Central University of Orissa, Koraput

About: Central University of Orissa, Koraput is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Drought tolerance. The organization has 42 authors who have published 86 publications receiving 912 citations.

Climate change impacts on Indian Sunderbans: a time series analysis (1924–2008)

Abstract: Climate change induced sea level rise (SLR) added with anthropogenically altered environment leads to rapid land dynamics in terms of erosion and accretion; and alteration in species diversity and productivity, more pronouncedly in sensitive ecosystems such as river deltas. Here, we tried to analyze the historical records to understand the SLR with respect to hydrological conditions, sedimentation and morphological processes. We analyzed the land transformation of few islands in Indian Sunderbans using maps and satellite images in increasing order of temporal frequency between 1924 and 2008, which revealed that both the erosion and accretion processes go hand in hand. Increase of downstream salinity due obstruction in upstream has led to decrease in transparency of water causing decrease in phytoplankton and fish, density and diversity in the central sector of Indian Sunderbans. Analysis of the above ground biomass of three dominant mangrove species (Sonneratia apetala, Avicennia alba and Excoecaria agallocha) revealed better growth in the western sector compared to the central sector. The study reveals the cumulative effect of climate change and anthropogenic disturbance on the diversity and productivity in World’s largest ecosystem; and advocates mangrove plantation and effective management of freshwater resources for conservation of the most vulnerable and sensitive ecosystem.

Microbial processing of fruit and vegetable wastes into potential biocommodities: a review.

Abstract: The review focuses on some of the high value-end biocommodities, such as fermented beverages, single-cell proteins, single-cell oils, biocolors, flavors, fragrances, polysaccharides, biopesticides, plant growth regulators, bioethanol, biogas and biohydrogen, developed from the microbial processing of fruit and vegetable wastes. Microbial detoxification of fruit and vegetable processing effluents is briefly described. The advances in genetic engineering of microorganisms for enhanced yield of the above-mentioned biocommodities are elucidated with selected examples. The bottleneck in commercialization, integrated approach for improved production, techno-economical feasibility and real-life uses of some of these biocommodities, as well as research gaps and future directions are discussed.

Human–sloth bear conflict in a human-dominated landscape of northern Odisha, India

Abstract: Planning for human–carnivore coexistence requires detailed understanding of the ecological and sociological circumstances associated with conflict, particularly in multi-use, human-dominated landscapes. We investigated the influence of socio-ecological factors on human–sloth bear (Melursus ursinus) conflict in a human-dominated landscape of Balasore Wildlife Division, eastern India. We examined human–sloth bear conflict data from 12 years (2002–2013) and assessed the attitudes of the people toward sloth bears through semi-structured interviews with 350 people. We recorded 167 human–sloth bear conflict incidents, including 201 human casualties (4 deaths, 104 permanent injuries, and 93 minor injuries) and 7 retaliatory killings of sloth bears. More human–sloth bear conflict occurred during the monsoon season (Jul to Oct) than in other seasons. Monsoon is the peak growing season, when villagers spent more time outdoors farming, including near forest. In addition, lack of toilets in the villages may ...