Goutam Kumar Saha

University of Calcutta · Department of Zoology

Genetic association studies of asthma have long been used to detect candidate genes involved in the disease pathogenesis. Asthma genetics is not a much-explored area in India. Still, several candidate genes for asthma are identified through population-based study and the most common method is the case–control study for searching single nucleotide p...

State of West Bengal is the last stronghold for fishing cats in the country. Although Fishing cats has been mentioned as a vulnerable wetland species, few works have been conducted on their distribution pattern, habitat or ecology. Our study uses camera traps in various urban and rural wetland areas of South Bengal spanning more than 60,000 km2 to...

State of West Bengal is the last stronghold for fishing cats in the country. Although Fishing cats has been mentioned as a vulnerable wetland species, few works have been conducted on their distribution pattern, habitat or ecology. Our study uses camera traps in various urban and rural wetland areas of southern West Bengal spanning more than 67,000...

Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are known for their irritating biting habits and disease transmitting vectors. An approximately 3600 species of mosquitoes are recorded worldwide under the 2 major subfamilies Anophelinae and Culicini. The subfamily Culicini comprises 11 tribes with varied number of genera under them, while the subfamily Anophelinae...

Blood acts as a source of metabolic energy in female mosquitoes and is also essential for viable egg production and higher reproductive fitness. In this context, the host-seeking behaviour of mosquitoes is essential for their survival as well as for the transmission of pathogens from one host to another. Although several mosquitoes show non-specifi...

The freshwater snails and mussels are recognized as ecosystem engineers owing to their ability to influence the ecological processes. We investigated the effect of the snail Filopaludina bengalensis and the mussel Lamellidens marginalis alone and in interaction with the macrophyte Lemna minor on the ecological processes (nutrient dynamics, microbia...

Foraging behaviour plays a significant role in the fitness of animals and is influenced by habitat quality. Habitat change due to rapid urbanization often results in altered behaviour and resource use patterns in animals thriving in such changed habitats. Bats play a crucial role as tree pollinators, seed dispersers and forest regenerators. Particu...

This article documents the genesis and growth of FFPOs and compares the effectiveness of four FFPOs in Odisha using a set of seven indicators-viz., (a) Functioning efficiency (b) Increase in income (c) Increase in farmers' share on consumers' rupee (d) Inclusiveness (e) Sustainability of Farmers Producer Company (f) Level of satisfaction about the...

Several models have been proposed as an extension to the classical Holling’s disc equation to evaluate the predator and prey interactions and their applied aspect in biological control and population regulation of the target organisms. In a one prey and two predator dynamic system with mutual interference (m) as a quadratic parameter of predator de...

A laboratory assessment of desiccation tolerance in larval stages of mosquitoes Anoph-eles stephensi Liston, 1901 (Diptera: Culicidae) and Culex quinquefasciatus Say, 1823 (Diptera: Culicidae) was carried out using five temperature levels and three levels of exposure duration as explanatory variables. The increase in the duration of exposure to des...

The water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) is an invasive species in freshwater ecosystems with potential to alter habitat features and macroinvertebrate community composition. Many freshwater snails are associated with the water hyacinth for food and refuge. In the present study, an assessment of the water hyacinth as an oviposition site of the fre...

The importance of aquaculture is noteworthy in terms of nutritional, employment and livelihood security. Aquaculture extension has also undergone significant changes in order to keep pace with the development in the aquaculture sector. With the spread of the pandemic, extension and advisory services have embraced digital tools in a big way. ICAR-CI...

The bioturbation potential of three freshwater operculate snails, Filopaludina bengalensis, Gabbia orcula and Melanoides tuberculata, was compared, using water column depth and sediment surface area as the explanatory variables. Assessment of nutrient fluxes from sediment to overlying water was estimated in glass microcosms, that varied in height (...

Empowerment levels of women involved in aquaculture-related vocations were measured using the Women Empowerment in Aquaculture Index (WEAI) in Jagatsinghpur, Odisha during 2022-23. Ninety-eight women belonging to 9 randomly chosen women self-help groups were studied using a structured interview schedule. Regression analysis indicated that 53.9 per...

Farmer Producer Organisation (FPO) is a registered body with farmers and producers as shareholders in the organisation. It deals with business activities related to the farm produce and it works for the benefit of the member producers. It focuses on enhancement of farmer’s capacity through advanced agricultural practices to increase productivity. F...

Aqua-farmers often experiment with their limited resources and available means for maximizing returns. Through years of trial and error, they had come up with locally tested and appropriate package of practices which gained popularity among the farmers in similar agro-climatic zones. These innovations often remain unnoticed and the talents of the f...

Fish Farmer Producer Organizations (FFPOs) have emerged as a successful model for promoting sustainable fish farming practices and improving the socio-economic conditions of small scale fish farmers. These collective organizations provide a platform for fish farmers to access technical, financial, and marketing support, which would be difficult to...

(1) Background: The effects of density and the habitat conditions on the prey vulnerability in the Intraguild Predation (IGP) system were evaluated using the water bug D. rusticus as the top predator. (2) Methods: Using two different density levels (low or high) of the dipteran prey (mosquito and chironomid), the IGP system was set with A. bouvieri...

Development of index or tool for measuring social parameters has been a key area of research. This research was carried out during the year 2021 for the measurement and quantification of several variables warrants availability of valid tools. In aquaculture sector, gender mainstreaming efforts has been undertaken by several stakeholders. However, m...

An assessment of the bioturbation potential of seven freshwater snail species was made in a laboratory microcosm study. Two non-operculate species, Indoplanorbis exustus, and Racesina luteola and five operculate species, namely Pila globosa, Filopaludina bengalensis, Gabbia orcula, Melanoides tuberculata, and Brotia costula were considered for the...

Life table features of dengue vectors are significant for the evaluation of the disease transmission potential. Using information on the larval stages thriving in different larval habitats in Kolkata, India, we evaluated life table features of Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) and A. albopictus (Skuse, 1894) (Diptera: Culicidae). Daily monitoring of t...

Background Genetic background of nasal-bronchial allergy (NBA) is well documented. House Dust Mites (HDMs) are reported to elicit NBA symptoms. Susceptibility to HDM sensitization varies considerably from person to person. Interleukin 6 (IL 6) and Interleukin 8 (IL 8) are studied previously for genetic association with several diseases. To the best...

Assessment of occupancy status, as well as projection of suitable habitats and connectivity of wetland indicator species, and thereby identification of potential conservation umbrella and projection of conservation priority areas are often considered important for wetland conservation. Kingfishers are wetland indicators and suffer from habitat degr...

Entomological monitoring of dengue vectors Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) and Ae. albopictus (Skuse, 1894) (Diptera: Culicidae) provides crucial information on the life-history traits (LHTs). An assessment of the LHTs of Aedes mosquitoes was accomplished using randomly collected immature stages from various larval habitats of Kolkata, India. Out of...

Bioturbation is recognized as a deterministic process that sustains the physicochemical properties of the freshwater ecosystem. Irrigation, ventilation, and particle reworking activities made by biotic components on sediment beds influence the flow of nutrients and transport of particles in the sediment–water interface. Thus, the biogenic disturban...

Intraguild predation (IGP) is common in the freshwater insect communities, involving a top predator, intraguild prey (IG prey) and a shared prey. Influence of the habitat complexity on the prey-predator interactions is well established through several studies. In the present instance, the IGP involving the heteropteran predators and the dipteran pr...

Abstract Background: Wetlands provide diverse ecological services to sustain rich biodiversity, but they are recklessly exploited around the globe. East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW; Ramsar site No. 1208, ~ 125 km2) was once very rich in faunal diversity that declined over the years due to various anthropogenic pressures. In such scenarios, effective man...

Suburban areas often include highly fragmented habitats through rapid and unplanned land use changes, which may threaten water birds. River Lapwing Vanellus duvaucelii and Red-wattled Lapwing V. indicus often occur near urban and rural settlements. However, little is known about their habitat requirements, which is crucial for their conservation. W...

Urbanization is noticed across the globe often leading to biotic homogenization. Birds that are able to exploit novel urban conditions to their benefit usually flourish (urban exploiters), some species are tolerant to moderate levels of urbanization (urban adapters) while others avoid and gradually decline in urban areas (urban avoiders). However,...

The red spider mite, Oligonychus coffeae (Nietner) serves as a serious threat to the Darjeeling tea plantations affecting the quality of the leaves. Various plant extracts are currently being researched as an alternative to the chemical pesticides to control the red spider mites. In the present study, the leaves of Vitex negundo L. and the bulb of...

Black-headed Ibis (BHI, Threskiornis melanocephalus) is a ‘near-threatened’, resident, wetland bird of the Indian sub-continent. BHIs are often noticed from natural and man-made wetland habitats situated adjacent to urban and suburban areas. Earlier studies provide ample amount of information on nesting and breeding biology of BHI, whereas studies...

The red spider mite, Oligonychus coffeae (Nietner) serves as a serious threat to the Darjeeling tea plantations affecting the quality of the leaves. Various plant extracts are currently being researched as an alternative to the chemical pesticides to control the red spider mites. In the present study, the leaves of Vitex negundo L. and the bulb of...

Thomisus granulifrons Simon 1906 is recorded from the Indian state of Odisha. The species is reported after 113 years since its original description. Diagnostic characters and photographs are provided along with the distribution map.

Waterbirds constitute a prominent biota and reflect the ecosystem health and functionality of the freshwater wetlands. Documentation of the bird species assemblages of wetlands is therefore carried out as a part of monitoring of wetlands from a sustainability viewpoint. Using the emerging wetland of Purbasthali, West Bengal, India, as a model study...

In human-dominated landscapes, roads are known to negatively influence birds causing decline in species richness, as well as reduction in the number of avian species. However, linear stretches of green spaces formed by roadside plantations in urban streetscapes can support diverse avian communities. In spite of being an integral habitat feature of...

Wetlands, like East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW) in present study, are vulnerable to habitat alteration and other anthropogenic threats affecting avifauna. Consequently, prioritizing avifaunal conservation based on suitable habitats and their connectivity is essential. White-breasted waterhen (WBW, Amaurornis phoenicurus) and bronze-winged jacana (BWJ, M...

The indirect interactions among multiple prey sharing a common predator characterize apparent competition. In conservation biological control involving mosquitoes and controphic prey against generalist insect predators, apparent competition may be a crucial factor determining the extent of success. The possible influence of apparent competition on...

The article discusses ICAR-CIFA's efforts to empower women through aquaculture-related interventions. Through demonstrations and training, several technologies, including integrated fish farming, grow-out culture, and the manufacture of carp seeds, were transferred to women SHGs, improving their socioeconomic status. The idea that women can succeed...

The transportation infrastructures like railway tracks and roads bear negative impacts on natural environment. However, the opposite effects are also true in some instances where the man-made constructions have positive effect on faunal assemblages. This proposition was justified through the assessment of bird species using railway stations as mode...

Little is known about genetic factors and mechanisms underlying shrimp allergy. Genome-wide association studies identified HLA class-II and IL13 genes as highly plausible candidates for shrimp allergy. The present study was designed to investigate potential associations of HLA-DQ rs9275596, IL13 rs20541, and IL13 rs1800925 polymorphisms with challe...

House dust mites play an important role in causing various allergic disorders. Many factors like temperature, humidity as well as different microclimatic conditions may influence mite growth. The aim of this study was to analyse the mite fauna of Kolkata, West Bengal, India. House dust was collected from 20 selected houses located in and around Kol...

Malaria, once a rural disease, expanded for centuries under the stress of urbanization, drought, human migration throughout the world. India describes 58% of disease cases and 400-1,000 deaths annually. Odisha ranks the highest followed by West Bengal. West Bengal accounts for 11% of the malarial disease evidences till date. Six major deadly malari...

Prionailurus viverrinus, a wetland-dependent lesser cat with globally declining population, is suffering from increasing destruction/conversion of wetlands for various anthropogenic use, poaching, retaliatory killing etc. In India, they prefer to thrive in dense emergent vegetation adjoining different wetlands along the east coast and Gangetic plai...

The effect of larval feeding on the life history traits of the mottled emigrant butterfly Catopsilia pyranthe (Linnaeus, 1758) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) was assessed to link life history variations as a function of food availability. The 0-day-old larvae of C. pyranthe were reared with varying quantity of food (100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 and 3200 mg/da...

The fishing cat (Prionailurus viverrinus) is a medium-sized felid, which uses various habitats including areas adjoining wetlands. This species is listed as ‘vulnerable’ in the IUCN Red List 2016, Appendix 2 of CITES and under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act. In spite of being mired with several threats, studies on fishing cats outside...

Indian flying fox Pteropus giganteus (Brünnich, 1782) is one of the largest fruit bats (Pteropodidae) in the world. However, studies on seasonal variations and influence of weather parameters on diurnal roosting of this species in urban areas are almost non-existent. We carried out this study in a major urban landscape of India to determine which w...

The fungal (Penicillium) infection, on the eggs of butterfly Papilio polytes (Lepidoptera: Papilionidae), was reported for the first time at the urban settings, Kolkata, India. In course of rearing P. polytes, the eggs were observed to be vulnerable to the fungal attack. The eggs that oviposited on the leaves of Citrus limon were found to be infest...

Introduction: Genetic polymorphisms associated with IgE-mediated food sensitization have been a robust area of research for decades. A genome-wide search for susceptible loci regulating the IgE response (atopy) identified the candidate gene STAT6, which is important in the context of food allergic manifestations. Objective: The present study was...

Background: The diagnosis of house dust mite (HDM) allergy based on Skin prick test (SPT) is not accurate, especially in lower risk cases. Our aim is to develop and validate a predictive model to diagnose the HDM allergic symptoms (urticaria, allergic rhinitis, asthma). Methods: A forward-step logistic regression model was developed using a data...

At a spatial scale, the diversity of butterflies varies with numerous factors including the availability of the host plant species. In parity with this proposition, the correspondence of diversity of butterfly and plant in the background of the urban–rural gradient was evaluated using Kolkata, India, as a model study area. The results reveal signif...

Avian communities are widely distributed in different ecosystems and are very good indicators of even minor perturbations and therefore are considered as indicators of environmental changes. Despite alarming consequences, studies on birds of human-dominated landscapes of India are very few. Therefore, we studied the composition and richness of avia...

Forensic Dipterology from Indian perspective.

West Bengal, India, is inhabited by abundance and variety of insects that triggers sensitization in some humans to inhalant allergens and/or insect stings/venoms. Lack of research on this topic prevented accurate diagnosis and proper follow-up treatments to patients suffering from insect-induced allergies. The aim of our study was to identify the a...

House dust mites (HDMs) are extensively reported as potent allergens worldwide with India being in the top row. HDM sensitization is hugely reported from India and has led to the concern of implementing proper guidelines for treatment of the sufferers. Climatic conditions and a rapid shift of life style toward a more indoor and urbanised pattern ar...

Facultative scavengers often forage on organic wastes from urban dumps. Despite being a major scavenging raptor in many urban areas, studies on Indian subspecies of Black Kites Milvus migrans govinda are very few. We studied the pattern of offal preference by Black Kites foraging in the dumping sites adjoining two major markets of Kolkata, India th...

House dust mites (HDMs) are the major constituents of house dust (HD). HD and HDM sensitization is well documented worldwide. Storage mite (SM) sensitization is presently lacking from India. The present study evaluated the sensitization of both HDM and SM among 372 allergic rhinitis patients reported to the Allergy and Asthma Research Center of Kol...

The present study reports a total of 61 Species belonging to 34 genera and 14 families from Darjeeling Himalaya and Jalpaiguri sub Himalaya regions of West Bengal. The study documented 11 new species to science, which were already published, 15 new records to the state and one new record to India. The study showed that the Nepomorphan families are...

The study has made an attempt to identify various climate change risks encountered by the fish farmers in freshwater aquaculture in India. This paper also demonstrates in detail the relevant measures adopted by them to mitigate various types of climate change risks in freshwater aquaculture. A simple random sample of 368 fish farmers were selected...

Malaria, once a rural disease, expanded for centuries under the stress of urbanization, drought, human migration throughout the world. India describes 58% of disease cases and 400-1,000 deaths annually. Odisha ranks the highest followed by West Bengal. West Bengal accounts for 11% of the malarial disease evidences till date. Six major deadly malari...

Background: Aeroallergen sensitization is increasing worldwide. The optimal management of allergic disease requires the identification of the allergic sensitivities of the patient. Complete data of offending aeroallergens are scant from West Bengal, India. Hence, we employed a retrospective analysis of an atopic population of West Bengal to invest...

Haplothripsshivendraii Tyagi & Kumar, sp. n. is described from Rajasthan state of India. The monobasic Austro-oriental genus Dyothrips Kudô is formally synonymised with Haplothrips .

Butterflies (Insecta: Lepidoptera) contribute to the ecosystem services and thereby qualify as a group deserving conservation effort. Information on the butterfly-plant links is used as a foundation to sustain population and enhance conservation and management. Thus, in the present study, the structure of a butterfly-plant network in an urban lands...

Dipterans, especially the sarcosaprophagous communities are of substantial importance from medical, veterinary and forensic entomological perspectives. Muscids are generally seen to colonize carcasses at advanced stages of decomposition when the initial dominance of calliphorids and sarcophagids subsides. Ophyra capensis (Wiedemann, 1818), a muscid...

Objective: Present study involved identification of offending out-door aero-allergens and associated genetic pathway in nasso-bronchial asthma among Kolkata population. Methods: Skin-prick test was done among 950 asthmatic patients against 11 common aero-allergens and total serum IgE concentration was measured. PCR-RFLP was done in patients and...