Faraz Akrim

Examining relationship between environmental gradients and Lesser Himalyan forest vegetation of Nikyal valley, Azad Jammu and Kashmir using ordination analysis.

OBJECTIVE To report the relationship of vegetation structure and environmental gradient and physiochemical properties of soil at Nikyal valley, Azad Jammu and Kashmir . METHODS A survey of natural vegetation and soil of Nikyal valley was undertaken. Phytosociological survey was conducted by using Braun-Blanquets approach. The study also investigated the vegetation structure and its relationship with altitude and edaphic factors. The floristic data was analyzed by cluster anlaysis, detrended correspondence analysis and canonical correspondence analysis using CANACOO 5.0. RESULTS A total of 110 plant species and 13 stands were merged into five major associations as dema rcated by cluster analysis and detrended correspondence analysis. The associations were Olea-Pinus-Themeda association, Myrsine-Rhus-Quercus association, Quercus-Rubus-Pinus association and Quercus association. Soil organic matter, saturation, pH and altitude play the major role in distribution of species. CONCLUSIONS The variation in vegetation structure is controlled by the altitudinal gradient and physiochemical properties of soil. These results indicate a deteriorated forest structure and reduced regeneration pattern, demanding immediate attention of forest management authorities.

Breeding habits of the Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) in Potohar Plateau, Pakistan

Abstract The Indian pangolin (Manis crassicaudata) has been recently listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as an endangered species throughout its range, but in Pakistan it is categorized as vulnerable. Very little is known about the breeding habits of this nocturnal and fossorial animal in the wild. The present paper provides information on breeding ecology of its population in Potohar Plateau in Pakistan. A total of 13 specimens were trapped to record breeding condition of the captured animals. Additionally, a questionnaire survey was conducted in the study area to collect breeding data on the species. Our limited data show a male-to-female ratio of 1.6:1. The local population seems to breed once a year, usually from July to October, with a litter size of one to two. The juvenile pangolins were observed during the months of January, April and December.

Assessment of bias in morphological identification of carnivore scats confirmed with molecular scatology in north-eastern Himalayan region of Pakistan

Scats are often used to study ecological parameters of carnivore species. However, field identification of carnivore scats, based on their morphological characteristics, becomes difficult if many carnivore species are distributed in the same area. We assessed error rates in morphological identification of five sympatric carnivores’ scats in north-eastern Himalayan region of Pakistan during 2013–2017. A sample of 149 scats were subjected to molecular identification using fecal DNA. We used a confusion matrix to assess different types of errors associated with carnivore scat identification. We were able to amplify DNA from 96.6% (n = 144) of scats. Based on field identification of carnivore scats, we had predicted that out of 144 scats: 11 (7.6%) scats were from common leopard, 38 (26.4%) from red fox, 29 (20.1%) from Asiatic jackal, 37 (25.7%) from yellow throated martin, 14 (9.7%) from Asian palm civet and 15 (10.4%) from small Indian civet. However, molecular identification revealed and confirmed nine were scats (6.24%) from common leopard, 40 (27.8 %) from red fox, 21 (14.6%) from Asiatic jackal, 45 (31.25%) from Asian palm civet, 12 (8.3%) scats from small Indian civet, while 11 scats (7.6%) were found from Canis lupus Spp., three (2%) from dog, one (0.7 %) scat sample from porcupine, and two (1.4%) from rhesus monkey. Misidentification rate was highest for Asian palm civet (25.7%), followed by red fox (11.1%) and Asiatic jackal (9.7%) but least for common leopard scats (4.2%). The results specific to our study area concur with previous studies that have recommended that carnivore monitoring programs utilize molecular identification of predator scats. Using only morphological identification of scats can be misleading and may result in wrong management decisions.

Diversity and Nest Characteristics of Owl Species Inhabiting Margalla Hills National Park Islamabad, Pakistan

Kalinger N 33043.746 E 073001.149 Site A: 626 Main herbs and shurubs: Included jhamp, Kandiara (Echinopus echinatus) and Bhaikar (Justicia adhatoda etc. Main Trees: included keeker (Acacia nilotica), Phulai (Acacia modesta), Taman (Grewia tenax), Beri (Zizyphus mauritiana), and Sumbal (Bombax ceiba), Two pairs of owls recorded Spotted owlet and little owlet Site B: 615 One pair of owl recorded Spotted owlet

Distribution and illegal killing of the Endangered Indian pangolin Manis crassicaudata on the Potohar Plateau, Pakistan

The Endangered Indian pangolin Manis crassicaudata, a burrowing, armoured mammal, plays an important role in the food web by consuming insects and termites. In Pakistan the species’ range includes the 22,000 km² Potohar Plateau, where it is under pressure from illegal hunting for its scales and requires conservation attention. We used a geographical information system to quantify the range of the Indian pangolin on the Plateau and to compare this with the range estimated in the IUCN Red List assessment of the species. We found that the species occupies c. 89% of the Plateau, in eight of the 10 protected areas, compared with the IUCN estimate of 71%, and we recorded the species at 40 locations on the Plateau outside the range predicted by the IUCN assessment. We collected data on the illegal capture and killing of the species, recording 412 individuals that had been killed at 48 locations between January 2011 and the end of April 2013. The highest number of killings was recorded in Chakwal District (n = 156, at 13 sites) followed by the Attock District (n = 149, at eight sites). Although the Indian pangolins range on the Potohar Plateau is c. 18% larger than that estimated in the IUCN assessment, the species is under pressure from illegal killing and requires urgent conservation measures to save the small remaining population and avoid the extirpation of this vital insectivorous predator from the area.

Floristic composition, biological spectrum and conservation status of the vegetation in Nikyal valley, Azad Jammu and Kashmir

Abstract Objective To analyze floristic compositions, biological spectrum and conservation status of the existing vegetation in valley. Methods A quantitative phytosociological survey was conducted using quadrat method at different sites. Sampling was done by using quadrat method. A complete floristic list of the plant communities of the study area was compiled on the basis of plant collection. Life form and leaf spectra were constructed using the complete list of the plant communities collected from study area. Conservation status of each species was established on the basis of International Union for Conservation of Nature criteria. Results The flora of Nikyal valley consisted of 110 species belonging to 51 families and 98 genera. Poaceae (18 spp.), Asteraceae (10 spp.), Lamiaceae (8 spp.) and Fabaceae (7 spp.) were the leading families in the area. Biological spectrums of 13 different plant communities were grouped into four plant associations on the basis of cluster analysis and detrended correspondence analysis. The data showed that hemicryptophytes (32.73%) were the dominant life form in the area followed by therophytes (23.64%) and nanophanerophytes (22.73%) during monsoon season. Similarly, nanophyllous species (37.27%) followed by microphyllous species (29.09%) remained dominant during monsoon in the investigated area. Conclusions The majority of important plant species of Nikyal valley are critically endangered, therefore effective measures for conservation of plant resources of the valley are urgently needed. We recommend the floristic life-form spectrum technique if working in sufficiently large areas, because it could provide an indication of the prevailing phytoclimate.

Threats to Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus murghi) in Deva Vatala National Park, District Bhimber, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

Aim: The aim of this study was to document threats to Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus murghi). Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in Deva Vatala National Park, Bhimber Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan from May 2010 to June 2011. Methodology: The data on threats to Red Junglefowl were collected by using a combination of Original Research Article Akrim et al.; ARRB, 6(1): 59-65, 2015; Article no.ARRB.2015.063 60 methods which included semi-structured interviews, participatory observations and group discussions with local community. Results: Major threats faced by Red Junglefowl in the study area were egg picking (88%) followed by hunting (16.40%), disturbance (12%), chick capturing (9.60%) and habitat degradation (9.20%). Majority of local people (44.80%) believed that they see Red Junglefowl less frequently as compared to past whereas, (32.40%) believe that its sighting has been increased during past few years while (22.80%) had no idea about increase or decrease of sightings. Shepherds were major group responsible for causing threats to Red Junglefowl (70.40%) followed by hunters (20.40%) and farmers (9.20%). According to our findings (89.20%) people liked Red Junglefowl whereas, (19.60%) people neither like or dislike it while a little proportion of people (1.60%) dislike Red Junglefowl. Majority of people (54.40%) thought that Red Junglefowl should be conserved whereas, (36%) believed that it should not be conserved while (9.60%) did not supported either conservation or exploitation. Conclusion: Red Junglefowl is facing many threats in the study area among them egg picking followed by hunting are major threats.