Jornal de Biodiversidade e Espécies Ameaçadas

Convergent evolution, an extremely important topic within biodiversity studies, refers to the independent development of similar features in the descendants of different ancestral groups. The variably derived descendants may be similar, depending on the analogues or similar features. New and Old World vultures are an interesting example of convergent evolution. They have similar ecological roles, food habits and features and like the hawks and owls, may have evolved from different species. This convergence may be due to similar ecological conditions that may result in similar trajectories in different species, genera, families or even Orders.

The Marcigliana Regional Natural Reserve was established in 1997 in the northern area of Rome district. It is 4,729 hectares wide and it is managed by the Regional Istitutio “Roma Natura” and the importance of the area, object of our study, is demonstrated by the specific richness and mainly by the percentage of Passerine/Non Passerine that show the great importance of mosaic agriculture areas for birds' conservation.

The existing small population of Mugger crocodile inhabit in south Odisha near Ganjam and Parlakamundai district Border. The main habitats could be classified in two, main natural and artificial habitats. The main natural habitats are the small and large ponds along the main Reservoir, Ghodahada. Most of these ponds have similar characteristics providing suitable habitats for the Mugger crocodiles. Generally, Mugger crocodiles avoid from running parts of the rivers, streams and prefer fairly deep and calm parts of the rivers with suitable vegetation and sandy banks. As the artificial water bodies also play essential support for the Mugger crocodile population. Small and large ponds nearby villages constructed for the rain water storage as well as the dams constructed along the river Ghodahada supposed to be important habitats for the Mugger crocodiles too. The movement of Mugger crocodiles between the habitats is usual recorded behavior in the area. In most habitats the Mugger crocodiles have close contact with local people. Some ponds in border area are supposed to be Mugger crocodile habitats too, and some reports from local people indicating movement between the local habitats. Constructed dams on the main rivers had important effects on the habitats too. 37 species of fish, 8 amphibian 28 reptilian and 46 bird species are the main food resources for the Mugger crocodiles in these habitats which also add the richness to biodiversity of area. Since 2008 Mugger crocodile conservation program was initiated by Berhampur forest department. Latest 2014 census recorded 46 basking Mugger crocodiles and 7 nests were found during the nest survey in small islands/mainland in habitat.

The behavioural and morphometric features of West Africa manatee; Trichechus senegalensis, in a semi-wild environment was study from July1st 2008 to November 30th 2008. Surface water was measured to determine the Physico-chemical parameters of the stream. Mean values of surface water temperature of 26.56 ± 1.08oC; pH, 6.47 ± 0.25; Free carbon dioxide, 8.83 ± 1.44 mg/L; total alkalinity, 10.35 ± 1.85 mg/L; Dissolved Oxygen, 7.35 ± 1.42 mg/L and Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) 2.41 ± 0.47 mg/L were within stipulated ranged as safe for aquatic organism. Eleven Macrophytes belonging to eight families were fed to the manatee daily. The morphometric measurement showed total length 192 cm, standard length 152 cm, body weight 265 kg, fluke width 36 cm, flipper length 36 cm, head length 34 cm, girth at umbilicus 120 cm, girth at genital pore 82 cm, girth at anus 64 cm. The results indicate that the semi-wild environment provides favourable conditions for the survival of the manatee.

This article presents a detailed overview about one of the most important yet neglected fields of science, the Taxonomy, its relevance and the various impediments faced by it in recent times. Since the period 2011-2020 has been declared the Biodiversity decade, the Convention of Biodiversity has laid major emphasis on the inventory and conservation of biodiversity. However, it is a fact that the ignorance about our faunal and floral wealth can be detrimental for our own survival. With the decline in taxonomy and the disappearance of taxonomists worldwide, we are slowly heading towards a state of uncertainty and chaos as most of our studies require an accurate identification of test organism which is not a job that anyone or everyone can do. Therefore, this article highlights the stringent measures that are required to be taken by the taxonomists as well the various policy making agencies towards the revival and promotion of Taxonomy.

Coleus barbatus Benth. (Lamiaceae) is an important medicinal herb in the sub-Himalayan tracts of North India. Four major watersheds, namely Chamba, Ghansali, Lambgaon and Pokhal were identified in Tehri Garhwal District during the present investigation and within each watershed various habitats like pine forest, oak forest, open slopes, arable land and abandoned cultivated areas were selected. Through random quadrat sampling data was collected and the population of C. barbatus was calculated. Banj oak and chir pine forests had least population of C. barbatus (< 0.1 individual’s m-2 and 0.1 individuals m-2, respectively). The habitats like open chir pine forest (3.9 individual’s m-2), open grasslands (2.4 individuals m-2), arable lands (3.2 individuals m-2) and abandoned cultivated areas (3.3 individuals m-2) supported good population of C. barbatus. The conservation measures are discussed in the paper.

The black rhinoceros have declined across Africa both in numbers and range distribution, making long-term population persistence of this iconic species uncertain. We conducted simulation models to predict population performance of black rhinoceros in Lake Nakuru National Park under different scenarios of environmental variation and translocation regimes. A decade-long (1987-1997) demographic data were used to construct stochastic simulation models using VORTEX computer program. In addition, we assessed extinction risks and patterns of heterozygosity among the modelled populations (reported every five years) to characterize the dynamics of this population over a hundred years. The population of black rhinoceros showed varying patterns of fluctuations under different scenarios. The best-case scenario showed a considerable increase in the modelled population with the population attaining the highest growth (population growth (λ)=1.04) after 40 years. The mean final population size for the successful cases was 70.85 ± 2.0 animals, which was relatively close to the carrying capacity used in the simulation. The expected heterozygosity was 0.912 ± 0.02 suggesting that the remaining population may be genetically viable. Further, environmental variation of 1-2% magnitude across the various age categories, and without translocation, had no significant effect on the deterministic growth rate of the population. Maintaining the translocation of 2 males and 2 females on yearly basis would significantly boost and sustain the population of black rhinoceros in the study area.