A comprehensive methodology that integrates Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation （RUSLE） model and Geographic Information System （GIS） techniques was adopted to determine the soil erosion vulner- ability of a fore...A comprehensive methodology that integrates Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation （RUSLE） model and Geographic Information System （GIS） techniques was adopted to determine the soil erosion vulner- ability of a forested mountainous sub-watershed in Kerala, India. The spatial pattern of annual soil erosion rate was obtained by integrating geo-environmental variables in a raster based GIS method. GIS data layers including, rainfall erosivity （R）, soil erodability （K）, slope length and steepness （LS）, cover management （C） and conservation practice （P） factors were computed to determine their effects on average annual soil loss in the area. The resultant map of annual soil erosion shows a maximum soil loss of 17.73 t h-1 y i with a close relation to grass land areas, degraded forests and deciduous forests on the steep side-slopes （with high LS ）. The spatial erosion maps generated with RUSLE method and GIS can serve as effective inputs in deriving strategies for land planning and management in the environmentally sensitive mountainous areas.展开更多
Large charnockite massifs occur in the high-grade Southern Granulite Terrain （SGT） and Eastern Ghats Belt （EGB） crustal provinces of Peninsular India. Available geochronological data indicate that the magmatism is...Large charnockite massifs occur in the high-grade Southern Granulite Terrain （SGT） and Eastern Ghats Belt （EGB） crustal provinces of Peninsular India. Available geochronological data indicate that the magmatism is episodic, associated with distinct orogenic cycles in the different crustal domains. The geochemical data also indicate a change in composition from trondhjemitic at - 3.0-2.9 Ga to domi- nantly tonalitic at - 2.6-2.5 Ga to tonalitic-granodiorite-granitic at - 2.0--1.9 Ga to dominantly tonalitic at 1.7--1.6 Ga to quartz monzonitic or tonalitic at - 1.0-0.9 Ga to granodiorite-granitic at - 0.8-0.7 Ga. The trondhjemitic and tonalitic end members are metaluminous, magnesian and calcic to calc-alkalic, characteristic of magnesian group charnockites. The granodioritic to granitic end members are metalumi- nous to slightly peraluminous, ferroan and calc-alkalic to alkali-calcic, characteristic of ferroan group charnockites. The quartz monzonitic end members are metaluminous to peraluminous, magnesian to ferro- an and calcic to calc-alkalic, neither characteristic of the magnesian group nor of the ferroan group of char- nockites. Based on the occurrence and difference in composition of the charnockite massifs, it is suggested that the charnockite magmatism registers the crustal growth of the Indian plate on its southern （SGT） and eastern （EGB） sides, along active continental margins by accretion of arcs.展开更多
We report equilibrium sapphirine ＋ quartz assemblage in biotite-orthopyroxene-garnet granulites from a new locality in Panasapattu of Paderu region in the Eastern Ghats granulite belt, which provide new evidence for ...We report equilibrium sapphirine ＋ quartz assemblage in biotite-orthopyroxene-garnet granulites from a new locality in Panasapattu of Paderu region in the Eastern Ghats granulite belt, which provide new evidence for ultrahigh-temperature （UHT） metamorphism at 1030-1050 ℃ and 10 kbar in this region. The development of migmatitic texture, stabilization of the garnet-orthopyroxene- plagioclase-K-feldspar association, prograde biotite inclusions within garnet and sapphirine as well as sapphirine and cordierite inclusions within garnet in these granulites indicate that the observed peak assemblages probably formed during prograde dehydration melting of a Bt-Sill-Qtz assemblage, and constrain the prograde stage of the p--T path. The core domains of orthopyroxene porphyroblasts have up to w（Al203） 9.6%, which suggest that the temperatures reached up to 1150 ~C suggesting extreme crustal metamorphism. These conditions were also confirmed by the garnet-orthopyroxene thermobar- ometery, which yields a p--T range of 1012--960 ~C and 9.4 kbar. The p--T phase topologies computed using isochemical sections calculated in the model system Na20-CaO-K20--FeO-MgO-A1203-SiO2 --H2O （NCKFMASH） for metapelites, garnet-free sapphirine granulites and garnet-bearing sapphirine granulites match the melt-bearing assemblages observed in these rocks. Isochemical sections constructed in the NCKFMASH system for an average sub-aluminous metapelite bulk composition, and contoured for modal proportions of melt and garnet, as well as for the compositional isopleths of garnet, predict phase and reaction relations that are consistent with those observed in the rocks. Garnet and orthopyroxene contain Ti-rich phlogopite inclusions, suggesting formation by prograde melting reactions at the expense of phlogopite during ultrahigh-temperature conditions. These p--T results underestimate ＇peak＇ condi- tions, in part as a result of the modification of garnet compositions in the domains where some melt was retained. The post-peak evolution展开更多
Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation(RUSLE) model coupled with transport limited sediment delivery(TLSD) function was used to predict the longtime average annual soil loss, and to identify the critical erosion-/deposi...Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation(RUSLE) model coupled with transport limited sediment delivery(TLSD) function was used to predict the longtime average annual soil loss, and to identify the critical erosion-/deposition-prone areas in a tropical mountain river basin, viz., Muthirapuzha River Basin(MRB; area=271.75 km^2), in the southern Western Ghats, India. Mean gross soil erosion in MRB is 14.36 t ha^(-1) yr^(-1), whereas mean net soil erosion(i.e., gross erosion-deposition) is only 3.60 t ha^(-1) yr^(-1)(i.e., roughly 25% of the gross erosion). Majority of the basin area(~86%) experiences only slight erosion(<5 t ha^(-1) yr^(-1)), and nearly 3% of the area functions as depositional environment for the eroded sediments(e.g., the terraces of stream reaches, the gentle plains as well as the foot slopes of the plateau scarps and the terrain with concordant summits). Although mean gross soil erosion rates in the natural vegetation belts are relatively higher, compared to agriculture, settlement/built-up areas and tea plantation, the sediment transport efficiency in agricultural areas and tea plantation is significantly high,reflecting the role of human activities on accelerated soil erosion. In MRB, on a mean basis, 0.42 t of soil organic carbon(SOC) content is being eroded per hectare annually, and SOC loss from the 4th order subbasins shows considerable differences, mainly due to the spatial variability in the gross soil erosion rates among the sub-basins. The quantitative results, on soil erosion and deposition, modelled using RUSLE and TLSD, are expected to be beneficial while formulating comprehensive land management strategies for reducing the extent of soil degradation in tropical mountain river basins.展开更多
The rain shadow regions requisite a comprehensive watershed development and management plan for sustainable water resources management. The Pambar River Basin （PRB） lies on the rain shadow region of the southern Wes...The rain shadow regions requisite a comprehensive watershed development and management plan for sustainable water resources management. The Pambar River Basin （PRB） lies on the rain shadow region of the southern Western Ghats, India, where climate showed marked intra-basin variation. A morphometric analysis was done to evaluate the drainage characteristics of PRB using topographical maps and digital elevation data. PRB was divided into eighteen 4th order basins （SB1-SB18）, distributed along various climatic gradients. Lower order streams mostly dominate PRB and drainage pattern is a function of relief and structure. The terrain is highly dissected and prone to soil erosion during heavy storms and the elongated shape of PRB enables easier flood management. The influence of climate on drainage characteristics was evidently emphasized in basin morphometry. Four distinctively different classes were identified based on the morphometric similarities. The significance of morphometric analysis on the hydrological characterization is discussed and the relevance of the present study in water harvesting has been explicated.展开更多
The changes in species composition, abundance and forest stand structure were analyzed across altitudinal regimes in tropical forests of Eastern Ghats of northern Andhra Pradesh, India. Three 1-ha plots were establish...The changes in species composition, abundance and forest stand structure were analyzed across altitudinal regimes in tropical forests of Eastern Ghats of northern Andhra Pradesh, India. Three 1-ha plots were established with one each in low, medium and high altitudes. A total of 153 species, 2129 stems （709 stems .ha^-1） of ≥10 cm girth were enumerated. Species richness and diversity pattern varied along altitudinal gradient and increased with the altitude. Species richness varied from 52 to 110 species-ha^-1 and stand density from 639 to 836 stems.ha^-1 with average basal area of 34.39 m^2.ha^-1. Shannon-Wiener index （H＇） ranged from 4.55 to 5.17. Low altitude （i.e., Site 1） is dominated byXylia xylocarpa （59.22） and Lagerstroemia parviflora （23.90）, medium altitude （i.e., Site 2） by Xylia xylocarpa （45;50） Bursera serrata （17.29）, and high altitude （i.e., Site 3） has Schleichera oleosa （28.25） Pterocarpus marsupium （26.55） as predominant species. Taxonomically, Rubiaceae （12 species）, Fabaceae （12）, Euphorbiaceae （11）, Rutaceae （7） and Lanraceae （7） were dominant families. Density-wise, Fabaceae, Combretaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Anacardiaceae and Myrtaceae were abundant. Thus, conservation assessment based on altitudinal regimes and the information on species structure and function can provide baseline information for monitoring and sustaining the biodiversity.展开更多
Objective:To report a new species of sandfly,Sergentomyia(Neophlebotomus)ashwanii sp.nov.(Diptera:Psychodidae)from Western Ghats,India.Methods:A systematic sandfly survey was conducted in the Thrissur and Kollam distr...Objective:To report a new species of sandfly,Sergentomyia(Neophlebotomus)ashwanii sp.nov.(Diptera:Psychodidae)from Western Ghats,India.Methods:A systematic sandfly survey was conducted in the Thrissur and Kollam districts of Kerala,India using mechanical aspirators,light and sticky traps,both indoor and outdoor habitats,for a period of one year.Deoxyribonucleic acid barcoding of samples was performed targeting mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I(COI)gene and sequence generated was subjected to phylogenetic analysis.Results:Sergentomyia(Neophlebotomus)ashwanii,a new sandfly species is recorded and described in this communication.A single row of 10-12 pointed teeth in the cibarium with 4-6 small denticles or fore-teeth are the key characteristics that is distinctive from other members of the subgenus Neophlebotomus.Mitochondrial COI barcode followed by phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequence confirms that specimens of the species belong to the same taxonomic group while the genetic distance(14.2%)with the congeners established it to be a different species.Conclusions:The Western Ghats'being an important biodiversity hotspot and has dearth of systematic entomological surveys on sandflies.The current study tried to fill the void and also report a new sandfly species.展开更多
Background: The effect of forest fire on soil is complex and relatively less understood than its above ground effect.Understanding the effect of fire on forest soils can allow improving management of valuable forest e...Background: The effect of forest fire on soil is complex and relatively less understood than its above ground effect.Understanding the effect of fire on forest soils can allow improving management of valuable forest ecosystems as adequate and proper information is very important for efficient management. We have studied the recovery of soil properties after fire, using a chronosequence approach(two, five and fifteen years after fire and control). Soil samples were collected from each plot of four fire patches(B0, B2, B5 & B15) from three different depths viz. 0–10(Top), 10–20(Middle), and 20–30 cm(Bottom).Results: Soil organic carbon was lower than unburned plots after the fire and could not recover to the level of unburned plot(B0) even in 15 years. Total N, available P, and extractable K were lower 2-years and 5-years after the fire but are higher than unburned plot after 15-years. Available nitrogen(NO_3^- and NH_4^+) remain unchanged or higher than B0 in burned patches. Soil pH, Bulk Density, Water Holding Capacity, and Electrical Conductivity was lower initially after the fire. Forest fires have affected soil properties considerably. The response of soil properties varied with years after fire and soil depth.Conclusion: Forest fires occur very frequently in the study area. Significant quantities of carbon and total nitrogen are lost to the atmosphere by burning of litter, duff, and soil OM. Because nitrogen is one of the most important soil nutrients, the recapture of N lost by volatilization during a fire must receive special attention. Long-term studies are required to better understand the recovery of soil nitrogen.展开更多
Background:No studies have documented long-term trends in aboveground biomass(AGB)for mixed-dipterocarp forests(MDF),the dominant rain forest type in tropical wet equatorial Asia.In our study,we sought to document suc...Background:No studies have documented long-term trends in aboveground biomass(AGB)for mixed-dipterocarp forests(MDF),the dominant rain forest type in tropical wet equatorial Asia.In our study,we sought to document such trends over forty years across three sites representing lowland to lower montane elevations.Methods:To do this,we established fifty 100 m×25 m plots in 1978 across three sites sampled along an elevation gradient,identified as mature old-growth forest.We measured trees for diameter at breast height that we identified to species and tagged.We took wood samples to calculate species wood-specific gravity.We re-measured plots in 1998 and again in 2018.Results:We show standing AGB for all sites combined to be 517.52 Mg·ha^(-1)in 1978,but this declined by 17%over 40 years to 430.11 Mg·ha^(-1).No differences exist among sites in AGB primarily because of considerable within site variation;but interactions of time with site show declines across sites were not uniform,one remained about the same.Relatively few species represented a high proportion of the AGB with the top five species comprising between 34%and 65%,depending upon site and year sampled.One species,Mesua nagassarium,represented a disproportionately large amount of AGB and decline over time,particularly at the low elevation site.Conclusions:Our results are directly relevant to estimating AGB and standing carbon sequestered in MDF.Our study is the first to demonstrate varying but overall,declining trends in amounts of AGB among forests making predictions of biomass and standing carbon in MDF difficult over wide regions.展开更多
The Muthirapuzha watershed(MW)is one among the major tributaries of Periyarthe longest west flowing river in Kerala,India.A morphometric analysis was carried out to determine the spatial variations in the drainage ch...The Muthirapuzha watershed(MW)is one among the major tributaries of Periyarthe longest west flowing river in Kerala,India.A morphometric analysis was carried out to determine the spatial variations in the drainage characteristics of MW and its 14 fourth order sub-watersheds(SW1SW14)using Survey of India topographic maps and Landsat ETMimagery.The study revealed that the watershed includes a sixth order stream and lower order streams dominate the basin.Results did indicate that rainfall has a significant role in the drainage development whereas structure and relief of rocks dictate the drainage pattern.The asymmetry in the drainage distribution is correlated with the tectonic history of the Munnar plateau in the late Paleocene age.The watershed is moderate to well-drained and exhibited a geomorphic maturity in its physiographic development.The shape parameters revealed the elongated nature of MW and drainage network development in the watershed.Further,the analysis provided significant insight into the terrain characteristics.This study strongly brings to light,(a)the tendency of the watershed to soil loss and(b)the hydrological makeup of the subwatersheds,which combined helped to formulate a comprehensive watershed management plan.展开更多
We have quantitatively analyzed the tree species diversity with respect to soil nutrient status in three sites of a sacred forest ecosystem of Niyamgiri hill range, Eastern Ghats, India. Extensive field surveys and sa...We have quantitatively analyzed the tree species diversity with respect to soil nutrient status in three sites of a sacred forest ecosystem of Niyamgiri hill range, Eastern Ghats, India. Extensive field surveys and sampling were conducted in 3 sites of the hill range： Site 1 Pterocarpus dominated forest （PTF） （19°40＇02.2＇＇ N and 83°21＇23.1＇＇ E）, Site 2 Mangifera dominated forest （MAF） （19°40＇02.8＇＇ N and 83°21＇40.8＇＇ E） and Site 3 Mixed forest （MIF） （19°36＇47.1＂ N and 83°21＇02.7＇＇ E）. A total of 28 families, 42 genera, 46 tree species, and 286 individual trees were recorded on an area of0.6 ha. Tree density varied between 470 and 49o individuals ha and average basal area between 3.16 and l0.04 m2 ha-1. Shannon Index （H＇） ranged from 2.34 to 4.53, Simpson＇s Index ranged from 0.07 to o.09, and equitability Index ranged from 0.7 to 1.34. The number of individuals was highest in the girth at breast height （GBH） class of 50-7o cm. The soil nutrient status of the three forest types was related to tree species diversity. The soil pH value of the three sites reflected the slightly acidic nature of the area. Species diversity was positively correlated with organic carbon and phosphorus and negatively with nitrogen, EC and pH. The results of the current study may be helpful to further develop a conservation planfor tree species in tropical sacred forest ecosystems.展开更多
We review the current status of experimental studies in India to understand the linkages between afforestation and hydrology. This discipline deals with the use and management of water, social awareness of environment...We review the current status of experimental studies in India to understand the linkages between afforestation and hydrology. This discipline deals with the use and management of water, social awareness of environmental problems, and ecosystem limitations on provision of watershed services by river basins in the mountain regions of India. Our review begins with examination of experimental works in tropical countries and proceeds to discussion of initiatives of Indian research institutes and Government organizations towards establishing experimental watersheds to understand the impacts of land cover changes on hydrologic regimes in the Indian sub-continent. This is followed by the review of the experimental work carried out by various authors to assess the impact of land cover changes on major water balance components such as, runoff, groundwater, evapotranspiration and sediment yield. The spatial scales of these experiments have been limited to small watersheds or field plots. This paper also describes impacts of human interventions （such as planta- tions of exotic forest species to restore degraded landscapes） on the water balance components in diverse hydro-geo-environmental conditions in the Indian sub-continent. We focus on identifying the research areas which require immediate attention to develop tools to assist planners and policy makers in assessing and managing the water resources in these complex environments. The review is largely based on research results reported during the last 20 to 30 years.展开更多
We investigated the distribution and resource values of liana species assessed in six hill complexes of southern Eastern Ghats, India. 143 liana species （DBH （diameter at breast height） ≥1.5 cm） and 32,033 liana ...We investigated the distribution and resource values of liana species assessed in six hill complexes of southern Eastern Ghats, India. 143 liana species （DBH （diameter at breast height） ≥1.5 cm） and 32,033 liana individuals were recorded from 110 transects （0.5 ha each covering 55 ha area） in the study sites. The resource values of lianas were broadly categorized into ecological and economic importance. About 90% （129） of liana species and 96% （30,564） of liana individuals were established ecological/economic values. Fruit rewards provided by 76 species and 20,325 individuals constituted the major resource of ecological importance. 82 species and 21,457 liana individuals are of economic importance as medicine, edible fruits, edible and medicinal values, and yet others are used for different domestic purposes including furniture, fuel wood, rope making etc.. Ecologically, the prevalence of succulent diaspores in lianas of Indian Eastern Ghats indicates the animal dependence of many liana species for dispersal and underlines the need for a holistic and whole-forest conservation approach in maintaining forest biodiversity.展开更多
Nutrient composition of the manure of four pill millipedes （Arthrosphaera dalyi, ,4. davisoni, ,4. fumosa and,4, magna） inhabiting in semi-evergreen forests and plantations of the Western Ghats of Southwest India wa...Nutrient composition of the manure of four pill millipedes （Arthrosphaera dalyi, ,4. davisoni, ,4. fumosa and,4, magna） inhabiting in semi-evergreen forests and plantations of the Western Ghats of Southwest India was evaluated. The quantity and quality of fecal pellets differed between millipedes and their habitats （forest and plantation）. Organic carbon content in manure was lower in plantations than in forests, while nitrogen content was elevated in plantations. The carbon to nitrogen （C/N） ratio of manure was lower in plantations compared to forests. The phosphorus content in manure was elevated in plantations in all except for A. dalyi. Calcium content of manure was increased in plantations than in forests. The contents of magnesium, potassium and phenolics in manure showed varied results. The mass of fecal pellets was correlated only with volume in forests （r=0.882; p 〈0.01） and pH in plantations （r=0.616; p 〈0.05）, while the volume of fecal pellets was correlated with nitrogen content in forests （r=0.751; p 〈0.01） and cal- cium in plantations （=0.619; p 〈0.05）. The conductivity was positively correlated with phosphorus and potassium, while magnesium was negatively correlated in forests as well as plantations. Potassium and magnesium were negatively correlated in forests （r=0.920; p〈0.001） and plantations （t=0.692; p 〈0.05）. Overall, the physicochemical characteristics and nutrient composition of fecal pelets differed between millipedes as well as habitats. The low carbon to nitrogen ratio and the increased nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium content in the manure of millipedes inhabiting in plantations indicates possibilities for successfully employing them for in situ composting of forest or plantation residues.展开更多
Edge to interior gradients in forest fragments can influence the species composition and community structure as a result of variations in microenvironment and edaphic variables. We investigated the response of microen...Edge to interior gradients in forest fragments can influence the species composition and community structure as a result of variations in microenvironment and edaphic variables. We investigated the response of microenvironment and edaphic variables to distance from a tropical montane forest (locally known as shola)-grassland edge using one-edge and multiple-edge models. The edpahic variables did not show any differences between the grassland and shola soils. We observed that conventional one-edge models sufficiently explained variation trends in microenvironment along the edge to interior gradient in large fragments. As with other studies on small fragments though, we observed no edge effects with the use of a conventional one-edge model. However, the inclusion of multiple edges in small fragments signifycantly improved model fit. We can conclude that small fragments dominated by edge habitat may in fact resemble larger fragments with the inclusion of multiple edges. Our models did not evaluate non-linear effects which often better explain patterns in edge-interior gradients. The incorporation of such non-linear models in the system might further improve model fit.展开更多
Objective:To assess the antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects of Methylobacterium sp.isolated from soil sample of Doddabetta forest,Nilgiris,Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu.Methods:Isolation of Methylobacterium was performe...Objective:To assess the antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects of Methylobacterium sp.isolated from soil sample of Doddabetta forest,Nilgiris,Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu.Methods:Isolation of Methylobacterium was performed from soils by serial dilution plate technique.The strain was grown in modified nutrient gulucose agar(MNGA)medium to study the morphology and biochemical characteristics.Methylobacterium sp.was screened for its antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria and fungi.The strain was subjected to 16S rRNA analysis and was identified as Methylohacterium sp.The nucleotide sequence of the 16S rRNA gene of the isolate exhibited close similarity with other Methylobacterium sp.and has been submitted to Genbank.The antibacterial substances were extracted using chloroform and ethyl acetate from MNGA medium in which ERI-135 had grown for 5 d at 30℃.Cytotoxic effect was also studied.GC-MS analysis was carried out.The antimicrobial activity was assessed using broth micro dilution technique.Results:Ethyl acetate extract showed activity against bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis,Klebsiella pneumoniae(K.pneumoniae),Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Salmonella typkimurium,Shigella flexneri,Enterobacter aerogenes,Staphylococcus aureu and Staphylococcus epidermidis(S.epidermidis)and fungi such as,Candida albicans and Trichophyton rubrum.The lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations were:250μg/mL against 5.epidermidis and 250μg/mL against K.pneumonia.The isolate had the ability to produce enzymes such as protease.The exyract showed cytotoxic effect in human adenocarcinoma cancer cell line(A549).GC-MS analysis showed the presence of isovaleric acid(3.64%),2-Methylbulanoic acid(5.03%),isobutyramide(5.05%),N,Noimethylformamide-di-t-butylacetal(9.79%),benzeneacetamide(15.56%),octyl butyl phthalate(3.59%)and diisooctyl phthalate(5.79)in the extract.Conclusions:Methylobaeterium sp.(ERI-135)showed promising antibacterial and cytotoxic activity.This is the first report in the antimicrobial and cytotoxic effect of Methylobaeterium展开更多
Seven sampling sites in each of three biomes (Western Ghats, foothills of Western Ghats and west coast) of south- western India were investigated to study the distribution, abundance and ecology of pill millipedes (Ar...Seven sampling sites in each of three biomes (Western Ghats, foothills of Western Ghats and west coast) of south- western India were investigated to study the distribution, abundance and ecology of pill millipedes (Arthrosphaera) and associated fauna in relation to edaphic features. Abundance and biomass of Arthrosphaera and other millipedes were the highest in Western Ghats, while earthworms were in foothills. Arthrosphaera magna and Arthrosphaera spp. were common in Western Ghats and foothills respectively, while no Arthrosphaera were found in the west coast. None of the sampling sites consisted of more than one species of Arthrosphaera. Biomass of Arthrosphaera, other millipedes and earthworms significantly differed in Western Ghats (P = 9.48 × 10-7) and foothills (P = 1.35 × 10-8), as did the biomass of species of Arthrosphaera (P = 2.76 × 10-7) between Western Ghats and foothills. Correlation analysis revealed that biomass of Arthrosphaera was significantly (P = 0.01, r = 0.45) correlated with soil organic carbon rather than other edaphic fea- tures (pH, phosphate, calcium and magnesium). Distribution pattern, abundance, biomass and ecology of Arthrosphaera of Western Ghats in relation to soil qualities were compared with millipedes of other regions of the world.展开更多
The paper evaluates sensitivity of various spaceborne digital elevation models （DEMs）, viz., Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer （ASTER）, Shuttle Radar Topography Mapping Mission （SRTM...The paper evaluates sensitivity of various spaceborne digital elevation models （DEMs）, viz., Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer （ASTER）, Shuttle Radar Topography Mapping Mission （SRTM） and Global Multi-resolution Terrain Elevation Data 2010 （GMTED）, in comparison with the DEM （TOPO） derived from contour data of 20 m interval of Survey of India topographic sheets of 1 ： 50,000 scale. Several topographic attributes, such as elevation （above mean sea level）, relative relief, slope, aspect, curvature, slope-length and -steepness （LS） factor, terrain ruggedness index （TRI）, topo- graphic wetness index （TWI）, hypsometric integral （lhyp） and drainage network attributes （stream number and stream length） of two tropical mountain river basins, viz. Muthirapuzha River Basin and Pambar River Basin are compared to evaluate the variations. Though the basins are comparable in extent, they differ in respect of terrain characteristics and climate. The result.,; suggest that ASTER and SRTM provide equally reliable representation of topography portrayed by TOP（） and the topographic attributes extracted from the spaceborne DEMs are in agreement with those derived from TOPO. Despite the coarser resolution, SRTM shows relatively higher vertical accuracy （RMSE -- 23 and 20 m respectively in MRB and PRB） compared to ASTER （RMSE - 33 and 24 m） and GMTED （RMSE - 59 and 48 m）. Vertical accuracy of all the spaceborne DEMs is influenced by relief of the terrain as well as type of vegetation. Further, GMTED shows significant deviation for most of the attributes, indicating its inability for mountain-river-basin-scale studies.展开更多
Forty-five species of wild edible fruits were identified and traditional local knowledge of their usage was recorded in 40 villages of Kodagu district in Central Western Ghats, India one of the eight top hotspots of b...Forty-five species of wild edible fruits were identified and traditional local knowledge of their usage was recorded in 40 villages of Kodagu district in Central Western Ghats, India one of the eight top hotspots of biodiversity in the world. We combined biodiversity inven-tory of trees with village interviews to record traditional ecological knowledge. Wild edible fruits were an opportunistic source of food for rural people. Wild edible fruits were rich in minerals, vitamins, carbohy-drates, proteins, fats and fiber. In recent years there has been a decline in numbers of wild fruit trees due to changes in land use from uncultivated private wooded area to cardamom and coffee cultivation. The availability of wild edible fruits that were once very common on private cultivated areas has declined and their distributions are now restricted more to jungles and wildlife sanctuaries. We propose methods for conservation and describe the need for sustainable utilization to provide supplemen-tary sources of nutritional and pharmaceutically useful edible wild fruits.展开更多
Forest resource conservation has been widely accepted as a key to sustain the local and regional economic development. The forest edges are affected by anthropogenic activities including deforestation, forest fragment...Forest resource conservation has been widely accepted as a key to sustain the local and regional economic development. The forest edges are affected by anthropogenic activities including deforestation, forest fragmentation, selective logging, extraction of non-timber forest products, collection of medicinal plants, recreations, hydroelectric pro- jects and its associated developmental activities, which alter the biodiver- sity. The present study intends to evaluate the edge effect on vegetation structure and species compositions in the tropical forest ecosystems at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghats. High species richness （number of species） and Shannon＇s diversity indices were observed in the site IlI （completely undisturbed forest） compared to site I （adjacent to the village/edge of the forest, which is next to the teal（ plantation, severely disturbed forest） and site II （in between the undisturbed forest and mod- erately disturbed forest） while density of tree species showed greater value in site II. Single species such as Tectona grandis （IVI of 80） and Terminaliapaniculata （IVI of 112） were the dominant tree species in site I and site II, respectively, whereas, in site III Terminalia bellirica, Bishofia javanica and Syzgium gardneri shared the dominance. Perturba- tion leads to alien plant invasion particularly Lantana camara, Eupato- rium odoratum and Ageratum conizoides. Site II is at forest transition level because the site is dominated by both natural species as well as plantation species such as Tectona grandis. This site seems to be a buffer zone on natural forest and plantations. Further studies are required to analyse the real patterns of regeneration and dynamic change due to human impact by long term monitoring with the establishment of perma- nent plots.展开更多
文摘A comprehensive methodology that integrates Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation （RUSLE） model and Geographic Information System （GIS） techniques was adopted to determine the soil erosion vulner- ability of a forested mountainous sub-watershed in Kerala, India. The spatial pattern of annual soil erosion rate was obtained by integrating geo-environmental variables in a raster based GIS method. GIS data layers including, rainfall erosivity （R）, soil erodability （K）, slope length and steepness （LS）, cover management （C） and conservation practice （P） factors were computed to determine their effects on average annual soil loss in the area. The resultant map of annual soil erosion shows a maximum soil loss of 17.73 t h-1 y i with a close relation to grass land areas, degraded forests and deciduous forests on the steep side-slopes （with high LS ）. The spatial erosion maps generated with RUSLE method and GIS can serve as effective inputs in deriving strategies for land planning and management in the environmentally sensitive mountainous areas.
文摘Large charnockite massifs occur in the high-grade Southern Granulite Terrain （SGT） and Eastern Ghats Belt （EGB） crustal provinces of Peninsular India. Available geochronological data indicate that the magmatism is episodic, associated with distinct orogenic cycles in the different crustal domains. The geochemical data also indicate a change in composition from trondhjemitic at - 3.0-2.9 Ga to domi- nantly tonalitic at - 2.6-2.5 Ga to tonalitic-granodiorite-granitic at - 2.0--1.9 Ga to dominantly tonalitic at 1.7--1.6 Ga to quartz monzonitic or tonalitic at - 1.0-0.9 Ga to granodiorite-granitic at - 0.8-0.7 Ga. The trondhjemitic and tonalitic end members are metaluminous, magnesian and calcic to calc-alkalic, characteristic of magnesian group charnockites. The granodioritic to granitic end members are metalumi- nous to slightly peraluminous, ferroan and calc-alkalic to alkali-calcic, characteristic of ferroan group charnockites. The quartz monzonitic end members are metaluminous to peraluminous, magnesian to ferro- an and calcic to calc-alkalic, neither characteristic of the magnesian group nor of the ferroan group of char- nockites. Based on the occurrence and difference in composition of the charnockite massifs, it is suggested that the charnockite magmatism registers the crustal growth of the Indian plate on its southern （SGT） and eastern （EGB） sides, along active continental margins by accretion of arcs.
文摘We report equilibrium sapphirine ＋ quartz assemblage in biotite-orthopyroxene-garnet granulites from a new locality in Panasapattu of Paderu region in the Eastern Ghats granulite belt, which provide new evidence for ultrahigh-temperature （UHT） metamorphism at 1030-1050 ℃ and 10 kbar in this region. The development of migmatitic texture, stabilization of the garnet-orthopyroxene- plagioclase-K-feldspar association, prograde biotite inclusions within garnet and sapphirine as well as sapphirine and cordierite inclusions within garnet in these granulites indicate that the observed peak assemblages probably formed during prograde dehydration melting of a Bt-Sill-Qtz assemblage, and constrain the prograde stage of the p--T path. The core domains of orthopyroxene porphyroblasts have up to w（Al203） 9.6%, which suggest that the temperatures reached up to 1150 ~C suggesting extreme crustal metamorphism. These conditions were also confirmed by the garnet-orthopyroxene thermobar- ometery, which yields a p--T range of 1012--960 ~C and 9.4 kbar. The p--T phase topologies computed using isochemical sections calculated in the model system Na20-CaO-K20--FeO-MgO-A1203-SiO2 --H2O （NCKFMASH） for metapelites, garnet-free sapphirine granulites and garnet-bearing sapphirine granulites match the melt-bearing assemblages observed in these rocks. Isochemical sections constructed in the NCKFMASH system for an average sub-aluminous metapelite bulk composition, and contoured for modal proportions of melt and garnet, as well as for the compositional isopleths of garnet, predict phase and reaction relations that are consistent with those observed in the rocks. Garnet and orthopyroxene contain Ti-rich phlogopite inclusions, suggesting formation by prograde melting reactions at the expense of phlogopite during ultrahigh-temperature conditions. These p--T results underestimate ＇peak＇ condi- tions, in part as a result of the modification of garnet compositions in the domains where some melt was retained. The post-peak evolution
基金Financial support from Kerala State Council for Science, Technology, and Environment (004/FSHP/05KSCSTE)
文摘Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation(RUSLE) model coupled with transport limited sediment delivery(TLSD) function was used to predict the longtime average annual soil loss, and to identify the critical erosion-/deposition-prone areas in a tropical mountain river basin, viz., Muthirapuzha River Basin(MRB; area=271.75 km^2), in the southern Western Ghats, India. Mean gross soil erosion in MRB is 14.36 t ha^(-1) yr^(-1), whereas mean net soil erosion(i.e., gross erosion-deposition) is only 3.60 t ha^(-1) yr^(-1)(i.e., roughly 25% of the gross erosion). Majority of the basin area(~86%) experiences only slight erosion(<5 t ha^(-1) yr^(-1)), and nearly 3% of the area functions as depositional environment for the eroded sediments(e.g., the terraces of stream reaches, the gentle plains as well as the foot slopes of the plateau scarps and the terrain with concordant summits). Although mean gross soil erosion rates in the natural vegetation belts are relatively higher, compared to agriculture, settlement/built-up areas and tea plantation, the sediment transport efficiency in agricultural areas and tea plantation is significantly high,reflecting the role of human activities on accelerated soil erosion. In MRB, on a mean basis, 0.42 t of soil organic carbon(SOC) content is being eroded per hectare annually, and SOC loss from the 4th order subbasins shows considerable differences, mainly due to the spatial variability in the gross soil erosion rates among the sub-basins. The quantitative results, on soil erosion and deposition, modelled using RUSLE and TLSD, are expected to be beneficial while formulating comprehensive land management strategies for reducing the extent of soil degradation in tropical mountain river basins.
文摘The rain shadow regions requisite a comprehensive watershed development and management plan for sustainable water resources management. The Pambar River Basin （PRB） lies on the rain shadow region of the southern Western Ghats, India, where climate showed marked intra-basin variation. A morphometric analysis was done to evaluate the drainage characteristics of PRB using topographical maps and digital elevation data. PRB was divided into eighteen 4th order basins （SB1-SB18）, distributed along various climatic gradients. Lower order streams mostly dominate PRB and drainage pattern is a function of relief and structure. The terrain is highly dissected and prone to soil erosion during heavy storms and the elongated shape of PRB enables easier flood management. The influence of climate on drainage characteristics was evidently emphasized in basin morphometry. Four distinctively different classes were identified based on the morphometric similarities. The significance of morphometric analysis on the hydrological characterization is discussed and the relevance of the present study in water harvesting has been explicated.
文摘The changes in species composition, abundance and forest stand structure were analyzed across altitudinal regimes in tropical forests of Eastern Ghats of northern Andhra Pradesh, India. Three 1-ha plots were established with one each in low, medium and high altitudes. A total of 153 species, 2129 stems （709 stems .ha^-1） of ≥10 cm girth were enumerated. Species richness and diversity pattern varied along altitudinal gradient and increased with the altitude. Species richness varied from 52 to 110 species-ha^-1 and stand density from 639 to 836 stems.ha^-1 with average basal area of 34.39 m^2.ha^-1. Shannon-Wiener index （H＇） ranged from 4.55 to 5.17. Low altitude （i.e., Site 1） is dominated byXylia xylocarpa （59.22） and Lagerstroemia parviflora （23.90）, medium altitude （i.e., Site 2） by Xylia xylocarpa （45;50） Bursera serrata （17.29）, and high altitude （i.e., Site 3） has Schleichera oleosa （28.25） Pterocarpus marsupium （26.55） as predominant species. Taxonomically, Rubiaceae （12 species）, Fabaceae （12）, Euphorbiaceae （11）, Rutaceae （7） and Lanraceae （7） were dominant families. Density-wise, Fabaceae, Combretaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Anacardiaceae and Myrtaceae were abundant. Thus, conservation assessment based on altitudinal regimes and the information on species structure and function can provide baseline information for monitoring and sustaining the biodiversity.
基金This study is supported by the Indian Council of Medical Research-Vector Control Research Centre intramural funding(project grant no.:IM-1905).
文摘Objective:To report a new species of sandfly,Sergentomyia(Neophlebotomus)ashwanii sp.nov.(Diptera:Psychodidae)from Western Ghats,India.Methods:A systematic sandfly survey was conducted in the Thrissur and Kollam districts of Kerala,India using mechanical aspirators,light and sticky traps,both indoor and outdoor habitats,for a period of one year.Deoxyribonucleic acid barcoding of samples was performed targeting mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I(COI)gene and sequence generated was subjected to phylogenetic analysis.Results:Sergentomyia(Neophlebotomus)ashwanii,a new sandfly species is recorded and described in this communication.A single row of 10-12 pointed teeth in the cibarium with 4-6 small denticles or fore-teeth are the key characteristics that is distinctive from other members of the subgenus Neophlebotomus.Mitochondrial COI barcode followed by phylogenetic analysis of the nucleotide sequence confirms that specimens of the species belong to the same taxonomic group while the genetic distance(14.2%)with the congeners established it to be a different species.Conclusions:The Western Ghats'being an important biodiversity hotspot and has dearth of systematic entomological surveys on sandflies.The current study tried to fill the void and also report a new sandfly species.
基金the University Grants Commission, New Delhi for providing the financial support for the Ph.D. research through Junior Research Fellowship (UGC letter No. F. 17-115/98 (SA-I) dated-11 June 2013)
文摘Background: The effect of forest fire on soil is complex and relatively less understood than its above ground effect.Understanding the effect of fire on forest soils can allow improving management of valuable forest ecosystems as adequate and proper information is very important for efficient management. We have studied the recovery of soil properties after fire, using a chronosequence approach(two, five and fifteen years after fire and control). Soil samples were collected from each plot of four fire patches(B0, B2, B5 & B15) from three different depths viz. 0–10(Top), 10–20(Middle), and 20–30 cm(Bottom).Results: Soil organic carbon was lower than unburned plots after the fire and could not recover to the level of unburned plot(B0) even in 15 years. Total N, available P, and extractable K were lower 2-years and 5-years after the fire but are higher than unburned plot after 15-years. Available nitrogen(NO_3^- and NH_4^+) remain unchanged or higher than B0 in burned patches. Soil pH, Bulk Density, Water Holding Capacity, and Electrical Conductivity was lower initially after the fire. Forest fires have affected soil properties considerably. The response of soil properties varied with years after fire and soil depth.Conclusion: Forest fires occur very frequently in the study area. Significant quantities of carbon and total nitrogen are lost to the atmosphere by burning of litter, duff, and soil OM. Because nitrogen is one of the most important soil nutrients, the recapture of N lost by volatilization during a fire must receive special attention. Long-term studies are required to better understand the recovery of soil nitrogen.
基金the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka(RG/2016/EB/02)Uva Wellassa University(UWU/RG/2016/10)。
文摘Background:No studies have documented long-term trends in aboveground biomass(AGB)for mixed-dipterocarp forests(MDF),the dominant rain forest type in tropical wet equatorial Asia.In our study,we sought to document such trends over forty years across three sites representing lowland to lower montane elevations.Methods:To do this,we established fifty 100 m×25 m plots in 1978 across three sites sampled along an elevation gradient,identified as mature old-growth forest.We measured trees for diameter at breast height that we identified to species and tagged.We took wood samples to calculate species wood-specific gravity.We re-measured plots in 1998 and again in 2018.Results:We show standing AGB for all sites combined to be 517.52 Mg·ha^(-1)in 1978,but this declined by 17%over 40 years to 430.11 Mg·ha^(-1).No differences exist among sites in AGB primarily because of considerable within site variation;but interactions of time with site show declines across sites were not uniform,one remained about the same.Relatively few species represented a high proportion of the AGB with the top five species comprising between 34%and 65%,depending upon site and year sampled.One species,Mesua nagassarium,represented a disproportionately large amount of AGB and decline over time,particularly at the low elevation site.Conclusions:Our results are directly relevant to estimating AGB and standing carbon sequestered in MDF.Our study is the first to demonstrate varying but overall,declining trends in amounts of AGB among forests making predictions of biomass and standing carbon in MDF difficult over wide regions.
文摘The Muthirapuzha watershed(MW)is one among the major tributaries of Periyarthe longest west flowing river in Kerala,India.A morphometric analysis was carried out to determine the spatial variations in the drainage characteristics of MW and its 14 fourth order sub-watersheds(SW1SW14)using Survey of India topographic maps and Landsat ETMimagery.The study revealed that the watershed includes a sixth order stream and lower order streams dominate the basin.Results did indicate that rainfall has a significant role in the drainage development whereas structure and relief of rocks dictate the drainage pattern.The asymmetry in the drainage distribution is correlated with the tectonic history of the Munnar plateau in the late Paleocene age.The watershed is moderate to well-drained and exhibited a geomorphic maturity in its physiographic development.The shape parameters revealed the elongated nature of MW and drainage network development in the watershed.Further,the analysis provided significant insight into the terrain characteristics.This study strongly brings to light,(a)the tendency of the watershed to soil loss and(b)the hydrological makeup of the subwatersheds,which combined helped to formulate a comprehensive watershed management plan.
文摘We have quantitatively analyzed the tree species diversity with respect to soil nutrient status in three sites of a sacred forest ecosystem of Niyamgiri hill range, Eastern Ghats, India. Extensive field surveys and sampling were conducted in 3 sites of the hill range： Site 1 Pterocarpus dominated forest （PTF） （19°40＇02.2＇＇ N and 83°21＇23.1＇＇ E）, Site 2 Mangifera dominated forest （MAF） （19°40＇02.8＇＇ N and 83°21＇40.8＇＇ E） and Site 3 Mixed forest （MIF） （19°36＇47.1＂ N and 83°21＇02.7＇＇ E）. A total of 28 families, 42 genera, 46 tree species, and 286 individual trees were recorded on an area of0.6 ha. Tree density varied between 470 and 49o individuals ha and average basal area between 3.16 and l0.04 m2 ha-1. Shannon Index （H＇） ranged from 2.34 to 4.53, Simpson＇s Index ranged from 0.07 to o.09, and equitability Index ranged from 0.7 to 1.34. The number of individuals was highest in the girth at breast height （GBH） class of 50-7o cm. The soil nutrient status of the three forest types was related to tree species diversity. The soil pH value of the three sites reflected the slightly acidic nature of the area. Species diversity was positively correlated with organic carbon and phosphorus and negatively with nitrogen, EC and pH. The results of the current study may be helpful to further develop a conservation planfor tree species in tropical sacred forest ecosystems.
文摘We review the current status of experimental studies in India to understand the linkages between afforestation and hydrology. This discipline deals with the use and management of water, social awareness of environmental problems, and ecosystem limitations on provision of watershed services by river basins in the mountain regions of India. Our review begins with examination of experimental works in tropical countries and proceeds to discussion of initiatives of Indian research institutes and Government organizations towards establishing experimental watersheds to understand the impacts of land cover changes on hydrologic regimes in the Indian sub-continent. This is followed by the review of the experimental work carried out by various authors to assess the impact of land cover changes on major water balance components such as, runoff, groundwater, evapotranspiration and sediment yield. The spatial scales of these experiments have been limited to small watersheds or field plots. This paper also describes impacts of human interventions （such as planta- tions of exotic forest species to restore degraded landscapes） on the water balance components in diverse hydro-geo-environmental conditions in the Indian sub-continent. We focus on identifying the research areas which require immediate attention to develop tools to assist planners and policy makers in assessing and managing the water resources in these complex environments. The review is largely based on research results reported during the last 20 to 30 years.
基金the Department of Biotechnology (DBT),New Delhi for funding this study through a project (BT/6603/NDB/51/089/2005-2009) and to all officers and staff of Tamil Nadu forest department for permission to conduct research in forests of southern Eastern Ghats
文摘We investigated the distribution and resource values of liana species assessed in six hill complexes of southern Eastern Ghats, India. 143 liana species （DBH （diameter at breast height） ≥1.5 cm） and 32,033 liana individuals were recorded from 110 transects （0.5 ha each covering 55 ha area） in the study sites. The resource values of lianas were broadly categorized into ecological and economic importance. About 90% （129） of liana species and 96% （30,564） of liana individuals were established ecological/economic values. Fruit rewards provided by 76 species and 20,325 individuals constituted the major resource of ecological importance. 82 species and 21,457 liana individuals are of economic importance as medicine, edible fruits, edible and medicinal values, and yet others are used for different domestic purposes including furniture, fuel wood, rope making etc.. Ecologically, the prevalence of succulent diaspores in lianas of Indian Eastern Ghats indicates the animal dependence of many liana species for dispersal and underlines the need for a holistic and whole-forest conservation approach in maintaining forest biodiversity.
文摘Nutrient composition of the manure of four pill millipedes （Arthrosphaera dalyi, ,4. davisoni, ,4. fumosa and,4, magna） inhabiting in semi-evergreen forests and plantations of the Western Ghats of Southwest India was evaluated. The quantity and quality of fecal pellets differed between millipedes and their habitats （forest and plantation）. Organic carbon content in manure was lower in plantations than in forests, while nitrogen content was elevated in plantations. The carbon to nitrogen （C/N） ratio of manure was lower in plantations compared to forests. The phosphorus content in manure was elevated in plantations in all except for A. dalyi. Calcium content of manure was increased in plantations than in forests. The contents of magnesium, potassium and phenolics in manure showed varied results. The mass of fecal pellets was correlated only with volume in forests （r=0.882; p 〈0.01） and pH in plantations （r=0.616; p 〈0.05）, while the volume of fecal pellets was correlated with nitrogen content in forests （r=0.751; p 〈0.01） and cal- cium in plantations （=0.619; p 〈0.05）. The conductivity was positively correlated with phosphorus and potassium, while magnesium was negatively correlated in forests as well as plantations. Potassium and magnesium were negatively correlated in forests （r=0.920; p〈0.001） and plantations （t=0.692; p 〈0.05）. Overall, the physicochemical characteristics and nutrient composition of fecal pelets differed between millipedes as well as habitats. The low carbon to nitrogen ratio and the increased nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium content in the manure of millipedes inhabiting in plantations indicates possibilities for successfully employing them for in situ composting of forest or plantation residues.
文摘Edge to interior gradients in forest fragments can influence the species composition and community structure as a result of variations in microenvironment and edaphic variables. We investigated the response of microenvironment and edaphic variables to distance from a tropical montane forest (locally known as shola)-grassland edge using one-edge and multiple-edge models. The edpahic variables did not show any differences between the grassland and shola soils. We observed that conventional one-edge models sufficiently explained variation trends in microenvironment along the edge to interior gradient in large fragments. As with other studies on small fragments though, we observed no edge effects with the use of a conventional one-edge model. However, the inclusion of multiple edges in small fragments signifycantly improved model fit. We can conclude that small fragments dominated by edge habitat may in fact resemble larger fragments with the inclusion of multiple edges. Our models did not evaluate non-linear effects which often better explain patterns in edge-interior gradients. The incorporation of such non-linear models in the system might further improve model fit.
基金Supported by Entomology Research Institute.Loyolacollege,Chennai,Tamil Nadu,India(Grant No.ER1/2011/MB-05)
文摘Objective:To assess the antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects of Methylobacterium sp.isolated from soil sample of Doddabetta forest,Nilgiris,Western Ghats of Tamil Nadu.Methods:Isolation of Methylobacterium was performed from soils by serial dilution plate technique.The strain was grown in modified nutrient gulucose agar(MNGA)medium to study the morphology and biochemical characteristics.Methylobacterium sp.was screened for its antimicrobial activity against pathogenic bacteria and fungi.The strain was subjected to 16S rRNA analysis and was identified as Methylohacterium sp.The nucleotide sequence of the 16S rRNA gene of the isolate exhibited close similarity with other Methylobacterium sp.and has been submitted to Genbank.The antibacterial substances were extracted using chloroform and ethyl acetate from MNGA medium in which ERI-135 had grown for 5 d at 30℃.Cytotoxic effect was also studied.GC-MS analysis was carried out.The antimicrobial activity was assessed using broth micro dilution technique.Results:Ethyl acetate extract showed activity against bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis,Klebsiella pneumoniae(K.pneumoniae),Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Salmonella typkimurium,Shigella flexneri,Enterobacter aerogenes,Staphylococcus aureu and Staphylococcus epidermidis(S.epidermidis)and fungi such as,Candida albicans and Trichophyton rubrum.The lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations were:250μg/mL against 5.epidermidis and 250μg/mL against K.pneumonia.The isolate had the ability to produce enzymes such as protease.The exyract showed cytotoxic effect in human adenocarcinoma cancer cell line(A549).GC-MS analysis showed the presence of isovaleric acid(3.64%),2-Methylbulanoic acid(5.03%),isobutyramide(5.05%),N,Noimethylformamide-di-t-butylacetal(9.79%),benzeneacetamide(15.56%),octyl butyl phthalate(3.59%)and diisooctyl phthalate(5.79)in the extract.Conclusions:Methylobaeterium sp.(ERI-135)showed promising antibacterial and cytotoxic activity.This is the first report in the antimicrobial and cytotoxic effect of Methylobaeterium
文摘Seven sampling sites in each of three biomes (Western Ghats, foothills of Western Ghats and west coast) of south- western India were investigated to study the distribution, abundance and ecology of pill millipedes (Arthrosphaera) and associated fauna in relation to edaphic features. Abundance and biomass of Arthrosphaera and other millipedes were the highest in Western Ghats, while earthworms were in foothills. Arthrosphaera magna and Arthrosphaera spp. were common in Western Ghats and foothills respectively, while no Arthrosphaera were found in the west coast. None of the sampling sites consisted of more than one species of Arthrosphaera. Biomass of Arthrosphaera, other millipedes and earthworms significantly differed in Western Ghats (P = 9.48 × 10-7) and foothills (P = 1.35 × 10-8), as did the biomass of species of Arthrosphaera (P = 2.76 × 10-7) between Western Ghats and foothills. Correlation analysis revealed that biomass of Arthrosphaera was significantly (P = 0.01, r = 0.45) correlated with soil organic carbon rather than other edaphic fea- tures (pH, phosphate, calcium and magnesium). Distribution pattern, abundance, biomass and ecology of Arthrosphaera of Western Ghats in relation to soil qualities were compared with millipedes of other regions of the world.
基金Financial support from Kerala State Council for Science,Technology,and Environment,Thiruvananthapuram and permission for the field studies in the protected areas by Kerala Forest Department
文摘The paper evaluates sensitivity of various spaceborne digital elevation models （DEMs）, viz., Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer （ASTER）, Shuttle Radar Topography Mapping Mission （SRTM） and Global Multi-resolution Terrain Elevation Data 2010 （GMTED）, in comparison with the DEM （TOPO） derived from contour data of 20 m interval of Survey of India topographic sheets of 1 ： 50,000 scale. Several topographic attributes, such as elevation （above mean sea level）, relative relief, slope, aspect, curvature, slope-length and -steepness （LS） factor, terrain ruggedness index （TRI）, topo- graphic wetness index （TWI）, hypsometric integral （lhyp） and drainage network attributes （stream number and stream length） of two tropical mountain river basins, viz. Muthirapuzha River Basin and Pambar River Basin are compared to evaluate the variations. Though the basins are comparable in extent, they differ in respect of terrain characteristics and climate. The result.,; suggest that ASTER and SRTM provide equally reliable representation of topography portrayed by TOP（） and the topographic attributes extracted from the spaceborne DEMs are in agreement with those derived from TOPO. Despite the coarser resolution, SRTM shows relatively higher vertical accuracy （RMSE -- 23 and 20 m respectively in MRB and PRB） compared to ASTER （RMSE - 33 and 24 m） and GMTED （RMSE - 59 and 48 m）. Vertical accuracy of all the spaceborne DEMs is influenced by relief of the terrain as well as type of vegetation. Further, GMTED shows significant deviation for most of the attributes, indicating its inability for mountain-river-basin-scale studies.
文摘Forty-five species of wild edible fruits were identified and traditional local knowledge of their usage was recorded in 40 villages of Kodagu district in Central Western Ghats, India one of the eight top hotspots of biodiversity in the world. We combined biodiversity inven-tory of trees with village interviews to record traditional ecological knowledge. Wild edible fruits were an opportunistic source of food for rural people. Wild edible fruits were rich in minerals, vitamins, carbohy-drates, proteins, fats and fiber. In recent years there has been a decline in numbers of wild fruit trees due to changes in land use from uncultivated private wooded area to cardamom and coffee cultivation. The availability of wild edible fruits that were once very common on private cultivated areas has declined and their distributions are now restricted more to jungles and wildlife sanctuaries. We propose methods for conservation and describe the need for sustainable utilization to provide supplemen-tary sources of nutritional and pharmaceutically useful edible wild fruits.
文摘Forest resource conservation has been widely accepted as a key to sustain the local and regional economic development. The forest edges are affected by anthropogenic activities including deforestation, forest fragmentation, selective logging, extraction of non-timber forest products, collection of medicinal plants, recreations, hydroelectric pro- jects and its associated developmental activities, which alter the biodiver- sity. The present study intends to evaluate the edge effect on vegetation structure and species compositions in the tropical forest ecosystems at Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghats. High species richness （number of species） and Shannon＇s diversity indices were observed in the site IlI （completely undisturbed forest） compared to site I （adjacent to the village/edge of the forest, which is next to the teal（ plantation, severely disturbed forest） and site II （in between the undisturbed forest and mod- erately disturbed forest） while density of tree species showed greater value in site II. Single species such as Tectona grandis （IVI of 80） and Terminaliapaniculata （IVI of 112） were the dominant tree species in site I and site II, respectively, whereas, in site III Terminalia bellirica, Bishofia javanica and Syzgium gardneri shared the dominance. Perturba- tion leads to alien plant invasion particularly Lantana camara, Eupato- rium odoratum and Ageratum conizoides. Site II is at forest transition level because the site is dominated by both natural species as well as plantation species such as Tectona grandis. This site seems to be a buffer zone on natural forest and plantations. Further studies are required to analyse the real patterns of regeneration and dynamic change due to human impact by long term monitoring with the establishment of perma- nent plots.
