  Neutron kinetic energy spectra in coincidence with low-energy $\gamma $-ray
multiplicities have been measured around $A\approx $ 110 in the $^{16}$O,
$^{20}$Ne + $^{93}$Nb reactions in a compound nuclear excitation energy range
of $\approx $ 90 - 140 MeV. The excitation energy (temperature) and angular
momentum (spin) dependence of the inverse level density parameter $k$ has been
investigated by comparing the experimental data with statistical
Hauser-Feshbach calculation. In contrast to the available systematic in this
mass region, the inverse level density parameter showed an appreciable increase
as a function of the excitation energy. The extracted $k$-values at different
angular momentum regions, corresponding to different $\gamma $-multiplicities
also showed an overall increase with the average nuclear spins. The
experimental results have been compared with a microscopic statistical-model
calculation and found to be in reasonable agreement with the data. The results
provide useful information to understand the variation of nuclear level density
at high temperature and spins.
