Population Ecology of the Endangered Himalayan Yew in Khokhan Wildlife Sanctuary of North Western Himalaya for Conservation Management

The Himalayan Yew (Taxus baccata subsp. wallichiana) is an endangered native high value medicinal plant of the Himalayan Region. The several medicinal properties of the bark and leaves of this species have increased its risk of extinction due to pressures for utilization. It is also subjected to harvest for fuelwood. The species does not regenerate well from seed and that is another risk factor. The objective of this research was to investigate the population ecology of the species as a foundation for its conservation. Six forest communities in the Khokhan Wildlife Sanctuary where the species is present were sampled. The abundance of the species, impacts of harvesting and its current regeneration patterns indicate that it may soon be extirpated from the Sanctuary. A plan for conserving the remaining sub-populations is presented. It could provide a template for conservation in other locations where the species is at risk.

Status and distribution pattern of coarse woody debris along an altitudinal gradient in Askot Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarakhand, West Himalaya

A rapid assessment on the status and distribution patterns of coarse woody debris （CWD） was conducted by laying five curvilinear transects （transects A, B, C, D and E; major trails）, along an altitudinal gradient starting from 900 to 2 600 m, in three major watersheds （Charigad, Dogarhigad and upper Gosigad） of Goriganga catchment in Askot Wildlife Sanctuary, India. At every 100 m rise in altitude a hectare plot （100 m x 100 m） was selected. Results showed that the percentage contribution by different succession phases was in the decreasing order： phase I 〉 phase II 〉 phase IV 〉 phase III for snags, and phase III〉 phase II 〉 phase IV 〉 phase I for logs. Snag density in chir pine forest was high in transect A （11 snags＇ha^-1） at 1 500 m, and the value in rianj oak forest was high in transect B （10 snags.ha-l） at 2 300 m. The total available mass of snags and logs in chit pine forest was 13.9 t, of which snags mass accounted for 41% of the total mass and logs mass for 59%. While the total value was 5.6 t in rianj oak forest, of which snags and logs accounted for 60% and 40% of the total mass, respectively. Moreover, the presence of CWD in the study area if not harvested, would provide a great opportunity to the orchids in future to flourish by providing protection. The high densities of snags and logs in chir pine forest at mid-altitudinal zone led to less species richness and lower density of ground flora as the zone receives more light, accompanying with lower soil moisture, and thus only the dominant species occupy the habitat.

A Preliminary Annotated Checklist of the Amphibians and Reptiles of the Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary in Northern Cambodia

We present the first herpetological checklist for the Kulen Promtep Wildlife Sanctuary in northern Cambodia, with records of 22 species of amphibians and 33 species of reptiles belonging to 44 genera in 22 families. The checklist includes three species （Ingerophrynus macrotis, Micryletta inornata, Scincella melanosticta） which in Cambodia were formerly only known to occur in the Cardamom Mountains in the southwest of the country. Our findings highlight the importance of countrywide herpetological baseline surveys in lowland habitats.

Status and distribution pattern of coarse woody debris along an altitudinal gradient in Askot Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttarakhand, West Himalaya

A rapid assessment on the status and distribution patterns of coarse woody debris (CWD) was conducted by laying five curvilinear transects (transects A, B, C, D and E; major trails), along an altitudinal gradient starting from 900 to 2 600 m, in three major watersheds (Charigad, Dogarhigad and upper Gosigad) of Goriganga catchment in Askot Wildlife Sanctuary, India. At every 100 m rise in altitude a hectare plot (100 m x 100 m) was selected. Results showed that the percentage contribution by different succession phases was in the decreasing order: phase I > phase II > phase IV > phase III for snags, and phase III > phase II > phase IV > phase I for logs. Snag density in chir pine forest was high in transect A (11 snags·ha-1) at 1 500 m, and the value in rianj oak forest was high in transect B (10 snags·ha-1) at 2 300 m. The total available mass of snags and logs in chir pine forest was 13.9 t, of which snags mass accounted for 41% of the total mass and logs mass for 59%. While the total value was 5.6 t in rianj oak forest, of which snags and logs accounted for 60% and 40% of the total mass, respectively. Moreover, the presence of CWD in the study area if not harvested, would provide a great opportunity to the orchids in future to flourish by providing protection. The high densities of snags and logs in chir pine forest at mid-altitudinal zone led to less species richness and lower density of ground flora as the zone receives more light, accompanying with lower soil moisture, and thus only the dominant species occupy the habitat.

Effects of excluding bottom-disturbing mobile fishing gear on abundance and biomass of groundfishes in the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary,USA

The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary （southern Gulf of Maine, northwest Atlantic） is partially overlapped by the Western Gulf of Maine Closure Area （WGMCA）. This is a region in which mobile, bottom-disturbing fishing gear has been banned by the New England Fishery Management Council to facilitate the rebuilding of depleted gronndfish populations. We assessed the effects and effectiveness of the WGMCA on groundfish assemblages using habitat-stratified （gravel, sand, mixed benthic habitats） sampling by means of a commercial trawler, inside and outside of the WGMCA. Sampling occurred over three mouth-long sampling periods in 2004-2005, two during the spring seasons and one during the fall season. A total of 18 species were analyzed for protection effects. After controlling for substratum, location and sampling season, eight groundfish species exhibited higher mean proportional abundance inside than outside the WGMCA while two were proportionally more abundant on average outside of the closure. Four species had higher mean proportional biomasses on average inside the closure and three outside. We conclude that the WGMCA may be achieving its goal of rebuilding abundance and biomass for some commercially targeted groundfishes but not all. This study, six to seven years post-closure establishment, reveals fine-scale spatial and taxonomic complexity which will require a very different monitoring protocol than the one currently in place if adaptive management is to be successful in the region [Current Zoology 56 （1）： 134-143, 2010].

Uses of Invasive Alien Plant Species in Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary of Bangladesh

An exploratory survey was conducted on the uses and role of invasive alien species(IAS) to local livelihoods in the Rema-Kalenga Wildlife Sanctuary in the northeastern hilly region of Bangladesh.Vegetation was sampled in 50 quadrates,each 10 m×10 m,and 25 line transects,each 50 m×20 m,through a combination of random and systematic sampling.Group discussions were also arranged with fifty local inhabitants(17 % of the total inhabitants) to learn the various uses of IAS.A total of 17 alien plant species belonging to 10 different families,of which Leguminosae constitutes the highest number(5 species),include tree(53%) followed by herb(12%),shrub(12%) and others(weed,climber and palm).The majority of the identified species were found to be used for fuel,followed by timber production,medicinal or curative uses,fodder,and many others.In addition to providing various forest products,alien tree species planted in forest plantation help provide many vital ecosystem services such as soil amelioration through nitrogen fixation.It is true that the alien species have some negative impacts on local ecosystems,and not all of them are harmful.Therefore,a national programme must be initiated to distinguish the harmful from the harmless species and to identify the uses and impacts of the former and latter.

The Potential Contribution of Wildlife Sanctuary to Forest Conservation: A Case Study from Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary

Forest vegetation of a protected area （Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary） in Kumaun region （west Himalaya） was analysed for structure, composition and representativeness across three different altitudinal belts, lower （1,6oo-1,8oo m a.s.1.）, middle （1,900-2,100 m a.s.1.） and upper （2,200-2,400 m a.s.1.） during 2oo9-2011 using standard phytosociological methods. Four aspects （east, west, north and south） in each altitudinal belt were chosen for sampling to depict maximum representation of vegetation in the sanctuary. Population structure and regeneration behaviour was analysed seasonally for two years to show the establishment and growth of tree species. A total of 147 plant species were recorded from the entire region of which 27 tree species were selected for detailed study. Highest number was recorded at upper （18 species）, and lowest at lower altitudinal belt （15 species）. The relative proportion of species richness showed higher contribution of tree layer at each altitudinal belt. The population structure, based on the number of individuals, revealed a greater proportion of seedling layer at each altitudinal belt. The relative proportion of seedlings increases significantly along altitudinal belts （p〈0.05） while opposite trends were observed in sapling and tree layers. The density of sapling and seedling species varied non-significantly across seasons （p〉0.05）. The density values decreased in summer and increased during rainy season. As far as the regeneration status is concerned, middle and upper altitudinal belts showed maximum number of species with fair regeneration as compared to lower altitudinal belt. Overall density diameter distribution of tree species showed highest species density and richness in the smallest girth class and decreased in the succeeding girth classes. This study suggests that patterns of regeneration behaviour would determine future structural and compositional changes in the forest communities. It is suggested that the compositional changes vis-a-vis role of ＇New＇ and ＇Not regenerating＇ species need priority attention while initiating conservation activities in the sanctuary. This study calls for exploring other less explored Wildlife Sanctuaries in the Himalaya and across the world, to achieve overall biodiversity status in these protected areas and thus to justify their role in conserving biodiversity in the region.

Carbon stock of trees along an elevational gradient in temperate forests of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary

The estimation of carbon density of high altitude forests was carried out at five different sites along an elevational gradient from 1550 m to 3550 m in a part of Kedarnath Wildlife Sanctuary, which is one of the largest protected areas of the Garhwal Himalaya, India. Among the study sites the above ground biomass density （AGBD） ranged from 202.72 Mg·ha^-1 （Site 5） to 718.75 Mg·ha^-1 （Site 1） and below ground biomass density （BGBD） from 61.00 Mg·ha^-1 （Site 5） to 203.04 Mg·ha^-1 （Site 1）. The total biomass density （TBD） also followed similar trend, where the lowest value （263.73 Mg·ha^-1） was observed at Site 5 and the highest （921.79 Mg·ha^-1） at Site 1. The total carbon density （TCD） ranged from 131.86 Mg·ha^-1 （Site 5） to 460.89 Mg·ha^-1 （Site 1）, which indicates that the carbon density of forests reduces with increasing elevation.

Assessment of Diversity in the Genus Ficus L. (Moraceae) of Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh, India

The paper deals with the taxonomy and diversity within the genus Ficus occurring in Katerniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary based on extensive field and herbarium studies. The genus comprises 11 species in the study area contrary to the earlier report of 8 species. Out of which, one species each belongs to herbs (F. assamica) and straggling shrubs (F. hetero- phylla) and the remaining species to shrub to big free standing trees (F. benghalensis, F. hispida, F. palmata subsp. virgata, F. racemosa, F. religiosa, F. retusa var. nitida, F. rumphii, F. semicordata and F. squamosa). F. microcarpa and F. carica have been excluded as they do not occur in the sanctuary but reported in the previous work due to mis- identification. F. repens has been segregated from F. heterophylla and reinstated as a distinct species with a correct name F. assamica. F. retusa var. nitida forms a new record for the sanctuary. In overall gross morphology, F. hispida, F. palmata subsp. virgata, F. assamica and F. heterophylla exhibit maximum diversity especially in their leaves, pe- duncles and figs. Among all species F. hispida has been found more common especially in low land and moist areas in mixed forest whereas F. retusa var. nitida has been seen with only two plants. All species have been critically examined and provided with correct nomenclature, vernacular name, description, phenology, ecology, uses and reference to voucher specimens. A dichotomous bracketed key to the species along with line drawings has also been included for identification.

Carbon Sequestration Potential of Tree Species at Isabela State University Wildlife Sanctuary (ISUWS), Cabagan, Isabela, Philippines

This study is conducted to assess the amount of carbon stored in the above-ground biomass of the tree species at the Isabela State University Wildlife Sanctuary (ISUWS). A total of 34 different tree species were found with 285 individuals were identified with a total of 47.50 t/ha Carbon stock and 164.09 t/ha of accumulated CO2. It was found in the study that Alstonia scholaris contains the largest amount of above-ground biomass (AGB) with a mass of 20.97 t/ha and Carbon stock of 9.44 t/ha followed by Samanea saman with a mass of 13.40 t/ha and Carbon stock of 6.03 t/ha. Based on the result and conclusion of this investigation, the following recommendations were drawn: Conduct a study concerning the carbon emission of the area to determine the relationship with its carbon sequestration potential;and conduct tree planting activity to open areas in the study site to increase its carbon stock potential and fully serve the purpose of the area as a wildlife sanctuary.

Sanctuary

Sanctuary对于每天都很常见的线缆问题来说是一个很漂亮的解决方案。

Phenology of a tropical dry deciduous forest of Bhadra wildlife sanctuary,southern India

Introduction:This paper describes the leafing,flowering and fruiting phenology of canopy trees in the dry deciduous forest of Bhadra wildlife sanctuary from June 2004 to May 2006.Method:All the woody canopy individuals(>20 cm girth at breast height)were identified and tagged with a unique number along a transect of approximately 2 Km comprising 157 individuals of 22 species.Observations were made at monthly intervals from June 2004 to May 2006 for leafing,flowering and fruiting phenophases.Result:Leaf fall starts in September,with a peak in December and January.Leaf initiation begins in February,with a peak in April before the monsoon.Leaf expansion starts in February from pre-monsoon with a peak in May and July during the monsoon.Leaf senescence begins in September to November and peaks in January to March.Flower bud initiates in January with a peak in April and May,and pollination begins in April with a peak in May and July before the monsoon to onset of monsoon.Fruit bud initiates in May with a peak in September and October.Unripened fruit was observed in May with a peak in September and November.Fruit fall begins in November with a peak in March.Conclusion:Our results show that leafing and flowering activities occur in the summer or pre-monsoon.Fruiting patterns occur during the monsoon to post-monsoon season.Seasonality among various phenophases indicates that leaf senescence flower initiation and fruit fall have strong seasonality.

Sanctuary In the Marsh

Of the world’s 15 species of crane, six live in Zhalong National Nature Reserve, a 210,000-hectare wetland in China. Consisting of many small lakes, swamps and sprawling meadows, the wetland is the most intact, pristine and vast marsh in the north. The wetland is an ideal habitat

A Framework for Selecting Indicators to Assess the Sustainable Development of the Natural Heritage Site

Sustainable world heritage management represents an approach for managing the resources of a property by integrating environmental, economic, and social issues. It aims to provide sustainable benefits for future generations, while protect the property and minimize the possible adverse social, economic and environmental impacts. Indicators of sustainable development, which summarize information for decision-making, are invaluable to learn the efficiency and effectiveness of property management. Scientists in many fields devised several conceptual models of environmental statistics and indicators, of which, DPSIR (Driving forces – Pressure – State – Impact – Response) is thought to be the best available one in identifying and developing indicators of sustainable development. Based on the DPSIR conceptual model and indicator selection criteria, the present paper proposed a methodology framework for selecting indicators to assess the sustainable development of a natural heritage site. The proposed framework included a multi-level hierarchical structure for various indicators and indexes, a modified DPSIR frame to identify key issues in property management and a set of indicators for evaluating the sustainability in Sichuan Giant Panda Sanctuaries.

Estimation of carbon pools in secondary tropical deciduous forests of Odisha,India

Secondary tropical forests sequester atmospheric CO 2 at relatively faster rates in vegetation and in soil than old-growth primary forests.Spatial understanding of biomass and carbon stocks in different plant functional types of these forests is important.Structure,diversity,composition,soil features and carbon stocks in six distinct plant functional types,namely:Moist Mixed-Deciduous Forest,Peninsular Sal Forest(PSF),Semi-Evergreen Forest(SEF),Planted Teak Forest,Bamboo Brakes(BB),and Degraded Thorny Shrubby Forest were quantified as secondary tropical deciduous forests of the Chandaka Wildlife Sanctuary,Eastern Ghats of Odisha,India.Seventy-one species≥10 cm Girth at breast height(GBH)were recorded,belonging to 38 families and 65 genera.Above-ground biomass carbon and soil organic carbon ranged from 2.1–72.7 Mg C ha^(−1) and 20.6–67.1 Mg C ha^(−1),respectively,among all plant functional types.Soil organic carbon and important value index were positively correlated with above-ground biomass carbon.Maximum carbon allocation was in SOC pool(51–91%),followed by the above-ground biomass pool(9–52%),indicating SOC is one of the major carbon sinks in secondary dry forests.The results highlight the importance of secondary tropical deciduous forests in biodiversity conservation and ecological importance in reducing greenhouse gases.

A Field Observation and Significant Range Extension of Manouria impressa in Myanmar

Few records of the impressed tortoise （Manouria impressa） are available from Myanmar and most are based on historic accounts, old museum specimens, and shells obtained from villagers and wildlife traffickers. We herein report the observation of a living M. impressa in the Hukaung Valley Wildlife Sanctuary of northern Myanmar. Our observation extends the known distribution of M. impressa in Myanmar approximately 850 km northwards from previously reported populations in the Rakhine Hills of Magway Region.

Spatial distribution of display sites of Grey Peacock-pheasant in relation to micro-habitat and predators during the breeding season

Background： The destruction and fragmentation of forest in Southeast Asia is accelerating biodiversity loss, resulting in a range of management and conservation actions. For some species, a detailed understanding of microhabitat selection is critical for this, especially in the breeding season.Methods： To understand the factors that explain how specific habitats are used by the Grey Peacock-pheasant（Polyplectron bicalcaratum） in the breeding season, we used camera trapping and microhabitat sampling to assess the microhabitat selection of males. We also looked at their interaction with predators in an area of 1200 m × 1200 m at the Hua Kha Khaeng Wildl fe Sanctuary, Tha land, between January and May 2013.Results： We show that display scrapes are situated on flatter open areas with small saplings and some vines, typified by low horizontal understory density. We hypothesise that this allows a trade-off between courtship display and the avoidance of predators. Our study showed that the position of Grey Peacock-pheasant display scrapes regularly overlapped with predators within the same microhabitat. We hypothesise that the species＇ behavioural responses to temporal variation in predation risk allows them to avoid most predators.Conclusions： Particular microhabitats are required for Grey Peacock-pheasant display.They avoid predators at these places by being active when predators are not.

Food habits of striped hyena(Hyaena hyaena) in a semi-arid conservation area of India

Striped hyena（Hyaena hyaena） is a near-threatened large carnivore known to occur in arid and semi-arid landscapes in many parts of the world. Its population is declining globally and ecological information is required urgently to meet their conservation needs. We studied the diet pattern of the striped hyena in the semi-arid Gir National Park and Sanctuary（GNPS）, western India. Prey items eaten by the striped hyena were identified from scats. Around 44.4% scats represented single to three mammalian preys while 55.6% of them represented four preys to seven preys. A variety of food items were identified including mammals, birds, insects and vegetable matters. Scats analysis showed that 63.91% diet of striped hyena was contributed by wild prey items, 20.94% by domestic prey and 3.31% by birds, whereas vegetable and insects contributed 9.92% and 1.93%, respectively. Diet diversity of the striped hyena computed by the Shannon-Weiner Index（H） was found to be 2.64. The presence of domestic mammals in the scat remains implied that the striped hyena might frequently visit human habitation in search for food and hence, a potential conflict between human and wildlife might arise. Reducing the dependence of hyena on domestic livestock is a challenge to ensure the survival of striped hyena outside the protected area.

电子音乐中空间化的手段

电子音乐作为音乐发展的分支,以其独特的音乐产生方式、呈现形式,以及传播形式区别于传统音乐,除所构成音乐元素与传播方式不同外,也区别于听众与音乐处于平行的状态还是处于被包容的状态。所谓被包容的状态即笔者所要着重阐述的"空间化",这是电子音乐的一个显著特性。笔者将会从电子音乐材料的录制、源材料的处理,以及音乐的传播等三个方面来进行说明。

Antiretroviral Therapy through Barriers： A Prominent Role for Nanotechnology in HIV-1 Eradication from Sanctuaries

Abstract： In HIV-1 management, eradication of the virus from sanctuaries represents a major and challenging goal. The genital tract, gut associated lymphoid tissue, lymph nodes, central nervous system, macrophages and latently infected CD4＋ T lymphocytes are typical sites where H1V-1 compartmentalizes. To circumvent this problem, a consistent number of studies have focused on improving ARVs （antiretroviral drugs） delivery into sanctuary sites and different nanoteehnological approaches have been developed. Cellular HIV-1 sanctuaries （i.e. macrophages） can be reached by nanoformulation of ARVs or by activation of latently infected cells. Anatomical sanctuaries （i.e. brain or male genital tract） can be addressed by increasing the permeation of ARVs across tissue barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier or the blood-testis barrier, while ARVs concentration in lymph nodes can be enhanced by drug encapsulation in CD4-targeted nanoparticles.