First Report on Moss-Dwelling Testate Amoebae from Bihar, India: Species Diversity and Ecological Significance

Testate amoebae dwelling on moss at Bihar state have not been reported earlier in any literature. Consequently, this study seeks to establish an account of the testate amoebae species and their diversity first time from Bihar. Testate amoebae are the free-living, single-celled protists with external shells and are considered to be excellent bioindicators for the environmental changes. Samples of moss were taken from soil and walls in different parts of the Bahadurpur Housing Colony area of Patna during this preliminary investigation. The study results showed presence of 14 species of testate amoebae belonging to 7 genera and 7 families. All of these species are new record from the Bihar state and this study has shown the ecological significance of moss habitats. As some species are defined as ecological priority and are useful for biomonitoring, which gives considerable information on the state of the environment of the given region. In addition to these, this study augments the existing knowledge on the distribution and species richness of testate amoebae in India and the general scientific information necessary for future ecological surveys and conservation strategies. Thus, the results have proved the usefulness of testate amoebae as bioindicators and their applicability in the assessment of the state of the environment of the area.