Showing papers in "Biodiversitas in 2014"
TL;DR: The results showed that the highest amount of total N was found in mixed plantation and maple plantation and pine plantation had the highest available K and organic C than other treatments.
Abstract: Rafeie Jahed R, Hosseini SM, Kooch Y. 2014. The effect of natural and planted forest stands on soil fertility in the Hyrcanian region, Iran. Biodiversitas 15: 206-214. In the present work, we studied the effect of natural and planted forest stands on soil fertility in theHyrcanian region of northern Iran. Natural forest stands (including Acer velutinum Bioss., Zelkova carpinifolia (Pall), Parrotia persica(DC.) C.A.Mey, Quercus castaneifolia C.A. Mey., Carpinus betulus L, Mixed planted stand (including Acer velutinum, Ulmuscarpinifolia G. Suckow Quercus castaneifolia C.A. Mey, Carpinus betulus L., Tilia begonifolia Scop. subsp. caucasia (Rupr.) Loria;maple (Acer velutinum Bioss) plantation, pine (Pinus taeda L.) plantation and also clear-cut region (control) were considered in thisresearch. Soil samples were collected at two different depths, i.e., 0-15 and 15-30 cm, and characterized with respect to organic carbon(C), total nitrogen (N), available nutrient elements (P, K, Ca and Mg); pH and soil texture. The results showed that the highest amountof total N was found in mixed plantation. The highest amount of available P was detected in maple plantation and pine plantation hadthe highest available K and organic C than other treatments. The highest and the lowest available Ca and Mg were found in naturalforest and control area, respectively. In addition, it was observed that nutrients accumulate in upper layers of the soil. Hardwood standshave been more successful than the conifers stands, so this should be considered in the sustainable management of forests.
21 citations
TL;DR: An account of 16 Panaeolus species collected from a variety of coprophilous habitats of Punjab state in India is described and discussed and a key to the taxa explored is provided.
Abstract: Kaur A, Atri NS, Kaur M. 2014. Diversity of coprophilous species of Panaeolus (Psathyrellaceae, Agaricales) from Punjab, India. Biodiversitas 15: 115-130. An account of 16 Panaeolus species collected from a variety of coprophilous habitats of Punjab state in India is described and discussed. Out of these, P. alcidis, P. castaneifolius, P. papilionaceus var. parvisporus, P. tropicalis and P. venezolanus are new records for India while P. acuminatus, P. antillarum, P. ater, P. solidipes, and P. sphinctrinus are new reports for north India. Panaeolus subbalteatus and P. cyanescens are new records for Punjab state. A key to the taxa explored is also provided.
15 citations
TL;DR: Sanjay-Gandhi et al. as discussed by the authors enumerated 60 species belonging to 48 genera and 29 families including 13,412 stems (â'¥3.2cm DBH size class).
Abstract: Sanjay-Gandhi D, Sundarapandian S. 2014. Inventory of trees in tropical dry deciduous forests of Tiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu, India. Biodiversitas 15: 169-179. Diversity and distribution patterns of tree species were inventoried in 20 one hectare plots in SathanurReserve Forest of Tiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu, India. These plots were grouped into three sites based on their location in thereserve forest and the level of disturbance. Site I (8 plots) near to the road and agricultural lands, Site II (8 plots) away from the road andhuman settlements and site III (4 plots) along the canal-side where the terrain contain rocks here and there. A total of 60 speciesbelonging to 48 genera and 29 families were enumerated including 13,412 stems (≥3.2cm DBH size class). The species richness in thestand (plot) varied from 7 ha-1 to 28 ha-1 and the stand density varied from 336 ha-1 to 1075 ha-1. Albizia amara (7999) was the dominantspecies in terms of density, basal area and IVI in all the study plots except plot no.16, where Chloroxylon swietenia was dominantindicates a mono-species dominated forest ecosystem. The mean values of Shannon and dominance indices were 1.406 and 0.411respectively. Diameter class-wise distribution showed L-shaped curve, a sign of good regeneration status. Cattle grazing and illegal fuelwood collection have been observed to pose huge pressure to the integrity of this tropical dry forest, still it have substantial tree speciesdiversity similar to many other dry forests in India and elsewhere.
14 citations
TL;DR: The present study describes the analysis and mapping of the different measurements of freshwater fish biodiversity of the Upper Ganges basin in the Himalayan region using spatial interpolation methods of Geographical Information System and produced good results.
Abstract: Pathak AK, Sarkar UK, Singh SP. 2014. Spatial gradients in freshwater fish diversity, abundance and current pattern in the Himalayan region of Upper Ganges Basin, India. Biodiversitas 15: 186-194.The present study describes the analysis and mapping of the differentmeasurements of freshwater fish biodiversity of the Upper Ganges basin in the Himalayan region using spatial interpolation methods ofGeographical Information System. The diversity, richness and abundance of fishes for each sampling location were determined andKriging interpolation was applied on each fisheries measurement to predict and produce semivariogram. The semivariogarms producedwere cross validated and reclassified. The reclassified maps for richness, abundance and diversity of fishes, occurrence of cold waterthreatened fish and abundance of important genera like Tor, Schizothorax and species were produced. The result of the Krigingproduced good results and overall error in the estimation process was found significant. The cross validation of semovariograms alsoprovided a better result with the observed data sets. Moreover, weighted overlay analysis of the reclassified raster maps of richness andabundance of fishes produced the classified raster map at different evaluation scale (0-10) qualitatively describing the gradient ofspecies richness and abundance compositely. Similarly, the classified raster map at same evaluation scale qualitatively describing thegradient of species abundance and diversity compositely was produced and published. Further, basin wise analysis betweenAlaknanda/Pindar and Ganga1 sub basins showed 0.745 disparities at 0.745 distances in 2 dimensional spaces. The richness, diversityand abundance of threatened fishes among the different sampling locations were not significant (p = 0.9).
13 citations
TL;DR: The predominance of ornamental species makes the home gardens of Karwardifferent from those occurring in other regions in which mostly food plants form the major component.
Abstract: Bhat S, Bhandary MJ, Rajanna L. 2014. Plant diversity in the homegardens of Karwar, Karnataka, India. Biodiversitas 15: 229-235. A study was conducted in 50 selected home gardens of Karwar, Karnataka, India to document their floristic diversity and composition with regard to life forms and uses. As many as 210 species of flowering plants belonging to 69 families were recorded. Euphorbiaceae (13species), Apocynaceae (11spp.), Cucurbitaceae (10 spp.) and Fabaceae (10 spp.) are the predominant families. Shrubs are the dominant life forms (73 spp.) followed by trees (61 spp.), herbs (42 spp.) and climbers (24 spp.). Areca palm (Areca catechu), coconut palm (Cocos nucifera), mango tree (Mangifera indica), banana (Musa paradisiaca), shoe flower (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis) and holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum) are the most common plants occurring in all of the 50 studied gardens. 38% of the plant species are grown mainly for ornamental and aesthetic purposes while 33% of the species are used for obtaining food products like fruits and vegetables and 22% of the plants are mainly used for medicinal purposes. The predominance of ornamental species makes the home gardens of Karwar different from those occurring in other regions in which mostly food plants form the major component.
12 citations
TL;DR: The occurrence of individuals downstream of the lagoon shows that the population has been presenting dispersion condition to new environments, posing a threat to local biodiversity.
Abstract: Garcia DAZ, Costa ADA, Leme GLA, Orsi ML. 2014. Biology of black bass Micropterus salmoides (LacepA¨de, 1802) fifty years after the introduction in a small drainage of the Upper ParanAi River basin, Brazil. Biodiversitas 15: 180-185. The dispersion of organisms byhuman actions has been the major source of changes in the natural distribution of species, making the introduction of non-native speciesa threat to biological diversity. Micropterus salmoides is a fish originating from North America, which was introduced in a lagoon in theEcological Park of Fazenda Monte Alegre in southern Brazil over 50 years ago. The reproductive activity, weight-length relationshipand relative condition factor were analyzed to evaluate the health parameters of the species. The result allows us to classify thereproductive activity of this population as moderate. It was found that the health condition patterns are identical to those theoreticallyexpected. The occurrence of individuals downstream of the lagoon shows that the population has been presenting dispersion conditionsto new environments, posing a threat to local biodiversity. Management measures, such as isolation or eradication of the population, arerequired to control the species within the studied site, and prevent its dispersion into natural watercourses.
11 citations
TL;DR: Maridi et al. as discussed by the authors analyzed the structure and composition of vegetation in Samin watershed to support soil and water conservation, and found that the tree vegetation in the watershed was categorized in medium condition for upstream and midstream areas, and low condition for downstream area.
Abstract: Maridi, Agustina P, Saputra A. 2014. Vegetation analysis of Samin watershed, Central Java as water and soil conservation efforts. Biodiversitas 15: 215-223. Samin watershed in Central Java is one of 282 Indonesian watersheds which are in critical condition.Nowadays, the sustainability of forest resources in the upstream of Samin watershed is threatened by exploitation of forest by people. Asa result, erosion and sedimentation are occurring in this area that may pose a threat of flooding and landslide. Therefore, we need seriousmeasures to maintain the function of Samin watershed, one of which is through the monitoring of vegetation in watershed. The purposeof this research was to analyze the structure and composition of vegetation in Samin watershed to support soil and water conservation.The survey of vegetation was conducted in 3 areas of Samin watershed based on geophysical conditions namely upstream, midstream,and downstream. At each sampling area, 37 sampling plots were randomly distributed in six observation stations. Vegetation analysiswas carried out in both the lower crop community (LCC) and the tree. Results showed that the number of LCC species found in theupstream, midstream, and downstream areas were 21, 34, and 28 respectively. The species diversity indexes of LCC vegetation in theupstream, midstream, and downstream areas were 1.04, 1.34, and 1.23 respectively. Based on this result, LCC vegetation in Saminwatershed was categorized in medium condition. The number of tree species found in the upstream, midstream, and downstream areaswere 27, 18, and 12 respectively. The species diversity indexes of tree vegetation in the upstream, midstream, and downstream areaswere 1.31, 1.15, and 0.97 respectively. Based on this result, the tree vegetation in Samin watershed was categorized in mediumcondition for the upstream and midstream areas, and low condition for the downstream area. Vegetation in Samin watershed must be preserved in order to maintain the sustainability of Samin watershed.
11 citations
TL;DR: Sarotherodon galilaeus, Oreochromis niloticus, Tilapia zillii and TilAPia mariae exhibited a positive allometric growth pattern while only Hemichromis fasciatus showed a negative allometric Growth pattern.
Abstract: Olopade OA, Rufai OP. 2014. Composition, abundance and diversity of the Family Cichlidae in Oyan Dam, Ogun State, Nigeria. Biodiversitas 15: 195-199.This study was conducted to determine status of the family Cichlidae in Oyan Dam, Nigeria, during the wetand dry seasons of 2011. Samples were collected using multi-mesh gillnets ranging between 30 mm to 80 mm. Simpson's DiversityIndex was used to determine the species richness, while dominance and evenness were given by Shannon's index. A total of 547individuals were caught from Imala (S1) and Ibaro (S2) sites of the dam. Species collected include Sarotherodon galilaeus (42.60%),Oreochromis niloticus (17.92%), Tilapia zillii (25.41%), Hemichromis fasciatus (10.61%) and Tilapia mariae (3.48%). Juveniles andsub-adults and adults were among the catch, the sizes were as big as 12.85±0.29cm SL, 109.22±6.00g BW in Tilapia zillii and small as6.09±0.05cm SL and 8.07±0.15g BW in Hemichromis fasciatus. The diversity indexes showed that the diversity of Cichlids was lowerin the two sites observed in Oyan Dam. The estimates of diversity indexes showed lower value for site 1 (0.284) than for site 2 (0.294);Simpson's diversity index was 0.716 for site 1 and 0.703 for site 2 while reciprocal indexes for site 1(3.521) was slightly lower than site2 (3.367). Shannon-Wiener’s Index recorded in the site 1 (1.36) was slightly lower than site 2 (1.37). Pielou’s Index value recorded forsite 1 was 0.845 and 0.852 for site 2. Sarotherodon galilaeus, Oreochromis niloticus, Tilapia zillii and Tilapia mariae exhibited apositive allometric growth pattern while only Hemichromis fasciatus showed a negative allometric growth.
11 citations
TL;DR: Zarghi et al. as mentioned in this paper investigated the effect of ecotourism on plant biodiversity in the Chelmir zone of Tandoureh National Park, Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran.
Abstract: Zarghi A, Hosseini SM. 2014. Effect of ecotourism on plant biodiversity in Chelmir zone of Tandoureh National Park, Khorasan Razavi Province, Iran. Biodiversitas 15: 224-228. Tourism in protected areas is generally viewed as a primary source of promoting economicand social growth to local communities and commonly perceived to safeguard biodiversity. However, in the last few decades anincreasing number of visitors along with more diverse activities are having greater impacts on nature. Hence due to importance ofecotourism in Iran, the effect of ecotourism on plant biodiversity in Chelmir zone was investigated. To acquire the aim of the article, thesampling area was selected under the condition that the ecotourism is solely the variable factor and the slope, direction and height areconsidered constant factor after evaluation of the ecological land unit drawings. Two zones of high pressured and low pressuredecotourism were considered after evaluation of related drawings. Samples were taken in spring 2010. For evaluation of the plantbiodiversity 60 samples of 1m2 (30 samples in each zone) were taken randomly and then the list of flora and the cover percentage ofvegetation were recorded and then the percentage of vegetation data were analyzed in Biopast software and the biodiversity (Shanon,Simpson) richness (Menhinick, Margalef) evenness (Dominance, Berger-Parker) and dominance (Evenness, Equitability) indices werecalculated. The mentioned indices were inserted in SPSS II software and the data normality was tested through Kolomogrov-Smirnovtest. Due to data normality, non-paired T test was used in order to compare diversity analysis. The results indicate that the diversity,richness, dominance and evenness indices show significant effects of ecotourism on biodiversity indices.
10 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the biological and functional diversity of bird communities in natural and human modified habitats in Northern Flank of Knuckles Mountain Forest Range, Sri Lanka, using birds as the indicator group.
Abstract: Subasinghe K, Sumanapala AP. 2014. Biological and functional diversity of bird communities in natural and human modified habitats in Northern Flank of Knuckles Mountain Forest Range, Sri Lanka. Biodiversitas 15: 200-205. The Knuckles Mountain Forest Range(KMFR) has a complex mosaic of natural and human modified habitats and the contribution of these habitats to the biological andfunctional diversities has not been deeply studied. Present study investigated both of these diversities in five habitat types (two naturalhabitats: Sub-montane forest and Pitawala Patana grassland; three modified habitats: cardamom, pinus and abandoned tea plantations) inNorthern Flank of KMFR using birds as the indicator group. Bird communities were surveyed using point count method. A total of1,150 individuals belonging to 56 species were observed. The highest species richness was reported from the cardamom plantationwhere as sub-montane forest had the highest feeding guild diversity in terms of Shannon Weiner index. The abandoned tea plantationand the Pitawala Patana grasslands with fairly open habitats, showed relatively lower levels of feeding guild diversities. It is clear thatthe structurally complex habitats contribute more to the area’s biological and functional diversities and need to be taken into consideration when developing conservation plans.
9 citations
TL;DR: A study was undertaken in Coastal Karnataka, a culturally and floristically diverse region between the Western Ghats and the Arabian sea in India, to document the diversity and uses of ethnomedicinal plants of the area, which resulted in the documentation of 342 species of plants belonging to 34 families.
Abstract: Bhandary MJ, Chandrashekar KR. 2014. Diversity and use of ethnomedicinal plants in coastal Karnataka, India. Biodiversitas 15: 8993. A study was undertaken in Coastal Karnataka, a culturally and floristically diverse region between the Western Ghats and the Arabian sea in India, to document the diversity and uses of ethnomedicinal plants of the area. This study resulted in the documentation of ethnomedicinal uses of 342 species of plants belonging to 34 families. The dominant families of ethnomedicinal plants were: Fabaceae (38 species), Euphorbiaceae (22 species), Rubiaceae (11 species), Acanthaceae, Asteraceae, Apocynaceae and Rutaceae (10 species each). Among the plants used, 30% are herbs, 27% trees, 25% climbers and 18% shrubs. Majority of the plants are used against several diseases, either alone or in combination with other plants. The most popular medicinal plants, in terms of the number of diseases against which they are used, are Cyclea peltata, Aristolochia indica, Cuminum cyminum, Curcuma longa, Tamarindus indica, Asparagus racemosus, Ficus racemosa, Hemidesmus indicus, Ficus religiosa, Calotropis gigantea, Vitex negundo, Aegle marmelos and Leucas aspera. A list of 50 important ethnomedicinal plants of the region which are used in the treatment of 5 or more disorders is provided.
TL;DR: A full recovery of degraded type in the oak forest ecosystem in the Zagros region cannot be based only on the soil seed bank present at the beginning of the protection period while a more complete recovery may require a longer period of protection.
Abstract: Heydari M, Pothier D, Faramarzi M, Merzaei J. 2014. Short-term abandonment of human disturbances in Zagros Oak forest ecosystems: Effects on secondary succession of soil seed bank and aboveground vegetation. Biodiversitas 15:147-161. Zagros Oak forests in the west of Iran have been degraded by anthropogenic activities during many years and to fight against this degradation,several management strategies have been implemented. The principal objectives this study were to identify the characteristics of the soil seed bank and the aboveground vegetation that were affected by degradation and short-term abandonment of human disturbances andevaluate the potential of the soil seed bank to restore the degraded types after short-term conservation management. For that, wecompared three types of Zagros forest ecosystem with different management regimes: (i) Long term disturbed type as LDT (also usedand disturbed at the present), (ii) Short-term abandonment of human disturbances as SAD (5 years without human disturbances) and anundisturbed control or C (iii). We selected three replicates or stands per type. In the aboveground vegetation (ABV), 115, 72 and 51species were recorded in C, SAD and LDT types, respectively, whereas in the soil seed bank (SSB) flora, 33, 19 and 12 plant taxa wereobserved in C, SAD and LDT types, respectively. The percentage of annuals increased in ABV and decreased in SSB with increasingsite degradation with human activities such as animal husbandry in the forest edges. The percentage of perennial and biennial herbsdecreased in ABV and increased in SSB with increasing site degradation. The Shannon index of the SSB decreased with increasing sitedegradation. The average seed density in the SAD type was significantly larger than that of the LDT type. DCA analysis showed that theseed bank flora of SAD and LDT types were relatively similar and differed from that of the C type. This indicates that a full recovery ofdegraded type in the oak forest ecosystem in the Zagros region cannot be based only on the soil seed bank present at the beginning of theprotection period while a more complete recovery may require a longer period of protection.
TL;DR: A total of 169 plants were collected of which 40 species of vegetables, 19 species of forest and agroforestry, 24 species of ornamental flower, 71 species of less known medicinal plants and 15 species of agricultural crops were found economically important as they are used by the people frequently for various purposes.
Abstract: Bisht AS, Sharma KD. 2014. Plants utilization by the communities of Bharsar and adjoining area of Pauri Garhwal District, Uttarakhand, India. Biodiversitas 15: 94-100. Garhwal Himalaya possesses luxuriant a varied vegetation with in the Himalaya region. Almost every plant has economic value in the form of shelter, food, water, medicine, fuel and industrial products and fodder. Surveys were conducted in entire Bharsar, Pauri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand, India in order to get information on traditional uses of plants by local inhabitants. A total of 138 plants were collected that some species had more than one function of which 39 species of vegetables, 28 species of medicinal plants, 19 species of fruits, 18 species of ornamental flowers, 12 species of forest plants, 7 species of agroforestry and social forestry, 8 species of spices and condiments, 6 species of minor cereal crop plants, 5 species of pulses, and 4 species of oil seed plants were found economically important as they are used by the people frequently for various purposes.
TL;DR: Evaluated morphometrics of three harvested cephalopods, Sepioteuthis lessoniana, Sepia officinalis and Uroteuthis sp.
Abstract: Muchlisin ZA, Zulkarnaini B, Purnawan S, Muhadjier A, Fadli N, Cheng SH. 2014. Morphometric variations of three species of harvested cephalopods found in northern sea of Aceh Province, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 15: 142-146. The purpose of the present studywas to evaluate the morphometrics of three harvested cephalopods, Sepioteuthis lessoniana, Sepia officinalis and Uroteuthis sp. found innorthern sea of Aceh Province, Indonesia. Sampling was conducted for six months from July to December 2012 in one week interval. Atotal of 318 cephalopods; 139 Sepioteuthis lessoniana, 139 Uroteuthis sp. and 40 Sepia officinalis were analyzed for morphometricstudy and 13 anatomical characters were measured to the nearest 0.01 mm using a digital caliper. Morphometric measurements weresignificantly different between the different species of cephalopods (ANOVA, p<0.05). S. officinalis differed in six morphologicalcharacters (head length, head width, tentacles length, gladius width, rancis width and length) from the squid species. Fin width andlength were significantly greater in S. lessoniana than in S. officinalis and Uroteuthis sp. On the other hand, Uroteuthis sp. hadsignificantly greater mantle lengths, standard lengths and gladius lengths than the other two cephalopod species (Duncan Test, p<0.05).However, fin width was similar between S. lessoniana and Uroteuthis sp., while eye diameter was similar between S. officinalis andUroteuthis sp. A Discriminant Function Analysis scatter plot successfully discriminated the three species indicating significantdifferences in morphological variation. This analysis also indicates that morphometrically, S. lessoniana and S. officinalis are moresimilar to each other despite being in different orders.
TL;DR: Ragavan et al. as discussed by the authors collected new distributional records of Sonneratia spp. from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India, which represents a new addition to the mangrove flora of India.
Abstract: Ragavan P, Ravichandran K, Mohan PM, Sxaena A, Prasanth R S, Jayaraj RSC, Saravanan S. 2014. New distributional records of Sonneratia spp. from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Biodiversitas 15: 251-260. Sonneratia lanceolata, Sonneratia x urama andSonneratia x gulngai was collected from Great Nicobar Island, which representing a new addition to the mangrove flora of India. S.lanceolata is distinguished from S. caseolaris by its drooping branches, lanceolate leaves and ovoidal bud without medial constriction.S. x urama and S. x gulngai are putative hybrids. S. x urama is putative hybrid between S. alba and S. lanceolata, whereas S. x gulngai is putative hybrid between S. alba and S. caseolaris. A detailed description along with colour plate and relevant notes is provided for further collection and identification of these species in the field.
TL;DR: The study of diversity changes in ecological species groups can result in an ecologically precise perspective for managing forest ecosystems and shows that the group located in the northern aspect and on low slopes had the highest diversity indices compared with groups located in dry aspects and on high slopes.
Abstract: Bazdid Vahdati F, Saeidi Mehrvarz Sh, Naqinezhad A, Gholizadeh H. 2014. How plant diversity features change across ecological species groups? A case study of a temperate deciduous forest in northern Iran. Biodiversitas 15: 31-38. Species diversity is one of the most important indices for evaluating the stability and productivity of forest ecosystems. The aim of this research was to recognize ecological species groups and to determine the relationship between environmental variables and the distribution of ecological species groups. For this purpose, 25 400-m releves were sampled using the Braun-Blanquet method. Vegetation was classified using modified Two-Way Indicator Species Analysis (TWINSPAN) and resulted in three ecological species groups. Different species diversity indices were applied to quantify diversity of these species groups. ANOVA and Duncan’s tests indicated that all species and environmental variables except altitude changed significantly across the species groups. The results also showed that the group located in the northern aspect and on low slopes had the highest diversity indices compared with groups located in dry aspects and on high slopes. In reality, abundant precipitation (northern aspect ) and soil enrichment (low slopes) are principal factors that provide suitable conditions for plant growth and species diversity. Thus, the study of diversity changes in ecological species groups can result in an ecologically precise perspective for managing forest ecosystems.
TL;DR: The genetic diversity in five populations of Daemonorops draco (Willd.) Blume (Jernang: in Bahasa Indonesia) was analyzed using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers and the screening results showed that only 5 of ISSR primers had clear and reproducible bands.
Abstract: Asra R, Syamsuardi, Mansyurdin, Witono JR. 2014. The study of genetic diversity of Daemonorops draco (Palmae) using ISSR markers. Biodiversitas 15: 109-114. The genetic diversity in five populations of Daemonorops draco (Willd.) Blume (Jernang: in Bahasa Indonesia) was analyzed using Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) markers. The screening results from using 15 ISSR primers showed that only 5 of ISSR primers had clear and reproducible bands. Based on the data from the matrix binary analyzed using POPGENE version 3.2, the highest genetic diversity was found in the Sepintun population at 0.0969 average heterozygosis (H) and 0.146 average Shannon Index (I). The heterozygosis calculation of the total population (HT) was 0.2571. The heterozygosis value within a population (HS=0.0704) was smaller than that between populations (DST=0.1867). Using the clustering analysis program Pastversion 32 on 43 individuals of D. draco, we found that there were three groups of D. draco. Group A consisted of 8 individuals in the Bengayoan population, group B consisted of 9 units in the Nunusan population and group C consisted of three populations; Tebo, Sepintun and Mandiangin consisted of 10, 8 and 8 individuals. The genetic similarity varied among all populations with the values between 0.07-0.93.
TL;DR: Sefidi et al. as mentioned in this paper compared the amount and quality of dead trees in a mixed beech forest with different management histories in northern Iran and concluded that forest management cause reduction of the amount of dead tree.
Abstract: Sefidi K, Etemad V. 2014. The amount and quality of dead trees in a mixed beech forest with different management histories in northernIran. Biodiversitas 15: 162-168. Dead tree (fallen logs and snags), is regarded as an important ecological component of forests on whichmany forest dwelling species depend, yet its relation to management history in Caspian forest has gone unreported. The aim of researchaim was to compare the amounts of dead tree in the forests with historically different intensities of management, including: forests withthe long term implication of management (Patom), the short term implication of management (Namekhaneh) which were compared withsemi virgin forest (Gorazbon). The number of 215 individual dead trees were recorded and measured at 79 sampling locations. ANOVArevealed volume of dead tree in the form and decay classes significantly differ within sites and dead volume in the semi virgin forestsignificantly higher than managed sites. Comparing the amount of dead tree in three sites showed that, dead tree volume related withmanagement history and significantly differ in three study sites. Reaching their highest in virgin site and their lowest in the site with thelong term implication of management, it was concluded that forest management cause reduction of the amount of dead tree. Forestmanagement history affect the forest's ability to generate dead tree specially in a large size, thus managing this forest according toecological sustainable principles require a commitment to maintaining stand structure that allow, continued generation of dead tree in afull range of size.Key words: Forest biodiversity, snag, sustainable management, Fagus orientalis, Iran
TL;DR: Results indicate that the forests of Lansdowne forest division had more complex bird community structure in terms of higher species richness, higher species diversity, higher evenness and more rare species as compared to urban habitats.
Abstract: Kukreti M, Bhatt D. 2014. Birds of Lansdowne forest division and adjacent suburban landscapes, Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India: Community structure and seasonal distribution. Biodiversitas 15: 80-88. This study of bird species diversity aims at understanding the distribution patterns and structures of avifauna of the two forest ranges and adjoining suburban areas of the Lansdowne forest division, Uttarakhand, India. Data on the abundance and richness were collected by standardized Verner’s line transect method for two years (January 2011 to December 2012). A total of 216 species were recorded from the study area. Family Muscicapidae with 30 species was found to be dominant in the forest habitats, while family Corvidae with 10 species was found to be dominant in the suburban areas. Results indicate that the forests had more complex bird community structure in terms of higher species richness (8.95 vs 8.59), higher species diversity (0.085 vs 0.080) and more rare species (74 vs 15) as compared to urban habitats. Bird species richness (BSR) and bird species diversity (BSD) fluctuated across seasons but not across habitat types. In order to sustain avian diversity, it is recommended that anthropogenic disturbance should be reduced and traditional agroforestry should be developed in the study area.
TL;DR: During the recent field survey of district Shopian four species of Pteridophytes are reported for the first time that constitutes new records for Kashmir valley.
Abstract: Mir SA, Mishra AK, Reshi ZA, Sharma MP. 2014. New Records of Pteridophytes for Kashmir Valley, India. Biodiversitas 15: 131-136.During the recent field survey of district Shopian four species of Pteridophytes are reported for the first time that constitutes new recordsfor Kashmir valley. These species are Hypolepis polypodioides (Blume) Hook, Pteris stenophylla Wall. ex Hook. & Grev., Dryopterissubimpressa Loyal and Dryopteris wallichiana (Spreng.) Hylander. The diagnostic features of H. polypodioides are presence of longcreepingslender rhizome and eglandular, colorless or brown tinged hairs throughout the frond. P. stenophylla is characterized by havingdimorphic fronds and 3 to 5 pinnae clustered at stipe apex. D. subimpressa is marked by pale-green lamina and the largest basiscopicbasal pinnule in the lowest pair of pinnae. Similarly, the characteristic features of D. wallichiana are presence of huge frond size,glossier and dark-green lamina and dense browner scales in stipe and rachis. In present communication taxonomic description,synonyms, ecology and photographs are provided for each of these newly recorded species.Key words: Kashmir Valley, new record, Pteridophytes, Shopian.
TL;DR: It is concluded that fragmentation of natural land uses such forest and rangelands should be reducing and maintain large patches of natural vegetation to sustainable land management in this region.
Abstract: Karami A, Sefidi K, Feghhi J. 2014. Structure and spatial pattern of land uses patches in the Zagros Mountains region in the west of Iran. Biodiversitas 15: 51-57. Landscape ecology as a new interdisciplinary science, concepts, theories and methods provides for evaluation and management of land. Quantification of landscape patterns has key role in the interpretation and modeling of spatial and chronically variation of land uses. This study carried out in the Zagros vegetative region in the west of Iran to quantify structure and spatial pattern of land uses and forest fragmentation in the Zagros Mountains region. The mosaic analysis method was used for quantifying landscape metrics. Totally 2783 land use patches were recorded in the study area. The most of the patches were agricultural area and the lowest number of patches recorded for rivers. Diversity indices analysis showed agricultural land use has highest diversity in comparing with other land uses. Rangeland use has distributed in the central region of the study area. Despite the high density agriculture and rangeland a lot of potentials there are two conversions this land as a sustainable ecosystem (forests, agriculture integrated, and rangelands), that can be by applying as an appropriate method in management and control policies and converting artificial land uses to the natural or semi natural land uses according to the advantages of such land uses in view of sustainability. We conclude that fragmentation of natural land uses such forest and rangelands should be reducing and maintain large patches of natural vegetation to sustainable land management in this region.
TL;DR: A study conducted to measure the treeregeneration rates at different distance from skid trails and evaluate the dominance and species diversity of regenerated trees showed that the number of species regeneration was not significantly different in both skidding trails.
Abstract: Razali N, Ismail MH, Kamarudin N, Zaki PH. 2014. Effect of skid trails on the regeneration of commercial tree species at Balah Forest Reserve, Kelantan, Malaysia. Biodiversitas 15:240-244. Skidding operation has been reported as one of the factor to forest soildegradation and vegetation disturbance. Assessing tree regeneration by the effect of the skid trail from harvest operation is important todetermine the recovery rate of the forest stand. A study was conducted to accomplish the following objectives, (i) to measure the treeregeneration rates at different distance from skid trails, and (ii) to evaluate the dominance and species diversity of regenerated trees. Atotal of five plots with size of 50 m by 2 m were established in two skid trails of natural forest that has been logged in 2012. Each plotcontains five sub-plots of 2 m by 2 m in different locations namely skid track, edge and forest. The number of seedlings and saplings,species richness and diversity, and dominance regeneration were analyzed. Results showed that the number of species regeneration wasnot significantly different in both skid trails. For skid trail 1 the number of seedling and saplings was highest on skid trail tracks (meanspecies diversity = 0.45). Meanwhile skid trail 2 showed the greatest species regeneration at edges (mean species diversity =0.65).Frequency value for Elateriospermum tapos was high due to the existence of mother tree in the area that provides a great number ofseedlings. The dominance regeneration in both skid trails originated from non-dipterocarp families. There were 42 non-dipterocarp seedling and saplings in skid trail 1, and 182 in skid trail 2. While only 2 dipterocarp seedling and saplings in skid trail 1, and 8 in skid trail 2. Enrichment planting is suggested as dipterocarp species have low growth rate compared to the non dipterocarp species.
TL;DR: The study has ensured that O. novo-ulmi is the fungal pathogen in this forest reservoir and had morphological features of sporothix, pesotum, yeast-like and perithecium synanon morphology.
Abstract: Ahmadi A, Kavosi MR, Soltanloo H. 2014. Zelkova carpinifolia reservoir from Hyrcanian Forests, Northern Iran, a new sacrifice of Ophiostoma novo-ulmi. Biodiversitas 15: 48-52. Zelkova carpinifolia belongs to the Ulmaceae. It is the only species from Zelkova genus that has been distributed and is native to Iranian forests. This tree species is one of the valuable species that is comprised of endangered plants. Nevertheless, the most of reservoirs of this species have been faced to problems that fungal disease is one of the important and lethal disturbance. This study was conducted to identify the main disturbance which has been resulted in Z. carpinifolia decadence in Daland forest reservoir, North of Iran. The study has ensured that O. novo-ulmi is the fungal pathogen in this forest reservoir. It can be reminded that this pathogen had been previously found in Ulmus genus which has been created devastating event in these noteworthy reservoirs. Some symptoms which were observed in field comprising flagging and wilting of leaves. Bark beetle galleries and occlusion of xylem vessels were the other evidence of fungal disease. In light of laboratory results, the fungi colony was fluffy, light-colored and fast-growing. The different shapes of fungi growth like white fibrous and flower shape or dark petaloid shape were observed. Mean colony diameters of O. novo-ulmi were 3.72 ±0.16 mm/day in the dark at 20 °C. Simultaneously, Microscopic analysis of sexual and asexual systems of O. novo-ulmi using a light microscope, a stereo microscope, and a scanning electron microscope revealed that it had morphological features of sporothix, pesotum, yeast-like and perithecium synanon morphology.
TL;DR: Comparison of species distribution in different physiographical situation showed that some species such as Alnus subcordata, Parrotia persica, Rubus hyrcanus and Prunus sp.
Abstract: ezaei-Taleshi SA. 2014. A comparative study on plant diversity in alder (Alnus subcordata) stands of natural and plantation areas. iodiversitas 15: 39-47. Diversity index is the useful criteria for evaluating sustainability of forest ecosystems. Current study carried out in Alder (Alnus subcordata C.A. Meyer) stands that located in north forests of Iran. The aim of the study is express the plant diversity indices and positive role of the trees both natural and plantation forms. Data of Alder trees and associated species were recorded in sample plots which lay down in study area randomly. The abundance, density, percentage of frequency of each species was calculated by standard methods. The results of analysis revealed that, 47 species (21 trees and shrubs species and 26 herbaceous species) were abundant in 80 sample plots both in natural and plantations Alder stands. Whilst the results showed that the number of species in natural area (44 species) was more than plantation stands (37 species). Comparison of species distribution in different physiographical situation showed that some species such as Alnus subcordata, Parrotia persica, Rubus hyrcanus and Prunus sp. recorded in spread rang of physiographic variables as elevation, slopes and aspects. The biodiversity criteria as Shannon H’ and Simpsons D and 1/D indexes showed that they were more in natural stands than plantation areas.
TL;DR: A new variety of Pholiota microspora (Berk.) Sacc.
Abstract: Adhikari MK, Watanabe K, Parajuli GP. 2014. A new variety of Pholiota microspora (Agaricales) from Nepal. Biodiversitas 15: 101-103. In the fall of late rainy season 2011, a new Pholiota (Fr.) P. Kumm. (Agaricales, Strophariaceae) was collected in the Quercus forest of Phulchowki (Kathmandu valley) along the trial line, on the dead log at an altitude of 2600m. The specimen gathered was quite small. It was brought to laboratory and cultivated in NARC, Pathology laboratory, Lalitpur, Kathmandu, Nepal. The mushroom has been identified as Pholiota microspora (Berk.) Sacc. var. himalensis var. nov..
TL;DR: The occurrence dolphins was found attributed to preferred habitat features such as deep pools, slow water current, abundant prey base and low disturbance, which is a major constraint on this species’ conservation in India.
Abstract: Khan MS, Pant A. 2014. Conservation status and distribution pattern of the Indus River Dolphin in River Beas, India. Biodiversitas 15: 75-79. Decline in the populations of Indus River Dolphins Platanista gangetica minor throughout its range of distribution and a perception that it is a 'keystone species' for riverine ecosystem stirred the idea of proposed study. Deficiency of baseline data on its distribution and ecology is a major constraint that this (only known sub-population in India) species’ conservation is facing in the country. Thus to ascertain its conservation status and distribution pattern, the study was conducted between December 2010 to June 2012. During the study, three schools of dolphins have been identified, one each along Beas bridge-Gagdewal; Baguwal-Dhunda and Karmowala-Harike that comprised of adult, sub-adult and calves. The occurrence dolphins was found attributed to preferred habitat features such as deep pools, slow water current, abundant prey base and low disturbance.
TL;DR: The obtained result indicates that major threates have occurred in biodiversity and ecosystem of BPA & BWR during 1980-2010, and the study area has completely failed and lost some of its biological diversity.
Abstract: Reyahi-Khoram M, Rizvandy M, Reyahi-Khoram R. 2014. The threats on the biodiversity of Bisotun Wildlife Refuge and Bisotun Protected Area (BPA & BWR) in the west region of Iran. Biodiversitas 15: 67-74. Nature is necessary for the preservation of species and biodiversity richness; as a result, it has been protected for thousands of years. Bisotun Protected Area and Bisotun Wildlife Refuge (BPA & BWR) with about 95000 hectares is located in Kermanshah province in the west of Iran. The object of this study is to determine the physical properties and analyze the constraints that threaten the BPA & BWR. This research was conducted during the period from May, 2011 to November, 2012 in BPA & BWR. In this research, various animal and plant species were recognized through documentary analysis and also directs field observations. The obtained result indicates that major threats have occurred in biodiversity and ecosystem of BPA & BWR during 1980-2010. During these years, the study area has completely failed and lost some of its biological diversity. Limiting factors that affect wildlife population growth including destruction and conversion of habitats, unauthorized hunting and high frequency presence of animal and human, have influenced the restoration potential of wildlife, the habitats and other conservation areas.
TL;DR: Transplant experiments showed that this plant was able to grow and reproduce well in lowlands and highlands and in the experimental garden, it could compete successfully with native species of Javan selaginellas, for space, sunlight and nutrients.
Abstract: Setyawan AD. 2014. A new record of naturalized Selaginella uncinata (Desv.) Spring (Selaginellaceae) from Java, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 15: 261-268. During extensive field researches on the diversity and distribution of Selaginella in Java, between 2007 and2014, an alien species has been found in nature, i.e. Selaginella uncinata. This species is a trailing herb with small, wiry, creeping mainstem, fan-shaped branches, rooting at the nodes to c.a. 100 cm long or more; leaves are dimorphic, 4-ranked, and characterized byconspicuous blue iridescent; strobili are tetragonal, up to c.a. 2 cm long. S. uncinata was found growing wild in the highlands with highrainfall, namely: Cibodas Botanical Garden, Cianjur, West Java and Tawangsari, in the city district of Wonosobo, Central Java,Indonesia. Transplant experiments showed that this plant was able to grow and reproduce well in lowlands (Depok, 107 m asl.) andhighlands (Wonosobo, 768 m asl.). In the experimental garden, it could compete successfully with native species of Javan selaginellas, for space, sunlight and nutrients. Therefore, we must be concerned about the invasion ability of this species.
TL;DR: It can be concluded that all cattle in Aceh cattle breed were monomorphic, and MspI site on GH gene was detected, and the length of GH gene were 329 bp in AceH cattle.
Abstract: Putra WPB, Hartatik T, Sumadi. 2014. Growth hormone genotyping by MspI restriction enzyme and PCR-RFLP method in Aceh cattle breed at Indrapuri District, Aceh Province, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 15: 1-5. The objective of this research was to identify growth hormone (GH) gene in Aceh cattle at Indrapuri’s Breeding and Forage Centre (IBFC) of Aceh Cattle. Fourty one cattle consisting of 21 male and 20 female cattle were used in this study. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) and sequencing method was used to detect MspI site on GH gene. Based on the sequencing, it can be concluded that all cattle were monomorphic. The frequency of TT genotype and T allele were 1.00 relatively. The transition of C (cytosine) into T (thymine) on 1549 position caused the lost of restriction site. The insertion of T and G (guanine) on 1542 and 1552 position caused the length of GH gene were 329 bp in Aceh cattle.
TL;DR: The leaf epidermal studies of three species of Vernonia namely V. cinerea, V. amygdalina and V. conferta revealed interspecies relationship among the three species and suggest that V.amygdaline (non bitter leaf) is avariety of V. Amygdalinas (bitter leaf) and should not be regard as another species of Vernononia.
Abstract: Kemka-Evans CI, Okoli B, Nwachukwu CU. 2014. Epidermal studies of three species of Vernonia Schreber in Southern Nigeria. Biodiversitas 15: 137-141.The leaf epidermal studies of three species of Vernonia namely V. cinerea (L) Less, V. amygdalina Delile.(bitter leaf and non-bitter leaf variety) and V. conferta Benth. were undertaken with the aim of revealing their foliar characters whichwill enhance their identification and determination of their taxonomic relationship. Matured leaves were soaked in Sodium OxochlorateII for 24hours to separate the epidermal surfaces. Data from the measurement of stomata and epidermal cells were analyzed. Thepresence of diagnostic characters such as contiguous stomata and sinuous anticlinal walls on the abaxial leaf surface of non-bitter varietyof V. amygdalina and on both leaf surfaces (adaxial and abaxial) of V. cinerea are of taxonomic importance. The irregular T-shapedtrichomes on the leaf surfaces of V. amygdalina (bitter leaf) and the cuticular striations on the adaxial surface of the same taxa could beused to delimit the taxa from the other species. The distribution of the stomata show hypoamphistomatic in all the three species studied.Anomocytic stomata occurred on all the taxa studied. Anisocytic stomata were found on the abaxial surface of V. conferta. Thesecharacters examined revealed interspecies relationship among the three species and also suggest that V. amygdalina (non bitter leaf) is avariety of V. amygdalina (bitter leaf) and should not be regard as another species of Vernonia. The epidermal leaf characters of V. amygdalina (non-bitter leaf) is also been reported for the first time.