Editorial Board
PDF
Article Content
VOLUME 8 (1): JAN – JUNE 2021
PDF
Review article
Bryophytes in Medicines
Pherkop Mossang1, Nonya Chimyang1 Vinay Shankar2, Irengbam Rocky Mangangcha3 and Heikham Evelin1*
1Department of Botany, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh – 791112, Arunachal Pradesh, India
2Department of Botany, Gaya College, Magadh University, Gaya -823001, Bihar, India
3Department of Zoology, Deshbandhu College, New Delhi – 110019, India
*Corresponding author : heikham.evelin@rgu.ac.in
Received: March 9, 2021; revised: April 2, 2021; accepted: April 17, 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/VQ2TD
View Abstract | PDF
Abstract: Bryophytes are small, thalloid, non-vascular plants that pioneered terrestrial habitation. Except ocean, they can be
found in all types of habitats. They comprise about 28,000 species worldwide and are the second largest plant group after the
flowering plants. They are grouped into three divisions, Marchantiophyta, Anthocerotophyta and Bryophyta. Bryophytes
serve as a phytochemical treasure chest owing to its stunning variety of bioactive compounds comprising of more than 3000
different metabolites. Terpenoids, with 2200 different molecules, constitute the largest fraction, followed by hundreds of
phenolics and other molecules such as saccharides, lipids, acetogenins, proteins, and compounds that contain nitrogen and
sulphur. This assortment of compounds suggests their potential to be used as remedies to many diseases. Approximately, 1000
species of bryophytes have been analysed for their potential medicinal properties. The review explores the potential of
bryophytes in treating various diseases, such as, microbial, cancerous, diabetic, osteoarthritic, cardiovascular, insect bites, as
well as their role in immunomodulation and antioxidant activities. It also discusses the bioactive compounds isolated from
bryophytes and their mechanism of action in treating these diseases. The article throws light on the feasibility of mass
production of bioactive compounds and vaccines via in vitro culture of bryophytes. However, there are gaps in the knowledge
in the understanding of the mechanism of action of these compounds and their side effects on humans as well. The article also
suggests perspectives on which future research should be directed for complete understanding of the topic and to facilitate the
use of bryophytes for safe drug.
Key words: Bryophytes, bioactive compounds, medicinal plants, secondary metabolites
Original Research Article
Urban Fauna: Amphibian Checklist of Shillong, Meghalaya
Bhaskar Saikia1,*, Damepaia S M Pdah2 and Samrat Sengupta3
1Zoological Survey of India, North Eastern Regional Centre, Risa Colony, Shillong 793003, Meghalaya, India.
2Directorate of Mineral Resources, Government of Meghalaya, Risa Colony, Shillong 793003, Meghalaya, India.
3Gurucharan College, Department of Zoology, Ambicapatty, Silchar, Assam 788004, India
Corresponding author: bhaskarsaikia7@gmail.com
Received: September 28, 2020; revised: March 23, 2021; accepted: March 30, 2021
Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Botany, Vinoba Bhave University, Hazaribag, 825319, Jharkhand, India
DOI:https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/PBK5U
View Abstract | PDF
Abstract: We have far greater representation and documentation about the faunal diversity of a protected area than places
undergoing fast urbanization. As such, little is known about the urban fauna of bustling cities within rich biodiversity hotspots.
An attempt is made to prepare a consolidated checklist of the amphibian fauna of the Shillong City combining field based
surveys and gleaning extensive relevant literatures and historical museum collection from this region. Shillong, the state capital
of Meghalaya, which is one of the states of Northeast India lies within the Indo-Burma Biodiversity hotspots. With a largely
hilly terrain which reaches up to 1960 m above sea level and large forest covers – including six protected and reserved forests
– Shillong is home to diverse floral and faunal elements, which is yet to be properly documented. A total of 25 species of
amphibians are reported to be occurring in the Greater Shillong Planning Area (GSPA), including a critically endangered
species of bush frog, Raorchestes shillongensis, during the present survey conducted over a period between 2017 to 2019. Four
species of highly endemic frogs with their respective type locality in East Khasi Hills, viz. Xenophrys oropedion, R. shillongensis,
Minervarya sengupti and Xenophrys flavipunctata were also recorded during the present study including two additional new
distributional records for two species extending their distributional range over considerable geographic space. A discussion on
the threat perception to this faunal group in the study area is also made based on visual encounter during the field visits.
Key words: endangered fauna, faunal diversity, Greater Shillong Planning Area, Meghalaya.
Key words: Genetic diversity, ISSR, Kendu, Nei’s gene diversity, polymorphism
Original Research Article
Characterization of Soil Properties and Crop Yield of a few Traditional
Agroforestry Systems of District Papum Pare, Arunachal Pradesh
Liagi Tajo1, Reetashree Bordoloi2, Ashish Paul2, Biswajit Das2, Madhu Bala Sharma2, Om Prakash Tripathi*2
and Chaman Lal Sharma2
1State Remote Sensing Application Centre, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar
2Department of Forestry, North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (Deemed to be University), Nirjuli-
791109, Arunachal Pradesh
1State Remote Sensing Application Centre, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar
https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/EBSV7
Email: tripathiom7@gmail.com
View Abstract | PDF
Abstract: This study was conducted in selected agroforestry systems in Papum Pare district of Arunachal Pradesh. The soil
physical and chemical properties along with crop yield of the selected agroforestry system (AFS) were determined using
gravimetric, potentiometric, rapid titration, Kjeldhal, molybdenum blue and ammonium acetate method. Soil texture was
sandy loam, soils were acidic in nature and acidity ranged between 5.50 to 6.40 in surface layer and 5.17 to 6.21 in subsurface
layer. Among the selected AFS, SOC was found to be significantly correlated with total nitrogen and available phosphorous at
P<0.01 level. Available potassium was also significantly correlated with available phosphorous and total nitrogen at P<0.05.
Growth of plants was measured using measuring tape. The crop yield was done by harvesting five individuals of each crop
from three subplots in each of the systems. Among the AFS, growth of maize crop was higher in orange based agroforestry
system followed by arecanut and home garden based integrated agroforestry systems. In case of paddy, the growth of plant
was higher in orange system as compared to other two systems. Growth performance of ginger did not differ much among the
systems. The yield of maize, paddy and ginger crop was maximum in orange-based system followed by arecanut-based and
home garden based system. Further, the use of diverse species in the managed AFS uplifts the soil fertility and helps in
maintaining the sustainable agriculture and also it is the only established approach to resolve the multiple problems of food
security of human kind under limited agricultural lands availability.
Key words: Agroforestry, carbon, fertility, growth, sustainable, yield.
Original Research article
Spatial Distribution and Suitable Habitats of Feral Horses in Dibru Saikhowa
National Park cum Biosphere Reserve: A Study using Geospatial Technologies
Shamikhu Changmai1, Parthankar Choudhury1* and K. K. Sarma2
1Wildlife Conservation Research Laboratory, Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Assam University, Silchar,
788011, India
2North Eastern Space Applications Centre, Umiam, Meghalaya, 793103, India
Received: October 9, 2020; revised: March 13, 2021; accepted: March 30, 2021
DOI:https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/J8UXF
Email: parthankar@rediffmail.com
View Abstract | PDF
Abstract: Identifying spatial distribution status and assessing suitable habitats of animal species are important prerequisites
for its conservation and habitat management. Dibru Saikhowa National Park cum Biosphere Reserve is the one of few known
places in India where feral horses are found. A study was carried out to investigate their spatial distribution and thereafter to
find their suitable habitats using geospatial technologies. Unsupervised classification was executed over Landsat 8 OLI image to
understand the land use land cover of the study area. Ground Control Points collected using GPS device were attributed with
biological data, thus formed the point layer, that has been interpolated to assess the spatial distribution of feral horse herds.
Suitable habitats were identified using Weighted Overlay Method. Field observation and secondary data has also been considered
to set the final weightage. The study area is dominated by semi evergreen patches, scrub and open forests, salix, swamps and
grasslands. Feral horses (around 150-160 individuals) were estimated, and found to be distributed in partially connected small
river islands called chaporis , mostly dominated by grasses mixed with Tamarix dioca and other non-grass species. The area is
threatened by severe riverine pressure, human interference and livestock grazing. Geospatial tools are important for modelling
of wildlife habitat with less human effort, cost and time. The output of the study is a scientific documentation having scope of
further extension, and it will be useful for conservation of Indian feral horses in particular habitats.
Key words: Chapori, Dibru saikhowa, Feral horse, Habitat, Spatial distribution, Weighted overlay.
Original Research article
A Study of Species Diversity, Abundance and Occupancy of Mammal
Community in Bandhavgarh-Sanjay Corridor in the Central Indian Landscape Using Camera Traps
Tirth Vaishnav1*, Sharad Kumar2 and Kedar Gore3
1Wildlife Conservation and Management 2017-2019, University of Mumbai, Bhavan’s College, Munshi Nagar, Andheri (W),
Mumbai – 400058, Maharashtra, India.
2Aligarh Muslim University, Department of Wildlife Science, International Training Centre, Near Sir Syed Complex, Aligarh
Muslim University, Aligarh – 202002, Uttar Pradesh, India.
3The Corbett Foundation, 81-88, Atlanta, 209 Nariman Point, Mumbai – 400021, Maharashtra, India.
Received: September 7, 2020; revised: February 9, 2021; accepted: March 30, 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/P9UJ8
Email: tirthvaishnav@yahoo.co.in
View Abstract | PDF
Abstract: Wildlife corridors play a vital role in maintaining gene flow between distant populations and provide a mix of
habitats in various successional stages. The Bandhavgarh-Sanjay Corridor in Madhya Pradesh is an understudied area in
Central India that links two important tiger reserves. Wildlife habitats in the corridor experience immense anthropogenic
pressure. The study aimed to establish Bandhavgarh-Sanjay Corridor as a viable wildlife corridor between two important
protected areas. We assessed the mammalian diversity of the area using camera traps and determined the relative abundance
indices and naïve occupancy of all recorded species, and activity patterns of the most common species. We identified 24 wild
mammal species based on 2000 images from 52 camera traps during 660 trap days. Northern Plains Langur Semnopithecus
entellus and Chital Axis axis had the highest relative abundance and occupancy among all mammals. Golden Jackal Canis
aureus had the highest relative abundance and occupancy among small carnivores. Tiger Panthera tigris had the highest
relative abundance and occupancy among large carnivores. Four-horned Antelope Tetracerus quadricornis , Indian Wolf Canis
lupus and Ruddy Mongoose Herpestes smithii had the lowest relative abundance and occupancy among all mammals.
Anthropogenic impacts were quantified as reslative abundance indices, naïve occupancy and activity patterns of humans and
cattle in the study area. The study demonstrates the functionality of the corridor as it supports tigers and other predators, their
prey bases and other mammalian species. Measures such as regulated natural resource extraction and species-specific research
should be implemented for better wildlife management in the corridor.
Key words: Bandhavgarh-Sanjay corridor, Camera traps, Mammal diversity, Wildlife corridors.
Original Research Article
Diversity of Freshwater Microalgae from Selected Regions of Central Western Ghats, Karnataka
Umar Faruk J. Meeranayak1, Devendra B. N2, Makhadumsab Toragall1, and Shivasharana C. T1*
1Department of Biotechnology and Microbiology, Karnatak University, Dharwad
2Indira Gandhi National Open University, Regional Centre. Vijayapura, Karnataka
Received: August 8, 2020; revised: February 10, 2021; accepted: March 02, 2021
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/A3XND
Email: shivaskud@gmail.com
View Abstract | PDF
Abstract: Exploring algal diversity principally offers the availability, identification and documentation of varieties of species at
the site, allowing understanding the organization level of the biological elements in an ecosystem. Current research aimed at
the exploration of microalgae species in freshwater bodies of the central Western Ghats, Karnataka between January-2019 to
December-2019. The samples were collected, processed and observed under light microscope followed by culturing in a broad
range of media. The physico-chemical analysis of the samples was performed using the standard titrimetric methods and an
association between abiotic factors and microalgal population was statistically evaluated. The diversity of the microalgae was
assessed with the help of five diversity indices followed by Pearson’s correlation. A total of 46 species, belonging to 4 different
classes was identified in 7 selected study sites. Amongst all, Chlorophyceae class dominated with 24 species and Zygnematophyceae
with a four species was the least. The Pearson’s correlation matrix of all seven study sites with their physico-chemical parameters
had a significant correlation between pH, TDS, and EC. The substantial association of Mg++, Ca++ and DO with Temperature
too existed. The diversity indices viz. Dominance index (D), Simpson diversity index (1-D), Shannon diversity index (H),
Species Evenness and Margalef diversity index (d) showed a noteworthy diversity status of the study area. But, the instability
among the water bodies and their microalgal species composition remained evident in the present work.
Key words: Diversity, Ecology, Microalgae, Phycology, Western Ghats.
Original Research Article
Avian Diversity in Talle Valley: An endemic Bird area of eastern Himalayan
Biodiversity Hot Spot in Lower Subansiri, Arunachal Pradesh, India
Neelam Yania1*, Purba Jyoti Saikia2, Daniel Mize1 and Hirendra Nath Sarma1
1Department of Zoology (Center with Potential for Excellence in Biodiversity), Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar, Arunachal
Pradesh, INDIA
2Department of Zoology, Dhemaji College, Assam, INDIA
DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/5U3RH
Email: neelamyania18@gmail.com
Received: July 25, 2020; revised: March 10, 2021; accepted: April 17, 2021
View Abstract | PDF
Abstract: The rich species diversity of flora and fauna of Northeast India including Arunachal Pradesh is largely attributable
to the diverse geographical area, varied topography, climate and soil variability. Immigration of plant and animals has been
observed owing to the fact that the state Arunachal Pradesh falls in transitional zone of the three biogeographic realms. The
present study on status assessment of avian vertebrates has been conducted at Tale Valley and Tale Wildlife Sanctuary of
Lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh, India. The Avian fauna of Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary (TVWLS) was
studied monthly (January-December) during study periods from 2013 to 2016. The study was carried out in three different
altitudinal areas (i) Pange (ii) Talle and (iii) Labya Penggo. Status assessment was done following standard methodology of
line transect, visual encounter and interview with the people of fringe villages. The present study at Talle Valley was an
endeavour to document the status of birds in various altitudinal range during the year. Total counts of 308 species of birds
were recorded from the three different study areas of the of the valley. No intensive survey on wildlife of Lower Subansiri
district had been done so far. A scanty available report on wildlife of TVWLS indicates that proper survey and documentation
of wildlife still remain awaited. During the present study, it is found that 35% of the total 879 avian species of Arunachal
Pradesh has been present in TVWLS which indicate that the habitat is conducive for avian species.
Key words: Faunal diversity; Kurung Kumey; Lower Subansiri; Talle Valley; Widlife.
Short Communication
Report on Colletes packeri Kuhlmann and Proshchalykin from India after
Records from Thailand and Laos
Chihi Umbrey, Nyabin Riso and Hiren Gogoi
1Department of Zoology, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono-Hills, Doimikh-791112, Arunachal Pradesh, India.
Received: February 10, 2021; revised: March 20, 2021; accepted: April 17, 2021
Corresponding author: hirengogoi2007@yahoo.co.in
Received: September 28, 2020; revised: March 23, 2021; accepted: March 30, 2021
Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Department of Botany, Vinoba Bhave University, Hazaribag, 825319, Jharkhand, India
DOI:https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/C3P9A
View Abstract | PDF
Abstract: Bees are very significant part of the global ecosystem. They provide important ecological services through pollination
of a number of crops, fruits and wild plants.There are approximately 20,000 bee species worldwide grouped into seven bee
families. The present survey was conducted to understand the diversity pattern of bees from Colletidae family from Arunachal
Pradesh and Assam. Field sampling was conducted from September 2018 to December 2020 in 41 grid cells of 6.3 × 6.3 km
demarcated by Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and Environment (ATREE), India for long term monitoring of the
biodiversity in northeast India. Within these grid cells, 5-12 transects of 25 × 1 m were selected for the study. A single species
of Colletidae family, Colletes packeri was recorded from Namsai district of Arunachal Pradesh, and Dima Hasao and Karbi
Anglong districts of Assam. All the specimens were recorded in the month of December. During the present survey, the
mustard plant Brassica nigra has been recorded as the forager source of Colletes packeri. This is the first record for this species
from India after its discovery from Thailand and Laos by Kuhlmann and Proshchalykin in 2015. The study also indicates the
low population density of the Colletidae family in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. Given its importance as a pollinator and its
less abundance, the species may require conservation efforts.
Key words: Abundance, Colletes packeri, Global distribution, Northeast India
Scientific Report
Exploration of Animal Science in Extreme Environment: An Indian
Experience At Antarctica
I. K. Pai, Indian Antarctican
Department of Zoology, Goa University, Goa, India.
Received: February 10, 2021; revised: March 20, 2021; accepted: April 17, 2021
Corresponding author: ikpai@unigoa.ac.in
Received: March 2, 2021; revised: April 23, 2021; accepted: April 27, 2021
DOI:https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/MVR46
View Abstract | PDF
Abstract: Antarctica, the seventh continent of the earth is known for its extreme environmental conditions. It is the coldest,
driest, windiest continent having highest average elevation of all the continents. Antarctica is considered as a desert, with
annual precipitation of only 200 mm (8 inches), along the coast and far less inland. The minimum temperature recorded in
Antarctica is “89°C (“129°F). The history of this icy continent is not more than two centuries. Hence very little is known about
the flora and fauna of this landmass, though about 1150 species of fungi have been recorded from Antarctica, (about 750 are
non-lichen-forming and 400 are lichen-forming). Regarding higher plants,there are about 100 species of mosses and 25 species
of liverworts and only two species of flowering plants. Invertebrate life includes microscopic mites like the Alaskozetes
antarcticus , lice, nematodes, tardigrades, rotifers, krill and springtails. The flightless midge Belgica antarctica , up to 6mm in
size, is the largest purely terrestrial animalFew terrestrial vertebrates live in Antarctica. Antarctic waters harbor only 100 fish
species, out of known about 20,000 species. The bird species like Skuas, Penguin, Albatross, Antarctic shag etc., are found.
Snow Petrel is one of only three bird species, that breed exclusively in Antarctica. Interestingly large animals like Weddel seal,
Orcas, leopard seal, Antarctic fur seal, southern elephant seal, Ross seal, blue whale, baleen whale are also seen. Several woks
on diversity, physiology, anatomy of Antarctic animals has been carried out. But, works on genetics, molecular biology of
animals of Antarctica has not been carried out extensively.
Key words: Antarctica, animal, Indian expedition.
Current Issue
Jan-June, 2021
 2021new.gif)