Subrat Debata | Central university of odisha (original) (raw)

Papers by Subrat Debata

Waterbirds

Abstract. Although the River Tern (Sterna aurantia) has been widely distributed across south and ... more Abstract. Although the River Tern (Sterna aurantia) has been widely distributed across south and southeast Asia, its population is declining and was classified as Vulnerable in the 2020 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Insufficient information is available on its breeding ecology. This study reports the breeding ecology and factors affecting breeding of the River Tern over three years (2017-2019) along the Mahanadi River in Odisha, eastern India. Breeding was observed between February and May, with peak activity in April. The mean clutch size was 2.4 ± 0.06 SE and incubation period was 22.1 ± 0.06 days. Out of 163 nests, 68 nests succeeded in hatching at least one egg and apparent nesting success rate varied between 2.6% (2018) and 62.3% (2017). Factors affecting nesting success (95 nests) were predation (37.9%), flooding (32.6%), a cyclone (28.4%) and nest desertion (1.1%). Overall, of 124 chicks hatched, 58 were estimated to have fledged. Factors affecting chick survival were a cyclone (43.9%), predation (39.4%), and unknown causes (16.7%). A cyclone in May 2019 wiped out all eggs and chicks. Development and implementation of an evidence-based multi-species conservation action plan to protect River Tern and other globally threatened riverine ground nesters is urgently required.

Image 2. Head of Hipposideros galeritus showing two pairs of supplymentary leaflets

Image 1. Hipposideros galeritus from Gupteswar caves in Odisha

Proceedings of the Zoological Society, 2021

Despite the declining global population trend of several riverine birds, inadequate attention has... more Despite the declining global population trend of several riverine birds, inadequate attention has been given for their conservation. We monitored the nesting activities of Endangered Black-bellied Tern, Indian skimmer, Vulnerable River Tern, Near Threatened River Lapwing and Great Thick-knee for three consecutive years from 2017 to 2019 along the Mahanadi River in Odisha, eastern India. We calculated the nesting success rate as the proportion of success nests to the total number of monitored nests and identified the causes of nest failure examining the nest and its surroundings. Factors responsible for nest failure were flooding (46%), predation (28.6%), desertion (12.2%), trampling (7.1%) and egg collection (6.1%). Formulation of an evidence-based multi species conservation action plan to protect these threatened riverine birds is urgently required and its successful implementation needs support from the Irrigation and Revenue Department. Human induced disturbances can be minimized through community awareness.

Journal of entomology and zoology studies, 2016

Odonates are considered to be indicator of ecological balance. An inventory was carried out to do... more Odonates are considered to be indicator of ecological balance. An inventory was carried out to document the over looked odonate diversity in four habitat types (hill stream, river, reservoir and pond) of Koraput district, southern Odisha, India. The study recorded 64 species representing 45 genera under 9 families. Family Libellulidae was the dominant group representing 32 species. Maximum species (n=58, 90.6%) were recorded along hill streams. Forty-one species were recorded from single habitat type, of which 37 species were confined to hill streams. A decreasing trend in species diversity was observed from the water bodies in the forested areas to human dominated landscapes indicating human impact on odonate species diversity. Ditch Jewel (Brachythemis contaminate) was most frequently sighted in the water bodies near human habitations, indicating highly polluted water not suitable for human consumption, whereas species like Common Clubtail (Ictinogomphus rapax) and Common Hooktail...

HAYATI Journal of Biosciences, 2018

An inventory of chiropteran fauna was carried out in Bhubaneswar city, Odisha, eastern India duri... more An inventory of chiropteran fauna was carried out in Bhubaneswar city, Odisha, eastern India during October 2015 and March 2016 following roost survey and mist net survey techniques. During the study a total 19 species of bats belonging to seven families including the nationally threatened Rhinolophus rouxii were recorded of which family Vespertilionidae was the most diverse one, represented by five species. Majority of 11 species are found roosting and breeding in old temples and caves and are vulnerable from renovation activities, persecution and tourism. Therefore, long term monitoring of these sites are essential to understand the population trend over time and derive appropriate conservation implications.

Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2020

Based on available literature and field surveys, an updated checklist of mammals of Odisha State ... more Based on available literature and field surveys, an updated checklist of mammals of Odisha State is presented in this communication. Their updated scientific binomen, IUCN status, Wildlife (Protection) Act schedules, CITES appendices, and last reported sighting of each species in Odisha are also given. Odisha has around 102 species of mammals under 34 families and 12 orders, among which 27 species have been included under the different threatened categories of the IUCN Red List.

Bird Study, 2018

Capsule: We report the first description of interspecific nest parasitism by the Indian Skimmer R... more Capsule: We report the first description of interspecific nest parasitism by the Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis. The incidence was low; only 2 out of 61 River Tern Sterna aurantia nests contained Indian Skimmer eggs.

Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2020

A camera trapping survey to estimate the species richness and relative abundance of different mam... more A camera trapping survey to estimate the species richness and relative abundance of different mammalian fauna and various anthropogenic activities was carried out for four months within an urban influenced zone of Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha. The survey extended over 120 days in January–April 2019 over 10% of the total sanctuary area. With nine cameras and a total effort of 771 trap days, 2,855 independent photographs including 14 species of wild mammals and birds, human traffic, and movement of stray animals were captured. Among the mammalian fauna, Golden Jackal was the most photographed species whereas the Asian Elephant, Striped Hyaena, and Common Palm Civet were the least photographed species. Various anthropogenic activities like intensive movement of departmental vehicles, staff, feral livestock, and stray dogs and cats were also recorded and these activities need to be addressed in management activities for long term conservation of the area and its mamma...

Agroforestry Systems, 2019

Sloth bears are one commonly implicated conflict prone animals in agroforest landscape in India. ... more Sloth bears are one commonly implicated conflict prone animals in agroforest landscape in India. To determine their diet, and understand the possible use of cultivated food, a study was conducted using faecal analyses in an agroforest landscape of northern Odisha, India. In total, 399 scat samples of sloth bears were collected between 2014 and 2016 covering all the seasons. Scats were analysed by their frequency of occurrence, volumetric and their importance values. Diversity indices and trophic niche breadth was also calculated to estimate the seasonal food species richness and similarity in the diet. Sloth bears consumed 15-22 taxa per season, including a number of insects and plant species. Termites were found to be the most consumed and important feed item throughout the year (Importance Value: 21.34-33.94%). Among plants, Ziziphus mauritiana was the important food source during winter (23.33%) and summer (20.29%). Cultivated plants were also consumed throughout the year; higher in monsoon (20.08%) than winter (11.7%) and summer (6.59%). The feed species richness and broader trophic niche breadth were higher during summer and winter respectively. Overall, sloth bears consumed a wide range of feed categories throughout the year and this large spectrum of feed species in the diet confirmed the nature of sloth bears as opportunistic and generalist species. Therefore, management of sloth bear population in an agroforest landscape is dependent on availability of sufficient natural habitats and food species as well as to minimize their dependence on cultivated food.

Bird Study, 2019

Capsule: The breeding success of the Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis in eastern India is signi... more Capsule: The breeding success of the Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis in eastern India is significantly reduced by human activities at the breeding sites. Aim: To investigate the breeding ecology of Indian Skimmer and factors affecting breeding success along the Mahanadi River in eastern India. Methods: A total of 230 Indian Skimmer nests were monitored in 2017 and 2018. Population, breeding phenology, clutch size, egg dimensions and factors affecting breeding success rates were determined. Results: Indian Skimmers arrived at the breeding sites during January-February followed by breeding activities during March-May. On a small scale, nests were more likely to be closer to water and ground vegetation than expected by chance, probably as mitigation against hot afternoon temperatures. Hatching success rate was higher (72.27%) in 2017 and chick survival rate was higher (33.15%) in 2018. Factors that affected breeding success were flooding, nest desertion, egg collecting by humans, predation and trampling. Conclusion: The breeding success rate of Indian Skimmer could be increased by protecting the breeding sites and minimizing disturbances through community awareness.

Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2017

The Indian Skimmer is a globally threatened bird native to Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pak... more The Indian Skimmer is a globally threatened bird native to Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Vietnam. In India, it is more confined to the north, from Punjab through Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh to West Bengal, extending up to Odisha. Earlier, the bird was known to breed only in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, we confirm here the breeding of the Indian Skimmer along the river Mahanadi near Mundali, Odisha, eastern India. So, further monitoring at the breeding site and survey along the entire Mahanadi River are essential to understand the status of the Indian skimmer in Odisha. The information will also aid in reassessing its global status and formulating conservation plans.

Biodiversity and Conservation, 2019

An inventory of chiropteran fauna was carried out in Bhubaneswar city, Odisha, eastern India duri... more An inventory of chiropteran fauna was carried out in Bhubaneswar city, Odisha, eastern India during October 2015 and March 2016 following roost survey and mist net survey techniques. During the study a total 19 species of bats belonging to seven families including the nationally threatened Rhinolophus rouxii were recorded of which family Vespertilionidae was the most diverse one, represented by five species. Majority of 11 species are found roosting and breeding in old temples and caves and are vulnerable from renovation activities, persecution and tourism. Therefore, long term monitoring of these sites are essential to understand the population trend over time and derive appropriate conservation implications.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences, 2019

Species richness, diversity and abundance of bat fauna in Similipal Biosphere Reserve were studie... more Species richness, diversity and abundance of bat fauna in Similipal Biosphere Reserve were studied during 2013-2015. Bats were surveyed by exploring the roosting sites and mist netting for 288 nights in primary forest, degraded forest, agricultural land and human habitation. A total of 21 species representing three species of frugivore bats and 18 species of insectivorous bats in seven families were recorded during the study, of which 152 individuals in 13 species were captured in mist nets. Species diversity and capture rate were recorded higher in primary forest. Vespertilionidae was reported as the most diverse family with five species, and Rhinolophus lepidus was reported to be the most abundant species with maximum capture rate during the study. As Similipal Biosphere Reserve is experiencing severe biotic pressure, it can be predicted that the structure and composition of bat fauna may be affected. The authors expect that their findings will be useful for future comparative studies to monitor the change over time and develop conservation plans.

Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2018

A study was carried out to assess the Odonata fauna of Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha, easter... more A study was carried out to assess the Odonata fauna of Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha, eastern India from November 2012 to October 2013. During the study a total of 54 species of odonates including 37 species of dragonflies (Anisoptera) and 17 species of damselflies (Zygoptera) were recorded. Among the dragonflies, the family Libellulidae was well represented with 30 species whereas among the damselflies, Coenagrionidae was well represented with seven species. Overall, the odonate fauna of Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary accounted for 49.09% of the odonate species known from Odisha and 10.73% of India. Therefore, further long-term studies on these lesser-known insect fauna in Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary will be useful in understanding their status over time.

Zoology and Ecology, 2018

The Fishing Cat Prionailurus viverrinus is amongst the most vulnerable and least studied wild cat... more The Fishing Cat Prionailurus viverrinus is amongst the most vulnerable and least studied wild cats across its range. Although its occurrence in Odisha, eastern India was reported c. 100 years ago, its current distribution, threats and conservation challenges are still poorly known. A biodiversity inventory performed in multiple parts of Odisha between 2008 and 2018 found the Fishing Cat in 20 new localities. The Fishing Cat distribution is confined to the coastal zone, from mangrove to swamps surrounded by rice fields, aquaculture farms and human habitations up to about 50 m above sea level. Road kill is an immediate threat but can be overcome by installing underpasses and signage on major roads. Wells in Fishing Cat habitats should be fitted with safety walls to avoid trapping. Community awareness of this species' conservation is vital, as most of its habitats fall outside protected areas and are near human habitation. Targeted study of its population status, ecology and threats throughout known and potential localities is necessary to formulate a Fishing Cat conservation plan for Odisha. Materials and methods Study area Odisha State is located between 17°49ʹ-22°34ʹ N and 81°29ʹ-87°29ʹ E covering an area of 155,707 km² along the eastern coast of India (Figure 1). Odisha falls under

Proceedings of the Zoological Society, 2018

We studied the seasonal diversity and relative abundance of waterbirds within an anthropogenic zo... more We studied the seasonal diversity and relative abundance of waterbirds within an anthropogenic zone along the Mahanadi River in eastern India in the period August 2016 to July 2017. Fixed radius point count method was used to monitor the birds and estimating their population. A total of 58 species of waterbirds including 23 winter migrants in 15 families and five orders were identified. The species richness was observed highest (57 species) during February and March and lowest (28 species) during September. The species richness and their relative abundance varied significantly between different months (v 2 = 39.45, df = 11, P \ 0.01), but not between seasons (F = 1.73, df = 2, 152, P [ 0.05). Breeding activities of five globally threatened species: Endangered Black-bellied Tern, Vulnerable Indian Skimmer and Near Threatened River Tern, River Lapwing and Great Thickknee were recorded from the study site. Therefore, protection and conservation of the site deserves priority during breeding season. It can be achieved through regular community awareness to the locals. Our study findings also create opportunities to reassess the breeding ecology of the globally threatened waterbirds.

Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2018

The Black-bellied Tern is an endangered species and its population is declining severely due to t... more The Black-bellied Tern is an endangered species and its population is declining severely due to the loss and degradation of its foraging and breeding habitats because of increasing anthropogenic activities. We report the breeding of Black-bellied Tern from different localities along the Mahanadi River in Odisha, eastern India. We recommend the protection and conservation of its breeding sites along with regular community outreach activities for the long-term conservation of this globally threatened species.

Waterbirds

Abstract. Although the River Tern (Sterna aurantia) has been widely distributed across south and ... more Abstract. Although the River Tern (Sterna aurantia) has been widely distributed across south and southeast Asia, its population is declining and was classified as Vulnerable in the 2020 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Insufficient information is available on its breeding ecology. This study reports the breeding ecology and factors affecting breeding of the River Tern over three years (2017-2019) along the Mahanadi River in Odisha, eastern India. Breeding was observed between February and May, with peak activity in April. The mean clutch size was 2.4 ± 0.06 SE and incubation period was 22.1 ± 0.06 days. Out of 163 nests, 68 nests succeeded in hatching at least one egg and apparent nesting success rate varied between 2.6% (2018) and 62.3% (2017). Factors affecting nesting success (95 nests) were predation (37.9%), flooding (32.6%), a cyclone (28.4%) and nest desertion (1.1%). Overall, of 124 chicks hatched, 58 were estimated to have fledged. Factors affecting chick survival were a cyclone (43.9%), predation (39.4%), and unknown causes (16.7%). A cyclone in May 2019 wiped out all eggs and chicks. Development and implementation of an evidence-based multi-species conservation action plan to protect River Tern and other globally threatened riverine ground nesters is urgently required.

Image 2. Head of Hipposideros galeritus showing two pairs of supplymentary leaflets

Image 1. Hipposideros galeritus from Gupteswar caves in Odisha

Proceedings of the Zoological Society, 2021

Despite the declining global population trend of several riverine birds, inadequate attention has... more Despite the declining global population trend of several riverine birds, inadequate attention has been given for their conservation. We monitored the nesting activities of Endangered Black-bellied Tern, Indian skimmer, Vulnerable River Tern, Near Threatened River Lapwing and Great Thick-knee for three consecutive years from 2017 to 2019 along the Mahanadi River in Odisha, eastern India. We calculated the nesting success rate as the proportion of success nests to the total number of monitored nests and identified the causes of nest failure examining the nest and its surroundings. Factors responsible for nest failure were flooding (46%), predation (28.6%), desertion (12.2%), trampling (7.1%) and egg collection (6.1%). Formulation of an evidence-based multi species conservation action plan to protect these threatened riverine birds is urgently required and its successful implementation needs support from the Irrigation and Revenue Department. Human induced disturbances can be minimized through community awareness.

Journal of entomology and zoology studies, 2016

Odonates are considered to be indicator of ecological balance. An inventory was carried out to do... more Odonates are considered to be indicator of ecological balance. An inventory was carried out to document the over looked odonate diversity in four habitat types (hill stream, river, reservoir and pond) of Koraput district, southern Odisha, India. The study recorded 64 species representing 45 genera under 9 families. Family Libellulidae was the dominant group representing 32 species. Maximum species (n=58, 90.6%) were recorded along hill streams. Forty-one species were recorded from single habitat type, of which 37 species were confined to hill streams. A decreasing trend in species diversity was observed from the water bodies in the forested areas to human dominated landscapes indicating human impact on odonate species diversity. Ditch Jewel (Brachythemis contaminate) was most frequently sighted in the water bodies near human habitations, indicating highly polluted water not suitable for human consumption, whereas species like Common Clubtail (Ictinogomphus rapax) and Common Hooktail...

HAYATI Journal of Biosciences, 2018

An inventory of chiropteran fauna was carried out in Bhubaneswar city, Odisha, eastern India duri... more An inventory of chiropteran fauna was carried out in Bhubaneswar city, Odisha, eastern India during October 2015 and March 2016 following roost survey and mist net survey techniques. During the study a total 19 species of bats belonging to seven families including the nationally threatened Rhinolophus rouxii were recorded of which family Vespertilionidae was the most diverse one, represented by five species. Majority of 11 species are found roosting and breeding in old temples and caves and are vulnerable from renovation activities, persecution and tourism. Therefore, long term monitoring of these sites are essential to understand the population trend over time and derive appropriate conservation implications.

Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2020

Based on available literature and field surveys, an updated checklist of mammals of Odisha State ... more Based on available literature and field surveys, an updated checklist of mammals of Odisha State is presented in this communication. Their updated scientific binomen, IUCN status, Wildlife (Protection) Act schedules, CITES appendices, and last reported sighting of each species in Odisha are also given. Odisha has around 102 species of mammals under 34 families and 12 orders, among which 27 species have been included under the different threatened categories of the IUCN Red List.

Bird Study, 2018

Capsule: We report the first description of interspecific nest parasitism by the Indian Skimmer R... more Capsule: We report the first description of interspecific nest parasitism by the Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis. The incidence was low; only 2 out of 61 River Tern Sterna aurantia nests contained Indian Skimmer eggs.

Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2020

A camera trapping survey to estimate the species richness and relative abundance of different mam... more A camera trapping survey to estimate the species richness and relative abundance of different mammalian fauna and various anthropogenic activities was carried out for four months within an urban influenced zone of Chandaka-Dampara Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha. The survey extended over 120 days in January–April 2019 over 10% of the total sanctuary area. With nine cameras and a total effort of 771 trap days, 2,855 independent photographs including 14 species of wild mammals and birds, human traffic, and movement of stray animals were captured. Among the mammalian fauna, Golden Jackal was the most photographed species whereas the Asian Elephant, Striped Hyaena, and Common Palm Civet were the least photographed species. Various anthropogenic activities like intensive movement of departmental vehicles, staff, feral livestock, and stray dogs and cats were also recorded and these activities need to be addressed in management activities for long term conservation of the area and its mamma...

Agroforestry Systems, 2019

Sloth bears are one commonly implicated conflict prone animals in agroforest landscape in India. ... more Sloth bears are one commonly implicated conflict prone animals in agroforest landscape in India. To determine their diet, and understand the possible use of cultivated food, a study was conducted using faecal analyses in an agroforest landscape of northern Odisha, India. In total, 399 scat samples of sloth bears were collected between 2014 and 2016 covering all the seasons. Scats were analysed by their frequency of occurrence, volumetric and their importance values. Diversity indices and trophic niche breadth was also calculated to estimate the seasonal food species richness and similarity in the diet. Sloth bears consumed 15-22 taxa per season, including a number of insects and plant species. Termites were found to be the most consumed and important feed item throughout the year (Importance Value: 21.34-33.94%). Among plants, Ziziphus mauritiana was the important food source during winter (23.33%) and summer (20.29%). Cultivated plants were also consumed throughout the year; higher in monsoon (20.08%) than winter (11.7%) and summer (6.59%). The feed species richness and broader trophic niche breadth were higher during summer and winter respectively. Overall, sloth bears consumed a wide range of feed categories throughout the year and this large spectrum of feed species in the diet confirmed the nature of sloth bears as opportunistic and generalist species. Therefore, management of sloth bear population in an agroforest landscape is dependent on availability of sufficient natural habitats and food species as well as to minimize their dependence on cultivated food.

Bird Study, 2019

Capsule: The breeding success of the Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis in eastern India is signi... more Capsule: The breeding success of the Indian Skimmer Rynchops albicollis in eastern India is significantly reduced by human activities at the breeding sites. Aim: To investigate the breeding ecology of Indian Skimmer and factors affecting breeding success along the Mahanadi River in eastern India. Methods: A total of 230 Indian Skimmer nests were monitored in 2017 and 2018. Population, breeding phenology, clutch size, egg dimensions and factors affecting breeding success rates were determined. Results: Indian Skimmers arrived at the breeding sites during January-February followed by breeding activities during March-May. On a small scale, nests were more likely to be closer to water and ground vegetation than expected by chance, probably as mitigation against hot afternoon temperatures. Hatching success rate was higher (72.27%) in 2017 and chick survival rate was higher (33.15%) in 2018. Factors that affected breeding success were flooding, nest desertion, egg collecting by humans, predation and trampling. Conclusion: The breeding success rate of Indian Skimmer could be increased by protecting the breeding sites and minimizing disturbances through community awareness.

Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2017

The Indian Skimmer is a globally threatened bird native to Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pak... more The Indian Skimmer is a globally threatened bird native to Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, and Vietnam. In India, it is more confined to the north, from Punjab through Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh to West Bengal, extending up to Odisha. Earlier, the bird was known to breed only in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, we confirm here the breeding of the Indian Skimmer along the river Mahanadi near Mundali, Odisha, eastern India. So, further monitoring at the breeding site and survey along the entire Mahanadi River are essential to understand the status of the Indian skimmer in Odisha. The information will also aid in reassessing its global status and formulating conservation plans.

Biodiversity and Conservation, 2019

An inventory of chiropteran fauna was carried out in Bhubaneswar city, Odisha, eastern India duri... more An inventory of chiropteran fauna was carried out in Bhubaneswar city, Odisha, eastern India during October 2015 and March 2016 following roost survey and mist net survey techniques. During the study a total 19 species of bats belonging to seven families including the nationally threatened Rhinolophus rouxii were recorded of which family Vespertilionidae was the most diverse one, represented by five species. Majority of 11 species are found roosting and breeding in old temples and caves and are vulnerable from renovation activities, persecution and tourism. Therefore, long term monitoring of these sites are essential to understand the population trend over time and derive appropriate conservation implications.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, India Section B: Biological Sciences, 2019

Species richness, diversity and abundance of bat fauna in Similipal Biosphere Reserve were studie... more Species richness, diversity and abundance of bat fauna in Similipal Biosphere Reserve were studied during 2013-2015. Bats were surveyed by exploring the roosting sites and mist netting for 288 nights in primary forest, degraded forest, agricultural land and human habitation. A total of 21 species representing three species of frugivore bats and 18 species of insectivorous bats in seven families were recorded during the study, of which 152 individuals in 13 species were captured in mist nets. Species diversity and capture rate were recorded higher in primary forest. Vespertilionidae was reported as the most diverse family with five species, and Rhinolophus lepidus was reported to be the most abundant species with maximum capture rate during the study. As Similipal Biosphere Reserve is experiencing severe biotic pressure, it can be predicted that the structure and composition of bat fauna may be affected. The authors expect that their findings will be useful for future comparative studies to monitor the change over time and develop conservation plans.

Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2018

A study was carried out to assess the Odonata fauna of Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha, easter... more A study was carried out to assess the Odonata fauna of Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha, eastern India from November 2012 to October 2013. During the study a total of 54 species of odonates including 37 species of dragonflies (Anisoptera) and 17 species of damselflies (Zygoptera) were recorded. Among the dragonflies, the family Libellulidae was well represented with 30 species whereas among the damselflies, Coenagrionidae was well represented with seven species. Overall, the odonate fauna of Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary accounted for 49.09% of the odonate species known from Odisha and 10.73% of India. Therefore, further long-term studies on these lesser-known insect fauna in Kuldiha Wildlife Sanctuary will be useful in understanding their status over time.

Zoology and Ecology, 2018

The Fishing Cat Prionailurus viverrinus is amongst the most vulnerable and least studied wild cat... more The Fishing Cat Prionailurus viverrinus is amongst the most vulnerable and least studied wild cats across its range. Although its occurrence in Odisha, eastern India was reported c. 100 years ago, its current distribution, threats and conservation challenges are still poorly known. A biodiversity inventory performed in multiple parts of Odisha between 2008 and 2018 found the Fishing Cat in 20 new localities. The Fishing Cat distribution is confined to the coastal zone, from mangrove to swamps surrounded by rice fields, aquaculture farms and human habitations up to about 50 m above sea level. Road kill is an immediate threat but can be overcome by installing underpasses and signage on major roads. Wells in Fishing Cat habitats should be fitted with safety walls to avoid trapping. Community awareness of this species' conservation is vital, as most of its habitats fall outside protected areas and are near human habitation. Targeted study of its population status, ecology and threats throughout known and potential localities is necessary to formulate a Fishing Cat conservation plan for Odisha. Materials and methods Study area Odisha State is located between 17°49ʹ-22°34ʹ N and 81°29ʹ-87°29ʹ E covering an area of 155,707 km² along the eastern coast of India (Figure 1). Odisha falls under

Proceedings of the Zoological Society, 2018

We studied the seasonal diversity and relative abundance of waterbirds within an anthropogenic zo... more We studied the seasonal diversity and relative abundance of waterbirds within an anthropogenic zone along the Mahanadi River in eastern India in the period August 2016 to July 2017. Fixed radius point count method was used to monitor the birds and estimating their population. A total of 58 species of waterbirds including 23 winter migrants in 15 families and five orders were identified. The species richness was observed highest (57 species) during February and March and lowest (28 species) during September. The species richness and their relative abundance varied significantly between different months (v 2 = 39.45, df = 11, P \ 0.01), but not between seasons (F = 1.73, df = 2, 152, P [ 0.05). Breeding activities of five globally threatened species: Endangered Black-bellied Tern, Vulnerable Indian Skimmer and Near Threatened River Tern, River Lapwing and Great Thickknee were recorded from the study site. Therefore, protection and conservation of the site deserves priority during breeding season. It can be achieved through regular community awareness to the locals. Our study findings also create opportunities to reassess the breeding ecology of the globally threatened waterbirds.

Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2018

The Black-bellied Tern is an endangered species and its population is declining severely due to t... more The Black-bellied Tern is an endangered species and its population is declining severely due to the loss and degradation of its foraging and breeding habitats because of increasing anthropogenic activities. We report the breeding of Black-bellied Tern from different localities along the Mahanadi River in Odisha, eastern India. We recommend the protection and conservation of its breeding sites along with regular community outreach activities for the long-term conservation of this globally threatened species.