Amphibian and Reptilian Inventories Augmented by Sampling at Heronries

An alternate method for supporting amphibian and reptilian inventory was tested. This experimental method involved the collection of regurgitated food from water bird nestlings from a total of 10 heronries: four mixed-species and six single-species heronries in Gujarat State, India, during 1997 to 1999. We verified the presence of twelve species of amphibians, and twelve species of reptiles were recovered intact. Various methods are used to evaluate the diversity of amphibians and reptiles, many of which are resource-dependent in terms of both time and money (e.g., Heyer et al. 1994). The verification process in such diversity surveys generally requires the collection of voucher specimens for establishing the credibility of the work (Dubois and Nemesio 2007; Funk et al. 2005). Vouchers also facilitate further taxonomic studies and the identification of cryptic species, especially when species complexes occupy the area being surveyed. The collection of specimens requires permission from the appropriate government authority. Because relevant authorities in India are often hardcore believers of the philosophy of “Jiv Daya” (a Jainist concept involving compassion for all beings) and unaware of the need for voucher specimens, acquisition of permits to collect in protected areas (sanctuaries and national parks), even for studies of biodiversity and environmental assessments is extremely difficult. Even when permission for voucher collection is granted, strict time constraints are imposed. These render surveys of large areas almost impossible, particularly because vouchers ideally involve a series of specimens of various species (Goodman and Lanyon 1994) and collection methods often are very time consuming. Consequently, methods that are less time-consuming and less expensive are needed. Herein, we test one such alternative

Flamingo mortality due to collision with high tension electric wires in Gujarat, India

This study documents the mortality of flamingos due to collision with electric wires in the state of Gujarat, India. The wetlands of Gujarat were surveyed from 2002 to 2005 as a part of ecological studies on flamingos. Incidences of collision of flamingos with overhead electric wires were recorded at breeding and feeding sites. The numbers of victim birds were counted and high risk sites were identified based on reported incidences of collision and the period of inundation of the sites below electric lines. Of the 76 deaths recorded, Lesser Flamingos Phoeniconaias minor (46%) and Greater Flamingos Phoenicopterus roseus (54%) accounted almost equally. The effects of collision on the population of flamingos and the management options to minimize collision of flamingos and other water birds with electric lines in sensitive habitats are discussed

Additional record of scleractinian corals on Porbandar coast, Gujarat, India

Out of four major coral reefs of India, Gujarat harbours one in the Gulf of Kachchh (GoK). The total scleractinian (hard coral) diversity in the GoK is 59, well documented by various scientists. However, the other coastal area of Gujarat especially the Saurashtra coast, facing the Arabian Sea has been poorly documented with reference to scleractinian diversity. The paper describes the diversity of scleractinian corals on the Porbandar coast facing the Arabian Sea. An occurrence of a total of eight species of scleractinian corals have been reported for the first time from the area Kuchdi in Porbandar District of Gujarat state in Western India

Spawning aggregation of Melibe viridis Kellart (1858) from Gulf of Kachchh – Western India

Abstract- Opisthobranchs are the least studied group of animals in the phylum Mollusca in context to the Indian subcontinent. They are one of the best indicators of the reef resilience. Melibe viridis Kellart (1858) belonging to subclass Opisthobranchia has been recorded from the reefs of Gulf of Kachchh only in the west coast of India. The current paper describes the first record of spawning aggregation of the species in the Gulf of Kachchh in the western India

Foraging association of white stork Ciconia ciconia with blackbuck Antilope cervicapra

Volume: 95Start Page: 112End Page: 11

15. Sightings of Whitecheeked Tern Sterna Repressa, Whitewinged Black Tern Chlidonias Leucopterus and Saunders\u27s Little Tern Sterna Saundersi At Porbander Coast, Gujarat

Volume: 98Start Page: 113End Page: 11

A record number of blacknecked grebe Podiceps nigricollis from Gujarat

Volume: 95Start Page: 335End Page: 33

7. Purple Heron Ardea Purpurea (Linn.) (Ardeidae) Nesting on Water Hyacinth Eichhornia Crassipes (Pontederiaceae)

Volume: 97Start Page: 424End Page: 42

Status of the Purple rumped Sunbird Nectarinia Zeylonica in Gujarat State

Volume: 99Start Page: 119End Page: 12