D. M. Mahajan , I. B. Salunkhe , V. R. Gunale

Abstract

The present paper deals with the analysis of nine squeezed honey samples of Apis florea Fabr bee, collected from the South-western Satpura (Maharashtra, India) during the period of 1991-1993. The area was represented by tropical moist deciduous to dry deciduous forests of South-western Satpura (Jalgaon and Dhule Districts of Maharashtra, India). The samples were of both unifloral and multifloral type containing a total of 28 pollen types. The results that, Lannea coromandelica, Caesalpinia sp. Guizotia abyssinica, Flacourtia latifolia, Terminalia, spp. and Syzygium cumini constitute fairly reliable nectar source for honey bees in this area. The samples were categorized under two groups i.e. Group IV and Group V.

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D. M. Mahajan ¹, R. D. Patil ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Botany, Waghire College, Saswad-412301 (University of Pune), Dist. Pune (India)

Abstract

The Satpuda ranges supports variety of species in few vegetation types. The species richness was relatively high in inaccessible forest. It is because of inaccessibility due to its highly dissected nature and sub-humid tropical landscape. Season wise field surveys were carried out for plant and insect species to document their number, distribution and correlation. In all 443 insect species belonging to 102 families and 19 orders were documented. The plant species comprises 544 species, 386 genera and 108 families. The plant diversity is important in shaping the insect species diversity. The localities with highest level of human interference accounted lowest number of individuals, species and diversity. The trends of these species in various habitats and the extent of their decline were also illustrated

Keywords

Biological Diversity, Plant And Insect Diversity, Western Satpuda.

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Amol V. Kulkarni ¹, D. M. Mahajan ², Ajit Bhore ¹, Kiran Ghotkule ¹, Sambhaji Waghmare ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Botany, Prof. Ramkrishna more Arts, Commerce and Science College, Akurdi, Pune-411044, University of Pune, IN
2 Department of Botany, Waghire College, Saswad-412301, District- Pune, University of Pune, IN

Abstract

During the present investigations, tree species were documented from Lohgad and Visapur forts which occupy a small geographical area in Western Ghats (one of the important global biodiversity hotspots and UNESCO'SWorld heritage site) near Lonavala and Khandala hill stations. Tree species were identified and number of families, genera and species were recorded along with their endemic and threatened status. Literature survey was made as a source of secondary data for comparative account. In all 194 tree species belonging to 134 genus and 48 families were recorded. Moraceae was dominant family followed by Mimosaceae and Euphorbiaceae. Twenty six non-native cultivated species were recorded. From the results it is concluded that, Lohgad-Vispur forts region is highly diverse but under the anthropogenic threats due to various developmental projects (irresponsible tourists, construction of roads and other infrastructure) and introduction of non-native species. Due to rich diversity and well-nourished habitat for the wildlife, this region was proposed for Santapau Wildlife Sanctuary. If protected well, it could be the corridor and nourishing habitat for wildlife of the area.

Keywords

Lohgad-Visapur Fort, Tree Checklist, Western Ghats, India.

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