Akshit Suthar

Present study documented rapid survey of spider diversity of natural wild mango forest of Chinchali, Pipaladevi forest range of Dangs district, Gujarat, during December 2016. The species were identified using keys of Indian spiders from Tikader, (1987); Tikader (1977); Platnick, (2014). This is a first attempt to record Spider diversity of Natural wild mango forest of Chinchali. Collection method included visual searching, vegetation beating, hand picking during line transects. A total of 31 species belonging to 14 families was reported from the forest area.

A great number of birds are killed each year through electrocutions and collisions with power lines and windmills globally. Windmills and associated power lines located near some important wetlands (Important Bird Area) of Porbandar taluka, Gujarat state is surveyed from May 2016 to January 2017. During present study, total 111 species of birds belong to 42 families, which include 11 IUCN threatened species (4 VU, 7 NT). Of all birds 73 species (66%) represent aquatic and 39 species (35%) migratory, this indicates the ecological importance of the landscape. The results show that collision and electrocution of birds by power lines and windmills is of conservation concern in Porbandar with Pelicans, Storks, Cranes, Pea-fowls and Raptors as the most affected species. Preliminary findings of this study confirm the possible impact of wind turbines and Power lines on birds in Porbandar Taluka.

Flying Squirrels are nocturnal gliding mammals, and occur in 15 genera and 43 species worldwide and 11 species reported in India, out of them, only Indian Giant Flying Squirrel Petaurista philippensis found in Gujarat state. The species is mentioned as Least Concern (LC) in IUCN Red data book, but few studies indicate its decreasing status in India due to hunting, anthropogenic disturbances, habitat destruction, and agricultural encroachment. There are no existing baseline records and data on status and distribution of the species in Gujarat. However, some scattered records indicating presence of the species in Ratanmahal Wildlife sanctuary, Kevdi Reserve forest, Polo Reserve forest, Dangs forest and Vyara forest of Gujarat. Current study is first ever photographic evidence of the species from Jambughoda wildlife sanctuary of Gujarat state.

Riparian zone is the area adjoining the river and includes the river bank. This zone has high relevance and plays an important role in the river ecosystem. The present study was undertaken to understand the distribution of the avian diversity along the riparian zone and related the same with the landscape. The study was undertaken in river Vishwamitri flowing through the Vadodara city covering a distance of 90 Km before draining into the Arabian Sea. The paper reveals that there are about 69 species distributed all along the lengths of the river and the distribution is governed by the land use pattern like agriculture or urban area. Alteration of the riparian zone by human interventions would disturb the natural habitat and result in decline of diversity.

Three species of otter are found in India, out of them only smooth coated otter Lutrogale perspicillata is reported in Gujarat. An extensive literature review was carried out to understand the historical distributions of species, to record current distribution and status; some potential sites and habitat were identified through detail survey. Available literature indicated presence of Otter in 11 different sites distributed in Central, south and north Gujarat. However, present distribution is restricted to Mahi, Narmada and Purna Rivers. Different direct and indirect observation methods including direct sighting, observing trails, tracks and burrows were applied. Survey along the Purna River indicated presence of burrows and direct sightings were reported. However in-depth study is required to ascertain the exact population of otter and threats to the species. Habitat fragmentation, lack of awareness and deficiency of baseline data on status, distribution and ecology of species is constraint of its conservation in Gujarat. Some long term monitoring, habitat restoration and awareness programs to involving relevant stakeholders should be initiated to ensure the survival of species in Gujarat.

Flying Squirrels are nocturnal gliding mammals, and occur in 15 genera and 43 species worldwide and 11 species reported in India, out of them, only Indian Giant Flying Squirrel Petaurista philippensis found in Gujarat state. The species is mentioned as Least Concern (LC) in IUCN Red data book, but few studies indicate its decreasing status in India due to hunting, anthropogenic disturbances, habitat destruction, and agricultural encroachment. There are no existing baseline records and data on status and distribution of the species in Gujarat. However, some scattered records indicating presence of the species in Ratanmahal Wildlife sanctuary, Kevdi Reserve forest, Polo Reserve forest, Dangs forest and Vyara forest of Gujarat. Current study is first ever photographic evidence of the species from Jambughoda wildlife sanctuary of Gujarat state.