CURRENT STATUS AND CHALLENGES FOR CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE USE OF BIODIVERSITY

184 Current status and challenges for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity Statistical analyses and spider density consisted of two levels (high density and low density). All effects First a two-way analysis of variance was were statistically significant at the 0.05 conducted to study the influence of two significance level except for the activity independent variables (Rainfall, Spider density. density) on the activity density of Collembola. Rainfall included three levels The main effect for rainfall yielded an F ratio (High rainfall, Low rainfall, Ambientrainfall) of F(2, 18) = 90.49, p = 4.06e-10, indicating a and Spider density consisted of two levels significant difference between high rainfall (High density, Low density).Then to (M = 13.625, SD = 3.23), low rainfall (M = determine if varying levels of rainfall and 8.43, SD = 3.31) and ambient rainfall (M = spider density effect percentage of litter loss, 2.5, SD = 1.035). The main effect for spider a two-way Analysis of variance was density yielded an F ratio of F(1, 18) = 32.88, performed. p =1.95e-05, indicating significant difference between high density (M = 6.25, SD = 4.37) Result and Discussion and low density (M = 10.125, SD = 5.92). The interaction effect was not significant, Impact of rainfall and spider manipulation F(2, 18) = 3.31, p = 0.059 (Table 1) as on activity density of Collembola: natural densities may change according to rainfall but experimental density of spiders A two-way analysis of variance was do not as it is manipulated or controlled. conducted on the influence of two Activity density of collembolans was higher independent variables (rainfall, spider in high rainfall plots compared to low and density) on the activity density of ambient rainfall plots (Fig. 1). Collembola. Rainfall included three levels (high rainfall, low rainfall, ambient rainfall) PLATE I Study site Herbal Garden Subplot fenced Fenced plots covered with Rain out shelters with Aluminium flashing Litter bag inside fenced plot Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.181-188 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

Effect of rainfall fluctuations on spider mediated ecosystem process 185 Table 1. Two-way analysis of variance on the influence of rainfall and spider density on the activity density of collembola. Source SS df MS F p Between groups 18.1875 2 9.09375 3.319392 0.059276 Within groups 49.3125 18 2.739583 653.4063 23 Total Impacts of rainfall on activity density of Collembola abundance or activity. Pardosa Collembola numbers were successfully manipulated. Pardosa densities were not affected by Collembola can play a crucial role via their rainfall treatment. Altering rainfall affected impacts on the primary and most common Collembola densities and also by the spider decomposers of litter in many ecosystems treatment. The activity density of which are the saprophytic fungi. Presence Collembolans was higher in High rainfall and density of Collembola depend on plots, with the highest in high rainfall low environmental factors, such as humidity, density plot followed by high rainfall high temperature, organic matter and their density plot. We can also observe a predators (such as spiders). There was significant increase in activity density of marked environmental variation between the collembolans in the low rainfall low density different habitats, following the modification (Fig.1). This may be due to reduced gradient. Plot location had little impact on predatory risk from spiders. 25 20 20 15 15 10 HR 5 10 0 LR -5 HR LR AR 5 AR Rainfall level Activity Density HD 0 Activity DensityLD HD Spider Density LD Fig. 1 Impacts of different rainfall treatments Fig. 2 Effect of spider manipulation on (HR-High Rain fall, LR- Low Rain fall,AR- activity density of collembolan Ambient Rain fall) on activity densities of Collembola In marked contrast, differences in Spider can be observed in high density high rainfall density had little impact on overall treatment plot. The interaction effect was not Collembola densities. The activity density of significant as natural densities may change collembolans was observed higher in low according to rainfall but experimental density density plots than high density plots (Fig. 2). of spiders do not as it is manipulated or But also a marked increase of activity density controlled. Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.181-188 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

186 Current status and challenges for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity Effect of different rainfall treatments and significance level except for the percentage spider density on percentage of litter loss of litter loss. The main effect for rainfall Different levels of rainfall treatments and yielded an F ratio of F(2, 18) = 152.85, p = density of spiders affected the percentage 5.08e-12, indicating a significant difference loss of litter in different ways. A two-way between high rainfall (M = 28.94, SD = analysis of variance on the influence of two 3.21), low rainfall (M = 12.42, SD = 8.42) independent variables (rainfall and spider and ambient rainfall (M = 2.88, SD = 3.13). density) on the percentage loss of litter was The main effect for spider density yielded an conducted. Rainfall included three levels F ratio of F(1, 18) = 30.36, p =3.12e-05, (high rainfall, low rainfall, ambient rainfall) indicating significant difference between and Spider density consisted of two levels high density (M = 18.14, SD = 11.17) and (high density and low density). All effects were statistically significant at the 0.05 low density (M = 11.35, SD = 12.68). The interaction effect was significant, F(2, 18) = 10.89, p = 0.0079(Table-2). Table 2. Two-way analysis of variance on the influence of rainfall and spider density on the percentage loss of litter. Source SS df MS F p Between groups 198.3965 2 99.19826 10.89756 0.000792 Within groups 163.8503 18 9.102796 Total 3421.542 23 Effect of different rainfall treatments on rainfall likely increased fungal growth, percentage of litter loss leading to higher rates of reproduction by Collembola and possibly higher collembola Changes in the behavior, abundance, and survival rates. There was also a marked predator/ prey interactions of spiders and increase in percentage of litter loss in the Collembola could have important high density low rainfall plot. Suggesting that consequences for this system by impacting limited resources- water or food led them to rates of leaf-litter decomposition. The be active regardless of predation risk. The percentage of litter loss was higher in the percentage of litter loss was observed high rainfall high density plot followed by minimum in the ambient rainfall low density the low density high rainfall plot. Increased plot (Fig. 3) due to low moisture availability 40 HD 40 30 LD HR 20 % Loss of litter 30 LR 10 % Loss of litter 20 AR 0 LR AR HR Rain fall 10 -10 0 HD LD Fig. 3 Percentage loss of leaf litter under different treatment levels of rainfall (HR-High Rain fall, -10 Spider Density LR- Low Rain fall,AR- Ambient Rain fall) Fig. 4 Percentage loss of leaf litter under different spider densities (HD-High density, LD-Low Density). Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.181-188 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

Effect of rainfall fluctuations on spider mediated ecosystem process 187 \\ After the litter addition, most of the subplots climate is needed. This study meets this need in experiment contained an average amount to a great extent. of leaf litter. Addition of litter to the plots References may have decreased the ability of wolf spiders to prey on smaller individuals like Aerts, R. 1997. Oikos.439:449. Collembola. Likewise, this increased habitat Arnell, N.W. 1999. Glob. Environ. change, 9: complexity could have hampered the ability S31-S49 of wolf spiders to find and capture Collembola, indicating higher percentage of Brusca, R. C.and Brusca, G. J. 2002. In: litter loss in high rainfall high density plot Invertebrates. Second Edition. Sinauer (Fig. 4). The percentage of litter loss was also Associates, Sunderland. higher in low density high rainfall plot. The percentage of litter loss was minimum in low Cleveland, C.C., Reed, S.C. and Townsend, density ambient rainfall plot. This may be as A.R. 2006. Ecology, 87(2):492-503 a result of low moisture availability and low Corlett, R.T. 2012. Biol. Conserv.,151(1): predation risk. 22-25. This study shows that Climate change DeBano, L.F., Neary, D.G. and Ffolliott, P.F. induced alterations in availability of water 1998. In: Fire effects on ecosystems. John can significantly affect the interaction Wiley and Sons. strength between spiders and its prey. It also reveals that changes in precipitation patterns García Palacios, P., Maestre, F.T., Kattge, J. can alter the rate of litter decomposition and Wall, D.H. 2013. Ecol. Lett., 16(8):1045- mediated by spiders. The result of this and 1053. other studies (Lawrence and Wise, 2000, 2004, Shultz et al.,2006, Liu et. al.,2014) Gisin, H. 1960. Bull. Mus. Hist. Nat.,243:243 denotes that spiders affect litter decomposition rates indirectly by reducing González, G. and Seastedt, T.R. 2001. number of Collembolans. While this study Ecology, 82(4): 955-964. indicates an increase in litter decomposition rate with increase in spider density, certain Guendehou, G.S., Liski, J., Tuomi, M., studies (Lawrence and Wise, 2000; Kajak et Moudachirou, M., Sinsin, B. and Makipaa, R. al., 1991; Kajak, 1997) have reported 2014.Trop. Ecol., 55(2):207-220. opposite effect. This may be due to the difference in duration of experiment or IPCC, 2013. In : Climate Change 2013: The peculiarity of study site. Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Fifth Assessment Understanding and predicting the climate Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on change impacts on ecosystem processes is a Climate Change Cambridge University Press, essential for planning mitigation efforts to Cambridge, United Kingdom and New York, reduce vulnerability to climate change. For NY, USA. the continued ecosystem development a clear understanding of how organisms provide Kajak, A. 1997. Agric. Ecosyst. ecosystem services to humans and how these Environ.64(1):53-63. organisms will be altered with a changing Kajak, A., Chmielewski, K., Kaczmarek, M. and Rembialkowska, E. 1991. Polish Ecol. Stud., 17: 289-310. Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.181-188 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

188 Current status and challenges for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity Kaspari, M., Garcia, M.N., Harms, K.E., Biodiversity Synthesis. World Resources Santana, M., Wright, S.J. and Yavitt, J.B. Institute, Washington, DC. 2008. Ecol.lett., 11(1): 35-43. Prather, C.M., Pelini, S.L., Laws, A., Rivest, Lawrence, K.L. and Wise, D.H. 2000. E., Woltz, M., Bloch, C.P., Del Toro, I., Ho, Pedobiologia, 44(1):33-39. C.K., Kominoski, J., Newbold, T.A. and Parsons, S. 2013. Biol. Rev.,88(2):.327-348. Lawrence, K.L. and Wise, D.H. 2004. Pedobiologia, 48(2):149-157. Seastedt, T.R. 1984. Annu. Rev. entomol., 29(1):25-46. Lensing, J.R. and Wise, D.H. 2006. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.,103(42): 15502-15505. Sebastian, P. A. and Peter, K. V. (Eds.). 2009. In: Spiders of India. Universities press. Liu, S., Chen, J., He, X., Hu, J. and Yang, X. 2014. Eur. J. Soil Biol.,65: 79-86. Shultz, B.J., Lensing, J.R. and Wise, D.H. 2006. Pedobiologia,50(1): 43-50. Maynard, S., James, D. and Davidson, A. 2010. Environ. Manage.,45(5) : 881-895. Swan, C.M. and Kominoski, J.S. 2012. In: Biodiversity and ecosystem function of Meentemeyer, V. 1978. Ecology, 59(3): 465- decomposition,eLS. 472. Swift, M.J., Heal, O.W. and Anderson, J.M. Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. 2005. 1979. In: Decomposition in terrestrial In: Ecosystems and Human Well-being: ecosystems (Vol. 5).Univ. of California Press. Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.181-188 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

ISBN 978-93-5396-871-7 CHAPTER 29 MYSID FAUNA (MYSIDA: PERACARIDA) IN THE ANDAMAN AND LAKSHADWEEP WATERS OF INDIA Biju A* and Sreejai R Department of Zoology St. Stephen‟s College, Pathanapuram, Kollam, Kerala *Correspondence E-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT This paper discusses the present status of mysids inhabiting the Andaman and Lakshadweep waters of India based on published literature. As per published scientific papers, 44 species belonging to 20 genera of the order Mysida have been recorded from the Andaman and Lakshadweep waters of India. This is about 38% of the total mysid species of these orders reported in the Indian waters. Most of the species reported in this region have a distributional range of tropical and subtropical Indo-Pacific waters. Out of 44mysid species, 19 species are restricted their distribution in Indian Ocean and 10 are endemic to Indian waters; it is approximately 23% of the total mysid species recorded from this area. Key words: Crustacea, Mysids, Geographical distribution, Island ecosystem, India Introduction Mysida, Lophogastrida and Stigiomysida. “Mysidacea” was the carpet term used earlier Mysid crustaceans are one of the main to refer these orders. About 1200 species of constituents of macro-zooplankton, Mysidacea belonging to 187 genera found occupying in a different aquatic throughout the waters of the world (Meland environments. Generally, mysids are et al., 2015) majority thrive in the coastal and omnivores that feed on detritus, open ocean waters. Approximately 120 phytoplankton and zooplankton, forming a species of „Mysidacea‟ are now known from link between microbial producers and the Indian waters. The present work included secondary consumers (Webb, 1973) and play only the members of order Mysida. Currently a great role in remineralizing refractile 1132 species mysids found in this order detritus (Fockedey, and Mees, 1999). They worldwide, only 44 have been recorded in the hold a pivotal role in determining community Andaman and Lakshadweep waters. structure both as consumers and prey to many fish species (Mauchline, 1980). he Mysids reported in the Andaman waters importance of mysids as energy converter at different trophic levels in an ecosystem has Compared to other parts of the Indian waters, been much underestimated. the mysids of the Andaman and Lakshadweep waters remain the least Meland and Willassen classified the explored. Woodmason and Alcock reported “Mysidacea” based on molecular taxonomy six deep sea and bathypelagic species of (Meland and Willassen, 2007). They Lophogastrida from the Andaman waters classified order Mysidacea into three orders, (Woodmason and Alcock, 1891). In 1922, W. Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.189-192 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

190 Current status and challenges for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity Tattersall identified 18 species of mysids Pillai, 1973 from Andaman waters. After that, Pillai (1973), Panampunnayil (2002), and Biju and 27 Anisomysis (Carnegieomysis) tattersallae Panampunnyil (2011) studied the mysids of Pillai, 1973 the Andaman waters. At present, 38 species of mysids belonging to 20 genera has been 28 Lycomysis spinicauda Hansen, 1910 recorded from this area. A list of species hitherto recorded from the Andaman waters 29 Rhopalophthalmus egregious Hansen 1910 are given in Table 1. 30 Rhopalophthalmus kempi Tattersall, O., 1957 31 Hemisiriella parva Hansen, 1910 32 Hemisiriella pulchra Hansen, 1910 33 Siriella aequiremis Hansen, 1910 Table1. Taxonomic list of mysids (Mysida) 34 Siriella dubiaHansen Hansen, 1910 recorded from the Andaman waters of India. 35 Siriella gracilisDana, 1852 36 Siriella thompsonii(Milne -Edwards, 1837) 1 Erythrops nanus Tattersall, W., 1922 37 Siriella vulgaris Tattersall, W., 1951 2 Euchaetomera glyphidophthalmica Illig, 38 Petalophthalmus armiger Willemoes- 190 Suhm, 1875 3 Euchaetomera typica Sars, 1884 Mysids in the Lakshadweep waters 4 Hypererythrops spinifera(Hansen, 1910) 5 Pseuderythrops abrahami Biju & In Lakshadweep waters, the mysid studies are Panampunnayil, 2010 limited to the work of Pillai(1976), Panampunnayil (1986,a,b; 1993) and Biju et 6 Anchialina dentate Pillai, 1964 al. (2006). Seven species of mysid belonging to two genera has been reported from this 7 Anchialina grossa Hansen, 1910 region. In Lakshadweep waters, genus Anisomysis represented five species and 8 Anchialina media Ii, 1964 Siriella represented two species (Table 2). 9 Anchialina typicaorientalis Nouvel, 1971 (=Anchialinatypica Kroyer, 1861) 10 Haplostylus bengalensis (Hansen, 1910) 11 Haplostylus indicus (Hansen, 1910) 12 Haplostylus pusillus (Coifmann, 1937) Table 2. Taxonomic list of mysids (Mysida) so far recorded in the Lakshadweep waters of 13 Haplostylus pacificus (Hansen, 1912) India. 14 Pseudanchialina pusilla (Sars, 1883) 15 Pseudanchialina inermis (Illig, 1906) 16 Dioptromysis perspicillata Zimmer, 1915 1 Anisomysis bacescui Pillai, 1976 17 Doxomysis anomala Tattersall, W, 1922 2 Anisomysis (Anisomysis) spinata Panampunnayil, 1993 18 Doxomysis nicobaris Panampunnayil, 2002 19 Doxomysis quadrispinosa (Illig, 1906) 3 Anisomysis (Anisomysis) truncate Panampunnayil, 1993 Neodoxomysis littoralis (Tattersall,W., 20 1922) 4 Anisomysis (paranisomysis) minicoyensis (= Doxomysislittoralis Tattersall, W., Biju et al., 2006 1922) 5 Anisomysis (paranisomysis) laccadivei Panampunnayil, 1981 21 Prionomysiss tenolepis Tattersall, W., 1922 Siriella armata(Milne-Edwards, 1837) (= 6 Siriella intermedia Panampunnayil, 1981) 22 Mysidopsis indica Tattersall, W., 1922 Paraleptomysis xenops (Tattersall, W., 7 Siriella australiensis Panampunnayil, 1995 23 1922) (=Leptomysisxenops Tattersall, W., 1922) Geographical distributions 24 Acanthomysis indica (Tattersall, W., 1922) According to the published literature, most of (= Neomysisindica Tattersall, W., 1922) the species recorded in this region have a very wide range of distribution in the tropical 25 Anisomysis (Anisomysis) spinata and subtropical Indo-Pacific waters. Eighteen Panampunnayil, 1993 26 Anisomysis(Pseudanisomysis) hispida Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.189-192 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

Mysid fauna (mysida: peracarida) in the Andaman and Lakshadweep waters of India 191 species of mysids in the Andaman waters and armata(=Siriellaintermedia) hitherto been reported from Lakshadweep waters and the one species from the Lakshadweep waters are Atlantic Ocean. At present, four species, Pseuderythrops abrahami, Doxomysis Indo- Pacific. Such predominance is due to anomala, Doxomysis nicobaris, and Prionomysis stenolepis were restricted their the large scale exchange of water between distribution only in the Andaman waters. Out of seven species, four species, Anisomysis these two areas through Indonesian bacescui, Anisomysis laccadivei, Anisomysis truncate and Anisomysis minicoyensis are Archipelago (Panampunnayil, 2002). Oceanic endemic to the Lakshadweep waters. grouping of mysids recorded in the Andaman and Lakshadweep waters are shown in Table Four species recorded from the Andaman waters found in the Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Siriella Table 3. Oceanic grouping of mysids collected from the Andaman and Lakshadweep waters based on distributional ranges of species. Indian Ocean Indian and Pacific Indian, Pacific and Atlantic Anchialina dentate Erythrops nanus Euchaetomera glyhidophthalmica Anchialina grossa Hypererythrops spinifera Siriella thompsonii Haplostylus bengalensis Anchialina media Euchaetomera typica Haplostylus pusillus Anchialina typica Petalophthalmus armiger Dioptromysis perspicillata Haplostylus pacificus Lycomysis spinicauda Haplostylus indicus Rhopalophthalmus kempi Pseudanchialina pusilla Anisomysis hispida Pseudanchialina inermis Anisomysis tattersallae Doxomysis quadrispinosa Anisomysis spinata Neodoxomysis littoralis Andaman waters Mysidopsis indica Pseuderythrops abrahami Paraleptomysis xenops Doxomysis anomala Acanthomysis indica Doxomysis nicobaris Siriella aequiremis Prionomysis stenolepis Siriella dubia Lakshadweep waters Siriella gracilis Anisomysis bacescui Siriella vulgaris Anisomysis truncata Hemisiriella parva Anisomysis laccadivei Hemisiriella pulchra Anisomysis minicoyensis Siriella australiensis Gaps in Research hotspot of mysid biodiversity in the global scale. It also highlights the importance of Out of 44mysid species recorded from this steady progress of basic taxonomic research region, 10 are endemic; it is approximately in this region. Also there is possibility to 23% of the total mysid species recorded from explore new localities/new discoveries in the present area. This indicates a high level of both of these areas by extended future potential species diversity of mysids in this research. In addition, future research with an area. These clearly imply that the Andaman integrative approach using molecular and and Lakshadweep ecosystems of India are Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.189-192 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

192 Current status and challenges for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity morphological analysis will be useful for a Panampunnayil, S. U. 1981b. “On two new set of morphological species that are difficult species of Siriella (Mysidacea),” Mahasagar, to distinguish, inframorpho specific variants 14(1):87-90. with unknown genetic relationships and evolutionary relationships among species Panampunnayil, S. U. 1993. “Two new (Sawamoto,2014) species of Anisomysis(Crustacea-Mysidacea) from the Lakshadweep Archipelago,” Acknowledgements Journal of Plankton Research, 15:1141-1148. The authors are thankful to the Director, Panampunnayil, S. U. 2002. “The Mysidacea Zoology Research Centre, St. Stephen‟s of the Andaman Sea,” Journal of Plankton College, Pathanapuram and Dr. Saramma U. Research, 24:371-390. Panampunnayil (Scientist Rtd. CSIR, NIO, RC Kochi), for their support. Panampunnayil,S.U.1981a.“Anisomysislacca divei, a new mysid from Laccadives,” References Mahasagar, 14(3)207-209. Biju, A. and Panampunnayil, S. U. 2011. Pillai, N. K. 1973. Mysidacea of the Indian “Mysids (Crustacea) from the Exclusive Ocean. IOBC Handbook, 4:1-125. Economic Zone of India with description of a new species,” Marine Biology Research, Pillai, N. K. 1976. “Observations on two 7:332-364. Indo-West Pacific mysids,” Bulletin of Department of Aquatic Biology and Biju, A., Panampunnayil, S.U. and Fisheries,University of Kerala, 1:65-76, Prabhakaran, M. P. 2006. “Mysidacea 1976. (Crustacea) from the Minicoy lagoon (Lakshadweep, India) with description of a Sawamoto, S. 2014. “Current status of mysid new species of Anisomysis,”Marine Biology taxonomy in Southeast Asia” Marine Research, vol. 2, pp. 291-295. Research in Indonesia, 39(1) :1−14, Fockedey, N. and Mees, J. 1999. “Feeding of Tattersall, W. M. 1922. “Indian Mysidacea. hyperbenthicmysidNeomys integer in the Records of the Indian Museum,” 24: 445-504. maximum turbidity zone of the Elbe, Westerschelde and Gironde estuaries. Webb,B.F. 1973. “Fish population of the Journal of Marine Systems, 22:207-228. Avon Heathcote Estuary. 3. Gut contents”, New Zealand Journal of Marine Freshwater Mauchline, J. 1980. “The biology of mysids Research, 7: 223-234. and euphausiids,” Advances in Marine Biology, vol. 18, pp. 1-681. Woodmason, J. and Alcock, A. 1891. “Natural history notes from H.M. Indian Meland, K. and Willassen, E. 2007. “The Steamer „Investigator‟, no. 21,” Annals and disunity of Mysidacea (Crustacea),” Magazine of Natural History, 7:186-202. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 44 (3):1083-1104. Meland, K., Mees, J., Porter, M. and Wittmann, K. J. 2015. “Taxonomic review of the Order Mysida and Stygiomysida (Crustacea, Peracarida),” PLoS ONE, vol. 10 (4), pp. 1-28. Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.189-192 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

Ecology and morphometrics of an invasive slug, Laevicaulis alte in Kerala 193 ISBN 978-93-5396-871-7 CHAPTER 30 ECOLOGY AND MORPHOMETRICS OF AN INVASIVE SLUG, LAEVICAULIS ALTE IN KERALA Aleena Elizabeth Cyril* and Gigi K Joseph PG and Research Department of Zoology, Nirmala College, Muvattupuzha, Kerala *Correspondance E-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT Laevicaulis alte, commonly known as Tropical Leather leaf is a terrestrial slug native to Africa and an invasive species in many Asian countries. The slug belongs to the family Veronicellidae. The present study was conducted during the monsoon season (July to October,2019) in Piravom Municipality of Ernakulam District where Laevicaulis alte number exploded following the flood in 2019.They were active during early morning hours and in the evening. They are herbivorous in diet. They lay egg clutches in the soil covered by special faecal pellets and mud to maintain humidity. The adult snails shrink its body to a near oval shape to reduce water loss by minimising the exposed surface area. The slug produces a white coloured slime when disturbed. Morphometric studies of the species revealed that they may attain an average length of 5.5 ± 2.0 cm and width of 1.7±0.5cm. If disturbed they shrunk with an average circumference of 10 ± 2.7cm. The foot on the ventral side is narrow and has an average width of 0.7 ± 0.2cm. Mean live weight of the population was 5.7±3.2g.Length-weight relationship was also analysed. Being an invasive species with a potential to be a serious pest, the present work on the ecology and growth rate of Laevicaulis alte is significant. Further studies on biocontrol agents and other relevant aspects have to be conducted to keep the slug population in control in future. Key words: Laevicaulis alte, Tropical Leather leaf, Morphometrics, Garden slug, Invasive Introduction balsam, dahlia, morning glory etc (Prakash et.al.,2015). They also feed on varieties of Laevicaulis alte also known by common fruits and vegetables like, tomato, brinjal, names Tropical Leather leaf or Indian Garden cucumber, potato, cabbage, carrot, etc. and Slug of Veronicellidae family is native to some germinating seeds in forest (Raut and Central and East Africa (Herbert, 2010). The Panigrahi, 1988). L.alte has acquired a pest slug has become an invasive species in status in different parts of India (Kalidas et tropical countries of Asia, Australia, al., 2006; Jayashankar et al., 2013). S.America and many Pacific islands via Laevicauli salte act as a vector of horticultural and ornamental trades. In India Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the Rat they have been reported in Andaman and Lungworm which causes the Human Nicobar Islands, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Eosinophilic Meningitis (Mahajan et Gujarat, Maharashtra, Pondicherry, Punjab, al.,1992). Rajasthan (Udaipur), Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal(Kumar,2000; They possess many adaptations like excellent Avhad et al.,2013). ability of camouflage and a leathery dorsal side, hence commonly referred to as Tropical Being polyphytophagous, the slug’s Leather leaf. The leathery dorsum and distribution is not limited by the host plant reduced foot surface area minimize loss of but by climate. They have been reported water (Brodie and Barker, 2012). Due to the feeding on ornamental plants like lilly, excellent adaptations and prospective threats Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.193-196 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

194 Current status and challenges for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity of Laevicaulis alte of being pestiferous and and the foot width was marked and measured acting as a vector of pathogenic worms, it is from the other side of the sheet. Statistical necessary to study the ecology and growth analysis was done using MS Excel Data rate of the slug population in Kerala. Analysis tool and R software. Correlation analysis, length-weight relationship and fitted Every animal in its life exhibit growth both in regression equation was conducted for the length and weight and the relationship study group. between these two has both applied and basic importance. The length-weight relationship is Results and Discussion one of the standard methods that yield authentic biological information of a Ecology population. It establishes the mathematical relationship between the two variables, Ecological studies on Laevicula alte found length and weight, and helps in assessing the that they are mostly nocturnal, but active in variations from the expected weight for the the early morning and evening hours with known length groups (Kuriakose,et al., low sunlight and humid climate. They were 2017). This dataset will be useful tool for found in large numbers in the study area after comparison between populations of different the flood in monsoon season. Most of them regions or population in consecutive years were found from leaf litter and damp soil. In which would be indicative of the robustness the post-monsoon season only a few were of the population. The present study on spotted around, others might have hidden in morphometrics and ecology of L.altein damp shady places. Kerala would aid in monitoring its growth rate and keeping the invasive species under L.alte has a leathery dorsal side, the colour of control. which may vary from black to brown. A beige colour central line is also seen on their Materials and Methods dorsal side. They have a narrow foot which is lime yellow in colour. The slug produces a The present study was conducted in Piravom white coloured slime when disturbed. Unlike municipality (9°51′0″N 76°30′0″E) of other slugs, they have a posterior anus Ernakulam District. The sampling was done characteristic of Veronicellidae(Molet,2014). from agro ecosystems on the banks of The colour of faecal matter seen like long Piravom river, a tributary of threads varied from black to green according ‘Muvattupuzhayar’. Observations on ecology to their diet. and sample collection were done during early morning hours in the monsoon season (June - Tropical leather leaf is a phytophagous slug Oct, 2019). A total of fifteen adult live slugs which eats leaves of any herbs and shrubs. were collected in labelled specimen They also feed on decaying matter in soil. containers and brought to the laboratory for Common predators of the slug include Crow morphometric studies. pheasant which was spotted to feed the slug to its young ones. Ducks were also seen Five morphometric parameters viz., length, feeding on L.alte. Similar results were width, weight, circumference and width of observed (Panigrahi,1988). Muthumani et foot were studied and mean values al.(1992) reveals the food preference of calculated. Length and width in stretched Ranatigrina to L.alte. condition as well as the circumference in shrunken state were taken using a thread and The breeding activity was observed during a centimetre scale. Live weight was measured the late monsoon season (September- using an electronic weighing balance. The October). This was in accordance with width of foot was measured by allowing the observations in (Bhavare, 2017). They lay animal to crawl on a transparent glass sheet clutches of translucent eggs in the moist soil. Special faecal pellets with high soil content Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.193-196 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

Ecology and morphometrics of an invasive slug, Laevicaulis alte in Kerala 195 were laid on top of the egg balls. L.alte eggs (Ramakrishna et al., 2014; Das, 2015). The connected to each other with an juvenile slugs seldom came out of the soil. interconnecting thread which shaped it into a ball like structure was laid in depressions in Morphometrics the soil and special faecal pellets were laid as a mechanism to maintain humidity Five selected morphometric parameters of Laevicaulis alte in Kerala were analysed and the results are summarised in Table 1. Morphometric Minimum Measurement Mean SD Parameter 3.2 Maximum 5.5 ±2.0 1.1 10.7 1.7 ±0.5 Length (cm) 6.1 2.4 10 ±2.7 Width(cm) 0.4 12.8 0.7 ±0.2 circumference (cm) 1.1 1 5.7 ±3.2 width of foot(cm) 14.3 Live weight(g) Table 1: Summary of morphometric analysis of Laevicaulis alte in Kerala The adult slug’s body length when stretched weight parameters (Kuriakose et al., 2017) ranged from 3.2 cm to 10.7 cm with a mean were estimated with the available length- length of 5.5 ± 2.0cm. Though the mean weight data. The value of ‘a’ was found to be length of population is approximately equal 1.1 and the value of ‘b’ was found to be 0.8 to that reported in studies in Bangalore and for the slug population analysed. Since Odisha region, standard deviation values parameter ‘b’, value of which is indicative of show much variations in the present study the shape parameter for body form was less (Ramakrishna et al.,2014, Das, 2015). The than ‘3’, the somatic growth in the slug mean width of the slug in the stretched population is isometric. condition is 1.7± 0.5cm. The circumference in shrunken condition gave a mean value of Fig 1: Regression analysis plots for length-weight 10 ±2.7cm with significant deviation among Fitted regression equation obtained for the individuals of the population. The mean species considering length-weight parameters width of the foot of the slug population is 0.7 is given in Fig. 1(Haukeland et al., 2011). A ± 0.2cm which was nearly uniform low R2 value of 0.45 was obtained. These are throughout the population. The mean live indicative of the variations in the population. weight of the slug population is 5.7 ± 3.2g which is higher than that obtained in the Conclusion previous studies. This variation shows that the slug population in Kerala attain better Laevicaulis alte is an invasive slug which growth which may be due to the ambient may become pestiferous and carrier of Rat conditions like monsoon, lush vegetation and Lungworm that cause Human Eosinophilic moderate leaf litter layer in Kerala that Meningitis. Recently, there have been facilitates their survival. significant increases in number and range expansion of the slug population in Kerala Correlation analysis for length and live weight parameters gave a correlation coefficient of 0.8 which means a significant positive correlation exist between both the parameters.Hence, length-weight relationship for the slug population was analysed according to the equation W=aLb. The parameters a and b, usually termed as length Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.193-196 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

196 Current status and challenges for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity especially after the flood in 2019. Studies on (Laevicaulisalte). Planter., 82 (960): 181– ecology and morphometrics of the slug 186. population would help keep the invasive species under control. Further studies on bio Kumar, Seema. and Ahmed, S.I. 2000. New control agents and other relevant aspects records of pestiferous land molluscs from have to be conducted to keep the slug Rajasthan, India. Records of the Zoological population in control in future. Survey of India,98(3): 67. References Kuriakose, S., K.G. Mini, and T.V. Sathianandan. 2017. Course Manual ICAR Avhad, S.B., Shinde, K.S. and Hiware, C.J. funded Summer School on Advanced 2013. Record of molluscan pests in mulberry Methods for Fish Stock Assessment and gardens in Aurangabad district of Fisheries Management. Kochi: CMFRI. Maharashtra State, India. Indian Journal of Sericulture, 52(1):pp.29-33. Mahajan, R.K., Almeida, A.J., Sengupta, S.R. and Renapurkar, D.M., 1992. Seasonal Bhavare M.K and Magare S.R. 2017. intensity of Angiostrongyluscantonensis in Ecology and population studies of land slug, the intermediate host, Laevicaulis alte. Laevicaulis alte in shahada region. Journal of International Journal for parasitology, 22(5), Applied and Advanced Research., 2(2):63–66 pp.669-671. Brodie, G. and G. M. Barker. 2012. Molet, T. 2014. CPHST Pest Datasheet for Laevicaulisalte (Férussac, 1822). Family Laevicaulis spp. USDA-APHIS-PPQ- Veronicellidae. USP Introduced Land Snails CPHST. of the Fiji Islands Fact Sheet Series, No. 3. Muthumani, K., Jeyakumar, E., Mani, A. and Das, B. and Parida, L. 2015. Morphometric Mathavan, S. 1992. Biological control of studies of the tropical leather eaf slug veronicellid slug Laevicaulis alte Laevicaulis alte from prachi belt of (Systellommatophora: Veronicellidae) using Odisha. Journal of Entomology and Zoology frog as a predator. Environment and Ecology Studies, 3(3):132-134. 10(3): 649-652 Herbert, D.G. 2010. The introduced Panigrahi, A. 1988. Ecology and ethology of terrestrial Mollusca of South Africa. SANBI pestiferous slug laevicaulisalte Biodiversity Series 15. South African (Ferussac).Thesis for Doctor of Philosophy, National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria. University of Calcutta.50-51. Haukeland, S., Symondson, B. and Andrew, Prakash, S., Verma, A. K. and Mishra, B. P. R. 2011. Subgroup “Slugs and Snails 2015. Anatomy of digestive tract of the “. IOBC/wprs Bulletin, 64:201. Indian garden slug, Laevicaulis alte (Férussac, 1822). International Journal of Jayashankar M, Jeevan Chakravarthy A.S, Fauna and Biological Studies., 2(6): 38-40 Shreyas R, Vinesh L.S, Manjunath N, Ravi P and Manjunath M. 2013. Prevalence of Ramakrishna, S. Jayashankar M., Alexander Invasive Slug Laevicaulis alte (Ferrussac) R, G, Thanuja and Deepak, P. 2014. (Gastropoda: Styllommataphora) in Morphometric Studies of the Tropical Bangalore Region. In: Perspectives in Leatherleaf Slug Laevicaulis alte (Férussac, Animal Ecology and Reproduction. Vol.9. 1822) (Gastropoda: Styllommataphora). (Eds) V.K.Gupta, A.K.Verma and Global Journal for Research Analysis., 3. G.D.Singh.Daya Publishing House, New 180-181. Delhi. 260-269 Raut, S.K. and Panigrahi, A. 1988. Egg- Kalidas P, Rao C.V, Nasim Ali and Babu M.K. 2006. New pest incidence on oil palm nesting in the garden slug, Lavicaulis alte seedlings in India: A study of black slug (Ferussac) (Gastropoda:Soleolifera). Malacol. Rev., 21: 101-107. Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.193-196 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

ISBN 978-93-5396-871-7 CHAPTER 31 COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE DIVERSITY OF BRACHYURAN CRABS IN MANGROVE ECOSYSTEMS OF DHARMADAM AND VALAPATTANAM, KANNUR DISTRICT, KERALA Arathi Raveendran* and Bindu O** *PG and Research Department of Zoology, Sree Narayana College, Kannur, Kerala **PG and Research Department of Zoology, S N College, Cherthala, Alapuzha, Kerala **Correspondence E-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT Mangrove ecosystem possesses different varieties of species including different varieties of mangrove crabs. Mangrove crab increases nutrient and carbon cycling and enhances the growth and reproduction of mangroves. Increasing pollution in Mangrove ecosystem adversely affects the species diversity. To study the effect of pollution on mangrove crab diversity, different mangrove crabs under the infra order Brachyura are collected from Dharmadam and Valapattanam mangrove ecosystems and are identified. Water quality of both ecosystems are measured by considering biological parameters like Dissolved oxygen, pH and temperature. Water pollution and mangrove crab diversity are showing negative correlation. Decreased mangrove crab diversity can be considered as a biomonitoring tool which indicates increased rate of pollution. Key words: Brachyura, Mangrove, Water quality, Diversity Introduction Crabs are ecologically significant in their role in carbon recycling in mangroves (Warner, Mangrove ecosystem provides tremendous 1969). biodiversity resources and possesses endemic and specific animal communities. Of all the Mangrove ecosystems are hot spots for animals in the mangroves the crustaceans are biodiversity, but now day’s mangrove forest probably the most conspicuous and among areas across the world have varying levels of the most intriguing. Crustacea include about pollution. Mangroves are often used for 42,000 described species of crabs, shrimps, dumping waste, including plastic that do not crayfishes, lobster, woodlice etc. Class biodegrade. A study of the impact of Crustacea belongs to subphylum pollution on mangrove diversity in India Mandibulata, one of the two high level taxa concludes that chemical pollution, of living arthropods. Crab belongs to the particularly the accumulation of toxic metals order Decapoda and infra order Brachyura. could be a significant factor in reducing mangrove diversity especially the mangrove Mangrove crabs contribute much to the crab diversity(Pawar, 2015, 2017; Dev Roy, breakdown of litter. Thus mangrove crabs 2008) reduce export, shorten decomposition time and enhance nutrient cycle (Lee, 1998). Several papers have been published on the taxonomic aspects of brachyuran crabs of Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.`197-206 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

198 Current status and challenges for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity Indian waters (Milne Edwards, 1834; The most common mangrove tree belongs to Henderson, 1839; Alcock, 1899; De Man, the genus Rhizophora. Its roots penetrate 1888). A comparative study on the deeply into muddy substrates, forming a brachyuran crab diversity of Pichavaram ramified network that provides shelter for mangroves and artificially developed many crustaceans. Hypersaline mudflats are mangroves of Vellar estuary was done by found close to mangrove stands, where many Ajmal Khan et al. (2005). Similar work was crustacean furrows can be seen. later conducted by Ravichandran and Kannupandi (2007) and Varadharajan et al. Collection Period (2012), who documented the biodiversity of brachyuran crabs in Pichavaram mangroves. The present study was conducted from November 2018 to March 2019 and In this context, the present study has been collection was conducted twice in a month. decided to explore a comparative study on the diversity of crab fauna in the mangrove Methods ecosystems of Dharmadam and Valapattanam and the effect of pollution on their diversity. Collection of Crabs Materials and Method The crabs were collected by hand picking. Digging crabs were collected by pouring Collection Locality dilute formalin inside the burrow and catching the crab that come out. They were The present study was carried out in also collected by keeping bait at the tip of a mangrove ecosystems of Dharmadam and strong nylon thread and inserting in the Valapattanam in Kannur District. burrow. The collected crabs were kept on Dharmadam mangrove is located in bottles alive by making holes and providing Dharmadam Grama panchayath which is water and mud. 10.68sqkm in area. Dharmadam lies in a longitude 75º27’23’E and latitude of Preservation of collected sample 11º46’35”N. Dharmadam estuary is formed at the region were the mouth of Anjarakandi The collected specimens were carefully river joins the Arabian Sea. Being at the inter face between marine and fresh water observed in length, width and shape of environment, estuaries have high biodiversity. Mangrove swamps were found carapace, sex, presence or absence of in the intertidal zone and are characterized by stand of mangrove trees in varying density. swimming legs and other features were Valapattanam mangrove ecosystem is noted. The collected specimens after taking located in Valapattanam Grama panchayath which is 2.04sqkm in area. Valapattanam photographs were kept in 5%formalin in lays in a longitude 11.9ºN longitude and 75.37ºE latitude. Valapattanam mangrove different wide mouthed jars. Specimens were ecosystem is situated along the bank of Valapattanam River which originates from identified up to species as far as possible by the Brahmagiri hills. It is the largest river which supports wide variety of organisms. visiting on websites by Bijukumar, referring books, keys from Cochin marine institute, standard publication keys (Ajmalkhan et al., 2005) with the help of subject experts and also by using the website www.keralamarinelife.in and www.crabdatabase.info Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.`197-206 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

Comparative study on the diversity of brachyuran crabs in mangrove ecosystems … 199 Analysis of biological parameters thukuhar (Family Grapsidae), Uca triangularis (Ocypodidae), Uca annuplius Dissolved Oxygen, pH, Temperature etc. are (Family Ocypodidae) and Ocypode taken as biological parameters which are cordimanus (Family Ocypodidae). analyzed in the present work. Water samples were collected from both mangrove Only limited number of crab species are ecosystems and amount of dissolved oxygen present in Valapattanam mangrove is estimated using Wrinkler’s method. Water ecosystem when compared to that present in samples were collected from both mangrove Dharmadam. In a total of 217 collected ecosystems. pH is measured by using both specimens, only 49crabs (18.42 %) were pH paper and pH meter. pH is measured at collected from Valapattanam and the the field itself using pH paper. Water samples remaining 217 crabs (81.58%) were collected are collected in plastic bottles and brought to from Dharmadam (Table 2, Graph 1). lab. Accurate value of pH is measured using pH meter. Temperature of water body is Species diversity and abundance was measured using a thermometer during the minimum in Valapattanam mangrove field visit. Temperature is measured at the ecosystem while compared to that of same place within the stream at which Dharmadam. dissolved oxygen is measured, to study the correlation between the two parameters. Uca is the most diverse Genus found during the study which includes 6 species. Dotilla Result myctiroides is the most abundant species. In the present study conducted during From the values of analyzed biological parameters, Valapattanam river appears to be November 2018 to march 2019 a total of 266 polluted. It may due to the contamination from the wood industries and saline samples were collected. 217 of them are intrusions. Unscientific sewage disposal and mining activities also decreases the water collected from Dharmadam mangrove quality. During field visit waste materials including plastic waste are seen dumped ecosystem, comes under 4 Families, 5 Genus along the fringes of mangrove ecosystem. This will directly affect the mangrove crab and 13 Species. They include diversity and the mangrove ecosystem. Metopograpsus messor (Family Grapsidae), To compare the extent of pollution at both collection localities, biological parameters Metopograpsus oceanicus(Family such as dissolved oxygen, pH and Temperature of water samples were Grapsidae), Metopograpsus thukuhar analyzed(Table.4). The study period is divided in to Post-monsoon (November, (Family Grapsidae), Dotilla myctiroides December and January) and Pre-monsoon (February, March). Biological parameters (Family Dotillidae), Uca triangularis (Family like dissolved oxygen, temperature and pH shows variation during seasonal changes. Ocypodidae), Uca pugnax (Family Dissolved oxygen estimated in samples from Ocypodidae), Uca chlorophthamus (Family Dharmadam mangrove ecosystem showed variation from 6.88mg/L to 8.96mg/L during Ocypodidae), Uca annuplius (Family Ocypodidae), Uca jocelynae (Family Ocypodidae),Uca paradussumieri (Family Ocypodidae), Parasesarma plicatum (Family Sesarmidae), Parasesarma bidens (Family Sesarmidae) and Sesarma chiragra (Family Sesarmidae). Species diversity is comparatively low in Valapattanam mangrove ecosystem(Table 1and 2). 49 samples coming under 2 Families, 3 Genus 4 species. They include Metopograpsus Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.`197-206 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

200 Current status and challenges for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity pre-monsoon and post-monsoon respectively. from Dharmadam. Solubility of oxygen Dissolved oxygen estimated in samples from decreases as temperature increases. So, Valapattanam mangrove ecosystem showed higher temperature is one of the reasons for variations from 2.72mg/L to 4.48mg/L during lower amount of dissolved oxygen in pre-monsoon to post monsoon respectively. Valapattanam mangrove ecosystem. Amount of dissolved oxygen is low in samples collected from Valapattanam Lower values of dissolved oxygen, lower mangrove ecosystem. Low dissolved oxygen pH (acidity) and higher range of temperature levels indicate an excessive demand on the indicates increased rate of pollution in oxygen of the ecosystem. The buildup of Valapattanam mangrove ecosystem. organic material due to human activities is one source of oxygen depletion. In the recent era water bodies has become Microorganisms in the stream consume oxygen as they decompose sewage, urban largest dumping site for effluents of and agricultural runoff, and discharge from industries. Lower value of dissolved oxygen industries and it is creating serious problems indicates pollution. at ecosystem level (Trivedi, 2014). There are pH measured during each month shows slight seasonal variations. pH ranges from 7.5 many wood-based industries and plywood - 8 in the sample collected from Dharmadam mangrove ecosystem. pH range of 5.8-5.5 is factories located on the bank of observed in the samples collected from Valapattanam mangrove ecosystem. Valapattanam River. The contamination from Comparatively lower values of pH were detected during post monsoon. Lower pH wood industries and saline intrusion are only values observed in sample collected from Valapattanam indicate pollution. Discharges aggravated by dumping of waste and of effluents from industries are the main reason for increased acidity. Hence the pH abandoned crafts captured for illegal sand value comes down to below 7. mining (The Hindu, concern over water Temperature measured during each month shows only slight variation. Temperature quality in Valapattanam river, article measured ranges from 23ºC - 25ºC in the samples collected from Dharmadam. A 7524620.ece August 11, 2015). Dumping of slightly greater range, 27 ºC-28 ºC is observed in samples from Valapattanam waste and unscientific sewage disposal are study area. Higher values of temperatures were detected during pre- monsoon period. the other two reasons for water pollution in Severe thermal pollution is not observed, but temperature of samples from Valapattanam is Valapattanam. comparatively higher than that of samples Crabs constitute one of the most important macro fauna in terms of abundance, species richness and biomass in mangrove ecosystem. Mangrove crab is essential for the normal functioning of mangrove ecosystem. Ocypodecrabs are important components of mangrove forests and constitute good bioindicators of the functioning of the ecosystem as a whole. Chemical pollution is a significant factor which reduces the mangrove crab diversity. This reduced crab diversity will disturb the normal functioning of a mangrove ecosystem also. So brachyuran crabs can be considered as a biomonitoring tool. Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.`197-206 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

Comparative study on the diversity of brachyuran crabs in mangrove ecosystems … 201 Table 1. Table showing identified species and families. Sl.No Scientific name Family Collection site Dharmadam Valapattanam 1 Metopograpsus messor Grapsidae 2 Metopograpsus oceanicus Grapsidae * 3 Metopograpsus thukuhar Grapsidae * 4 Dotilla myctiroides Dotillidae ** 5 Uca pugnax Ocypodidae * 6 Uca chlorophthalmus Ocypodidae * 7 Uca annuplius Ocypodidae * 8 Uca jocelynae Ocypodidae ** 9 Uca triangularis Ocypodidae * 10 Uca paradussumieri Ocypodidae ** 11 Ocypode cordimanus Ocypodidae * 12 Parasesarma plicatum Sesarmidae 13 Parasesarma bidens Sesarmidae * 14 Sesarma chiragra Sesarmidae * *Represents presence of the species * * Table 2. Table showing monthly abundance of species A) Dharmadam Sl Scientific name November December January February March Total no. 1 Metopograpsus messor 5 4 6 5 6 26 2 Metopograpsus oceanicus 3 6 2 3 4 18 3 Metopograpsus thukuhar 0 2 1 0 0 3 4 Dotilla myctiroides 15 9 11 18 0 53 5 Uca pugnax 3 0 6 2 0 11 6 Uca chlorophthalmus 1 2 0 1 04 7 Uca annuplius 7 10 3 7 6 33 8 Uca jocelynae 5 7 8 2 3 25 9 Uca triangularis 9 7 6 5 6 33 10 Uca paradussumieri 0 0 4 1 05 11 Ocypode cordimanus 0 0 0 0 00 12 Parasesarma plicatum 0 0 0 0 33 13 Parasesarma bidens 0 0 0 0 11 14 Sesarma chiragra 0 0 0 0 22 Total Species In Each Month 48 47 47 44 31 217 Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.`197-206 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

202 Current status and challenges for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity Table 3. Table showing monthly abundance of species B) Valapattanam Sl No. Scientific name November December January February March Total 1 Metopograpsus messor 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 Metopograpsus oceanicus 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 Metopograpsus thukuhar 1 0 2 0 0 3 4 Dotilla myctiroides 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 Uca pugnax 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 Uca chlorophthalmus 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 Uca annuplius 9 7 5 4 3 28 8 Uca jocelynae 0 0 0 0 0 0 9 Uca triangularis 5 3 4 2 2 16 10 Uca paradussumieri 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 Ocypode cordimanus 0 0 1 1 0 2 12 Parasesarma plicatum 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 Parasesarma bidens 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 Sesarma chiragra 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total Species In Each onth 15 10 12 7 5 49 Graph 1. A. Pie diagram showing collected specimens from Dharmadam 2% 1% 1% M. messor 0% 1% M.oceanicus M.thukuhar 12% D.myctiroides 15% U.pugnax U.chlorophthalmus 8% U.annuplius 1% U.jocylynae U.triangularis 12% U.padussumieri O.cordimanus 25% P.plicatum P.bidens 15% 5% S.chiragra 2% Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.`197-206 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

Comparative study on the diversity of brachyuran crabs in mangrove ecosystems … 203 Graph 1. B. Pie diagram showing collected specimens from Valapattanam Table 4. Table showing the variation of temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen Collection Site November December January February March Temperature variation Dharmadam 24 º C 23 º C 23 º C 25 º C 25º C Valapattanam 26 º C 26 º C 26 º C 27 º C 28 º C pH variation Dharmadam 7.5 7.5 7.5 8 8 Valapattanam 5 5 5.5 5.5 5.5 Dissolved Oxygen variation Post monsoon Pre monsoon Dharmadam 8.96 6.88mg/L Valapattanam 4.48 2.72 mg/L Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.`197-206 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

204 Current status and challenges for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity Discussion myctiroides are involved in the process of bioturbation. In the month February, A total of 14 species were collected from hundreds of their burrows were found. But Dharmadam and Valapattanam mangroves only a few burrows could be observed in during November 2018 to March 2019, other months which may suggest the representing 4 families and 6 genera. The difference in activity at different periods of study revealed that, the mortality rate of the year. many crabs is less than that of other faunal groups. Many crab species survived even Fiddler crabs are semi-terrestrial, which after two days of collection, while some makes up the genus Uca. As a member of species were killed by the predatory crabs family Ocypodidae, fiddler crabs are most within the collection bottles. Smaller species closely related to the crab Ocypode were more susceptible to predation. cordimanus of the genus Ocypode. They are burrowing in nature. Fiddler crab burrows Crab families such as Dotillidae were increase oxygen dispersion in anoxic represented by single species whereas family mangrove sediment and promote iron Sesarmidae had 3 species, Grapsidae had 3 reduction and nitrification process over species and Ocypodidae had 7 species. Uca sulfate reduction in subsurface sediment. crabs (Fiddler crab) from Ocypodidae are Therefore it is expected to accelerate richest in species were the species Dotilla decomposition rate under oxic and suboxic myctiroides (soldier crab) is the most conditions. Different species of fiddler crabs abundant one. coexist on the mangrove floor, which sometimes makes it difficult to define In atotal of 14 species, 13 species including species-specific habitat by visual inspection. Metopograpsus messor, Metopograpsus oceanicus, Metopograpsus thukuhar, Dotilla Sesarmidae are found on the ramified myctiroides, Uca triangularis, Uca pugnax, network of the common mangrove Uca chlorophthamus, Uca annuplius, Uca Rhizophora. They were slow moving when jocelynae, Uca paradussumieri, Parasesarma compared to the other crab species of plicatum, Parasesarma bidens and Sesarma mangrove habitat. chiragra were collected from Dharmadam. Metopograpsus species were collected from From Valapattanam, total four species were the cracks in between large stones and from collected including Metopograpsus thukuhar, mangroves during high tide. It is a fast Uca triangularis, Uca annuplius and moving crab with a particular pattern of Ocypode cordimanus. movement. They moved to one direction briskly, stayed for a moment, and then Soldier crabs are common along the fringes changed the direction. of mangroves, where the substrates are somewhat sandier. They swim at low tides, Conclusion feeding on detrital matter left by the receding tides. A total of 14 species of mangrove crabs were identified which belongs to 4 families and 6 Ocypode cordimanus were found mostly genera. Crabs collected from Dharmadam burrowing in mud and make small holes. Both Ocypode cordimanus and Dotilla Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.`197-206 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

Comparative study on the diversity of brachyuran crabs in mangrove ecosystems … 205 mangrove ecosystem, comes under 4 Dev Roy, M. K. 2008. An annotated checklist Families, 5 Genera and 13 Species. of mangrove and coral reef inhabiting brachyuran crabs of India. Records of Dharmadam mangrove ecosystem showed Zoological survey of India. Occasional the highest species diversity with 13 species. paper., 289, 1-212. Crab species were comparatively low in Valapattanam mangrove ecosystem. Analysis Henderson J. R. 1893. A contribution to of biological parameters such as dissolved Indian carcinology, Trans. Linn.soc.zool., oxygen, temperature and pH showed values (2)5: 325-458. (i.e., low dissolved oxygen content, lower pH and increased temperature range) which Lee, S.Y. 1998. Ecological role of grapsid indicate pollution in Valapattanam mangrove crabs in mangrove ecosystem. Review Mar ecosystem. Lower number of mangrove crab Freshwater Res., 49:335-343. species found in Valapattanam mangrove ecosystem is due to the increased pollution in Milne Edwards. 1834. Histoire naturelle des Valapattanam. Sodecreased mangrove crab crustaces, comprenant I’anatomie, la diversity can be considered as a physiologie et la classification deces biomonitoring tool which indicates increased animaux. Librairie Encyclopedique de Roret, rate of pollution in Valapattanam mangrove vol. 1. Pp. i- xxxv, 1- 468. ecosystem. Pawar, P. 2015. Monitoring of pollution References using density, biomass and diversity indices of macrobenthos from mangrove ecosystem Ajmalkhan, S., Raffi, S. M. and Lyla, P. S. of Uran, Navi Mumbai, West coast of India. 2005. Brachyuran crab diversity in natural Journal of Bioremediation and (Pichavaram) and artificial development in Biodegradation., 6: 299. mangroves Vellar Estuary. Curr. Sci., 88(8): 1316-1324. Pawar, P. 2017. Biodiversity of brachyuran crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda) from Uran, Alcock, A. 1899. Materials for a Navi Mumbai, West Coast of India. carcinological fauna of India. No.5.The Advances in Environmental Biology. Brachyura Primigenia, or Dromiacea. J. Asiat. Soc. Beng., 68: 123-169. Ravichandran, S. and Kannupandi, T. 2007. Habitat preference of crabs in Pichavaram Bijukumar, A., Sushil kumar, M., Raffi, S.M Mangrove Environment. Southeast coast of and Ajmal Khan, S. 2007. Diversity of India. J. of Fisheries and Aquatic Science, 2: Brachyuran crabs associated with trawl by- 47-55. catch in Kerala coast, India. Indian. J. Fish., 48: 221-226. Trivedi, J. N. and Gadhani, M.K. 2014. Diversity and Habitat preference of De Man, J.G. 1888. Report on the brachyuran crabs in Gulf of Kutch Gujarat, podophthalmous crustacean of the Mergui India., 1-5. Archipelago, collected for the trustees of the Indian Museum, Calcutta, J. of the Linnean Trivedi, J. N., Trivedi, D. J., Vachhrajanik, Society, London (Zoology), 22: 1-312. D. and Ng, P.K.L 2018. An annotated checklist of the marine brachyuran crabs (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura) of India. Zootaxa, 4502(1):1-83. Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.`197-206 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

206 Current status and challenges for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity Varadharajan, D., Soundarapandian, P. 2012. Commercially Important Crab Fishery Resources from Arukkattuthurai to Pasipattinam, South East Coast of India. J. Marine. Sci. Res., Dev., 1-6. Warner, G. F. 1969. The Occurrence and Distribution of crabs in a Jamaican Mangrove Swamps. J. Anlrn.Ecol., 38: 379-389. The Hindu, 2015. Concern over water quality in Valapattanam river, article 7524620.ece August 11. www.crabdatabase.info www.keralamarinelife.i www.link.spinger.com www.marinespecies.org www.species-identification.org www.reserchgate.net Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.`197-206 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

Study of abundance of diversity of Plankton, Benthic Fauna … 207 CHAPTER 32 ISBN 978-93-5396-871-7 A STUDY ON THE ABUNDANCE AND DIVERSITY OF PLANKTON, BENTHIC FAUNA AND FISHERY RESOURCES IN KOLE PADDY FIELDS OF MARANCHERY KOLE WETLAND, KERALA, INDIA Nimisha P* and Shirin T V Department Of Zoology PSMO College, Tirurangadi, Kozhikodu, Kerala Correspondence Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT Kole wetlands are most productive ecosystem among the wetlands, due to fast decomposition and sudden nutrient translocation. This study explores the presence of various communities in Maranchery kole lands, Vembanadu Kole wetland, a Ramsar site in Kerala, India during wet seasons. Benthos belonged to 3 phyla, 4 classes [Oligocheates (57%), Insecta (43%), Gastropoda (17%) Crustacea (0.09%) ] and fourteen families. Freshwater planktons observed in Kole wetlands belong to six groups. Average abundance (12,533) showed that Copepods were most abundant group among them. Fish fauna are pre-eminent by cypriniforms with Puntius sps. (43.5%). Diversity analysis showed that the maximum diversity was recorded in the post monsoon months in station l after the environmental disturbance like flood. The input of nutrients resulting from agricultural practices elevates primary productivity and alters the structure of invertebrates communities. The hydro biological parameters of water were also studied Key words: Kole wetlands, Plankton, Benthic fauna, Fish fauna Introduction Wetlands are houses of variety species of maintain ecology of aquatic system, make up microbes, plants, insects, amphibians, reptiles, bottom communities and used to determine fishes, birds and mammals. They can be thought to be 'biological supermarket' since environmental health (Tessy and Sreekumar, they are highly productive due to 2008). Similarly zooplankton supports the accumulation of nutrients and high water microbial community through the table. Among them Kole lands are regarded regeneration of nitrogen in its excretion to as rice granaries of Kerala. They are water support bacterial and phytoplankton lodged, paddy cultivation areas in Kerala production, which colonize fecal pellets such as Kuttanad and Kaipad (Jayan and making rich source of organic carbon for Sathyanathan, 2010). detritus feeders. Due to its significant roles in nutrient translocation and organic matter The study analyzed different invertebrate decomposition they are considered key community structure in Kole paddy fields as component of rice field fertility. Since kole part of Vembanadu Kole wetlands, a Ramsar wetlands are distinguished for its high rice site. Invertebrates show fundamental link to production, even the term Kole in Malayalam means 'bumber yield' of high returns in case Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.207-212 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

208 Current status and challenges for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity of flood does not damage the crops. months from August to January. Samples Moreover, Kole wetlands promote life of birds and Pisces due to richest bottom colony. were collected from the intertidal zone of the These all strengthen the current study. fields by Quadrate method having area of 10m2. Study area Ten scoops of sediment samples were collected washed in the field itself through a The 'Kole lands, covering an area of sieve and preserved in formalin. Organisms 13,632ha. spread over Thrissur and were sorted into different taxonomical groups. Malappuram districts of Kerala, extending Plankton samples collected by using plankton from northern bank of Chalakkudy river in net. Pisces were collected by employing the south to southern bank of Bharathapuzha traditional methods. Depth was measured by river in the north. The area lies between lowering a graduated weighed rope until it 10°20' and 10°40N lattitudes and 75°11'E touched the bottom floor of the field. longitudes. They are from Velukkara in the Temperature was determined in the field south on the Chalakkudy river bank in itself using standard degree centigrade Mukundapuram Taluk (Taluk is an thermometer. pH measured by using pH administration division of India) and Tholur - meter. Dissolved oxygen was analyzed by Kaiparampa areas of Thrissur Taluk form the modified Winkler's method (Williams and Thrissur Kole and the contiguous area from Hynes, 1976). Carbon dioxide in water Chavakkad and choondal to Thavannur, samples analyzed by titration method by covering Chavakkad and Thalappally Taluk phenolphthalein as indicator. Water of Thrissur district and Ponnani Taluk of transparency was measured by using Sechi Malappuram district form the Ponnani Kole. disc. The total geographical area of Ponnani is estimated as 3,445ha. Of this 1,487ha. are Statistical analysis located in Thrissur district and 1,958ha. in Malappuram district. Abundance and relative abundance of observed fauna were analyzed. The indices of The Ponnani Kole lies in the Kanjiramukku species diversity such as Shannon - river basin. The Biyyam dam is situated at Wearver's index and Simpson index were the downstream end of the Kole lands which found by using appropriate equations. prevents the intrusion of sea water to the Kole lands. The area is normally flooded Results from June to January. Farmers hunted the fields, dewatered and raised rice in summer Average depth of the Kole paddy fields months. The main crop is 'punja' (summer maximum in station ll (1.68m) and minimum crop) arose during January to April. The in station lll (0.48). Atmospheric temperature study area Vadamukku is with an area of range being 34°c (September) to 29°C 86ha. is part of Ponnani Kole lies in between (December). Maximum water temperature Maranchery and Veliyamcode panchayath in recorded in January and September (31°c) Malappuram district. and minimum in December (28°c). The average pH was 6.5, almost close to neutral Materials and methods in most of the months. Lowest dissolved oxygen (0.85mg/L) recorded in October in A total of three stations (under seasonal station ll and maximum (6.6mg/L) in August paddy cultivation) were selected for monthly in station lll. Carbon dioxide concentration sampling study was carried out in wet was highest in October (2.5mg/L) in station ll Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.207-212 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

Study of abundance of diversity of Plankton, Benthic Fauna … 209 and minimum (1.0mg/L). Transparency of Ampullaridae (0.77%) and class Crustacea water ranged between 0.78m and 0.34m represented by Paleomonidae (0.04%) (Table (Table 1). 2). Plankton population represented by Moina (26%), Daphnia (9.9%), Mysis (2.2%), Maximum abundance of benthos observed in Nauplius (1.1%), Calanus (22%) and Copepods (24%) (Table 3). Fishes were get October and November and minimum in from only one station i.e. station 1. Fish fauna represented by 6 different species, January. The Benthic fauna in Maranchery Channa sps. (5.6%), Xenontodon sps. (7.2%), Puntius sps. (47%), Eteroplus sps. (36%), kole paddy fields belonged to 3 phyla Mystus sps. (1.1%) and Macrognathus sps. (0.15%) (Table 4). (Annelida, Arthropoda and Mollusca) and 4 Diversity analysis revealed that the highest classes (Oligocheata (57%), Insecta (43%), species richness (2.58) and Species diversity (1.94) in post monsoon months in station l Gastropoda (17%) and Crustacea (0.09%). and highest dominance in August (0.5). It lowers in January in case of benthic fauna. Class oligocheata represented by Naididae But the diversity analysis show slight opposite trend in case of plankton fauna, only. Class insecta consist of Odonata highest richness and diversity recorded in August and September (1.94 and 1.81). Fish (dragon flies and damsel flies) represented by fauna followed the same trend in diversity analysis (Table 5). chlorocyphidae, Libellulidae and Coenagrionidae; Hemiptera (True bugs) formed of Notonectidae and Aphelocheriidae; Coleoptera (aquatic beetles) represented by Dytiscidae, Gyrinidae and Hydrophilidae; Diptera (True flies) represented by Chironomidae, Culicidae and Ceratopogonidae. Order Diptera were most abundant (57%) group among the insects. The class Gastropoda represented by Table 1. Average value of hydro biological parameters of Maranchery Kole Wetland from August to January 2019-2020 Parameters Station l Station ll Station lll Depth (m) 0.75 1.68 0.48 Atmospheric temperature(oC) 32.1 31.3 30.2 Water temperature (oC) 28.6 30.3 30.5 pH 6.5 6.56 6.6 Dissolved oxygen (mg/L) 1.2 1.3 3.0 Carbon dioxide (mg/L) 1.3 1.7 1.8 Transparency (M) 0.34 0.78 0.68 Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.207-212 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

210 Current status and challenges for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity Table 2. Average value of abundance and relative abundance of benthic fauna of Maranchery Kole wetland from August to January 2019-2020 Sl Station I Station II Station III No Abund Relative Abund Relative Name of the group Abundance Relative ance abundance ance abundance abundance 1 Chlorocyphidae 36 2.1% 103 6% 78 2.7% 2 Libellulidae 42 2% 80 2.7% 60 2.5% 3 Coenagrionidae 45 1.7% 40 2.5% 72 2.6% 4 Notonectidae 125 9.9% 95 6.7% 80 2.6% 5 Aphelocheiriidae 50 1.4% 0 0 90 3.3% 6 Dytiscidae 97 4% 27 1.7% 40 1.4% 7 Gyrinidae 67 6% 27 1.5% 43 1.4% 8 Hydrophilidae 35 1.9% 32 1.6% 10 0.5% 9 Chironomidae 223 11% 133 8.6% 283 10% 10 Culicidae 370 12% 312 20% 200 8.2% 11 Ceratopogonidae 32 1.7% 93 5.9% 147 5.5% 12 Naididae 1750 54% 590 36% 1450 57% 13 Ampullaridae 22 1.3% 63 3.7% 48 2% 14 Paleomonidae 7 0.2% 0 0 0 0 15 Miscellaneous 25 0.6% 17 1.1% 10% 0.4% Table 3. Average value of abundance and relative abundance of plankton fauna of Maranchery Kole wetland from August to January 2019-2020 Sl Name of the Station i Station ii Station iii NO group Abund Relative Abund Relative Abund Relative ance abundance ance abundance ance abundance 1 Moina 17,833 34% 11,233 21% 8,300 23% 2 Daphnia 10,067 13% 4,833 8.8% 2,767 8% 3 Mysis 4,733 5% 933 1.7% 0 0 4 Nauplius 1,600 2% 633 1.3% 0 0 5 Calanus 13,633 19.6% 9,066 23% 8,400 24% 6 Copepod 17,166 15.5% 9,900 25% 10,533 30% 7 Miscellaneous 5,433 7.6% 9,133 17% 5,300 15% Table 4. Average value of abundance and relative abundance of fish fauna of Maranchery Kole wetland from August to January 2019-2020 Sl no Name of the group Abundance Station i 87 Relative abundance 1 Channa punctata 155 5.6% 2 Xenontodon cancila 612 7.2% 3 Puntius dorsalis 513 47% 4 Eteroplas maculatus 20 36% 5 Mystus cavasius 10 1.1% 6 Macrognathus guentheri 0.5% Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.207-212 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

Study of abundance of diversity of Plankton, Benthic Fauna … 211 Table 5. Average value of diversity indices of total faunal groups of Maranchery kole wetlands from August to January 2019-2020 BENTHIC FAUNA Indices Shannon (H) Richness Eveness Simpson (D) Dominance index Station I 1.57 0.63 Station II 1.85 2.41 0.64 0.35 0.70 Station III 1.89 0.65 2.44 0.75 0.28 Indices Shannon (H) Dominance index Station l 1.38 2.38 0.65 0.34 0.76 Station ll 1.26 0.69 Station lll 1.28 PLANKTON FAUNA 0.70 Indices Shannon (H) Richness Eveness Simpson (D) Dominance index Station l 1.22 0.61 1.77 0.85 0.22 1.6 0.79 0.29 1.47 0.86 0.28 FISH FAUNA Richness Eveness Simpson (D) 1.56 0.73 0.37 Discussion gastropod molluscs in littoral areas rich in aquatic vegetation where as Oligocheates and Maranchery kole wetlands are the important Dipterans dominate in organically rich fresh water ecosystem in terms of their habitats. Crustaceans are the minor group in Productivity. Since it is paddy fields, Maranchery Kole wetlands, represented by wetlands undergo continues environmental Paleomonidae in station l only. Zooplanktons modifications due to climatical, biological contribute significantly to biological and anthropological activities. It changes production are more important contributes physico-chemical properties and biodiversity and modifiers of vertical flux of organic of the particular area. Benthic fauna belongs matter to depth and play a crucial role in to 4 classes and major portion dominated by modeling the carbon dioxide dynamics of the class Oligocheata. It show important role in system. Kole wetlands were flooded in nutrient translocation. Similar studies in Kole monsoon provides breeding season for fishes lands reported the dominance of and some other organisms. Hence, the Oligocheates during wet seasons. abundance and diversity maximum in Oligocheates followed by class Insecta monsoon months. The composition of represented by 12 families. Among them benthic fauna showed that insect larvae were Chironomidae and Culicidae were dominated. the most abundant in the wetlands. They are capable of surviving in dry and wet Lupy et al., (2003) recorded 23 insect conditions by specific mechanisms such as families from Italian rice fields. The diapausing eggs (Oligocheates), formation of vegetative and reproducing growth stages of resistant nymph (Odonata), recolonizing rice plant such as tillering, booting and adults (Hemiptera), semiterrastrial pupae flowering stages attract a variety of formation, burrowing adults (Coleoptera) and phytophagous insects (Bambaradeniya, et al., adults forming a protective epiphragm of 2006). Gastropoda formed the third largest dried mucus across shell opening component of benthic fauna in the (Gastropoda). Earlier studies states that in Maranchery kole wetlands. Previous studies temporary waters, the water level fluctuations show that the benthos is dominated by Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.207-212 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

212 Current status and challenges for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity cause less severe impacts as the fauna is Bijoy Nandan, S. and Abdul Aziz, P.K, already stressed by harsher environmental 1995b. Fish mortality from Anoxia and conditions caused by the drying out process Sulphide pollution. Human ecology., 6(2): whereas in stable environment the fauna are 97 – 104. less adapted to fluctuations resulting in more severe impacts (Lupy et al., 2013). The Edirisinghe, J.P., and Bambaradeniya, C.N.B. yearly modification of these wetlands for 2006. Rice fields on ecosystem rich in agricultural purpose would have made the biodiversity, Journal of National Science fauna adapted to wide range of Foundation Sri Lanka., 34: 57-59. environmental conditions. Jayan, P.R. and Sathyanatha, N. 2010. Over Conclusion view of farming practices in the water – lodged areas of Kerala, India. International Maranchery wetlands offers excellent Journal of Agriculture and Biological example of macrophytes density, diversity Engineering., 3(4): 211-215 and offering a rich variety of food, shelter, nesting and roosting site for migratory birds, Lupy, D., Rocco, A. and Rossaro, B. 2013. fishes and insect communities. Integrated Benthic macro invertebrates in Italian rice paddy cum fish farming practice has to be fields, Journal of Limnology, 72(1): 184- 200. encouraged depending on various phases and seasons. The Governmental and non- Tessy, P.P. and Sreekumar, R. 2008. Report governmental organization should commence on the pollution algae from the Thrissur kole effective action in this direction. A high wetland (part of Vembanadu kole, Ramsar diversity of insects (especially larval forms) site), Kerala, Environment and Pollution was observed during the study. Each insect Technology, Techno science publications., larvae with its own specific emergence time, 7(2): 311- 314. assures that food is available to the fish throughout the year. The application of Williams, D.D. and Hynes. 1976. The re- pesticides and herbicides in the paddy fields colonization mechanisms of stream benthos. cause rapid changes in water quality, lead to Oikos., 27: 265-272. decline fish population and may lead to biomagnification. Should promote organic farming for cost effective and economical paddy cultivation. Dumping of solid wastes like plastic bottles, pesticide bottles and nearby household wastes was observed in wetlands. It may disturb the aquatic fauna and cause deleterious effect in decomposition also. Increasing public awareness for halting environmental degradation. References Bambaradeniya, C.N.B., Fonseka, K.T. and Ambagahawatte, C.L. 2006. A priliminary study of fauna and Flora of a rice fields in Kandy Srilanka. Ceylon journal of science (Biological Science)., 25: 1- 22. Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.207-212 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

Ecology and diversity of Brachionidae in Enamakkal lake in Thrissur district, Kerala 213 ISBN 978-93-5396-871-7 CHAPTER 33 ECOLOGY AND DIVERSITY OF BRACHIONIDAE IN ENAMAKKAL LAKE IN THRISSUR DISTRICT, KERALA. Meharban M P and Vimala K John Research and Post graduate Department of Zoology St. Thomas’ College (Autonomous), Thrissur-1, Kerala Correspondence E-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT Zooplanktons occupy the central ecological position in the aquatic food web. They are known as staple food item of fishes especially the larvae of fishes. The Brachionidae Family belongs to rotifers which are among the major groups of zooplankton. The present investigation was carried out in Enamakkallake (Lat. 10.5059°N and Long. 76.0848° E) at Thrissur District, Kerala. The physico-chemical characteristics and Brachionidae diversity were studied for a period of one year from October-2018 to September-2019. The population of Brachionidae was significantly correlated with various physico-chemical parameters. In pre monsoon and post monsoon B. rotundiformis and B.plicatilis were the abundant species. In monsoon the diversity of Brachionidae was greater than that of pre monsoon and post monsoon. Key words: Rotifera, Brachionidae, population, Biodiversity, physic-chemical parameter Introduction The most well-known are the brackish water species of the Brachionus plicatilis complex, Brachionidae, an important family of which are important as a primary live food monogonont Rotifera and of the rotifer fauna source for commercial fish and shrimp of India (Sharma, 1996, 1998a; Sharma and larvae, and are therefore extensively used in Sharma 2008, 2014). The occurrence of aquaculture (Lubzens et al., 2001). Estuarine rotifers is affected by the complex rotifer fauna constitutes a predominant interactions of various physical, chemical, portion of zooplankton during certain seasons geographical, biological and ecological (Nair et al.,1984). Anitha and Rani, 2016 parameters. All these factors play an reported 22 species of Brachionidae from two important role in the formation of rotifer low- saline backwaters of Kerala. The assemblages and their seasonal occurrence present study describes quantitative but the ultimate effect is produced due to abundance, diversity, periodic occurrence of interplay and interaction of all these factors Brachionidae and evaluate its relation with (Hulyal and Kaliwal, 2008). The richness of environmental parameters from Enamakkal Brachionidae and Brachionus from different area of Thrissur district, Kerala. parts of India varies between 7-32 (19±6 ) species and 5-18 (11±4) species, respectively Materials and Methods (Sharma and Sharma 2014). Nayar and Nair, 1968 dealt with 15 species of rotifers Water samples are collected from the lake on belonging to the family Brachionidae, a temporal basis from October-2018 to collected from different localities in Kerala. September-2019. The water sample is Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.213-218 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

214 Current status and challenges for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity assessed for various physico-chemical rotifers were done using PAST software. The parameters such as water temperature, nature and extent to which rotifers are related dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity in accordance to the environmental parameters is estimated with the standard protocol as described by through descriptive statistical analysis. APHA. For the analysis of Brachionid rotifers, zooplankton is collected from water Study Area on a temporal basis using plankton net of 105 micron. It is then preserved in 4% Enamakkal lake is a backwater lake situated formaldehyde and identified using standard at enamakkal of Thrissur district in Kerala key and literature. Counting of rotifers was and is a part of Vembanad Kole Wetlands. done using Sedgewick rafter plankton The lake covers about 25 Km2. It lies at a counting chamber. The evaluation of species Latitude 10.50590 North and Longitude richness, Shannon diversity and abundance of 76.08480 East (Map 1). Study area (Map 1) with sampling locations Result and Discussion 7.38±1.195.Changes in the salinity are due to monsoon and freshwater influx from land run A distinct temporal heterogeneity in various off. The pH was observed with an average physico-chemical parameters was observed value 7.7±0.53 which was lower than that of (Table 1). In monsoon, DO was higher than pre monsoon and post monsoon (Figure 3). in pre monsoon and post monsoon with value Seasonal changes in pH is attributed to 9.08±0.98mg/l (Figure 1) due to the effect of factors like reduction of salinity, temperature, temperature and salinity on oxygen dilution of sea water by fresh water influx, dissolution. Also, higher DO might be due to removal of CO2 by photosynthesis, low cumulative effect of higher wind velocity primary productivity and decomposition of joined with heavy rainfall (Das et al., 1997). organic material (Karuppasamy and Perumal, 2000; Rajasegar, 2003). In summer, the water The salinity value in monsoon was as low as temperature was high with an average value 0.4875±0.083mg/l and in pre monsoon as 31.7±0.075 which is due to high solar high as 18.7±0.4 (Figure 2). The post radiation (Figure 4). monsoon value was intermediate with a value Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.213-218 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

Ecology and diversity of Brachionidae in Enamakkal lake in Thrissur district, Kerala 215 Table 1. Physico- Chemical Parameters in different seasons Parameters Premonsoon Monsoon Post monsoon Dissolved oxygen 8.23±0.81 9.08±0.98 8±0.86 pH 7.85±0.13 7.7±0.53 7.86±0.2 Salinity 18.7±0.4 0.48±0.8 7.38±1.19 Water temperature 31.7±.07 29.01±0.15 28.46±0.11 Dissolved Oxygen in different seasons Salinity in different seasons 12 25 10 20 DO in mg/l 8 Salinity in mg/l 15 6 10 4 2 5 0 0 Pre monsoon Monsoon Post -5 Pre Monsoon Post Seasons monsoon monsoon Seasons monsoon Fig. 1 Dissolved O2 in different seasons Fig. 2 Salinity in different seasons pH in different seasons Water temperature in different seasons 9 pH8 Temperature in degree33 7 celsius 32 6 31 5 30 4 29 3 28 2 27 1 26 0 25 Pre monsoon Monsoon Post monsoon Pre Monsoon Post Seasons monsoon monsoon Seasons Fig. 3 pH in different seasons Fig. 4 Temperature in different seasons Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.213-218 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

216 Current status and challenges for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity Table 2. Diversity of Brachionidae in Different Seasons Diversity Premonsoon Monsoon Post monsoon Shannon diversity 0.4569 1.793 0.6881 Abundance 627 445 349 Species richness 2 15 2 Table 3. Correlation (r value) Between Parameters and Diversity of Brachionidae PARAMETERS Abundance Species richness Shannon diversity Dissolved Oxygen 0 0.984 0.944 pH 0.12 -0.99 -0.97 Salinity 0.74 -0.78 -0.87 Water Temperature 0.98 -0.35 -0.5 Fig.5 Seasonal variation in the diversity of Brachionidae Seasonal variation in the diversity of Brachionidae 100% 0.6881 2 349 90% 445 80% 1.793 15 70% 627 60% 0.4569 2 Abundance 50% Shannon diversity Species richness 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Pre monsoon Monsoon Post monsoon Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.213-218 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

Ecology and diversity of Brachionidae in Enamakkal lake in Thrissur district, Kerala 217 The Shannon diversity and species richness Das, J., Das, S.N. and Sahoo, R.K. 1997. showed significant positive correlation with Semidiurnal variation of some physico- DO as is evident from the r values 0.94 and chemical parameters in the Mahanadi 0.95 respectively (Table 2 and 3). Abundance estuary, East coast of India. Indian of Brachionidae was high in pre monsoon J.Mar.Sci., 26: 323-326. with 627 individuals/50 litre. Similar observation of zooplankton was reported by Hulyal, S.B. and Kaliwal, B.B. 2008. Water the earlier workers (Karuppasamy and quality assessment of Almatti Reservoir of Perumal, 2000; Perumal et al., 2008). Post Bijapur (Karnataka State, India) with special monsoon abundance was low compared to reference to zooplankton. Environmental other seasons with a value of 349 monitoring and assessment., 139: 299-306. individuals/50 litre. The two species represented in pre monsoon and post Karuppasamy, P.K. and Perumal, 2000. monsoon were Brachionus plicatilis and Biodiversity of zooplankton at Pichavaram Brachionus rotundiformis and their mangroves, South India. Adv. Biosci., 19: 23- abundance was very high in these seasons. 32. The abundance was positively correlated with pH, salinity, water temperature with r Lubzens, E., Zmora, O. and Barr, Y. 2001. values 0.12, 0.74, 0.98 respectively while Biotechnology and aquaculture of rotifers. species richness and Shannon diversity were Hydrobiologia., 446/447: 337-353. negatively correlated with pH, salinity and temperature. The diversity and species Nair, N. B., Arunachalam, M., Abdul Aziz, richness were maximum in monsoon with P.K., Krishna Kumar, K. and Dharmaraj, K. Shannon H value 1.793 and species richness 1984. Ecology of Indian Estuaries: value 15. The high observed high diversity Distribution and seasonal variation of and low abundance in monsoon might be due zooplankton in the Ashtamudi estuary. to low salinity as evident from the r value Proceedings of the Indian Academy of (0.788) between Shannon diversity and Sciences (Animal science), 96: 573-584. salinity. In the present investigation, the increase or decrease of environmental Nayar, C.K.G. 1968. Rotifer fauna of parameters exerts either a direct or an Rajasthan. Hydrobiologia., 31:168-185. indirect effect on abundance and diversity of Brachionidae. Rajasegar, M. 2003. Physico-chemical characteristics of the Vellar estuary in References relation to shrimp farming. J. Environ.Biol., 24: 95-101. Anitha, P. S. and Rani, M.G. 2016. Contributions to the rotifer fauna of Kerala Sharma, B. K. 1996. Biodiversity of (India) with two new records and remarks on Freshwater Rotifera in India - a status report. some species. International journal of Fauna Proceedings of the Zoological Society, and Biological sciences, 3(3): 113-118. Calcutta, 49:73-85. Sharma B. K. 2014. Rotifers (Rotifera: Eurotatoria) from wetlands of Majuli – the largest river island, the Brahmaputra river Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.213-218 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

218 Current status and challenges for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity basin of upper Assam, northeast India. Check List, 10(2): 292-298. Sharma, S. and Sharma, B.K. 2008. Zooplankton diversity in floodplain lakes of Assam. Records of the Zoological Survey of India, Occasional Paper, No. 290: 1-307+28 plates. Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.213-218 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

Seasonal diversity of soil microarthropods in rubber plantation, Panachivila, Anchal 219 ISBN 978-93-5396-871-7 CHAPTER 34 SEASONAL DIVERSITY OF SOIL MICROARTHROPODS IN RUBBER PLANTATION, PANACHIVILA, ANCHAL Shyamily S*, Nimmy Jose, Shambu S, SincyAmala Prasad and Nisha Thomas *Department of Zoology, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala *Correspondence Email: [email protected] ABSTRACT Soil is one of the most diverse natural habitats with a dynamic ecosystem. Soil microarthropods form an important part of the habitat and play an integral role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. The present study was conducted to study the seasonality of the soil microarthropods in the rubber plantation of Panachivila, Anchal (8 54 ‘0”N 76 54’0” E). Soil sample was collected for all seasons during the one year study period (March 2017 to February 2018). Microarthropods were extracted using Berlese Tullgren funnel and were collected, identified and sorted using identification keys and binocular stereo microscope and binocular dissecting microscope. Nine orders of microarthropods were identified and the order Collembola, Acari, Hymenoptera, Diplopoda, and Isopoda were the dominant and abundant groups in all rubber plantations. The highest populations of soil arthropods were found in post monsoon and monsoon seasons, lowest in summer season. From this study found that the rubber plantation sites had moderate soil arthropod diversity. Key words: Microarthropods, Rubber plantations, Soil, Diversity Introduction and litter micro-arthropods has been readily recognized as an area of particular concern Soil is one of the essential and natural because they are ubiquitous, abundant and habitats of biodiversity. Soil fauna constitutes diverse ranging from natural to degraded 23% of total diversity of living organisms ecosystem (Mukharji and Singh, 1970; (Decaens et al., 2006). Rather than being an Sharon and Warburg, 2001). Soil micro- inert material, soil contain a dynamic arthropods are considered to be indicators of ecosystem. Microarthropods represents one the state of soil condition or health (Paolo et of the most complex groups of small al., 2010 and Rombke et al., 2006). The arthropods that plays a significant role in present study makes an attempt to estimate detritus food chain and food web by the diversity of soil microarthropods in regulating the rates of decomposition, rubber plantation in Panachivila, Anchal in nutrient cycling and energy flow in most Kollam district. terrestrial ecosystem. Ecological study of soil Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.219-222 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

220 Current status and challenges for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity Materials and methods (Haarlov,1947). Extracted micro arthropods The present investigations was carried out in were identified with the help of a binocular rubber plantation in Panachivila, Anchal (8 stereo microscope and used identification key 54 ‘0”N 76 54’0” E). Panachivila is a small (Kuhnlt, 1961 and Wallwork 1970). After the village in Anchal Block in Kollam District of organisms were extracted and collected, they Kerala State, India. Small scale agriculture is were sorted. This was done under a binocular done in the populated regions. It is dissecting microscope. The individual predominantly a plantation township. In numbers of species were counted. K addition to rubber cultivation, tapioca, Dominance (Dominance plot is also called as ginger, and pepper are cultivated. the ranked species abundance plot. For each sample, or pooled set of samples, species are Sampling and Extraction ranked in decreased order of dominance) was also calculated. Soil samples were collected from 3 sites in rubber plantation. The sampling collection Results sites are divided into lower ( Sites 1), middle Nine orders of microarthropods were (Site 2) and upper elevation (site 3) having an identified from rubber plantations of area of 10 x 10 cm area, from the depth of Panachivila, Anchal during the study period 5cm randomly collected with soil auger from March 2017 to February 2018(Table 1). which are approximately 25cm apart from each other. As such, 108 samples (three from Table 1.Microarthropods identified each site) were collected during study period Sl.No Species (March 2017 – February 2018). Soil samples 1 Acari were collected in all seasons in the morning 2 Collembola hours (8.00 am to 10.00 am)in mid week of 3 Protura the each month. Collected soil samples 4 Diplura placed into a 15x25 cm tray and hand sorted 5 Symphyla to collect large soil micro arthropods. Remaining soil samples were transferred to 6 Thysanoptera the Berlese Tullgren funnel for soil 7 Orthoptera arthropods extraction (Hopkins, 1970; Frith 8 Diplopoda and Frith, 1990;Ioba and Ekrakene, 2008). 9 Pauropoda The soil micro arthropods were extracted overnight into a picric acid medium Table 2. K dominance of plantation soil in different seasons Site1 Pre monsoon Monsoon Post monsoon winter Site2 Coleoptera Collembola Collembola Acari Site3 Diplopoda Collembola Acari Acari Diplopoda Hymenoptera Acari Acari Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.219-222 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

Seasonal diversity of soil microarthropods in rubber plantation, Panachivila, Anchal 221 The order Collembola, Acari, Hymenoptera, monsoon and monsoon seasons had Diplopoda and Isopoda were the dominant maximum richness, diversity, abundance, and and abundant groups in all rubber plantations. evenness but showed minimum in summer Seasonality exerted a strong effect on the season. From this study found that the rubber abundance and diversity of rubber plantation plantation sites had moderate soil arthropod arthropods. The highest populations of soil diversity. arthropods were found in post monsoon and monsoon seasons, lowest in summer season Conclusion (Table 2). Soil microarthropods form an important part Discussion of the habitat and play an integral role in maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Soil temperature influences the distribution The present study was conducted to study the of soil animals, as temperature increases soil seasonality of the soil microarthropods in the microarthropods population decreases, rubber plantation of Panachivila, Anchal. because the temperature directly affects the Microarthropods were extracted using rate of physiological reactions and indirectly Berlese Tullgren funnel and were collected, affects on the soil biological activities then identified and sorted using identification keys the soil animals migrate into the deeper layer and binocular stereo microscope and of the soil profile (Swift et al., 1979). Good binocular dissecting microscope. habitat condition, higher the diversity index and the worse habitat condition lower the Reference diversity index of soil arthropods. The diversity of soil animal groups in surface soil Decaens,T., Jimmenez, J.J., Measey, G.J and is abundant and decreases with the increasing Lauelle, P. 2006. The value of soil animals depth of soil profiles. From this study order for conservation biology. European Journal Collembola, Diplopoda were more in number of Soil – Biology., 42, S23-S38. during wet season. Collembola were more in number in monsoon periods due to the high Harlov, N. 1955. Vertical distribution of moisture content in the soil. Order mites and collembolan in relation to soil Collembola considered as biological culture, In Kevan (ed). Soil zoology. regulators, they help to increase soil Butterworths Scientpubl., 167-178. respiration and also accelerate nitrogen mineralization (Kaneda and Kaneko, 2008). Kaneda, S. and Kaneko, N. 2008. Collembola Among the soil arthropods, Acari and feeding on soil affect carbon and nitrogen Collembola are the most abundant and mineralization by their influence on dominant groups in soil- litter sub system microbial and nematode activities. play an important role in sustaining forest Boil.Fertility Soils, 4:435-442. ecosystem by maintaining the edaphic factors through decomposition and mineralization of Kuhnelt, W. 1961. Soil Biology key. Nate leaf litter. During the study period post book, Pub. Society .USA., 310 pp. Sharon, P., Degant,G. and Warburg, M. 2001. Compairing the soil macro fauna in the Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.219-222 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

222 Current status and challenges for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity two oak wood forests: does community structure differ under similar condition. Pedobiologia. 45:355-356. Swift, N.E. and Eggleton, P. 1992. Invertebrates as determinants and indicators of soil quality. American Journal of Alternative Agriculture. 7:38-45. Wallwork, J.A. 1970. Ecology of soil animals. McGraw Hill Publisher, London 2883 pp. Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.219-222 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

ISBN 978-93-5396-871-7 CHAPTER 35 STUDY ON PHYLLOPLANE MICRO FUNGI IN SOME PLANTS AT AYIRAVALLI SACRED GROVE, PARAVOOR, KERALA Athira Vijayan and Ratheesh N* Department of Botany Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala Correspondence E-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT The sacredness is the religious beliefs and taboos play a significant role in promoting sustainable utilization and conservation of flora and fauna of the region. In the present investigation 25 different plants selected from the Ayiravilli Sacred Grove, Paravoor, Kollam and the leaf samples were screened for the presence of phylloplane fungi. The investigation was performed using the leaf samples collected from the plants from five different plots. The leaf samples were made into segments of 1 cm length including the midrib region using a sterile knife and surface sterilized leaf samples. The treated segments were then inoculated in petridishes containing PDA medium. After some days of inoculation fungal colonies begin to develop. The fungal colonies were identified. Identification was based on the morphology and colony characteristics with the help of standard manuals. 25 species of plants belongs to 19 plant families dominant in the study area. 15 phylloplane fungal species were isolated and identified from the study. Among these the genus Fusarium is represented by three species namely F. fusaroides, F. moniliforme and F.oxysporum. The genus Aspergillus represented two species A. niger and A. flavens. The fungal genera such as Cephalosporium, Phomopsis, Dendrophoma, Phoma, Trichoderma harzianum, Alternaria alternata, Cladosporium cladosporoides, Curvularia lunata, Penicillium expansum and Thielaviasps. are also found. All the isolated phylloplane fungal genera belonged to division Ascomycota.Colonisation frequency of the fungal genera were detected to determine the frequency of micro fungi in phylloplane in the study area. The maximum colonization frequency obtained for Trichoderma harzianum in Ravoulfia serpentina, Alternaria alternate in Mangifera indica, and Thielavia sp. Key words: Sacred grove, Phylloplane, Fungi , Colonization Introduction ecosystem services (Amrithalingam, 2016). The Sacred Groves in Kerala are locally The Sacred Groves can be justly described as known as AyyappanKavu or SasthamKavu, the lungs of the country. The Sacred Groves Bhagavathi Kavu or Amman Kavu, are inextricably linked with the cultural and Vanadevatha and Cheema or Cheerumba economic life of the local communities. depending upon the ownership and the deities Sacred grove act as a functional link between to whom these groves are dedicated. A total forest management system and social life of a of 644 Sacred Groves have been documented region (Boraiah, et al., 2003). They provide so far in Kerala. A wide variety of life forms an invaluable gene pool, conserve that are present in the groves include viruses, biodiversity, helps in soil and water bacteria, actinomycetes, fungi, algae, conservation and thereby contribute to protozoa, arthropods, earthworms and Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.223-228 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

224 Current status and challenges for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity millipedes. Among them microorganisms are institute and an auditorium that makes the present in large numbers and involve in basic spot quite popular among the public. ecosystem process such as the biogeochemical cycles and food chains, For the present investigation leaf samples bioleaching of metals, etc. Among these, were collected from plants present in the microorganisms especially micro fungus play sample plots, which are marked randomly. a vital role in the nutrient cycle and soil Five sample plots were marked in the Grove stability. area with a dimension of 2m x 2m. Fresh and healthy leaf samples of selected plants The association of fungi and plants is ancient from sample plots were collected in sterile and involves many different groups. They are polythene bags and immediately brought to an important group of plant pathogens. the laboratory with utmost care and kept in Phylloplane fungi are the mycota growing on room temperature for further experiments. In the surface of leaves (Prabakaran, et al., the laboratory, leaf samples were washed and 2011). The phylloplane considered as the surface sterilized and then brought to hostile environment for microbial growth. Laminar air flow hood for inoculation in Phylloplane micro flora plays an important sterile PDA media. After the sterilization 15- role affecting the plant microbe interactions 20 ml of the sterile medium was poured into in leaf surface and there by contribute sterile petri plates in sterile environment significantly for beneficial plant growth and using laminar air flow hood. It was kept disease suppression. Most investigation over overnight to solidify the medium. After looked the importance of fungal diversity of solidification it can be used for isolation of sacred grove, which are responsible for the micro fungi. The leaves were cut into small species richness of sacred grove. The studies segments of about 1 cm including mid-rib of pathogenic and phylloplane microfungi in portion using a sterile blade. For the isolation relation to sacred grove is being rare. In these of phylloplane fungi the leaf segments were circumstances the present investigation was rinsed in sterile distilled water for three to undertaken to fulfill the lacuna of diversity of four times. Five leaf segments were placed in phylloplane and pathogenic microfungi in a each petri plate containing PDA medium sacred grove at Southern Kerala. using sterile forceps and labelled. All the plates prepared were placed in incubation Materials and Methods room with ambient light and temperature for 7-8 days. Study area: The Ayiravalli Kavu located 3 km from Paravoor, Kollam District has been After three days of incubation, the fungal hailed for its religious as well as geographical colonies were counted for individual species significance. The total area spans around 4.5 and the total number was enumerated. acres and includes a Temple and its Microscopic slides stained with lacto phenol associated buildings. The Temple worships cotton blue were prepared for each fungal Lord Shiva (Ayiravillan). The Sacred Grove colony and observed under microscope. forest surrounding the temple has an area of Identification was based on morphological 2.5 acres. The Kavu is also known for the characteristics such as growth pattern, abundance of Ayurvedic and Medicinal hyphae, color of colony in the medium, plants like Kurunthotti, Vathamkolli, surface texture, margin character, aerial Thakara, Ponthakara, etc. Water birds are mycelium, mechanism of spore production also found in this region. There are numerous and characteristics of the spore (Barnett and institutions like a school, technical education Hunter, 1956).Colonization frequency was Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.223-228 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

Study on phylloplane micro fungi in some plants at Ayiravalli sacred grove, Paravoor, Kerala 225 calculated as described by Suryanarayan et Cladosporium cladosporoides, Curvularia al. (2003). lunata, Penicillium expansum and Thielavia sps. are also found. All the isolated Results and Discussion phylloplane fungal genera belonged to division Ascomycota. In the present investigation 25 species of All the samples contain at least one plants belongs to 19 plant families dominant phylloplane fungi. Some of the samples contain two genera and some are exclusive to in the study area (Table.1). A total of 15 leaf only one host. Colonisation frequency of the fungal genera were detected to determine the segments (3 replica plates from each plant) of frequency of micro fungi in phylloplane in the study area. The maximum colonization the randomly selected species from the study frequency obtained for Trichoderma harzianum in Ravoulfia serpentina which is plots of the Grove were screened for the about 40 %. This fungus is exclusive to that host only. Similarly Aternaria alternata and isolation and identification of phylloplane Thielavia sps. have also 40% colonization frequency but they are present in two hosts. fungi. 15 phylloplane fungal species were Penicillium expansum have only 6.66% frequency in Ficus benghalensis. isolated and identified from the study. Among these the genus Fusarium is represented by three species namely F. fusaroides, F. moniliforme and F. oxysporum. The genus Aspergillus represented two specis A. niger and A. flavens. The fungal genera such as Cephalosporium, Phomopsis, Dendrophoma, Phoma, Trichoderma harzianum, Alternaria alternata, Table. 1. Phylloplane fungal species isolated and identified from plants present in Grove Sl. Plant species Fungal species Percentage No Colonisation 26.66 1 Chassalia parviflora Fusarium fusaroides 26.66 13.33 2 Azadirachta indica Aspergillus niger, 20 Penicillium expansum 13.33 20 3 Dregea volublis Thielavia sp. 13.33 26.66 4 Alstonias cholaris Fusarium fusaroides 20 13.33 5 Saraca asoca Fusarium moniliforme, 40 F.oxysporum 20 26.66 6 Adenanthera pavonina Phoma sp. 33.33 26.66 7 Ficus religiosa F.moniliforme 26.66 33.33 8 Cassia fistula Aspergillus flavus 13.33 20 9 Piper nigrum Thielavia sp. 10 Justicia adathoda Cladosporium cladosporioides 11 Teminalia catapa Dendrophoma sp. 12 Cinnamomum sp. Fusarium oxysporum 13 Mimusop selengi Curvulari a lunata 14 Hopeapurvi flora Cephalosporium sp. 15 Cassia angustifolia Aspergillu s flavus 16 Pothos scandens Phoma sp. 17 Glycosmis pentaphylla Phomopsis sp. Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.223-228 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

226 Current status and challenges for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity Sl. No Plant species Fungal species Percentage 18 Colonisation 19 Ocimum sanctum Alternaria alternate 20 20 Aegle marmelos Cladosporium cladosporioides 26.66 Calotropi sgiganteum Fusarium moniliforme 26.66 21 Phoma sp. 13.33 Ficus benghalensis Cladosporium cladosporioides 13.33 22 Penicillium expansum 40 23 Rauvoulfia serpentina Trichoderm aharzianum 40% 24 Ixora coccenea Aspergillus flavus 33.33% 25 Myristica fragrans Curvularia lunata 13.33% Mangifera indica Alternaria alternata 40% In the present study a total of 10 colonies Trichoderma harzianum species exclusively were obtained for the fungi Aspergillus flavus represented 6 colonies in Ravoulfia from to hosts such as Cassia angustifolia and serpentina. There is 7 colonies for Fusarium Ixora coccenea. Thielavia sp. obtained 9 moniliforme, F.oxysporum from two hosts colonies from Dregeavo lublis and Piper and 6 colonies for Curvularia lunata. The nigrum and Alternaria alternata also have 9 minimum number of colonies obtained for colonies from the two hosts namely Ocimum Penicillium expansum in Ficus benghalensis. sanctum and Mangifera indica. But the Fig. 1. Graphical representation of percent colonization of phylloplane microfungi in the study area Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.223-228 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

Study on phylloplane micro fungi in some plants at Ayiravalli sacred grove, Paravoor, Kerala 227 In the present study, a mean number of 10 most inhospitable niche in both physical and colonies were obtained for the fungi chemical terms for fungi (Manocharachary, Aspergillus flavens from to hosts such as 2005). Leaf spotting fungi of Kerala was Cassia angusti folia and Ixora coccenea. studied and reported by several workers Thielavia sp. obtained 9 colonies from which includes most of the species identified Dregeavo lublis and Piper nigrum and but data are scant on sacred grove fungal Alternaria alternata also have 9 colonies studies. A detailed survey revealed a rich from the two hosts namely Ocimum sanctum flora of plant pathogenic fungi harboring the and Mangifera indica. But the Trichoderm plants in different ecosystems of Western aharzianum species exclusively represented 6 Ghats (Mohanan, 2003). Study on endophytic colonies in Ravoulfia serpentina. There are 7 fungi on tropical plants found that reducing colonies for Fusarium moniliforme, the size and increasing the number of leaf F.oxysporum from two hosts and 6 colonies fragments will increase the number of fungal for Curvularia lunata. The minimum number species isolated. Literature survey clearly of colonies obtained for Penicillium indicates that the study on fungal diversity of expansum in Ficus benghalensis.A total Sacred Groveswas a totally unexplored area number of 25 plants selected from the study and hence add new information to science area and 15 phylloplane micro fungal genera (Saira George et al., 2018).Some medicinal were isolated from these plants. Among these plants such as Azadirachta indica, certain genera found in different hosts and Saracaasoca, Justicia adathoda, Ocimum certain genera only found in one host. sanctum, Aegle marmelos, Rauolfia Cephalosporium sp. only found in Hopea serpentina, Myristica fragrans also included purviflora, Aspergillus niger in Azadirachta for the study. Aspergillus niger and indica, Phomopsis sp. in Glycosmis Penicillium expansum obtained from pentaphylla, Phoma sp. in Ficus A.indica. Fusarium moniliforme and benghalensis, Trichoderma harzianum in F.oxysporum obtained from Saracaasoca. Ravoulfia serpentina, Cladosporium Phylloplane communities may be similar on cladosporoides in Ficus benghalensis and different plants such as mangrove plants, Dendrophoma sp. in Terminalia catappa tree. terrestrial and non-marine plants. The These are the fungi only found in one host frequency of fungal species differed and among these the percentage of significantly between the wet and dry season. colonization is high in Trichoderma The number fungi and frequency of harzianum which is 60%. colonization. All the fungal species obtained from the study belonging to the Ascomycota Sacred Groves provide unique habitat where division is in agreement with Last and abundant species of fungi can be sustained Deighton (1965) in which they mention that and thereby play an important role in leaf surface forms a host to diverse microbial conservation of fungi ( Brown et al., 2006). population which mainly includes fungi and The number of fungi reported in India bacteria. Fungi are major components of exceeds 27000 species the largest biotic phylloplane microbiota (Gazis and Chaverri, community after insects (Sarbhoy, et al., 2010). Only a few studies have been carried 1996). Tropical climate of Kerala is very out on phylloplane fungi associated with congenial for luxuriant growth of fungi. sacred groves. In the present study the higher Silent valley forests in Kerala have a rich and number of colonization frequency was most diverse species composition obtained for Trichoderma harzianum in a (Subramanian, 1986). Leaves form suitable medicinal plant Ravoulfia serpentina. The substrate for many fungi. The leaf surface is a Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.223-228 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

228 Current status and challenges for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity species Dendrophoma obtained from the Last, F.T. and Deighton, F.C. 1965. The non Indian almond tree. In a previous study parasiticmicroflora on the surfaces of living phylloplane fungi such as Fusarium species leaves. Trans.Brit.Mycol.Soc., 48:83-99. and some sterile fungi had been recorded in the leaves of Azadirachta indica (Rajagopal Manoharachary, C. 2005. Biodiversity and Suryanarayan, 2000 ). conservervation and biotechnology, Presidential address,Section – Botany, 89 th The present study reveals that despite the Session of Indian Science Congress., variation in physical, chemical and Lucknow, UP. phonological properties in the leaf types studied the species isolated were more or less Mohanan, C. 2003. Mycorrhizean forest similar or common. Further investigations on plantation:association ,diversity and the phylloplane fungal species associated exploitation in planting improvement. KFRI with the same host leaves at other sites or research report., 252. during different seasons and increased sampling efforts could yield more fungal taxa Prabhakaran, M., Merinal, S. and and could further clarify the effect of host Paneerselvam, A. 2011. Investigation of leaf on the fungal properties. phylloplnemycoflora from some medicinal plants. European Journal of Experimental References Biology., 1(2):219-225. Amirthalingam, M. 2016. Sacred groves of Rajagopal, K. and Suryanarayanan, T.S. India – An overview. International Journal of 2000. Isolation of endophytic fungi from Current Researches and Bioscience. Plant leaves of Neem (AzadirachtaindicaA.Juss). Biology., 3(4):64-74. Curr.Sci.,78:1375-1378. Barnett, Barry, B. and Hunter. 1998. Saira George, N., Justin, R., Nayagam and Illustrated genera of imperfect fungi.Fourth Mani Varghese, K.I. 2018. Sacred Groves: edition. APS Press, Minnesota. 324p Treasure house of leaf spotting fungi and soil fungi. Research Journal of Life Sciences, Boraiah, K.T., Vasudeva, R., Bhagawat,S.A. Bioinformatics, Pharmaceutical and and Kushalappa, C.G. 2003. Do informally Chemical Sciences., 4(3):393-401. managed sacred groves have higher richness and regeneration of medicinal plants than Sarbhoy,A.K., Agarwal, D.K. and Varshey, state managed reserve forests. Current J.L. 1996. Fungi of India 1982-1992. CBS science., 84:804-808. publishers and distributers. 350. Brown,K.B., Hyde, K.D. and Guest,D. J. Subramanian, C.V. 1986. The progress and 1998. Preliminary studies on endophytic status of mycology in India.Indian Acad, fungal communities of Musa acuminata Scie.Plant Sciences., 96(5):379-392. species complex in Hong Kong and Australia.Fungal diversity., 1:27-51. Suryanarayanan, T.S., Murali,T.S. and Venkatesan, G. 2002. Occurrence and Gazis, R., and Chaverri,P. 2010. Diversity of distribution of fungal endophytes in tropical fungal endophytes in leaves and stems of forests across a rainfall gradient.Can.J.Bot., wild rubber trees (Heveabrasiliensis) in Peru. 80:818-826. Fungal Ecology., 3:240-254. Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.223-228 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

229 Current status and challenges for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity ISBN 978-93-5396-871-7 CHAPTER -36 DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF VEGETATION AT AYIRAVILLI SACRED GROVE, PARAVOOR, KOLLAM, KERALA Harsha D. and Ratheesh N* Department of Botany, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala *Correspondence E-mail: [email protected] ABSTRACT The sacred groves of Kerala are the remnants of evergreen forest patches, protected and conserved based on religious beliefs and great repository of many endemic, endangered and economically important plant species. The study reveals that the total are of the sacred grove consist of 1.5.hect and most of the area occupied by vegetation . The present study there 29 types of different plant species are found on the selected area of sacred grove. Most of the plants are endemic, rare and medicinally important. There is different types of herbs, shrubs, climbers and trees are found on the sacred grove. Out of 29 species, there is 25 types of tree species, 3 types of herbs, 6 types of climbers and 2 different types of shrubs are found on the selected area. Trees are the dominant over the shrubs and herbs. But the no. of shrubs are greater than that of trees and herbs. Chassalia curvifolia is the most common plant in the sacred grove. Hopea parvifolia is on the endangered species, that was also present in the sacred grove. Chassalia curvifolia, Pothos scandens, Curcuma longa, Tabernamontana alternifolia, Arbus precatouris and Alstonia scholaris etc. are the most common species on the sacred grove. The study was based on the specie area estimation and quadrant analysis. Most of the tree species having frequency about 20% in the sacred grove. But there different variety of the tree species are found on grove. The diversity of tree in the sacred grove higher than that of the herbs and shrub. The relative density analysis of the sacred grove was done. The relative dominance is high for Macaranga peltate. Alstonia scholaris is the most frequent tree species found in the sacred grove. Important Value Index is the sum of Relative density, Relative dominance and Relative frequency. Here, the important index value is high for Accacia. This was followed by Macaranga peltate and Alstonia scholaris. Hopea parvifolia is one of the important endangered species found on the sacred grove, which IVI about (8.95%) Key words : Sacred grove, Diversity, Vegetation, IVI Introduction conservation, apart from preserving biological wealth. They are also important The existence of sacred groves depends upon refuge for rare and endangered medicinal the social traditions and taboos incorporating plants (Joshi and Gadgil, 1991). Sacred spiritual and ecological values which prevent groves in Kerala are locally known as their destruction. These groves represent an Ayyappankavu or Sastham kavu, Bhagavathy invaluable gene pool, conserve the kavu or Ammuma kavu, Vanadevatha and biodiversity and found all over the country Cheema or Cheerumba depending upon the under different names. These pristine patches ownership and deities to whom these groves of forests have been instrumental in saving are dedicated. Ramachandran and Mohanan many types of flora and fauna. The entire (1991) made a study on endemic plants of ecosystem helps in soil and water three sacred groves. Induchoodan (1998) Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.229-234 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

230 Current status and challenges for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity identified 364 important sacred grove in associated buildings. There is a Sarpakavu Kerala with floristic wealth over 722 species. (Abode of Snake) inside the dense sacred grove rarely opens for the public. The study The luxuriant vegetation of groves spreads at was based on species area estimation and different levels capturing maximum sunlight quadrant analysis (Michael, 1998). Five and leading to optimal level of biomass quadrates each of 2x2 m in size were marked accumulation, thereby keeping the randomly in the Grove area. The plants carbondioxide and oxygen balance stable. present in the quadrants were marked, The dense canopy release large quantities of identified and counted. Girth size is water vapours through evapotranspiration in measured at 1.37 m above the ground or a cool climate in the surrounding areas. highest prop root using tailoring tape. The Sacred Groves also act as the centre of heights of the trees present in the quadrates biological control in agriculture due to the were measured. The specimens of all species existence of complicated food web, regulated were collected for identification and by balanced predator prey organisms such as taxonomic studies. The collected materials snake-rat, owl-rat, insects etc. With the were identified using floras, monographs, etc. ongoing large-scale deforestation activities in Informal interviews with local people and the State, the religious beliefs are the only snap shot of key area in the study site were hope and way of conserving this relict taken out and documented for the detailed vegetation. Various anthropogenic activities study. Identification of plant species is have altered the structure and function of carried out using preserved or living different ecosystems all over the world. specimens. The sacred groves of Kerala have distinct The structural analytical studies of vegetation tiers of trees, shrubs and herbs, climbers and in Ayiravilli Sacred Grove area was carried stranglers, epiphytes, parasites, and many out during the months of March - June, 2019. wild relatives of cultivated plants. Broadly, The study was based on species area the vegetation of these groves has been estimation and quadrant analysis. From the classified into two types viz. evergreen type observations, the quantitative characters such and the moist deciduous type as frequency, density, abundance, relative (Rajendraprasad, 1995). In the proposed frequency, relative density, relative investigation aimed to understand the type of dominance, Importance Value Index (IVI) vegetation and its distribution in one of the were calculated. Importance value index of sacred grove in Southern Kerala. It also each species was calculated as the sum of envisages to understand the vegetation type relative density, relative frequency and and its distribution of the grove area which relative dominance so as to reveal relative will be helpful to understand the dominant contribution of each species to the overall flora of the grove and would be significant in stand composition. The vegetation data were environmental development through better analyzed to calculate the diversity indices management of the grove. and species richness, Shannon– Weiner diversity (H’), was measured Species Materials and Methods richness were measured (total number of species present) by Margalef (1958). Study area: The Ayiravalli Kavu located 3 Frequency, density and abundance were km from Paravoor, Kollam District has been calculated hailed for its religious as well as geographical significance. The total area spans around 4.5 acres and includes a Temple and its Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.229-234 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

Diversity and distribution of vegetation at Ayiravilli Sacred Grove, Paravoor, Kollam, Kerala 231 Result and Discussion show high diversity in the selected plots. There are numerous climbers belongs to The total area of the sacred grove consists of family Apocynaceae, Fabaceae and 1.5 hectares. According to the plot study it Passifloraceae. was concluded that there is trees are the dominant plantation of the sacred grove The plant species and their individuals belongs to different family. There are several occurring in each quadrant were recorded. endemic and endangered species have found After the analysis the frequency, abundance, in the sacred grove (Table 1). The present density, relative density, relative dominance, study revealed that the sacred grove consist richness and important index value were of numerous plants having high diversity. calculated. Important Value Index of each Most of the plant in the sacred grove is species was calculated as the sum of relative Chassalia curviflora belongs to family density, relative frequency and relative Rubiaceae. And the no. of herbs in the sacred dominance. In addition to this relative grove is show lowest. Trees are dominant frequency, relative density and relative plantation in the grove. Pothosscadens also dominance were calculated (Table 1). Table 1. Frequency, abundance and density of plant species present in the Grove Sl.No Species Frequency Abundance Density Richness 1 Chassalia curviflora 100 11.2 11.2 56 2 Cocos nucifera 20 3 0.6 3 3 Artocarpus heterophyllus 20 1 0.2 1 4 Biophytum sensitium 40 12.5 5 25 5 Santalum album 20 1 0.2 1 6 Artocarpus altilis 20 2 0.4 2 7 Arbuspreca torius 60 3.66 2.2 11 8 Adrographis paniculata 20 10 2 10 9 Mimuso pselengi 20 1 0.2 1 10 Piper nigrum 40 10 4 20 11 Areca catechu 20 3 0.6 3 12 Hopea parviflora 20 2 0.4 2 13 Mangifera indica 20 1 0.2 1 14 Pothos scandens 60 7 4.2 21 15 Alstonias cholaris 20 2 0.8 4 16 Adenanthera pavonina 20 2 0.4 2 17 Ixora coccinea 20 1 0.2 1 18 Dregea volubilis 20 9 1.8 9 19 Acacia auriculiformis 20 6 1.2 6 20 Taberneamontana alternifolia 20 8 1.6 8 21 Passiflora foetida 20 2 0.4 2 22 Macaranga peltata 20 1 0.2 1 23 Strychnos nux-vomica 20 1 0.4 2 24 Ficus benghalensis 20 1 0.2 1 25 Annona squamosal 20 1 0.2 1 26 Swietenia macrophylla 20 1 0.2 1 27 Ochnase rrulata 20 1 0.2 1 28 Curcuma longa 20 1 1.6 8 29 Ixora brachiate 20 1 1.6 8 Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.229-234 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

232 Current status and challenges for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity From the results Chassalia curvifolia was the species having frequency about 20% in the most frequent, abundant and richest plant sacred grove. The Shannon diversity species in the sacred grove. Also the density index (H) is commonly used to characterize of the sacred grove was also high (11.2%). species diversity in a community. Shannon's The abundance of the Chassalia was 100% index accounts for both abundance and and followed by Arbus precatorius (60%) evenness of the species present (Table 2). and Pothos scandens (60%) . Most of the tree Table 2. Diversity of vegetation present in the Grove area Sl No. Type of vegetation Shannon-Weiner Index (H') Evenness 1 Trees 2.44 0.83 2 1.74 0.76 Herbs and Shrubs Diversity indices provide more information auriculiformis is the most frequent tree about community composition than simply species in the sacred grove (2.83%), followed species richness (i.e., the number of species by AlstoIniasI cholaris(1.88%) and Areca present); they also take the relative catechu (1.41%). Santalum album, Mimusops abundances of different species into elengi, Annona squamosa and Swietenia account. The relative density of vegetation at microphylla is the less frequent tree species the Sacred grove shows that Accacia in the sacred grove (Table 3). Table 3. Relative density, Relative dominance, Relative frequency, Important Value Index of plant speciespresent in the sample plot Sl Plant species Relative Relative Relative Important No density dominance frequency value Index 1. Artocarpus heterophyllus 0.94 6.74 2.5 10.18 2. Santalum album 0.47 5.51 2.5 8.48 3. Artocarpus altillis 0.94 4.04 2.5 7.48 4. Mimuspos elengi 0.47 8.32 2.5 11.29 5. Areca catechu 1.41 2.69 2.5 6.6 6. Hopea parviflora 0.94 5.51 2.5 8.95 7. Mangifera indica 0.47 6.18 2.5 9.15 8. Annona squamosa 0.47 2.19 2.5 5.16 9. Tabernaemontana alternifolia 0.94 6.29 2.5 9.73 10. Strychnosnux vomica 0.47 5.28 2.5 8.25 11. Hopea parvifolora 0.94 5.51 2.5 8.95 12. Cocos nucifera 1.41 5.11 2.5 9.02 13. Alstonia scholaris 1.88 6.58 5.0 13.46 14. Adenan therapavonia 0.94 1.96 2.5 5.4 15. Accacia 2.83 8.54 2.5 13.87 16. Swietenia microphylla 0.47 5.28 2.5 8.25 17. Macaranga peltata 0.94 10.17 2.5 13.61 Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.229-234 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India

23D3iversity and distributiConurorefnvtesgteattautsioanndatcAhaylilreanvgilelsi fSoarccreodnsGerrovavtei,oPnaarnadvosours,taKinoallbalme ,uKseeoraflabiodiver2s3it3y The relative dominance of the tree species All forms of vegetation in groves are were calculated on the basis of the basal area supposed to be under the protection of analysis. The relative dominance was high reigning deity of that grove, and removal of for Macaranga peltate (10.17%). Which was even a small twig is a taboo (Vartak and followed by Mimusops elengi and Acacia Gadgil, 1981). Sacred groves can be used as auriculiformis. But the relative dominance indicators for potential natural vegetation was less in Adenanthera pavonia(1.96%). (Schaaf, 1998) and are vital for well-being of From the relative frequency analysis, the the society. Sacred Groves, one form of results shows that Alstonia scholaris was the nature worships, are considered as,” Sacred most frequent tree species found in the sacred Natural Sites”. The sacred groves of Kerala grove(5%). And most of the other having are the remnants of evergreen forest patches, relative frequency was 2.5%. protected and conserved based on religious beliefs and great repository of many endemic, Important Index Value analysis was the endangered and economically important plant important part of the study. IVI is the sum of species. The size of the sacred grove in Relative density, Relative dominance and Kerala varies as small as one cent to 20 or Relative frequency. Here, the important index more hectares. Artocarpus hirstus, Hopea value is high for Accacia auriculiformis parviflora, Mimusop selengi, Acacia intsia, (13.87%). Which was followed by Chassalia curviflora, Biophytum sensitivum, Macaranga peltate and Alstonia scholaris. Hponga, I. Bracteates etc are the common Hopea parvifolia is one of the important plants found on the Sacred grove of Kerala. endangered species found on the sacred The study reveals that the total are of the grove, which IVI about (8.95%). sacred grove consist of 1.5.hect and most of Amrithalingam, (2016) has the opinion that the area occupied by vegetation .The serpent sacred groves act as an ideal centre for worship is the important feature of the sacred biodiversity conservation. It can be justly grove. There also different types of birds , described as the lungs of our world. Studies butterflies, lizards ,frogs, snakes and lower conducted in the State have already group of fauna who nests and dens there and highlighted the fact that well conserved those who visits the grove temporarily for sacred groves of the State are comparable to food, shelter etc. There is also a small pond the regional natural forests for various and streams are found on the sacred grove. ecological attributes (Chand Basha,1998; The sacred grove has high diversity and Chadrashekara and Sankar,1998; ecologically very important. The seed Induchoodan, 1998) Many sacred groves of dispersal of the sacred grove is mainly by the State are also treasures of rare and means of birds. The grove provide most endemic species(Mohananand Nair,1981; beautiful visual impact also. Unnikrishnan, 1995; Induchoodan, 1998). The importance of sacred groves in the The present study, there 29 types of different conservation of biodiversity has been well plant species are found on the selected area organized. Gadgil and Vartak (1975, 1976) of sacred grove. Most of the plants are found a grove in the Koloba district of endemic, rare and medicinally important. Maharashtra harbouring a solitary specimen There is different types of herbs, shrubs, of the Entadaphaseoloides. A new species of climbers and trees are found on the sacred a leguminous climber Kunstleria keralensis, grove. Out of 29 species, there are 25 types has been reported from one of the sacred of tree species, 3 types of herbs, 6 types of groves of Kerala (Gadgil and Chandran, climbers and 2 different types of shrubs are 1992). found on the selected area. Trees are the Current Status and Challenges for Conservation and Sustainable use of Biodiversity|2020 |pp.229-234 © Principal, Sree Narayana College, Kollam, Kerala, India