Communicative Role of Preorbital Gland Openings in Captive Banbakri Antelope (Boselaphus tragocamelus, Pallas 1766) in India | Chapter 5 | Research Perspective on Biological Science Vol. 3

The preorbital gland is a paired exocrine gland, appearing as a slit-shaped cavity located anterior to the eye. It is found in many ungulates, particularly in the families Bovidae, Cervidae, and various antelope species.

Scent marking using the preorbital gland in the Banbakri antelope, also known as the white-footed antelope (Boselaphus tragocamelus ), was studied at the Haryana Agriculture Farm, VKS College of Agriculture, Dumraon. This study investigated the behaviour of Banbakri antelopes concerning preorbital gland opening under various conditions, including stress, starvation, and maturity. The research aimed to assess this behaviour as part of a broader investigation into the phenotypic and behavioural characteristics of Banbakri/Nilgai to enhance their well-being and improve resource management. The research is important because it will expand the understanding of this elegant species' behaviour and the functional role of its preorbital gland. Its potential applications in antimicrobial drug development will be explored as well.

The behaviour of male and female Banbakri was observed in captivity. During winter, the Banbakri was kept indoors in a 10x20 feet room. Occasionally, it was released into a large outdoor enclosure during summer, winter, and rainy seasons. The enclosure was surrounded by wire fencing approximately 200 by 150 feet (LxW) and 6 feet in height. The enclosure had a savanna.

In mature Banbakri antelopes, the preorbital glands measured approximately 2.1 cm in length and 1.0 cm in width. These exocrine glands, appearing as trench-like slits of dark blue to black coloration, were located beneath the eyes. Under free-roaming conditions, both male and female B. tragocamelus rarely exhibited preorbital gland opening. However, the gland was observed to open under stress, particularly when the animal was restrained with a halter for the first time, either at night or occasionally during the day. Preorbital gland opening was also noted during maturity, hunger, and stressful conditions. The findings suggest that this behaviour may serve as a key indicator for differentiating between playful, courtship, and aggressive social behaviours, particularly in stressful situations or stages of maturity. Additionally, the gland may secrete pheromonal substances that facilitate olfactory communication.

It can also be said that preorbital gland opening may be an important behavioural indicator of the real maturity of the individual in the sexual context and also in stressful conditions.

To the best of our knowledge, no prior studies have reported the opening of the preorbital gland in Banbakri antelopes (B. tragocamelus). This study presents the first recorded observation of this behaviour in captive white-footed antelopes, contributing novel insights into their behavioural ecology.

Thus, it can be concluded that this gland opens in Banbakri antelopes under stress, starvation, or sexual maturity contexts, and may serve as an essential behavioural indicator. This could help distinguish between playful, courtship, aggressive, social status, and other behaviours to communicate with other members of Banbakri (Boselaphus tragocamelus ).

 

Author (s) Details

Suday Prasad
Veer Kunwar Singh College of Agriculture (Bihar Agricultural University), Dumraon, Bihar, 802136, India.

 

C. S. Prabhakar
Veer Kunwar Singh College of Agriculture (Bihar Agricultural University), Dumraon, Bihar, 802136, India.

 

Amit Kumar
Veer Kunwar Singh College of Agriculture (Bihar Agricultural University), Dumraon, Bihar, 802136, India.

 

Paras Nath
Veer Kunwar Singh College of Agriculture (Bihar Agricultural University), Dumraon, Bihar, 802136, India.

 

Reyaz Ahmad
Veer Kunwar Singh College of Agriculture (Bihar Agricultural University), Dumraon, Bihar, 802136, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rpbs/v3/5103

Ichthyofaunal Diversity in the Freshwater Tidal Stretch Along the Gosthani Estuary, Bheemunipatnam, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India | Chapter 6 | Contemporary Research and Perspectives in Biological Science Vol. 4

India's east and west coasts are rich in estuaries and brackish water. According to the Government of India (2000), total brackish water resources are expected to reach 1.44 million hectares. Andhra Pradesh is divided into nine districts and has a 974-kilometer-long coastline and a continental shelf size of 33,227 square kilometers. The objective of this study was to follow the species observed in artisanal fisheries, offer important background information, and allow nonspecialists to identify the fish species in the field. In this study, fish samples were taken from the Gosthani estuary at Bhimunipatnam at 17.8961° N, 83.4545° E between April 2023 and August 2024. The present study found 60 fish species belonging to 16 orders, 34 families, and 54 genera in the Gosthani estuary between May 2023 and August 2024. The fish were brought to the lab and placed in glass jars before being preserved in a 9-10% formalin solution. The fishes were identified at the species level using specific keys to the Indian subcontinent fish. In the present investigation out of 60 brackishwater ichthyofauna species, the order Perciformes represented the highest species, with 46.66%, followed by Siluriformes 8.33%, Clupeiformes 6.66%, Beloniformes and Tetraodontiformes each with 5.71%, Anguilliformes, Carangiformes, Atheriniformes, Cypriniformes, Mugiliformes and Mulliformes each with 3.33%,  The homogeneous percentage was recorded in Elopiformes, Gobiiformes, Gonorynchiformes, Osteoglossiformes, and Synbranchiformes each with 1.66%. According to the IUCN (2024) threatened taxa in the current investigation reveled that the presence of out of 60 species, 66.66% contributed to least concern (LC), followed by 21.66 % not evaluated (NE), 5.00% are data deficient (DD), 3.33% are near threaten (NT) and vulnerable (VU).  In the current study, ichthyofaunal diversity reported to the habitation environment was observed in marine and brackish water fish species (76.66%), while brackish water and freshwater were inhabited (55.00%) in the Gosthani estuary. The study recorded the fish species diversity and prepared an inventory incorporating their trophic level and IUCN conservation status. This report provided first-hand information on ichthyofaunal diversity in the Gostani estuary. The different contributions of dominant species in each habitat resulted in variances in assemblage population.

 

Author (s) Details

K. Rama Rao
Department of Zoology/ Fisheries, Dr. V. S. Krishna Govt. Degree & PG College (A), Visakhapatnam, Affiliated to Andhra University, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

V. Harati
Department of Zoology, Govt. Degree College for Men, Srikulam Dt -532201, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

R. Ramachandra Rao
Government Degree College, Rajam, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/crpbs/v4/2826

Determination of Plants Diversity and Similarity in Selected three Communities of Stachytarpheta jamaicensis (L.) Vahl | Chapter 3 | Innovations in Biological Science Vol. 7

 

Aims: to know and determine plants diversity and similarity in three communities of S. jamaicensis habitat.

Study Design: Explorative and descriptive.

Place and Duration of Study: Research in Gajahrejo Village, Pasuruan, East Java Province was conducted in August 2012; in Kepala Jeri Islands Batam, Riau Island Province in October 2014; and in Bissoloro Village, South Sulawesi Province conducted in October 2016.

Methodology: The study used exploratory and descriptive methods. Sample plots of 1m x 1m were determined and put around S. jamaicensis, which was found along the edge of village roads during exploration (purposive random sampling). Vegetation analysis was carried out to determine the composition, dominance, diversity, evenness and similarity of the species in each S. jamaicensis growing place by counting the Important Value Index, Similarity Index, Shannon Diversity Index, Domination Index, and Evenness Index.

Results: Assosiant plant species found in the three sites growing area of S. jamaicensis were 84 species, 74 genera and 28 families. There were six plant species obtained in the three sites growing area of S. jamaicensis, i.e., Ageratum conyzoides L., Axonopus compressus (Swartz) Beauv., Centrosema pubescens Bth., Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M.King & H. Rob., Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers and Mimosa pudica L. Axonoppus compressus was the most dominance species in Kepala Jeri Island and Bissoloro Village, whereas Panicum brevifolium L. was the most dominant species in Gajahrejo Village. The difference in floristic composition between the sites may be caused by environmental factors, human activity, land use systems and disturbance on fields where S. jamaicensis obtained.

Conclusion: The plants' diversity and similarity in the three sites growing area of S. jamaicensis habitat were different. There were 84 species, 74 genera and 28 Families found in three sites growing area of S.jamaicensis. There were six plant species obtained in the three sites growing area of S. jamaicensis, i.e., Ageratum conyzoides L., Axonopus compressus (Swartz) Beauv., Centrosema pubescens Bth., Chromolaena odorata (L.) R.M.King & H. Rob., Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers and Mimosa pudica L. Axonoppus compressus (Swartz.) Beauv. was the most dominant species in Kepala Jeri Island and Bissoloro Village, whereas Panicum brevifolium L. was the most dominant species in Gajahrejo Village.

 

Author (s) Details

Solikin
Research Center for Ecology and Ethnobiology, National Research and Innovation Agency Jl. Raya Jakarta Bogor Km 46, Cibinong, Bogor West Java 16911, Indonesia.

 

Please see the link :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/ibs/v7/775

A Descriptive Study on Nesting Patterns of Raptors; White Backed Vulture (Gyps africanus) and African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer), in Lochinvar National Park on the Kafue Flats, Zambia | Chapter 9 | Challenging Issues on Environment and Earth Science Vol. 5

 This study looked at the nesting habits of raptors, specifically the White-backed vulture (Gyps africanus) and the African fish eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer), in Lochinvar National Park in Zambia. The study's main goal was to see if tree species, height, girth size, and habitat influenced raptor nest placement within Lochinvar National Park. Two species were chosen to serve as ecological indicators for all raptors. Habitat types and tree species were identified, and tree species with nests were measured. The minimum height for nest placement was discovered to be 10 meters above ground, and Acacia woodland was discovered to be the most preferred habitat for nest placement. Raptors stayed away from human disturbance, such as roads, by locating their nests at least 100 meters away from human disturbance and from the National Park boundary inwards, or by abandoning the nest if human encroachment gets too close. The construction of new roads and buildings, as well as an increase in human activity in such habitats, may cause raptors to abandon their nests. New infrastructure in the National Park should avoid areas with a high density of raptor nests because raptors have been known to return to the same nest to lay eggs. More research is needed to evaluate the nesting materials used, as well as to determine whether raptors can swap nets or return to abandoned nests when human disturbance ceases.

Author (S) Details

Dr. Chansa Chomba
School of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences, Mulungushi University, P.O. Box 80415, Kabwe, Zambia.

Eneya M’Simuko
School of Natural Resources, Copperbelt University, Kitwe, Zambia.

View Book :- https://stm.bookpi.org/CIEES-V5/article/view/1833