Biology subjects

Pop, P.

Publications and source records attributed to Pop, P..

4 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2026

A large-scale crowd-sourced annotated acoustic dataset of Indian fauna

Global rates of biodiversity loss warrant conservation action and monitoring at large geographic scales. Conservation technologies such as acoustic monitoring in conjunction with deep learning now enable us to monitor wildlife simultaneously across space and time. However, for a significant proportion of biodiversity in tropical regions, we cannot yet rely on automated recognition approaches because we lack acoustic templates to robustly train deep learning algorithms. In this paper, we relied on a novel participatory approach, enlisting researchers, conservation practitioners, and nature enthusiasts to create a unique crowd-sourced, open-access dataset of acoustic annotations across taxonomic groups for biodiversity in India. Our dataset comprises 3311 minutes of strongly labelled data (bounding boxes or annotations for a species vocalization) and 2504 minutes of weakly labelled data (indicating the presence of a species within an audio file but lacking bounding boxes) for 518 species across India, spanning 25 of 36 states and union territories. We present metadata and code for data processing and highlight the strengths of a participatory approach to biodiversity monitoring.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2024

Occupancy Study of Two Endemic Bird Species in Southern Western Ghats, India

Montecincla fairbanki (Palani Laughingthrush) and Sholicola albiventris (White-bellied Sholakili) are avian species found only in a few high-altitude sky islands of the Southern Western Ghats. A taxonomic revision has resulted in the need for better resolution of species biology, especially their distribution, and factors affecting their distribution. The current study was an attempt to address this, by repeated surveys at plantation sites in the northern landscape of Idukki district (Kerala), and occupancy modelling. Around 96% of the sites surveyed were occupied by M. fairbanki and [~]52% by S. albiventris. Model-averaged site-averaged occupancy probability ({psi}) of M. fairbanki is 0.8618 (0.6659-0.9229), and of S. albiventris, it is 0.4543 (0.1358-0.9972). Model-, site-, and survey-averaged detection probability (p) of M. fairbanki is 0.6554 (0.5171-0.7341), and of S. albiventris, it is 0.5731 (0.4102-0.7939). This confirms the hypothesis that S. albiventris has lower occupancy and detection probability compared to M. fairbanki. There is likely no effect on {psi} of one species by the presence of the other, but there is likely a positive effect on p of one species, by the occupancy or detection of the other. Most significant effects on {psi} of M. fairbanki were from the exclusive presence of dirt roads, elevation, slope, and visibility, and for S. albiventris, it was from Lantana camara, elevation, and understorey height. Most significant effects on p of M. fairbanki were from windy weather, sky conditions, time of surveys, and survey number, whereas for S. albiventris, they were from neutral weather, and survey number. Of the interactive effects hypothesized, significant evidence was found for the increase of {psi} as a function of elevation, and the reduction of {psi} in the presence of the invasive L. camara (only for S. albiventris). The insights gained from this baseline study will be useful for further hypotheses testing and conservation efforts.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2022

An investigation into the spatiotemporal patterns of the Nymphalid butterfly Vagrans egista sinha (Kollar, )

Vagrans egista sinha (Kollar, [1844]), the Himalayan Vagrant is a subspecies of Nymphalid (Brush-footed) butterflies spread across Asia, whose western limit is in the north-west India. Observations of this subspecies have considerably increased over the past half-a-decade, with a spike in new sightings to the west of their previously known range. This has been considered as a range extension. The current study reports new records of this species from Bilaspur District, Himachal Pradesh, India (which are the first records for the district), through systematic and opportunistic sampling. This raises the question of whether the purported range extension towards the west could instead be a range shift or vagrancy, and whether there is any shift in elevational ranges in the populations across their known range. Questions pertaining to spatial differences in elevational ranges and seasonal variation, across their range, also piqued our curiosity. Using data from academic sources (such as published literature and museum collections), supplemented by data from public participation in scientific research and personal observations, these research questions are addressed. The accuracy of results when using citizen science data is also explored using the same dataset, focused on the impact of method of extraction of coordinates, and elevation derived from it under different scenarios. It was discovered that there has not been a range shift (either longitudinal or latitudinal) and observations dont suggest vagrancy but a case of range extension. Other results indicated that there was no climb of population to higher elevations, no spatial differences in elevational ranges in the populations, or seasonal variation in activities across their range. It was also discovered that the method of data collection by, and extraction from, citizen science databases, can influence the accuracy of the results. Some problems involved in collecting data are discussed, and remedial solutions are suggested.

ecology↗

bioRxiv2020

Gone in 40 years, the curious case of the Himalayan Quail: an attempt at rediscovery and implications for conservation

Himalayan Quail (Ophrysia superciliosa) is a Galliforme species currently classified as Critically Endangered by the IUCN. Given the fact that the species has only been recorded over a period of 40 years in the 19th century, this classification needs more scrutiny. The aim of this study was to explore the possibility of detecting the species in their known historical distribution in the lower Himalayas, and understand if possible, the factors which led to their decline or extinction. The potential habitats in districts of Nainital and Dehradun of Uttrakhand (India), where the species which has been recorded between 1836 to 1876, have been scoured thoroughly insofar as logistics and other factors permitted using trail and point transects. We did not detect any sign of the species in any of the areas, thereby corroborating the results of past surveys/expeditions in search of this species. Domesticated/feral species (grazing pressure and hunting by dogs), natural predation by species such as Yellow-throated Marten (Martes flavigula), hunting by humans, population growth and resulting land-use change, biogeochemical events, and tourism may all have contributed in varying degrees to their decline or extinction. It was found that most, if not all, proposals of strategies to find the species have been thus far unemployed or futile. We suggest improving the chances of re-discovering this species using tools such as molecular/genetic analysis and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. Management recommendations include stress on grazing laws, sterilization of dogs, awareness about unchecked human population growth and measures for limiting the effects of unsustainable tourism.

ecology↗