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Microhyla laterite sp. nov., A New Species of Microhyla Tschudi, 1838 (Amphibia: Anura: Microhylidae) from a Laterite Rock Formation in South West India
Full text linkIn recent times, several new species of amphibians have been described from India. Many of these discoveries are from biodiversity hotspots or from within protected areas. We undertook amphibian surveys in human dominated landscapes outside of protected areas in south western region of India between years 2013–2015. We encountered a new species of Microhyla which is described here as Microhyla laterite sp. nov. It was delimited using molecular, morphometric and bioacoustics comparisons. Microhyla laterite sp. nov. appears to be restricted to areas of the West coast of India dominated by laterite rock formations. The laterite rock formations date as far back as the Cretaceous-Tertiary boundary and are considered to be wastelands in-spite of their intriguing geological history. We identify knowledge gaps in our understanding of the genus Microhyla from the Indian subcontinent and suggest ways to bridge them
Modeling impacts of future climate on the distribution of Myristicaceae species in the Western Ghats, India
No full textClimate change has the potential to have significant influence on distribution of many species and alter
ecosystems. With the current estimates of rate of projected environmental change for the 21st century,
urgent adaptation and mitigation measures are required to slow down the impact of climate change on biodiversity. A number of studies have shown that recent human-induced environmental changes have already triggered species range shifts, changes in phenology and species extinctions. However, accurate projections of species responses to future climate change are more difficult to ascertain. In recent years, a number of modeling tools are being used to predict the consequences of climate change on the distribution of species and also identify
possible ecological niche of a species under different climate change scenarios. In this paper, using the distribution data of the species, we have attempted to (a) identify the current geographical distribution of five species of the family Myristicaceae and predict the possible sites of occurrence of these species in the Western Ghats, India using the niche modeling tools and (b) predict the impact of climate change on the potential distribution of these species for two scenarios (A1B and
A2A). All the five species selected for the study are distributed in the Western Ghats with higher densities
in the Central Western Ghats. The model predicted an overall increase in the suitable habitats for the non swampy species. However, there is a shift in the habitat range of these species in response to climate change. Gymnocranthera canarica and Myristica fatua, which are obligate swampy species, tend to be affected in changing climate. For both these species, the overall habitat is reduced due to climate change. These species already have restricted habitat and therefore climate change could pose a serious threat for their future survival. Predicting how species distribution will change in the wake of future global climate change is important to develop effective conservation strategies for these species, which inhabit fragile ecosystems
Redescription and Range Extension of Microhyla sholigari Dutta & Ray (Amphibia: Anura: Microhylidae) from South West India
Full text linkMicrohyla sholigari is an endangered frog described in the year 2000. The original description was based on non-adult
types and lacked information on several morphological characters, call structure, genetic material and photographs of the animal in life. The absence of such information posed challenges in field identification of this species. Since the original description, there is one other reported sighting of this species from Kerala in 2001. We encountered specimens that we confer to this species based on morphological similarity to the subadult holotype, from several new localities within and outside the Western Ghats of Karnataka. We here redescribe the species based on additional adult vouchers, provide molecular data, describe the advertisement call and report a range extension. Based on its current distribution, we assess the threat status of the species and suggest listing it as Least Concern according to IUCN Red List criteria. Our paper bridges an important gap in the knowledge of the genus Microhyla in India and highlights the importance of systematic surveys in documenting and understanding amphibian diversity in the region
Changes in pollution board undermine accountability
Full text linkIn a surprise move, the Government of Karnataka drastically altered recently the distribution of authority within the Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB), the sole environmental regulator in the state. After having appointed a new chairman a few months ago, the government has now amended the rules to give most day-to-day powers to the member-secretary
Why we must have water budgets: If we run out of groundwater, millions of people will be left without any means to sustain themselves
Full text linkThe protest by farmers in Chikballapur recently, over the scarcity of drinking water, received extensive news coverage as it halted Bengaluru in its tracks after key highways were blocked. Interestingly, very little of that coverage was devoted to the groundwater crisis that underpins the problem in such regions
Focusing on the Essentials Integrated Monitoring and Analysis of Water Resources
No full textThe term “integrated water resource management” has been popular in water resource management circles for several decades now. The concept, in principle, is about recognising
the manner in which water moves and thereby links all manner of users—upstream with downstream, surface with
ground, domestic with non-domestic, and so on—and managing water in a way that recognises these linkages. Achieving this laudable goal has, however, been difficult for a variety of reasons, including the fact that these
linkages—especially the link between surface water and groundwater—are hardly recognised in the way we monitor,
analyse, and present information on water resources
Apartments struggle with 'manage your own sewage' rule
Full text linkBengaluru's bruhath problem with sewage is notoriously well known, with pictures of foaming lakes and fish kills attracting global media attention. But what is less well known is the fact that this city has the highest number of apartment-scale sewage treatment plants (STPs) in the country
Barking up the wrong tree: the agency in charge of controlling street dogs is completely ineffective
Full text linkIndia has a serious free-ranging dog problem, and if animal welfare organisations are to be believed, it is only a matter of time before the street dog population is brought under control. But in truth, several of these organisations are haphazardly managed, their strategy to control the population of dogs and control the spread of rabies is devoid of science or logic, and some even misappropriate public funds. This has led to the current lose-lose situation for both people and animals
Do Dogs Threaten People’s Right to Safety in Public Spaces?
Full text linkMany people are terrified of dogs. When a dog approaches them, they fly into panic and hysteria. They don’t know a dog’s body language and can’t tell the difference between a friendly canine from an agitated one. To them, all dogs are scary at all times. Their extreme reaction may be amusing to people who know canines. But this raises the question: Don’t people who fear dogs have a right to safety in public spaces
India knows its invasive species problem but this is why nobody can deal with it properly
Full text linkIn 1993, the International Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) came into legal effect to conserve biological diversity, ensure that biological diversity would be used sustainably and that its benefits would be shared equitably. The Conference of Parties (CoP), the governing body in charge of implementing the CBD’s decisions, is now meeting for the 13th time at Cancun, Mexico. One item on the agenda, during the two-week meeting that started on December 4, is a review of progress on the Strategic Plan for Biodiversity (2011-2020) and the related Aichi Biodiversity Targets. The plan and targets were adopted during the 10th CoP at Nagoya in Japan’s Aichi prefecture, in 2010