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K. Ganguly , S. Quasin , A. K. Roy Mahato , J. K. De

Abstract

A group of spotted deer consisting of all age and sex categories were observed for their activity schedule and herd formation at the Zoological garden, Kolkata. Scan sampling technique was used throughout the day for comparative analysis. Overall the spotted deer spent their time (Mean±SE) in feeding (male 29.72±7.4, female 30.46±5.2); resting (male 45.19±8.6, female 38.89±4.5); Walking (male 17.59±2.9, female 38.46±5.2) and social activities (male 7.5±1.3, female 6.85±1.09). The spotted deer spent a major portion of the time feeding between 9:00 hrs to 11:00 hrs and 16:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs. They showed a bimodal pattern when the temperatures was lower. Spotted deer devoted most of the time in resting between 11:00 hrs to 16:00 hrs. Results showed that the average mixed herd size was 10.36; average females-young herd 7.56, average all male herd size 7.37 and the average herd size of yearlings was 3.13. It was found that resting was directly proportional to the daily temperature while feeding was inversely proportional. It was also observed that the females were more active than males; they walked more and exhibited greater number of behavior/hour. Female devoted more time to foraging and interacting with other herd members and also in mutual groom more than males. Results suggest that it is likely to breed Spotted deer and reintroduce them to the wild and minimize the population size because behavioral stress resulting from poor captive conditions affects growth, reproduction and resistance to disease.

Keywords

Activity, Time Budget, Spotted Deer, Foraging

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Arpita Basu ¹, J. K. De ¹, Santa Datta (De) ²

Affiliations
1 Dept. of Radio Diagnosis, National Medical College, Calcutta, IN
2 Dept. of Home Science, University of Calcutta, IN

Abstract

According to the World Health Report, WHO, 1998, IHD stands first in the eleven biggest killers of 1997, accounting for 7.2 million deaths all over the world. In India, heart attack ranks second in the ten selected diseases which are responsible for deaths due to diseases in India. Atherosclerosis is the main cause of all cardiovascular diseases, particularly CHD (Coronary Heart Disease) or IHD (Ischaemic Heart Disease). Its gradual progression of events like, initial damage to the tunica intima, formation of oxidized LDLs, formation of foam cells and initiation of the fatty streak stage, further accumulation of smooth muscles, collagen and elastin and formation of atheromas leading to more than 70 per cent blockage of the coronary arteries, exhibit symptoms of IHD.

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K. Ganguly ¹, D. Das ², A. K. Roy Mahato ³, J. K. De ³

Affiliations
1 Taki Government College, Taki, West Bengal, IN
2 Vidyasagar College, Kolkata, West Bengal, IN
3 Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata, IN

Abstract

The present study was carried out on some selected species of deer viz., Axis axis, Cervus eldii and Muntiacus muntjac at the Zoological Garden, Alipur, Kolkata. On analysis, it was found that the males of C. eldii remained more active throughout the day (56.87% time of day) compared to A. axis (53.14%) and M. muntjac (48.95%). Amongst females A. axis was found to be more active throughout the day (58.95%) in comparison to those of M. muntjac (41.95%) and C. eldii (55.25%). A significant inter-specific variation was noted in diurnal pattern of activities. After analysis, it was recorded that the A. axis and C. eldii were more active in morning and less active at noon, whereas M. muntjac was less active in morning and more active at noon. Result also showed that A. axis and C. eldii were less interactive with the visitors while M. muntjac interacted significantly.

Keywords

Axis axis, Muntiacus muntjac, Cervus eldii, Behaviour, Deer, Captivity.

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J. K. De ¹, A. K. Roy Mahato ², M. K. Ghosh ¹

Affiliations
1 Zoological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata-700053, IN
2 Gujarat Institute of Desert Ecology, Bhuj, Kachchh-370001, Gujarat, IN

Abstract

Barasingha is one of the large size deer belonging to the family Cervidae wit h characteristic highly branched antler and residing in a marshy habitat, so called swamp deer (Jerdon, 1874; Blanford, 1888-91; Lydekker, 1898, Bhadian, 1934; Pocock, 1943; Schaller, 1967; Krishnan, 1972; Prater, 1971). Brander (1923) mentioned two races of barasingha north-eastern and central Indian races according to their living in two different type of habitat.

Keywords

Barasingha, Age-Sex Ratio, Population, Conservation, Dudhwa National Park.

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A. K. Sanyal ¹, K. Venkataraman ¹, J. K. De ¹, Bulganin Mitra ¹

Affiliations
1 Zoological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipur, Kolkata, IN

Abstract

Climate change have impacts on marine, terrestrial and limnetic systems, and hence will influence future biological diversity of the globe. Present day Polar Regions experience greater rates of climatic change than elsewhere on the earth. The smallest shift of climate may threat to these uniquely adapted fauna of this extreme environment. However, some small areas of terrestrial habitat still supporting terrestrial and limnetic biotas have been continuously available for periods of time ranging from the several million to only a few thousand years.

Keywords

Antarctica, Schirmacher Oasis, Invertebrate Fauna.

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A. K. Sanyal ¹, J. K. De ¹, R. P. Das ¹, K. Venkataraman ¹

Affiliations
1 Zoological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata - 700053, IN

Abstract

Captive breeding and subsequent reintroduction of a threatened species is an important and in some cases very successful tool for species conservation. Now-a-days re-introductions using captive-bred individuals are not uncommon than the translocations of wild species.

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J. K. De ¹, R. Chakraborty ¹

Affiliations
1 Zoological Survey of India, M-Block, New Alipore, Kolkata-700053, IN

Abstract

Tricho-taxonomic study of hair is very much significant in the study of mammalian taxononiy along with food habit, ecology, behaviour and even in the control of illegal trade of wildlife and its derivatives. Importance of hair analysis have been focused by a number of workers (Adorjan & Kolenosky 1969, Mathiak 1938, Williams 1938, Mayer 1952, Hausman 1920, Moore et. al, 1974, Koppikar & Sabnis 1976,1977, Terrink 1991, Wallis 1993, De & Chakraborty 1995,1998, 2002, 2006, Chakraborty & De 2001, 2002, 2005, Chakraborty et al, 1996, 1999, Toth 2002). But meager information is available on the hair structure of the spedes of the family Bovidae (Order: Artiodactyla).

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Paramita Saha Sarkar ¹, J. K. De ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Zoology, Vivekananda College for Women, Barisha, Kolkata-8, West Bengal, IN
2 Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata-53, IN

Abstract

Exoskeletal structures of mammals, viz., hairs, claws, horns etc. display distinguishing features of species. Surface structures plus cross sectional views of mammalian hairs bear distinctive characteristics which help in differentiating various species, even in the absence of other body parts. Trichotaxonomic studies have facilitated in detecting crimes, against illegal trade and poaching of animals, for protecting wildlife. In-depth trichotaxonomic characteristics of nine Indian species of Mus have been presented here.

Keywords

Dorsal Guard Hairs, Surface Features, Cross Sectional Views, Identification, Protection, Wildlife.

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