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ThesisItem Open Access SPIDER DIVERSITY IN RELATION TO FLORAL COMPOSITION OF FOREST PRESERVATION PLOTS (Accession No. T06717)(dbskkv., Dapoli, 2019) PHULARI, VISHAL; Patil, V.K.Konkan region of Maharashtra is a part of the Western Ghats – Sri Lanka biodiversity hotspot. It has rich diversity of flora and fauna. Spiders are an important component of this diversity but remain unexplored. Forests of this region are host to numerous species of spiders. But a region-wide survey of spiders in forest habitats has not been conducted so far. Therefore, a study was undertaken to document the diversity and abundances of spiders in forest preservation plots of Konkan region, along with the diversity of flora. Nineteen forest preservation plots established by Maharashtra forest department in Konkan region were selected for this study. They are located in the districts of Palghar, Raigad, Thane, Mumbai and Sindhudurg. The study was conducted from January to April 2019. Sampling was done inside the 10 x 10 m size quadrant marked in the forest preservation plots. Each preservation plot had 5 quadrants; thus, totalling 95 quadrants. Flora in each quadrant was documented by counting all trees and shrubs. Spiders were sampled using vegetation beating and litter sorting methods. In each quadrant a separate sample of 10 minutes duration was obtained using each method. Total of 2,534 individual tree and shrub species were identified. They belonged to 111 species representing 94 genera of 43 families. Further, total 2,369 individuals spiders were recorded in this study. They belonged to 131 species, 85 genera of 23 families. Flora and spider diversity of forest preservation plots were compared. Similarly, comparison was done at district and taluka level by pooling the data of preservation plots for respective district and taluka. A total of 44, 39, 38 , 35 tree and shrubs species were identified from Sarani, Talavali, Chahade & Morle, Amboli preservation plots respectively. There is no clear trend of floral species richness among preservation plots of south and north Konkan. On the other hand, the higher values of 63, 61, 53, 51 and 49 spider species were recorded in Hewale, Tamboli, Narur, Bambarde and Ugade preservation plots respectively. These all being in Sindhudurg district, It is obvious that Southern Konkan has high spider species richness as compared to Northern Konkan. Araneidae and Salticidae were the dominant families in case of overall number of species and followed by Thomisidae. Among the plant families, Fabaceae was most dominant comprising 13 species and 13 genera, followed by Moraceae with 8 species and 4 genera. Diversity indices of the plant community and spider community in different sampled units point to their different structural attributes. In case of plant diversity, the indices varied considerably. Among 19 preservation plots, Talavali had highest Simpson index (0.962) and Shannon index (3.485), Sarni had highest values of Fisher’s alpha (18.76) and Chao-1 (46), whereas Matheran had the highest Dominance (0.209). Among 12 talukas, Dodamarg had highest Shannon index (3.518) and Chao-1 (72), Vikramgad had highest Simpson index (0.962) and Fisher’s alpha (18.68), whereas Karjat had highest Dominance (0.209). Among 5 districts, whereas Sindhudurg had highest values of Simpson index (0.965) and Chao-1 (84), Palghar had highest values of Shannon index (3.795) and Fisher’s alpha (23.71), Raigad had highest Dominance (0.079). These values do not indicate to a clear trend in plant diversity between Southern and Northern Konkan. Similarly, spider diversity indices also varied considerably. Among the 19 preservation plots, Tamboli had the highest values of Simpson index (0.969), Shannon index (3.765), Fisher’s alpha (32.62), whereas the Sarni had highest Dominance (0.08) and Amboli had highest Chao-1 (113). Among 12 talukas, Sawantwadi had highest values of Simpson index (0.972) and Fisher’s alpha (32.98), Dodamarg had highest values of Shannon index (3.961) and Chao-1 (117.3), whereas Dahanu had the highest Dominance (0.088). Among 5 districts, whereas Sindhudurg had highest values of all diversity indices (Simpson index 0.972, Shannon index 4.045, Fisher’s alpha 32.18, Chao-1 135.1), Mumbai had the highest value of Dominance (0.053). Overall, these results indicate that spider diversity is richer in Southern Konkan than Northern Konkan. The Pearson’s R values between corresponding diversity indices of flora and spiders ranged from 0.046 to 0.204 indicating that there was no correlation between diversity indices of flora and diversity indices of spiders in preservation plots. It was obvious as there was no clear gradient in floral diversity despite a somewhat clear trend in spider diversity. Thus, indicating that spider diversity in forests is dependent not only on floral diversity but some other extraneous factors are influencing it. Turnover of species and families i.e. beta diversity contributes to the overall diversity of the landscape. This was measured using Whittaker’s beta value. In case of plant species, the highest turnover was recorded between Matheran-Parali (0.897) among preservation plots, between Karjat-Wada (0.9) among Taluka, and between Mumbai-Sindhudurg (0.564) among districts. In case of plant families, the highest turnover was recorded between Parali-Amboli (0.631) among preservation plots, between Karjat-Vikramgad (0.612) among Talukas, and between Mumbai-Palghar (0.358) among districts. Thus, while plant species varied considerably among districts of southern and northern Konkan, the same was not observed at taluka or preservation plots level. Also, families did not show similar trends even at district level. Similarly, for spider species, highest turnover was recorded between Sarni-Insuli (0.709) among preservation plots, Karjat-Dodamarg (0.706) among talukas, and Mumbai-Sindhudurg (0.652) among districts. For spider families, the highest turnover was recorded between Matheran-Parali (0.5) among preservation plots, Karjat-Wada (0.5) among talukas, Sindhudurg-Mumbai (0.312) among districts. Here, on the contrary, the spider species varied at all levels of sampling between southern Konkan and northern Konkan. But similar trend was not found in spider families.ThesisItem Open Access “REGENERATION AND PROPAGATION STUDIES IN TREMA ORIENTALIS (L.) BLUME” (Accession No. T06721)(dbskkv., Dapoli, 2019) JADHAV, PRATIK BHIMRAO; Patil, V. K.Trema orientalis (L). Blume is a native pioneer tree species which is extensively used in medicine and holds potential for several phyto-medicines. The tree seems to be potential candidate for restoration of forest habitats. It is observed to be naturally regenerating, quick establishing, fast growing and good coppicing. Apart from these, the tree shows great potential for use in pulp and paper industry, charcoal industry. There have been no attempts at domestication of this species. Therefore, it is essential to highlight the usefulness of this species and promote its plantation in main-stream forestry, social and agroforestry. In order to fulfil the requirement for domestication and conservation of this species, the present study was proposed to study the seed traits seed germination, and vegetative propagation in Trema orientalis. Experiments were undertaken at College of Forestry, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Maharashtra. Seed traits, such as length, width, weight, and moisture content did not vary within the seed source i.e. campus of the University. Encouraged by the earlier research carried out in Goa University, seed germination trials were conducted in lab as well as in nursery giving 13 pre-sowing treatments. In nursery, an erratic pattern of seed germination was recorded in sand as medium. Germination type is epigeal and the first seed germinated after 9 days. Very poor germination was observed in all pre-sowing treatments. For lab experiment, consistent pattern of seed germination was recorded with 89.33 mean germination percentage for overall experiment. The first seed germinated after 6 days. However, seed treated with Concentrated sulphuric acid for 15 min recorded 100 percent seed germination and enhanced germination up to 32% increment over control. Similarly, it enhanced germination up to 10 to 14% increment over cold water treatments. i.e. Soaking seeds in water for 24 hrs and 48 hrs respectively. The lab germinated seedlings were planted in root-trainers and showed good survival percentage. For propagation through stem cutting, it was found that maximum percent sprouting (66.04%) took place in the cuttings planted in the month of November. Wounding at the base of cuttings significantly positively influenced sprouting percentage and days to sprout for cuttings planted in the months of both August & November. Among all different treatment combinations wounded cuttings required minimum days to sprout as compared to non-wounded cuttings. Maximum sprouting percentage was recorded in treatments: control with 2-4 mm diameter class and wounding at the base (W1C1D1) and 200 ppm IBA with 5-6 mm diameter class and wounding at the base (W1C2D2) as compared to all treatments. The sprouted cuttings, however, failed to survive and in both months, the cuttings withered out and died despite proper care and plant protection measures. From present study it can be concluded that propagation of T. orientalis through seed in nursery is difficult compared to that in the lab. Fruits of this plant are eaten profusely by several birds. It is possible that the seed passing through their guts gain treatment and are able to naturally germinate in the wild. The media needs to be standardize further. It can also be concluded that considerable work is needed to standardize propagation through stem cuttings.ThesisItem Open Access Marketing of Manga Bamboo in Sindhudurg District(DBSKKV., Dapoli, 2016-05-12) Bhuwad, Vishwajit; Mhaiske, vTHESIS ABSTRACT 1. Title of the thesis : “Marketing of Manga Bamboo (Dendrocalamus stocksii) in Sindhudurg District of Maharashtra State.” 2. Full name of Student : Mr. Vishwajit Vijay Bhuwad 3. Name and address of major advisor : Mr. V. M. Mhaiske Assistant Professor, College of Forestry, Dapoli. 4. Degree to be awarded : M. Sc. (Forestry) 5. Year of award of degree : 2016 6. Major subject : Natural Resource Management Abstract The present study entitled “Marketing of Manga Bamboo (Dendrocalamus stocksii) in Sindhudurg District of Maharashtra State” was undertaken to understand the present system of marketing system along with marketing constraints. The data for the present investigation pertains to the year 2014-15 was collected from 130 manga bamboo producers and 20 market functionaries during the month of December-March, 2015-16. The results of the study indicated that, at overall level average per farm production of manga bamboo was 1336.86 numbers out of this 83.90 per cent was marketable surplus and remaining 16.10 per cent used by farmers for domestic use. In marketing of manga bamboo four channels were observed viz., Channel-I producer→ Contractor→ Retailer→ Consumer, Channel-II Producer→ Village trader→ Retailer→ Consumer, Channel-III Producer→ Commission Agent/wholesaler→ Retailer→ Consumer and Channel-IV Producer→ processer→ Retailer→ Consumer. Out of total sampling, majority (59) of producers were used Channel-II, followed by Channel-I, Channel-III and Channel-IV, whereas maximum quantity (30.96 %) was passed through Channel-I. Per truck load highest marketing cost was observed in Channel-I (Rs. 32912.00) and lowest in Channel-IV (RS. 10543.00). The producer’s share in consumer’s price was highest (63.76 %) in Channel-IV and was lowest (52.90 %) in Channel-III. marketing efficiency was much higher in channel IV (25.78) than that of channel III (4.33), channel I (3.80) and channel I (3.47). The higher market margin in Channel-IV and Channel-III resulted in to poor efficiency in these channels. The major problems faced by manga bamboo producers in marketing of bamboo were, lack of current market information on bamboo price and prevailing more transportation cost. Labour shortage regarding marketing and production was major problem with 69.24 per cent at overall level. Majority of manga bamboo producers suggested for establishment of bamboo market in Sindhudurg district, current market rates must be provided to farmers and minimum support price must be fixed by the government. On the basis of the results it is suggested that, to improve marketing system of manga bamboo, market infrastructure on co-operative basis is essential in study area. (Key Words: Marketing, Manga Bamboo, Problems, Marketing Channel, Sindhudurg District,) Date: 30 / 5 / 2016 (Vishwajit Vijay Bhuwad) Place: DapoliThesisItem Open Access Crop Raiding by Elephants in Sindhudurg District(DBSKKV., Dapoli, 2016-05-17) Patil, Milind; patil, VinayakCOLLEGE OF FORESTRY DR. BALASAHEB SAWANT KONKAN KRISHI VIDYAPEETH (AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY) DAPOLI, DIST. RATNAGIRI, MAHARASHTRA 415712 (INDIA) Title of the Thesis : Crop raiding by elephants in Sindhudurg district: trends, patterns and people’s perceptions Name of Student : Milind Digambar Patil Reg. Number : FDPM-14-47 Discipline : Forestry Major Field : Natural Resource Management Minor Field : Environment Management Degree Awarded : M.Sc. Forestry Year : 2016 ABSTRACT For nearly 15 years, there is brewing a new and intense issue of human-wildlife conflict in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. Elephants had never been in this district for known history. But they came from neighbouring Karnataka and started expanding their range through this district. This problem was novel to the Forest Department as well as the people. One important aspect of this was crop raiding at a scale not known earlier. Several measures were taken to resolve the problem but almost all failed miserably. Brief studies especially on social issues were conducted but ecological aspects were mostly ignored. Present study was conducted to fill this gap. Data on crop raiding incidences was available through the crop compensation registers maintained by the Forest Department. It was obtained for the period between 2002 and 2015 from corresponding Range Forest Offices. Information was available on 9148 crop raiding cases in all but one talukas of Sindhudurg district. The database revealed that 244 villages (33% of the total villages in Sindhudurg) were affected by crop-raiding by elephants. The worst affected talukas in terms of villages affected and no. of crop raiding cases were Kudal, Sawantwadi and Dodamarg. Thirty six different crops were damaged out of which coconut (44%), rice (22%), banana (20%) and areca palm (8%) were the worst affected. Crop raiding records showed that in all 4598 farmers claimed compensation. Of which 64% claimed only once; 30% claimed between 2-5 times and 6% claimed more than five times during 2002 to 2015. The total compensation amount given by the forest department to the claimants was 11,33,70,904. Over the years, the problem of crop raiding by elephants progressed from southeastern Sindhudurg towards north. Pattern of this progression was studied and it was found that in the earlier years, elephant crop raiding was exploratory and widespread in nature. In the later years, however, it become more concentrated in Kudal taluka typically shows a high-intensity core zone. To assess the spatial patterns and vulnerability of villages Crop Raiding Vulnerability Index (CRVI) was formulated and calculated for each village. It was useful to identify crop raiding hotspots. It was found to be performing well and providing more meaningful ecological information compared to Crop Raiding Frequency (CRF) and Relative Crop Raiding Intensity (RCRI) in the present study situation. It was observed that crop raiding frequency was higher during winter season followed by monsoon and still lower in the summer. November and December months formed a peak of crop raiding. Rice is a recognized attractant for the elephants. And the raiding on coconut is collateral damage at least when the rice is in fields. But immediately after rice is harvested, the elephants are still attracted to paddies and not finding rice, they go on rampaging the coconut. People’s perception survey of 180 farmers from 12 different villages in high conflict zone revealed that around 40% of the respondents were not even applying for getting compensation for each raiding event. Moreover, more than 20% of the claims submitted were rejected by Forest Department for various reasons. More than 95% of the respondents replied that elephants should be protected despite the higher level of crop raiding. They were also receptive to the potential changes in cropping pattern. Date: 30 / 05 / 2016 Place: Dapoli Milind D. PatilThesisItem Open Access CROP RAIDING BY ELEPHANTS IN SINDHUDURG DISTRICT TRENDS, PATTERNS AND PEOPLE’S PERCEPTIONS(DBSKKV., Dapoli, 2016-05-17) Patil, Milind; Patil, VinayakFor nearly 15 years, there is brewing a new and intense issue of human-wildlife conflict in Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. Elephants had never been in this district for known history. But they came from neighbouring Karnataka and started expanding their range through this district. This problem was novel to the Forest Department as well as the people. One important aspect of this was crop raiding at a scale not known earlier. Several measures were taken to resolve the problem but almost all failed miserably. Brief studies especially on social issues were conducted but ecological aspects were mostly ignored. Present study was conducted to fill this gap. Data on crop raiding incidences was available through the crop compensation registers maintained by the Forest Department. It was obtained for the period between 2002 and 2015 from corresponding Range Forest Offices. Information was available on 9148 crop raiding cases in all but one talukas of Sindhudurg district. The database revealed that 244 villages (33% of the total villages in Sindhudurg) were affected by crop-raiding by elephants. The worst affected talukas in terms of villages affected and no. of crop raiding cases were Kudal, Sawantwadi and Dodamarg.