely that this species

will be better established at low elevation in Kumaon too.

Specimens appear to emerge sporadically and it is

difficult to judge the number of generations of this moth in a

year. The record from late October is almost certainly a

straggler, but whether it emerged late from its pupa or is a part

of a large, regular brood at lower elevation that straggled up

is uncertain.

1 Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

191

EPIPLEMINAE OF THE KUMAON HIMALAYA

At rest, the forewings are scrolled so that the moth

somewhat resembles Monobolodes Warren, but the members

of the latter genus tend to fold their wings tightly, so that

they resemble a twig, while leucocera folds them loosely, so

that the outer margin is wider than the basal area.

The specimens examined match the description in

Hampson (1895).

Warreniplema fumicosta (Warren)

1896. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (6) 77: 215.

Material Examined: 3 exs.: 13.v. 1998; 22.iv.2001;

21.ix.2003.

Forewing Length: 10 mm.

Expanse: 22 mm (Hampson 1896; mihi).

Distribution: Khasis (Meghalaya); Nagas (Nagaland)

(Hampson 1896); N.E. Himalayas, Taiwan, Borneo (Holloway

1998).

Remarks: A new record for Kumaon. It is not common

in the Bhimtal valley. There are two annual broods. It has

probably been overlooked among the commoner

Monobolodes simulans (Butler), which looks very similar

when settled.

According to Holloway (1998), both Bornean

specimens were recorded at 1618m elevation. Since the Indian

records, too, appear to be from hilly areas, the species seems

to be a montane one.

The appearance of this moth in Kumaon is unexpected,

since it has not been recorded from the Himalaya proper so

far. Although the same can be said of Phazaca leucocera , it

has a wider distribution and its appearance therefore cause

less surprise.

The specimens match Hampson’s (1896) description

perfectly.

Monobolodes simulans (Butler)

1889. 1 llust. Typ. Spec. Lep. Het. Colin. Brit. Mus. 7: 81,

pi. 133, figs 6, 7.

Material Examined: 20exs.: 9.viii. 1997; lO.viii. 1997 x2;

23.viii.1997; 30.iii.1991; 23.iv.1998; 29.iv.1998; 2.V.1998;

25. v. 1 998; 7. ix. 1998; 23. iv. 1998 female; 16. ii. 1999; 1 6.iii. 1 999

female; 25 .ix. 1 999; 1 .x. 1 999; 2.xii. 1 999; 28.iii.2000; 2 1 .vii.2003;

20.vii.2003. 30.xi.2003.

Forewing Length: 10-14 mm.

Expanse: 24 mm male, 28 mm female (Hampson 1895);

22-30 mm (mihi).

Distribution: Kangra ( Himachal Pradesh) ( Hampson

1895); Himalayan) Holloway 1998)

Remarks: A common species in the Bhimtal valley,

where it is the only Epipleminae that is on the wing practically

throughout the year. In addition to the above records, it has

also been noted on 9.xi.2003 and 10.xi.2003. However, it does

not seem to be so common in Durgapur, so perhaps it is only

locally common.

Some specimens differ from Hampson’s (1895)

description in lacking the rufous apical patch on the forewing.

According to Holloway (1998), in this group of species, the

female’s hindwing is duller brown than the male’s, or even

black, with generally less rufous forewings. This difference is

evident in the specimens examined, although Hampson does

not mention it.

The moth rests with its forewings folded so that they

are of almost uniform thickness throughout and bear a

remarkable resemblance to a twig. The fold, when viewed

from the side, is in the form of a highly stylized figure S, with

the costa rolled over until it touches the medial veins and

forms a sort of tube while the lower half of the wing is tucked

under the tube and resembles the lower half of the figure S.

(Fig. 8b). Only the tornus of the forewing touches the

substrate. The hindwings are held close to the abdomen. The

costa is almost parallel to the abdomen. Near the outer margin,

the tips of the medial veins touch the substrate and the lower

half of the wing slopes sharply upwards to cover the abdomen.

There is an anal fold. The antennae are held under the wings,

sometimes trailing out between the wings as illustrated in

Fig. 8a. This position is adopted immediately upon settling

and it is only very occasionally that the moth is seen for any

length of time with the wings expanded to their normal span.

costa

median nervule

b

Fig. 8: a. Dorsal view of a resting Monobolodes simulans (Butler),

b. Lateral view of the folded forewing of M. simulans (Butler)

showing how the wing is furled

192

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

EPIPLEMINAE OF THE KUMAON HIMALAYA

DISCUSSION

Hampson (1895,1896) recorded seven members of

Epipleminae from the Himalaya west of Nepal. Of these, five

have been recorded in the present study and two, “ Epiplema "

columbaris Butler and Nossa nelcinna (Moore), have not been

recorded. “E”. columbaris appears to be a western Himalayan

endemic, the only known records being from Dharamsala and

Shimla in Himachal Pradesh (Hampson 1895). It is possible

that this moth will be found at higher elevation or in the main

range in Kumaon and Garhwal since Shimla is higher than the

Bhimtal valley and Dharamsala is in the main range.

The eight new records and one unidentified species in

this paper take the total to sixteen species of Epipleminae

known from the Himalaya west of Nepal. In addition I have a

specimen of Oroplema Holloway from Bhimtal, which makes

a total of seventeen species. Work on this subfamily has

been carried out at only fourlocations in Kumaon and Garhwal

i.e. the main study site in the Bhimtal valley, Durgapur in

Nainital, Maheshkhan and Auli forests, so it is more than

likely that further new records or even species will appear

when other biotypes are properly surveyed.

Of the fourteen species recorded in this study, the status

of Dysaethria rliagavata form nigropunctata is uncertain

while the identity of one species, treated under Phazacal

unicauda , is also uncertain. Of the remaining dozen, eight are

endemic to the Himalaya and hills of N.E. India while

D. ruptaria appears to be restricted to N. India. The two

species from the W. Himalayas not recorded in the present

study are also Himalayan endemics.

Two species, i.e. Phazaca theclata and P leucocera ,

are widely distributed, the former perhaps the most widely

distributed Old World Epiplemine. The distribution of

Warreniplema fiunicosta is particularly interesting, since it is

a montane element that has colonized the Himalaya, Taiwan

and Borneo. I can think of only one other genus with a similar

distribution, Mahanta Moore (Limacodidae). However, there

are two species of Mahanta over this range, with the Bornean

species recently discovered and described.

The large percentage of Himalayan endemics is

unmatched by any other subfamily or family. However, it

should be noted that the geographical distribution of the

Epipleminae is far from satisfactorily known and several

species may eventually turn out to be more widespread than

is currently believed.

Flying time

Broadly speaking, all the species included in the present

study are active when relative humidity levels are over 15%.

The exception is Monobolodes simulans. Peak flying times

for most species coincide with the highest annual humidity

levels in late June, again in late July and the first week of

August and lastly in mid-September. Some species like

D. reticulata are on the wing continuously through the S.W.

Monsoon while others, such as D. ruptaria and P. ocusta ,

appear sporadically. It is noteworthy that none of the species

except M. simulans and W. fumicosta are on the wing during

the dry winter or dry summer months, i.e. from December to

mid-May.

Resting attitude

Watson and Whalley ( 1 983 ) noted that at rest, the wings

of members of this (sub) family are folded in various ways.

The hindwing is usually folded along the side of the abdomen

while the forewings can be either Hat or rolled. Similarly,

Barlow ( 1982) stated that when at rest the fore wing is usually

held Hat against the surface while the hindwing is curiously

raised and held partly furled along the abdomen, separate

from the forewing.

Holloway (1998) noted that the resting position is

sometimes modified, particularly in Phazaca Walker,

Monobolodes Warren, Warreniplema Holloway and Europlema

Holloway. The wings are otherwise (i.e. in Dysaethria Turner,

Oroplema Holloway, Pterotosoma Warren, Leucoplema Janse,

etc.) held flat against, or parallel to, the substrate at rest.

In this study, I have described the resting attitude of

most of the species, since not all species adopt the positions

described above when settled. It seems that the resting

attitude has some taxonomic value. The members of Phazaca

adopt a similar position, so similar that it is difficult to

distinguish El ? unicauda from P. leucocera. W. fumicosta and

M. simulans adopt a very similar position too, so similar that

it requires close examination to distinguish them, since the

characteristic pale areas of fumicosta are obscured by the

way the wings are held.

The resting attitude of P. ocusta is unique among the

species studied in this paper. S. bicaudata and S. restricta

have an identical resting position, while D. reticulata and

D. multistrigaria also have quite similar resting positions.

D. liimalayica and D. rliagavata nigropunctata have a similar

resting position, which Holloway ( 1 998 ) described as normal

for the genus. D. ruptaria differs from all the others, but is

closest to the other species with a white groundcolour,

S. bicaudata and S. restricta. However, Dysaethria is a rather

large genus with several sub-groups, so it is only to be

expected that the physical structure of the members will

vary to some extent, as will, consequently, their resting

attitudes.

Some species, i.e. D. liimalayica and S. restricta have

been found settled on the upper surface of leaves of low

1 Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

193

EPIPLEMINAE OF THE KUMAON HIMALAYA

growing shrubs during the daytime. Presumably, other

members of the subfamily, too, pass the daylight hours on

such perches. While himalayica , H. pectinicornis , P. ocusta,

D. multistrigaria and D. reticulata are soberly coloured and

easily escape attention, Somwaria restricta, Sylviplema

bicaudata and D. ruptaria have a white groundcolour which

attracts attention. These moths are not known to be chemically

protected. All the latter three species have a superficially similar

resting attitude. The most obvious offensive, white thing on

the upper surface of a leaf in a forest is a bird's dropping and

some moths are known to depend on their resemblance to

this to avoid unwelcome attention from foraging birds. It would

be interesting to discover what factors the white Epipleminae

exploit in order to survive the daylight hours.

Plight

The flight is weak and is sustained solely by rapid

wingbeats. These moths appear to be incapable of gliding

flight. Like the Geometridae, they do not require a “warming

up" period before taking wing even at low temperatures;

they can take wing as soon as they are disturbed. However,

the flight is generally not of long duration.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

A part of this work was carried out under a Times

Fellowship 1991 for which I am grateful to the Times of

India Group. The kind and unexpected gift of literature from

Henry S. Barlow of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and the help

provided by Prof. Y.P.S. Pangtey of the Botany Department

of Kumaon University, Nainital is gratefully acknowledged.

Prakash C. Paliwal, Rekha Sharma, Anita Martolia and

Kanchan Upreti of the same department were very helpful

and resourceful and they are gratefully acknowledged.

I am grateful to the Editor for improving the quality of this

paper.

REFERENCES

Barlow, H.S. (1982): An Introduction to the Moths of S.E. Asia.

Malayan Nature Society, Kuala Lumpur, 305 pp., 51 pi.

Hampson. G.F. (1895): The Fauna of British India including Ceylon

and Burma, Moths Vol. 3. Taylor & Francis, London, xxviii +

548 pp., 226 figs.

Hampson, G.F. (1896): The Fauna of British India including Ceylon

and Burma, Moths Vol. 4, Taylor & Francis, London, 28 +

594 pp., 287 figs.

Holloway, J.D. ( 1986): The Moths of Borneo, Part 1 : Key to Families:

Cossidae, Metarbelidae, Ratardidae, Dudgeonidae, Epipyropidae,

Limacodidae. Malay nat. Journ. 40: 1-165, 9 pi., figs.

Holloway, J.D. (1998): The Moths of Borneo, Part 8: Castniidae,

Callidulidae, Drepanidae and Uraniidae. Malay nat. Journ. 52:

1-155, 10 pi.

Smetacek, P & R. Smetacek (2000): A supplementary list of the host-

plants of Indian Lepidoptera. J. Bombay Nat. His. Soc. 97:

157-160.

Watson, A. & P.E.S. Whalley (1983): The Dictionary of

Moths and Butterflies in colour. Peerage Books, London.

296 pp.

194

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

195-197

NEW DESCRIPTIONS

SALARIAS RETICULATUS (PISCES: BLENNIDAE), A NEW FRESHWATER BLENNY

FROM CHALAKUDY RIVER, KERALA (SOUTH INDIA)1

B. Madhusoodana Kurup23, T.G. Manojkumar 2 4 and K.V. Radhakrishnan2-5

'Accepted December, 2002

’School of Industrial Fisheries, Cochin University of Science & Technology, Cochin 682 016, Kerala. India.

’Email: [email protected]

’Email: [email protected]. in

Genus Salarias Day ( 1 878) has been recorded from the freshwaters of the Indian subcontinent for the first time with the

description of a new species Salarias reticulatus from the Vettilappara region of Chalakudy river system, Kerala

(southern India). The new species can easily be diagnosed by the distinct variations in morpho-meristic characters and

colour pattern from species hitherto described. The species name is derived from its reticulated colour pattern.

Key words: Salarias reticulatus sp. nov.. Blennidae, Chalakudy river, Vettilappara

INTRODUCTION

Family Blennidae comprises five genera accommodating

30 species; all the genera are distributed in Indian waters

(Day 1 878). Among the five genera, Salarias (Cuvier) has the

greatest number of species, i.e. 18. Members of the genus

Salarias can be differentiated from other related genera by

the wide gill openings, single row of movable teeth in the

jaws and by the absence of a sucker beneath the lower jaw

(Day 1878). Hitherto there is no record of blennies from the

freshwaters of the Indian subcontinent. While investigating

the fish fauna of Chalakudy river system, we came across a

single specimen of blenny, whose morphometric and meristic

characters were found to be totally different from species

hitherto described. We have, therefore, described it as a new

species.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The type locality of the new species is Vettilappara,

Chalakudy river, Kerala, South India between 10° 17' 32" N

and 76° 34' 66" E. Morphometric measurements were recorded

with dial callipers to the nearest millimetre, and expressed as

proportion of standard length. Meristics were counted

following Tal war and Jhingran (1991).

Holotype: Deposited in ZSI Kozhikode, Regn. No.: ZSI

(WGRS) CLT. No. V/F 13031. 100.71 mm SL, Vettilappara,

Chalakudy river, Kerala, India, 26.i.2001 .

Paratype: None.

Diagnosis: Elongated, body with irregular reticulations

and circular interspaces, oblong mouth, strong pectoral girdle

and leathery skin. Ventrals jugular, having two flexible spines.

A moderately long fringed supraorbital cirrus, a simple cirrus

at nape and another short one at the posterior rim of the

nostril, with 6 filaments at its base. No crest on the head and

the pre-opercle has a posterior projection.

Description: (based on a single specimen with

100.71 mm SL.) (Fig. I)

D.xii, 15;P.14;V.2;A.18;C.12.

Ventral profile of body more convex than dorsal. Length

of head 4.84, of pectoral 5.72, of caudal 5.23, height of body

6.00 times in the total length. Body depth 4.9 in standard

length. Eyes high up, diameter 5.2 in head length and 20.6 in

standard length. Diameter of eye less than snout length (1.1)

and head length (5.2), but higher than inter-orbital width (0.52).

Snout length 18.5 and inter-orbital width 32.9 in standard

length. Head depth 1 .2 in head length, width of the snout a

little higher than the post-orbital length (0.96). A single row of

incisor-like movable teeth on each jaw and a strong posterior

canine on each side of the lower jaw. Gill openings continuous

from one side of the head to the other, across the ventral

surface of the head. Branchiostegal rays six.

Fins: Dorsal fin with 12 spines and 15 rays, deeply

notched, the first lower than the second, which is nearly Vi of

body height, while posteriorly it does not extend to the caudal

fin. Length of dorsal 1 .38 in standard length and 1.71 in TL.

Length of pectoral fin 0.97 in head length and 3.8 in standard

length.

Length of pelvic fin 6.00 in standard length (SL) and

7.4 in TL. Origin of anal fin opposite to origin of second

dorsal fin. Distance from pelvic to anal 3.06 in SL. Caudal fin

with 12 rays, middle rays posteriorly branched. Pre-anal length

1.9 in SL and pre-dorsal 4.36 in SL. Lateral line complete,

forming an angle beyond 8th dorsal spine. Scales totally

absent.

Colouration: Head blackish, body and fins, except

ventral, reticulated with brown lines enclosing circular or

irregularly formed spaces. Reticulation more prominent on

NEW DESCRIPTIONS

Scale - 1 cm I

0 1 2

Fig. 1 : Salarias reticulatus sp. nov. - Lateral view

lateral and ventral sides. Ventral side from snout tip to origin

of anal fin whitish without any prominent markings. Ventral

fin hyaline with blackish tinge.

Etymology: The specific name is derived from the

reticulus pattern on the dorsal side.

Remarks: Salarias reticulatus sp. nov. shows close

similarity with S. venniculatus and S. marmoratus , but differs

strongly from them in most of the morphometric characters

and meristic counts, namely number of caudal rays and ventral

spines, length of head to total length, height of the body to

total length, presence of supra-orbital cirri, position of the

Table 1 : Comparison of morphometric and meristic characters

of Salarias reticulatus sp. nov., S. vermiculatus and S. marmoratus

anal fin and colour pattern (Table 1 ).

Day ( 1 889) described Family Blennidae with 7 genera

and 37 species. Of these, 25 were described from India under

the genus Salarias (Cuvier 1817). De Beaufort and Chapman

(1951) described 20 species under the genus Salarias from

the Indo-Australian Archipelago. However, Salarias

marmoratus described by Day (1878) was not given

independent status by these authors and the specimens

collected from Sri Lanka were treated as a synonym of

E. eplazeochilos. S. marmoratus of Gray was synonymised

under Entamocorclus lighti, E. decussates , E. caudofasciatus

and E. striatus. Similarly, a change in the generic status of

S. vermiculatus was also made by describing it as

Entamocorclus vermiculatus. The new species S. reticulatus

shows distinct variation from S. sinuosus (De Beaufort and

Chapman 1951) and S. periopthalmus (De Beaufort and

Chapman 1951) in most of the morpho-meristic characters

such as the number of dorsal and anal fin rays, colour pattern

and in the nature of attachment of anal fin rays with the caudal

peduncle. According to Munro (1955), Family Blennidae

accommodated 8 genera and 1 6 species, whereas Fischer and

Bianchi ( 1984) described 98 species from the western Indian

Ocean in 29 genera under this family. Pillay ( 1929) reported

four species, namely Salarias steindachaeri, S. kirki

S. bilitonensis and S. unicolor from the coastal waters of

Travancore. However, hitherto there has been no report on

the occurrence of Salarias species in freshwaters of India.

The description of a new species of blenny from the

Vettilappara region of Chalakudy river in the present study

increases the number of species of this family from 98 to 99

and also supports Day's (1878) view that some blennies can

extend their geographical range of distribution to fresh water.

According to him, this peculiar distribution pattern happens

due to the migration undertaken by these species upstream

during heavy floods, against the floodwaters, in the monsoon

months, and a sudden subsidence thenceforth may result in

their being trapped in isolated pools on the mainland. Those

196

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

NEW DESCRIPTIONS

fish which can survive in the new habitat will later reach their

original habitat along with subsequent floodwaters.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We sincerely thank the Officer-in charge and scientists

of ZSI for help in the identification of the new species,

Dr. K. Rema Devi and Dr. T.J. Indra for their sincere effort

in differentiation of the new species from other Salarias spp.

Financial support from the NAT-ICAR Project is

thankfully acknowledged. We also thank Prof. (Dr.)

C. Hridayanathan, Director, School of Industrial Fisheries

for facilities. Deep gratitude is extended to C.P. Sunil

Kumar and M.D. Mahesan, who assisted the team for the survey.

REFERENCES

Cuvier, (1817): Regne Anim. II: 251 pp. Sea Slug Forum, Australian

Museum, Sydney.

Day, F. (1878): The Fishes of India, being a natural history of Fishes

known to inhabit the seas and fresh waters of India, Burma and

Ceylon, Dawson, London. Pp. i-xx+553-779.

Day, F. (1889): The Fauna of British India, Ceylon and Burma. Fishes.

Vol. II: 509 pp. Taylor and Francis, London.

De Beaufort, L.F. & W.M. Chapman (1951): The Fishes of the Indo-

Australian Archipelago. Vol. 9: 484 pp. E.J. Brill, Leiden, Holland.

Fischer, W. & G. Bianchi (1984): FAO species identification sheets for

fishery purposes. Western Indian Ocean (Fishing area 51).

Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, Rome.

Pp. 1-9.

Munro, I.S.R. (1955): The marine and freshwater fishes of Ceylon.

Dept, of External Affairs, Canberra. 349 pp.

Pillay, R.S. (1929): A list of fishes taken in Travancore. J. Bombay

Nat. Hist. Soc. 33(2): 347-379.

Talwar, PK. & A.G. Jhingran (1991): Inland fishes of India and

adjacent countries. Oxford & IBH Publishing Co. Ltd., New Delhi.

Vols. I & II. 1158 pp.

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

197

Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

198-200

EUONYMUS KANYAKUMARIENSIS - A NEW SPECIES

OF CELASTRACEAE FROM INDIA1

C. Murugan2'3 and V.S. Manickam2-4

'Accepted February, 2003

"Centre for Biodiversity and Biotechnology, Botany Department, St. Xavier’s College, Palayamkottai 627 002,

Tamil Nadu, India.

3 Email: [email protected]

4Email: [email protected]

Euonymus kanyakumariensis (Celastraceae), a new species resembling E. pendulus Wall, from the Mahendragiri Hills in

the Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu is described and illustrated.

Key words: Celastraceae, Euonymus kanyakumariensis sp. nov., E. pendulus , Mahendragiri, Western Ghats,

Tamil Nadu

INTRODUCTION

Euonymus L. (c. 1 77 species) of Celastraceae, found in

Tropical and subtropical Asia and America, is estimated to

have 32 species in India (Lawson 1872; Gamble 1918;

Blakelock 1951; Ramamurthy 2000). According to

Ramamurthy (1983), 6 species are recorded in Tamil Nadu

and 4 from the Tirunelveli Hills (both Tirunelveli and

Kanyakumari districts). Botanical collections (1996-2000)

from the Tirunelveli Hills at the southernmost end of the

Western Ghats, India, yielded a taxon very different from the

previously known Indian species of Euonymus L. It is

described here as a new species.

Euonymus kanyakumariensis C. Murugan and

V.S. Manickam sp. nov. (Fig. 1 ) E. pendulo Wall, arte affinis,

sed foliis ad marginem integris (in ille serratis), petiolis c.

0.5 cm longis (in ille 2-3 cm longis), stipulis glabris (in die

hirsutis), sepalis ad marginem integris (in ille fimbriatis),

staminibus petalis curtioribus (in ille longioribus) et lobis

capsularum 5, integris, non alatis (in ille 3-4, acute / angulatis

et alatis) differt.

Type: India, Tamil Nadu, Kanyakumari district,

Mahendragiri Hills, on the way to Parvathain, c. 1,400 m,

28.iii. 1999. C. Murugan 18741 (Holotype: XCH; Isotype XCH

and MH).

Shrub - small tree, c. 3 m tall; branchlets obscurely

4- angular; internodes 2-6 cm long. Leaves decussate, rarely

ternate, elliptic-oblong, 3-7 x 1.5-3 cm, membranous, base

acute, margin entire, recurved, apex obtusely acute; nerves

5- 7 pairs, obscure above, prominent beneath; petioles up to

5 mm long, hemispherical; stipules glabrous. Inflorescence

axillary, of dichotomously branched cymes, to c. 6 cm long;

peduncles 3-4 cm long. Flowers 7-9, c. 1.5 cm diameter,

bisexual, 5-merous, actinomorphic; pedicels 5-10 mm long,

slender; bracts subulate, 1-2 mm long, sub-persistent. Sepals 5,

imbricate in bud, subequal, sub-orbicular, 2-3 mm diameter,

persistent, entire at margin. Petals 5, orbicular, 3-4 mm

diameter, greenish-purple, base slightly clawed, margin

crispate, apex rounded. Stamens 5, opposite to sepals, shorter

than petals; filaments obscure; anthers 2-celled, deltoid. Disc

Bat, 5-lobed. Ovary 1-2 mm long, 5-celled, immersed in disc;

ovules 2 in each, collateral; style subulate; stigma simple,

acute. Capsule obcordate, c. 2 x 1.5 cm, pink, apex retuse,

base acute; lobes 5, towards base, obtuse; seeds 5-10,

c. 7.5 mm long, brown to black, yellow arillate.

Ecology: Rare in evergreen forests at c. 1 ,400 m.

FI. & Fr.: March.

Distribution: Known only from Mahendragiri

Hills of Kanyakumari district, southern Western Ghats,

India.

Etymology: The species is named after the type

locality: Kanyakumari district, southern Western Ghats,

India.

Note: This new species differs from Euonymus pendulus

Wallich as shown in Table 1 .

Table 1 : Comparision of Euonymus pendulus Wallich and

E. kanyakumariensis sp. nov.

NEW DESCRIPTIONS

Fig. 1: Euonymus kanyakumariensis sp. nov.

A. Twig; B. Flower; C. Calyx; D. Petals; E. Stamens; F-G. Ovary (l.s and c.s.);

H. Capsule; I. Seed

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Our heartfelt thanks are due to Dr. G. V.S. Murthy, Joint

Director, Botanical Survey of India (BSI), Coimbatore for

permission to use the herbarium and library. We also thank

the University Grants Commission (No.F.3-39/96), New Delhi

for financial assistance; the Forest Department, Tamil Nadu

for allowing us to undertake field studies; Dr. V.J. Nair, BSI

Coimbatore for the Latin diagnosis; H. Sankar, CBB, St. Xavier’s

College, Palayamkottai for the illustration. We are grateful to

Dr. K. Ramamurthy and Dr. R. Gopalan, Botanical Survey of

India, Coimbatore for their generous help.

1 Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

199

NEW DESCRIPTIONS

REFERENCES

Blakelock. R.A. (1951): A synopsis of the genus Euonymus. Kew

Bull. Vol. 1951: 210-290.

Gamble, J.S. (1918): Celastraceae. Pp. 201-212. In: Flora of the

Presidency of Madras (Ed: Gamble J.S. ). Adlard and Son Ltd., London.

Lawson, M.A. (1872): Celastrineae. Pp. 606-629. In: Flora of British

India (Ed.: Hooker J.D.). Reeve and Co., London.

Ramamurthy, K. (1983): Celastraceae. (including Hippocrateaceae).

Pp. 72-76. In: Flora of Tamil Nadu (Eds: Nair, N.C. and A.N.

Henry). Botanical Survey of India, Coimbatore.

Ramamurthy, K. (2000): Celastraceae. Pp. 91-110. In: Flora of India

(Eds: Singh, N.P., J.N. Vohra, P.K. Hajra and D.K. Singh). Botanical

Survey of India, Calcutta.

200

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

201-203

A NEW SISORID CATFISH OF THE GENUS GLYPTOTHORAX BLYTH

FROM MANIPUR, INDIA1

W. VlSHWANATH2'3 AND I. LlNTHOINGAMBI2’ 4

'Accepted July 2003

’Department of Life Sciences, Manipur University, Canchipur 795 003, Manipur, India.

’Email: [email protected]

Glyptothora.x ventrolineatus - a new sisorid catfish is described from the Chindwin basin of Manipur, India. The new

species has the following combination of characters: three longitudinal light bands on the body - one on mid-dorsal line,

one on lateral line and one on mid-ventral line; nasal barbel length twice the intemasal length; supra-occipital process not

in contact with first dorsal pterygiophore; its width 38.3-44.7% of its length.

Key words: Glyptothorax , new species, Manipur

INTRODUCTION

Fish of the genus Glyptothorax Blyth are small to

medium sized catfishes belonging to Family Sisoridae, which

is a composite assemblage of divergent forms. The genus is

characterised by its greatly depressed head, thick and

papillated lips and an adhesive apparatus with or without a

central pit on ventral surface of the thorax (Jayaram 1979).

Glyptothorax is widespread in South Asia: from Tigris-

Euphrates basin eastward to Vietnam and eastern China. There

are more than fifty valid species, most of which have restricted

geographical distribution (Kullandar et al. 1999). Hora(1921)

described G. minutus from Imphal stream near Karong, and

reported the occurrence of G. dorsalis Vinciguerra in Manipur

Valley and Myanmar. Menon, A.G.K. (1954a) described

G manipurensis from the Barak river at Karong of Manipur,

and reported the occurrence of G trilineatus Blyth and

G. platypogonoides Bleeker in the state.

Iril river is a principal tributary of the Imphal river, which

in turn joins the Chindwin river in Myanmar. Lokchao river is

also a tributary of the Chindwin drainage system. A collection

of fishes from the rivers included specimens of Glyptothorax,

which do not fit into the hitherto described species of the

genus. The new fish is described here.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Measurements and counts follow Jayaram (1999).

Measurements were made with a dial calliper to the nearest

0.1 mm and expressed in percentage of standard length (SL)

or head length (HL). The specimens are deposited in the

Manipur University Museum of Fishes (MUMF).

Glyptothorax ventrolineatus sp. nov.

Material Examined: Holotype: MUMF L022 1 , 85.8 mm

SL; Iril river, Ukhrul district, Manipur, India, 154.2003,

I. Linthoingambi. Paratypes: MUMF L0222/5, 5 exs.,

85.1-94.5 mm SL; data same as holotype; MUMF 4300/4,

4 exs., 67.2-83.2 mm SL. Lokchao river, Moreh, Chandel district,

Manipur, India, 10.iv.2003, K. Nebeshwar and party.

Diagnosis: A species of Glyptothorax with three

longitudinal light bands; one each along mid-dorsal line, lateral

line and mid-ventral line of the body. Surface of head, body

and adipose dorsal fin granulated. Length of nasal barbel

twice intemasal length. Supra-occipital process not in contact

with first dorsal pterygiophore; its width 38.3-44.7% of its

length. Adipose dorsal fin base length equals rayed dorsal fin

base length. Caudal fin longer than head length.

Description: D.1, 6; P.1, 9; V.I, 5; A. iii, 9; C. 7+8. Body

elongate, compressed posteriorly. Head depressed, occipital

process twice as long as broad, not in contact with first dorsal

pteiygiophore. Mouth terminal, transverse, eyes small. Barbels

four pairs. Maxillary barbels basally thick, distally tapering,

reaching posterior base of pectoral fins; mandibular barbel

reaches anterior margin of pectoral fin base; inner mandibular

equal to interorbital; nasal length twice that of intemasal,

reaching anterior margin of orbit. Supra-occipital process 38.3-

44.7% of its length, not in contact with first dorsal

pterygiophore. Teeth villiform in crescentic band in jaws. The

thoracic adhesive apparatus is longer than broad, open

caudally, without a central pit. Rayed dorsal fin base almost

twice head length, (44.4-48.1% of head length); its origin

midway between tip of snout and adipose dorsal origin; dorsal

spine finely serrated on tip, laterally; base of rayed dorsal

equals that of adipose dorsal; adipose dorsal base 37. 1 -45.4%

of interdorsal distance. Pectoral fin low, horizontal, with a

broad, flattened, posteriorly serrated spine, does not reach

origin of pelvic fin. Pelvic fin length 69.7-79.9% of head length,

may or may not reach anal fin. Anal fin 57.7-69.6% of head

length; its origin opposite anterior base of adipose dorsal,

nearer to pelvic fin origin than to caudal fin base. Caudal fin

longer than head length, deeply forked, lobes sub-equal, the

lower lobe being the longer. Least height of caudal peduncle

NEW DESCRIPTIONS

Fig. 1: Glyptothorax ventrolineatussp. nov.

A-Lateral, B-Dorsal and C-Ventral views

46.3-55.4% of its length. Surface of head, body and adipose

dorsal fin granulated. Lateral line complete. Morphometric

data of the specimens are given in Table 1 .

Sexual dimorphism: Unknown.

Colour: Dark brown or greyish, abdomen and underside

of head creamish. Anal, pectoral and ventral fins creamish,

dorsal base dark brown, a row of light stripes on the rays

except the tips of the fin rays. Three creamish longitudinal

light bands on the body - one on the back, one on the lateral

line and one on the mid-ventral part of the body.

Etymology: The species is named after its characteristic

light mid-ventral band.

Distribution: india: Iril river, Ukhrul district, Manipur

(Chindwin basin); Lokchao river, Moreh, Chandel district,

Manipur.

Discussion: The new species of Glyptothorax under

description has three characteristic longitudinal bands on

the body, which makes it close to G. trilineatus. Hora (1923)

quoted Blyth’s (1860) description of G trilineatus and

described the characteristic longitudinal bands of the species

to be one on the mid-dorsal line, and one each on the lateral

line. Menon, M.A.S. (1954) also followed suit. Hora (1923),

however, remarked that such type of colouration is shared

among some of the other members of the genus. The

Indochinese species G. laoensis Fowler, as diagnosed by

Kottelat ( 1998), also has similar lines. Day (1878) recognised

the characteristic bands to be one each on the back, lateral

line and ventro-lateral area. Subsequent workers (Menon,

M.A.S. 1954;Misra 1976; Jayaram 1979; Talwar and Jhingran

1991; Jayaram 1999) also adopted the same. Thus, hitherto

known characteristic bands for the species are one each on

the dorsal, lateral line, and ventro-lateral area.

202

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

NEW DESCRIPTIONS

Table 1 : Morphometric data of Glyptothorax ventrolineatus in % of SL and HL, except SL, in mm

Thus, G. ventrolineatus sp. nov. differs from

G. trilineatus in having a longitudinal light band on the mid-

ventral line of the body vs. no band; nasal barbel length

twice internasal length vs. equal; width of occipital process

38.3-44.7 vs. 25.0-33.3% of its length; dorsal spine smooth

posteriorly, finely serrated laterally at tip vs. finely serrated

Blyth, E. (1860): Report on some fishes received chiefly from the

Sittang river and its tributary streams, Tenassenm provinces.

J. Asiat. Soc. Bengal 29(2): 138-174.

Day, F. (1878): The Fishes of India; being a natural history of the

fishes known to inhabit the seas and fresh water of India, Burma

and Ceylon. William Dowson & Co., London, pp. 778.

Hora, S.L. ( 1921 ): Fish and fisheries of Manipur with some observations

on those of Naga Hills. Rec. Indian. Mus. 22: 166-214.

Hora, S.L. ( 1923): Notes on fishes in Indian Museum. On the composite

genus Glyptosternon McClelland. Rec. Indian Mus. 25(1): 29.

Jayaram, K.C. (1979): Aid to the identification of the Siluroid Fishes

of India, Burma, Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh. 3.

Sisoridae. Rec. zool. Sun >. India , Occ. Pap. No. 14: 48-62.

Jayaram, K.C. (1999): The fresh water fishes of the Indian region.

Narendra Publ. House, New Delhi. Plate XIV, pp. 551.

Kottelat, M. ( 1998): Fishes of the Nam Theun and Xe Bangfai basins.

posteriorly at tip, smooth laterally.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We are grateful to ICAR-NATP for research grant for

fish fauna survey of Manipur.

Laos, with diagnoses of twenty-two new species. Ichthyological

Exploration of Freshwaters 9(1): 105.

Kullandar, S.O., F. Fang, B. Delling & E. Ahlandar (1999): The

fishes of the Kashmir Valley. In: River Jhelum, Kashmir Valley.

Impacts on the Aquatic Environment (Ed: Nyman, L.). Swedmar,

Goteberg. 198 pp.

Menon, A.G.K. (1954): Further observations on the fish fauna of the

Manipur state. Rec. Indian Mus. 52: 26.

Menon, M.A.S. (1954): Notes on fishes of the genus Glyptothorax

Blyth. Rec. Indian Mus. 52(1): 49-52.

Misra, K.S. (1976): The Fauna of India and the adjacent countries.

Pisces (2nd Edn), 3. Teleostomi: Cyprmiformes, Siluri: 2284-

2286.

Talwar, P.K. & A.G. Jhingran (1991): Inland fishes of India and

adjacent countries. Oxford and IBH Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd.,

New Delhi, 2 volumes: 665 pp.

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

203

Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

204-207

THREE NEW SPECIES OF FIPPATALEYRODES SUNDARARAJ AND DAVID

(ALEYRODIDAE: HEMIPTERA) FROM WESTERN GHATS OF SOUTH INDIA1

A.K. Dubey 2-3and R. Sundararaj2,4

'Accepted September 2003

institute of Wood Science & Technology. 18th Cross, Malleswaram. Bangalore, Karnataka 560 003, India.

’Email: [email protected]

The Whitefly genus Fippataleyrodes Sundararaj and David was represented in India, so far, by two species. Three new

species of Fippataleyrodes , namely F. cinnamomi, F. multipori and F. yellapurensis , breeding in the Western Ghats of

southern India, have been described here. A key to the Indian species of the genus is given.

Key words: Aleyrodidae, Fippataleyrodes, new species

INTRODUCTION

Sundararaj and David (1992) erected the genus

Fippataleyrodes for the Whitefly species F. indicus

Sundararaj & David and F. litseae Sundararaj & David with

the former being the type species. In the present study, we

collected five species of whiteflies of genus Fippataleyrodes

breeding in the Western Ghats of southern India, of which

three were new species. The new species are described and

illustrated. A key to the Indian species of the genus

Fippataleyrodes is given.

1 . Fippataleyrodes cinnamomi sp. nov.

(Figs 1-4)

Material examined: Holotype: india: Karnataka:

Kumargiri, one puparium, on Cinnamomum malabatrum,

10. ix. 2001, A.K. Dubey, deposited in the collections of Forest

Entomology Museum, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun,

India. Paratype: One puparium, data same as holotype,

deposited in the collections of Natural History Museum,

London, United Kingdom.

Description

Puparium: White, without secretion of wax; oval,

broadest at metathoracic region, 1.92-1.96 mm long,

1 .54-1 .62 mm wide; found singly on the under surface of leaves.

Margin smoothly crenulate, 32-33 crenulations in 0. 1 mm;

thoracic and caudal tracheal pore areas not differentiated from

margin. Anterior and posterior marginal setae present.

Dorsum: Dorsum completely tuberculate, fine tubercles

in between the large tubercles. Cephalothorax with six pairs

of tubercles on submedian area - three pairs on prothorax in

a group, one pair on mesothorax and two pairs on metathorax,

seven pairs of tubercles laterad of abdominal segment III-

VIII, in which third abdominal segment with two pairs of

tubercles. Longitudinal moulting suture reaching margin and

transverse moulting suture reaching subdorsum. Submarginal

lines evident, two to three faint broken lines running from

cephalus to posterior caudal region on submarginal area.

Submedian pockets with depressions present on all the

cephalothoracic and abdominal segment sutures. Median

length of abdominal segment VII (76 pm) longer than VIII

(60 pm). Pockets on eighth abdominal segment not

discernible.

Chaetotaxy: Cephalic setae 2 pm long, first abdominal

setae 15 pm long, eighth abdominal setae cephalolaterad of

vasiform orifice 14 pm long and caudal setae absent. Eight

pairs of short capitate setae arranged in a tier- two pairs on

cephalothorax (one pair each on mesothorax and metathorax)

and six pairs on abdomen (one pair on second abdominal

segment and one pair each on abdominal segments IV- VIII),

20 pm long. Vasiform orifice cordate, notched at caudal end,

44-45 pm long, 45-46 pm wide; operculum subcordate,

32-33 pm long, 30-3 1 pm wide. Thoracic tracheal furrows

absent while caudal tracheal furrow indicated, which is

incomplete at caudal end.

Venter: Paired ventral abdominal setae 25 pm long, 60-

76 pm apart. Thoracic and caudal tracheal folds absent.

Antennae reaching base of prothoracic legs.

Host: Cinnamomum malabatrum.

Distribution: india: Karnataka.

Etymology: Named after its host plant genus

Cinnamomum.

Comments: This species resembles F. litseae Sundararaj

& David in the presence of submedian tubercles on

cephalothorax and abdomen, and subdorsal capitate setae,

but differs in having more number of subdorsal capitate setae,

distinct tuberculate dorsum, notched vasiform orifice and

incomplete caudal furrow.

NEW DESCRIPTIONS

Material examined: india: Karnataka: Kudremukh,

10 puparia, on Litsea sp., 1 1 . viii.200 1 , A.K. Dubey.

Hosts: Litsea stocksii (Sundararaj and David 1992),

Ficus racemosa, Hydnocarpus alpina, Litsea glabrata,

Rapanea wightiana (Meganathan and David 1994),

Litsea sp.

Distribution: India: Maharashtra (Sundararaj and David

1992), Kerala (Meganathan and David 1994), Karnataka (new

distribution record).

4. Fippataley rodes multipori sp. nov.

(Figs 5-9)

Material examined: Holotype: india: Karnataka:

Bandipur National Park; one puparium, on unidentified plant,

1 1 .x.2002, A.K. Dubey, deposited in the collections of Forest

Entomology Museum, Forest Research Institute, Dehradun,

India. Paratype: One puparium, data same as holotype,

deposited in the collections of Natural History Museum,

London, United Kingdom.

4

Figs 1-4: Fippataleyrodes cmnamomi sp. nov.,

1 . Puparium, 2. Margin, 3. Tubercles, 4. Vasiform orifice

2. Fippataleyrodes indicus Sundararaj & David

Fippataleyrodes indicus Sundararaj & David 1992.

Reichenbachia 29(40): 16-20.

Material examined: india: Karnataka: Kudremukh

National Park, 6 puparia, on Nothopegia sp., 12.viii.2001 , A.K.

Dubey; Goa: Kulem, 9 puparia, on Litsea sp., 9. viii.200 1 , A.K.

Dubey. (Specimens deposited in the collections of Institute

of Wood Science & Technology, Bangalore).

Hosts: Litsea sp., Nothopegia sp. (Sundararaj and David

1992).

Distribution: india: Tamil Nadu (Sundararaj and David

1992), Goa, Karnataka (new distribution record).

3. Fippataleyrodes litseae Sundararaj & David

Fippataleyrodes litseae Sundararaj & David 1992.

Reichenbachia 29(40): 16-20.

Description

Puparium: White, with secretion of white wax; oval,

broadest at first abdominal segment; 2.04-2.07 mm long, 1 .56-

1.60 mm wide; found singly on the under surface of leaves.

Margin crenulate, crenulations in 0. 1 mm; thoracic and caudal

tracheal pore areas not differentiated from margin.

Dorsum: Tassellated. Longitudinal moulting suture

faintly discernible on submargin and merging with

submarginal lines and transverse moulting suture merging

with tassellations on subdorsum. Submarginal lines evident.

Submedian pockets on cephalothoracic and abdominal

segments slightly discernible while submedian depressions

on all the segments prominent.

Chaetotaxy: Cephalic and fu st abdominal setae fimbriate,

9pm long, eighth abdominal setae pointed, cephalolaterad of

vasiform orifice 14 pm long and caudal setae 49-62 pm long. A

pair of minute setae cephalolaterad of caudal setae present,

10 pm long. Subdorsum with a row of eight pairs of fimbriate

setae, three pairs on cephalothorax, one pair each on pro-,

meso- and metathorax and five pairs on abdomen, 7-10 pm

long. A row of 12 pairs of setae present on submargin,

29-40 pm long. Vasiform orifice subcordate, 48-50 pm long,

54-72 pm wide, slightly notched at caudal end; operculum

subcordate, 28-29 pm long, 34-38 pm wide. Tip of lingula

exposed and included. Thoracic tracheal furrows absent while

caudal tracheal furrow indicated with sculptures or

tassellations, 396 pm long, 56 pm wide at its widest end.

Venter: Paired ventral abdominal setae 34 pm long,

58-60 pm apart. Thoracic tracheal folds not indicated, while

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

205

NEW DESCRIPTIONS

5

6

7

Figs 5-9: Fippataleyrodes multipori sp. nov.,

5. Puparium, 6. Margin, 7. Tessellation, 8. Dorsal pore,

9. Vasiform orifice

caudal tracheal fold indicated with stipples. Antennae reaching

base of prothoracic legs. A pair of minute setae at base of pro-,

meso- and metathorax present, 6 pm long. A pair of minute

setae at base of rostrum 9 pm long.

Host: Unidentified plant.

Distribution: india: Karnataka.

Etymology: Named to reflect its distinct pores and

porettes scattered on dorsum.

Comments: This species resembles F. litseae Sundararaj

& David in the presence of subdorsal setae, but differs in

shape and in the presence of submarginal setae, distinct pores

and porettes on dorsum and absence of submedian row of

papillae.

5. Fippataleyrodes yellapurensis sp. nov.

(Figs 10-12)

Material examined: Holotype: india: Karnataka: Yellapur,

one puparium, on unidentified plant, 1 1 .x.200 1 , A.K. Dubey,

deposited in the collections of Forest Entomology Museum,

Forest Research Institute, Dehradun, India. Paratypes:

8 puparia, data same as holotype, deposited one each in the

collections of Australian National Insect Collection, CSIRO

Entomology, Canberra, ACT, Australia; Natural History

Museum, London, United Kingdom; Indian Agricultural

Research Institute, New Delhi, India; National Museum of

Natural History, Tel Aviv University, Israel; National Taiwan

University, Taipei, Taiwan 107, Republic of China; Staatliches

Museum fur Tierkunde, Dresden, Germany; Systematic

Entomology Laboratory, U.S. Department of Agriculture,

Belt sville, Maryland, USA; Zoological Museum,

Universitetsparken, Department of Zoology, Denmark.

Description

Puparium: White, without wax secretion; elongate oval,

widest across the first abdominal segment; 0.96-1.26 mm long,

0.60-0.86 mm wide; found singly on the under surface of leaves.

Margin irregularly crenulate, 24-30 crenulations in 0.1 mm;

thoracic tracheal pore regions not indicated while caudal

tracheal pore region indicated by deep invagination. Anterior

and posterior marginal setae 35 pm and 42 pm long

respectively.

Dorsum: Tuberculated, mostly crescent-shaped and

scattered in irregular manner. Submarginal area free from

tubercles. Median tubercles on abdominal segments I-VII

distinct. Longitudinal moulting suture not discernible.

Transverse moulting suture reaching outer submedian area.

Submedian pockets present on all the abdominal segment

sutures. Submedian depressions present on all the abdominal

segments. Pores and porettes not discernible.

Chaetotaxy: Dorsum with four pairs of capitate setae

with distinct bases - cephalic setae 304 pm long, first

abdominal setae 312 pm long, eighth abdominal setae

cephalolaterad of vasiform orifice, 1 06 pm long and caudal

setae 60 pm long. Subdorsum with 10 pairs of long capitate

setae arising from distinct subtriangular bases - 5 pairs each on

cephalothorax and abdomen, 126-242 pm long. Vasiform orifice

subcircular, 62-76 pm long, 58-78 pm wide, notched at caudal

end; operculum subcordate, 4 1 -52 pm long, 38-5 1 pm wide; filling

orifice and obscuring lingula. Thoracic tracheal furrows not

indicated while caudal tracheal furrow faintly indicated.

206

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

NEW DESCRIPTIONS

Q>!

12

Figs 10-12: Fippataleyrodes yellapurensis sp. nov.,

10. Puparium, 11. Margin, 12. Vasiform orifice

Venter: Paired ventral abdominal setae 35 pm long, 26-

36 pm apart; caudal and thoracic tracheal folds with stipples,

stipples in thoracic tracheal folds extending up to prothoracic

legs. A pair of minute of setae at base of pro-, meso- and

metathoracic legs, 6 pm long. Antennae reaching base of

prothoracic legs.

Host: Unidentified plant.

Distribution: India: Karnataka.

Etymology: Named after its collection site, Yellapur.

Comments: This species resembles F. litseae Sundararaj

& David in having tuberculate dorsum and capitate setae, but

differs in the presence of long and less number of subdorsal

setae and median tubercles on abdominal segments.

Key to the Indian species of Fippataleyrodes

1 . Abdominal segments without median tubercles; cephalic and

first abdominal setae short 2-37.5 pm long 2

— Abdominal segments with median tubercles; cephalic setae

304 pm and first abdominal setae 312 pm long

yellapurensis sp. nov.

2. Submarginal setae pointed 3

— Submarginal setae absent, if present capitate 4

3. A row of submedian papillae present; submargin with 12

pairs of setae; dorsum with distinct pores

multiport sp. nov.

— A row of submedian papillae absent; submargin with 14

pairs of setae; dorsum without distinct pores

indicus (Sundararaj & David 1992)

4. Submargin with 8 pairs of setae; caudal tracheal pore not

indicated; vasiform orifice notched at caudal end; caudal furrow

incomplete cinnamomi sp. nov.

— Submargin with 13 pairs of setae; caudal tracheal pore

indicated; vasiform orifice not notched at caudal end;

caudal furrow complete

litseae (Sundararaj & David 1992)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We are grateful to Dr. K.S. Rao, Director, Institute of

Wood Science and Technology, Bangalore for the facilities

provided. Thanks are due to Prof. B.V. David, President, Sun

Agro Biotech Research Centre, Porur, Chennai and Prof. C.A.

Viraktamath, Department of Entomology, University of

Agricultural Science, GKVK, Bangalore, for their valuable

comments. Financial assistance provided by the Ministry of

Environment & Forests, Government of India, for conducting

this research work, is also gratefully acknowledged.

REFERENCES

Meganathan, P. & B.V. David (1994): Aleyrodidae fauna ( Aleyrodidae: Homoptera) of Silent Valley, a tropical evergreen rainforest, in Kerala.

India. FIPPAT Entomology Series 5: 1-66.

Sundararaj, R. & B.V. David (1992): On the genera Fippataleyrodes n. gen. and Taiwanaleyrodes Takahashi from India (Insecta, Homoptera,

Stemorrhyncha: Aleyrodidae). Reichenbachia 29(40): 15-18.

1 Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

207

Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

208-209

DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES OF THE GENUS NEOC LARKIN ELLA

REMA & NARENDRAN (HYMENOPTERA: BRACONIDAE) FROM INDIA1

Z. Ahmad2 3, K. Pandey2-4, A. A. Haider 2,5 and Shujauddin2’6

'Accepted February 2004

"Section of Entomology, Department of Zoology, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202 002, Uttar Pradesh, India.

"Email: [email protected]

4Email: [email protected]

5Email: [email protected]

6Email: [email protected]

A new species of the genus Neoclarkinella Rema & Narendran namely N. punctata Ahmad sp. nov. is described from

India.

Key words: Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Microgastrinae, Neoclarkinella , new species, India

INTRODUCTION

The genus Neoclarkinella was erected by Rema and

Narendran (1996) to accommodate N. nilamburensis as its

type species. It can be easily distinguished from its closely

related genus Clarkinella in having large and triangular

scutellar lunule, fore wing without areolet, transverse carinae

of propodeum not forming a fork on either side of spiracle

and hypopygium striate along median line. The genus is

known only from its type species. In the present work, a new

species is described from India.

Abbreviations used: OOL - ocello-ocular line (distance

from outer edge of lateral ocellus to compound eye); POL -

post-ocellar line (distance between inner edges of two lateral

ocelli); AOL - anterior-ocellar line (distance between inner

edges of anterior and lateral ocellus), ZDAMU- Zoology

Department, Aligarh Muslim University.

Neoclarkinella punctata sp. nov.

(Figs 1-2)

Material Examined: Holotype: ? , india: Uttar Pradesh,

Etawah; 30.iv.2002, Coll. M. Shamim, deposited in the

collections of ZDAMU (Catalogue No. HB. 1029); Paratypes:

7 $ $ , 3 d <5 , data same as holotype.

Description

Female: Length 2.6 mm; fore wing length 3.0 mm. Body

black except for the following; Tl, labrum, mandible, palpi,

fore legs, mid legs, hind legs; scape beyond extreme apex and

basal depressed area of T 1 yellowish; antennae and posterior

half of clypeus testaceous, wings hyaline, pterostigma and

venation brown.

Head: In anterior view oval in shape; clypeus indistinctly

punctuate; malar space about as long as basal width of

mandible; face about as long as wide, indistinctly punctuate

with hairs, with a faint median longitudinal node; frons

concave, smooth and shiny; occiput smooth; temple and

Figs 1 -2: Neoclarkinella punctata sp. nov. 9

1 . Fore wing 2. Propodeum, T 1 and T2

NEW DESCRIPTIONS

vertex indistinctly punctate; OOL 0.75x as long as POL; POL

3.5x as long as AOL; antennae longer than the body length.

Mesosoma: About 2x longer than wide; mesoscutum

depressed posteriorly at imaginary course of notauli, strongly

punctate with hairs and punctures become rather sparse

posteriorly; scutellum rather sparsely punctate with hairs;

mesopleuron medio-posteriorly smooth, rest of the area

coarsely punctate; propodeum covered with white pilosity,

surface dull with a strong mid longitudinal carina and

transverse carina at basal one-third, remaining parts with few

cranulae. Fore wing with densely and evenly pilosity in whole;

pterostigma 3.3x longer than wide; R1 1.3x as long as

pterostigma; r 1 ,2x as long as r-m, and 1. lx as long as width of

pterostigma, r 1 ,2x as long as m-cu; 2RS 1 .2x as long as r. Hind

wing with vannal lobe slightly convex and sparsely hairy, 2r-

m present. Hind coxae large, virtually smooth with an indistinct

punctation; hind tibia 1 . 1 x longer than hind femur.

Metasoma: T1 3.8x as long as wide and strongly tapered

apically, basal half with broad U-shaped depressed area and

apical half punctuate with hairs; T2 subtriangular, smooth

and posterior margin convex; hypopygium about half as long

as metasoma, desclerotized, folded and striate medially;

ovipositor sheaths 0.6 1 x as long as hind tibia, slender, pointed

at apex, and hairy all along length.

Male: Same as female except length (2.45 mm).

Host: Unknown

Distribution: india: Uttar Pradesh.

Etymology: The specific name is derived from Latin,

and refers to the punctate sculpture of T1 .

Remarks: Neoclarkinella punctata sp. nov. closely

resembles the only known species of Neoclarkinella -

N. nilamburensis (Sumodan & Narendran), but differs in

having T1 punctate apically (T1 smooth apically in

N. nilamburensis) and antennae testaceous (antennae black

in N. nilamburensis).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We thank Professor M. Hayat for reviewing the

manuscript and for useful suggestions.

REFERENCE

Rema, C.G. & T.C. Narendran ( 1996): A remarkable new genus of Braconidae (Hymenoptera) from India. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 93 : 264-267.

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

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Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

210-213

A NEW NEMACHEILINE FISH OF THE GENUS SCHISTURA MCCLELLAND

(CYPRINIFORMES: BALITORIDAE) FROM MANIPUR, INDIA1

W, VlSHWANATH 2'3 AND M. SHANTA KUMAR2

'Accepted February 2004

department of Life Sciences, Manipur University, Canchipur 795 003, Manipur, India.

‘Email: [email protected]

A new species, Schistura minutus is described from the Iyei River, a tributary of the Irang River (Barak drainage), in

Manipur, India. The species is characterised by its small size, processus dentiformes not prominent and lying open;

14-18 colour bands on body; a distinct cup shaped colour band just behind occiput; upper lip very thin; deep median

interruption in lower lip and absence of a notch in the lower jaw and caudal peduncle deeper than its length.

Key words: new nemacheiline fish. Schistura minutus, Manipur

INTRODUCTION

Fishes of the genus Schistura McClelland are small

sized hill stream fishes characterised by having lower lip

medially interrupted, but not forming two triangular pads; a

black bar (sometimes dissociated) on caudal fin base; dorsal

fin with one or two black marks along its base (Kottelat 1990;

Vishwanath and Laishram 2001 ). Six species of Schistura have

been described from Manipur, namely S. manipurensis

(Chaudhuri 1912), S. kangjupkhulensis, S. prashadi and

S. sikmaiensis (Hora 1921), S. reticulata (Vishwanath and

Nebeshwar 2004) and S. khugae (Vishwanath and Shanta

2004b). Also, Menon (1987) reported the occurrence of

S. peguensis.

The Iyei River originates in the Tamenglong district of

Manipur and flows southwest to join the Irang River, a tributary

of Barak River ( Brahmaputra drainage). A collection of fishes

from the river included 1 1 specimens of Schistura, which do

not fit into the hitherto described species of the genus. The

fish is described as new here. Counts and measurements

followed Kottelat ( 1990). The holotype and one paratype are

deposited in Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) Kolkata and

9 paratypes, in the Manipur University Museum of Fishes

(MUMF). Imphal (Manipur).

Schistura minutus sp. nov. (Fig. I )

Material examined: Holotype: FF3749 ZSI, Kolkata,

35 mm SL, Iyei river, Noney, Tamenglong district, Manipur,

M. Shanta Kumar and K. Nebeshwar, 27.xii.2000. Paratypes:

1 ex., 32 mm SL, FF3750, 9 exs., 26.2-38.3 mm SL, MUMF

1001-1003, 1005-1006, 1008-1011, Iyei River, Noney,

Tamenglong district, Manipur, M. Shanta Kumar and K.

Nebeshwar, 27.xii.2000.

Diagnosis: A species with the following combination

of characters: small body size; presence of weakly developed

processus dentiformes; 14-18 blue black bars on body, mostly

in pairs; the basal caudal bar interrupted, represented by two

spots; a distinct cup shaped band just behind the occiput;

incomplete lateral line; caudal peduncle deeper than its length.

Description: D. iii, 8V2; R i. 8-9; V. i, 6; A. ii, 5Vr, C. 9+8.

A small moderately elongate nemacheiline with body depth

almost uniform from the occiput to the base of the caudal fin.

Body moderately deep, with 14-18 lateral bars. Ventral profile

almost straight from mouth to caudal base, dorsal region of

head is highly curved, straight behind dorsal region. Body

cylindrical to slightly compressed anteriorly, more compressed

in caudal peduncle region. Cheeks slightly inflated, head

slightly depressed, snout moderately pointed. Mouth ventral.

Fig. 1 : Schistura minutus sp. nov.

NEW DESCRIPTIONS

Fig. 2: Schistura sikmaiensis

crescent shaped. Upper lip very thin with no incision or

furrows. A deep median interruption in lower lip, no median

notch in the lower jaw. Processus dentiformes poorly

developed. No suborbital flap in male. Barbels small, but

longer than eye diameter, maxillary barbels extend up to

middle of orbit. Anterior nostrils pierced in front of a flap like

Table 1 : Comparison of morphometric characters of Schistura minutus with S. dubia and S. sikmaiensis

1 Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

211

NEW DESCRIPTIONS

tube, nostrils nearer to eye than to snout tip. Eyes small.

Axillary pelvic lobe present. Pelvic fin origin under last simple

or first branched dorsal fin rays. Distal margin of the fin slightly

convex. Caudal fin emarginate.

Small ventral and dorsal adipose crests on caudal

peduncle which is 1.16(1.12-1.25) times higher than long.

Largest specimen recorded is 38.3 mm SL. Incomplete lateral

line with 23-55 pores, extending up to the region between the

pelvic and anal fin origins. Cephalic lateral line system with

7 supraorbital, 4+1 1 infraorbital, 9 preoperculo-nrandibular

and 3 supratemporal pores. The abdominal region is greatly

inflated in gravid female due to presence of large sized eggs.

The body depth and body width show great variation.

Proportional measurements (in percentage): Body

depth 17.5 (16 1-22.9); dorsal head length 22.0 (20.3-24.5);

predorsal length 51.2 (49.4-55.0); dorsal fin height 15.5 ( 14.5-

16.8); dorsal fin base length 15.7 (15.0-16.8); pectoral fin length

18.4 (16.7-19.7); ventral fin length 16.0 (14.8-17.2); anal fin

height 15.9 ( 14.7-16.6); anal fin base length 7.5 (6. 8-8.9); caudal

fin length 20.4 (18.5-22.1); caudal peduncle length 1 1. 0(8.4-

12.0); depth of caudal peduncle 12.8 ( 1 1 .5-13.7); preventral

length 54.4 (5 1 .2-56.4); preanus length 72. 1 (68.8-75.7); preanal

length 77.6 (74.2-79.9); and body width (Dorsal origin) 13.6

(12.58-16 I ) of SL. Head width (at opercula) 69.4 (64.7-71.7);

head height at occiput 62.2 (59. 1-66.6); snout length 44.6 (42.8-

46.5); eye diameter 25.6 (21 .1-27.5); interorbital space 3 1 .7 (28.5-

36.2); dorsal fin base length 7 1 .7 (67.6-75.9); pectoral tin length

84.6 (80.2-92.2) and anal fin length 34.6 (32.7-36.6) of HL.

Caudal peduncle depth 1 16.6 ( 1 12.1-125.6) % of its length.

Sexual dimorphism: Not known.

Colour: Body light brown with 14-18 black bars

extending from back up to about % of body. Bars wider than

interspaces, most of them in paired form. Predorsal bars are

many, as wide as interspaces, thinner and less well marked

than those behind the dorsal fin; not interconnected with

their counterparts dorsally in small specimens. A dark spot at

the base of the last simple rays to second branched dorsal fin

rays. Bar at caudal base interrupted and represented by two

spots. 3 transverse bands on the head, one each on internarial,

interorbital and on the occiput area. A dark spot on the occiput.

A longitudinal band from the nasal opening to the tip of the

snout.

Distribution: india: Manipur: Iyei River, Noney,

Tamenglong district (Brahmaputra drainage).

Etymology: The species is named after its small size.

Discussion: The species is similar to Schistura dubia

Kottelat ( 1990) from Mae Nam Yom basin, Phrae Province,

Thailand in having adipose crest and incomplete lateral line.

Table 2: Comparison of morphometric characters of Schistura minutus sp. nov. with S. dubia and S. sikmaiensis (in % of HL)

212

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

NEW DESCRIPTIONS

Fig. 3: Mouth of Schistura sp. showing absence and weakly

developed processus dentiformes

a. Schistura sikmaiensis, b. S. minutus

The new species, however, can easily be distinguished from

S. ditbia in having deeper caudal peduncle (deeper than long

vs. longer than depth); more bars on body (14-18 vs. 8-11);

less branched pectoral rays (8-9 vs. 1 0- 1 1 ); less branched ventral

rays (6 vs. 8); in not having notch on the lower jaw and shorter

predorsal length 5 1 .2 (49.4-55.0) vs. 55.3 (53.6-56.4).

Schistura minutus also differs from S. sikmaiensis (Fig.

2) in presence of weakly developed processus dentiformes

(Fig. 3b) vs. absent (Fig. 3a); caudal fin emarginated vs. forked;

lateral line incomplete vs. complete with 100-110 pierced

scales; upper lip without incision (Fig. 3b) vs. median incision

(Fig. 3a) and numerous furrows.

Vishwanath and Nebeshwar (2004) gave new species

status 5. reticulata to Menon’s (1987) Noemacheilus

vinciguerrae from Chindwin basin, Manipur, India.

Vishwanath and Shanta’s (2004a) S. macrocephalus is a junior

homonym of S. macrocephalus (Kottelat 2000). To remove

the homonymy, Vishwanath and Shanta (2004b) have

proposed S. klwgae as the new name.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We are grateful to Indian Council of Agricultural

Research, New Delhi for financial assistance through NATP-

Germplasm Inventory, Evaluation and Gene Banking of

Freshwater Fishes in Mission Mode Project and to I. Linthoi

Devi for her help in drawing the diagrams.

REFERENCES

Chaudhuri, B.L. ( 1912): Description of some new species of freshwater

fishes from North India. Rec. Indian Mas. 7: 437-444, pis. 38-41.

Hora, S.L. (1921): Fish and Fisheries of Manipur with some

observations on those of Naga Hills. Rec. Indian Mus. 22: 166-

214, pis. 38-41.

Kottelat, M. (1990): Indochinese nemacheilines, a revision of

nemacheiline loaches (Pisces: Cypriniformes) of Thailand. Burma,

Laos, Cambodia and southern Vietnam. Verlag Dr. Friedrich Pfeil,

Munchen, Germany. 262 pp.

Kottelat, M. (2000): Diagnoses of a new genus and 64 new species of

fishes from Laos (Teleostei: Cyprinidae, Balitoridae, Bagridae,

Syngnathidae. Chaudhuridae and Tetraodontidae). J. South Asian

Nat. Hist. 5: 37-82.

Menon, A.G.K. (1987): The Fauna of India and Adjacent countries.

Pisces IV. Teleostei - Cobitoidea. Part 1. Homalopteridae.

Zoological Survey of India, Calcutta, 259 pp, 16 pis.

Vishwanath, W. & J. Laishram (2001): Fishes of the subfamily

Nemacheilinae Regan (Cyprinidae: Balitoridae) from Manipur.

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 98(2): 197-216.

Vishwanath, W. & K. Nebeshwar (2004): Schistura reticulata , a new

species of balitorid loach from Manipur, India, with redescription

of S. chindwinica. Ichthyol. Explot: Freshwaters 15(4): 323-

330.

Vishwanath, W. & K. Shanta (2004a): A new nemacheiline fish of the

genus Schistura McClelland (Cypriniformes: Balitoridae) from

Manipur, India. ./. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 101(1): 138-140.

Vishwanath, W. & K. Shanta (2004b): Schistura khugae , a new

replacement name for S. macrocephalus Vishwanath & Shanta

2004 (Teleostei: Balitoridae). Ichthyol. Explor. Freshwaters 15(4):

330.

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

213

Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

214-216

REVIEWS

1. PERSPECTIVES ON BIOSYSTEMATICS AND BIODIVERSITY: PROF. T.C. NARENDRAN

COMMEMORATIVE VOLUME. Edited by K. Rajmohana, K. Sudheer, P. Girish Kumar, and

S. Santhosh. Systematic Entomology Research Scholars Association, Department of Zoology, University

of Calicut, Kerala, 2004. xxii + 666 pp. ( 14.5 x 22 cm). Contributory price US $100. Hardback.

The theme of the book is Insect Biosystematics and

Biodiversity, a subject that has often been neglected in India.

This led to a great paucity of good taxonomic workers, but in

recent years there has been a resurgence in this field of study,

as its vital importance is recognised and taxonomists are a

"wanted" species again.

This commemorative volume was brought out to honour

Prof. T.C. Narendran, whose contributions to insect taxonomy

in research and teaching are exemplary. After passing his M.Sc.

in 1967 from the School of Entomology, St John's College

Agra, under the tutelage of Prof. M.S. Mani, an internationally

recognised expert in the field, he initiated research on the

reproductive biochemistry of insects, but being like most

graduates of that School, a field biologist, he turned to the

study of parasitic Hymenoptera. His association with

Z. Boucek was to prove fruitful in many ways. According to

P.T. Cherian in his Preface to the volume, the new species

described by Prof. Narendran constitutes 0.8% of the more

than 60,000 species of Indian insects presently known.

The book is in two parts. Part One focuses on insect

biodiversity, with nine interesting essays on varied topics

including intraspecific diversity (T.N. Ananthakrishnan),

documentation of forest insect diversity (George Mathew),

and monsoon butterfly species of Kudremukh National Park

(T.V. Mohandas). The second part has 39 articles on

biosystematics, mainly of Hymenoptera, with special emphasis

on parasitic species related to integrated pest management.

The list of contributors includes prominent names, including

such luminaries as T.N. Ananthakrishnan, Z. Boucek, and

Madhav Gadgil.

There are some photographs of personal interest, and a

list of publications by Prof. Narendran at the end of the book.

This compendium of scientific papers would be a valuable

addition to any entomology library.

■ GAYATRI UGRA

2. HANDBOOK ON INDIAN WETLANDS BIRDS AND THEIR CONSERVATION,

by Arun Kumar, J.P. Sati, PC. Tak and J.R.B. Alfred. Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata, 2005.

Pp. 469 ( 16 x 23 cm). Price Rs. 1,500/-.

The mandate of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) is

to document the animal diversity of the country. The ZSI has

been doing this since its establishment more than 100 years

ago. Unfortunately, the ZSI is also famous for bringing out

boring tomes, full of jargon and technical descriptions of new

species, which interest only the subject experts. This is now

changing, thanks to the books brought out by Dr. Arun Kumar

and his team. I had reviewed their previous book waterbirds

of northern India and am happy to say that this book is far

better than the earlier one. The handbook is packed with

information about water birds and wetland habitats. I would

say that anyone who is interested in wetlands and birds

should purchase this book — there is something for everyone,

from an expert to an amateur birdwatcher to a Protected Area

Manager.

A total of 310 wetland and wetland-associated bird

species are fully described with diagnostics characters —

voice, habitat, habits, food, status and distribution. All the

species are illustrated either by photographs or diagrams.

The distribution maps are reasonably correct, based on

existing records and probable distribution. The maps and

charts are in colour and well drawn. The authors have

extensively used symbols to show birds that are resident,

vagrant, probably extinct, near threatened, possible breeding

and so on. Habitat-specialist or vagrant species such as the

Long-tailed Duck, Sociable Lapwing, and Slaty-legged Crake,

that have isolated records, are represented by colour dots.

The authors need to be commended for collecting a large

number of good pictures of birds. However, some pictures are

below standard (for instance, a flock of Garganey, Sand Martin,

Black-breasted Parrotbill) and could have been avoided. The

design and layout are also good. For comparison with similar-

looking waders, illustrations are given which would certainly

help in identification. However, as the book weighs 1.54 kg, it

is not easy to carry it in the field. It is basically a reference

guide for wetland birds. Besides the main text, the following

REVIEWS

chapters are very useful and full of information: Status of

Wetland Birds, Protected Area Network, and Framework for

Conservation. The authors have compiled information

from various sources such as the Wetlands International,

BirdLife International, Bombay Natural History Society,

Ramsar Bureau, and Asian Waterfowl Count. All in all, I find

the book very useful and recommend it to all University

and Conservation Institute libraries. At a steep cost of

Rs. 1 ,500/- it will deter many bird watchers, but it is worth the

investment.

■ ASAD R. RAHMANI

3. FOCUS ON SACRED GROVES & ETHNOBOTANY. Edited by Dr. Vinaya Ghate,

Dr. Hema Sane, Dr. S.S. Ranade. Prism Publications, Mumbai, 2004. Pp. 253 (18 x 24.5 cm).

Price Rs. 650/-, US $ 45. Hardback.

This book was released amidst sylvan surroundings,

in one of the sacred groves of Nandivli, in the hills near lake

Mulshi, Pune District. Over 100 nature enthusiasts, botanists,

zoologists, foresters, environmentalists, and local panchayat

staff were witness to the book release by Mohan Dharia. I felt

that Prof. Dr. Vartak's legacy — his love for nature and

conservation — was honoured.

The book is a compendium of four books, comprising

of some of Prof. Dr. Vartak's published papers on Sacred

Groves and Ethnobotany in Part I and papers presented at

the National Seminar on ‘Ethnobotany and Sacred Groves:

Role in Conservation Strategy for India’ in Part II.

The book is well designed with illustrations in black

and white and special centre pages in colour. The ‘Overview

on Vartak’s Work’ is a crisp tour through the contents of the

book. It also details the contemporary academic atmosphere

that shaped Prof. Dr. Vartak's career. These insights are written

with intimacy and knowledge of the pioneer and the

subject.

Ethnobotany is a new term for the old practice of

studying the usefulness of plants and animals. The prefix

‘Ethno’ began to be added in late 1 9th century to refer to ways

in which ‘local people view the natural world’ . Late in the 20lh

century, as this field gained importance, there was an

expansion of the term Ethnobotany beyond the original

confines of Western countries. With this background the

present book is a welcome addition as an introduction to the

work of a pioneer. It provides a glimpse of the popularity of

Ethnobotany as a subject with an emphasis on studies

conducted in the Western Ghats.

The Foreword is written by the eminent scientist

Prof. M.S. Swaminathan. As regards the contents. Part I

includes 12 published papers on Sacred Groves, which are

much quoted and referred to by Dr. Gadgil and Prof. Dr. Vailak.

They brought the Sacred Groves to public attention. The

papers on Inventorization of Sacred Groves of Tribals are

notable papers. Prof. Dr. Vartak’s activity as a field worker in

diverse areas of Western Ghats has led to a paper on in situ

conservation for which he was commended. Papers on Sacred

Groves by Seminar participants are covered in Part II. Of the

six papers one is on Unnoticed Sacred Groves by Reddy and

Anjaria which expands the horizon of the study to Gujarat.

Papers on the Digitization of sacred Groves and the Role of

CITES present new trends in these studies.

Plants and their significance in the past is covered in a

paper by Dr. Sane and Dr. Ghate. I would like to add that the

current tally of Sacred Groves in Maharashtra is about 4000,

marking a four-fold rise in the number of Sacred Groves as

studied by Prof. Dr. Vartak. These new developments are noted

in the Abstract.

The book provides an account of the first studies in

this subject as well as the latest developments. One can trace

the history of exploration of Sacred Groves. It is pertinent to

note that when today huge grants are available for exploring

Sacred Groves for a large group. Dr. Vartak’s group of only

2 individuals (Dr. Madhav Gadgil) accomplished this

tremendous pioneering work. He has explored and

documented all this on personal initative and resources.

The second section of Part 1 deals with papers by

Prof. Dr. Vartak based on his interest in Ethnobotany after he

gained experience and insight in floristic aspects. The papers

on Wild Edible plants from Hill Region and Enumeration of

medicinal plants from Karnala hill area are a detailed study of

food plants and medicinal plants used by tribals. There is a

focus on Caryota urens, Meyna laxiflora as important plants

offering subsistence to tribals.

It is evident from the seven papers that make up the

second section of Part II that a new generation of scientists is

getting involved in this field. The socio-economic impact is

seen in the paper on plants of Aravali. A cultural study is

presented in the paper on Korkus of Melghat. Ethno medicinal

plants from Chattisgarh region, plants of south-western

Maharashtra provide cures for skin diseases. Bioprospecting

of Pteridium strikes a new note and a paper on correct identity

of barks by Ms. Mahekar and Dr. Yadav provides examples of

future directions of this Science in India.

1 Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

215

REVIEWS

The book is a welcome addition to the field and will

serve as excellent source material for Prof. Dr. Vartak’s rare

papers and will stimulate an interest in this topic among the

general readers.

The illustrative and thematic presentation of coloured

photos of Sacred Groves, Archaeological repository. Museum

of Giant tree lianas, treasure trove of rare places, tribals, and

their food resources form interesting centerspreads.

Currently, the term Biodiversity is linked with

sustainable development and preservation of Ecosystems,

the presence of Sacred Groves and their preservation over a

period of thousands of years is a phenomenon unique to

India. This book makes us realise its importance to inspire us

to make efforts for their preservation.

■ S.S.RANADE

216

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

217-261

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

1. OCCURRENCE OF THE TIBETAN SAND FOX VULPES FERRILATA HODGSON IN LADAKH:

A NEW RECORD FOR THE INDIAN SUBCONTINENT

Owing to its location at the tri-junction of Central Asia,

Southeast Asia and Africa, India harbours a diverse

assemblage of flora and fauna (Mani 1974), and it is on the list

of twelve 'megadiversity’ nations in the world. Covering

about 2% of the world’s land surface, India houses about 9%

of all the mammalian species and more are being added to this

rich biological repertoire with some even new to science (Datta

etal. 2003; Mishraef o/. 2005; Kumar etal. 2005; Sinha et al.

2005; Mishra etal. in press). Presently the country is thought

to harbour 4 1 9 species of mammals of which 6 1 are carnivores

including 7 canids (Johnsingh and Manjrekar, in press).

In this note, we describe the occurrence of the Tibetan

Sand Fox Vulpes ferrilata in Ladakh, Jammu and Kashmir,

India. The species is widely distributed on the Tibetan Plateau,

but hitherto it has not been reported from India. However,

given the location of Ladakh at the western edge of the

Tibetan Plateau, some authors have speculated that the

species could occur in this region (Postanovicz 1997, Schaller

and Ginsberg 2004). Schaller and Ginsberg (2004) note that

no reliable evidence exists of its occurrence outside certain

Chinese reserves such as the Arjin Shan, Xianza, Chang Tang

and Hoh Xil. Early works on Ladakh’s mammalian species,

(Ganhar 1979) as well as more recent inventories (Pfister 2004)

have not enlisted this species. Johnsingh and Manjrekar (in

press) also have not mentioned about the occurrence of the

species within the Indian Territory, and have described it as

one of the lesser-known mammals of South Asia. All these

indicate that the species has not been documented from India

and our finding adds one more species to the list of carnivores

of Ladakh as well as the Indian subcontinent.

The Tibetan Sand Fox is a small carnivore (3. 0-4. 5 kg)

of the Family Canidae. The dorsal part and the flanks are

sandy to pale rufous, and the neck, thighs and rump are

greyish. The underparts are also whitish to light grey, and the

tail is bushy with a white tip (Schaller and Ginsberg 2004).

The Tibetan Sand Fox is morphologically distinct from the

Red Fox V. vulpes, whose distribution overlaps with that of

the former over large tracts of the Tibetan Plateau. The Red

Fox is larger (4. 6-5. 3 kg), and conspicuously rufous with dark

grey to black legs and tail. The two species also somewhat

differ in their habitat use, as the Tibetan Sand Fox inhabits

alpine meadows with rolling terrain within an altitudinal range

of 2,500-5,200 m, whereas the Red Fox occupies relatively

rugged terrain, and is often found in wooded areas as well

(Schaller 1998, Schaller and Ginsberg, 2004). The Tibetan Sand

Fox is morphologically more similar to the Corsac V. corsac,

but the two have non-overlapping distributions (Schaller and

Ginsberg 2004).

The geographical range of the Tibetan Sand Fox extends

over the Tibetan Plateau encompassing Xinjiang, Gansu,

Qinghai and Sichuan provinces (China) and Mustang (Nepal).

In a survey of 43 counties of Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR),

c. 37,000 Tibetan Sand Foxes were estimated by Piao ( 1 989).

The Red Fox on the other hand has a very wide distribution

encompassing the entire northern hemisphere except Iceland

and some arctic islands (Macdonald and Reynolds 2004). The

Corsac is also widely distributed in central Asian countries of

Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan,

extending eastward into Russia and westwards into parts of

Europe.

We surveyed the Parma Valley and the Pangong Tso

Basin in August 2000, Hanle and the Chumur valleys of eastern

Ladakh during July-August 2004, and Hanle and Kuyul valleys

in March- April 2005. The latter two surveys were carried out

in conjunction with an ecological study on the Tibetan Gazelle

Procapra picticaudata. The surveyed areas are part of the

vast plains of the Tibetan Plateau that extend westwards into

the Ladakh region of the Indian Trans-Himalaya. Topography

is characterised by open and rolling terrain interspersed with

rocky terrain, and altitude ranges from 4,000-5,500 m. Owing

to the rain-shadow effect of the Greater Himalaya, precipitation

is minimal (100-400 mm annually), occurring mostly as snow.

Temperatures range between -35°C in winters and +20°C in

summers. The large mammals of the area include the Tibetan

Gazelle, Tibetan Wild Ass or Kiang Equus kiang, Tibetan

Argali Ovis ammon hodgsoni , Blue Sheep or Bharal Pseudois

nayaur, and their predators such as the Snow Leopard Uncia

uncia, Tibetan Wolf Cams lupus, Eurasian Lynx Lynx lynx

and the Red Fox Vulpes vulpes. Small mammals include Pikas

Ochotona spp. and Voles Alticola spp., which are important

prey for the Tibetan Sand Fox (Mitchell 1 977, Schaller 1 998 ).

People are predominantly nomadic pastoralists, although some

cultivate on a limited scale.

During various surveys, the plains and the rolling

mountain slopes were scanned with binoculars and spotting

scopes to record wildlife. Apart from field surveys, we also

enquired the local people about the occurrence of fox in their

area. On an affirmative response, they were shown the

pictures of the Red Fox (picture of the Tibetan Sand Fox was

not available) and asked whether the animal they had seen

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

78° 30’ E 78° 40’ E 79°00'E 79°10’E 79° 30' E

Fig 1 Locations of the Tibetan Sand Fox sightings in Changthang, Ladakh, India

could differ from the Red Fox. The villagers were also asked if

they possessed the fur of any of the two foxes as it is traditionally

used for making hats, and lining traditional Ladakhi dresses.

The Tibetan Sand Fox was sighted on four occasions

during these surveys. The first observation was made on the

Kajukongka La (pass) between the Parma Valley and Chushul

(Bhatnagar and Wangchuk 2001, Fig. 1). During a 10 minute

observation through binoculars, we noted that the animal

was distinctly pale rufous coloured, and had a large bushy

tail with a white tip. The second sighting was in the Chumur

Valley on July 15,2004. While driving in the evening, we saw

a fox scurrying across a slope above the road. On a closer

look through binoculars, it turned out to be the Tibetan Sand

Fox. It was smaller than the Red Fox and the colour was greyish

yellow with paler underparts. It stood and stared at our vehicle

for about three minutes and then climbed up the slope.

Interviews with the herders revealed that a fox, paler and

smaller than the Red Fox, does occur in the region. Further,

they revealed that this fox is known to them by the local name

Sili, whereas the Red Fox is called Aatse.

We continued our survey in Hanle in 2005, and sighted

the Tibetan Sand Fox on two more occasions. On April 3, 2005

at 0930 hrs, we came across a fox on the southern slope of the

Sdikpa Raza Hill near Hanle Gompa (Monastery; Fig. 1). It

was moving across a gravel-strewn slope above the link road

to the Pungug Village, sniffing and squatting intermittently

on low shrubs of Artemisia and Eurotia spp. Villagers had

also reportedly seen Sili on the same hill. Next morning we

visited the same site, and saw two individuals. One fox

emerged from behind a large boulder and rushed towards a

smaller boulder where another fox was lying down. After

nuzzling the resting fox, it moved up the slope. We visited the

site again in the evening to check for any dens, but in vain.

We, however, found the resting sites and scats entangled in

low shrubs. In one of the scats, there were many Ephedra

seeds.

218

1 Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

However, we did not observe any Tibetan Sand Fox in

the Kuyul Valley. Interviews with the local pastoralists, known

as Changpas , revealed that the species was common in the

valley some 20 years ago, but has since declined. The

Changpas claimed that the species is not persecuted currently

due to the implementation of conservation laws. We, however,

came across many hats made of Red Fox skin acquired in the

past, but none from the skin of the Tibetan Sand Fox. We

were told by the locals that when hunting was widespread,

Tibetan Sand Fox was persecuted less compared to the Red

Fox, as its fur was considered inferior.

The natural history of the large mammals of the Ladakh

Region was documented by explorer/travellers of the early

20th century (Burrard 1925; Stockley 1936). More recently, the

large herbivores and carnivores of the region have been well

documented by naturalists and field biologists (Ganhar 1979;

Mallon 1991; Fox etal. 1991 ; Pfister 2004). Nevertheless, the

occurrence of the Tibetan Sand Fox remained undocumented,

perhaps because large tracts of the remote eastern Ladakh

(potential habitat for the species) were out of bounds for

many surveyors. It is also possible that those who visited the

area and saw the animal mistook it for the Red Fox, which is

widely distributed in Ladakh (Mallon 1991 ).

Our finding indicates that the fauna of Ladakh,

especially smaller animals of the lesser-known genera remain

largely unknown. In any case, although our surveys have

established the occurrence of the Tibetan Sand Fox in Ladakh,

its status and distribution in the region remain to be

documented. According to the Changpa pastoralists. Si! is

were relatively common in Changthang in the past, but the

encounter rate has declined in recent years. Moreover, unlike

in the case of Red Fox, which is well studied (Macdonald and

Reynolds 2004), there is no information available on the

reproductive and social behaviour of the Tibetan Sand Fox

throughout its range (Schaller and Ginsberg 2004). Therefore,

there is an urgent need to gather baseline information on its

status, distribution and ecological aspects, which are crucial

for developing appropriate conservation strategies. We have

plans for further surveys in the coming years in Ladakh to

assess the distribution and threats to the species.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The surveys were funded by the International Snow

Leopard Trust and the Wildlife Conservation Society.

Additional support from the Nature Conservation Foundation

and the Syracuse University is also acknowledged. We thank

Dr. C.M. Seth, Chief Wildlife Warden, Mr. JigmetTakpa and

Mr. Salim U1 Haq, Wildlife Protection Department for providing

the necessary permission to work in the Changthang Cold

Desert Wildlife Sanctuary. We also thank the Indian

Astrophysics Observatory at Hanle for providing valuable

logistical support. Assistance of Mr. Tsetan Paljor is also

gratefully acknowledged.

October 1 8, 2005 TSEWANG NAMGAIL1

SUMANTA BAGCHF 2

YASH V. BHATNAGAR1 3

'Nature Conservation Foundation,

3076/5, IV-Cross, Gokulam Park, Mysore 570 002,

Karnataka, India.

Email: [email protected]

department of Biology,

Syracuse University, 1 30 College Place,

Syracuse, NY- 13244, USA.

'International Snow Leopard Trust

(India Program)

4649 Sunnyside Avenue N„ Suite 325, Seattle,

WA-98103, USA.

R1NCHEN WANGCHUK

Snow Leopard Conservancy (India Program).

1 8030 Comstock Avenue,

Sonoma CA-95476, USA.

REFERENCES

Bhatnagar, Y.V. & R. Wangchuk (2001): Status Survey of Large

Mammals in Eastern Ladakh & Nubra. In: Conservation

Biodiversity in the Trans-Himalaya: New Initiatives for Field

Conservation in Ladakh. Unpublished Report. Wildlife Institute

of India.

Burrard, G. (1925): Big Game Hunting in the Himalayas and Tibet.

Herbert Jenkins, London.

Datta, A., J. Pansa, M.D. Madhusudan & C. Mishra (2003): Discovery

of the Leaf Deer ( Muntiacus putaoensis) in Arunachal Pradesh:

an addition to the large mammals of India. Current Science 84:

454-458.

Fox, J.L., C. Nurbu & R.S. Chundawat ( 1991 ): The mountain ungulates

of Ladakh, India. Biol. Conserv. 58: 167-190.

Ganhar, J.N. (1979): The Wildlife of Ladakh. Haramukh Publication,

Srinagar, India.

Johnsingh, A.J.T. & N. Manjrekar (Eds) (in press): Mammals of South

Asia: Ecology, Behaviour and Conservation. Permanent Black,

New Delhi, India.

Kumar, R.S., C. Mishra & A. Sinha (2005): Discovery of the Tibetan

macaque Macaca thibetana in Arunachal Pradesh, India. Current

Science 88: 1387-1388.

Macdonald, D.W. & J.C. Reynolds (2004): Red Fox Vulpes vulpes.

Pp. 129-136. In: Canids: Foxes, Wolves, Jackals and Dogs.

IUCN/SSC Canid Specialist Group, Gland, Switzerland,

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

219

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

Mallon, D P. ( 1991): Status and Conservation of Large Mammals in

Ladakh. Biol. Consent 56: 101-119.

Mani. M.S. (1974): Ecology and Biogeography in India. Dr. W. Junk

Publishers, Hague, the Netherlands.

Mishra, C., A. Datta & M.D Madhusudan (2005): Record of the

Chinese Goral Naemorhedus caudatus in Arunachal Piadesh.

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 102(2): 225-228.

Mishra, C., M.D. Madhusudan & A. Datta (in press): Mammals of

the high-altitudes of western Arunachal Pradesh, Eastern

Himalaya: an assessment of threats and conservation needs. Oryx

in press.

Mitchell, R.M. ( 1977): Accounts of Nepalese mammals and analysis

of host parasite data by computer techniques. Ph.D. dissertation.

Iowa State University.

Pfister, O. (2004): Birds and Mammals of Ladakh. Oxford University

Press, New Delhi. India.

Piao, R. (1989): Surveying the abundance of Tibetan Sand Fox in

Tibet. Chinese Wildlife 6: 22-26 (In Chinese).

Postanovicz, R. (1997): Tibetan Fox ( Vulpes ferrilata). http://

www.Lioncrusher.com/ animal. asp animal=34 ( Accessed March

23, 2005).

Schaller. G.B. (1998): Wildlife of the Tibetan steppe. Chicago

University Press, Chicago. USA.

Schaller, G.B. & J.R. Ginsberg (2004): Tibetan Fox Vulpes ferrilata.

Pp. 148-151. In: Canids: Foxes, Wolves, Jackals and Dogs.

IUCN/SSC Canid Specialist Group, Gland, Switzerland.

Sinha, A., A. Datta, M.D. Madhusudan & C. Mishra (in press): The

Arunachal macaque Macaca munzala: a new species

from western Arunachal Pradesh, northeatern India. Inti.

J. Primatol.

Stockley, G. (1936): Stalking in the Himalayas and Northern India.

Herbert Jenkins, London.

2. DOMESTIC DOG (CAN IS FAMILIARIS ):

THREAT FOR THE GOLDEN LANGUR TRACHYPITHECUS GEEI

Primates are sensitive to the risk of predation (Dunbar

1988), and both actual predation and the risk of predation

influence the behavioural strategies of the species. Primates

often fall prey to predators, especially carnivorous mammals

and birds.

The Dog (Canis familiaris) is one of the earliest

domesticated animals. It is the most common domestic animal

in the villages adjoining the forests in Assam. This poses a

threat to the wildlife.

The Golden Langur ( Trachypithecus gcei) is a restricted

range species, its distribution in India being confined to a

forest belt between river Manas in the east, Sankosh in the

west and. Brahmaputra in the south in the Indo-Bhutan Border.

Many populations of Golden Langur now live in forests

adjoining human settlements. They are compelled to move

on the ground due to the canopy gaps, where they are

vulnerable to attack by dogs.

A socio-ecological study of the Golden Langur was

carried out in Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary in Dhubri district

of Assam during 2001-2002. In this study, several aggressive

encounters between the domestic dog anti the Golden Langur

were observed. The death of an adult male and an adult female

of the same troop, due to predation by domestic dog, occurred

in Jornagara, a village on the fringe of the Chakrashila Wildlife

Sanctuary, on January 6 and on February 12, 2002. The

villagers reported a few killings of Golden Langur by domestic

dogs in the same area. Observations of aggressive

encounters between a semi-provisioned group of Golden

Langurs and domestic dogs in Umananda River Island in

Guwahati during a long-term study also support this view

(Medhi 2002).

The villagers use dogs to chase away the monkeys to

prevent crop raiding. A survey in the fringe villages of

Chakrashila Wildlife Sanctuary revealed that every year 3-4

Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatto ) also fall prey to dogs.

These incidences show the emergence of both domestic

and stray dogs as a threat to primates in general, and the

Golden Langur in particular.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We gratefully acknowledge the support from Primate

Conservation Inc.

April 1 6, 2003 DILIP CHETRY 12 3

REKHA MEDHI1 2

PC. BHATTACHARJEE1 2

'Animal Ecology and Wildlife Biology Lab.

Department of Zoology,

Gauhati University,

Guwahati, Assam 781 014, India.

2Primate Research Centre,

Northeast India, P.O. Box. 1 52,

Guwahati, Assam 78 1 00 1, India.

’Email: [email protected]

B.N. PATIRI

Divisional Forest Office,

Wildlife Division, Kokrajhar,

Govt, of Assam, Assam, India.

220

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

REFERENCES

Dunbar, R I.M. (1988): Primate Social System. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, New York.

Medhi, R. (2002): Behaviour of Golden Langur Trachypithecus geei (Khajuria 1 9^6), in a riverine island. Ph D. dissertation (Unpublished),

Gauhati University, Assam, India.

3. AN UPDATE ON THE ELEPHANTS OF INTERVIEW ISLAND

Introduction

Elephants were brought over to the Andaman Islands

for forestry operations. One such forestry operation was

carried out on Interview Island, west of Mayabunder on

Middle Andaman Island. Since the company carrying out the

operation went bankrupt, the elephants being used were

released on the island in 1962. Approximately 40 elephants

were released then (Sivaganesan 1993).

Elephants are not normally found in the Andamans.

Interview Island is predominantly evergreen and semi-

evergreen forest and has an area of 133.87 sq. km (Fig. 1)

Eel

Interview

? r-,

( V ' 9

\ l

3(

North Andaman

Middle Andaman

Fig. 1 : Map of Northern part of Andaman Islands showing

Interview Island

according to the Forest Department (Anon 1998). However,

this calculation is based on the low tide line; the area under

vegetation is around 105 sq. km. A percentage of this is under

mangrove, which is not used by elephants. Sivaganesan and

Kumar ( 1995) estimated the available habitat for elephants to

be around 70 sq. km.

In 1992, Sivaganesan and Kumar (1995) conducted a

census of these elephants using dung counts. The numbers

estimated were around 70 animals. This indicates a

phenomenal growth in population. Considerable damage to

the vegetation was recorded during this study, raising

concerns about the future of this population. I therefore carried

out another survey in 2001.

Local information gathered in December 2000 indicated

that elephants were found in herds of 5-10 individuals

(Andrews, pers. comm.). It was established that their

movements over the island was highly seasonal, with certain

areas being preferred at certain times of the year. Their

movements were also constrained by the proximity of water

since there were limited perennial waterholes on the island.

Nine major waterholes were identified on Interview Island,

and the herds moved from waterhole to waterhole. Machcms

were therefore built in January near six of these waterholes.

The survey began on February 16 and continued until

the end of March. There were 35 census days in this period.

Only the days when new individuals were sighted have been

shown in the tables. Because of the heavy rains preceding

this period, it was found that observations from machcms

were not yielding much information (since water was available

at many sites). Experienced trackers were then employed to

quarter the forests, locate individual herds and follow them

while trying to identify as many indivi ’uals as possible. It

was expected that the rate of detection of new animals would

level off as more and more were found: this did in fact happen.

No new elephants were seen after the 1 7th day.

A check sheet with the frontal and lateral views of

elephant was developed, where identifying features such as

pale patches and scars were marked. The trackers were

interviewed in-depth each day, and an understanding of

elephant movement on (he island during that period was

gained.

Grid locations were not used, since at that time there

was no accurate method of estimating precise locations on

]. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

221

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

Table 1 : Sighting of elephant groups on Interview Island during the study period

Herd Unattached adult Males

AM = Adult male, AF = Adult Female, SF = Subadult Female, JM = Juvenile Male, JF = Juvenile Female, J? = Juvenile unsexed

the island. However, names given by the local residents were

used. The age categories used were calf (0.9- 1 .2 m), juvenile

(1.2- 1.8 in), sub adult ( 1. 8-2.4 m) and adult (more than 2.4 m).

Since there were few animals and they were in herds, ambiguity

was minimized.

Table 1 shows elephant sightings over time. A total of

31 elephants were counted. No new sightings were made after

the 17lh day, and it is expected that the number will not exceed

35. The small number made individual identification possible,

hence capture-recapture analysis techniques using a few

identifiable individuals were not required.

Of the ones counted there were 5 adult males, and

10 adult females. The rest were either sub adults or juveniles.

This contrasts with Sivaganesan’s (1993) finding that there

were about 70 elephants. Figure 2 plots number of elephants

sighted against number of days of observation, and it can be

seen that the number of elephants plateaus out between 30

and 35.

The differences found between this study and

Sivaganesan’s needs to be explained. The earlier study used

dung transects combined with defecation and decay rates,

and a census for dung of only those areas that had

concentrations of elephant was conducted. This could have

biased the counts towards areas that had more elephants,

leading to the higher density count.

Since the elephants were found to be highly seasonal,

a short study would not eliminate bias due to seasonal

movement. Also, estimates based on dung introduce

variations due to individual animals and changes in diet. Their

use would best suit long-term studies, preferably after

population numbers are validated using some other method.

A second possibility is that both the methods have

yielded accurate estimates and there has been a population

decline. One possibility is that there has been poaching;

another is that the habitat has degraded and cannot support

the elephant population. In fact, there is some support for

0 10 20 30 40

Number of days censussed

Fig. 2: Number of elephants seen with days censussed

this point of view. The third possibility that elephants have

dispersed to other islands can be ruled out since there are no

new sightings on the neighbouring islands.

Of the total adult males seen, 3 were tuskers and 2 were

makhnas. The single juvenile male seen was a tusker. Sample

sizes are too small to perform meaningful analysis to see if

there is any difference. The lack of sightings of sub adult

males is probably an artefact of the small sample size.

The vegetation damage described by Sivaganesan has

now become worse. This is discussed in detail elsewhere (Ali

et al. in prep.) There was practically no bamboo, cane or

Pandanus seen anywhere on the island, and these were not

sampled in the transects. Several species of trees found

debarked during this study were not recorded as eaten earlier.

An analysis of the vegetation, which will be presented

separately, indicates that as trees die they are unlikely to

regenerate due to browsing by Chital (Axis axis) - another

introduced species.

The condition of many of these elephants seems

emaciated. These elephants are invasives and as they are

outstripping the food supply of the Island, the logical

management recommendation is their removal from the island.

Culling is one such option; translocation to the mainland

after trapping is another.

222

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This study was funded by Andaman & Nicobar Island

Environmental Team. The Department of Environment &

Forests, Andaman & Nicobar Administration commissioned

this study. Dr. Alok Saxena, Chief Wildlife Warden and

Mr. Graham Durai made facilities on Interview Island available.

Uncle Pamwint and Allen Vaughn provided company and help

in the field. Harry Andrews, Ravi Sankaran and Cheryl Nath

discussed many aspects of this study with me; I hasten to

Anon (1998): Forestry Statistics, 1997-1998. Dept, of Environment

and Forests, Andaman & Nicobar Administration, Port

Blair.

Ali, R., B. Aul & S. Krishnan (under prep): The impact of introduced

herbivores on vegetation in the Andaman Islands.

Sivaganesan, N. (1993): Report to the Andaman & Nicobar Forest

add that the views expressed are my own.

March 6, 2003 RAUF ALI

Andaman & Nicobar Island Environmental Team,

North Wandoor, South Andaman Island.

For correspondence: Post Bag 1,

Junglighat P.O., Port Blair 744 103,

Andaman Islands, India.

Email: [email protected]

Department. SACON. 1993.

Sivaganesan, N. & Ajith Kumar (1995): Status of feral elephants in

Andamans. Pp. 97-119. In: A Week with Elephants:

Proceedings of the International Seminar on the Conservation

of Asian Elephants (Edited by Daniel, J.C. & Hemant Datye).

Bombay Natural History Society.

4. STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION OF GREY GORAL (NAEMORHEDUS GORAL) AND

SEROW (CAPRICORNIS SUMATRAENSIS) IN KUMAON HIMALAYAS,

UTTARANCHAL, INDIA

Introduction

Of the three species of goat antelopes in India, the

Grey Goral ( Naemorhedus goral ) and the Serow ( Capricomis

sumatraensis ) - are found in Kumaon Himalayas ( Prater 1 997 ).

The Grey Goral is widely distributed from low to medium

altitude, while the Serow is restricted to higher altitude zones.

The Kumaon Himalayas comprising Almora, Pithorgarh and

Naimtal districts in Uttar Pradesh, India, cover an area of

about 21,000 sq. km, (28° 43' 55" -30° 30' 12" N and 78° 44' 30"-

80° 45" E) (Fig. 1)- They were once covered with extensive

tracts of oak forest (Quercits spp.), but clearance of forest

and changes in land use pattern by man during the last two

centuries have led to the fragmentation of the oak forest.

Large areas have been replaced either with Chir Pine ( Pinus

roxburghii ) or terrace cultivation.

The large-scale changes in the Kumaon Himalayas have

impacted the animal community, especially the goat antelopes.

The populations of goat antelopes have been confined to

small oak patches and no information is available on the

present status and distribution of the two species in Kumaon

Himalayas. Considering this we conducted extensive surveys

throughout the Kumaon Himalayas to document the present

status of the Grey Goral and the Serow in extant oak patches.

Study area

The Kumaon Himalayas present a variety of habitat

types ranging from moist deciduous forests at lower

altitudes in the Siwalik hills to alpine meadows at higher

reaches of the Himalayan mountains. Extensive tracts of

Fig. 1 : Map showing location of the surveyed sites

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

223

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

Shorea robusta (Sal) forest dominate the Siwalik hills and

extend up to an altitude of 1200 m (Saxena etal. 1985). Beyond

this, pine forests dominate the landscape up to 2400 m.

Oak forests occur at middle altitude of Himalayan hills,

between 1 300 m and 3200 m. The temperate broad leaf forest

that includes species such as Taxus baccara , Tsuga dumosa

and Betula utilis occur between 3200 m and 3500 m, above

this altitude lies the alpine zone dominated by shrubs and

grasses.

Methodology

Nineteen sites were selected in Kumaon for

investigating the current status of goat antelopes (Fig. 1 ).

Surveys were conducted during pre- and post-monsoon in

1997. The data collected on the status and distribution of

ungulate species included direct sightings and indirect

evidences such as pellet groups along the existing forest

trails. The length of forest trails varied from 1-1.5 km. During

the surveys, at each site, existing forest trails were monitored

on a daily basis in morning hours to gather data on the status

of different ungulate species. Since direct sightings of

animals were few, data on pellet groups along the forest trails

were also collected. Pellet groups of each species were

counted in 10 in radius circular plot established at 100 m

intervals. These plots were established at 10 m on either side

of the trails to avoid sampling of relatively disturbed

vegetation along the trails. A total of 634 such plots were

sampled in 19 sites. Pellet groups of the two species (Grey

Goral and Serow) were distinguished on the basis of shape,

size and colour, which differed markedly between the

species.

The sightings of different ungulate species were

used to calculate encounter rates in terms of 100 hours

of observations. The number of pellet groups for each

species in each plot was used to calculate pellet group density

(pellet groups/ha ±SE) for each species using the

formula:

No of pellet groups

Pellet group density /ha = x 1 0.000

Plot area

Grey Goral: The direct sighting of the Grey Goral was

recorded from 5 surveyed sites and indirect evidences from

1 3 sites (Table 1 ). Grey Goral encounter rate was highest in

Kunjakharak (54.5 groups/100 hours) followed by Binsar

( 17.81 ), Binayak(9.5), Maheshkhan (7.8) and Gandhura(5.08).

Pellet group density of goral was highest at Kunjakharak

(68.4 ±19.0) and lowest at Gandhura ( 1 .03 ±1.0). The overall

pellet group density was 8.8 ±0.64. Grey Goral prefer open

cliffs and steep grassy slopes, they predominantly graze,

and sometimes feed on herbs and acorns of Oak (Quercus

sp.) (Orus 2001 ).

Serow: We did not have direct sighting of the Serow,

but pellet groups were recorded from three sites:

Sunderdhunga, Pindari and Munsiyari. It lives solitarily or in

pairs and is generally encountered in birch forest above the

pine zone. It prefers high altitude with low tree cover, but

good shrub ground cover. Pellet group density was highest

( 1 2.0 ±6.3) at Sunderdhunga and lowest (2.38 ± 1 .7) at Pindari.

Overall pellet group density was 0.88 ±0.64. Serow is regularly

poached for meat.

The Serow occurs at higher altitude areas (> 1850 m)

and therefore has restricted distribution in Pindari,

Sunderdhunga and Munsiyari. The Grey Goral, whose

distribution covers low and middle altitude areas, has

disappeared from certain patches. In general, however, there

were very few direct sightings of both the species, which

suggests very low density of these species. While changes

in land use pattern have drastically reduced the distribution

of goat antelopes species, the extremely low density in the

forest patches has been due to high poaching pressure.

During the surveys, poaching was found to be common

Table 1 : Direct sightings and pellet group density

(pellet groups/ha ±SE) of Grey Goral and Serow recorded at

different sites surveyed in Kumaon Himalaya

Status = *= direct sightings

224

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

throughout Kumaon, including in established protected areas

(Khan 1998).

Conservation problem: Due to excessive dependency of

the local people on oak patches for fuel wood, fodder and timber,

the forests are getting degraded and are shrinking in size.

Moreover, the pine forests are encroaching the oak forests,

which is not a good sign for the Grey Goral and the Serow

habitat.

The other major threat is poaching of wildlife, which is

widespread throughout Kumaon. Poaching is highest in the

Sunderdhunga, Pindari and Munsiyari areas where locals hunt

the Grey Goral and the Serow for meat. In Pithorgarh district,

hunting pressure is very high towards the Askot Wildlife

Sanctuary, as international boundaries with Nepal and Tibet

meet in this area. This is also an old trade route. These routes

are still being utilised for poaching animals such as Musk

Deer Moschus chrysogaster (Hodgson) and the Himalayan

Black Bear Ursus thibetanus (G. Cuvier.)

Conservation strategy: In Kumaon Himalayas, there

are only two wildlife sanctuaries, i.e. Binsar and Askot, which

together cover about 645 sq. km. Both sanctuaries have very

high anthropogenic pressures. Binsar is just 45 sq. km in size.

Both sanctuaries conserve only the Grey Goral leaving the

Serow unprotected. In order to conserve both species, the

protected area coverage must be increased. Areas such as

Kilbary, Binayak and Kunjakharak in Nainital and Pindari and

Sunderdhunga region in Almora district have very high

conservation potential and therefore should be declared as

protected areas. There is also a need for placing some

regulation on cutting and lopping of trees and grazing. A

better control of poaching in the remaining unprotected oak

patches is also needed.

June 9, 2003 ORUS ILYAS'

JAMAL A. KHAN

Conservation Ecology Research Group,

Department of Wildlife Sciences,

Aligarh Muslim University,

Aligarh 202 002, Uttar Pradesh,

India.

'For correspondence: 33/28 Rajpura Road,

Civillines, Delhi 1 10054, India.

Email: [email protected]

REFERENCES

Khan, J.A. (1998): Conserving biodiversity: The Himalayan challenge.

WWF India Network Newsletter 9(3): 5-10.

Orus, I. (2001): Status and distribution of ungulates in

Kumaon Himalayas with special reference to aspects of

ecology of goral Naemorhedus goral and Barking Deer

Muntiacus muntjak , Kumaon Himalayas. India. Unpublished

thesis, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, UP. India.

281 pp.

Prater, S.H. (1997): The Book of Indian Animals. Bombay Natural

History Society, Mumbai. 324 pp.

Saxena, A.K., T. Pandey & J.S. Singh (1985): Altitudinal vanation in

the vegetation of Kumaon Himalayas. Pp. 45-65. In: Perspective

m Environment Botany (Ed: Raoreval, D.N.). Print House,

Lucknow.

5. RECORD OF THE CHINESE GORAL NAEMORHEDUS CAUDATUS

IN ARUNACHAL PRADESH1

Introduction

Ungulates are believed to be amongst the best

documented taxa of large wildlife, with only ten new species

being described between 1930 and 1994 (Pine 1994). Yet, the

past decade saw a spate of ungulate discoveries in Southeast

Asia, with four species new to science being described

between 1994 and 1998 (Schaller and Vrba 1996; Giao etal.

1998; Rabinowitz etal. 1998; Amato et al. 1999). These new

discoveries reflect the hitherto poor status of exploration and

documentation of wildlife in the remote Southeast Asian

forests. In India, the wildlife of the northeastern state

Arunachal Pradesh (26° 28'- 29° 30’ N and 91° 30'- 97° 30' E;

83,743 sq. km) has remained poorly documented. One of our

surveys in 2002 recorded the Leaf Deer Muntiacus putaoensis

in Arunachal (Datta et al. 2003), a new species that was first

found in the adjoining forests of Myanmar in 1 997 ( Rabinowitz

etal. 1998; Amato etal. 1999). This record of the Leaf Deer in

the mid-elevation forests of Eastern Arunachal is so far the

only new addition to the list of large mammals of the Indian

subcontinent in the last century (Datta et al. 2003).

Arunachal Pradesh is situated in the transition zone

between the Himalayan and Indo-Burmese regions (Mam

1974; Rodgers and Panwar 1988). The entire state is part of

the Eastern Himalayan global biodiversity hotspot

(Mittermeier et al. 1 998; Myers et al. 2000) as well as among

the 200 globally important eco regions (Olson and Dinerstein

1998). Most wildlife surveys in Arunachal have so far been

restricted to low and mid-elevation forests ( Katti et al. 1 992;

Athreya et al. 1997; Kumar and Singh 1999; Pawar and Bi rand

2001; Datta et al. 2003). Apart from a recent survey of

1 Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

225

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

pheasants in mid-elevation and alpine areas that led to the

discovery of a possibly new species of pheasant (Kumar and

Singh 1999), the status and occurrence of high altitude

(> 3000 m) wildlife remains largely unknown. This is so despite

the fact that 23% of the State’s land area is at elevations over

3000 m.

We undertook a biological expedition to the high

altitude areas of Western Arunachal with the objective to

make an inventory of wildlife, and identify areas for possible

designation as wildlife reserves. The survey, conducted in

August-September 2003, covered almost the entire high

altitude areas of Tawang and West Kameng districts. Here,

we report a significant finding of the survey: the occurrence

of the Chinese Goral Naemorhedus caudatus (also called

Long-tailed Goral) in western Arunachal Pradesh. Choudhury

(2003) had earlier reported the Chinese Goral as a subspecies

of Himalayan goral N. goral caudatus from eastern and north-

eastern Arunachal Pradesh - the Mishmi Hills and Patkai

Range, in the districts of Dibang Valley, Lohit, Changlang

and Tirap". This record of the Chinese goral from western

Arunachal Pradesh makes our survey region, the high

altitudes of Tawang and West Kameng districts the only

known region in the world to harbour all the three extant

species of goral.

Goral

Goral is a goat-like animal with sturdy legs adapted for

jumping and climbing. The adult body mass varies between

20-30 kg, with a head and body length of 105- 1 50 cm and 58-

70 cm at the shoulder (Prater 1971; Roberts 1977; Zhang

1987; Zhiwotschenko 1990; Corbet and Hill 1992). Sexes are

similar in size and build, and have slender, backward

curving, sharp pointed horns with small closely spaced

annulations. Average horn length ranges from 11-15 cm, and

sometimes up to 23.5 cm (Prater 1971;Roberts 1977; Schaller

1977; Mishra a/. 1998). Horns of males are slightly thicker

at the base and are more divergent compared to females.

Goral is known to inhabit a wide altitudinal range from

sea level up to 4500 m, though it is mostly restricted to

relatively steep, open grassy slopes (Mishra and Johnsingh,

in press).

There was considerable confusion in the taxonomy of

goral until Groves and Grubb (1985) proposed the currently

followed classification (Shackleton and Lovari 1997), which

recognizes three extant species based on morphology. The

Himalayan Goral N. goral occurs in the Himalayas and

northeast India (spreading over India, Pakistan, Nepal, China,

Bhutan and Myanmar), the Red Goral N. baileyi is restricted

to a relatively small area of Arunachal Pradesh, Southeast

China and Northern Myanmar, and the Chinese or Long-tailed

Goral N. caudatus is found in China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos,

North and South Korea, and the Russian Federation

(Shackleton 1997). Both the Himalayan and Chinese goral are

known to feed predominantly on grass (Zhiwotschenko 1990;

Mishra and Johnsingh 1996).

Goral in Arunachal Pradesh

The Himalayan and Red Goral are known to occur in

Arunachal Pradesh. Recently, Choudhury (2003) has reported

the Chinese Goral from eastern Arunachal Pradesh, though

we have so far not recorded the species in our surveys in the

eastern district of Changlang and Tirap (unpublished data).

During the present survey we found that the Red Goral and

Himalayan Goral are commonly hunted in Tawang and West

Kameng. The Monpa herders often make coarse jackets and

trousers of Himalayan Goral hide, which are apparently very

effective against rain and cold. Each garment requires skins

of two adult goral, which can be purchased from hunters for

c. Rs. 300 each. Although we did not sight the Himalayan

Goral during our survey (largely because we were surveying

areas above 3000 m; the species is relatively more common in

lower altitudes), we saw several skins with hunters, and with

herders who were wearing them. One of us (CM), accompanied

by two hunters, sighted two Red Goral in Phurgang (Fig. 1 ) in

West Kameng district. The goral were seen along a cliff at an

altitude of 4 1 00 m. We observed them from below at a distance

of 300 m, and since they were silhouetted against the sky, we

were unable to ascertain whether they were Himalayan or Red

Goral. However, the hunters accompanying us as guides were

positive that they were Red Goral, having killed one in the

same site a few months back. We also saw fresh signs of

Takin Budorcas taxicolor and Musk Deer Moschus sp. in

this area.

Two of us (CM and AD) spotted the Chinese Goral,

about 3 km from Thingbu village (Fig. 1), in the Mago Chu

Valley of Tawang district, while on the trail between Mago

village and Thingbu. We first saw an adult male feeding in an

open, steep grassy patch within Fir Abies densa forest at an

altitude of 3000 m. The animal was dark chocolate in colour,

except for the lower limbs, which were rufous. It had a small

but distinct white patch on the throat. The dorsal side of

the neck and shoulder had a black patch, which tapered to

become the dorsal stripe, extending till the base of the tail.

The tail was longer and relatively bushy compared to

Himalayan Goral. After about 20 minutes, a female and a

young joined the male, both of which had a relatively

lighter coat colour. We watched this herd for another

15 minutes with binoculars, from a distance of c. 600 m,

when they slowly disappeared out of sight behind some fir

trees.

226

1 Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

92.0“ 92.5“ 93.0“

N. caudatus was seen near Thingbu

Conservation Status

The Red and Chinese goral are categorized as

‘Vulnerable’ in the IUCN’s Red List of Threatened Species

(IUCN 2000). The Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 does

not list the Red Goral under any of its schedules (Anon

2003), however. Schedule III of the Act lists the Himalayan

Goral ( Naemorhedus goral ) and N. hodgsoni. The Himalayan

Goral has two subspecies, N. goral hodgsoni denotes the

eastern subspecies (Groves and Grubb 1985); N. goral

hedfordi is the Western Himalayan subspecies. Schedule III

of the Indian Wildlife Act covers only the Himalayan Goral,

and the reference to N. hodgsoni can be deleted from it to

avoid confusion. More importantly, we recommend the

immediate inclusion of the Red and Chinese Goral in Schedule

I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act. These species are of

global conservation concern, and it is only appropriate that

they are accorded the highest protection status under the

Indian law.

Apart from China, India is the only other country to

harbour all three currently recognized species of goral. In

fact, the Mago Chu Valley of Tawang, along with adjoining

areas of West Kameng district, is perhaps the only known

region in the world to have all the three goral species. The

area also has two other goat antelopes Takin Budorcas

taxicolor and Serow Naemorhedus sumatraensis. The present

study has also established the occurrence of other rare and

threatened wildlife in this region, such as the Snow Leopard

Uncia uncia , Dhole Cuon alpinus , Musk Deer Moschus sp.,

Bharal Pseudois nayaur , and the Himalayan Marmot Marmota

himalayana. Most of these species are currently hunted in

this region. Establishment of community awareness and

conservation programmes and designation of a protected area

that is locally appropriate (such as a conservation or

community reserve) are required urgently to safeguard the

future of this fascinating wildlife assemblage of Western

Arunachal Pradesh.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This expedition was possible due to financial support

from the Rufford Foundation and the Van Tienhoven

Foundation. Our sincere thanks to Josh Cole, Herbert Prins,

and H.P Nooteboom. We are also grateful to Shri. S.K. Raha,

CCF-Wildlife, Arunachal Pradesh for permission to conduct

this survey and for his support and encouragement. Special

thanks to Shri Pekyom Ringu, DCF-Wildlife for his interest,

help and advice. We also thank Shri Omak Apang and Dr. K.

Haridasan for their interest and help. Shri Dorje Norbu, Jimmy

Gyatso, Dorje Dargey, Sangey and numerous other guides

and porters made the expedition possible. We would like to

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

227

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

thank all of them as well as the residents of the surveyed

areas for their support, hospitality, and for sharing their

knowledge with us.

December 2, 2003 CHARUDUTT MISHRA1 2

APARAJITA DATTA1

M.D. MADHUSUDAN1

'Nature Conservation Foundation,

3076/5, IV Cross Gokulam Park,

Mysore 570 002, Karnataka, India,

■international Snow Leopard Trust,

4649 N. Sunnyside Avenue,

Suite 325, Seattle, WA 98 1 03, USA.

Email: [email protected]

REFERENCES

Amato, G., M.G Egan & A.R. Rabinowitz (1999): A new species of

muntjac, Muntiacus putaoensis ( Artiodactyla, Cervidae) from

northern Myanmar. Animal Conservation 2: 1-7.

Anon. (2003): The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 as amended up to

2003. Natraj Publishers, Dehradun, India. 158 pp.

Athreya, R.M., A.S. Captain & V.R. Athreya ( 1997): A faunal survey

of Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh, India.

Unpublished Report.

Choudhury, A. (2003): The mammals of Arunachal Pradesh. Regency

Publications, New Delhi. 79 pp.

Corbet. G.E. & J.E. Hill (1992): The mammals of the Indonralayan

region: a systematic review. Oxford University Press, New York.

488 pp.

Datta, A.. J. Pansa, M.D. Madhusudan & C. Mishra (2003): Discovery

of the Leaf Deer Muntiacus putaoensis in Arunachal Pradesh:

an addition to the large mammals of India. Current Science 84:

101-103.

Giao, P.M., D. Tuoc, V.V. Dung, E.D. Wikramanayake, G. Amato,

P. Arctander & J.R. Mackinnon (1998): Description of

Muntiacus truongsonensis , a new species of muntjac

(Artiodactyla: Muntiacidae) from Central Vietnam, and

implications for conservation. Animal Conservation 1: 61-68.

Groves, C.P & P. Grubb (1985): Reclassification of the serows and

gorals ( Nemorhaedus : Bovidae) In: The Biology and

Management of Mountain Ungulates (Ed.: S. Lovari). Croom

Helm, London. Pp. 45-50.

IUCN (2000): 2000 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (with CD-

ROM). IUCN, Gland.

Katti, M., P. Singh. N. Manjrekar, D. Sharma & S. Mukherjee (1992):

An ornithological survey in eastern Arunachal Pradesh, India.

Forktail 7: 75-89.

Kumar, S. & P. Singh (1999): A study on pheasant distributions in

Arunachal Pradesh, Eastern Himalaya. India. Unpublished

report. Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun

Mani. M.S. (1974): Ecology and Biogeography in India. Dr. W. Junk

b.v. Publishers, The Hague.

Mishra. C. & A.J.T. Johnsingh (1996): On habitat selection by the

goral Nemorhaedus goral bedfordi (Bovidae, Artiodactyla).

Journal of Zoology [Loud.) 240: 573-580.

Mishra, C. & A.J.T. Johnsingh (in press): Goral Nemorhaedus goral.

In: Mammals of South Asia: Behaviour, Ecology and

Conservation (Eds. Johnsingh, A.J.T. & N. Manjrekar).

Permanent Black, New Delhi.

Mishra, C..T.R.S. Raman, & A.J.T. Johnsingh (1998): Hunting, habitat

and conservation of rupicaprines in Mizoram, northeast India.

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 95: 215-220.

Mittermeier, R.A., N. Myers, J.B. Thomsen, G.A.B. da Fonseca & S.

Olivieri (1998): Biodiversity hotspots and major tropical

wilderness areas: approaches to setting conservation priorities.

Conservation Biology 12: 516-520.

Myers, N., R.A. Mittermeier, C.A. Mittermeier. G.A.B. da Fonseca,

& J. Kent (2000): Biodiversity hotspots for conservation

priorities. Nature 403: 853-858.

Olson, D.M. & E. Dinerstein (1998): The global 200: a representation

approach to conserving the Earth’s most biologically valuable

ecoregions. Consen’ation Biology 12: 502-515.

Pawar, S.S. & A. Birand (2001 ): A survey of amphibians, reptiles, and

birds in Northeast India. CERC Technical Report No. 6. Nature

Conservation Foundation, Mysore, India.

Pine, R.H. ( 1994): New mammals not so seldom. Nature 368: 593.

Prater, S.H. (1971): The Book of Indian Animals. Bombay Natural

History Society, Bombay. 324 pp.

Rabinowitz. A.R., G. Amato & S.T. Khaing (1998): The discovery of

the Black Muntjac, Muntiacus crinifrons, in northern Myanmar.

Mammalia 62: 105-108.

Roberts.T.J. ( 1977): The Mammals of Pakistan. Ernest Benn, London

& Tonbridge. 361 pp.

Rodgers, W.A. & H.S. Panwar (1988): Planning a wildlife protected

area network in India (Volume I & II ). A report prepared for the

Department of Environment, Forests & Wildlife, Government

of India. Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun.

Schaller.G.B. (1977): Mountain Monarchs Wild Sheep and Goats

of the Himalaya. The University of Chicago Press, Chicago.

425 pp.

Schaller, G.B. & E.S. Vrba (1996): Description of the Giant Muntjac

iMegamuntiacus vuquangensis) in Laos. Journal of Mammalogy

77: 675-683.

Shackleton, D.M. (1997): Wild sheep and goats and their relatives:

status survey and conservation action plan for Caprinae. IUCN,

Gland.

Shackleton, D.M. & S. Lovari (1997): Classification adopted for the

Caprinae survey. In: Wild Sheep and Goats and Their Relatives:

Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan for Caprinae IUCN,

Gland. Pp. 9-16

Zhang, C. ( 1987): Nemorhaedus cranbrooki Hayman. In: The Biology

and Management of Capricomis and Related Mountain Antelopes

(Ed.: Soma H.). Croom Helm, Pp. 213-220

Zhiwotschenko, V. ( 1990): Gorals (genus Nemorhaedus). In: Grzimek’s

Encyclopedia of Mammals. Vol. 5 McGraw Hill Publishing

Company, New York. Pp. 506-507.

6. CHARAKLA SALTPANS: A HAVEN FOR BLACK-NECKED GREBE

PODICEPS NIGR1COLLIS BREHM

During a survey of coastal birds from January I 1-14,

2003, we counted 1,432 Black-necked Grebes Podiceps

nigricollis at four sites (Table 1) in Jamnagar and Porbandar

districts of Gujarat. The highest concentration of about 1 ,400

228

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

Table 1 : Count of Black-necked Grebes during January 2003, Gujarat

grebes was recorded at Charakla Saltpans, near Dwarka

(22° 14' N, 69° 01' E); the grebes were seen in the saltpan in three

groups of 1 000, 375 and 30 individuals each. Grebes observed at

the other three sites were found either singly or in pairs.

We also saw one white coloured Black-necked Grebe,

with some black splashes on the head and sides of its body,

amongst a group of thousand birds at Charakla Saltpans. The

white grebe was at ease with the other grebes with normal

plumage and was also seen diving occasionally like its

conspecifics.

The highest concentration of Black-necked Grebes (201 )

was first reported in December 1996 from Charakla Saltpans

(Parasharya et al. 1998). Earlier, about 50 grebes (Balar and

Balar 1999) had been spotted on January 10, 1996; and

Bhaskaran (1996) had spotted about 51 grebes in October

1996. Since 1996, significantly higher concentrations of grebes

have been observed every year at the same site by the

birdwatchers of Gujarat. Balar and Balar ( 1999) reported about

800-1000 grebes in January 1999; they had taken several

photographs, one of which was published in the Times of

REFE

Balar, R.B. & R. Balar ( 1999): Charaklanu Pakshilirth. Vihang 3: 10

(in Gujarati).

Bhaskaran, S.T. ( 1996): Black-necked Grebes and Great Crested Grebes

in Gujarat. Newsletter for Birdwatchers 36(6): 1 14.

Grimmei i. R., C. Inskipp & T. Inskipp (1998): Birds of the Indian

Subcontinent. Oxford University Press, Delhi.

Kazmierczak, K. (2000): A Field Guide to the Birds of India. Om Book

India dated June 26, 1999.

Two hundred and fifty birds represent 1%

biogeographical population of Black-necked Grebe (Wetlands

International 2002). A site becomes internationally important

if it supports more than 1 % biogeographical population of

any one species of waterfowl regularly. Charakla Saltpans

seems to be an internationally important site for Black-necked

Grebe as it has supported high concentrations of the species

on a regular basis since 1 996.

All the present sightings are on the Gulf of Kachchh

(Jamnagar district) or in its vicinity (Porbandar district).

Parasharya and Mukherjee (1998) had also reported

concentration of grebes around these two districts. Grimmett

et al. (1998) and Kazmierczak (2000) have reported regular

occurrence of grebes along the coast of the Gulf of Kachchh.

Hence, all the saltpans along the southern coast of the Gulf

of Kachchh should be checked for the occurrence of Black-

necked Grebe.

May 23, 2003 ANIKA JADHAV

B.M. PARASHARYA

AINP on Agricultural Ornithology,

Gujarat Agricultural University,

Anand, Gujarat 388 1 10, India.

BHARAT RUGHANI

5, Wadi Plot. Bharatnivas,

Porbandar, Gujarat 360 575,

India.

Service, New Delhi.

Parasharya, B.M. & Aeshita Mukherjee ( 1998): A record number of

Black-necked Grebe Podiceps nigricollis from Gujarat.

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 95: 335-336.

Wetlands International (2002): Waterbird Population Estimates -

Third Edition. Wetlands International Global Series No. 12,

Wegeningen. The Netherlands.

7. MIGRATION OF BLACK-EARED OR LARGE INDIAN KITE MILVUS MIGRANS

LINEATUS (GRAY) FROM MONGOLIA TO NORTH-EASTERN INDIA

The Black-eared or Large Indian Kite Milvus migrans

lineatus (Gray) is regarded as a resident with unclear

abundance in Assam (Choudhury 2000) while the subspecies

govinda is among the most abundant birds. Ah and Ripley

( 1987) had quoted Baker (FBI No. 1788, Vol. 5: l24)aboutits

breeding in the hills, south of the Brahmaputra river and

mentioned that elsewhere in India (excluding extreme south)

it is a winter visitor in small numbers. On migration they stated,

referring Frank Ludlow (Ibis 1 937: 493), coming from north

through Bhutan on September 5. Thus, little data is available

on its migration.

A single specimen of Milvus migrans lineatus was

captured live by a villager near Loktak Lake in Manipur on

October 22, 2001 . It was near Mayong Imphal (24° 36' N, 93°

54' E) towards east of the lake at an elevation of 790 m above

msl. Efforts to buy the bird and release it back did not succeed

as the owner refused to sell it. The bird had a ring marked

“Hiddensee Germania EA 096970”. After a lot of

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

229

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

communication, I learnt that the bird was ringed in Mongolia

at44.25°N, 105.19° E, as a nestling on July 18, 2001 on an Elm

( Ulmus ) by Prof. Dr. Michael Stubbe from the University of

Halle, Germany.

This was perhaps the first concrete evidence of

migration of Milvus migrans lineatus from Mongolia to India.

I thank Dr. R.K. Ranjan Singh of Manipur University

for locating the ringed bird and informing me. I also thank

Jessica Scheider of Frankfurt for confirming the Mongolian

information.

April 3, 2003 ANWARUDDIN CHOUDHURY

The Rhino Foundation for Nature in NE India,

c/o Assam Co., Ltd.,

Bamunimaidam,

Guwahati781 021, Assam,

India.

Email: [email protected]

REFERENCES

Au, S. & S.D. Ripley (1987): Compact Handbook of the Birds of India New Delhi.

and Pakistan together with those of Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan Choudhury, A.U. (2000): The Birds of Assam. Gibbon Books & WWF-

and Sri Lanka. Second edition. Oxford University Press, India NERO, Guwahati.

8. MAMMALIAN PREY SPECIES OF THE FOREST OWLET

HETEROGLAUX BLEWITTI HUME

The Forest Owlet (Heteroglaux blewitti) is one of the

least known endemic birds of India. It was considered to be

extinct for 1 1 3 years until its rediscovery in Toranmal Reserve

Forest in Maharashtra (King and Rasmussen 1998). Little

has been published on the diet of the Forest Owlet

(Rasmussen and Ishtiaq 1999; Ishtiaq et al. 2002). Earlier

studies on the foraging ecology of the Forest Owlet reveal

that its food consists of 58.8% skink and other lizards, 1 5.8%

field mice and rats, 2.3% birds, 1.8% grasshoppers, 0.6%

caterpillars, 0.6% frogs and 20.5% unidentified prey item

(Ishtiaq et al. 2002). However, according to the pellet

analysis by Jathar and Rahmani (2002), insects is the main

diet of the Forest Owlet (41%) followed by mammals (36%),

reptiles (16%) and remaining (7%) comprised of birds,

arachnids and amphibians. Information on mammalian prey

species of the Forest Owlet is anecdotal. The primary aim of

this note is to describe mammalian prey species of the

Forest Owlet.

The study was conducted in Toranmal Reserve Forest

of Shahada taluk , in Nandurbar district, Maharashtra,

India. The study area lies between 21° 47' N and 74° 28' E to

21° 49' N and 74° 29' E, at an altitude of 450 m to 550 m.

Toranmal lies in the Akram hills of west Satpura mountain

ranges.

The Forest Owlet is found in open wooded habitat near

stream beds dominated by Teak and other tree species such

as Boswellia serrata, Anogeissus latifolia , Lanea grandis,

Lagerstroemia parvifolia interspersed with low lying bushes

and grass.

Pellets were collected regularly from four pairs at four

different locations for seventeen months (November 2001 to

June 2003). The location coordinates, altitude and numbers

of pellets were recorded. All the pellets were collected from a

diurnal roost of Forest Owlet. Efforts were made to collect a

large number of pellets and care was taken to avoid collection

of pellets of other owl species. All pellets were sun-dried,

numbered and kept in polythene bags, with collection

data.

The pellets were dissected using standard techniques

(Yalden and Morris 1990). The material was segregated

according to class: arachnids, insects, amphibians, reptiles,

birds and mammals. Prey items were identified to the finest

possible taxonomic level at the Zoological Survey of

India, Pune by the second and third author. Jawbone and

skull pieces showing key characters like molars, incisors,

nasals, pallet, mandibles were used for identifying mammals

up to species level, using Corbet and Hill (1992) and

Agrawal (2000).

230

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

Table 1: Percentage occurrence and biomass of the mammalian prey species of the Forest Owlet found in pellets (n= 193)

Species No. of Frequency of Total

individuals occurrence frequency

(a)

* Weights of all insectivores were taken from BNHS collection records and weights of all rodents were taken from Ellerman (1961)

Analysis of the 37 1 pellets revealed a diet comprising

574 prey items of which 193 were small mammals. Thus,

mammals accounted for 33.62% of the prey. Altogether

eight species of rodents (mice and rat) and three species

of insectivores (shrews) were recorded from the pellets.

89 samples of mice Mus could not be identified up to species

level and 46 samples were not identified due to lack of

jawbones and skulls.

Prey frequency and prey biomass

Mus spp. were the most frequent prey of the Forest

Owlet during the study period. Suncus stoliczkanus was the

second most frequent prey followed by Mus booduga and

Suncus etruscus (Table 1 ).

Though relative abundance of prey species within the

Forest Owlets territory was not estimated, it appears that small

mammals especially Mus spp. were hunted in proportion to

their relative abundance. Studies on the Barn Owl Tyto alba

(Evans and Emlen 1974) have shown that the change in

consumption of prey is related to the periodic change in the

population of the prey species. The relationship between

rainfall and population increase in rodents and their relative

consumption by Barn Owls has been shown by Debrot et. al.

2001.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We express our gratitude to the Ministry of Environment

and Forests, Government of India for funding this project.

We specially thank Mr. S.H. Patil, Deputy Conservator of

Forest, North Dhule division for his great help. We also thank

Dr. Anil S. Mahabal, Jt. Director and Officer-in-charge

Zoological Survey of India, Pune, for providing facilities. We

thank Mr. Naresh Chaturvedi, Curator BNHS and Mr. Vithoba

Hegde for their kind cooperation. We also thank Mr. Bharat

Raut (driver) and Mr. Sayasing Vasave (field assistant) for

their outstanding help during data collection.

July 22, 2005 G.A. JATHAR1

S.S. TALMALE2

M.S. PRADHAN2

A.R. RAHMANP

'Bombay Natural History Society, Hombill House,

S.B. Singh Road. Mumbai 400023, Maharashtra, India.

Email: [email protected]. in

2Zoological Survey of India,

Sector 29, Rawet Road, Vidyanagar, Near Akurdi Rly.

Stn. PCNTDA Post, Pune 41 1044, Maharashtra, India.

Email: [email protected]

1 Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

231

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

REFERENCES

Agrawal. V. C. (2000): Taxonomic studies on Indian Muridae and

Hystricidae (Mammalia : Rodentia). Rec. zool. Sum. India, Occ.

Paper No. 1 80. Director, Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata.

Corbet, G.B. & J.E. Hill ( 1992): The Mammals of the Indomalayan

Region. Oxford University Press. UK.

Debrot, A.O., J. A. de Freits, A. Brouwer & M.V.M. Kooy (2001):

The Curacao Barn Owl : Status and diet. 1987-1989. Caribbean

Journal of science 37(3 <£ 4): 185-193.

Ellerman, J R. (1961 ): The Fauna of India including Pakistan, Burma

and Ceylon. Mammalia ( 2nd edition) Vol 3, (Part 1 & II), ZS1

Calcutta. Pub. Manager of Publications, Delhi.

Evans, F.C. & J. T. Emlen Jr. (1974): Ecological notes on the prey

selected by a Barn Owl. Condor 49: 3-9.

Ishtiaq, F., PC. Rasmussen & A.R. Rahmani (2002): Ecology and

behaviour of the Forest Owlet. Pp. 80-88. In: Ecology and

Conservation of Owls (Eds: Newton, L, R. Kavanagh, J. Olson

and I. Taylor). CSIRO publishing, Australia. 363 pp.

Jathar, GA. & A.R. Rahmani (2002): Ecological studies on the Forest

Spotted Owlet Athene ( Heteroglaux ) blewitti. P' Annual report,

Bombay Natural History Society. 38 pp.

King, B.F. & PC. Rasmussen (1998): The rediscovery of the Forest

Owlet Athene ( Heteroglaux ) blewitti. Forkrail 14: 51-53.

Rasmussen, PC. & F. Ishtiaq (1999): Vocalization and behaviour of the

Forest Owlet Athene ( Hetroglaux ) blewitti. Forktail 15: 41-49.

Yalden, D.W. & P.A. Morris (1990): The analysis of owl pellets.

Mamnud Society, Occ. Publ. No. 13: 1-24. London, UK.

9. SIGHTING OF LONG-EARED OWL (ASIO OTUS ) IN BANNI REGION

OF KACHCHH DISTRICT, GUJARAT, INDIA

The Long-eared Owl Asia otus is an uncommon winter

visitor to India (Kazmierczak and Singh 1998). On January 17,

2000, we were surveying in the Andaui village of Banni region

of Kachchh, Gujarat, close to the Greater Rann, for rare and

endangered plants. Standing on a dry village pond, one of us

(JJ) saw something that resembled a dead stump of a branch

among the foliage of one of the Acacia nilotica trees. On a

closer look, we found it to be a bird, and that too an owl.

The owl was brownish orange in colour, with heavy

streaks on the breast, belly and flanks, and to some extent on

the upper parts. It had long ear tufts with an orange brown

facial disc and orangish brown eyes.

On scanning the other trees nearby, we spotted three

more birds. They were perched on branches close to the main

trunk. The average height of the trees was 3 m. The birds

were perched between 1 m to 2.5 m from the ground, with

dense cover on all sides. The canopy was very dense, as the

branches of the trees had grown after the villagers had lopped

them. These have probably given them adequate protection

and cover from disturbance, especially from crows. We could

approach the edge of the canopy (< 2m) without disturbing

the birds.

The Long-eared Owl is listed in Appendix A in the birds

of kutch (Ali 1945). Ali has mentioned that sightings of this

bird were reported from Kutch by Dr. F. Stolickza and A.O.

Hume in the early 1870s, but the species was not spotted

during his survey.

This species has been reported to be a resident migrant,

breeding in Baluchistan and Kashmir up to c. 2000 m and

wintering in Pakistan and N. India (Ali and Ripley 1995).

Grimmett et al. ( 1 999 ) call the species a winter visitor to Pakistan

and northwest India, also with records of breeding.

It was said to occur in the hilly forest in summer and

grassy low-land jungle (Ali and Ripley 1995) and among

stunted trees and popular plantations (Grimmett et al. 1999)

in winter. Our sighting was in a small patch of A. nilotica

forest, which had been severely lopped, but had grown again

into a thick closed canopy, located at the edge of the Rann in

the once extensive Banni grasslands.

April 2 1 , 2003 JUSTUS JOSHUA

NISCHAL M. JOSHI

V. VIJAY KUMAR

PANKAJ N. JOSHI

S.V. SUBBA RAO

YOGESH SHARMA

RAMNARESH GULERIA

Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology,

Post Box 83, Opp. Changleshwar Temple,

Mundra Road, Bhuj-Kachchh,

Gujarat 370001,

India.

REFERENCES

Ali, S. ( 1945): The Birds of Kutch. Oxford University Press, Bombay.

Pp. 171.

All S. & S.D. Ripley (1995): A Pictorial Guide to the Birds of the

Indian Subcontinent. Bombay Natural History Society, Bombay.

Pp. 1 10.

Grimmett, R., C. Inskipp & T. Inskipp (1999): Pocket Guide to the

Birds of Indian Subcontinent. Oxford University Press, New Delhi

Pp. 82.

Kazmierczak, K. & R. Singh (1998): A Birdwatcher’s Guide to India.

Prion Ltd. Sandy. Devon. U.K. Pp. 305.

232

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

10. BREEDING OF SAND MARTIN ( RIPARIA RIPARIA)

ON THE BANKS OF RIVER GANGA IN CHILLA PART

OF RAJAJI NATIONAL PARK, UTTAR PRADESH

During my study on the elephants in Rajaji National

Park, in the Siwalikhill of Uttaranchal, in May 1991 and 1992,

I located a small nesting colony of Sand Martin (. Riparia

riparia) on the banks of River Ganga in the Chilla part

of Rajaji National Park. There were 14 nest holes of the

Sand Martin on the loamy soil of the western banks of River

Ganga.

All the nests were at 1 .5 to 2 m from the base of the

bank, with 0.5 to 1 m bank above the nests. As the water was

flowing below the nesting site, it was difficult to approach

the nests. All nests were active as the birds were frequently

visiting them. The riverbank above the colony was covered

with very dense Lantana camara bushes. The approach from

that side was very difficult as the scrub extended for about

25 m towards the landside. The nesting location selected by

the species is probably such that there is no disturbance or

danger from any front, which is critical when selecting a nest

site.

The Sand Martin is not known to breed in this part of

the country; it is said to breed only in the Himalaya from

Quetta eastwards, northeast hill states. West Bengal up to

4500 m ( Ali and Ripley 1995; Grimmett etal. 1999).

This is the first report of Sand Martin breeding in the

northwestern part of India more specifically in the Siwalik on

the banks of River Ganga.

April 3, 2003 JUSTUS JOSHUA

Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology,

Post Box 83, Opp. Changleshwar Temple,

Mundra Road, Bhuj-Kachchh,

Gujarat 370 00 1 , India.

Email : justmonk @ hotmail.com

REFERENCES

Au, S. & S.D. Ripley (1995): A Pictorial Guide to the Birds of the Grimmett, R., C. Inskipp & T. Inskipp (1999): Pocket Guide to the

Indian Subcontinent. Oxford University Press, Bombay. Birds of Indian Subcontinent. Oxford University Press, New Delhi.

11. SIGHTING OF SAND MARTIN (RIPARIA RIPARIA)

AND PLAIN MARTIN ( RIPARIA PALUDICOLA ) IN

BANASKANTHA DISTRICT, NORTH GUJARAT, INDIA

During our survey in Banaskantha district for rare and

endangered plant and animal species, we observed two

species of martins. One species, of which four birds were

seen, had very distinct brownish grey breast markings,

resembling a half collar along with the white throat and belly,

and the brownish grey upper parts, and a deeply forked tail.

From the colour and other characters, it appeared to be the

Sand Martin (Riparia riparia). The second species, of which

two individuals were sighted, had a very light brownish grey

throat and breast with dull white belly and less forked tail. It

was the Plain Martin ( Riparia paludicola). These species

are familiar to one of us ( JJ ), as both were frequently seen in

the Siwalik hills and outer Himalaya, where JJ worked for many

years.

The Sand Martin is distributed in the Himalaya from

Quetta eastwards, NE hill states, West Bengal up to 4500 m

and also said to winter in Pakistan, south to Makran, Madhya

Pradesh, Bihar and Sri Lanka (Ali and Ripley 1995). It is a

winter visitor and fairly common ( Kazmierczak and Singh 1 998)

and has been noted west to Gujarat and found to breed in

northeast India (Grimmett et al. 1999). We sighted the birds

flying over a small dam, behind a rest house, in the Jessore

Sloth Bear Sanctuary in Banaskantha district of North Gujarat.

The water body was surrounded by hills covered with dry

deciduous and scrub forests. The bird is reported to stay

around streams and lakes (Ali and Ripley 1995), large water

bodies, around rivers and streams in summer (Grimmett etal.

1999).

The presence of Plain Martin in the Kachchh region

has been established by Hume (1875, Stray Feathers, Vol. Hi),

mentioned in Ali (1945). According to Gallagher and

Woodcock (1980), this species is found to be a migrant to

India. It is distributed in Pakistan and N Subcontinent roughly

south to Bombay (=Mumbai), Madhya Pradesh, Orissa to NE

hill states and Bangladesh (Ali and Ripley 1995). It is said to

be resident and subject to local movement (Kazmierczak and

Singh 1998) mainly found in N and C Subcontinent (Grimmett

et at. 1999). This species was sighted in the eroded riverine

patch in a thorn forest, near Kotda village in Palanpur taluka

of Banaskantha district. North Gujarat. This forest was

dominated by Acacia nilotica interspersed with Prosopis

chilensis on gentle undulating terrain.

1 Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

233

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

Our sighting is the first record of these two species in

the Banaskantha district of North Gujarat. The only other

sighting of both the species was in the central part of Gujarat

(Grimmett cfo/. 1999).

May 26, 2003 JUSTUS JOSHUA

HIREN SON!

NISCHAL M. JOSHI

PANKAJ N. JOSHI

S.V. SUBBA RAO1

Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology,

Post Box: 83, Opp. Changleshwar Temple,

Mundra Road, Bhuj-Kachchh,

Gujarat 370001, India.

‘Present Address: Shri Krishna Nilayam,

Lecturer’s Colony, Madhura Nagar,

Vijay wada, Andhra Pradesh 520 0 1 1 , India.

REFERENCES

Ali, S. ( 1945): The Birds of Kutch. Oxford University Press, Bombay.

Pp. 71.

Ali, S. & S.D. Ripley (1995): A Pictorial Guide to the Birds of the

Indian Subcontinent. Oxford University Press, Bombay.

Pp. 110.

Gallagher, M. & M.W. Woodcock (1980): The Birds of Oman. Quartet

Books, London.

Grimmett, R., C. Inskipp & T. Inskipp (1999): Pocket Guide to the

Birds of Indian Subcontinent. Oxford University Press, New

Delhi. Pp. 82.

Kazmierczak, K. & R. Singh ( 1998): A Birdwatcher’s Guide to India.

Prion Ltd. Sandy. Devon. U.K. Pp. 305.

12. OCCURRENCE OF DESERT WHEATEAR OENANTHE DESERTI

AND ISABELLINE WHEATEAR OENANTHE ISABELLINA

IN MAHBUBNAGAR DISTRICT, ANDHRA PRADESH

On January 1 4, 2003 we visited Palmakole Tank ( 1 7° 9' N,

78° 19' E; 30 km on National Highway 7, Hyderabad-

Bangalore), Mahbubnagar district, Andhra Pradesh, for the

Asian Waterfowl Census. The water level was very low. In

fact, the tank was so shallow that villagers were walking right

across it, fishing along the way. Agriculture (pulses, greens,

vegetables, etc.) was carried out on the north, east and

southeast margins of the tank, above the high water mark.

There was a masonry bund on the west and a large industrial

unit (Saint-Gobain Vetrotext) in the south-west. The strip of

land between cultivation and the high water level had the

occasional borrow-pit and was generally barren and stony,

the ground being dotted with grit and boulders of all sizes,

some of which were being chipped and taken away by stone-

masons (illegally?), with dusty stretches of dry coarse grass

in between. From where the water had recently receded, the

earth was covered with close-cropped green grass. Wherever

turned, the soil was revealed as black cotton.

While walking towards the water’s edge, we spotted a

bird on a rock, less than a metre above the ground. It was

perched bolt upright, looking in our direction. Its most

prominent feature was a black loral streak that joined the black

beak with the eye. It was about sparrow-sized with much

longer, black legs. The rest of the body appeared a light buff

colour, at a distance. When it relaxed, the tail bobbed up and

down like a Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos Linnaeus,

1 758. As we watched, it jumped to the ground and ran quickly

and directly up to an insect that it picked up and ate. We

suspected that it was an Isabelline Wheatear Oenanthe

isabellina (Temminck, 1829), after looking up Krys

Kazmierczak’s field guide (2000), but were not sure, as that

work did not show the loral streak prominently enough.

However, a diagram of the bird was made on the spot. We lost

sight of this bird but then spotted another unfamiliar species

for these areas, not far away, upon another rock. This was

unquestionably, a male Desert Wheatear Oenanthe deserti

(Temminck, 1825) (Grimmett et al. 1999; Jonsson 1996;

Lewington et al.).

In the meantime, we spotted the suspected Isabelline

Wheatear once again and drew another quick field sketch.

Further notes were taken. A white supercilium was clearly

visible over the loral streak, ending just beyond the eye. The

crown, nape, mantle and folded wings were a light sandy

brown. The sides of the head (ear coverts) were pinkish-buff,

as were the breast and a thin area along the flanks. The throat

and abdomen were dirty white. In flight, which was generally

close to the ground and straight, a broad black terminal band

on the tail contrasted strongly with white upper tail feathers.

The bird, when alert, stood very upright, as already noted.

For a short while, the Isabelline gave vent to a thin warble-like

song, which was heard by both of us. Both the Desert

Wheatear and the Isabelline Wheatear frequently fed close

to each other.

We visited the area again on January 19, 2003, and saw

and photographed both the species. Copies of the pictures

were emailed to Bill Harvey, Krys Kazmierczak and Sudhir

234

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

Vyas, who confirmed our identification by email.

Ali and Ripley (2001 ) give the distribution of the Desert

Wheatear as, “...India east to Bihar and south to Maharashtra,

eastern Tamil Nadu... and Sri Lanka..." Ali and Whistler’s

(1933) [Pp. 382, “Oenanthe deserti atrogularis (Blyth)” = O.

d. deserti (Temminck 1825)) is the only record of the Desert

Wheatear from present day Andhra Pradesh. In that paper Ah

and Whistler inform (Pp. 382) “several Wheatears were

observed along the route from Nirmal to Utnoor ( via Talamadri

village) between October 12 and 15)1 925]. I did not, however,

come across this bird anywhere within the State [erstwhile

Hyderabad State] in the course of the present Survey.”

However, in his unpublished notebooks (photocopy of

manuscript held by senior author), Ali states after the above

note, “...(Note from old diary - doubtful!?).” Neelakantan,

Sashikumar and Venugopalan ( 1993) reported sightings from

Kerala, “...a female in January 1988 atTenari (Elappully, Palghat

Dt.) and a single female ‘in the next two winters’ and 2 females

in ‘the winter of 1990-91. ...a Desert Wheatear at Madayippara

(Cannanore Dt.) on 17th August, ’88.” Surprisingly, this

species is not even mentioned in the “Revised and Enlarged”

edition of Ali’s the birds of kerala (1999). The present

sighting of the species is another instance of its occurrence

outside its known wintering range.

Ali and Ripley (2001) record the distribution of the

Isabelline Wheatear as, “.... the plains of northwestern India

including N. Gujarat..., straggling east and southeast to

Ali, Salim ( 1999): Birds of Kerala. 3rd (Revised & Enlarged) edition.

(Revised by: R. Sugathan) (Editor: J.C. Daniel) Kerala Forests &

Wildlife Department, Thiruvananthapuram.

All Salim & S. Dillon Ripley (200 1 ): Handbook of the Birds of India

and Pakistan together with those of Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan

and Ceylon. Robins to Wagtails. 2nd (Paperback) edition. Vol. 9.

10 vols. (Sponsored by Bombay Natural History Society.) Oxford

University Press [Oxford India Paperbacks.], Delhi.

Ali, Salim & Hugh Whistler (1933): The Hyderabad State

ornithological survey. Part 1. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. XXXVI

(2): 356-390.

Grimmett, Richard, Carol Inskipp & Tim Inskipp (1999): Pocket Guide

to the Birds of the Indian Subcontinent. 1st edition. Oxford

University Press, New Delhi.

Jonsson, Lars (1996): Birds of Europe with North Africa and the

Varanasi and Sehore, and south to Ahmednagar... and

Pune. ..Possibly a vagrant in Nepal... Recorded in Maidive

Islands in November...” Lainer (1999) gives it the status of

“Vagrant,” for Goa, informing of “four sightings of up to

5 birds on a barren lateritic plateau near the coast, at Sancoale

(Marmagoa), in November-December of three consecutive

years in the mid-eighties.” Robson (2000) records a single

specimen on February 9- 1 0, 2000 at Baga Fields, Goa. In view

of these records, the present observation is a considerable

extension of range for this species.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We would like to thank Bill Harvey, Krys Kazmierczak

and Sudhir Vyas, for help with identification.

March 17, 2003 AASHEESH PITTIE

8-2-545 Road No. 7,

Banjara Hills, Hyderabad 500 034,

Andhra Pradesh, India.

Email: [email protected]

M. SHAFAAT ULLA

H. No. 4, Street No. 1,

Avenue No. 8, Banjara Hills,

Hyderabad 500 034,

Andhra Pradesh, India.

Middle East. 1SI paperback edition. Christopher Helm

(Publishers) Limited, London.

Kazmierczak, Krys (2000): A Field Guide to the Birds of India, Sri

Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and the Maldives.

1st edition. Om Book Service, New Delhi.

Lainer, Heinz ( 1999): The Birds of Goa (Part II). J. Bombay Nat. Hist.

Soc. 96(3): 405-423.

Lewington, Ian, Alstrom, Per & Colston, Peter (1992): A Field

Guide to the Rare Birds of Britain and Europe. Reprint edition.

Harper Collins Publishers, London.

Neelakantan, K.K., C. Sashikumar & R. Venugopalan (Eds) ( 1993):

A Book of Kerala Birds. Part I. World Wide Fund for Nature-

India. Kerala State Committee, Trivandrum.

Robson, Craig (2000): From the field: India. Oriental Bird Club Bulletin

32: 68-69.

13. NEW RECORDS OF BIRDS IN PERIYAR TIGER RESERVE, THEKKADY, KERALA

Periyar Tiger Reserve, a well known wildlife sanctuary

in India, is situated in the Cardamom and Pandalam hills of

the southern Western Ghats between 9° 15'-9° 40' N and 76°

55'-77° 25' E, covering an area of 777 sq. km. Robertson and

Jackson (1992) recorded 266 bird species and Srivastava et

al. (1993) recorded 249 species in Periyar Tiger Reserve.

Santharam (1996) added three species and the existing records

indicate the presence of about 314 species of birds in Periyar

Tiger Reserve.

An ornithological survey was carried out in the Periyar

Tiger Reserve during February 2002. Four new bird species

were sighted during the survey, namely Common Greenshank

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

235

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

( Tringa nebularia ), Malabar Pied Hombill ( Anthracoceros

coronatus), Ashy-crowned Sparrow-Lark ( Eremopterix

grisea ) and Chestnut-bellied Nuthatch ( Sitta castanea). We

also sighted the Spot-billed Pelican ( Pelecanus philippensis)

during January 2001 near Periyar lake and the Pheasant-tailed

Jacana (Hydrophasianus chirurgus), Purple Heron ( Ardea

purpurea) and Purple Moorhen ( Porphyrio porphyrio)

during February 2003 in a small wetland near the forest check

post at Thekkady. The new additions bring the total bird

species found in the Periyar Tiger Reserve to 322.

January 1 1 . 2003 A. VEERAMANF

PRAMOD G KRISHNAN

DEEPAKUMAR N. KURUP

Periyar Tiger Reserve,

Thekkady 685 536, Kerala,

India.

1 Emai 1 : veeramani @ periyarfoundation.org

REFERENCES

Robertson, A. & M.C.A. Jackson (1992): Birds of Periyar. An aid to

bird watching in the Periyar Sanctuary. TWSI - Tourism &

Wildlife Society of India.

Santharam, V. (1996): Birds of Periyar Tiger Reserve and Random

Notes. Newsletter for Birdwatchers 36: 53-54.

Srivastava, K., V.J. Zacharias, A.K. Bhardwaj & PM. Jafer (1993):

Birds of Periyar Tiger Reserve, Kerala. South India. Indian

Forester 119(10 ): 816-827.

14. OCCURRENCE OF THE TWO-SPOT GOURAMI TRICHOGASTER TRICHOPTERUS

(PALLAS) IN PORUR, CHENNAI, TAMIL NADU, INDIA

Introductions, intentional or accidental, of exotic

species of plants and animals into other countries or continents

are not uncommon. This has sometimes resulted in the

domination of exotic species over native ones, and among

fish, the case of the food fish Mozambique Tilapia

Oreochromis mossambica is well known.

In this note, I report the occurrence of the Two-spot

Gourami Trichogaster trichopterus (Pallas), a native of

Thailand, Malaysia, IndoChina and Indonesia (Hervey and

Hems 1966; Dawnes 1998), in the wild in the suburbs of

Chennai, Tamil Nadu, which is probably the first record of the

species in Indian waters. I recorded good numbers of this

species in drying pools in a low-lying residential area in Porur,

a suburb to the west of Chennai after the northeast monsoon

of 2002 and 2003. This area forms the drainage areas of the

runoff of the waters of Porur Lake, a small lake that meets a

part of the water requirements of Chennai.

Chennai is one of the major distribution and breeding

centres of aquarium fish in India and the occurrence of the

Two-spot Gourami in Chennai waters is probably an accidental

or intentional outcome of ornamental fish culture. The record

of the species in Porur poses two main questions. Does the

species also occur in other areas of Chennai and what is the

impact of the species on native species? With the spread of

ornamental fish culture in India, especially in recent times,

Indian waters will probably witness the entry of more exotic

fish species.

June 1 1 , 2003 RANJIT M ANAKADAN

Bombay Natural History Society,

Hombill House, Dr. Salim Ali Chowk,

S.B. Singh Road, Mumbai 400023,

Maharashtra, India

Email: [email protected]

REFERENCES

Hervey. G.R. & J. Hems (1966): Freshwater Tropical Aquarium Fishes. Dawnes, J. (1998): Popular Tropical Freshwater Fish. Paragon, United

Spring Books, London. Kingdom.

15. EXTENSION OF RANGE OF NEMACHEILUS KERALENSIS (RITA & NALBANT) AND

PUNTIUS OPHICEPHALUS (RAJ) TO RIVER MEENACHIL, KERALA (INDIA)

The rivers of Kerala harbour a rich and diversified fish

fauna (Day 1875-1878; Pillai 1929;John 1936; Hora and Law

1941; Raj 1941; Chacko 1948; Silas 1951). However, little

information is available on the present status of the fresh

water fishes of Kerala, which are prone to various types of

threats such as over exploitation, introduction of exotic

species, habitat destruction and pollution. The Travancore

region in the southern Western Ghats of Kerala has been

noted for its richness in number and variety of fresh water

fish. The fresh water fish fauna of this geographical region is

236

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

also well-known for its high degree of endemism. The river

Meenachil is known to harbour several interesting and

important fishes. However, only limited information is

available on the present status of diversity, abundance and

distribution of fresh water fish fauna of this river. While

carrying out survey and sampling in the river system as part

of the ongoing NAT-ICAR project on ‘Germplasm inventory,

evaluation and gene banking of fresh water fishes of Kerala’,

we identified 24 species of fishes from this river. Among

them, Nemacheilus keralensis and Puntius ophicephalus

collected from the Vagamon and Vazhikkadavu areas

respectively of the river were found to be new additions to

this water body. The available literature revealed that Puntius

ophicephalus was known, so far, only from the upper reaches

of the Periyar and the Pamba river basins, whereas the

distribution of Nemacheilus keralensis was restricted to

Pampadupara at Kallar tributary of Periyar river (Jayaram 1 999;

Menon 1999).

Order: Cypriniformes

Family: Cobitidae

Subfamily: Nemaeheilinae

1 . Nemacheilus keralensis (Rita and Nalbant)

Diagnostic features: Dii,7;Pl l;Vi,7; A2,5;C17.

An elongated and slender species with a sub-

cylindrical body and incomplete lateral line. Dorsal fin with

7 branched rays, inserted nearer to the base of caudal fin

than to snout tip. Nostrils close to each other, nearer to

eye than to snout tip. Barbels well-developed, nasal

barbels extending to eye. Scales small, well developed,

imbricate scales all over the body. Body with uniform

golden green colour, marked with very narrow brown

curly lines and spots arranged in a regular fashion or

scattered. Fins golden yellow, caudal fin with irregular

spots.

Order: Cypriniformes

Family: Cyprinidae

Subfamily: Cyprininae

2 Puntius ophicephalus ( Raj )

Diagnostic features: D.iii.7; Pi, 14; V.i, 8; A.ii-iii,5; C.17; L.l. 42.

An elongated and laterally compressed body with a

broad and depressed head, and sub-inferior mouth. Dorsal

profile slightly more arched than ventral; there are two pairs

of barbels. Dorsal fin inserted nearer to tip of snout than

caudal fin base. Last unbranched dorsal ray stiff and slightly

enlarged but very weak, smooth, articulated in its upper part.

Back and fins are golden yellow with brownish tinge. A dark

band runs along the lateral line ending at the caudal peduncle.

Dorsal and caudal fins golden yellow, while pectoral and ventral

fins golden with a reddish tinge. Cheeks shining golden.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We express our sincere thanks to the Officer-in-charge

of ZSI, Chennai; special thanks are due to Dr. K. Rema Devi

and Dr. T J. India, Scientists at this Centre, for help rendered

in the identification of the species. Financial support given

by the NAT-ICAR Project for the present study is gratefully

acknowledged. Thanks are also due to Prof. C. Hridayanathan,

Director, School of Industrial Fisheries for providing necessary

facilities for carrying out this study. Deep gratitude is also

extended to C.P Sunil Kumar and M.D. Mahesan who assisted

the team during the survey.

March 25, 2003 K. V. RADHAKRISHNAN

B. MADHUSOODANA KURUP1

School of Industrial Fisheries,

Cochin University of Science and Technology,

Cochin 682 0 1 6, Kerala, India.

1 Emai 1 : madhukurup @ hotmail.com

REFERENCES

Chacko, P.I. (1948): Development of fisheries of Periyar lake

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 48(1): 191-192.

Day, F. ( 1875-78): The Fishes of India: being a Natural History of the

Fishes known to inhabit the Seas and Fresh waters of India,

Burma and Ceylon. 2 vols. London, Indian Reprint by Jagmander

Book Agency, New Delhi, xx + 778 pp.. 195 plates.

Hora, S.L. & N.C. Law (1941): The freshwater fishes of Travancore.

Rec. Ind. Mus. 43: 233-256.

Jayaram. K.C. (1999): The Freshwater Fishes of the Indian region

Narendra Publishing house. New Delhi. 509 pp.

John, C.C. (1936): Freshwater fish and fisheries of Travancore.

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 38 ( Part II): Pp. 702-733.

Pillai, R.S.N. ( 1929): A list of fishes taken in Travancore from 1901-

1915. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 33 (Part I): Pp. 347-379.

Menon. A.G.K. ( 1999): Checklist - Fresh water fishes of India. Rec.

zool. Surv. India. Occ. Paper No. 175: 1-33.

Raj, B.S. (1941): A new genus of Schizothoracine fishes from

Travancore. South India. Rec. India Mus. 43: 209-214.

Silas, E.G. (1951): Fishes from the High Ranges of Travancore.

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 50(2): 323-330.

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

237

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

16. RECENT RECORDS ON THE DISTRIBUTION, SEASONALITY AND OCCURRENCE

OF REDSPOT BUTTERFLY, ZESIUS CHRYSOMALLUS HUBNER

FROM THE LOWER WESTERN HIMALAYA

The Redspot butterfly Zeshis chrysomallus Hiibner

(1819) (Lycaenidae: Theclinae: Zesiini) which is endemic to

the Indian subcontinent and is part of the Indo-Australian

zoogeographic region has a geographical distribution

extending into the states of West Bengal (Bholaghat in Malda

district), Jharkhand, Orissa (Ganjam and Sambalpur) and

Peninsular India (Bombay (=Mumbai), N. Kanara (Karwar),

Coorg, Bangalore, the Nilgiris and Travancore) (Fig. 1 ) where

its status is not rare. It also occurs as a locally common species

in Sri Lanka (DeNiceville 1890;Betham 1891;Swinhoe 1910-

11; Evans 1932; Wynter-Blyth 1957; D’Abrera 1986). The

female is larger than the male and is totally unlike in

appearance, it being bluish with three tails on the hind wings,

while the male is a bright copper colour with only 2 hind wing

tails (Betham 1891). A female of this species (wingspan 37

mm; dated: November 12, 1913) from Gonda District of Uttar

Pradesh state (northern India), and a male (wingspan 34 mm;

dated March 3, 1919) collected from Colombo, Sri Lanka are

present in the ‘Collection’ of the Forest Research Institute,

Dehradun. Besides, it has also been reported from the Tarai

region of Nepal (Chitwan District) as a rare species in riverine

forest and water habitats (Smith 1989 and 1997). It is known

to prefer jungle country in areas with fairly heavy rainfall and

neither sex visits flowers much, but both have been observed

at moist patches. The females prefer flying near the wet

ground while the male darts about amongst the leaves of

trees (Betham 1891). The eggs are laid in the vicinity of red

30° N

20"

10"

Fig. 1 : Map depicting the geographical distribution of Redspot

butterfly, Zesius chrysomallus Hiibner in the Indian subcontinent

and collection sites as mentioned in the text

tree ant nests. The ants tend both the larvae and pupae

constantly; the pupation takes place inside the ant’s nest. Its

food plants recorded in literature so far are: Terminalia

paniculata, T. alata, Pterocarpus marsupiurn, Psidium

guajava, Loranthus spp. (Wynter-Blyth 1957) and Xylia

dolabriformis (Sevastopulo 1973).

Recently, this butterfly was recorded from Dehradun

valley (30° 00' N to 30° 35' N and 77° 40' E to 78° 15’ E;

Uttaranchal State). One female (wingspan: 38 mm) was

collected from a moist patch on the ground in the New Forest

campus (670 m) during April 1989(Singh 1999).

Mackinon and De Niceville (1899) who studied the

butterflies of Mussoorie and its neighbouring regions for 1 1

years ( 1 887- 1 898) have not recorded this species in Dehradun

district. As there were no previous records of this butterfly

from the western Himalaya, it was decided that extensive

surveys should be carried out in the Dehradun valley to learn

more about the distribution, seasonality and relative

occurrence of this butterfly in the lower west Himalayan tracts.

Present Survey

Study area : The Dehradun valley lies between the west

Himalayan mountain ranges in the north and the Siwalik range

running parallel to it in the south at a mean altitude of 485 m

and covers an area of c. 1 920 sq. km. In the west it is bordered

by the river Yamuna and in the east by the river Ganga. The

valley is also well watered by perennial streams. The mountain

slopes on both sides (north and south) of the valley are

covered with pure and mixed forests dominated by Sal Shorea

robusta [tropical moist deciduous Sal forests (TMDSF)

(Champion and Seth 1968)]. These forests cover 51-58% of

Dehradun valley (Anon. 1995). However, the flat areas in the

central part of the valley, which were once under Sal forest

cover are today under different land use practices: irrigated

and cultivated agricultural land (wheat, sugarcane, paddy,

maize, pulses, peas, ginger, turmeric and yams); agroforestry

plantations (mainly poplar, eucalyptus and sisham); tea

gardens (with Dalbergia sissoo as shade trees); fruit orchards

(mango, litchi, guava, plum, peach, pear, citrus fruits etc);

urbanized areas (densely constructed buildings in the city);

cantonments (spaced houses/big buildings having lawns,

gardens and orchards) and scrubland.

The valley receives approximately 200 cm rainfall

annually, mostly during the monsoons (June-September). The

temperature fluctuates between -1 °C to 43.9°C from winter to

summer.

238

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

Study sites: A total of 8 sites were selected for the study

in the entire Dehradun valley. These included, 6 sites in the

TMDSF which were located at Karvapani, Timli, Thano,

Baarwala, Jhajra and Lacchiwala forest ranges, of the

Dehradun forest Division (Karvapani and Timli lie on the

northern side of Siwalik mountains, Thano and Baarwala touch

the south facing mountain slopes of lower Himalayan ranges,

Jhajra and Lacchiwala are in the flat areas in the central part of

the valley). Each forest site covered a minimum of 4 sq. km.

The two sites outside TMDSF were New Forest Campus and

Hathibarkala estate, which lay in the cantonment areas (having

gardens, big fields and lawns, fruit tree orchards, agriculture,

plantations, tree avenues, buildings, etc) and covered the

same area.

Sampling : Sampling was based on the methodology

proposed by Blair and Launer (1997) Each site was sampled

for butterflies during sunshine for 2 hours for two successive

days, at each site. Each site was divided into 4 plots (2 ha

each). Each site was sampled once in 2 months for 2 years

(July 2000- August 2002). A total of 10 samplings for each site

were obtained in 2 years. All the three strata (canopy, middle

story and ground) were sampled for butterflies with the help

of binoculars and butterfly nets. The number of each butterfly

species was recorded by walking on a jungle trail in a linear

transect for half an hour in each plot. Voucher specimens

were collected for authentic identification. Specimens were

identified by comparing with the collection at Forest Research

Institute, Dehradun.

Relative occurrence: The relative occurrence of

individual butterfly species for the entire year (study period)

was categorized into 5 different classes: Rare (1-8 counts);

Not rare (9-40 counts); Fairly common (41-80 counts); Common

(81-160 counts) and Very common (>160 counts). This was

based on the presence of a species on a scale of 1 -320 counts

(4 plots x 8 sites x 10 sampling periods) | where a species can

take a minimum score of 1 (an individual species recorded

only once in a plot at a single site during the entire sampling

period) and a maximum score of 320 (an individual species

recorded every time in every plot at every site during the

entire sampling period)].

Distribution , seasonality and occurrence: Zesius

chrysomallus was collected and observed on only two

occasions at only 2 sites, namely site-8 (Hathibarkala estate:

730 m, on March 24, 200 1 , one male; wingspan: 34 mm) and at

site 4 (Baarwala: 700 m, on May 22, 2002, two males; wingspan

of one: 32 mm), during the sampling period. As this butterfly

was spotted on only 2 occasions in the total samplings, it was

categorized as a ‘rare’ species in the valley.

Habits and Habitat: A male was observed basking in

the sunshine on a leaf of a small Nyctanthes arbor-tristis

(Harsingar) tree, in the morning at Hathibarkala estate. At

Baarwala, both the individuals were caught feeding on nectar

from Syzygium operculata trees growing beside a stream in

an open degraded Sal forest in the company of Large Oak

Blue Arhopala amantes Hewitson (Lycaenidae) in the

afternoon. The S. operculata at this site also harboured

Oecophylla smaragdina - a species of red tree ant, and the

epiphyte Loranthus longiflorus with which its larvae are

associated.

The observations made herein refurnish recent

evidence on the northwestern limit of the geographical

distribution of this species, which now extends up to

Dehradun valley in the lower western Himalaya rather than

up to Nepal tarai in the lower Central Himalaya, as

known previously. These observations also reveal that

Z. chrysomallus is a rare species in Dehradun valley occurring

between 650 and 800 m altitude with flight period during March

to May. The availability of a large number of its food plants

like Psidium guajava (cultivated), Terminalia alata and at

least 2 species of Loranthus namely, L. longiflorus and

Taxillus vestitus , in the Dehradun valley offer sufficient chance

for this butterfly to breed and survive in the lower western

Himalaya. Z. chrysomallus specimens will be deposited at the

FRI collection after completion of this study.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The present study is part of a research project (FRI-

145/FED-9) being carried out at Entomology Division, Forest

Research Institute, Dehradun. I thank Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad

(Head, Entomology Division) for providing the necessary

facilities and to B.C. Pandey and Raj Kumar (Technical

Assistants) for their help in carrying out fieldwork.

March 6, 2003 ARUN P. SINGH

Entomology Division,

Forest Research Institute

P.O. New Forest,

Dehradun 248 006, Uttaranchal, India.

Email: [email protected]

REFERENCES

Anonymous (1995): The State of Forest Report. Forest Survey of use: species assemblage along an urban gradient. Biological

India, Kaulagarh Road, Dehradun. 98 pp. Conservation 80: 113-125.

Blair, R.B. & A.E. Launer (1997): Butterfly diversity and human land Betham, J.A. ( 1891 ): Butterflies of central provinces. ./. Bombay Nat.

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

239

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

Hist. Soc. 6: 175-183.

Champion, H.G. & S.K. Seth ( 1968): Forest Types of India. Government

of India Publication, Delhi. 404 pp.

D'Abrera, B. (1986): Butterflies of the Oriental Region. Part-Ill

(Lycaenidae and Riodinidnae), Hill House, Australia. 539 pp.

De Niceville, L. (1890): Butterflies of India, Burmah and Ceylon.

Part III. Calcutta Central Press Co. Ltd. Calcutta, 503 pp., pi. 7.

Evans, W.H. (1932): The Identification of Indian Butterflies. 2nd ed.

Bombay Natural History Society, Bombay. 464 pp., pi 38.

Mackinon, P.W. & L. De Niceville (1899): List of butterflies of

Mussoorie in the Western Himalayas and neighbouring region.

./. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 11: 205-221. 368-389, 585-605.

Sevastopulo, D.G. ( 1973): Food plant of Indian Rhopalacera. ./. Bombay

Nat. Hist. Soc. 70: 156-183.

Singh, A.P. (1999): New Forest, Dehradun, India: A unique man-made

habitat for butterflies in the Lower Western Himalayas. Indian

Forester 125(9): 913-922.

Smith, C. ( 1989): Butterflies of Nepal (Central Himalayas). Craftsmen

Press, Bangkok. 352 pp.

Smith, C. (1997): Butterflies of Royal Chitwan National Park, Nepal

(Field guide, illustrating all 247 recorded species). Tecpress Books,

Bangkok. Thailand. 80 pp.

Swinhoe, C. (1910-1 1): Lepidoptera Indica. Part IX. Lovell Reeve Co.

Ltd., London.

Wynter-Blyth, M. A. (1957): Butterflies of the Indian Region. Bombay

Natural History Society, Bombay, 523 pp., pi. 72.

17. OCCURRENCE OF GRAPHIUM DOSON COMMON JAY BUTTERFLY,

FAMILY PAPILIONIDAE, IN MUMBAI, MAHARASHTRA

The Family Papilionidae in Mumbai is represented by

ten species of butterflies ( Best 1951) of which three species

belong to genus Graphium. Among these, the Tailed Jay

G. agamemnon is the most common and found all over the

city, in the suburbs and the outskirts of Sanjay Gandhi National

Park. The remaining two species. Spot Swordtail G. nomius

and Common Blue Bottle G. sarpendon are restricted to forest

and green patches in and around the Sanjay Gandhi National

Park. On December 8, 2002, while walking along the roadside

at Goregaon - a suburb of Mumbai, at 1 030 hrs, we observed

two butterflies sucking liquid from a mud puddle. On a closer

look they were identified as the Common Jay Graphium doson.

Wynter-Blyth ( 1957) reports the distribution of G. doson

as Ceylon (=Sri Lanka), South India to Bengal and from

eastwards of Kumaon to Assam and Burma (=Myanmar).

Talbot ( 1 939) has described three subspecies - G. doson doson

(C & R Felder) from Sri Lanka, G. doson eleius (Fruhstorfer)

from Southern India to Bengal and G. doson axion (C & R

Felder) from Kumaon (N. India) to Myanmar.

The Common Jay has not been reported from Mumbai

region by earlier workers, and this is the first record of its

occurrence from Mumbai. One of us (ST) observed the

breeding of this species during December 2002. She collected

a larva feeding on leaves of Mast tree Polyalthia longifolia

at Jogeshwari, a suburb of Mumbai. The larva was reared

in situ by feeding fresh leaves of P. longifolia. The larva

pupated on December 4 and the butterfly that emerged on

December 14, 2002 was identified as the Common Jay G doson.

Bell (1912) has described the Common Jay as a sun-

loving butterfly, sipping moisture on roads and in beds of

nullahs in hot months and rains. According to him, it seems to

be confined to hills and jungles from sea level upwards. Its

occurrence along the busy city roads of Mumbai and breeding

in this habitat is noteworthy.

March 1 7, 2003 NARESH CHATURVEDI1

SHEILA TANNA2

VARAD GIRI1 3

'Bombay Natural History Society

Hornbill House, S.B. Singh Road,

Mumbai 400 023, Maharashtra, India.

Email: bnhs@bom4. vsnl.net. in

3Email: [email protected]

2503-A, Vertex Vikas,

M.V. Road, Opp Rly Stn.,

Andheri (E), Mumbai 400 069,

Maharashtra, India.

REFERENCES

Bell, T.R. ( 1912): The Common Butterflies of Plains of India (including

those met with in the hill stations of the Bombay Presidency).

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 21(11): 740-766.

Best, A.E.G. ( 1951 ): The butterflies of Bombay and Salsette. ./. Bombay

Nat. Hist. Soc. 50: 331-339.

Talbot, G. ( 1939): Fauna of British India including Ceylon & Burma,

Butterflies Vol. I., Taylor & Francis Ltd., London.

Wynter-Blyth, M.A. ( 1957): Butterflies of the Indian region. Bombay

Natural History Society, Bombay, xx + 523 pp, 27 coloured &

45 black-and-white plates.

18. CANNIBALISM OBSERVED IN THE MONKEY PUZZLE BUTTERFLY RATHINDA AMOR

(LEPIDOPTERA: LYCAENIDAE)

The food plants of the Monkey Puzzle butterfly Dipterocarpaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Loranthaceae, Sapindaceae

Rathinda amor belong to families Rubiaceae, and Mylaceae (Bell 1919). The larvae are pinkish-red, a perfect

240

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

camouflage for the leaves on which they feed. They become

green in colour when they feed on green leaves. They grow

to about 1.5 cm to 2 cm in length and then settle down for

pupation. They emerge after about 7 days from the date of

pupation.

Omnivorous feeding habit of the herbivore larvae

has been recorded earlier (Bell 1919). However, there is

no information on the cannibalistic behaviour of the

Monkey Puzzle larvae. This strange behaviour was observed

in the larvae reared in captivity.

Three larvae were reared in a plastic container in which

ample leaves of Ixora spp. were provided as food. On

completion of the last instar, one larva anchored itself for

pupation on the wall of the plastic container. After sometime,

I observed the other two larvae feeding (one on either side)

on the larva which was pupating. They devoured the larva

within an hour and a half and resumed feeding on the leaves

of Ixora spp. After about two and a half hours both the larvae

anchored themselves on the wall of the plastic container for

pupation.

Cannibalism in butterfly larvae is not uncommon.

Chaturvedi and Haribal (1991) have reported cannibalism in

the Common Tiger Danaus genutia and the Blue Tiger

Tirumala limniaceae on Marsdenia tenacissima. De Niceville

( 1890) has reported cannibalism in Lycaenids.

Though cannibalism is seen in Lycaenids, it had not

been specifically recorded, so far, for Rathinda amor.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I am grateful to Mr. Naresh Chaturvedi, Curator, Bombay

Natural History Society for guiding and encouraging me to

submit this paper.

March 1 9, 2004 ANURADHA RAJ AGOPALAN

B-206, Haritara Apartments,

B.T. Road, Dahisar (West)

Mumbai 400 068, Maharashtra,

India.

E-mail: [email protected]

REFERENCES

Bell, T.R. ( 1919): Common Butterflies of Plains of India. J. Bombay

Nat. Hist. Soc. 26 (3): 758-759.

Chaturvedi, N. & M. Haribal ( 1991 ): Cannibalism in Bulterfly larvae.

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 89(2): 261-262.

De Niceville, Lionel ( 1890): Butterflies of India, Burma and Ceylon.

Vol. Ill Calcutta Central Press Co. 56 pp.

19. MUKURTHI NATIONAL PARK: A MIGRATORY ROUTE FOR BUTTERFLIES

Butterfly migration often takes the form of persistent

flight in one direction over long distances in large numbers

and such flights are clearly different from local flights around

the breeding area, which are associated with feeding, mating

and egg laying. Sixty of the worlds 250 migratory butterfly

species are reported from India. These species belong to

the families Pieridae, Danaidae, Nymphalidae and to a

lesser extent, the Lycaenidae and Hesperidae (Gunathilagaraj

etal. 1998).

On November 25, 2002 during my fieldwork in Bangitabal

valley of the Mukurthi National Park in the Nilgiris district of

Tamil Nadu, I saw thousands of butterflies, flying to the

southwest of the valley towards the Silent Valley National

Park of Kerala. I observed this process of migration from around

0830 hrs till 1700hrs.

In the migratory swarm, the Blue Tiger (Tirumala

liminiace) was the predominant species followed by the

Danaid Eggfly ( Hypolimnas misippus ) and the Great Eggfly

(Hypolimnas bolina) as was evident from the number of males

in the swarms (since the Danaid Eggfly mimics the Plain Tiger

and female of the Great Eggfly mimics the Common Crow

Euploea core). Other species recorded were the Common

Crow, the Tailed Jay ( Graphium agamemnon ), the Common

Jezebel ( Delias eucharis ), the Common Blue Bottle (Graphium

sarpedon), the Plain Tiger (Danaus chrysippus) and three

unidentified species.

The migration was observed again on the next day in

the same direction. Most of the butterflies flew very close

c. 2-5 m above the grassland. Interestingly, many

insectivorous birds such as Pied Bushchat (Saxicola

caprata), Nilgiri Pipit (Anthus nilghiriensis ), Tickell’s Warbler

( Phylloscopus af finis). Greenish Leaf-Warbler (PhyUoscopus

trochiloides) and Oriental White-eye (Zosterops palpebrosus)

were trying to capture some of these fluttering butterflies.

These birds were perched on Rhododendron (Rhododendron

nilgiricum ) and took off often to capture the ones flying

close by. Occasionally, some butterflies rested on the

vegetation. The butterflies flew in a scattered manner and in

mixed composition. Large numbers migrated during the bright

hours of the day with good sunshine, the numbers dropped

considerably in the evening. These swarms generally migrated

along the valley rather than the ridges.

I presume that Mukurthi National Park is a major

migratory route for these species. It is also the least disturbed

region of the Nilgiri hills without any anthropogenic pressure

and appears to be quite safe.

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

241

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This observation was made during my fieldwork for the

project Ecology of Shola grassland Project. I thank the US

Fish & Wildlife Service for funding and Tamil Nadu Forest

Department for permission.

June 19, 2003 B. SENTHILMURUGAN

Bombay Natural History Society,

Hornbill House, S.B. Singh Road,

Mumbai 400 023, Maharashtra,

India.

Email: [email protected]

REFERENCE

Gunathilagaraj K., T.N.A. Perumal, K. Jayaram & M.G Kumar (1998): Some South Indian Butterflies. Nilgiri Wildlife and Environment

Association Udhagamandalam. Mytec Process Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore, India.

20. FIRST RECORD OF SCATELLA STAGNALIS (FALLEN) (EPHYDRIDAE: DIPTERA),

FROM INDIA

Scatella stagnalis (Fallen) is a schizophoran, acalyptrate

dipteran belonging to the superfamily Drosophiloidea. The

genus Scatella Robineau-Desvoidy, reportedly has 3 species

from the Oriental region, namely Scatella bullacosta Cressor

(Taiwan), Scatella scantipuli Schiner (St. Paul’s Island) and

Scatella stagnalis (Fallen), which is more widespread in

distribution, being recorded from four zoogeograph ical areas,

namely Oriental (Taiwan) Holarctic, Ethiopian and Neotropical

regions. The diagnostic features of the species are: black

body with pruinose face; dorsum of abdomen shining dark

brown; wings usually with 2 or more spots in R .

Scatella stagnalis was first reported by Fallen from its

type locality, Sweden; the only report from the Oriental region

is from Taiwan (fonner Formosa).

While studying the Ephydrid collection of the National

Zoological Collection at the Headquarters of the Zoological

Survey of India, Kolkata, we came across a female specimen

of this species, collected by A.P. Kapoor on 2 1 .xii. 1 956, from

Eden Gardens, Kolkata, West Bengal (22° 34' N; 88° 27' E).

This species was diagnosed by W. Wirth and was not

published anywhere. Moreover, no reports of this species

from any other state or region of India or from the Indian

subcontinent were found.

During a recent survey in the Nepli Reserve Forest and

Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary of Chandigarh (33° 44' N; 76° 52' E),

one of us (P. Parui) collected 15 specimens of Scatella stagnalis

(Fallen). The flies were collected from the barren bed of a water

canal, which was then dry, but usually serves as a forest water

outlet. The flies were found resting on the bare canal bed.

The present communication is of importance as it is the

first record of this species from two different zones (north

and east) of India.

Scatella stagnalis (Fallen)

1813. Ephydra stagnalis Fallen, K. Svenska vet. Akad.

Hand /., (3): 248, type-loc: Sweden

Material examined: 1 ? , Eden Gardens, Kolkata, West

Bengal, 21. xii. 1956, coll. A.P. Kapoor; 15 exs; Nepli Reserve

Forest, Chandigarh, 6.ii.2002, coll. P. Parui.

Distribution: india: Chandigarh; West Bengal.

Elsewhere: Taiwan; Holarctic; Ethiopian; Neotropical.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We thank Dr. J.R.B. Alfred, Director, Zoological Survey

of India for facilities and encouragement. Thanks are also due

to Dr. A.K. Hazra, Scientist ‘E’ for reviewing the manuscript

and making useful suggestions.

February 22, 2003 BULGANIN MITRA1

DHRJTI BANERJEE

P. PARUI

Diptera Section,

Zoological Survey of India,

‘M’ Block, New Alipore,

Kolkata 700 053, West Bengal,

India.

'Email: [email protected]

21. ADDITION TO THE MANTID FAUNA OF SANJAY GANDHI NATIONAL PARK,

MUMBAI AND SOME NEW RECORDS FROM MAHARASHTRA

A note on mantid fauna of Sanjay Gandhi National

Park (SGNP), Mumbai, with some new records for

Maharashtra state was published by Chaturvedi and Hegde

(2000). Recently, Ghate and Ranade (2002) reported 44 species

of mantids from Maharashtra. During further observations

and studies on the mantid fauna of SGNP and other parts of

Maharashtra, we found seven new records not reported by

Ghate and Ranade (2002); these include specimens from the

earlier collection of the Bombay Natural History Society

(BNHS) by T.K. Mukherjee.

242

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

The following species are additions to the list of mantid

fauna of SGNP and Maharashtra. Appendix 1 lists the mantid

fauna of SGNP and Appendix 2 lists the mantid fauna recorded

so far from Maharashtra.

A. Family: Hymenopodidae Chopard

I. Subfamily: Acromantinae

Genus: Euantissa Giglio-Tos

1 . Euantissa pulchra*

Locality: Tulsi Lake, SGNP

Date: 30.vii.2000

Collected by: BNHS Party

Sex & Measurements: F, BL- 1 8, PN-7, HW- 1 8

Distribution: Eastern, northeastern and Southern India

Genus: Ephestiasula Giglio-Tos

2. Ephestiasula intermedia Werner*

Locality: Goregaon, SGNP

Date: 26.vi.1999

Collected by: BNHS Party

Sex & Measurements: M, BL- 1 8, PN-4, FW- 1 7

Distribution: Jammu and Kashmir, Karnataka, Madhya

Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and

Orissa

II. Subfamily: Hymenopodinae Giglio-Tos

Genus: Creohroter Audinet-Serville

3a: Creobroter laevicollis (Saussure)** (NR1)

Locality: Sawantwadi, Maharashtra

Date: 18.x. 2000

Collected by: BNHS Party

Sex & Measurements: F, BL-33, PN-9, FW-25

3b: Locality: Kamala, Maharashtra

Date: 15.vii.2002

Collected by: BNHS Party

Sex & Measurements: M, BL-23, PN-7, HW-25

Distribution: Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Maharashtra,

Meghalaya, Sikkim, West Bengal

B. Family: Mantidae Burmeister

I. Subfamily: Liturgusinae Giglio-Tos

Genus: Humbertiella Saussure

4a: Humbertiella ceylonica Saussure*

Locality: SGNP

Date: lO.viii. 1999

Collected by: BNHS Party

Sex & Measurements: M, BL-27, PN-7, FW-27

4b: Locality: Malshej Ghat, Maharashtra

Date: 7.viii.2000

Collected by: BNHS Party

Sex & Measurements: M, BL-27, PN-7, FW-27

Distribution: Assam, Bihar, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh,

Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal

5 Humbertiella indica Saussure

Locality: Nasik**

Date: ll.v.1940

Collected by: N.B. Kinnear

Sex & Measurements: Abdomen broken

Distribution: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya

Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh

II. Subfamily: Amelinae Giglio-Tos

Genus: Amantis Giglio-Tos

6. Amantis biroi Giglio-Tos (NR2)

Locality: Andheri, Mumbai**

Date: 27.x. 1934

Collected by: Charle’s McCann

Sex & Measurements: M, BL-12, PNG, FW-12

Distribution: Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and West

Bengal

7 . Amantis saussurei (Bolivar)** (NR3)

Locality: Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary, Maharashtra

Date: 15.iv.2000

Collected by: BNHS Party

Sex & Measurements: M, BL- 1 4, PN-3, FW- 1 3

Distribution: Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Kerala and Tamil

Nadu

Genus: Cimantis Giglio-Tos

8. Cimantis fuliginosa Werner* (NR4)

Locality: SGNP. Mumbai

Date: 29. v. 1999

Collected by: BNHS Party

Sex & Measurements: M, BL-12, PN-3, FW-1 1

Distribution: Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra

(A specimen collected on 9.x. 1936 present in the BNHS

Collection was identified to be of this species by one of the

authors TKM)

Genus: Gonypeta Saussure

9. Gonypeta punctata (De Haan) (NR5)

Locality: Goregaon, SGNP, Mumbai*

Date: 8.x. 1999

Collected by: BNHS Party

Sex & Measurements: F, BL- 18, PN-3, FW-35

Distribution: Karnataka, Meghalaya, Tamil Nadu and Uttar

Pradesh

1 Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

243

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

III. Subfamily: Mantinae Kirby

Tribe: Miomantini Beier

Genus: Deiphobe Stal

10. Deiphobe mesomelas (Olivier) Nymph

Locality: Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary**

Date: 2.viii.2000

Collected by: BNHS Party

Sex: Female

Remarks: Mukherjee etal. ( 1995) had recorded it in Maharashtra,

but specific locality in the state was not mentioned.

Distribution: Himachal Pradesh & Maharashtra

Genus: Hierodula Giglio-Tos

1 1 Hierodula { Hierodula ) saussurei Kirby (NR6)

Locality: Mahabaleshwar, Maharashtra**

Date: 3.vi.2001

Collected by: BNHS Party

Sex & Measurements: F, BL-70, PN-19, FW-50

Distribution: Arunachal Pradesh

1 2. Hierodula (Hierodula) doveri Chopard (NR7)

Locality: Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary**

Date: l.viii.2000

Collected by: BNHS Party

Sex & Measurements: M, BL-56, PN-21, FW-46

Distribution: Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Orissa and

Tamil Nadu

Genus: Mantis Linnaeus

1 3. Mantis inornata Werner

Locality: Vitava, Thane

Date: 22.x. 1999

Collected by: BNHS Party

Sex & Measurements: N, BL-3 1 , PN- 1 1

Distribution: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra

IV. Subfamily: Phyllothelinae Beier

Genus: Phyllothelys Wood-Mason

14. Phyllothelys westwoodi (Wood-Masoni)

Locality: Andheri, Mumbai

Date: 9.viii. 1 936

Sex & Measurements: F, PN-5, FW-27

Remark: Old specimen, abdomen broken

Abbreviations used: NR: New record from Maharashtra;

M: Male; F: Female; N: Nymph; *Speeies reported from SGNP;

** Species reported from Maharashtra, besides SGNP; BL:

Body length; PN: Pronotum, FW: Fore wing, HW: Hind wing.

These seven additions bring the number of mantid fauna

in Maharashtra to 5 1 . The genus Amantis present in the

collection was recently identified up to species.

May 7, 2003 NARESH CHATURVEDI1

T.K. MUKHERJEE2

VARAD GIRL

'Bombay Natural History Society

Hombill House, S.B. Singh Road,

Mumbai 400 023, Maharashtra, India.

Email: bnhs@bom4. vsnl.net. in

265, A/6 Swinhoe Lane,

Kolkata 700 042, West Bengal, India.

REFERENCES

Chaturvedi, N. & V. Hegde (2000): Mantid fauna of Sanjay Gandhi

National Park, Mumbai with some new records for Maharashtra

State. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 97: 295-297.

Ghate, H.V. & S.P. Ranade (2002): Biodiversity of mantids, Insecta:

Mantodea in Pune (Western Ghats) with notes on other regions

of Maharashtra. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 99(2): 348-352.

Mukherjee, T.K.. A.K. Hazra & A.K. Ghosh (1995): The mantid

fauna of India (Insecta: Mantodea). Oriental Insect 29: 185-358.

Appendix 1: Checklist of mantid fauna of Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Mumbai

Family: Amorphoscelidae Stai

1. Amorphoscelis annulicorrtis Stal

Family: Hymenopodidae Chopard

2. Ambivia popa Stal*

3. Ephestiasula pictipes (Wood-Mason)*

4. Ephestiasula intermedia Werner

5. Euantissa pulchra (Fabricius)

6. Hestiasula brunneriana Saussure

7. Creobroter gemmatus (Stoll)

Family: Mantidae Burmeister

8. Dysaules himaiayanus Wood-Mason*

9. Humbertiella affinis Giglio-Tos

10. Humbertiella ceylonica Saussure

11. Humbertiella indica Saussure

12. Humbertiella nigrospmosa Sjostedt

13. Schizocephala bicornis (Linnaeus)

14. Amantis biroi Giglio-Tos*

15. Cimantis fuliginosa Werner

16. Gonypeta punctata (De Haan)

17. Deiphobe infuscata (Saussure)

18. Hierodula ( Hierodula ) tenuidentata Saussure

19. Hierodula (Hierodula) unimaculata (Olivier)

20. Mantis inornata Werner

21. Phyllothelys westwoodi (Wood-Mason)*

Family: Empusidae Burmeister

22. Gongylus gongylodes (Linnaeus)

* Old records

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J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

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Appendix 2: Checklist of mantid fauna of Maharashtra

Family: Amorphoscelidae Stal

1. Amorphoscelis annullcornis Stal

Family: Hymenopodidae Chopard

2. Ambivia popa Stal

3. Ephestiasula intermedia Werner

4. Ephestiasula pictipes (Wood-Mason)

5. Euantissa pulchra (Fabricius)

6. Hestiasula brunneriana Saussure

7. Creobroter apicalis Saussure

8. Creobroter laevicollis Saussure

9. Creobroter gemmatus (Stoll)

Family: Mantidae Burmeister

10. Didymocorypha lanceolata (Fabricius)

11. Dysaules himalayanus Wood-Mason

12. Humbertiella ceylonica Saussure

13. Humbertiella affinis Giglio-Tos

14. Humbertiella nigrospinosa Sjostedt

15. Humbertiella indica Saussure

16. Heterochaetula fissispinis Wood-Mason

17. Heterochaetula tricolor (Wood-Mason)

18. Schizocephala bicornis (Linnaeus)

19. Hapalopeza nilgirica Wood-Mason

20. Elmantis nira Mukherjee & Hazra

21 . Elmantis tricomaliae (Saussure)

22. Eomantis guttatipennis (Stal)

23. Amantis biroi Giglio-Tos

24. Amantis saussurei (Bolivar)

25. Cimantis fuligmosa Werner

26. Gonypeta punctata (De Haan)

27. Deiphobe incisa Werner

28. Deiphobe mfuscata (Saussure)

29. Deiphobe mesomelas (Olivier)

30. Deiphobella laticeps (Wood-Mason)

31. Hierodula (Hierodula) saussurei Kirby

32. Hierodula ( Hierodula ) tenuidentata Saussure

33. Hierodula ( Hierodula ) unimaculata (Olivier)

34. Hierodula ( Hierodula ) doveri Chopard

35. Hierodula ( Hierodula ) ventralis Giglio-Tos

36. Parhierodula (Parhierodula) coarctata (Saussure)

37. Hierodula (Rhombodera) woodmasoni Werner

38. Hierodula (Rhombodera) butleri Wood-Mason

39. Mantis inornata Werner

40. Mantis nobilis Brunner

41 . Mantis religiosa Linnaeus

42. Statilia maculata (Thunberg)

43. Phyllothelys westwoodi (Wood-Mason)

44. Aethalochroa ashmotiana (Westwood)

45. Aethalochroa msignis Wood-Mason

46. Toxoderopsis taurus Wood-Mason

47. Euthyphleps curtipes (Westwood)

48. Paradanuria orientalis Wood-Mason

Family: Empusidae Burmeister

49. Empusa guttula (Thunberg)

50. Empusa pauperata (Fabricius)

51. Gongylus gongylodes (Linnaeus)

22. NEW RECORD OF THE SALTICID SPIDER THIANIA BHAMOENSIS THORELL

(ARANEAE: SALTICIDAE) FROM KERALA, INDIA WITH ITS REDESCRIPTION

AND FIELD NOTES ON BEHAVIOUR

Although not very abundant Thiania bhamoensis

originally described by Thorell ( 1 895 ) from Burma ( =Myanmar)

is a common jumping spider found in many parts of Kerala

state, India. We recently collected and studied a number of

specimens of this spider from various parts of Kerala.

Renowned salticid taxonomist Proszynski who prepared the

diagrams of T. bhamoensis for the first time in 1984, based on

the Thorell collection at Stockholm, confirmed our

identification from the diagrams sent to him.

There is no previous record of this spider from India.

However, Proszynski (2002) synonymized the spider Marptusa

oppressa reported by Thorell in 1 892 from Nicobar Island of

India, to T. bhamoensis. A point we wish to highlight in this

context is the close similarity between the recently collected

specimens of T. bhamoensis and the type specimen of Euophrys

chiriatapuensis collected by Tikader ( 1 977) from the Andaman

& Nicobar Islands, India and kept at the Zoological Survey of

India, Kolkata. The descriptions and diagrams published by

Tikader ( 1 977 ), Proszynski ( 2002 ) also point out these similarities.

We therefore suggest that the species described by Tikader as

Euophrys chiriatapuensis be synonymized to Thiania

bhamoensis Thorell. We provide a redescription of the species

along with field notes on its behaviour.

Thiania bhamoensis Thorell

1892. Marptusa oppressa : Thorell, Tun. Mag. Nat. Hist.

(6) IX: 226-237.

1895. Thiania bhamoensis: Thorell, Descriptive

Catalogue of the Spiders of Burma, I - 406.

1901 . Thiania oppressa: Simon, Histoire Naturelle des

Araignees , 2(3): 38 1 -668.

1977. Euoplnys chiriatapuensis: Tikader, Rec. zool. Sun:

India , 72: 153-212.

1983. Thiania bhamoensis: Proszynski, Folia

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

245

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

Fig. 1 (a-h): Female, Thiania bhamoensis Thorell

a: Dorsal aspects; b: Lateral view; c: Frontal view; d: Sternum; e: Labium and Maxilla;

f: Chelicera-fang folded; g: Chelicera-fang elevated; h: First leg - antero-lateral view

entomologica hungarica [=Rovartani Kozlemenyek ] XLIV,

2: 283-297.

1985. Thiania bhamoensis: Zabka, Annals zoologici,

Warszawa, 11: 452-453.

1993. Thiania bhamoensis: Peng et al. Korean

Arachnol., 9: 7-18.

1999. Thiania bhamoensis: Song, Zhu & Chen, The

Spiders of China. Salticidae, 505-581 .

Specimens examined: 59 9 2d <3, Kadavanthra,

2.viii.2000; 29 9 and Id 3.xi.2000;29 9 15.xi.2000, Kanjoor,

Emakulam District. 1 9 8. xii. 2000 Kulathuvayal, Kozhikode

District and 2d d 23. xi. 2001 Pookkot, Wayanad District.

Collected by Samson Davis.

General: Small in size, very attractive, easily noticeable

246

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MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

Fig. 2 (i-m): Male Thiania bhamoensis Thorell

i: Palp - dorsal view; j: Palp - ventral view; k: Palp - lateral view from outer side; I: Palp - lateral view from inner side;

m: Palp - palpal organ enlarged

with patterns of iridescent blue or bluish green setae on

cephalothorax, abdomen and legs. General body colour black.

Male and female are alike, but male slightly smaller than female

and darker in appearance.

Measurements (in mm): <5 Total length - 6.88, Carapace

- Maximum length -3.13, Maximum width - 2.75, Abdomen -

Maximum length - 3.75, Maximum width -1.5.

9 Total length - 7, Carapace - Maximum length - 2.75,

Maximum width - 2.5, Abdomen - Maximum length - 4.25,

Maximum width - 2.25.

Cephalothorax: Almost flat, broad not much longer than

wide. Anterior row of eyes slightly recurved with eyes almost

touching each other. Small black hairs present projecting from

the row of eyes. Bases of anterior median eyes ( AME) covered

with iridescent blue hairs, anterior lateral eyes (ALE) with

spindle-shaped setae of same colour. These setae also form a

broad patch and spread backward to the ocular quadrangle

from the base of the anterior row. Rest of ocular quadrangle

without setae and black in colour. Ocular quadrangle wider

than long. AME the largest. ALE and PLE (posterior lateral

eyes) equal in size. Posterior median eyes (PME) minute and

situated about midway between ALE and PLE. Posterior lateral

eyes, almost equal in size to ALE. All eyes black in colour.

Diameter of eyes (in mm) is as follows: AME - 0.6, ALE - 0.37,

PME - 0.03, PLE - 0.25, Distance between eyes; AME - AME -

0, AME - ALE - 0, ALE - PME - 0.37, ALE- PLE - 0.75, PME -

PLE -0.37, PME - PME- 1 .8, PLE - PLE- 1 .5. Male and female

alike in these measurements. A broad crescent shaped patch

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

247

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

Fig. 3 (n-o): Thiania bhamoensis Thorell,

n: Female Epigyne; o: Female - internal genitalia

of blue iridescent spindle shaped setae present just below

the posterior margin of the ocular quadrangle (Fig. la). Lateral

rim of the cephalothorax lined with a series of same setae.

Clypeus narrow and a triangular area of long flat shining hairs

present below the AME (Fig. lc).

Sternum truncated, broad with a conical posterior tip

(Fig. Id). Maxillae, with thick scopulae (Fig. le). Chelicerae

black, round and swollen with triangular base. Two small teeth

present on the outer margin and one large tooth on the inner

margin almost close to the base of the fang. Fang small, curved,

conical, reddish brown in colour with swollen base (Fig. lf-g).

Legs brown in colour with moderate length covered with black

hairs. Femurs almost robust among which that of first leg

much prominent. Three and two pairs of ventral spines present

respectively on tibia and metatarsus of I and II legs (Fig. lh).

Dorsal sides of the legs with small patches of blue iridescent

setae. Leg formula - 1, IV, II, III. Leg measurements of male and

female provided in Tables 1 and 2.

Male palp comparatively small with hairy oval cymbium,

hairs form thick tuft at the distal end. Tibial apophysis slightly

curved with a blunt tip, tegulum swollen, round, embolus

small, curved structure appeared to be as in a sheath. Male

palp detailed in Fig. 2 (i-m). Palp in female thickly covered

with small black hairs.

Abdomen: slightly elongated with broadest part at the

middle. Pedicel not visible from above in live specimens.

General colour of the abdomen black or light brown.

Two broad inverted “U” shaped patches formed of blue

iridescent setae present on the abdomen, one situated at the

upper end and the other almost at the middle. A vague mid

dorsal thin line of setae present in between. Posterior end of

the abdomen with a roughly triangular patch of these setae.

Spinnerets, black in colour (Fig. la). Lower surface of the

abdomen pale yellow without setae. Few faint black transverse

bands present on the ventral side.

In female, the epigyne situated at the anterior end of

the abdomen at the ventral side, comparatively broader with

Table 1 : Leg measurements of male (all measurements in mm)

248

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

two conspicuous eye-like patches light brown in colour. Two

pairs of round closely fitting markings present below them.

Epigyne and internal genitalia detailed in Fig. 3 (n - o).

Distribution: India, Kerala state. Observed in different

parts of Ernakulam, Trichur (=Thrissur), Kozhikode and

Wayanad districts of Kerala from sea level to an altitude of

about 1067 m above msl.

Remarks: Blue iridescent colour of the setae fade within

a very short time when specimens are preserved in alcohol.

Specimens can be satisfactorily preserved in glycerine without

losing colour even after one year. However, problem of

shrinkage and chance of fungal attack is more while stored in

glycerine. Setae in characteristic pattern present only in young

and mature young adults. In “older adults” and roughly

handled specimens this pattern may be lost.

Field characters: Thiania bhamoensis prefers plants

with comparatively broad leaves. Specimens were collected

from garden plants and wild bushes and even from tall trees.

Unlike many other Salticids, it does not construct silk retreats,

but makes a “purse-like hiding place” by sticking together

two leaves with few broad vertical silk bands. Use of silk in

nest construction is limited to making of these bands. Number

of bands depends upon the size of the nest, which varies

according to the size of the animal. This peculiar way of nest

construction is perhaps characteristic of the genus Thiania

and T. bhamoensis is similar in this respect to an unidentified

species of Thiania from Malaysia as reported by Jackson in

1986.

T. bhamoensis has the habit of spending most of its

time in the ‘nest’. It usually remains hiding in the ‘nest’ with

anterior parts projecting out through one of the openings of

the ‘nest’. In addition to protection from an intruding enemy

this may also help to catch some passing insects. If disturbed

while in the nest, at first the spider tries to conceal itself

Jackson R.R., (1986): Silk utilization and defensive behaviour of Thiania

an iridescent jumping spider (Araneae: Salticidae) from Malaysia.

New Zealand Jour. Zool. 13: 553-561.

Proszynski. J. (2002): Catalogue of Salticidae (Araneae) - a synthesis

of quotations in the world literature since 1940. with

basic taxonomic data since 1758. WSRP , Siedlce. (Internet

version).

within the nest, then jumps out and leaps away. Sometimes it

comes out of the nest for active hunting. Mosquitoes and

flies are the preferred prey. When alarmed it quickly moves to

the lower surface of the leaf to hide. The spider also uses the

‘nest’ as its night shelter. If nothing happens to the ‘nest’, it

is used continuously for days.

Thiania bhamoensis uses the same ‘nest’ for

oviposition and brooding. Egg sac is constructed using thick

layers of silk within the ‘nest’. Breeding period is usually

September to November. Sitting over the egg sac within the

‘nest’, the mother spider guards the eggs and later the

young ones until they come out of the ‘nest’. After starting

an independent life the young ones construct separate

‘nests’. The young resemble the adult in colouration. They

can be observed in fairly good numbers from January to

March.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We thank Fr. A.J. Savience, Principal, Sacred Heart

College, Thevara, Kochi for facilities provided. We also

express our sincere gratitude to Dr. J. Proszynski for his expert

comments.

March 1 3, 2003 SAMSON DAVIS

A.V. SUDHIKUMAR

K. SUNIL JOSE

PA. SEBASTIAN

Division of Arachnology,

Department of Zoology,

Sacred Heart College,

Thevara, Kochi,

Kerala 682 01 3,

India.

Thorell, T. (1892): On some Spiders from the Andaman Islands

collected by E.W. Oates, Esq. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (6)IX: 226

237.

Thorell, T. (1895): Descriptive Catalogue of the Spiders of Burma.

British Museum, London, 1895: 1-406.

Tikader, B .K. ( 1977): Studies on spider fauna of Andaman and Nicobar

Islands, Indian Ocean. Rec. zool. Sur\’. India. 72: 206-207.

23. FIRST RECORD OF A WIND-SCORPION (ARACHNIDA: SOLIFUGAE)

FROM SEONI DISTRICT, MADHYA PRADESH

Wind-scorpions are curious creatures belonging to

Order Solifugae, Class Arachnida. They resemble spiders in

appearance and are also known as false-spiders, sun-spiders,

and camel-spiders. They can be easily recognised by their

exceptionally well-developed chelicerae forming two powerful

pincers, two large eyes on an ocular tubercle, very long

pedipalps, extremely hairy body, and segmented abdomen.

The first pair of legs is stretched out in front and used as

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

249

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

tactile organ, while the remaining legs are used in locomotion

(Levi and Lewi 1968). Wind-scorpions are nocturnal,

exclusively carnivorous, generally preying on insects, but

they also kill and eat larger animals, such as scorpions and

small lizards. Principally they are desert forms, but in India

they are also found in forests (Anon. 1991). A review of the

literature reveals that wind-scorpions are little known in the

Indian Fauna. Pocock ( 1 900) recorded 1 7 species of Solifugae

in 3 genera under 2 families, including three species from

Central India, namely Galeodes fatcilis Lichtenstein & Herbst,

Galeodes orientalis Stoliczka and Galeodes indicus Pocock.

According to Pocock (1900), Galeodes fatalis is known from

Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, North India, Bengal and

Kathiawar; Galeodes orientalis from Gwalior, Kathiawar,

Birbhum, Delhi, Bihar and Uttaranchal, while Galeodes

indicus is known from Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, Bilaspur

in Chhattisgarh, Gaya in Bihar and Thane in Maharashtra.

Unfortunately, since Pocock (1900), there has been no major

work on the Indian Solifugae ( Anon. 1991).

While identifying some arachnid fauna collected by a

survey team of Zoological Survey of India, Jabalpur, from

Seoni district, we came across an interesting juvenile

specimen of the genus Galeodes, an account of which is

given as follows;

Family: Galeodidae

Genus: Galeodes Olivier

Galeodes sp.

Material examined; 1 ex. (immature); loc. Chewarighat,

Seoni district, Madhya Pradesh; coll. K. Chandra, 6.vi.2001

(Regn. No. A/949).

Measurements (in mm): Total length 8; width of head

2; length of palpus 10; length of I leg 5, II leg 4.5, ID leg 8.5, IV

leg 13.

Colour: Cephalothorax brownish, legs light brown,

abdomen blackish-brown.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Thanks are due to Dr. J.R.B. Alfred, Director, ZSI,

Kolkata, and Dr. K. Chandra, Joint Director, ZSI, C.R.S.,

Jabalpur, for providing research facilities.

March 1 3, 2003 PAWAN GAJBE

Zoological Survey of India,

Central Regional Station,

424, New Adarsh Colony,

Kamla Nehru Nagar,

Jabalpur 482 002, Madhya Pradesh, India.

REFERENCES

Anon. ( 1991 ): Solpugida. Animal Resources of India. Zoological Survey

of India, Kolkata. 475 pp.

Levi, H.W. & L.R. Lewi (1968): Spiders and their kin. Golden Press,

New York. 118 pp.

Pocock, R.I. (1900): The Fauna of British India including Ceylon and

Burma. Arachnida. Taylor and Francis, London, pp. 132-152.

24. OCCURRENCE OF THE MUD CRAB SCYLLA TRANQUEBAR1CA (FABRICIUS)

(BRACHYURA: PORTUNIDAE) FROM THE WEST COAST OF INDIA

A study of commercially important crab species of north

Konkan zone, especially from ponds in Uran area of Raigad

district of coastal Maharashtra revealed that, besides Scylla

serrata, S. tranquebarica was also reared in the ponds. The

study thus revealed that S. tranquebarica, which was so far

reported only from India’s east coast, also occurs on the west

coast.

The mud crab Scylla serrata (Forskal), also known as

mangrove swimming crab, is one of the commonest, large and

widely distributed crabs in the Indo-Pacific region. Due to its

large size, abundant availability close to the shore (being an

estuarine species) and fetching a high price, a good deal of

attention has been paid to its taxonomy and fishery (Sakai

1976; Kathirval and Srinivasagam 1992; Fuseya and

Watanabe 1995; Watanabe and Fuseya 1997).

There has been confusion as to whether S. serrata is a

complex of several species/ subspecies, or if these are

morphological variations of a single species. Earlier authors

preferred to use a single name for the species, namely

S. serrata. However, from around 1949 onwards taxonomists

(Estampador 1949; Serene 1952; Joel and SanjeevaRaj 1983;

Oshiro 1988; Fuseya and Watanabe 1996; Overtone-fa/. 1997;

Keenan et al. 1 998 ; Fuseya 1998) have recognized two to four

different species or subspecies. In contrast, Stephenson and

Campbell (1960) attributed their morphological variations to

environmental differences. Fushimi and Watanabe (200 1 ) have

reviewed the problems in species identification of crabs of

the genus Scylla.

The use of popular names for S. serrata is also

confusing. The common usage of “mud crabs” is rather

unfortunate, as there are so many crabs - both walking and

swimming - that live in mudflats. Even the term “mangrove

250

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

crab” is confusing, as this term is used for crabs of the genus

Sesarmci. Chhapgar (pers. comm.) prefers the usage of

“mangrove swimming crab” as it distinguishes the swimming

Scylla from the walking Sesarma.

During our survey of the fattening ponds for Scylla at

Uran in coastal Raigad district of Maharashtra, S. serrata

was seen to be the predominant form, occurring throughout

the year. However, only during the monsoon season, we came

across S. tranquebarica in fair numbers. Comparison of the

teeth on the antero-lateral borders of the carapace and teeth

on the carpus of the chelipeds and the sharpness of the teeth

on the front (i.e., between the eyes) was adequate to separate

the two species of Scylla. S. tranquebarica is locally called

“ shen kurla ”, while S. serrata is called “ Lai chimbori” in the

North Konkan region.

Morphometric Characters

Two male specimens of S. tranquebarica were collected

from Uran area and preserved at the Taraporevala Marine

Biological Research Station, Mumbai; measurements for both

the specimens are given in Table 1 .

Chhapgar ( 1957, 1962) has included S. serrata in his

taxonomic work on the marine crabs of the erstwhile Bombay

state (now Gujarat and Maharashtra states and Uttar Kannad

Table 1 : Morphometric measurements of the specimens

collected from Uran

cheliped: length of right

cheliped

district of Karnataka state). His illustration, however, shows

two distinct spines on the outer face of the carpus of the

chelipeds, four sharply acuminate teeth of the front (between

the eyes) and nine sharply acuminate teeth on the antero-

lateral borders. He states (pers. comm.) that he had referred to

the papers by Estampador ( 1 949) and Serene ( 1 952), and was

even inclined to treat the two forms ( serrata and

Fig. 1: Distribution of Scylla tranquebarica (Fabricius) on the east

and west coast of India

tranquebarica) as separate species. However, he ultimately

preferred the then prevalent view of clubbing the two forms

into S. serrata.

Distribution

As per the information on geographical distribution of

S. tranquebarica in India, the species is only reported from

Parangipattai (Porto Nova) on the east coast (Anon. 1998)

(Fig. 1). The occurrence of S. tranquebarica from north

Konkan region of Maharashtra and the west coast is,

therefore, confirmed by us.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We thank Dr. P.C. Raje, Associate Dean and

Dr. S.G. Belsare, Senior Scientific Officer, Faculty of Fisheries,

Konkan Agricultural University, Dapoli for providing facilities

and encouragement. Special thanks are due to Dr. B.F.

Chhapgar, former Curator, Taraporevala Aquarium, Mumbai

and Research Officer-in charge, Taraporevala Marine

Biological Station, Mumbai for critically reviewing the

manuscript.

March 1 2, 2003 R.K. SINGH

V.R. VARTAK

A.K. BALANCE

Taraporevala Marine Biological Research Station,

New Administrative Building,

Bandra (East), Mumbai 400 05 1 ,

Maharashtra,

India

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

251

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

REFERENCES

Anon. (1998): Biogeography of Scylla tranquebarica. Bioinformatics

Centre, National Institute of Oceanography. Goa.

Chhapgar, B.F. (1957): On the marine crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura)

of Bombay State. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 54(2 & 3): 399-

439.

Chhapgar, B.F. (1962): Crab fishing at Bombay. J. Bombay Nat. Hist.

Soc. 59(1): 306-309.

Estampador, E.P. (1949): Studies on Scylla (Crustacea: Portunidae).

Revision of the genus. Philip. J. Sci. 78(1): 95-108.

Fuseya. R. (1998): Studies on the species identification of the genus

Scylla. Ph.D. Thesis of the Tokyo University of Fisheries,

170 pp. | In Japanese].

Fuseya. R. & S. Watanabe (1995): Notes on the taxonomy of the

genus Scylla. Cancer (4): 5-8. [In Japanese],

Fuseya. R. & S. Watanabe ( 1996): Genetic variability in the mud crab

genus Scylla. (Brachyura: Portunidae). Fish. Sci. 62(5): 705-

709.

Fushimi. H. & S. Watanabe (2001 ): “Problems in species identification

of the mud crab genus Scylla ( Brachyura: Portunidae)”. Research

article on Web. 5 pp.

Joel, D.R. & P.J. Sanjeeva Raj (1983): Taxonomic remarks on two

species of the genus Scylla De Haan (Portunidae: Brachyura)

from Pulicat Lake. Indian J. Fish. 30: 13-26.

Kathirval, M. & S. Srinivasagam (1992): Taxonomy of the mud

crab, Scylla serrata (Forskal), from India. The mud crab.

Pp. 132-172. In: A report on the seminar convened in Surat

Thani, Thailand. (Ed: Angell, C.A.). November 5-8, 1991. Bay

of Bengal Programme, Madras, India.

Keenan, C.P., P.J.F. Davie & D.L. Mann (1998): A revision of the

genus Scylla de Haan. 1833 (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura:

Portunidae), The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology 46(1): 217-245.

Oshiro, N. ( 1988). Mangrove crabs (Scylla spp.). Aquaculture in tropical

areas (S. Syokita, ed.), Midorishobo. Tokyo: 198-209. [In

Japanese]

Overton, J.L., D.J. Macintosh, & R.S. Thorpe (1997): Multivariate

analysis of mud crab Scylla serrata (Brachyura: Portunidae) from

four locations in South-east Asia. Mar. Biol. 128: 55-62.

Sakai, T. (1976): Crabs of Japan and the adjacent seas. Kodansha ,

Tokyo. Pp. 335-336.

Serene, R. ( 1952): Les especes du genere Scylla a Nhatrang (Vietnam).

Proc. Indo-Pacific Fish. Council 3(2): 133-137.

Stephenson, W. & B. Campbell (1960): The Australian Portunids

(Crustacea: Portunidae). IV. Remaining genera. Austr. J. Mar. &

Freshwater Res. 11: 73-122.

Watanabe, S. & R. Fuseya ( 1997): Notes on the identification of the

species in genus Scylla. Cancer 6: 33-36.

25. NEW SITES OF NEPENTHES KH ASIAN A FROM MEGHALAYA

WITH NEW EASTERN AND WESTERN RANGE EXTENSIONS

The pitcher plant Nepenthes khasiana Hk. f. is the only

Nepenthes species of carnivorous herbs, found in the Indian

subcontinent. It is endemic to Meghalaya. Nepenthes

khasiana was known only from the southern faces of

Meghalaya plateau. Its reported western limit is Baghinara

(90° 40' E) in South Garo Hills district, while the eastern limit

was at Jowai in Jaintia Hills district (92° 12' E) (Rodgers and

Gupta 1 989). The eastern range extended recently when a site

was discovered near Umtra, also in Jaintia Hills (Choudhury

2000).

I report some more sites, which were hitherto

unrecorded or overlooked including new eastern and western

252

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

range extensions of Nepenthes khasiana. In October 2002, a

new site was found more than a kilometre northwest of the site

near Umtra. This site is smaller than the earlier one and is on the

left side of National Highway 44, while coming from Khliehriat.

On December 14, 2002, 1 found many small sites scattered widely

from Rymbai village (25° 20' N, 92° 20' E) (Fig. 1 ) towards Lakadong.

I drove for another 2 km (25° 1 9' N, 92° 1 9' E) and found scattered

plants. The plants reportedly occur farther down towards

Lakadong, but may not be present at Lakadong. The elevation

of these patches was 1 1 00 m above msl.

I then drove east of Khliehriat. The first patch, a large one

along a nullah was near Sutnga village (25° 22' N, 92° 26' E) at

950 m elevation. The plant is reported from all around the

village, but I could not visit all the sites. Farther east, up to

about 4 km east of Sutnga I found some more pitcher plants.

This site (25° 21' N, 92° 27' E) at 900 m elevation is the new

eastern range of khasiana. There was a report from a site at

92° 28' E, which I could not visit.

Towards west, I received reports of occurrence at

Chokpot (25° 18' N, 90° 25' E) (Surajit Roy, pers. comm.) and

Deku area (25° 20' N, 90° 21' E) (Chagla Sangma, Awal Marak

pers. comm.), both in South Garo Hills district. The known

west-east extent of Nepenthes khasiana , which was 90° 40' E

to 92° 25' E, has now extended to 90° 2 1 ' E to 92° 28' E with a

number of new sites (Fig. 1 ).

In Jaintia Hills, coal mines using crude methods and its

allied activities such as clearance of forest and levelling for

storage of coal, setting up of labourers’ camps, truck parking,

shops and hotels have become a major threat. The labourers,

truck drivers, shops and hotels also need wood for fuel and

heating (in winter). It is high time that the coal mining, which

is the main economy of the area is modernised so that its

impact on the environment can be minimised. Some of the

larger patches, such as the one along the nullah near Sutnga

village, should be protected by erecting fence and banning

coal mining and felling.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I thank T. Deb Roy, DFO (Wildlife), Jowai who informed

me of possible new sites in the area and also helped during

my visits. I also thank N. Sutnga, L. Nongkhla, G. Ringkhlem

and Hakim for helping in the field survey.

March 1 9, 2003 ANWARUDDIN CHOUDHURY

The Rhino Foundation for nature in NE India,

C/o Assam Co., Ltd., Bamunimaidam,

Guwahati 781 021, Assam.

India.

Email : badrul @ sanchamet.in

REFERENCES

Choudhury, A. U. (2000): Range extension of Nepenthes khasiana in Rodgers, W.A. & S. Gupta (1989): The Pitcher Plant ( Nepenthes

the Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 97(1): khasiana Hk. f.) Sanctuary of Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya: lessons

166-167. for conservation. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 86: 17-21.

26. LINDERNIA ESTAMINODIOSA (BLATT. & HALLB.) MUKHERJEE

(SCROPHULARIACEAE): A NEW DISTRIBUTIONAL RECORD TO ANDHRA PRADESH

The genus Lindernia All., comprising about 1 00 species

(Sivarajan and Mathew 1983), is described under various

generic names, such as Lindernia All., Vandellia L., Bonnaya

Link & Otto and Ilysanthes Rafin. The genus is represented

by 22 species in India (Sivarajan and Mathew 1983; Cook

1996) and 11 species in Andhra Pradesh (Pullaiah and Ali

Moulali 1997).

While studying the aquatic and wetland angiosperm

diversity in Andhra Pradesh, we came across an interesting

taxon of Lindernia All., with a sizable population, growing in

moist locality, near Tada, Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh.

After a critical examination of the material with the help of

literature it was identified as Lindernia estaminodiosa (Blatt.

& Hallb.) Mukherjee. A thorough perusal of regional floras

and monographs revealed that this taxon is hitherto not

reported from Andhra Pradesh. A detailed description, brief

account on phenology along with illustrations is given to

facilitate easy field identification.

Lindernia estaminodiosa (Blatt. & Hallb.) Mukh. In:

J. Ind. Bot. Soc. 24: 133. 1945.

Bonnaya estaminodiosa Blatt. & Hallb. In: J. Bombay

Nat. Hist. Soc. 24:416. 1918.

Annual, erect herb, 6-15 cm, tall; stem slender, sharply

quadrangular, branched, glabrous. Leaves opposite, sessile,

oblong-oblanceolate, 10-30 x 3-5 mm, 1 -nerved, lateral nerves

obscure, base decurrent, margin with distinctly saw-like teeth,

apex obtuse. Flowers in lax terminal and lateral racemes; bract

subulate, 4 x 0.2 mm, 3-nerved, margin distantly setaceous

above the middle, apex acute; pedicel stout, 4 mm long. Sepals

deeply 5-lobed almost to the base, 3-4 x 0.2 mm, lobes

lanceolate, margin and apex setaceous above the middle, apex

subacute. Petals slightly pinkish, 3x1.5 mm, tube linear, 2 mm

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

253

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

Fig. 1 : Lindernia estaminodiosa (Blatt. & Hallb.) Mukherjee:

A. Habit; B. Bract; C. Petal; D. Pistil; E. Stamen; F. Sepals with capsule; G. Seed

long, glabrous; adaxial lip oblong-pyramidal, 2-lobed, equal;

abaxial lip 3-lobed, lobes orbicular, 1 mm long; middle lobe

slightly smaller than the lateral ones. Ovary elliptic, 1 x 0.5

mm; style 0.5 mm long; stigma 2-lobed, lobes orbicular, 0.5 mm

long. Stamens 2; filaments 0.7 mm long; anthers unequal, 0.5

mm long, yellow; staminodes absent. Capsule cylindrical-

elliptic, 10-12 x 1-1.5 mm, glabrous. Seeds oblong-orbicular,

0.25 mm long, reticulate, brown.

Ecology: Very rare in swamps.

FI. & Fr.: October- January.

Distribution: Endemic to Southwest India, india:

Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh.

Exs.: Tada (Nellore district), MC 23550.

Note: It is closely allied to Lindernia tenuifolia (Colsm.)

Alston, but differs in having larger leaf blade (10-30 mm),

terminal racemes, bracts as long as the pedicels and absence

of staminodes.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We are grateful to the Council of Scientific and Industrial

Research, New Delhi for financial assistance.

March 1 9, 2003 M. CHENNA KESAVULU

R.R. VENKATA RAJU

Department of Botany,

Sri Krishnadevaraya University,

Anantapur 5 1 5 003 , Andhra Pradesh, India.

REFERENCES

Cook, C.D.K. (1996): Aquatic and wetland plants of India. Oxford University Press, Oxford. 354 pp.

Pullaiah, T & D. Ali Moulali ( 1997): Flora of Andhra Pradesh (India). Scientific Publishers, Jodhpur. 2: 663-667.

Sivarajan, V.V. & Philip Mathew (1983): The genus Lindernia All. (Schrophulariaceae) in India. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. 80(3): 131-140.

254

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

27. ETHNOBOTANICAL INFORMATION OF EULOPHIA EPIDENDRAEA (RETZ)

FISCHER (ORCHID ACEAE) IN THE KAMBLI MALAIKOVIL FOREST,

TIRUNELVELI DISTRICT, TAMIL NADU

During a survey of medicinal plants of the Kambli

Malaikovil forest, Kambli, Tirunelveli district, Tamil Nadu, we

collected the terrestrial orchid Eulophia epidendraea from

grassland forest growing on rocks as an epiphyte at an altitude

of 50- 1 00 m. This species is only known from two localities in

southern Western Ghats, India and Africa (Abraham and

Vatsala 1981). This is a new distributional record of

E. epidendraea from the Kambli Malaikovil Forest. The

medicinal use of E. epidendraea was recorded from the local

forest dwelling Yadava community. A voucher specimen

E. epidendraea (V MR 10) was deposited in the Environmental

Carcinogenesis Research Unit, St. Xavier’s College

(Autonomous), Palayamkottai.

The Yadavas call E. epidendraea Kaattu Venkayam.

The dried, powdered, bulb is taken orally in hot milk to control

bronchitis, tumours, scrofulous infection of the glands of the

neck and in diseases of the blood, twice daily before meals,

for 20 days. This use as a drug is new to science. Further

studies are in progress on systematic, phytochemical and

pharmacological screening for antimicrobial properties and

any potent principle(s) at ECRU.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We thank the Principal, St. Xavier’s College for facilities,

and help extended by the medicine man of the Yadavas is also

acknowledged.

December 6, 2002 M. MARIDASS1

B. VICTOR

U. RAMESH

Environmental Carcinogenesis Research Unit,

PG. Research Department of Zoology,

St. Xavier’s College (Autonomous),

Palayamkottai 627 002,

Tamil Nadu,

India.

'Email: [email protected]

REFERENCE

Abraham, A. & P. Vatsala (1981): Introduction to orchids. Trivandrum Tropical Botanical Garden and Research Unit.

28. OCCURRENCE, FRUITING AND SEED MORPHOLOGY

OF ENDEMIC BULBOPHYLLUM FIMBRIATUM (LINDL.) REICHB. F.

During a floristic survey of Kukadeshwar, Taluka Junnar,

an interesting tiny epiphytic orchid was recorded on

Terminalia chebula Retz. tree. The specimen was critically

examined and identified as Bulbophyllum fimbriatum (Lindl.)

Reichb. f. (syn. Cirrhopetalum fimbriatum Lindl.). It was

confirmed by comparing it with old herbarium collections at

Agharkar Herbarium (AHMA), Agharkar Research Institute,

Pune and Botanical Survey of India, Western Circle, Pune.

The abundant occurrence of this species has been

reported at Mahabaleshwar by a number of workers (Dalzell

and Gibson 1861 ; Blatter and McCann 1906;Gammie 1906;

Santapau and Kapadia 1964; Bole and Almeida 1986;

Deshpande et al. 1993). Its occasional occurrence has been

reported along Sawantwadi-Ramghat and Castle rock-Anmode

areas(Vartak 1966;Kulkami 1979).Cooke(1903-1908)reported

it as apparently endemic; Sarkar (1995) described it as endemic

and vulnerable. Tetali et al. (2000) however, do not support

Sarkar (1995) on its vulnerable nature.

Hooker (1872-97) referred to Bulbophyllum fimbriatum

(Lindl.) Reichb. f. growing in Bombay! =Munrbai) southwards

along the Western Ghats. Scrutiny of herbarium specimens at

AHMA, Pune and BSI, Western Circle, Pune as well as critical

screening of floristic literature (Dalzell and Gibson 1861; Blatter

andMcCann 1906;Gammie 1906;Cooke 1903-1908; Santapau

1960; Santapau and Kapadia 1964; Hemadri 1970;

Laxminarasimhan and Sharma 1991; Kothari and Moorthy

1993; Deshpande et al. 1993, Sharma et al. 1996) revealed

that so far there has been no report of its occurrence beyond

Satara district towards North in Western Ghats. One herbarium

specimen of this species collected by H.P. Paranjape in 1908

from Ganeshkhind Botanical Garden, Pune, probably from

cultivation, is the only exception. This report, therefore, is a

new distributional record for this species from Taluka Junnar

of District Pune.

The species was recorded at Kukadeshwar on two trees

with less than 150 bulbs. The patch was studied in situ and

ex situ for one complete phenological cycle. Critical

observations showed some distinct variation in morphology

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

255

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

Fig. 1: SEM - Microphotographs of seed of Bulbophyllum fimbriatum (Lindl.) Reichb. f.

than the previous reports in literature (Cooke 1903-08;

Santapau and Kapadia 1964; Sharma et cil. 1996). They are

as follows:

- Pseudo-stem with minute papillae.

Leaves glabrous above and glaucous beneath.

- Flowers without foul scent.

- Mature fruits emit sweet fragrance.

It was interesting to note that complete morphological

description of the matured fruit and seed has not been reported

so far. This paper, therefore, also brings on record, fruit and

seed morphology of the species for the first time. Since the

seed is very minute efforts were made to study seed

morphology particularly surface structures using Scanning

Electron Microscope. Micro-morphology was carried out

using Stereo-scan 5120 Cambridge Microscope.

During the phenological studies, fruit setting was

observed only under in situ condition. In planted material no

fruit setting was recorded though bulbs flowered profusely.

In the population, 65% bulbs were recorded in flowering and

20% in fruiting state. Of these fruiting bulbs, 17%

inflorescence terminated into single capsule, whereas 3%

inflorescence terminated into 2-3 capsules (Fig. 1). Overall

the fruit setting was very less.

The capsules are obpyriform in shape with persistent

sepals at distal end. They are fragrant, green when young

and become dark brown at maturity. Average size range

between 4-13 mm x 1.4-4 mm. Surface longitudinally

thickened with 6-8 ridges and furrows, minutely hairy along

ridges. Capsules longitudinally dehiscent (Fig. 1).

The seeds are minute, light brown in colour; spindle

shaped somewhat twisted near both ends. Average size ranges

from 127.25-212.1 x 30.3-60.6 pm. Seed surface shows

oblique striations in epidermal cell layer, which is irregularly

reticulated (Fig. 1).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We thank the Director, Agharkar Research Institute,

Pune, for all facilities and encouragement. Sincere thanks

are due to the Director, Botanical Survey of India, Western

Circle for providing Herbarium facilities during specimen

identification.

March 19,2003 VINAYA S. GHATE

Botany Group,

Agharkar Research Institute,

Pune 41 1 004, Maharashtra, India.

Email: [email protected]

SAVITA NAGARKAR

Arts, Commerce & Science College,

Ale, District Pune 412 411

Maharashtra,

India.

REFERENCES

Blatter. E. & McCann ( 1906): Revision of the Flora of the Bombay Mahabaleshwar-7. J. Bombay Nat. Hist Soc. 83(3): 577.

Presidency. J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc. XVII: 253-2 75. Cooke, T. ( 1903-08) (Reprint): Flora of Presidency of Bombay

Bole, P.V. & M.R. Almeida (1986): Material for Flora of 2: 188.

256

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

Dalzell, N.A. & A. Gibson (1861): The Bombay Flora. Education

Society’s, Byculla, Bombay. 261 pp.

Deshpande, S., B.D. Sharma & M.P. Nayar (1993): Flora of

Mahabaleshwarand adjoining, Maharashtra-II, Botanical Survey

of India.

Gammie, G.A. ( 1906): The Orchid of the Bombay Presidency. J. Bombay

Nat. Hist. Soc. XVII(l): 31-37.

Hemadri, K. ( 1970): Flora of Junnar and surrounding area. Pune District

Ph.D. Thesis Part II.

Hooker, J.D. (1872-97): The Flora of British India 5: 774.

Kothari, M.J. & S. Moorthy (1993): Flora of Raigad District in

Maharashtra State, Botanical Survey of India.

Kulkarni, B.G. ( 1979): Flora of South Ratanagiri Ph D. Thesis Part II

602 pp.

Laxminarasimhan, P. & B.D. Sharma (1991): Flora of Nasik District,

Botanical Survey of India.

Santapau, H. (1960): Flora of Khandala on the Western Ghats of

India. Manager Publ., Civil lines, Delhi.

Santapau, H. & Z. Kapadia (1964): The Orchids of Bombay, Manager

Publ.. Delhi. 198 pp.

Sarkar, P.K. (1995): Rare, endangered and endemic orchids in India

Jour. Econ. Tax. Bot. Add. Series 11: 33-47.

Sharma, B.D., S. Karthikeyan & N.P. Singh (1996): Flora of

Maharashtra states. Monocotyledons, Botanical Survey of India

Publication: 14-15.

Tetali, P., S. Tetali, B.G. Kulkarni, P.V. Prasanna, P.

Laxminarasimhan, M. Lale, M.S. Kumbhojkar, D.K. Kulkarni

& A.P. Jagatap (2000): Endemic Plants of India. Naoroji Godrej

Centre for Plant Research. Satara (M.S.)

Vartak, V.D. (1966): Enumeration of plants from Gomantak, India.

M.A.C.S Publication, Pune. 101 pp.

29. INDIGENOUS USES OF RHODODENDRONS IN NEPAL

Nepal (total area 147, 1 8 1 sq. km) has an alluring blend

of various habitats and biodiversity. The snow-capped

Himalayan peaks tower in a cluster to the north, while the

terai plains, about 25 km wide, stretch to the south. The mid-

land is covered by hills (about 77% of the total land mass),

where many fertile valleys like Dang, Surkhet, Pokhara and

Kathmandu are located. This mid-land region harbours many

important Rhododendron species. It is estimated that

32 species of Rhododendron occur in Nepal, and 28 of them

are found in the Jaljale and Milke areas in east Nepal.

Rhododendrons have supposedly originated about 1 00 million

years ago in the Yunan province of China (de Mil leville 1993).

Presently, the recorded number of rhododendrons in China is

460 species, of the 850 in the world. They range in size from

20 m (giant ) to 15 cm (dwarf). Their beautiful flowers can be

observed from February ( 1,500 m and above) to June (3,500 m

and above). Dwarf species like Rhododendron setosum and

R. lowndesii, which are found above the timberline, are

endemic to Nepal. The common species. Rhododendron

arboreum was designated as the National Power of Nepal in

1962.

The pollens of many species of rhododendrons are

poisonous, and hence the honey collected by the wild bees

becomes poisonous. Therefore, the villagers collect honey

only after the flowering season of rhododendrons.

Importance and belief

Generally, Rhododendron arboreum bears flowers

during February-May; the other species rarely flower during

this period. Rhododendrons are an essential part of Nepalese

life and culture. Its flowers have an important significance in

religious ceremonies and are sold in urban areas, around

temple premises. During this period, the villagers decorate

their homes with the flower. Many poems and songs have

been composed in praise of these beautiful flowers. A Nepali

song written by Kshetra Pratap Adhikari and sung by the

Late Narayan Gopal Gurubacharya is worth mentioning here:

Ma ta lali gurans bhayechhu

Banai bhari phuli dinchhu

Manai bhari phuli dinchhu

Phant haru lai kasle cliumchh

Bliir ma pani phuli dinchhu

This may be translated as:

“I have now become a rhododendron, and will bloom

throughout the forest to allure one’s heart. I will not care for

the plain flat land; I will flower even in difficult sloping

ground.”

There is an interesting folk story concerning the beauty

of the Rhododendron. The Rhododendron (Rhododendron

arboreum ), considered to be a female, once went to the

Nepalese Alder ( Alnus nepalensis), a male, with a marriage

proposal. The Alder, which has a soft wooded, straight stem,

turned down the proposal angrily, for she had straggling

branches and looked ugly. Disappointed, the Rhododendron

turned back, with no further communication with the Alder. In

February-May when she flowered, covering the mountain

slopes with her beautiful flowers, the Alder lamented his rude

behaviour. He regretted rejecting the beautiful

Rhododendron’s offer and asked for forgiveness, but this

time she refused to talk to him. The disappointed Alder then

decided to commit suicide and jumped from a steep slope. It

is believed that this is why the Alder grows around river

gorges and steep slopes (Manandhar 2002).

Enumeration

This information was collected during the course of

ethnobotanical studies among different ethnic groups. The

plants are arranged alphabetically with botanical names, local

names (Gur. Gurung; Lim. Limbu; Nep. Nepali; Sep. Sherpa;

Tam. Tamang; Tib. Tibetan), and uses. The specimens are

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

257

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

deposited in the National Herbarium and Plant Laboratories,

Godavari . Lalitpur, Nepal.

Rhododendron anthopogon D. Don; Sep. Balu

chansinn, Balu Kaphe, Dhupi; Tib. Tazak-tbum.

Leaf is boiled with water for about 15 minutes, strained

and the concoction is consumed as sedative. Infusion of leaf

and flower is taken as substitute for tea. Dried leaves are used

for incense.

R. arboreum Sm.; Lim. Thokpheklaphun; Nep.

Laligurans; Sep. Tahnu mhendo; Tam. Para mhendo

Flowers are pickled, and their juice is made into a

refreshing drink. Petals are chewed for their sweet and sour

taste. Children suck the nectar deposited at the base of the

corolla. Juice of the root and stem is used to alleviate the

symptoms of asthma. Six teaspoons of bark juice, 4 times a

day, is given to relieve jaundice. Paste of young leaves is

applied on the forehead to cure headache. Juice of the flower

is given to cure bleeding dysentery, and as an expectorant.

Powdered flower or leaf is taken as snuff to stop nose bleeds,

and is considered effective for curing cough and cold. The

flower is believed to have powers to dissolve fish bones that

get stuck in the throat and is therefore kept at home for such

an emergency. The wood is good fuel as it gives heat for a long

time; it is easy to cut and is used to make household utensils.

Powdered leaves are used as fish poison. Young leaves are

poisonous for livestock. Flowers are used to make dye.

R. barbatuni Wall. ex. G. Don; Gur. Ryapu; Nep. Gurans,

Gluraunsi.

Powder of tender shoots and leaves is taken as snuff to

alleviate cough and cold, and also considered good for

treating sinusitis. Fresh leaves and tender shoots are

poisonous for cattle. Leaves and bark are used for poisoning

fish. Nectar of flowers is intoxicating.

Constituents: Leaf: Andromedotoxin ( Chopra al. 1958).

R. campanulatnm D. Don; Gur. Syapu; Nep. Anilo chimal,

Cheraidu, Nilo chimal, Seto gurans; Sep. Chimal mhendo

Powder of leaf is taken as snuff for alleviating cough,

cold and respiratory problems. Paste of tender leaves is applied

to relieve rheumatism. Flowers are used to treat headache.

Juice of immature fruit is considered good for digestive

disorders. Tender leaves are poisonous for cattle.

R. campylocarpunt Hook, f.; Nep. Pahenlo chimal.

Paste of tender leaves is applied to cure headache.

R. cinnabarimnn Hook, f.; Nep. Sanu chimal; Sep. Balu

Fresh petals are edible. Leaves are poisonous for cattle

and goats. Wood is used as fuel, but its smoke accelerates

inflammation of the eye.

Constituents: Leaf: Andromedotoxin (Chopra etal. 1958)

R. cowanianum Davidian; Sep. Balu

Juice of bark is applied to treat cuts, wounds and boils.

R. dalhousiae Hook, f.; Nep. Lahare chimal

Bark or leaf juice is applied to treat cattle wounds.

R.falconerii Hook, f., Nep. Kurlingo

Squeezed bark is used as fish poison.

Constituents: Andromedotoxin (Chopra et al. 1958)

R.fulgens Hook.f.; Nep. Kurlingo

Young leaves are poisonous for cattle. It serves as good

fuel wood.

R. grande Wight; Nep. Seto gurans

Juice of bark about 2 teaspoons 3 times a day is given

for diarrhoea.

R. hodgsonii Hook.f.; Nep. Khorlingo

Warm juice of bark is applied to treat muscular swelling,

caused by injury.

R. lepidotum Wall, ex G. Don; Nep. Sebaro, Sulu; Sep.

Balul sukpa; Tam. Balu nakpo

Juice of plant is a blood purifier. In Jumla area, the

villagers boil 200 gm of leaves with 4 litres of water, and sprinkle

it on cots and mats to kill bugs (Manandhar 1986).

R. lendleyi T. Moore; Nep. Bhare chimal

Tender leaves are poisonous for cattle.

R. lowndesii Davidian; Tam. Barjhum mhendo

Juice of bark is applied to treat boils and pimples.

R. setosum D. Don; Nep. Jhuse sunpati; Sep. Siru, Sulu

Decoction of petals is used as substitute for tea.

R. triflorum Hook.f.; Nep. Phenla chimal

Warm juice of root is applied to treat muscular swellings,

caused by injuries. Tender leaves and shoots are poisonous

for cattle.

R. wightii Hook, f.; Nep. Radu

Tender leaves and shoots are poisonous for cattle.

The present study gives an account of 1 8 species, which

are used by the local villagers. Of these, 8 species are

considered poisonous to cattle, and 2 species are used for

poisoning fishes. The Gurung, Lepcha, Sherpa and Tamang

tribes use the leaves of Rhododendron anthopogon and

R. lepidotum for incense, which is now also sold in urban

markets. The petals of R. anthopogon and R. setosum are

used as a substitute for tea. The petals of R. arboreum are

eaten fresh or are pickled. Juice of petals is used as fresh

drink, sarbat in Nepali. For medicine, 2 species each were used

to treat diarrhoea and dysentery, boils and pimples, cuts and

wounds, and cough and cold. Likewise, one species each was

used for muscular swelling, sinusitis, jaundice and asthma.

Conservation

The main habitat of Rhododendrons is the forests,

which are depleting fast, at the rate of 2. 1 % per year (Pudasaini

1992). Among the various reasons for this is poverty, which

cannot be ignored. All species of Rhododendrons are mainly

258

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

used for fuel wood. At high altitudes near the timberline, the

bushes of rhododendrons are the main source of fuel wood.

In mid-hill belts, the trees are considered good fuel wood for

their lasting heat, and the coal is useful to blacksmiths and

goldsmiths. The wood of R. arboreum is soft, and is preferred

for carving and making household utensils.

Rhododendrons can be protected in their natural habitat

with people’s participation. For instance, ecotourism can be

beneficial to the locals and protect nature at the same time.

A rhododendron conservation area could be established in

Milke and Jaljale areas of east Nepal. Some non-govemmental

organisations like Echo himal, Gurans Sanrakshan Samiti are

already actively conserving the rhododendrons in east

Nepal.

January 6, 2003 NARAYAN PRASAD MANANDHAR

Ka 3-16, Naya Baneshwar,

P.O.Box 3389.

Kathmandu,

Nepal.

REFERENCES

Chopra, R.N., I.C. Chopra, K.L. Handa & L.D. Kapur (1958): Chopra’s

Indigenous Drugs of India. U.N. Dhur & Sons Pvt. Ltd., Calcutta,

India.

Manandhar, N.P. (1986): Ethnobotany of Jumla district, Nepal. Ini.

J. Crude Drug Res. 24(2): 81-89.

Manandhar, N.P. (2002): Plants and people of Nepal. Timber Press,

Portland, Oregon, USA.

Pudasaini, S.P. (1992): Environment Crisis-Integrated Action

Required. The Rising Nepal (English daily newspaper),

August 26.

30. PASPALUM CONJUGATUM BERG. (POACEAE), A NEW RECORD

TO ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA

The genus Paspalum L. is represented by c. 250 species

(Cope 1982; Sreekumar and Nair 1991; Shukla 1996).

Distributed in the warmer and drier parts of the world, the

genus is reported to be represented by 14 species in India

(Shukla 1996). During intensive exploration of the Eastern

Ghats of Andhra Pradesh, the authors collected an interesting

specimen of Paspalum in Chintapalli forest of Visakhapatnam

district. On further examination, the specimen was identified

as Paspalum conjugatum Berg. After a thorough perusal of

literature, the species is being reported as a new distributional

record for the State of Andhra Pradesh.

Paspalum conjugatum Berg, in Act. Helvet. Phys.

Math. 7: 129, t.8. 1772; Bor, Grass. Bur. Cey. Ind. Pak. 336.

1960.

Perennial, stoloniferous, rooting at nodes; culms to

1.1m, surface smooth; nodes glabrous. Leaf sheaths 6-20 x

0.6-1 cm, surface glabrous, ciliate along one margin,

compressed, keeled. Ligule rounded, to 1 mm, membranous.

Leaf blade 17-25 x0.7-l cm, linear-lanceolate, surface glabrous,

apex acuminate, base narrow, ciliate, margin ciliate. Racemes

2, conjugate, 6-18 cm; rachis triquetrous, glabrous. Spikelets

subsessile, solitary, alternate on the rachis, 1.8-2 x 1-1.5 mm,

ovate or broadly elliptic, or orbicular acute, hairy, greenish-

yellow. Lower glume absent. Upper glume ovate or orbicular,

1 .5- 1 .9 x 1- 1 .3 mm, membranous, 2-nerved, long ciliate along

the margins. Lower lemma barren, ovate or orbicular, and

acute, 1 .6- 1.8 x 1 mm, membranous, 2-nerved. Upper lemma

ovate or orbicular, 1.5- 1.7 x 1 mm, crustaceous, 2-keeled. Palea

ovate, 1.5 x 1 mm, crustaceous, 2-keeled. Stamens 3, anthers

Fig. 1 : Paspalum conjugatum

A. Habit; B. Ligule; C. Spikelet; D. Upper gulme; E. Lower lemma;

F. Upper lemma; G Palea; H. Grain

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

259

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

0.5 mm, deep yellow. Pistil 1 mm, stigmas white. Lodicules

0.3 mm. Grains elliptic-ovate.

Distribution

World : America, Africa and Asia ( Bor 1 960; Moulik 1 997 ).

India: Peninsula, East India, Northeast India, Andaman

and Nicobar Islands (Bor 1960; Karthikeyan et al. 1989;

Moulik 1997).

Ecology: The taxon occasionally occurs in streams and

moist localities of Chintapalli forest area (Visakhapatnam

district).

FI. & Fr.: July-November.

Voucher specimen: Chintapalli (Visakhapatnam district)

BR& AMR 24576 (SKU)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

A. Madhusudan Reddy is grateful to the Department

of Science and Technology, Govt of India, for financial

assistance.

January 3, 2003 A. MADHUSUDHAN REDDY

S. SUNITHA

B. RAVI PRASAD RAO

Conservation Ecology Division,

Department of Botany,

Sri Krishnadevaraya University,

Anantapur515 003,

Andhra Pradesh, India.

REFERENCES

Bor, N.L. (1960): The Grasses of Burma, Ceylon, India and Pakistan. Pergamon Press, London. 767 pp.

Cope, T.A. (1982): Poaceae. In: Flora of Pakistan (Eds.: E. Nair and S.I. Ali). No. 143. Islamabad. 678 pp.

Karthikeyan, S., S.K. Jain, M.P. Nayar & M. Sanjappa ( 1989): Florae Indicae Enumeratio: Monocotyledonae. FI. Ind. Ser. 4. Botanical Survey of

India, Calcutta, pp 435.

Moulik, S. ( 1997): The Grasses and Bamboos of India, Vol. I. Scientific Publishers, Jodhpur. 359 pp.

Shukla, U. (1996): Grasses of North-Eastern India. Scientific Publishers, Jodhpur. 404 pp.

Sreekumar, PV. & V.J. Nair ( 1 99 1 ) : Flora of Kerala - Grasses. Botanical Survey of India, Calcutta. 470 pp.

31. A NOTE ON THE COLLECTION OF PTER1S PUBERULA CHING

(PTERIDACEAE: PTERIDOPHYTA) IN THE NORTH-WESTERN HIMALAYA

FROM KUMAON HILLS

The occurrence of Pteris puberula Ching ( =Pteris

nepalensis H. Ito) of Family Pteridaceae was reported for the

first time by Punetha (1985) from Lohaghat and Champawat

in District Champawat as a commonly growing species. Later,

Pangtey and Punetha (1987) included this species, while

enumerating the pteridophytic flora of Kumaon Himalaya

based on the report of Punetha (1985), in the north-western

Himalaya. But these specimens were later re-identified by

Fraser-Jenkins (pers. comm. ) as a large sized Pteris subquinata

Wall, ex Agardh and subsequently Punetha and Kholia (1989)

accepted that this species does not occur in Kumaon Himalaya

and that the earlier report of Punetha (1985) was certainly

based on misidentification. Unfortunately, Pande (1990),

Pande and Pande (2002), and Dixit and Kumar (2002) still

catalogued this species from Pithoragarh and Champawat in

Kumaon Himalaya based on the wrong report of Punetha

(1985).

Khullar ( 1994) in his an illustrated fern flora of the

west Himalaya has clearly excluded this species based on

Punetha and Kholia (1989) and suggested that this species

does not occur in Kumaon in the west Himalaya.

Fraser-Jenkins (1997) has clearly pointed out that he

has not seen P. puberula Ching as far west as near the top of

Sheopuri mountain, north of Kathmandu, Bagwati zone, central

Nepal and that it is abundant at higher altitudes in eastern

Nepal and around Darjeeling and also Lachung in the north

of Sikkim.

While compiling the fern flora of Uttaranchal, it was

found that some specimens were tentatively identified as

P. puberula Ching by Fraser-Jenkins ( 1994) in our Herbarium,

but remained unattended for a long time thinking that they

are the larger specimens of P. subquinata Wall, ex Agardh.

However, the specimens match very well with the photograph

and description given by Ito ( 1966) in Hara. Realising its close

similarity with P. puberula (-P. nepalensis), the author sent

two specimens to C.R. Fraser-Jenkins, then in Kathmandu,

Nepal in 2000 for his expert comments and he identified and

confirmed these specimens to be P. puberula Ching with a

remark that this is a genuine collection of P. puberula Ching

from Kumaon in north-western Himalaya and that all previous

records were erroneous. Thus, the collection of this species

in Kumaon Himalaya is certainly an addition to the fern flora

of Kumaon Himalaya in particular and the north-western

Himalaya in general and extends its distributional range further

west to Kumaon from the central Nepal. The author is of the

view that this species may be quite frequently observed,

260

J. Bombay Nat. Hist. Soc., 102 (2), May-Aug 2005

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

particularly in the central and inner Himalayan ranges in

Uttaranchal if proper and detailed explorations are undertaken.

A brief description, ecology and distribution are

provided in the present paper to facilitate easy identification.

Voucher specimens are deposited in the Herbarium,

Department of Botany, D.S.B. Campus, Kumaon University,

Nainital.

Pteris pubenila Ching, Bull. Fan Mem. Inst. Biol. 1 1 : 52

(1941); Ching & S.K. Wu in C.Y. Wu FI. Xizangica 1 : 71 . t. f. 5-

8 ( 1 983). Pteris nepalensis H. Ito in Hara FI. East. Him. 1 : 466.

t. 25 ( 1966); Dixit, Census Indian Pterid.: 71 (1984); Fraser-

Jenkins, New Sp. Syndr. Indian Pterid. & Ferns Nepal: 226

(1997); Chandra, Ferns India: 41 (2000); Pande & Pande, Pterid.

West. Him.: 60 (2002); Dixit & Kumar, Pterid. Uttaranchal:

57(2002).

Rhizome short, creeping; scales brown, linear, margin

dark, membranaceous with short fimbriate teeth; stipes

shining, glabrous, solid, reddish; lamina ovate or oblong-

ovate, 40-30 cm long and 25-35 cm broad, pinnate; pinnae 4-7

pairs, linear, acuminate, sessile or shortly stalked; pinnules

linear, acute, base broad; veins pinnate; veinlets simple and

reaching the margin; main costae with setae, basal pinnules

(rarely the second pair also) elongated and pinnate on the

basiscopic side, otherwise similar, the terminal pinna at the

lamina top similar to other pinnae; sori marginal, indusium

membranaceous, pale brown, linear, margin entire; spores

tetrahedral.

Specimens examined: Kumaon: Bageshwar District

near Dwali en route to Pindari glacier, (Samant 1327).

Distribution: India (Sikkim, Darjeeling, East Himalaya),

Nepal, China. Grows occasionally along waysides and forest

margins near Dwali.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

I thank Mr. C.R. Fraser-Jenkins, British Museum,

London for his help in the identification, literature and

encouragement. Thanks are due to the Head, Department of

Botany, D.S.B. Campus, Kumaon University, Nainital for

facilities.

March 1 9, 2003 Y.P.S. PANGTEY

Department of Botany, D.S.B. Campus,

Kumaon University, Nainital 263 002

Uttaranchal,

India.

REFERENCES

Dixit, R.D. & R. Kumar (2002): Pteridophytes of Uttaranchal

(A Check List). Dehradun.

Fraser-Jenkins, C.R. (1997): New Species Syndrome in Indian

Pteridology and Ferns of Nepal. Dehradun.

Ito, H. (1966): Pteridophyta. In: The Flora of Eastern Himalaya.

(Ed.: Hara, H.). Results of the Botanical Expeditions to Eastern

Himalaya organized by the University of Tokyo 1960 and 1963.

1: 453-500. Tokyo.

Khullar, S.P. (1994): An Illustrated Fern Flora of the West Himalaya.

Vol. I. Dehradun.

Pande, PC. (1990): A census of Kumaon ferns, (N.W. Himalaya).

Indian Fern J. 7:140-195.

Pande, PC. & H.C. Pande (2002): Pteridology in Western Himalaya

(Kumaon). Dehradun.

Pangtey, Y.P.S. & N. Punetha ( 1987): Pteridophytic flora of Kumaon

Himalaya: An updated list. In: Western Himalaya: Environment,

Problems & Development, (Eds: Pangtey, Y.P.S. & S.C. Joshi)

Nainital. 7:390-412.

Punetha, N. (1985): Taxonomic observations on some species of

Pteris from Pithoragarh district of Kumaon Himalaya (Western

Himalaya). Indian Fern J. 2: 65-72.

Punetha, N. & B.S. Kholia (1989): Additions to the Pteridophytic

flora of Pithoragarh district of Kumaon (Western Himalaya).

New Botanist 76:115-126.

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EDITORIAL

CONTENTS

3 9088 01757 4336

TROPICAL RAINFOREST BIRD COMMUNITY STRUCTURE IN RELATION TO ALTITUDE, TREE

SPECIES COMPOSITION, AND NULL MODELS IN THE WESTERN GHATS, INDIA

T.R. Shankar Raman, N.V. Joshi and R. Sukumar

141

145

STATUS AND DISTRIBUTION OF A NEWLY DOCUMENTED RESIDENTIAL GANGETIC DOLPHIN

(. PLATANISTA GANGETICA ROXBURGH 1801) POPULATION IN EASTERN ASSAM

A. Wakid 158

A TAXONOMIC STUDY OF THE GENUS PEALIUS QUAINTANCE & BAKER (HOMOPTERA:

ALEYRODIDAE) IN INDIA

Anil Kumar Dubey and R. Sundararaj . 162

THE FOOD OF THE HIMALAYAN NEWT TYLOTOTR1TON VERRUCOSUS (ANDERSON): A PRELIMINARY

STUDY

N. Thambalshangbi Devi 166

FAUNAL DIVERSITY OF ROTIFERS (ROTIFERA: EUROTATORIA) OF DEEPOR BEEL, ASSAM

(NORTHEAST INDIA) - A RAMSAR SITE

B. K. Sharma and Sumita Sharma 169

A PRELIMINARY SURVEY ON FRESHWATER ALGAL FLORA OF GARUDA TAL NEAR NAINITAL ,

UTTARANCHAL, INDIA

M.R. Suseela 176

CLUTCH AND BODY SIZE ANALYSIS OF SPHAEROTHECA ROLANDAE (ANURA: RANIDAE)

Sushil K. Dutta, Sruti M. Das and P. Mahapatra 181

THE EPIPLEMINAE (LEPIDOPTERA: URANIIDAE) OF THE KUMAON HIMALAYA

Peter Smetacek 186

NEW DESCRIPTIONS

SALAR1AS RETICULATUS ( PISCES: BLENNIDAE), A NEW FRESHWATER BLENNY FROM CHALAKUDY

RIVER, KERALA (SOUTH INDIA)

B. Madhusoodana Kurup, T.G. Manojkumar and K.V. Radhakrishnan 195

EUONYMUS KANYAK UMARIENSIS - A NEW SPECIES OF CELASTRACEAE FROM INDIA

C. Murugan and V.S. Manickam 198

A NEW SISORID CATFISH OF THE GENUS GLYPTOTHORAX BLYTH FROM MANIPUR, INDIA

W. Vishwanath and I. Linthoingambi 201

THREE NEW SPECIES OF FIPPATALEYRODES SUNDARARAJ AND DAVID (ALEYRODIDAE:

HEMIPTERA) FROM WESTERN GHATS OF SOUTH INDIA

A.K. Dubey and R. Sundararaj 204

DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES OF THE GENUS NEOCLARKINELLA REMA & NARENDRAN

(HYMENOPTERA: BRACONIDAE) FROM INDIA

Z. Ahmad, K. Pandey, A. A. Haider and Shujauddin 208

A NEW NEMACHEILINE FISH OF THE GENUS SCHISTURA MCCLELLAND (CYPRINIFORMES:

B ALITORID AE) FROM MANIPUR, INDIA

W. Vishwanath and M. Shanta Kumar 210

REVIEWS 214

MISCELLANEOUS NOTES 217

Printed by Bro. Leo at St. Francis Industrial Training Institute, Borivli, Mumbai 400 103 and published by Rachel Reuben

for Bombay Natural History Society, Hombill House, Dr. Salim Ali Chowk, Shaheed Bhagat Singh Road, Mumbai 400 023.

Website: www.bnhs.org; Email: [email protected]