Nature Environment and Pollution Technology

R. K. Sharma ¹, A. K. Goyal ¹, Manju Sharma ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra-136 119, IN
2 Department of Zoology, KVA DAV College for Women, Karnal-132 001, IN

Abstract

Nest parasitism is a common phenomenon in many species of birds in which a female of one species lays her eggs in the nest of another species to be hatched and cared by the hosts. The nest parasitism evolved initially as a facultative strategy to use the nest of one species which has raised its brood or deserted nests and then further advanced into parasitism. The host species feed on a wide spectra of food resources, especially rich in protein and are insectivores, carnivores or omnivores in contrast to the very restrictive feeding habits of the parasite species. Parasitism cost for the host is often high which favour the evolution of host defence leading to a parallel evolution between adaptation and counter adaptation of host-parasite interaction. The understanding of breeding biology and ecology of nest parasitism provides important information for the population management of host and parasitic species to devise very specialized conservation strategies for the delicate interaction in the quickly evolving environmental scenario.

Keywords

Nest Parasitism, Brood Parasitism, Nest Ecology, Indian Cuckoo.

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Manju Sharma ¹, R. K. Sharma ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Zoology, KVA DAV College for Women, Karnal-132 001, Haryana, IN
2 Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra-136 119, Haryana, IN

Abstract

The ecology and breeding biology of Indian stone curlew was studied in two selected sites of Kurukshetra, Haryana. Indian stone curlew morphologically characterized by sandy black bill, large yellow eyes and prominent black and white wing bars. The nest was found to build on furrowed soil with fine clay, gravel or sand having free drainage during the months of March and April. The vegetation in breeding ground mainly comprised of species of Family Amaranthaceae, Solanaceae, Malvaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Polygonaceae and Asteraceae. During the breeding both the parents defend breeding ground against their natural enemies by maintaining the nest territory of 100 meters. Two eggs dirty white in colour with dark brown irregular patches were observed in each nest. The incubation period was 27 days. Both the parents participate in incubation and rearing the hatchlings. Hatchlings are precocial and start feeding after hatching. The young one migrates to feeding grounds after a span of approximately three to four months. Due to intensive anthropogenic activities, Indian stone curlew is facing habitat and breeding ground shrinkage. The farmers and town planners should be advised to manage some area with natural habitation to ensure its nesting, feeding and breeding success of this important species.

Keywords

Indian Stone Curlew, Indian Thick-Knee, Breeding Biology, Nest Ecology.

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R. K. Sharma ¹, Geeta Rani ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Botany, S. S. V. (P.G.) College, Hapur, Dist. Ghaziabad, U. P., IN

Abstract

The impact of ozone and α-tocopherol on Withania somnifera has been assessed with reference to plant height and leaf area. The control plants of Withania somnifera attained a height of 21.43 cm in 30 days. Their fully expended leaves attained 37.74 cm² area (per leaf). Ozone exposure resulted in a sharp decline in plant height and leaf area. The percentage decline was 70.14 % and 52.60 % respectively. The simultaneous application of α-tocopherol with ozone exposure nullified the ozone impact. In 200 ppm α-tocopherol, the plant height mounts to 22.47 cm which is even more than that of control. Similarly, the negative impact of ozone on leaf area was almost neutralized by 200 ppm α-tocopherol.

Keywords

Withania somnifera, Ozone exposure, α-Tocopherol.

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M. B. Sharma ¹, R. K. Sharma ², A. K. Goyal ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Zoology, KVA DAV College for Women, Karnal-132 001, IN
2 Department of Zoology, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra-136 119, IN

Abstract

A three year study on avian diversity and environmental health index was conducted in Kurukshetra University campus. The topography, flora and bird fauna was observed during the study period. University campus embodies diverse types of habitats including forest area, crop land, orchid, garden, marsh areas, urban and rural habitat with 40 acres of land as natural forest having endemic plants and tall trees. Total 72 bird species reported from campus belong to 14 different orders and 41 families. The bird fauna observed includes, Myna, Sparrow, Crow, Robin, Drongo, Tailorbird, Babbler, Sunbird, Green Bee-eater, Wagtail, Bulbul, Munia, Chiffchaff, Baya Weaver, Woodpecker, Barbet, Dove, Green Pigeon, Parrot, Peafowl, Koel, Cuckoo, Hawk, Darter, Kingfisher, Hoopoe, Hornbill, Lapwing, Stone Curlew, Cattle Egret, Waterhen, Moorhen, Kite and Shikra etc. To conserve the rich avian fauna of the campus, specific habitats need to be protected and awareness drive signifying the importance of avian fauna should be launched.

Keywords

Environmental Health, Avian Diversity, Conservation, Habitat.

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