0101-270. Gupta AK, Chivers David J (Wildlife Inst India, PB No-18, Chandrabani, Dehra Dun 248006). Feeding ecology and conservation of the golden langur (Trachypithecus geei Khajuria) in Tripura, north east India. J Bombay Natl Hist Soc, 97(3) (2000), 349-362 [29 Ref].
Feeding ecology of an introduced group of the golden langur (Trachypithecus geei) in Sepahijala Wildlife Sanctuary is discussed with special reference to its conservation in its new habitat. The ability of the golden langur to survive on fast-growing exotic plantation species, to use food resource on the ground, and to share resource with user groups, has helped it to survive in the wild. These qualities make the conservation of the golden langur feasible in its range, where shifting cultivation and plantations of exotic species are common.
0101-271. Jayson EA, Mathew DN (Div Wildlife Bio, Kerala Forest Res Inst, Peechi 680653, Kerala). Diversity and species abundance distribution of birds in the tropical forests of Silent Valley, Kerala. J Bomboy Natl Hist Soc, 97(3) (2000), 390-399 [42 Ref].
Diversity and species- abundance distribution of birds was studied in the evergreen and moist deciduous forests of the Silent Valley, Kerala. Diversity index of birds in the evergreen forest of Silent Valley and moist deciduous forests of Mukkali was 3.45 and 3.30 respectively. Evaluation of the area showed the rich and undisturbed bird community at Silent Valley and Mukkali, which is comparable to tropical forests of other countries. Considering this, it is recommended that this area be added to the existing Silent Valley National Park.
0101-272. Thomas Jerry, John De Britto A, Johnson JA, Sridhar S (Bot Dept, St Xaviers Coll, Palayamkottai 627002). A preliminary study on the biodiversity of Koonthankulam bird sanctuary in Tamil Nadu. Indian J Environ Sci, 4(2) (2000), 135-142 [16 Ref].
Recently Koonthankulam in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu has been declared as a bird sanctuary by the Department of Forest. It is an important wetland habitat of aquatic and semi-aquatic birds. Considering its importance, a preliminary study on the physico-chemical characteristics of water, soil and its biodiversity were made. Problems and suggestions are discussed.
0101-273. Yoganand K, Davider Priya (Wildlife Inst India, P.B. No 18, Chandrabani, Dehra Dun 248001). Habitat preferences and distributional status of some forest birds in Andaman Islands. J Bombay Natl Hist Soc, 97(3) (2000), 375-380 [8 Ref].
The habitat preferences of species of forest birds were studied in Baratang Island in the Andamans, India. The relationship between habitat preferences and large-scale patterns, such as biogeographical distribution of each species on the continent of Asia and distributional status within the Andaman Islands was analysed. The habitat preferences of these 30 species showed no association with either the biogeographical distribution or with status, suggesting that large-scale distributional patterns are not related to habitat preferences.