Short Communication
New Locality For Near Threatened Cinerous Vulture Aegypius monachus
Linnaeus, 1766, In Arunachal Pradesh, India
Daniel Mize*1, Ripin Taba1, Rajat Chetry1 and Hirendra Nath Sarma2
1Ecology & Wildlife Biology Unit, Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono Hills, Doimukh, Arunachal Pradesh, India
2Molecular Endocrinology and Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Rajiv Gandhi University,
Rono Hills, Doimukh, Arunachal Pradesh, India
Journal of Bioresources 3(1): 1-4 (2016) ISSN 2394-4315
Email: mizezoology@yahoo.co.in
View Abstract | PDF
Abstract: The survey of vulture at D’Ering Wildlife Sanctuary located in East Siang, result in the record of a Cinereous
VultureAegypius monachus for the first time in the sanctuary. The record of the Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus in
the sanctuary is a new information on the distribution range for the species. It is mainly a Eurasian species but has also been
reported from different parts of India. Previously, it was reported from eastern part of Arunachal Pradesh but not yet confirm
any record from D’Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary and adjacent region. The recent documentation from D’Ering Memorial
Wildlife Sanctuary presents the sanctuary as a new locality for Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus in India. However,
more observation is required to conclude whether Cinereous Vulture Aegypius monachus is a winter, resident or vagrant
species in D’Ering Wildlife Sanctuary of the state.
Key words: Cinereous Vulture, D’Ering Wildlife Sanctuary, New locality, Vulture
Review Article
An Assessment Of Water, Soil Quality And Biotic Communities Of The
Floodplain Wetlands Of The Brahmaputra And Barak Valley Of Assam,
India- A Review
Sanghita Dutta, Rajesh Sah and Kali Prasad Sarma*
Department of Environmental Science, Tezpur University, Napaam, Tezpur, Sonitpur-784 028, Assam
Journal of Bioresources 3(1): 5-15 (2016) ISSN 2394-4315
Email:sarmakp@tezu.ernet.in/sanghitadutta1@gmail.com
View Abstract | PDF
Abstract: An assessment of water, soil quality and biotic communities of floodplain wetlands of the Brahmaputra and Barak
Valley of Assam has been reviewed. Brahmaputra valley was found to be more conducive to biological production than that
of beels of the Barak valley. The beels of north bank districts of the Brahmaputra valley were relatively more productive
compared to the south bank. In general, productivity in terms of phytoplankton density was poor in all the beels of Assam. A
rich growth of marginal and submerged vegetation was observed in the floodplain wetlands of Brahmaputra basin. Geochemical
characteristics of surface water have been reported for pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, bicarbonate, chloride,
sulphate, nitrate, calcium, magnesium, sodium, potassium and total hardness. The order of the abundance of the major cation
and anion is as follows: HCO3->SO4
2->Cl->Na+>Ca2+>K+>Mg2+>NO3
- in pre-monsoon and HCO3
->SO4
2->Cl-
>Na+>Ca2+>Mg2+>K+>NO3- in post-monsoon. Both carbonate and silicate weathering occur in the wetlands although carbonate
weathering was found to be dominant in post-monsoon. According to Gibbs diagram, the predominant samples fall in the
rock-water interaction dominance. The Piper- trilinear diagram indicated that the water samples belong to Ca2+-Mg2+-Cl--SO4
2-
type or facies in pre-monsoon while in post-monsoon most of the samples show temporary and permanent hardness due to
Ca2+-Mg2+-HCO3
-and Ca2+-Mg2+-SO4
2- respectively, indicating a mixed type of water. Based on the water quality index (WQI)
on some wetlands of the Brahmaputra valley, Deepor Beel and wetlands of Kaziranga National Park shows poor water
quality.
Key words: Barak valley, Brahmaputra, Macrophytes, Planktons, Sediment, Wetlands
Original Research Article
Ethnomedicobotany And Phytochemical Screening Of Garcinia
pedunculata Roxb. ex Buch.–Ham From Arunachal Pradesh, India
Gaottham Gogoi* and Arup Kumar Das
Department of Botany (Center with Potential for Excellence in Biodiversity), Rajiv Gandhi University,
Rono Hills, Doimukh - 791112, Arunachal Pradesh
Journal of Bioresources 3(1): 16-23(2016) ISSN 2394-4315
Email: gaottham1@gmail.com
View Abstract | PDF
Abstract: Garcinia pedunculata Roxb. ex Buch.-Ham commonly known as meba/mibia by the Nyishi tribe of Arunachal
Pradesh is a large evergreen tree with fluted trunk with short spreading branches. Leaf mid vein is stout, prominent and lateral
veins are distinct. Fruit is globose, dark yellow in colour when ripen. Present study highlights the ethnomedicobotanical use of
G. pedunculata by the Nyishi community of Papum Pare district of Arunachal Pradesh. The study reveals the use of fruits and
leaves in stomach ailments, urinary troubles, jaundice and fever. The mature fruit and tender leaves are also eaten raw and as
vegetables. For carrying out the qualitative phytochemical screening, petroleum ether, methanol, chloroform & water extracts
were used. Of the four extracts, water and methanol extracts show high affirmative results. Phytochemical screening of fruits,
leaves and bark exhibit the presence of bioactive compounds like alkaloids, carbohydrates, saponin, phenolic compounds,
proteins along with fixed oils & fats, glycosides and amino acid. Hence the present findings may be helpful to develop
conservation and management strategies as well as benefits to pharmaceutical industries.
Key words: Arunachal Pradesh, Ethnomedicobotany, Garcinia pedunculata , Nyishi, Phytochemical screening
Original Research Arcticle
Use Pattern Of Faunal Resources By Tribal And Its Impact On Biodiversity
In Dampa Tiger Reserve In Mizoram, India
G.S. Solanki*, Danny Lalchhandama and Lalnunpuii
Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl-796004, Mizoram, India
Journal of Bioresources 3(1): 24-29 (2016) ISSN 2394-4315
Email: gssolanki02@yahoo.co.in
View Abstract | PDF
Abstract: We conducted a study on use pattern of faunal resources by tribal communities in Dampa Tiger Reserve (DTR) in
Mizoram, India. Its impact on biodiversity of the region was assessed. Study area is a part of Indo-Myanmar hotspot region.
Mizo, Bru and Chakma tribes inhabits inside the buffer area of the reserve. A semi structured questionnaire was used to
collect information from inhabitants on the basis of 10% of the households. Average loss of animal diversity is very high i.e.
525 individuals per year. Commonly extracted animals are Wild boar, Barking deer, Serow, Sambar and Monkeys. 86% of
animals extracted are mammals. Of them, 21% are primates, 26.3% ungulates, 21% carnivores. Persons up to 30 years do not
participate in hunting and 40-50 years age group predominates among hunters. Average size of hunting party is 2.63 persons.
Seasonality in hunting is very evident; primates are hunted during summer and winter. Relation between the distance of
villages from core area and rate of hunting is insignificant. Details of therapeutic activities such as methods of process, mode
of application and type of ailments to cure are discussed in the paper. Socially amicable alternatives for livelihood of the
residents are suggested as effective conservation measures.
Key words: Biodiversity, Conservation measure, Dampa Tiger Reserve, Hunting, Mizoram, Traditional knowledge
Original Research Article
Protein Requirement Of Angel Fish Pterophyllum scalare (Schultze, 1823)
(Perciformes: Cichlidae)
I.K. Pai*1, K.N. Mohanta2 and Maryem Shaikh Altaf1
1Department of Zoology, Goa University, Goa-403 206, India
2ICAR Complex, Ella, Goa-403 402
Journal of Bioresources 3(1): 30-34 (2016) ISSN 2394-4315
Email: ikpai@unigoa.ac.in
View Abstract | PDF
Abstract: Since time immemorial, fishery, which helps in food security and poverty alleviation, has been one of the oldest
professions of man and remained to be so, even today. Further, ornamental fisheries has also provides ample scope for
improving economy and employment generation. Today, Fish culturing is a major part of aquaculture. Like in other animals,
in fishes too, food determines various physiological, developmental or even reproductive aspects. So, several attempts have
been made by various workers, to alter food and other environmental conditions to determine optimum growth. However, as
there are hardly any attempts to analyze suitable protein requirements for having optimum health and development in fish
diet, thus, an attempt has been made to determine the optimum protein requirement for the health growth and development
in one of the popular aquarium angel fishes,Pterophyllus scalare by altering protein and lipid contents from 30%-40% protein
and 6% -10% lipids in their feed. The parameters such as body weight gain, food conversion ratio (FCR), specific growth rate
(SGR), protein efficiency rate (PER) were analyzed. The studies indicate that, the maximum weight gain was at 35% Protein
+ 6% Lipid (1.99 ± 0.04 g), maximum FCR was 1.71 ± 0.03% at 40% P + 10% L; SGR and PER was maximum at 30% P + 6% L
was 2.60 ± 0.06% and 2.33 ± 0.04%), suggesting that food with 30% protein and 6% Lipid is ideal for angel fish for its optimum
growth.
Key words: Angel fish, Fish food, Protein requirement, Pterophyllum scalare
Original research Article
Screening Of Industrially Important Enzymes Of Potential Marine
Actinobacteria Of The Neil Island, The Andamans, India
Rajagopal Gobalakrishnan1, Ganesan Radha2, Kannan Sivakumar1, Naresh2, Rashmi R. Rao*1
and Lakshmanan Kannan1
1Centre of Advanced Study in Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Sciences, Annamalai University, Parangipettai - 608 502, Tamilnadu, India
2Department of Biotechnology, AVS College of Arts and Science, Salem-636 106, Tamilnadu, India
Journal of Bioresources 3(1): 35-45 (2016) ISSN 2394-4315
Email: rashu249@gmail.com
View Abstract | PDF
Abstract: Marine actinobacteria are efficient producers of important secondary metabolites that show a range of biological
activities and capable of catalyzing various biochemical reactions with novel enzymes. With this in mind, present study was
carried out to screen the industrially important enzymes [L-asparaginase, Cellulase, Deoxyribonuclease (DNase) and Chitinase]
of the marine actinobacteria, isolated from Neil island, the Andamans. Eight morphologically distinct actinobacterial strains
(AUANI-1 to AUANI-8) were subjected to enzyme screening for L-asparaginase, cellulase, DNase and chitinase activity, using
spot inoculation assay, with different enzymatic media. Among them, strain AUANI-1 showed higher L-asparaginase enzyme
production with 12 mm of clear zone, strain AUANI-5 showed higher cellulase enzyme production with 18 mm of clear zone,
strain AUANI-7 showed higher DNase enzyme production with 12 mm of clear zone and strain AUANI-8 showed higher
chitinase enzyme production with 17 mm of clear zone. Based on the enzyme production performance, these four potential
strains were selected for conventional identification. Results were: AUANI-1 –Streptomyces nodosus, AUANI-5-S. craterifer,
AUANI-7-S. moderatus and AUANI-8-S. aureofasciculus. Thus, the present study concludes that the sediment samples of the
Neil island, the Andamans contain a good member of culturable strains of Streptomyces . These strains are capable of
producing different enzymesviz. L-asparaginase, cellulase, DNase and chitinase. These potential strains can be further evaluated
for commercial scale production of enzymes that can be employed in varied biotechnological and industrial applications.
Key words: Actinobacteria, cellulase, chitinase, DNase, L-asparaginase, Neil island
Original Research Article
Rearing Of Eri Silkworm (Samia cynthia ricini Boisd.) (Lepidoptera:
Saturniidae) In Arunachal Pradesh: A Study In Papumpare District
Taba Meth and Hiren Gogoi*
Department of Zoology (Center with Potential for Excellence in Biodiversity), Rajiv Gandhi University, Rono-Hills, Doimukh-791112, Arunachal Pradesh
Journal of Bioresources 3(1): 46-52 (2016) ISSN 2394-4315
Email: hirengogoi2007@yahoo.co.in
View Abstract | PDF
Abstract: Eri silkworm, Samia cynthia ricini Boisd. (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) is known to be reared in different parts of the
world with diverse expectations for its silk fibre, food and biomaterials. In India, eri silkworms are reared in many parts
particularly in northeast region. In Arunachal Pradesh Nyishi, Apatani, Aka, Sherdukpen, Bugun and certain other communities
wear the eri silk clothes during religious community festivals and ritual events with traditional fervour. However, proper
documentation on rearing practice of eri silkworm followed in the region is found to be missing. Therefore, realising the
importance of eri silk in the region, a questionnaire based and self monitored survey was conducted in Papumpare district,
Arunachal Pradesh to understand the rearing technique, innovations and beliefs associated with eri silkworm in the region.
Indigenous rearing technique was mostly found to be similar with that of Assam in certain aspects like selection of food plants,
larvae rearing and spunning technique. However, outdoor mountages constructed from banana leaves, use of traditional
degumming ingredients prepared from ash of banana leaves, rice husk etc. called “chola” or “pila”, social beliefs and taboos are
unique to this region. Most of the farmers were found to lack the scientific knowledge regarding disease of the silkworm and
modern eri silk spunning techniques. Microscopic observation of the hemolymph of diseased larvae sample collected from
farmers showed the infection from bacteria and fungus. Similarly, most of the farmers were also found not to be aware of
government schemes provided to support the farmers. This indicates the need of training regarding the effective rearing
technique and silkworm diseases.
Key words: mountages, pathogens, S. c. ricini , seed cocoon, status, taboo
Original Research Article
Habitat Preference Of Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko) In Barak Valley Of Assam, India
Biswajit Singh and P. Choudhury*
Department of Ecology and Environmental Science, Assam University, Silchar -788011, India
Journal of Bioresources 3(1): 53-59 (2016) ISSN 2394-4315
Email: parthankar@rediffmail.com
View Abstract | PDF
Abstract: Study of habitat characteristics and distribution pattern of Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko ) was carried out in Barak
valley of southern Assam by transect method. 112 individuals were recorded during the study period. Out of which, highest
individuals were found in Irongamara of Cachar district. In the study area, the average encounter rate was 6.92/km. Gekko
gecko is distributed thoughout the Barak valley. In addition, it was found in houses like mud house, pucca house and RCC
buildings, irrespective of trees which is its natural habitat. Mud house as their most preferred habitat as they were mostly
found perching on the mud walls, individuals were found perching at medium level height i.e., 2m above the ground . Trees
with good canopy cover are their other suitable habitat. Among plants, the species was more abundant in Ficus sp. due to
moderately high temperature and moderate moisture inhabiting in the hole. Most of the calls were given during evening
hours, which is the peak hour for feeding by clinching on the outside wall of the house at night. The species mainly feed on the
insects. Cockroach, moth and spider are recorded as their favourite prey. The local village men have a social taboo for the
species and it is believed that it occurrence in houses bring ‘good fortune’ for the family. Of late, severe illegal trading of the
animal has brought about drastic decline of the species from the study area.
Key words: Assam, Conservation, Ficus sp., Gecko, Herpetofauna, Mud house
Original Research Article
A Report On Coleopteran Species Composition In Rono-Hills, Arunachal Pradesh With Perspective On Ecological And Economic Aspects
Minam Tayeng* and Hiren Gogoi
Department of Zoology (Center with Potential for Excellence in Biodiversity), Rajiv Gandhi University, Itanagar – 791112, Arunachal Pradesh, India
Journal of Bioresources 3(1): 72-79 (2016) ISSN 2394-4315
Email: minamtayeng@yahoo.com
View Abstract | PDF
Abstract: The primary objective of the present study was to focus on the species composition of the coleopteran species in
Rono-Hills, Papumpare district, Arunachal Pradesh with a perspective to know the economic and ecological value of the
coleopteran insect community in the region. For this, field based survey was conducted from the month January to December
during the year 2015. Insect monitoring was based on Pollard walk during morning hours starting from 7 am to 9 am. During
the survey undertaken, 30 species of Coleoptera belonging to 12 families were recorded. Cerambycidae was the dominant
family representing 7 species followed by family Scarabaeidae (6), Carabidae (4), Lucanidae (3), Curculionidae (2), Coccinellidae
(2), Passalidae (1), Elateridae (1), Buprestidae (1), Chrysomelidae (1), Erotylidae (1) and Trictenotomidae (1). Eleven species
of Coleoptera were documented in the grassland, 9 species in mixed forest, 5 species each in open land and cropland habitat.
The cultivated crops conceded were theLuffa acutangula andAbelmoschus esculentus. Among the coleopteran insects collected,
6 species viz. Popillia japonica, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus, Xylotrupes gideon , Coccinella sp ., Triplex collaris and Apriona
germarii were identified as pests of crops and plantations; 1 species, Aulacophora palliata as crop pollinator of the cropLuffa
acutangula along with 2 species of dung beetle viz. Onthophagus taurus and Scarabaeus sp. of ecological importance. Thus,
the survey indicated the need of management practice of these insects to gain more economic benefit and ecological service in
the region.
Key words: Coleoptera, Ecological service, Habitat, Pest, Pollinator
Original Research Article
Variation In Heartwood And Oil Content Of Santalum album L. In Assam and Karnataka
C. Sandeep1, Raju Gogoi2, Riajur Rahman2, R.K. Boruah3 and Syam Viswanath*1
1Tree Improvement and Genetics Division, Institute of Wood Science and Technology, Bangalore, Karnataka, India 2Department of Geography, Diphu Government College, Diphu, Assam, India
3Department of Environment and Forests, Karbi Anglong, Assam, India
Journal of Bioresources 3(1): 80-88 (2016) ISSN 2394-4315
Email: syam.viswanath@gmail.com
View Abstract | PDF
Abstract: Santalum album L. (East Indian Sandalwood) which is naturally distributed in the three South Indian states
(Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala), has an important place in the culture and heritage of Karnataka state since ages. The
economic value ofSantalum album L. arises from the oil present in heartwood of older age classes. However the value of the
tree in terms of heartwood and oil content when grown outside its natural distribution range is not well known. Six girth
classes of sandalwood trees were selected to estimate heartwood percent and oil yield for all the four locations viz. Assam
(Diphu) and Karnataka (Bangalore, Shivamogga and Mysore). Core samples were taken at the level of breast height (1.76 m)
using Haglof increment borer and oil content was estimated by simple hexane extract method (Shankaranarayana et.al .,
1997). From the current study it was observed that the sample trees from all the locations showed heartwood initiation at the
girth class 41-50 cm. More than 50% heartwood was noticed in the girth class of trees 51-60 cm and 70% heartwood in the girth
class 71-80 cm and the oil content of these trees were around 1.5 to 3.0 %. Maximum oil content of 4% was noticed in the trees
of girth class 91-100 cm. The rate of heartwood formation, trend of increase in heartwood and oil content percent from the
Assam populations showed more or less similar pattern to the populations found in Karnataka.
Key words: Assam, Heartwood, Karnataka, Oil content, Santalum album
Volume 3:Issue 1
January-June 2016
