Regeneration potential and stand structure of a proposed plantation site in the transition zone of Ghana
March 2014
A proposed timber plantation site (approximately 1,900 hectares) located in the forest-savanna transition zone of the Ashanti Region, Ghana was surveyed. The objectives of the study were (1) to analyze the present stand structure (2) and to assess the tree regeneration potential on the plantation site. The forest assessment used systematic sampling design which revealed an open and fire disturbed stand structure with an...
In vitro study of effects of growth hormones on sporophyte development of Cyathea spinulosa
March 2014
Cyathea spinulosa Wall. ex Hook. is a type genus of Cyatheaceae family. It is listed in endangered category of IUCN Red Data Book and also placed in Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species of Flora and Fauna (CITES) Appendix II. The spore germination, gametophyte morphogenesis and sporophyte rooting of Cyathea in response to 2.0% sucrose and three major growth hormones: Indole–3 acetic acid (IAA),...
Land use, land cover and climate change impacts on the bird community in and around Lake Zeway, Ethiopia
March 2014
This study aimed to show impacts of land use and land cover change (LULCC) and climate on waterbird community structure of Lake Zeway and the surrounding areas. Purposive sampling techniques were used to collect primary data. Based on the purposive sampling techniques, 12 key informants and 12 focus group discussants were selected. A semi-structured questionnaire prepared in English and translated into Afan Oromo was...
Diversity and seasonality of some of the ground dwelling invertebrates in the Eastern Region of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
March 2014
A study was conducted to understand the diversity, distribution, abundance and seasonality of ground dwelling invertebrate species in the eastern region of Abu Dhabi Emirate, from March 2010 to February 2011. Pitfall traps were used for this study in two sites with distinct micro - habitats in the Eastern Region of the Emirate. The site includes a wadi habitat at Jebel Hafit, Al Ain and another one is a gravel plain...
Genetic erosion of barley in North Shewa Zone of Oromiya Region, Ethiopia
March 2014
This study was conducted during the cropping season of 2010 at Degem wereda. The objectives were to assess the extent of genetic erosion of barley and justify reasons for its conservation at community and household levels. Formal and informal surveys were made aimed at assessing causes for genetic erosion and quantify the level of genetic erosion. Collected data were subjected to descriptive statistics; Chi-square test...
Response of a globally endangered canopy insectivore to habitat degradation in an East African tropical rainforest: The role of differential forest protection levels
March 2014
This study examined the interplay between anthropogenic habitat degradation, forest protection level and density of Turner’s Eremomela (TE) (Eremomela turneri), a globally endangered bird in Kenya’s Kakamega forest. Sampling was conducted from May-June 2012 in two contiguous and one isolated forest blocks. Logging intensity, canopy height and cover, plant species richness and other key anthropogenic...
Forest resource management systems in Ethiopia: Historical perspective
February 2014
The integration of economic development and environmental management has become a major concern for society, businesses and governments, especially during the past century. A desk review was carried out to examine the various forest resource management systems used in Ethiopia over the past half century. Forest resources in Ethiopia have been managed with different intentions and motivations at different times; these...
A comparative study of fish species composition in two spatially isolated nature reserves, Jiangxi, China
February 2014
The ichthyofauna of mountain streams in the Danzhangshan Nature Reserve (DNR) and the Raoheyuan Nature Reserve (RNR) was investigated during 2008. A total of 385 samples were collected and classified into seven families and 14 species from the two nature reserves. There were 12 species belonging to seven families in the RNR, while eight species from four families were collected in the DNR. Overall, six species were...
Factors affecting attitudes of local people toward the red-billed Quelea (Quelea quelea) in Kondoa District, Tanzania
February 2014
Interactions between humans and red-billed Queleas (Quelea quelea) in Kondoa District, central Tanzania, have shaped the attitudes of the local inhabitants toward these birds. These birds are considered as serious pest because they consume small grain cereal crops. The red-billed Queleas are caught and consumed as food by local communities. Harvested birds are also sold at bus stops to passengers, as well as to local...
A multi-method approach for the inventory of the adult population of a critically endangered crocodilian, the Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) at Dhikala, Corbett Tiger Reserve incorporating direct counts and trail cameras
February 2014
The Corbett Tiger Reserve (CTR), a very highly rated protected area in the State of Uttarakhand, India, is home to the third largest breeding population of adult gharial globally. It contributes 20% to the estimated global population of 200 - 250 adults of the taxon and it is also the only known population of the taxon which lives predominantly in a lake-like environment. CTR was surveyed for gharial in 2008 which was...
Developing macrohabitat models for bats in parks using maxent and testing them with data collected by citizen scientists
February 2014
Protected areas may function as islands of habitat in otherwise adverse environments for many species of North American animals. It is currently unclear how to maintain suitable foraging habitat for bats within these areas. Bats are nocturnal and highly mobile, making their specific needs difficult to determine. Using data collected from acoustically surveyed sites within protected areas in the Oak Openings Region of...
Morphological characterization of shea tree (Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. paradoxa) populations in the region of Mandoul in Chad
February 2014
Quantitative characteristics of leaf, fruit and nut collected from Vitellaria paradoxa subsp. paradoxa growing in Kol, Kemkian and Matekaga located in the region of Mandoul of Southern Chad were analyzed. Our results reveal variation of the measured morphological parameters. The smallest lamina length (15.5 cm) was found in Kol and the longest (26.3 cm) in Matekaga. The biggest lamina width (5.4 cm) and nut length (3.8...
Echinoderm diversity in Mudasal Odai and Nagapattinam coast of south east India
January 2014
Echinoderm diversity was studied from Mudasal Odai (Lat.11°29'N; Long. 79°46' E) and Nagapattinam (Lat. 10° 46' N; Long. 79° 59' E) coast of Tamil Nadu, south east India. We recorded 14 species, 11 genera, 8 families, 5 orders and 3 classes in Mudasal Odai and 11 species, 8 genera, 6 families, 5 orders and 3 classes in Nagapattinam coast. The most diverse families are Temnopleuridae (4...
The role of homegardens for in situ conservation of plant biodiversity in Holeta Town, Oromia National Regional State, Ethiopia
January 2014
This study was conducted to assess the role of homegardens for in situ conservation of plant biodiversity in Holeta Town. In the garden data collection 75 homegardens were randomly selected. Ethnobotanical data were collected using homegarden observation, semi-structured interviews and market survey. Data were analyzed using preference ranking, direct matrix ranking, and descriptive statistics. A total of 112 plant...
Assessment of fuel resource diversity and utilization pattern in Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary of Himachal Pradesh, NW Himalaya
January 2014
Dearth in the studies related to the fuelwood collection trends, conservation and management has prompted the present work. Nargu Wildlife Sanctuary of Himachal Pradesh was assessed for the fuel resources because the region was not evaluated earlier and dependency of the stakeholders on the forest resources was soaring. In the twenty three villages studied, forty five species (33 trees and 12 shrubs) belonging to 23...
A list of flowering wild plants in Tafila Province, Jordan
January 2014
Wild flowering plants in Tafila Province (South of Jordan) in terms of floristic features, with regards to its wild vascular plants were studied. A list of wild flowering plants was prepared. Field trips were made to the study area. A total number of 383 species belong to 198 genera and 48 families were recorded. Wild trees like Cupressus sempervirens, Ceratonia siliqua, Quercus sp. (Oak) and Juniperus phoenica were...
Gene duplication: A major force in evolution and bio-diversity
January 2014
Bridges reported one of the earliest observations of gene duplication from the doubling of a chromosomal band in a mutant of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, which exhibited extreme reduction in eye size. Based on whole-genome analysis of Arabidopsis thaliana, there is compelling evidence that angiosperms underwent two whole-genome duplication events early during their evolutionary history. Recent studies have...
Role of sacred groves in ameliorating microclimate: A case study of Nagdev temple forest of Pauri Garhwal, Uttarakhand Himalaya, India
January 2014
To show the role of sacred grove in rejuvenating the microclimate, a study was conducted at the temple forest of Nagdev area (Latitude 30° 8’ 30” N and Longitude 78° 46’ 25” East) of Pauri Garhwal in Uttarakhand Himalaya, India. Nagdev temple forest area was compared with a nearby (control) site, having relatively more biotic disturbances. Weather parameters viz. temperatures- maximum and...
Conservation status of threatened medicinal plants of Mankial Valley Hindukush Range, Pakistan
January 2014
Conservation studies of 45 threatened medicinal plants were carried out for assessment of their conservation status, threats and recommendations growing in Mankial valley Hindukush Range Pakistan. Phytogeographically, the valley is present in the Sino Japanese floristic region and is a hot spot of endemism. A total of 45 taxa belonging to 35 families and 43 genera were collected and evaluated which include 13 (28.88%)...
Effect of physico-chemical conditions on the structure and composition of the phytoplankton community in Wular Lake at Lankrishipora, Kashmir
January 2014
The high altitude valley of Kashmir abounds in a vast array of freshwater bodies of lotic as well as lentic nature. Amongst these, lakes play an important role in biodiversity of this region. The present study on Wular Lake, Kashmir was undertaken from March, 2007 to February, 2008 to study abundance and distribution of phytoplankton and their correlation with physico-chemical conditions of water. A total of 64...
Ethnobotany, indigenous knowledge and unconscious preservation of the environment: An evaluation of indigenous knowledge in South and Southwest Regions of Cameroon
January 2014
A study was undertaken to understand the contributions of indigenous knowledge in environmental management and to evaluate some useful plants in selected tribal villages of South and Southwest Cameroon. Intensive field trips were carried out and interviews were conducted with the indigenous people using questionnaires that addressed the use of each plant species for various purposes, local/traditional name of species,...
‘Population status, nesting sites and seasonal fluctuation of Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus): Dynamics and implications for the species conservation in and around Jodhpur
January 2014
Nine species of vulture were reported in India. Out of them, four species Gyps indicus, Gyps bengalensis, Sacrogyps calvus and Neophron percnopterus are permanent residents and remain in and around Jodhpur. The remaining three species Gyps fulvus, Gyps himalayensis and Aegypus monachus are migratory species and come to site from October to February in winter season. Resident species reproduce here due to availability of...
Pattern of litter fall and litter decomposition in a Quercus leucotrichophora A. Camus forest in Kumaun Himalaya
January 2014
The present paper reports on the leaf litter, wood litter, miscellaneous litter and total litter fall in Quercus leucotrichophora forests of the Kumaun Himalaya. Peak values of leaf, wood and miscellaneous litter fall occurred in May, June and November and December respectively. The total annual litter fall was 538.85 g m-2, of which leaf, wood and miscellaneous litters accounted for 72.35, 23.04 and 4.53% respectively....
Correlation and path coefficient analysis of yield and yield components in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) germplasm in the highlands of Bale, Ethiopia
January 2014
Genetic diversity is essential for genetic improvement of given crops. If the information on genetic diversity is not enough to utilize, the available variability genetic diversity study should be crucial. Accordingly, twelve lentil germplasms were evaluated at two locations, Sinana and Agarfa, South eastern Ethiopia in the 2012/13 cropping season to obtain information on genetic diversity and variability in the...
Effect of pre-sowing treatments on seed germination in Quercus serrata Thunb. and Quercus semecarpifolia Sm.
December 2013
Quercus species are major forest forming species and helps in sustaining an ecosystem. Natural regeneration of these species is very poor due to various biological and physical factors. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different pre-sowing treatments (scarification and cold- stratification) on seed germination of two Quercus species, that is, Quercus serrata (deciduous) and Quercus...
Among and within population variation in growth dynamics and floral sex ratios in Inula racemosa; a critically endangered medicinal herb of N. W. Himalayas
December 2013
The purpose of the present study was to determine the extent to which different morphological and reproductive characteristics of a critically endangered, Himalayan herb (Inula racemosa) varied along an altitudinal gradient. To this end, seven populations growing at different altitudes (1595 - 2800 m asl) across the Kashmir Himalaya were assessed. ANOVA expressed significant differences (P=0.05) in all growth parameters...
Impact of the invasive shrub, Lantana camara L. on soil properties in Nairobi National Park, Kenya
December 2013
Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae) is an invasive shrub of global significance in the conservation of biodiversity in terrestrial ecosystems. The invasive species has profound impact on soil ecosystems due to its allelopathic and litter accumulation effect. This study tested for its impact on soil properties in Nairobi National Park (NNP) by randomly sampling soil from the invaded and un-invaded sites in three habitats...
Studies on floristic diversity of an organic farm of Himachal Pradesh, India: Transformation of a barren land to a productive niche
December 2013
The ecological aspects pertaining to floral diversity, cropping systems and crop diversification of an organic farm CSKHPKV, Palampur were studied. The data for two years, that is, 2006-07 and 2007-08 was analyzed. The initial recorded data pertaining to various activities in the organic farm before 2006-07 showed low fertility soil status, very low productivity and least biodiversity in a so called barren land before...
Physico-chemical factors affecting the distribution of wetland birds of Barna Reservoir in Narmada Basin, Central India
December 2013
The ecology of wetland birds of the Barna Reservoir was studied from March 2009 to February 2011. Species composition, diversity and abundance of birds were assessed. Sixty four (64) species of wetland birds were enumerated. Fourteen (14) environmental variables were correlated with the wetland birds species richness among which most of the variables were positively correlated with bird species richness except water...
Community organization, ecological distribution and diversity of trees and shrubs in selected areas of Branwar Forest of Kashmir Himalaya
December 2013
Periodic studies were conducted in four selected sites of Branwar foresfiet area of Kashmir Himalaya in the year 2010 to 2011 for assessing ecological distribution and diversity of trees and shrubs. The Plant Community Organizational features, ecological distribution and diversity of different study sites in the Branwar Forest during 2010 to 2011 are markedly variable with regard to the life-forms namely, trees and...
Influence of insecticide treatment on ant diversity in tropical agroforestry system: Some aspect of the recolonization process
December 2013
In order to assess the influence of insecticides treatment on ant diversity and recolonization processes in cocoa based agroforestry systems, sampling was performed using chemical knock-down technique during two consecutive cocoa campaigns (2006 and 2007) in six smallholding cocoa farms located in tree localities of the Centre Region of Cameroon. These localities are located along the South-North agroecological...
Potential impacts of recent climate change on biological control agents in agro-ecosystem: A review
December 2013
Global climate change is a change in the long-term weather patterns that characterize the regions of the world. It is evident from increase in global average temperature, changes in the rainfall pattern and extreme climatic events. The impacts of warming can already be observed in many places, from rising sea levels to melting snow and ice to changing weather patterns. Climate change is already affecting...
Cultural and socio-economic perspectives of the conservation of Asanting Ibiono Sacred Forests in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria
November 2013
Culturally, sacred forests have been an integral part of many Africa traditional societies for centuries. For decades, these traditions have encouraged community driven nature conservation attitudes and have ensured the conservation of native biodiversity, supplying non-timber forest products (NTFPs), supporting ecological, religious, cultural and socio-economic functions. This long standing tradition is on the decline...
Meristic and morphological characterization of the freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium macrobrachion (Herklots, 1851) from the Mono River – Coastal Lagoon system, Southern Benin (West Africa): Implications for species conservation
November 2013
The freshwater prawn, Macrobrachium macrobrachion is one of the shrimp’s species that contribute to the fisheries in the Mono River – Coastal Lagoon water system of the Southern Benin, where major causes of environmental degradation that affect species integrity and survival, are hydro electrical dam, bridges, mangrove destruction, water hyacinth invasion, dumping of domestic wastes from...
Forest bird diversity and edge effects on three glade types at Mount Meru Game Reserve, Tanzania
November 2013
This study examined the edge effects on forest bird diversity in five man-made, five upper natural and 15 lower natural glades in the Mount Meru Game Reserve, Tanzania from September 2005 to November 2005. Bird species composition differed significantly between the three glade types. Mountain Greenbul and Common Bulbul were indicators of forest edge habitat for upper natural and man-made glades, respectively. Bird total...
The abundance of five rare tree species in forests on limestone hills of northern Vietnam
November 2013
Rare tree species may become endangered as a result of forest conversion and disturbance. The availability of reliable ecological information on such tree species may help in conservation efforts, but such data is often limited. We studied the abundance of five red-listed tree species in an old-growth forest growing on limestone hills in northern Vietnam and identified potentially relevant ecological factors. Three of...
Wildlife crop damage valuation and conservation: conflicting perception by local farmers in the Luangwa Valley, eastern Zambia
November 2013
Wildlife conservation in Luangwa Valley depends on perception by local communities, and is affected by wildlife crop raiding. Perception of local farmers were elucidated between 2006/7 and 2008/9 farming seasons. Data collection was done using prescribed forms and semi-structured questionnaires by trained field assistants. The case study findings confirm that firstly, perceived and actual crop losses differed by 49.49...
On-farm Musa germplasm diversity in different agro-ecologies of Burundi
November 2013
Burundi is part of the secondary centre of diversity for the east African highland bananas (Musa AAA-EA). However, Musa diversity in Burundi has declined in the past two decades due to pests, diseases and civil unrest. A Musa germplasm diagnostic survey carried out in three provinces- Gitega in Central, Kirundo in Northern and Cibitoke in north-western Burundi, assessed...
Using odonates as markers of the environmental health of water and its land related ecotone
November 2013
The study of Odonata communities along wetlands requires the basic understanding of the abundance, distribution and number of species present. As habitat conditions change, they also exhibit changes in their diversity and distribution. Odonata assemblages were surveyed along the Densu River at Atewa Range Forest Reserve (ARFR) and Nsawam in the Eastern Region of Ghana and Weija in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Of...
Genetic divergence analysis of garden cress (Lepidium sativum L.)
November 2013
The D2 analysis allowed the 49 garden cress accessions to be classified into seven distinct clusters. Cluster 1 included 16 accessions that mature and flower early. Cluster 2 contained 11 accessions, which had the higher mean values for both numbers of primary and secondary branches, harvest index and seed yield/plant. They also showed higher number of seeds per plant and per plot than the overall mean value....
Genetic variation of barley germplasm from Turkey assessed by chloroplast microsatellite markers
November 2013
Five chloroplast DNA microsatellite loci were tested to analyze cytoplasmic variation in a set of 94 barley accessions; 23 Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum (wild) from Southeastern Anatolia, 47Hordeum vulgare ssp.vulgare landraces and 24 Turkish barley cultivars. Fifteen (15) haplotypes were detected. Within wild barley, two of the five loci were polymorphic with two or three alleles and four haplotypes...
Species diversity and abundance of Avifauna in and around Hombolo Wetland in Central Tanzania
November 2013
This study assessed the species composition, relative abundance and species diversity of avifauna found in wetland and terrestrial habitats in and around Hombolo Lake. Transect walk, point transect and direct observation methods were deployed for birds’ survey. Sampling sites were established following the established transect on the terrestrial area and on the edge around the lake, with an interval of 200 m...
Cropland bird community of rain fed region in India: Abundance, activity pattern and susceptibility to pesticide use
October 2013
The activities of cropland birds in an agricultural land are most likely unpredictable in the rain fed region of Maharashtra, India, and therefore the exposure to risk of pesticides application by cropland bird species cannot be sufficiently categorized. The pattern of abundance, territorial, foraging and other activities of cropland avian species was examined at two croplands in Amravati District of Maharashtra State...
Plant diversity in tropical deciduous forests of Eastern Ghats, India: A landscape level assessment
October 2013
A landscape level plant diversity and population inventory was made in northern portion of eastern Ghat region of India comprising mostly dry deciduous and moist deciduous forests. A total of 444 transects of 0.5 ha (5 × 1000 m) area each was used for enumerating trees. Diversity and density of herbs, shrubs, lianas and regeneration of tree species were assessed from 5 x 5 m size plots within transects....
Heavy metals (Cd, Ni and Pb) pollution effects on cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz)
October 2013
The response of crops to heavy metals is important to plant breeders working on marginal environments. Environmentalists need such knowledge for environmental quality assessment. Consequently, a study was carried out to determine the effect of heavy metals (Cd, Ni and Pb) stress on cassava in a greenhouse. The treatments comprised five improved cassava varieties (TME 419, TMS 98/0505, TMS 98/0510, TMS 98/0581...
A survey of rice farmers’ farming practices posing threats to insect biodiversity of rice crop in the Punjab, Pakistan
October 2013
During a survey and through face to face interviews of rice farmers, their attitudes and substandard farming practices were investigated as threats to insect biodiversity associated with rice crop agroecosystem. Excessive and increasing use of agrochemicals (78.7%) and rice straw burning (68%) along with animal grazing were explored as major threats. Rational use of agrochemicals and legislation about bans of...
Genetic similarity among Caesalpinia echinata trees and their ex situ conservation
October 2013
Brazilwood (Caesalpinia echinata Lam) is a tree native to the Atlantic rainforest. It has been exploited since the Brazilian colonial period and the remaining natural populations of C. echinata have been reduced to small forest fragments, or are conserved in arboreta and ecological parks. This study aimed to identify the degree of genetic diversity present within brazilwood trees from three...
Morphometric characterization of Nigerian indigenous sheep using multifactorial discriminant analysis
October 2013
Adequate knowledge of diversities within and between animal populations will not only help in reducing misidentification in animal husbandry but also aid conservation of many important endangered alleles. A total number of 1195 animals comprising 380 Yankasa sheep, 414 Uda sheep, 224 Balami sheep and 177 West African Dwarf (WAD) sheep were sampled from Osun and Oyo states, South Western Nigeria. Yankasa and...
Hymenopteran diversity in a deciduous forest from South India
October 2013
Hymenoptera diversity was investigated in a deciduous forest from South India during July 2009 to June 2010. Among the 38 collected species, the identified 36 species belong to 21 genera and nine families. The dominant families include Vespidae, Apidae, Formicidae, Sphecidae and Megachilidae, respectively. In the present study, the hymenopterans like the carpenter bees, honey bees, leaf cutter bees and ants...
Migratory status of the goral, Naemorhedus goral (Hardwicke) (Artiodactyla: Bovidae) in Kohistan, Pakistan
October 2013
The Himalayan goral, Naemorhedus goral (Hardwicke) (Artiodactyla: Bovidae) is classified as endangered internationally and vulnerable in Pakistan. Its migratory status was determined from 24thMay to 10th July, 2010 in the Pattan and Keyal Valleys, Kohistan, Pakistan. The 165 questionnaires were filled in 15 study sites (Pattan, eight study sites; Keyal, seven study...
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