Faunal Diversity of the Little Rann of Kachchh (LRK), Gujarat, India

Abstract

A study on vertebrate faunal diversity (i.e., diversity of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians) of the Little Rann of Kachchh (LRK), Gujarat, India was conducted from October 2015 to March 2017. The Little Rann of Kachchh (LRK) represents a unique ecosystem with combination of saline desert and a vast seasonal wetland. A large portion of the LRK is under legal protection as the Wild Ass Sanctuary (WAS). Islands (locally called bet) are the unique sub ecosystems in the ecosystem of Little Rann of Kachchh. There are around 74 bets and "dhasi" in the LRK. Owing to their relatively better vegetation status, bet"s also support relatively rich fauna. Western, Eastern, Southern and Northern fringe areas of The Rann also have good habitat diversity and hence, they too have good fauna. A total of 260 species of wild vertebrates (i.e., mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians) were recorded during the present study. They included 26 species of mammals, 210 species of birds, 20 species of reptiles and 4 species of amphibians.

Evaluation of Phytochemicals and Bioactive Properties in Mangrove Associate Suaeda monoica Forssk. ex J.F.Gmel. of Indian Sundarbans

“…In folklore medicine, the Suaeda group of plants are used as fodder (Ishnava et al, 2011) against rheumatism, paralysis, asthma, snake-bites, skin disease and ulcer (Kathiresan and Ramanathan, 1997;Muthazhagan et al, 2014). Again, leaves of such plants are used as antiviral, antibacterial and wound healing activities (Manivachagam et al, 2008;Ravikumar et al, 2010Ravikumar et al, , 2011, besides as insecticide (Fahmy et al, 2003) and antiplasmodial against Plasmodium falciparum (Sundaram et al, 2011).…”