The Journal of Threatened Taxa is a monthly, peer-reviewed, scientific, open access, international journal on conservation and all associated fields. The aim is to make research results, data, scientific information available free and wide. The motto is to build evidence for conservation globally!
Wildlife Information Liaison Development (WILD) Society
Authors own the copyright to the articles published in JoTT. This is indicated explicitly in each publication. The authors grant permission to the publisher Wildlife Information Liaison Development (WILD) Society to publish the article in the Journal of Threatened Taxa. The authors recognize WILD as the original publisher, and to sell hard copies of the Journal and article to any buyer. JoTT is registered under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY), which allows authors to retain copyright ownership. Under this license the authors allow anyone to download, cite, use the data, modify, reprint, copy and distribute provided the authors and source of publication are credited through appropriate citations (e.g., Son et al. (2016). Bats (Mammalia: Chiroptera) of the southeastern Truong Son Mountains, Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam. Journal of Threatened Taxa 8(7): 8953–8969. https://doi.org/10.11609/jott.2785.8.7.8953-8969). Users of the data do not require specific permission from the authors or the publisher.
Importance of integrating multiple criteria in breeding habitat management for urban frogs and toads (Amphibia: Anura) in Jakarta City, Indonesia
This study assessed the local and landscape factors that support breeding habitats for native frog species in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. We surveyed 25 wetlands categorized into two management states and varying local and landscape features. Our results revealed that frog species exhibit diverse habitat preferences for breeding; some species prefer constructed or managed environments, some depend on more natural or minimally managed habitats, and one species was highly linked with vegetation cover and light intensity. These findings emphasize the need to incorporate multiple criteria when designing strategies to support breeding habitats for all native frog species in Jakarta. We also explored specific factors influencing breeding site selection, providing insights into the drivers of breeding habitat preferences in urban environments.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mohamad Isnin Noer, Ivan Hafidhuddin, Agung Sedayu, Ratna Komala, Alvira Salsabila https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
The dragonfly (Odonata) community structure at Sukamade Resort, Meru Betiri National Park, Indonesia
Sukamade Resort, located within Meru Betiri National Park, is a conservation management area. Dragonflies have significant diversity and extensive spread, and their presence in conservation areas is linked to the availability of ecological resources such as abundant vegetation near aquatic habitats. This study ascertained the composition of the dragonfly community in Sukamade Resort at four sampling sites to provide data for conservation area management. Of the 17 species recognized, Orthetrum sabina and Pseudagrion microcephalum had the greatest population density across all locales. The diversity index indicated a moderate level, the Margalef index demonstrated low requirements, the dominance index was low, and evenness was high. The important value index (IVI) indicates that Neurothemis ramburii, Orthetrum sabina, and Libellago lineata had the highest ecological importance (IVI = 0.38). Canonical correspondence analysis indicates that Pseudagrion microcephalum, Zyxomma obtusum, Ischnura senegalensis, Diplacodes trivialis, and Trithemis festiva are associated with air humidity characteristics at the Great Estuary location. It is concluded that the presence of dragonflies is influenced by habitat factors such as aquatic substrate composition, abiotic parameters (light, temperature, humidity), and riparian vegetation. Protecting riparian habitats and maintaining good water quality are crucial for the conservation of dragonflies, which reflect healthy ecological conditions and support the sustainability of aquatic ecosystems.
Copyright (c) 2026 Abdu Rohman, Wachju Subchan, Dwi Artika Amalia https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Westward range extension of the Greater Blue-wing Selys, 1883 (Insecta: Odonata: Libellulidae) into Uttarakhand, India
Rhyothemis plutonia Selys, 1883 was recorded from Dhela, Uttarakhand, representing the first confirmed occurrence of the species in the state and western Himalaya. This finding extends the known distribution of the species by over 500 km westward from previously reported records in Nepal and northeastern India.
Copyright (c) 2026 Omkar Sanjay Damle https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Book Review: At the Point of No Return? – Reading Pankaj Sekhsaria’s Island on Edge: The Great Nicobar Crisis
Copyright (c) 2026 Himangshu Kalita https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessing avifaunal diversity and anthropogenic impacts on Ladhwaya Pond, Gwalior, India
Village ponds serve as important micro-wetland habitats that support diverse avifauna yet are subject to anthropogenic pressures. The present study assessed the avifaunal diversity and seasonal variations in Ladhwaya Pond, Tekanpur, Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh), India, during 2024–2025 using point count and line transect methods. A total of 52 bird species belonging to 33 families and 17 orders were recorded, comprising resident and migratory species. Passeriformes was the dominant order, followed by Columbiformes and Charadriiformes. Diversity indices revealed the highest species diversity during winter (ShannonWiener H’ = 1.563; Simpson index = 0.826), indicating the pond’s seasonal importance as a refuge for migratory and water-dependent birds. Most species (98.1%) were categorized as ‘Least Concern’, while one ‘Near Threatened’ species, the Asian Woolly-necked Stork was documented, emphasizing the conservation value. Field observation indicated that grazing, unregulated fishing, agricultural runoff, and human disturbance significantly influenced habitat quality and bird assemblages, favouring disturbance-tolerant generalist species over sensitive taxa. The study highlights the ecological role of small rural wetlands in sustaining local and migratory bird populations and underscores the urgent need for habitat restoration, disturbance regulation, and community-based conservation measures to maintain avifaunal diversity in such anthropogenically pressured pond ecosystems.
Copyright (c) 2026 R.K. Lodhi, N.P. Gour, S. Shakya, A. Jain, R.K. Gurjwar, R.J. Rao https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
New record of two natricine snakes, (Wall, 1925) and Nguyen et al., 2024 (Reptilia: Squamata: Colubridae), from India
Two natricine snakes, Hebius gilhodesi and Herpetoreas davidi, are reported for the first time from India based on mitochondrial DNA and morphological data. This study extends the northwestern-most distribution of H. gilhodesi by 107 km and H. davidi by 577 km, both of which were thus far known only from adjacent Myanmar. Additionally, a detailed description of the hemipenial morphology of H. gilhodesi is provided.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sourav Dutta, Bitupan Boruah, Abhijit Das https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Butterflies (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) of Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary, West Bengal, India: a preliminary checklist
The present study from Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary records a total of 98 butterfly species among which 66 species are found as ‘first-time records’ from the sanctuary. Therein, eight butterfly species are scheduled under the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022 and two are enlisted in the IUCN species list (2016). Nymphalids were recorded at the highest frequency (45.92%) whereas Riodinids are rarest (2.04%).
Copyright (c) 2026 Ratnadeep Sarkar, Priyanka Rai https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
New distribution records of five species of freshwater palaemonid prawns (Crustacea: Decapoda) in Nagaland, India
Freshwater palaemonid prawns of Nagaland is studied based on the collections made during different surveys from 1998 to 2022 by various survey teams of Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata. Though 20 species of palaemonid prawns are reported from northeastern states of India, there are no previous reports from Nagaland. During the present study five species of palaemonid prawns—Macrobrachium cacharense (Tiwari, 1952), M. dayanum (Henderson, 1893), M. kempi (Tiwari, 1949), M. lamarrei lamarrei (H. Milne Edwards, 1837), and M. platyrostris (Tiwari, 1952)—are reported and forms first report from this underexplored state of India.
Copyright (c) 2026 K. Valarmathi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Sighting of vagrant Red-backed Shrike in the coastal areas of Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, India
We report a sighting of the Red-backed Shrike, a vagrant to peninsular India, from the coastal habitats of Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) District, Tamil Nadu. This observation is the second photographic record of the species for the state.
Copyright (c) 2026 Kishore Muthu, Anand Shibu, Santhanakrishnan Babu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Local knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of ecosystem services and disservices provided by the Painted Stork Pennant, 1769 (Aves: Ciconiidae) in northern India: insights for conservation
Understanding the knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of the local communities towards the target species before implementing any awareness-based programmes is essential for the success and long-term protection of the species. No studies have yet been conducted on local knowledge, attitudes, perceptions of ecosystem services and disservices, threats and possible recommendations for conservation of the Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala in northern India. To fill this gap, a study was conducted in August–September 2024 in villages of Etawah District, Uttar Pradesh, India, where Painted Stork builds nests in farmland in human-dominated areas. The study employed a questionnaire survey, containing both closed and open-ended questions, administered to 200 respondents. All the respondents identified the species, and a majority knew its local name, breeding ecology, foraging ecology, and population trend. A majority of the people (52%) liked the species, supported conservation of the species (51%), felt the need for awareness programmes (52%), and were ready to participate in nest monitoring training (47%) & awareness programmes (58%). At the same time, a majority of the people were reluctant to report hunting (48%), reluctant to take the injured birds to veterinary doctors (46%), and lacked knowledge on the bird’s conservation status (64%). People perceived 12 ecosystem services and five ecosystem disservices provided by Painted Stork, with pest control (50%) being the highest cited service and crop destruction (72%) the most cited disservice. According to the respondents, the highest threat to the species is wetland loss (59%). A majority recommended that conservation efforts should focus on organizing awareness programmes (52%) and implementing wetland management and conservation (50%). Furthermore, respondents believed the community should take the initiative in these efforts (48%). This study emphasizes intensified awareness programs, wetland conservation and management and protection of nesting trees, among other measures, to ensure the conservation of this species outside protected areas. It provides the essential baseline for conservationists, researchers, and policy makers to design effective conservation and management strategies involving local communities and policies for research and conservation of Painted Stork.
Copyright (c) 2026 Yashmita-Ulman, Manoj Singh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
First record of leucism in Rock Hyrax Procavia capensis from Ibex Reserve Protected Area, Saudi Arabia
Pigment anomalies such as leucism and albinism are rare in wild mammals, often linked to genetic or developmental factors and sometimes carry ecological consequences. Here, we report the first record of leucism in the Rock Hyrax Procavia capensis from Saudi Arabia. The observation was made during routine monitoring in the Ibex Reserve Protected Area on 17 May 2025. The individual, an adult with pale pelage and normal dark eyes, was classified as leucistic. Given the healthy and non-fragmented hyrax population in the reserve, this case is likely an isolated anomaly rather than evidence of inbreeding or population-level genetic issues. This record extends the taxonomic and geographic range of leucism to P. capensis in central Saudi Arabia and underscores the importance of continued monitoring and systematic documentation of aberrant colour morphs in wildlife.
Copyright (c) 2026 Zaffar R. Mir, Naif Alajmi, Ali Alahmari, Ahmad Alobaid, Khalid Almaliki, Faraz Niaz, Naif Alqahtani, Ahmad Boug https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
First photographic record of Smooth-coated Otter from the canals in Upper Ganga Ramsar Site, Uttar Pradesh, India
Smooth-coated Otter Lutrogale perspicillata is one of the three species of otters found in India. Photographs from the Lower Ganga Canal confirmed the presence of the species in the Ganga River in January of 2021 and 2023. This is the first confirmed record of a Smooth-coated Otter from the canal network of the middle stretch of the Ganga River. This observation indicates the rich aquatic and riparian habitat of the Ganga River, associated canal network along the Upper Ganga River Ramsar Site that needs to be conserved on priority.
Copyright (c) 2026 Aftab Alam Usmani, Pichaimuthu Gangaiamaran, Ruchi Badola, Syed Ainul Hussain https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
First national record of Yellow Owl Butterfly Neorina hilda Westwood, 1851 (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae) for Nepal
The present finding reports the first national record of Neorina hilda Westwood, 1851 (Nymphalidae: Satyrinae), commonly known as the Yellow Owl Butterfly from Nepal. A single adult individual was observed and photographed at Taplejung District (27.363° N, 87.724° E), eastern Nepal, on 29 July 2025. This species was recorded in an upper temperate mixed broad-leaved evergreen forest at an elevation of 2,625 m. Previously known from northeastern India and extending through Myanmar to southeastern Asia, this finding expands the current known geographical range of the species to the west. This record has important implications for butterfly conservation planning and habitat connectivity assessments in the eastern Himalaya where a detailed assessment is recommended.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nishan Limbu https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Smooth-Coated Otter (Mammalia: Carnivora: Mustelidae) observation near a community reservoir in Bannerghatta National Park
The Smooth-coated Otter Lutrogale perspicillata has not previously been documented from Bannerghatta National Park (BNP), southern India and this study confirms its presence from the landscape. A 10-day reconnaissance survey (from 17–26 October 2024) was conducted around the Chikkondanahalli Reservoir, which is located between BNP and the village of Chikkondanahalli (Karnataka) utilizing perimeter walks and community interviews. We gathered data and signs of otter presence and activity, such as spraints, tracks, and feeding remains. On the seventh day of the survey, a direct observation of a group of four otters was made, marking the first recorded sighting in the park. Additional evidence, including fresh spraints and track marks, confirmed otter presence. However, the survey also identified several anthropogenic threats, such as fishing, cattle grazing, and pollution, which may impact the quality of otter habitats and their long-term survival in the area. The results suggest that otters may use reservoirs like Chikkondanahalli as an important habitat with potential movement between water bodies. These findings highlight the need for further research to understand otter movement patterns and habitat preferences in the BNP landscape.
Copyright (c) 2026 Amrita Nair, Avinash Krishnan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Hump-nosed Pit Viper feeding on an Allapalli Skink Eutropis allapallensis in Karwar, India
We report a probable first case of in situ field observation of a wild Hump-nosed Pit Viper Hypnale hypnale hunting and feeding. This is based on a direct observation involving an Allapalli Skink Eutropis allapallensis that occurred on 23 May 2024, at 2200 h in Karwar, India. The entire event lasted for 6 m 40 s, while the skink became immobile, eventually died out of envenomation in just 40 s after fang-contact.
Copyright (c) 2026 Nonita Rana, Karthy Sivapushanam , S.J.D. Frank, Govindan Veeraswami Gopi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
First record with photographic evidence of Dhole (Pallas, 1811) from Panshet, Pune, Maharashtra, India
The Dhole Cuon alpinus (Pallas, 1811), known as the Asiatic Wild Dog is an endangered canid distributed across Asia. Here, we report the first record with photographic evidence of Dhole presence from Panshet, Pune, Maharashtra, India; a region where the species was previously unrecorded. This observation expands the documented and confirmed occurrences within the northern Western Ghats, highlighting the importance of fragmented and human-modified landscapes for the species’ occurrence.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sonali Shinde, Chinmay Sonawane https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Distribution of rheophytes in Kopili River Basin, Assam and Meghalaya, India
Rheophytes are plant species that are confined to the beds of swift-running streams and rivers and grow there up to flood level, but not beyond the reach of regularly occurring flash floods. Little is known about this group of plants in Assam. Between 2018 and 2022, the Kopili River Basin in Assam emerged as a hotspot for rheophytic flora with the description of three new species and range extensions of another two species from the Koka–Panimur region of West Karbi Anglong. Subsequent downstream impact assessment (2024–2025) for the Lower Kopili Hydro Electric Project and Kopili basin survey including the tributeries revealed the presence of 16 rheophyte species distributed across upstream reaches of the Kopili River and its tributaries, including Amring / Mynrinag, Borpani, Diyung, Karkar, Mynteng, Umium, Digaru, and Umrong Nala. These species exhibit remarkable ecological adaptations, thriving on riverbanks and rocky substrates under extreme acidic conditions (pH as low as 2.9 in the Karkar River). The Kopili River Basin represents a unique ecological niche for rheophytes in northeastern India as no other river system supports diverse species of this kind. Immediate Immediate conservation interventions and policy integration are essential to safeguard these species and their unique habitats from anthropogenic pressures.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jayanta Das, Deepak K. Baruah https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
First record of Wall’s Krait Bungarus walli Wall, 1907 (Reptilia: Squamata: Elapidae) from Assam, and diagnostic keys to the kraits of India
We report the occurrence of Bungarus walli Wall, 1907, for the first time from Northeast India, based on morphological and meristic examination of an uncollected specimen encountered during a herpetofaunal survey in Raimona National Park, Assam. Diagnostic characters were compared with published descriptions, and an identification key to the kraits of Northeast India is provided. This finding is the addition of the fifth krait species from Assam. The discovery is of considerable biogeographic and conservation importance, as it fills a major distributional gap and contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the region’s krait diversity. Documenting B. walli in Assam further underscores the significance of systematic surveys in newly declared protected areas, which may reveal additional range extensions and novel records crucial for future biodiversity assessments and conservation planning.
Copyright (c) 2026 Bijay Basfore, Abhi Medhi, Nazrul Islam, Rathin Barman, Madhurima Das, Anjana Singha Naorem, Jayaditya Purkayastha https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
First record of Thorell, 1891 (Arachnida: Araneae: Salticidae) from India
Colyttus bilineatus Thorell, 1891, previously known only from Indonesia, is reported for the first time from India. This new locality highlights the faunal continuity between northeastern India and southeastern Asia. Diagnostic illustrations, habitat information and a distribution map are provided.
Copyright (c) 2026 Monica Chetry, John T.D. Caleb, Parthankar Choudhury https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
First camera-trap evidence of a ferret badger sp. (Mammalia: Carnivora: Mustelidae) from the community forests of Manipur, India
Individuals of Melogale sp. were photographed on multiple occasions through camera traps deployed in the community forest of Godha Village under Phungyar Sub-Division of Kamjong District, in Manipur, India. The species were photographed from fragmented forest patches along the village’s vicinity. The species was identified only at the genus level based on morphometric characteristics and may either be Small-toothed Ferret Badger Melogale moschata or Large-toothed / Burmese Ferret Badger M. personata as it was not possible to confirm at species level simply based on camera-trap images. The study represents the first confirmed camera-trap record of Melogale sp. from the community forest of Manipur ascertaining the distribution records of these lesser-known species from northeastern India. It further supports their nocturnal foraging behaviour and elusive nature in the wild.
Copyright (c) 2026 Chingrisoror Rumthao, Monesh Singh Tomar, Sushanto Gouda https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Morphometry and feeding notes of an endemic frog (Amphibia: Ranidae) from Hue City, central Vietnam
This study presents the first record of the endemic ranid frog Amolops spinapectoralis in Hue City, Vietnam. Notably, the specimens collected exhibit cylindrical spines, a distinct morphological feature differing from the conical spines originally described, highlighting the species’ local morphological diversity. Given the limited ecological data on this species, we analyzed its morphological characteristics and investigated the correlation between body size and feeding ecology, as well as sexual variation in diet composition and prey diversity. We identified 507 prey items across 19 prey categories. The dominant prey taxa included Orthoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera, Formicidae, Isoptera, insect larvae, and Hymenoptera, which collectively accounted for 71.16% of the frequency of occurrence, 68.24% of the total prey number, and 66.89% of the total volume, with a relative importance index of 68.77%. Furthermore, prey mass was positively correlated with temperature and relative humidity, independent of rainfall.
Copyright (c) 2025 Loi Duc Duong, Giang Van Tran, Nghiep Thị Hoang https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
New distribution record of G.W. Peckham & E.G. Peckham, 1903 (Araneae: Salticidae) from Gujarat, India
The genus Sonoita Peckham & Peckham, 1903 is recorded in Gujarat State for the first time with discovery of the species Sonoita lightfooti G.W. Peckham & E.G. Peckham, 1903 in the Kachchh region. A detailed diagnosis is provided to distinguish S. lightfooti from other congeners, supported by comprehensive illustrations of the male reproductive organ. Furthermore, an updated distribution map is provided.
Copyright (c) 2026 Subhash I. Parmar, Pranav J. Pandya, Vivek U. Chauhan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Nesting dynamics of Red-wattled Lapwing Boddaert, 1783 in urban and rural regions of Indore, India
With their ground-nesting habits, the Red-wattled Lapwing Vanellus indicus are particularly vulnerable to urbanization, which ffects their nesting behaviour, reproductive success, and habitat use. The present study was designed to explore the adaptation strategies of the species in rural (Jamli), peri-urban (Rau) and urban (Holkar Science College) habitats of Indore, adhya Pradesh, India. Forty-five nests were monitored for nesting success (March–July 2024), along with predation risks and microclimatic conditions during the breeding season. Nest site, clutch ize, incubation, and fledgling success were observed. Nesting success was highest (93%) in peri-urban and rural areas (90%), but lowest (70%) in urban areas; a similar pattern was observed for reproductive success, which was highest in peri-urban and rural habitats and lowest in urban regions. Primarily found on rooftops, urban nests avoided many risks associated with terrestrial predators but introduced new risks, including high levels of human disturbance, altered predator communities, and extreme microclimates that negatively affected reproductive success. Nesting in rural areas provided optimal conditions, with less human interference, improved natural camouflage, and constant dynamics of the environment. Peri-urban areas showed great success, reflecting a balance between natural and anthropogenic influences. We, therefore, conclude that urban areas do show the adaptability of the species. To mitigate the impacts of urbanization, conservation efforts should prioritize protecting rural and peri-urban habitats, reducing human disturbance, and supporting artificial nesting platforms in urban areas.
Copyright (c) 2026 Kratika Patidar, Vipul Keerti Sharma https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Range extension records of Tibetan Snowcock, Tibetan Sandgrouse, and Western Tragopan in Uttarakhand, India
The study reports photographic evidence of range extension for three avian species: Western Tragopan Tragopan melanocephalus (Gray, 1829), Tibetan Snowcock Tetraogallus tibetanus (Gould, 1854), and Tibetan Sandgrouse Syrrhaptes tibetanus (Gould, 1850) based on camera trap surveys conducted in the Bhagirathi Basin, Uttarakhand. These detections represent a noteworthy eastward range extension for all three species and refine the current understanding of their biogeographic distributions in the western Himalaya. The Western Tragopan, previously known to extend eastward only up to the Govind National Park and Wildlife Sanctuary in the Garhwal Himalaya, lacked photographic confirmation until now. Similarly, the Tibetan Snowcock and Tibetan Sandgrouse were historically regarded as trans-Himalayan specialists, confined primarily to the high-altitude regions of Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and Sikkim. These records, obtained through systematic camera-trap sampling conducted over a five-year period, suggest the existence of populations of these species within Uttarakhand. Their distribution appears to be limited to remote and ecologically distinct high-altitude habitats.
Copyright (c) 2026 Anuj Joshi, Ranjana Pal, Vineet K. Dubey, Sambandam Sathyakumar https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
O.E.Schulz (Brassicaceae): a new addition to the flora of Sikkim, India
Cardamine fragariifolia O.E.Schulz (Brassicaceae) is reported here as addition of new plant species for the state of Sikkim, India. The diagnostic traits of the species along with field photographs and habitat information is provided to facilitate easy identification.
Copyright (c) 2025 Srijana Mangar, Rohit Dutta, Phurba Lhamu Sherpa, Arun Kumar Rai , Arun Chettri https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A preliminary checklist of avian fauna of the Raha sub-district of Nagaon, Assam, India
The present study was conducted from February 2024 to May 2025 in the Raha sub-district of Nagaon, Assam, to provide the first avian checklist of the region. Surveys were conducted weekly, with observations carried out on four days each week across five villages using the point count method. One-hundred-and-one-bird species were documented, representing 17 orders and 41 families. Passeriformes was the most represented order, with 45 species, whereas Ardeidae contributed the highest number of species (seven) among the families. Residency patterns showed that 81 species were residents, 19 were winter migrants, and one summer migrant. Most species (96) were ‘Least Concern’, while three were ‘Near Threatened’, and two were ‘Vulnerable’ according to the IUCN Red List. Most of the resident species were observed in human-modified vegetation and forest edges. The occurrence of species such as the Great Hornbill Buceros bicornis (Near Threatened), River Tern Sterna aurantia (Vulnerable), Lesser Adjutant Leptoptilos javanicus (Vulnerable), Blossom-headed Parakeet Psittacula roseata (Near Threatened), and Red-breasted Parakeet Psittacula alexandri (Near Threatened) underlines the conservation importance of the area. This study provides baseline data for future ecological assessments and emphasizes the need for long-term monitoring and conservation planning.
Copyright (c) 2025 Bhrigumohan Manta, Jonmani Kalita, Afifa Kausar, Barnali Sarma, Lalit Mohan Goswami, Suranjan Debnath https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Extended distribution of (S.G.Gmel.) Kuntze (Menyanthaceae) in Manipur, India
The present paper highlights the extended distribution of aquatic herb Nymphoides peltata (S.G.Gmel.) Kuntze and presents as a new addition to the flora of Manipur. This study also provides phenology, conservation status, and distribution of the recorded species.
Copyright (c) 2026 Aahen Chanu Waikhom, Bimolkumar Singh Sadokpam https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A book review of moths from the Eastern Ghats: Moths of Agastya
‘Moths of Agastya’ apart is its focus on the Eastern Ghats, a region underrepresented in recent moth literature. The book is based on an impressive four years and eight months of surveys, and documents 653 species and genera, including 369 macromoths, 231 micromoths, and 53 unidentified species.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sanjay Sondhi https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
(Clusiaceae), a new record for Bhutan and its ethnopharmacological potential
Garcinia pedunculata Roxb. ex Buch.-Ham. is reported here for the first time in Bhutan, specifically from Zhemgang District. The species holds significant local value; its fruits are consumed as food and used as dye mordants, as well as in traditional remedies for various ailments. These uses exemplify the deep-rooted ethnobotanical knowledge maintained by local communities.
Copyright (c) 2026 Jigme Wangchuk, Ugyen Dorji, Sherub Dorji, Yograj `Chhetri, Tsethup Tshering https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
A preliminary assessment of avifaunal diversity in Parwati Arga Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh, India
Birds are important for the proper functioning of an ecosystem. In this study, the avifaunal diversity of the Important Bird and Biodiversity Area, Parwati Arga Bird Sanctuary situated in Gonda District, Uttar Pradesh was assessed using point count method from March 2024 to February 2025. A total of 140 bird species (53 families and 19 orders) were recorded, of which 110 species (78%) were resident, 29 species (21%) were winter visitors and one species (1%) was a summer visitor. One ‘Endangered’ species, four ‘Vulnerable’ species, and six ‘Near Threatened’ species were recorded as per the IUCN Red List. According to the global population trend, 49 species (35%) were decreasing, 39 species (27%) were stable, 26 species (19%) were increasing, and 26 species (19%) were unknown. This scientific documentation is essential for the forest department to ensure better management and conservation in the sanctuary area.
Copyright (c) 2025 Yashmita-Ulman, Manoj Singh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0