This study was on nest and its site, measurement and building time of Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) and White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) in Bangladesh. After pair formation, both species chose nearly 90 0 sloppy sandy-loam areas for nesting. The nests were tunnel-like, the length of which were 31 to 48 cm (median 36.5 cm, n = 8) for Common Kingfisher and 44 to 86 cm (median 59.25 cm, n = 10) for White-throated Kingfisher. The horizontal diameter of the outer opening of the hole of White-throated Kingfisher was almost double (6.5 to 14 cm, median 9.5 cm, n = 10) than Common Kingfisher (3.8 to 5 cm, median 4.25 cm, n = 8), whereas the vertical diameter was almost same (Common: 7.7 to 10 cm, median 4.25 cm, n = 8; and White-throated: 7.5 to 12 cm, median 10.5 cm, n = 10). The average horizontal and vertical diameters of ovalshaped egg chamber of Common Kingfisher were, 11 to 15 cm, respectively (median 12.7 cm, n = 8) and 11 to 13 cm (median 11.6 cm, n = 8) and Whitethroated Kingfisher 11 to 21 cm (median 17 cm, n = 10) and 10 to 16 cm (median 12 cm, n = 10). Both species reused old nests through cleaning (37.5% in Common Kingfisher and 50% in White-throated Kingfisher) and the nest building periods were 12 to 20 days (16.1 ± 2.5 days, n = 8) and 8 to 18 days (13.2 ± 3.5 days, n = 10), respectively.
Studies on the population status, distribution and conservation issues of the Gangetic dolphin Platanista gangetica gangetica were undertaken in the river Buriganga from November 2003 to November 2004. A total of 29 sightings with the highest of five sightings and a best-high-low estimate of 9-11-7 individuals were recorded in November 2004, while in the months of August and October no dolphin was observed. The mean density was 0.25 dolphin/km and the highest encounter rate was 0.29 sightings/km. Of the total sightings, 41.38% were in the groups of more than one individuals. Of the observed dolphins, 71.43% were adults,16.66% maturing and 11.9% young. The dolphins were found in 15 locations with both single as well as multiple sightings. Main threat to the dolphins was found to be pollution followed by traffic load and dredging activities. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjz.v40i1.12890 Bangladesh J. Zool. 40(1): 21-31, 2012
Rodents are regarded as crop pests, significant reservoirs and vectors for many zoonotic diseases around the world. Basic taxonomic information of rodents present in a locality can help understand which species are responsible as crop pest in that habitat. The phenomenon of the 50-year cycle of gregarious bamboo flowering and rodent outbreaks in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh, rodents trapping were carried out in four habitats from March, 2009 to December, 2011 in Ruma upazila of Bandarban hill district. Variety of traps were used to capture small mammals. The captured species were measured and identified using taxonomical dichotomous keys and DNA bar-coding performed in Australia. A total of 14 different small mammalian species were captured of which nine belonging to the Muridae family, and one species each of Spalacidae, Sciuridae, Tupaiidae and Soricidae families. The dominant small mammal species captured were Rattus rattus (54.06%) followed by Mus musculus (26.39%), Rattus nitidus (10.98%), Suncus murinus (5.45%), Mus terricolor (1.09%), Mus cookii nagarum (0.97%), Cannomys badius (0.16%), Leopoldamys edwardsi (0.12%), Berylmys bowersi (0.12%), Vernaya fulva (0.08%), Rattus andamanensis (0.08%), Tupaia glis (0.04%) and Callosciurus pygerythrus (0.04%). Rattus nitidus, Leopoldamys edwardsi, Vernaya fulva, Rattus andamanensis, Berylmys bowersi and Mus cookii nagarum are new records of rodent species in Bangladesh. Ten individuals of Mus spp. (0.40%) were not identified to species level, requiring further genetic analysis to determine their species. The implications of these discoveries are discussed in terms of agricultural pests.
Spotted flapshell turtle, Lissemys punctata was found in all types of habitats of Bangladesh. Of the 9 categories of habitats studied, the highest number (17.42%) of the turtle species was found in marshland followed by puddles (17.26%), agriculture fields (17.12%), streams (12.1%), canals (10.54%), tanks (10.39%), derelict ponds (9.18%) and domestic ponds (6.08%). Most of the time the turtle was found in burrowing condition (55.83%), rarely it was observed in feeding (7.2%) condition. The turtle seem to have a considerably higher tolerant in all types of environment, so it may be possible to set-up turtle farm commercially in Bangladesh. Key words: Spotted flapshell turtle, ecology, habitat preference, behavioral patterns. doi: 10.3126/eco.v15i0.1943 ECOPRINT 15: 59-67, 2008
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