Novel Records of Testate Amoebae (Protozoa: Tubulinea and Cercozoa) from Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Agastyamala Biosphere Reserve, Kerala

Author: Bindu L.

Download PDF

Abstract

Studies on testate amoebae in Western Ghats of Kerala is meagre inspite of its rich biodiversity and only one species Quadrulella elegans Gauthier-Lievre, 1958 is reported from Peppara WLS, part of Agastyamala BR. Therefore, a study to document the moss inhabitant testate diversity was carried out and has filled the lacuna of TA study in the sanctuary to form the foundation for further investigation. The study revealed the occurrence of a total of 26 species belonging to 9 genera and 7 families. This report forms the baseline information for testate amoebae of Peppara WLS suggesting the high diversity of testate fauna in the protected area which can be still higher if further explored.

Keywords

Agastyamala BR, Peppara WLS, Mosses, Protozoa, Testate amoebae, Kerala.

Conclusion

Testate amoebae are the least explored group of protozoans and the results of the present study gives the baseline information on this important fauna and elaborate studies would be helpful to explore the bioindicator species and thus to assess the health of the forest ecosystem.

References

-

How to cite this article

Bindu L. (2022). Novel records of testate amoebae (Protozoa: Tubulinea and Cercozoa) from Peppara Wildlife Sanctuary, Agastyamala Biosphere Reserve, Kerala. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 14(1): 1284-1286.