Floodplain wetlands are invaluable ecosystems providing numerous ecological benefits,yet they face a global crisis necessitating sustainable preservation efforts.This study examines the depletion of floodplain wetland...Floodplain wetlands are invaluable ecosystems providing numerous ecological benefits,yet they face a global crisis necessitating sustainable preservation efforts.This study examines the depletion of floodplain wetlands within the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary(HWLS)in Uttar Pradesh.Encroachment activities such as grazing,agriculture,and human settlements have fragmented and degraded critical wetland ecosystems.Additionally,irrigation projects,dam construction,and water diversion have disrupted natural water flow and availability.To assess wetland inundation in 2023,five classification techniques were employed:Random Forest(RF),Support Vector Machine(SVM),artificial neural network(ANN),Spectral Information Divergence(SID),and Maximum Likelihood Classifier(MLC).SVM emerged as the most precise method,as determined by kappa coefficient and index-based validation.Consequently,the SVM classifier was used to model wetland inundation areas from 1983 to 2023 and analyze spatiotemporal changes and fragmentation patterns.The findings revealed that the SVM clas-sifier accurately mapped 2023 wetland areas.The modeled time-series data demonstrated a 62.55%and 38.12%reduction in inundated wetland areas over the past 40 years in the pre-and post-monsoon periods,respectively.Fragmentation analysis indicated an 86.27%decrease in large core wetland areas in the pre-monsoon period,signifying severe habitat degradation.This rapid decline in wetlands within protected areas raises concerns about their ecological impacts.By linking wetland loss to global sustainability objectives,this study underscores the global urgency for strengthened wetland protection measures and highlights the need for integrating wetland conservation into broader sustainable development goals.Effective policies and adaptive management strategies are crucial for preserving these ecosystems and their vital services,which are essential for biodiversity,climate regulation,and human well-being.展开更多
Forest vegetation of a protected area （Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary） in Kumaun region （west Himalaya） was analysed for structure, composition and representativeness across three different altitudinal belts, lower （1...Forest vegetation of a protected area （Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary） in Kumaun region （west Himalaya） was analysed for structure, composition and representativeness across three different altitudinal belts, lower （1,6oo-1,8oo m a.s.1.）, middle （1,900-2,100 m a.s.1.） and upper （2,200-2,400 m a.s.1.） during 2oo9-2011 using standard phytosociological methods. Four aspects （east, west, north and south） in each altitudinal belt were chosen for sampling to depict maximum representation of vegetation in the sanctuary. Population structure and regeneration behaviour was analysed seasonally for two years to show the establishment and growth of tree species. A total of 147 plant species were recorded from the entire region of which 27 tree species were selected for detailed study. Highest number was recorded at upper （18 species）, and lowest at lower altitudinal belt （15 species）. The relative proportion of species richness showed higher contribution of tree layer at each altitudinal belt. The population structure, based on the number of individuals, revealed a greater proportion of seedling layer at each altitudinal belt. The relative proportion of seedlings increases significantly along altitudinal belts （p〈0.05） while opposite trends were observed in sapling and tree layers. The density of sapling and seedling species varied non-significantly across seasons （p〉0.05）. The density values decreased in summer and increased during rainy season. As far as the regeneration status is concerned, middle and upper altitudinal belts showed maximum number of species with fair regeneration as compared to lower altitudinal belt. Overall density diameter distribution of tree species showed highest species density and richness in the smallest girth class and decreased in the succeeding girth classes. This study suggests that patterns of regeneration behaviour would determine future structural and compositional changes in the forest communities. It is suggested that the compositional changes vis-a-vis role of ＇New＇ and ＇Not regenerating＇ species need priority attention while initiating conservation activities in the sanctuary. This study calls for exploring other less explored Wildlife Sanctuaries in the Himalaya and across the world, to achieve overall biodiversity status in these protected areas and thus to justify their role in conserving biodiversity in the region.展开更多
CHINA.Dinghu Mountain National Nature Reserve.Located in Zhaoqing,Guangdong Province,Dinghu Mountain National Nature Reserve is a pristine natural sanctuary spanning 1,133 hectares within the low mountain ranges of th...CHINA.Dinghu Mountain National Nature Reserve.Located in Zhaoqing,Guangdong Province,Dinghu Mountain National Nature Reserve is a pristine natural sanctuary spanning 1,133 hectares within the low mountain ranges of the Dayunwu Mountains.展开更多
The Himalayan Yew (Taxus baccata subsp. wallichiana) is an endangered native high value medicinal plant of the Himalayan Region. The several medicinal properties of the bark and leaves of this species have increased i...The Himalayan Yew (Taxus baccata subsp. wallichiana) is an endangered native high value medicinal plant of the Himalayan Region. The several medicinal properties of the bark and leaves of this species have increased its risk of extinction due to pressures for utilization. It is also subjected to harvest for fuelwood. The species does not regenerate well from seed and that is another risk factor. The objective of this research was to investigate the population ecology of the species as a foundation for its conservation. Six forest communities in the Khokhan Wildlife Sanctuary where the species is present were sampled. The abundance of the species, impacts of harvesting and its current regeneration patterns indicate that it may soon be extirpated from the Sanctuary. A plan for conserving the remaining sub-populations is presented. It could provide a template for conservation in other locations where the species is at risk.展开更多
A rapid assessment on the status and distribution patterns of coarse woody debris （CWD） was conducted by laying five curvilinear transects （transects A, B, C, D and E; major trails）, along an altitudinal gradient ...A rapid assessment on the status and distribution patterns of coarse woody debris （CWD） was conducted by laying five curvilinear transects （transects A, B, C, D and E; major trails）, along an altitudinal gradient starting from 900 to 2 600 m, in three major watersheds （Charigad, Dogarhigad and upper Gosigad） of Goriganga catchment in Askot Wildlife Sanctuary, India. At every 100 m rise in altitude a hectare plot （100 m x 100 m） was selected. Results showed that the percentage contribution by different succession phases was in the decreasing order： phase I 〉 phase II 〉 phase IV 〉 phase III for snags, and phase III〉 phase II 〉 phase IV 〉 phase I for logs. Snag density in chir pine forest was high in transect A （11 snags＇ha^-1） at 1 500 m, and the value in rianj oak forest was high in transect B （10 snags.ha-l） at 2 300 m. The total available mass of snags and logs in chit pine forest was 13.9 t, of which snags mass accounted for 41% of the total mass and logs mass for 59%. While the total value was 5.6 t in rianj oak forest, of which snags and logs accounted for 60% and 40% of the total mass, respectively. Moreover, the presence of CWD in the study area if not harvested, would provide a great opportunity to the orchids in future to flourish by providing protection. The high densities of snags and logs in chir pine forest at mid-altitudinal zone led to less species richness and lower density of ground flora as the zone receives more light, accompanying with lower soil moisture, and thus only the dominant species occupy the habitat.展开更多
We present the first herpetological checklist for the Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary in northern Cambodia, with records of 22 species of amphibians and 33 species of reptiles belonging to 44 genera in 22 families. T...We present the first herpetological checklist for the Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary in northern Cambodia, with records of 22 species of amphibians and 33 species of reptiles belonging to 44 genera in 22 families. The checklist includes three species （Ingerophrynus macrotis, Micryletta inornata, Scincella melanosticta） which in Cambodia were formerly only known to occur in the Cardamom Mountains in the southwest of the country. Our findings highlight the importance of countrywide herpetological baseline surveys in lowland habitats.展开更多
The estimation of carbon density of high altitude forests was carried out at five different sites along an elevational gradient from 1550 m to 3550 m in a part of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, which is one of the larg...The estimation of carbon density of high altitude forests was carried out at five different sites along an elevational gradient from 1550 m to 3550 m in a part of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, which is one of the largest protected areas of the Garhwal Himalaya, India. Among the study sites the above ground biomass density （AGBD） ranged from 202.72 Mg·ha^-1 （Site 5） to 718.75 Mg·ha^-1 （Site 1） and below ground biomass density （BGBD） from 61.00 Mg·ha^-1 （Site 5） to 203.04 Mg·ha^-1 （Site 1）. The total biomass density （TBD） also followed similar trend, where the lowest value （263.73 Mg·ha^-1） was observed at Site 5 and the highest （921.79 Mg·ha^-1） at Site 1. The total carbon density （TCD） ranged from 131.86 Mg·ha^-1 （Site 5） to 460.89 Mg·ha^-1 （Site 1）, which indicates that the carbon density of forests reduces with increasing elevation.展开更多
A rapid assessment on the status and distribution patterns of coarse woody debris (CWD) was conducted by laying five curvilinear transects (transects A, B, C, D and E; major trails), along an altitudinal gradient star...A rapid assessment on the status and distribution patterns of coarse woody debris (CWD) was conducted by laying five curvilinear transects (transects A, B, C, D and E; major trails), along an altitudinal gradient starting from 900 to 2 600 m, in three major watersheds (Charigad, Dogarhigad and upper Gosigad) of Goriganga catchment in Askot Wildlife Sanctuary, India. At every 100 m rise in altitude a hectare plot (100 m x 100 m) was selected. Results showed that the percentage contribution by different succession phases was in the decreasing order: phase I > phase II > phase IV > phase III for snags, and phase III > phase II > phase IV > phase I for logs. Snag density in chir pine forest was high in transect A (11 snags·ha-1) at 1 500 m, and the value in rianj oak forest was high in transect B (10 snags·ha-1) at 2 300 m. The total available mass of snags and logs in chir pine forest was 13.9 t, of which snags mass accounted for 41% of the total mass and logs mass for 59%. While the total value was 5.6 t in rianj oak forest, of which snags and logs accounted for 60% and 40% of the total mass, respectively. Moreover, the presence of CWD in the study area if not harvested, would provide a great opportunity to the orchids in future to flourish by providing protection. The high densities of snags and logs in chir pine forest at mid-altitudinal zone led to less species richness and lower density of ground flora as the zone receives more light, accompanying with lower soil moisture, and thus only the dominant species occupy the habitat.展开更多
The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary （southern Gulf of Maine, northwest Atlantic） is partially overlapped by the Western Gulf of Maine Closure Area （WGMCA）. This is a region in which mobile, bottom-distur...The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary （southern Gulf of Maine, northwest Atlantic） is partially overlapped by the Western Gulf of Maine Closure Area （WGMCA）. This is a region in which mobile, bottom-disturbing fishing gear has been banned by the New England Fishery Management Council to facilitate the rebuilding of depleted gronndfish populations. We assessed the effects and effectiveness of the WGMCA on groundfish assemblages using habitat-stratified （gravel, sand, mixed benthic habitats） sampling by means of a commercial trawler, inside and outside of the WGMCA. Sampling occurred over three mouth-long sampling periods in 2004-2005, two during the spring seasons and one during the fall season. A total of 18 species were analyzed for protection effects. After controlling for substratum, location and sampling season, eight groundfish species exhibited higher mean proportional abundance inside than outside the WGMCA while two were proportionally more abundant on average outside of the closure. Four species had higher mean proportional biomasses on average inside the closure and three outside. We conclude that the WGMCA may be achieving its goal of rebuilding abundance and biomass for some commercially targeted groundfishes but not all. This study, six to seven years post-closure establishment, reveals fine-scale spatial and taxonomic complexity which will require a very different monitoring protocol than the one currently in place if adaptive management is to be successful in the region [Current Zoology 56 （1）： 134-143, 2010].展开更多
An exploratory survey was conducted on the uses and role of invasive alien species(IAS) to local livelihoods in the Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary in the northeastern hilly region of Bangladesh.Vegetation was sampled...An exploratory survey was conducted on the uses and role of invasive alien species(IAS) to local livelihoods in the Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary in the northeastern hilly region of Bangladesh.Vegetation was sampled in 50 quadrates,each 10 m×10 m,and 25 line transects,each 50 m×20 m,through a combination of random and systematic sampling.Group discussions were also arranged with fifty local inhabitants(17 % of the total inhabitants) to learn the various uses of IAS.A total of 17 alien plant species belonging to 10 different families,of which Leguminosae constitutes the highest number(5 species),include tree(53%) followed by herb(12%),shrub(12%) and others(weed,climber and palm).The majority of the identified species were found to be used for fuel,followed by timber production,medicinal or curative uses,fodder,and many others.In addition to providing various forest products,alien tree species planted in forest plantation help provide many vital ecosystem services such as soil amelioration through nitrogen fixation.It is true that the alien species have some negative impacts on local ecosystems,and not all of them are harmful.Therefore,a national programme must be initiated to distinguish the harmful from the harmless species and to identify the uses and impacts of the former and latter.展开更多
The paper deals with the taxonomy and diversity within the genus Ficus occurring in Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary based on extensive field and herbarium studies. The genus comprises 11 species in the study area cont...The paper deals with the taxonomy and diversity within the genus Ficus occurring in Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary based on extensive field and herbarium studies. The genus comprises 11 species in the study area contrary to the earlier report of 8 species. Out of which, one species each belongs to herbs (F. assamica) and straggling shrubs (F. hetero- phylla) and the remaining species to shrub to big free standing trees (F. benghalensis, F. hispida, F. palmata subsp. virgata, F. racemosa, F. religiosa, F. retusa var. nitida, F. rumphii, F. semicordata and F. squamosa). F. microcarpa and F. carica have been excluded as they do not occur in the sanctuary but reported in the previous work due to mis- identification. F. repens has been segregated from F. heterophylla and reinstated as a distinct species with a correct name F. assamica. F. retusa var. nitida forms a new record for the sanctuary. In overall gross morphology, F. hispida, F. palmata subsp. virgata, F. assamica and F. heterophylla exhibit maximum diversity especially in their leaves, pe- duncles and figs. Among all species F. hispida has been found more common especially in low land and moist areas in mixed forest whereas F. retusa var. nitida has been seen with only two plants. All species have been critically examined and provided with correct nomenclature, vernacular name, description, phenology, ecology, uses and reference to voucher specimens. A dichotomous bracketed key to the species along with line drawings has also been included for identification.展开更多
This study is conducted to assess the amount of carbon stored in the above-ground biomass of the tree species at the Isabela State University Wildlife Sanctuary (ISUWS). A total of 34 different tree species were found...This study is conducted to assess the amount of carbon stored in the above-ground biomass of the tree species at the Isabela State University Wildlife Sanctuary (ISUWS). A total of 34 different tree species were found with 285 individuals were identified with a total of 47.50 t/ha Carbon stock and 164.09 t/ha of accumulated CO<sub>2</sub>. It was found in the study that Alstonia scholaris contains the largest amount of above-ground biomass (AGB) with a mass of 20.97 t/ha and Carbon stock of 9.44 t/ha followed by Samanea saman with a mass of 13.40 t/ha and Carbon stock of 6.03 t/ha. Based on the result and conclusion of this investigation, the following recommendations were drawn: Conduct a study concerning the carbon emission of the area to determine the relationship with its carbon sequestration potential;and conduct tree planting activity to open areas in the study site to increase its carbon stock potential and fully serve the purpose of the area as a wildlife sanctuary.展开更多
基金support through the“Trans-Disciplinary Research”Grant(No.R/Dev/IoE/TDRProjects/2023-24/61658),which played a crucial role in enabling this research endeavor.
文摘Floodplain wetlands are invaluable ecosystems providing numerous ecological benefits,yet they face a global crisis necessitating sustainable preservation efforts.This study examines the depletion of floodplain wetlands within the Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary(HWLS)in Uttar Pradesh.Encroachment activities such as grazing,agriculture,and human settlements have fragmented and degraded critical wetland ecosystems.Additionally,irrigation projects,dam construction,and water diversion have disrupted natural water flow and availability.To assess wetland inundation in 2023,five classification techniques were employed:Random Forest(RF),Support Vector Machine(SVM),artificial neural network(ANN),Spectral Information Divergence(SID),and Maximum Likelihood Classifier(MLC).SVM emerged as the most precise method,as determined by kappa coefficient and index-based validation.Consequently,the SVM classifier was used to model wetland inundation areas from 1983 to 2023 and analyze spatiotemporal changes and fragmentation patterns.The findings revealed that the SVM clas-sifier accurately mapped 2023 wetland areas.The modeled time-series data demonstrated a 62.55%and 38.12%reduction in inundated wetland areas over the past 40 years in the pre-and post-monsoon periods,respectively.Fragmentation analysis indicated an 86.27%decrease in large core wetland areas in the pre-monsoon period,signifying severe habitat degradation.This rapid decline in wetlands within protected areas raises concerns about their ecological impacts.By linking wetland loss to global sustainability objectives,this study underscores the global urgency for strengthened wetland protection measures and highlights the need for integrating wetland conservation into broader sustainable development goals.Effective policies and adaptive management strategies are crucial for preserving these ecosystems and their vital services,which are essential for biodiversity,climate regulation,and human well-being.
基金Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) (File No: 09/560(0015)/2011-EMR-I)India and OCB programme of UNU, Tokyo, Japan for financial support to Balwant Rawat and Vikram Negi
文摘Forest vegetation of a protected area （Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary） in Kumaun region （west Himalaya） was analysed for structure, composition and representativeness across three different altitudinal belts, lower （1,6oo-1,8oo m a.s.1.）, middle （1,900-2,100 m a.s.1.） and upper （2,200-2,400 m a.s.1.） during 2oo9-2011 using standard phytosociological methods. Four aspects （east, west, north and south） in each altitudinal belt were chosen for sampling to depict maximum representation of vegetation in the sanctuary. Population structure and regeneration behaviour was analysed seasonally for two years to show the establishment and growth of tree species. A total of 147 plant species were recorded from the entire region of which 27 tree species were selected for detailed study. Highest number was recorded at upper （18 species）, and lowest at lower altitudinal belt （15 species）. The relative proportion of species richness showed higher contribution of tree layer at each altitudinal belt. The population structure, based on the number of individuals, revealed a greater proportion of seedling layer at each altitudinal belt. The relative proportion of seedlings increases significantly along altitudinal belts （p〈0.05） while opposite trends were observed in sapling and tree layers. The density of sapling and seedling species varied non-significantly across seasons （p〉0.05）. The density values decreased in summer and increased during rainy season. As far as the regeneration status is concerned, middle and upper altitudinal belts showed maximum number of species with fair regeneration as compared to lower altitudinal belt. Overall density diameter distribution of tree species showed highest species density and richness in the smallest girth class and decreased in the succeeding girth classes. This study suggests that patterns of regeneration behaviour would determine future structural and compositional changes in the forest communities. It is suggested that the compositional changes vis-a-vis role of ＇New＇ and ＇Not regenerating＇ species need priority attention while initiating conservation activities in the sanctuary. This study calls for exploring other less explored Wildlife Sanctuaries in the Himalaya and across the world, to achieve overall biodiversity status in these protected areas and thus to justify their role in conserving biodiversity in the region.
文摘CHINA.Dinghu Mountain National Nature Reserve.Located in Zhaoqing,Guangdong Province,Dinghu Mountain National Nature Reserve is a pristine natural sanctuary spanning 1,133 hectares within the low mountain ranges of the Dayunwu Mountains.
文摘The Himalayan Yew (Taxus baccata subsp. wallichiana) is an endangered native high value medicinal plant of the Himalayan Region. The several medicinal properties of the bark and leaves of this species have increased its risk of extinction due to pressures for utilization. It is also subjected to harvest for fuelwood. The species does not regenerate well from seed and that is another risk factor. The objective of this research was to investigate the population ecology of the species as a foundation for its conservation. Six forest communities in the Khokhan Wildlife Sanctuary where the species is present were sampled. The abundance of the species, impacts of harvesting and its current regeneration patterns indicate that it may soon be extirpated from the Sanctuary. A plan for conserving the remaining sub-populations is presented. It could provide a template for conservation in other locations where the species is at risk.
文摘A rapid assessment on the status and distribution patterns of coarse woody debris （CWD） was conducted by laying five curvilinear transects （transects A, B, C, D and E; major trails）, along an altitudinal gradient starting from 900 to 2 600 m, in three major watersheds （Charigad, Dogarhigad and upper Gosigad） of Goriganga catchment in Askot Wildlife Sanctuary, India. At every 100 m rise in altitude a hectare plot （100 m x 100 m） was selected. Results showed that the percentage contribution by different succession phases was in the decreasing order： phase I 〉 phase II 〉 phase IV 〉 phase III for snags, and phase III〉 phase II 〉 phase IV 〉 phase I for logs. Snag density in chir pine forest was high in transect A （11 snags＇ha^-1） at 1 500 m, and the value in rianj oak forest was high in transect B （10 snags.ha-l） at 2 300 m. The total available mass of snags and logs in chit pine forest was 13.9 t, of which snags mass accounted for 41% of the total mass and logs mass for 59%. While the total value was 5.6 t in rianj oak forest, of which snags and logs accounted for 60% and 40% of the total mass, respectively. Moreover, the presence of CWD in the study area if not harvested, would provide a great opportunity to the orchids in future to flourish by providing protection. The high densities of snags and logs in chir pine forest at mid-altitudinal zone led to less species richness and lower density of ground flora as the zone receives more light, accompanying with lower soil moisture, and thus only the dominant species occupy the habitat.
基金partially funded by the Alexander Koenig Gesellschaft(AKG)the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity(ACCB)+4 种基金financially supported by the ACCB and the European Association of ZoosAquaria(EAZA)Shellshock Campaign,provided through the Turtle Conservation Fund(TCF)funded by the Schildkr tenInteressengemeinschaft Schweiz(SIGS)the Fonds zum Schutz weltweit bedrohter Amphibien und Reptilien of the Zoological Society for the Conservation of SpeciesPopulations(ZGAP)and the German Society for Herpetology and Herpetoculture(DGHT)
文摘We present the first herpetological checklist for the Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary in northern Cambodia, with records of 22 species of amphibians and 33 species of reptiles belonging to 44 genera in 22 families. The checklist includes three species （Ingerophrynus macrotis, Micryletta inornata, Scincella melanosticta） which in Cambodia were formerly only known to occur in the Cardamom Mountains in the southwest of the country. Our findings highlight the importance of countrywide herpetological baseline surveys in lowland habitats.
文摘The estimation of carbon density of high altitude forests was carried out at five different sites along an elevational gradient from 1550 m to 3550 m in a part of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, which is one of the largest protected areas of the Garhwal Himalaya, India. Among the study sites the above ground biomass density （AGBD） ranged from 202.72 Mg·ha^-1 （Site 5） to 718.75 Mg·ha^-1 （Site 1） and below ground biomass density （BGBD） from 61.00 Mg·ha^-1 （Site 5） to 203.04 Mg·ha^-1 （Site 1）. The total biomass density （TBD） also followed similar trend, where the lowest value （263.73 Mg·ha^-1） was observed at Site 5 and the highest （921.79 Mg·ha^-1） at Site 1. The total carbon density （TCD） ranged from 131.86 Mg·ha^-1 （Site 5） to 460.89 Mg·ha^-1 （Site 1）, which indicates that the carbon density of forests reduces with increasing elevation.
文摘A rapid assessment on the status and distribution patterns of coarse woody debris (CWD) was conducted by laying five curvilinear transects (transects A, B, C, D and E; major trails), along an altitudinal gradient starting from 900 to 2 600 m, in three major watersheds (Charigad, Dogarhigad and upper Gosigad) of Goriganga catchment in Askot Wildlife Sanctuary, India. At every 100 m rise in altitude a hectare plot (100 m x 100 m) was selected. Results showed that the percentage contribution by different succession phases was in the decreasing order: phase I > phase II > phase IV > phase III for snags, and phase III > phase II > phase IV > phase I for logs. Snag density in chir pine forest was high in transect A (11 snags·ha-1) at 1 500 m, and the value in rianj oak forest was high in transect B (10 snags·ha-1) at 2 300 m. The total available mass of snags and logs in chir pine forest was 13.9 t, of which snags mass accounted for 41% of the total mass and logs mass for 59%. While the total value was 5.6 t in rianj oak forest, of which snags and logs accounted for 60% and 40% of the total mass, respectively. Moreover, the presence of CWD in the study area if not harvested, would provide a great opportunity to the orchids in future to flourish by providing protection. The high densities of snags and logs in chir pine forest at mid-altitudinal zone led to less species richness and lower density of ground flora as the zone receives more light, accompanying with lower soil moisture, and thus only the dominant species occupy the habitat.
基金provided by the NOAA Fishenes Service, MassFisherman's Partnership+1 种基金Northeast Consortiumthe Pew Institute for Ocean Science
文摘The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary （southern Gulf of Maine, northwest Atlantic） is partially overlapped by the Western Gulf of Maine Closure Area （WGMCA）. This is a region in which mobile, bottom-disturbing fishing gear has been banned by the New England Fishery Management Council to facilitate the rebuilding of depleted gronndfish populations. We assessed the effects and effectiveness of the WGMCA on groundfish assemblages using habitat-stratified （gravel, sand, mixed benthic habitats） sampling by means of a commercial trawler, inside and outside of the WGMCA. Sampling occurred over three mouth-long sampling periods in 2004-2005, two during the spring seasons and one during the fall season. A total of 18 species were analyzed for protection effects. After controlling for substratum, location and sampling season, eight groundfish species exhibited higher mean proportional abundance inside than outside the WGMCA while two were proportionally more abundant on average outside of the closure. Four species had higher mean proportional biomasses on average inside the closure and three outside. We conclude that the WGMCA may be achieving its goal of rebuilding abundance and biomass for some commercially targeted groundfishes but not all. This study, six to seven years post-closure establishment, reveals fine-scale spatial and taxonomic complexity which will require a very different monitoring protocol than the one currently in place if adaptive management is to be successful in the region [Current Zoology 56 （1）： 134-143, 2010].
文摘An exploratory survey was conducted on the uses and role of invasive alien species(IAS) to local livelihoods in the Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary in the northeastern hilly region of Bangladesh.Vegetation was sampled in 50 quadrates,each 10 m×10 m,and 25 line transects,each 50 m×20 m,through a combination of random and systematic sampling.Group discussions were also arranged with fifty local inhabitants(17 % of the total inhabitants) to learn the various uses of IAS.A total of 17 alien plant species belonging to 10 different families,of which Leguminosae constitutes the highest number(5 species),include tree(53%) followed by herb(12%),shrub(12%) and others(weed,climber and palm).The majority of the identified species were found to be used for fuel,followed by timber production,medicinal or curative uses,fodder,and many others.In addition to providing various forest products,alien tree species planted in forest plantation help provide many vital ecosystem services such as soil amelioration through nitrogen fixation.It is true that the alien species have some negative impacts on local ecosystems,and not all of them are harmful.Therefore,a national programme must be initiated to distinguish the harmful from the harmless species and to identify the uses and impacts of the former and latter.
文摘The paper deals with the taxonomy and diversity within the genus Ficus occurring in Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary based on extensive field and herbarium studies. The genus comprises 11 species in the study area contrary to the earlier report of 8 species. Out of which, one species each belongs to herbs (F. assamica) and straggling shrubs (F. hetero- phylla) and the remaining species to shrub to big free standing trees (F. benghalensis, F. hispida, F. palmata subsp. virgata, F. racemosa, F. religiosa, F. retusa var. nitida, F. rumphii, F. semicordata and F. squamosa). F. microcarpa and F. carica have been excluded as they do not occur in the sanctuary but reported in the previous work due to mis- identification. F. repens has been segregated from F. heterophylla and reinstated as a distinct species with a correct name F. assamica. F. retusa var. nitida forms a new record for the sanctuary. In overall gross morphology, F. hispida, F. palmata subsp. virgata, F. assamica and F. heterophylla exhibit maximum diversity especially in their leaves, pe- duncles and figs. Among all species F. hispida has been found more common especially in low land and moist areas in mixed forest whereas F. retusa var. nitida has been seen with only two plants. All species have been critically examined and provided with correct nomenclature, vernacular name, description, phenology, ecology, uses and reference to voucher specimens. A dichotomous bracketed key to the species along with line drawings has also been included for identification.
基金Acknowledgement： Authors are highly thankful to the CSIR, New Delhi （India） for providing financial assistance to carryout the present work. Authors are also thankful to the forest officials of Rajasthan for providing the necessary facilities during the field work to the tribals for giving the valuable information to the authorities of Forest Research Institute, Dehradun for permitting to consult herbarium for final identification of plants.
文摘This study is conducted to assess the amount of carbon stored in the above-ground biomass of the tree species at the Isabela State University Wildlife Sanctuary (ISUWS). A total of 34 different tree species were found with 285 individuals were identified with a total of 47.50 t/ha Carbon stock and 164.09 t/ha of accumulated CO<sub>2</sub>. It was found in the study that Alstonia scholaris contains the largest amount of above-ground biomass (AGB) with a mass of 20.97 t/ha and Carbon stock of 9.44 t/ha followed by Samanea saman with a mass of 13.40 t/ha and Carbon stock of 6.03 t/ha. Based on the result and conclusion of this investigation, the following recommendations were drawn: Conduct a study concerning the carbon emission of the area to determine the relationship with its carbon sequestration potential;and conduct tree planting activity to open areas in the study site to increase its carbon stock potential and fully serve the purpose of the area as a wildlife sanctuary.
