Videos by Shivaji Chaudhry
This guide caters to requirements of wide readers like foresters, environmentalist, botanists, wi... more This guide caters to requirements of wide readers like foresters, environmentalist, botanists, wildlife coservationist, educationist, naturalist and researchers from various background 5 views
Papers by Shivaji Chaudhry
Asian Journal of Ethnobiology, 2024
The diabetes issue has become severe in Indian society, where most people consume carbohydrate-ri... more The diabetes issue has become severe in Indian society, where most people consume carbohydrate-rich foods. The real problem in addressing the issue of diabetes is the duration of the course of treatment using allopathic medications, which creates problems of side effects and are not affordable for rural people. Hence, people of such regions resort to traditional ethnomedicinal practices as most healers are known to them. The study aims to document the indigenous plants used for treating diabetes around Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve (AABR), Madhya Pradesh, India. The data were collected with a semi-structured questionnaire by interview method with all the selected healers by identifying plants used for diabetes treatment. We interviewed 200 traditional healers across 48 villages in Madhya Pradesh. Forty plant species belonging to 35 genera, and 30 plant families were used as antidiabetics. Most of the plants were Apocynaceae (4), and Malvaceae (3), remaining had less contribution; mostly herbs were used 42.5%, trees 32.5% and shrubs 25%. The most frequent part used was leaf 28%, and the common method of preparation was infusion 33%. The Fidelity Level (FL) was highest at 98% for Terminalia arjuna and Pterocarpus marsupium, followed by Bauhinia vahlii at 92% and Tinospora cordifolia and Moringa oleifera at 88%. The greatest ICF was ranked at 0.602 for T. arjuna and P. marsupium, followed by B. vahlii at 0.589 and M. oleifera at 0.581. Studying indigenous plant ingredients for medicinal benefits and how they work could lead to safe, effective natural drugs through refinement and processing.
Journal of Non Timber Forest Products, 2011
This study is to document the traditional medicinal plants used by the Wancho tribes of Arunachal... more This study is to document the traditional medicinal plants used by the Wancho tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. The study reveals the use of 13 species of medicinal plants belonging to 12 genera and 12 families. Wancho tribe in the study area used majority of plants to treat stomach related ailments 33.33% followed by other common problem like cuts, wounds, fracture etc. Due to changes in the religion and modern way of life this knowledge is disappearing fast and needs to be documented.
Current Science India, 2007
Senkhi is one of the important streams of the capital tow n, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, which c... more Senkhi is one of the important streams of the capital tow n, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh, which caters to 70% of the water needs of the urban population. It also contributes 38% of the Icthyofauna of the state and also reported an addition of eight new species for the district, four for the state and one possible new species to science. The stream passes from Senkhi valley down to the semi-urban area and meets with the Chimpu stream at Chimpu The stream forms acontiguous water body with Pachin and Dikrong, and finally merges with the mighty Brahmaputra at Bedeti (Assam).
Zoos Print Journal , 2006
This paper deals with a description of a fish species encountered during monitoring Pseudolaguvia... more This paper deals with a description of a fish species encountered during monitoring Pseudolaguvia shawi. This species have been reported from north Bengal and Sikkim and not from the other states of the region. The present record thus is first report for Arunachal Pradesh. The paper provides a brief description on the earlier reports on the genus and also provides a brief description on the earlier reports on the genus and also provides a detailed description of the species.
Current microbiology, 2011
Soil samples, collected after the fire operations at agricultural sites under shifting cultivatio... more Soil samples, collected after the fire operations at agricultural sites under shifting cultivation in northeast
India, were subjected to physico-chemical and microbial analysis. The fire affected various physico-chemical properties of the soil. Significant differences in pH and electrical conductivity were recorded in soil of fired and fallow plots. Significantly higher amounts of total organic carbon and nitrogen were estimated in fallow plots as compared to the fired. Difference in total phosphates was not significant.
The fire operations resulted in stimulation of microbial communities. The bacteria were the most affected group followed by actinomycetes and fungi, respectively. The bacterial and actinomycetes counts were significantly higher in fired plots as compared to the fallow plots. The representative bacterial species recovered from the ‘fired plots’ belonged to the genus Bacillus and Pseudomonas. 16S rRNA analysis revealed their maximum similarity with B. clausii, B. licheniformis, B. megaterium, B. subtilis, B. thuringiensis, P. aeruginosa and P. stutzeri. Most of these species were found to be positive for phosphate solubilization and antagonism in plate based assays. In view of the importance of Bacillus and Pseudomonas species in plant growth promotion and biocontrol, recovery of these species after fire operations is indicative of the microbiological merit of shifting cultivation.
Fish habitat contiguity and diversity, 2007
The Eastern Himalayan region has been identified as one of the 18 mega-biodiversity ‘hotspot’ are... more The Eastern Himalayan region has been identified as one of the 18 mega-biodiversity ‘hotspot’ areas of the world (Myers et al. 2000). Arunachal Pradesh constitutes 60.93% of the Eastern Himalayan region. Some documentation exists on the flora, but documentations on faunal aspects are still scanty, with scattered reports, mostly on birds and some large mammals. Although contributions to the fish fauna of the State have also been made, accounts of species compositions of many water bodies still remain undocumented awaiting explorations and studies of such aquatic systems. Descriptions of most faunal works have been added with special emphasis on fishes. The preliminary findings suggest 7 first reports for the district and 3 first reports for the State. Senkhi stream contributed 31.37% of the ichthyofaunal families of the district and 29.52% of genera while the species representation was found to be 27.32%. The correlation matrix reveals an interesting fact that Dikrong and Pachin have more common species than Senkhi, which is a hill stream. The striking feature is the even distribution of species under family Badidae, Psilorhynchidae and Olyridae though their contribution of each lotic (Senkhi, Pachin and Dikrong) water body is merely a single species and hence these species will be most vulnerable once a mega dam comes in-between, restricting the migration of already threatened population.
Ecological Niche Modelling of two water dependent birds, 2023
Common species often play vital role in ecosystem functions and process. Globally, conservation s... more Common species often play vital role in ecosystem functions and process. Globally, conservation strategies are mostly focused on threatened species and rarely explored the potential of using common species as indicators of critical ecosystems. The Himalayan mountains have unique riverine ecosystems harbouring high diversity of specialist riverine birds. Ecological niche modelling provides effective tools to predict suitable habitats of a species and identify habitats for conservation. We used two common water dependent birds Blue whistling thrush and White-capped water redstart as indicators of riverine ecosystems within Sikkim Himalayan Region and predicted their suitable habitat
Annual Avifaunal Population Dynamics in Two Wetlands of Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India, 2023
Bird diversity is a good indicator of the health of the ecosystem. In the present study, 73 bird ... more Bird diversity is a good indicator of the health of the ecosystem. In the present study, 73 bird species belonging to 12 orders and 34 families with total 582 individuals were recorded using field observations from July 2018 to February 2019 (monsoon and winter). The current study was carried out to explore the avifaunal diversity around the two wetlands of Achanakmar Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve. Passeriformes are the dominant order, and Motacillidae is the dominant family from widespread taxa. The study reveals that high bird diversity (H' = 3.65) and high evenness (J = 0.90) are recorded at Johila dam, and low evenness (J = 0.84) were recorded at the Vivekanand dam study site. High species richness (Sr =50) was recorded at Johila dam. Bird diversity and abundance vary with season and place. Both study sites are located at different altitude and have different landscapes, which may influence bird species diversity. The study sites need prominent attention for a further study concerning ecology and behavior of the avifauna.
Ecological niche modelling of two water-dependant birds informs the conservation needs of riverine ecosystems outside protected area network in the Eastern Himalaya, India
PLOS ONE
Common species often play vital roles in ecosystem functions and processes. Globally, conservatio... more Common species often play vital roles in ecosystem functions and processes. Globally, conservation strategies are mostly focused on threatened species and rarely explored the potential of using common species as indicators of critical ecosystems. The Himalayan mountains have unique riverine ecosystems harbouring high diversity of specialist river birds. Ecological niche modelling provides effective tools to predict suitable habitats of a species and identify habitats for conservation. We used two common water-dependent bird species, Blue Whistling Thrush and White-capped Water Redstart as indicators of riverine ecosystems within the Sikkim Himalayan region and predicted their suitable habitats using an ensemble modelling approach. We selected six predictor variables for the final model including three bioclimatic and three topographic variables. For both species, bioclimatic variables such as mean annual temperature and precipitation were the most important factors compared to topog...
Archives of Applied Science Research, 2014
502 species of birds have been recorded from the Dibru-Saikhowa biosphere reserve. Avifaunal dive... more 502 species of birds have been recorded from the Dibru-Saikhowa biosphere reserve. Avifaunal diversity is very common in that biosphere reserve. But at least 5 critically endangered species were recorded that included Houbaropsis bengalensis, Gyps bengalensis, Gyps tenuirostris, Sarcogyps calvus and Ardea insignis. The list also includes 5 endangered species Branta ruficollis, Cairina scutulata, Tringa guttifer, Aythya baeri and Leptoptilos dubius. In addition 10 vulnerable and, 13 near threatened a few range extensions were also recorded. The purely exotic birds based on the native range distribution are Acridotheres cinereus, Lonchura molucca, Bradypterus seebohmi .While the endemic birds of India is Paradoxornis flavirostris. The biosphere reserve reserve area was primarily meant for the conservation of the endangered White winged wood duck (Cairina scutulata) in its natural habitat. Presence of two 'forest villages', habitat destruction through agriculture, logging, settlement, and poisoning of water bodies for fishing, and erosion by rivers were noticed as major threats to Dibru-Saikhowa biosephere reserve birds.
Journal of the Bombay Natural History Society, 2010
Along with the Greater Himalaya, in the eastern Himalayan region there has been increased efforts... more Along with the Greater Himalaya, in the eastern Himalayan region there has been increased efforts to bring more areas under the Protected Area Network. Protected areas including conservation areas in Arunachal Pradesh are mostly
located in the low and mid-elevation forest areas. To address the need of having a protected area in the higher altitudes of the State, of late a biosphere reserve has been proposed in the western Arunachal Pradesh. This paper aims to
document the existing human-wildlife conflict and prioritize the conflicts, in an effort to promote conservation in the Tsangyang Gyatso Biosphere Reserve. The paper also attempts to understand the complexity of land transfer and regulations of community, particularly pasture lands in the Biosphere reserve. This study was carried out between September 2007 and July 2008 in the proposed biosphere reserve. A total of 13 species were recorded to be in direct conflict with humans, and based on the conflict intensity mapping nine were screened as high to moderate conflicting
species. Conflict intensity as per the local perceptions was recorded high for 38% species and 31% species showed
moderate intensity of conflict with humans. As per the local perception, causes for human-wildlife conflict in order of
importance were: increased population, non-timber forest products (NTFP) collection, road construction and increased
predators. Local people perceived four major factors, namely compensatory schemes, reducing prey hunt, reducing
pressure on forest and increasing vigil to safeguard crops and livestock to mitigate the existing conflicts...
A Review of Avifaunal Diversity of Dehang Debang Biosphere Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh
The Indian Forester, 2014
Avifauna in and around the Dehang Debang Biosphere Reserve exhibits a wide range of diversity. A ... more Avifauna in and around the Dehang Debang Biosphere Reserve exhibits a wide range of diversity. A total of 492 avifaunal species were recorded in and around DDBR belonging to 237 genera, 18 orders and 71 families. The study reveals that out of the 492 species, 287 species (58.2%) belongs to order Passeriformes, the largest and most diverse order of birds, which is found worldwide and least contributed by the order Psittaciformes, 37 (7.5%) species has been identified as threatened globally (IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria version 3.1) while the 454 species (92%) are at least concern status with population of some of the species decreasing due to various causes like habitat degradation and hunting, this continued decrease in the population may result in extinction of such species in near future.
Impact of climate change causes many visible changes within an ecosystem and organism. In recent ... more Impact of climate change causes many visible changes within an ecosystem and organism. In recent years, biodiversity loss is one of the challenging issues which are affected by climate change. India has a unique climate which supports rich biological diversity. Amarkantak is a holy town situated in district Anuppur of Madhya Pradesh. Some parts of Amarkantak come under Achanakmar-Amarkantak Biosphere Reserve (AABR). It lies between latitude 22°15 to 20° 58 N and longitude 81° 25 N to 20°5E. The biosphere reserve is an origin place of three major rivers of Central Indian region, i.e., Narmada, Son, and Johila and their tributaries. It is home to primitive tribal communities like Baiga, Gonds, Panikas, Kol, and Dhanaur. All these communities are mostly dependent on the forest and agriculture for their livelihood. Last few decades, climate change impacts on the non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and agricultural crops. A finding of the study shows that locals felt a lesser number of rainy days which directly affect crop production of the area. Apart from that, quantity of NTFPs has also declined. Fishery sector of the area is also affected. The climate of the region supports rich diversity of plants and animals' species. Few medicinal plants are now not available in natural forest due to extreme forest fires and overexploitation.
A Preliminary investigation on ethnomedicinal plants used by Wancho Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, India
Journal of Non-timber Forest Products, Jun 1, 2011
This study aims to document the traditional medicinal plants used by Wancho tribe of Arunachal Pr... more This study aims to document the traditional medicinal plants used by Wancho tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. The study reveals the use of 13 species of medicinal plants belonging to12 genera and 12 Families. Wancho tribe in the study area used majority of plant to treat stomach related ailments 33.33%, followed by other common problems like cuts wounds, fracture etc. Due to changes in the religion and modern way of life this knowledge is disappearing fast and needs to be documented.
Ichthyological Research, 2011
Journal of Threatened Taxa, Feb 26, 2012
This paper extends the range of distribution of Conta pectinata in Sille River, Brahmaputra drain... more This paper extends the range of distribution of Conta pectinata in Sille River, Brahmaputra drainage, East Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh and gives some information on its habitat and threats, which are still to be documented properly. Some brief additional characters are also added here. Our examination revealed that some morphological variations exists from originally described C. pectinata by having deep body at anus (10.3-11.9 vs. 7.5-9.4% SL); short dorsal-spine (length 15.7-20.8 vs. 20.9-24.0% SL), less number of serrae on anterior margin of dorsalspine along the entire length (15-18 vs. 18-20) etc. The major threats identified are the frequent use of electrocution and the chemicals in the river during the winter season .
Land Cover Mapping for Namdapha National Park (Arunachal Pradesh), India Using Harmonized Land Cover Legends
Journal of The Indian Society of Remote Sensing, Dec 14, 2013
ABSTRACT Since last few decades RS-GIS is playing vital role in studying and mapping spatiotempor... more ABSTRACT Since last few decades RS-GIS is playing vital role in studying and mapping spatiotemporal responses of land cover, however, as a matter of fact, the mapping outputs largely depend on the expert's/user's preferences because location specific and people specific land cover classification systems are adopted autonomously for image classification in GIS. This may actually lead to an ambiguous definition of a particular land cover type when such different maps are compared at global level. In 1993, FAO and UNEP started efforts for development of a software tool know as LCCS which is a comprehensive standardized tool capable of providing land cover characterization to all possible land cover types in the world regardless of spatial relevance, mapping scale, data collection method etc. Adding to the global efforts of land cover legend harmonization and mapping, this study presents development of harmonized land cover legends for Namdapha National Park located in north-eastern Indian Himalayan region using LCCS and subsequent mapping. The potential of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) in forest/land cover mapping is very well recognized. Therefore, adopting the developed harmonized legends for the study area, land cover mapping was done using RS-GIS approach.
A Preliminary investigation on ethnomedicinal plants used by Wancho Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, India
Journal of Non-Timber Forest Products
This study aims to document the traditional medicinal plants used by Wancho tribe of Arunachal Pr... more This study aims to document the traditional medicinal plants used by Wancho tribe of Arunachal Pradesh. The study reveals the use of 13 species of medicinal plants belonging to12 genera and 12 Families. Wancho tribe in the study area used majority of plant to treat stomach related ailments 33.33%, followed by other common problems like cuts wounds, fracture etc. Due to changes in the religion and modern way of life this knowledge is disappearing fast and needs to be documented.
Erethistoides senkhiensis, a new catfish (Teleostei: Erethistidae) from India
Ichthyological Exploration of …, 2008
Erethistidae is a family of catfishes that inhabits South and Southeast Asia. Members of this fam... more Erethistidae is a family of catfishes that inhabits South and Southeast Asia. Members of this family are small, cryptically colored fishes with tuberculate skin and well developed coracoid process (Ng, 2005). Members of the genus Erethistoides are small and poorly known, ...
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: Aspidoparia ukhrulensis
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Videos by Shivaji Chaudhry
Papers by Shivaji Chaudhry
India, were subjected to physico-chemical and microbial analysis. The fire affected various physico-chemical properties of the soil. Significant differences in pH and electrical conductivity were recorded in soil of fired and fallow plots. Significantly higher amounts of total organic carbon and nitrogen were estimated in fallow plots as compared to the fired. Difference in total phosphates was not significant.
The fire operations resulted in stimulation of microbial communities. The bacteria were the most affected group followed by actinomycetes and fungi, respectively. The bacterial and actinomycetes counts were significantly higher in fired plots as compared to the fallow plots. The representative bacterial species recovered from the ‘fired plots’ belonged to the genus Bacillus and Pseudomonas. 16S rRNA analysis revealed their maximum similarity with B. clausii, B. licheniformis, B. megaterium, B. subtilis, B. thuringiensis, P. aeruginosa and P. stutzeri. Most of these species were found to be positive for phosphate solubilization and antagonism in plate based assays. In view of the importance of Bacillus and Pseudomonas species in plant growth promotion and biocontrol, recovery of these species after fire operations is indicative of the microbiological merit of shifting cultivation.
located in the low and mid-elevation forest areas. To address the need of having a protected area in the higher altitudes of the State, of late a biosphere reserve has been proposed in the western Arunachal Pradesh. This paper aims to
document the existing human-wildlife conflict and prioritize the conflicts, in an effort to promote conservation in the Tsangyang Gyatso Biosphere Reserve. The paper also attempts to understand the complexity of land transfer and regulations of community, particularly pasture lands in the Biosphere reserve. This study was carried out between September 2007 and July 2008 in the proposed biosphere reserve. A total of 13 species were recorded to be in direct conflict with humans, and based on the conflict intensity mapping nine were screened as high to moderate conflicting
species. Conflict intensity as per the local perceptions was recorded high for 38% species and 31% species showed
moderate intensity of conflict with humans. As per the local perception, causes for human-wildlife conflict in order of
importance were: increased population, non-timber forest products (NTFP) collection, road construction and increased
predators. Local people perceived four major factors, namely compensatory schemes, reducing prey hunt, reducing
pressure on forest and increasing vigil to safeguard crops and livestock to mitigate the existing conflicts...