The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), founded on 1 July 1916 by Government of India Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, as premier Indian organisation in zoological research and studies to promote the survey, exploration and research of the fauna in the country.
Comprehending the genetic structure of wildlife populations is fundamental for the formulation of effective conservation measures, especially in fragmented and fragile environments like the Himalayas. This study investigates the population genetics of Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) and Leopard (Panthera pardus) in Himachal Pradesh, an Indian State experiencing escalated anthropogenic influences and large-scale development. Using microsatellite markers and a combination of Bayesian clustering, discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC), and spatial genetic analyses, we evaluated the patterns of genetic diversity, population structure, gene flow and evidence of isolation by distance (IBD) for these species. The results showed relatively low levels of genetic diversity, with an observed heterozygosity (Ho) of 0.35 and 0.41 for Asiatic black bears and Leopards, respectively. There was no clear evidence of historical genetic bottlenecks, and both species exhibited stable contemporary effective population sizes (204.5 for Asiatic black bear, 208.1 for Leopard), necessary to sustain short-term evolutionary potential. Furthermore, we found low genetic differentiation, high admixture, and asymmetric gene flow across the study region for both the species, with no significant isolation by distance (IBD). Our findings highlight the resilience of these species and emphasize habitat connectivity as a critical factor for sustaining gene flow and long-term population persistence. Our results also underscore the importance of maintaining permeable semi-natural landscapes and mitigating human-wildlife conflict to support the long-term survival of carnivore populations in the Himalayas. This study provides a foundation for future research integrating genetic and ecological approaches to improve understanding of wildlife conservation in the Himalayan ecosystem.
The natural colonisation of organisms on submerged sea surfaces is known as marine biofouling, and it presents challenges to both the environment and management organisations. Bryozoans play an important role in the creation of ecosystems and the preservation of biodiversity. Parasmittina projecta and Celleporaria aperta were found to be the most common species of marine bryozoans that encrusted on ceramic and terracotta plates, according to the present study conducted in the Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve at Pamban, Vedalai, Manouli, and Ervadi Islands. On the other hand, Parasmittina tubula and Electra pilosa were found to be less common. No bryozoan colonies developed on the metal panels; however, these panels exhibited substantial abiotic corrosion caused by prolonged exposure to seawater, which may have inhibited bryozoan settlement. The present investigation lasted for a year and identified ten different bryozoan species with P. projecta being the most prevalent. Submerged panels formed microhabitats that supported a variety of marine organisms, while competent species overgrew and displaced less competent ones. This study highlights the positive role of biofouling bryozoans in sustaining biodiversity, facilitating macro-fouler settlement, acting as reef-forming agents, and providing benefits for fisheries, underwater recreational activities, ecotourism, and disaster management.
The present study was conducted as part of a forensic investigation following an integrated taxonomy approach which provides novel genetic evidence of the Yunnan Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista yunanensis) from India. We sequenced two partial mitochondrial genes (Cytb and 16 S rRNA) that showed > 96
A species of pebble crab, Alox chaunos Galil Ng, 2007 is recorded for the first time from India. The specimen examined was collected from the trawl catch at Digha Mohana, West Bengal state, India. Alox chaunos can be identified based on the carapace surface covered with mushroom-like tubercles, irregular pits, a prominent groove on the surface running parallel to the anterolateral carapace margin, and a slender male first gonopod (G1), slightly twisted in its distal half. The shape of the second gonopod (G2) illustrated in previous studies appears aberrant; an accurate illustration is provided herein. Alox chaunos can be differentiated from its close congener A. rugosum based on carapace shape, groove pattern, long telson, and narrow G1 distally. The species was originally described from specimens collected in the Philippines, redescribed based on specimens from Japan and is reported here for the first time from India.
Telenomus hexodon Debnath Rajmohana sp. nov. (Hymenoptera: Scelionidae), is described as new to science. The species was reared from eggs of the polyphagous pest Clouded Tiger moth, Creatonotos transiens (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Erebidae). This represents the first record of an insect parasitoid association with C. transiens. Host identity was confirmed through DNA barcoding, while the parasitoid was characterized using an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological and molecular data. Further, a checklist of Telenomus species reported from India is provided.
