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J.Environ. & Sociobiol.: 2(1&2):1-8, 2005
EFFECT OF CERTAIN FACTORS ON THE MOTILITY AND SHORT-TERM PRESERVATION OF SPERMATOZOA OF OSPHRONEMUS GORAMI
Bindu L.
Zoological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata–700 053
ABSTRACT
Biological properties and quality of semen of the endangered fish, Osphronemus gorami were evaluated
by determining the milt volume, spermatozoa concentration, percentage viability and duration of motility. The organic (sugar,
cholesterol and protein) and inorganic constituents (phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium) in the seminal
plasma were analyzed. Among the three activating media used, fertilizing solution was found to be the ideal medium for sperm
activation. The duration of spermatozoan motility was maximum at 8.75 x 10 -3 salinity and at pH 8.0. Duration of motility was longer at lower temperatures and longest
at 150 C. The fresh oxygenated
milt of O. gorami could be stored in eppendorff tubes at 40 C in the refrigerator for seven days. The duration of motility and percentage viability
of the spermatozoa were considerably enhanced by storing semen in oxygen than storage in air. Short-term preservation of undiluted
oxygenated semen was found to be significantly better than storage using extenders.
J.Environ. & Sociobiol.: 2(1&2):9-14, 2005
Diel changes in the avian community at the edge of a shola forest of Western Ghat
Anulipi Aich, Barnali Sarkar and S. K. Mukhopadhyay*
Post Graduate Department of Zoology, Maulana Azad College, Kolkata-700 013, India
Abstract
Diel changes in avifaunal activities were studied at the edge of a shola forest patch belonging to Silent Valley National
Park in the southern part of Western Ghat range of Kerala. Twentytwo species of birds under 15 families were recorded to be
active at the study site. Highest population density of 19.46 ha -1 in the evening was recorded while in the morning the density was 9.42 ha-1. Under 12 families, 19 species were
detected in the evening, while only 8 species under 7 families were found in the morning count. A higher diversity index (2.706),
recorded from the evening counts, indicates less dominance (0.089) and more evenness (0.955) in comparison with morning counts
where diversity estimated at 1.972 emphasises minimum evenness (0.948) and maximum dominance (0.219).
J.Environ. & Sociobiol.: 2(1&2):15-23, 2005
Zooplankton Diversity of Wetland
Ecosystems of Goa
S. R. Das, S. G. Patil* and N. C. Nandi
Zoological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata–700 053
ABSTRACT
Zooplankton diversity of two freshwater and two brackishwater wetlands of Goa have beeen investigated during 2001-02 and
2002-03. A total of 42 species of zooplankton have been recorded, of which 41 species are from freshwater wetlands, 29 species
from brackish wetlands/ fisheries and 28 species common to both categories. This shows higher diversity of zooplankton in
freshwater wetlands than in the brackishwater wetlands in Goa. The population density of different zooplankton groups as measured
in terms of number of organisms per 50 litres of water have revealed higher population densities in freshwater wetlands (165-342
/ 50 L) in comparison to that in brackishwater wetlands (86-181 / 50 L). In general, premonsoon population is higher than
postmonsoon population in freshwater wetlands, while postmonsoon population is higher than premonsoon population in brackishwater
wetlands.
J.Environ. & Sociobiol.: 2(1&2):25-32, 2005
Leptotheca mackenzii n. sp. (Myxozoa: Myxosporea) Infecting the urinary bladder of the frog, Lemnectus limnocharis
C. Kalavati and B. Narayana Rao*
Depatment of Zoology, Andhra University, Visakhapatnam 530 003, India
abstract
A new species of the genus Leptotheca, Thelohan, 1895, (Phylum: Myxozoa), L. mackenzii n. sp. is described
from the urinary bladder of the rice field frog, Lemnectus limnocharis collected from the fields in Vizianagaram, Andhra
Pradesh, south India. Spores of the parasite were oval measuring 11.2 µm x 15.6 µm with 16-18 distinct oblique striations.
Polar capsules were bulb shaped, 6.2 µm x 4.8 µm in size. Polar filaments were thick, flat and 26.6 µm long
J.Environ. & Sociobiol.: 2(1&2):33-37, 2005
impact of formulated plant protein based
feeds on production and organoleptic characteristics of carps
s. k. das*, j. k. manissery and t. j. varghese
College of Fisheries (UAS), Mangalore 575002
ABSTRACT
Three test diets were prepared by partial replacement of fish meal with leaf powders of Eichhornia crassipes (Diet
E), Colocasia esculenta (Diet C) and Gliricidia maculata (Diet E). Test diets along with fish meal based control
diet (Diet FM) were evaluated for their impacts on total fish production and organoleptic characteristics in two test species,
viz., Catla catla and Labeo rohita after a period of culture of 112 days. Catla showed relatively higher production
in fish meal based diet whereas rohu registered more production in leaf protein based diets. No significant difference existed
in organoleptic characteristics of carps among treatments. However, the difference was significant (P £ 0.05) between attributes except raw fish of rohu.
J.Environ. & Sociobiol.: 2(1&2):39-42, 2005
POPULATION AND DISTRIBUTION PATTERN OF POLYCHAETES IN AND AROUND A SEWAGE OUTFALL REGION IN CALCUTTA METROPOLIS
Sobhana Paul and N. C. Nandi
Zoological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata–700 053
ABSTRACT
Polychaete species as well as their population density and month-wise variations in population has been studied at the
Tolly’s Nullah sewage outfall region, Kolkata. Three (Namalycastis fauveli, Dendronereis aesturina and
Nephtys oligobranchia) out of six species recorded were found to be dominant at the outfall area. In general, polychaete
occurs in higher abundance (as high as 192 no./ m 2) during premonsoon (February to
April) period. They are found to prefer sandy and weedy substratum.
J.Environ. & Sociobiol.: 2(1&2):43-47, 2005
MOLLUSCAN COMMUNITY AROUND DIGHA COAST,WEST BENGAL INDIA
M Dey and A. Mishra
Department of Marine Science, Unibversity of Calcutta, 35, B.C. Rpad,Kolkata –700019
ABSTRACT
The present paper deals with the Molluscan community of Digha coast, com,prising of 90 species belonging to 46 families.It
includes 54 species of gastropods, 2 species of scaphopods,29 species of bivalves and 5 species of cephalopods. In this coast
premonsoon season seems to be ideal in so far as molluscan biodiversity is concerned.
J.Environ. & Sociobiol.: 2(1&2):49-60, 2005
A CHECKLIST OF OPHIDIAN FAUNA OF
WEST BENGAL, India ALONG WITH THEIR STATUS, DISTRIBUTION AND CONSERVATION
B. K. Saha and N. C. Nandi*
‘Hamadryad’, 230, Green Park, Narendrapur, Kolkata–700 103
ABSTRACT
A checklist of ophidian fauna (snakes) comprising of 112 species belonging to 9 families from West Bengal,
India is presented along with their Bengali names, status, distribution and conservation needs. Of these, 46 species are considered
herein to be rare, 2 species as threatened and 1 species as endangered in West Bengal. The Hill and Dooars region represents
the highest number of 79 species of ophidian fauna from West Bengal. A considerable number of ophidian species exclusively
inhabit the coastal waters and the Himalayan foothills. Some suggestions towards conservation and management have been given
and inclusion of King Cobra under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act has been recommended.
J.Environ. & Sociobiol.: 2(1&2):61-65, 2005
POSSIBLE USE OF AMARANTH AS CATCH CROP FOR ROOT-KNOT NEMATODES INTERCROPPED WITH MULBERRY
Subhas Chandra Datta*
Department of Zoology, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan-731235.
ABSTRACT
Amaranth and mulberry were grown together along a ring in a large circular vessel; Meloidogyne incognita
larvae (J2) were applied as an inoculum at the center of the ring so that all the plants were equidistant from the larvae.
A control vessel containing the same plants without inoculation was maintained simultaneously. Plants were harvested 70 days
after inoculation. Of the two plant species, amaranth received maximum infection in terms of root-gall number, root protein
content, and nematode population in root and plant growth parameters. Thus amaranth could serve as highly effective catch
crop/trap crop protecting other susceptible crops from invading larvae. The relative size and biomass of root system are responsible
for relative susceptibility between two plants.
J.Environ. & Sociobiol.: 2(1&2):67-70, 2005
EFFECT OF HEAVY METALS ON POPULAT ION DYNAMICS OF AN ACRIDID, Oedaleus abruptus
Susanta Nath and P. Haldar*
Department of Zoology, Darjeeling Govt. College, Darjeeling-734 101, India
Email : susantanath@sify.com
ABSTRACT
The present communication deals with the effect of heavy metals pollution on the population fluctuation of
an acridid, Oedaleus abruptus. The amount of lead, cadmium and copper crossed the recommended limit and tolerance limit
in the industrial area. The study showed that toxic metal pollution has a significant role in population fluctuation of Oedaleus
abruptus.
J.Environ. & Sociobiol.: 2(1&2):71-76, 2005
SEASONAL OCCURRENCE AND SEX RATIO IN ACRIDIDS (ACRIDIDAE: ORTHOPTERA) IN THE DRY DECIDUOUS FOREST OF WEST
BENGAL, INDIA
Hiroj Kr. Saha, Hena Anand and P. Haldar
Department of Zoology, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan- 731235, West Bengal, India
Abstract
Acridids are one of the most dominant phytophagus insects which play an important role in the functioning
of forest ecosystem. Seasonal occurrence and fluctuation and, sex ratio are important components of population structure in
acridid community. The investigation on seasonal occurrence and sex ratio on three species of acridid, viz., Dittopternis
venusta (Walker), Oedaleus abruptus (Thunberg), and Truxalis indica (Bol.) in dry deciduous forest of West
Bengal revealed that D. venusta was the most dominant species in the study area. The population of acridids fluctuates
in different season and highest number was observed during autumn. Statistical analysis reflects that male and female ratio
are more or less equal.
J.Environ. & Sociobiol.: 2(1&2):77-80, 2005
emission spectroscopic studies on the inorganic trace elements of ceylonocotyle scoliocoelium (trematoda)
Ashoke Kumar Boral
Department of Zoology, Jogamaya Devi College, Kolkata–700 026
ABSTRACT
In different parasitic species a wide spectrum of inorganic trace elements is found due to difference in
the rate of absorption and uptake processes. In the present investigation trace elements of Ceylonocotyle scoliocoelium
(Trematoda) is computed. Presence of less amount of Cr and Cu suggests the weak tanning process of collagen in the tegument
of C. scoliocoelium. Moderate amout of Co in this species suggests that it is associated with vitamin B 12 synthesis and maturity of the worm.
The higher quality of Zn indicates specific enzyme synthesis and existence of highly developed genital organ in C. scoliocoelium.
Less amount of Ba does not significantly affects DNA polymerase and alkaline phosphatase activities but their actual functions
in parasitic helminthes are not clear.
J.Environ. & Sociobiol.: 2(1&2):81-84, 2005
On New Records of THREE SPECIES OF Macrofungi, HELVELLA FROM DARJEELING HILLS, WEST BENGAL
Krishnendu Acharya*, Ranjana Pradhan 2, Mau Bhattacharyya2, Jayanta Choudhury2, Prakash Pradhan2
and Manjula Rai
Department of Botany, University of Calcutta, Kolkata–700 019
ABSTRACT
Darjeeling Himalaya due to its unique environmental condition, is a treasure house for the luxuriant growth of macrofungi.
The abundancy and vastness of flora, their diverse habit, habitat and topography make the Himalaya a paradise for flourishing
of macrofungi. The present paper is reporting for the first time from this area three species of Helvella, namely,
H. atra Kon., H. lacunosa Afz. and H. crispa Scop. ex Fr.
J.Environ. & Sociobiol.: 2(1&2):85-92, 2005
a short review on the study of floral induction signals and patterns in arabidopsis mutants : an environmental
response
Saikat kumar basu
Department of Biological Sciences, University of Lethbridge,
Lethbridge, AB, Canada, TIK 3M4. Email :
saikat.basu@uleth.ca
ABSTRACT
The reproductive success of higher plants depends on the initiation of flowering under the most favourable
conditions. Floral induction in plants has been investigated to be regulated by a large number of environmental and endogenous
factors. Analysis of Arabidopsis mutants has allowed the identification of several important genes involved in the
regulation of flowering time. Physiological, genetic and molecular analyses and biotechnological approaches of research investigations
of flowering time mutants have shown that flowering is promoted or inhibited by several pathways, some of which are dependent
on the environment. A number of genes have been isolated and characterised and their interactions have been studied in several
of such floral-promotion pathways.
This review aims at the comparative study and analysis of different approaches of research investigations in understanding
the floral induction signals and patterns in different Arabidopsis mutants, highlighting the key models, focusing on
the development of further research in transgenic development and biotechnological approaches and using of floral induction
genes in crops of importance for better yield and productivity.
J.Environ. & Sociobiol.: 2(1&2):93-102, 2005
A STUDY ON ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS OF THE Teacher AND THEIR PERCEPTION OF TEACHING ABOUT ENVIRONMENT
Madhumala Sengupta
Department of Education, Calcutta University, Kolkata
ABSTRACT
Teaching environmental education at school level is imperative as the aim of environmentalism is to develop
and train an informed and sensitive future citizenry to protect the fragile biodiversity. The curriculum and teaching method
of environmental education are controversial issues and much research work is going on to find out suitable curriculum and
effective method of teaching. In this context of curriculum, two models have been proposed but the efficacy of the models
needs to be researched extensively. Besides, the concept of environmental awareness and the nature of pro-environmental behaviour
have been analysed and defined in behavioural terms.
It is a brief study to find out the level of environmental awareness of the trainee teachers and their attitude
towards environmental education. The sample consisted of teachers of ICSE schools. The data were collected when they joined
an in-service training programme organised by the Council for the Indian School Education Examinations. The subjects are yet
to take formal B. Ed. degree. Their attitude towards inclusion of environmental education in B. Ed. syllabus is positive.
They supported most of the variables related to effective teaching of environmental education, namely, activity method of
teaching, team teaching, etc. Many of them even declared that teaching of environmental education along with other subjects
will not pose any difficulty. The variables could have been analysed in greater detail had the sample size been larger.
J.Environ. & Sociobiol.: 2(1&2):103-107, 2005
THREAT TO FOLK CULTURE OF MARINE FISHERFOLK OF SUNDARBAN COAST, WEST BENGAL
S. K. Pramanik* and N. C. Nandi
Zoological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata–700 053
ABSTRACT
Folk culture serves as a mirror of a community. In this paper the folk culture of the marine fishing community
of coastal Sundarban has been discussed and documented. The study shows how mass culture and mass communication affect the
traditional culture and code of conduct of marine fisherfolk of Sundarban. It is suggested that the traditional marine fisherfolk
of Sundarban should be encouraged to keep their cultural identity alive.
J.Environ. & Sociobiol.: 2(1&2):109-118, 2005
Evolutionary Arms Race : A Review On
The Red Queen Hypothesis
Shyamashree Dasgupta, Anulipi Aich and S. K. Mukhopadhyay
Post Graduate Department of Zoology, Maulana Azad College, Kolkata, India
ABSTRACT
Leigh Van Valen (1973), an evolutionary biologist of the University of Chicago, devised Red Queen hypothesis
stating : "for an evolutionary system continuing development is needed in order to maintain its fitness relative to the system
it is co-evolving with." This hypothesis maintains that biotic interactions are most important drivers of evolutionary changes.
On the other hand, Court Jester hypothesis, a class of alternative ideas to Red Queen, regards physical-environment perturbations
as indicators of major changes in organisms and ecosystem.
From evolutionary point of view, sexual reproduction is not most efficient way of reproducing due to major
investment of time and energy for finding a mate. Rather, for spreading genes from one generation to the next asexually reproducing
organisms have an edge. Because in sexual reproduction half of the genes from each parent is handed over to the next generation.
In this context, Red Queen hypothesis talks about evolution of sex and recombination. This hypothesis describes two similar
ideas that (i) co-evolution can lead to situations for which the probability of extinction is relatively constant over millions
of years and that (ii) co-evolution, more particularly between hosts and parasites, could lead to sustained oscillations in
genotype frequencies. According to this hypothesis the species had to "run" (evolve) a leg race instead of an arms race" in
order to stay in the same place (extant). The Red Queen hypothesis emphasises the biotic interaction that imposes changes
in species and clearly indicates the necessity of sexual reproduction in comparison with asexual reproduction for stabilising
the evolution of sex and recombination.
Short Communication
Saving tiger for human health and economics- P . S . Bhatnagar 119-121
On the brachyuran crabs of Salim Ali Bird Sanctuary, Goa- M.K. Dev Roy and N.C. Nandi 123
Differentiation between white ears inpaddy caused by yellow stem borer and neck blast- Sudip Mandal and Rupendu
Ray 125-128
An inventory of Integrated Pest Management (IMP) measures for sustainable agriculture- Sudip Mandal 129-131
Vol 3(No. 1) June , 2006
STUDY ON THE POTENTIAL INSECT PESTS OF FENUGREEK
( TRIGONELLA FOENUM-GRAECUM L.) IN NORTH AMERICA
WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON THE WESTERN FLOWER
THRIPS ( FRANKLINIELLA OCCIDENTALIS PERGANDE) IN THE
GREENHOUSE AND PLANT BUGS ( LYGUS AND ADELPHOCORIS,
MIRIDAE, HEMIPTERA) IN THE FIELD
Saikat K. Basu 1*, Surya N. Acharya2,
Héctor A. Cárcamo2 and James E. Thomas1
1 Department of Biological Sciences, University
of Lethbridge,
4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada T1K 3M4
ABSTRACT
Fenugreek ( Trigonella foenum-graecum
L.) is an annual legume crop cultivated in India and
other parts of the world. This crop is new to Canada and North America as a whole. The most
serious greenhouse pest of fenugreek was found to be the Western flower thrips. Potential
pests in the field are Lygus bugs, and to a lesser extent alfalfa plant bugs and aphids.
Fenugreek also attracted a number of beneficial predators, such as, ladybird beetles and
parasitoid wasps. This observation seems to be beneficial for the crop as we could see a
pattern of lower number of aphids and higher number of ladybird beetles in this crop compared
to alfalfa.
Key words : Legume crop, Greenhouse pest, Western Flower thrips, Lady bird
beetles, parasitoid wasps.
SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION PATTERN OF SOME PLANT SPECIES
IN THE VANDALORE RESERVE FOREST : FOOD PREFERENCES
OF DIABOLOCATANTOPS PINGUIS (ORTHOPTERA :
ACRIDIDAE)—A PARADIGM STUDY
D. Suresh Chand, S. Albert*, and K. P. Sanjayan*
Zoological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata–700 053
ABSTRACT
The plant community structure of the Vandalore Reserve Forest (Tamil Nadu) which represents
a natural scrub-jungle ecosystem, is described in terms of the dispersal and distribution
patterns of some of the plant species that are relatively common in the habitat. The
generalization that the tropical species are relatively uniformly dispersed did not hold. The
six plant species that were selected either randomly distributed or clumped in dispersion.
Atalantia monophylla which was clumped
in dispersion had more abundance value, importance
index, and density in the forest, when compared to the other five plant species. The food
preference of Diabolocatantops pinguis
(Walker) to the selected six plant species through a
‘no-choice’ experiment showed that it rejected Pavetta indica and Flacourtia indica. The
population analysis of D. pinguis by selecting 25 quadrats, suggested that the insect was
found to be present in 21 quadrats.
Key words : Plant community structure, dispersion, importance value,
Diabolocatantops pinguis, food preference .
ABSTRACT
Despite the environmental importance of Collembola, basic information on the occurrence
and ecology of these soil micro-arthropods is lacking, especially in Darjeeling Himalaya. To
address such gaps the present research was conducted with objectives to determine what
Collembola species inhabit the soil of two different altitudinal sites of Darjeeling Himalaya
as well as their vertical distribution and seasonal variations. Altogether 22 species of Collembola
belonging to three families were recorded from the hilltop and foothill sites of the Darjeeling
Himalaya. The maximum number of collembolan species was found in foothill site (20
species) than in the hilltop site (10 species) of Darjeeling Himalaya. The population density
of Collembola marked a significant decrease from upper most layers to deeper layers of soil.
The highest collembolan density was recorded during the spring season in both the sites but
lowest density was recorded during summer at Hilltop site and during autumn at Foothill site
of Darjeeling Himalaya.
Key words : Collembola; species composition;
vertical distribution;
seasonal variation; hilltop; foothill; Darjeeling Himalaya.
SPECIES COMPOSITION, VERTICAL DISTRIBUTION
AND SEASONAL VARIATION OF COLLEMBOLA
IN HILLTOP AND FOOTHILL OF DARJEELING
HIMALAYA, WEST BENGAL, INDIA
Dhrubajyoti Pahari 1*, Ashis Kumar Hazra1 and
Goutam Kumar Saha2
1 Apterygota section, Zoological Survey of
India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata-700053, India.
ABSTRACT
Sexual dimorphism in the liver cells of Mastacembelus
pancalus has been recognized. During
maturation and spawning seasons the amount of cytoplasmic granules in the hepatic cells of
female increased and nucleus becomes hypertrophied. But no remarkable seasonal changes in
the liver cells of male have been observed.
Key words : Seasonal changes, hepatic cells, Mastacembelus pancalus
SEASONAL HISTOLOGICAL CHANGES IN THE LIVER CELLS OF
MASTACEMBELUS PANCALUS (HAMILTON)
Subhasis Pal 1 and Dipak Kumar Mandal 2
1 Balsi High School (H.S.), Balsi, Bankura-722
206
ABSTRACT
A field survey was conducted in and around Bokaro steel plant area, Jharkhand, India to
know the effect of continuous discharge of steel plant effluents on the soil microarthropods.
The density and diversity of soil microarthropods are low nearer to the steel plant area
compared to those of the distant sites. Acari was the predominant group followed by the
Collembola and other soil microarthropods are few in number. The soil factors like temperature,
relative humidity, moisture, pH and organic carbon have also been conducted. The relationship
between soil microarthropods and these physico-chemical parameters is analyzed statistically.
Key words : Soil microarthropods population, industrial effluents, steel plant
EFFECT OF INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENT ON THE POPULATION
STRUCTURE OF SOIL MICROARTHROPODS AT BOKARO STEEL
PLANT AREA, JHARKHAND – A PRELIMINARY STUDY
Dhrubajyoti Pahari*, Ashis Kumar Hazra, Manebendra Nath Moitra
and Arun Kumar Roy Mahato
Zoological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata-700053, India
ABSTRACT
In the present investigation, bioaccumulation of zinc was estimated in the gills and intestine
of Channa punctatus after 135 day exposure to such levels of zinc (0.1mg/1 and 0.2mg/1)
which are normally found in natural water bodies around Jaipur. Significant increase in
concentration of zinc was noted in the tissues both of the above organs. This increase was
dose and duration dependent.
Key words : Bioaccumulation, zinc, gills, intestine
BIOACCUMULATION OF ZINC IN THE GILLS AND
INTESTINE OF FRESHWATER FISH CHANNA PUNCTATUS,
AFTER CHRONIC EXPOSURE TO ZINC
Neera Srivastava and Anupama Tyagi
Fish Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur (Rajasthan)
ABSTRACT
The quality of the semen of the common table fish Puntius
sarana was evaluated by
analyzing milt volume, concentration of spermatozoa, percentage viability, duration of
motility and scoring of motility of spermatozoa. The fertilizing solution was found to
be the most suitable medium for activation of spermatozoa. The duration of spermatozoan
motility was found to be highest at pH 8, temperature 5°C and salinity 5.23 × 10 -3. The
duration of motility and percentage viability of the spermatozoa were considerably
enhanced by storing semen in oxygen than storage in air. In short-term preservation at
4°C the undiluted oxygenated milt showed better results than the milt stored in extenders.
Key words : Puntius sarana, spermatozoa, motility, viability.
THE PROPERTIES OF THE SPERMATOZOA OF PUNTIUS
SARANA AND ITS REFRIGERATED STORAGE
Bindu L.
Zoological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata–700 053
ABSTRACT
The liquid homeopathic medicine, Cina
mother tincture (MT) and potentised Cina (200C &
1000C ) prepared from the flowering meristems
of Artemisia nilagirica (Clarke)
Pamp were
applied by foliar spray on mulberry ( Morus
alba L. cv.S1) naturally infected with root-knot
disease caused by Meloidogyne incognia
(Kofoid & White) Chitwood in sericulture field. All
the treatment were done four times at an interval of three days. All the treatment significantly
reduced nematode infection in terms of root gall number and nematode population in roots.
All the treated plants showed improved growth in terms of number of leaves, root and leafprotein
content. Cina 200C is more effective than Cina MT in all respect of nematode control
as well as growth of test plants. It is interesting that silkworm larvae ( Bombyx mori L.)
feeding on the leaves of Cina- treated plants showed improved growth, increased silk production,
fewer feeding to cocoon formation and zero mortality rate. Homeopathic medicine Cina
would be cheap as well as non-phytotoxic and non-pollutant.
Keywords : Homeopathic medicine Cina, root-knot,
mulberry, silkworm, silk
LIQUID HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINE CINA ENRICHING
SERICULTURE INDUSTRY
Subhas Chandra Datta 1* and Rupa Datta (Nag)2
1 Department of zoology, Visbharati-University,
Snatiniketan-731235, West Bengal, India
ABSTRACT
Feeding intensity and food spectrum of Labeo
rohita (Hamilton) were monitored along with
water characteristics in Kulia beel of West Bengal during premonsoon and postmonsoon
seasons. Gastrosomatic Index and percentage of actively fed fish were significantly more
during postmonsoon period. Diet composition during two seasons exhibited distinct variations.
Such seasonal dynamics in feeding intensity and foraging was attributed to abundance of
plankton and spawning of fish.
Key words : Labeo rohita, foraging,
feeding intensity.
DYNAMICS OF FORAGING IN LABEO ROHITA
(HAMILTON)
DURING PREMONSOON AND POST MONSOON SEASONS IN
KULIA BEEL, WEST BENGAL
M. Sarkar and S. K. Das
Dept. of Fishery Biology & Resources Management, Faculty of Fishery Sciences, West Bengal
University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, 5, Budherhat Road, Panchasayar, Kolkata–700094
ABSTRACT
Dynamics of biological indices such as relative condition factor, Gastrosomatic index (GaSI)
and Hepatosomatic index (HSI) as well as food spectrum of Tilapia niloticus was monitored
for a period of one year in fishes procured from Nadia and, North and South 24 Parganas
districts of West Bengal. A significant variation (P ¡Ü
0.01) was observed in GaSI and HSI
values among males and females. The GaSI was found to be positively correlated with
feeding intensity and HSI. Blue green algae, green algae and decayed organic matter constituted
the major components of food items in different months exhibiting wide variations.
Key words : Tilapia niloticus, condition factor, feeding intensity, food spectrum
MONTHLY VARIATIONS IN FEEDING INTENSITY AND FOOD
SPECTRUM OF TILAPIA NILOTICUS (LINNEAUS) IN
RELATION TO BIOLOGICAL INDICES
A. Dey and S. K. Das
Dept. of Fishery Biology & Resources Management, Faculty of Fishery Sciences, West Bengal
University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, 5, Budherhat Road, Panchasayar, Kolkata–700094
ABSTRACT
Studies on biodiversity throughout the world are of immense value to mankind. The present
communication attempts to outline the existing biodiversity and our probable biofuture
considering the present trends of anthropogenic threats to biodiversity. The key elements of
biodiversity are ecological diversity, genetic diversity and species diversity. Damage to
biodiversity is caused due to habitat destruction, habitat fragmentation, introduction of exotic
species and diseases, environmental pollution and genetic assimilation. Biodiversity issue has
been discussed from the ecological, behavioral, genetic, evolutionary, social and aesthetic
point of views. For preserving species richness, knowledge about endemism, type of habitat,
keystone species, effective population size and animal behaviour requires consideration.
Geographic Information System (GIS) has been emerged as an effective tool for conservation
of species and their habitat. Current loss of biodiversity is primarily associated with expanding
human population and increasing consumerism. The consequences of such loss will threaten
the existence of man himself on this planet. Involvement of the people in biodiversity protection
movement with benefit sharing and policy level changes is considered to be urgent for
protecting our biofuture.
Key words : Biodiversity, evolution,
extinction, biofuture, anthropogenic threats
BIODIVERSITY AND OUR BIOFUTURE :
A HOLISTIC UNDERSTANDING
F. B. Mandal
Department of Zoology, Bankura Christian College, Bankura–722 101, West Bengal
Vol 3(No.2) December ,2006
ABSTRACT
The mice selected from inbreed colony were divided into two groups to evaluate radio
protective efficacy of Aloe vera leaf extract in intestine of Swiss albino mice (1g/kg body wt/
day). The first group was given Aloe vera orally for 15th consecutive day and served as
experimental group and other group received DDW (vol. equal to Aloe
vera). On the 15th day,
after 30 min. of above treatment animals of both the groups were exposed to 0.5 Gy gamma
radiation and autopsied on 6 hrs, 12 hrs, 24 hrs and day 5, 10 and 20. Mitotic figures, dead
cells and cells in crypt/crypt section of jejunum in animals of both control and experimental
groups were counted. Dead cells were completely absent in the experimental group. Mitotic
figures and crypt cell population were also higher in this group as compared with control
group. Thus, Aloe vera was found to have positive influence against radiation induced alterations
in intestine of Swiss albino mice.
Key words : Radiation,
Aloe vera, crypt, gamma irradiation, Swiss albino
mice
EVALUATION OF RADIOPROTECTIVE EFFICACY OF ALOE
VERA LEAF EXTRACT IN MOUSE INTESTINAL MUCOSA
AFTER LOW LEVEL EXPOSURE TO GAMMA RADIATION
PRASHASNIKA GEHLOT* AND P. K. GOYAL
Radiation and Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology,
University of Rajasthan, Jaipur 302 004, India
ABSTRACT
The biochemical constituents, viz., protein, carbohydrate and lipid levels in the muscle tissue
of the fish Megalaspis cordyla has been studied in relation to the habitat conditions. Two
areas, i.e., Visakhapatnam harbour (St-1) receiving effluent discharges from different industries
and Bheemile coast at Gosthani estuary (St-2) devoid of industrial effluent discharges have
been chosen for the present study. The results showed that the protein, carbohydrate and lipid
levels in the samples of the fish collected from St-1 which is having considerable concentrations
of heavy metals (Zn, Pb and Cd) were less compared to those from St-2.
Key words : Aquatic pollution, Megalaspis cordyla, biochemical
constituents
A STUDY ON THE BIOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS IN THE
MUSCLE TISSUE OF MEGALASPIS CORDYLA IN RELATION
TO HABITAT CONDITIONS
V. A. Naidu, L. M. Rao and K. Ramaneswari
Dept. of Zoology, Andhra University, Visakhaptnam–5300003, Andhra Pradesh, India
e-mail: Imrao4547@ yahoomail.com; rama16_kr@yahoo.co.uk
ABSTRACT
Mebendazole is reported as a highly effective antihelminthic drug. This compound causes
mortality of the helminth parasites. In vitro administration of mebendazole lowered the total
protein content of Ceylonocotyle scoliocoelium, which is a common rumen trematode of
cattle. Death of the parasite after mebendazole treatment is supposed to be due to enzymatic
blockage of protein synthesis or due to activation of certain proteolytic substances. No change
of local lipid content is observed after mebendazole administration. Total protein and lipid of
C. scoliocoelium were estimated in spectrophotometry. Protein
bands were studied by SDSPAGE.
Key words : Mebendazole,
trematode, protein content, lipid content
INTRODUCTION
Trematode infection in cattle is widespread. C. scoliocoelium
is a common trematode
ESTIMATION OF PROTEIN AND LIPID OF CEYLONOCOTYLE
SCOLIOCOELIUM (TREMATODA) FOLLOWING
ADMINISTRAION OF MEBENDAZOLE UNDER
IN VITRO CONDITION
A. K. BORAL 1 AND S. MUKHERJEE2
1 Department of Zoology, Jogamaya Devi College, Kolkata 700 026
ABSTRACT
The early stages of blue butterfly Tarucus callinara Butler is studied in detail. The larvae
damage the wild beri Zizyphus jujuba Lamk. growing in wild places of Punjab. The variety
of the host plant infested by the butterfly species do not grow more than two feet in height.
The third and fourth instars show myrmecophily with the ants of Crematogastor
sp. The host
plants where ants available are preferred for oviposition by the female.
Key words : Lycaenidae, Polyommatinae, Tarucus, immature satges
OBSERVATIONS ON THE BIOLOGY OF SPOTTED PIERROT,
TARUCUS CALLINARA BUTLER (LEPIDOPTERA : LYCAENIDAE
: POLYOMMATINAE)
Avtar Kaur Sidhu
Lepidoptera Section, Zoological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata–700 053, India
ABSTRACT
During the course of field investigation in 1990s, six dry fish centres of Sundarban coast, viz.,
Jambudwip, Kalisthan, Sagar, Bakkhali, Fraserganj and Mousuni were visited over the years
in winter 2-3 times in a year. Post harvest dry fish production techniques dealing with sorting,
dissecting and drying of fishes, which are followed by the fisherfolk of this coast, were
observed and described in this paper. This fisherfolk of this coast still depend on primitive
and indigenous technology for drying fishes on the sun in the open courtyard. Reasons for
persisting of primitive methods have also been discussed.
Key words : Dry
fish, fisherfolk, fish meal, traditional technique
POST HARVEST DRY FISH PRODUCTION PROCESSES
OF SUNDARBAN COAST, WEST BENGAL
S. K. Pramanik and N. C. Nandi *
Social Environmental and Biological Association, H/4, Parui Government Housing Estate,
169, Biren Roy Road (West), Kolkata–700061
ABSTRACT
The state West Bengal has immense scope for fish production both from inland and marine
sectors for the reason that Fishermen's Co-operative Society was established in this state as
early as 1918 to enhance the fish production and at the same time to imporve the quality of
life of the fish farmers by organizing themselves. But, since its inception, the fish farmers are
suffering from constraints both in management and cultural aspects. So, a study was undertaken
to find out the main problems that co-operatives are experiencing. Fisheries co-operatives of
West Bengal are well known for their contribution to the development of small-scale fisheries.
The study unveiled that besides confronting with various problems the Fishermen's Cooperative
Societies working in the Noth 24-Paraganas district are successfully implementing
their planning at local level. Further, the Fishermen's Co-operative Societies can be one of the
thrust areas for fisheries development if Government and other voluntary organizations give
proper incentive in the functiong of the co-operatives especially in the management aspect.
Key words : Fishermen's
Co-operative Soceity
PREVAILING CONSTRAINTS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF
FISHERMEN'S CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY IN WEST BENGAL
A. K. Panigrahi
Department of Fishery Extension, West Bengal University of Animal and
Fishery Sciences, Chakgaria, Kolkata-700 094
ABSTRACT
During the course of faunistic surveys in Andhra Pradesh from April 1998 to December 2002,
a total of 671 insects belonging 14 species under five orders have been examined, of which
128 insects comprising of four species were found to be infected with twelve species of
nematode parasites. Of these, four species of parasitic nematodes, namely, Hammerschmidtiella
diesingi (Hammerschmidt, 1838) Chitwood, 1932, Cameronia biovata Basir, 1948, Gryllophila
skrjabini (Sergiev, 1923) Basir, 1956 and G. basiri Parveen and Jairajpuri, 1981, under the
family Thelastomatidae are dealt herein with detailed descriptions and measurements. These
are being recorded for the first time from Andhra Pradesh. The occurrence of different
nematodes species in insect hosts of the State are also communicated hereunder.
Key words :Hammerschmidtiella
diesingi, Cameronia biovata, Gryllophila
skrjabini, G. basiri, nematode , insect, first record, occurrence
NEMATODE PARASITES OF INSECTS OF
ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA
Viswa Venkat Gantait and Amalendu Chatterjee
Zoological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata–700 053
ABSTRACT
The paper deals with the taxonomy, incidence, intensity of infection and distribution pattern
of all the marine wood-borers reported so far from Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It includes
18 species of molluscan and 9 species of crustacean wood-borers. A key to all the woodboring
species of these islands has been presented for the first time. Moreover, 3 species of
crustacean associates of these borers are also reported and effects of biofouling on the borers
are also discussed.
Key words : Marine
wood-borers, key to the species, biofouling, distribution
pattern.
MARINE WOOD-BORERS OF ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR
ISLANDS WITH KEY TO SPECIES
M. K. Dev Roy
Zoological Survey of India, Crustacea Section, 27 Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata-700016
ABSTRACT
Reduction of by-catch in two-seam overhang trawl was studied by using a square mesh
panels in forward part of upper belly and codend and comparison made with that of the
conventional two-seam overhang trawl. Fishing cruises were carried out randomly at depths
of between 24 m and 34 m isobaths in the inshore waters of Mangalore coast. Alternative
hauling technique was followed for maintaining similarity in towing direction, duration,
speed and depth of operation to minimize the possible errors between the trawls. The results
showed that the average by-catch was about 5.5 times lesser in two-seam overhang trawl
using a square mesh panels in forward part of upper belly and codend than conventional twoseam
hang trawl. However, the difference in reduction of by-catch in both conventional as
well as experimental trawls was not found to be statistically significant.
Key words : Two-seam
overhang trawl, square mesh panels, by-catch
REDUCTION OF BY-CATCH IN TWO–SEAM OVERHANG
TRAWL USING A SQUARE MESH PANELS IN FORWARD PART
OF UPPER BELLY AND CODEND
N. A. Talwar*, D. S. Sheshappa and B. Hanumanthappa.
Dept. of Fishery Engineering College of Fisheries (UAS), Mangalore–575002
ABSTRACT
Investigations were carried out to study the comparative impact of 28 mm square meshes and
diamond meshes in codends of High Opening Bottom Trawl (HOBT) on different sizes of
dominant fin fishes. The fishing trials were carried out through the M.F.V.Doplhin, a
13.26 m OAL wooden stern trawler, fitted with Ruston engine developing 102 BHP at 1800
r.p.m. of College of fisheries (UAS), Mangalore. Atlernative haul techniques were followed
under identical condition to provide the equal chance for both the trawls. The results shown
that the 50% of retention lengths of Mackerels, Pomfrets, Soles and Ribbon fishes ( Trichiurus
spp .) were comparatively
found better in high opening bottom trawl (HOBT) with 28 mm
mesh size square mesh codend and for clupeids ( Sardinella spp.) and Silver bellies (Leiognathus
spp.) were same in both the codends of square mesh and diamond mesh of same mesh size
in high opening bottom trawl (HOBT).
Key words :High
opening bottom trawl (HOBT), square mesh, diamond mesh,
finfishes and 50% of retention length
IMPACT OF USING SQUARE MESH CODEND WITH 28 MM
MESH SIZE IN HIGH OPENING BOTTOM TRAWL (HOBT) ON
FIN FISHES OFF MANGALORE
N. A. Talwar* and B. Hanumanthappa
College of Fisheries (UAS), Mangalore-575002
ABSTRACT
The term ‘co-operation’ signifies, "an outcome that, despite individual cost, is good in some
appropriate sense for the members of a group of two or more individuals, and whose
achievement requires collective action" (Mesterton and Dugatkin, 1992). From the essence of
Darwin’s (1859) revolutionary theory "survival of the fittest", imperial forces of the society
gave two words undue importance, that is, "competition" and "struggle", until Kropotkin
(1902) proposed that not only competition but co-operation is also there. Thus according to
neo-Darwinian concept "an animal acts co-operatively only if it does things that benefit its
fitness (in terms of survival and reproduction) both for itself and the recipient of its action"
(Hamilton, 1964). At least four different forms of co-operation could easily be emphasized
– ‘Altruism’, ‘Kin selection’, ‘Reciprocal altruism’ and ‘Game
theory’, which are thoroughly
discussed in the proper text. Co-operations are seen among a lot of individuals in activities
like ‘hunting’, ‘breeding’, ‘anti-predator behavior’, etc, in this animal
kingdom among which
"co-operative hunting" and "co-operative breeding" are mostly noteworthy to support the fact.
Key words : Co-operation,
cooperative hunting, cooperative breeding
CO-OPERATION AS AN EVOLUTIONARY CONSEQUENCE
Anulipi Aich, Utpal Singha Roy and S. K. Mukhopadhyay*
Government College of Engineering and Leather Technology,
LB Block, Sector-III, Kolkata-700 098.
ABSTRACT
The mice selected from inbreed colony were divided into two groups to evaluate radio
protective efficacy of Aloe vera leaf extract in intestine of Swiss albino mice (1g/kg body wt/
day). The first group was given Aloe vera orally for 15th consecutive day and served as
experimental group and other group received DDW (vol. equal to Aloe
vera). On the 15th day,
after 30 min. of above treatment animals of both the groups were exposed to 0.5 Gy gamma
radiation and autopsied on 6 hrs, 12 hrs, 24 hrs and day 5, 10 and 20. Mitotic figures, dead
cells and cells in crypt/crypt section of jejunum in animals of both control and experimental
groups were counted. Dead cells were completely absent in the experimental group. Mitotic
figures and crypt cell population were also higher in this group as compared with control
group. Thus, Aloe vera was found to have positive influence against radiation induced alterations
in intestine of Swiss albino mice.
Key words : Radiation,
Aloe vera, crypt, gamma irradiation, Swiss albino
mice
EVALUATION OF RADIOPROTECTIVE EFFICACY OF ALOE
VERA LEAF EXTRACT IN MOUSE INTESTINAL MUCOSA
AFTER LOW LEVEL EXPOSURE TO GAMMA RADIATION
PRASHASNIKA GEHLOT* AND P. K. GOYAL
Radiation and Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology,
University of Rajasthan, Jaipur 302 004, India
ABSTRACT
The biochemical constituents, viz., protein, carbohydrate and lipid levels in the muscle tissue
of the fish Megalaspis cordyla has been studied in relation to the habitat conditions. Two
areas, i.e., Visakhapatnam harbour (St-1) receiving effluent discharges from different industries
and Bheemile coast at Gosthani estuary (St-2) devoid of industrial effluent discharges have
been chosen for the present study. The results showed that the protein, carbohydrate and lipid
levels in the samples of the fish collected from St-1 which is having considerable concentrations
of heavy metals (Zn, Pb and Cd) were less compared to those from St-2.
Key words : Aquatic pollution, Megalaspis cordyla, biochemical
constituents
A STUDY ON THE BIOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS IN THE
MUSCLE TISSUE OF MEGALASPIS CORDYLA IN RELATION
TO HABITAT CONDITIONS
V. A. Naidu, L. M. Rao and K. Ramaneswari
Dept. of Zoology, Andhra University, Visakhaptnam–5300003, Andhra Pradesh, India
e-mail: Imrao4547@ yahoomail.com; rama16_kr@yahoo.co.uk
ABSTRACT
Mebendazole is reported as a highly effective antihelminthic drug. This compound causes
mortality of the helminth parasites. In vitro administration of mebendazole lowered the total
protein content of Ceylonocotyle scoliocoelium, which is a common rumen trematode of
cattle. Death of the parasite after mebendazole treatment is supposed to be due to enzymatic
blockage of protein synthesis or due to activation of certain proteolytic substances. No change
of local lipid content is observed after mebendazole administration. Total protein and lipid of
C. scoliocoelium were estimated in spectrophotometry. Protein
bands were studied by SDSPAGE.
Key words : Mebendazole,
trematode, protein content, lipid content
INTRODUCTION
Trematode infection in cattle is widespread. C. scoliocoelium
is a common trematode
ESTIMATION OF PROTEIN AND LIPID OF CEYLONOCOTYLE
SCOLIOCOELIUM (TREMATODA) FOLLOWING
ADMINISTRAION OF MEBENDAZOLE UNDER
IN VITRO CONDITION
A. K. BORAL 1 AND S. MUKHERJEE2
1 Department of Zoology, Jogamaya Devi College, Kolkata 700 026
ABSTRACT
The early stages of blue butterfly Tarucus callinara Butler is studied in detail. The larvae
damage the wild beri Zizyphus jujuba Lamk. growing in wild places of Punjab. The variety
of the host plant infested by the butterfly species do not grow more than two feet in height.
The third and fourth instars show myrmecophily with the ants of Crematogastor
sp. The host
plants where ants available are preferred for oviposition by the female.
Key words : Lycaenidae, Polyommatinae, Tarucus, immature satges
OBSERVATIONS ON THE BIOLOGY OF SPOTTED PIERROT,
TARUCUS CALLINARA BUTLER (LEPIDOPTERA : LYCAENIDAE
: POLYOMMATINAE)
Avtar Kaur Sidhu
Lepidoptera Section, Zoological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata–700 053, India
ABSTRACT
During the course of field investigation in 1990s, six dry fish centres of Sundarban coast, viz.,
Jambudwip, Kalisthan, Sagar, Bakkhali, Fraserganj and Mousuni were visited over the years
in winter 2-3 times in a year. Post harvest dry fish production techniques dealing with sorting,
dissecting and drying of fishes, which are followed by the fisherfolk of this coast, were
observed and described in this paper. This fisherfolk of this coast still depend on primitive
and indigenous technology for drying fishes on the sun in the open courtyard. Reasons for
persisting of primitive methods have also been discussed.
Key words : Dry
fish, fisherfolk, fish meal, traditional technique
POST HARVEST DRY FISH PRODUCTION PROCESSES
OF SUNDARBAN COAST, WEST BENGAL
S. K. Pramanik and N. C. Nandi *
Social Environmental and Biological Association, H/4, Parui Government Housing Estate,
169, Biren Roy Road (West), Kolkata–700061
ABSTRACT
The state West Bengal has immense scope for fish production both from inland and marine
sectors for the reason that Fishermen's Co-operative Society was established in this state as
early as 1918 to enhance the fish production and at the same time to imporve the quality of
life of the fish farmers by organizing themselves. But, since its inception, the fish farmers are
suffering from constraints both in management and cultural aspects. So, a study was undertaken
to find out the main problems that co-operatives are experiencing. Fisheries co-operatives of
West Bengal are well known for their contribution to the development of small-scale fisheries.
The study unveiled that besides confronting with various problems the Fishermen's Cooperative
Societies working in the Noth 24-Paraganas district are successfully implementing
their planning at local level. Further, the Fishermen's Co-operative Societies can be one of the
thrust areas for fisheries development if Government and other voluntary organizations give
proper incentive in the functiong of the co-operatives especially in the management aspect.
Key words : Fishermen's
Co-operative Soceity
PREVAILING CONSTRAINTS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF
FISHERMEN'S CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY IN WEST BENGAL
A. K. Panigrahi
Department of Fishery Extension, West Bengal University of Animal and
Fishery Sciences, Chakgaria, Kolkata-700 094
ABSTRACT
During the course of faunistic surveys in Andhra Pradesh from April 1998 to December 2002,
a total of 671 insects belonging 14 species under five orders have been examined, of which
128 insects comprising of four species were found to be infected with twelve species of
nematode parasites. Of these, four species of parasitic nematodes, namely, Hammerschmidtiella
diesingi (Hammerschmidt, 1838) Chitwood, 1932, Cameronia biovata Basir, 1948, Gryllophila
skrjabini (Sergiev, 1923) Basir, 1956 and G. basiri Parveen and Jairajpuri, 1981, under the
family Thelastomatidae are dealt herein with detailed descriptions and measurements. These
are being recorded for the first time from Andhra Pradesh. The occurrence of different
nematodes species in insect hosts of the State are also communicated hereunder.
Key words :Hammerschmidtiella
diesingi, Cameronia biovata, Gryllophila
skrjabini, G. basiri, nematode , insect, first record, occurrence
NEMATODE PARASITES OF INSECTS OF
ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA
Viswa Venkat Gantait and Amalendu Chatterjee
Zoological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata–700 053
ABSTRACT
The paper deals with the taxonomy, incidence, intensity of infection and distribution pattern
of all the marine wood-borers reported so far from Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It includes
18 species of molluscan and 9 species of crustacean wood-borers. A key to all the woodboring
species of these islands has been presented for the first time. Moreover, 3 species of
crustacean associates of these borers are also reported and effects of biofouling on the borers
are also discussed.
Key words : Marine
wood-borers, key to the species, biofouling, distribution
pattern.
MARINE WOOD-BORERS OF ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR
ISLANDS WITH KEY TO SPECIES
M. K. Dev Roy
Zoological Survey of India, Crustacea Section, 27 Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata-700016
ABSTRACT
Reduction of by-catch in two-seam overhang trawl was studied by using a square mesh
panels in forward part of upper belly and codend and comparison made with that of the
conventional two-seam overhang trawl. Fishing cruises were carried out randomly at depths
of between 24 m and 34 m isobaths in the inshore waters of Mangalore coast. Alternative
hauling technique was followed for maintaining similarity in towing direction, duration,
speed and depth of operation to minimize the possible errors between the trawls. The results
showed that the average by-catch was about 5.5 times lesser in two-seam overhang trawl
using a square mesh panels in forward part of upper belly and codend than conventional twoseam
hang trawl. However, the difference in reduction of by-catch in both conventional as
well as experimental trawls was not found to be statistically significant.
Key words : Two-seam
overhang trawl, square mesh panels, by-catch
REDUCTION OF BY-CATCH IN TWO–SEAM OVERHANG
TRAWL USING A SQUARE MESH PANELS IN FORWARD PART
OF UPPER BELLY AND CODEND
N. A. Talwar*, D. S. Sheshappa and B. Hanumanthappa.
Dept. of Fishery Engineering College of Fisheries (UAS), Mangalore–575002
ABSTRACT
Investigations were carried out to study the comparative impact of 28 mm square meshes and
diamond meshes in codends of High Opening Bottom Trawl (HOBT) on different sizes of
dominant fin fishes. The fishing trials were carried out through the M.F.V.Doplhin, a
13.26 m OAL wooden stern trawler, fitted with Ruston engine developing 102 BHP at 1800
r.p.m. of College of fisheries (UAS), Mangalore. Atlernative haul techniques were followed
under identical condition to provide the equal chance for both the trawls. The results shown
that the 50% of retention lengths of Mackerels, Pomfrets, Soles and Ribbon fishes ( Trichiurus
spp .) were comparatively
found better in high opening bottom trawl (HOBT) with 28 mm
mesh size square mesh codend and for clupeids ( Sardinella spp.) and Silver bellies (Leiognathus
spp.) were same in both the codends of square mesh and diamond mesh of same mesh size
in high opening bottom trawl (HOBT).
Key words :High
opening bottom trawl (HOBT), square mesh, diamond mesh,
finfishes and 50% of retention length
IMPACT OF USING SQUARE MESH CODEND WITH 28 MM
MESH SIZE IN HIGH OPENING BOTTOM TRAWL (HOBT) ON
FIN FISHES OFF MANGALORE
N. A. Talwar* and B. Hanumanthappa
College of Fisheries (UAS), Mangalore-575002
ABSTRACT
The term ‘co-operation’ signifies, "an outcome that, despite individual cost, is good in some
appropriate sense for the members of a group of two or more individuals, and whose
achievement requires collective action" (Mesterton and Dugatkin, 1992). From the essence of
Darwin’s (1859) revolutionary theory "survival of the fittest", imperial forces of the society
gave two words undue importance, that is, "competition" and "struggle", until Kropotkin
(1902) proposed that not only competition but co-operation is also there. Thus according to
neo-Darwinian concept "an animal acts co-operatively only if it does things that benefit its
fitness (in terms of survival and reproduction) both for itself and the recipient of its action"
(Hamilton, 1964). At least four different forms of co-operation could easily be emphasized
– ‘Altruism’, ‘Kin selection’, ‘Reciprocal altruism’ and ‘Game
theory’, which are thoroughly
discussed in the proper text. Co-operations are seen among a lot of individuals in activities
like ‘hunting’, ‘breeding’, ‘anti-predator behavior’, etc, in this animal
kingdom among which
"co-operative hunting" and "co-operative breeding" are mostly noteworthy to support the fact.
Key words : Co-operation,
cooperative hunting, cooperative breeding
CO-OPERATION AS AN EVOLUTIONARY CONSEQUENCE
Anulipi Aich, Utpal Singha Roy and S. K. Mukhopadhyay*
Government College of Engineering and Leather Technology,
LB Block, Sector-III, Kolkata-700 098.
ABSTRACT
The mice selected from inbreed colony were divided into two groups to evaluate radio
protective efficacy of Aloe vera leaf extract in intestine of Swiss albino mice (1g/kg body wt/
day). The first group was given Aloe vera orally for 15th consecutive day and served as
experimental group and other group received DDW (vol. equal to Aloe
vera). On the 15th day,
after 30 min. of above treatment animals of both the groups were exposed to 0.5 Gy gamma
radiation and autopsied on 6 hrs, 12 hrs, 24 hrs and day 5, 10 and 20. Mitotic figures, dead
cells and cells in crypt/crypt section of jejunum in animals of both control and experimental
groups were counted. Dead cells were completely absent in the experimental group. Mitotic
figures and crypt cell population were also higher in this group as compared with control
group. Thus, Aloe vera was found to have positive influence against radiation induced alterations
in intestine of Swiss albino mice.
Key words : Radiation,
Aloe vera, crypt, gamma irradiation, Swiss albino
mice
EVALUATION OF RADIOPROTECTIVE EFFICACY OF ALOE
VERA LEAF EXTRACT IN MOUSE INTESTINAL MUCOSA
AFTER LOW LEVEL EXPOSURE TO GAMMA RADIATION
PRASHASNIKA GEHLOT* AND P. K. GOYAL
Radiation and Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Zoology,
University of Rajasthan, Jaipur 302 004, India
ABSTRACT
The biochemical constituents, viz., protein, carbohydrate and lipid levels in the muscle tissue
of the fish Megalaspis cordyla has been studied in relation to the habitat conditions. Two
areas, i.e., Visakhapatnam harbour (St-1) receiving effluent discharges from different industries
and Bheemile coast at Gosthani estuary (St-2) devoid of industrial effluent discharges have
been chosen for the present study. The results showed that the protein, carbohydrate and lipid
levels in the samples of the fish collected from St-1 which is having considerable concentrations
of heavy metals (Zn, Pb and Cd) were less compared to those from St-2.
Key words : Aquatic pollution, Megalaspis cordyla, biochemical
constituents
A STUDY ON THE BIOCHEMICAL CONSTITUENTS IN THE
MUSCLE TISSUE OF MEGALASPIS CORDYLA IN RELATION
TO HABITAT CONDITIONS
V. A. Naidu, L. M. Rao and K. Ramaneswari
Dept. of Zoology, Andhra University, Visakhaptnam–5300003, Andhra Pradesh, India
e-mail: Imrao4547@ yahoomail.com; rama16_kr@yahoo.co.uk
ABSTRACT
Mebendazole is reported as a highly effective antihelminthic drug. This compound causes
mortality of the helminth parasites. In vitro administration of mebendazole lowered the total
protein content of Ceylonocotyle scoliocoelium, which is a common rumen trematode of
cattle. Death of the parasite after mebendazole treatment is supposed to be due to enzymatic
blockage of protein synthesis or due to activation of certain proteolytic substances. No change
of local lipid content is observed after mebendazole administration. Total protein and lipid of
C. scoliocoelium were estimated in spectrophotometry. Protein
bands were studied by SDSPAGE.
Key words : Mebendazole,
trematode, protein content, lipid content
INTRODUCTION
Trematode infection in cattle is widespread. C. scoliocoelium
is a common trematode
ESTIMATION OF PROTEIN AND LIPID OF CEYLONOCOTYLE
SCOLIOCOELIUM (TREMATODA) FOLLOWING
ADMINISTRAION OF MEBENDAZOLE UNDER
IN VITRO CONDITION
A. K. BORAL 1 AND S. MUKHERJEE2
1 Department of Zoology, Jogamaya Devi College, Kolkata 700 026
ABSTRACT
The early stages of blue butterfly Tarucus callinara Butler is studied in detail. The larvae
damage the wild beri Zizyphus jujuba Lamk. growing in wild places of Punjab. The variety
of the host plant infested by the butterfly species do not grow more than two feet in height.
The third and fourth instars show myrmecophily with the ants of Crematogastor
sp. The host
plants where ants available are preferred for oviposition by the female.
Key words : Lycaenidae, Polyommatinae, Tarucus, immature satges
OBSERVATIONS ON THE BIOLOGY OF SPOTTED PIERROT,
TARUCUS CALLINARA BUTLER (LEPIDOPTERA : LYCAENIDAE
: POLYOMMATINAE)
Avtar Kaur Sidhu
Lepidoptera Section, Zoological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata–700 053, India
ABSTRACT
During the course of field investigation in 1990s, six dry fish centres of Sundarban coast, viz.,
Jambudwip, Kalisthan, Sagar, Bakkhali, Fraserganj and Mousuni were visited over the years
in winter 2-3 times in a year. Post harvest dry fish production techniques dealing with sorting,
dissecting and drying of fishes, which are followed by the fisherfolk of this coast, were
observed and described in this paper. This fisherfolk of this coast still depend on primitive
and indigenous technology for drying fishes on the sun in the open courtyard. Reasons for
persisting of primitive methods have also been discussed.
Key words : Dry
fish, fisherfolk, fish meal, traditional technique
POST HARVEST DRY FISH PRODUCTION PROCESSES
OF SUNDARBAN COAST, WEST BENGAL
S. K. Pramanik and N. C. Nandi *
Social Environmental and Biological Association, H/4, Parui Government Housing Estate,
169, Biren Roy Road (West), Kolkata–700061
ABSTRACT
The state West Bengal has immense scope for fish production both from inland and marine
sectors for the reason that Fishermen's Co-operative Society was established in this state as
early as 1918 to enhance the fish production and at the same time to imporve the quality of
life of the fish farmers by organizing themselves. But, since its inception, the fish farmers are
suffering from constraints both in management and cultural aspects. So, a study was undertaken
to find out the main problems that co-operatives are experiencing. Fisheries co-operatives of
West Bengal are well known for their contribution to the development of small-scale fisheries.
The study unveiled that besides confronting with various problems the Fishermen's Cooperative
Societies working in the Noth 24-Paraganas district are successfully implementing
their planning at local level. Further, the Fishermen's Co-operative Societies can be one of the
thrust areas for fisheries development if Government and other voluntary organizations give
proper incentive in the functiong of the co-operatives especially in the management aspect.
Key words : Fishermen's
Co-operative Soceity
PREVAILING CONSTRAINTS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF
FISHERMEN'S CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETY IN WEST BENGAL
A. K. Panigrahi
Department of Fishery Extension, West Bengal University of Animal and
Fishery Sciences, Chakgaria, Kolkata-700 094
ABSTRACT
During the course of faunistic surveys in Andhra Pradesh from April 1998 to December 2002,
a total of 671 insects belonging 14 species under five orders have been examined, of which
128 insects comprising of four species were found to be infected with twelve species of
nematode parasites. Of these, four species of parasitic nematodes, namely, Hammerschmidtiella
diesingi (Hammerschmidt, 1838) Chitwood, 1932, Cameronia biovata Basir, 1948, Gryllophila
skrjabini (Sergiev, 1923) Basir, 1956 and G. basiri Parveen and Jairajpuri, 1981, under the
family Thelastomatidae are dealt herein with detailed descriptions and measurements. These
are being recorded for the first time from Andhra Pradesh. The occurrence of different
nematodes species in insect hosts of the State are also communicated hereunder.
Key words :Hammerschmidtiella
diesingi, Cameronia biovata, Gryllophila
skrjabini, G. basiri, nematode , insect, first record, occurrence
NEMATODE PARASITES OF INSECTS OF
ANDHRA PRADESH, INDIA
Viswa Venkat Gantait and Amalendu Chatterjee
Zoological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata–700 053
ABSTRACT
The paper deals with the taxonomy, incidence, intensity of infection and distribution pattern
of all the marine wood-borers reported so far from Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It includes
18 species of molluscan and 9 species of crustacean wood-borers. A key to all the woodboring
species of these islands has been presented for the first time. Moreover, 3 species of
crustacean associates of these borers are also reported and effects of biofouling on the borers
are also discussed.
Key words : Marine
wood-borers, key to the species, biofouling, distribution
pattern.
MARINE WOOD-BORERS OF ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR
ISLANDS WITH KEY TO SPECIES
M. K. Dev Roy
Zoological Survey of India, Crustacea Section, 27 Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata-700016
ABSTRACT
Reduction of by-catch in two-seam overhang trawl was studied by using a square mesh
panels in forward part of upper belly and codend and comparison made with that of the
conventional two-seam overhang trawl. Fishing cruises were carried out randomly at depths
of between 24 m and 34 m isobaths in the inshore waters of Mangalore coast. Alternative
hauling technique was followed for maintaining similarity in towing direction, duration,
speed and depth of operation to minimize the possible errors between the trawls. The results
showed that the average by-catch was about 5.5 times lesser in two-seam overhang trawl
using a square mesh panels in forward part of upper belly and codend than conventional twoseam
hang trawl. However, the difference in reduction of by-catch in both conventional as
well as experimental trawls was not found to be statistically significant.
Key words : Two-seam
overhang trawl, square mesh panels, by-catch
REDUCTION OF BY-CATCH IN TWO–SEAM OVERHANG
TRAWL USING A SQUARE MESH PANELS IN FORWARD PART
OF UPPER BELLY AND CODEND
N. A. Talwar*, D. S. Sheshappa and B. Hanumanthappa.
Dept. of Fishery Engineering College of Fisheries (UAS), Mangalore–575002
ABSTRACT
Investigations were carried out to study the comparative impact of 28 mm square meshes and
diamond meshes in codends of High Opening Bottom Trawl (HOBT) on different sizes of
dominant fin fishes. The fishing trials were carried out through the M.F.V.Doplhin, a
13.26 m OAL wooden stern trawler, fitted with Ruston engine developing 102 BHP at 1800
r.p.m. of College of fisheries (UAS), Mangalore. Atlernative haul techniques were followed
under identical condition to provide the equal chance for both the trawls. The results shown
that the 50% of retention lengths of Mackerels, Pomfrets, Soles and Ribbon fishes ( Trichiurus
spp .) were comparatively
found better in high opening bottom trawl (HOBT) with 28 mm
mesh size square mesh codend and for clupeids ( Sardinella spp.) and Silver bellies (Leiognathus
spp.) were same in both the codends of square mesh and diamond mesh of same mesh size
in high opening bottom trawl (HOBT).
Key words :High
opening bottom trawl (HOBT), square mesh, diamond mesh,
finfishes and 50% of retention length
IMPACT OF USING SQUARE MESH CODEND WITH 28 MM
MESH SIZE IN HIGH OPENING BOTTOM TRAWL (HOBT) ON
FIN FISHES OFF MANGALORE
N. A. Talwar* and B. Hanumanthappa
College of Fisheries (UAS), Mangalore-575002
ABSTRACT
The term ‘co-operation’ signifies, "an outcome that, despite individual cost, is good in some
appropriate sense for the members of a group of two or more individuals, and whose
achievement requires collective action" (Mesterton and Dugatkin, 1992). From the essence of
Darwin’s (1859) revolutionary theory "survival of the fittest", imperial forces of the society
gave two words undue importance, that is, "competition" and "struggle", until Kropotkin
(1902) proposed that not only competition but co-operation is also there. Thus according to
neo-Darwinian concept "an animal acts co-operatively only if it does things that benefit its
fitness (in terms of survival and reproduction) both for itself and the recipient of its action"
(Hamilton, 1964). At least four different forms of co-operation could easily be emphasized
– ‘Altruism’, ‘Kin selection’, ‘Reciprocal altruism’ and ‘Game
theory’, which are thoroughly
discussed in the proper text. Co-operations are seen among a lot of individuals in activities
like ‘hunting’, ‘breeding’, ‘anti-predator behavior’, etc, in this animal
kingdom among which
"co-operative hunting" and "co-operative breeding" are mostly noteworthy to support the fact.
Key words : Co-operation,
cooperative hunting, cooperative breeding
CO-OPERATION AS AN EVOLUTIONARY CONSEQUENCE
Anulipi Aich, Utpal Singha Roy and S. K. Mukhopadhyay*
Government College of Engineering and Leather Technology,
LB Block, Sector-III, Kolkata-700 098.
J.Environ & Sociobiol. 4(1):101-110 , 2007
ECOTOXICOLOGICAL IMPACTS ON SOME
INDIAN ECOSYSTEMS
A. K. Das
Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata-700 053
ABSTRACT
Ecotoxicology is an interdisciplinary field of study, intending to integrate both ecological and toxicological
effects of pollutants and contaminants on living organisms, populations and communities within the defined ecosystems. Ecotoxicological
studies on Indian ecosystems are fragmentary and scattered although this country is very rich in ecodiversity and biodiversity.
Based on major habitat classification as well as on geographical and geological features 10 ecosystems are recognised in India.
These are forests (16 types), grasslands (5 types), deserts (3 types), wetlands (10 types), mangroves, coral reefs, marine,
mountains, islands and ocean. However, for the convenience of assessing ecotoxicological impacts, Indian ecosystems are grouped
under two broad categories, viz., aquatic and terrestrial. For assessing ecotoxicological impacts on aquatic ecosystems of
this country those of the river Ganga were analysed, as an example, with additional dealings on marine ecosystems. Prime sources
of pollutants and toxicants on these ecosystems, viz., industrial emissions, municipal effluents and agricultural run off
and their impacts on aquatic communities are discussed. Ecotoxicological impacts on terrestrial ecosystems are also dealt
with in similar fashion with special reference to high altitude ecosystems. Need for future research on this aspect is highlighted
in the concluding remarks of this communication.
Key words : Ecotoxicology, ecosystem, pollutants, contaminants, toxicants
ASSESSMENT OF ECOTOXICOLOGICAL IMPACTS
Debkumar Datta
Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda Centenary College
Rahara (Khardah), Kolkata 700118.
ABSTRACT
The present study primarily limits to toxicity studies on some
animal models. One of the well referred pioneer work dates back to that of Duodroff et al. (1951), in which acute toxicity
impacts of industrial wastes on fishes were accounted. For designing experiments, principles to be based on are accounted
in the book of Frederick Sperling (1984). Log-probit analysis (Sprague 1971 and Finney 1971 vide Datta, 1996), applied for
bioassay studies like LC50 or LD50 assessment, can be programmed in computer (Datta and Sinha 1987 and Datta 1996). Toxicity
studies in aquatic systems can be arranged as static bioassay or flow-system bioassay. Comparative studies of acute and chronic
toxicity are in reports per se. Quantal effects are recorded simultaneously. Behavioural changes due to toxic exposure are
also recorded.
Depending on the doses toxicity thresholds are designed as slightly toxic, moderately toxic, etc. Impacts
of toxicity are recorded at histopathological, biochemical and genetic levels. Genotoxic studies were earlier recorded by
chromosomal changes at different stages of cell cycle, depending on the specimen. Such studies at DNA level are now-a-days
conducted by Comet assay. Biomonitoring studies can also be another measure.
Key words : Biomonitoring, LC50, toxicants,
entry, tolerance, storage and translocation, effect and response, dose response relationship, synergism, behavioural change,
bioassay, comet assay.
CYTOTOXICITY OF PLATINATED ANTICANCER DRUG ON BONE MARROW CELL OF SWISS ALBINO MICE AND ITS
MODULATION BY AN ANTIFUNGAL AGENT
Abhijit Bandyopadhyay and Samar Chakrabarti
Cancer Cytogenetics Unit; Zoology Department,
Burdwan University, West Bengal
ABSTRACT
Antitumor drugs generally exert toxic side effects on normal non-target
tissues along with their tumoricidal activities. Preassessment of drug toxicity manifested in the form of clastogenicity is
of value in monitoring various therapeutic modalities. In this paper an attempt has been made to evaluate the cytotoxic efficacy
of a platinated compound, carboplatin on bone marrow (BM) cells of normal (non-tumor) and tumor bearing mice. The objective
of the study was to find out the nature and extent of carboplatin cytotoxicity in an in vivo system and to explore the role
of an antifungal agent in modulating the drug induced cytotoxicity in bone marrow cells of normal and tumor mice. The study
was made on a mouse tumor model, viz., Ehrlich’s carcinoma maintained in vivo in random bred (sex and age matched)
mice of Swiss albino origin. The cytotoxic potential of the drug was assessed considering chromosome aberrations (CAs) as
end point, which only represent double strand-DNA breaks.
The observation made from the metaphase spreads and a comparison
of the data with parallel control revealed the high cytotoxic potential of carboplatin on bone marrow cells of the mice (both
non-tumor and tumor bearing). Other agent exerted a restricted modulating effect when it was administered simultaneously with
the carboplatin injection. The drug-experienced specimens were processed accordingly for studying mitotic index and chromosome
aberrations to find out a corelation, if any, between mitotic indices and chromosome aberrations. The results were compared
with the drug vehicle injected control in one hand and with tumor bearing mice on the other. The discussions were made on
modulating nature of the different agents and the influence of tumor load in the process.
Key words : Cytotoxicity, chromosome
aberrations, anticancer drug, modulation, antifungal agent
ASPECTS OF REGULATORY GENOTOXICITY OF CHEMICALS IN
MAMMALIAN CELLS
Sumita Bajpai
Hooghly Women’s College, Hooghly-712103, West Bengal
ABSTRACT
Regulatory
Genotoxicity Tests are applicable for pharmaceuticals, in general. International Workshop on Stardardisation of Genotoxicity
Test Procedures (1993) has given specific guidelines to be considered for mutagenicity or carcinogenicity of a chemical to
mammalian cells. Bacterial reverse mutation test, greater than 50% reduction in cell number and 80% toxicity measured by assessment
of cloning efficiency at highest concentration are the levels of cytotoxicity to be considered. Recent review has pointed
that Unscheduled DNA Synthesis Test is also suitable to detect false positive result. Differences of active metabolites produced
in in vivo and in vitro situations can be implied as one parameter for regulatory genotoxicity as genotoxicity is the broad
term that refers to any deleterious change in genetic material.
Contamination of the environment with different types
of insecticides is one of the greatest concern of human health of these days. It has been estimated by mutagenic tests that
some of the common insecticides are strongly genotoxic. Chromosome aberrations, sister chromatid exchanges, gene mutations
and death of cells are the common findings of investigations of genotoxicity. Alkylating compounds are always mutagenic and
organophosphorous insecticides are the important compounds to be carcinogenic after alkylation. Cytotoxicity of some common
insecticides will be discussed here along with the aspects of regulatory genotoxicity tests.
Key words : Genotoxicity,
cytotoxicity, chromosome aberrations, gene mutations
PHYSICO-CHEMICAL AND BIOGENIC POLLUTION STUDIES OF GROUND
WATER AND RELATED ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF BANKURA, WEST BENGAL
Samir Kumar Roy
Department
of Chemistry, Bankura Christian College, Bankura-722101, West Bengal
ABSTRACT
The present study deals with the
drinking water quality in different blocks of Bankura district, West Bengal. To obtain an overall assessment of the water
quality in the district, as many as 350 samples of ground water were collected from different spot sources of the problem
areas of the district during 2003-2004. An attempt has also been made to investigate data linkage correlation of morbidity
and mortality in relation to bacteriological quality of water.
Key words : Drinking Water quality, coliform
ENDOCRINE
DISRUPTING CHEMICALS (EDCS)—A MENACE OF INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION
Saurabh Chakraborty
Department of Zoology,
Jhargram Raj College
Jhargram–721507, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal
ABSTRACT
Endocrine Disrupting
Chemicals (EDCs) are exogenous substances or mixtures that interfere with the function(s) of the endocrine system and consequently
cause adverse health effects in an intact organism or its progeny or (sub) populations. Several field and laboratory studies
have shown that exposure to certain EDCs has contributed to adverse effects in some wildlife species and populations. These
effects vary from subtle changes in the physiology and sexual behaviour of species to permanently altered sexual differentiation.
Most of the data comes from Europe and North America. Aquatic species at the top of the food chain are most affected, but
effects have also been observed in terrestrial species. Some adverse effects observed in certain species are likely to be
endocrine mediated, but in most cases, the causal link between exposure and endocrine disruption is unclear. To date, essentially
all researches on EDCs have been driven by effects (or purported effects), many of which have caused public concern and made
sensationalist stories in the media. Thus, for example, the possible decrease in sperm counts was very influential in highlighting
the human issues, while intersex fish helped to highlight the wildlife aspects of the EDC issue. This is an extremely slow
(and costly) way of scientific investigation. When an effect is observed, research is then carried out to determine the cause.
As our understanding of the environment is very incomplete, there will always be a role for approaching many issues in this
way. However, it would be more logical to start with a chemical and make an assessment of what effects, if any, it will induce.
Key words : Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC), mechanism of disruption, agonistic effect, antagonistic effect.
CADMIUM
CHLORIDE STRESS IN RATTUS SP.
Sukanya Dutta and T. K. Mandal
Department of Zoology, Malda College, Malda, West Bengal
ABSTRACT
Cadmium is found at low concentration in the Earth’s crust, mainly as sulphide in mineral deposits.
Since the earliest 20th century it has been used in a variety of applications. The scientific communities have drawn attention
to the potential toxicity of cadmium and to the risk presented by its accumulation in man.
In the present study, considerable
efforts have been given to observe the histological changes of some important organs and serological implications of CdCl2
toxicity on a mammalian system. The study was carried out on common white rats, Rattus sp. Histopathological observation under
CdCl2 stress reveals the hepatocytic necrosis, neuropathy and polycystic ovary syndrome. Serological study suggests that cadmium
binds with the RBC during transportation and causes damage to RBC membrane.
Key words : Cadmium chloride stress, histopathological
changes, serological implications
CHEMICAL POLLUTANTS AND ITS EFFECTS ON FISH PHYSIOLOGY WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE
TO ACCUMULATION, ABSORPTION AND EXCRETION
Apurba Ratan Ghosh, Sandipan Pal and Aloke Kumar Mukherjee
Department of
Environmental Science,
University of Burdwan, Burdwan, West Bengal
ABSTRACT
Water pollution that alters the
chemical composition, temperature, dissolved oxygen, or microbial composition of water and affects aquatic organisms including
fishes has implications on human health, both directly and indirectly. The xenobiotics or contaminants come in contact with
fishes through water or the natural food available in the medium. The chemical pollutants including heavy metals, once absorbed
via gills or gut, undergo metabolism and finally absorbed through the epithelial cells, then usually bound to a protein and
then transported by the blood to either storage point, such as, fat, or to the liver for transformation and/ or storage then
excreted in the bile, or passed back into the blood for possible excretion by the kidney or gills. Harmful chemicals have
different mode of actions and may tend to act on certain organs or physiological functions, usually more than one being affected.
Fishes are exposed to both bioconcentration and biomagnification from eating lower on the food chain. Environmental hypoxia,
i.e., lower air saturation level is one of the important thrust to both freshwater and marine fishes where oxygen concentration
varies with depth, temperature, salinity, productivity, nutrient enrichment, meteorological conditions and plankton blooms.
Environmental hypoxia or exposure to other chemical pollutants can induce a reduction in number of fish erythrocytes or inadequate
amount of hemoglobin in the cells resulted in anemia. Cadmium causes anemia in a variety of fish species also. The most metals
are absorbed by fishes in the ionic form except methylmercury. The outer surface of gills and intestinal tissues is a negative
charge; therefore, it will attract metallic ions. The affinity of metals in the specific tissue is determined by the micro-environment
of the tissue surface, viz., the mucosal surface of fishes is complex one, because it includes the epithelial membranes as
well as mucous layer, encompassing a mixture of glycoproteins, mucopolysaccharides, assorted low molecular weight compounds
and water. Uptake as well as accumulation of metals is directly correlated with pH of the luminal medium. The proximal portion
of the intestine possesses more absorptive surface area where the lipophilic toxic metals are assimilated in much quantity.
In the intestine metal accumulation is largely associated with plasma albumin and lipoproteins. The mechanism of metal uptake
through the gut has been assumed to be simple diffusion and biotransformation of chemicals before excretion may be a process
of passive diffusion.
Key words : Xenobiotics, bioconcentration, biomagnification, biotransformation environmental hypoxia
PESTICIDE POPS, THEIR IMPACTS AND SUSTAINABLE
DEVELOPMENT : A SYNTHESIS
F. B. Mandal, Anindita Mitra and
S. K. Maitra*
Department of Zoology, Bankura Christian College, P.O. & Dist : Bankura, West Bengal
ABSTRACT
A number of toxic and persistent chemicals are used as essential materials for agricultural development and protection
against insect-borne human diseases. An International Register of Potentially Toxic Chemical of UNEP has recorded a total
of four million chemicals, both anthropogenic and natural, including those produced through biological processes. In addition,
30,000 new chemical compounds each year are also documented. Among these, 60,000–70,000 commonly used chemicals
are present in air, water and food. Some chemicals are potentially toxic. On entering living organisms, toxins even in very
dilute concentration cause malfunctioning
of vital activities and eventually lead to impaired health and even unwanted
death of the organisms. Toxins exert their effects at subcellular-, cellular-, system-, individual-, species-, population-,
community- and ecosystem levels. Toxic and persistent chemicals undoubtedly require management for protecting the life support
system on earth.
The Stockholm Convention (2004) on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) sets out control measures for
12 chemicals, the so called “dirty dozen”. Since the Stockholm Conference, the global chemical industry
has grown almost nine folds and an annual growth rate of about 3 percent is expected to continue over the next three decades,
with a considerable increase in trade as reported by OECD. Assuming the future of current trends of development, the World
Commission on Environment and Development in 1987 launched the concept of sustainable development as “development
that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”.
Thanks to biotechnologist for their innovations, solutions to some toxicological problems through genetically improved
crops are currently available. But the goal of making our environment free from the man-made chemical hazards is yet to reach.
The present communication attempts to examine all the relevant information including policy level actions to identify the
future works for combating the pesticide POPs (viz., DDT, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, chlordane, heptachlor, mirex and toxaphane)
imposed problems considering both holistic and reductionism approaches for ensuring sustainable development.
Key words
: Persidtent organic pollutant, pesticide, toxins
PLANT-PLANT BIOCHEMICAL ANTAGONISM
R. K. Bhakat1*, A. Bhattacharjee2
and U. K. Kanp1
1Department of Botany and Forestry, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore 721102, West Bengal
E.mail :
rkbhakat@rediffmail.com
ABSTRACT
The present study shows that seed pretreatment of Mimosa with various concentrations
of Lantana leaf extracts and leaf leachates for 24 hours duration reduced percentage germination, speed of seed germination
and field emergence capacity. Levels of insoluble carbohydrate and protein and activities of catalase and dehydrogenase enzymes
were significantly reduced in seed samples pretreated with leaf extracts and leaf leachates of Lantana. Seedling performance
was found to be much poor when they were raised from seeds which underwent pretreatment with the plant extracts and leachates.
This was measured in terms of root length, shoot length, total leaf area, fresh weight and dry weight of plants. Leaf extract
and leaf leachate-induced reduced germinability and suppressed activities of catalase and dehydrogenase enzymes being the
important phytotoxic indices, it can be concluded that Lantana can potentially render phytotoxic action on Mimosa.
Key
words : Lantana camara, Mimosa pudica, phytotoxicity.
ECOLOGY AND ECOSYSTEM SERVICES OF SOME SELECTED WETLANDS
OF PURULIYA DISTRICT, WEST BENGAL
N. C. Nandi and Mousumi Roy
Zoological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata–700
053
ABSTRACT
Three important wetlands of Puruliya district, West Bengal, viz., Indrabil near Indrabil Station,
Saheb bundh of Puruliya town and Adra reservoir of Adra town have been selected and surveyed for ecological and hydrobiological
study. These are freshwater wetlands and serve as important waterfowl habitats. The present paper deals with physiographical
features, vegetation profile, limnological conditions, faunal resources (177 species under 67 families) and ecosystem services
of these wetlands. The ecosystem goods and services offered by these three wetlands are enumerated. Based on the bioindicator
species that are pollution sensitive, pollution tolerant, pollution resistant, an average BMWP (Bio Monitoring Working Party)
score has been determined for these three wetlands. In overall, these three wetlands are in moderate state of pollution and
among them Indrabil is comparatively clean or less polluted.
Key words : Ecology, ecosystem services, wetlands, West Bengal
CRUSTACEAN COMMUNITY AND ECOSYSTEM HEALTH OF SOME SELECTED WETLANDS OF WEST BENGAL
M. K. Dev Roy, Mousumi
Roy* and N. C. Nandi*
Zoological Survey of India, 27 Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata–700016
ABSTRACT
Crustaceans are primarily aquatic organisms. They are mostly marine but there are many freshwater species inhabiting ponds,
lakes, streams and rivers and occupy a basic position in aquatic food chain. In the present paper, crustacean communities
of four selected wetlands of West Bengal, namely, Rabindra Sarovar, Nalban, Brace Bridge Nature Park and Mirik Lake have been
studied. All these four water bodies are freshwater wetlands. Among these, Nalban and Brace Bridge Nature Park are sewage
fed wetlands. Crustacean community of these wetlands is comprised of Cladocera, Copepoda, Ostracoda, Conchostraca, Amphipoda,
Isopoda and Decapoda. The list includes 36 species of zooplankton and macrozoobenthos. The study reveals highest representation
of crustacean diversity in Rabindra Sarovar. Data obtained on water quality as well as general ecological parameters suggest
that highest crustacean diversity is associated with habitat ecology, niche diversity, naturalness and ecosystem health of
the wetlands.
Key words : Crustacean community, ecosystem health, wetlands, bioindicator
PLAY BEHAVIOUR IN
FREE-LIVING LANGUR (SEMNOPITHECUS ENTELLUS) INFANTS
P. S. Bhatnagar* and R. Mathur
Department of Zoology, University
of Rajasthan, Jaipur 302004, INDIA
ABSTRACT
Play behaviour in free-living langurs has been studied at Ambagarh
Reserve Forest, near Jaipur, India using focal sampling (Altmann, 1974) for 317 hours on a unimale group of langurs of 102
individuals. Infants were classified as young (dark pelage, birth < 6 months) and old (grey pelage, 6 months to 12-15 months).
Observations were recorded in 3 states: infant with mother (state 0), infant less than 2 feet away from mother (state 1) and
infant more than 2 feet away from mother (state 2). Unlike old infants, young infants played while on mother and old infants
played away from mother and in state 2, play alone, play with other infant and play with juvenile differed significantly (c2
= 18.01, df = 2, p < 0.01). Both natural and sexual selection seem to have played a role. Those patterns have evolved,
which are adaptive. Play is replaced by grooming (which strengthens social bonding) in non-human primate and socialization
in humans.These traits help in selecting potential mates. Comparison of human and langur infants indicates that young langur
infants are comparable to 1st year and toddlers while old langur infants are similar in play profile to pre-schoolars and
elementary . Influences of habitat quality on play behaviour in primates have been discussed.
Key words : Comparative
play, infant, langur, human, habitat quality.
PRE AND POST ICE AGE ENVIRONMENTAL
FACTORS AND MODERN MAN
Dipak
Ray
Taki Goverment College, Taki-743429, 24 Parganas (North), West Bengal
ABSTRACT
Homo sapiens (Modern man)
made his first appearance on earth during the Pleistocence ice age and ultimately spreads out to occupy all the world's major
landmasses. The ice age was a period of wide climate variation, with all the contienents experiencing frequent alternations
and extremes of heat and cold, rain and drought, far sharper than recorded in recent centuries, Man's unique adaptability
in the face of such violent environmental change was undoubtly a crucial factor both for his survival and his gradually developing
dominance over others species.
Using a complex variety of analytical techniques, it is now possible to reconstruct at
least some aspects of the earth's climate as far as the Precambrian era, more than 3000 million years ago. On the basis of
the available records it is suggested that climatic conditions of the pre-ice age was favourable for the origin of Homo sapiens
and related group from ape-like hominids in Africa, who were used to use weapons to kill their prey, even before the ice-age
began.
Key words : Ice age, environments, Homo sapiens, Homo erectus
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 4(2) : 119-138, 2007
A REVIEW OF PACHYNEURON SPECIES (HYMENOPTERA : PTEROMALIDAE) OF MIDDLE EAST
T. C. Narendran, S. Santhosh, Abhilash
Peter, M. Sheeba, and M. C. Jilcy
Systematic Entomology Laboratory,
Department of Zoology,
University of Calicut, Kerala, 673
635, India
ABSTRACT
The Pachyneuron
species of Middle East countries are reviewed. Six new species from Yemen, viz., Pachyneuron neosolitarium Narendran
sp. nov., P. tonyi Narendran & Santhosh sp. nov., P. fomium Narendran & Abhilash sp.
nov., P. remosum Narendran & Sheeba sp. nov., P. stom Narendran & Jilcy sp. nov. and
P. danium Narendran sp. nov. are described. All known species are commented upon. A key to species of
Middle East countries are also included.
Key words : Chalcidoidea, Pteromalidae, Pachyneuron, Taxonomy, New Species, Review, Key, Middle East
J.
Environ. & Sociobiol. : 4(2) : 139-147, 2007
TWO NEW SPECIES OF PLANT PARASITIC NEMATODES ASSOCIATED WITH BANANA PLANTATIONS FROM WEST BENGAL, INDIA
Viswa Venkat Gantait*, Tanmaya Bhattacharya** and Amalendu Chatterjee
Nemathelminthes Section, Zoological Survey of India,
M-Block, New Alipur, Kolkata-700053, West Bengal,
India
ABSTRACT
Two new species of phytophagous nematodes belonging
to order Tylenchida are described and illustrated. The proposed new species Hirschmanniella mannai n. sp. and
Helicotylenchus medinipurensis n. sp. were collected from banana plantations of Paschim Medinipur district of
West Bengal, India. Hirschmanniella mannai comes close to H. gracilis (De Man, 1880) Luc &
Goodey, 1963 but differs from it significantly in the values of L, b, b´ and O. Besides, the stylet length, the location of
excretory pore and the length of spicule are also different. Helicotylenchus medinipurensis resembles with H.
tunisiensis Siddiqi, 1963 and H. belli Sher, 1966 by the truncate lip region, total body length and tail shape
but shows marked differences from H. tunisiensis in the values of a, b, c and O and from H. belli in the values
of a, b´, c, c´, m and O. Besides, stylet length, shape of stylet knob and location of phasmid in the proposed species also
differ from both the closely related species.
Key words : Tylenchid nematodes, Hirschmanniella
mannai n. sp., Helicotylenchus medinipurensis n. sp., banana plantation, West Bengal.
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 4(2) : 149-153,
2007
A NEW SPECIES OF ORASEMA CAMERON (HYMENOPTERA : EUCHARITIDAE) OF INDIAN SUBCONTINENT
P. Girish Kumar and T. C. Narendran*
Zoological
Survey of India, ‘M’- Block, New Alipore, Kolkata-700 053, India.
E-mail : k_p_girish@yahoo.co.in
ABSTRACT
A new species of Orasema Cameron, viz.,
O. nirupama Girish Kumar and Narendran sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Kerala, India. Affinities of the
species with its closest relatives are discussed. A checklist of species of Orasema Cameron of Indian subcontinent
is also provided.
Key
words : Orasema, new species, Eucharitidae
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 4(2) : 155-162, 2007
TWO NEW SEPTATE GREGARINES QUADRUSPINOSPORA hieroglyphae sp.
n. AND GLOBULOCEPHALUS euconocephalae sp. n. IN GRASSHOPPERS FROM SUNDARBAN
REGION OF WEST BENGAL, INDIA
Sudip Mandal and Rupendu Ray*
Post Graduate Department of Zoology, Presidency College
86/1 College
Street, Kolkata–700 073, West Bengal, India.
ABSTRACT
Morphology and life history of two new septate gregarines (Apicomplexa : Conoidasida) Quadruspinospora hieroglyphae
sp. n. and Globulocephalus euconocephalae sp. n. from grasshoppers, Hieroglyphus banian and Euconocephalus
pallidus respectively from Sundarban regions of West Bengal have been described.
Key words :
Septate gregarine, Quadruspinospora, Globulocephalus, Grasshopper, Sundarban Regions.
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 4(2) : 163-168, 2007
Variation of group diversity in soil microarthropod community at different
altitudes in the Darjeeling Himalayas,
West Bengal, India
M. N. Moitra, A. K. Sanyal and S. Chakrabarti*
Zoological Survey
of India, New Alipore, Kolkata-700 053
Abstract
Soil samples were collected from
eight sites with an approximate altitudinal gap of 500 m in the Darjeeling Himalaya in West Bengal. Microarthropods collected
from soil were divided into four major groups, viz., oribatid mites, other mites, collembola and other microarthropods.
Monthly and yearly group diversity of four groups of soil microarthropods were calculated using Shannon’s diversity
index. Monthly group diversity was found to be negatively correlated with the abundance in most places. Correlation was also
traced between some edaphic factors and group diversity. Temperature, moisture and pH were found to have some prominent impact
on group diversity in some sites. Organic carbon showed no significant correlation probably because of its presence in sufficient
quantity in soil. Both monthly and yearly group diversity were highest in the Tiger Hill.
Key words : Soil microarthropod, group diversity, edaphic factors, altitudes.
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 4(2) : 169-192, 2007
BRACHYURAN DIVERSITY IN COASTAL ECOSYSTEMS
OF TAMIL NADU
M. K. Dev Roy and N. C. Nandi
Zoological Survey of India,
27 Jawaharlal Nehru Road,
Kolkata-700016 (Email : malay_7@rediffmail.com)
Abstract
Diversity of brachyuran crabs of
coastal ecosystems of Tamil Nadu is documented and critically analysed. The crabs reported so far from these ecosystems comprise
of 344 species belonging to 154 genera under 23 families. Highest diversity of species has been observed at Gulf of Mannar
(195 species) followed by Chennai coast (169 species), Palk Bay (98 species) and Parangipettai coast (84 species), while highest
diversity of species has been encountered in the family Xanthidae (56 species) followed by Portunidae (53 species), Leucosidae
(41 species), Majidae (36 species), Grapsidae (32 species) and Ocypodidae (19 species). Zoogeographical distribution of these
species has been discussed along with endemicity. Amongst these crabs, 254 species are widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific
region, 57 species are confined to the Indian Ocean and 25 species to Bay of Bengal. Habitat-wise distribution of 140 species
of crabs has revealed the occurrence of 61 species in coral reef, followed by 40 species in mangroves, 23 species in backwater
and 13 species in sandy habitats of this state. List of new taxa described so far from the state has also been given.
Key words : Brachyuran
diversity, Tamil Nadu coasts, Zoogeographical distribution, Habitat-wise distribution
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 4(2) : 193-198,
2007
A COMPARATIVE TAXONOMIC ACCOUNT OF FOUR COMPOSTING EARTHWORMS WITH NOTES ON THE POSSIBILITY OF USE OF PERIONYX
SANSIBARICUS (OLIGOCHAETA : ANNELIDA) IN VERMICOMPOSTING INDUSTRY
S. Mitra and A. Misra
Zoological Survey of India, F.P.S Building, 27 J. L. Nehru
Road, Kolkata-700016
ABSTRCT
Vermiculture and vermicomposting are now globally recognized sustainable
livelihood activities related to sustainable organic farming. Selected species of earthworms have been used for vermicomposting
purpose. So far three species, namely, Eisenia foetida (Savigny), Eudrilus eugeniae (Kinberg) and Perionyx
excavatus Perrier, are widely used in vermicomposting activities. Of these three species, Eisenia foetida is originated
from Europe, Eudrilus eugeniae from Africa and Perionyx excavatus is cosmopolitan in distribution. In this communication
another species of earthworm, viz, Perionyx sansibaricus Michaelsen is reported as a prospective worm for use
in commercial vermicomposting in semi-arid regions of West Bengal (Bankura, Purulia and West Midnapore districts) based on
some earlier stray records as well as successful culture of this species by a farmer of West Bengal for such usage.
Key
Words : Vermicomposting; comparative taxonomy; Perionyx
sansibaricus
J.
Environ. & Sociobiol. : 4(2) : 199-204, 2007
Culture of Penaeus monodon using plant based additives in Indian Sundarbans
Arunava Mukherjee1, Banani Mandal1,
Abhijit Mitra2 and Kakoli Banerjee3
1Department of Zoology, University of Calcutta, 35, B. C. Road, Kolkata 700 019
ABSTRACT
Culture
of Penaeus monodon occupies a dominating sector in Indian brackish water
aquaculture and proper feed is the most important criteria in getting beneficial returns from shrimp culture. To evaluate
the efficiency of feed, mixed with specially formulated plant feed additives with respect to shrimp growth, survival, production,
feed conversion ratio and pond environment, experimental monoculture of Penaeus monodon (with stocking density 5 nos./m2), was carried
out in two different islands (Chotomollakhali and Bali) of Indian Sundarbans. The shrimps were harvested at the end of 93
days and a production of 823.61 kg/ha and 952.20 kg/ha was obtained in the islands Chotomollakhali and Bali respectively.
Key
words : Additives, monoculture, growth,
production, Penaeus monodon.
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 4(2) : 205-208, 2007
A comparative study of the growth of post larvae of Macrobrachium
rosenbergii using a commercial diet and laboratory prepared feeds
Bindu L and
Joby K. Jose1
Zoological Survey of India, M Block, New Alipore, Kolkata
ABSTRACT
The effect of a
commercial feed with three other laboratory formulated diets on the growth of M. rosenbergii was compared. Different
feeds were prepared by replacement of animal protein in each diet, such as, clam meat (F1), prawn waste (F2)
and fish meal (F3). Three other common
ingredients in the prepared feed were elodea powder, groundnut oil cake and rice bran. The prawn waste based feed (F2) was found to be the best feed for the effective growth of M.
rosenbergii. Also the growth was found to be significant at 1% level (p < 0.01) between different feeds.
Key words : M. rosebergii, animal protein, plant protein
J.
Environ. & Sociobiol. : 4(2) : 209-214, 2007
INCREASED
SILK PRODUCTION BY EFFECTIVE TREATMENT OF NATURALLY INFECTED ROOT-KNOT AND BLACK LEAF SPOT DISEASES OF MULBERRY WITH ACACIASIDES
Subhas Chandra Datta1,* and Rupa Datta(Nag) 2
1Eco-Club Research Unit, Kanchannagar D. N. Das High School, Kanchannagar, Burdwan 713102, West
Bengal, India.
Abstract
Eight plots of sericulture land (0.176ha), each of 0.0022 ha, were
grown with high bush mulberry plants of Morus alba L. (cv.S1) naturally infected with Meloidogyne
incognita (Kofoid & White) Chitwood causing root-knot disease and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penzig) Penzig
& Sacc. causing black leaf spot disease of mulberry. Acaciasides isolated from the funicles of Acacia auriculiformis
A. Cunn. is highly effective at a low dose of 1.6 mg / plant in ameliorating the root-knot and black leaf spot diseases. Acaciasides
soluble in water and applied by foliar spray and soil drench has increased the protein content of mulberry leaves. Silkworm
larvae (Bombyx mori L.) feeding on the leaves of treated plants showed improved growth, increased silk production,
fewer feeding to cocoon formation and zero mortality rate.
Key words : Mulberry, root-knot, black leaf spot,
silkworm, silk
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 4(2) : 215-221, 2007
Allelopathic effects of Amaranthus
U. K. Kanp,
R. K. Bhakat*, R. K. Das and A. Bhattacharjee1
Department of
Botany and Forestry, Vidyasagar University, Midnapore-721 102,
West Bengal, India E-mail : rkbhakat@rediffmail.com
Abstract
Allelopathic effects
of Amaranthus spinosus on normal and forcedly aged seeds were established from some reliable physiological and biochemical
parameters. Leaf extract and leachate of Amaranthus strongly reduced the percentage and speed of germination in both
acceleratedly aged and non-aged seeds. While sugar and amino acid levels were rapidly increased in the leachate of seeds pretreated
with leaf extract and leachate, protein and RNA levels and catalase and dehydrogenase activities were significantly reduced.
Inhibitory action was much more prominent in aged seed samples than nonaged ones. The present paper thus discusses this differential
allelopathic action at normal and stressful (accelerated ageing) conditions.
Key words : allelopathy, Amaranthus spinosus, horse gram, leaf extract, leaf leachate
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 4(2) : 223-228, 2007
Development and Good Governance : A Sociological Appraisal
Subhash Biswas
Department of
Sociology, SRL Mahavidyalaya, Majdia, Nadia, West Bengal
E : sbiswas2k@gmail.com
Abstract
We are now well
aware that our so called development and progress have failed to solve some serious and prime problems of mankind like eradication
of poverty, equitable sharing of resources, etc. Rather, execution of most of our developmental programmes endangers
our future generations through excessive degradation of earth’s resources and pollution of environment. In this context,
achievement of sustainable development is a great challenge facing mankind. To achieve this, existing governance requires
to be replaced by good governance in its actual spirit. Good governance is participatory, consensus oriented, accountable,
transparent, responsive, and inclusive and follows the rule of law. It assures that corruption is minimized, views of all,
more particularly of minorities are taken into account and voices of the most vulnerable section in the society are heard
in decision-making.
Experiences from
Andhra Pradesh reveal that indiscriminate development in the state along with bad governance minimizes the access to the natural
resources. Various intervention by the state to raise revenues have resulted in breakdown of the support base of the poor,
leading to the immense hardship to the vulnerable section of the society because of limited substitution facilities available
for alternative sources of their livelihood.
Kerala experiences
suggest that environmental management treats pollution and erosion issues as trade-off in the negotiation with entrepreneurs
or government organizations. Economic modernization of such type brings with it an alienation that separates people from one
another as well as from nature. This is also detrimental to the environment.
Good governance is ideal but
difficult to achieve in its totality. Even then, actions must be taken to achieve this goal in order to ensure sustainable
human development. One must keep in mind that development is meaningless unless it invites all people to participate in programmes
and offers an open call with all sorts of transparency.
Key words :
Sustainable development, equitable sharing of resources, environmental management, good governance, environmental
crisis
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 4(2) : 229-236, 2007
Environmental Accounting : A Pre-requisite for Sustainable Development
Hirak Roy
Department of Commerce, S. r. Lahiri Mahavidyalaya, Majdia, Nadia
Email : hirak1@yahoo.co.in
Abstract
Conventional accounting procedure provides a dubius picture about the business of any institution as it falls short
in providing information about the qualitative aspects (in quantitative terms) in general and environmental aspects in particular.
Environmental aspects include natural resources, work environment, academic environment, administration environment, etc.
To fill up this gap environmental accounting is necessary to provide above information to the concerned stake holders of the
institution to make them conscious about their environment for sustainable development.
In this context, an attempt is made here to show inadequacies of general accounting procedures that are being used
in all types of institution. In addition, a microstudy is made and a model is presened to exhibit how institutions can present
environmental accounts that are required for any institution which are interested and/or concerned about sustainable environment.
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 4(2) : 237-240, 2007
Prospect of ECOTOURISM IN BAKKHALI COAST,
WEST BENGAL
Rumpa Das and S. C. Santra
Department of Environmental Science, Kalyani University, Nadia, West
Bengal
Abstract
Tourism is a new category of industrial
development which often damages the environment unless adequate safeguard is taken up. Coastal tourism in Bakkhali beach is
not an exception. In the present communication an attempt has been made to address the issues of implementing ecotourism programme
in Bakkhali area.
Key words : Bakkhali beach, ecotourism, tourist facilities, tourist development
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 4(2) : 241-244, 2007
ESTIMATION OF TOTAL HEXOSE AND PENTOSE OF TWO DIGENETIC TREMATODES,
Gastrothylax crumenifer and Ceylonocotyle scoliocoelium
A. K. Boral
Reader, Department of Zoology, Jogamaya
Devi College, Kolkata 700 026
ABSTRACT
Gastrothylax
crumenifer and Ceylonocotyle
scoliocoelium are two common rumen trematode parasites of cattle. Saccharides play essential roles in this anaerobic habitat
to maintain physiological activity. Hexose and pentose help in synthesis of co-enzymes and nucleic acids respectively. Present
comparative estimations of hexose and pentose of two species suggest that variations may be due to variable up-take capacity
or variable in metabolic activities.
Key words : Hexose, Pentose, rumen, trematode, TCA.
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(1) : 1-6, 2008
A PROFILE OF SERICULTURE WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO WEST BENGAL
Susanta Kumar Chattopadhyay* and Kunal Sarkar*
Post Graduate Department of Sericulture, Krishnath College, Berhampore, Murshidabad-742101,
West Bengal
ABSTRACT
Sericulture is an agro-based labour intensive cottage industry. This industry has
multi-dimensional aspects including cultivation and maintenance of host plants, rearing of silkworm larvae, reeling of silk
extruded by the matured larvae, weaving and printing of woven silk. Silk was originated in China in around 3000 B.C. India
is the only country of the world which produces all four types of silk, viz., Tasar, Eri, Muga and Mulberry silk and
is the second largest silk producing country of the world next to China. At present almost 6 million people are engaged in
different activities of this industry. This industry can provide remunerative employment of 13 persons /hectare/year. Major
mulberry silk producing states of India are Karnataka (7301 MT), Andhra Pradesh (5084 MT), West Bengal (1520 MT), Tamil Nadu
(443 MT), Jammu and Kashmir (90 MT) and others (181 MT). West Bengal is one of the major traditional states of mulberry silk
production in India. Malda, Murshidabad and Birbhum are the major tradional districts of Sericulture in West Bengal.
Key words : Sericulture, Silk, India, West Bengal
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(1) : 7-18, 2008
EFFECT OF FEEDING OF DIFFERENT MATURITY LEVEL
OF MULBERRY
LEAVES ON THE COMMERCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF Bombyx mori L. DURING DRY
SUMMER IN WEST BENGAL
Kunal Sarkar*, Dilip Kumar Bhattacharya**, Susanta Kumar Chattopadhyay, Subrata Trivedi
and Sudeshna Ghoshal
Post Graduate Department of Sericulture, K. N. College, Berhampore,
Murshidabad-742101,
West Bengal, India
ABSTRACT
The study evaluated the effect of feeding of different maturity level of mulberry
leaves, i.e., tender, medium, mix and mature leaves on the commercial characteristics of crossbreed (N×NB4D2) during dry summer in West Bengal. The data obtained during the
study was compared with those of control where conventional leaf feeding method was followed. Most of the larval and cocoon
characters, viz., larval weight, effective rate of rearing, cocoon weight, shell weight and shell ratio percentage,
etc., were recorded significantly higher in tender leaves fed batches followed by medium leaves fed batches. Significantly
higher post cocoon parameters, viz., average filament length, nonbreakable filament length, renditta and raw silk recovery
percentage, etc., were recorded in tender leaf fed batches. Qualitative analysis of leaves also suggested that tender
leaves are more nutritious than other maturity level of leaves. Mature leaves fed batch showed inferior performance in terms
of all the characters. The present experiment also revealed that 20% of tender leaves can be saved particularly in dry summer,
which are generally clipped by sericultural farmers in West Bengal in late larval instar before providing mulberry shoots
to silkworm larvae.
Key words : Mulberry leaves, Maturity level, Cocoon
characters, Reeling characters
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(1) : 19-26, 2008
EFFECT OF WATER TREATED Mulberry LEAVES ON
THE COMMERCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF Bombyx mori L. DURING WET SUMMER IN WEST BENGAL
Kunal Sarkar*, Dilip Kumar Bhattacharya**, Susanta Kumar Chattopadhyay,
Subrata Trivedi, Sudeshna
Ghoshal and Vinod B. Mathur***
Post Graduate Department of Sericulture, K. N. College, Berhampore,
Murshidabad-742101, West Bengal,
India
ABSTRACT
Present investigation indicates that feeding larvae with Mulberry leaves which were water dipped and dried for entire
larval instar (T2) and in late larval instar (T4) gave better performance than control in respect of most of the larval and
cocoon characters. But feeding larvae with leaves immediately water dipped for entire larval instar (T1) and in late larval instar (T3) showed inferior
results in terms of all commercial characters in wet summer. This investigation suggests that leaves with high moisture content
are not harmful for silkworm larvae at any season but water in the surface of leaves may be harmful for them. So it is important
to feed silkworm larvae by just shaking the water from surface of the leaves or by drying the leaves for few minutes particularly
during rainy season when the leaves are wetted due to rain. Investigation also reveals that if the wet leaves are dried for
some time, it helps to increase the moisture percentage of leaves. Then it is also helpful to improve the cocoon characters.
Key words :
Water treated mulberry leaves, Cocoon characters, Reeling characters
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(1) : 27-35, 2008
STUDIES ON MULTIPLE CROSSING OF SOME POPULAR CROSS BREEDS OF Bombyx mori L. IN WEST BENGAL
Subrata Trivedi*, Kunal Sarkar, Susanta Kumar Chattopadhyay, Gopinath Baur, Manmatha Mandal and Somdip
Majumdar
Post Graduate Department of Sericulture, Krishnath College, Berhampore, Murshidabad-742101, West Bengal,
India
ABSTRACT
Of all factors that govern productivity in sericulture, the role of silkworm egg is of prime importance. It is the
sheet anchor of sericulture industry. Timely supply of appropriate quality and adequate quantity of disease free silkworm
eggs to the sericulturists is crucial for successful harvest of cocoon crops. Silk moths have a tendency to pair immediately
after emergence from cocoons. The present study indicates that in case of N×M12W, N×NB4D2 and N×YB crossbreeds at least 95%-99% fertilized eggs can be procured
by using a single male moth for 4 times in crossing. So, if male moths are used 4 times during multiple crossing it would
not affect the fertility of eggs. The present investigation also reveals that total fecundity almost remained same with control
when male moths were even used for seven times in crossing. This suggests that that a single male moth can be used for four
times by giving them sufficient rest in crossing with female moth and in this way a grainure can save considerable cost and
hazards during the purchasing of seed cocoons of male components.
Key words : Bombyx mori, Multiple crossing,
Silkworm eggs, Fecundity, Fertilized and unfertilized eggs
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(1) : 37-41, 2008
PERFORMENCE OF MULTIVOLTINE HYBRID NISTARI × M12 (W) AND CROSS BREED N × NB4D2 OF Bombyx mori
L. DURING FAVOURABLE AND UNFAVOURABLE SEASON IN WEST BENGAL
Kunal Sarkar*, Dilip Kumar Bhattacharya**, Susanta Kumar Chattopadhyay
and Subrata Trivedi
Post Graduate Department of Sericulture, Krishnath College, Berhampore, Murshidabad-742101, West Bengal
ABSTRACT
In West
Bengal rearing season of Mulberry is divided mainly in two parts, i.e., favourable season (November to April) and unfavourable
season (May to October). Mulberry crop span is 70 days. So five harvests as well as five rearings can be done in a year. November crop (winter or Agrahani), February crop (spring or Falguni)
and April crop (summer or Baishakhi) come under favourable season (dry summer) whereas June-July crop (rainy or
Shrabani) and August-September crop (autumn or Aswina) come under unfavourable season (wet summer). A study was
conducted from November, 2003 to November 2006 to evaluate the performance of multivoltine hybrid Nistari × M12 (W) and cross breed Nistari × NB4D2 of Bombyx mori during favourable and unfavourable seasons.
The study revealed that during favourable season performance of cross breed Nistari × NB4D2 is better but during unfavourable season Effective Rate of Rearing is very less and melting
percentage is considerably higher in case of Nistari × NB4D2 batch as compared to Nistari × M12 (W) batch.
Key
words : Nistari
× NB4D2, Nistari × M12 (W), Rearing Season
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(1) : 43-47, 2008
AN OVERVIEW ON MAJOR MULBERRY SILKWORM RACES Bombyx
mori L. OF INDIA AND
THEIR CHARACTERISTICS
Kunal Sarkar, Subrata Trivedi, Dilip Kumar Bhattacharya* and
Susanta Kumar Chattopadhyay
Post Graduate Department of Sericulture, Krishnath College, Berhampore, Murshidabad-742101, West Bengal
ABSTRACT
In India sericulture is mainly confined to its tropical belt. This country has a number of polyvoltine races which
are in use for a long time and considered indigenous. Though these indigenous races are poor silk yielder but still these
are very popular due to their tremendous ability to survive under extreme tropical conditions. Besides that, some bivoltine
breeds are also evolved throughout the country due to some sincere efforts of our silkworm breeders. Here an effort is made
to study the major silk worm races of our country.
Key words : Silkworm
races, Multivoltine race, Bivoltine race
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(1) : 49-53, 2008
STUDY OF PUBESCENCE IN DIFFERENT MATUIRITY LEVEL OF LEAVES IN DIFFERENT MULBERRY VARIETIES
Subrata Trivedi*, Kunal Sarkar, Dilip Kumar Bhattacharya**
Susanta Kumar Chattopadhyay and Sudeshna
Ghoshal
Post Graduate Department of Sericulture, K. N. College, Berhampore,
Murshidabad-742101, West Bengal, India
ABSTRACT
The
present study was conducted on number, length and the pattern of pubescence in
different maturity level of leaves in different improved mulberry varieties i.e., S1, S1635 and also in a local variety which are commonly cultivated in various parts of West
Bengal. The study reveals that density of pubescence is more in tender leaves, but the pubescence in tender leaves is immature
in stage. Tip of pubescence is blunt in case of tender leaves. Length of pubescence is increased and tip of pubescence is
sharp and pointed in case of mature leaf. Length of pubescence is less in S1635 variety in all types of leaves as compared to that the local
and S1 varieties.
But in case of local variety pubescence is longest. Tip of pubescence is found more sharp in case of local variety and less
sharp in case of S1635 variety.
This result indicates that among these three varieties insects prefer to feed S1635 variety in terms of pubescence study. On the other hand, due
to presence of immature and blunt type of pubescence, tender leaves are more favourable and palatable for silkworm larvae.
Key
words : Pubescence,
Maturity level of leaves, Mulberry varieties
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(1) : 55-60, 2008
A STUDY ON ADOPTION OF IMPROVED SERICULTURAL PRACTICES AT FARMERS LEVEL IN MAJOR TRADITIONAL
DISTRICTS OF SERICULTURE IN WEST BENGAL
Kunal Sarkar*, S.K.Chattopadhyay, G. Baur and Subrata Trivedi
Post Graduate Department of Sericulture, Krishnath College, Berhampore, Murshidabad-742101, West Bengal
ABSTRACT
Sericulture
is an age old industry in West Bengal. At present mulberry is cultivated in 33560 acres of land and 107000 families are engaged
in mulberry sericulture. Estimated mulberry raw silk production during 2004-2005 was 1520 MT (10.39% of total mulberry raw
silk production in India). But still a heavy decline in sericulture is seen in West Bengal. In 1997-1998 mulberry was cultivated
in 53,395 acres (21358 ha) of land but it is now reduced to merely 33560 acres of land. There are several factors behind that
downfall of sericulture in this state. Lack of adoption of improved sericultural practices may one of them. Hence, in the
above context it is worthwhile to conduct research studies in two major traditional districts of West Bengal i.e.,
Malda and Murshidabad. The present study was conducted in the Nabagram Block of Murshidabad district and Kaliachawk Block-2
of Malda district to assess farmers' knowledge and their adoption level in respect of recommended sericulture practices so
that field extension workers could develop appropriate educational approaches to upgrade their adoption level for increasing
the cocoon yields, thus aiding in generation of higher income and employment among the rural mass. The findings of the present
study indicated that only 50% of big farmers and 25% of small farmers had planted improved variety of Mulberry and followed
recommended spacing and recommended system of planting. The present study also reveals that farmers have very low level of
knowledge with respect to work spacing, number of feeds, types of leaves to be fed to different instars, leaves preservation
methods, number of bed cleanings, temperature manipulation measures and prevention measures for various silkworm diseases.
In general, irrespective of the category, sericultural farmers are not applying recommended dosage of fertilizers to mulberry
crop.
Key words : Sericulture, Traditional district,
Recommended practices
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(1) : 61-64, 2008
PACKAGE OF PRACTICES FOR MULBERRY CULTIVATION UNDER DIFFERENT AGROCLIMATIC CONDITIONs IN WEST BENGAL
Arindam Chakrabortty, Gopinath Baur, Sanat Roy, Sudeshna Ghoshal and
Alak Ranjan Goswami
Post Graduate Department of Sericulture, K. N. College, Berhampore,
Murshidabad-742101, West Bengal
ABSTRACT
A major
factor determining the productivity and the profitability in sericulture is the yield of mulberry crop. Maximization of leaf
yield of mulberry per unit area will lead to increase cocoon production at reduced cost. Thus, it should be the primary aim
of the sericulturists to maximize leaf production. As a result of experimentation over a number of years on various aspects
of mulberry cultivation, viz, variety, spacing, planting season, method of planting, irrigation, manuring, pruning,
etc, a package of practices comprising all the factors was formulated and recommended to the field to maximize the
leaf output. The “package of practices” differs with different agro-climatic conditions and topography of the
area.
Key
words : Mulberry,
Irrigated land, Rainfed land
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(1) : 65-76, 2008
MANAGEMENT OF SILKWORM REARING
IN WEST BENGAL
Kunal Sarkar,* S. K. Chattopadhyay and Subrata Trivedi
Post Graduate Department of Sericulture, K. N. College, Berhampore
Murshidabad-742101, West Bengal
ABSTRACT
West
Bengal experiences severe hot, humid summer and rainy season with higher precipitation rate, which makes the management of
silkworm rearing very difficult. As a result, farmers of West Bengal fetch poor return owing to low productivity of cocoons.
In this context it is important to manage silkworm rearing properly. In order to manage a profitable silkworm rearing it is
indispensable to make proper planning prior to the initiation of silkworm rearing, management during the rearing of young
age silkworms, late age silkworms and mounting and harvesting cocoons.
Key words : Silkworm rearing, Young age rearing,
Late age rearing, Mounting, Harvesting
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(1) : 77-81, 2008
A STUDY ON SOCIO-ECONOMIC, HEALTH AND HYGIENE STATUS OF WOMEN ENGAGED IN SERICULTURE INDUSTRY
IN SUJAPUR OF MALDA DISTRICT,
WEST BENGAL
S. K. Chattopadhyay*, K. Sarkar, R. Chattopadhyay, G. Baur, S. Trivedi and S. Roy
Post Graduate Department of Sericulture, Krishnath College,
Berhampore, Murshidabad-742101, West
Bengal
ABSTRACT
Sericulture
has been fully recognized as an important rural as well as household industry in India. It is a labour intensive, export oriented
cottage industry, generating high employment and income per unit area of land. One hectare of mulberry land can generate employment
to at least 13 persons per year. Women have played a significant role in this industry. Nearly 60% work of this industry is
done by women only. In West Bengal, Malda is the biggest traditional district of sericulture. The present study was undertaken
at Sujapur of Malda District as Sujapur is one of the main areas of Malda where sericulture is practiced in large scale. The
main objective of the study was to examine status of women engaged in sericultural industry in terms of their educational
level, income, nutrition, health and hygiene as nutrition and health are directly correlated with socio-economic status of
a person and also affect the production of a farm. The present investigation indicates that 88% of women belonging to small
farmers are illiterate. Even 8% of women belonging to big farmers are having education up to primary level. Maximum women
of small farmers are found to come from the family income group of rupees 1501-3000 per month, while women belonging to big farmers are from the family income group of rupees 3001-4500 per month. 72% of women
belonging to small farmers and even 60% of women from big farmers are having body weight below normal. These findings are
similar in case of blood pressure also. This study is a clear indication of alarming situation of sericultural women in major
sericultural belt in West Bengal.
Key words : Sericulture, Women,
Income, Education, Health
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(1) : 83-87, 2008
HEMOCYTIC CHANGES IN PREPUPAL STAGE OF SILKWORM, BOMBYX MORI L.
Sagnik Kumar Ganguly,* Arindam Chakraborty, Gopinath Baur, Sanat Roy,
Subrata Trivedi and Kunal
Sarkar
Post Graduate Department of Serculture, Krishnath College,
Berhampore, West Bengal, India
ABSTRACT
Total
Hemocyte Count in spinning silkworm, Bombyx mori L. was studied using four popular multivoltine races of India.
Hemocytic concentration of larva was gradually decreased in every spinning day then again increased with pupal maturity. It
was a common character for all the four races in the larva to pupa transition stage. Spherulocyte abundance and prohemocyte
absence are other general features in the pre-pupal stage in these four races.
It is shown that spherulocytes are derived from granulocytes
Key
words : Hemocyte,
Pre-pupal stage, Bombyx mori
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(1) : 89-96, 2008
ROLE OF PATHOGENIC BACTERIA AND FOREIGN BODIES IN THE HEMOCYTE COUNT OF DIFFERENT RACES OF
SILKWORM (BOMBYX MORI L.)
Sagnik Kumar Ganguly,* Arindam Chakraborty, Gopinath Baur, Susanta Kumar Chattopadhyay, Subrata Trivedi
and Sudeshna Ghoshal
Post Graduate Department of Sericulture, Krishnath College, Berhampore,
West Bengal, India
ABSTRACT
Comparative cellular immune responses between commercially exploited bivoltine and multivoltine races have been
studied. Worms of different races are inoculated with pathogenic bacteria
Staphylococcus vitulinus. Total Haemocyte Count (THC) at each post-inoculation period has been noted and compared with
control groups. Bivoltines have more hemocytic concentration than that of any multivoltine races. A common behavior is observed
for all races after inoculation of pathogen. The hemocyte population decreases in Ist hour, increases in 2nd hour and again decreases in 3rd hour. In second experiment, a multivoltine
race, M12W was selected
and was injected with saline having silica, indigo and carbon particles and with particle free saline (0.67% NaCl). But results
similar to those of the first experiment were found indicating that pathogenicity is not the cause of first 3 hours, down-up-down
sequence of THC in inoculated worms.
Key words : Total haemocyte count, Pathogen, Bivoltine and
multivoltine silkworms
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(1) : 97-101, 2008
MAJOR MULBERRY DISEASES IN WEST BENGAL
Subrata Trivedi, Gopinath Baur, Somdip Majumdar and Alak
Ranjan Goswami
Post Graduate Department of Sericulture, K. N. College, Berhampore,
Murshidabad-742101, West Bengal
ABSTRACT
Mulberry is the host of the pathogens of different parasitic diseases. In West Bengal three fungal foliar diseases,
viz., Powdery mildew, Leaf spot and Leaf rust, one fungal Root Rot, one bacterial Leaf blight and one nematode
infected Root knot (in some restricted places of West Bengal) are common. They may cross economic threshold level every year
and cause total 25-30% crop loss on an average. These diseases, their symptoms, causal organisms, occurrence and control measures
have been discussed.
Key words :
Mulberry, Diseases, West Bengal
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(1) : 103-106, 2008
IMPORTANT DISEASES OF SILKWORM IN WEST BENGAL
Susanta Kumar Chattopadhyay, Amalesh Choudhury* and Sanat Roy
Post Graduate Department of Sericulture, K. N. College, Berhempore,
Murshidabad-742101, West Bengal
ABSTRACT
Common diseases of silkworms in West Bengal are White Muscardine (fungal), Grasserie (viral)
and Flacherie (viral and bacterial complex) and Protozoan disease Pebrine. Only pebrine is transovarial; hence it is most
dangerous. But this disease incidence is now reduced after establishment of seed organization and systematic mother moth examination.
All the above diseases are lethal and infectious. Preventive measures should be taken during silkworm rearing to avoid these
diseases. In the present communication symptoms, causal organisms, route of infection and control measures of thse disease
are discussed.
Key words :
Silkworm, Diseases, West Bengal
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(1) : 107-111, 2008
MAJOR SAP SUCKING PESTS OF MULBERRY
IN WEST BENGAL
Kunal Sarkar*, Gopinath Baur and Somdip Majumdar
Post Graduate Department of Sericulture, K. N. College, Berhampore,
Murshidabad-742101, West Bengal
ABSTRACT
Mulberry plants are seriously damaged by various types of sap sucking insect pests in West Bengal. Most remarkable
sapsuckers are mealy bug, white fly and thrips. Mealy bug sucks nutrient rich plant sap from tender top and injects toxic
saliva to it causing serious morpho-physiological abnormality called ‘Tukra’. White fly is a major sap sucking
minute polyphagous pest which seriously damages the crop by sucking the plant sap from leaves and young shoots and secretes
honey dew to welcome other sooty moulds. Thrips, both nymphs and adults, tear the epidermal leaf tissues with their stylets
and suck the plant sap causing low nutritive value of leaves.
Key words : Insect pests, Tukra, Whitefly, Thrips.
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(2) : 113-117, 2008
A NEW SPECIES OF STILBULA SPINOLA (HYMENOPTERA : EUCHARITIDAE)
FROM KARNATAKA, INDIA
P. Girish Kumar* and T.C. Narendran**
Zoological Survey of India, 'M'- Block, New Alipore, Kolkata, West Bengal-700 053
ABSTRACT
A new species of Stilbula Spinola, viz., S. bangalorica Girish
Kumar and Narendran sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Karnataka, India. Affinities of the species with its closest
relatives are discussed. A checklist of the species of Stilbula Spinola of Indian subcontinent is also provided.
Key words : Stilbula, new species, Eucharitidae
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(2) : 119-126, 2008
TWO NEW SEPTATE GREGARINES HIRMOCYSTIS PSYLLAE N. SP. AND STEININA Indica
N. SP. From PSYLLA SP. (INSECTA : HEMIPTERA) FROM
SUNDARBAN REGION OF WEST BENGAL, INDIA
Sudip Mandal and Rupendu Ray*
Post
Graduate Department of Zoology, Presidency College
86/1 College Street, Kolkata–700 073, India
ABSTRACT
Morphology and life history of two new septate gregarines (Apicomplexa : Conoidasida)
Hirmocystis psyllae n. sp. and Steinina indica n. sp. from hemipteran insect host Psylla sp. from
Sundarban region of West Bengal, India have been described.
Key words : Septate gregarine, Hirmocystis psyllae
n. sp., Steinina idnica n. sp., Psylla sp., Sundarban Region
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(2) : 127-133, 2008
Avian Diversity of Lothian Island
Wildlife Sanctuary, West Bengal
Soumyajit Chowdhury, Abesh Sanyal* and Arijit Chatterjee**
School of Oceanographic Studies, Jadavpur University, Kolkata, West Bengal
Abstract
Lothian Island Wildlife Sanctuary is a small island in the Hugli-Thakuran Estuary in
the Gangetic Delta of West Bengal. As a part of Sundarban Biosphere Reserve, the sanctuary remains dominated by diverse mangroves
and mangrove-associated plants. Faunal composition of this island also demands appreciation of which avian diversity came
out to be fairly rich and was studied during the period, July - October, 2006. Of
the 67 bird species recorded, 49 were found as residents that breed locally and 18 as winter visitors. Birds recorded were
further categorized into waterbirds (25 species), water-dependent birds (7 species) and forest-dwelling ones (35 species).
Such diverse assemblage of birds in such a small island is primarily due to the availability of varied food matter in its
undisturbed forestlands and mudflats. As an important staging ground for wintering waders, the area at present remains nearly
free from anthropogenic stress. A long-term survey of the entire island may possibly
bring out further sightings and details of bird species residing and arriving there.
Key words : Lothian Island, Sundarban Biosphere reserve, Birds,
Diversity, Residents, Winter visitors
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(2) : 135-140, 2008
EFFECTS OF SUBLETHAL CONCENTRATIONS OF ZINC ON BIOACCUMULATION AND ARCHITECTURAL ALTERATIONS
IN THE LIVER OF FISH Channa punctatus
Hemlata Verma* and Neera Srivastava
Fish Biology Laboratory, Center for Advanced Studies, Department of Zoology, University
of Rajasthan, Jaipur - 302004, INDIA
Abstract
Indiscriminate use of heavy metals has elevated the risk of contamination of the aquatic
habitat. Present study has, therefore, been undertaken to investigate the alterations in bioaccumulation and histopathology
of the liver in a freshwater teleost Channa punctatus. On exposure to three sublethal concentrations of zinc (10 mg/l,
15 mg/l and 25 mg/l) for 15 days, statistically significant increase in zinc concentration was noted in the liver of all treated
groups. Simultaneously severe histopathological changes were also noted in the liver. Both bioaccumulation and histopathological
changes were dose and duration dependent.
Key words : Zinc, Channa punctatus, Bioaccumulation, Histopathology
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(2) : 141-146, 2008
ON THE CRYOPRESERVATION OF SPERMATOZOA OF A FRESHWATER TABLE
FISH, LABEO FIMBRIATUS (BLOCH)
Bindu L.
Zoological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata-700 053
ABSTRACT
An extender-cryoprotectant system is developed for the long-term storage of the spermatozoa
of a common freshwater tablefish, Labeo fimbriatus which is an annual breeder. Five extenders and three cryoprotectants
were used in the present study. The cryoprotectants were used in three different percentages, viz., 5%, 7.5% and 10%.
The experiment was conducted for 90 days. The spermatozoa diluted in extender-V and cryopreserved with 7.5% DMSO gave best
results.
Key words : Labeo fimbriatus, spermatozoa, motility, viability
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(2) : 147-150, 2008
ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE AMONG THE FAECAL bacterial ISOLATEs OF DAIRY, UNORGANIZED AND FREE RANGE CATTLE
Ramyani Chattopadhyay and Nishith Kumar Pal
Department Of Microbiology, Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata
ABSTRACT
A total of 132 bacterial isolates Escherichia coli obtained from faecal samples
of organized dairy, unorganized khatal and free rang animals between May 2007- February 2008 were studied to generate data
regarding the prevalence of ESbL (Extended-spectrum
b-lactamase) and antibiotic resistant bacterial
strains in above three sources. ESbL production
was significantly (p<0.01) more prevalent among organized dairy cattle which indicates selection of resistant E. coli
in organized dairy due to abuse of antibiotics.
Key words : ESbL, resistance,
cattle
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(2) : 151-155, 2008
Detection of multidrug resistant Escherichia
coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in hospital environment
Ramyani Chattopadhyay and Nishith Kumar Pal
Department of Microbiology, Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine, Kolkata
Abstract
Since
nosocomial outbreak of antibiotic resistant bacterial infection is a biohazard.,
a study was done in 2007 to find out the incidence of extended spectrum b lactamase (ESbL) producer multidrug resistant Escherichia coli and Klebsiella
pneumoniae in hospital environment. 76 Escherichia coli and 45 Klebsiella pneumoniae obtained from variable
sources of hospital environment of Calcutta School of Tropical Medicine and Calcutta Medical College were tested in Bacteriology
laboratory. Experiments related to antibiotic sensitivity, ESbL production, plasmid isolation and plasmid curing were done. Overall ESbL production was 48.684% in E.
coli and 51.111% in K. pneumoniae. ESbL producer strains were most prevalent in the isolates obtained from health care workers.
It is evident from plasmid curing that a single identical and plasmid of more or less 130 kb in size is responsible for the
resistance pattern : Ceftazidime-Gentamicin-Norfloxacin-Trimethoprim in 61.666% ESbL producer isolates. This alarming prevalence of multidrug resistant
ESbL producer strains
in hospital environment highlights the need for rational use of antibiotics and implementation of better infection control
programs in hospitals.
Key
words : Multidrug
registant, ESbL,
Nosocomial, E. coli, K. pneumoniae
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(2) : 157-163, 2008
A SHORT TERM ASSESSMENT OF WATER QUALITY OF AYROOR RIVER (KERALA)
WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO ZOOPLANKTON DIVERSITY
C. Shaji, S. Suvidha and Bindu L.*
Department of Botany, Sree Narayana College, Kollam-691 001, Kerala
ABSTRACT
The study was carried out in Ayroor river (Kerala) to assess the water quality for
a period of six months from December, 2006 to May, 2007. Physico-chemical parameters
of water and zooplankton diversity were estimated. High values of BOD (10.2–15.6 mg/l), COD (160–230 mg/l),
TDS (200–1400 mg/l), free CO2 (22-88 mg/l), nitrate (1.65–13.99 mg/l) and MPN coliform (5000/100 ml) coupled with low dissolved oxygen
content (2–4.2 mg/l), low diversity index (1.170–1.563) and presence of indicator species confirm high organic
pollution in the river.
Key words : Water quality parameters, zooplankton diversity, Ayroor river
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(2) : 165-170, 2008
EFFECT OF MELATONIN ON THE FOLLICULAR DEVELOPMENT AND VITELLOGENESIS
IN THE PREPUBERTAL PIGEON, COLUMBA LIVIA
V. D. Hegde
Zological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata-700 053
ABSTRACT
Effect of melatonin administration in the late photophase on the follicular development,
vitellogenesis and atresia in the prepubertal pigeon was investigated. Birds were autopsied after the last injection and ovaries
were dissected out and processed for histology. Follicles were separated using the spring scissor and classified based on
their diameter, (i) < 75 µm (ii) 76-300 µm and (iii) > 300 µm. In initial
control birds, follicles < 75 µm and < 300 µm diameters were found while in final control and melatonin treated birds
follicles of < 75 µm, < 300 µm and > 300 µm were found. Significant increase in the number of follicles < 75 µm
diameter and atretic follicles were found in melatonin treated pigeons. Early vitellogenic follicles were absent in melatonin
treated pigeons. The present study suggests that the treatment with melatonin in late photophase to prepubertal female pigeos
affects the growth of the follicles and inhibits the formation of vitellogenic follicles.
Key words : Prepubertal, melatonin, photophase, follicles, Columba livia
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(2) : 171-180, 2008
EFFECT OF EXCESS FLUORIDE ON SPERMATOGENESIS OF RATS WITH SPECIAL
REFERENCE TO METAPHASE
K. Samanta, S. Trivedi, R. Ganguly, S.
Ghoshal* and T. Dutta
Postgraduate Department of Physiology, Krishnath College, Berhampore-742101
ABSTRACT
The reproductive toxicity of fluoride was studied in male rats. Male rats were exposed
to sodium fluoride at a dose 2 mg NaF/100 g body weight per day for 30 days. A significant decrease in body weight and testicular
weight was observed. There were 16.6% reduction in metaphase index, significant decrease in DNA content and reduction in diameter
of seminiferous tubules of the testis. Zinc and copper content of testis remains unaltered in treated group compared to control
group. Histological studies show fewer luminal spermatozoa in the testicular section of treated group.
Key words : Reproductive toxicity, metaphase index, fluoride toxicity, zinc
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(2) : 181-190, 2008
BIOMASS PRODUCTION OF ACRIDIDS AS POSSIBLE ANIMAL FEED SUPPLEMENT
Hena Anand, Sarasi Das, Arijit Ganguly and P. Haldar*
Department of Zoology, Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan-731235, West Bengal
ABSTRACT
Experiments were done to estimate biomass production by mass rearing of Oxya fuscovittata
(Marschall) and Spathosternum prasiniferum prasiniferum (Walker) under laboratory condition, in order to utilize them
as non conventional protein rich animal feed supplement. For this purpose fecundity, fertility, adult emergence, sex-ratio,
fresh and dry body weight, protein and energy content in acridid tissue were determined. This study has shown that taking
a single pair of male and female as starting point, O. fuscovittata may produce 225.07 kg dry biomass/year by mass
rearing. Thus O. fuscovittata with high protein content and ability to produce high biomass can be utilized in animal
feed as protein supplement through establishment of acridid farms.
Key words : Oxya fuscovittata, fecundity,
energy content, protein content, acridid farming
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(2) : 191-214, 2008
CHECKLIST AND DISTRIBUTION OF BRACHYURAN CRABS OF WEST BENGAL,
INDIA
M. K. Dev Roy and N. C. Nandi
Zoological Survey of India, Crustacea Section, 27 Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata-700016
ABSTRACT
A taxonomic review of brachyuran crabs occurring in the state of West Bengal is furnished
for the first time. A check-list of 150 species under 84 genera and 29 families is presented and the distribution of these
species has been dealt with in this paper. In addition, a list of earlier recorded species considered to be 'threatened' in
the state of West Bengal is also provided with pertinent discussion on these species.
Key words : Brachyuran crabs, distribution, checklist, ecosystem, West Bengal
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(2) : 215-219, 2008
Deer of the Zoological Garden, Kolkata,
India – a comparative study on their behaviour
K. Ganguly, D. Das*, A. K. Roy Mahato** and J. K. De**
Taki Government College, Taki, West Bengal
Abstract
The present study was carried out on some selected species of deer viz., Axis axis,
Cervus eldii and Muntiacus muntjac at the Zoological Garden, Alipur, Kolkata. On analysis, it was found
that the males of C. eldii remained more active throughout the day (56.87% time of day) compared to A. axis (53.14%)
and M. muntjac (48.95%). Amongst females A. axis was found to be more active throughout the day (58.95%) in
comparison to those of M. muntjac (41.95%) and C. eldii (55.25%). A significant inter-specific variation was
noted in diurnal pattern of activities. After analysis, it was recorded that the A. axis and C. eldii were more
active in morning and less active at noon, whereas M. muntjac was less active in morning and more active at noon. Result
also showed that A. axis and C. eldii were less interactive with the visitors while M. muntjac interacted
significantly.
Key words : Axis axis, Muntiacus muntjac, Cervus eldii, Behaviour, Deer, Captivity
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(2) : 221-226, 2008
Effect of Integrated Nutrient supply
on growth, leaf yield and field performance of Mulberry (Morus alba) under
semi irrigated lateritic soil condition of West Midnapur district,
West Bengal
Barna Chakraborty, A. K Chandra* and S.
K. Chakraborty
Department of Zoology, Vidyasagar University, West Midnapur, West Bengal
ABSTRACT
A field experiment was conducted during 2004-06 to study the effect of organic manures
along with bio-fertilizers and reduced doses of chemical fertilizers on growth and leaf yield of mulberry, belonging to the
variety S1635 in lateritic
soil condition with limited irrigation of West Midnapur areas having around pH 5.6. However plant height, number of tiller,
leaf area, leaf yield, leaf moisture and total soluble protein were found high owing to application of different organic residues
along with biofertilizers and reduced doses of chemical fertilizers. Among organic manures poultry litters along with biofertilizers
with reduced dose of mineral fertilizers significantly increased leaf yield (11446.50 kg/ha/year) which is 5.76% over control.
Application of organic manure like poultry litter on S1635 mulberry variety can reduce nitrogenous fertilizers (168 kg/ha/year) and 60% phosphatic fertilizers
(60 kg/ha/year) over recommended dose (336 kg/ha/year, 180 kg/ha/year respectively) without any detrimental effect and could save Rs. 2440.00 /ha/year by curtailing the cost of cultivation by 6.75%.
Key words : Mulberry, Vermicompost, Poultry manure Azotobactor, Arbuscular, micorrhizal fungi
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(2) : 227-242, 2008
STUDIES ON THE MAJOR DIGESTIVE ENZYMES OF
A HERBIVOROUS FISH
PUNTIUS JAVANICUS
R. Venkitesan
Zoological Survey of India, M Block New Alipore, Kolkata-700053
Abstract
An attempt has been made to characterise the distribution pattern of digestive enzymes
present in the digestive tract of Puntius javanicus. Adapting suitable assay method the crude enzyme extracts obtained
from all major part of the digestive tract were analysed for various carbohydrases, proteases, esterases and phosphatases.
The results were analysed statistically for the significance between various enzymes as well as the regions. Detection of
fairly high amount of carbohydrases in oesophagus endorse the view that the oesophagus may also have an important role in
digestion. The specific activity units mean values were taken to find out the significance among the regions. It emerged that
almost all the enzymes present in all the regions were highly significant except the leucine amino peptidase.
Key words : Puntius javanicus, assay method, alimentary
canal, digestive enzymes, carbohydrases, proteases, esterases, phosphatases
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(2) : 243-250, 2008
STUDIES ON COPEPOD FAUNA AND ITS ABUNDANCE IN MUTTUKADU BACKWATER,
TAMILNADU, INDIA
J. Chitra* and R. Ramanibai
Department of Zoology, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai-600 025
ABSTRACT
Among zooplankton, copepod community in Muttukadu backwater was investigated in detail
during February 2004 and May 2006. A total of 41 species of copepoda belonging to 22 genera under three suborders Calanoida
(17), Cyclopoida (15) and Harpacticoida (09) along with nauplii and copepodites were recorded. In this paper, the monthly
and seasonal abundance of copepod fauna is reported from four locations of Muttukadu backwater and total mean abundance was
compared among those locations. The seasonal data showed higher abundance during
pre-monsoon season. The fluctuations in abundance of copepoda observed during the study were discussed in detail.
Key words : Copepoda, Muttukadu backwaters
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(2) : 251-258, 2008
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS AND ACTION OF HEARING IMPAIRED STUDENTS
and STUDENTs OF NORMAL HEARING
CAPACITY : a comparative study
Mrinal Mukherjee
Dept. of Education, Calcutta University, Kolkata
ABSTRACT
Ecology as a science has become suddenly enjoying highest importance in recent years
because of the fast deteriorating quality of environment and frequent episodes of ecological backlash and boomerangs. Technology
and ecology almost parted away. The success of all strategies and efforts to protect the environment exclusively depends upon
how we can inculcate the Environment protective behaviour among the students who are the future architects of our nation.
It is therefore very important to assess the level of Environmental Awareness and Environmental Action of the school students.
It is very important to note here that the nation cannot afford to miss the inclusion of more than 21.91 million differentially
able persons of our country in the mission of Environment protection war. Here an effort has been made to compare the level
of Environmental Awareness and Environmental Action of Hearing Impaired students with the students of Normal Hearing Capacity.
Key words : Environmental Awareness, Environmental
Action, Normal Hearing Capacity (NHC), Hearing Impaired (HI)
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 5(2) : 259-274, 2008
MICRO-CREDIT : A WEST BENGAL PERSPECTIVE
Debarchana Bhattacharya, Probal Mojumder1, Samrat Sanyal2 and Sujana Kabiraj3
Bidhannagar College, EB-2, Saltlake, Sector 1, Kolkata-700064
ABSTRACT
Micro-finance as a concept emerged when social innovators began to offer financial
services to the working poor – those who were previously considered "un-bankable" because of their lack of collateral.
Once given the opportunity, not only did the clients expand their business and increase their incomes, but also their high
repayment rates demonstrated that the poor are capable of transforming their own lives given the chance. The most common micro-finance
product is a micro-credit loan. In the process the poor gets a secured place to save their money, earn social security and
leadership qualities and realise the need of education. Micro-credit loans empower the poor to improve their own lives. By
giving the world's poor a hand up, not a handout, micro-finance can help break the vicious cycle of poverty in as little as
a single generation.
Key words :
Micro-finance, micro-credit loans, poverty alleviation, social empowerment
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
J. Environ. &
Sociobiol. : 6(1) : 1-5, 2009
CHROMOSOMAL ANALYSIS OF SELECTED FRESHWATER ORNAMENTAL FISHES
K. K. Adak and T. S. Nagesh
Department of Fishery Biology and Resources Management,
Faculty of Fishery Sciences, West Bengal University
of Animal and
Fishery Sciences, Kolkata-700 094, West Bengal
Abstract
Chromosomal analysis of six freshwater ornamental fishes, Red tail shark minnow (Epalzeorhynchos bicolor),
Tiger loach/Zebra loach (Botia striata), Red fin shark (Epalzeorhynchos munense), Silver shark (Balantiocheilos
melanopterus), Albino rainbow shark (Epalzeorhynchos frenatus) and Rani loach (Botia lohachata) collected
from natural water body or ornamental fish hatcheries located in Howrah, Hooghly and South 24 Parganas of West Bengal, India
was carried out. The diploid chromosome number (2n) of Red tail shark minnow, Tiger loach/Zebra loach, Red fin shark, Silver
shark, Albino rainbow shark and Rani loach were found to be 50, 50, 40, 50, 46 and 78 respectively.
Key words
: Chromosome analysis, Freshwater, Ornamental fish
J. Environ. &
Sociobiol. : 6(1) : 7-11, 2009
STUDIES ON INDIGENOUS ORNAMENTAL FISH SPECIES WITH REFERENCE TO ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT
IN SOME DISTRICTS OF WEST BENGAL
A. K. Panigrahi, P. K. Bandyopadhyay and Sarbani Dutta (Roy)
Fisheries and Aquaculture Extension Laboratory
Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani,
Kalyani-741235, Nadia, West Bengal, India
ABSTRACT
West Bengal contains richest source of freshwater indigenous fishes having tremendous potential as ornamental fishes.
Some of the indigenous ornamental fishes are Notopterus notopterus, Notopterus chitala, Ompok pabda, Danio devario, Brachydanio
rerio, Mystus spp., Puntius spp., Chanda spp., Colisa spp., Pangasius sutchi, Glossogobius
giuris, Nandus nandus, Heteropneustes fossilis, Anabus testudineus, Channa punctutus, Mastacembalus armatus, Rasbora rasbora,
Chacca chacca, etc. Our survey in some districts of West Bengal revealed that these ornamental fishes are under threat
due to indiscriminate introduction of exotic fishes, application of toxicants and pesticides and eradication of these potential
fishes as weed fishes during composite fish culture or polyculture. But the fact is that huge demand remains in the international
market for these fishes. This paper as an attempt to reveal that there is a great opportunity in entrepreneurship development
among the unemployed person with more sustainable exploitation of the above indigenous fishes.
Key words
: Indigenous, Aquatic biodiversity, Entrepreneurship development
J. Environ. &
Sociobiol. : 6(1) : 13-20, 2009
Bioaccumulatiion and elimination of endosulfan in muscle, gills and blood of channa punctatus
Garima Harit* and Neera Srivastava
Department of Zoology, Centre for Advanced Studies,
University of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302 004, India
ABSTRACT
After exposure of Channa punctatus to sub-lethal concentrations of endosulfan for 120 hrs, residues of
endosulfan were estimated quantitatively in muscle, gills and blood. Maximum accumulation of endosulfan was observed in the
gills. Treated fishes were subsequently transferred to endosulfan free freshwater for another 120 hrs in order to study the
recovery response of these fishes. During recovery phase, slow and steady elimination of endosulfan residue was observed in
both treated groups, showing non-significant removal in muscle and highly significant removal in gills and blood. Results
reveal that muscle, gills and blood of C. punctatus have the ability to bioaccumulate endosulfan even at low concentrations
and short exposure. This may in turn lead to various degenerative processes which will influence physiology and nutritive
value of the fish.
Key words :
Bioaccumulation, Endosulfan, Recovery, Channa punctatus
J. Environ. &
Sociobiol. : 6(1) : 21-27, 2009
cryopreservation of spermatozoa
in fisheries sector
Bindu.
L.
Zoological
Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata-700 053
E-mail
: bindlajapathi@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Importance
of cryopreservation in aquaculture is a widely accepted fact. It is an important component of genetic conservation programmes
for fish and is an alternative method of preserving endangered stock at low temperature. Spermatozoa may be preserved for
short-term or long-term. Semen is usually preserved in extended media at lower temperatures. An ideal extender for semen should
contain cryoprotective materials to minimize cellular damage during freezing and thawing by reducing the thermal shock.
Key words :
Spermatozoa, fish, cryopreservation, extenders, cryoprotectants
J. Environ. &
Sociobiol. : 6(1) : 29-34, 2009
Two new species of CERATOMYXA Thelohan 1892 (Myxosporea :
Ceratomyxidae) from the gallbladder of some catfishes of the Bay of Bengal off West Bengal coast, India
Nirmal Kumar Sarkar*
Department of Zoology, R. B. C. College, Naihati 743165, West Bengal, India
ABSTRACT
Ceratomyxa macrovalvula sp.n. and Ceratomyxa cylindrobiconica
sp. n. (Myxosporea : Ceratomyxidae) have been described from the gallbladder of Arius sagor and A.
sona respectively (Ariidae) collected from the Bay of Bengal off West Bengal
coast,
India. These two Ceratomyxa spp. have been compared with their related Ceratomyxa species.
Key words
:
Ceratomyxa, gallbladder, Catfishes, Bay of Bengal, West Bengal coast
J. Environ. &
Sociobiol. : 6(1) : 35-38, 2009
Association of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in freshwater fishes
of Kolkata market
T. Jawahar Abraham*
Department of Fishery Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Fishery Sciences,
West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences,
Chakgaria, Kolkata–700 094, West Bengal, India
ABSTRACT
Association of Vibrio parahaemolyticus with market freshwater fish
samples in and around Kolkata and their mutagenicity to chloramphenicol was investigated. Vibrio parahaemolyticus
was isolated in 14% of freshwater fish samples possibly because of cross-contamination due to mishandling of freshwater fishes
along with brackishwater and/or marine fishes. The mutation frequency of oxytetracycline resistant V. parahaemolyticus
strains was found to be high (1.13 × 10-9 – 1.00 × 10-9) compared
to that of the strains susceptible to antibiotics (3.16 × 10-10 – 2.39 × 10-10), which is a cause of concern from public health point of view.
Key words : Vibrio
parahaemolyticus, Freshwater fish, Cross-contamination, Mutation frequency
J. Environ. &
Sociobiol. : 6(1) : 39-43, 2009
Shell disease in freshwater river prawn Macrobrachium malcolmsonii
(H. Milne Edwards) due to induced infection of bacterium Aeromonas hydrophilla
S. Behera and G. N. Patel*
West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences,
Chakgaria campus, West Bengal, Kolkata -700 094
Abstract
The present study was conducted for 50 days in the laboratory to assess the typical signs and symptoms of a particular
pathogen Aeromonas hydrophilla in a river prawn Macrobrachium malcolmsonii. In this study, bacterium Aeromonas
hydrophilla was inoculated to the water medium of the prawn juveniles through immersion method. The juveniles of M.
malcolmsonii exhibited the signs and symptoms of shell disease, such as, erratic movement, lethargic in swimming, of
feeding, no molting, black spots on the sclerites and necrosed uropods. The bacterium Aeromonas hydrophilla was reisolated
from infected juveniles and tested biochemically to confirm one of the causative agent of shell disease.
Key words :
Chitinolytic, Inoculation, Juveniles, Sclerites, Melanization
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 6(1) : 45-52, 2009
ARGULOSIS IN CARPS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO WATER QUALITY PARAMETERS IN LOW SALINE BHERIES
OF WEST BENGAL
G.
Dash, S. K. Parida, S. K. Sasmal* and S. N. Sahoo
Parasitology
Laboratory, Department of Fishery Pathology and Microbiology,
Faculty
of Fishery Sciences, W.B.U.A.F.S, Kolkata-700 094, West Bengal
Abstract
Hydrological parameters like dissolve oxygen, pH, turbidity, temperature, alkalinity, free
carbon dioxide and salinity which have their direct influence upon the fish health with reference to the occurrence of argulosis
in Indian major carps were studied in low saline bheries of West Bengal from March, 2006 to February, 2007. The high organic
load which caused the over production of plankton leading to depletion of dissolve oxygen, increasing carbon dioxide to lethal
level, high rate of ammonification leading to low alkalinity and fluctuation in temperature aggravates the occurrence of parasitic
infection. Most of the parameters were found to be significant at 5% level and few were significant at 1% level. It was found
that the above variables had definite impact individually or in combination on the prevalences of argulosis. Out of all the
water parameters, temperature, alkalinity, dissolve oxygen and salinity were found to be the deciding factors for incidence
of argulosis in low saline bheries of different locations of West Bengal. The prevalence of Argulus was less in October-November
and it became epidemic in February-March and gradually declined in April.
Key words : Argulosis,
Indian major carps, water quality, low saline bheries
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 6(1) : 53-58, 2009
IMPACT OF SELECTED FEEDS ON NUTRITIONAL CHARECTERISTICS OF FLESH IN CARP LABEO BATA (HAMILTON)
Anjana and S. K. Das
Dept. of Fishery Biology and Resources Management, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Chakgaria,
P.O. Panchasayer, PIN-700 094, West Bengal
ABSTRACT
Nutritional characteristics of fish flesh, such as, proximate composition and organoleptic characteristics of fish
grown in Eichhornia and Colocasia leaf powder diets as well as fishmeal based control diet were evaluated
after 8 weeks of laboratory experiment. Significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed in crude protein and crude fat levels
in fish flesh. Moisture and lipid level were inversely related. Organoleptic evaluation indicated significant difference (P
< 0.05) in overall quality of flesh in raw fish in different treatments whereas it was not significant in cooked fish.
There was no significant difference in overall quality of fish flesh in treatments having 20% and 30% level of incorporation
of leaf powder in pellet feed.
Key words :
Proximate composition, organoleptic characteristics, fish, formulated feed
J. Environ. &
Sociobiol. : 6(1) : 59-65, 2009
STUDIES ON SELECTIVITY OF PENAEIDS IN TWO-SEAM OVER HANG TRAWL WITH AND WITHOUT SQUARE
MESH
PANELS IN COD END AND FORWARD
PART OF UPPER BELLY
N. A. Talwar* and B. Hanumanthappa
College of Fisheries (KVAFSU), Mangalore–575 002, Karnataka state, India
ABSTRACT
Studies on selectivity of penaeids were carried out by comparing the catches of the conventional two-seam overhang
trawl with that of experimental two-seam overhang trawl having square mesh panels of 45 mm mesh size in the forward part of
upper belly and 28 mm mesh size in the cod end. Alternate trawling technique was used by maintaining similarity in towing
direction, towing duration, speed and depth of operation to minimize possible errors between the trawls. The results revealed
that the experimental trawl caught less quantity of juvenile penaeids than that of conventional trawl having diamond mesh
webbing in the body and the cod end. The by-catch was also reduced considerably indicating that the new gear would be helpful
for the better management of penaeids resources.
Key words
: Selectivity, shrimps, trawls, diamond mesh and square mesh
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 6(1) : 67-71,
2009
Composition, DIVERSITY, Distribution AND Seasonal
Changes OF Fish JuvenileS IN Hooghly Estuary off Sagar Island,
Sundarbans, West Bengal
S.
K. Sasmal, A. Choudhury and G. Dash*
S. D. Marine Biological Research Institute, Bamankhali, Sagar Island,
24 Parganas (S), West Bengal, India
ABSTRACT
The fish juveniles surveys were conducted in Hooghly estuary near Sagar Island in Indian
Sundarban in 2008 to study their composition, diversity, distribution and seasonal occurrence. A total of 65 species belonging
to 27 genera under 20 families were identified from two stations of Hooghly estuary at Sagar Island, viz., Baguakhali
and Chemaguri. Of the 20 families, Engraulidae represented highest diversity of 12 species, followed by Mugilidae (8 species),
Chipeidae (7 species) and Gobiidae (6 species). The diversity of species was minimum during post-monsoon and maximum in pre-monsoon
periods. The most doninant families were Engraulidae, Mugilidae, Culpeidae, Gobidae and Cynoglossidae. The composition and
diversity fish juveniles in the Baguakhali was higher than that of Chemaguri in all seasons.
Key words : Fish juveniles,
composition, distribution, Hooghly estuary, Sundarbans
J. Environ. &
Sociobiol. : 6(1) : 73-77, 2009
SEXUAL DIMORPHISM AND GONADAL DEVELOPMENT OF ANABAS TESTUDINEUS, REARED IN CAPTIVE
CONDITION
S. Behera, S. Ahamad and Md. I. Khan
West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences,
Chakgaria campus, West Bengal, Kolkata–700 094
ABSTRACT
Sexual dimorphism and gonad cycle of Anabas testudineus reared in captive condition (from January to December
2005) was ascertained based on their external morphological characters, such as, colour of body, black spots seen at the base
of the caudal fin, bulgingness of belly and modification of vent as well as development of gonadal materials indicating change
in gonad size. In captive condition, both the sexes (male and female) of Anabas exhibited change in sexual characters
morphologically particularly during breeding season (June to September). These characters became more prominent during peak
breeding season (July and August). Based on modification of colour on the body surface male could not be differentiated from
the female during this period. But, it could differentiate mature fishes from immature one in breeding season. Remaining three
characters (black spots seen at the base of the caudal fin, bulgingness of belly and modification of vent) are found very
much useful for the identification of male and female fish during breeding season. The gonad increased its size (length, weight
and volume) during onset of breeding season (June to September), reached to its optimum level on peak breeding season (July
and August) and became spent after October.
Key words :
Breeding, Gonadal cycle, Maturation, Peak breeding season.
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 6(1) : 79-85, 2009
OBSERVATIONS ON GENERAL BEHAVIOUR OF
AN ANABANTID FISH, COLISA FASCIATA
Tapan Kr. Mandal, Mojammel Hoque and J. Pal.*
Dept. of Zoology, Malda College, Malda (West Bengal)
ABSTRACT
The anabantid fishes (modern bony fishes) are vegetable and animal feeder. They
have excellent capacity to adapt in various types of habitat like freshwater, slightly brackish water and even polluted water
where the DO2 is of least amount. They can also survive in aquarium
conditions very smoothly and feel natural environment in it. In the present study, considerable efforts have been given to
observe the general bahaviour of an anabantid fish Colisa fasciata. The general bahaviour pattern of
C. fascaita
consisted of various motor pattern, e.g., swimming, hovering floating,
fin–flickering, flexing, chaffing, snapping
of mouth, air gulping, bubble blowing, resting, fright and feeding behaviour.
Key words : Ethology, general behaviour, anabantid fish, Colisa fasciata
J. Environ. &
Sociobiol. : 6(1) : 87-91, 2009
IN PURSUIT OF DEVELOPMENT OF CREATIVITY IN STUDENTS OF DISCIPLINE OF FISHERY SCIENCE
S. Paltasingh and S. K. Das*
Syamaprasad Institute of Education
& Training,
5/B. R. Dasgupta Road, Kolkata-700 026
ABSTRACT
Fisheries sector plays an important role in agrarian economy and nutritional security of India. There exists ample
opportunity to enhance fish production adopting different scientific approaches. Development of knowledge and skill of fishery professionals is the key to meet the demand in national and international
level. It can be well addressed by developing creativity amongest under graduate students in discipline of Fishery Science.
Meta learning and conducive environment induce creativity. Important components of creativity are person, process, product
and press (environment). Its assessment procedures and five levels in scientific model of creativity are discussed.
Need of development of creativity in students in discipline of Fishery Science in present day context is narrated.
Key words
: Meta learning, levels of creativity
J. Environ. &
Sociobiol. : 6(1) : 93-97, 2009
Empowering Women for Sustainable Beel Fisheries in Assam
R. C. Barman, S. S. Dana and N. A. Talwar*
Dept. of Fishery Extension, W.B.U.A.F.S., Chakgaria, Panchasayar, Kolkata-700 094
ABSTRACT
For evaluating sustainable development in today’s scenario, empowerment of target community is imperative
just to take their own decision and to know the pattern of equitable distribution of benefit derived from any development
programme like fisheries or aquaculture in order to achieve a quality life. The findings of the study revealed that woman
empowerment was positively and significantly associated with the knowledge level of beel users at 1% level of probability.
So it can be said that empowerment helps one to improve his or her living standard. Hence empowering the women to take decision
on different fisheries and aquaculture activities is regarded as one of the most important inputs for sustainable development
of beel fisheries.
Key words :
Sustainable development, floodplain wetlands, beel fisheries, women empowerment
J. Environ. &
Sociobiol. : 6(1) : 99-103, 2009
Participation of Women in Fishery Management Practices in Dakshin Dinajpur
District of West Bengal, India
B. Goswami, S. S. Dana* and N. A. Talwar**
Dakshin Dinajpur Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Uttar Banga Krishi Viswavidylaya,
West Bengal, India
ABSTRACT
Investigations were carried out to study the women engaged in different fishery management practices and to identify
independent variables, which are related with the dependent variables, viz., decision making and supervision of women
in fish culture in Dakshin Dinajpur district of West Bengal. Randomly selected 120 fisherwomen revealed that majority of them
participate in different management practices like application of mohua oil cake (70%), liming (87.5%), application of organic
manure (89.16%), and application of inorganic fertilizers (62.5%) and regular netting operation (82.5%). The findings revealed
that out of twelve variables only six variables, namely, age, area of the ponds, education, family educational status, economic
status and aspiration were significantly correlated with decision making process
of women in fish culture The findings also revealed that out of twelve variables only three variables, namely, age, economic
status and aspiration were significant at 0.01 level of probability.
Key words
: Women, Aquaculture, Fishery management
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 6(2) : 105-118, 2009
STUDIES ON LEAF EPIDERMAL MICROMORPHOLOGY,
WOOD ELEMENT CHARACTERS AND PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING OF THREE MEDICINALLY IMPORTANT TAXA OF THE FAMILY CONVOLVULACEAE
Sutapa Choudhury, Chowdhury Habibur Rahaman and Sudhendu Mandal*
Department of Botany, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan-731235
ABSTRACT
The present paper deals with leaf epidermal micromorphology, wood element
characters and phytochemical screening of three medicinally important plants of Convolvulaceae, viz., Evolvulus
alsinoides (L.) L., Evolvulus nummularius (L.) L. and Ipomoea cairica ( L.) Sweet. The epidermal
cells are found to be irregular in shape and the outlines of the cells are wavy in every species. Stomata are amphistomatic
and mainly of paracytic type (except in Evolvulus nummularius). Trichomes are glandular and nonglandular, unicellular
or multicellular, straight or curved. The range of the stomatal index varies from 11.40 to 20.00. Palisade ratio ranges from
6.2 to 9.8. The vessel element length ranges from 60.71 µm to 357.10 µm and the diameter varies from 21.78 µm to 66.06 µm.
Perforation plate is simple and transverse or obliquely placed. Fibres are typical libriform, very long and diameter ranges
from 10.71 mm to 16.78 mm. In every cases, tracheids are long with spiral to condensed spiral type of sidewall thickening
and diameter is from 07.14 mm to 16.07mm. The active compounds are identified by the chemical colour reaction tests belonging
to the phytochemical groups of amino acids, alkaloids, reducing sugars, flavonoids, saponins, steroids and triterpenoids,
tannins, etc.
Key words :
Foliar epidermal micromorphology, xylem elements, fibres, phytochemicals, Evolvulus alsinoides, Evolvulus
nummularius, Ipomoea cairica
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 6(2) : 119-122, 2009
Pluteus
cervinus (Schaeff.) P. Kumm. : An Addition to the
Macrofungi of West Bengal, India
Krishnendu Acharya*, Prakash Pradhan and Bhujaya Bhoumik
Department of Botany, University
of Calcutta, Kolkata-700019
ABSTRACT
Vastness of flora and diversity of habit, habitat
and topography have made West Bengal a paradise for wide varieties of macrofungi. Pluteus
cervinus, an agaricales was collected from Birati and reported first time from West Bengal.
A detailed macro and microscopic features of this macrofungus species were presented in this paper.
Key words : Pluteus cervinus, new record
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 6(2) : 123-130, 2009
THREE NEW SPECIES OF PTEROMALIDAE (HYMENOPTERA
: CHALCIDOIDEA) FROM SUNDERBANS,
WEST BENGAL, INDIA
T. C. Narendran and P. Girish Kumar*
Systematic Entomology Laboratory, Department of zoology,
University of Calicut, Kerala-673 635, India. E-mail : drtcnarendran@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Three new species of Pteromalidae, viz.,
Panstenon bengalense Narendran and Girish Kumar sp. nov., Psilocera neoclavicornis Narendran and Girish Kumar
sp. nov. and Pteromalus sunderbanicus Narendran and Girish Kumar sp. nov. are described. Characters separating closely
resembling species are provided.
Key words : Pteromalidae, Panstenon, Psilocera, Pteromalus,
new species, India
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 6(2) : 131-135, 2009
A NEW SEPTATE GREGARINE NEOHIRMOCYSTIS
TROGODERMAE N. SP. FROM TROGODERMA GRANARIUM (INSECTA : COLEOPTERA) FROM SUNDARBAN REGION OF WEST BENGAL, INDIA
Sudip Mandal and Rupendu Ray*
Post Graduate Department of Zoology, Presidency
College
86/1 College Street, Kolkata–700 073, West Bengal, India.
ABSTRACT
Morphology and life history of one new septate
gregarine (Apicomplexa : Conoidasida) Neohirmocystis trogodermae n. sp. from the coleopteran insect pest, Trogoderma
granarium collected from Sundarban region of West Bengal, India has been described.
Key words :
Septate gregarine, Neohirmocystis trogodermae n. sp., Trogoderma granarium, Sundarban region
J.
Environ. & Sociobiol. : 6(2) : 137-143, 2009
A Comparative Study on the Prevalence of Myxozoan
(Myxozoa : Myxosporea : Bivalvulida) and Trichodinid (Ciliophora : Mobilina : Trichodinidae) Fish Parasites in Pure and Hybrid
Carps of Jhalda, Purulia, West Bengal
Saugata Basu, Biplob Kr. Modak*, and Durga P. Haldar**
Department of Biology, Uttarpara Govt. High School,
P.O. Uttarpara, Dist Hooghly, PIN 712 258, West Bengal,
India
Email : basusaugata@fastmail.fm, saugatatias@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The paper records the prevalence of two major
groups of protozoan fish parasites, viz., myxozoans (Myxozoa : Myxosporea : Bivalvulida) and trichodinids (Ciliophora :
Mobilina : Trichodinidae) in pure and hybrid carps reared in three pisciculture ponds at Jhalda in Purulia, West
Bengal. It has been revealed that infection rate was remarkably higher in hybrid carps. Monthly prevalence of
these parasites obtained during the study period along with month-wise analysis of physical and chemical environmental parameters
of pond water have also been incorporated.
Key words : Pure and hybrid carps, Myxosporeans, Trichodinids, Prevalence, Purulia,
West Bengal
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 6(2) : 145-150, 2009
Impact
of chronic zinc exposure on biochemical composition of the ovary in Channa punctatus (Bloch)
Hemlata Verma and Neera Srivastava
Fish Biology Laboratory, Centre for Advanced Studies,
Department of Zoology, University
of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302004, India
E-mail : hemlata1980verma@gmail.com
Abstract
Biochemical response has been evaluated in the
ovary of Channa punctatus (Bloch) after 135-day exposure to sub-lethal concentrations (0.1 and 0.2 mg/1) of zinc. Changes
in glycogen, cholesterol, total proteins and total lipids were estimated. All these parameters showed significant depletion.
Results are directly proportional to dose and duration of the experiment. Results indicate that exposure to zinc for prolonged
periods may also reduce fecundity of fish, thereby limiting the numerical size of the succeeding generations.
Key words : Channa punctatus, Zinc, Ovary, Biochemistry
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 6(2) : 151-158, 2009
BIOACCUMULATION PATTERN OF HEAVY METALS
IN FISH JUVENILES OF INDIAN SUNDARBANS
A. Mitra, N. Mukherjee, H. K. Jana*,
D. Bandyopadhyay, P. Goswami and K. Banerjee
Department of Marine Science, Calcutta
University, 35. B.C. Road, Kolkata–700 019
ABSTRACT
Coastal environment of West Bengal, recognized
as the most diversified and productive ecosystem among all the maritime states of India, faces pollution from domestic sewage and urban and industrial effluents
leading to serious impacts on biota. These organic and inorganic wastes containing heavy metals mainly originate from the
city of Kolkata, Howrah and
the newly developing Haldia port-cum-industrial complex. Most abundant heavy metals in the estuarine complex are Zn, Cu and
Pb. The present paper aims to highlight the level of these heavy metals in juveniles of ten commercially important species
of finfish collected from the aquatic subsystem of western Indian Sundarbans, a Gangetic delta in the north-east coast of
the Indian sub-continent. The heavy metals accumulated in the juvenile fish muscles in the order Zn > Cu > Pb.
Significant temporal variations of Zn and Cu level in the fish muscles were observed between years, but in case of Pb such
variation was not observed. The accumulation of heavy metals in the selected fish muscles exhibited significant species specificity
as revealed from the ANOVA results.
Key words : Estuary, accumulation of heavy metals; fish juveniles
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 6(2) : 159-166, 2009
Evaluation
of haematological parameters and endosulfan accumulation in blood of Channa punctatus followed by subsequent recovery
Garima Harit and Neera Srivastava
Department of Zoology, Centre for Advanced Studies,
University of Rajasthan, Jaipur-302 004, India
haritgarima@yahoo.co.in
Abstract
Present study has been undertaken to investigate
alterations in some haematological parameters along with endosulfan accumulation in blood of Channa punctatus after
sub-chronic exposure to endosulfan. A statistically significant decline is observed in RBC, Hct, Hb and MCHC content in all
the treated groups, reflecting an anaemic condition of the fish. Results indicate significant elevation in WBC, MCV, MCH,
blood glucose and endosulfan content in blood, indicating a stress condition. Post exposure recovery was noted on depuration
for another fortnight. Mild recovery was noted in haematological parameters and blood glucose along with slow elimination
of endosulfan.
Key words : Accumulation, Haematology, Channa punctatus, Endosulfan, Recovery.
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 6(2) : 167-174, 2009
Salinity,
pH and Species Diversity of Ichthyoplankton
in Hooghly Estuary,
West Bengal, India
S. K. Sasmal, A. Choudhury, and G. Dash*
S. D. Marine Biological Research Institute, Bamankhali, Sagar Island,
24-Pgs (S), West Bengal,
India
ABSTRACT
Investigation on some limnological factors like
salinity and pH as well as species diversity of ichthyoplankton at three different sampling
stations, viz., Light house (Station-1), Kachuberia (Station-2) and Haldia (Station-3) in the Hooghly estuarine complex
of West Bengal was carried out. Samples of ichthyoplankton and water were collected every month during 2008. Station-1 recorded
higher values of salinity, pH and species diversity compared to those of Station-2 and Station-3. The salinity and pH played
an important role for survival of ichthyoplankton in the estuarine environment. Species diversity of ichthyoplankton also
varied among the sampling stations. In all the stations maximum number of ichthyoplankton was available during pre-monsson
(March to June) and minimum during monsoon (July to October). The species diversity gradually declined from the mouth towards
the upper stretches of the estuary with the decrease in the salinity and pH of water.
Key words : Estuary, salinity, pH, ichthyoplankton, diversity
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 6(2) : 175-194, 2009
FRESHWATER CRUSTACEANS OF LENTIC AND LOTIC
ECOSYSTEMS IN WEST BENGAL
M. K. Dev Roy and N. C. Nandi
Zoological Survey of India,
Crustacea Section,
27, Jawaharlal Nehru Road,
Kolkata – 700016
ABSTRACT
An inventory of freshwater crustaceans from the
state of West Bengal is attempted for the first time. A total of 185 species belonging to
95 genera and 29 families have been recorded from lentic and lotic ecosystems of the state. Habitat-wise as well as district-wise
distribution of those species has been presented. Threats to crustacean diversity have also been briefly discussed.
Key words : Lentic and lotic ecosystems, crustacean diversity, threat
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 6(2) : 195-204, 2009
Discovery
of a population of a virtually unknown large freshwater bivalve Parreysia rajahensis (Lea, 1841) (Unionoidea : Amblemidae)
in the river Subernarekha, India
Gopal Sharma, Hasko Nesemann* and Subodh
Sharma*
Zoological Survey of India,
Gangetic Plains Regional Station
Rajendra Nagar, Patna-800 016, Bihar
Abstract
Living populations of a large freshwater bivalve.
Parreysia rajahensis (Lea, 1841) were found for the first time in the river Subernarekha. This bivalve species was
found to occur in six localities of that river in altitudes ranging from 11 m to 196 m above mean sea level. In the middle
reach of the river at Moori, Lupungdih and Maubhandar only empty shells of this bivalve species were available. Whereas, living
populations of this bivalve were observed in the lower reach of the river at Gopiballabhpur and Jaleshwar. In addition, one
living specimen of P. rajahensis was found in Kharkai confluence at Domuhani. Water qualities of the sampling sites
were measured and relative abundance of this bivalve species along with its associate benthic molluscs was also estimated.
Key words : Bivalve,
Perreysia rajahensis, Subernarekha river, population, water quality, abundance
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 6(2) : 205-212, 2009
Perspective
on the socio-economic status of the fishermen engaged in fishing in the coastal belt of Purba Medinipur district of
West Bengal, India
Mrinmay Ghorai, Utpal Kr. Sar*, Ritish
Das and Bidhan C. Patra
Aquaculture Research Unit, Department of Zoology, Vidyasagar University,
Midnapore-721102,West Bengal, India.,
e.mail : bcpatra@yahoo.com
Abstract
A study was carried out to assess the socio-economic
status of the fishermen engaged in fishing in the Ramnagar-II development block of Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal.
The study deals with the migrant people of the traditional landing centres, use of crafts and gears and their type, frequencies
of various species of fish and their percentage of landing, income level, education, etc. Certain remedial measures
to be taken to elevate the socio-economic condition of the fisher folk have also been pointed out.
Key words : Fisher folk, landing centre, migrant
people, socio-economic status
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 6(2) : 213-222, 2009
CAREER CHOICE AMONG THE STUDENTS OF HIGHER
SECONDARY LEVEL IN KOLKATA, WEST BENGAL
S. Pal and D. Banerjee*
Dept. of Life Science, Govt.
Training College, Hooghly
E-mail : spalaug@rediffmail.com
ABSTRACT
Present work deals with the estimation
of major factors that influence the career choice among the students of Higher Secondary level in Kolkata and suggests that
the process of career choice among the students of H.S level involves the academic achievement, sex-bias, family imposition,
self-interest, parent’s educational level, etc.
Key words :
Career choice, Academic career, Sex-bias, Professional aim, Socio-economic status, Counsellor.
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 6(2) : 223-231, 2009
THE LAW OF KARMA AND CONFLICT–STRESS RELATIONSHIP : TOWARDS THE DEFINITION
OF DHARMIC WORK-ENVIRONMENT
Debashis Kumar Basu
Finance (Rev.) Department, Govt. of West Bengal, Kolkata–700001
Email : D.Bose30@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Conflict management styles have been made related
to the quality of agreement reached during negotiations or a particular situation. By contrast, in this article it is argued
that it is the conflict style that creates a particular situation within a work environment and that “created situation”
induces an actor (of the work environment) to adopt a particular style to cope with the crisis and thus the cycle continues.
By applying the knowledge of karmic principles, it is understood that the preference of a particular style is determined by
the locus of the actor into his /her karmic cycle, i.e., whether he/she is about to complete the cycle or not.
Using data from a leading corporate sector of India, it is found that those who prefer a more integrating style (i.e.,
good karma) experience a lower level of role conflict which reduces stress and those who use a more dominating or avoiding
style (i.e, bad karma) experience a higher level of stress. Therefore it is concluded that an employee’s work
environment, on the basis of a superior–subordinate dyad, is his/her own creation.
Key words : Conflict, stress, karma, dharmic work environment
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 6(2) : 233-236, 2009
VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN IN INDIA
Lily Mondal
Government Training College, Hooghly,
West Bengal
ABSTRACT
Violence against women in India
is a matter of grave concern. Different types of violence like rape, dowry deaths, domestic violence and trafficking of girls
and women and their causes are discussed. Female infanticide, battering during pregnancy, sexual and psychological abuse,
child prostitution and pornography are the few major barriers of women empowerment. These issues need serious attention to
secure women’s rightful position in society.
Key words : Violence, battering, infanticide, prostitution, pornography, empowerment.
J.Environ
& Sociobio. : 7(1) : 2010
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 7(1) : 1-5, 2010
A NEW SPECIES OF HALTICOPTERA SPINOLA (HYMENOPTERA : CHALCIDOIDEA : PTEROMALIDAE) FROM HIMACHAL
PRADESH, INDIA WITH A REVISED KEY TO INDIAN SUBCONTINENT SPECIES
T. C. Narendran and P. Girish Kumar*
Systematic Entomology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calicut, Kerala-673 635,
India. E- mail : drtcnarendran@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
A new species of Halticoptera Spinola,
viz., Halticoptera shimlica Narendran and Girish Kumar sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Himachal Pradesh, India. Affinities of the
species with its closest relatives are discussed. A revised key to the species of Halticoptera of the Indian subcontinent
is also provided.
Key words : Halticoptera, new species,
Pteromalidae
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 7(1) : 7-16, 2010
SEVEN NEW MYXOSPOREA (MYXOZOA: BIVALVULIDA) FROM MARINE FISHES OF THE BAY OF BENGAL OFF WEST BENGAL COAST, INDIA
Nirmal Kumar Sarkar
Laboratory for fish protists, 28 Mogaltuli, Chinsurah 712101, West Bengal, India
E-mail. nirmalsarkar41@rediffmail.com
Abstract
Seven new myxosporeans (Myxozoa : Bivalvulida) have been described from marine fishes collected from the Bay of Bengal off West Bengal coast, India. These are Ceratomyxa
lizae sp. n. from the gallbladder of Liza parsia, Myxobolus praeustuseas sp. n. from the liver
of Carangoides praeustuseas, Myxodavisia sonae sp. n. from the gallbladder
of Arius sona, Pseudoalataspora scomberomorusi sp.n. from the gallbladder of Scomberomorusus sp., Sphaerospora
johnae sp.n. from the kidney tubule of Johnius bengalirii, Zschokkella coelatusi from the gallbladder
of Arius coelatus, and Zschokkella mystae sp.n. from the gallbladder
of Mystus gulio.
Key words : Myxosporea, Bivalvulida, Ceratomyxa, Myxodavisia,
Myxobolus, Pseudualataspora, Sphaerospora, Zschokkella, Bay of Bengal, India
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 7(1) : 17-22, 2010
ONE NEW SPECIES OF HOPLORHYNCHUS CARUS, 1863
(APICOMPLEXA : CONOIDASIDA) FROM ODONATE
INSECT IN WEST BENGAL, INDIA
Susanta Ray*, S. Chattopadhyay** and D. P. Haldar*
*University of Kalyani, Nadia,**Krishnath College, Berhampore
ABSTRACT
Present investigation records the morphology and life cycle of one new species of cephaline gregarine Hoplorhynchus
Carus, 1863 (Apicomplexa : Conoidasida), viz., Hoplorhynchus brachythrii sp.n. from odonate fly Brachythemis
contaminata (Fabricious) with a short description of seasonal prevalance of parasite and host infection from Murshidabad,West Bengal.
Key words : Apicomplexa, Conoidasida, Cephaline gregarine, Insecta, Odonata,
Hoplorhynchus
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 7(1) : 23-27, 2010
A NEW TREMATODE PATAGIFER SANYALI N. SP. (ECHINOSTOMATIDAE : ECHINOSTOMATINAE) FROM
A
SITE NEARBY TO AGASTHYAMALAI TIGER RESERVE FOREST, TIRUNELVELLI (DIST.),
TAMIL NADU, INDIA
Shuvajit Chakrabarti* and Anindita Ghosh**
Zoological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata-700053
ABSTRACT
A new species of the echinostomatid trematode Patagifer sanyali n. sp. collected from intestine of Porphyrio
poliocephalus obtained from a site nearby to Agasthyamalai Tiger Reserve Forest, Tirunelvelli (Dist.),
Tamil Nadu, India is described and illustrated. The new species is compared
with other species of the genus Patagifer and found closer to P. wesleyi Verma, 1936 and P. bilobus (Rud.
1819) Dietz, 1909 but it differs from them by its unique feature of bilobed testes, and having fifty collar spines. A key
to the Indian species of the genus Patagifer Dietz, 1909 is provided to distinguish it from all of them.
Key words : Trematode, Patagifer sanyali, Bird host, Tamil Nadu
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 7(1) : 29-36, 2010
Intensive study on the scleractinian coral diversity of Pongibalu, South Andaman
R. Raguraman*, C.R. Sreeraj, Titus Immanuel and C. Raghunathan
Zoological Survey of India, Andaman and Nicobar
Regional Station,
Haddo, Port Blair–744 102, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Abstract
Intensive field studies were carried out at Pongibalu coral reef in the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park in South Andaman
from March-September 2009 to investigate scleractinian coral diversity in the 3 predetermined plots on the reef covering a
total area of 20,000 m2. A total of 76 species of hard corals were recorded with the live coral cover of <
50 percentage. Among the three plots, plot no. 2 harboured high species diversity with 43.3% live coral cover where existing
concrete jetty acts as a substratum for the settlement and growth of the corals.
Key words : Scleractinia, Marine National Park, Coral Reef, Diversity,
Andaman.
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 7(1) : 37-44, 2010
Diversity of Coccidian parasites (Coccidia : Eimeriidae) from Maharashtra
L. Bindu*, S. R. Nikam** and R. Nandi
Zoological Survey of India, M. Block, New Alipore,
Kolkata-700 053
ABSTRACT
A total of 82 species (56 named and 26 unnamed) of coccidian parasites belonging to two genera, viz., Eimeria and Isospora
have been found to occur in Maharashtra from various hosts, such as, in fishes (2 named and 9 unnamed species), reptiles (4
named species), birds (9 named and 14 unnamed species) and mammals (41 named and 3 unnamed species). Amongst the named coccidian
parasites, five species viz., Eimeria knowlesi, E. hemidactyli, E. columbae, E.
debliecki and E. zuernii constitute first report from Maharashtra state, while out of 26 unnamed species
more than 10 species reported herein may be new species and need further study. Highest diversity of parasitic species (44
named and unnamed species) was recorded from mammalian hosts. The highest number of these coccidian parasites belongs to the
genus Eimeria (48 named and 18 unnamed species) and less than one-fifth of the total eimeriid coccidian diversity listed
from the genus Isospora (8 named and 8 unnamed species). Most of these coccidian parasite species were recorded from
Marathwada region of Maharashtra state. Prevalence and pathogenicity of some of these species have also been discussed.
Key words : Coccidia, Eimeria, Isospora, Maharashtra
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 7(1) : 45-52, 2010
Diversity of Microzooplankton (Tintinnida) in Muttukadu backwaters, South East
Coast of India
Chitra, J* and Ramanibai, R
Unit of Biomonitoring and Management, Department of Zoology,
University of Madras, Guindy campus,
Chennai–600 025.
ABSTRACT
Species composition, density and diversity of tintinnids along with hydrographical parameters in Muttukadu backwaters
(Lat. 12°47’N, Long. 80°15’ E), South East coast of India were studied from
February 2004 to May 2006. Fifteen species of tintinnids were recorded and among them, Favella ehrenbergi and Favella
philippinensis were dominant during the study period. The observed maximum population density of tintinnids were 1,58,500
ind/m3 at location 1 during postmonsoon season in February 2006 may be due to the higher levels of salinity (ppt) and the higher peak
in physicochemical parameters observed in postmonsoon seasons during the study period. The richness of phytoplankton showed
their higher productivity and population density during 2005 in all the seasons
after tsunami event.
Key words : Tintinnida, Muttukadu backwaters
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 7(1) : 53-55, 2010
MACROINVERTEBRATE DIVERSITY OF INDRABEEL,
WEST BENGAL
Mousumi Roy
Kishore Bharati Bhagini Nivedita College, Department of Zoology,
148, Ramkrishna Sarani, Vivekananda Pally, Behala, Kolkata–700 060, West Bengal.
E mail: mousumiroy@rediffmail.com
ABSTRACT
A total of 46 macroinvertebrate species belonging to 5 major groups, viz., crustacea (6 species), insecta (21
species), arachnida (4 species), mollusca (14 species) and annelida (1 species) have been recorded from Indrabeel, Puruliya
district, West Bengal. Gastropoda and insecta are the most dominant groups, the latter representing highest diversity of 21
species, followed by gastropods (14 species).
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 7(1) : 57-64, 2010
Activities of Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra Linn. 1758) in rainy season : A study
in the agricultural pastures of Ganjam district, Orissa, India
Arun Kumar Roy Mahato, Ramakrishna and M. Raziuddin*
Zoological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata.
Email : mahatoarun_zsi30@yahoo.com
Abstract
Eight territorial males of Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra Linn. 1758) were observed by Focal animal sampling
method at the agricultural pastures of Ganjam district, Orissa, India in rainy season in
order to determine the influences of anthropogenic activities and food patches distribution on their behaviour. It was observed
that Blackbucks spent most of their time in feeding throughout the season. Time spent in lying was lowest at the peak monsoon
(3.12%) in comparison to pre monsoon (14.6%) and post monsoon (7.91%). Contrary to that, the time spent in walking was highest
at the middle of monsoon (27%) compared to pre-monsoon (15%) and post-monsoon (17%). The average time spent in standing showed
very little seasonal variation. Other activities like rubbing, thrashing, circling, sparring, dominance display and urination-defecation
were highest at pre-monsoon (6.43%) and minimum at the peak monsoon (1.87%). Diurnal activity pattern varied greatly throughout
the season. In rainy season feeding and lying showed opposite peak of diurnal rhythm and significant differences were found
in these activities (F = 6.51, p < 0.0001for feeding; F = 2.98, p < 0.01 for lying). Variation in the frequencies and
average duration of feeding, walking, lying and others activities were found while the frequency of standing did not vary
as season proceeded. It was also found that the distribution of food patches and disturbances by anthropogenic activities
due to agricultural works played important role in the variation on the activity time-budget and activity patterns of Blackbuck.
Key words : Blackbuck, Activity pattern, Feeding, Lying, Walking, Monsoon
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 7(1) : 65-68, 2010
YIELD LOSS IN TWO RICE CULTIVARS BY THE SMALL RICE GRASSHOPPER, OXYA NITIDULA (WALKER)
D. Suresh Chand and M.C. Muralirangan*
Arunachal Pradesh Research Centre, Zoological
Survey of India, Itanagar-791113
ABSTRACT
Present investigation aimed at evaluating the yield loss of two rice cultivars CO43 and CO45 by the small rice grasshopper
Oxya nitidula (Walker). Three different growth stages of the cultivars were selected
31 days after sowing (DAS), 46 DAS, and 61 DAS for evaluating the damage potential by the small rice grasshopper. Infestation
was carried out at different population level, 2 insects/cage, 4 insects/cage, 6 insects/cage and 8 insects/cage. Damage caused
by the insects was directly related to the grains harvested on the two rice cultivars. The result suggests that grain loss
increased with increasing number of insects infesting the plant. At 31 DAS treatment damage was more, compared to other DAS
treatments.
Keywords : Oryza sativa, Oxya nitidula, yield loss
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 7(1) : 69-79, 2010
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIOLOGICAL IMPACTS OF DYING AND BLEACHING INDUSTRIES AT CHATTA KALIKAPUR, WEST BENGAL
Abhinandan Sengupta, Mrinal Mukherjee2, Bhaskar Majumder, Naveen Kumar3 Department of Environment and Development, Jadavpur
University and
Paschim Banga Vigyan Mancha, South 24 Parganas District unit , West Bengal
ABSTRACT
The study aims to find out the causes
of environmental degradation and it’s correlation with socio-economic problems of Chatta Kalikapur Mouza of Thakurpukur-Maheshtala
Block, South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal where Jeans- fading industries have been mushrooming since 1992. A survey was done to
understand the locus of the Dying and Bleaching industry from economic, environmental and social view point. Water samples
were collected and analyzed both for physico-chemical parameter and for plankton diversity. Data of soil characteristics taken
from State Agriculture Department were also analyzed. The study of land use and change of crop pattern along with water and
soil study clearly revealed a rapid degradation of environment. The overall economic development was found to shatter for
uncontrolled growth of dying and bleaching industries, making the social fabric more fragile. The study also tried to throw
light on the mitigation strategy.
Key words :
Dying and Bleaching industry, Water parameters, Plankton diversity, Mitigation strategy
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 7(2) : 85-92, 2010
FISH AND FISHERIES OF IRIL RIVER, MANIPUR, WITH
A
NOTE ON CONSERVATION STRATEGIES FOR THREATENED SPECIES
Laishram Kosygin, L. Somananda Devi* and Haobijam Dhamendra**
Zoological Survey of India, Gopalpur-on-Sea 761 002, Orissa
ABSTRACT
An attempt has been made to study the fish resources of Iril river, Manipur,
based on present collection and those reported by the earlier workers. A total of 62 species of fishes representing 40 genera
and 18 families has been recorded from the river. These fishes include 7 endangered (EN), 15 vulnerable (VU), 9 lower risk–near
threatened (LRnt) and 3 lower risk-least concern (LRlc) species. The fish fauna of the river is a mixture of endemic hill
stream, Burmese, Assamese and some widely distributed forms. The river has high fisheries potential as it harbours many commercially
important food fishes and its water quality is within the tolerance limit of class ‘D’ water. Strategies for conservation
of threatened fishes are suggested.
Key words :
Fish fauna, water quality, threatened species, conservation, Iril river, Manipur
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 7(2) : 93-106, 2010
INVENTORY OF WETLANDS
of Nadia District, West Bengal, India AND THEIR CHARACTERIZATION AS NATURAL RESOURCES
Goutam Bala* and Ambarish Mukherjee
UGC Centre for advance studies, Department of Botany
University Burdwan, Burdwan-713104,
West Bengal, India
ABSTRACT
An inventory of wetlands, which includes the gathering of information
on (i) location, size, biotic and abiotic features and status of these resources, (ii) characteristics, function, treats and
positive actions related to the use of the wetlands and (iii) design and development, is a prerequisite database for effective
management and monitoring. This can be accomplished effectively if the inventory is prepared using methods that identify distinct
wetland units and provide information of the particular wetland. To achieve this, an inventory of 75 wetlands of Nadia district
of West Bengal, India has been prepared, adopting modified classification system used by Zalidis et al. (1997).
Key wards : Wetlands, inventory, mapping of wetland
status
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 7(2) : 113-120, 2010
EFFECT OF EFFLUENT FROM
AN OIL BLENDING INDUSTRY ON GUPPY FISH, Poecilia reticulata :
A BIOASSAY APPROACH
Moumit Roy Goswami, Udayan Bhattacharya, Saikat Sinha Roy, Chiranjit Basu Mallick,
Soumendranath Talapatra and Aniruddha Mukhopadhyay*
Department of Environmental Science, University of Calcutta
51/2, Hazra Road, Kolkata
700019, India
ABSTRACT
Effluent released from different industries into the nearby water bodies
leads to pollution of the aquatic environment and hence it is one of the major concerns of the modern world. The detrimental
effects of different industrial effluents can be assessed by means of bioassay using wide range of living organisms including
fishes. In the present experiment bioassay was conducted to determine the acute toxicity of the effluent from an oil blending
industry on guppy fish (Poecilia reticulata) under laboratory conditions. Fishes exposed to different dilutions
of the effluent exhibited behavioural changes, such as, gasping and inconsistent movements as an indicator of stress. The
LC50 of the effluent at 24, 48,
72, and 96 hours were found to be 97.84% (i.e., 2.16% dilution), 87.74% (i.e., 12.26% dilution), 73.67% (i.e.,
26.33% dilution) and 67.92% (i.e., 32.08% dilution) respectively. The result clearly shows that effluent posed considerable
amount of toxicity on the selected fish species.
Key words : Bioassay, Poecilia reticulata, Effluent,
LC50, Probit analysis
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 7(2) : 107-112, 2010
Eco-degradation to Eco-restoration
of
Chilika lagoon : An overview
Anil Mohapatra* and P.G.S. Sethy
Zoological Survey of India, FPS Building, 27, J. L. Nehru Road, Kolkata 700 016
Abstract
Chilika lagoon is the largest coastal lagoon in the Indian subcontinent
and the much focused Ramsar site of international importance. The lake being an assemblage of shallow to very shallow marine,
brackish and freshwater ecosystem and having rich fishery resources witnessed rapid eco-degradation during the last few decades,
with increasing sediment loads, decreasing salinity and several other natural changes coupled with incessant anthropogenic
pressure, which have altered the natural attributes of the lagoon. The present paper communicates the detailed account from
degradation to restoration of the lagoon.
Key words : Lagoon, eco-degradation, eco-restoration, hydrological intervention, catchment treatment
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 7(2) : 121-126, 2010
Aquatic and Wetland plants
of West Bengal
Subir K Ghosh
Society for Ecoaquaculture and Better Environmental Development (SEABED)
25-B
Salimpore Road, P.O. Dhakuria, Kolkata-700031
Abstract
Diversity of wetland plants of West Bengal is richest in India and is
represented by more than 380 species belonging to 170 genera and 81 families. Wetlands of
West Bengal covering only about
8.5% of the wetland areas (considering water
bodies > 100 ha) of India, provide shelter for more than 60% diversity
of aquatic and wetland plants.
Freshwater wetland habitats of West Bengal harbour 6 genera and 8 species
of aquatic and wetland pteridophytes, 19 genera and 32 species of strictly aquatic monocot and 8 genera and 12 species of
dicot representatives. Considering flowering plant families having representatives in wetland habitat of West Bengal with
respect to their counterparts in terrestrial habitat of India, there are more than 271 species belonging to 103 genera and
39 families. Salt water angiosperm or typical mangrove plant diversity of the Sundarbans of West Bengal is represented by
54 genera and 79 floral species of true mangroves and mangrove associates distributed in 44 families.
A recent survey implies that more than 45 species have become rare, 5
species are already endangered and 6 species are under threat. Current status of some threatened species of West Bengal wetlands
are also dealt with in the paper.
Key words : Plant community, macrophytes, bryophytes, pteridophytes, angiosperms, threatened species
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 7(2) : 127-131, 2010
TWO NEW SPECIES OF KUDOA MEGLITSCH (MULTIVALVULIDA
: KUDOIDAE) FROM THE FISHES OF Sundarban COAST OF WEST BENGAL, INDIA
Nirmal Kumar Sarkar
Protist Research Laboratory,
28 Mogaltuli, Chinsurah 712101, West Bengal, India
ABSTRACT
Two new species of Kudoa Meglitsch, 1947 (Multivalvulida, Kudoidae),
viz., Kudoa kalae sp.n. a quadrate type and Kudoa hoffmani sp.n. a stellate type from the gallbladder of fishes
Arius arius and Arius crosscheilus (Arridae) respectively collected from Sundarban coast of West Bengal, India
have been described.
Key words :
Kudoa hoffmani, Kudoa kalae, Kudoidae, Arius arius, Arius crosscheilus, Sundarban coast
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 7(2) : 141-146, 2010
POLYCHAETES OF THE WETLANDS OF WEST BENGAL
Santanu Mitra* and A. Misra**
Zoological Survey of India, F.P.S. Building, 27, J. L. Nehru Road, Kolkata 700016
ABSTRACT
A total of 74 species of Polychaetes belonging to 51 genera and 28 families
have been reported so far from West Bengal wetlands. Out of these, only two species, viz., Aelosoma bengalensis
and Lumbrineris pseudobifilaris are reported from freshwater habitats and the remaining are from brackishwater, estuarine
and caostal habitats of the state. A list of all these species along with their habitat, district-wise distribution in the
states and local status is presented in the present communication.
Key words :
Polychaetes, macrobenthic, wetland, endemic
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 7(2) : 147-187, 2010
DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF CRUSTACEA FAUNA in WETLANDS OF WEST BENGAL
M. K. Dev Roy
Zoological
Survey of India, Crustacea Section
27 Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata- 700016
ABSTRACT
An inventory of crustacean species occurring in different wetland ecosystems
of West Bengal is presented in the form of a systematic checklist. The inventory includes 535 species of crustaceans belonging
to 283 genera and 119 families showing district-wise distribution of each species in the state. Of these, brachyuran crabs
represent the highest diversity of species (152) followed by copepoda (114 species) and cladocera (81 species). Crustaceans
belonging to Conchostraca, Anostraca, Gebiidea, Tanaidacea and Cumacea are represented only by a single species each. Crustacean
species which inhabit diversified freshwater, brackishwater, estuarine and coastal wetlands of South 24-Parganas district
shows the greatest diversity.
Key words : Wetland, crustacea, diversity, distribution,
West Bengal
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 7(2) : 189-194, 2010
CATFISH DIVERSITY OF WEST BENGAL, INDIA
S. S. Mishra, M. Chakrabarty, S. Kar and K. C. Gopi
Fish Division, Zoological Survey of India, J. L. Nehru Road, Kolkata 700016
Abstract
The present paper deals with Catfish diversity of West Bengal. Taxonomic
review of all the concerned publications reveals the occurrence of 86 species of Catfishes in this state. These species are
listed in the present paper under their respective families along with their distribution.
Key words : Catfish, diversity, taxonomic
review.
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(1) : 1-24, 2011
Biodiversity Scenario
in India
F. B. Mandal and A. K.
Ghosh*
Department of Zoology, Bankura Christian College, Bankura-722 101, West Bengal
Abstract
India, the seventh largest
country in the world with 2.4% global space and a total area of 3,287,263 sq km, belongs to Oriental realm. Being the Asia’s
second largest nation it provides shelter to about 90,000 animal species in less
than 50% geographical region surveyed so far. With over 45,000 registered wild plant species, India accounts for about 8.5%
of world’s known species of flora and fauna. Mega diversity countries altogether hold 60 to 70% of world’s biodiversity.
India, one of the mega diversity countries, has so far protected 4.3% of its total land area. It is well-known for original
home land for many agricultural crops. It is also noted for high endemicity, especially in the Himalaya and Western Ghats.
Besides species diversity, India represents every major ecosystem diversity from the mountains, to forests, deserts, wetlands,
mangroves, islands, etc. Besides the recognized hotspots, like Western Ghats and eastern Himalaya, India is endowed with other
rich biodiversity locales. Conservation efforts have sometimes been conflicting, affecting tribal populations, living within
or near protected areas. Information on recorded Indian biodiversity appears to be fragmentary, although a consolidated account
would be significant in effective policy making for conservation at national as well as international levels, sustainable
use of bioresources and for ensuring our biofuture. The present communication attempts to sum up the relevant up to date biodiversity
information known from India succinctly that would have significance to researchers, policy makers and conservation biologists.
Ecosystem-, species- and genetic diversity are discussed along with a note on agro- and livestock- biodiversity. Following
CBD in 1992, to which India is a party, it has enacted “Biological Diversity Act” in 2002 and "Biological Diversity
Rules” 2004, offering a three tier management system to ensure Access and Benefit Sharing mechanism for sustainable
use and promoting conservation.
Key words : India, biodiversity, ecosystem, forest, grassland, desert, wetland,
mangrove, marine, coral
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(1) : 25-42, 2011
Ecosystems and human well-being
F. B. Mandal, C. Chatterjee
and A. Ghosh
Department of Zoology, Bankura
Christian College, Bankura-722101, West Bengal
ABSTRACT
Over the past 50 years,
humans have altered their environment to a significant extent, although human well-being is dependent on ecosystem functioning.
Ecosystems are particularly affected by unsustainable use of resources, such as, food, water, and timber. Ecosystem functions
depend on water, carbon, and other nutrients cycles. Human activities have modified these cycles in a number of way. Use of
ecosystems for recreation, spiritual enrichment, cultural purposes, and for other short term benefits is growing continuously,
although ecosystem capacity to provide such services has reported to be declined significantly. Human well-being depends on
material welfare, health, good social relations, security and freedom, which are affected by changes in ecosystem services.
Intensive ecosystem use often produces short-term advantage.
Poverty level remains high
in more than one billion people, who are dependent on ecosystems with an income of less than $1 per day as reported elsewhere.
Regions including some parts of Africa, Asia and Latin America have the greatest ecosystem-related problems and are facing
developmental challenges. Habitat change occurs, for instance, when the area of land used for agriculture or cities is expanded.
Instability and unproductivity including desertification, water logging, mineralization and many other unwanted outcomes throughout
the world are continuing. Habitat fragmentation by roads, canals, power lines limits the species potential for dispersal and
colonization. Indirect drivers, like changes in human population, economic activity and technology as well as socio-political
and cultural factors affect ecosystems by influencing direct drivers. World climate has changed and continues to change, affecting
temperature, rainfall and sea levels.
Intensive fertilizer use
has polluted ecosystems. Climate change and high nutrient levels in water are becoming increasing problems. Ecosystem management
for short-term benefits is increasing. Loss of biodiversity makes it difficult for ecosystems to recover from damage. Once
an ecosystem has undergone an abrupt change, recovery to the original state is slow, costly, and sometimes impossible. Changes
in ecosystems complexity- functioning relationships could diminish the stability, resistance and resilience of managed terrestrial
ecosystems, and may jeopardize important food and fibre sources, and ability of natural ecosystems both to provide natural
resources, and to remove pollutants from atmosphere.
Ecological complexity and
ecosystem functioning depend on factors that govern species coexistence. Complexity of landscapes is determined by number
of ecosystem types, their characteristics, their sizes and shapes, and associated connectivity. Complexity at this scale would
have large consequences on regional to global scale processes. Presence and arrangement of keystone ecosystem types, such
as, wetlands often determine total carbon and nitrogen balance of a region. Changes in average or extreme environmental events
and intense land use management are believed to increase species extinction rate in isolated habitat fragments. Loss of key
species, such as, top predators, fruit dispersers and pollinators from habitat may severely disrupt ecosystems functioning.
Land use changes due to expanding urbanization, concomitant landscape fragmentation and intensification of production systems.
Such change results in transformation of an ecosystem, form one state to another state, via a transition phase.
The combined value of 17
ecosystem services has been reported in the estimated range of US$16-54 trillion per year by Costanza and others. About 30%
of modern medicines are developed from plants and animals, and 10 of the world’s 25 top-selling drugs in 1997 were reported
to be derived from natural sources. Global market value of pharmaceuticals derived from genetic resources is estimated at
US $ 75 000-150 000 million annually. Some 75% of the world’s populations rely for health care on traditional medicines,
which are derived directly from natural sources as recorded elsewhere. Socio-economic development of human civilization and
human well-being depends on long-term health of environment including ecosystems. Environmental problems are generally addressed
in isolation, but practically such problems are interrelated, and originate from the root cause of unsustainable development.
Damage to natural ecosystems and release of environmental pollutants must be minimized for protecting natural ecosystem, and
human well-being.
Key words :
Ecosystem services, Human well-being, Drivers of changes, Ecosystem functioning, Global warming, Human population
growth, Land conversion
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(1) : 43-56, 2011
WETLANDS
AND WETLAND BIODIVERSITY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT SCENARIO IN INDIA
N. C. Nandi
Social Environmental and Biological Association, Biren Roy Road (West), Kolkata-700
061 Email : nepalchandra.nandi@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The present paper deals
with extent, distribution and threats to wetlands as well as their biodiversity conservation and management scenario in India.
The state-wise distribution of wetlands reflects highest area of natural wetlands in Gujarat and man-made wetlands in Karnataka.
Madhya Pradesh has the highest area of reservoirs (0.29 million ha), while the freshwater tanks and ponds is represented highest
in Tamil Nadu (0.69 million ha) and that of floodplain lakes in Assam (0.1 million ha). Major threats to major categories
of freshwater and brackishwater wetlands in India include encroachment, reclamation, habitat destruction, siltation, timber
cutting, over-exploitation, weed infestation, eutrophication, pollution and poaching of wildlife, etc. The major initiatives,
activities, strategies and management needs towards conservation and management of wetlands in India have been depicted and
discussed. An integrated area development approach to wetland conservation and management at the Block Development level in
rural areas and at the municipal level in urban areas is suggested. A model of multipurpose concept of wise use of wetlands
under the umbrella of an Integrated Area Development Network Programme (IADNP) is shown towards conservation and sustainable
development representing urban wetlands in Kolkata.
Key words :
Wetlands, Biodiversity conservation, Integrated management, Ideal values, Kolkata model
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(1) : 57-67, 2011
Non-Invasive Genetic Analysis in
Biodiversity Conservation
Anindita Mitra
Dept of Zoology, Bankura Christian
College, Bankura-722 101, West Bengal
Abstract
Biodiversity means the variety
of genes, species, population and ecosystems. Genetic diversity fuels the engine of evolution and is essential for survival
of species. In conservation genetics, DNA markers are being increasingly used for gathering information on species diversity.
Conservation biology and population analysis of different animals thus ensure to preserve species as dynamic entities capable
of coping with environmental change. Species and population genetic assessment demands easy, fast, less expensive and reliable
DNA extraction methodologies. Among different procedure of obtaining DNA samples, non-invasive analysis is now widely accepted
method for retrieving the genetic data from many endangered species.
Non-invasive sampling of
hair, faeces, feathers or sloughs is currently used for molecular genetic studies of endangered species. Such genetic sampling
is less stressful for animals and sampling of large population can be possible without visual/physical contact. Characterization
of non-invasive material using molecular markers like Major Histocompatibity Complex (MHC), Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism
(AFLP) and microsatellites, minisatellites and mitochondrial DNA allows biologists to identify and count individuals in wild
population, to identify the sex of those individuals and determine their movement pattern, to infer parentage, kinship and
relatedness and to assess pathogen and diet. The non-invasive methods are less expensive than the most reliable traditional
field method and preferable from an ethical point of view. This study is an attempt to discuss the issues and wide ranging
application of non-invasive genetic analysis in light of modern research.
Key words : Genetic diversity, non-invasive genetic
analysis, molecular markers
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(1) : 69-78, 2011
BIODIVERSITY
INFORMATICS : A SILENT REVOLUTION FOR MANAGEMENT OF BIOLOGICAL DIVERSITY DATA AND INFORMATION
Jayanta Sinha, Piyali Chattopadhyay Sinha* and Tandra Sarkar**
Department of Zoology, B.
B. College, Asansol, West Bengal, India
E-mail. jayantasinha02@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Biodiversity is generally
categorized into genetic diversity, species diversity and ecosystem diversity. As a part of the global initiative for conservation
of biodiversity, floral, faunal and microbial diversity is to be documented providing detailed account of the species of all
the countries and regions through an integrated and interactive information system. Such information system or Biodiversity
Informatics helps in improved management, presentation, discovery, exploration and analysis of data and information on Biological
Diversity.
Biodiversity data are grouped
as Global data, Conservation areas data, Species data, Genetic data and Biological Reference Collections. Biodiversity Informatics
and its activities may be utilised for different applications that include Forestry, Invasive alien species, Systematics and
Evolutionary biology, Taxonomy and Identification systems. Further there must be development of new tools, services and standards
for management and access of data.
There are many international
efforts of generating and maintaining data on Biological Diversity. These are Bionet, Diversitas, Cenplank, Fishbase, Global
Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), Forests Resource Assessments (FRA), GOOS, GTOS, IOPI, Ocean Biogeographic Information
System (OBIS), MIRCENS and SPECIES 2000, etc.
Many Global Biodiversity
Information Centers are developed all around the world. Some of them are Bird Life International, Conservation International,
FAO, International Plant Genetic Resources Institute, IUCN, UNEP, Wetland International, WCMC, etc. In India, an attempt to
portray vegetation cover, fragmentation, disturbance and biological richness across the landscape is organized in the form
of Biodiversity Information System (BIS) under the joint supervision of Department of Space and Department of Biotechnology,
Government of India. Further, Geographic Information System (GIS) and Remote Sensing (RS) have paved the way to map and analyze
distribution of different biological resources. GIS based procedures can be successfully used for capturing spatial and environmental
details on Biodiversity. At present there is a key trend to digitalize biodiversity data by collection, maintenance, and they
are then distributed through user friendly Internet.
Key words :
Biodiversity Informatics, Biodiversity, Biogeographical Information System
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(1) : 79-84, 2011
Impact of epidemiological transition on biodiversity
Anupam Ghosh, Avijit Mukherjee
and Fatik Baran Mandal
Department of Zoology, Bankura
Christian College, Bankura-722101, West Bengal
ABSTRACT
Modern human civilization,
now undergoing the third epidemiological transition, is characterized by newly emerging infectious diseases as well as reemerging
infectious diseases which were previously thought to be under control. Such transition is mainly caused by globalization and
ecological disruption including biodiversity loss, pollution and global climate change. Disruption of normal ecosystem function
through anthropogenic inputs causes an ecosystem to be less resilient, more vulnerable to shocks and disturbances and less
able to supply required material for human with needed economical as well as social services and results in an unhealthy environment
in which we live. In this degraded environment, biodiversity loss diminishes the supplies of raw materials for drug discovery
and biotechnology, causes a loss of medical models, affects the spread of human diseases and threatens food production, and
water quality. Human susceptibility to infections becomes further compounded by malnutrition due to food insecurity, over
population and potential alterations in the human immune system caused by increased flux of ultraviolet radiation and due
to ozone layer depletion. Each environmental change, whether natural or anthropogenic, changes the ecological balance and
context within which disease hosts or vectors and parasites breed, develop and transmit disease. All these events that upset
normal environmental equilibrium result in the outbreak of recent epidemiological transition. To overcome this transition,
the interrelationships between society and nature and the importance of environmental health in human health must be considered
in a broader perspective.
Key words : Biodiversity, Ecosystem, Emerging and reemerging diseases, Epidemiological transition
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(1) : 85-98, 2011
Detection and Analysis
of Depletion of Mangrove Forest of Indian Sundarban using Remote Sensing and GIS
Somnath Mukherjee
Department of Geography, Bankura Christian College Bankura-722101, West Bengal
Email
: somnathmukherjee_geo@yahoo.co.in
Abstract
The deltaic Sundarban of eastern India is the largest single block of
tidal halophytic mangrove forest in the world and got the inscription as a ‘UNESCO World Heritage Site’. The area
occupied by the swampy vegetation is about 4260 km2 of the huge inter-tidal area of 9630 km2 of Indian Sundarban. Unfortunately, the forest has been continuously depleted due to
various reasons which in turn will not only disturb the balance of the whole ecosystem but also severely affect the physical,
social and economic condition of the people inhabited mainly in the lower Gangetic plain.
In this regard, management and planning of the forest through only age-old
manual inspection has been the tough task to overcome the problems. So, the situation demanded the application of modern technologies
and in this context, the present paper seeks to highlight the necessity of understanding and application of using Remote Sensing
and GIS, which are opening up new vistas for monitoring, mapping, analysing and management of world natural resources, especially
forest based resources. Moreover, the same technologies enable us to compile gross forest vegetation resource data of the
area under investigation in a single format and finally help to conserve the heritage like Sundarban in every concern.
The study areas under investigation are the salinity prone south-western
part of Indian Sundarban covering Lothian, Siuth-Surendranagar and Dhanchi islands. The main objective of selection of these
three islands is the conservation of mangrove forest with the help of periodic map analysis. Finally, the paper also locates
the problems associated with the forest conservation and concludes with probable suggestions.
Key words :
Mangrove, Sundarban, Change detection, Monitoring, Deforestation, Conservation
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(1) : 99-102, 2011
RADIATION
AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY HARDWARE DISPOSAL–A THREAT TO BIODIVERSITY
Mahitosh De
Department of Physics, Bankura
Christian College, Bankura-722101, West Bengal
Abstract
Unwanted electromagnetic
radiation from different electronic equipments is a greatest threat to the environment. It has been observed that trees exposed
to high frequency radiation converts these waves into electrical currents that flow down through the tree bodies and change the two important parameters – the pH value and the electrical conductivity
of the soil. Disappearance of bees, house sparrows, etc, are because of the coinciding mushrooming of the cell towers, electric
clouds, high frequency transmission cable, etc. Again, continuous exposure of electromagnetic radiations to plant bodies results
poor seed germination and have an adverse effect on enzyme activity. Attempt has been made to show the harmful effect of electromagnetic
radiation from mobile phones on plant and human bodies.
We can’t even think
a day without computer or television or mobile phones. But the disposal of the hardwares of these communication equipments
is a great concern to the ecology. The toxic solvents, acids and heavy metals that are used for manufacturing printed board
circuits, cathode ray tubes for computer monitors, TV screens, etc., create environmental hazards. Moreover, these communication
equipments become outdated very quickly and their repairing cost is more compared to the price of new goods. So these devices
present a tremendous disposal problem. If not disposed of properly the metals from the cell phone and other electronic equipments
can leak into the environment through corrosion and can cause a series of problems in the environment. Different types of
hazards that creep in because of improper disposal of electronic items have been discussed in this paper.
Key words : Electromagnetic radiation, cell phone,
cell tower, electronic waste
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(1) : 103-107, 2011
Diversity of Nematodes Inhabiting some Major Crop Plants of India With A Note On Their Biocontrol
Avijit Mukherjee, Anupam Ghosh,
Chandranath Chatterjee,
Anindita Mitra and Fatik Baran Mandal
Department of Zoology, Bankura
Christian College. Bankura-722 101, West Bengal
Abstract
Plant-parasitic nematodes
present a formidable pest problem for different crops. Role of such nematodes in agricultural production has remained underestimated.
Nematodes like root-knot cause heavy damage to world’s food crops, causing an estimated $125 billion loss in food and
fiber crops annually. In India, the amount of damage due to these plant-parasitic nematodes accounts for 10-40% of total crop
losses annually. The present communication aims to provide an account of diversity
of nematodes infesting some major crop plants in India, viz., Potato, Sorghum, Aroids, Arecanut, Ginger, Sugarcane
and Rice. It also discusses various biocontrol methods for agriculturally important nematodes that would have relevance to
sustainable agricultural practices.
Key words : Root-knot nematodes, Biocontrol, Fluorescent
pseudomonads
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(1) : 109-114, 2011
Role of Lac Culture in the Conservation of Biological Diversity
: Fieldwork Findings from Purulia District in West Bengal
Biplob Kumar Modak and
Saugata Basu*
Department of Zoology, A.
M. College, Jhalda, Purulia, West Bengal
Email : bkmodak09@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Paradoxically Purulia, which
is a natural resource abundant district, is the most backward district in West Bengal. Tribal people maintain their subsistence
by using those resources. Diverse small and cottage industries including lac are being run by natural resources. However,
evidence reveals that for the last three decades Lac industry has been deteriorating in this district. In consequence, the
tribal communities are in great crisis. The natural vegetations involved in lac cultivation (host plants of lac insects) have
lost their importance to the poor inhabitants and become ‘trash tree’. They cut them down indiscriminately as
‘fire-wood’. As a result, lac-associated biodiversity is declining and the environmental balance is being disturbed.
In such an adverse situation, this article seeks to disclose that adequate action should be undertaken to reduce or rule the
deteriorating condition of lac industries, and thereby to restore both the biodiversity and the economic sustainability of
the tribal people.
Key words : Environmental balance, Lac-associated biodiversity, Lac-insect, Tribal communities
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(1) : 115-118, 2011
A
population of flying foxes (Pteropus giganteus)
treated as sacred and protected by villagers
Somenath Dey* and Sanjib
Chattopadhyay
Panchakot Mahavidyalaya; Sarbari;
P.O. Neturia; Dist. Purulia; West Bengal
Abstract
A population of about 300
flying foxes (Pteropus giganteus) roosts on a tamarind tree (Tamarindus indica) at Simla village of Purulia
district, West Bengal. The site is about 15 km away from Adra railway town and on the Adra-Hura road. The colony is more than
100 years old and villagers consider the bats as permanent and sacred residents of their village. Every villager, aged or
young, is so habituated with the colony that they traditionally protect the population from intruders and other potential
harms. This finding has a relevance to biodiversity conservation with its own merit.
Key words : Flying fox, Pteropus giganteus,
people’s caring attitude, sacred status
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(1) : 119-126, 2011
Indigenous medicinal plants
used for Gynecological disorders by Tribals of Birbhum district, West Bengal and their conservation
Arpita Banerjee*, Chandan Mukherjee, Debasish Bakshi,
Manoranjan Chakraborty
and Arijit Sinhababu
Department of Botany, Bankura Christian College, Bankura, Pin-722101, West Bengal
Abstract
Use of different plants for medicinal purpose is very common among the
tribal communities of various regions of West Bengal. Tribals depend on herbal medicines for curing various gynecological
disorders. Tribal women do not approach physicians due to lack of awareness and shyness or hesitation. Present paper deals
with some indigenous medicinal plants used for treatment of various gynecological disorders by tribal women of Birbhum district
(Bolpur subdivision), West Bengal. These plants are enumerated with binomial names, family, vernacular names, parts used and
ethno medicinal uses by different tribes. Further studies on chemical and pharmacological actions are suggested to validate
the claims.
Key Words : Herbal healer, Tribal communities, Ethnomedicine, Gynecological disorders
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(1) : 127-132, 2011
Study of the Allelopathic
Effect of Lantana camara Roots on the DIVERSITY OF Mycoflora of Ocimum sanctum
M. R. Chakraborty*, A. Sinhababu, D. Bakshi, A. Banerjee and C. Mukhopadhyay
Department of Botany, Bankura Christian College, Bankura-722101, West Bengal
ABSTRACT
Allelopathic interactions have a strong bearing on microbial activity
and diversity in the soil, and they are important in the action of allelochemicals released in to the environment. Allelopathic
interactions in plants play a crucial role in both natural and manipulated systems. These interactions also involve the effect
on rhizosphere mycoflora of roots of other plants growing in the vicinity of the plants, releasing the allelochemicals. Allelopathic
effect of Lantana camara was found to be very significant on the rhizosphere fungal population of Ocimum sanctum.
The diversity of fungal species was also found to be higher in the rhizosphere soil of Ocimum sanctum growing away
from the influence of leachates of Lantan camara roots. Some plant pathogenic species, such as, Curvularia sp,
Fusarium sp, Penicillium sp and Rhizoctonia were found to be associated with rhizosphere of O. sanctum
removed from the influence of allelochemicals. Small changes in soil properties arising from release of chemical substances
can be of importance in the regulation of population dynamics of microbial community.
Key words : Allelopathy, Lantana camara,
Ocimum sanctum
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(1) : 133-140, 2011
Diversity of Myxobolus Bütschli, 1882 (Myxozoa : Myxosporea) in Food Fishes of South Bengal, India
Saugata Basu, Biplob Kr.
Modak*, and Durga P. Haldar**
Department of Biology, Uttarpara
Govt. High School, P.O. Uttarpara, Hooghly-712 258
West Bengal, India, Email : basusaugata@fastmail.fm, saugatatias@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The genus Myxobolus Bütschli,
1882 belongs to the class Myxosporea under the phylum Myxozoa. Large number of species have been described under this genus
by different workers from various parts of this world. From food fishes of south Bengal, eleven species of Myxobolus
were described by the present workers during 1998-2009. Brief diagnosis along with morphometric data of these species is communicated
in the present paper.
Key words : Myxobolus, diversity, food
fishes, South Bengal
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(1) : 141-147, 2011
Human Civilization - A
Threat to Global Amphibian Diversity
Chandranath Chatterjee
Department of Zoology, Bankura Christian College, Bankura - 722101
Abstract
Dramatic declines in amphibian populations, including population crashes
and mass localised extinctions, have been noted since the 1980s from locations all over the world. These declines are perceived
as one of the most critical threats to global biodiversity, and several causes are believed to be involved, including disease,
habitat destruction and modification, exploitation, pollution, pesticide use, introduced species, climate change and increased
ultraviolet-B radiation (UV-B). However, many of the causes of amphibian declines are still poorly understood, and the topic
is currently a subject of much ongoing research.
Because amphibians generally have a two-staged life cycle consisting of
both aquatic (larvae) and terrestrial (adult) phases, they are sensitive to both terrestrial and aquatic environmental effects.
Because their skins are highly permeable, they may be more susceptible to toxins in the environment than other organisms,
such as, birds or mammals. Habitat modification or destruction is one of the most dramatic issues affecting amphibian species
world wide. Habitat fragmentation occurs when habitats are isolated by habitat modification, such as, when a small area of
forest is completely surrounded by agricultural fields. Small populations that survive within such fragments are often susceptible
to inbreeding, genetic drift or extinction due to small fluctuations in the environment.
There is evidence of chemical pollutants causing frog developmental deformities
(extra limbs, or malformed eyes). Pollutants have varying effects on frogs. Some alter the central nervous system; others
like atrazine cause a disruption in the production and secretion of hormones. Like many other organisms, increasing Ultraviolet-B
(UV-B) radiation due to stratospheric ozone depletion and other factors may harm the DNA of amphibians, particularly their
eggs. The amount of damage depends upon the life stage, the species type and other environmental parameters. Another possible
cause of global declines is the collection of frogs as a food source.
Frogs being covered by a semi permeable skin are vulnerable to pollutnts
and other environmentl stress. Consequently they can be used as environmental sentinels or biomonitors and can act as an early
warning system for the quality of the environment and the potential threats to other animals including ourselves.
Key words :
Amphibia, Biodiversity, Habitat destruction, Pollution, Disease, Global warming
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(1) : 149-154, 2011
SEASONAL
CATCH DIVERSITY OF MARINE FISHES IN
THE COASTAL BELT OF PURBA MEDINIPUR DISTRICT OF WEST BENGAL, INDIA
Mrinmay Ghorai, Utpal Kr.
Sar* and Bidhan C. Patra**
Department of Zoology, Panskura
Banamali College, Purba Medinipur,West Bengal
India, e-mail: mrghorai@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
Marine fish catch contributes
an important role in economic activity and nutrition in Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal. This district contains a
stretch of 65 km coastal line covering five maritime development blocks which play a significant role for fish production
and employment generation in West Bengal. There are 42 fish landing centres (locally known as khoties) wherein mainly 1.2
lakh coastal fisher folk are directly or indirectly involved in the sector. Though 98,308 mt of marine fishes have been reported
from the coast, 34,021 mt fishes contribute major part in the marine catch of this study area. The present study was undertaken
to assess the seasonal catch diversity of major marine fishes for a period
of three years from October (2003-04) to September (2005-06). The major marine fish species recorded in this coastal region
are : Babla, Harpadon nehereus; Patia, Trichiurus sp; Tapra, Setipinna phasa; Chingri, Penaeid prawn;
Kanta, Arius maculates; Pomfret, Pampus argentius; Bhola, Johnius sp; Ruli, Coilia dussumieria
and Gogua, Acetes indicus, etc. Maximum catch were observed in the months of December and January for consecutive
three study years and catch diversity of marine fish was also studied for the study period. Thus conservation of diversity
of marine fish species is very much essential not only for biological aspects but also for long-term reliance on the marine
resources of the coastal people.
Key words :
Catch diversity, coastal belt, seasonal catch, West Bengal
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(1) : 155-156, 2011
Snake diversity in WEST BENGAL
Bikashkanti Saha
C/o. ‘Hamadryad’,
230, Green Park, Narendrapur, Kolkata-700 103
Email : Bksaha1@Rediffmail.com
Abstract
Distribution of 112 species
of snakes belonging to 9 families in four different ecoregions of West Bengal is communicated along with some suggestion for
conservation of these species.
Key words :
Snake diversity conservation, West Bengal
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(1) : 157-159, 2011
Frog Diversity in Asansol Division, west bengal and its possible causes of decline
Sujan Kumar Sou and Anadi
Prasad Nandi*
Department of Zoology, Kulti
College, Burdwan-713343, West Bengal
Abstract
Asansol subdivision in West
Bengal, India lies on exposed Gondowana rocks and consists mostly of undulating soil. Though it is an industrial area, still
5 species of anuran amphibians are available, viz, Hoplobatrachus crassus, H. tigerinus, Fejervarya limnocharis,
Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis and Polypedates maculates. Some nematodes were recovered from the dead frogs, namely,
Aplectana sp, Neyraplectana sp and Neoxysomatoides sp.
Key Words : Anuran frogs, vertebrnates, Asansol
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(2) : 161-168, 2011
EVALUATION OF GENOTOXIC AND CYTOTOXIC EFFECTS OF A BOTANICAL INSECTICIDE ON ROOT
MERISTEMATIC
CELLS OF Allium cepa
Satyajit Roy, Moumit Roy Goswami*, Udayan Bhattacharya
and Aniruddha Mukhopadhyay1
Department of
Environmental Science, University of Calcutta
51/2,
Hazra Road, Kolkata-700019
Abstract
Cytogenetic and genotoxic effects of a commercial formulation of a botanical insecticide (Neemarin
10000 ppm) containing azadirachtin as an active ingredient was investigated on root meristem cells of onion, Allium cepa.
Different test concentrations (0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 mg/l) were selected after determining the EC50 value
(2.58 mg/l) of the insecticide on Allium root growth length. The roots of Allium cepa were exposed to these
concentrations, for 12 and 24 hours respectively and mitotic index (MI) and micronucleus (MN) frequency in root meristem cell
were determined in both control and test groups. The insecticide showed a depressive action on mitosis in root meristem cell
of Allium cepa, which was indicated by the decrease in MI with increasing concentrations and time of exposure. Significant
induction in formation of micronucleus was found in root meristem cell of Allium cepa exposed to different concentrations
of the insecticide in comparison to the control. The pronounced MN frequency
of 2.57 was observed at 2.5 mg/l concentration of the insecticide after 24 hrs of incubation. Thereafter, at the elevated
concentrations of the insecticide, there was steady decrease in MN frequency that might be due to the greater physiological
damage of the cells by the higher concentration of insecticide.
Key words :
Allium
cepa, Neemarin, Genotoxicity, Cytotoxicity, Mitotic index, Micronucleus, EC 50
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(2) : 161-168, 2011
EVALUATION OF GENOTOXIC AND CYTOTOXIC EFFECTS OF A BOTANICAL INSECTICIDE ON ROOT
MERISTEMATIC
CELLS OF Allium cepa
Satyajit Roy, Moumit Roy Goswami*, Udayan Bhattacharya
and Aniruddha Mukhopadhyay1
Department of
Environmental Science, University of Calcutta
51/2,
Hazra Road, Kolkata-700019
Abstract
Cytogenetic and genotoxic effects of a commercial formulation of a botanical insecticide (Neemarin
10000 ppm) containing azadirachtin as an active ingredient was investigated on root meristem cells of onion, Allium cepa.
Different test concentrations (0.25, 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, 5.0 mg/l) were selected after determining the EC50 value
(2.58 mg/l) of the insecticide on Allium root growth length. The roots of Allium cepa were exposed to these
concentrations, for 12 and 24 hours respectively and mitotic index (MI) and micronucleus (MN) frequency in root meristem cell
were determined in both control and test groups. The insecticide showed a depressive action on mitosis in root meristem cell
of Allium cepa, which was indicated by the decrease in MI with increasing concentrations and time of exposure. Significant
induction in formation of micronucleus was found in root meristem cell of Allium cepa exposed to different concentrations
of the insecticide in comparison to the control. The pronounced MN frequency
of 2.57 was observed at 2.5 mg/l concentration of the insecticide after 24 hrs of incubation. Thereafter, at the elevated
concentrations of the insecticide, there was steady decrease in MN frequency that might be due to the greater physiological
damage of the cells by the higher concentration of insecticide.
Key words :
Allium
cepa, Neemarin, Genotoxicity, Cytotoxicity, Mitotic index, Micronucleus, EC 50
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(2) : 183-190, 2011
diversity and distribution of Scleractinian
corals in Middle Andaman, India
Koushik Sadhukhan* and C. Raghunathan
Zoological survey
of India, Andaman & Nicobar Regional Centre, National Coral Reef Research Institute, Port Blair-744 102, Andaman and Nicobar Island.
ABSTRACT
The coral fauna of Middle Andaman was surveyed from April, 2009 to October, 2010. A total of 72 species
belonging to 32 genera and 11 families were recorded. The present investigation estimated the coral diversity and distribution
of Scleractinia fauna at Aves Island, Sound Island, Rail
Island, and Karlo Island of Middle Andaman. Underwater field survey was
carried out at four selected sites by skin diving and scuba diving methods and for quantitative analysis, LIT and quadrate
methods were used. In Middle Andaman, coral reef communities mainly composed of Acroporidae, Faviidae, Fungiidae, Poritidae,
Agariciidae and Pocilloporidae families. The maximum diversity of corals is found in the Aves Island (H’=2.58). The species evenness
was higher in Sound Island (J=0.92) and
less in Karlo Island
(J=0.77). Among the genera Acropora, Porites, Favites and Fungia are highly distributed at the different
study areas.
Key words : Coral, Diversity, Distribution, Middle Andaman, Quantitative analysis
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(2) : 191-197, 2011
Observations on
biology and chaetotaxy of Brachmia convolvuli (Walsingham) (Microlepidoptera : Gelechiidae : Dichomeridinae)
Avtar Kaur Sidhu and Amanpal Kaur
High Altitude
Regional Centre, Zoological Survey of India,
Saproon, Solan-173 211 (H.P.)
ABSTRACT
Convolvulus arvensis Linnaeus (Convolvulaceae) has been recorded as the larval host plant of Brachmia convolvuli (Walsingham).
The gross morphology and duration of various life history stages have been recorded. The larval and oviposition behaviour
has been studied in details. A hymenopteran parasitoid has been observed to attack the larvae of the species under reference.
The chaetotaxy of last instar larva of B. convolvuli has been studied in details.
Key words :
Brachmia convolvuli, Microlepidoptera, Gelechiidae, Dichomeridinae, Life history, Behaviour,
Hymenopteran parasitoid, Larval chaetotaxy
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(2) : 199-210, 2011
BOPYRID ISOPOD PARASITE DIVERSITY OF SHELL-FISHES FROM INDIA
M. K. Dev Roy
Zoological Survey
of India, Crustacea Section, 27 Jawaharlal Nehru Road,
Kolkata-16
e-mail : malay_7@rediffmail.com
ABSTRACT
An inventory of bopyrid isopod parasite diversity reveals the record of 52 species under 26 genera from different states/islands of India. The state-wise and host-wise distribution of these species have been discussed
and incorporated in this communication.
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(2) : 223-228, 2011
EFFECT OF EARLIER AND DELAYED MOUNTING OF MATURED LARVAE ON THE COMMERCIAL CHARACTERISTICS
OF BOMBYX MORI L.
Kunal Sarkar, Susanta Kumar Chattopadhyay, Gopinath Baur and Sanat Kumar Ray
Post Graduate
Department of Sericulture, K. N. College, Berhampore, Murshidabad, West Bengal, India,
742101
ABSTRACT
The effect of earlier and delayed mounting of matured larvae on the commercial characteristics of Bombyx
mori L. was investigated in the present experiment. There are no significant differences in yield, cocoon and reeling
characters between the control (larvae mounted after ideal maturation) and larvae mounted 24 hours after maturation.
The present study indicates that larvae mounted 24 hours before maturation give significantly inferior results in terms of
yield, cocoon and reeling characters as compared to other characters. The study also indicates that late mounting of larva
does not affect quality of cocoon but early mounting of larvae may seriously affect the quality of cocoon. The main reason
behind this is that early mounting of silkworm larvae does not allow to create superfluous amino acids in the body and hence
it does not excrete from the body. It ultimately affects the process of cocooning. Hence hurry in mounting is not desirable
before ideal maturation of larvae, even if labour or time is not available. Rather farmers may wait for a day after ideal
time of maturation.
Key words : Bombyx mori, Maturation, Mounting, Cocoon
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(2) : 229-235, 2011
EFFECT OF FREQUENCY OF FEEDING ON THE COMMERCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF BOMBYX MORI
L.
Kunal Sarkar, Susanta Kumar Chattopadhyay and Gopinath Baur
Post Graduate Department of Sericulture,
K. N. College,
Berhampore, Murshidabad, West
Bengal, India, 742101
ABSTRACT
The effect of feeding frequency on the commercial characteristics of Bombyx mori L.
was investigated in the present experiment. The result indicates that there is no significant differences between frequency
of feed 4/day (control) (T0)
and frequency of feed 3/day (T1) in dry summer. But frequency of feed 2/day (T2) is not effective in dry summer. During dry summer 4 feeds/day is ideal to maintain
requisite humidity in the rearing bed. The present study clearly indicates that double feeding is highly useful in wet summer.
Double feeding is highly economic in terms of management of labour, rearing and other rearing operations.
Key words : Bombyx mori, Feeding frequency, Double feeding,
Silkworm
Indigenous Technical Knowledge adopted by the
fish farmers to control diseases and pest of fishes
A. K. Panigrahi and Arnab Kundu*
Fisheries & Aquaculture Extension
Lab, Department of Zoology, Kalyani University, Kalyani–741235, West Bengal
Abstract
A survey was undertaken in the districts of Nadia and North and South 24 Parganas with an objective
to study as to how Indigenous Technical Knowledges (ITKs) are adopted by the fish farmers for controlling the diseases. It
was observed that a number of ITKs have been adopted by the fish growers since time immemorial irrespective of the status
of the grower be it domestic or commercial and marginal, small, medium or large. It was also observed that most of the ITKs
have scientific explanation. These are adopted on the principle of “seeing in believing”.
Key words : ITK, Fish farmer, Fish disease
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(2) : 241-245, 2011
EFFECT OF USING BANANA LEAVES AND AURUM LEAVES AS SEAT AND COVER OF REARING TRAY ON
THE COMMERCIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF Bombyx mori L DURING DRY SUMMER
Kunal Sarkar, Susanta Kumar Chattopadhyay, Gopinath Baur and Sanat Kumar Ray
Post Graduate Department of Sericulture,
K. N. College,
Berhampore, Murshidabad, West Bengal, India,
742101
ABSTRACT
The effect of using banana leaves and aurum leaves as seat and cover of rearing tray on the commercial characteristics
of Bombyx mori L during dry summer was investigated in the present experiment. In dry summer using of banana leaves
and aurum leaves as seat and cover in the rearing tray gave better result than conventional method of using paraffin paper
for the same purpose. Using of these leaves as seat and cover of rearing tray increased the moisture retention capacity of
mulberry leaves which ultimately ensured the better economic characters of silkworm larvae as well as cocoons. Not only in
early stages but also in late stages, silkworm larvae may be reared by using banana leaf and aurum leaf as seat and cover.
Besides these cost of banana leaf and aurum leaf is negligible and these are easily available at farmers level.
Key words : Bombyx mori, Rearing tray, Banana leaf, Aurum
leaf, Paraffin paper
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(2) : 247-251, 2011
EFFECT OF FEEDING DURATION ON FIFTH INSTAR SILKWORM LARVAE ON THE COMMERCIAL CHARACTERISTICS
OF BOMBYX MORI L.
Kunal Sarkar, Susanta Kumar Chattopadhyay, Gopinath Baur
Post Graduate Department of Sericulture, K.
N. College, Berhampore, Murshidabad, West
Bengal, India, 742101
ABSTRACT
The effect of feeding duration on fifth instar silkworm larvae on the commercial characteristics
of Bombyx mori L. was investigated in the present experiment. The present study clearly indicates that larval duration
in 5th instar directly correlates with the commercial characters of cocoons. Maximum larval
duration as well as maximum leaf feeding ensures maximum harvest. Silkworm larvae fed with mulberry leaves upto 3rd day in 5th instar resulted no cocoons in the mountages. Even after complete maturation of silkworm
larvae, it is desirable to feed silkworm larvae even for an extra day; otherwise cocoon quality would be seriously affected.
Key words : Bombyx mori, Feeding duration, Fifth instar, Silkworm larvae
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(2) : 253-256, 2011
PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SEDIMENTS AND THEIR ROLE IN THE PRODUCTION PROCESS OF
SOME WETLANDS IN NADIA DISTRICT, WEST BENGAL
Goutam Bala* and Ambarish Mukherjee
UGC Centre for advance study, Department of Botany
University Burdwan, Burdwan-713104,
West Bengal, India
ABSTRACT
Floodplain wetlands in Nadia district, West Bengal are very complex
and unique biotopes due to several geo-morphological factors. Heavy infestation of hydrophytes aggravates the situation to
its worst extent in these shallow nutritionally enriched water bodies, pushing them further to the dying situation silently.
The overall nutrient status of all the six wetlands in the district is not balanced because the overall production process
is being disturbed. So, a holistic and concerted management approach is the immediate need to revitalize the potentialities
of such ecosystem by slowing down their process of extinction in order to conserve the rich pool of biodiversity thriving
therein.
Key words : Wetland, sediment, physico-chemical, productivity
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(2) : 257-262, 2011
REPORTS OF SOME TESTATE AMOEBAE (RHIZOPODA : PROTOZOA) FROM BHARATKUND, FAIZABAD, UTTAR
PRADESH, INDIA
Bindu, L.
Marine Biology Regional Centre, Zoological
Survey of India,
130, Santhome High Road, Chennai-600028
ABSTRACT
This communication gives an account of 13 species of testate amoebae (Rhizopoda : Protozoa) from
the holy pond ‘Bharatkund’ in the Faizabad district of Uttar Pradesh. All the 13 species are recorded for the
first time from Uttar Pradesh.
Key words : Protozoa, Rhizopoda, Bharatkund, Uttar Pradesh
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(2) : 263-264, 2011
Short Communication
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF GERMINATION OF PADDY SEEDS (VAR. WGL-20471)
COLLECTED FROM BASANTI BLOCK OF SUNDARBAN REGION, WEST BENGAL
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(2) : 265-266, 2011
Short Communication
ACTIVITY OF
PHEROMONE IN FISH AND THEIR USES IN FISH CULTUREs
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(2) : 267-268, 2011
Short Communication
Effect of
solar eclipse on some animals at and near Pavana river bridge, Akurdi, Pune : A Report
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 8(2) : 269-271, 2011
Short Communication
ON A NEW HOST RECORD OF ALITROPUS
TYPUS (CRUSTACEA : ISOPODA : AEGIDAE) AND A NEW RECORD FROM A FRESHWATER RIVER SYSTEM OF WEST BENGAL
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 9(1) : 1-12, 2012
Studies on the Microbial load in sea water,
sediment and edible oyster (saccostrea cucullata)
from Indian Sundarbans
H. K. Jana*, B. R. Pati, K. C. Mondal, A. Mitra** and K. Banerjee**
Department of Microbiology, Vidyasagar University, Paschim Medinipur West Bengal
ABSTRACT
The edible oyster Saccostrea cucullata
is widely available in the intertidal zone of coastal and estuarine areas of West Bengal.
Now a days culturing of this species has opened the opportunity of alternative livelihood of coastal people. In this context,
to evaluate the suitability of oyster harvesting sites and the quality of meat of this species in terms of microbial load,
the present study targeted the analysis of microbial load of the ambient environment and the tissue of this edible oyster
collected from the Indian Sundarbans. The total bacterial count (TBC), total coliform (TC),
fecal coliform (FC) and E.coli of the oyster and its ambient environment
were measured from three different stations (Namkhana, Frazergaunge and Sajnekhali) of Indian Sundarbans through standard
plate count and MPN method respectively. These stations showed significant variation
with respect to microbial load which is reflected in the tissue of this edible oyster. Significant positive correlation was
obtained between microbial load of the ambient environment and the tissue of edible oyster. Relatively higher microbial concentration
was observed in monsoon season (July to October) compare to other seasons, which may be related to storm water runoff and
increased runoff from adjacent land masses.
Key words :
Edible oyster, livelihood, Microbial load, Total bacterial count, Total
coliform , Fecal coliform, E. coli
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 9(1) : 13-16, 2012
MITOCHONDRIAL DNA SEQUENCE OF CYTOCHROME C OXIDASE
SUBUNIT 1 (COI) REGION OF AN OYSTER, CRASSOSTREA CUTTAKENSIS COLLECTED
FROM INDIAN SUNDERBANS.
Subrata Trivedi,
Sankar K Ghosh* and Amalesh Choudhury**
Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Tabuk, Ministry of Higher
Education, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; E-mail : trivedi.subrata@rediffmail.com
ABSTRACT
Mitochondrial DNA
of coI region of an oyster, Crassostrea cuttakensis, collected from
Indian Sunderbans has been amplified. PCR with extracted DNA produced 675 bp PCR amplicon. The DNA sequence has been deposited
to NCBI with accession number FJ 262988.
Key words: Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI), DNA Barcode, Sunderbans, Crassostrea cuttakensis
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 9(1) : 17-26, 2012
EFFICACY OF PURE COMPOUND-ACACIasiDES A and B
AS potential bioagents against
various plant pathogens
Subhas Chandra
Datta* and Rupa Datta**
Eco-club Research Unit, Kanchannagar
D.N.Das High School, Kanchannagar, Burdwan-713102,
West Bengal, India.
ABSTRACT
Recent studies
have revealed that ecofriendly biological agent acaciasides (A and B) are highly effective at a dose of 1 mg / mulberry plant
( Morus alba L., cv. S1)
in ameliorating diseases caused by plant pathogens, viz., root-knot nematodes Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid
& White) Chitwood causing root-knot disease, fungus Cercosporam moricola
(Cooke) causing leaf spot disease, fungus Phyllactinia corylea (Pers.) Karst causing powdery mildew disease, mosaic
virus causing mosaic disease and mealy bug Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) causing tukra disease. Acaciasides also
improves the growth of silkworms, shell weight, effective rate of silkworms rearing, sex ratio percentage and egg laying capacity
of mother moth.
Key Words : Acaciasides, bioagents, pathogens, mulberry, silkworms,
effective rate of rearing ( ERR ).
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 9(1) : 27-33, 2012
A REVIEW OF MERUACESA KOCAK AND KEMAL (HYMENOPTERA:
EULOPHIDAE) WITH DESCRIPTION OF A NEW SPECIES FROM SAUDI ARABIA
T. C. Narendran*, Hamid Aliramah** and Zubair Ahmad**
*Department of Zoology, University
of Calicut, Kerala, 673635, India
ABSTRACT
The genus Meruacesa
Kocak and Kemal is redefined and reviewed in a preliminary frame work. A new species of this genus from Saudi Arabia is described. A key to species is provided. Diagnosis of all known
species of Meruacesa is given with data on distribution and hosts.
Key words :
Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea, Eulophidae, Meruacesa, review, new species, key
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 9(1) : 35-42, 2012
Four new species
of CeratomyXa Thelohan 1892 inhabiting the gallbladder of fishes of the Bay of Bengal coast of West Bengal, India
Nirmal Kumar
Sarkar*
Protists Research Laboratory for Fish Diseases, 28 Mogiltuli, Chinsurah 712101, West Bengal,
India
Abstract
Four new species
of Ceratomyxa (Bivalvulida : Ceratomyxidae), viz. Ceratomyxa lactariasae sp. n., C. sardinae sp.
n., C. sihamae sp. n. and C. baybanga sp. n. have been described from gallbladders of fishes Lactarius lactarius,
Sardinella longiceps, Sillago sihama and Arias arias respectively. These myxosporeans have been compared
with the related Ceratomyxa species and considered new to science.
Key words : Ceratomyxa, Myxosporea, new species, gallbladder, Bay of Bengal
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 9(1) : 35-42, 2012
Four new species
of CeratomyXa Thelohan 1892 inhabiting the gallbladder of fishes of the Bay of Bengal coast of West Bengal, India
Nirmal Kumar
Sarkar*
Protists Research Laboratory for Fish Diseases, 28 Mogiltuli, Chinsurah 712101, West Bengal,
India
Abstract
Four new species
of Ceratomyxa (Bivalvulida : Ceratomyxidae), viz. Ceratomyxa lactariasae sp. n., C. sardinae sp.
n., C. sihamae sp. n. and C. baybanga sp. n. have been described from gallbladders of fishes Lactarius lactarius,
Sardinella longiceps, Sillago sihama and Arias arias respectively. These myxosporeans have been compared
with the related Ceratomyxa species and considered new to science.
Key words : Ceratomyxa, Myxosporea, new species, gallbladder, Bay of Bengal
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 9(1) : 43-49, 2012
ON DELTA DIMIDIATIPENNE (DE SAUSSURE,
1852) (HYMENOPTERA: VESPIDAE: EUMENINAE) FROM INDIA
P. Girish Kumar
Zoological Survey of India, M- Block, New Alipore, Kolkata, West
Bengal- 700 053, India E- mail: kpgiris@gmail.com
ABSTRACT
The potter wasp
species Delta dimidiatipenne (de Saussure, 1852) is redescribed here with detailed synonymical references and new distributional
records.
Key words: Delta dimidiatipenne, redescription, new records.
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 9(1) : 51-56, 2012
STATUS ON DISTRIBUTION
OF ROTIFERS IN MUTTUKADU BACKWATER, BAY OF BENGAL
Chitra, J.* and Ramanibai, R.
Department of Zoology, University of Madras, Chennai- 600 025
ABSTRACT
The present paper is prepared from the data collected during different seasons from February 2004 to May 2006.
An attempt is made to enumerate the rotifer diversity of Muttukadu Backwaters located at 36 km away from Chennai city. Plankton
samples were collected from the four sampling sites and the distribution of rotifers was noted. We examined the structure
of rotifera in terms of occurrence and abundance at each locations to note the difference. Totally 19 genera and 34 species
of rotifera belonging to three major orders Ploimida, Gnesiotrocha and Bdelloidea represented from 11 different families along
with the rotifer eggs were recorded from the study area. The total mean abundance of different families was compared among
the four locations showed the higher abundance during pre-monsoon season. The fluctuations in abundance of rotifera during
the study period were noticed.
Key words :
Zooplankton, Rotifera, abundance, distribution.
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 9(1) : 57-62, 2012
SPATIAL PREFERENCE OF
CORAL ASSOCIATED BRACHYURAN CRABS IN GULF OF MANNAR MARINE BIOSPHERE RESERVE
A. Gokul* and K. Venkataraman**
Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata,
E-mail : (*) arunachalamgokul@gmail.com, (**) venkyzsi56@yahoo.com
ABSTRACT
Brachyuran crabs
associated with the head forming coral Pocillopora spp were accessed for their spatial preference in the islands of
Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve (GoMMBR). The inter-branch volume of the corals is positively correlated with the
number of associated crabs. The maximum average volume of the coral was observed at Appa
Island (516 ml). Comparatively more species diversity and abundance of
brachyuran were observed in Mandapam group of islands where maximum number of
Pocillopora spp (19 no) was examined for the occurrence of these crabs. Very less coral colonies along with meager
cryptofaunal associates were observed in Tuticorin group of islands. This probably indicates the deteriorating status of the
coral health. Various natural as well as human disturbances enhanced the decrease in coral cover along with its crab associates.
Key words: cryptofauna, symbiotic,
Pocillopora, spatial preference
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 9(1) : 63-71, 2012
ICTHYOFAUNAL DIVERSITY
IN THE WATER BODIES OF MURSHIDABAD DISTRICT, WEST BENGAL, INDIA
Banani Mandal*, Arunava Mukherjee** and Samir Banerjee***
Dept. of Zoology, Jogesh Chandra Chaudhuri College, 30 Prince Anwar Shah Road, Kolkata-
700033
ABSTRACT
Freshwater fish
distribution and diversity status of Murshidabad district, West Bengal was studied from January,
2010 to December, 2010. We documented 66 fish species under 49 genera, 29 families and 8 orders during the study period from
different perennial ponds, beels and rivers which are geographically located within or flow through the Murshidabad district.
This district being a transitional zone between the North Bengal and south Bengal region, the study would help in the preparation of district-wise and zone-wise database of icthyofauna at
the state level and in the implementation of conservation practices through the Government and various Non-Government Organizations.
Key words: Diversity, perennial, transitional, database, icthyofauna, conservation.
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 9(1) : 73-77, 2012
LIMNOLOGY, BIODIVERSITY AND
MANAGEMENT ISSUES OF MIRIK LAKE, WEST BENGAL
Mousumi Roy and N. C. Nandi*
KBB
Nivedita College, Behala, Kolkata,
Email : mousum_iroy@rediffmail.com
ABSTRACT
Limnology, biodiversity and management issues of a high altitude mountain-located Mirik Lake have revealed higher chloride content
(13.7-22.0 mg/l), lower biodiversity (83 animal species) and multifarious management issues. But this lake has higher dissolved
oxygen content (4.3-12.6 mg/l), considerable fish diversity (29 species) and immense ecosystem services, while its economic
utility and community dependence indicate adequate scope for beautification and management actions.
Key words : Mirik
Lake, limnology, biodiversity, community dependence, management
issues
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 9(1) : 78, 2012
Notes & News
CRAB FATTENING (CHAMBER CHAS)
– A PROMISING
ENTERPRISE IN INDIAN PART OF SUNDARBAN
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 9(1) : 79-82, 2012
TEMPLE TANKS OF TAMILNADU – CONSERVATION
SIGNIFICANCE
J. Chitra*
and K. Prabakaran**
Protozoology Section, Zoological Survey of India, M Block, New Alipore, Kolkata – 700 053
ABSTRACT
Temple tanks of Tamilnadu have been briefly reviewed indicating
their importance as reservoirs and as places of socio-cultural activity. Investigations on physico-chemical and biological
factors have also been referred. Conservation significance of these temple tanks has been highlighted.
Key words : Temple tanks, Tamilnadu, conservation significance
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 9(1) : 83-86, 2012
Psychistic Epistomology
in the philosophy of vedas and in modern zoology
Tridib Ranjan
Mitra*
Zoological Survey
of India, Kolkata - 700 053
(Present Address
: 208/K/8, Raja Ram Mohan Roy Road,
Netaji Sarak, Kolkata - 700 018, India)
Abstract
Scientific spirit
in vedic literature, mind and matter in Hindu philosophy, facts of life and matters, response of living and non-living to
external stimuli and the relationships between vedic philosophy and modern biology have been discussed.
Key words : Vedic philosophy, Modern biology, relationship
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 9(1) : 87-92, 2012
A CHECKLIST OF INDIAN STOMATOPODS
(CRUSTACEA: STOMATOPODA)
M.
K. Dev Roy and A. Gokul
Crustacea
Section, Zoological Survey of India, 27,
Jawaharlal Nehru Road,
Kolkata – 700016
Abstract
A checklist of 79 species of Indian stomatopods is provided along with changes in scientific
names.
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 9(1) : 93-95, 2012
Short Communication
ON NEW RECORDS OF FRESHWATER CRABS (CRUSTACEA: DECAPODA:BRACHYURA) FROM HIMACHAL PRADESH, WESTERN
HIMALAYAS
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 9(1) : 96, 2012
Short Communication
A NOTE ON THE NESTING PLANT OF BAYA WEAVER BIRD (Ploceus sp.) IN ODISHA MANGROVES
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 9(1) : 97-98, 2012
Short Communication
A PRELIMINARY REPORT ON BRACHYURAN CRABS (CRUSTACEA: DECAPODA: BRACHYURA) FROM MANGROVES OF ODISHA
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 9(1) : 99-100, 2012
Short Communication
RED PIRANHA PYGOCENTRUS NATTERERI (CHARACIFORMES: CHARADIDAE): AN INVASIVE FISH SPECIES IN FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
OF EASTERN STATES OF INDIA
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 9(1) : 104, 2012
Short Communication
A CHECKLIST OF ASIAN PANTHERINAE (MAMMALIA : CARNIVORA: FELIDAE :PANTHERINAE)
J. Environ. & Sociobiol. : 9(1) : 105-107, 2012
ON A NEW HOST RECORD OF
NEROCILA PORUVAE (CRUSTACEA: ISOPODA: CYMOTHOIDAE) FROM
WEST BENGAL
M.
K. Dev Roy, S. Mitra and A. Gokul
Crustacea Section, Zoological Survey of India,
27, Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata - 700016
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