Journal of Fauna Biodiversity JFB (print ISSN: 3007-5041; online ISSN: 3007-6102) publishes original works in the fields of animal taxonomy and systematics (both living and fossil), zoogeography, animal ecology and behavior, population biology, impact of environmental pollution on fauna, biodiversity studies and nature conservation problems of international interest. Taxonomic revisions and monographs are especially welcome. Annotated checklists, type catalogues, etc. may also be considered. Publication Frequency: Quarterly Publication Language: English
Association of International Scientists for biological studies
A catalogue of tri-trophic associations of arthropod predators of aphids (Homoptera: Aphididae) in different districts of Himachal Pradesh, India
The study presents a comprehensive synthesis of aphidophagous predator diversity and their tri-trophic associations (predator–aphid–host plant) across the agroecological zones of Himachal Pradesh. A total of 85 predator species, encompassing various arthropod taxa, were documented preying on 73 aphid species infesting 75 host plants, forming 378 distinct associations across 10 districts. Among the insect predators, Coccinellidae emerged as the most dominant group (39 species, 218 associations), followed by Syrphidae (22 species, 113 associations) and Neuroptera (7 species, 21 associations). Generalist species such as Coccinella septempunctata, Episyrphus balteatus, and Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi displayed wide prey ranges and broad geographical distributions, indicating their ecological versatility and significance in aphid suppression. Non-insect predators, particularly spiders (16 species across nine families), contributed 27 tri-trophic associations from six districts, with Thomisidae being the most species-rich family. Spatially, Solan, Kangra, and Shimla districts supported the highest number of associations, reflecting their diverse cropping systems and favourable climatic conditions. High-altitude regions such as Kinnaur and Lahaul & Spiti also harboured notable predator diversity, demonstrating the adaptability of aphidophagous guilds to extreme environments. Overall, the findings reveal a highly structured and ecologically resilient predator community, dominated by generalist taxa that function across diverse habitats and elevations. This dataset provides crucial baseline information for biodiversity conservation. It highlights the potential of native aphidophagous predators in developing sustainable, region-specific Integrated Pest Management strategies for the temperate and sub-temperate agroecosystems of Himachal Pradesh.
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First photographic record of royle’s pika (Ochotona roylei) in Ganderbal District, Jammu and Kashmir
Royle’s Pika (Ochotona roylei Ogilby, 1839) is a poorly documented alpine lagomorph of the western Himalaya. A single individual was recorded on 16 May 2024 in Waliwar forest, Ganderbal District, Jammu and Kashmir, at 2,757 m a.s.l. The sighting occurred along a forest trail within a dense Aesculus indica patch, where the animal showed typical rock-dwelling behavior using boulder crevices for concealment. This record adds to the limited distributional data from the Kashmir Valley and highlights the importance of forest-alpine transition habitats, emphasizing the need for focused ecological studies and conservation attention for the species.
Plant reproductive stage shapes bird–plant interactions in urban residential landscapes of Jos, Nigeria
Urban vegetation supports bird communities by providing food resources, shelter, and perching sites. However, how plant reproductive stages influence bird visitation patterns in African urban environments remains poorly understood. This study examined bird–plant interactions in residential areas of Jos, North-central Nigeria, focusing on the influence of plant species identity and reproductive stage on visitation frequency and behavior. Field observations were conducted at 40 systematic point count locations across Jos North and Jos South metropolitan areas. Bird–plant interactions feeding, perching, and nesting were recorded on selected urban plants. A total of 171 interaction records were documented involving 50 bird species and 18 plant species. Urban-adapted generalist species, particularly village weavers, doves, sunbirds, and sparrows, accounted for most interactions. Visitation frequency varied significantly among plant species; Tithonia diversifolia, Borassus aethiopum, and Elaeis guineensis recorded the highest levels. Generalized linear models with overdispersion assessment showed that flowering plants received significantly higher visitation frequencies than fruiting or non-reproductive plants. Feeding interactions were predominantly associated with flowering and fruiting plants, while perching occurred across all reproductive stages. These findings indicate that plant reproductive stage shapes bird visitation patterns in urban residential landscapes. Retaining and incorporating flowering and fruit-bearing species within urban green spaces may support bird habitat use and ecological interactions in rapidly urbanizing tropical cities.