Savitribai Phule Pune University is known for its biodiversity in Pune. In the present study, we have analyzed changes which have occurred on the campus and surrounding area over the last 40 years. Of the 90 bird species reported in the campus and Khadki pond in 1976, we failed to notice 34 species in 2018. A major reason for the decline in bird diversity could be changes in the campus habitat from low scrub jungle, fallow lands and grassland to buildings, roads, and exotic plantations. Increase in human settlement surrounding the campus may also be a contributing factor. Replacing exotic plants by indigenous plant species and control of land use can prevent further loss of biodiversity.
We studied the reptilian diversity in and around five man-made wetlands in Amboli hill complex of the northern Western Ghats, in the monsoon seasons from 2011 to 2015. During the study we recorded 37 reptile species: 26 snakes, 10 lizards, and one turtle. Several endemic, range-restricted and newly-described species were recorded. We recorded the Indian Black Turtle Melanochelys trijuga, which is under ‘Near Threatened’ category of IUCN Red List 2020. We observed the greatest species richness at Gavase and Dhangarmola wetlands, followed by Khanapur, Yarandol, and Ningudage.
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