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Showing papers in "Tropical Ecology in 2002"


Journal Article
TL;DR: This study is development of bio- physical analysis model for obtaining of Forest Canopy Density (FCD) using LANDSAT TM data image analysis.
Abstract: Forest canopy density is one of the most useful parameters to consider in the planning and implementation of rehabilitation program. This study is development of bio- physical analysis model for obtaining of Forest Canopy Density (FCD) using LANDSAT TM data image analysis. The components of FCD model are four factors; vegetation, bare soil, thermal and shadow. This work is implemented under the research project; PD32/93Rev2(F) of International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO). Resumen: La densidad de dosel forestal es uno de los parametros cuya inclusion tiene mas utilidad en la planeacion e instrumentacion de programas de rehabilitacion. Este estudio con- siste en el desarrollo de un modelo de analisis biofisico para la obtencion de Densidad de Dosel Forestal (FCD por sus siglas en ingles) por medio del analisis de datos de imagenes LANDSAT TM. Los componentes del modelo FCD son cuatro factores; vegetacion, suelo desnudo, tempera- tura y sombra. Este trabajo forma parte del proyecto de investigacion PD32/93Rev2(F) de la Organizacion Internacional de Maderas Tropicales (ITTO). Resumo: A densidade do copado florestal e um dos parâmetros mais uteis a serem consid- erados no planeamento e implementacao de programas de reabilitacao. Este estudo apresenta o desenvolvimento do modelo de analise biofisica para obtencao da Densidade de Copado Flore- stal (FCD) usando a analise de imagem do LANDSAT TM. As componentes do modelo FCD eram: vegetacao, solo nu, temperatura e sombra. Este trabalho foi implementado pelo projecto de investigacao PD32/93Rev2(F) da Organizacao Internacional para a Madeira Tropical (ITTO).

221 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: The review provides a methodology and an action plan for evolving a nationwide network of conservation preserves of wetlands and GIS tools to integrate habitat information with the field information are envisaged to be the final component in evolving a conservation network of wetlands for the entire country.
Abstract: Wetlands of India, estimated to be 58.2 million hectares, are important repositories of aquatic biodiversity. The diverse ecoclimatic regimes extant in the country resulted in a variety of wetland systems ranging from high altitude cold desert wetlands to hot and humid wetlands in coastal zones with its diverse flora and fauna. The review deals with the status and distribution of wetlands and causes and consequences of wetland losses. It also provides an overview of the use of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools in flood zonation mapping, in monitoring irrigation and cropping patterns, water quality analysis and modelling, change analyses and in mapping of surface water bodies and wetlands. The review provides a methodology and an action plan for evolving a nationwide network of conservation preserves of wetlands. The major elements of this methodology involve use of IRS LISS III sensors for delineating turbidity, aquatic vegetation and major geomorphological classes of wetlands. An extensive fieldwork to generate attribute information on biodiversity and socioeconomic themes is a significant component of the suggested methodology. GIS tools to integrate habitat information with the field information are envisaged to be the final component in evolving a conservation network of wetlands for the entire country.

186 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: In this article, the role of remote sensing and Geographical information system (GIS) technologies for mapping and characterizing soils at various scales is described and the spectral behaviour of soil and its components, which is fundamental to deriving information from remote sensing data, is discussed with illustrations.
Abstract: Soil survey constitutes a valuable resource inventory linked with the survival of life on the earth. The technological advancements in the field of remote sensing and Geographical Information System have been a boon for such surveys. Present paper describes the role of remote sensing and Geographical Information System (GIS) technologies for mapping and characterizing soils at various scales. The spectral behaviour of soil and its components, which is fundamental to deriving information from remote sensing data, is also discussed with illustrations. fore, the scope of present day remote sensing data for varying levels information generation is also reviewed.

85 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: Eucalyptus hybrid, Acacia auriculiformis and Casuarina equisetifolia were found to be most suitable for the modification of spoil characteristics during the revegetation process and improved soil status under different plantation stands compared to bare overburden.
Abstract: Soil characteristics and microbial activity of vegetated coal mine spoil land under plantations of five exotic tree species were assessed. The data obtained were compared with those o the bare overburden mine spoil and the native forest soils. The results showed an improved soil status under different plantation stands compared to bare overburden. The silt and clay particles in soil were higher among different plantation stands ion comparison to bare overburden dump. Bulk density was highest in the plots of Casuarina equisetifolia and lowest in Gravellia pteridifolia plots. Soil moisture content was also higher under different plantations. Water holding capacity and soil moisture content were highest in the Eucalyptus hybrid plots. Organic carbon and total nitrogen concentrations were higher in the plantations stands in comparison to the bare overburden dumps. Available nitrogen (NO(3) - N and NH(4) - N) was highest in the plots of Eucalyptus hybrid in all the three seasons. Soil microbial biomass C, N and P were highest in the plots of Gravellia pteridifolia and lowest in Cassia siamea plots. The plantations enhanced the nutrient status of the degraded mine spoil land. The plant species varied in their ability to modify the soil properties of mine spoil. Among the tree species Eucalyptus hybrid, Acacia aurculiformis and cauarina equisetifolia were found to be most suitable for the modification of spoil characteristics during the revegetation process.

75 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: The approach and techniques of Remote Sensing (RS) based crop discrimination and area estimation including single date approach based on maximum likelihood classification as well as hierarchical/ growth profile for crop classification are reviewed.
Abstract: This paper reviews the approach and techniques of Remote Sensing (RS) based crop discrimination and area estimation including single date approach based on maximum likelihood classification as well as hierarchical/ growth profile for crop classification. Uniqueness of both optical and microwave data for crop identification in operational scenario in Rabi and Kharif season is presented. In the past two decades, studies on RS based crop inventory of more than 20 crops at various spatial scales (village to national) have been conducted. In most of the studies a sampling-based approach using optimally acquired single date satellite data and a supervised classifier has been used. More recently, national scale inventory of wheat and rice using multidate WiFS and Radarsat, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data have been carried out. Studies on accuracies of area inventory led to understanding of effects of sensor characteristics such as spatial, spectral and radiometric resolution and scene characteristics such as field sizes, acquisition date etc. These experiences in Crop Area and Production Estimation (CAPE) project over past decade suggests that remote sensing inventory has matured in operational use. Future perspective such as utilization of multi-source data and merging techniques, fraction area estimation approaches, as well as integration of conventional field survey information with remote sensing data towards the FASAL concept is also presented.

73 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: This paper reviews the developments on wildlife habitat evaluation and management employing remote sensing and GIS tools and concludes that these techniques have been found to be economical.
Abstract: Remote sensing and geographic information system (GIS) technologies have been used for gathering the information on physical parameters of the wildlife habitats and geospatial modeling for wildlife habitat evaluation. The results indicate definite advantage of remote sensing and GIS over conventional methods. Over time, the availability of better spatial data has made habitat evaluation and management more scientific and realistic. Many habitat evaluation procedures based on species-habitat relationship have been worked out. Basically, all models have tried to evaluate the carrying capacity of the wildlife habitat for a particular animal species. All models have to be tested for their applicability to real life situations. The accuracy of the spatial database is positively correlated to the model sensitivity. On cost-coverage analysis, these techniques have been found to be economical. This paper reviews the developments on wildlife habitat evaluation and management employing remote sensing and GIS tools.

41 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: Observations reveal that on the basis of population density and degree of constancy (occurrence) used to assign threat categories, all the three Aconitum species are endangered.
Abstract: Alpine and subalpine regions of Garhwal Himalaya were surveyed quantitatively for the population study to determine the status of three aconites viz., Aconitum balfourii, A. heterophyllum and A violaceum. Population data of these three aconites revealed that they are restricted to specific pockets and had very low population density. Illegal and over exploitation of these species pose threat to their existence. However, to assign the categories of threats population status of aconites has not been quantified so far. Present study summarizes the population dynamics of identified aconite species in Garhwal Himalaya. Observations reveal that on the basis of population density and degree of constancy (occurrence) used to assign threat categories, all the three Aconitum species are endangered. Furthermore, these observations would be helpful in monitoring the threat categories in future on the basis of population reduction.

34 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: In this paper, the status of tropical forests and requirements for its monitoring and assessment are discussed and the potential of the remote sensing technology for managing the forests, in general and sustaining the pace of development in this technology.
Abstract: Forest is a major resource and plays a vital role in maintaining the ecological balance and environmental setup. Over utilization of forest resource has resulted in its depletion. The changes in tropical forest cover are matter of global concern due to its ability of promoting role in carbon cycle. This renewable resource continues to decrease at accelerated rate. Accurate and timely information in regular interval on the distribution of natural resources on earth is of top priority for understanding dynamics of the human induced land cover/land use accelerated changes. This information can be further utilized in understanding biophysical processes of the earth. In India and the other developing countries it is mostly been lost for the agricultural practices. Aerospace technology is a potential means of collecting information about natural resources including forests at any desired time. The technology is considered important to revise or update available information. The present paper addresses the status of tropical forest and requirements for its monitoring and assessment. It discusses the potential of the remote sensing technology for managing the forests, in general and sustaining the pace of development in this technology. It focuses the technology trends and techniques for tropical forest assessment at different scale and levels.

33 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: The results imply that the herba- ceous flora has a better chance of natural recovery in the event of disturbances owing to the soil seed banks while the regeneration of woody species, particularly trees and shrubs, would be prevented by removal of mature individuals and their seedlings on the forest floor since most of them lack seed reserves in the soil.
Abstract: The soil seed bank was investigated in plantation stands and adjacent natural forests at Menagesha-Suba and Munessa-Shashemene forest sites in central and southern Ethiopia, respectively. The total numbers of species identified in the 0-9 cm soil layer were 58 at Menagesha-Suba and 52 at Munessa-Shashemene with the corresponding soil seed bank densities ranging between 27,200 and 82,600, and 4,500 and 36,900 seeds m -2 , respectively. Herbs dominated both in the number of species and densities of seeds while the contribution of woody species was generally low. The horizontal distribution of seeds in the soil exhibited con- siderable variation at both sites. However, the overall vertical distribution of seeds in the soil was similar in all stands with the highest densities occurring in the upper three centimeters of soil with gradually decreasing densities with increasing depth. The similarities in species com- position of the soil seed bank was generally low in stands both within and between the two sites. In general, the results provide further evidence that consolidate the conclusions of previ- ous studies on soil seed banks in Ethiopia. The dry Afromontane region, in which the two study sites are located, can be characterized as possessing large numbers of buried seeds of forbs, grasses and sedges. Only a few woody plants are represented, and these by few seeds, in the soil seed bank, suggesting that most woody plants rather use the seed rain, seedling banks or coppicing from stumps as alternative regeneration routes. These results imply that the herba- ceous flora has a better chance of natural recovery in the event of disturbances owing to the di- verse soil seed banks while the regeneration of woody species, particularly trees and shrubs, would be prevented by removal of mature individuals and their seedlings on the forest floor since most of them lack seed reserves in the soil. This, in turn, indicates that future existence of the woody flora characteristic of dry Afromontane areas in Ethiopia depends on the conser- vation and sustainable utilization of the few remnant natural forests. Resumen: Se estudio el banco de semillas en el suelo en plantaciones y en rodales foresta- les naturales adyacentes en Menagesha-Suba y Munessa-Shashemene, en el centro y sur de Etiopia, respectivamente. En la franja de suelo de 0-9 cm se identificaron en total 58 especies en Menagesha-Suba y 52 en Munessa-Shashemene; las correspondientes densidades de semi- llas variaron de 27,200 a 82,600, y de 4,500 a 36,900 semillas m -2 , respectivamente. La distri- bucion horizontal de las semillas en el suelo vario considerablemente en ambos sitios. Sin em- bargo, la distribucion vertical general de las semillas fue similar en todos los rodales: las den- sidades mas altas se presentaron en los tres centimetros superiores del suelo y decrecieron gradualmente hacia mayores profundidades. La similitud en la composicion de especies en el banco de semillas del suelo fue en general baja en los rodales, tanto dentro de los sitios como entre ellos. En general, la evidencia proporcionada por los resultados apoya las conclusiones de estudios previos sobre bancos de semillas en el suelo en Etiopia. La region Afromontana seca, donde se localizan los dos sitos de estudio, se caracteriza por poseer grandes numeros de semi- llas enterradas de subarbustos, pastos y ciperaceas. Solo unas cuantas plantas lenosas estan representadas, y estas a su vez por pocas semillas, lo que sugiere que la mayoria de las plantas

31 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: In this article, a review of the application of remote sensing tools in geomorphology is presented in the context of the foothills of Siwaliks, Central India and the eastern coast of India.
Abstract: India has made tremendous progress in the aerospace technology in the last two decades. We are one, among the worlds best in satellite and the remote sensing technology. We are also one of the developing countries facing the natural disasters and trying level best to mitigate their ill effects. At the best we can minimize their effect. To achieve this, we need to have a comprehensive management program dealing with mapping and monitoring. The remote sensing technology with the fieldwork provides an edge to characterize the geomorphologic aspects. The present paper reviews the application of the remote sensing tools in the application of geomorphology. A few case studies from the different part of the country are presented in the context of geomorphology of the foothills of Siwaliks, Central India and the eastern coast and use of remote sensing.

23 citations


Journal Article
TL;DR: An increase in the soil nutrients and species diversity at the protected hill and role of herbaceous vegetation in the conservation of nutrients at both hills is revealed.
Abstract: Present study was made on the foot hill, slope (middle hill) and top of the protected and unprotected hills of the Aravalli at Jaipur (26° 49'N, 75° 48'E, 436 m.s.l.). Herbaceous vegetation was therophytic in nature, exhibiting maximum number of species during rainy season. The biomass of herbaceous vegetation at the unprotected hill sites (264-462 g m -2 ) was higher than protected hill sites (201-338 g m -2 ). Annual net primary production was: protected hill, 430-587 g m -2 ; unprotected hill, 283-613 g m -2 . Nitrogen and phosphorus contents in the plant biomass varied from 2725-7723 mg m -2 and 364-795 mg m -2 respectively. The present study revealed an increase in the soil nutrients and species diversity at the protected hill and role of herbaceous vegetation in the conservation of nutrients at both hills.

Journal Article
TL;DR: The project has developed a reliable method for global forest change assessment in the humid tropics and has applied this throughout the world, based on a statistical sampling of observation units with a higher sampling rate for fast changing areas.
Abstract: A large-scale project initiated in the early 1990s, the TREES project, is dedicated to the development of techniques for global tropical forest cover assessment and for monitoring deforestation using satellite imagery. The project has developed a reliable method for global forest change assessment in the humid tropics and has applied this throughout the world. Twenty-seven local partners from tropical countries contributed to TREES. The approach is based on a statistical sampling of observation units with a higher sampling rate for fast changing areas. A pre-stratification was performed using two parameters: forest cover area (from the 1 km resolution maps produced in the first phase of the project) and deforestation hot-spot layer (areas where changes are expected to be higher based on individual expertise). Forest cover change during the period 1992-1997 was estimated from the one hundred sample sites using fine spatial resolution satellite imagery.

Journal Article
TL;DR: In this paper, a pilot study was undertaken to assess the potential fertility of lentic waters and to ellucidate the ecology of aquatic flora, in which studies were performed at microcosmal level and the results, so obtained, were applied at field level, to forsee the impact of nutrients on natural waters.
Abstract: Cultural eutrophication has emerged as one of the most relevant causes of fresh water quality deterioration. Excessive enrichment of inland waters, coupled with dramatic urbanization, has led to formidable algal blooms in many parts of the world. In order to save inland waters from extenuation, tremendous investigative activities have been observed all over the world (Elser & Kimmel 1985; Hezlar et al. 1993; Nedoma et al. 1993; Raschke 1993; Zutshi & Khan 1992) but biological response to nutrient enrichment has merely been appreciated (Garg & Garg 1999, 2001). In the aforecited backdrop, a pilot study was undertaken to assess the potential fertility of lentic waters and to ellucidate the ecology of aquatic flora. In addition, studies were performed at microcosmal level and the results, so obtained, were applied at field level, to forsee the impact of nutrients on natural waters. On this basis, limits have been suggested for each nutrient, the excess of which may cause eutrophication or considerable loss of lake biota. Three major water resources of Bhopal, Upper lake (UL), Lower lake (LL) and Mansarovar reservoir (MR), have been selected for present investigation. Unfortunately, these beautiful water resorts are under great environmental stress owing to human influences, discharge of sewage, growth and deposition of organic matter, siltation and eventually eutrophication. Sampling stations were established near Vardaman park in Upper lake, opposite to fish aquarium in Lower lake and near Administrative Academy in Mansarovar reservoir. These transects were chosen after considering limnochemical representation, enutrint loading and input of sewage. Samples were drawn, from these lakes, on every 1st, 3rd, 5th, 10th, 15th and 30th day of the month and the parameters were simultaneously assayed for natural as well as microcosmal waters. To facilitate replicate tests and standardization, microcosmal experiments were conducted in the laboratory. Four cubical glass aquaria, with 50 litres capacity, were housed with 35 litres of water, sediment and phytoplankton penned-off from natural lake waters. Three of them were administered with 5.0 mg l-1, 10.0 mg l-1 & 15.0 mg l-1 of nutrients whereas the remaining one retained controlled condition. The experiments were conducted for 30 days and at a stretch only one nutrient was handled. Such experiments were performed in five replicates, one for each nutrient viz. calcium, magnesium, potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus. Thus, fifteen sets, five for each reservoir, with a total of sixty model ecosystems, were developed, over a spell of 15 months. Phytoplankton were identified following the manual of Ward & Whipple (1968). Compound Quotient, also regarded as Nygaard’s Coefficient, was computed for each lake as follows: Chlorococcales + Centrales + Cyanophytes + Euglenoids CQ = Desmids Limnochemical features were analyzed according to APHA (1989) and NEERI (1988). Water of all the three lakes were found to be hard with calcium contents ranging from 41.6 – 74.4 mg l-1 in Upper lake, 30.0 – 78.0 mg l-1 in Lower lake and 47.2 – 99.2 mg l-1 in Mansarovar reservoir. The latter held high concentration of cal-

Journal Article
TL;DR: The amount of nutrients returned due to insect pest attack on the trees have implications on the patterns of nutrient cycling and forest productivity.
Abstract: Present study deals with quantification of litter production, seasonal variations in litter nutrient concentration and nutrient return to the forest floor as influenced by insect defoliation and past disturbances in some tropical dry deciduous teak (Tectona grandis Linn.) forests of Satpura plateau in Chhindwara forest division in Madhya Pradesh, India. On the basis of density-diameter relationship of trees, the forest stands were categorised as least disturbed (site-I) and highly disturbed (site-III). Site-I and III were the most and least disturbed sites, respectively. Site-II was heavily attacked by teak defoliator (Hyblaea puera Cram) and skeletonizer (Eutectona machaeralis Walker) that caused premature leaf fall in the month of September. The magnitude (kg ha -1 ) of annual leaf fall followed the order: 4149 (II) > 2868 (I) > 2576 (III), while annual litter fall (kg ha -1 ) followed the order: 4536 (II) > 3305 (I) > 3276 (III). The contribution of leaf litter in total litter fall ranged between 79% (III) - 91% (II) among the three sites. Site-II which is attacked by insect pest, showed higher contribution of leaf litter to the total litter fall. The peak leaf and litter fall periods were January and March for all the sites. Site-II showed bimodal leaf fall pattern due to heavy attack of insect pest. Concentration of Ca and N were higher than K, Mg and P in all fractions of litter irrespective of sites. Return of nutrients was in the order: Ca>N>K>Mg>P. The amount of nutrients returned due to insect pest attack on the trees have implications on the patterns of nutrient cycling and forest productivity.

Journal Article
TL;DR: Process based models were developed to make use of the remotely sensed data available on monthly basis for estimation of Net Primary Productivity (NPP).
Abstract: Traditionally biomass estimation involved harvesting of the trees. As the forest cover decreased, there became the need for non-destructive methods for volume/biomass estimation. Methods were developed to relate the biomass with girth, height etc. Component-wise biomass equations were developed, which were used to estimate biomass at the plot level. In last couple of years satellite remote sensing has been successfully used for biomass and productivity estimation. The unique characteristic of plants is displayed by its reflectance in red and infrared region of electro-magnetic radiation. These have relationship with the biophysical parameters of plants. Therefore, process based models were developed to make use of the remotely sensed data available on monthly basis for estimation of Net Primary Productivity (NPP). Production efficiency model was used to estimate the NPP at the patch level, which takes Intercepted Photosynthetically Active Radiation (IPAR) and photosynthetic efficiency as input parameters to estimate NPP.

Journal Article
TL;DR: The present study was undertaken to map the forest cover status, and the change it has undergone between a period of ten years and to identify the present phyto-sociological status of various forest types in the puliyanjolai reserved forest of Kolli hills, eastern ghats of Tamil Nadu.
Abstract: One of the recent forest cover estimates in Tamil Nadu by Forest Survey of India points out that the TN has a forest area of 2.26 million ha, which constitutes 17.40% of the state. Among them only 1.71 million ha is under actual forest cover, which is 13.10% of the total geographical area. This recent assessment of forest cover status on 1: 250,000 scale revealed that dense forest occupies 0.86 million ha, open forest occupies 0.84 million ha and mangroves occupy 0.002 million ha (FSI 2002). Though there is an increase in the actual forest cover between 1972-95 (1.67 to 1.71 million ha) (Anon. 1983, 1997); the dense forest cover has been decreasing considerably from 1972 – 1999 (1.35 to 0.86 million ha) (Anon. 1983; FSI 2002). These figures pointed out the increasing pressure on forest. In Tamil Nadu the major forest areas are distributed in to western and eastern ghats. When compared western ghats, eastern ghats experiences heavy pressure from all side from the people for fuel wood, fodder, medicinal plants and illicit felling, thereby loosing its forest cover at an unprecedented rate. According to Champion & Seth (1968) the vegetation of eastern ghats comes under Tropical dry deciduous type. However, evergreen and semi-evergreen forests are also occurring in the high altitude of various hills. Though Forest Survey of India estimates forest cover status of entire India for every two years there are some limitations in their assessment. The scale is on 1:250,000 and the classified map will state only the forest density not the types. With reference to phyto-sociological study eastern ghats attain very poor attention from the scientific community. Very few studies reported include Kadavul & Parthasarathy (1993, 1999). Vegetation mapping using remote sensing data has more advantages over conventional ground survey method and it has been well exploited in many studies (Pant et al. 1992; Porwal & Pant 1989; Prowal & Roy 1992; Roy et al. 1985; Unni et al. 1983). Most of these studies had been carried out only for forest mapping and no phyto-sociological studies were carried out which is an inseparable component of the forest ecosystem. The present study was undertaken to map the forest cover status, and the change it has undergone between a period of ten years and to identify the present phyto-sociological status of various forest types in the puliyanjolai reserved forest of Kolli hills, eastern ghats of Tamil Nadu. Puliyanjolai reserved forest (PRF), located at the eastern aspect of Kolli hills, belongs to Namakkal district, covering an area of about 2806 ha. The geographical coordinates of PRF is between 11°14′18′′ to 11°19′00′′ N and 78°22′37′′ to 78°28′00′′ E. Based on the meteorological data maintained in the nearby station at Padasolai the average maximum and minimum temperature is 35 and 18°C respectively. The mean annual rainfall is 1318 mm. The altitude is ranging from 200

Journal Article
TL;DR: A fairly good diversity of AM fungi was observed in the rhizosphere of pteridophytes of this region and the highest arbuscular mycorrhizal root colonization was recorded in Pityrogramma calomelanos.
Abstract: Commonly occurring pteridophytes from two sites namely Mollem and Chorlem located in western ghats region of Goa were selected for the present study. All the pteridophytic species examined during the study, exhibited the presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal association. The highest arbuscular mycorrhizal root colonization (75%) was recorded in Pityrogramma calomelanos whereas the highest spore density (155 spores 100 g -1 rhizosphere soil) was recorded in Adiantum lunulatum. A fairly good diversity of AM fungi was observed in the rhizosphere of pteridophytes of this region. A total of 17 AM fungal species belonging to five genera namely Acaulospora, Glomus, Gigaspora, Sclerocystis and Scutellospora were recorded.

Journal Article
TL;DR: Investigation in southeastern Nigeria found that indigenous farmers and healers utilize 24 plant species in the treatment of common livestock ailments such as diarrhoea, ecto- and endoparasitic infections, retained placenta and dehydration among others.
Abstract: The diversity of plants of ethnoveterinary importance was investigated in southeastern Nigeria. It was found that indigenous farmers and healers utilize 24 plant species in the treatment of common livestock ailments such as diarrhoea, ecto- and endoparasitic infections, retained placenta and dehydration among others. Methods of preparation and administration were found to include direct feeding of the plant parts, drenching with aqueous decoction or direct external application of plant juice on the affected parts. It was concluded that efforts on the development of cheaper veterinary services and imputes in the region should focus more on the abundant indigenous resources such as flora and culture.

Journal Article
TL;DR: The present approach of prioritizing the biodiversity rich sites has the advantage of integrating spatial and non-spatial information with horizontal relationships and thus provides clue for conservation prioritization.
Abstract: Biodiversity is dynamic in nature; species and their populations are in a constant state of evolutionary change. The changes, as well as human-induced modifications of biodiversity, must be thought against the background of its 3.5 billion years history. The discrepancy between field knowledge and predictions; the applicability of the model to continual situations, where ecosystem fragmentation and consequent area loss is the important consideration and various methods for predicting biodiversity distribution have been discussed here. The utility of landscape ecological principles for biodiversity characterization has been described. Use of satellite remote sensing, geographic information system (GIS) and global positioning system (GPS) techniques for assessing the disturbed and biologically-rich sites by many researchers have been highlighted. Satellite-derived vegetation map and various landscape ecological parameters (viz., patch shape, patch size, number of patches, porosity, fragmentation, interspersion and juxtaposition) were analyzed by various authors to characterize various habitat ecosystems. The present approach of prioritizing the biodiversity rich sites has the advantage of integrating spatial and non-spatial information with horizontal relationships and thus provides clue for conservation prioritization. Under the behest of Department of Biotechnology and Department of Space, Government of India, landscape ecological approach is being used to characterize the biologically-rich areas in six regions of the country i.e., north-east India, western Himalaya, western Ghats, Andaman and Nicobar islands, eastern and central India. A case study for the state of Arunachal Pradesh has been discussed in detail. The potential applications of the database prepared as a result of the inventory have been described. This method of biodiversity characterization has the following advantages over the traditional method of inventory e.g. (i) has an ecological basis since many ecological components are considered (ii) all the components have precise positional (locational) representation on earth surface. In the days of pilferage of bioresources and in the backdrop of intellectual property right issues, a quick and effective geospatial technique for characterizing biodiversity at landscape level will go a long way in conservation and judicious management of bioresources.

Journal Article
TL;DR: In this article, the authors provide an overview of the utility of space-horne multispectral data from both indigenous, namely Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS-1A/1B/-1C/-1D and/-P3) as well as foreign Earth observation missions like Landsat, SPOT, etc.
Abstract: Over exploitation of natural resources for meeting the growing demand for food, fuel and fodder of ever increasing population, has led to soil degradation of varying degrees resulting thereby in deterioration of erstwhile healthy ecosystems. Information on the nature, extent, magnitude and the temporal behaviour of soil degradation is a pre-requisite for taking up any ameliorative/preventive measures. Space-borne multispectral data by virtue of providing synoptic view of a fairly large area at regular intervals, offer immense potential for generating above mentioned information on degraded soils in a timely and cost-effective manner. An attempt has been made in this article to provide an overview of the utility of space-horne multispectral data from both indigenous, namely Indian Remote Sensing Satellite (IRS-1A/1B/-1C/-1D and/-P3) as well as foreign Earth observation missions like Landsat, SPOT, etc. for assessment and monitoring of soil degradation; identify gap areas and to project the future scenario.


Journal Article
TL;DR: It appears that the low water potential enables the mistletoe to have access to host water all the time and higher transpiration further enhances water uptake and hence possible intake of valuable elements for growth.
Abstract: The infestation of Quereus floribunda trees by Taxillus vestitus is common in Himalaya. Seasonal gas exchange and water relations of T. vestitus and its host Q. floribunda were studied under natural field conditions in Nainital, Indian Central Himalaya. Leaf water potential and leaf conductance were followed through the growing seasons on T. vestitus and infested Q. floribunda. Consistent with the reports elsewhere for other species of mistletoe, T. vestitus frequently transpires more rapidly than its host, and maintains a more negative water potential. Predawn and midday water potentials for Q. floribunda are in the range of -0.9 (Rainy season) to -12.3 (Summer season) and -4.4 (Rainy season) to -20.5 (Summer season) bars, respectively where as for that of mistletoe, it is -1.6 (Rainy season) to -14.9 (Summer season) bars and -5.9 (Rainy season) to -25.2 (Summer season) bars, respectively during predawn and midday. A gap in water potential between host and mistletoe occurred throughout the study period, which increased with the severity of moisture. During all seasons T. vestitus out transpired the host. It appears that the low water potential enables the mistletoe to have access to host water all the time and higher transpiration further enhances water uptake and hence possible intake of valuable elements for growth. Both the species studied showed stomatal control during the dry season, which seems to be determined by the increase of the evaporative demand.

Journal Article
TL;DR: The basic aim of this review is to have realistic and reliable information on the potential of marine living resources in Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and for sustainable development and management.
Abstract: Living marine resources represent a wealth of current and future generation in terms of providing food, economy and recreation to humanity. Ecologically sustainable development of the marine resources requires that management and use is compatible with the attributes of exploited resources. This requires crucial knowledge about the natural variability of marine ecosystem and dynamics of marine living resources in time and space. An attempt was made here to provide detail information on the state of art of marine resources using remote sensing data. Availability of high resolution data on both spatial and spectral scale from IRS-1C/1D and IRS-P4 with their improved sensor like LISS, PAN and OCM provide ample opportunity to map, monitor and manage the marine resources. Mangroves, corals, wetlands, biodiversity and productivity of ocean are being mapped and measured on real time using the satellite data for sustainable development. The basic aim of this review is to have realistic and reliable information on the potential of marine living resources in Indian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and for sustainable development and management. It will also help to augment the seafood production and thereby the income of the coastal fishing community and fishing industry.

Journal Article
TL;DR: Range of growth variation in species increased with forest disturbance and conspecifics exhibited variation within and across sites, and Mortality was independent of tree size.
Abstract: Patterns of tree growth, mortality and recruitment in four permanent plots of tropical wet evergreen forest in Kolli hills of the eastern ghats, India, were investigated between 1996 and 1999. Permanent tree plots of 2 ha (200 m x 100 m) were established in four evergreen forest sites- Perumakkai shola (PS), Vengodai shola (VS), Kuzhivalavu shola (KS) and Mottukadu shola (MS) along an elevational and disturbance gradient. A total of 3814 trees ≥30 cm girth at breast height from 78 species and 36 families were enumerated. There was no change in species richness during the study period. Mean stand basal area increased by 4.1 %. Basal area increment was maximum in the highly disturbed site MS and minimum in the relatively undisturbed site PS (11.6% and 1.7% respectively). Range of growth variation in species increased with forest disturbance and conspecifics exhibited variation within and across sites. Mortality was independent of tree size. Mortality rates exceeded recruitment rates and the stand turnover time was calculated to be 136 years.

Journal Article
TL;DR: The fluctuations in the physical and chemical hydrology of the stream appear to be influenced by the changes in the fluvial dynamics of theStream due to impoundment.
Abstract: A dam was constructed in 1994 at the headwaters of the Ibiekuma stream to provide treated drinking water for the Ambrose Alli University community and its environs. Changes in the physical and chemical characteristics of the stream after impoundment were investigated between February and August 1995. Three stations (two within the dam site and one downstream of the dam) were identified for this study along a 3 km stretch of the upper reaches of the First order stream. Only water level, flow velocity, transparency and dissolved oxygen were significantly different (P<0.05) among the study stations. The interstation com- parison of parameters using Kruskal-Wallis test indicated that water level, flow velocity, transparency and dissolved oxygen were significantly different (P<0.05). Dissolved oxygen con- tent of the pool stations at the dam site were similar but significantly lower than that of the lotic station. Variability Coefficients revealed two patterns: (1) low variability in all the sta- tions for temperature, water level, total suspended solid and pH; (2) high variability in all the stations for the other parameters. The fluctuations in the physical and chemical hydrology of the stream appear to be influenced by the changes in the fluvial dynamics of the stream due to impoundment.

Journal Article
TL;DR: Pandeya et al. as discussed by the authors evaluated the population differences in Desmostachya bipinnata growing in four selected localities representing different environmental conditions in western India, including extreme arid desert (Thar desert) to semiarid (oceanic to inland).
Abstract: Desmostachya bipinnata (Linn.) Stapf (Family Poaceae, tribe Eragrosteae), a tall, tufted, leafy perennial grass occurs widely in a variety of climoedaphic conditions in western India. The species is distributed throughout India, Persia, North Africa to Tropical Africa (Bor 1960). In western India the ecoclimate varies from extreme arid desert (Thar desert) to semiarid (oceanic to inland). The soils in this region are desert sand, sometimes gypiferous to fresh to old alluvial. This grass branches from thick root stock, sending out rhizomes in all directions, making it an excellent sand binder (Bhandari 1990; Kaushik 1983). The morphometric description of Desmostachya bipinnata given by Bor (1940) does not tally with the characters of this grass collected from the four typified localities in western India. When two different Herbarium sheets of D. bipinnata, one from Jodhpur and the other from Agra were sent to Royal Botanic Garden, Kew, Cope (1998, pers. comm.) stated that “both the specimens without doubt are of Desmostachya bipinnata (Linn.) Stapf. The species can be very variable in habit”. The main aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the population differences in Desmostachya bipinnata growing in four selected localities representing different environmental conditions in western India. The geographical distribution, ecoclimate, and water status of four localities selected for the present study are shown in Table 1. The climate of the study sites ranges from oceanic (Ahmedabad) to extreme arid (Jodhpur). The water status (annual precipitation and soil water storage less potential evapotranspiratioin) of these sites varies widely, from 500 mm at Jodhpur to 2200 mm at Ahmedabad with intermediate values for Nehchani (900 mm) and Agra (1350 mm). From these localities composite soil samples were collected from two depths (0-25 cm and 25-50 cm), brought to Agra, and analysed for physical and chemical characters by the standard methods given by Piper (1944), Jackson (1968), Misra (1968) and Pandeya et al.

Journal Article
TL;DR: Applications of satellite remote sensing in eco-hydrology are reviewed and spatial patterns of actual evapotranspiration by vegetation associations can now be calculated using satellite data with a minimum of ground meteorologic data.
Abstract: Applications of satellite remote sensing in eco-hydrology are reviewed Satellite data have been used to improve rainfall mapping and to monitor relationships between rainfall and vegetation responses. Spatial patterns of actual evapotranspiration by vegetation associations can now be calculated using satellite data with a minimum of ground meteorologic data. Vegetation and inundation dynamics and aspects of water quality of wetlands have been monitored in many parts of the tropics and elsewhere by using optical multi spectral, thermal and radar images, providing information for the management of wetlands. Natural vegetation patterns, as observed on images, can be brought in relation to groundwater occurrences and groundwater flow systems. Inventories and monitoring of vegetation in watersheds is current practice and multi spectral data is suited to determine the cover factor in soil erosion studies. New generation of satellites have sensors to improve accuracies and to develop new applications.

Journal Article
TL;DR: The present study focuses on the potential of IRS 1C WiFS data set for the regional level mapping and utilization of the climatic data along with the biogeographic map is proposed to delineate the biomes in the western Indian subcontinent.
Abstract: Environment is constantly changing as a function of climate and more recently due to human activities. Timely and accurate monitoring of these changes is a difficult task for regional planning and management. Up-to-date information on distribution and rate of changes of any ecosystem are required for a wide variety of applications viz., biome status, environmental, climatic etc. Aerospace technology has been found to be a vital tool for assessment and monitoring of these natural resources. The present study focuses on the potential of IRS 1C WiFS data set for the regional level mapping. The temporal resolution along with the recommended spatial and spectral resolution configures for the assessment of the phenological growth of the vegetation in the terrestrial ecosystems. The utilization of the climatic data along with the biogeographic map is proposed to delineate the biomes in the western Indian subcontinent. The product offers the basic input for the eco-physiological processes for studying the land surface interactions and conservation strategies of the arid regions.

Journal Article
TL;DR: Albizzia trees can increase the nutrient content of understorey grasses by their rapid leaf turnover and decomposition of nutrient rich litter, which can result in significant increase in soil fertility.
Abstract: In this study, monthly changes in concentrations of various nutrients (N, P, K, Ca & Mg) and their uptake, accumulation, transfer and release in both plant parts and soil were studied in grasses grown under Albizzia plantation and in the open grazing land in the semi-arid region of Madurai. At both sites, the maximum concentration of all nutrients were recorded in the live shoot, followed by dead shoot, below ground and litter. The average nutrient accumulation in the plant parts as well as in the soil was in the order of N>K>Ca>Mg>P. Among the sites, the nutrients concentration in plant components and the uptake from the soil were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the plantation site than in the open grazing land. The soil moisture content also showed significant increase under Albizzia plantation than in the open grazingland. Of the total uptake about 80% of nutrients, were transferred to above ground plant parts and very little was transferred to below ground parts. At both sites, the nutrients return to the soil through root was lower than that of litter disappearance. The study reveals that Albizzia trees can increase the nutrient content of understorey grasses by their rapid leaf turnover and decomposition of nutrient rich litter, which can result in significant increase in soil fertility.