6^th International Conference on Biodiversity and Conservation April 27-28, 2017 Dubai, UAE

Biography:

Zhanqing Hao focused on the biodiversity and ecological functions. As one of the Chinese scientists who participated in biodiversity research, he initiated the establishment of 25ha temperate permanent monitoring forest plot in Northeast China in the year 2004, which is the earliest temperate forest plot in China. He has been an important member of Chinese Forest Biodiversity Monitoring Network (CForBio). After that, a series of forest plots had been established along successional stages and latitude gradients. All those forest plots provided the opportunity to detect the biodiversity patterns and maintaining mechanisms in temperate forests

Abstract:

Whether deterministic or stochastic processes dominate temporal turnover of community composition and which factor has significant influence on that turnover, has been a central challenge in community ecology. Functional and phylogenetic temporal beta diversity can capture important insights of the underlying processes. In this study, we focus on functional temporal turnover based on 14 functional traits and phylogenetic temporal turnover using fully mapped data in two large temperate forest plots at different successional stage. We found that 1) Deterministic processes are the main process for both forests and size classes. The functional and phylogenetic compositions are relatively constrained at late successional stage and changed dynamically at early successional stage. Moreover, the functional and phylogenetic turnover of two size class trees have contrary tendency at different succession stage, which may be due to the similarities among death, recruitment and survival individuals. 2) Principal components and null model analysis showed that functional traits that are more related to “nutrient economy” and structure investment can significantly influence the temporal turnover; 3) Biotic factors (e g. basal area of neighborhood) play an important role in influencing functional and phylogenetic temporal turnover for both forest plot. In conclusion, our analysis clearly emphasizes the functional and phylogenetic temporal turnover are deterministic at local scale. In addition, identification of key functional traits are important for functional diversity analysis, which can contribute to a better understanding of local community assembly mechanisms

Biography:

Joshua Powell recently completed his Master’s Degree at the University of Pennsylvania, as a UK Thouron Award scholar. He is a 2016 graduate, and has subsequently worked as a Geographer, Field Biologist and Explorer with a range of organisations, including the Royal Society of Biology and The Explorers Club. His research focusses on conservation biology, human-wildlife interactions and the ecological impact of predator populations. He was named a ‘Leader of Tomorrow’, in 2016 by the 46^th St. Gallen Symposium in Switzerland

Abstract:

This review provides a global assessment of human interaction with the most widely distributed genus of non-human primate (NHP), the macaque (Genus: Macaca), with a focus on macaque-human interaction, societal perceptions of macaques, and the management of the macaque-human interface. Rates of macaque-human interaction are high, but vary substantially between locations. Several factors are correlated with aggressive interaction, key being that rates of aggressive interaction increase in the presence of food triggers and thus enforcement of feeding bans is essential to reducing rates of aggressive macaque-human interaction. Other management strategies used vary, but few techniques are effective at excluding macaques permanently on a large scale, except for lethal control and long-distance translocation, both with severe limitations. A suite of techniques therefore needs to be employed to manage macaque-human interaction in order to minimise human-macaque conflict, which is shown to be of societal importance and to pose a conservation threat for macaques, especially when concurrent with primary threats, such as habitat loss or human harvesting. Societal perceptions of macaques matter because they shape choice of management strategies, but even positive local perceptions may be undermined by repeat interactions involving personal loss or damage. Substantial data absences exist in the global literature; the standard collection of basic interaction data is recommended for all studies working with macaque-human interaction and a list of data to report is suggested. Six key locations for further research are identified: Morocco and Algeria, Taiwan, South-eastern Tibet (North-east India and South-west China), Vietnam, Peninsular Malaysia, and Myanmar (Burma)

Biography:

Božena Mitić has her expertise in several fields of Botany. At the beginning of her research career, she had a PhD degree in Plant Taxonomy and Systematics. She was involved in some nomenclature investigations, but she has also participated in researches of Croatian flora. In the past 10 years, her research activities were extended on invasive alien plants and palynology. Together with colleagues, she developed national standards and the preliminary list of invasive alien plants for Croatia. She permanently works on the mapping and distribution of invasive alien plants in Croatia, and currently, she is on the revision and updating of the list of alien plants in Croatia. She launched modern palynological researches in Croatia and introduced a course on Palynology at the University of Zagreb, which piqued considerable interest among students. Since 2004, she has collaborated with the palynological group at the University of Vienna (Institute of Botany)

Abstract:

Variety of plants is an essential component of biodiversity, which ensures the survival of the whole Earth. The research of plant evolution, phylogeny and richness is a permanent need for the human race. One of the incredibly informative and often neglected disciplines in biodiversity research is palynology, the study of pollen grains and spores. It could provide us evidence on plant history, evolution and phylogeny. The potential of palynology in researching the diversity of plants will be demonstrated by the case study on the large and complex genus Iris L., which consists of about 300 species, widespread in the northern hemisphere. The current classifications, based mainly on morphology and molecular phylogeny, suggest a division of the genus Iris into six or more subgenera and numerous sections and series. Irises grow on diverse natural habitats, especially in the southern and eastern parts of Europe, where on a small geographical range, a variety of climate and ecological conditions resulted in a big diversity of irises. The aim of this study was to investigate pollen features of the genus Iris and to contribute to the better knowledge of their species richness. The results showed that some palynological features could have taxonomical and evolutionary importance, and at least four pollen types could be recognized and taxonomically delimited to the series level.  The taxonomic, phylogenetic and evolutionary implications have been evaluated, and the possible pathway of evolution of the genus Iris was suggested (Fig. 1) from the subgenus Limniris to the subgenus Iris. Furthermore, some hotspots of irises and the needs for the conservation of their diversity will be briefly suggested and discussed. To conclude, palynology as a tool for phylogenetic and evolutionary studies can give us a better insight in the evolution and diversity of plants and ensure a better knowledge for their conservation

Biography:

Anila Ajmal has completed her MPhil in Environmental Sciences from Quaid-i-Azam University. She is the Senior Climate Change Adaptation Officer at World Wide Fund for Nature, Gilgit-Baltistan in Pakistan, a conservation organization that serves for the preservation of ecosystem. She has her four unique publications in reputed journals

Abstract:

Reliable information about predator’s abundance, their feeding habits, potential habitats and niches is imperative to understand the ecological interactions among herders, herbivores and carnivores on shared habitats. Therefore, the present study endeavors to fill knowledge gaps for the sustainable conservation and management of the remaining lot of endangered Snow leopard and Tibetan Tibetan wolf in Khunjerab National Park (KNP) in Pakistan and Taxkorgan National Nature Reserve (TKNR) in China. Our results revealed that the Tibetan Tibetan wolf and Snow leopard as the major predators in KNP, with an estimated population size of 30-35 with 0.006 Snow leopards in per km^-2. Also, out of estimated total 822.7 kg km^-2 (animal’s km^-2) biomass, it was found that that livestock and ungulates offered around 66% and 34% diet for Snow leopard and Tibetan Tibetan wolf collectively. Through scat analysis, results showed that both these predators rely heavily on livestock to fulfill food requirements. Moreover, Tibetan Tibetan wolf was found having a large niche separation with Snow leopard, whereas, Snow leopard was found comparatively having greater niche than the Tibetan wolf. In the same vein, considering the large biomass needs of the carnivores and the low availability of wild prey, human-wildlife conflict is therefore an inevitable and critical issue in the region. Trans-boundary efforts are necessary to develop conservation management schemes that protect threatened wildlife species as well as provide support and benefits to the local communities living adjacent to KNP and TNR in the Karakoram and Pamir mountains of China and Pakistan

Biography:

Madelon Willemsen has done MSc in Animal Behaviour and a MPM, and is currently finishing her PhD in Biodiversity Conservation Management at the University of Technology in Sydney. She has worked in conservation for over 15 years, in zoos, and is currently working as the Country Director for TRAFFIC in Vietnam

Abstract:

In a total 1,342 rhinos were killed for their horns in Africa for the in demand of rhino horn from Asia, particularly in Vietnam. It is estimated that some African species may be lost by 2020 if poaching continues as its current rate. Traditionally, this wildlife crime has been addressed through starving the supply of horn into the marketplace, through a combination of better onsite protection and law enforcement along this supply chain. But, it is important also to address and reduce the consumer demand for rhino horn. Within this context, TRAFFIC has developed an evidenced based approach to changing consumer demand for illicit wildlife products. This approach consists of mixed methods around specific mechanisms; messages and messengers most likely to achieve impact. This consumer behaviour change approach is distinguished from awareness raising and broad communication channels, in that they don’t just provide people with the ‘Knowledge’, but enable them to shift their ‘Attitudes’ and ultimately ‘Practice’; moving through the KàAàP continuum that is required to change behaviour. TRAFFIC is applying this strategy to reduce consumer demand for rhino horn in Vietnam. After 15 months of efforts, promising results can be shared, confirming that engaging with consumers of illegal wildlife products can do something to protect species in the wild

Biography:

Anjan Kumar Sinha has completed his PhD from Vinoba Bhave University, Hazaribag, Jharkhand, India. He has published more than 25 papers in reputed journals, several book chapters in various national and international publications and has been serving as a Lecturer at Department of Botany, Bankura Sammilani College. He has actively engaged with the conservation and restoration of agro biodiversity of state of West Bengal since past 10 years; for that purpose he has received recognition from the Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India in the year 2016

Abstract:

Rice is a staple food of India. Among the states, West Bengal is the leading producer of paddy in the country and has earned the distinction of being one of the “food basket” states of India. From time immemorial, West Bengal state of India is one of the biggest reservoirs of agro biodiversity centre of India. According to an estimate in the year 1975 more than 5000 folk varieties of rice was reported from West Bengal state of India. From extensive survey it was observed that number of farmer’s varieties of rice was decreasing very fast and is restricted to less than around one hundred varieties only at present. Needless to mention, the landraces are disappearing fast from the rice field of this state. Proper conservation is necessary, otherwise, we may lose these naturally growing varieties with numerous important genetic constituents. These varieties are valuable as they possess treasure of genetic material which may prove valuable in future crop development and improvement programs. Immediate attention will be needed for the conservation and restoration of these varieties on the agro-ecosystem and which will be the main reason for future food crisis, because crop improvement and production of disease free variety will solely depend upon the selected genes possibly present in the gene pool of farmer’s varieties of rice. Present work deals with the on-farm conservation and restoration of these folk varieties which are in a state of extinction and so far I have conserved more than 200 important folk rice varieties of West Bengal and trying to restore them in their natural habitat

Biography:

Abstract:

The effect of different levels of spent engine oil application on germination, survival, growth, leaf anatomy, yield, nutrient content and heavy metals uptake of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus- Clemson spineless variety and 40 days local variety) was assessed in this study. Completely randomized design was used with five treatment levels of spent engine oil at 0 ml (control), 50 ml, 100 ml, 150 ml and 200 ml applied to 5 kg of soil. Data on germination, seedling survival, growth, chlorophyll nutrient and heavy metal content as well as leaf epidermal features collected from the study were subjected to Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) analysis. Spent engine oil at 200 ml per pot significantly (P<0.05) delayed and reduced seed germination for 4 days  to 2 weeks and to approximately 24% compared to the control. Plant height was reduced by 36.3%, number of leaves by 22.20%, leaf area by 21.33%, chlorophyll A was reduced by 48.66%, Chlorophyll B by 41.50 (p< 0.05) compared to the control. Number of stomata was increased on the adaxial surface by 57.73%, and on the abaxial surface by 34.99%, stomata area was reduced on the adaxial surface by 72.89% and on the abaxial by 71.79% (p< 0.05). For A. esculentus 40 days variety, the number of fruits was reduced by 67.4% and fruit dry weight was reduced by 13.58% (p< 0.05), while plants of A. esculentus Clemson spineless variety Na contents in plants was increased by 0.40 mgkg^-1, K contents was increased in 40 days local and Clemson spineless varieties by 3.3109 mgkg^-1 and 6.2698 mgkg^-1 (p<0.05) respectively. Cr, Cd and Fe contents of the plants were increased by 1.13 mgkg^-1 and 0.0178 mgkg^-1 respectively. This study has shown that plant constituents and anatomy can be influenced by spent oil contamination. Contamination of soil with spent engine oil therefore should be avoided in order to ensure sustainable crop plant productivity and risk of heavy metals toxicity of human beings.

Biography:

Aziz Ali Khan is a natural resources management specialist having Master of Science Degrees in Botany and Forestry from Pakistan and Professional Master in Natural Resources management from ITC the Netherlands. Currently, he is working as National Manager Natural Resources Management for the Aga Khan Foundation Afghanistan. Having over 20 year’s practical experience in rural development, he possesses strong technical knowledge and skills around community based natural resources management programs encompassing agriculture, livestock management through value chain approach, common property resource management, poverty reduction, planning & designing rural livelihoods improvement program/projects with communities and partners both in public sector institutions and civil society organizations

Abstract:

The Pamir region lies at the junction of Asia's greatest mountain ranges − the Himalayas, Karakoram, Hindu Kush, and Tian Shan. This complex geographic region is recognized for its great biodiversity, and it is in many ways unique – yet it also shares many affinities with other mountain ranges worldwide, such as vertical relief, ruggedness and remoteness. These mountain characteristics provide a great diversity of habitats suitable for many different species, thus supporting a rich biodiversity in a unique geographical region. Medicinal and aromatic plants are an important natural resource in the Pamir region, as they play a vital role in food security and the maintenance of human health, especially in poor communities, where even relatively inexpensive modern medicines remain beyond the purchasing power of most people. Despite an increasing human population and continuous pressure on the region’s natural resources, local communities in the Pamirs have thus far preserved their indigenous knowledge of plants, and in certain areas they also have sustainably managed wild plants with nutritional or medicinal properties. Mountain communities in the Pamir region have traditionally been engaged in biodiversity conservation through the preservation and oral dissemination of indigenous knowledge on utilization and management of biological resources. To support effective and sustainable management of special medicinal, food and aromatic plants, there is need to assess and understand both the state of local knowledge and how such traditional knowledge contributes to biodiversity conservation and natural resources management

Biography:

Akram Moghaddasi is a MSc student doing her studies in Molecular Biology and Animal genetic. Using many molecular biology tools, she analyses the evolutionary development of a group of venomous snakes’ population Gloydius halys. For most of the snake species direct observation of the ecology and behavioral traits is difficult, because of their cryptic live style (especially in the juvenile stage). Using molecular markers, important insights into snake ecology and population biology have been made. In this study, she uses mtDNA marker to reach the objective

Abstract:

The concept of genetic variation is a vital factor to investigate the effect of evolutionary process on genus Gloydius’ populations. Having a vast distribution in many parts of Asia, genus Gloydius (Serpentes: Crotalinae) is from the venomous group of snakes, and consists of thirteen species. Caucasian Pitviper (Gloydius halys) is scattered from Northwest to Northeast Iran in wide variety of terrestrial and mountainous, forestal and bush-lands habitats. This study aims to analyze biodiversity, genetic variation and genetic structure among the Caucasian Pitviper populations in Alborz habitats. For this purpose, 18 individuals representing two populations (northern and northeastern Alborz) were captured, and, some ventral scale specimens were collected. Polymorphism of a mitochondrial gene Cytb, was investigated in these samples. For this purpose, using PCR, a segment of this gene with 1067 base pair length was amplified and the amplified sequence was then subjected to sequencing. The genealogy analysis was conducted to determine the best evolutionary model using Bayesian and Maximum likelihood approaches. Our results revealed that the Alborz populations were separated by 0.99 and 95.34 posterior probability and bootstrap values, respectively. Besides, 13 unique haplotypes out of 18 sequenced individuals (7 from northern and 6 from northeastern population), were analyzed and consequently a considerable distinction was detected between north and northeastern population haplotypes by 17 mutational steps. Also, a significantly high genetic variation (Fst > 0.25, p < 0.01) was found between populations in the north and northeast Alborz through the Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA). On the other hand, using neutrality tests, the incidence of spontaneous expansion was determined in north and northeast populations. As a conclusion, we believe that the genetic distance between these two populations is due to their local adaptability. Hence, they can be considered as two distinct conservational units in terms of biodiversity conservational plans

Biography:

Fred R Muwanika is pursuing his Doctor of Philosophy in Statistics by research, at Makerere University from 2015-to date. From September 2011-October 2014, he did his Master of Philosophy in Statistics at Bocconi University, Italy. From August 2005-August 2007: Master of Statistics (Biostatistics 2 years), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda. September 1996-June 1999: Bachelor of Science with Education (Mathematics and Chemistry, 3 years), Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda. Currently, he is modelling malaria incidence among the Ugandan Population using routine data for his PhD project. The title of the project is “Prediction and Estimation of Malaria prevalence and Incidence rates among the Ugandan Population: A malaria endemic process approach based on routine data”. He has vast knowledge and experience in data analysis and modelling of micro and macro variables, designing of monitoring and evaluation studies, designing surveys and data interpretation and report writing. Previously, he has worked as a consultant with Marie Stopes Uganda (MSU), Make Medical Injections Safer (MMIS) as M&E specialist in the final evaluation of their project and Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) on the evaluation of access and utilization of ICTs among schools in Uganda. He has also worked with NUMAT as the Data Analyst/Statistician on the retention of HIV/AIDS patients in the post conflict Northern Uganda. He has experience in carrying out Public Expenditure Tracking Surveys (PETS) and he was the technical person on the drug tracking study at the center and the lead researcher on assessment of efficiency and performance of NAADS program in Uganda

Abstract:

Introduction: This study provides light on the impact of implemented projects on biodiversity in Uganda in terms of harmful and enhancing projects. Biodiversity harmful projects are defined as the types of projects that destroy or lead to biodiversity loss during their implementation, while biodiversity enhancing projects are those that lead to biological diversity during their implementation.

Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the impact of implemented projects in the communities on biodiversity conservation and management in Uganda.

Methods: The data used in this analysis was obtained from Uganda Bureau of statistics (UBOS) previously collected during the National Service Delivery Survey (NSDS 2008). Multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) was used to derive the different impact dimensions of projects on biodiversity among the communities in Uganda.

Results: Implemented projects in the communities impact on biodiversity both positively and negatively. Findings revealed that livestock improvement/restocking/breeding contribute about 30% on the biodiversity positive impacts, while introduction of improved crop variety at about 20% and agricultural technology at about 11.4%. Furthermore, construction of new road/bridges are the leading projects in destroying biodiversity accounting for about 13.5% of the variation in negative impacts, while construction of toilet/latrines and health units accounts for 11.8% and 9.4% respectively of the variation in biodiversity loss.

Conclusions and Recommendations: Construction related projects impact negatively on biodiversity in their implementation, while agricultural related projects are the leading agro-biodiversity enhancing projects in Uganda. This implies that work sectors must play an important role in biodiversity conservation in Uganda. Secondly, construction and agriculture related projects should endeavour to allocate a percentage of the project budget equivalent to expected impact on biodiversity towards its management and restoration

Biography:

Aniruddha Majumder has done his PhD on Bio-Science (Wildlife Science) on “Prey Selection, Food habits and Population Structure of Sympatric carnivores; tiger, leopard and dhole in Pench Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India” from Saurastra University, Rajkot, Gujrat, India”. He worked more than ten years on large carnivore ecology in various parts of India and subcontinent. He is currently engaged as a Research Associate in Madhya Pradesh State Forest Research Institute-An autonomous Institute under Government of Madhya Pradesh, India and he is handling project on Population Dynamics of large carnivores and prey in Central Indian Landscape, Human-wildlife conflict mitigation, Impact of ecotourism on wildlife habitat. He is also engaged in various wildlife expert committees in this state. He worked as a Technical officer in Global Tiger Forum- an Inter Governmental International Body on Tiger (Panthera tigris) conservation and provided technical assistance to thirteen tiger range countries on the issue related to tiger population dynamics, epidemic outbreak in tiger landscape, habitat restoration and re-introduction on tiger and prey. He published more than 25 research papers, scientific articles and research reports on wildlife ecology

Abstract:

Predation ecology of large sympatric carnivores i.e. tiger, leopard and dhole were studied between January 2007 and June 2010 in Pench Tiger Reserve Madhya Pradesh, India. Both line transect and vehicle transect methods were used to estimate population abundance, structure and sex ratios of wild ungulates i.e. chital, sambar, nilgai, gaur and wild pig. The feeding ecology of large carnivores has been studied using identifying kills and analysis of scats. The age–sex class distribution of each ungulate species in the kill data was compared with the corresponding population age–sex distribution recorded from line transects and vehicle transects. All three large carnivores preferred medium-sized prey species, e.g. chital. The observed adult sex ratio (female: male) was found to be skewed towards females for all ungulates. The estimated dietary overlap between tiger and leopard was 91% in cold and 88% in hot season, between tiger and dhole 97% in cold and 99% in hot season and between leopard and dhole 96% in cold and 88% in hot season. Tiger and leopard showed two activity peaks, evening (18:01- 22:00 hrs) and early morning (02:01 – 06:00 hrs), dhole had two activity peaks, morning (06.01-10.00 hrs) and afternoon (14.01-18.00 hrs). A significant difference was also observed when comparing different health conditions of prey species predated by the three large carnivores. Despite the high dietary overlap the co-existence of these sympatric carnivores in this tropical deciduous forest was attributed to availability of high densities of wild prey species and temporal utilization of prey resources. The observed difference in prey choice as per their body size is a strategy adopted by large carnivores to partition prey resources in this human dominated landscape, thus increasing the potential to avoid intra-guild competition

Biography:

The wildlife crime has escalated rapidly, which is one of the most serious threats for survival of globally threatened species. There are very few studies about illegal wildlife trade in Nepal, where media related study is virtually none. Hence, the reported cases of the wildlife crime on national print media i.e. Kantipur and Gorkhapatra of the last five years in Nepal were collated to understand coverage of wildlife crime in Nepal. The study followed the content analysis methods on analysis of information. Altogether, 193 wildlife crime cases were recorded over the last five years in two national print media, where 370 individuals including 30 foreigners were involved. The dominance suspected group involving in the crime are of Janajati mostly Tamang, and followed by Chhetri, Bramin, Madeshi, Dalit and Chepang. Tatopani-Sindhupalchok, Kimathanka-Sankhuwasabha, and Tinkar-Darchula boarders are frequently used as an exit point for illegal wildlife trade in North, whereas Chadani Dodhara-Kanchanpur border in southern belt. The coverage of wildlife related news in print media is very low; only 2 cases/month received less importance. The media are not in the forefront to report wildlife related crimes and does not remain in their priority reporting too. Media personnel should be sensitized to increase their attention towards conservation issues so that wildlife authorities can implement wildlife laws effectively to mitigate wildlife crime in Nepal

Abstract:

Biography:

Abstract:

Conflict between wildlife and humans are increasing globally with the habitat destruction and the increase in the population of tigers, elephants and leopards in India. With the aim to develop a technology for safe handling of  wildlife – human conflicts and safe patrolling in the wilderness “Myvets Charitable Trust & Research Centre” developed “Wildlife Rescue Bike“. In most of the reported cases of leopard rescue during conflicts majority of forest officials gets injured and there are incidences wherein villagers also got injuried during the rescue operation while going near the leopards; as conflict creates fear in the mind of people and they counterreact by beating the wildlife to death or by killing them directly. New technologies will revolutionize the way we handle the wildlife–human conflicts and wildlife conservation, it can be used as a effective and powerful tool for wildlife conflicts mitigation worldwide. The device has been used in India in wildlife terrain and is very effective to provide safety to the forest officials & wildlife veterinarians during the leopard – human conflicts, night patrolling and during tranquilization of wild leopards & tigers for rescue.

Key Features:

1. Close monitoring, patrolling & surveillance of wildlife in protected areas.
2. Provides complete cover during wildlife rescue operations.
3. The Wildlife Rescue Bike will give 360 degree panoramic view for darting.
4. It comes with blow gun, tranquilization equipments, dart guns, ropes, stick, binoculars, anti-venom & first aid kits.
5. Contemporary & dynamic design.
6. The bike is covered from all the sides with iron-net to ensure the protection of forest guard from the attack of wild animal.
7. The front-handle wheel gap is further protected from inside with additional iron-net and horizontal rods, so that the wild animal cannot enter from front wheel gap.
8. The main frame is attached to bike guard and supported with additional vertical-adjustable stands, which can neutralize the force of wild animal attack, and the bike will not topple down.
9. The wildlife veterinarian can dart the animal from all sides, with minimum adjustment.
10. The ground clearance is 200 mm.
11. The Wildlife Rescue Bike is also provided with the LED lights at four sides, so that during patrolling in night they can keep watch from all angles.
12. The frame has a provision for keeping the rescue operation equipments’ viz. water bottles, dart gun, blow pipe, ropes, medicine bag, sticks, etc.
13. The Wildlife Rescue Bike has a provision to cover with the forest landscape print, which will camouflage with the surrounding. These will reduce the stress on the animal during rescue operation as well as it will reduce the chance of counter attack of leopard on bike during the operation

Biography:

Mohammed Moniruzzaman has completed his BSc Agriculture from Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymansingh and MS from Sher-Bangla Agricultural University Dhaka, Bangladesh. He is the Scientific Officer at the Plant Physiology Section, Horticulture Research Center, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), a premier rerearch organization. This research institute deals with various research programs including quality improvement and management of horticultural crops. He has published more than 18 papers in reputed journals and is involved in various extra-curricular activities such as arranging professional seminars and excursions, publishing various journals, literary magazines and voluntary humanitarian activities, career counseling and so on

Abstract:

Soil salinity is one of the major environmental stresses which adversely affect almost every aspect of plant growth and metabolism resulting in considerable losses in crop productivity worldwide. Solving salt stress problem in agriculture cannot be overlooked, because of increasing demand for food. An experiment on tomato was conducted at the Net House Premises of Soil Science Division, Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Bangladesh, during the winter season from Nov 2013 - Feb 2014. The major objective of the study was to assess the salinity tolerance ability of promising tomato genotypes for the identification of salt tolerant ones. Six levels (1.14, 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 dS m^-1) of irrigation water salinity were imposed to three genotypes of tomato V₁ (BARI Hybrid Tomato 4), V₂ (BARI Hybrid Tomato 5) and V₃ (BARI Hybrid Tomato 8). Salinity was imposed as per treatments at the pre flowering stage two times at 45 and 55 DAS. The variety V₃ gave the highest fruit yield (1.62 kg plant^-1 equivalent to 55.25 t ha^-1) along with better morphological characters. The same variety also gave significantly higher photosynthetic yield (0.64) and total sugar content (146.95 mg/gfw). The photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance and intercellular CO₂ concentration was highest for the V₃ as 14.56, 3.09, 0.25 and 199.75 mol m^-2s^-1, respectively. Potassium: Sodium ratio for V₁, V₂ and V₃ was 3.43, 3.55 and 3.72, respectively, which indicates their adaptability under salt stressed situation to a considerable extent, whereas the performance of V₃ was slightly better over other two varieties. Increasing levels of salinity resulted in lower SPAD values in leaves regardless of genotype. Photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, intercellular CO₂ concentration showed significant negative linear relationships with electrical conductivity of the irrigation water. Sodium salt stress showed antagonistic effect on the absorption N, P, K, Mg and S, while it was synergistic for Ca, although root Ca concentration showed declining trend. Considering all studied traits and yield potentiality, BARI hybrid tomato 8 can be regarded as salt tolerant to some extent

Biography:

Nyumba Tobias Ochieng is a Final year PhD student at the Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, UK. Previously, he worked as a Research Assistant for the Darwin Initiative funded project under the Department of Geography on human-elephant conflict mitigation in Kenya. Subsequently, he managed Space for Giants (K) Trust’s applied research projects promoting co-existence with elephants. Latterly, he worked with the African Wildlife Foundation’s on science and applied ecological research before beginning his PhD research at Cambridge. He has co-authored seven publications in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters and working papers focusing on human elephant interactions and the mitigation of its negative impacts people

Abstract:

Increasing elephant population coupled with the rapid human population growth and the expansion of agricultural land has escalated human-elephant conflict (HEC) in Trans Mara district (TM). TM is an important elephant dispersal area for elephant population in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Using participatory techniques, focus group discussions, field-based conflict monitoring, key informant interviews and questionnaire surveys, we examined the history of HEC, its development over the years, magnitude, nature and types, and local strategies to mitigate its impacts in TM. Elephant range significantly declined between 2003 and 2013. However, elephant population increased between 1997 and 2007. Crop damage, general disturbance, threats to human life and disruption of daily activities were the most serious types of HEC. Human deaths and injuries resulted in children dropping out of school or missing some years of school (38.5%, n=5). There was a significant difference in the impacts of HEC on gender groups (X^2(N=367) =212.956, p<0.001) and stakeholders (X^2(N=367) =599.222, p<0.001).  There was no significant difference in the severity of crop damage (X²=14.066, df=12, p=0.296), but it significantly differed among commercial and subsistence farmers (X²=15.741, df=6, p=0.015). Although traditional techniques were the most preferred mitigation techniques, they were generally not effective. Uptake of farm-based techniques had generally declined with the conclusion of the WWF supported farm-based conflict mitigation project in 2003. The present situation is likely to worsen unless measures are put in place to reduce rapid loss of elephant habitat, improve conflict mitigation, and conservation education and awareness strategies

Biography:

Ouafae Pakhrou got her Master’s Degree in Crop Production and during her end-of-course internship, she worked on the molecular characterization of cork oak (Quercus suber L.) using molecular markers ISSR and SSR. Currently, she is a PhD student and working on the characterization of genetic diversity of an endemic tree to Morocco "Argan tree". This study aims to identify promising trees that can be used in the constitution of a "core collection" and the establishment of conservation and management programs

Abstract:

Argania spinosa L., the only representative of the monotypic genus Argania (Sapotaceae) is a plant endemic to Morocco with great ecological and economical values. The oil extracted from the Argan fruit possesses innumerable nutritional and cosmetic properties. However, the area and the density of the Argan forest are in continuous deterioration. In the present study, two molecular marker techniques AFLP and IRAP were used for genetic evaluation of 130 individuals collected from 13 population locations in south-west Morocco. A total of 477 polymorphic bands were amplified by 4 primer AFLP combinations specific to regular genome, and 154 polymorphic bands were observed using 4 IRAP combination primers. Average polymorphic information content (PIC), resolving power (RP) and marker index (MI) were 0.24, 12.7 and 9.40, respectively for IRAP markers, while AFLP markers showed high resolving power (35.81) and Marker index (25.61), also the polymorphic information content was 0.21. The two-marker techniques target different regions of the genome, which justifies the need to combine two markers in obtaining reliable estimates of genetic diversity. Cluster analysis of the combined data revealed that 130 individuals could be divided into two sub-populations based on STRUCTURE, UPGMA (Unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean) clustering, and PCoA (principal coordinate analyses). The Jaccard's genetic similarity ranged from 0.17 to 0.60 and the genetic differentiation among populations was low (AMOVA = 19%, Gst = 0.21), indicating the possibility of gene flow between the studied populations (Nm= 1,809). These results have an important implication for Argan tree germplasm conservation and management programs

Biography:

Owusu Fordjour Aidoo holds an Mphil from African Regional Postgraduate Programe in Insect Science (ARPPIS), University for Ghana and currently he is a PhD scholar registered at the University of Bonn. He is based at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe). He is a student member of Entomological Society of America (ESA). He has published 3 papers in reputable journals. His research interest includes; biodiversity conservation, bio-ecology of insects, integrated pest management and climate change

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Citrus is one of the world’s major fruit crops recognized for its popularity in contributing to food and nutritional security. Citrus orchards serve as a habitat for plethora of arthropods including harmful and beneficial insects. However, these beneficial insects such as butterflies, moths, bees, predators, parasitoids face the same fate as harmful insects during pesticide and herbicide applications. An inventory of an entomofauna associated with citrus orchards is poorly documented making it difficult for an economically and ecologically sound integrated pest management (IPM) strategy to be adopted.

Aim: The purpose of the study was to document entomofauna associated with citrus.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: A passive sampling technique using malaise, flight interception, pit fall, forceps and yellow pan traps were utilized on monthly basis for a period of six months in two agro-ecological zones of Ghana.

Findings: A total of 20, 285 individual insects belonging to 387 species from 107 families and 13 orders were recorded. Diversity indices such as Shannon-Wiener index, Pielou’s evenness and Margalef index were higher in the Coastal Savannah zone than the semi-deciduous rainforest zone during both the wet and the dry seasons. Oecophylla longinoda Latreille was the most dominant insect species in each agroecological zone, however, they were more abundant in the semi-deciduous rainforest than the Coastal Savannah zone. Nine percent (9%) of all the 387 insects collected were pests of citrus.

Conclusion & Significance: Citrus orchards are potential habitats for insect biodiversity conservation. We recommend that management tactics which have less or no negative effects on natural enemies, pollinators among others, but can effectively suppress insect pest populations and should be adopted. Our study has also provided the first comprehensive inventory of insect species associated with citrus agroecosystems serving as a baseline data for further studies to encourage adoption of economically sound IPM approach for citrus production

Biography:

Prachi Nagar completed her Bachelor’s in Biotechnology in 2015 from Meerut Institute of Engineering and Technology (Uttar Pradesh Technical University). She is currently pursuing Master’s in Industrial Biotechnology from Delhi Technological University (formerly Delhi College of Engineering), Delhi. She is an aspiring student in the research field of Biotechnology especially Microalgae based Bioenergy

Abstract:

Microalgae have many potential applications in different industries such as manure, food and fodder, biofuels production etc. Therefore, studying the optimum conditions that will produce the maximum amount of biomass holds importance. The study aims at examining the influence of different concentrations of magnesium ions on the growth and productivity of the microalgae Scenedesmus rubescens. Since magnesium is the central element of the porphyrin ring structure of chlorophyll (Chl a-C₅₅H₇₂O₅N₄Mg, Chl b-C₅₅H₇₀O₆N₄Mg etc.), hence it is expected that decreased availability of magnesium will lead to decrease in the formation of chlorophyll. Reduction in chlorophyll will directly affect the rate of photosynthesis and this will lead to reduced productivity of biomass. The microalgae culture Scenedesmus sp., was grown in the fundamental growth media BG-11, but with the varying concentrations (0 to 150 ppm) of magnesium source (i.e. MgSO₄.7H₂O). Conditions of temperature at 27ºC, the light intensity of 400 µmol/m2/s and alternate periods of illumination (18 hours) and darkness (6 hours) were provided to study the algal growth and biomass productivity. The different samples were regularly monitored for the changes with respect to the three parameters; i.e. dry biomass weight, cell count and O.D. (absorbance at 670 nm) at an interval of 2-3 days. Haemocytometer was used for counting cells in different samples

Biography:

Sabita Subedi is an innovative young veterinary researcher who completed BVSc & AH from Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, TU, Rampur. She was one of the early career researcher from Feed the Future Innovation Lab, Colorado State University, USAID funded program

Abstract:

A study was conducted to identify the appropriate feeding system of goats in Shaktikhor VDC of Chitwan district in 2013. The study was divided into two parts: social study followed by biological. A household (HHs) study was conducted to collect primary information from 120 goats rearing households focusing on availability of pastureland, feed resources and prevailing management conditions of the goats production system and the next parts consisted of identifying appropriate feeding systems (full grazing system and stall feeding system) based on intestinal parasites. The research is conducted by taking season as a main factor and the feeding system (stall fed and full grazed) as a sub factor in a split- plot design. 650 fecal samples were collected in pre monsoon, 635 on early post monsoon and 580 in winter season. The analysis was done using SPSS version 16 and Microsoft Excel 2007. The results revealed that the goats adopting the grazing system shows significantly higher positivity (p<0.01) of intestinal parasites than that of stall fed goats in all season through fecal analysis. While comparing between the treatments, the early post monsoon season shows significantly higher positivity (p<0.01) of intestinal parasites than other two seasons. This result suggested that the stall-fed system is better than the grazing system in terms of parasitic infestation. So, there is need of improvement in the grazing system on the pastureland, and the use of medicine for parasites should be adopted by the farmer all-round the year especially after the cessation of the monsoon

Biography:

Anjana Rajput is presently engaged as Head of Wildlife Branch in State Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India. She has done her MSc and PhD from Sagar University, India, with specialization in Forest Ecology, having more than 20 years research experience in habitat ecology, wildlife conservation and environmental impact assessment. She is recognized as Functional Area Expert for Ecology & Biodiversity from NABET Quality Council of India, New Delhi. She has published various research papers, technical reports and technical bulletin in national and international peer reviewed journals.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Among Indian tree species, teak is the most valuable timber tree species with lots of variations existing in nature and there is lot of scope for improvement in this species. Individual tree variation is an important source for practical breeding program and to determine breeding objectives of any species information about inheritance patterns need to be combined with the economic values of each trait. Traits selection is the first and the most important step, while starting any improvement programme.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: During present study, existing candidate plus teak trees of Madhya Pradesh, India were evaluated for traits i.e. height, diameter, self- pruning ability, apical dominance, crown diameter, branch thickness, fruit bearing capacity, wood specific gravity of standing tree, heart wood percentage, growth rate and volume. A comparative analysis for different characteristics was done amongst the selected plus tree candidate and trait wise grading was done on the basis observation recorded. Cumulative scoring of candidate plus tree was done based on superior phenotypic characteristics.

Findings: Specific trait-wise trees were identified during present study. Trees of excellent height, girth, clear bole height, ideal circular bole with less tapering, self-pruning ability exist in natural population of Madhya Pradesh, which may be used as reproductive source material for plantation purposes. Wood characteristic like higher specific gravity, higher heartwood percentage which show high inheritance pattern, should be strongly considered along with all the phenotypic characteristics i.e. height, girth, bole form, crown habit, branching pattern etc. They may be used in future tree breeding programmes. A special protection should be provided to conserve those superior genetic resources. It is also requisite to multiply them through original seeds or through micro-propagation technique to sustain the unique creations of the nature.

Biography:

Abstract:

Agro-biodiversity, a relatively less researched upon study consists a really good scope when it comes to the mitigation of climate change- which stands inevitable in today’s scenario. This paper tries to look into the depth of agriculture, keeping along with some real life case studies. The new ideas that are inculcated in this paper under agro-biodiversity, as the major themes are the use of biotechnology, method of green ploughing along with other types of soil structuring and field planning in accordance to different seasons. Also, we look into the productivity during the fallow period of the soil. Climate change has bought environmentalists, scientists, geologists and even the common people a lot to discuss, debate, question and answer. The damage done cannot be undone yet, being prepared for future is the requirement of the hour. The major idea veiling the theme is sustainable development, without which any idea will fail; hence, this paper puts forth different methods which are a mash of traditional and modern methods and helps make this climate healthier, so that we can face the danger of climate change without any worries. The methodology included field visits, sample study, interviews of farmers and studying research papers on the topic. Findings included impacts of climate change on soil, aeration and irrigation and the plight of the farmers which will be elucidated in the paper. My observations unveil majorly sustainable development and the pros and cons of using new techniques which are scientific yet traditional, so that the steps to mitigate climate change are revolutionary

Biography:

Abstract:

Red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is listed as endangered in IUCN red data list, protected for Nepal and distributed in Himalaya region of Nepal, and is commonly known as "Habre" in Nepalese language. The species is distributed in different protected area of Nepal, however the detail information on ecological, biological and conservation aspect are still lacking. The study was conducted in Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve (DHR), Nepal to investigate diet, habitat preference and distribution of red panda. Micro histological fecal analysis methods were used to investigate feeding species on red pandas’ diet. The habitat preference of red panda was analyzed by using Ivelve’s electivity index. A total of 120 plots were laid out for sampling the vegetation (trees, shrubs, and herbs respectively) and habitat features. Red panda preferred gully with forest area and tree species Acer caesium (IV=1). Most important forest species in the habitat of red panda were Abies spectablis (IVI=66.22) and Betulautilis (IVI=17.15) with ground cover of Arundinaria spp. Red panda preferred 3000-4000 m elevation range, 26-50% slope, 51-75% crown cover and 26-50% ground cover.  Arundinaria spp. was found as a major (81.7%) diet of red panda. For protecting this species human consumption of the Arundinaria spp. should be discouraged

Biography:

Usman Ali has completed his MPhil from Centre of Plant Biodiversity, University of Peshawar. He is a Lecturer in Botany Centre of Plant Biodiversity, University of Peshawar. He has published more than 7 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as a researcher in field of lower vascular cryptogams of Pakistan

Abstract:

In the taxonomic study of ferns of Swat, a total of 46 species were recorded. These were distributed among 22 genera and 9 families. Family Dryopteridaceae was the largest one consisting of 5 (28.78%) genera and 16 (34.04%) species. Athyriaceae consisted of 2 (11.12%) genera and 7 (17.02%) species, followed by family Aspliniaceae with 1 (1.56%) genus and 7 (14.89%) species. The Pteridaceae had 4 (22.23%) genera and 5 (10.63%) species. Family Thelypteridaceae was comprised of 2 (11.12%) genera and 4 (8.15%) species, followed by family Adiantaceae having 1 (1.56%) genus and 3 (6.38%) species. The family Equisetaceae was comprised of 1 (1.56%) genus and 2 (14.89%) species. Family Marsiliaceae and Selaginellaceae both were monotypic families. Asplenium was the largest genus and represented by 8 (17.02%) species, followed by Dryopteris having 7 (14.89%) species, Athyrium was comprising of 6 (12.70%) species, Polystichum with 5 (10.63%) species, Adiantum was resented by 3 (6.38%) species, Cystopteris, Equisetum, Gymnocarpium , Pteris and Thelypteris  were represented by 2 (4.25%) species each. Chielanthes, Cyrtomium, Diplazium, Gymnocarpium, Onychium, Pteridium and Selagenilla were the genera which consisted of only 1 (2.12%) species each. Out of 46 ferns 10 plants were reported to have ethnobotanical potential. The hair falling, diarrhea, wounds, fever, cough, internal body burning, skin diseases, chest affection, scorpion bite, cold, kidney diseases, eye swelling, menstrual disorders, hypertension, microbial diseases, anemia, bone fractures, hepatitis and stomach problems were treated with Adiantum sps., Asplenium trichomanes, Equisetum spp., Dryopteris odontoloma, Onychium and Pteris species. Dryopteris odontoloma was recorded to use as vegetable

Biography:

Temesgen Alemneh Yimanie is currently a 3^rd year PhD student in Jimma University, Ethiopia and Aalborg University Denmark jointly. He is doing an experiment on Collembola (Orchesella cincta) in Aalborg University to see the effect of temperature valuable on the organisms, whereas in Ethiopia, he is doing a research regarding anthropogenic impact on highland streams. He has one publication and two submitted papers. He has been teaching Biology and Environmental Health courses in different universities in Ethiopia for 7 years until he joined his PhD education. Moreover, he was working as a chairperson for Anti-Malaria Association for 4 years at zonal level. He has served as a Director of student affairs at Wollo University for 2 years.

Abstract:

Human disturbances of waterways in Ethiopian highlands have increased throughout the last century due to population growth and increased land use. Despite this there is a lack of knowledge on macroinvertebrate responses to human disturbances and the application of biological monitoring in tropical highland waterways in general. In this study, we have evaluated the human impact on the ecological integrity of the Chemoga River catchment in the Choke mountain watershed at the northwestern region of the Ethiopian highlands. During wet and dry seasons, the water quality and macroinvertebrate assemblages were assessed. Multivariate statistics and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) were used to identify factors influencing macroinvertebrate community structures in highland streams in the northwest regions of Ethiopia. A total of 66 taxa of benthic macroinvertebrate were recorded, among which Diptera (38%) and Coleoptera (21%) were the dominant. The biomonitoring results revealed a severe decrease in the ecological integrity of the Chemoga River in terms of macroinvertebrate composition at higher altitude. The ordination and cluster analysis clearly indicates extremely low macroinvertebrate diversity at sites where human impact is severe and a strong effect of altitude. Moreover, anthropogenic activities may have caused changes among physicochemical parameters, which have led to depletion of aquatic macroinvertebrates in the Chemoga River. These results highlight the need to protect the ecology of Chemoga River and that of similarly degraded watersheds in the Ethiopian highlands

Biography:

Abstract:

The present study deals with the leaf litter micro-arthropod diversity and their functions in the selected areas of Niligiris. The study area was divided into four major sites of Wattle, Eucalyptus, and Natural forests soil analysing from (Emerald, Kodapmund, Thalaikundha, Aravankad and Kattapettu). The experiments samples were collected from among the four sites during the period from April 2014 to September 2014. The soil samples were collected and the same has been isolated by using the method of Berlese funnel extraction and the samples were identified based on their morphological character. The study results showed the soil pH, NPK (Main Nutrients) and organic carbon among the study sites. The chemical components of the leaf litters of the plantations decreased the diversity of micro-arthropods and the decomposition rate leads to low amount of carbon in the soil. During the study period, 3 families and 18 species were observed in all the study sites. The micro-arthropod diversity was lesser in Wattle and Eucalyptus plantation when compared with natural forest area. These two fast growing plantations are mostly affecting the soil micro-arthropods, by the means of affecting the soil nutrients and take much of the water from the ground

Biography:

Mlamuleli Mhlanga is a PhD student at University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. He is studying the spotted hyena, particularly the status and ecology of the species in relation to prey abundance, land uses changes and conflict with humans in Western Zimbabwe. He has strong interest on predator-prey interactions including the human wildlife conflict dilemma

Abstract:

The perception of local people towards large carnivores is central to the management programs targeted to conserve “problem wildlife species”. The spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta) has been an active large carnivore in human-wildlife conflicts in Zimbabwe. We conducted structured questionnaire surveys to assess the attitude and perceptions of people (n=353) towards the species in Zimbabwe from October 2014 to February 2015. The study area was split into Environmental Conservation Areas (ECAs) and communal areas (CAs) based on their distance from the protected area (PA) boundary. Attitudes of people were analysed using multinomial logistic regression. On average, each household lost approximately US$676 of livestock per annum although villages within 10 km from the forest incurred more. A significant proportion of the respondents (p=0.00) from CA desired the spotted hyena population to decrease and had a negative feeling about the species. Top model ranking showed that distance from PA, livelihood source and extent of livestock loss had an influence on farmers’ perception about the spotted hyena. Although these predictors influence attitude towards spotted hyenas, incentives play a pivotal role in moderating the human side of the conflict with the spotted hyena, while livestock husbandry practices are key in reducing the conflict. It is recommended that the ECAs model should be embraced in communal areas since it encouraged a positive attitude of farmers towards the spotted hyena and wildlife

Biography:

Chaimaa Yatrib is a PhD student in her 3^rd year from Mohammed V University, Faculty of Science in Rabat. She is interested in the study of genetic diversity and application of news molecular tools to the conservation of endangered species. She is currently working on the case of Argania spinosa in the framework of the project ArganBiogen. This latter is supported by Hassan II Academy of Science and Technology (Morocco) and The Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Professional Training of Morocco

Abstract:

The Argan tree (Argania spinosa L.) is an oil-agro-forestry-pastoral tree that is endemic to Morocco and with a very important socio-economical role. However, due to drought in the early century the argan ecosystem has become overgrazed. This phenomenon combined with overexploitation of argan for fuel, together with land clearance for agriculture, resulted in an alarming reduction of the argan forest. In order to facilitate extensive examination at genetic, phenotypic, and physiological levels and to provide a subset of representative accessions, it is necessary to construct a core collection based on molecular data. In the present study, and for the first time, a core collection of Argan tree was constructed from accessions covering all the Argan forest’s distribution area in Morocco by heuristic search and based on 13 Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) marker combinations. Our study showed that the relationship between the core collection and the geographic distribution of the entire collection is very weak. Also, the number of amplification bands in the core collection was the same as in the entire collection (245 alleles). Shannon’s index for only one of the SSR primers (7.69%) and Nei’s index for three of the SSR primers (23.07%) were lower in the core collection than in the entire collection. The comparison of the random core collection and the true core collection showed that the latter retained larger genetic diversity. Altogether, the core collection constructed in our study is representative of the genetic diversity and could help perform effective conservation strategy to preserve the argan forest in Morocco

Biography:

Eromosele J Gold is an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Crop Science and Horticulture in Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Nigeria. He has a Master’s Degree from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Due to his passion for imparting knowledge, he maximized every opportunity to teach and do research in Agriculture with reference in plant biodiversity

Abstract:

The study was conducted to find out the spatial distribution of weed species diversity, their abundance and species richness on the practical year training program farm of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Ibadan. The area of the farm was determined using Garmin etrex H GPS model (Unit ID 3637541523) and confirmed using trigonometry. It was divided into 21 plots of 150 m² each, leaving a strip of 5 m round for edge effects. Six (1m²) square quadrats (126 in all) were randomly laid on each plot to access the herbaceous flora of the farm. Flora presence and density values were evaluated for Relative Importance Values (RIV), diversity indices and weed relationship to soil type following Kent and Coker (1992); and standard soil testing procedures respectively. A total of fifty three (53) plant species belonging to eighteen (18) families were enumerated. Tridax procumbens had the highest Relative Importance Value (11.73), distantly followed Cynodon dactylon (6.44). Tridax procumbens was prevalent in plots not subjected to crop rotation. Lowest numbers of plants were enumerated on clay soils where Tridax procumbens were mostly prevalent. Margalef index (12.81), Mehinick index (6.959), and Dominance (0.05262) indicated high overall species richness, high species richness in each plot, and low overall dominance respectively

Biography:

Munira Karamkhudoeva is a senior Research Associate and Entomologist at Pamir Biological Institute (PBI) Khorog, Tajikistan. She has conducted many scientific researches on a number of natural resources management and biodiversity conservation related topics in both Tajik and Afghan Pamir mountain region. Recently, she worked with University of Central Asia as Research Fellow around “Central Asian and Afghanistan Research Fellowship (CAARF) program with Mountain Society Research Institute (MSRI), University of Central Asia (UCA) around “Assessment of Potential Medicinal and Aromatic Plants with respect to Food and Health Sovereignty in Pamir Region of Badakhshan, Afghanistan”

Abstract:

The western Pamir is a remote mountain region in the South of Tajikistan. Due to its harsh and varied environment and many centuries of active crop selection and domestication by farmers, the region is rich in agrobiodiversity. Traditional crops such as grains (e.g. wheat, rye, barley), beans, and fruits (mulberry, apricot, walnut, apple), and the latter brought to the region through the ancient Silk Road, are well adapted to the caprices or their surroundings. Many of these species are represented with more than 50 landraces, or varieties. Vegetable crops have been introduced relatively recently and their (genetic) diversity is small. The Pamir people by and large depend of subsistence agriculture for their livelihoods. However the recent scenario of climate change threatens and increases the vulnerabilities of the mountain communities of Pamir. Despite diversity and high degree of local adaptation, Pamir agriculture remains vulnerable to extreme or unpredictable weather events and crop damage from insect pests can severely damage harvests. This affects the livelihoods and food security of the Pamir communities. Recent humanitarian and development efforts aimed at income generation may exacerbate this situation by increasing farmers’ reliance on introduced fruit varieties and vegetables that are less able to cope with climatic changes and pests.

Objectives of the Study: The objective of this study is to investigate how pest insects might affect the production of vegetable and fruit crops under future climate conditions in the Pamirs.

Findings of the Study: Over a period of 10 years the Pamir Biological Institute has gathered data on the abundance and phenology of agricul­tural insect pests, with an emphasis on vegetable pests and how they impact vegetable and fruit growing. Insect and plant behavior were investigated along an elevation gradient to gain insight into potential future climate patterns and to de­termine their relative capacity for adaption to these changing patterns. In the absence of reliable meteorological data, a number of sources, including farmer observations, were combined to gain an idea of climatic changes already underway. The study highlights different insect pests belonging to different insect orders and families at different altitude and climatic zones; their distribution in different ecological zones, which species are in abundance in which zones; which species have high mobility to long distances and inhibit diverse habitats. Behavior and daily activities of different insects in different ecological zones/climatic conditions; conducive ecological conditions for certain insect pests and the new insects/pests which were not inhibited in Pamir region. Influence of climate change on pest incidence and damage to crops of economic importance

Biography:

Abstract:

The studies took place in the Banco National Park (Abidjan, Ivory Coast) and aimed to search for weather conditions (temperature, rainfall and relative humidity) required for each stage of growth and development of two species of giant African snails: Achatina achatina and Archachatina ventricosa. In order to achieve growth and development, stages of specimens encountered in the samples were identified during different seasons of the year (corresponding to particular climatic conditions). It appears from this study that spats (new-borned) of Achatina achatina are absent in the environment throughout the year. This could be explained by the fact that individuals of this age require for their growth, very specific conditions of temperature, rainfall and relative humidity. This is not the case of Archachatina ventricosa to which weather prevailing in the forest seems to favor their growth, since the spat stage to the juvenile age. Juveniles of species Achatina achatina and Archachatina ventricosa seem fond of climatic conditions during the rainy season (specially the small rainy season) and the short dry season. However, adult individuals of the two species do not seem to accommodate climatic conditions throughout the year in the forest

Biography:

Nazneen Zehra joined the wildlife science as an MSc student in 2003 during which she had been to Corbett Tiger Reserve, for her dissertation and later on in the watershed areas of Dabka and Khulgarh for faunal diversity assessment. She did PhD on large mammalian prey- predators of Gir NP&LS, Gujarat, which is also my present research work site

Abstract:

Common leopard (Panthera pardus fusca, Mayer) is at global dislike, principally due to conflict with humans at the boundary of the most of the parks. Opportunistically, high density and long dispersals of leopards may contribute significantly to draw them towards periphery specifically where they co-exist with other sympatric competitor. A long term history of leopard human conflict cases was obtained from the forest department (WDS, Gir), and was maintained on complaints of villagers regarding leopard problems at the boundary of the Gir PA. The conflict status was analyzed and resulted with consistent increase in numbers ranged from 4 during 2000 to 200 during 2012. Leopard density was estimated as an avg. 3.47±0.28 individuals/100 km² along with high occupancy rate 0.915±0.024 respectively using mark-recapture matrix. The movement and ranging pattern of radio-collared leopardess was recorded ca.11 kms in each dispersal effort during 2002 to 2005 towards human vicinity and finally established home range of ca. 70 km² in agro-farm at the coastal site. As the leopard is a least studied and most problematic large carnivore out-side protected areas, its conflict resolution strategy would be more successful with the information on the abundance, preferable home range size & movement pattern respectively

Biography:

Abdul Rashid Ab Malik spent his entire career with a premier R&D institution, the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Kepong for 32 years until he retired in September 2011. He started his career as a Research Officer in 1979 and held various positions at FRIM. His last post was the Deputy Director General (Research and Development) before he retired. After he retired in 2011, he joined Technology Park Malaysia Corporation Sdn. Bhd., Bukit Jalil as a Project Consultant for one year. In July 2014, he joined Pulau Banding Foundation, Malaysia, a science-based NGO as a CEO until today. He graduated with BS (Forestry) from UPM in 1979; MSc from Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London in 1986 and PhD from University of London, London in 2003. He authored and coauthored more than 90 publications. He attended various international meetings and conferences on behalf of FRIM and Malaysian Government during his career with FRIM including the International Tropical Timber Organization Council Meeting in Yokohama, Japan; FAO Forestry Minister Meeting in Rome; and ASEAN Forestry Minister Meeting in Beijing.

Abstract:

Pulau Banding Foundation (PBF) was set up in 2007 as a non-profit, science-based and non-political Malaysian-based organization, with a vision to promote sustainable development of the 130 million-year old fragile ecosystems of the Belum-Temengor Rainforest Complex (BTRC) and to meet the challenges of balancing forest conservation and development. PBF undertakes research or raises funds to finance research programmes for studies on various aspects of the tropical rainforest ecosystems with special emphasis to BTRC. It also conducts manpower trainings and disseminates knowledge and information to public on the
conservation of biological diversity and sustainable management of the natural tropical rainforests. PBF has organized two scientific expeditions in 2012 and 2015 in BTRC involving altogether 350 scientists and assistant scientists. A lot of new species on flora and fauna were recorded during the 10-day expedition. PBF has provided small research grants to few post-graduate students from both local and international universities. Their researches are mainly on biodiversity conservation of flora and fauna of BTRC. In October 2016, PBF in collaboration with public and private sector organisations has organized an International Conference on Conservation and Sustainable Use of Tropical Rainforests or better known as the Belum Rainforest Summit 2016. Five main themes were discussed during the Summit namely Biodiversity conservation and restoration, Tackling climate change issues, Global funding opportunities, Payment of ecosystem services and Green and sustainable investment. Five keynote speakers, 13 invited speakers and 42 oral presentations were deliberated within the five-day Summit covering the 5 main themes. PBF is also involved in conducting environmental educational programme for the school children under Green Ranger Malaysia and Kids for Temengor Expedition (KITE) programmes in collaboration with its NGO partner, Yayasan EMKAY.

Biography:

Anjana Rajput is presently engaged as Head of Wildlife Branch in State Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India. She has done her MSc, and PhD from Sagar University, India, with specialization in Forest Ecology, having more than 20 years research experience in habitat ecology, wildlife conservation and environmental impact assessment. She is recognized as Functional Area Expert for Ecology & Biodiversity from NABET Quality Council of India, New Delhi. She has published various research papers, technical reports and technical bulletin in national and international peer reviewed journals.

Abstract:

Presence or absence of an animal or plant in a region is determined by ecological and historical factors. Animals and plants are living indications of the characteristics of their environment; their ranges mark the places where environmental conditions are the same or similar. Wildlife habitat and species around the world are facing a crisis. It is estimated that global warming may cause the extinction of 15-37% of species by 2050, unlike other environmental losses this one cannot be reversed because nature does not give second chance to biodiversity. In India, the state Madhya Pradesh, the land of pristine biodiversity is very rich in natural resources. There are various mountain ranges i.e. Vindhya, Satpura, Maikal and Aravali. The terrain is blessed with a fine network of many rivers and, unique watershed offers homes for wild animals and plants. There are 64 forest divisions, 9 national parks, 25 sanctuaries and 6 Tiger reserves in the state. Wildlife conservation has become an increasingly important practice due to the negative effects of human actively on wildlife. Habitat loss-due to destruction fragmentation and degradation of habitat is the primary threat to the survival of wildlife. Humans are continually expanding and developing, leading to an invasion of wildlife habitats. As humans continue to grow, they clear forested land to create more space. This stresses wildlife populations as there are fewer homes and food sources to survive. Their conservation in wild habitat through management practices can provide protection to wild plant and animal species. Present paper deals with an overview to the prevailing wildlife conservation practices in Madhya Pradesh. It includes protection, habitat improvement, water development, wildlife health management, monitoring and evaluation of wildlife. Protection is the major
component that ensures the security of wildlife and its habitat through; tiger cell, law enforcement, monsoon strategy, elephant patrols, surveillance of footpaths and sensitive areas. These practices are being managed successfully by Indian Forest Service Officers, State Forest Service Officers, in support with Foresters, Forest guards and ministerial staff of the state.

Biography:

Abstract:

Homegardens (HG) play a key role in the conservation of plant diversity and at the same time provide ecosystem services that have a direct and positive impact on human welfare. The relationships among plant diversity, ecosystem services and the factors that influence them formed the subject of study in tropical HG in Sangay, Ecuador. We compiled information from 138 HG in 11 localities and found 484 plant species associated with 20 ecosystem services; the most important of which, according to interviews with the gardeners, is that they provide food, medicine and ornamentation. Influential physical factors on plant diversity in the HG were altitude, precipitation and temperature, while socioeconomic factors, including ethnicity, gender, income and education, were perhaps more important determinants of HG diversity. Three groups of HG were identified by Hierarchical Ascendant Correspondence Analysis: “small HG of recent origin,”- having the fewest species and ecosystem services, “large, transitional HG,”- having a wide range of services, and “medium, established HG,” -mainly supplying food, medicine, ornamentation, shade and fencing. Ethnicity may be a stronger determinant of differences in HG composition: For Shuar people, HG were a main source of food, critical to their subsistence in rural areas; in total, Shuar gardeners cultivated on the whole more plant species. On the other hand, HG belonging to mestizos were more diverse, have more exotic plant species and provide mainly cultural and regulatory services. HG in more urban settings mainly provided ornamentation, fencing and shade. This information can be applied by policy makers to the design of strategies for biodiversity conservation and food security.

Biography:

Hatem Ahmed Shabana is a PhD student at Malaga University, currently working as a botanist and ecologist researcher in seed bank and herbarium in Sharjah Research academy, UAE and worked in Egypt at Egyptian environmental ministry. His current and previous work gave him experience in many environmental fields and programs like seed collection and germination, preparing herbarium specimens, plant species surveys, endemic species monitoring and conserving, restoration, public awareness and conservation biology and sustainable use of natural resources.

Abstract:

Background & Aim: Seed size (mass) and growth forms can affect dispersal distance, position of diaspora storage and consequently affect seedling establishment, growth, and survival and can shape community structure. Fewer studies assessed the relationship between seed size and germination level among different growth forms. Here, we assessed the impact of plant growth form, seed storage, and seed size and masses on seed dormancy, and light and temperature requirements during germination of 23 desert plants with aerial seed bank.

Location: Northern Emirates of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was the setting taken for this study.

Methods: Seeds of 23 species with aerial seed bank, representing different growth forms (6 herbaceous, 11 small shrubs and 6 trees) were collected from natural habitats of the arid deserts of the UAE. Average seed mass and size were determined for each species. Fresh seeds, and those stored both in room temperatures for 9 months were germinated at daily night/day temperature regimes of 15/25°C, 20/30°C and 25/35°C in both continuous darkness and alternating light/darkness. Pearson correlation coefficients were used to assess the significance of the relationship between seed mass and seed size with final germination, relative light germination (RLG) and germination rate index (GRI) for each growth form at each temperature and light condition.

Results: Trees and shrubs have significantly larger, heavier seeds that are characterized with higher dormancy, compared to herbaceous plants. Germination at all storage conditions was positively photoblastic in herbaceous plant, but was neutrally photoblastic in both shrubs and trees. Field storage enhanced light germination in trees, but not in shrubs and herbs. The relationships between both seed size and mass and final germination at all light and temperature conditions was positive in herbaceous, but negative in shrubby species. The relationship between seed size and LGI was significantly positive in shrubs; but was significantly negative in herbs and trees. GRI was greater for bigger seeds of herbs, but the reverse was true for seeds of trees.

Conclusion: Seed size and storage, and light requirement during germination of species belonging to different growth forms could explain their distribution in the community and consequently could help explain community structure and composition.

Biography:

Thapa Tej Bahadur has been involved in research, teaching and management planning of biodiversity. Broadly his research area aims to understand how human activities influence ecological systems and the services they provide and then to apply that knowledge to conservation and management. His research touches conservation biology, landscape ecology, community ecology, population demography, behavioural ecology, and ecological restoration.

Abstract:

Mammalian large carnivores (LC) are wide ranging and play a crucial role in ecosystem structure and function. Most LCs have experienced decline in population and shrinkage of range throughout the globe and Nepal is not exception to such trend. Nepal is inhabited by eleven species of LCs, of which five are felid (tiger, leopard, snow leopard, clouded leopard and lynx), three each canid (gray wolf, dhole and striped hyaena) and ursid (brown bear, Himalayan black bear and sloth bear). I review the status of these carnivores, map their distribution, documents current threats to these taxa, and make recommendation for their conservation. These taxa have localized distribution mainly in the protected areas (PA) and the majority PA is unable to sustain viable populations of LCs under current conditions. Population size is yet to be estimated except tiger and snow leopard. Large carnivores are highly threatened and the primary threats to the persistence of these taxa include habitat loss and degradation, small population effects, lack of connectivity between populations, prey depletion, poaching/persecution, intra-guild predation/completion/displacement, conflict with humans, and climate change. Red list of Nepal's Mammal categorized two of these taxa as critically endangered, seven
endangered and remaining two in the vulnerable list. Current conservation actions are extremely limited focusing on tiger and snow leopard. It is often necessary to develop national strategic plan for large carnivore conservation incorporating elements like habitat connectivity, explicit public policies on conflict resolution, land-use and sustainable development, public awareness campaigns, transboundary cooperation among the nation in managing shared population and continuous scientific research and monitoring.

Biography:

Amélie Rossi is a PhD Scholar in Marine Biology at the University of Corsica in the laboratory Stella Mare since October 2014. Her research focuses on the study of physical and behavioral capacities of young stages of Mediterranean coastal fishes (post-arval stage), along the Corsican east coast. Her area of expertise includes the study and analysis of the physical and behavioral capacities of Mediterranean coastal fish post-larvae along the north-eastern Corsican coast. Her work consists of fishing, following in the natural environment, and by experiments directed both in the laboratory and in the field. The purpose of these works is to improve the knowledge of the young stages of Mediterranean coastal fishes in order to better understand this stage of life, during which they migrate from the open sea where they hatched, to the coast where they will.

Abstract:

The pelagic larval phase is a decisive step in the life history of coastal fish. This phase is considered as a milestone for the larval dispersal. Indeed, it is usually the only recruitment possibility for coastal species, because adult individuals are sedentary. This stage of fish life is not only crucial for the recruitment of individuals but also for structure and population dynamics. Therefore, it represents a real interest for marine biology and ecology research in a perspective of fundamental knowledge but especially for the management of fish resources. The work presented here is subject to a behavioral study on post-larvae of species found on the Corsican coast. The study site is located on the north east Corsican coast (Mediterranean Sea, France), near the urban area of Bastia. This site is considered because it is close to a natural reserve (Biguglia lagoon) and a Natura 2000 area, the "large Posidonia meadow". Samples are caught with non-destructive light traps and this study aims to obtain both, orientation data in the natural environment (in situ) with a tracking device, the DISC (Drifting in situ Chamber), developed by the University of Miami (Rosentiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science) and swimming ability and endurance data in laboratory, with a swimming chamber, developed by Loligo Systems®. The collected data assess post-larval dispersal abilities fished on the Corsican eastern coast. This study comes in support of the work already underway on the subject, including the oceanographic observatory of villefranche-sur-Mer (France).

Biography:

Saif Ullah has completed his MPhil from PMAS-Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Punjab, Pakistan and BS (Hons) from University of Peshawar. He is currently working as visiting Lecturer at Department of Zoology, University of Peshawar. He has worked on the population and habitat of an ungulate species, Indian gazelle during his MPhil degree. Earlier in BS (Hons) degree, he had conducted research on the avian fauna of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Being a young Wildlife Biologist, his four papers are in publishing press. He has presented his MPhil and BS (Hons) research work in many international and national scientific conferences and congresses. He has worked as Internee for ungulate survey conducted in the Province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. He has more than 5 years’ experience in the field of wildlife and its conservation. He is currently member of many international and national organizations and societies.

Abstract:

The Indian gazelle (Gazella bennettii) also known as Chinkara, is a very adaptable wild animal. Present study determined the population size and habitat association of Indian gazelle in Manglot near Nizampur area of District Nowshera from September 2015 to July 2016. The data on population density was collected by direct counting using vantage point method and scanning from these vantage points. A total of 19 Indian gazelles were observed at four different study sites located between 328 m and 504m elevation in the study area. Of the total individuals observed, 21% were males, 37% were females, 32% were yearlings and 10% were young. Habitat analysis was done through vegetation survey using quadrate method in its habitat. Relative density, relative frequency, relative cover and importance value index were calculated for all plant species recorded in Indian gazelle habitat at four study sites. A total of 22 quadrates were taken between the elevation of 328m and 504m near selected vantage points. As many as 33 plant species belonging to 16 families were recorded in Indian gazelle habitat among which trees were 24.2%, shrubs 30.3%, herbs 18.2% and grasses 27.3%. Indian gazelle in the study area is facing problems due to increasing human population and also extension of agricultural practices in its potential habitat.

Biography:

Munzer Ullah did Master and MPhil. from Quaid –e-Azam university Islamabad Pakistan and currently enrolled in prestigeous Center of Bioengineering and Biotechnology Chinas University of Petroleum. East China. Zhu hu is currently working as a prof in the said center.

Abstract:

The present research was directed to exploit the potential bacterial and fungi strains for the biodegradation of Polyisoprene (Natural Rubber). In current study, twelve different bacterial strains were isolated from the sewage sludge sample through enrichment and soil burial techniques. The microbes isolated from the samples showed good growth and biodegradation activities on culture medium. Later on these strains were identified and characterized on the basis of morphological and biochemical test. Among these, seven were Bacillus, three Aerococus and two were Staphylococcus sp. Consequently, two fungal strains were also identified and named as Aspergillus sydowii and Aspergillus candidus. Biodegradation activates of the mixed culture of microrganism were monitored through UV spectrophotometer and functional groups changes were analyzed through FTIR spectroscopy. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) (Bio-Rad Merlin) analysis displayed the changes in the region 1200-1400 cm-1 representing the degradation of Polyisoprene rubber after culturing in liquid media. CO2 evolution in Sturm test was gravimetrically calculated as 42.88 g/l in case of test. However 20.58 g/l in case of control was noted. The difference in amount of CO2 produced both in test and control indicated the degradation of rubber. This study determined that a mixed microbial culture had a potential tendency toward the degradation of rubber.

Biography:

Batista Abel is a Biologist by profession and nature lover. With 15 years of field experience in Panama, Costa Rica and Colombia, he has conducted several studies of wildlife rescue, monitoring and research. He completed his Undergraduate studies at the Universidad Autónoma de Chiriqui, Panama, Graduate studies at the University of Bogota, Colombia Andes and PhD at the Senckenberg Institute (in association with the Goethe University), Frankfurt, Germany, all focused on the study of amphibians and reptiles. His main interest is bioacoustics, interaction between anuran communities, biogeography and taxonomy of amphibians and reptiles of Panama.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Panama, a small country between the major continents of North and South America, is recognized for its mega-biodiversity. In particular, Eastern Panama (EP) is an important biodiversity hot-spot that is little studied. The isolation and speciation of several species is reflected in the endemism of some species. The restricted distribution for those endemic species has contributed to increase the numbers of endangered species in the region. Nowadays several endangered and undescribed species have been affected by Chytridiomycosis, some of them have disappeared even before they can be described. We have experienced a declination event in EP, with dramatic disminution of several species.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: From 2011 to present, we have repeatedly visited the main mountain ranges in EP, collecting ecological information to assess the status of the herpetofauna in the area. We have fixed eight transects that have been visited two to three times per year.

Findings: Based on our results, in EP there are 29 endemic species; some of them are exclusive of EP. Currently there are 14 amphibians, in the endangered categories of the IUCN, although there are several species that have not been evaluated by the IUCN specialists. According to the Environmental Vulnerability Score (EVS), another way to evaluate the conservation status of the species used specifically for amphibian and reptiles, in EP there are 50 species with a high vulnerability, 35 with medium and 12 with low EVS. We found fluctuation in several species; some fluctuations are seasonal, related to the climatic conditions. But also we found death animals Bd positive and low densities for some species in highlands (Fig. 1).

Conclusion & Significance: We identified the main threats affecting the status of conservation of the herpetofauna in EP, among them: Chytridiomycosis, habitat fragmentation and contamination. Direct impacts on the herpetofauna and that recently have affected the populations is chytridiomycosis. Now there is evidence for amphibian decline in EP. The deforestation is an alarming issue in the region, and can affect amphibians, every dry season for example protected areas are deforested by loggers and, in the buffer areas people make fires to open areas for cultivation. Therefore, urgent monitoring projects are needed to determine the status and to suggest feasible conservation strategies that can guarantee the long term survival of species.

Biography:

Díaz-Puerto Zarick Juliana is currently pursuing the last semester of Environmental Engineering at the District University Francisco José de Caldas (UDFJC) in Bogotá, Colombia. Through different researches, she found her passion in the conservation of the nonrenewable natural resources, and with the application of appropriate technologies identified a sustainable approach in electrical energy generation by means of offshore wind farms. She has carried out research on Electrical Transmission Lines at the Engineering Institute of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and published her research results at the 28th International Power Summer Meeting, also participated as a Speaker at the 2nd Inter-American Conference Climate Change in 2016 with the theme "Current panorama of Mexico's participation in the carbon market".

Abstract:

In Colombia, diversity loss has appeared for different anthropic activities. Due to the actions of different persons and entities, a restoration process has been conducted in the natural Wax Palm reserve located in the town of San Antonio, La Vega, Cundinamarca. In this way, the present study defines the conservation state of the reserve, identifying the existing vegetation units from estimations of the basal area, coverage and dominance, to subsequently perform a taxonomic identification, analyzing ecological alpha diversity indexes (species richness) and establishing the relations between the environmental conditions and the characteristics of floristic vegetation composition. 4 plots of 10x10 m were established, where they were registered and gathered botanical samples of all the individuals with a circumference at breast height (CBH)>10 cm; for a later taxonomic identification in the forest herbarium of the District University Francisco José de Caldas of the vegetable material gathered in the field. Also, a floristic and structural analysis of the vegetation was performed, by means of the calculation of alpha diversity indexes: Importance Value Index (IVI), Margalef´s Index (Dmg), Simpson´s index, Menhinick´s (Dmn), Shannon-weaver´s Index and Brillouin´s Index. In the sampling of 400 m2 (0,04 hectares) were found 8 families of vascular plants, where 9 species were identified. The family with the most species was Vismia (5), the species with the most individuals was Guarea glabra (4). It is estimated that 8 out of 9 species are endemic, being the majority of them deciduous, which is concordant with the moist forest ecosystem; where the reservation is located. Overall, as shown in Figure 1 and 2, big diversity and little dominance are present in the field of study, which is related to a restoration process in the natural reserve.

Biography:

Anjana Rajput is presently engaged as Head of Wildlife Branch in State Forest Research Institute, Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India. She has done her MSc and PhD from Sagar University, India, with specialization in Forest Ecology, having more than 20 years research experience in habitat ecology, wildlife conservation and environmental impact assessment. She is recognized as Functional Area Expert for Ecology & Biodiversity from NABET Quality Council of India, New Delhi. She has published various research papers, technical reports and technical bulletin in national and international peer reviewed journals.

Abstract:

Statement of the Problem: Among Indian tree species, teak is the most valuable timber tree species with lots of variations existing in nature and there is lot of scope for improvement in this species. Individual tree variation is an important source for practical breeding program and to determine breeding objectives of any species information about inheritance patterns need to be combined with the economic values of each trait. Traits selection is the first and the most important step, while starting any improvement programme.

Methodology & Theoretical Orientation: During present study, existing candidate plus teak trees of Madhya Pradesh, India were evaluated for traits i.e. height, diameter, self- pruning ability, apical dominance, crown diameter, branch thickness, fruit bearing capacity, wood specific gravity of standing tree, heart wood percentage, growth rate and volume. A comparative analysis for different characteristics was done amongst the selected plus tree candidate and trait wise grading was done on the basis observation recorded. Cumulative scoring of candidate plus tree was done based on superior phenotypic characteristics.

Findings: Specific trait-wise trees were identified during present study. Trees of excellent height, girth, clear bole height, ideal circular bole with less tapering, self-pruning ability exist in natural population of Madhya Pradesh, which may be used as reproductive source material for plantation purposes. Wood characteristic like higher specific gravity, higher heartwood percentage which show high inheritance pattern, should be strongly considered along with all the phenotypic characteristics i.e. height, girth, bole form, crown habit, branching pattern etc. They may be used in future tree breeding programmes. A special protection should be provided to conserve those superior genetic resources. It is also requisite to multiply them through original seeds or through micro-propagation technique to sustain the unique creations of the nature.

Biography:

Batista Abel is a Biologist by profession and nature lover. With 15 years of field experience in Panama, Costa Rica and Colombia, he has conducted several studies of wildlife rescue, monitoring and research. He completed his Undergraduate studies at the Universidad Autónoma de Chiriqui, Panama, Graduate studies at the University of Bogota, Colombia Andes and PhD at the Senckenberg Institute (in association with the Goethe University), Frankfurt, Germany, all focused on the study of amphibians and reptiles. His main interest is bioacoustics, interaction between anuran communities, biogeography and taxonomy of amphibians and reptiles of Panama.

Abstract:

Eastern Panama (EP) is an important biodiversity hot-spot due to its great variety of habitats, high endemism and fast habitat loss. Recently, Panamanian scientists and national authorities have emphasized the urgency of surveys to determine conservation strategies for the herpetofauna in this region. From 2011 to the present, I have repeatedly visited the main mountain ranges in EP, collecting geographical data, specimens and tissue samples for mtDNA barcoding, recording frog calls, and ecological information to assess the status of the herpetofauna in the area. Additionally, we have monitored the population of the critically endangered species Atelopus glyphus in the Pirre area of the Darién National Park. Through an integrative analysis, I could identify 118 amphibians and 156 reptile species present in EP. Additionally, 29 species were not possible to assign to any described species, thus they were catalogued as candidate species, unconfirmed, or cryptic lineages. After this analysis, I have described nine species new to science, revised the taxonomic status of several genera of amphibians (Diasporus, Ecnomiohyla, and Bolitoglossa) and reptiles (Lepidoblapharis and Dactyloa), and synonymized one species in the Pristimantis caryophyllaceus complex. At one locality within the Serranía de Pirre, a population of A. glyphus has decreased dramatically since 2013. An analysis in 2015 confirmed the infection with the Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) fungus in dead specimens. Not all populations in the region are affected at the same level, with those at lower elevation apparently less susceptible to changes in their population structure than those from higher elevations. Unfortunately, A. glyphus and many other species in EP are threatened and disappearing, and for most of them, we have little to no knowledge about their ecology, distribution, and/or habits. As EP is an important area for species diversification and diversity, conservational efforts are required urgently.

Biography:

R U Sawaiker is a Research Scholar in the Department of Botany, Goa University, India on Limnological studies of fresh water bodies in Goa. During her research, she has analyzed water samples for physico-chemical and biological parameters from four selected fresh water bodies for a period of two years following standard protocols. It was observed that physical and chemical variables tested during study, were possible drivers of diatom communities. This particular paper deals with use of modern software like OMNIDA GB 5.3 to derive Louis Leclercq IDSE/5 index. Diatoms encountered during study were found to be most powerful ecological indicators of degradation levels of selected water bodies. They are right tools for biomonitoring, as indicator value of diatoms is well accepted and highly used across the continents. It is an ideal means by which progress towards integrated water resources management can be monitored.

Abstract:

Lakes supply water for irrigation, drinking, fisheries, etc., and thus have significant economic and recreational value. In limnetic ecosystem, water quality is influenced by physical, chemical and biological factors. Freshwater communities are very much sensitive to environmental variables. The algal flora constitutes a vital link in the food chain and its productivity depends on water quality at a given time. Diatoms, in particular are of utmost importance, as they are the potential indicators of water quality due to their sensitivity and strong response to many physical, chemical and biological changes. Occurrence of diatom communities in selected fresh water bodies of Goa along with physico-chemical parameters have been studied for a period of two consecutive years and the data has been used in bio-monitoring. Using OMNIDIA GB 5.3 software, Louis Leclercq IDSE/5 index is derived and the level of degradation due to organic and antropogenic pollution has been found out. Findings showed seasonal variations in physico chemical parameters and diatom population. The diversity of diatoms was considerably high in Syngenta, Lotus and Curtorim lakes as compared to Khandola pond. Gomphonema parabolum, Navicula halophila, Navicula microcephala, Navicula mutica were indicating organic pollution in all water bodies. Amphora ovalis, Stauroneis phoenicenteron, Synedra ulna were indicating antropogenic pollution at Syngenta, Lotus and Curtorim lakes while Navicula rhynococephala was indicating antropogenic pollution at Khandola pond. Biomonitoring has been proven to be necessary and hence the importance of diatoms as ecological indicators of water quality has been stressed.

Biography:

Khursid A Khan has expertise in Wildlife ecology vis-à-vis anthropogenic impact assessment on protected areas. He has expertise in ungulate ecology especially on Blackbuck, Nilgai and Swamp deer. He has been working with different renowned conservation organizations like Royal Society of Protection of Birds, Bombay Natural History Society and Wildlife Trust of India. Along with this he has been carried out many departmental projects. Currently, he is working in the MoEF&CC Funded project entitled “Assessment of anthropogenic pressure and its impact on forest and grassland ecosystem of Dachigam National Park J&K India”. He is also assessing the impact of transhumance in Dachigam National Park.

Abstract:

We examined the dependence on forest resources among the households of Mulnar village on Dachigam National Park (DNP). Mulnar is one among the 22 villages situated at the boundary of DNP. Data were collected through systematic questionnaire survey of 32 households (46%) randomly selected from the village. It was found that about 91.30% of households were totally or partially dependent on forest for fuel-wood. 31% of these households did not use any alternative sources of energy and were totally dependent on DNP forest for fuel-wood. While only 9% households used Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) as an alternative, 17% used LPG along with fuel-wood. 22% households used kerosene stoves and had to supplement it with fuel-wood due to irregular supply of kerosene. 13% of households used electric heaters along with fuel-wood. With per capita fuel-wood consumption of 4.19 kg/day, the average annual fuel-wood consumption was found to be 1.51 metric ton per household. According to household questionnaire survey the average annual fuel-wood collection was found to be lower (1.52 metric tons/household) compared to the measured quantity (5.94 metric tons/household) calculated on the basis of head-loads being taken out of DNP. Moreover 65% of households collected green fodder from the forest for their livestock. Other resources collected from DNP were medicinal plants, honey, vegetables and fish, as well as timber. The harsh climatic conditions of the area and inappropriate supply of alternative fuels are the driving forces of higher fuel-wood consumption. Moreover, dependence on forest resources for subsistence is high due to high unemployment in the village.

Biography:

Abstract:

Indri (Indri indri) represents a peculiar case among primates because of its impressive howling cries, known as “the song of the indri”. This modulated signal is composed by different vocal notes uttered in a coordinated manner by group members. Loud singing in indris shows evident sex- and individual-specific features and may serve conveying different messages. Indris have been classified as critically endangered by the IUCN (Red List of Threatened Species), mainly because they suffer extremely high pressure, as habitat loss. Due to the increasing anthropic activities that are directly impacting on rainforests, understanding human interaction with the species and their habitat is urgent. For this purpose, Parco Natura Viva, in cooperation with the University of Torino, promoted effective conservation strategies in the Maromizaha forest (Madagascar), focused on the management and preservation of rainforest ecosystems and specific related taxa. Knowledge of how indris communicate generates crucial information, from social organization to demography, from habitat use to genetic fitness. Our research is impacting positively on conservation: the effective monitoring of indri groups and territories is leading to a deeper understanding of how to manage wildlife. Understanding that conservation must have the support of local people in order to be effective, we are working together for developing positive attitudes towards wildlife among the local communities inhabiting 9 villages around the forest, both establishing small infrastructures (e.g. Maromizaha Multipurpose Centre), promoting reforestation (more than 9000 endemic bamboo and forest trees restored), implementing capacity-building activities and developing education at primary and higher level (e.g. 240 schoolchildren equipped with books and stationery). A new Forest Patrol Service has also been established, in collaboration with local traditional authorities and police. As a result of our efforts, on April 28th, 2015 Maromizaha was officially recognized as a New Protected Area (NAP) by the Ministry of Environment, Ecology, Sea and Forests.

Biography:

Eromosele J Gold is an Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Crop Science and Horticulture in Federal University, Oye Ekiti, Nigeria. He has a Master’s Degree from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. Due to his passion for imparting knowledge, he maximized every opportunity to teach and do research in Agriculture with reference in plant biodiversity.

Abstract:

The study was conducted to find out the spatial distribution of weed species diversity, their abundance and species richness on the practical year training program farm of the Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry, University of Ibadan. The area of the farm was determined using Garmin etrex H GPS model (Unit ID 3637541523) and confirmed using trigonometry. It was divided into 21 plots of 150 m2 each, leaving a strip of 5 m round for edge effects. Six (1m2) square quadrats (126 in all) were randomly laid on each plot to access the herbaceous flora of the farm. Flora presence and density values were evaluated for Relative Importance Values (RIV), diversity indices and weed relationship to soil type following Kent and Coker (1992); and standard soil testing procedures respectively. A total of fifty three (53) plant species belonging to eighteen (18) families were enumerated. Tridax procumbens had the highest Relative Importance Value (11.73), distantly followed Cynodon dactylon (6.44). Tridax procumbens was prevalent in plots not subjected to crop rotation. Lowest numbers of plants were enumerated on clay soils where Tridax procumbens were mostly prevalent. Margalef index (12.81), Mehinick index (6.959), and Dominance (0.05262) indicated high overall species richness, high species richness in each plot, and low overall dominance respectively.

Biography:

Abstract:

The studies took place in the Banco National Park (Abidjan, Ivory Coast) and aimed to search for weather conditions (temperature, rainfall and relative humidity) required for each stage of growth and development of two species of giant African snails: Achatina achatina and Archachatina ventricosa. In order to achieve growth and development, stages of specimens encountered in the samples were identified during different seasons of the year (corresponding to particular climatic conditions). It appears from this study that spats (new-borned) of Achatina achatina are absent in the environment throughout the year. This could be explained by the fact that individuals of this age require for their growth, very specific conditions of temperature, rainfall and relative humidity. This is not the case of Archachatina ventricosa to which weather prevailing in the forest seems to favor their growth, since the spat stage to the juvenile age. Juveniles of species Achatina achatina and Archachatina ventricosa seem fond of climatic conditions during the rainy season (specially the small rainy season) and the short dry season. However, adult individuals of the two species do not seem to accommodate climatic conditions throughout the year in the forest.