- Wildlife Institute of India
Chandrabani, Dehradun-248001
Uttarakhand, India - 9874049021
- noneedit
- Research Interests: 1. Odonatological exploration: Fill the knowledge gaps in Entomology , 2. Insect conservation(Wildlife conservation), 3. Migration Study(Winged evolution), 4... moreResearch Interests: 1. Odonatological exploration: Fill the knowledge gaps in Entomology , 2. Insect conservation(Wildlife conservation), 3. Migration Study(Winged evolution), 4. Odonata systematics, distribution, evolutionary biology, Phyllo-geography and Climate change variability, 5. To develop Odonata as an indicator taxa for land degradation, fresh water scarcity level and climate modules taxa in Indian Himalayan region. Hobbies: Trekking, Quizzing, Mountain biking, Football and Badmintonedit
“Every lake or river is like an island in a sea of land on this earth, and so each species community develops in isolation, leading to unique biodiversity”- these lines by Klaas-Douwe B. Dijkstra, a naturalist inspired eminent... more
“Every lake or river is like an island in a sea of land on this earth, and so each species community develops in isolation, leading to unique biodiversity”- these lines by Klaas-Douwe B. Dijkstra, a naturalist inspired eminent odonatologist, inspired me during my master’s thesis a lot and day by day my new scientific queries giving me a new height of being passionate about Odonates. I always loved flying creatures, especially the study of birds and insects. But the interest started growing 6-years ago, at the very first month of my undergraduate days, one of my friends took me into the zoology laboratory to show preserved specimens of different insects and birds. And just after a few days, one day he called me and said, ‘hey you want to go Sunday field? I asked what that is for? he said, “there are lots of people gathered from different professional backgrounds like teachers, engineer, techies, etc. to see nature at every Sunday.” And that’s how my study of nature kicked off in style. We all know the paucity of initiatives in the insect research field. I wonder how it would be looked after 20-years, the species we were known, to be absent by new concepts in modern-day taxonomy like, ‘species complex’ theory. First fill-up the gaps in our knowledge of our surrounding and then fill up the gaps in species distribution. Explore more variety or types of aquatic system for new species of odonates. And for this, you have to start from the history of taxonomy and how it really works. In modern days of wildlife science, we need more and more good taxonomist to reach our quest. I will continue my wildest dream, which I am sure is not going to be easy anyway, but hope that more eager young minds of tomorrow will take interest in the study of lesser fauna and flora of the country, with a view to aid in their conservation. A message for all students, wildlife enthusiastic, growing conservationist, nature lover, wildlife researcher: “Those who dwell among the beauties and mysteries of the earth, are never alone or weary of life”.
In recent years, there has been a demand for information on all spheres of life and such demand is growing exponentially. The likely impacts on global environment and biodiversity due to climate change and anthropogenic pressures is one... more
In recent years, there has been a demand for information on all spheres of life and such
demand is growing exponentially. The likely impacts on global environment and
biodiversity due to climate change and anthropogenic pressures is one such field for
which information is required to plan for the future, most importantly for decision
making to balance development and conservation priorities. It is often very difficult to
find the required information or literature on a particular topic in the absence of proper
documentation particularly when the information is either scarce or widely scattered.
Further, the literature doubling is taking place at an unabated pace, in certain fields and
such growth is less than 6 to 8 years.
The effects of climate change are pronounced in places such as the Himalaya, where the
network of snow-clad mountains, ice-peaks, high intensity drainage and precipitation
characterises the bio-social landscape. Evidence suggests that responses of species to
impacts of climate change are inter-alia manifested in changes in phenology, earlier
onset of spring, migration, and lengthening of growing seasons. Similarly, humans are
affected by declines in health, increased population movement, unforeseen changes in
food productivity, obstacles to development, and progressive environmental damage.
Realizing the need for developing science based action plans to address both the existing
as well as emerging threats of climate change in the fragile mountain ecosystems of the
Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan
Ecosystem (NMSHE) has been conceived and is expected to offer practical adaptation
strategies based on inputs from various reputed Institutions. The Wildlife Institute of
India (WII) has been assigned the responsibilities for operating the Task Force on Fauna
and Microflora by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. The
goal of this project is to: Develop strategies to mitigate climate change effects on wild
animal species and ecosystems in the IHR. The thematic areas identified under the
research project area (A) Terrestrial System, (B) Aquatic System, (C) Human Ecology, and
(D) Spatial Ecology, and include assessments of: (a) animal species/communities
diversity, distribution, abundance (b) wildlife habitats, ecosystems, and ecosystem
services; (c) anthropogenic and climate change impacts on wildlife and ecosystems
through scenario building and visualization; (d) vulnerability of species / habitats to
climate change; and prioritization of species/taxa and sites for monitoring.
Bibliography on the Fauna and Microflora of the Indian Himalayan Region
3
When compared to other mountain systems of the world, the amount of literature or
documented knowledge on the biodiversity of the Himalaya is not much. While baseline
status for species/taxa are being established through surveys and studies in the recent
past, consequences of climate change impacts on species could be better understood
from historical information that presently lies scattered in various journals, books,
expedition reports and gazetteers. In such a situation, even an expert will be able to
access and acquaint with only a small fraction of available literature. To overcome this
major constraint, the subject specialists and information scientists were able to find
means of ‘bibliographies’ and ‘databases’ respectively.
Keeping the above in view, this ‘Bibliography on Fauna and Microflora of Indian
Himalayan region’ has been compiled as part of this project. These references have
beene categorised based on the scope of the articles and placed them under ten main
taxa/group viz., Mammals, Birds, Herpetofauna, Fish, Butterflies, Odonates, Soil
Nematodes, Soil Bacteria, Soil fungi and Lichen.
WINISIS software was used for compilation of this bibliography and this includes
publications from 1775 to 2016. However, majority of the references are of the period
after 1900. The geographical coverage of the database as given in the title is restricted
to the IHR i.e., Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal
Pradesh and West Bengal (northern hill districts only). The computerized database
contains 4,674 references. Each reference is marked with serial number for retrieval
purpose. For quick retrieval of information, author and publication year index are
appended for each taxa.
demand is growing exponentially. The likely impacts on global environment and
biodiversity due to climate change and anthropogenic pressures is one such field for
which information is required to plan for the future, most importantly for decision
making to balance development and conservation priorities. It is often very difficult to
find the required information or literature on a particular topic in the absence of proper
documentation particularly when the information is either scarce or widely scattered.
Further, the literature doubling is taking place at an unabated pace, in certain fields and
such growth is less than 6 to 8 years.
The effects of climate change are pronounced in places such as the Himalaya, where the
network of snow-clad mountains, ice-peaks, high intensity drainage and precipitation
characterises the bio-social landscape. Evidence suggests that responses of species to
impacts of climate change are inter-alia manifested in changes in phenology, earlier
onset of spring, migration, and lengthening of growing seasons. Similarly, humans are
affected by declines in health, increased population movement, unforeseen changes in
food productivity, obstacles to development, and progressive environmental damage.
Realizing the need for developing science based action plans to address both the existing
as well as emerging threats of climate change in the fragile mountain ecosystems of the
Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan
Ecosystem (NMSHE) has been conceived and is expected to offer practical adaptation
strategies based on inputs from various reputed Institutions. The Wildlife Institute of
India (WII) has been assigned the responsibilities for operating the Task Force on Fauna
and Microflora by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. The
goal of this project is to: Develop strategies to mitigate climate change effects on wild
animal species and ecosystems in the IHR. The thematic areas identified under the
research project area (A) Terrestrial System, (B) Aquatic System, (C) Human Ecology, and
(D) Spatial Ecology, and include assessments of: (a) animal species/communities
diversity, distribution, abundance (b) wildlife habitats, ecosystems, and ecosystem
services; (c) anthropogenic and climate change impacts on wildlife and ecosystems
through scenario building and visualization; (d) vulnerability of species / habitats to
climate change; and prioritization of species/taxa and sites for monitoring.
Bibliography on the Fauna and Microflora of the Indian Himalayan Region
3
When compared to other mountain systems of the world, the amount of literature or
documented knowledge on the biodiversity of the Himalaya is not much. While baseline
status for species/taxa are being established through surveys and studies in the recent
past, consequences of climate change impacts on species could be better understood
from historical information that presently lies scattered in various journals, books,
expedition reports and gazetteers. In such a situation, even an expert will be able to
access and acquaint with only a small fraction of available literature. To overcome this
major constraint, the subject specialists and information scientists were able to find
means of ‘bibliographies’ and ‘databases’ respectively.
Keeping the above in view, this ‘Bibliography on Fauna and Microflora of Indian
Himalayan region’ has been compiled as part of this project. These references have
beene categorised based on the scope of the articles and placed them under ten main
taxa/group viz., Mammals, Birds, Herpetofauna, Fish, Butterflies, Odonates, Soil
Nematodes, Soil Bacteria, Soil fungi and Lichen.
WINISIS software was used for compilation of this bibliography and this includes
publications from 1775 to 2016. However, majority of the references are of the period
after 1900. The geographical coverage of the database as given in the title is restricted
to the IHR i.e., Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal
Pradesh and West Bengal (northern hill districts only). The computerized database
contains 4,674 references. Each reference is marked with serial number for retrieval
purpose. For quick retrieval of information, author and publication year index are
appended for each taxa.
Introduction, Background and Research Question The diversity and abundance of odonates have been shown to be related to water quality worldwide. Both adult and larvae are dependent on habitat characteristics, sensitivity to abiotic... more
Introduction, Background and Research Question The diversity and abundance of odonates have been shown to be related to water quality worldwide. Both adult and larvae are dependent on habitat characteristics, sensitivity to abiotic factors and play a significant role in the trophic structure of aquatic communities. Due to water pollution, the quality of freshwater ecosystems has been a concern in recent decades in India, including potential problems such as the occurrence of pesticide residues and metals from the industry. Odonates possess several desirable bio-indicator qualities like tolerance to Physico-chemical stressors and can be useful in assessing the load of above environmental toxicants in the aquatic communities. Our research questions for the current study were: How diversity and species composition changes with the different habitat structure with the composition of water bodies? How micro-climate of habitats affect behaviour in Odonates? Does trace metal (Pb,Zn,Cd,Cu,Ni,Co) accumulation by Odonata larvae have any implication with respect to suitably used in aquatic health assessment? Method: Using the line transect method for adults and Kick sampling method for the nymph, we surveyed the Odonata diversity from 2014 to 2015 in Bolpur-Santiniketan, Birbhum, West Bengal. Physico-chemical parameters studied were potentio hydrogenii(pH), electrical conductivity(EC), biological Oxygen demand(BOD), dissolved oxygen(DO), available phosphate(AP), available nitrate(AN) for water and soil substratum analysis. Trace metal presence in Odonata nymph was analyzed using Anodic Stripping Voltmeter. Result and Discussion: A total of 59 species of adult Odonates belonging to 36 genera and 6 families was recorded from the study area. It was observed that the breeding behaviour of Paracercion calamorum was highly dependent on the occurrence of hydrophyte Salvinia cucullata. Data from the study suggests that Odonata nymph exhibit graded response to heavy-metal pollution. Metal accumulation was high in Coenagrionidae family than Libellulidae, responses to Zinc was more relevant than other metals. The results from this study suggest that these interactions occur at environmentally relevant concentrations which can be potentially incorporated in aquatic quality assessment, as a novel approach in wetland conservation. Keywords: Odonata, trace metal, Aquatic health.
Research Interests:
The study aims to find out the influence of altitude, seasonality, vegetation types, environmental parameters, aquatic composition and anthropogenic factors affect Odonata assemblages. The study was conducted in Bhagirathi River Basin... more
The study aims to find out the influence of altitude, seasonality, vegetation types, environmental parameters, aquatic composition and anthropogenic factors affect Odonata assemblages. The study was conducted in Bhagirathi River Basin (BRB), Uttarakhand and Teesta River Basin (TRB), Sikkim. Sampling sites were selected randomly across different forest types and drainage patterns. Systematic sampling was carried out in 10 plots at each 250m interval within an elevation range of 500m-4000m. Presence of anthropogenic disturbances such as cutting, lopping and livestock grazing was also noted along 200m trail transect around the sampling location. The recorded individuals were sorted into morpho-species. Mean encounter rate (transact and species) were calculated for all sampling plots (n=220), and Shannon value was calculated. The preliminary assessment led to the listing of 85 species of Odonates belonging to 45 genera and 12 families in BRB and 22 species belongs to 16 genera and 5 families during reconnaissance survey. During the transect sampling, a total of 64 species was recorded and 22 species were recorded during opportunistic sampling. Preliminary findings show a decreasing diversity with increasing altitude. Based on the morphometric analysis and historical data 7 species were recorded for the first time from Uttarakhand after correlative taxonomic correction tools like molecular taxonomy. Keywords: Bhagirathi River Basin; Teesta River Basin; Odonates; Systematic sampling; Morphometric analysis.
In recent years, there has been a demand for information on all spheres of life and such demand is growing exponentially. The likely impacts on global environment and biodiversity due to climate change and anthropogenic pressures is one... more
In recent years, there has been a demand for information on all spheres of life and such demand is growing exponentially. The likely impacts on global environment and biodiversity due to climate change and anthropogenic pressures is one such field for which information is required to plan for the future, most importantly for decision making to balance development and conservation priorities. It is often very difficult to find the required information or literature on a particular topic in the absence of proper documentation particularly when the information is either scarce or widely scattered. Further, the literature doubling is taking place at an unabated pace, in certain fields and such growth is less than 6 to 8 years. The effects of climate change are pronounced in places such as the Himalaya, where the network of snow-clad mountains, ice-peaks, high intensity drainage and precipitation characterises the bio-social landscape. Evidence suggests that responses of species to impacts of climate change are inter-alia manifested in changes in phenology, earlier onset of spring, migration, and lengthening of growing seasons. Similarly, humans are affected by declines in health, increased population movement, unforeseen changes in food productivity, obstacles to development, and progressive environmental damage. Realizing the need for developing science based action plans to address both the existing as well as emerging threats of climate change in the fragile mountain ecosystems of the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), the National Mission for Sustaining the Himalayan Ecosystem (NMSHE) has been conceived and is expected to offer practical adaptation strategies based on inputs from various reputed Institutions. The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) has been assigned the responsibilities for operating the Task Force on Fauna and Microflora by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India. The goal of this project is to: Develop strategies to mitigate climate change effects on wild animal species and ecosystems in the IHR. The thematic areas identified under the research project area (A) Terrestrial System, (B) Aquatic System, (C) Human Ecology, and (D) Spatial Ecology, and include assessments of: (a) animal species/communities diversity, distribution, abundance (b) wildlife habitats, ecosystems, and ecosystem services; (c) anthropogenic and climate change impacts on wildlife and ecosystems through scenario building and visualization; (d) vulnerability of species / habitats to climate change; and prioritization of species/taxa and sites for monitoring. Bibliography on the Fauna and Microflora of the Indian Himalayan Region 3 When compared to other mountain systems of the world, the amount of literature or documented knowledge on the biodiversity of the Himalaya is not much. While baseline status for species/taxa are being established through surveys and studies in the recent past, consequences of climate change impacts on species could be better understood from historical information that presently lies scattered in various journals, books, expedition reports and gazetteers. In such a situation, even an expert will be able to access and acquaint with only a small fraction of available literature. To overcome this major constraint, the subject specialists and information scientists were able to find means of ‘bibliographies’ and ‘databases’ respectively. Keeping the above in view, this ‘Bibliography on Fauna and Microflora of Indian Himalayan region’ has been compiled as part of this project. These references have beene categorised based on the scope of the articles and placed them under ten main taxa/group viz., Mammals, Birds, Herpetofauna, Fish, Butterflies, Odonates, Soil Nematodes, Soil Bacteria, Soil fungi and Lichen. WINISIS software was used for compilation of this bibliography and this includes publications from 1775 to 2016. However, majority of the references are of the period after 1900. The geographical coverage of the database as given in the title is restricted to the IHR i.e., Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh and West Bengal (northern hill districts only). The computerized database contains 4,674 references. Each reference is marked with serial number for retrieval purpose. For quick retrieval of information, author and publication year index are appended for each taxa.
Recently, Sharma & Arora (2021) reviewed the status of Brown Accentor Prunella fulvescens in the Himalayas and lists two records from the state of Uttarakhand. Here we report multiple individuals at a location c.25 km away, linearly, from... more
Recently, Sharma & Arora (2021) reviewed the status of Brown Accentor Prunella fulvescens in the Himalayas and lists two records from the state of Uttarakhand. Here we report multiple individuals at a location c.25 km away, linearly, from their observation. During a birdwatching camp organized by the Uttarakhand Forest Department, on 11 March 2021, at 1800 h, SS spotted two accentors, at the outskirts of Bagori village (31.03°N, 78.73°E; 2469 m asl), near Harsil, Uttarkashi District, which he identified as the Brown Accentor, having seen the species in the Ladakh Union Territory.