0103-140. Borad CH, Mukherjee Aeshita, Parasharya BM (Natl Tree Growers Cooperative Federation Ltd, NDDB Campus PB No 156, Opp IRMA Gate, Anand 388110, Gujrat). Nest site selection by the Indian sarus crane in the paddy crop agroecosystem. Biol Conserv, 98(1) (2001), 89-96 [41 Ref].
The Indian sarus crane Grus antigone antigone (Linn.) is a globally threatened species and occupation of agricultural landscape has led to a hidden conflict with the farmers in the Kheda district of Gujarat, India. It is important to understand the nest site selection to design management strategy for the conservation of the species. Nesting sites on paddy field bunds and marshy wasteland has a common feature in that they were on elevated land within an inundated area.
0103-141. Dhal NK, Rout NC (Regl Res Lab, Bhubaneswar 751013). Few rare, endangered vulnerable and threatened mangals from Orissa coast worth conserving. Eco Env Conserv, 7(1) (2001), 67-70 [12 Ref].
The mangrove vegetation in Orissa is noteworthy owing to its diversity of mangals which is about 65t/a. The forest area has remarkably shrunk and ecological balance has been shattered to an alarming state due to shrimp culture, cultivation, human habitation, timber and charcoal collection. The Super Cyclone has inflicted irreparable damage to the vegetation and ecology of this area. The distributional pattern, ecological notes, and appropriate conservation measurers required to be taken up are discussed.
0103-142. Ilyas Orus, Khan Jamal A, Khan Afifullah (Conserv Eco Res Gr, Dept Wildlife Sci, Aligarh Muslim Univ, Aligarh 202002). Threats to biodiversity conservation of Binsar Wildlife sanctuary in Kumaon Himalaya, UP. Indian J Nature Conserv, 12(2) (2000), 237-244 [3 Ref].
Threats to biodiversity in Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary (Binsar) were evaluated through field data collection and questionnaire survey. Fire caused heavy mortality in trees and saplings. Most affected tree species due to the fire was Quercus leucotricophora . Villagers living in and around BWLS are almost totally dependent on the resources of the sanctuary for their fuel wood, fodder and timber requirements. The extraction of medicinal plants, Arundinaria, Pinus seeds and Rhododendron flowers are adversely affecting the floral diversity of the sanctuary. Poaching and unregulated tourism seem to be the major threats to the ungulate populations.
0103-143. Jha Radha Krisha (PG Dept Bot, Ranchi Univ, Ranchi 8). Ethnobotanical plants used against ‘asthma’ at Chhotanagpur, Jharkhand, India. Adv Plant Sci, 14(1) (2001), 95-97 [7 Ref].
An ethnobotanical study of Chhotanagpur have been carried out by the tribal, who live in dense forest far away from the hospitals. The local inhabitants have developed and preserved a very old and strong tradition for folk medicine. This paper brings out 19 medicinal plants species used specially for the treatment of "asthma".
0103-144. Mahanta PC (North Eastern Coun, Shillong 793001). In-situ conservation of threatened fish species – its relevance in Northeastern region. J Nature Conserv, 17(2) (2000), 271-276 [9 Ref].
The North Eastern Region is identified as one of the Hot Spots of Biodiversity including that of fresh water fishes in India. An extensive and effective in-situ conservation programme is required to be implemented covering the entire region collaboratively is felt. Conventionally backward areas have great relevance to the conservation programme in nature.
0103-145. Malik Davendre S, Khanna DR, Raina HS, Sehgal KL (Dept Zoo Environ Sci, Gurukul Kangri Univ, Haridwar 249404). Conservation of mahseer, Tor putitora in Kumaon Lakes. Environ Issues Management, Nature Conservation Publications –6, (2000), 35-40 [8 Ref].
In Himalyan region, commercial exploitation of piscine resources have been made in casual manner it being a subsistence fishery. During past two decades, Kumaon lakes were badly exploited for increasing fish yield. Disregarding their ecology, exotic fauna like Indian major carps and common carps were introduced leading to overlap on the population of endemic fish, mahseer. The mahseer occur in extinct phase, so the mahseer species are recognised as threatened species.
0103-146. Mitaliya KD, Bhall DC, Patel DM, Joshi PN (Dept Marine Sci, Bhavnagar Univ, Bhavnager 364002). Medicinal values of some selected stembark used by tribals and rural folk in Gujarat. Adv Plant Sci, 14(1) (2001), 191-195 [16 Ref].
Paper enumerated 21 plant species which have medicinal value for bark. Each species has got a typical stembark and is used in medicine, due to present of certain phytochemicals. Each individual bark is specially characterized with special characters and medicinal value also.
0103-147. Sankaran R (Salim Ali Cent Ornithology Natural Hist, Anaikatty, Coimbatore 641108). The status and conservation of the edible-nest Swiftlet (Collocalia fuciphaga) in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Biol Conserv, 97(3) (2001), 283-294 [37 Ref].
The nests of the edible-nest Swiftlet (Collocalia fuciphaga) rank amongst the world’s most expensive animal products, which has resulted in high levels of exploitation of is nests in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. The population of the edible-nest Swiftlet was assessed through nest counts, and declines in population were estimated through changes in nest yields. The edible-nest Swiftlet is critically threatened in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as it has undergone a reduction in numbers greater than 80% over the last 10 years. To arrest continuing declines, protective measures need to be urgently implemented.
0103-148. Shukla KML, Khan AA, Khan Shabina, Verma Ashok Kumar (Pandit SNS Govt (Antonomous) PG Coll, Shahdol 484001, MP). An ethnobotanical survey for certain wild edible plants of district Bilaspur (MP), India. Adv Plant Sci, 14(1) (2001), 57-60 [8 Ref].
The biosphere of Bilaspur represents a diversity of ecosystem, communities and species. The inhabitants has much percentage of tribals. They have been collecting various type of plant for food, fodder, fuel, medicine etc. It is interesting to note that much of folk knowledge is endemic. The paper focuses about 51 wild plants species which provide food and vegetables to inhabiting tribals. The data gathered have been pooled and present in tabular form.
0103-149. Singh JS (Dept Bot, Banaras Hindu Univ, Varanasi 221005,UP). Conservation of endangered species and ecosystems. The Botanica, 50 (2000), 17-22 [35 Ref].
Quantification, testing and conservation of biodiversity resources are indeed important to humankind. Biodiversity provides enormous direct economic benefits in the form of food, medicine, industrial products, and has the potential for providing many more yet unknown benefits. There is little doubt that much of the species extinction is human-induced and is related to habitat loss. It is being increasingly realized that restoring species and rehabilitating degraded ecosystems will play an important role in maintaining and enhancing biodiversity. Demographic studies and knowledge on autecology, including reproductive biology of endangered species, are pre-requisites for a restoration plan.
0103-150. Soni AK (Central Mining Res Inst, Regl Cent, Roorkee 247667). Environmental degradation index for application in fragile areas of Himalaya. J Env Polln, 8(2) (2001), 137-147 [18 Ref].
Environmental deterioration in ecologically fragile areas caused by mineral exploitation has been quantified. A degradation index on a scale ranging from 0-1 is developed utilizing air and water field data, remotely sensed land data for assessing the quality of mine environment. The calculated values closer to 0 were considered as environmentally safe. A suitable correlation was also established between degradation index and environmental protection cost which may be used as regulating measures for preserving Himalayan environment and ecology which are sensitive and fragile.