Supplementary Files
Keywords
Microstructure
Barbs
Grey Junglefowl
Illegal Trade
Forensic Science
How to Cite
Abstract
The systematic study of feather microstructures can serve in taxonomic identification of birds and underlies species identification using feathers. Most studies conducted on the feather characteristics were focused only on plumaceous barbs, however, only a few studies have been conducted on understanding feather micro-morphometry and attempted to characterise all types of feathers of a single species. The present study evaluated the microscopic characteristics of Grey Junglefowl Gallus sonneratii feathers along with their morphometric observation and measurements using light microscopy. The detailed study of feather microstructures revealed variable pigmentation patterns, some places with concentrations of very dark pigmentation, while in others, pigmentation was light and randomly scattered across the barbules. G. sonneratii had triangular nodes, ring nodes, and pronged nodes. G. sonneratii was also having hooklets on either side of the pennaceous venule. These feather microstructures can be used in species identification while comparing with intra and inter species for different purposes. This species identification tool will greatly contribute to forensic science dealing with ongoing efforts of controlling illegal poaching of G. sonneratii as this method would provide scientific evidence for law and enforcement agencies such as the State Forest Department, Wildlife Crime Control Bureau.References
Brom, T.G. (1986): Microscopic identification of feathers and feather fragments of Palearctic birds. Bijdragen tot de Dierkunde 56(2): 181–204.
Chandler, A.C. (1916): A study of the structure of feathers: with reference to their taxonomic significance, Vol. 13. University of California Publications in Zoology.
Chen, K., Q. Liu, G. Liao, Y. Yang, L. Ren, H. Yang & X. Chen (2012): The sound suppression characteristics of wing feather of owl (Bubo bubo). Journal of Bionic Engineering 9(2): 192–199.
Davies, A. (1970): Micromorphology of feathers using the scanning electron microscope. Journal of the Forensic Science Society 10(3): 165–174.
Day, M.G. (1966): Identification of hair and feather remains in the gut and faeces of stoats and weasels. Journal of Zoology 148(2): 201–217.
Dey, P., S.D. Ray, S.K. Sharma, I. Sarkar & R.P. Singh (2021): Identification of a unique barb from the dorsal body contour feathers of Indian Pitta (Pitta brachyura). Journal of Threatened Taxa 13(8): 19029–19039.
Dove, C.J. (1997): Quantification of microscopic feather characters used in the identification of North American plovers. The Condor 99(1): 47–57.
Dove, C.J. & S.L. Koch (2011): Microscopy of feathers: a practical guide for forensic feather identification. Microscope-Chicago 59(2): 51–71.
Gubbi, S. (2006): Tiger habitats and integrated conservation and development projects: a case study from Periyar Tiger Reserve, India. Durrell Institute for Conservation and Ecology, University of Kent. Master of Science.
Laybourne, R.C. & C.J. Dove (1994): Preparation of bird strike remains for identification. In: Proceedings and working papers of the Bird Strike Committee Meeting Europe 22: 531–534.
Lovette, I.J. & J.W. Fitzpatrick (2016): Handbook of Bird Biology. John Wiley & Sons.
Narasimmarajan, K., B.B. Barman & L. Puia (2012): Population density and group size of the Grey Junglefowl Gallus sonneratii in the Melghat Tiger Reserve, Maharashtra, central India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 4(7): 2723–2726.
Ray, S.D., P. Dey, N. Islam, S.K. Sharma, P. Pramod & R.P. Singh (2021): Comparative study of yellow-billed babbler (Turdoides affinis) feathers reveals uniformity in their microstructures among individuals. Journal of Experimental Biology and Agricultural Sciences 9(1): 51–64.
Ray, S.D., G. Quadros, P. Dey, P. Pramod & R.P. Singh (2022): Feather characteristics of Common Myna Acridotheres tristis (Passeriformes: Sturnidae) from India. Journal of Threatened Taxa 14(6): 21161–21169.
Robertson, J., C. Harkin & J. Govan (1984): The identification of bird feathers. Scheme for feather examination. Journal of the Forensic Science Society 24(2): 85–98.
Sathyanarayana, M.C. (2007): Review of research on Pheasants in southern India. Galliformes of India. Envis 10(1): 105–108.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (2012): Identification Guide to Decorative Feathers of Pheasants, Chickens, Turkeys and Related Birds. https://www.fws.gov/lab/idnotes/_PheasantFeathers_final.pdf. Accessed on August 31, 2020.