1. Electronic Journal of Environmental Sciences Vol. 6: 1-4 (2013)
STUDY ON NESTING OF BLACK-NECKED STORK EPHIPPIORHYNCHUS ASIATICUS (Latham, 1790) JAMNAGAR COAST, SOUTHERN GULF OF KUTCH, GUJARAT, INDIA
Pathak, R.D, Gadhavi, M.K., Sindhiya, P.R. and Vachhrajani, K.D.
Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, The M. S. University of Baroda, Vadodara-390002.
E. mail: pathakrajal@yahoo.com Mobile No: 9374606808
Abstract: Jamnagar coast and Khijadiya Bird Sanctuary (KBS) are important breeding sites for Black-necked stork (BNS). We studied nesting of black-necked stork in Sikka to Jodiya coastal belt of Jamnagar district along with KBS for two breeding season of BNS (2011-12). We also correlated rainfall data with total number of nesting pair and found a positive correlation between amount of rainfall received and number of pair involved in nest construction. Study suggests that a considerable rainfall is necessary for initiation of nesting in BNS.
BIODIVERSITY OF TERMITES (INSECTA : ISOPTERA) IN SOUTH RAJASTHAN (ZONE IV-A ) AGROCLIMATIC REGION WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON THEIR MOUND DIMENSIONS AND STRUCTURE
Prasad, A. and Intodia, A.
Insect Microbial & Herbal Control Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University College of Science, Mohan Lal Sukhadia, University, Udaipur 313001 (Rajasthan) E. mail: artimlsu@yahoo.co.in
Abstract: Extensive survey was carried out during 2010-2011 in Udaipur district (Rajasthan) to make a record of termite species and their epigeal mound built in the various ecosystems. Survey was conducted in seven different areas surrounding Udaipur including forest plant nursery, plain areas and crop fields measuring 1000 m2 each. During survey 12 species of termites belonging to 2 families (Rhinotermitidae and Termitidae) and 05 genera (Heterotermes, Coptotermes, Microcerotermes, Odontotermes, and Microtermes) were recorded. Amongst all, Odontotermes genera dominated with 07 species of termites out of which Odontotermes obesus was most prevalent and recorded as a pest of many different important crop plants like wheat, sugarcane, maize, groundnut, vegetables, different trees, dead logs etc. This study also aimed to determine the number and dimensions of epigeal mounds built by mainly two termite species in cultivated field environment. Out of all collected 12 species Odontotermes obesus, Odontotermes redemanni and Odontotermes wallonensis were epigeal mound builders. The dimensions of 136 epigeal mounds built by these three termite species were measured, and their interrelationship between height and diameter were studied statistically. The height of mound ranged from 10-110 cm. (mean 49.23 ± 4.03cm.) and the diameter ranged from 25-560 cm. with an mean of 110.81± 9.43cm. The coefficient of correlation was also high. It was also observed that Mound diameter increased with increasing height and the relationship was linear.
