Ecological Significance and Conservation Needs of Fiddler Crabs in the Sundarbans Mangrove Ecosystem | Chapter 05 | Research Perspective on Biological Science Vol. 9

 

The Sundarbans, renowned as the world's largest mangrove forest, serves as a haven for a diverse array of species. This unique ecosystem is not only a UNESCO World Heritage site but also a critical natural habitat supporting an array of life forms, many of which are found nowhere else. Among these inhabitants are the often-overlooked fiddler crabs (Uca sp.), small crustaceans that play a pivotal role in maintaining the delicate balance of the Sundarbans ecosystem. This short communication aims to shed light on the ecological significance of these seemingly insignificant creatures, emphasising their crucial contributions to nutrient cycling and the overall health of the mangrove vegetation. Fiddler crabs are integral to the nutrient cycling processes within the Sundarbans. Their burrowing activities enhance soil aeration and facilitate the breakdown of organic matter, enriching the soil with essential nutrients. These nutrients, in turn, support the growth and development of the mangrove trees, which form the backbone of this unique ecosystem. Without their presence, the entire mangrove ecosystem could face disruptions that would impact a wide range of other species, including commercially important fish and crustaceans. Despite their vital role, fiddler crabs face a multitude of threats, including human exploitation, environmental pollution, and the impacts of climate change. The Sundarbans, while renowned for its Bengal tiger population, often overlooks the conservation needs of smaller, less charismatic species like the fiddler crab. Current conservation efforts primarily focus on protecting the tiger, leaving these crucial ecosystem engineers vulnerable. A more holistic conservation approach is urgently needed that must encompass the protection of all species, regardless of their perceived importance. Legal frameworks should be strengthened to safeguard fiddler crab populations, and community engagement programs should be implemented to raise awareness about their ecological significance. Furthermore, increased scientific research is crucial to better understand the ecological role of fiddler crabs and develop effective conservation strategies. Fiddler crabs play a crucial ecological role in the Sundarbans ecosystem, highlighting their importance in maintaining environmental balance. Therefore, it is imperative to expand the conservation lens to include the less-publicised, yet equally crucial, inhabitants, like the fiddler crab. By incorporating the conservation needs of these lesser-known species into broader conservation efforts, we can strive towards a more sustainable future for this unique and invaluable natural treasure.

 

Author(s)details:-

 

Ghosh S
Department of Biotechnology, Brainware University, West Bengal, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rpbs/v9/6592

Optimization of Antimicrobial Metabolite Production by Streptomyces cinnamonensis VLCH-1 from Mangrove Sediments | Chapter 7 | Microbiology and Biotechnology Research: An Overview Vol. 5

 

Microbial secondary metabolites are one of the immense reservoirs of natural chemical diversity with potent biological activity. Actinomycetes, specifically members of the genus Streptomyces, have the ability to produce potential secondary metabolites possessing antimicrobial properties, including beta-lactams, macrolides, aminoglycosides, etc. The production of secondary metabolites by Streptomyces can be enhanced by altering nutritional and culture parameters. The aim of the present work is to evaluate cultural parameters influencing the production of bioactive secondary metabolites by Streptomyces cinnamonensis VLCH-1 isolated from mangroves located at Machilipatnam of Andhra Pradesh, India. Employing different pretreatment techniques as well as culture media, 50 actinobacterial strains were isolated from mangrove sediments. All the strains were screened for their ability to produce bioactive metabolites. Among them, one strain exhibited broad-spectrum antagonistic activity. It was identified as Streptomyces cinnamonensis VLCH-1 based on cultural, morphological, physiological and molecular approaches. To enhance the production of bioactive metabolites by this strain, attempts are made to optimise culture conditions. High antimicrobial metabolite production was obtained from six-day-old culture grown in ISP-2 (yeast extract, malt extract, dextrose) broth. The strain productivity was improved by amending the culture medium with dextrose (1%), tryptone (1%) and K2HPO4 (0.50%) as carbon, nitrogen and mineral sources. NaCl @3% supported good growth as well as enhanced the production of bioactive metabolites. The secondary metabolites produced by the strain under optimal conditions showed strong antagonistic activity against pathogenic Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus megaterium), Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and Candida albicans. The study suggested that actinobacteria from unexplored mangrove habitats of the south coast of Andhra Pradesh serve as a source for antimicrobial compounds.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Ch. Chiranjeevi
Department of Botany and Microbiology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur-522510, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

K. Nagaraju
Department of Botany and Microbiology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur-522510, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

M. Vijayalakshmi
Department of Botany and Microbiology, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Guntur-522510, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mbrao/v5/6571

Forest Resource Dependency and Livelihood Challenges of the People in Mangrove Ecosystem of the Indian Sundarbans: A Case Study on Gosaba C. D. Block | Chapter 4 | Surviving Sundarbans: Tragedy and Hope, Edition 1

This chapter examines the profound reliance of the forest-dependent population in the Gosaba Community Development Block of the Indian Sundarbans on the mangrove ecosystem. The Sundarbans, home to the world’s largest mangrove forest, are crucial for the livelihoods of many residents, particularly those involved in fishing, honey collection, and other forest-related activities. The study, based on data collected from 105 households using purposive snowball sampling, reveals the extent of this dependency and the challenges faced by these communities. Key livelihood practices such as fishing, aquaculture, and honey collection are analysed, highlighting the risks, environmental threats, vulnerability involved and the socio-economic conditions and livelihood support of the population. Through a combination of quantitative and qualitative data, the chapter underscores the need for sustainable management of the mangrove ecosystem to ensure the long-term well-being of the forest-dependent population of Gosaba C.D. block.

 

Author (s) Details

 

Tapas Mistri
Department of Geography, The University of Burdwan, Bardhaman, West Bengal, India.

Notan Haldar
Department of Geography, The University of Burdwan, Bardhaman, West Bengal, India.

Swarup Majhi Gope
Department of Geography, The University of Burdwan, Bardhaman, West Bengal, India.

 

 Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mono/978-93-48859-73-0/CH4

Seasonal Effects on Physicochemical and Bacteriological Profiles of a Mangrove Ecosystem in Rivers State, Nigeria | Chapter 16 |Recent Progress in Microbiology and Biotechnology Vol. 2

 During the dry and rainy seasons, seasonal effects of physicochemical and bacteriological profiles of the mangrove ecosystem have been established. To determine physicochemical and bacteriological parameters, standard analytical methods were used. Except for salinity, which had relatively higher values during the dry season, the findings showed higher values of physicochemical parameters in the rainy season than in the dry season. During the rainy season, the bacterial diversity was much greater than during the dry season. Spp. bacillus. During the two seasons, it was the most prevalent (32-39 percent), but in the dry season, Vibrio spp was the most dominant (31 percent). Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes and Proteus species were other microbes isolated at a relatively high percentage in both seasons. Physicochemically, the field of study has shown great potential for aquatic life forms for growth , survival and sustainability. However, the isolation of pathogens of this magnitude posits A high risk to food safety and public health in the absence of purification of fish and other food safety steps prior to consumption.

Author (s) Details

Lawrence O. Amadi
Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Rivers State University, P.M.B. 5080, Nkpolu-Oroworukwo, Port Harcourt, Nigeria and Department of Microbiology, School of Applied Science, Ken Saro-Wiwa Polytechnic, P.M.B. 20, Bori, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Bernard J. O. Efiuvwevwere
Department of Microbiology (Ofirima Complex), University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

View Book :- https://bp.bookpi.org/index.php/bpi/catalog/book/278