The environmental and industrial significance of phytoplankton: Mitigating climate change and promoting human health Rikhi Kesharee Dehingia, Pranay Punj Pankaj, Lakhmi Nandan Kakati, Jyotchna Gogoi, Snigdha Chakrabarty Aquaculture and Fisheries, 2026 Phytoplankton are vital to both the environment and biotechnology. As primary producers, they drive essential processes such as carbon fixation, oxygen production, and the cycling of key nutrients, which together maintain the health and stability of marine ecosystems and food webs. Their role in carbon sequestration also makes them critical in regulating Earth's climate and mitigating global warming. However, the growing occurrence of harmful algal blooms (HABs), fueled by nutrient pollution, climate change, and other human activities, threatens marine biodiversity, water quality, and public health. These challenges highlight the importance of understanding and managing phytoplankton dynamics to protect aquatic ecosystems. Beyond their ecological importance, phytoplankton have significant industrial and technological potential. They are widely used in aquaculture for fish and shrimp farming and represent a promising source of renewable biofuels. Phytoplankton also produce bioactive compounds such as omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and essential nutrients that have valuable pharmaceutical and nutraceutical applications. Additionally, their ability to absorb and process pollutants makes them useful for bioremediation and wastewater treatment. Despite these benefits, phytoplankton populations face increasing pressure from ocean acidification, warming, and pollution. Sustainable management and conservation are therefore essential to safeguard their ecological functions and future applications. Advances in genetic engineering, synthetic biology, and large-scale cultivation technologies provide new opportunities to enhance both the environmental and industrial roles of phytoplankton. Continued research, effective policies, and ecosystem-based management are crucial to protect their natural functions and unlock their full potential for climate mitigation, food security, and biotechnology.
Cladocerans and copepods as bioindicators of aquatic ecosystem health: Ecological roles, anthropogenic stressors and limitations Rikhi Kesharee Dehingia, Pranay Punj Pankaj, Lakhmi Nandan Kakati, Jyotchna Gogoi, Snigdha Chakraborty Ecological Indicators, 2026 Cladocerans and copepods are dominant crustacean zooplankton groups that play central roles in aquatic ecosystem functioning. As primary consumers, they regulate phytoplankton biomass, facilitate nutrient recycling, and transfer energy to higher trophic levels, particularly fish and macroinvertebrates. Owing to their short life cycles, high sensitivity to environmental variability, and measurable population responses, these organisms have been widely used as bioindicators of water quality and ecosystem health. This review synthesizes peer-reviewed literature on the ecological roles of cladocerans and copepods in freshwater and marine systems, examines their responses to major anthropogenic stressors, including pollution, eutrophication, climate change, and habitat modification and evaluates their applicability and limitations as bioindicators. Evidence indicates that changes in abundance, community composition, reproductive traits, and functional diversity of these zooplankton groups often reflect alterations in nutrient status, contaminant exposure, and climatic conditions. However, their use as indicators is constrained by factors such as short generation times, high seasonal variability, and context-dependent responses. By integrating ecological function with indicator performance, this review highlights both the strengths and limitations of cladocerans and copepods for aquatic biomonitoring and emphasizes the need for system-specific, high-frequency monitoring frameworks.
Edible spiders: an unconventional source of nutrition and therapeutic agents Lobeno Mozhui, Kekhesino Sale, L. N. Kakati Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems, 2026 Currently, arthropods are recognized as viable “mini livestock,” offering a sustainable, ecologically efficient, and nutritionally important food source characterized by high protein content, exceptional amino acid profiles, essential micronutrients, and a low environmental footprint. Arachnids, particularly spiders, are one underexplored component of human diets, with documented consumption in several indigenous cultures for both nutritional and traditional medicinal purposes. However, despite their ethnobiological significance, systematic research on their nutritional composition, safety, and potential contribution to food security remains limited. In Nagaland, India, orb-weaver spiders such as Nephila pilipes and Trichonephila clavata are consumed and highly preferred for their plump abdomens, which yield a creamy, nutty flavor upon cooking. Edible spiders are considered viable meat substitutes, contributing protein and other essential nutrients to local diets. The knowledge and practice of consuming various spiders for food and medicinal purposes amongst indigenous cultures are passed down orally through generations. Hence, emphasizing these practices can foster respect and curiosity among researchers towards indigenous knowledge systems. Despite the urgent need to provide sufficient nutrition for an expanding population, many individuals experience discomfort or aversion to consuming arachnids, frequently attributed to food neophobia or feelings of disgust. The present study, therefore, focuses on the importance of edible spiders as a sustainable food source for future food and nutrition security.
Temporal variations and the impact of regional climate on earthworm fauna in sub-tropical forest ecosystems Lirikum Jing, Bendang Ao, L.N. Kakati, Khikeya Semy Global Ecology and Conservation, 2025 Constituting about 80 % of the soil invertebrate biomass earthworms are important drivers of soil fertility. Analyzing and understanding the factors such as regional climate and soil properties that shape earthworm diversity and population dynamics is essential to understanding the role of earthworms in enhancing soil fertility, supporting plant growth across varied habitats, and promoting ecological sustainability and conservation. Therefore, the present study was conducted to explore the earthworm fauna in a mixed forest (MF) and mono plantation (PF) in Northeast India and identified factors that affect temporal variations of their density and biomass. Twelve earthworm species belonging to three ecological categories (epigeic, epianecic, and endogeic) were recorded. The endogeic earthworms such as Drawida nepalensis Michaelsen and Eutyphoeus festivus Gates were dominant in both the study areas. Seasonal variations revealed that, with the onset of the monsoon, total earthworm density (51.95 ± 2.04 in MF; 36.07 ± 7.42 in PF) and biomass (70.41 ± 23.63 in MF; 40.85 ± 17.15 in PF) increased significantly at both study sites. Multiple linear regression analysis specified that regional climate and soil physico-chemical factors contributed to 63 % and 66 % of the variations in density and biomass, respectively. In MF, the species with high relative abundance (RA) include D. assamensis , D. nepalensis , Drawida sp., and E. festivus . Similarly, in PF, species with high RA were D. assamensis , D. nepalensis , Drawida sp., and E. festivus . The present study highlighted a high diversity of earthworm species in sub-tropical forest ecosystems with a wide range of variations in density and biomass throughout the seasons. The dominance of endogeic earthworms indicates that the study areas (MF and PF) have a conducive habitat for these groups of earthworm species.
Diversity, Limnology, and Socioeconomic Significance of Wetlands of Assam, India: A Comprehensive Review Pallwabee Duarah, Kalyan Das, Pranay Punj Pankaj, L. N. Kakati International Journal of Zoology, 2025 The present review examines the biodiversity, ecological functions, and limnological attributes of wetlands in Assam, India, emphasizing aquatic biodiversity and its socioeconomic significance for local communities. The study employs a quasisystematic literature review methodology, supported by comprehensive database searches, stringent inclusion criteria, thematic analysis, and empirical data from diverse wetland locations, to consolidate information on macrophytes, macroinvertebrates, and fish species, alongside the environmental changes and threats they encounter. There are 3513 wetlands in Assam that cover 101,234 ha. These wetlands make up about 4% of the floodplain area and 1.3% of the state’s total land area. There are 690 lakes and ponds, 861 oxbow lakes, 1125 waterlogged areas, and 712 swamps and marshes in these wetlands that are home to a wide range of aquatic life. Wetlands are important for ecosystem services like cleaning water, controlling floods, and providing homes for migratory birds. They also support local economies through fishing, farming, and tourism. However, more and more human activities, like pollution, encroachment, unregulated resource use, and climate change, have caused habitats to degrade and biodiversity to decline. The research underscores that ongoing wetland degradation jeopardizes both ecological integrity and the socioeconomic welfare of reliant communities. The study examines current conservation initiatives and underscores the necessity for integrated management strategies, community engagement, and enhanced policy interventions. To protect these important freshwater ecosystems, it is important to use sustainable methods that balance conservation with the needs of the area. The objectives of this review are to give a comprehensive overview of Assam’s wetland biodiversity and stress the need for proactive, science‐based conservation methods to make sure that ecosystems and economies are strong in the long term.
Evaluating the nutritional composition of edible insects: an alternative source of food supplements in Nagaland Current Science, 2025
Litter decomposition and nutrient dynamics in a subtropical ecosystem: A comparison of natural and plantation forests (Duabanga grandiflora) in Nagaland, North-East India Tezenle Magh, Lobeno Mozhui, L.N. Kakati, Bendang Ao, Takasangla Lemtur, Lirikum Jing Global Ecology and Conservation, 2024 Forest litter decomposition is vital for nutrient cycling and carbon turnover. To investigate their decomposition rate, we conducted a litter bag experiment in plantation forests (PF) and natural forests (NF) in a subtropical ecosystem. Our findings showed significant seasonal variation in litter mass loss (p < 0.0001) between the two sites, indicating seasonality as the main driver of decomposition. The decay rate constant ( k ) expressed in day⁻¹, reflecting the fraction of litter mass lost per day due to decomposition , reveals that NF has higher k value of 0.007 day⁻¹ than PF at 0.005 day⁻¹ , indicating faster decomposition in NF. This constant is essential for predicting litter breakdown duration, highlighting decomposition dynamics between sites, suggesting that even minimal distances between forest types can affect organic matter breakdown. In both sites, litter mass loss varied significantly from the initial to the final year (p < 0.001), with peak rates during the monsoon, followed by pre-monsoon and dry periods. Mixed litter in NF experienced a 99.94 % loss after 730 days, while PF, saw 97.80 % loss. Carbon, lignin, nitrogen, and potassium concentrations were higher during the monsoon and pre-monsoon seasons at both sites. Except for phosphorus in PF, all soil parameters positively correlated with mass loss, along with litter parameters C, N, P, K, and lignin (p < 0.001). Litter decomposition was higher in NF than PF, with significant seasonal effects (p < 0.0001), highlighting seasonality over litter mixture effects. Understanding climate variability and species diversity is essential for sustainable forest management amid ongoing anthropogenic land-use changes. • Anthropogenic activities drive biodiversity loss and alter forest structure. • Plant diversity and leaf litter composition impact decomposition rates. • Warmer temperatures and increased moisture alter litter decomposition and nutrient release. • Higher biodiversity, natural succession, and less intensive management stimulate litter decomposition.
Bio-ecology of the bush cricket Tarbinskiellus portentosus (Lichtenstein, 1796) (Insecta: Orthoptera: Gryllidae): a relished edible insect in Nagaland, India Patricia Kiewhuo, Lirikum Jing, Bendang Ao, Lakhminandan Kakati Journal of Threatened Taxa, 2024 Tarbinskiellus portentosus (Lichtenstein, 1796) (bush cricket), also called “viituo” in the Angami dialect, belongs to the order Orthoptera and the family Gryllidae. It is one of the most common edible insects found in Nagaland and is a potential source of animal protein and other nutrients. Despite being highly preferred as food and relished, studying their ecology, biology, and market potential is nonexistent, at least in Nagaland, India. Therefore, the present study was conducted to fill the knowledge gap on the biology and market potential of T. portentosus. Insects were collected from the wild and reared as stock at 20–25 °C. The results show that T. portentous undergoes seven nymphal instars to fully develop into an adult with an average growth rate of 9.94 ± 2.43 mg/day. T. portentosus is found in the grassland vegetation in burrows up to 800 mm depth. Adult males weigh about 2940 ± 93.0 mg, and females weigh 2980 ± 200 mg. The incubation period of eggs was 33.8 ± 0.96 days and showed a moderate percent of hatching efficiency (45.20 ± 0.28). In laboratory conditions, this cricket completed its life cycle in 341 ± 4.29 days. Collection of adults involves handpicking and pouring water, cleaning involves a gut removal process through head pulling, and preparation for consumption is done by cooking with local spices, fried or roasted. T. portentosus are sold in the local market at INR 300/- for 250–300 g. With scanty information on growth and reproduction, the present study serves as a baseline for future studies on the biology of T. portentosus that may uplift the local market through mass rearing.
Altitudinal effect and seasonality in nutritive value of adult-juvenile foliage of persia Bombycina: The primary food plant of antheraea assamensis helfer Indian Journal of Sericulture, 2016
Seasonal variation of the foliar constituents of host plants of certain wild silkmoth in Nagaland Indian Journal of Sericulture, 2013
Biology and rearing performance of cricula trifenestrata heifer (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae), a wild silk moth in Nagaland, India Entomon, 2012
Vanya silk varieties in Nagaland Indian Silk, 2010
Diversity and ecology of wild sericigenous insects in Nagaland, India Tropical Ecology, 2009
Vanya sericulture in Nagaland - Problems & prospects Indian Silk, 2006
Temporal and spatial effect on muga silk production in Assam Indian Silk, 2004
Soil respiration in a mixed Oak forest ecosystem at Shiroy hills, Manipur in North-Eastern India International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences, 2002
