Butterflies from the St. Xavier's College (Ranchi) campus: A Checklist

Osga J., Kumar M., Mahto D., Minz P.A., Herenj S., Kunkal R. L., Mahto S., Khan M., Pratap R., Ranjan R., Raipat B. S.
Affiliation: Department of Zoology, St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi – 834001, Jharkhand, India
Email ID: johnosgasj@gmail.com

Abstract

Among the arthropod phylum's most beautiful insects are butterflies. They are well-known for having vividly colored wings that have drawn interest from scientists and amateurs alike. Butterflies participate in the vital process of pollination when they visit vibrant flowers and nectar-feed. In doing so, their bodies gather pollen grains and transport them to other blooms. Numerous studies have revealed a sharp fall in butterfly populations worldwide, putting at risk pollination—an essential ecological service that butterflies provide. Finding them and preserving them is urgently needed right now. In response to these concerns, the current project was started with the goal of creating a checklist of butterflies (Order: Lepidoptera, Suporder: Rhopalocera) on the campus of St. Xavier's College in Ranchi. The center of Ranchi city is where the college campus is situated. Despite being in the middle of a city, the college campus is covered in artificial and natural greenery that is lush and green and draws butterflies. The review of the literature reveals that no prior verified report of any study on butterflies on college campuses exists. During a 6-month period, from August 2022 to February 2023, 18 butterfly species from 5 families were identified in the current study.

Keywords: butterfly, checklist, diversity, Ranchi, Rhopalocera.

How to Cite

Osga J., Kumar M., Mahto D., Minz P.A., Herenj S., Kunkal R. L., Mahto S., Khan M., Pratap R., Ranjan R., Raipat B. S. (2025). Butterflies from the St. Xavier’s College (Ranchi) campus: A Checklist. Vat-vriksha, 1(1), OM06.

Impacts of Hindi and Regional Languages on Ethnobiology: Opportunities and Challenges

Kumari, Neha
Affiliation: Indira Gandhi National Open University
Email ID: rajsneha321@gmail.com

Abstract

Ethnobiology, the study of the complex relationships between people and their biological environment, is inherently dependent on linguistic structures, local terminologies, and traditional knowledge systems. In India, where more than 19,500 languages and dialects are spoken, the role of Hindi and other regional languages in preserving, transmitting, and transforming ethnobiological knowledge is crucial. This research article explores the impacts—both positive and challenging—of using Hindi and regional languages in ethnobiological studies, education, and community-based practices. A survey was conducted across age groups, educational backgrounds, and linguistic communities using a structured questionnaire of 100 items. The results were analyzed using correlation matrices, regression models, and biostatistical techniques to understand linguistic influences on ethnobiological knowledge systems. This study provides critical insight into how language shapes ethnoscientific worldviews, the conservation of traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), and the documentation of bioresources, ultimately shaping ethnobiology as both a science and a cultural discourse.

Keywords: Ethnobiology, Hindi, regional language, language barriers, traditional scientific perspectives

How to Cite

Kumari, N. (2025). Impacts of Hindi and Regional Languages on Ethnobiology: Opportunities and Challenges. Vat-vriksha, 1(1), OM05.

Ecosystem Services Provided by Earthworms: A Global Perspective with Special Reference to India

Subarna, Sweta
Affiliation: Department of Zoology, Ranchi University, Ranchi
Email ID: aashnasweta19962602@gmail.com

Abstract

Earthworms, often referred to as "ecosystem engineers," play a crucial role in maintaining soil health and sustaining ecosystem functions. These subterranean invertebrates contribute significantly to various ecosystem services, including nutrient cycling, soil structure improvement, carbon sequestration, water regulation, and pest control. Their activities influence both biotic and abiotic components of the soil environment, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity and biodiversity conservation.

This review synthesizes current knowledge on the diverse ecosystem services provided by earthworms, emphasizing their importance at both global and regional scales, particularly in the Indian context. Recent studies from 2024 have further highlighted the potential of earthworms in mitigating climate change through carbon stabilization and enhancing resilience in agroecosystems.

The review also discusses challenges such as habitat degradation, pesticide use, and climate change that threaten earthworm populations and, consequently, the services they provide. By integrating scientific findings from global research and local Indian studies, this article underscores the urgent need for sustainable land management practices that conserve earthworm communities to ensure long-term ecological and agricultural sustainability.

Keywords: Earthworms, Ecosystem Services, Soil Health, Nutrient cycling, Carbon Sequestration, Agroecology, India, Climate Change Mitigation

How to Cite

Subarna, S. (2025). Ecosystem Services Provided by Earthworms: A global Perspective with Special Reference to India. Vat-vriksha, 1(1), OM04.

Current Studies on Butterfly Conservation in Jharkhand: A Data-Oriented Analysis

Authors: Kumar M., Ranjan R., Aman Kumar, Raj Pratik, Twinkle Hembrom, Suraj Tirkey

Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi

Abstract

Butterfly diversity in Jharkhand has been documented via surveys in forest and fragmented habitats across the past decade. Comparative analysis shows richness ranging from ~50 to ~84 species, with modest trends over time. A regression of species richness against survey duration suggests marginal species gains from extended effort. Importantly, a recent morpho-molecular study on Junonia atlites employs morphological metrics and COI barcoding, filling a critical regional gap. We discuss the state of morpho-molecular tools in Jharkhand and propose integrative frameworks for future conservation studies.

Keywords: Butterfly diversity; Jharkhand; Lepidoptera; Junonia atlites; DNA barcoding; geometric morphometrics; species richness; regression analysis

How to cite this article:
Kumar M., Ranjan R., Kumar A., Pratik R., Hembrom T., Tirkey S. (2025). Current Studies on Butterfly Conservation in Jharkhand: A Data-Oriented Analysis. Vat-Vriksha, 1(1): OM3

Batocera rufomaculata: A Review

Authors: Rakesh Ranjan, Manoj Kumar, Ankita Priya Ekka

Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi

Abstract

Batocera rufomaculata, commonly known as the mango stem borer or the fig tree borer, is a longhorn beetle species (family Cerambycidae) widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. It poses a serious threat to a variety of economically significant fruit and ornamental trees. This review comprehensively outlines the taxonomy, biology, distribution, host range, life cycle, economic importance, ecological interactions, and management strategies associated with B. rufomaculata. Special emphasis is placed on recent advances in pest control, including biological and integrated pest management techniques. Understanding the pest's biology and control mechanisms is vital for sustainable agriculture and forestry.

Keywords: Batocera rufomaculata, beetle, pest, trunks, branches

How to Cite this Article

Ranjan, R., Kumar, M., & Ekka, A. P. (2025). Batocera rufomaculata: A Review बैटोसेरा रूफोमैकुलेटा: एक समीक्षा. Vat-vriksha: An International Bi-annual Journal of Life Science, 1(1).

Faculty Shortage and Curriculum Overload: A Constructive Critique on the Implementation of FYUGP in Jharkhand Universities

Authors: Manoj Kumar, Rakesh Ranjan

Affiliation:
Department of Zoology, St. Xavier’s College, Ranchi

Abstract

The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and its ambitious Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP) introduced in Jharkhand from the academic session 2025-26 aim to transform undergraduate education through multidisciplinary, skill-integrated, and research-focused approaches. However, the implementation across state universities in Jharkhand faces a severe bottleneck: an acute shortage of qualified faculty. This review article critically analyzes the structural demands of the FYUGP Zoology curriculum and associated academic reforms, contrasts them with the current teacher availability, and evaluates the impact on educational quality. Furthermore, it discusses the potential of value-driven additions such as IAP (Internship/Apprenticeship/Project), MDC (Multidisciplinary Courses), and VAC (Value Added Courses) while addressing their implementation challenges in an under-resourced academic environment. The article concludes with a set of constructive recommendations for synchronizing policy vision with ground realities.

Keywords: NEP, FYUGP, Jharkhand, JPSC, recruitment, curriculum, implementation

How to Cite this Article

Kumar, M., & Ranjan, R. (2025). Faculty Shortage and Curriculum Overload: A Constructive Critique on the Implementation of FYUGP in Jharkhand Universities. Vat-Vriksha: An International Bi-annual Journal of Life Science, 1(1), 01.