Wetlands Ecology

Este estudio presenta la densidad, composición taxonómica, distribución espacial y temporal de larvas de peces en el golfo de Guayaquil, así como la relación con algunas variables físico-químicas. Se recolectaron muestras en 16 estaciones, tomadas en la primera milla náutica del estuario externo e interior del golfo, ubicadas frente a la provincia de Guayas y noroeste de la isla Puná, durante junio a diciembre de 2012. Se realizaron arrastres superficiales con una red cónica simple (ojo de malla: 300 μm; diámetro de boca: 0,3 m; largo: 1,2 m). La temperatura, salinidad y transparencia fueron medidas antes de cada arrastre. Se detectaron diferencias significativas entre zonas, registrando mayor temperatura, menor salinidad y transparencia en el estuario interior. Se colectaron 321 638 ind/100m3 de larvas de peces, pertenecientes a 13 familias y 36 especies entre la zona externa e interna. Engraulidae (58,9 %) fue la familia más abundante en las estaciones del estuario exterior, seguida de Sciaenidae (22,8 %) y Haemulidae (9,6 %). Las familias más frecuentes en el estuario interior fueron Engraulidae (74,4 %) y Gobiidae (16,1 %). El 85 % de la densidad total fue aportada por cinco especies, de las cuales Anchoa sp. y Bairdiella sp. fueron las más abundantes y dominantes, principalmente durante diciembre. La estructura y composición de la comunidad larvaria fue significativamente diferentes entre áreas (MW-U= 450; p < 0,05) y meses de muestreo (KW=14,24; p < 0,05), con mayores registros en el estuario exterior durante diciembre. Con el análisis de redundancia (ADR) se observa que, en el área externa, las especies estuvieron asociadas con la transparencia del agua, mientras que las especies que concurrieron en la zona interna se relacionaron positivamente con la salinidad. En términos generales, la abundancia y riqueza de larvas de peces en el área externa del golfo de Guayaquil está relacionada con las condiciones de transparencia y salinidad local, las cuales favorecieron a la presencia larval.

Wetlands are areas of marsh, fen, peat land or water, whether natural or artificial, permanent or temporary with
water that is static or flowing, fresh brackish or salt, including areas of marine water the depth of which at low
tides doesn’t exceed 6 meters. Records says that there are 29 wetlands in Jammu and Kashmir states before 5
August 2019. The Shallabugh wetland is located in Shallabugh Sherpathri area of district Ganderbal (Jammu &
Kashmir). The Shallabugh wetland falls within the Ganderbal district and covers 16.75 square kilometres. The
Shallbugh wetland conservation Reserve lies west of Anchar lake, in the deltaic region of the Sindh River.
Shallabugh Rakh, the famous wetland located on the boundaries of the two villages of two different districts one
of Srinagar and other of Ganderbal. Reaching to Shallabugh wetland is not easy through Ganderbal. The largest
wetland in Kashmir, Shallabugh wetland should be developed as a significant eco-tourism destination in Central
Kashmir. World class eco-tourism amenities should be created here for attracting wildlife lovers form all across
the country.

Peatlands are the “kidneys” of river basins. However, intensification of agriculture and forestry in Europe has resulted in the degradation of peatlands and their biodiversity (i.e., species, habitats and processes in ecosystems), thus impairing water retention, nutrient filtration, and carbon capture. Restoration of peatlands requires assessment of patterns and processes, and spatial planning. To support strategic planning of protection, management, and restoration of peatlands, we assessed the conservation status of three peatland types within the trans-border Neman River basin. First, we compiled a spatial peatland database for the two EU and two non-EU countries involved. Second, we performed quantitative and qualitative gap analyses of fens, transitional mires, and raised bogs at national and sub-basin levels. Third, we identified priority areas for local peatland restoration using a local hotspot analysis. Nationally, the gap analysis showed that the protection of peatlands me...

Perceptions of Smooth-Coated Otters are different in the various areas of their distribution. In some parts of the world, the species is regarded as deities, while in others parts they have been loathed as vermin. Smooth-coated Otters have the widest distribution of otter species in the Indian sub-continent, but face both lack of information and lack of attention for conservation. As the distribution of this top carnivore species depends on semi-aquatic habitat, it faces immense threats. In particular, groups or families that inhabit non-perennial river systems face severe threats and are currently data deficient. We have recorded one such active family of Smooth-coated Otter on a non-perennial river system: the River Cauvery in south India. There is a strong need to take steps to study and conserve for the population inhabiting areas like this. The IUCN Otter Specialist Group also emphasize the need for good fundamental ecological research for every single species of otter. Citatio...

Leptopanchax opalescens is a critically endangered small annual sh. Reproductive traits of this species were studied to improve our understanding of the strategies that facilitate the occupation of temporary wetlands. We compiled egg diameter and maximum total length (TLmax) data from 132 neotropical freshwater sh (83 genera, 43 families) to establish comparisons with this species. We used the egg diameter / TLmax ratio to test the hypothesis that annual sh in temporary wetlands have relatively larger eggs than non-annual species from perennial habitats (lakes, rivers). Fish were collected from Guandu River drainages (Brazil). DNA barcoding was employed to con rm the species identity. The phases of gonadal development and spawn type were described using histological techniques. Egg size and fecundity were determined with microscopic analysis. Females with batch spawning and males with continuous spawning were detected. The bath fecundity ranged from 22-32 vitellogenic oocytes (mean 27 ± 7 SD). Annual species presented greater relative egg size than perennial species (p < 0.001), which is an indication of greater reproductive investment at the expense of somatic growth in temporary wetlands. Larger eggs are advantageous for annual sh as their lifespan is limited, and they can allocate a greater amount of yolk reserves for long periods buried in the substrate under embryonic diapause. Large relative oocytes, spawning in batches, synchronous modal development of oocytes, continued production of sperm in males, and a complex process of embryonic diapause are reproductive traits that favor resilience of L. opalescens and other annual sh in temporary wetlands. 1 Introduction Rivulidae (Cyprinodontiformes) is the eighth most speciose sh family in the World, with 471 valid species (Fricke et al. 2022), and the rst in number of threatened species in the Neotropical Region, where they occur. The threat is such that in a megadiverse country like Brazil, a single family of freshwater sh (i.e., Rivulidae) has a higher number of threatened species (130 spp.) than all classes of marine sh combined (Actinopterygii + Chondrichthyes + Myxini = 97 spp.) (ICMBio 2018). Habitat loss is the main threat to rivulids. The swamps and temporary wetlands where many of these animals inhabit have been drastically destroyed, due to deforestation, drainage and land lling resulting from agricultural and urban expansion (Loureiro et al. 2018; Castro and Polaz 2020). Loss of temporary wetlands from land alterations has signi cant ecological and social consequences (Calhoun et al. 2017), but freshwater research, policy, and conservation have historically neglected these habitats, focusing instead on larger water bodies and agship species (Junk et al. 2014; Grasel et al. 2018; Hill et al. 2021). Rivulids exhibit a variety of reproductive strategies, some of them unique among the vertebrates. The genus Kryptolebias Costa 2004 for example, includes the only two self-fertilizing hermaphroditic vertebrates capable of generating homozygous clones (Earley et al. 2012). About 55% (259 spp.) of rivulid species are annual (or seasonal) shes, with their life history linked to the hydrological cycle. In the rainy season, these sh copulate or fertilize the eggs directly in the substrate (Berois et al. 2016). In the dry season, their habitats dry up, leading to the death of all sh. Cyclic desiccation of habitats selected short life cycles (Žák et al. 2021) and complex embryonic diapause processes (Furness 2016

The epibenthic encrusting fauna of 2 creeks of the Caete´mangrove estuary, northern Brazil, was studied over a 13 month period using collectors fixed at 2.5 and 3.5 m above the creek bottom and in which upper and lower sides of ceramic and wooden panels were used as settlement substrates. The number of individuals of the most abundant organisms (barnacles, oysters and mussels) settling per panel was determined each month, for each substrate type, panel orientation and height above creek bottom. The barnacle, Fistulobalanus citerosum has a peak settlement period during the wet season whereas both peaks in the numbers of settlers of the oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae were recorded during the dry season and such discrete temporal patterns in settlement have also been observed for barnacles and oysters in other mangroves and estuaries. In contrast to other studies, settlement of the mussel Mytella falcata was generally low during the study period and may be related to over-exploitation of stocks in the region. Overall, settler density was usually greater on the underside of ceramic panels close to the creek bottom, similar to results of other studies of epibenthic settlement in diverse habitats.

The ecological health and challenges encountered by Ooty Lake, a prominent wetland area in India, have been comprehensively investigated in this research article. A multi-faceted approach was employed, combining focal animal sampling, pH assessment, microbial testing, and mammal diversity assessment were carried out to provide a holistic understanding of the lake's ecosystem. Focal animal sampling revealed diverse avifaunal diversity and behaviour, that enriched the knowledge on avian ecology and their adaptability to changing conditions. pH assessment indicated slightly alkaline lake water, raising concerns for specific aquatic organisms, highlighting the need for comprehensive ecological analysis. Microbial testing discovered the presence of Clostridium bacteria, emphasizing the urgency of water treatment measures for wildlife and human health. The study also shed light on the presence of small mammals, including endangered species, underscoring the importance of conservation efforts for the entire ecosystem. Overall, this research calls for immediate action to safeguard Ooty Lake's to fragile equilibrium of life and serves as a model for comprehensive ecological research and conservation efforts in the wetland ecosystems.

The ongoing debate surrounding genetically modified (GM) crops in India highlights the need for a comprehensive and farmer
- centric policy. This paper critically examines the recent directive by the Supreme Court of India for a national GM policy, emphasizing
the importance of public consultation and farmer welfare. Key concerns regarding GM crops include socioeconomic impacts,
environmental sustainability, and biosafety, which have been points of contention among policymakers, scientists, and agricultural
stakeholders. Through a review of current literature and expert opinions, this study explores the implications of GM crop technology in
India, focusing on the socioeconomic, ecological, and health challenges. Findings suggest that the proposed policy should prioritize
farmer welfare, address biosafety rigorously, and adopt a democratic approach to policy formulation. Recommendations include
enhancing biosafety regulations, supporting sustainable alternatives to GM technology, and promoting inclusive policy - making
processes to ensure that GM crop policies meet the diverse needs of India’s agricultural sector.
Keywords: Genetically Modified Crops, Agricultural Policy in India, Biosafety Regulations, Farmer - Centric Policy, Socioeconomic
Impact of GM Crops, Sustainable Agriculture in India.

Figure 5.0. Mitigation measures in inland freshwater ecosystems and freshwater-dependent coastal and marine ecosystem. Source: SIWI. 100 | The essential drop to reach Net-Zero: Unpacking freshwater's role in climate change mitigation C H A P T E R 5 | Mitigation measures in freshwater ecosystems Highlights • Freshwater ecosystems can function as greenhouse gas (GHG) sources and sinks based on their environmental state and management. While restoration of wetlands and floodplains is an effective measure for mitigation, stronger priority should be given to protecting existing natural wetlands and floodplains to avoid additional GHG release. Freshwater ecosystems, such as peatlands, marshes, swamps, lakes, streams, rivers, and tidal wetlands, have high potential for mitigation when managed well, but can contribute additional emissions when managed poorly. Land use, surrounding vegetation, pollution, human activities, hydrologic regime, and climate can influence the emissions profile of freshwater ecosystems. Mitigation-relevant data and research on rivers, lakes, and dams is scarce, while wetlands are more acknowledged and researched. • It is important to promote a concerted effort nationally and internationally to account for the GHG emissions from freshwater ecosystems. In addition to 'blue carbon' ecosystems (BCE), which include freshwaterdependent coastal and marine systems, the emission reduction potential of freshwater ecosystems needs to be more commonly included as a measure to reduce atmospheric GHG emissions alongside sectors outside of land use, such as energy and transport. • The potential (or use) of catchment and coastal zone policies, programmes, and investments to support effective and sustainable emission reduction strategies needs to be recognized and adopted. GHG production in aquatic systems is driven by nutrient and organic carbon inputs from watersheds. Effective emission reduction strategies may entail integrated approaches for land management and regenerative agriculture, restricting nutrient loading (including improved wastewater treatment capacities), and maintaining and improving ecohydrological connections. • Natural solution schemes (both nature-based solutions and green-grey infrastructure) need to include the full range of ecosystem services, alongside carbon sequestration, to reduce the risk of maladaptation. Carbon sequestration is only one of many valuable services provided by aquatic ecosystems. There are multiple direct and indirect co-benefits, such as flood risk management, biodiversity recovery, sustainable communities and livelihoods, and water quality improvement that come with watershed-scale aquatic ecosystem management. These benefits need to be accounted for while integrating emissions reduction targets in the Nationally Determined Contributions. • Net emissions reduction goals and opportunities need to be given greater emphasis within broad water resources management strategies. There is also a need for financing mechanisms and tools to monitor and reduce emissions from freshwater ecosystems and BCE management at the local, regional, and national levels. Regulatory reform, capacity building, and better data on aquatic environments are needed to further opportunities and materialize implementation. The essential drop to reach Net-Zero: Unpacking freshwater's role in climate change mitigation | 101

India has a rich and varied heritage of biodiversity encompassing a wide range of habitats. India ranks among the top ten species rich nations and show high endemism.On the basis of area, our State Uttar Pradesh is 4th largest state of India. It is rich in biodiversity, having various kinds of flora and fauna. Uttar Pradesh has 87 species of mammals, 358 species of birds, 77 species of reptiles, 25 species of amphibians, 152 species of fishes, 1460 species of arthropods, 47 species of molluscs and 1442 species of woody plants. Today, the biodiversity of Uttar Pradesh is gradually decreasing day by day and biodiversity is now mostly confined in national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and wetlands only. This depletion in biodiversity is due to habitat destruction and disturbances, hunting and poaching, various developmental projects such as barrages, bridges, highways, agricultural expansion, electrocution, excessive tourism, forest fire practices and scarcity of food. Therefore, most of species of flora and fauna become endangered or on the verge of extinction. Almost all species of animals are under threatened condition.

Biological wastewater treatment methods are considered to be the most convenient ones owing to their efficiency and low economic cost. Activated sludge is the most popular biological method for treating wastewater, particularly those containing phenols (Allsop et al., 1990). ...

Wetlands are distinct and the most biologically diverse ecosystems that are flooded or saturated by water, either permanently or seasonally. They are considered as the most significant natural water reservoirs on the earth and act as amphibious habitats between aquatic and terrestrial areas. Ramsar Sites are a list of wetlands of global importance around the world. In India, Uttar Pradesh has about 1.2 lakh wetlands of which 10 wetlands are of globally importance and categorized under Ramsar Sites, out of the total 93 Ramsar Sites in India. Wetlands has tremendous value for livelihoods of all forms of life as water is their basic need. They are the sites of hydromorphic soils and has a wealth of biodiversity. Previous studies have identified their economic, ecological and cultural values. The ecological roles of wetlands have been recognized as to maintenance of water quality as well as quantity, hydrology, flood control, carbon cycle, climate stability, water cycle, recharge of ground water etc. These values cannot be assessed and quantified economically. In Uttar Pradesh, excessive grazing by domestic livestock, use of agricultural fertilizers and pesticides, soil digging by local people, enlargement of neighbouring agricultural lands, over-fishing, excessive waterchestnut cultivation, pollution (from motorboats, domestic sewage and industrial effluents), introduction of alien invasive species, encroachment, eutrophication and infestation with aquatic weeds, diversion of water for other uses, poaching of water birds, cutting of trees and disturbances from recreational activity on tourism are some of the key anthropogenic activities which threaten wetlands today. The objective of this chapter is to review the ecological importance, growing threats and various approaches for their conservation and management of wetlands in Uttar Pradesh.

The Lake Sünnet  subject of our study, is located in the western part of the Black Sea Region, between Göynük and Mudurnu. It is 15 kilometers far from Göynük and 22 kilometers far from Mudurnu. The area in which the basin of Sünnet Lake is situated, is a plateau having an elevation meanly 1300 meters. The limestones of Lower Cretaceous occupy relatively greater area than the other geological formations. Upper side of these limestones there are Upper Cretaceous flysches. All these formations have got a folded structure. There are important faults in some places such as near the Muratlar locality. The Lake Sünnet is 1030 meters high from sea level. It is roughly "" shaped due to become forked in its southern part. The longest and widest places of the lake are 1100 and 100 meters respectively. Its surface covers an area of about 186.000 square meters. The deepest point of the lake is approximately 22 meters. The Sünnet Lake is typically a landslide dammed lake. Deep, narrow and "V" shaped valley of the Gök Creek (Göl Creek) has been dammed by landslide materials and because of this event the Lake Sünnet has been formed.

El objetivo de esta tesis es diseñar una Red de Investigación Ambiental en Paisajes Productivos con Equipamientos Complementarios, para amortiguar la Degradación, la falta de Protección y Conservación de los Humedales de Ciudad Eten. Basándose en que los humedales son orígenes de diversidad biológica y producción primaria de las que innumerable familias vegetales y animales dependen para subsistir. Buscando recuperar la riqueza natural mediante una red. El método aplicado es Proyectiva – Descriptiva, cuyo diseño es “no experimental” de paradigma transversal correlacional. La muestra fue dirigida a 95 pobladores de la Ciudad de Eten, 2018. El instrumento utilizado fue la encuesta, realizada en el software SPSS (22). Como resultado final, el 80% de la población desconoce programas que promuevan la recuperación de los humedales en la Ciudad de Eten; sin embargo, están dispuestos a recibir capacitación. Deduciendo así que los humedales de ciudad Eten, es uno de los ecosistemas más frági...

Birds in their diversity constitute part of the natural environment and play functional role such as agents of flower pollination and seed dispersal, sources of food chain and agents in breaking seed dormancy (Nason, 1992). Birds are highly specialized flying machines, and their ability to fly allows them to range widely in search of food and escape predators easily. The invention of airplanes, which was a fundamental turning point in history, came into being about a century years ago from the principles of avian flight. The success of the aircraft invention and the consequent improvements upon it brought about more technological changes. (Oduntan.et.al 2012). Before the advent of aircraft, birds, bats and insects used the skies. Sharing the skies and the environment with aircraft has often times resulted in collision of aircrafts, wildlife and birds. The main problem being the collision between birds and aircraft or the ingestion of birds into the engines of the aircraft, this phenomenon is widely known as Bird strike. Bird strike has posed threat ranging from cracked windshields, dented wind edges and minor fuselage damage to air crashes, since the first ever reported birdstrike on September 7, 1905 when an Orville Wright ran into a flock of birds while flying near Dayton, Ohio. Between 1960 and 2004, bird strikes have resulted in at least 333 military aircraft destroyed and over 150 military personnel killed (Shobakin, 2009). Over the years, aircraft designs and performance has changed radically as birds" population and migration have increased (Dolbeer and Seubert, 2009). The occurrence of birds at airports varies according to habitat type, weather and the time of the day and the season of the year (Weisbein and Shy, 1999). Usually, the combination of several attractants, are responsible for the presence of birds at an airport. These include availability of food, water, loafing and breeding sites. Many airports support an abundance of food like seeds, grasses, shrubs, berries, earthworms and small

This paper proposes some guidelines to compute complexity index in those mangroves where either seasonal or strong disturbances have occurred. We surveyed 31 mangrove localities in Buenaventura Bay, Central Pacific Coast of Colombia, where structural parameters were measured within a 0.1 ha plot. Also, most likely disturbances were noted for each plot. Complexity index was calculated in its classical form

Beavers (Castor canadensis) can cause dramatic changes in vegetative composition and diversity. Although alterations by beaver have been studied extensively, little attention has been paid to the effects beaver impoundments have on rare plants. Effective conservation of riparian and wetland rare plant species must consider the responses of vegetation to changes in hydrology that can occur when beaver populations are present. The goal of this research was to establish the occurrence of locally rare plant species, examine community composition, and analyze vegetative community structure of vegetation associated with beaver ponds in Canaan Valley, West Virginia, USA. Species richness and diversity were similar between plots located inside beaver ponds and adjacent to beaver ponds (P [ 0.05). Although no significant difference in rare plant species was detected among pond ages, the oldest ponds ([56 years) had twice as many rare species as the youngest ponds (B6 years). The youngest ponds had higher overall mean species richness (S) than ponds 7-56 years old (P \ 0.05), but S returned to similar levels in the oldest ponds. Of the 15 rare species observed, most were classified as obligate (9) or facultative wetland (4) species. The youngest ponds contained the fewest number of rare species. Multiple response permutation procedure (MRPP) analyses of community structure detected no relation between community composition and either pond age or size. However, both MRPP and nonmetric multi-dimensional scaling showed proximity to pond was important in herbaceous community structure. Wetlands in beaver ponds also were shown to be distinct from adjacent wetland areas. Conservation of existing beaver populations is necessary so that the entire spectrum of pond ages is available for the maintenance of rare plant species and communities.

During present study, the Mula-Mutha Riverine system (Station-1) and Kavadigaon wetland (Station-2) were considered for the study of Avifauna. A total of 30 species belonging to 12 families and 8 genera were reported. Riverine threats ultimately lead to a decrease in the number of birds in that specific area.

Los bosques de ribera son ecosistemas importantes para la conservación de la biodiversidad y mantención de servicios ecosistémicos. El objetivo del presente trabajo fue conocer las diversas especies de mamíferos y aves que habitan el bosque de ribera del Santuario de la Naturaleza Humedales del río Maullín, en el centro-sur de Chile, junto con describir el patrón de actividad de las especies más frecuentes. La información fue obtenida mediante cámaras trampa instaladas en tres sectores del bosque de ribera del río Maullín, desde junio 2019 hasta septiembre 2021. En total registramos nueve especies de mamíferos, con mayor número de registros de Lontra provocax, Leopardus guigna y Dromiciops gliroides, que presentaron patrones de actividad mayoritariamente nocturnos. En cuanto a las aves, observamos la presencia de 17 especies, de las cuales el Scelorchilus rubecula, Sephanoides sephaniodes y Turdus falcklandii presentaron el mayor número de registros, con un patrón de actividad diurno. El bosque de ribera del Santuario de la Naturaleza Humedales del río Maullín es un ecosistema de importancia para la conservación de la biodiversidad de aves y mamíferos nativos a escala local y de paisaje. Recomendamos que la administración de esta área protegida vincule su gestión con el continuo del bosque de ribera como zona de influencia ecológica, realizando acciones para su protección. Palabras clave: Bosque de ribera, cámaras trampa, conservación, río Maullín. Diversidad y patrones de actividad de mamíferos y aves en el bosque de ribera del Santuario de la Naturaleza Humedales del río Maullín, Chile

We present the findings of a participatory experiment on integrated aquaculture-agriculture systems (Fingerponds) at the Lake Victoria wetlands, Kenya. Fingerponds are flood-based lacustrine or floodplain wetland fishponds. The aim of the study was to explore, within a wetland/floodplain interface environment, the potential of semi-intensive fish production to enhance the wetland fishery and protect the natural ecosystem from wide-scale, destructive encroachment. The ponds were stocked naturally by flood water. After flood recession, livestock manure was added to the ponds and the effects of manuring on water and sediment quality and fish yields were studied. Manuring had positive effects on the nitrogen, phosphorous and chlorophyll a concentrations of the pond water. Regression analysis results indicated that site, manuring and environmental and climatic variables explained 58-70% of the variation in dissolved nitrogen and phosphorous, and 71% of the variation in chorophyll a. Manuring enhanced the total phosphorus concentration in the sediment but it only had marginal effects on total nitrogen. Although the net fish yields were highly variable between sites and seasons, ranging from 402 to 1069 kg ha-1 , the data showed that manuring was advantageous. The duration of the culture period, site variability and manuring explained 82% of the variation in fish yields. We conclude that Fingerponds fertilized with livestock manure from abutting riparian subsistence agriculture can improve fish production, enhance food diversity and security and contribute to more efficient use of papyrus wetlands for food production. This in turn may reduce large-scale conversion of wetlands to agriculture.

Jammu and Kashmir are rich in natural resources, especially in Wetlands. These Wetlands provide wintering, feeding and breeding grounds for millions of resident (local), and non-resident summer migrants and Migratory birds especially waterfowl (ducks, geese and swans) visiting from different countries. The research studies the status & diversity of various avifauna populations of (Resident, Summer Migrants & Migratory) in Hygam Wetland Reserve a Ramsar Site in Jammu & Kashmir. The study was conducted in 4 seasons (Spring, Summer, Autumn and winter) from January 2022 to December 2023. Visual basis and strip-transit methods were used for the counting of avifaunal populations in the study site. With the help of a expert field guide, monographs and Standard books identification of birds was done. In the study area the Species diversity of the identified birds showed variation between the sites. The highest number & density of avifauna was observed at 1-site (emergent & dense vegetation) followed by 2-site (Radhiam/Akhnoonpora). Out of the total identified avifauna population in winters (winter miratory birds), Mallards were counted highest followed by Northern Pintail and Gadwall. The other species (Residents/Summer mirants) observed were Pond heron, little egret, common coot, Purple swamphen, common teal, Northern Shoveller and goose were also observed in te study area. Out of 42 species of birds recorded from the study area, 19 species were the residents, 11 species found were summer migrants and 12 species represented the winter migrant community. From residential birds, the grey pigeons makes up 70% of the bird diversity followed by the golden finch, blue billed magpie, Streaked laughing thrush, blue whistling thrush & Purple Moorhen. From summer migrants Starlings, dominate the area followed by Tickle's thrush, Indian ring dove, Indian Whiskered tern, European hoopoe etc. The total number of Winter migratory birds that make up 75 to 80% of bird diversity in winter are Mallards, Northern Shoveller, Common Teal, Pin Tail, Geese and common coots.

The Environmental Economics Research Committee (EERC) was constituted to build nationwide capacity in environmental economics research under the Ministry of Environment and Forests implemented, World Bank aided India: Environmental Management Capacity Building (EMCaB) Technical Assistance Project. When we began, we needed innovative approaches. As there were no readymade environmental economists we had to invest in capacity building. EERC provided a new opportunity to those who wished to branch out into this area. Those who were already working in the area of environment such as pollution, solid waste, land-use and natural resources such as forests and biodiversity, benefited by incorporating economics to make their research more relevant for policy guidance. On the other hand, some economists diversified their interests to address the environmental externalities of economic development. After scrutinizing nearly 320 projects that were submitted, 61 projects were funded. A vast number of areas are covered which can be seen in the table of contents. Reconciling Environment and Economics: Executive summaries of EERC projects presents executive summaries of 51 selected projects. The summaries cover the objectives, methods used, analysis, results and policy recommendations. Considerable efforts were put in for capacity building by giving continuous feedbacks. During project execution, inputs from EERC members, national experts and international reviewers helped to refine the outputs and monitor the progress to ensure quality. More than 20 project review workshops improved the understanding, led to capacity building and synergy.

SUMMARY A former military airfield at Orford Ness had naturally developed into a coastal grazing marsh, but limited water control and high evaporation caused it to be highly prone to drying out in summer. With the intention of attracting higher numbers of breeding waders, six large shallow pool s and two deeper ponds were created by building low bunds linked by new ditches and water control points . To replace water losses to evapotranspiration, new sluices were built into the river walls to allow estuary water to be drawn into two new lagoons at high tide, and from there into the ditches and pools to maintain desired water levels. The number of breeding waders in the modified areas increased from an average of eight pairs in the two years prior to the works to 23 pairs in the year after the creation of pools. Pied avocet numbers increased from zero to five pairs, common redshank from five to 13 pairs, and northern lapwing from three to five pairs.

The Ramakkal Lake is situated at Dharmapuri, Tamil Nadu, India, this Lake is extensively been used for the purpose of irrigation, fishing and also for the animal requirements. The fresh water pollution has long been overall water quality of the Lake. Lakes are the most fertile, diverse, productive and interactive ecosystem in the world. For the present research work four sampling si water quality was analysed for pollution status on a monthly basis over a period of 13 months. Every water sample was analysed for temperature, pH, salinity, conductivity, total dissolved solids, total alkalinity, hardness, tu oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand. The chloride, Ammonia, Nitrite The sites which showed greater pollution had lower levels of dissolved oxygen. pollutants in lake water causes an increase in biological oxygen demand (BOD), Chemical oxygen demand (COD), Dissolved Oxygen, Nitrites, Am drinking. water levels in the lake, increasing the ground water level and improving the lake water quality. Checking of awareness can be some of the constructive efforts to revive this ancient lake.

(ISWS) and the former Illinois Department of Conservation (the latter two entities have since become part of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, IDNR). This monitoring study, comprising in-situ observations and collection of water and sediment samples for physical, chemical, and biological assessments, was designed to build an extensive database dating from June 25, 1979. While IEPA gathered most of the data, ISWS collected data for the period January 21, 1981, to December 3, 1981, under the Phase I diagnostic/feasibility study. The primary objective of the current (Phase III) post-restoration monitoring program was to assess and delineate the long-term effectiveness of restoration techniques employed in the past for the lake and its watershed by comparing current lake conditions with pre-restoration conditions and the conditions documented by IEPA during intensive monitoring in 1984, 1985, and 1986. Data for 1984 and 1985 pertain to the lake and watershed conditions when restoration recommendations from the 1981 Phase I study were being implemented. 1986 data are the results of assessment for the immediate post-restoration monitoring. The long-term post-restoration monitoring study was funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) through the IEPA with nonfederal cost sharing provided by IEPA and IDNR all under the provisions of Section 314 of Public Law 95-217 of the Clean Water Act.

eventually be lost as well (Peters 1996). Ethnobotanical knowledge is useful for broadening our knowledge on plant use (Benz et al. 2000). Uasin Gishu County, Kenya, has many swamp wetlands which benefit the local people (e.g., harvesting of plants for food, medicine, and firewood). They also act as grazing grounds, especially during the dry season (Odongo 1996). Currently, human impact on the wetlands is pronounced, potentially resulting in loss of plants and knowledge of people living around the wetlands. The goal of this study was to compile a checklist of ethnobotanical knowledge of wetland plant use from people living around the swamps in Uasin Gishu County. Methods Study area Uasin Gishu County is located in mid-western Kenya, Rift Valley Province, between 34°55'33" and 36°38'58"E and

Phytoplankton are small, microscopic plants that live suspended in the open water. Phytoplankton are generally more abundant in lakes than rivers. Microorganisms are present in large quantities everywhere and can survive extreme physical and chemical conditions. Many microorganisms play foundational roles in aquatic ecosystems. They serve as a food and shelter of other aquatic organism especially zooplankton. Phytoplankton acts as a biological indicator of water pollution. The latitude of Kanwar Lake, Begusarai, India is 25.630383, and the longitude is 86.145172. The Plankton sample was collected at once from all three sites of Kanwar Lake in a monthly interval from January 2022 to December, 2022.The plankton sample were collected in sterile plastic bottles with the help of plankton net of mesh size 25 and diameter of pore 60μ. Phytoplankton material was preserved in 4% formalin solution at the site of collection. In the present research investigation, water body show variety of algal genera. Algal genera belong to groups Chlorophyta, Bacillariophyta and Myxophyta. Out of 13 Genera of Phytoplankton 5 belongs to Chlorophyta, 4 belong to Bacillariophyta and 4 belong to Myxophyta. The finding of results showed that all three sites of the lake found to be average and more or less similar. So, it clearly indicated that lake not shown much eutrophic due to a smaller number of pollutants are analysed in this study.

Tidal flats and marshes in intertidal environments and estuaries generally cover large areas. The access to these places is usually complicated. The area suffers cycles of flooding and drying under the influence of the tide, which in conjunction with soft and muddy soils makes every movement very difficult. In particular, in tidal channels mud is softer and, many times, it is impossible to move around these areas. Furthermore, muddy tidal flat creeks are often located far away from conventional vehicle access. Then, to perform a topographic study using traditional methodology is not feasible; therefore, an alternative methodology has been developed to deal with these problems. POTOS is a light metallic frame developed to measure creek topography indirectly with good precision. The tensed frame, up to 12 m long, simply supported and weighting only 40 kg allows making relative height measurements of the surface between the supporting posts. The field methodology is described and some results obtained with the instrument developed are presented. Errors were calculated by comparing measurements obtained with the instrument and those gathered by traditional methodologies. Field results are a series of measurements obtained in Bahía Blanca Estuary tidal flats and marshes at different periods of the year.

The mineralization of soil organic nitrogen in two floating marshes types in Louisiana, USA with different vegetation and mat thickness (and biomass) was measured by incubating peat soil in situ in polyethylene bottles at depths of 10 and 25 cm. The size of the extractable inorganic N (NH 4 +-N) pool was related to mat thickness and soil bulk density. The N mineralization rates were twice as great at the thick mat site (1.5 mg N/kg soil/day) compared to the thin mat floating marsh (0.71 mg N/kg soil/day). The amount mineralized on a volume basis to 30 cm depth were 22 mg N/m 2 /day for the thick mat marsh and 6 mg N/m 2 /day for the thin mat marsh. The nitrogen mineralization rates observed in this study reflect plant biomass differences between the thick mat and thin mat marshes, with the former exhibiting approximately 7-fold greater biomass. These low overall mineralization rates suggest that nitrogen entering these freshwater floating marshes from Mississippi River water percolating through the root zone, would result in increased plant productivity-increasing marsh stability and also providing a natural mechanism contributing to the processing and removal of dissolved inorganic nitrogen in river water entering these wetlands.

The patterns of the occurrence and distribution of alien freshwater turtle species in an urban pond archipelago (Rome, Italy) were analysed, with the aim of exploring the role of a set of factors (type of ponds, landscape context, size area, distance from the nearest road) with a generalized linear model approach. A total of 311 ponds subdivided in three types (fountains, small basins, lakes) embedded in different landscape contexts (public parks, private parks, urban areas) at differing distances from the nearest road were sampled. Six non-native freshwater turtle species in 31 sites were recorded (9.97%). Lakes exhibited the highest occurrence rates of alien freshwater turtles, compared to small basins and fountains. Freshwater turtle species in urbanized areas were only observed in parks (both public and private). In both the public and private parks, the lakes exhibited the highest percentage of occupied sites, with fountains being the lowest. A direct and significant relationship was observed between pond size and species richness. The distance from the nearest road did not appear to affect species richness. A first interpretation of the data from this study facilitated the postulation of two a posteriori hypotheses that should be tested, as follows: (i) the causal process of turtle release is random, and the rate of extinction (and recapture) is higher in smaller ponds, thus producing the observed pattern; and (ii) the turtle release is not random, and people actively select the ponds they consider more suitable for their pet animals. In this study, it appears the lakes were perceived by those who abandon their pets as the most ecologically suitable habitats among other pond types to accommodate the different species of turtles. Knowledge of people's attitudes in regard to releasing pet animals also might assist managers of public green spaces to develop strategies aimed to preserve local biodiversity, and to educate the public about the conservation issue represented by the alien species.

Riparian ecosystems are comprised of moderately moist plant communities and the faunas that are associated with them, and they are located between aquatic and more arid upland locations. The main aim of the study is The Elevation and Disturbance Gradent and The Distribution of Riparian Flora. It has been considered the research area and physiography. The transition zones between terrestrial and aquatic habitats is riparian forests.

Zooplankton is crucial for transmitting energy from primary producers to higher trophic levels. A study was done in a Bangladesh eutrophic fish pond to know zooplankton's seasonal dynamics in relation to environmental factors. There were 11 different zooplankton genera, which belong to three major classes: Copepoda, Rotifera, and Cladocera. Peak abundance of zooplankton was found in the spring and winter, respectively. Cluster analysis clearly indicated zooplankton abundance during the spring and winter. Rotifera was the main dominant group in the total zooplankton population. Copepoda and Cladocera had a lower abundance than those of Rotifera. During the study period, environmental factors were observed monthly. The total zooplankton abundance showed a positive correlation only with pH and a negative correlation with transparency, dissolved oxygen, phosphates, nitrates, and temperature during Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis. The canonical correspondence analysis also indicated that pH, transparency, and temperature significantly affect the abundance of zooplankton groups. Therefore, further research on the influence of environmental factors on different species of zooplankton is strongly suggested for achieving sustainable fish production from eutrophic fish ponds.

The epibenthic encrusting fauna of 2 creeks of the Caete´mangrove estuary, northern Brazil, was studied over a 13 month period using collectors fixed at 2.5 and 3.5 m above the creek bottom and in which upper and lower sides of ceramic and wooden panels were used as settlement substrates. The number of individuals of the most abundant organisms (barnacles, oysters and mussels) settling per panel was determined each month, for each substrate type, panel orientation and height above creek bottom. The barnacle, Fistulobalanus citerosum has a peak settlement period during the wet season whereas both peaks in the numbers of settlers of the oyster Crassostrea rhizophorae were recorded during the dry season and such discrete temporal patterns in settlement have also been observed for barnacles and oysters in other mangroves and estuaries. In contrast to other studies, settlement of the mussel Mytella falcata was generally low during the study period and may be related to over-exploitation of stocks in the region. Overall, settler density was usually greater on the underside of ceramic panels close to the creek bottom, similar to results of other studies of epibenthic settlement in diverse habitats.

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Los humedales de la microcuenca alta de la Quebrada Estero, en San Ramón, Costa Rica, son considerados una prioridad de conservación por su representatividad y ubicación que los hace únicos en su tipo. Por eso se planteó el objetivo de conocer su importancia y estado actual para que esta información sirva de base para su recuperación y conservación. Se llevó a cabo la identificación de los servicios ecosistémicos y de las amenazas e impactos que tienen las actividades humanas en ellos mediante visitas de campo, análisis de uso del suelo, revisión de información secundaria y consulta a actores clave. Los servicios ecosistémicos son el reabastecimiento de aguas subterráneas, depuración del agua, control biológico, control de inundaciones, protección de suelos y sedimentos, adaptación al cambio climático, mantenimiento de la cadena trófica, hábitat para la flora y fauna, provisión de agua para actividades agrícolas y domésticas, alimento para ganado, recursos genéticos y son un element...

Periphyton from rice-fish environment of Apatani Plateau, Arunachal Pradesh, India was studied for diversity and productivity (Chlorophylla and biomass) on artificial (glass slide) and natural (rice stem) substrates. Periphyton from rice stems, especially, from cultivars locally known as 'Amo' were collected from a depth of 7.0-8.0 cm from surface water and 5.0 cm above from the field bottom. Glass slides (15 × 18cm) were fitted in periphyton sampler and fixed at different depths. The rice fish environment was found to harbor rich periphytic diversity throughout the whole cropping season of 2002 and 2003. Total 88 genera of periphytic microalgae were reported from the environment with an order of preference of Chlorophyceae>Bacillariophyceae>Cyanophyceae. The Shannon Wienner diversity (H´) and evenness (J) indices of periphyton from rice stems indicated tendencies of Chlorophycea and Cyanophyceae to exhibit periphytic life on rice stems, whereas Bacillariophyceae preferred glass slide. Dry matter (DM) and Ash free dry matter (AFDM) values reflected the affinity of non algal periphytic resource to associate on both rice stems and glass slide. The results of periphytic Chl-a from rice stem was significantly higher to glass slides and show selectivity of algal periphytic resource to colonize on rice stem. Its sudden decline during late aquatic phase on rice stem explains heterotrophic nature of rice fish environment. The rice stems as natural substrate, thus, exhibited a rich ground for periphyton growth in rice fields of Apatani Plateau. It also stands as potential candidate to be used as a source for organic nutrients in the form of periphyton for aquaculture.