Species diversity of birds in mangroves of Kundapura, Udupi District, Karnataka, Southwest Coast of India

We quantified species diversity of birds in mangroves at Kundapura from April-2010 to March-2013. We recorded 79 species of 36 families and 14 orders. Of these 71% are resident species, 22% are residential migrants and 8% are migratory. One endangered species, three near threatened species, and a few occasional visitors were re-corded. Species diversity and abundance of birds were greater during from October through May as there was availability of food, increased vegetation and the arrival of migratory birds. Minimum diversity was recorded from June through September owing to heavy rains, increased flow of water, limited availability of food and return of migratory birds.

Aboveground Blue Carbon Stock Assessment of Bakhawan Eco-Park Mangrove Plantation in New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan, the Philippines

The purpose of this study was to determine the aboveground biomass density, blue carbon stock, and monetary value of the mangroves at Bakhawan Eco-Park Mangrove Plantation in New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan. There were 21, 45 × 45-meter sampled plots established, equivalent to 5% sampling intensity of the plantation’s total area. The number of sample plots was distributed in proportion to the area of the plantation in the specific year it was established. The quadrant and random sampling methods were used. All trees in a quadrant were identified, and the biomass density was calculated using the wood density of various mangrove species. Carbon stock was calculated by multiplying the biomass density by 0.46 or 0.5. The monetary value of C was calculated using the benefits transfer method at $5/ton. The results showed that the plantation established in 1990 had the highest biomass density (Mg/ha) and carbon stock (Mg/ha) with 132 Mg/ha and 66.02 Mg/ha, while the plantation established in 2015 had the lowest biomass density and carbon stock (Mg/ha) with 69.98 Mg/ha and 34.99 Mg/ha. Overall, the estimated total monetary value of Bakhawan Eco-Park of 250 hectares mangrove plantation in New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan is PhP 2994771.63.

The Distribution of Riparian Corridor Plants and the Relations to River Water Salinity along Perai River,Penang,Malaysia

Ecological surveys were carried out to investigate the distribution and characterization of riparian corridor plants along the Perai River,Penang,Malaysia from July 2007 to March 2008.Surveys were design to represent horizon-tal sections of the river starting from the river mouth towards the upper reaches for 20 km.A total of 84 species of plants from 30 families were recorded.They consisted of 28 species of standing plants(plants with height of more than 1 m)and 56 species of weedy plants(plants with height of less than 1 m).Standing plants consisted of ferns,palms,herbs,shrubs and mangroves while weedy plants comprised of aroids,grasses,sedges and broad leaf weed.Species abundance and dominance for each zone were relatively different.Dominant species was determined using Important Species Index(ISI).Based on ISI,the important species of standing plants were Sonneratia alba,Acrostichum aureum,Nypa fruti-cans,Avicennia marina,Rhizophora apiculata,Acrostichum speciosum and Rhizophora mucronata.Weedy plants were dominated by Mikania micrantha,Cryptocoryne ciliata,Wedelia trilobata and Asystasia intrusa.The distribution of the corridor plant species was closely related to the pattern of river water salinity measurements.The distribution of mangrove species with tolerance and adaptation to seawater appeared as follows:Avicennia marina,Rhizophora apiculata,Rhizo-phora mucronata,Sonneratia alba,Nypa fructicans,Acrostichum aureum and Acrostichum speciosum.