| 1 | Avifauna of the mangroves around Ratnagiri, Maharashtra The avifauna related to the mangrove forests around Ratnagiri, Maharashtra, India was studied. The bird observations were made mainly between 6-8 a.m. and 4-6 p.m. during the post monsoon season. The visual observations were made with the help of standard 8x40 and 7x50 wide angle binoculars. 121 bird species recorded during the field observations belonged to 82 genera, 7-sub-families, 39 families and 13 orders. The resident and local migrant birds dominated the avifauna. There was a significant influence of the terrestrial bird species on the avifauna of the mangrove ecosystem around Ratnagiri. It was observed that proximity to terrestrial communities increased the diversity of arboreal species, whereas proximity to open areas increased likelihood of birds of prey Source: Samant, J.S. The Mangroves: Proceedings of National Symposium on Biology, Utilization and Conservation of Mangroves, Nov. 18-20, 1985. Bhosale, L.J. ed. 1986; 456-466. 0349. | ||
| 2 | Mangrove fauna of Sunderbans: Ecological features and utilisation The ecological features of mangrove environment, with particular reference to Sunderbans, West Bengal, India and efforts taken by both, national and international agencies for preservation of diversity of plants and animals from this unique environment has been described. Common insects, molluscs crustaceans, annelids, reptiles, amphibians, birds, mammals are commonly found in Sunderbans ecosystem. The tidal creeks, canals and lagoons of Sunderbans continuously supply an enormous quantity of fishes and other crustaceans. This has helped in all round economic development. The culturable fishes, mullets and tiger shrimps are cultured in about 2,500 small to large-sized brackishwater fishery farms. The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) expressed the need for conservation of some endangered mangrove fauna like Batagur baska, Chelonia mydas, Lepidochelys olivacea, etc. Strict rules are imposed with the initiation of 'Tiger Reserve Project', and 'Crocodile Breeding and Rearing Project' in the Indian Sunderbans Source: Dehadrai, P.V. Conservation of mangrove forest genetic resources: A training manual. Deshmukh, S.V. ; Balaji, V. eds. 1994; 287-293. 0850. | ||
| 3 | Bhitarkanika - A biological paradox The information on the biological diversity of Bhitarkanika, Kendrapara, Orissa, India has been described. The physiography, vegetation and faunal distribution of the mangrove forest were discussed. The need to establish this area as a Biosphere Reserve is highlighted Source: Behura, B.K. Bhitarkanika: The wonderland of Orissa. Behura, B.K. ed. 1999; 44-68. 1064. | ||
| 4 | 'Bagagahana' - The heronry of Bhitarkanika The most significant feature of avifauna of Bhitarkanika, Kendrapara, Orissa, India i.e. the colonial nesting of resident water birds in a small island locally famous as Bagagahana has been studied. The enumeration of nesting and all nest bearing trees during 1996-98 were marked and the number of nests on each tree along with the bird species nesting were enumerated. The openbilled stork was found to be most abundant, forming 60% of the total nesting population and "Guan" trees were the most preferred for nesting Source: Mahapatra, M. Bhitarkanika: The wonderland of Orissa. Behura, B.K. ed. 1999; 72-75. 1065. | ||
| 5 | Bhitarkanika: Myth and reality.This part deals with birds and mammals. The world famous wildlife sanctuary Bhitarkanika, Kendrapara, Orissa, India was studied. The mangrove ecosystem, its importance; floral diversity including morphological and anatomical adaptations in mangrove plants, physiological adaptations, silvicultural features; faunal diversity and some special features of Bhitarkanika has been described. Besides this special conservation efforts like salt water crocodile conservation and management project and sea-turtle conservation and management project, legal provisions and some management issues and possible solutions has been suggested Source: Chadha, S.; Kar, C.S. 1999; 388; pp. 1194. | ||
| 6 | Avian diversity in and around mangroves of Mahul Creek, Mumbai, India The study carried out during July 2001-May 2002 at Mahul Creek, Maharashtra, India was aimed to examine the avian diversity in and around the mangrove forest. The avian community structure and concomitant population fluctuations were determined by weekly absolute counts of birds along the fixed transect. The area supported a fairly large number ot migratory birds during winter. The maximum bird species diversity was recorded during winter (H'=4.06) and minimum during summer (H'=2.97). A total of 134 species of birds, belonging to 14 orders and 37 families were recorded. Of the total bird species, 36% bird species were long distant migrants from as far as Arctic Circle and rest of the avifauna consisted of resident bird species (28%), local migrants (24%) and resident migrants (11%). Shore birds, bulbuls, starlings, shrikes and warblers formed the bulk of the population. Globally threatened birds as Greater Spotted Eagle, Eastern Imperial Eagle, White-backed Vulture, Oriental White Ibis and Lesser Flamingo were also recorded. The mangrove forest showed the highest bird species richness (0=29.9) but had low species diversity (H'=2.87). Rainfall, tidal water availability, fruiting seasonality, chemical pollution and anthropogenic activities like salt works and woodcutting affected the bird population. Source: Verma, A.; Chaturvedi, N.; Balachandran, S.; Kehimkar, I. Proceedings of the National Seminar on Creeks, Estuaries and Mangroves - Pollution and Conservation, 28th to 30th November, 2002, Thane. Quadros, G. ed. 2002; 266-275. 1236. | ||
| 7 | Marine biosphere reserves - need of the 21st century World wide awareness for the creation of Marine Biosphere Reserves has increased considerably due to the human depredation in many coastal areas and natural changes. Many important and unique plant and animal species have been extinct and whatever remains, needs to be conserved and managed for posterity. Biosphere Reserve conserves and maintains genetic diversity of plant and animal species and helps to manage the natural resources on a sustainable basis. So far five Marine Biosphere Reserves have been declared in India and a few more are under consideration. The present article gives in brief the status of Marine Biosphere Reserves in India and a few other potential areas for the same reason, along the Indian coast. An action plan has been suggested to manage the Biosphere Reserves and conservation measures to be taken Source: Dhargalkar, V.K.; Untawale, A.G. J. Environ. Biol.. 12; 1991; 169-177. 1470.
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