Urban vegetation supports bird communities by providing food resources, shelter, and perching sites. However, how plant reproductive stages influence bird visitation patterns in African urban environments remains poorly understood. This study examined bird–plant interactions in residential areas of Jos, North-central Nigeria, focusing on the influence of plant species identity and reproductive stage on visitation frequency and behavior. Field observations were conducted at 40 systematic point count locations across Jos North and Jos South metropolitan areas. Bird–plant interactions feeding, perching, and nesting were recorded on selected urban plants. A total of 171 interaction records were documented involving 50 bird species and 18 plant species. Urban-adapted generalist species, particularly village weavers, doves, sunbirds, and sparrows, accounted for most interactions. Visitation frequency varied significantly among plant species; Tithonia diversifolia, Borassus aethiopum, and Elaeis guineensis recorded the highest levels. Generalized linear models with overdispersion assessment showed that flowering plants received significantly higher visitation frequencies than fruiting or non-reproductive plants. Feeding interactions were predominantly associated with flowering and fruiting plants, while perching occurred across all reproductive stages. These findings indicate that plant reproductive stage shapes bird visitation patterns in urban residential landscapes. Retaining and incorporating flowering and fruit-bearing species within urban green spaces may support bird habitat use and ecological interactions in rapidly urbanizing tropical cities.
Royle’s Pika (Ochotona roylei Ogilby, 1839) is a poorly documented alpine lagomorph of the western Himalaya. A single individual was recorded on 16 May 2024 in Waliwar forest, Ganderbal District, Jammu and Kashmir, at 2,757 m a.s.l. The sighting occurred along a forest trail within a dense Aesculus indica patch, where the animal showed typical rock-dwelling behavior using boulder crevices for concealment. This record adds to the limited distributional data from the Kashmir Valley and highlights the importance of forest-alpine transition habitats, emphasizing the need for focused ecological studies and conservation attention for the species.
The study presents a comprehensive synthesis of aphidophagous predator diversity and their tri-trophic associations (predator–aphid–host plant) across the agroecological zones of Himachal Pradesh. A total of 85 predator species, encompassing various arthropod taxa, were documented preying on 73 aphid species infesting 75 host plants, forming 378 distinct associations across 10 districts. Among the insect predators, Coccinellidae emerged as the most dominant group (39 species, 218 associations), followed by Syrphidae (22 species, 113 associations) and Neuroptera (7 species, 21 associations). Generalist species such as Coccinella septempunctata, Episyrphus balteatus, and Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi displayed wide prey ranges and broad geographical distributions, indicating their ecological versatility and significance in aphid suppression. Non-insect predators, particularly spiders (16 species across nine families), contributed 27 tri-trophic associations from six districts, with Thomisidae being the most species-rich family. Spatially, Solan, Kangra, and Shimla districts supported the highest number of associations, reflecting their diverse cropping systems and favourable climatic conditions. High-altitude regions such as Kinnaur and Lahaul & Spiti also harboured notable predator diversity, demonstrating the adaptability of aphidophagous guilds to extreme environments. Overall, the findings reveal a highly structured and ecologically resilient predator community, dominated by generalist taxa that function across diverse habitats and elevations. This dataset provides crucial baseline information for biodiversity conservation. It highlights the potential of native aphidophagous predators in developing sustainable, region-specific Integrated Pest Management strategies for the temperate and sub-temperate agroecosystems of Himachal Pradesh.
The present study documents the first confirmed record of the xanthid crab Liomera rugata (H. Milne Edwards, 1834) (Crustacea: Decapoda: Xanthidae) from the rocky intertidal shores of Sistag, Jiwani, along the Makran coast. Identification was established based on key diagnostic morphological characters, including a rugose, granulate carapace with distinct lobation, granulate chelipeds, and a first gonopod bearing an apically truncated tip. The examined specimens exhibit close concordance with previous descriptions from the Indo-West Pacific, thereby corroborating their taxonomic placement. This new regional record extends the known geographic range of L. rugata into the northern Arabian Sea, bridging a biogeographic gap between earlier reports from the Persian Gulf, Red Sea, and Indian Ocean. The finding highlights the Makran coast as a biogeographically significant yet insufficiently studied region for brachyuran diversity.
Predator-prey interactions are key drivers of defensive trait evolution in animals, including terrestrial gastropods. These snails have evolved a diverse range of defensive mechanisms which we broadly categorised as behavioural, morphological, and chemical strategies. Majority of the studies have focused on interactions with vertebrate or beetle predators, whereas interactions with social insects such as ants remain poorly documented. Here, we report a novel case of anti-predatory behaviour in the ariophantid snail Bensonies monticola W.H. Benson, 1838, from the Western Himalaya, India. During an encounter with an undescribed Aphaenogaster ant nest, the snail secreted frothy mucus that rapidly entrapped and immobilized multiple ants, leading to their mortality. This observation highlights a specialized adaptation against ant predation and represents the first documented ant-snail interaction for B. monticola. This finding expands the known repertoire of snail defence strategies and underscores the need for further studies on ant-snail interactions.
A case of albinism in a rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) is documented from Tundah Wildlife Sanctuary, Himachal Pradesh, India, in December 2025, where a white-colored infant was observed within a troop of conspecifics. This represents the second documented case of albinism in wild rhesus macaques from India and the first from the Western Himalayan region. This observation adds to the limited documentation of chromatic abnormalities in Indian primates.
The present study provides the first comprehensive morphological and taxonomic account of Salmacis bicolor L. Agassiz in L. Agassiz & Desor, 1846 from Pakistan, based on recently collected specimens from the intertidal rocky shore of Manbar Island along the Makran coast, Balochistan. Although earlier reports documented the occurrence of this species in Pakistan, subsequent works either omitted it or offered only photographic records without accompanying morphological descriptions. The examined specimens exhibit diagnostic characteristics consistent with global accounts of the species, including a hemispherical to subconical test; interambulacral plates with zig-zag sutures; crenate but non-perforated tubercles arranged in horizontal series; and cylindrical, finely striated spines, banded in red with yellowish, violet, or green hues, typically with red bases. These observations confirm the presence of S. bicolor along the Makran coast and constitute the first verified morphological description of the species from Pakistan. This study not only substantiates earlier fragmentary records but also contributes to the expanding baseline knowledge of echinoid diversity in the northern Arabian Sea, highlighting the need for further investigations that integrate both morphological and molecular approaches.
Chintamoni Kar Bird Sanctuary (CKBS), West Bengal, is a small yet biodiverse urban forest fragment primarily known for its avifauna, while its insect diversity remains poorly documented. A previous faunal assessment by Mitra et al. (2018) recorded nine ant species as part of a broader insect survey. In the present study, a dedicated survey of ants conducted in October 2024 documented 34 species representing 24 genera across five subfamilies. When combined with the records of Mitra et al., the cumulative checklist for CKBS now comprises 35 species belonging to 25 genera. The subfamily Myrmicinae was the most species-rich, with 13 species (37.14%), followed by Formicinae with 12 species (34.29%) and Ponerinae with 5 species (14.29%). Several species are reported here for the first time from the sanctuary, providing valuable baseline data for future ecological and conservation monitoring of ant diversity in this protected area.
The updated survey of butterflies in Dachigam National Park documented 48 species across four families, significantly enriching the baseline information previously reported from the park. Species diversity, abundance, and seasonal patterns showed that Nymphalidae was the dominant family, while Pieris brassicae, Eurema hecabe, and Danaus chrysippus were among the most abundant species. Rare species such as Vanessa indica and Cyrestis thyodama were also recorded, highlighting the ecological importance of the park as a conservation hub. Diversity indices confirmed high biodiversity with even distribution across taxa, underscoring the park’s role as a critical habitat for butterfly fauna in Jammu and Kashmir. This updated checklist provides vital insights for biodiversity monitoring, ecological research, and informed conservation management of this Himalayan ecosystem.
Plumage aberrations in birds, particularly leucism, are rare but significant phenomena that offer insights into avian genetics and ecology. Leucism, distinct from albinism, results in partial or total loss of melanin in feathers without affecting eye pigmentation. Here, we report a new record of a partially leucistic Rock Bunting (Emberiza cia) from Kishtwar district, Jammu & Kashmir, India. The individual, observed on 04 February 2024 at 1163 m a.s.l., exhibited white feathers on the crown, head, throat, and tail, while maintaining normal coloration on the wings, breast, and belly. The bill, eyes, and legs appeared unaffected. It was seen foraging normally among a flock in a semi-agricultural landscape dominated by barley fields and scattered oak patches. This sighting represents a rare case of leucism in the Emberizidae family and adds to the limited records of plumage aberrations in Rock Buntings. Documenting colour aberrations in passerines is important as such records enhance our understanding of plumage variation, potential genetic or environmental influences, and their implications for species identification and ecology. Such documentation is also valuable for understanding the occurrence, survival, and ecological interactions of color-aberrant individuals in the wild.
Understanding the link between bird community diversity and plant types, particularly in places with varied geographical and climatic gradients like the Zandama Hills Forest Reserve in Jigawa State of Northwestern Nigeria, where this study was conducted, is very crucial. This study aimed to assess the bird community and plant preference in Zandama Hill, one of the neglected Nigerian protected areas. Here, we examined the avian community and the selectivity of plants by birds using the line transect method across the wet and dry seasons of 2022. We also examined the impact of plant functional traits on the abundance and diversity of bird species. A total of 1657 individuals belonging to 82 bird species from 35 families were recorded on different plant species during the study period. Bird species were seen on 49 distinct plant species. There was a positive effect of the plant’s functional traits on the abundance (R2 = 0.319, p<0.05) and diversity of birds (R2 = 0.240, p<0.05). Plant height and girth significantly predicted bird richness (F (2, 45) = 7.09, p = 0.002). Species diversity and high bird visitation were found to be higher on plants with greater height and larger plant girth. This research suggests that deforestation of taller native plants, particularly trees, should be discouraged as part of the conservation of bird species. Conservation measures should be employed to ensure the protection of the forest and its bird species.
This study documents a thriving colony of Baya Weavers (Ploceus philippinus) nesting in a palm tree (Borassus flabellifer) in Village Burudih, Ghatshila, Jharkhand, India. We observed approximately 55 nests, with 35 (63.6%) being active, 15 (27.3%) abandoned, and 15 (27.3%) fallen to the ground. The nests were situated at heights ranging from 5 to 12 meters, with an average height of 8.5 meters. The study highlights the importance of tal trees with high foliage, such as palm trees, in providing protection from predators and harsh weather conditions. Our observations suggest that Baya Weavers are adapted to nesting in such trees, and that safe nesting locations and well-constructed nests are crucial for maximizing fledgling success. This study contributes to our understanding of Baya Weaver nesting ecology and provides insights into the conservation of this species.
The present study addresses the tri-trophic relationships involving nine species of Oenopia Mulsant (Coccinellidae: Coleoptera): Oenopia billieti (Mulsant), Oenopia conglobata (Linnaeus), Oenopia kirbyi Mulsant, Oenopia manipurensis Shantibala, Oenopia mimica Weise, Oenopia quadripunctata Kapur, Oenopia sauzeti Mulsant, Oenopia sexareata (Mulsant), and Oenopia signatella (Mulsant), identified as aphidophagous in India. The most polyphagous species, Oenopia sauzeti Mulsant, feeds on 44 aphid species, while Oenopia kirbyi Mulsant and Oenopia sexareata (Mulsant) feed on 41 and 30 aphid species, respectively. All these species have been recorded as predators of 72 aphid species that infest 109 plant species across 13 states and union territories in India. Most tri-trophic associations (triplets) of Oenopia species are documented in Manipur (105 triplets), followed by Uttarakhand (66 triplets), West Bengal (36 triplets), Himachal Pradesh (39 triplets), Nagaland (21 triplets), and several other states with 1-18 triplets. The result reveals that the mealy plum aphid, Hyalopterus pruni (Geoffroy), was preyed upon by the most Oenopia species (7 species), followed by Aphis craccivora Koch, Aphis fabae Scopoli, Aphis gossypii Glover, and Macrosiphum rosae (6 species each). In contrast, Aphis aurantii Boyer de Fonsc. and Myzus persicae (Sulzer) were attacked by 5 species each, while other aphid species faced predation from 1 to 4 predator species. The Oenopia are mainly associated with aphids that attack Artemisia vulgaris L. (17 triplets), followed by Quercus serrata Murray and Malus domestica (Suckow) Borkh. (13 triplets each); Prunus persica (L.) Stokes (9 triplets), Alnus nepalensis D. Don and Solanum melongena L. (8 triplets each); Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis (7 triplets); and on various other plants with 1-5 triplets. The findings indicate that tri-trophic interactions involving these aphidophagous predators remain largely unexplored across several regions of India. Hence, systematic surveys are required to document these ladybird predators in the understudied states and union territories. Such a checklist would provide a valuable reference for taxonomists, researchers, academicians, conservationists, and policymakers, facilitating the effective use of these natural enemies in aphid management through biological control strategies.
This article presents the first documented record of the fragile file clam, Limaria fragilis (Gmelin, 1791) (Bivalvia: Limidae), in Ras Juddi, Pasni, on the Makran coast in the Northern Arabian Sea. This discovery expands the known distribution of this species in the Northern Arabian Sea contributes to the biodiversity records of Pakistan. Previously, only two species of the family Limidae have been known from Pakistan coastal waters, namely Limea juglandula (Melvill & Standen, 1907) and Lima vulgaris (Link, 1807).
Three species of true grasshoppers, Sathrophyllia rugosa (Linnaeus, 1758), Mecopoda fallax He, 2019 and Mecopoda elongata (Linnaeus, 1758) (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae), have been discovered in the Cần Giờ Mangrove Biosphere Reserve, a protected area in southern Vietnam dominated by marine ecosystems and mangrove forests. These species have never been previously recorded in the reserve or southern Vietnam. If widely distributed M. fallax and M. elongata has been indicated for the territory of Vietnam, including through citizen science observations (GBIF), then S. rugosa is recorded in the territory of Vietnam for the first time.
The Common Yellow Swallowtail (Papilio machaon), a widely distributed butterfly species, is reported for the first time in Punjab, India. Caterpillars were observed in Gharuan, Mohali District, in March 2023, feeding on dill (Anethum graveolens) at an altitude of 293 meters. The species’ presence at this low elevation highlights its ecological adaptability and expands its known distribution. This paper documents its occurrence in Punjab and provides details about its identification.
The observation of predation on Picus canus in the Western Himalayas is noteworthy and adds to the limited documentation of such events in this region.
The presented article provides two new records of polychaete worms Pseudonereis gallapagensis Kinberg, 1865 and Pseudonereis sp., which were collected during coastal monitoring at Shamal Bander, Pasni along the Makrancoastof the northern Arabian Sea (Pakistan). These species were identified through a detailed morphological study, focusing on features of their heads, jaws, and parapodia. This study has led to a better understanding of their taxonomic classification and morphological traits and has contributed to a more comprehensive understanding of the polychaete fauna in the Makran region. This research has resulted in a significant addition to our knowledge about the distribution and composition of polychaetes on the Balochistan (Makran) coast of the northern Arabian Sea, as well as highlights the importance of further research in this area, as it may lead to the discovery of new species.
The objective of this study is to collect novel data on the distribution of bivalves along the Iraqi coastline. Between 2020 and 2021, a new record of the bivalve Dosinia prostrata (Linnaeus, 1758) was discovered along the Iraqi coast in the northwestern Persian-Arabian Gulf.
One male specimen of the new record amphipod Elasmopus alkhiranensis (Myers and Momtazi, 2015) previously recorded from Iraq was discovered. The specimen was collected alive from the intertidal zone at the breakwaters of Faw city on the Iraqi coast. Although this species is widespread in the Persian-Arabian Gulf, our study is the first to report it along the Iraqi coast.
