Sanjay Molur
Zoo Outreach Organisation, Threatened Taxa Conservation, Department Member
ABSTRACT After one year since publication of the Indian Checklist, this is an attempt to provide a comprehensive checklist of spiders of South Asia with eight countries-Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and... more
ABSTRACT After one year since publication of the Indian Checklist, this is an attempt to provide a comprehensive checklist of spiders of South Asia with eight countries-Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. The Indian checklist is also updated for 2006. The South Asian spider list is also compiled following The World Spider Catalog by Platnick and other peer-reviewed publications since the last update. In total, 2299 species of spiders in 67 families have been reported from South Asia.
Abstract: The genus Thrigmopoeus is endemic to the Western Ghats of India, and is so far represented by two species: Thrigmopoeus truculentus Pocock, 1899 and T. insignis Pocock, 1899. The distribution of T. truculentus was considered to... more
Abstract: The genus Thrigmopoeus is endemic to the Western Ghats of India, and is so far represented by two species: Thrigmopoeus truculentus Pocock, 1899 and T. insignis Pocock, 1899. The distribution of T. truculentus was considered to be restricted to its type locality until a few populations were identified in other places. In this paper we provide detail morphometry and characters used in modern-day taxonomy to redescribe the female of T. truculentus, with additional notes on its distribution, range extension, burrow and habitat.
A Conservation Assessment and Management Plan (CAMP) Workshop was conducted for 329 taxa of freshwater fishes of India, to assess their status in the wild. The Workshop took place from 21st to 25th September, 1997 in Lucknow, hosted by... more
A Conservation Assessment and Management Plan (CAMP) Workshop was conducted for 329 taxa of freshwater fishes of India, to assess their status in the wild. The Workshop took place from 21st to 25th September, 1997 in Lucknow, hosted by the National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Indian Council for Agricultural Research, Government of India. Another local collaborator was the Forest Department of Uttar Pradesh.
A Conservation Assessment and Management Plan (CAMP) Workshop for South Asian Chiroptera assessed a total of 120 of the 123 species of bats occurring in South Asia according to the 2001 IUCN Red List Criteria and made conservation,... more
A Conservation Assessment and Management Plan (CAMP) Workshop for South Asian Chiroptera assessed a total of 120 of the 123 species of bats occurring in South Asia according to the 2001 IUCN Red List Criteria and made conservation, research and management recommendations on the basis of the assessments. The five-day workshop was conducted from 21-25 January 2002 at the Department of Animal Behaviour and Physiology, School of Biological Sciences, Madurai Kamaraj University, Madurai.
Publication of scientific research is a cooperative system where manuscripts are received by journals in good faith that scientific integrity is maintained by authors while performing research and writing articles. This faith is also... more
Publication of scientific research is a cooperative system where manuscripts are received by journals in good faith that scientific integrity is maintained by authors while performing research and writing articles. This faith is also bi-directional as authors expect that the editorial and reviewing processes are confidential, that the ideas expressed by authors are not misused and that the judgment is fair.
The Biodiversity Conservation Prioritisation Project, India undertook a prioritisation exercise for species, sites and strategies for conservation. The Endangered Species Subgroup selected the Conservation Assessment and Management Plan... more
The Biodiversity Conservation Prioritisation Project, India undertook a prioritisation exercise for species, sites and strategies for conservation. The Endangered Species Subgroup selected the Conservation Assessment and Management Plan Workshop Process and the IUCN Red List Criteria (Revised, 1994) for assessing conservation status of species.
The western hoolock gibbon is an endangered primate, restricted to South-East Asia. The combination of being strictly arboreal and having a frugivorous diet makes the species very vulnerable to any negative changes to their habitat. In... more
The western hoolock gibbon is an endangered primate, restricted to South-East Asia. The combination of being strictly arboreal and having a frugivorous diet makes the species very vulnerable to any negative changes to their habitat. In northeast India, habitat loss and fragmentation combined with hunting and the species' relatively low abundance are the major threats. For long-term conservation of the species, a comprehensive plan of action is required.
Abstract: The need to appreciate the interconnectedness of all life on Earth has never been more important than it is today, as our own species, mostly through ignorance, threatens to unravel the rich biological tapestry of which we are a... more
Abstract: The need to appreciate the interconnectedness of all life on Earth has never been more important than it is today, as our own species, mostly through ignorance, threatens to unravel the rich biological tapestry of which we are a part, and upon which we ultimately depend. Art, and especially imagery, can play a crucial role in reestablishing the profound and vital link between ourselves as individuals and the natural world.
The caecilian was moving on a dry pathway on a hill slope. It had come out of a wet evergreen forest fragment and moving in the direction of a cow shed across the pathway. The closest water body, a rivulet was about 50m away. The evening... more
The caecilian was moving on a dry pathway on a hill slope. It had come out of a wet evergreen forest fragment and moving in the direction of a cow shed across the pathway. The closest water body, a rivulet was about 50m away. The evening was cool while the day had been dry and hot in the mid 30s (centigrade). On examination the next day we found the caecilian to measure 31cm in length and
A Conservation Assessment and Management Plan (CAMP) Workshop on South Asian Non-volant Small Mammals was held from 9-13 February at the Karl Kübel Training Institute in Coimbatore, India. Eighteen small mammal field biologists and six... more
A Conservation Assessment and Management Plan (CAMP) Workshop on South Asian Non-volant Small Mammals was held from 9-13 February at the Karl Kübel Training Institute in Coimbatore, India. Eighteen small mammal field biologists and six conservationists from all over South Asia participated. In addition, the IUCN SSC Rodent, Insectivore and Lagomorph Specialist Groups were represented with members from South Asia, UK, USA, including the Rodent Specialist Group Chair, Giovanni Amori from Italy.
A study to understand diversity and changes in non-volant small mammal composition in the Western Ghats of Coorg District, Karnataka was conducted from April 2004 to April 2008. A total of 11060 trap nights of sampling in various habitats... more
A study to understand diversity and changes in non-volant small mammal composition in the Western Ghats of Coorg District, Karnataka was conducted from April 2004 to April 2008. A total of 11060 trap nights of sampling in various habitats such as forest fragments, coffee and cardamom plantations, open areas including grasslands, agricultural fields including paddy and ginger cultivations, bamboo and in and around human habitations across the two vegetation zones of the district.
Verena Keller mentioned that in Switzerland they translated the IUCN Categories and Criteria into both German and Italian, and that both translations can be found in the Swiss publications of red lists and could be made available by the... more
Verena Keller mentioned that in Switzerland they translated the IUCN Categories and Criteria into both German and Italian, and that both translations can be found in the Swiss publications of red lists and could be made available by the national red list coordinator (Francis Cordillot). It was emphasized that the IUCN Categories and Criteria will have limited impact in many parts of the world unless they are translated into more languages.
The hoolock gibbon was formerly in the genus Bunopithecus with just one species and two subspecies: B. hoolock hoolock, the western hoolock gibbon, and B. hoolock leuconedys Groves, 1967, the eastern hoolock gibbon from Myanmar and China.... more
The hoolock gibbon was formerly in the genus Bunopithecus with just one species and two subspecies: B. hoolock hoolock, the western hoolock gibbon, and B. hoolock leuconedys Groves, 1967, the eastern hoolock gibbon from Myanmar and China. Mootnick and Groves (2005) informed that the name Bunopithecus was not valid, and placed it in a new genus, Hoolock, and at the same time argued that the two forms were distinct species (but see Mootnick 2006).
A general reconnaissance survey was conducted between October 2005 and December 2006 to document the roosting sites of Pteropus giganteus, as part of Project PteroCount (a project entirely based on volunteers and is the first such network... more
A general reconnaissance survey was conducted between October 2005 and December 2006 to document the roosting sites of Pteropus giganteus, as part of Project PteroCount (a project entirely based on volunteers and is the first such network to monitor the population of this species in South Asia).
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY From 16-18 January 1995 a Population and Habitat Viability Assessment (PHVA) Workshop for Gharial was held at Jiwaji University, Gwalior. It was attended by an assembly of wildlife field managers, captive management... more
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY From 16-18 January 1995 a Population and Habitat Viability Assessment (PHVA) Workshop for Gharial was held at Jiwaji University, Gwalior. It was attended by an assembly of wildlife field managers, captive management specialists, gharial researchers, university professors and NGO's/NGI's.
Abstract Being one of the 25 hotspots of the world, Western Ghats is a storehouse of endemic flora and fauna, whose endemicity increases with decreasing body size. Mammals are well represented in this chain of mountains with 137 species... more
Abstract Being one of the 25 hotspots of the world, Western Ghats is a storehouse of endemic flora and fauna, whose endemicity increases with decreasing body size. Mammals are well represented in this chain of mountains with 137 species of which 16 are found no other place on earth. This paper presents a thorough checklist of mammals of Western Ghats along with the status (according to the 1994 IUCN Red List Criteria) of the taxa in Western Ghats (if endemic) or in India/overall distribution (if found outside of Western Ghats).
The global conservation crisis facing amphibians requires regional taxonomic-based assessments of conservation status. The current and probable future needs for captive-breeding facilities in zoos and other institutions are revealed by... more
The global conservation crisis facing amphibians requires regional taxonomic-based assessments of conservation status. The current and probable future needs for captive-breeding facilities in zoos and other institutions are revealed by the number, habitat and life-cycle types of threatened candidate species in the region. The geopolitical region of South Asia is home to four biodiversity hotspots with very high faunal, floral and fungal diversity.
ABSTRACT Some spiders of the Family Theraphosidae have been in the limelight for a few years now due to a growing interest in their trade. Trade names have been given, albeit inconsistently and not all species have common names. This... more
ABSTRACT Some spiders of the Family Theraphosidae have been in the limelight for a few years now due to a growing interest in their trade. Trade names have been given, albeit inconsistently and not all species have common names. This paper provides standardized common names for the 62 described species of South Asian theraphosid spiders along with information on their distribution as known from literature.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The biodiversity of Western Ghats is among the richest in the world–one among the 25 hotspots along with Sri Lanka. The flora and fauna also represents some of the most highly threatened forms in the world, as a result... more
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The biodiversity of Western Ghats is among the richest in the world–one among the 25 hotspots along with Sri Lanka. The flora and fauna also represents some of the most highly threatened forms in the world, as a result of continuing loss of habitat, fragmentation and expanding human population and activities. The status of endemic orchids of the Western Ghats was assessed at a workshop in May 2000 as a combined effort of academics, field biologists and foresters.
11 in condition for stay at night. Heavy rains from two days had turned the entire camp site unfit for stay. Therefore a few volunteers of Nature Club, Surat left the 'Chikala Camp'site and rushed to Forest Guest House, Mahal, Dangs. On... more
11 in condition for stay at night. Heavy rains from two days had turned the entire camp site unfit for stay. Therefore a few volunteers of Nature Club, Surat left the 'Chikala Camp'site and rushed to Forest Guest House, Mahal, Dangs. On that occasion SD spotted a snake under the head lights of his motorbike at 2330hr, on the way from Mahal Village about 4km away from Chikla Village.
Abstract: As countries worldwide become increasingly interested in conserving biodiversity, the profile of national threatened species lists expands and these lists become more influential in determining conservation priorities. The World... more
Abstract: As countries worldwide become increasingly interested in conserving biodiversity, the profile of national threatened species lists expands and these lists become more influential in determining conservation priorities. The World Conservation Union (IUCN) Categories and Criteria for evaluating extinction risk, originally intended for use at the global level, are increasingly being used at the national level. To facilitate this process, the IUCN recently published guidelines for the application of the criteria at subglobal levels.
Abstract Knowledge of mammalian diversity is still surprisingly disparate, both regionally and taxonomically. Here, we present a comprehensive assessment of the conservation status and distribution of the world's mammals. Data, compiled... more
Abstract Knowledge of mammalian diversity is still surprisingly disparate, both regionally and taxonomically. Here, we present a comprehensive assessment of the conservation status and distribution of the world's mammals. Data, compiled by 1700+ experts, cover all 5487 species, including marine mammals. Global macroecological patterns are very different for land and marine species but suggest common mechanisms driving diversity and endemism across systems.
The genus Poecilotheria is popular in the pet trade market due to its striking colouration, large size, hairy body and aggressive nature. They are commonly known as 'Pokies'. Poecilotheria spp. appears to be in great demand in the pet... more
The genus Poecilotheria is popular in the pet trade market due to its striking colouration, large size, hairy body and aggressive nature. They are commonly known as 'Pokies'. Poecilotheria spp. appears to be in great demand in the pet markets of USA, UK, Europe and Hong Kong. After the inclusion of species under genus Brachypelma from South America in Appendix II of CITES in 1994, the pet trade appears to have shifted focus to Poecilotheria spp.
ABSTRACT This is the first attempt to update the list of spiders described formally in India. The list is compiled following Platnick's The World Spider Catalog. Extensive search of scientific peerreviewed publications in the region... more
ABSTRACT This is the first attempt to update the list of spiders described formally in India. The list is compiled following Platnick's The World Spider Catalog. Extensive search of scientific peerreviewed publications in the region revealed 40 new species, which are not included in Platnick's list. The checklist is compared extensively with Tikader's list. In all, 1442 species of spiders in 59 families have been listed as described formally from India. Taxonomic verification is recommended for 51 species.
Abstract Using data for 25,780 species categorized on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, we present an assessment of the status of the world's vertebrates. One-fifth of species are classified as Threatened, and... more
Abstract Using data for 25,780 species categorized on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, we present an assessment of the status of the world's vertebrates. One-fifth of species are classified as Threatened, and we show that this figure is increasing: On average, 52 species of mammals, birds, and amphibians move one category closer to extinction each year.
Abstract: The genus Heligmomerus Simon, 1892 of the trapdoor spider family Idiopidae is represented by a single species, H. prostans Simon, 1892 in India. Idiops biharicus Gravely, 1915 and I. barkudensis Gravely, 1921 were found to be... more
Abstract: The genus Heligmomerus Simon, 1892 of the trapdoor spider family Idiopidae is represented by a single species, H. prostans Simon, 1892 in India. Idiops biharicus Gravely, 1915 and I. barkudensis Gravely, 1921 were found to be misplaced in the genus Idiops and transfer to the genus Heligmomerus based on a dorsal saddle-shape depression on tibiae III.
The Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE), a partnership comprising 67 of the world's biodiversity conservation non-governmental organizations, has pinpointed where Endangered and Critically Endangered species exist at one remaining known... more
The Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE), a partnership comprising 67 of the world's biodiversity conservation non-governmental organizations, has pinpointed where Endangered and Critically Endangered species exist at one remaining known location [1]. Discussing conservation triage, Bottrill et al.[2] view efforts to 'reverse the extinction rate'as unfeasible because of their 'astronomical'cost and they dismiss AZE as 'neglecting to factor in diminishing returns and uncertainty of investment'.
METHODS Taxonomic description style for the species follows Raven (2005). Measurements of body parts except eye were taken by MitutoyoTM Vernier Caliper. Eye measurements were done with calibrated ocular micrometer. All measurements are... more
METHODS Taxonomic description style for the species follows Raven (2005). Measurements of body parts except eye were taken by MitutoyoTM Vernier Caliper. Eye measurements were done with calibrated ocular micrometer. All measurements are in mm. Spermathecae were dissected from female and were cleaned in concentrated lactic acid in 1000C water bath for 15-20min.
The lion-tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus) is a threatened species inhabiting the rainforests of the Western Ghats mountain range in southern India. Once assessed to be less than a thousand individuals remaining in the wild habitats, the... more
The lion-tailed Macaque (Macaca silenus) is a threatened species inhabiting the rainforests of the Western Ghats mountain range in southern India. Once assessed to be less than a thousand individuals remaining in the wild habitats, the population is now estimated to be between 3000 and 3500 individuals. However, the rainforest habitats of the species are highly fragmented.
Western and eastern hoolock gibbons were formerly in the genus Bunopithecus as two subspecies. In 2005, Mootnick and Groves placed them in a new genus, Hoolock as two distinct species, the western being Hoolock hoolock and the eastern,... more
Western and eastern hoolock gibbons were formerly in the genus Bunopithecus as two subspecies. In 2005, Mootnick and Groves placed them in a new genus, Hoolock as two distinct species, the western being Hoolock hoolock and the eastern, Hoolock leuconedys. The western hoolock gibbon occurs in India, Bangladesh and Myanmar, and the eastern hoolock gibbon in India, Myanmar and China.
Background: Situation Analysis 15 Red Data Books/Red lists 15 Case of Pakistan/Biodiversity of Pakistan/Human Uses of Wildlife in Pakistan 16 Rationale for National Biological Assessments 17 Mammalian Biodiversity and Pakistan 19... more
Background: Situation Analysis 15 Red Data Books/Red lists 15 Case of Pakistan/Biodiversity of Pakistan/Human Uses of Wildlife in Pakistan 16 Rationale for National Biological Assessments 17 Mammalian Biodiversity and Pakistan 19 Assessment, Information, Research and Coordination 19
The recently concluded assessment of the Western Ghats reptile fauna in Coimbatore (28 February to 4 March 2011) at Karl Kubel Institute shifted some of the established paradigms of our understanding of threatened reptiles as compared to... more
The recently concluded assessment of the Western Ghats reptile fauna in Coimbatore (28 February to 4 March 2011) at Karl Kubel Institute shifted some of the established paradigms of our understanding of threatened reptiles as compared to the 1997 CAMP output. A total of 245 species of reptiles were assessed, several endemic to the Western Ghats, and others occurring in the Western Ghats or in southern India. Species endemic to the Eastern Ghats and peninsular India were also considered in the assessments.
IUCN is the world's oldest and largest global environmental organization, with more than 1,000 government and NGO members and almost 11,000 volunteer experts in some 160 countries. IUCN's work is supported by over 1,000 staff in 60... more
IUCN is the world's oldest and largest global environmental organization, with more than 1,000 government and NGO members and almost 11,000 volunteer experts in some 160 countries. IUCN's work is supported by over 1,000 staff in 60 offices and hundreds of partners in the public, NGO and private sectors around the world. www. iucn. org iuCn–The Species Survival Commission