The Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany (MPA) biodiversity hotspot (~274 316 km 2 ) was primarily recognised based on its high plant endemism. Here we present the results of a qualitative biogeographical study endemic vertebrate fauna south-eastern Africa, in an exercise that (1) refines delimitation MPA hotspot, (2) defines zoogeographical units and (3) identifies areas Initially listed 62 species 60 near to updating previous checklists. Then distributions 495 taxa Africa were reviewed 23 (EVDs:...

Limitations in breeding source reduction practices, development of insecticide resistance mosquitoes, and ill effects chemical controlling methods on human ecosystem health have motivated Sri Lankan authorities working for dengue control to seek alternative, ecofriendly, sustainable approaches Aedes vectors, manage epidemics. The present study attempted investigate the predation efficiency locally available dragonfly nymphs over aegypti under laboratory conditions, aiming evaluate potential...

Abstract The current distribution of biotic lineages that emerged in the deep time has both theoretical and practical implications, particular for understanding processes have forged present-day biodiversity informing local regional-scale conservation efforts. To date however, there been no examination such patterns globally across taxa geological time. Here we map diversity selected extant seed plant tetrapod vertebrate were already existence either latest Triassic or Cretaceous. For...

Invertebrates in general have long been underrepresented studies on biodiversity, biogeography and conservation. Boundaries of biodiversity hotspots are often delimited intuitively based floristic endemism seldom empirically tested using actual species distributions, especially invertebrates. Here we analyse the zoogeography terrestrial malacofauna from south-eastern Africa (SEA), proposing first mollusc-based numerical regionalisation for area. We also discuss patterns centres land snail...

Botanical work since 2008 on the Sleeping Giant section of Kamdebooberge (Sneeuberg mountain complex, Eastern Cape, South Africa) has indicated that these mountains may be significant conservation value. Accordingly, a precursory, rapid multi-disciplinary biodiversity assessment was undertaken in January 2011, focusing plants, tetrapod vertebrates and leafhoppers. The botanical results confirm as being high value, hosting three strict endemics, healthy populations five other Sneeuberg fynbos...

We use numerical methods to explore patterns of vertebrate endemism in south-eastern Africa, refining the boundaries intuitively-defined Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany biodiversity hotspot, also proposing a zoogeographic regionalisation. An incidence matrix 300 species endemic Africa sensu lato 37 operational geographic units were used (a) phenetic cluster analysis (PCA) using algorithm unweighted pair-group method with arithmetic averages (phenetic approach), and (b) parsimony endemicity (PAE;...

Invertebrates make up the majority of all living species on earth. Nevertheless, our understanding global distribution terrestrial biodiversity and regional patterns therein has thus far been almost entirely based vertebrate vascular plant patterns. Here we try to provide some information biogeography largest invertebrate order, beetles (Coleoptera). We compile analyse a database beetle distributions, containing presence-absence data for 177 coleopteran families across 827 ecoregions. map...

This study is aimed at evaluating the relationship between endogenous testosterone levels and antler development in male sambar deer ( Rusa unicolor ) inhabiting Horton Plains National Park, Sri Lanka. Seven growth stages of were documented based on phenotypic observations for first time Lanka as (a) cast, (b) growing 1—single spike, (c) 2—antler fork into a Y second tine appears, (d) 3—velvet begins to harden third (e) completed—velvet shedding begins, (f) hard antler, (g) casting. Fecal...

Belihuloya situated in a biogeographical transition zone south-central Sri Lanka is being threatened by land-use changes. Establishing baseline biodiversity knowledge of an indicator taxon within this lesser explored area, the present study systematically assessed its Odonate fauna different habitat types through transect survey supplemented with incidental observations. Further, morphology larvae and exuvia some Odonates were opportunistically documented from selected water bodies. Transect...

Beetles represent the most diverse group of living organisms on Earth, yet there has been very little in way using beetle distributions bioregionalization exercises. Here, we combine several small data sets for South Africa to produce a list morphospecies and analyze their presence within twenty geographic units spanning entire country. We find diversity fine scale assemblages east, but also disjunction between western arid/winter-rainfall eastern summer-rainfall half country, which is line...

Purpose : Fish species of the family Channidae, commonly known as snakeheads, represent biggest and most caught native freshwater in Sri Lanka. Despite importance for biodiversity fisheries Lanka, members this are one least studied on taxonomic status geographic distribution.Research Method As an initial step a study to revise taxonomy biogeography fish Channidae based molecular phylogenetic morphological relationships biogeographical affinities, authors reviewed all available published...

Fish genetic resources and diversity are very important aspects of environmental management fisheries vital for making decisions on their commercial exploitation as well conservation. The snakehead fishes in the world have significant economic importance food ornamental fish. A clear understanding species' taxonomic status is utilization implementation conservation practices. Channa orientalis a endemic to Sri Lanka that heavily utilized fish export trade. Its has not yet been fully...

ABSTRACT This study establishes the relationship between testosterone concentration with different antler phases in male sambar deer ( Rusa unicolor ) inhabiting Horton plains National Park, Sri Lanka (HPNP). Antler growth of was categorized into seven phases; Cast (C), Growing single spike (GS), a Y as first tine appears (GIY), Velvet begins to harden third appears(GVT), Growth completed - velvet shedding (VS), Hard (HA), Casting (CT) based on phenotypic observations. The fecal samples were...

This study examines the length of estrous cycle in 16 Sambar deer hinds National zoological gardens Dehiwala and Kegalle, Sri Lanka (NZGDK) assessed with use changes progesterone concentrations, along profile this hormone by visual estrus manifestations. The objectives present were to characterize ovarian activity throughout non-pregnant luteal phase captive sambar Lanka. These achieved radioimmunoassay (RIA) measure fecal concentrations manifestation. Fecal samples collected from (aged 2–4...

Abstract We estimated the population density and investigated social organization of sambar ( Rusa unicolor ) in Horton Plains National Park (HPNP), Sri Lanka. Distance sampling was conducted along six strip transects every month for a period over 3 years (2018–2020) to estimate grasslands HPNP (9.4 km 2 ), while antler stage males behavior individuals were recorded describe population's reproductive hence organization. Population estimates showed relative stability varied seasons but with...

Land clearance and land use changes are known to affect bird communities greatly. Birds ecologically important as they contribute ecosystem services, sensitive habitat change act an indicator taxon. Different types support different avifaunal primarily determined by the resource availability. An survey was hence conducted in home gardens, paddy fields, secondary forest patches Pinus plantations Belihuloya, Rathnapura District, within intermediate zone of Sri Lanka from February June 2019...

A standard table was developed to facilitate the unambiguous identification of growth stages and gender sambar deer (Rusa unicolor unicolor) calves from newborn one year in Horton plains national park, Sri Lanka (HPNP). This by evaluating phenotypic characteristics (n=97±34) known 2018. prepared based on their sex, shape snout, head forehead between ears, size ears for face, neck, body, belly, back, body behavior. The accuracy tested using experienced people (n=30) who are regular visitors...