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Detailed Ecological Assessment Report 2008 – Keti Bunder
sampling. Each individual is chosen entirely by chance and the likelihood of a
biased data collection is thus reduced.
2.7.4 Precautions in field
i. Sample labels are properly completed, including sample ID, date, stream
name, ample location, and collector’s name, and placed into the sample
container. The outside of the container should be labeled with the same
information.
ii. After sampling at a given site, all nets, pans and trays are rinsed
thoroughly, examined and picked free of organisms or debris. Any
additional organisms found should be placed into the sample containers.
2.7.5 Precautions in taxonomic investigation
i. A voucher collection of samples is maintained. These specimens are
properly labeled, preserved, and stored in the invertebrate repository for
future reference.
ii. The reference collection of each identified taxon is maintained and
specimens sent out for taxonomic validations are also recorded with the
label information and the date sent out. Upon return of the specimens, the
date received and the finding are also recorded with the name of the person
who performed the validation.
iii. Information on samples completed (through the identification process) is
recorded in the log register to track the progress of each sample. A library
of basic taxonomic literature is maintained and frequently revitalized to
ensure accurate identifications.
2.7.6 Hand picking and use of forceps
Hand picking, through bare hands or with the help of long forceps, which has been
adopted for the present studies, is by far the most productive method for collecting
different groups of terrestrial invertebrates especially arachnids (spiders, solifugids)
and myriopods etc. The specimens collected or observed during the survey were
photographed with digital camera and significant field data were recorded. The
voucher specimens collected were transported to the PMNH laboratory for future
reference.
2.7.7 Preservation and storage of the specimens
All invertebrate specimens including the zooplankton were preserved by the
addition of grades of formaldehyde and 70 % ethyl alcohol. These fluids suffice to
preserve the samples indefinitely and also have the effect of sending all the
plankton to the bottom of the jar. All zooplankton are delicate and easily get
damaged, so sample handling was gentle. It is advisable not to concentrate the
sample too much. Zooplanktons were sub-sampled by adding water to bring the
samples to a known volume (500 or 1000 ml). The concentrated samples were
then stored in suitable bottles and plastic screw tapped jars. The date, place of
origin, mesh-size of the net, length and depth of the haul were written in Indian ink
on quality paper and placed in the jar as the labels outside usually peel off after
some time.
2.7.8 Counting and studying the zooplankton
The volume of the zooplankton is determined by the displacement method. First
the total volume of the concentrated sample plus the preserving fluid is measured.
Then the plankton is filtered off, using a filter paper in a funnel, and the volume of
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