Birds are one of the best-known classes of living organisms, they are important bioindicators of ... more Birds are one of the best-known classes of living organisms, they are important bioindicators of an ecosystem. This study was undertaken to determine the diversity and abundance of birds in Reiek Biodiversity Spot, Mizoram, northeastern India. Intensive study was conducted from January to March 2019 by line transect method. A total of 117 species of birds belonging to 37 families and 10 orders were recorded and the Shannon-Wiener diversity index was calculated (H'= 3.85). Family Muscicapidae dominated the area comprising of 16 species, followed by Timaliidae with 6 species. Among all the species recorded, Alcippe nipalensis has the highest relative abundance (13.35%), followed by Staphida castaniceps (Striated Yuhina) and Zosterops palpebrosus (Oriental White Eye) with 8.60% and 6.03% each. Family-wise relative abundance revealed that Pycnonotidae has the highest relative abundance (17.45%), followed by Sylviidae (15.91%) and Timaliidae (13.35%). The area supports a rich and div...
Olyra saginata, new species, is described from the Kaladan [=Kolodyne] River system in Mizoram, n... more Olyra saginata, new species, is described from the Kaladan [=Kolodyne] River system in Mizoram, northeast India. It differs from congeners in having the following unique combination of characters: interorbital distance 27.9-35.9% HL; 54-66 lateral-line pores; body depth at anus 10.5-12.0% SL; length of adipose-fin base 17.3-22.4% SL; adipose fin separate from upper principal caudal-fin rays; post-adipose distance 11.8-14.3% SL; caudal peduncle length 14.8-17.7% SL; and caudal peduncle depth 7.8-8.9% SL. The taxonomy of congeners is also briefly discussed.
COVID-19 had ravaged the physical and mental health of millions of people globally. With more tha... more COVID-19 had ravaged the physical and mental health of millions of people globally. With more than 18 million infections and 0.7 million fatalities worldwide, the pandemic showed no signs of slowing down. Since the detection of the first COVID-19 case in Mizoram, there is still no scientific record of the incidence of the disease. Therefore, the aim of this report is to produce the first scientific documentation of COVID-19 in Mizoram. As on 6 August 2020, a total of 537 cases have been reported with a recovery rate of 53.63%. Voluntary services of local community to fully support the authority are unique and worth to mention. Many people, from layman to technically qualified persons, volunteered themselves to fight the spread of the disease in the state. No death is yet reported although the doubling rate of COVID-19 case was 14.66 days. Aizawl district recorded the highest case (61.08%) followed by Lunglei and Siaha districts. Weekly data analysis showed the outbreak occurred in t...
BSTRACT The effect of inorganic fertilizer (NPK) on earthworm population was studied for two year... more BSTRACT The effect of inorganic fertilizer (NPK) on earthworm population was studied for two years (2002-2004) under different plantations at Sakawrtuichhun (SKT) and Pachhunga University College (PUC) agroforestry sites in Mizoram, north-eastern state of India. Five species of earthworms, viz. Drawida sp., Metaphire houletti (Perrier), Perionyx excavatus (Perrier), Perionyx macintoshi (Stephenson) and Eutyphoeus mizoramensis (Julka et al.) under three families were identified in the study sites. Detailed study was carried out under different soil strata and on different age group of earthworms in plantations like maize+Leucena leucocephala (ML) and pine apple+citrus+Leucena leucocephala (PCL). Doses of inorganic fertilizer treatment were given as per state agriculture department recommendation. Earthworms were collected from five random sampling sites at monthly intervals by hand sorting method in each replicate. The most versatile species was found to be Drawida species. An epigei...
Galliformes, commonly referred to as 'gallinaceous birds' or 'game birds', is... more Galliformes, commonly referred to as 'gallinaceous birds' or 'game birds', is a large and diverse group of birds that comprises of 70 genera and 284 species, while 45 species of galliformes are known from India. Meanwhile proper record of Galliformes is not available in the state of Mizoram. Therefore a preliminary survey on galliformes was conducted from September 2012 -December 2013 in Mizoram with the aim to provide reliable information on their diversity, distribution range and their conservation issues in the tropical hilly state. The state of Mizoram, located in northeast India, is sandwiched by two international borders, viz. Bangladesh from the west and Myanmar from the east and south. It lies in the Indo-Myanmar Biodiversity Hotspot Area. In order to know the species composition and distribution, information was collected by field survey at important protected areas and secondary information from 245 villages covering all the eight districts. Analysis of...
Soil organisms are an integral part of agricultural ecosystems and are essential for the maintena... more Soil organisms are an integral part of agricultural ecosystems and are essential for the maintenance of healthy productive soils. Little is known about soil arthropods assemblages in shifting cultivation system. Therefore, we compared the diversity of soil macroarthropods in shifting cultivation (EXPTL) system and its adjacent natural forest (CTRL) ecosystem in Mizoram, northeast India and assessed the impact of shifting cultivation on the diversity. The study was conducted from 2013 to 2015, and the period was divided as pre-cultivation, cultivation and post-cultivation phases. Traditional shifting cultivation was practised in EXPTL site in the year 2014. Sampling was done by handpicking and digging from a quadrat (25×25×30 cm) located at least 10 m apart at monthly intervals. Specimens were preserved in 4% formalin and were identified up to the lowest possible taxa. A total of 97 taxa of arthropods belonging to five classes were recorded. 88 taxa and 48 taxa were recorded in CTRL ...
A comprehensive systematic list of wild mammals of the state of Mizoram, northeast India, has bee... more A comprehensive systematic list of wild mammals of the state of Mizoram, northeast India, has been collated from historical records, primary and secondary information by incorporating reliable data after personal interview with elderly prominent hunters. A total of 126 species of wild mammals belonging to 32 families under 11 orders, including 8 primate species, 14 herbivores with angulates, among carnivores - 3 ursids, 2 canids, 8 felids, 19 lesser carnivores; and 5 fossoreal, 9 arboreal, 22 rodents, 35 chiropterans and 1 aquatic mammal are listed. Bats (Chiroptera) formed the largest group (28%) with 35 species under 7 families followed by carnivores (25%) with 32 species and rodents (24%) with 30 species. Furthermore, Cetacea, Proboscidae, Scandentia and Pholidota orders were represented by a single species each. The rats and mice family Muridae formed the biggest family with 16 species followed by the vesper bats family Vespertilionidae with 14 species. The list contains three c...
In this paper we report the first confirmed sighting of chestnut-flanked white-eye Zosterops eryt... more In this paper we report the first confirmed sighting of chestnut-flanked white-eye Zosterops erythropleurus (Swinhoe, 1863) from Mizoram and first photographic report from India. chestnut-flanked white-eye belongs to the family Zosteropidae and is a resident of Cambodia, China, Hongkong, Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Laos, Myanmar, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam. In the Indian Sub-continent this is the only sighting report for this species and details of sightings and habitat are discussed.
Oligochaeta is a class of segmented worms under the phylum Annelida that are characterised by the... more Oligochaeta is a class of segmented worms under the phylum Annelida that are characterised by the presence of tiny setae in each body segment. Earthworms are the main members, consisting of approximately 6200 species. Their ecological importance is well known as they are the major soil macro-fauna; Aristotle had named them as “the intestines of soil”. Classification of earthworms is a controversial issue since the introduction of modern taxonomical system on earthworm by Michaelsen in 1921. This is mainly because conventional identification using morphological and anatomical characters are complicated and confusing. The key diagnostic features such as the position and structure of the reproductive organs, clitellum and the associated tubercular pubertatis are not always reliable, particularly in different developmental stages, especially when the available specimens are the juveniles. DNA barcoding has offered a potential solution, even at the levels of identifying the juveniles or ...
Genetic diversity of red-pigmented vibrios from different mangrove rhizospheres (Porteresia coarc... more Genetic diversity of red-pigmented vibrios from different mangrove rhizospheres (Porteresia coarctata, Avicennia marina and Rhizophora mucronata) collected from Pichavaram mangrove, India was investigated. Twenty red-pink pigmented strains were isolated, 16S rRNA gene analyses indicted that these isolates belong to the genus Vibrio and were phylogenetically closely related to the type strains of Vibrio rhizosphaerae and Vibrio ruber. The rep-PCR analysis using GTG(5) and BOX primers had similar groupings, and segregated these pigmented Vibrio isolates including two type strains into seven unique genotypic groups (REP groups A1-A7). The rhizosphere of P. coarctata harbors highly genetically diverse groups of red-pigmented vibrios compared to other plants. Multilocus sequence analysis using four genetic loci (pyrH, recA, rpoA, 16S rRNA) clearly supported the hypothesis that strains MSSRF38 (REP group A5) and MSSRF39 (REP group A6) could represent new Vibrio species. Biological functions of these vibrios were also determined and it was found that all these isolates have antagonistic activity against phytopathogens, and isolates belonging to REP groups A5 and A6 were positive for nifH gene by PCR. In conclusion, this study for the first time demonstrates the occurrence of genetically diverse groups of antagonistic, diazotrophic red-pigmented vibrios from different mangrove plants and suggests a new ecological role for vibrios as heterotrophic plant associated rhizobacteria.
Soil organisms provide crucial ecosystem services that support human life. However, little is kno... more Soil organisms provide crucial ecosystem services that support human life. However, little is known about their diversity, distribution, and the threats affecting them. Here, we compiled a global dataset of sampled earthworm communities from over 7000 sites in 56 countries to predict patterns in earthworm diversity, abundance, and biomass. We identify the environmental drivers shaping these patterns. Local species richness and abundance typically peaked at higher latitudes, while biomass peaked in the tropics, patterns opposite to those observed in aboveground organisms. Similar to many aboveground taxa, climate variables were more important in shaping earthworm communities than soil properties or habitat cover. These findings highlight that, while the environmental drivers are similar, conservation strategies to conserve aboveground biodiversity might not be appropriate for earthworm diversity, especially in a changing climate.One sentence summaryGlobal patterns of earthworm divers...
Preliminary survey on the diversity and distribution of pheasants (Phasianidae: Galliformes) was ... more Preliminary survey on the diversity and distribution of pheasants (Phasianidae: Galliformes) was conducted for 20 months (May 2010- December 2011) in the state of Mizoram, northeast India. Field survey at important protected areas and collection of secondary information’s indicated that six species of pheasants are present in Mizoram (i.e. 11.8 % of the world pheasant species). They are
Documentation is the basic method of preserving indigenous traditional knowledge. Indigenous know... more Documentation is the basic method of preserving indigenous traditional knowledge. Indigenous knowledge is passed down through generations and is in reality a necessary means of understanding many aspects of science. The indigenous techniques of food processing by the Mizo residing in a landlocked state Mizoram, in northeast India has not been recorded systematically. This article describes some of the most familiar techniques of Mizo traditional food processing techniques; however, minor differences have been observed among different parts within the state. It was amazing to observe that the Mizos utilize the available resources such as fire or sun for food preservation and developed their own way of innovative scientific methods for food processing. It has been recommended that a study on the nutritive values of the Mizo traditionally processed foods would be very significant to see the impact of such processing on the health of the Mizo community.
The Mizo tribes of north east India developed and practiced different types of fishing methods si... more The Mizo tribes of north east India developed and practiced different types of fishing methods since time immemorial. Some methods can be considered as traditional as well as non-traditional since they are well known in some other parts of the country with some variation. This paper described fifteen traditional fishing methods. The study reveals that the people of Mizoram used locally available materials and apply indigenous ideas and skills (indigenous technical knowledge, ITK) for fishing. Various fishing techniques depend on various behavioural pattern and microhabitat type of fishes. Thirteen species of plants and plant products are used for fishing.
The effect of inorganic fertilizer (NPK) on earthworm population was studied for two years (20022... more The effect of inorganic fertilizer (NPK) on earthworm population was studied for two years (20022004) under different plantations at Sakawrtuichhun (SKT) and Pachhunga University College (PUC) agroforestry sites in Mizoram, north-eastern state of India. Five species of earthworms, viz. Drawida sp., Metaphire houletti (Perrier), Perionyx excavatus (Perrier), Perionyx macintoshi (Stephenson) and Eutyphoeus mizoramensis (Julka et al.) under three families were identified in the study sites. Detailed study was carried out under different soil strata and on different age group of earthworms in plantations like maize+Leucena leucocephala (ML) and pine apple+citrus+Leucena leucocephala (PCL). Doses of inorganic fertilizer treatment were given as per state agriculture department recommendation. Earthworms were collected from five random sampling sites at monthly intervals by hand sorting method in each replicate. The most versatile species was found to be Drawida species. An epigeic species...
Many agricultural pests create problems for farmers leading to production loss. Since agriculture... more Many agricultural pests create problems for farmers leading to production loss. Since agriculture plays an important role in the economy of a nation, controlling and management of such pests is of great importance. Cutworms are notorious agricultural pests infesting a wide variety of crops leading to production loss. Cutworms are distributed worldwide and many species of cutworms have also been reported feeding on all kinds of crops. Agrotis ipsilon is one of the most common cutworm species prevailing in different continents. Understanding the biology and management of these pests will be of great use for farmers. In this article, brief information on cutworms; specifically A. ipsilon species is highlighted. A brief description of host, migration, control and management of A. ipsilon are also highlighted.
Earthworm population dynamics was studied in two agroforestry systems in the tropical hilly terra... more Earthworm population dynamics was studied in two agroforestry systems in the tropical hilly terrain of Mizoram, north-east India, over a period of 24 months, from July 2002 to June 2004. Two sites of agroforestry situated at Sakawrtuichhun (SKT) and Pachhunga University College (PUC) campus, Aizawl, having pineapple as the main crop, were selected for detail studies on population dynamics. Five of the total twelve species of earthworm reported from the state were recorded in the study sites. The density of earthworm ranged from 6 to 243 ind.m(-2) and biomass from 3.2 - 677.64 g.m(-2) in SKT. Comparatively the density and biomass in PUC, which is at relatively higher altitude were lowerwith a range of 0 to 176 ind.m(-2) and biomass from 0 - 391.36 g.m(-2) respectively. Population dynamics of earthworm was significantly correlated with rainfall and physical characters of the soil. Earthworm biomass was significantly affected by rainfall and moisture content of the soil. The influence ...
Grey Peacock Pheasant (Polyplectron bicalcaratum) is identified as ecological indicator of forest... more Grey Peacock Pheasant (Polyplectron bicalcaratum) is identified as ecological indicator of forest ecosystem in tropical rain forest. Study on density and abundance was carried out by line transect method in Lengteng wildlife sanctuary, Mizoram, northeast India for 27 months. Transects are walked four times a month in early morning hours. In 108 transect sampling, 134 individuals were recorded with the encounter rate 0.51±0.06/km and density of 0.14/kmP P. The altitudinal distribution range is 1621m – 1783m above sea level, within this range they confined foraging in an area of about 5 kmP P. Largest group observed was comprised of 5 members and the average group size was 0.23 individuals. Male – female sex ratio was 1.89. The low population density of grey peacock pheasant in the present study may be attributed to the skulking behaviour of the bird and the steep terrain with thick undergrowth. The results and its possible reasons are discussed in detail.
Birds are one of the best-known classes of living organisms, they are important bioindicators of ... more Birds are one of the best-known classes of living organisms, they are important bioindicators of an ecosystem. This study was undertaken to determine the diversity and abundance of birds in Reiek Biodiversity Spot, Mizoram, northeastern India. Intensive study was conducted from January to March 2019 by line transect method. A total of 117 species of birds belonging to 37 families and 10 orders were recorded and the Shannon-Wiener diversity index was calculated (H'= 3.85). Family Muscicapidae dominated the area comprising of 16 species, followed by Timaliidae with 6 species. Among all the species recorded, Alcippe nipalensis has the highest relative abundance (13.35%), followed by Staphida castaniceps (Striated Yuhina) and Zosterops palpebrosus (Oriental White Eye) with 8.60% and 6.03% each. Family-wise relative abundance revealed that Pycnonotidae has the highest relative abundance (17.45%), followed by Sylviidae (15.91%) and Timaliidae (13.35%). The area supports a rich and div...
Olyra saginata, new species, is described from the Kaladan [=Kolodyne] River system in Mizoram, n... more Olyra saginata, new species, is described from the Kaladan [=Kolodyne] River system in Mizoram, northeast India. It differs from congeners in having the following unique combination of characters: interorbital distance 27.9-35.9% HL; 54-66 lateral-line pores; body depth at anus 10.5-12.0% SL; length of adipose-fin base 17.3-22.4% SL; adipose fin separate from upper principal caudal-fin rays; post-adipose distance 11.8-14.3% SL; caudal peduncle length 14.8-17.7% SL; and caudal peduncle depth 7.8-8.9% SL. The taxonomy of congeners is also briefly discussed.
COVID-19 had ravaged the physical and mental health of millions of people globally. With more tha... more COVID-19 had ravaged the physical and mental health of millions of people globally. With more than 18 million infections and 0.7 million fatalities worldwide, the pandemic showed no signs of slowing down. Since the detection of the first COVID-19 case in Mizoram, there is still no scientific record of the incidence of the disease. Therefore, the aim of this report is to produce the first scientific documentation of COVID-19 in Mizoram. As on 6 August 2020, a total of 537 cases have been reported with a recovery rate of 53.63%. Voluntary services of local community to fully support the authority are unique and worth to mention. Many people, from layman to technically qualified persons, volunteered themselves to fight the spread of the disease in the state. No death is yet reported although the doubling rate of COVID-19 case was 14.66 days. Aizawl district recorded the highest case (61.08%) followed by Lunglei and Siaha districts. Weekly data analysis showed the outbreak occurred in t...
BSTRACT The effect of inorganic fertilizer (NPK) on earthworm population was studied for two year... more BSTRACT The effect of inorganic fertilizer (NPK) on earthworm population was studied for two years (2002-2004) under different plantations at Sakawrtuichhun (SKT) and Pachhunga University College (PUC) agroforestry sites in Mizoram, north-eastern state of India. Five species of earthworms, viz. Drawida sp., Metaphire houletti (Perrier), Perionyx excavatus (Perrier), Perionyx macintoshi (Stephenson) and Eutyphoeus mizoramensis (Julka et al.) under three families were identified in the study sites. Detailed study was carried out under different soil strata and on different age group of earthworms in plantations like maize+Leucena leucocephala (ML) and pine apple+citrus+Leucena leucocephala (PCL). Doses of inorganic fertilizer treatment were given as per state agriculture department recommendation. Earthworms were collected from five random sampling sites at monthly intervals by hand sorting method in each replicate. The most versatile species was found to be Drawida species. An epigei...
Galliformes, commonly referred to as 'gallinaceous birds' or 'game birds', is... more Galliformes, commonly referred to as 'gallinaceous birds' or 'game birds', is a large and diverse group of birds that comprises of 70 genera and 284 species, while 45 species of galliformes are known from India. Meanwhile proper record of Galliformes is not available in the state of Mizoram. Therefore a preliminary survey on galliformes was conducted from September 2012 -December 2013 in Mizoram with the aim to provide reliable information on their diversity, distribution range and their conservation issues in the tropical hilly state. The state of Mizoram, located in northeast India, is sandwiched by two international borders, viz. Bangladesh from the west and Myanmar from the east and south. It lies in the Indo-Myanmar Biodiversity Hotspot Area. In order to know the species composition and distribution, information was collected by field survey at important protected areas and secondary information from 245 villages covering all the eight districts. Analysis of...
Soil organisms are an integral part of agricultural ecosystems and are essential for the maintena... more Soil organisms are an integral part of agricultural ecosystems and are essential for the maintenance of healthy productive soils. Little is known about soil arthropods assemblages in shifting cultivation system. Therefore, we compared the diversity of soil macroarthropods in shifting cultivation (EXPTL) system and its adjacent natural forest (CTRL) ecosystem in Mizoram, northeast India and assessed the impact of shifting cultivation on the diversity. The study was conducted from 2013 to 2015, and the period was divided as pre-cultivation, cultivation and post-cultivation phases. Traditional shifting cultivation was practised in EXPTL site in the year 2014. Sampling was done by handpicking and digging from a quadrat (25×25×30 cm) located at least 10 m apart at monthly intervals. Specimens were preserved in 4% formalin and were identified up to the lowest possible taxa. A total of 97 taxa of arthropods belonging to five classes were recorded. 88 taxa and 48 taxa were recorded in CTRL ...
A comprehensive systematic list of wild mammals of the state of Mizoram, northeast India, has bee... more A comprehensive systematic list of wild mammals of the state of Mizoram, northeast India, has been collated from historical records, primary and secondary information by incorporating reliable data after personal interview with elderly prominent hunters. A total of 126 species of wild mammals belonging to 32 families under 11 orders, including 8 primate species, 14 herbivores with angulates, among carnivores - 3 ursids, 2 canids, 8 felids, 19 lesser carnivores; and 5 fossoreal, 9 arboreal, 22 rodents, 35 chiropterans and 1 aquatic mammal are listed. Bats (Chiroptera) formed the largest group (28%) with 35 species under 7 families followed by carnivores (25%) with 32 species and rodents (24%) with 30 species. Furthermore, Cetacea, Proboscidae, Scandentia and Pholidota orders were represented by a single species each. The rats and mice family Muridae formed the biggest family with 16 species followed by the vesper bats family Vespertilionidae with 14 species. The list contains three c...
In this paper we report the first confirmed sighting of chestnut-flanked white-eye Zosterops eryt... more In this paper we report the first confirmed sighting of chestnut-flanked white-eye Zosterops erythropleurus (Swinhoe, 1863) from Mizoram and first photographic report from India. chestnut-flanked white-eye belongs to the family Zosteropidae and is a resident of Cambodia, China, Hongkong, Korea, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Laos, Myanmar, Russia, Thailand and Vietnam. In the Indian Sub-continent this is the only sighting report for this species and details of sightings and habitat are discussed.
Oligochaeta is a class of segmented worms under the phylum Annelida that are characterised by the... more Oligochaeta is a class of segmented worms under the phylum Annelida that are characterised by the presence of tiny setae in each body segment. Earthworms are the main members, consisting of approximately 6200 species. Their ecological importance is well known as they are the major soil macro-fauna; Aristotle had named them as “the intestines of soil”. Classification of earthworms is a controversial issue since the introduction of modern taxonomical system on earthworm by Michaelsen in 1921. This is mainly because conventional identification using morphological and anatomical characters are complicated and confusing. The key diagnostic features such as the position and structure of the reproductive organs, clitellum and the associated tubercular pubertatis are not always reliable, particularly in different developmental stages, especially when the available specimens are the juveniles. DNA barcoding has offered a potential solution, even at the levels of identifying the juveniles or ...
Genetic diversity of red-pigmented vibrios from different mangrove rhizospheres (Porteresia coarc... more Genetic diversity of red-pigmented vibrios from different mangrove rhizospheres (Porteresia coarctata, Avicennia marina and Rhizophora mucronata) collected from Pichavaram mangrove, India was investigated. Twenty red-pink pigmented strains were isolated, 16S rRNA gene analyses indicted that these isolates belong to the genus Vibrio and were phylogenetically closely related to the type strains of Vibrio rhizosphaerae and Vibrio ruber. The rep-PCR analysis using GTG(5) and BOX primers had similar groupings, and segregated these pigmented Vibrio isolates including two type strains into seven unique genotypic groups (REP groups A1-A7). The rhizosphere of P. coarctata harbors highly genetically diverse groups of red-pigmented vibrios compared to other plants. Multilocus sequence analysis using four genetic loci (pyrH, recA, rpoA, 16S rRNA) clearly supported the hypothesis that strains MSSRF38 (REP group A5) and MSSRF39 (REP group A6) could represent new Vibrio species. Biological functions of these vibrios were also determined and it was found that all these isolates have antagonistic activity against phytopathogens, and isolates belonging to REP groups A5 and A6 were positive for nifH gene by PCR. In conclusion, this study for the first time demonstrates the occurrence of genetically diverse groups of antagonistic, diazotrophic red-pigmented vibrios from different mangrove plants and suggests a new ecological role for vibrios as heterotrophic plant associated rhizobacteria.
Soil organisms provide crucial ecosystem services that support human life. However, little is kno... more Soil organisms provide crucial ecosystem services that support human life. However, little is known about their diversity, distribution, and the threats affecting them. Here, we compiled a global dataset of sampled earthworm communities from over 7000 sites in 56 countries to predict patterns in earthworm diversity, abundance, and biomass. We identify the environmental drivers shaping these patterns. Local species richness and abundance typically peaked at higher latitudes, while biomass peaked in the tropics, patterns opposite to those observed in aboveground organisms. Similar to many aboveground taxa, climate variables were more important in shaping earthworm communities than soil properties or habitat cover. These findings highlight that, while the environmental drivers are similar, conservation strategies to conserve aboveground biodiversity might not be appropriate for earthworm diversity, especially in a changing climate.One sentence summaryGlobal patterns of earthworm divers...
Preliminary survey on the diversity and distribution of pheasants (Phasianidae: Galliformes) was ... more Preliminary survey on the diversity and distribution of pheasants (Phasianidae: Galliformes) was conducted for 20 months (May 2010- December 2011) in the state of Mizoram, northeast India. Field survey at important protected areas and collection of secondary information’s indicated that six species of pheasants are present in Mizoram (i.e. 11.8 % of the world pheasant species). They are
Documentation is the basic method of preserving indigenous traditional knowledge. Indigenous know... more Documentation is the basic method of preserving indigenous traditional knowledge. Indigenous knowledge is passed down through generations and is in reality a necessary means of understanding many aspects of science. The indigenous techniques of food processing by the Mizo residing in a landlocked state Mizoram, in northeast India has not been recorded systematically. This article describes some of the most familiar techniques of Mizo traditional food processing techniques; however, minor differences have been observed among different parts within the state. It was amazing to observe that the Mizos utilize the available resources such as fire or sun for food preservation and developed their own way of innovative scientific methods for food processing. It has been recommended that a study on the nutritive values of the Mizo traditionally processed foods would be very significant to see the impact of such processing on the health of the Mizo community.
The Mizo tribes of north east India developed and practiced different types of fishing methods si... more The Mizo tribes of north east India developed and practiced different types of fishing methods since time immemorial. Some methods can be considered as traditional as well as non-traditional since they are well known in some other parts of the country with some variation. This paper described fifteen traditional fishing methods. The study reveals that the people of Mizoram used locally available materials and apply indigenous ideas and skills (indigenous technical knowledge, ITK) for fishing. Various fishing techniques depend on various behavioural pattern and microhabitat type of fishes. Thirteen species of plants and plant products are used for fishing.
The effect of inorganic fertilizer (NPK) on earthworm population was studied for two years (20022... more The effect of inorganic fertilizer (NPK) on earthworm population was studied for two years (20022004) under different plantations at Sakawrtuichhun (SKT) and Pachhunga University College (PUC) agroforestry sites in Mizoram, north-eastern state of India. Five species of earthworms, viz. Drawida sp., Metaphire houletti (Perrier), Perionyx excavatus (Perrier), Perionyx macintoshi (Stephenson) and Eutyphoeus mizoramensis (Julka et al.) under three families were identified in the study sites. Detailed study was carried out under different soil strata and on different age group of earthworms in plantations like maize+Leucena leucocephala (ML) and pine apple+citrus+Leucena leucocephala (PCL). Doses of inorganic fertilizer treatment were given as per state agriculture department recommendation. Earthworms were collected from five random sampling sites at monthly intervals by hand sorting method in each replicate. The most versatile species was found to be Drawida species. An epigeic species...
Many agricultural pests create problems for farmers leading to production loss. Since agriculture... more Many agricultural pests create problems for farmers leading to production loss. Since agriculture plays an important role in the economy of a nation, controlling and management of such pests is of great importance. Cutworms are notorious agricultural pests infesting a wide variety of crops leading to production loss. Cutworms are distributed worldwide and many species of cutworms have also been reported feeding on all kinds of crops. Agrotis ipsilon is one of the most common cutworm species prevailing in different continents. Understanding the biology and management of these pests will be of great use for farmers. In this article, brief information on cutworms; specifically A. ipsilon species is highlighted. A brief description of host, migration, control and management of A. ipsilon are also highlighted.
Earthworm population dynamics was studied in two agroforestry systems in the tropical hilly terra... more Earthworm population dynamics was studied in two agroforestry systems in the tropical hilly terrain of Mizoram, north-east India, over a period of 24 months, from July 2002 to June 2004. Two sites of agroforestry situated at Sakawrtuichhun (SKT) and Pachhunga University College (PUC) campus, Aizawl, having pineapple as the main crop, were selected for detail studies on population dynamics. Five of the total twelve species of earthworm reported from the state were recorded in the study sites. The density of earthworm ranged from 6 to 243 ind.m(-2) and biomass from 3.2 - 677.64 g.m(-2) in SKT. Comparatively the density and biomass in PUC, which is at relatively higher altitude were lowerwith a range of 0 to 176 ind.m(-2) and biomass from 0 - 391.36 g.m(-2) respectively. Population dynamics of earthworm was significantly correlated with rainfall and physical characters of the soil. Earthworm biomass was significantly affected by rainfall and moisture content of the soil. The influence ...
Grey Peacock Pheasant (Polyplectron bicalcaratum) is identified as ecological indicator of forest... more Grey Peacock Pheasant (Polyplectron bicalcaratum) is identified as ecological indicator of forest ecosystem in tropical rain forest. Study on density and abundance was carried out by line transect method in Lengteng wildlife sanctuary, Mizoram, northeast India for 27 months. Transects are walked four times a month in early morning hours. In 108 transect sampling, 134 individuals were recorded with the encounter rate 0.51±0.06/km and density of 0.14/kmP P. The altitudinal distribution range is 1621m – 1783m above sea level, within this range they confined foraging in an area of about 5 kmP P. Largest group observed was comprised of 5 members and the average group size was 0.23 individuals. Male – female sex ratio was 1.89. The low population density of grey peacock pheasant in the present study may be attributed to the skulking behaviour of the bird and the steep terrain with thick undergrowth. The results and its possible reasons are discussed in detail.
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