Article
Environmental Sciences
Saravanan Soorangkattan, Kamala Dhasan Nalluchamy, Arumugam Nagarajan, Boobalan Thulasinathan, Maruthupandian Jayabalan, Jothi Basu Muthuramalingam, Arun Alagarsamy, Muthuchelian Krishnasamy
Summary: The study found that using a concentration of 2 mM of IBA growth hormone for cutting and air layering techniques significantly promotes the growth of E. venustus in the Western Ghats region of India. Higher rooting responses were observed during monsoon periods through cutting and air layering techniques.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
K. Subin, P. A. Jose, A. S. Vivek
Summary: This study analyzed the rarity and endangered status of Atuna indica, an endemic tropical tree species in the Western Ghats, India. The study focused on the phenology, floral biology, fruit development, and biotic interactions of the species in its natural dynamics. The factors leading to the rarity of the species in its natural habitat were identified as a significant decrease in flowering individuals, unfavorable microhabitat conditions, low fruit set, seed infestation, and fruit predation.
Article
Plant Sciences
Priya Prasannan, Venkatesh Palanivel, Raju Ramasubbu
Summary: A successful in vitro propagation method using nodal explant was developed for the critically endangered tree species Elaeocarpus venustus Bedd. This method can be used for the propagation and conservation of this species.
SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF BOTANY
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Anurag Dhyani, Syamala Bindu, Kavungulla Chalil Abinlal, Chandran Anilkumar
Summary: India is facing a threat of extinction for many tree species, and urgent restoration and conservation efforts are needed. This study introduces a method to reintroduce a critically endangered tree species and offers guidance for the conservation of other species.
PLANTS PEOPLE PLANET
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Adrija Roy, Raghu Murtugudde, Parag Narvekar, A. K. Sahai, Subimal Ghosh
Summary: Despite significant advancements in weather and extended range predictions for the Indian monsoon, operational irrigation water management tools have not been widely implemented due to forecast resolution mismatches and a lack of soil moisture monitoring networks. In this study, we develop an end-to-end system for farm-scale irrigation water management using soil moisture sensors, satellite observations, and machine learning. The system integrates weather forecasts with a stochastic optimization framework to minimize water use while maintaining soil moisture above a threshold level. Results show significant water savings without yield loss when applied to grape farms in India. The proposed framework is applicable to any region and crop, making it highly transferable.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hudson T. Pinheiro, Jose A. C. C. Nunes, E. O. C. Coni, E. C. G. Almeida, C. L. S. Sampaio, Carlos E. L. Ferreira, Pedro M. Meirelles, M. Hostim-Silva, Pedro H. C. Pereira, Vinicius J. Giglio, J. L. Gasparini, L. A. Rocha, Camilo M. Ferreira
Summary: The article discusses a new "inverted management" strategy in Brazil since June 2019, aimed at combating overfishing of parrotfish species. The innovative strategy allows the capture of endangered parrotfish species within management areas while banning it elsewhere, requiring collaboration among government, scientists, managers, and fishers. The main challenge lies in the implementation of challenging management rules, with existing MPAs lacking enforcement of endangered species regulations.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Suyog Khochare, R. R. Senji Laxme, Priyanka Jaikumar, Navneet Kaur, Saurabh Attarde, Gerard Martin, Kartik Sunagar
Summary: The socioeconomic impact of snakebites in India is primarily caused by the 'big four' snake species. However, there are other neglected snake species, termed the 'neglected many', which also contribute to this burden. The current approach of using polyvalent antivenom for the 'big four' is ineffective. The clinical impact of pit vipers, such as those found in the Western Ghats, northeastern India, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, remains poorly understood, highlighting the therapeutic inadequacies of current antivenoms in neutralizing their venom.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Malay Pramanik, Atul Kumar Diwakar, Poli Dash, Sylvia Szabo, Indrajit Pal
Summary: The study highlights the impact of climate change on agriculture, global biodiversity, and species distribution, specifically focusing on the Garcinia gummi-gutta cash crop species. Using the MaxEnt model, it predicts a dramatic decrease in suitability of the species by 2050 and 2070 due to changes in precipitation patterns. The study suggests the importance of the MaxEnt approach for agricultural development, conservation of biodiversity, and climate change adaptation planning.
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Isa Elegbede, Melanie Zurba, Ahmad Hameed, Chelsey Campbell
Summary: The Marshall Decision of Canada's Supreme Court in the 1700s led to the recognition of fishing rights for the Mi'kmaq communities. However, due to the lack of absolute recognition of territories and rights, underrepresentation and participation in resource allocation and governance, the Mi'kmaq communities did not have access to commercial fisheries. This study explores the potential benefits and challenges of developing an Indigenous certification program for the American lobster commercial fishery in Nova Scotia, which could provide increased control and socioeconomic benefits for the Mi'kmaq communities.
ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Studies
Jeevan R. Kulkarni, Sneha S. Kulkarni, Mitali U. Inamdar, Nitin M. Tamhankar, Spandan B. Waghmare, Kiran R. Thombare, Paresh S. Mhetre, Tanuja Khatavkar, Yashodhan Panse, Amey Patwardhan, Yogini Soman, Prasad Bhagat, Sumit Bhale, Mayuresh G. Prabhune, Vinay Kumar
Summary: This study focuses on landslides in the Western Ghats region of India, particularly in the Maharashtra state. By collecting landslide data for 17 years and using various sources, a predictive model called Satark has been developed to forecast landslides one day in advance.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rachael Cadman, Jamie Snook, Megan Bailey
Summary: This research examines the role of the Torngat Joint Fisheries Board (TJFB) in fisheries governance in the Nunatsiavut region of Canada, and explores how co-management supports Indigenous peoples' self-determination in resource governance. The analysis of 12 years of meeting minutes reveals that the TJFB plays important roles in research, recommendations drafting, and public education, promoting greater participation from fisheries stakeholders.
REGIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Kavukattu Sreekumar Karthika, Kokkuvayil Sankaranarayanan Anil Kumar, Krishna Pillai Madhusoodanan Nair, Violet M. D'Souza, Jambaradi Satyanarayana Nagaraja, Manickam Lalitha, Arti Koyal, Maheswarappa Jayaramaiah, Sreekumar Parvathy, Karumathil Sujatha, Khandal Shivanand, Venkataramanappa Ramamurthy, Seggoju Srinivas, Yenugula Raghuramulu, Rajendra Hegde, Surendra Kumar Singh
Summary: This study evaluated the variability of soil qualities across coffee-growing areas in the Western Ghats of South India and the consequences of forest conversion to coffee plantations on soil qualities and sustainability. The results showed that organic carbon, pH, and exchangeable aluminum are the most powerful indicators of soil quality. Proper management practices in coffee plantations, such as addressing soil acidity and nutrient management, helped maintain soil quality close to that of natural forests, indicating sustainability.
SOIL USE AND MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Rajapandian Kanagaraj, Bheem Dutt Joshi, Rahul De, M. A. Predit, Sujeet K. Singh, Puneet Pandey, Vinay Kumar, Vipin Sharma, M. Kumar, Rakesh Matura, Bivash Pandav, Parag Nigam, Reeta Sharma, Bilal Habib, G. V. Gopi, Antonio Trabucco, Thorsten Wiegand, Surendra P. Goyal
Summary: This study aims to assess the possible changes in the distribution and genetic structure of the endangered Nilgiri tahr under climate change and human disturbances. It was found that the suitable habitat for the tahr is determined by a combination of climatic, human disturbance, and topographic factors, and future climate change may lead to a reduction in habitat and homogenization of genetic background. Measures such as reducing human disturbances, promoting dispersal, and providing corridors are essential for the conservation of Nilgiri tahr.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ali P. Yunus, Xuanmei Fan, Srikrishnan Siva Subramanian, Dou Jie, Qiang Xu
Summary: The study found that landslide activity in the Western Ghats region is amplified by human disturbances, with road cutting and slopes modified to plantations being the strongest environmental variables. Additionally, short-duration intense precipitation and topographic features also contribute to landslide occurrences. Future climate extremes are predicted to increase the vulnerability of the Western Ghats region.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Review
Oceanography
Frazen Tolentino-Zondervan, Niels A. Zondervan
Summary: This paper presents a meta-analysis of sustainable fishery management strategies in the Philippines over the past 20 years. The analysis reveals that the themes of sustainability management in the fishing industry are predominantly socio-economic in nature, with a strong focus on social goals. The study also identifies the most similar and dissimilar fishery management themes based on clustering.
OCEAN & COASTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ashna Shanmughan, Neelesh Dahanukar, Andrew Harrison, Adrian C. Pinder, K. Ranjeet, Rajeev Raghavan
Summary: Tropical freshwater eels, specifically Anguilla bengalensis and Anguilla bicolor, are facing declines in availability and increasing exploitation rates, jeopardizing their populations. This study in the Western Ghats hotspot of southern India provides important data on the demographics and exploitation levels of these eels, highlighting the unsustainability of current exploitation rates. The study emphasizes the need for an integrated conservation approach to ensure a sustainable future for these eel species.
AQUATIC CONSERVATION-MARINE AND FRESHWATER ECOSYSTEMS
(2022)
Review
Entomology
Sayali D. Sheth, Hemant V. Ghate, Neelesh Dahanukar, Jiri Hajek
Summary: This study reviewed the diving beetle genus Peschetius in India using an integrative taxonomic approach, identifying four species with two new species described. The research presented morphology, illustrations, and an identification key for these species.
ARTHROPOD SYSTEMATICS & PHYLOGENY
(2021)
Article
Evolutionary Biology
Hiranya Sudasinghe, Rajeev Raghavan, Neelesh Dahanukar, Rohan Pethiyagoda, Lukas Ruber, Madhava Meegaskumbura
Summary: The cyprinid genus Dawkinsia consists of 13 species found in lowland streams and rivers in southern India and Sri Lanka. Phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses of Dawkinsia were conducted based on samples collected from various locations in India and Sri Lanka. The study revealed the evolutionary relationships between these fish species and highlighted two colonization events between India and Sri Lanka.
ORGANISMS DIVERSITY & EVOLUTION
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Arya Sidharthan, Neelesh Dahanukar, Remya Lathika Sundar, Kutty Ranjeet, Rajeev Raghavan
Summary: Through analyzing the population genetic structure of two endemic fish species in a small mountain riverscape in the Western Ghats Hotspot, we found that natural and artificial barriers did not influence the genetic structure of these fish species. Differences in migration patterns and population sizes between the two species may be attributed to their rare co-existence in the same habitat.
RIVER RESEARCH AND APPLICATIONS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Ecology
Rajeev Raghavan, Ralf Britz, Neelesh Dahanukar
Summary: Groundwater depletion in the Western Ghats of India is endangering unique subterranean freshwater fauna, some of which are Gondwanan relics, due to poor governance of groundwater resources.
TRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
(2021)
Review
Fisheries
Jindrich Novak, Andre Lincoln Barroso Magalhaes, Zen Faulkes, Yonvitner, Alberto Maceda-Veiga, Neelesh Dahanukar, Tadashi Kawai, Lukas Kalous, Jiri Patoka
Summary: This article discusses the importance of Czechia in the ornamental aquaculture industry, focusing on its history, social status, trade trends, and research activities. Czech suppliers have had a significant influence on the global freshwater ornamental aquaculture market. The article suggests considering the economic and scientific significance of Czechia in the design of aquaculture policies, including the management of invasive alien species and conservation programs for endangered species.
Article
Zoology
Rajeev Raghavan, Neelesh Dahanukar, V. K. Anoop, C. P. Arjun, Ralf Britz
Article
Zoology
Remya L. Sundar, C. P. Arjun, Arya Sidharthan, Neelesh Dahanukar, Rajeev Raghavan
Summary: A new subterranean species, Pangio pathala, was discovered in Southern India, distinguishing itself from the previously known subterranean Pangio species, P. bhujia, by having a higher number of caudal vertebrae and a shorter genetic distance in the mitochondrial gene.
Article
Limnology
Aboli Kulkarni, Smrithy Vijayan, Bhushan K. Shigwan, Sameer Padhye, Neelesh Dahanukar, Mandar N. Datar
Summary: Ephemeral rock pools are unique aquatic habitats formed on rock outcrops around the world, and they support a distinct flora and fauna. This study investigated the relationship between aquatic flora in rock pools in the Western Ghats of India and environmental parameters. The results showed that altitude, latitude, magnesium, and sulphate influenced species occurrence, and random forest was the most effective method for predicting species occurrence based on environmental variables.
FUNDAMENTAL AND APPLIED LIMNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Fisheries
Chandani R. Verma, Pradeep Kumkar, Tushar Khare, Manoj Pise, Lukas Kalous, Neelesh Dahanukar
Summary: A study found that hillstream loaches of families Cobitidae and Nemacheilidae available for human consumption in the local markets in the northern parts of Western Ghats, India, were infected with the nematode Contracaecum. It is suspected that the increase in parasite infection in these fish over the past decade could be attributed to anthropogenic stressors that are altering riverine habitats. Since the loaches are often prepared without degutting and possibly undercooked, there is a potential threat of human infection.
JOURNAL OF FISH DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Zoology
Rajeev Raghavan, Remya L. Sundar, C. P. Arjun, Ralf Britz, Neelesh Dahanukar
Summary: The lateritic aquifers of Kerala, India, house a unique and rarely encountered group of stygobitic fishes, including the catfish Horaglanis. A six-year survey using molecular phylogenetic analysis reveals significant genetic divergence within Horaglanis species, while external morphology remains relatively constant. A new cryptic species, Horaglanis populi, is identified, and populations of all species show no recent expansions.
VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Neelesh Dahanukar, Remya L. Sundar, Duwaki Rangad, Graham Proudlove, Rajeev Raghavan
Summary: The world's largest subterranean fish, tentatively identified as a troglomorphic form of the golden mahseer, has been discovered in 2019. It is actually a new species of the genus Neolissochilus, closely related to Tor. This new species, Neolissochilus pnar, is characterized by unique morphological and genetic features, and is distinct from other species in the Neolissochilus genus.
VERTEBRATE ZOOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Hiranya Sudasinghe, Neelesh Dahanukar, Rajeev Raghavan, Tharindu Ranasinghe, Kumudu Wijesooriya, Rohan Pethiyagoda, Lukas Ruber, Madhava Meegaskumbura
Summary: Based on collections from Peninsular India and Sri Lanka, a molecular phylogeny of Lepidocephalichthys loaches was constructed, showing their wide distribution in the region. The study also revealed that these loaches colonized Sri Lanka in the late Miocene and experienced multiple back-migrations to India and colonizations from the mainland in the Plio-Pleistocene.
Article
Fisheries
Kannan Shalu, Neelesh Dahanukar, Rajeev Raghavan, Kutty Ranjeet
Summary: Seahorses are a charismatic and high conservation concern group of fishes, whose population dynamics and conservation needs are poorly studied. This study from the south-east coast of India found differences in population dynamics and growth characteristics of two threatened seahorse species, Hippocampus kuda and H. trimaculatus, highlighting their extreme vulnerability to fishing pressure even as 'by-catch'.
MARINE AND FRESHWATER RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Ralf Britz, Neelesh Dahanukar, Ariane Standing, Siby Philip, Biju Kumar, Rajeev Raghavan
Summary: This study provides a detailed description of the head and shoulder girdle osteology of the subterranean synbranchid species 'Monopterus' roseni, revealing unique and highly evolved features. Based on osteological differences and diagnostic characters, a new genus Rakthamichthys is established.
ICHTHYOLOGICAL EXPLORATION OF FRESHWATERS
(2021)
Article
Fisheries
Miguel Petrere Jr, Davi Butturi-Gomes
Summary: This short communication aims to raise awareness about the misuse of confidence intervals in Ecology and Fisheries statistical models that ignore the lack of independence.
FISHERIES RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Fisheries
Peter-John F. Hulson, Benjamin C. Williams
Summary: This study evaluates the impact of considering ageing error and growth variability on the determination of input sample size (ISS) in statistical catch-at-age assessment models. The results show that including these sources of uncertainty decreases the ISS determined through bootstrap methods. This indicates that there is more variability in age composition and conditional age-at-length data than previously accounted for. Including these sources of uncertainty improves the estimation of ISS and subsequently improves the quality of stock assessment models.
FISHERIES RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Fisheries
Jason M. Cope
Summary: Fishery resource assessment is a complex and challenging task, but with the use of different analysis methods and tools, effective management guidance can be provided even with limited data and resources.
FISHERIES RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Fisheries
Regina L. Cunha, Joana I. Robalo, Sara M. Francisco, Ines Farias, Rita Castilho, Ivone Figueiredo
Summary: Recent advances in genomics have greatly contributed to the assessment of fish stocks by providing precise identification of genetic boundaries. This study used a genotyping-by-sequencing approach to reveal the existence of an additional genetic cluster of blackspot seabream in the northeast Atlantic, which was not previously identified. Factors such as ocean circulation patterns and local upwelling may play a role in the genetic differentiation observed in this study.
FISHERIES RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Fisheries
Huihua Lee, Mark N. Maunder, Kevin R. Piner
Summary: Estimating growth is important for fish population assessment. Integrated assessment models and the influence of misfitting size composition data have renewed interest in how growth is modeled. The available data types control how the length-at-age relationship is estimated. Estimating length-at-age is complex due to multiple sources of biological variability and difficulties in obtaining representative samples.
FISHERIES RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Fisheries
A. Ladino, I. Perez-Arjona, V. Espinosa, M. Chillaron, V. Vidal, L. M. Godinho, G. Moreno, G. Boyra
Summary: This study examines the acoustic properties of skipjack tuna and Atlantic mackerel, both bladderless pelagic fish species, and explains the significant differences observed. The research shows that the differences in material properties of their tissues predict a more than 10 dB greater reduced target strength in skipjack compared to mackerel at certain frequencies.
FISHERIES RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Fisheries
Nelly Pena-Cutimbo, Cristel Cordero-Maldonado, Clara Ortiz-Alvarez, Joanna Alfaro-Shigueto, Jeffrey C. Mangel
Summary: Bycatch is a global problem for marine megafauna. This study assessed the bycatch interactions of the Peruvian artisanal purse-seine fishery in 2019 and found that all taxa groups were affected by bycatch. Dusky dolphins, guanay cormorants, and eagle rays were the most frequently reported bycatch species.
FISHERIES RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Fisheries
Jen-Ming Liu, Po-Yuk So
Summary: The set-net fishery is an environmentally friendly fishery posing little risk to the marine ecosystem. This study identified ocean temperature, sea surface factors, and climatic factors as the main factors affecting the installation of set-nets.
FISHERIES RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Fisheries
Josie L. Palmer, Carina Armstrong, Hasan D. Akbora, Damla Beton, Cigdem Caglar, Brendan J. Godley, Kristian Metcalfe, Meryem Ozkan, Robin T. E. Snape, Annette C. Broderick
Summary: Small-scale fisheries are vital for global food security and cultural heritage, but the lack of information hampers effective management and mitigation of ecological impacts. This study provides the first comprehensive overview of the small-scale fishery fleet in Northern Cyprus. The fleet operates mainly over the continental shelf, using static and demersal gear types, and catches a diverse range of species, some of which are threatened. The findings can be used to improve fisheries management and conservation measures.
FISHERIES RESEARCH
(2024)