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Lord Perumal is the God of preserving in the Hindu Pantheon of Gods. People who belong to the Vaishnava Sect pray Lord Vishnu for the fulfilment of life. In Tamil Nadu, there are many dhivyadesas that glorify the feats and love of Lord Vishnu in many forms of Perumal. The worship of Lord Perumal in the Western Ghats continues for many years. This study is based on a perumal temple and its vicinities that is in Virudhunagar District, Tamil Nadu, India. The Perumal temple is known as Mottai Malai (cliff). It is in a place named Mavuthu on the Tankasi road near Alagapuri. This hill is situated on the western side of the famous Chaturagiri hill that is known for the Lord Shiva Temple on the Watrap Hills. The Perumal temple have ancient touch in its architecture and have orthodox worship events according to the Vaisnava sect. On this basis only men go to Perumal temple. This article is about the worship methods of this temple.

The present study investigated leptophlebiid mayfly in 48 sampling sites from 11 states and one union territory of India including earlier report. It deals with diagnostic characters, diversity, distribution and status of 26 species belonging to 12 genera under two subfamilies of Leptophlebiidae from India. Twenty-three of them are endemic to India inclusive of 15 species and six genera are endemic to the Western Ghats and four species are endemic to the Himalaya. Due to this high percentage of endemism, conservation of habitats and microhabitats harbouring this ancient gondwanan lineage gains priority.

This study examined the species composition and nest-tree characteristics of diurnal raptors in the tropical forests of Moyar Valley, Western Ghats between December 2012 and March 2013. We recorded 28 species of raptors including three species of vultures. Accipitridae was the dominant family comprising of 25 species followed by two from Falconidae and the monotypic Pandionidae. Among them, eight species fall under various threatened category: three Critically Endangered, one Endangered, two Vulnerable and two Near Threatened. The Critically Endangered Gyps bengalensis was frequently recorded during the survey (175 sightings) followed by Milvus migrans (39 sightings) and Haliastur indus (27 sightings). We located 53 active nests of four species of raptors, viz., Gyps bengalensis (42 nests), Nisaetus cirrhatus (4 nests), Haliastur indus (4 nests), and Milvus migrans (3 nests). A notable difference in the nest-tree characteristics among the sympatric raptors was observed. These results would be important to identify priority areas for developing future conservation and management programs for the long-term conservation of raptorial birds in the Western Ghats.

The Lesser Dog-faced Fruit Bat Cynopterus brachyotis was found at higher elevations but since there is a paucity of reports on its distribution and habitat selection, an inventory was made at four locations in the Eastern and Western Ghats of southern India where the elevation ranged from 200–1,500 m. The C. brachyotis roosts were distributed between 600–1,500 m. Day roosts were found at an elevation of about 1,000m in Sirumalai and Yercaud Hill stations. Mist-netting studies, however, revealed that C. brachyotis was widely distributed at different elevations ranging from 600–1,500 m. Moreover, through a radio-telemetry study, we determined that the males foraged at shorter distances from the day roost, whereas the females commuted longer distances and used more than one foraging area. The male bats’ time of emergence is significantly less than females; in addition, males frequently return to their day-roost and made several short foraging flights spaced randomly throughout the night. These observations suggest that some type of territoriality is associated with their roost, which appears to be the basis of social organization in C. brachyotis. Overall, this study provides detailed information about the foraging and roosting ecology of C. brachyotis in southern India.

A study on the small carnivores in Silent Valley National Park (SVNP), southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India was conducted from September 2015 to April 2016, using the camera trap technique. Seven species of small carnivores were recorded during the study. The most common species of small carnivore of SVNP was Viverricula indica (44%) followed by Paradoxurus jerdoni (20%) and Herpestes vitticollis (17%). The other small carnivores found at SVNP were Herpestes fuscus (7%), Prionailurus bengalensis (6%), Aonyx cinereus (5%) and Martes gwatkinsii (1%). P. jerdoni and M. gwatkinsii are endemic to the Western Ghats. We discuss the niche partitioning among small carnivores in SVNP.

An extensive survey and population analysis of the endemic and endangered tree Kingiodendron pinnatum, was carried out in the Kerala area of the Western Ghats. The aim was to assess the pattern of distribution, population size and natural regeneration of the species. The fragmented and patchy populations of the species are distributed in evergreen/semi evergreen habitats within an altitudinal range of 176-680m elevation. The tree attained a first layer/canopy species with a height range from 24–30m. Altogether 17 populations were identified and mapped in 13 forest locations in the region. A total of 140 adult individuals of the species were enumerated within the 13 forest locations. Natural regeneration of the species recorded from three zones among the 13 forest locations covering 21,000m2 area representing the Kerala state. The flowering trees displayed a height and dbh range of 10-30m and 85-320cm, respectively. The individuals are spatially arranged in aggregation among patchy populations. The populations are well represented by reproductive individuals with 77% and pre reproductive with 23%. Seedlings of 35.9% attained a height below 1m and 64.01% of a height above 1m. Considering the extent of distribution in the state, increase in the number of mature individuals (in addition to the enumerated area), and fair count of seedlings suggests a healthier conservation status of the species in the region. The economic and medicinal values, occurrence of isolated and fragmented populations, irregularities in the flowering and fruiting period among populations, however, extends urgent concerns over the pollination biology, detection of diverse genotypes subsequent multiplication and restoration of dwindling populations for the effective conservation and management of the species in situ.

Conflict with elephants and subsequent economic losses negatively affect residents’ tolerance towards wild elephants. It is important to understand people’s attitude towards wildlife, especially Asian Elephants with an endangered status. A questionnaire survey was undertaken with 510 forest fringe residents of Nilambur North and South Forest Divisions, Kerala, to understand residents’ attitudes towards elephant conservation and Human-Elephant conflict. The majority of the villagers experienced psychological stress and fear associated with movement restriction and chances of encounters with elephants. Crop damage was perceived as the most serious issue, followed by injury or death by encounters with elephants. Elephants show a higher preference for raiding Jackfruit and Plantain than other crops. The conflict was caused more frequently by solitary elephants than by elephant herds. Elephants were mainly found near farm areas during late night (22:00–02:00 hr) and early night (20:00–22:00 hr). More than half of the residents were in favour of forest conservation owing to its ecological value. One-fourth of the respondents favoured forest conservation due to its extraction benefits such as collection of fuel wood and cattle grazing. Almost equal proportions of people have positive and negative attitudes towards elephants. In such instances, the possibility for a drastic shift towards negative attitudes following spontaneous elephant conflict events can be expected. Ecological awareness, interaction among stakeholders, and participatory maintenance of mitigation methods will possibly reduce conflict and contribute towards the coexistence of people and elephants in this human-dominated landscape.

The present study deals with diagnostic characters, diversity, distribution and status of seven species belonging to four genera of Teloganodidae from southern India. Six of them are endemic to the Western Ghats as is the genus Indoganodes Selvakumar, Sivaramakrishnan & Jacobus, 2014 and one is endemic to the Eastern Ghats. Due to this high percentage of endemism, conservation of habitats and microhabitats harbouring this ancient gondwanan lineage gains priority. A larval key to the known genera and species of Teloganodidae of southern India is also provided. The present pattern of distribution of the family Teloganodidae is confined to southern Africa, Madagascar, southern India and Southeast Asia.

Forests of the Western---- Ghats are well known for their evergreenness and high endemism. The present study carried out in the Sharavathi River Basin in the central Western Ghats of India is to find the relationship between forest evergreenness and tree endemism. The study was carried out from 2000 to 2006 and the methodology followed is a combination of transect and quadrat method nested with smaller quadrats for shrub layer and herb layer. A total of 51 endemic tree species belonging to 20 families were recorded. The results reveal that the composition of endemic tree population is closely associated with the evergreenness of the forest. With the increase in evergreenness, endemism also increased and almost all the endemic trees of the region occurred in very high evergreen class. Many of them were exclusively found in very high evergreen forests and ground layer data support this observation. Such narrow distribution of endemics makes them most vulnerable to extinction. The present study will be helpful in understanding the association of endemic trees with evergreenness of forest and will be useful in conservation as well as restoration of these endemic trees in their natural habitats.

Bird communities in Tamhini Wildlife Sanctuary in the northern Western Ghats were studied using line transect and point count methods from the year 2011 to 2013. The updated checklist of birds at the Sanctuary is now represented by 164 bird species. The present study reported 35 new records to the area, while 15 earlier reported bird species were not observed. Overall, 55 insectivorous, 19 omnivorous, 14 granivorous, nine piscivorous, eight frugivorous, eight carnivorous and six nectarivorous species were observed. Out of these, 98 were residents, 17 winter visitors, three vagrant visitors and one was summer migrant. Four restricted range species were recorded from the Sanctuary as Nilgiri Wood Pigeon Columba elphinstonii, Malabar Grey Hornbill Ocyceros griseus, White-bellied Blue Flycatcher Cyornis pallipes and Crimson-backed Sunbird Leptocoma minima. Human activities such as pruning, cutting, grazing, fires, quarrying, trailing and camping were also reported in and around the Sanctuary.

Vertical rocky cliffs, which consist of various types of rock, are widespread all over the world. India’s northern Western Ghats consisting of basaltic rocks form probably the largest cliff ecosystem globally, however, almost no studies are available concerning their floristic richness. In an attempt to understand the vascular plant assemblage of this habitat, cliffs of the northern Western Ghats were surveyed for their microhabitats, species diversity, distribution of endemics, occurrence of particular adaptive traits and potential threats. A total of 102 species of vascular plants were documented from the cliff habitats of which 55 are endemic. Flowering of the species on cliffs is triggered by the advent of the south-west monsoon and peak flowering is seen between August and October. Of the total species, 27 grow exclusively on cliffs. Owing to habitat specificity, cliffs show a greater number of narrow endemic and threatened species when compared with other habitats like deciduous, evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, which are widespread in the northern Western Ghats. Unfortunately, this habitat faces threats in the form of landslides, periodic burning and habitat loss due to road-widening.

Sacred groves in the Western Ghats are culturally preserved patches of forests that are rich in diversity owing to protection by several generations of local people, providing excellent examples of community based conservation. Sacred groves harbour local populations, preserve genetic resources and serve as reference sites and corridors between protected areas. They are considered to be cornerstones of biodiversity conservation, but are insufficient in scale and number to significantly address many aspects of the management of landscapes and biodiversity. We studied 13 sacred groves in Pune District that are at present outside the protected areas of the northern Western Ghats, where we employed a simple and rapid biodiversity assessment technique that can be replicated by frontline foresters, local residents and Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs). Integrating these sacred sites into the conservation network through local support can improve the efficiency for the existing protected area network in this ecologically fragile region.

The present study was made to assess the butterfly diversity of Peringome Vayakkara Panchayath located in the Western Ghats during 2012–13. The area is almost fully inhabited by humans and is under rapid conversion. A total of 108 species of butterflies belonging to six families were identified from the study area. The number of butterfly species encountered during winter was the highest (101), which decreased to 88 species in summer and it was only 67 during the rainy season. Fifty three species, however, were observed throughout the year. Seasonal variation on abundance was not very prominent in Papilionidae and Riodinidae. But Pieridae, Nymphalidae and Lycaenidae were less during the rainy season. On the other hand, Hesperiidae were maximum during the rainy season.

Mitigation measures are one of the best strategies for the management of human-elephant conflict. An assessment of the effectiveness of existing crop protection methods in 17 forest fringe villages of Karulai and Vazhikadavu ranges of Nilambur South and North Forest Divisions was carried out during June 2015 to May 2016. Mitigation methods found in the study area include electric fences (EF), combined electric fence and trench (EPT+EF), and elephant-proof stone wall (EPSW). Barriers were surveyed by foot and mapped with the help of global positioning systems (GPS). Number of elephant crossing points per kilometre along the length of the barrier was highest for EPT+EF and least for EF. About 86% of the barrier surveyed was located at an average distance of 14.47m from the villages and 13.63% of the barrier located at an average distance of 55.33m from the village. Damage caused by elephants to EF was primarily due to lack of maintenance of the fences. In EPT+EF, natural weak spots and gateways created for the passage of people and cattle were the main locations of elephant crossing points. Damage to the EPSW was caused by elephants by breaking the top portion of the wall. Areas outside damaged spots primarily contained agricultural land, water bodies and forests, with human habitations being least likely. Crossing points were located primarily in moderate vegetation zones. Encouraging local communities to take a primary role in the maintenance of barriers is essential in this context. Information on the current status of mitigation measures will help to improve the efficiency of barriers and facilitate better management of human-elephant conflicts.

Hedychium forrestii Diels and H. spicatum Sm. (Zingiberaceae) are new distribution records from the Western Ghats, India, extending their range up to southern India. Detailed taxonomic descriptions are provided for the species along with photographs.

On 3 September 2016 at 15.30hr, we came across a dead snake on a rock in the Sigur (11.5312700N & 76.7697310E, elevation 945m) a rain-shadow area in the Nilgiris landscape, Tamil Nadu, India. This specimen is confirmed to be Platyceps bholanathi following major key characters with available literature. Our record is important because it not only significantly extends the range from earlier records but it is also the first report of this species from the Nilgiri Landscape. We believe that our present note will encourage further studies on this group.

The present communication reports an update on the distribution of three endemic tree species of the Western Ghats-Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot, namely, Atuna indica (Bedd.) Kosterm., Paracroton integrifolius (Airy Shaw) N.P.Balakr. & Chakrab. and Phaeanthus malabaricus Bedd. The discovery of these taxa in the Makutta Ghat of Kodagu District results in the extension of their northern range limits and further enriches the flora of Karnataka state by three more tree species. Within the Western Ghats, these taxa were previously recorded only from the states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, while Paracroton integrifolius (Airy Shaw) N.P.Balakr. & Chakrab. has also been recorded from Sri Lanka. Nomenclature updates, detailed descriptions, conservation status and relevant notes on the habitat, phenology and distribution localization are supplied. Additionally, field photographs and scanned herbarium specimens are provided to facilitate easy identification of these taxa in the field.

Elephant conservation carries cost in the form of human-elephant conflict and affects the wellbeing of people living near ecologically important areas. Conflicts impart serious challenges towards the survival of Asian Elephants, which are categorized as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Issues of wildlife conservation are least addressed in areas with less restricted categories of protection. Hence an attempt was made to evaluate the intensity of elephant conflict and factors associated with its occurrence in villages with forest fringes of North and South Forest Divisions of Nilambur, Kerala, southern India. It was hypothesized that variables such as number of houses, area of village, livestock population, forest frontage, and presence of water source along the forest boundary abutting the village to be the underlying correlates of conflict. Field studies were conducted fortnightly from June 2014 to May 2015, by visiting farms and households of 17 selected forest fringe villages. Observational methods, questionnaire surveys and secondary data collection were employed for this purpose. A total of 277 incidents of crop depredation, 12 incidents of property damage, three human injuries, and one human death due to conflict were recorded during this period. Crop raiding was highest during post monsoon season and it was low during pre-monsoon and monsoon seasons. Multiple linear regression results suggest that forest frontage and livestock population were significant predictors of conflict incidence. Information regarding the prime causes of conflict will be helpful for planning strategies for the establishment of appropriate mitigation methods. The present study serves as baseline information which will be helpful for formulating prospective management plans.

The Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius Ogilby, 1838) has not been comprehensively surveyed in the southern Western Ghats, India. Here we present results of a survey conducted in 2012 and 2013 in 25 sites where Nilgiri Tahr was reported in Agastyamalai range south of the Shencottah gap. The objectives of the survey were to assess population status; evaluate threats and propose conservation measures. In each site the geographical coordinates were noted. If Nilgiri Tahr (=Tahr) were sighted, the number and herd structure were recorded. Indirect signs of Tahr presence such as faecal pellets and feedback from local informants were noted in sites with no direct sightings of Tahr. The total sightings were 247 Tahr in 10 sites, and indication of Tahr presence in seven sites. Only two populations viz. Kalamalai-Varraiattumudi and Muthukulivayal-Balamore were large (>30 individuals). Tahr were not present in eight sites: of which four had earlier records of Tahr presence, and the other four had no prior data. There was a significant positive association between percentage of young (kids and yearlings) and number of Tahr sighted. Illegal hunting was widespread in the past, and continues to be a serious threat. Loss of Tahr grazing habitat to successional processes resulting in increased tree cover, is a long term threat that could increase with climate change. A landscape level management plan to reconnect small populations, rehabilitate Tahr in sites where they have disappeared, use fire to restore short grass habitats, and stringent curb on illegal hunting is required for the long term viability of the Nilgiri Tahr in this region.

A new name in the genus Ledebouria Roth is validated for Scilla viridis Blatter & Hallberg [non Scilla viridis (L.) Salisbury]. It is rediscovered after about 85 years of its first and only report. It is also redescribed on the basis of morphology, anatomy, cytology and assigned the name Ledebouria junnarensis S.S. Rahangdale & S.R. Rahangdale belonging to the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Hyacinthoideae. As this is a species endemic to the Western Ghats, Maharashtra, India, it is studied for threat status as per IUCN criteria & guidelines and assigned the status Critically Endangered B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii). Identification keys for the genera and species of subfamily Hyacinthoideae reported from India are prepared on the basis of reported and observed characters.

Aponogeton nateshii, a recently described species from Ratnagiri District of Maharashtra and also recorded from Belagavi District of Karnataka is now reported from the state of Goa for the first time. This species is highly variable in habitat preference, leaf morphology and embryo appendages.

Sacred groves are patches of vegetation preserved due to religious or cultural tradition. They are protected through spiritual beliefs. Sacred groves provide an excellent abode to the biodiversity of the region where they are located. Scientific exploration of fauna from sacred groves of India is few and far between. The present study was conducted to explore the bird diversity and abundance in 15 selected sacred groves of northern Kerala, eight from Kannur District and seven from Kasargod District each. A total of 111 bird species were observed belonging to 49 families and 16 orders. The sacred groves of northern Kerala support many of the ‘forest-birds’ such as the Grey Junglefowl Gallus sonneratii, Asian Fairy-bluebird Irena puella, Tickell’s Blue-flycatcher Cyornis tickelliae, Malabar Trogon Harpactes fasciatus, Heart-spotted Woodpecker Hemicircus canente, Malabar Whistling-Thrush Myophonus horsfieldii, Little Spiderhunter Arachnothera longirostra, etc. The sacred groves of northern Kerala also support two endemic bird species of the Western Ghats, such as the Malabar Grey Hornbill Ocyceros griseus and Rufous Babbler Turdoides subrufa. Five species of raptors and four owl species were reported from the sacred groves of north Kerala during the present study. The breeding of the White-bellied Sea-Eagle has been reported at Edayilakadu Kavu, a sacred grove in Kasargod District. The sacred groves of northern Kerala also supported 17 species of long distant migratory birds. Thazhe Kavu, recorded the Black-headed Ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus, a Near-Threatened bird according to IUCN.

A checklist of reptiles of Kerala State is presented, along with their Scientific, English and Malayalam names, endemic status, conservation status in the latest IUCN Red List category, different Schedules of Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act and the Appendices of CITES. A total of 173 species under 24 families belonging to three orders are recorded from Kerala. Of these, 87 species are endemic to the Western Ghats, which include the 10 Kerala endemics. Of the 173 species, 23 are listed in the various threatened categories of IUCN.

Following the first publication on vertebrates of India (Blanford 1888–1890), a huge wealth of information has been compiled on the vertebrate fauna of various biogeographic zones of the country, especially the Western Ghats. The state of Kerala comprising of a land area of 38,863km2, 590km coastline, an intricate system of backwaters along the coast, tropical moist forests of the Western Ghats, the highly undulating terrain, and the tropical monsoon is a unique geographical and environmental entity rich in biodiversity. A region-specific checklist that summarises and documents the current status of vertebrate diversity provides benchmark data for documentation and appreciation of biodiversity at regional level. Further, with the current rate of global biodiversity loss and concordant conservation efforts, the taxonomic community has a greater responsibility to make scientific information available to scientists, policy makers, politicians, research students and all relevant stakeholders, an attempt that has been made in the present paper. The State of Kerala has 1847 species of vertebrates in 330 families and 81 orders, of which 386 are endemic to the Western Ghats region (of the Western Ghats - Sri Lanka Hotspot), and 205 species as threatened. Six hundred and eighty species of vertebrates of Kerala have been listed in the various schedules of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act, while 148 are listed in the different appendices of CITES.

The forays conducted in the diverse habitats of the Konkan region of Maharashtra for four consecutive monsoon seasons during 2008–2012, revealed the occurrence of 29 mushrooms. Among the collected mushrooms, six belonged to the family Agaricaceae, five to Lyophyllaceae, two each to Pleurotaceae, Hygrophoraceae, Marasmiaceae and Tricholomataceae; one each to Phallaceae, Physalacriaceae, Xylariaceae, Tremellaceae, Sclerodermataceae, Decrymycetaceae, Cantharellaceae, Entolomaceae, Plutaceae and Ganodermataceae. The morphology of Tremella, Dictyophora, Daldinia, Pisolithus and Calocera were quite distinct and interesting.

After a gap of 25 years the Centre for Research in Medical Entomology (CRME) surveyed the mosquito biodiversity in the tail-end hill ranges of the Western Ghats, viz., Kanyakumari (Keeriparai) and Tirunelveli districts (Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) and Courtallam) of Tamil Nadu between July 2010 and June 2013. The altitude of the hills ranged from 100–950 m covered by evergreen forests. A major emphasis was given to collect the immature stages of mosquitoes, from various breeding habitats, viz., slow flowing streams, spring pool, rocky pool, leaf axils, latex cup, tree hole, bamboo stumps, etc. Altogether 4602 immature individuals were collected, reared individually to be identified at the adult stage. A total of 3583 specimens belonging to 50 species classified under 21 genera and 18 subgenera were recorded. The major vector species found in these hill ranges were Stegomyia aegypti, S. albopicta (Dengue and Chikungunya), Culex bitaeniorhynchus, C. tritaeniorhynchus (Japanese encephalitis), Downsiomyia nivea (diurnally subperiodic filariasis) and Anopheles mirans (Simian malaria) vectors were recorded.

Rhacophorus lateralis is a endangered tree frog found distributed in the hill ranges of Wayanad, Coorg and Chikkamagaluru, and is well known for its unique leaf nesting behavior. Here we present male-male combat and acoustics for R. lateralis.

Studies on the order Marchantiales of Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (NBR), Western Ghats, India, have revealed the occurrence of three taxa of genus Targionia L., namely Targionia hypophylla L., Targionia lorbeeriana K. Müll., and Targionia indica Udar et A. Gupta, belonging to the family Targioniaceae (Hepaticopsida). Due to rapid habitat loss the genus is under threat of extinction, like the previously known species, Targionia indica. Now only two species are found to be scattered in a few localities of NBR, as terrestrial form. Hence, the present paper provides the complete morphotaxonomic account of these two existing species along with SEM details of spores. This would be helpful for proper identification of these taxa in future.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v4i1.12178International Journal of Environment Volume-4, Issue-1, Dec-Feb 2014/15, Page: 58-67

Integrative taxonomy assesses the congruence between different lines of evidence for delimiting species, such as morphological, molecular or ecological data. Herein molecular phylogenetics is used to test monophyly and determine the phylogenetic position of the Old World tropical centipede genus Ethmostigmus Pocock, 1898, and to define species boundaries for Ethmostigmus in peninsular India. A phylogeny of the family Scolopendridae based on DNA sequence data for three markers from 427 specimens sampling in all major lineages (144 individuals generated in this study) recovers Ethmostigmus as a monophyletic group, but relationships among the genera in its subfamily Otostigminae are poorly supported. Two species delimitation methods for DNA sequence data and phylogeny are integrated with morphology and geographic data to propose a well-supported species hypothesis for Ethmostigmus on the peninsular Indian plate. Five species of Ethmostigmus are recognised in peninsular India, of which E. coonooranus Chamberlin, 1920 and three new species, namely, E. agasthyamalaiensis , sp. nov., E. sahyadrensis , sp. nov. and E. praveeni , sp. nov., occur in the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot. The lesser-known Eastern Ghats harbour one species, E. tristis (Meinert, 1886), which has been nearly unreported for 130 years. This study highlights the value of an integrative approach to systematics, especially in underexplored, high biodiversity regions and where morphological variation is limited among closely related species. Tropical forests of Asia are relatively unexplored for terrestrial arthropods. In this study, we use DNA, morphology and distribution data for a group of scolopendrid centipedes to revise its systematics, and describe three new species from a global biodiversity hotspot, the Western Ghats, India. We also rediscovered a species after 130 years from the lesser-known Eastern Ghats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Speculitermes chadaensis Chatterjee & Thapa, 1964, a termite species under Termitidae family is reported for the first time from the Western Ghats. A distribution map of the species is also provided.

Uredinial and telial stages of rust pathogen Puccinia duthiae are described on a new host grass species, Dichanthium foveolatum, for the first time from a range of the Western Ghats in Satara District, Maharashtra, India.

Cryptocoryne cognata Schott is a threatened species distributed in the entire Konkan stretch covering Goa, Karnataka and Maharashtra. It was rediscovered in 1990 after not being documented for one and half centuries. The data concerning its morphology, distribution and ecological preferences are presented in this paper in order to contribute to the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC) goals and to assist taxonomists in assessing and protecting this species from extinction in future.

Dahanukar et al. (2016: pp. 9234) made available the genus name Walkerana (type species: Ixalus diplostictus Günther, 1876: 574, Pl. 63 fig. C) within family Ranixalidae for the monophyletic group with reduced webbing endemic to the Western Ghats of India south of Palghat gap. We were unaware that this name was preoccupied by Walkerana Otte and Perez-Gelabert in Otte 2009, in Insecta: Orthoptera: Gryllidae. As a result, a replacement name for this genus of frogs becomes necessary. Here we propose Sallywalkerana gen. nov. as the replacement name for Walkerana Dahanukar, Modak, Krutha, Nameer, Padhye & Molur, 2016.

Studies on Daphnia distribution in Indian subcontinent have been few and regionally restricted despite Daphnia being by far the most studied cladoceran. We here present a first biogeographical assessment of the genus on the Indian subcontinent (Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka). We collected all pertinent literature and considered nineteen bioclimatic variables along with latitude, longitude, and altitude for statistical analysis of factors governing distribution in space. Significant variables (determined by Kruskal Wallis test) were tested by nonparametric multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) to clarify whether Daphnia species had specific environmental requirements. Canonical correspondence analysis was used to understand how environmental variables affected distribution. Eight Daphnia (Ctenodaphnia) and 4 Daphnia s.str. occurred at 100 different localities. The variables temperature, altitude and latitude differed among species and so did their bio-climatic requirements. Daphnia distribution responded positively to altitude and negatively to a decrease in latitude and temperature.

Syzygium kanarense - a rare and critically endangered species of the Western Ghats has been rediscovered after a gap of 47 years from the evergreen forests of the North Kanara District, Karnataka-India.

The lycaenid butterfly Broad-tail Royal Creon cleobis is being reported for the first time from Agasthyamalai Biosphere Reserve, at Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary. Adults were observed within the elevations of 1,000–1,350 m in November 2014. The eggs, larva and pupa were found on Helixanthera intermedia, an endemic parasitic plant found in the southern Western Ghats. Based on field observations and literature review, the peak occurrence of this butterfly seems to be during the months September–November.

Raw seeds of tribal pulses Dolichos trilobus, Entada rheedi, Mucuna atropurpurea, Rhynchosia cana, R. suaveolens, Tamarindus indica, Teramnus labialis, Vigna radiata var. sublobata and V. unguiculata subsp. cylindrica were investigated for their proximate composition, minerals, vitamins (niacin and ascorbic acid) and certain anti-nutritional substances (total free phenolics, tannins, L-DOPA and hydrogen cyanide were also analysed). The seeds of Mucuna atropurpurea, Tamarindus indica and Teramnus labialis had a higher content of crude protein than commonly consumed Indian pulses. The seeds were found to be a rich source of minerals like potassium when compared with Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDA) values (NRC/NAS, 1980).

Western Ghats are considered as one of the global biodiversity hotspots. There is an information gap on conservation status of the biodiversity hotspots. This study has quantified estimates of deforestation in the Western Ghats over a period of past nine decades. The classified forest cover maps for 1920, 1975, 1985, 1995, 2005 and 2013 indicates 95,446 (73.1%), 63,123 (48.4%), 62,286 (47.7%), 61,551 (47.2%), 61,511 (47.1%) and 61,511 km (47.1%) of the forest area, respectively. The rates of deforestation have been analyzed in different time phases, i.e., 1920-1975, 1975-1985, 1985-1995, 1995-2005 and 2005-2013. The grid cells of 1 km have been generated for time series analysis and describing spatial changes in forests. The net rate of deforestation was found to be 0.75 during 1920-1975, 0.13 during 1975-1985, 0.12 during 1985-1995 and 0.01 during 1995-2005. Overall forest loss in Western Ghats was estimated as 33,579 km (35.3% of the total forest) from 1920's to 2013. Land use change analysis indicates highest transformation of forest to plantations, followed by agriculture and degradation to scrub. The dominant forest type is tropical semi-evergreen which comprises 21,678 km (35.2%) of the total forest area of Western Ghats, followed by wet evergreen forest (30.6%), moist deciduous forest (24.8%) and dry deciduous forest (8.1%) in 2013. Even though it has the highest population density among the hotspots, there is no quantifiable net rate of deforestation from 2005 to 2013 which indicates increased measures of conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyses the pollen signature of tropical lowland forests (< 1000 m a.s.l.) in the Asian monsoon climate. Its aim is to investigate how well the pollen data can reproduce the vegetation patterns in tropical India, and how the variations in the pollen composition are related to the gradient of decreasing plant moisture availability (measured by the ratio of actual over equilibrium evapotranspiration) that is associated with the strong seasonality of precipitation that characterizes the monsoon climate regime. We used canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) to relate the variations in the pollen composition of 71 surface soil samples from evergreen and semi-evergreen forests distributed along the western coast of south India (8° 48' N-15° 08' N), with the climate characteristics of the sampling sites. We show that variations in plant moisture availability strongly determine variations in the pollen composition; for example evergreen and semi-evergreen forests can be distinguished on the basis of their pollen assemblages. Variations in the mean temperature of the coldest month associated with elevation also determine distinct pollen assemblages; for example evergreen forests above 800 m a.s.l. present different pollen signatures than those below this altitude/temperature limit. Variations in the relative abundance of some pollen taxa are strongly related to plant moisture availability and taxa indicators of climate can be identified. Hence, modem pollen assemblages from tropical forests in south India carry considerable information about vegetation patterns and climate. Paleoclimatic changes, notably in the monsoon season, could be quantified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The genus Platythomisus Doleschall, 1859 presently comprises 13 valid species, nine known from Africa and four from Asia. All Platythomisus species are known from females only, except P. jucundus Thorell, 1894 and P. sudeepi Biswas, 1977 from both sexes and P. quadrimaculatus from juvenile. Only, P. sudeepi was reported from India., New Information: Platythomisus octomaculatus (C. L. Koch, 1845) is recorded after 120 years of its last report; newly recorded from Assam, India which extends its distribution from the previously known localities, Java and Sumatra. Platythomisus sudeepi is newly recorded from the Maharashtra State. The variation in the number of abdominal spots on juvenile, sub-adult and adult of P. octomaculatus observed during rearing is reported. Although, the species name ' octomaculatus ' suggests eight spots, we observed that the anterior pair of abdominal spots is fused in adults.