Journal of Wildlife and Biodiversity

Immune status of the Collared dove Streptopelia decaocto in northeastern Algeria

2024-04-14T00:36:00+03:00

Since its initial sighting in Algeria in 1994, the Eurasian Collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto) has exhibited invasive behavior, expanding its range gradually and consistently to the country's extreme south. An inventory of its health status has emerged, trying to respond more accurately to the question: does the immune status play a role in this invasion? Our investigation into the health of both nestlings and adults included identification and quantification of blood cells in nestlings before fledging, focusing on the evolution of total red blood cells (RBC) and white blood cells (WBC); Analysis of the bursal index and microscopic examination of the bursa. The study involved collecting blood smears from nestlings at different ages (5 days, 10 days, 15 days), and euthanizing individuals from each age group (5 days, 10 days, 15 days, 18-20 days, and adults), to extract the bursa for histological examination. This process aimed to ascertain the immune status of the species in Annaba (Northeastern Algeria). Our findings indicate a decline in immune competence with age, starting from an "Excellent" status in early life, deteriorating to "Poor" in later stages, and finally reaching "Bad" in adulthood. Although our results do not definitively confirm a compromised health status in the Eurasian Collared dove population studied, they suggest the need for further research to substantiate these preliminary findings.

From Genes to Conservation: The Potential of Genetic Resources of Amphibian in Malaysia for Next Generation Monitoring and Conservation Strategies

2023-09-10T19:01:16+03:00

Genetic monitoring plays a crucial role in the conservation management of amphibians due to their vulnerability to habitat changes. Traditional biodiversity monitoring methods, such as trapping and morphological identification, are being complemented by advanced technologies that enhance species identification sensitivity and monitoring capabilities. Genetic resource availability is essential for effective amphibian biodiversity assessment and monitoring. This study aims to evaluate the current state of genetic resources and their comprehensiveness for amphibian biomonitoring and conservation in Malaysia. The study focused on seven targeted mitochondrial DNA loci, and data regarding these loci were obtained from the National Centre for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. The results showed that 69.8% of amphibian species in Malaysia had genetic data available for at least one or more of the targeted genes, with the 16S gene being the most widely represented. However, only 12.1% of threatened species and 61.2% of endemic species had accessible genetic information. Biological utilization was identified as the primary threat to amphibian species in Malaysia, accounting for 27.0% of recorded threats. These findings highlight the need for further improvement in achieving comprehensive genetic resource information for amphibians in Malaysia. Advancements in enpromisesntal DNA (eDNA) analysis and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies hold promise in enhancing efforts to conserve amphibian diversity. It is crucial to continue expanding genetic resources to support ongoing monitoring and preservation initiatives for amphibians in Malaysia, ensuring effective conservation management.

Fauna of Неteroptera (Insecta: Hemiptera) in the Republic of Mordovia (Russia)

2024-05-12T15:08:39+03:00

The suborder Heteroptera (order Hemiptera) is one of the most interesting groups of Rynchota. It is found in various ecosystems around the world and belongs to predators, parasitous (in particular hematophagous), mycetophagous and herbivorous types. Species with mixed nutrition are common. The study is aimed to describe the fauna and distribution of hemipteran insect species in the Republic of Mordovia (the central part of the European part of Russia). The study was conducted from 2004 to 2022. Specimens were collected using traditional hemipteran insect collecting methods (manual collecting, light trap, entomological net, Malaise trap, Merike plates, window and soil traps). We examined 4895 specimens of Hemiptera. Species diversity of Heteroptera (order Hemiptera) of Republic of Mordovia accounts for 363 species from 34 families. Of these, 15 species (Campylosteira verna, Allorhinocoris flavus, Grypocoris sexguttatus, Acetropis gimmerthalii, Geocoris grylloides, Platyplax salviae, Emblethis ciliatus, Aellopus atratus, Rhyparochromus quadratus, Parapiesma quadratum, Berytinus montivagus, Pyrrhocoris marginatus, Enoplops scapha, Dybowskyia reticulata, Ventocoris halophilus) are listed for the region for the first time. Twenty-three species (Agramma femorale, Adomerus biguttatus, Aelia acuminata, Carpocoris fuscispinus, Coreus marginatus, Dolycoris baccarum, Eurydema oleracea, Gerris lacustris, Graphosoma lineatum, Kleidocerys resedae, Labops sahlbergii, Lopus decolor, Lygus pratensis, Nithecus jacobaeae, Palomena prasina, Polymerus unifasciatus, Prostemma aeneicolle, Pyrrhocoris apterus, Rhyparochromus pini, Stenodema calcarata, Cymus glandicolor, Eremocoris plebejus, Aphanus rolandri) constitute the main population of the Heteroptera fauna given in the dataset. The species diversity of Heteroptera of the Republic of Mordovia is roughly similar in number of species to that of neighbouring regions.

Seasonal dynamics and height of some wasp species (Hymenop-tera), a study using beer traps

2024-05-12T15:34:58+03:00

In this paper, we present the results of our study on the seasonal dynamics and altitudinal distribution of Vespidae in forest ecosystems of central European Russia. To conduct this study, we utilized beer traps. Our findings include the recording of 32 species from 4 families of Hymenoptera. The most numerous family was Vespidae. The dominant species from this order were Vespula vulgaris, Vespa crabro, Dolichovespula media, and Vespula germanica. The occurrence of these species was quite high, including species from the Crabronidae, Chrysididae, and Pompilidae families. These species are known to frequently visit flowers of various plants and feed on nectar and pollen. In five different biotopes, the highest number of Vespidae was found in oak forests, while the lowest number was observed in pine forests. Vespula vulgaris was the dominant species in birch and oak forests, while Vespa crabro was more prevalent in pine and linden forests. The seasonal dynamics of the number showed a large peak in early July, likely due to a significant increase in air temperature during the day and night. This peak may have been caused by a large number of new-generation workers leaving the nests at this time. Additionally, the number of Vespidae in traps located in the undergrowth was slightly higher than those in traps in the canopy.

Potential anthelminthic properties of selected medicinal plants in Brunei Darussalam: a phytochemical review

2024-05-12T17:00:11+03:00

Parasitic infections caused by nematode parasites are a challenge which causes significant threats to animal health, which results in economic losses. Medicinal plants have been utilised for generations as traditional remedies against various diseases due to the presence of bioactive compounds in the plants. This article reviews four selected plant species in Brunei: Azadirachta indica, Andrographis paniculata, Clitoria ternatea, and Litsea elliptica to unravel their potential in combating helminthic infections, considering both their historical significance and known therapeutic values. The phytochemical compounds present in each species that exhibit potential anthelmintic properties are discussed and evaluated. The selected medicinal plants from Brunei have shown their potential as an alternative anthelmintic source, particularly noting their effectiveness against nematode parasites due to the presence of phytochemicals in the plants. Caenorhabditis elegans can be used as a model organism to explore the exact active compounds having anthelmintic ability and elucidate its mechanism of action to enhance a better understanding of plant-based anthelmintics and their potential in combating nematode parasitic infections. Hence, the identification and understanding of the phytochemical constituents of these plants can offer promising avenues for the development of novel interventions to combat parasitic infections in livestock, promoting sustainable agricultural practices and securing food production.

Echiniscus testudo (Doyère, 1840): A promising biological control agent against Aflatoxin contamination of Aspergillus flavus

2024-04-20T23:08:03+03:00

While Mashhad's drinking water is up to par with national standards, several locations have elevated levels of certain fungus, including Aspergillus flavus. A facultative parasite called Aspergillus flavus contaminates a number of significant food crops. Moreover, the pathogen that causes aspergillosis in humans and animals is opportunistic. One of the most dangerous contaminants of raw food commodities throughout pre- and post-harvest crops is Aspergillus flavus, which produces aflatoxins. Metabolites of aflatoxins are very carcinogenic. Even though aflatoxins are often produced during fungal colonization, precipitation may carry them into surface water. The presence of fungus in water has caused considerable alarm since it might endanger water quality and increase the risk of illness in humans. Dosti Dam is the primary water source for Mashhad. Echiniscus testudo specimens have been documented from the rivers that flow to this dam. Tardigrades are a class of microscopic, ubiquitous metazoa distinguished by their extreme intolerance. As an adaptation to extreme environmental conditions, cryptobiosis enables organisms to endure periods of extremely low temperatures or water scarcity, which are inhospitable to life. Due to the resistance and potential for extensive presence of this animal in the Target rivers, we investigated the possibility that it could be utilized to biologically control any form of water pollution in this study. The findings derived from the current investigation demonstrate the considerable potential of Echiniscus testudo as a biological control agent against A. flavus. Mycelial growth was observed to be 98% reduced and spore germination was inhibited by 100% under in vitro conditions.

Studies on Schistocerca gregaria (Cyrtacanthacridinae: Acrididae: Orthoptera) from Taluka Dadu Sindh-Pakistan

2024-05-25T23:29:54+03:00

Schistocerca gregaria is a notorious pest amongst insects populating around the globe. S. gregaria form swarms that can spread across millions of square kilometers daily, significantly impacting international economies, societies, and ecosystems. The invasions can devastate the rural communities in the affected areas, threatening their ability to provide for themselves and their families with food. Many millions of dollars are often spent on control measures, and the widespread use of chemical insecticides has negative consequences for the ecosystem. During the present study 597 specimen of Schistocerca gregaria collected from different localities of Taluka Dadu. These specimens were identified according to the four different coloration; Pink, Light Brown, Yellow, and White. Solitarious phase specimens 104 and 493 Gregarious phase collected from various localities. Besides this, the distribution, morphology, and diversity of S.gregaria have been presented in this study.

Hydroelectric projects and wildlife hunting in Northeast India: A conservation perspective

2024-01-12T20:34:09+03:00

Arunachal Pradesh is one of the most bio-diverse and forested states in India. The state is home to 26 tribal groups and 110 sub-tribes. Traditionally, hunting has been a major part of the tribal communities in Arunachal Pradesh. Hunting is conducted majorly for food, recreation, games, trophies collection and for religious beliefs in the area. In this study, we aimed to collect baseline data on hunting rates and the reasons for hunting through primary surveys conducted in 4 major villages of West Siang district in Arunachal Pradesh. The sampling sites also coincided with the proposed locations for the construction of five future hydroelectric power projects in Arunachal Pradesh. We found a total of 34 trophies/hides in the study area with average hunting rates of 0.68 animal/household/annum and 0.97 animal/active hunter/annum. Sus scrofa cristatus (Wild Boar) was the most hunted species, followed by Naemorhedus sp. (Goral) and Ursus thibetanus (Black Bear). Among the most hunted species, 5 belonged to the ‘Vulnerable’ category of IUCN. Our findings also revealed that if the proposed Environment Management Plans (EMPs) of the 5 hydroelectric power projects were properly implemented, a total of 2000 jobs could be provided to the 2243 families in this study area. This has the potential to alleviate hunting pressures in the area. Besides, the EMPs of all the major hydroelectric power projects have provisions for community awareness and community education programmes. We propose that together with the state governments and non-governmental organizations, the hydroelectric project developers can play a very constructive role in decreasing hunting pressures and mitigating biodiversity losses in Northeast India.

Molecular identification of potato leaf roll virus and its impact on important nutrients in tubers

2024-06-09T13:28:33+03:00

The Potato Leaf Roll Virus (PLRV) is one of the most devastating viruses causing severe yield losses worldwide in potatoes. Comprehensive observations were made to study the PLRV infestation in major potato-growing areas of Tashkent (Uzbekistan). In the article, disease symptoms such as lightening and roughening of the leaf color and upward twisting of the leaf plate were studied by molecular identification, and it was observed that the total protein and vitamin contents were significantly lower under diseased plants. It was found out from the studied literature and conducted experiments that PLRV is mainly stored in tubers and that the stored virus affects the vitamin and total protein content of potatoes. To prevent the spread of this virus, it is essential to identify the natural reservoir plants, prevent them from growing in the fields, and plant virus-free potato varieties.

Estimation of dominance and heterosis of morpho-economic traits in intraspecific F1 hybrids of upland cotton

2024-06-01T15:10:31+03:00

The present research was conducted to determine the mean performance of parental variety and lines and heterotic effects in F₁ hybrids of upland cotton. Six parental genotypes were included in the present study: Yulduz, Niso, Guliston, SS-BK, T-1336, and T-1391. All six parents were randomly crossed, and ten F₁hybrids were developed for evaluation. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The mean squares from the analysis of variance revealed that parents and F₁ hybrids differed significantly in their mean performance regarding all the traits studied, except those hybrids were non-significant for staple length. The importance of heterotic effects was evident from the significant mean squares of parents vs. hybrids. The mean performance revealed that F₁ hybrids performed better over the parents for the traits due to the manifestation of heterotic effects. The crosses Niso x Yulduz among the hybrids formed more bolls per plant. Also, they gave yet Niso x Yulduz maximum lint %, and longer fiber was measured in Yulduz x Guliston and Guliston x Yulduz. Also, T-1391 x Niso va SSB K-1 x Niso o formed a higher boll weight. The parental performance was not reflected in hybrid combinations; therefore, the potentiality of parents per se may not be taken for granted for expecting similar performance in the F₁ hybrids. The heterotic effects of the hybrids revealed that at least three hybrids viz. Niso x Yulduz va Niso x Guliston were identified, and they exhibited relative heterosis above 50% and heterobeltiosis over 45% for bolls per plant. The hybrids also expressed a fair amount of heterosis for boll weight, lint %, and fiber length. The high heterotic effects for bolls per plant, boll weight, lint %, and fiber length highlight the promising potential for heterosis breeding in upland cotton, offering a bright outlook for future research.

Unveiling the diversity of mating rituals among Acrididae (Orthoptera) of Pakistan

2024-05-12T18:47:00+03:00

Mating behavior in grasshoppers is a crucial component of biocontrol strategies aimed at managing pest populations in an effective, environmentally sustainable manner. Comparative mating behavior in three Acrididae subfamilies viz: Acridinae, Hemiacridinae, and Oxyinae, are examined in this research paper, encompassing mate recognition, courtship displays, copulation, and post-copulatory behaviors. Copulatory pairs were observed under laboratory conditions. Receptive females played a vital role in pair formation. Males approach females by silently touching the female body, flying, and stridulatory songs. Males respond by mount 90⁰ and 180⁰with end-end contact of genitalia. Among the species studied, Hieroglyphus oryzivorus exhibits a longer mating duration of 80.35± 31.51 hrs. and shorter in Oxyna bidenta, 70.22 ± 6.42 mins. Multiple mating attempts decrease insects' life span; among all given species, Truxalis eximia eximia live longer than others at 65.36±12.29 days. The number of eggs observed in Acrididae species ranges from 5 to more than 100 eggs per pod. The present study identifies gaps in current knowledge and suggests potential avenues for future research. Mating strategies play a vital role in the initial stages of the insect population density reproductive life cycle and in initiating any control measure.

Seasonal dynamics of Coleoptera abundance in the second year after fires

2024-06-03T00:57:30+03:00

In forest ecosystems, fires profoundly impact the habitat and seasonal dynamics of numerous Coleoptera species. The phenology of species and communities is particularly noteworthy in burned areas that were previously forest ecosystems. In 2023, research was conducted in the Mordovia State Nature Reserve on 11 burned plots in 2021 and control plots. The research employed the use of beer traps, which are baited with a combination of beer and sugar. In the second year after the fires, species from the families Nitidulidae, Cerambycidae, Scarabaeidae, and Elateridae exhibited the highest total number across all plots, accounting for 84.8% of all Coleoptera specimens collected. A single peak in the abundance of Coleoptera was observed on all plots during the month of May. The second peak in abundance during the autumn season was relatively modest in scale and was observed exclusively on unburned 2021 plots. Nitidulidae beetles appear in traps earlier than other beetles, with their number peaking in April and May. Thereafter, their number declined in June. The number of Cerambycidae and Scarabaeidae on all plots was relatively low in April but increased significantly in May and June. The peak abundance of Elateridae was observed in June, although the first individuals were recorded in April. A precipitous decline in the abundance of the species was observed in July, with only a single specimen being recorded in August. The Elateridae were observed to be particularly prevalent in burned areas where deadwood was present. There are variations in the observed differences between individual families, which are related to the location of plots, the condition of the vegetation cover, and the presence of flowering plants, deadwood, and dry trees on the plots.

Yield and yield component traits of the new Niyat variety of cotton under field conditions in the Khorezm region of Uzbekistan

2024-06-09T11:10:55+03:00

This article provides information on the valuable economic characteristics of the new and prospective variety of cotton, "Niyat," which is fast-ripening, fertile, resistant to diseases and pests, with fiber type IV, and adapted to various extreme conditions of the Khorezm region. The boll weight per plant was an average of 6.2–6.4 grams over the years of observation, an average of 0.4–0.7 grams higher than that of the control navigator. The weight of 1,000 seeds averaged 122–126 grams over the years of the study, which was found to be 8–11 grams higher than the control navigation. Fiber lengths ranged from 33.3 to 35.1 mm, averaging 34.0 mm. During the years of the study, it was found that the seed yield of the Niyat variety averaged 40.5%, which is 2.1% higher than the control variety. In the future, it has been proved that the Niyat cotton variety can be used as a starting material for future research on the creation of new ridges and varieties of cotton suitable for the soil and climatic conditions of the Khorezm region and suitable for double sowing.

Structure and dynamics of the flora of protected areas (on the example of the Mordovia State Nature Reserve, European Russia)

2024-06-09T11:25:22+03:00

Our research, which has yielded unique findings, is dedicated to the study of the dynamics of the number of flora species in a forest-protected area (Mordovia State Nature Reserve, European Russia) for the period 1936-2023. During this period, there was an increase in the number of species of both native (from 525 to 695 species) and alien (from 38 to 174 species) flora. Based on the above data, we conclude that the composition of the native flora of the MSNR is more than 99% identified. In the first years of the flora inventory, about 70% of the native flora is identified. The spectrum of families of the native flora of the MSNR has changed little over time. After the first inventory, the number of families in the flora does not add up to much (78 in 1936, 87 in 2023). There is mainly an increase in the number of identified genera in already known families and species within identified genera. In the spectrum of families of alien flora there are constant changes, new genera from different families, species within genera are added. The floristic data analysis revealed that the natural flora exhibited characteristics of a forest, despite the presence of a forest-steppe zone adjacent to the southern border of the MSNR. The primary indicators of systematic structure, composition of life forms, and ranges of species of native flora collectively indicate that the Mordovia State Nature Reserve forest area is situated within the natural zone of mixed (coniferous-broadleaved) forests. A comparison of long-term data from the MSNR flora study revealed that the process of formation of the alien flora of the MSNR, its structure, and chorological groups has not been completed yet. It will continue until the cultivation of plants from different continents and natural areas in protected areas is banned.

Biodiversity of Microlepidoptera (Lepidoptera) of the Saratov and Volgograd regions (Russia, Lower Volga)

2024-06-11T13:22:37+03:00

Lepidoptera is one of the most diverse species in insects. Two-thirds of the families belong to the group Microlepidoptera, which occupy a significant place in the faunas of various natural landscapes, and some species are dangerous pests for agricultural and forestry crops of any country in the world. The number of invasive species is also growing, such as among mining moths, which form secondary habitats and actively introduce themselves into new ecosystems and become their components. Some species of microlepidoptera are sensitive to anthropogenic impact and are indicators of the environmental state. The research aims to describe the taxonomic composition and species diversity of the moth fauna of the Lower Volga region within the boundaries of Saratov and Volgograd Regions. The research was carried out in April-November 1979-2023. Collections were made using various methods using a net, light traps, window traps, Malaise traps, and beer traps. The coordinates of the place of finding, abundance, and dates were recorded for each observation. The dataset contains data on 983 species of microlepidoptera from 59 families. The dataset contains 82 occurrences. In total, 3471 specimens of moths have been studied. The biodiversity of microlepidoptera of the Saratov and Volgograd Regions includes 983 species from 59 families.

Effects of essential oils aroma therapy on stress-ladened solitary carnivores: Changes in anxiety-related behavior and cortisol concentration

2024-04-22T19:24:17+03:00

Aromatherapy is a popular enrichment that reduces stress. We hypothesize that essential oils positively affect captivated carnivores to cope with stress. The solitary carnivores, namely, Asiatic Wolf, Jungle Cat, Asiatic Lion, Common Leopard, and Stripped Hyena, were studied for this purpose during the pre-enrichment, enrichment, and post-enrichment phases. The focal monitoring method was used to observe animal behaviors for 384 hours over the 2 months. The carnivores were provided sensory enrichment with essential oils: Lavandula angustifolia, Eucalyptus globulus Labill, Citrus limon Linn, and Mentha piperita Linn. The FGCs evaluated the cortisol levels by ELISA. The Asiatic wolf is found to be the most stressed carnivore among all studied animals. The efficacy order of the oils in reducing stress was found to be Lavender > Eucalyptus > Peppermint > Lemon. The frequency of stereotypic behavior and cortisol levels in these carnivores were significantly reduced with the effectiveness of essential oil. The aromatherapy reduced cortisol level values ranged from 82.6±0.927 to 46±0.707, 155±0.707 to 93.4±0.927, 385±0.710 to 289.2±1.067, 285.4±1.029 to 190±0.709 and 205.4±0.930 to 176±0.708 in Asiatic Wolf, Jungle Cat, Common Leopard, Asiatic Lion and Hyena respectively. It is concluded that essential oils and aromatherapy help alleviate stress and anxiety and improve animal behavior. Aromatherapy may be applied as short-term sensory enrichment for captive wildlife.

Genetic diversity of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus, L. 1758) in native and introduced populations in East Africa

2024-06-04T13:01:50+03:00

Freshwater fish in East African Lakes are under severe threat due to the recently discovered oil and gas in the Albertine Region and overfishing across the entire East African Region. The threats, primarily caused by overfishing, are a matter of declining fish populations and a potential reduction in genetic diversity in the surviving populations due to genetic drift. This study, therefore, is of utmost importance as it assessed genetic diversity in seven populations, including five from native and two from introduced populations. The assessment of genetic diversity in Oreochromis niloticus was conducted using molecular markers in 128 samples. The results showed a moderate genetic variation between native and introduced populations at mitochondrial and microsatellite loci. The potential effects of overfishing, fish introductions, and new threats from cage farming on the genetic diversity and ecological integrity of wildlife species are discussed, highlighting the need for immediate action.

Keywords: Aquaculture, Cage farming, Gene flow, Nile tilapia, overfishing

Sexual dimorphism and morphometric analysis of Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) of Khairpur, Sindh, Pakistan

2024-06-15T01:10:55+03:00

The Red Palm Weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus) is a global threat to palm trees. Our study, which delves into the sexual dimorphism and morphometric variations among Red Palm Weevils in the Khairpur district of Sindh, Pakistan, has the potential to influence the development of effective and sustainable management strategies significantly. We collected 210 adult Red Palm Weevils, both males and females, from various palm tree habitats in Khairpur. We measured different body parts using calipers and compared the results between the sexes. The findings revealed clear sexual dimorphism in Red Palm Weevils of Khairpur, with females being larger. These morphometric variations provide valuable insights into the sexual dimorphism and physical characteristics of Red Palm Weevils in Khairpur, Sindh. This information can be directly applied in developing sex-specific control strategies, such as targeted trapping or biological control methods, to mitigate the impact of Red Palm Weevils on palm tree populations in the region. Our research contributes to a comprehensive understanding of the species biology and aids in developing effective and sustainable management strategies for this economically significant pest.

Habitat protection and planning for indicator species using MaxEnt model in Alborz

2024-06-14T15:10:47+03:00

Predicting and mapping the appropriate habitat for endangered and threatened species is crucial for monitoring and restoring their dwindling populations in their natural surroundings. Additionally, it aids in the selection of suitable conservation sites and the effective management of their habitats. An ideal approach for habitat suitability modeling of species involves the utilization of MaxEnt machine learning techniques. The MaxEnt model was employed to forecast habitat suitability for key species, including Ursus arctos, Capra aegagrus, Ovis ammon, Lutra lutra, Martes foina, Lynx lynx, and Panthera pardus. Additionally, Linkage Pathways were employed to model ecological corridors connecting core habitats, enhancing our understanding of landscape connectivity for these species. The result showed that it is imperative to safeguard these vital areas situated in the northern and southern parts between the two prohibited hunting zones and the protected area. These areas provide the best routes for species to move between two habitats. However, settlements and rural areas pose a significant threat that can lead to the reduction or destruction of these communication areas. Therefore, protecting these regions should be a top priority.

Biology of red flour beetle, Tribolium castaneum (Herbst, 1797), in two flour media under laboratory conditions

2024-06-18T00:24:53+03:00

The research was conducted with meticulous attention to detail. The study aimed to discern the food precedence and investigate the various life stages of Tribolium castaneum. The research was carried out in two flour media, wheat (Triticum indicum) and rice (Oryza sativa), at an average temperature of 30°C and 50% R.H. The study found that larval and pupal development time was comparatively faster in wheat flour (23 to 27 days) as compared to rice (33 to 37). Oviposition was observed higher in rice flour than in wheat flour. Instars were discerned as six and seven in wheat and rice flour, respectively. The pace of reproduction, development, and growth was higher in the warmer seasons from April till the start of September, especially in June and July, but with the cessation of all these activities in fall and cold seasons, even adult beetles were found dead in extreme cold.

Studies on the taxonomy and distribution of Cetoniinae (Leach, 1815) from Sindh-Pakistan

2024-06-18T00:36:16+03:00

Cetoniinae are the members of scarab beetles commonly known as flower scarabs, fruit, chafers, and beetle. The present study was conducted from 2021 to 2023 in different ecological zones of Sindh-Pakistan. A total of 77 specimens were collected and sorted out into family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Cetoniinae with 02 genera i-e: Clinteria (Burmeister, 1842) and Protaetia (Burmeister, 1842) and with 02 species i-e: Clinteria klugi (Hope, 1831) and Protaetia aurichalcea (Fabricius, 1775) respectively. Besides this, species description, geographical maps, ecological data, and digital images of studied species are illustrated in the present paper.

Phytochemical analysis and anthelmintic activity of Andrographis paniculata, Azadirachta indica, and Litsea elliptica leaves extracts against Caenorhabditis elegans

2024-06-28T14:05:46+03:00

Despite the challenges posed by multi-drug resistance in synthetic anthelmintics, the potential of plant extracts as an alternative helminth control option offers a ray of hope. The current study, conducted with meticulous care and thoroughness, delves into the anthelmintic activity of crude water and ethanol extracts of three plant species, Andrographis paniculata (Hempedu Bumi), Azadirachta indica (Neem), and Litsea elliptica (Pawas), against the nematode, C. elegans. The preparation of water and ethanol extracts from the three plants involved maceration and ultrasonic methods, respectively. Phytochemical screening was conducted to identify the active compounds in both extracts, followed by determining the total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid contents (TFC) using the corresponding Folin-Ciocalteau and aluminum colorimetric methods. The percentage yields of water extracts were 15.10%, 13.11%, and 9.55%, and ethanol extracts were 9.78%, 2.94%, and 15.50% for A. paniculata, A. indica, and L. elliptica, respectively. All extracts tested positive for alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids, protein, and carbohydrates. In water extract, A. indica exhibited the highest total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) contents of 58.38 ± 0.005 mg GAE/g and 18.68 ± 0.005 mg QE/g, respectively. In contrast, in ethanol extract, L. elliptica exhibited the highest TPC and TFC of 122.67 ± 0.398 mg GAE/g and 96.69 ± 0.027 mg QE/g, respectively. L. elliptica ethanol extract appeared to induce the most pronounced effect on reducing head thrashing activity compared to other extracts in C. elegans. Both water and ethanol extracts of A. indica and L. elliptica exhibited significant mortality in all examined concentrations with maximum mortality.

Molecular identification of Herpetofauna from Punjab, Pakistan, using mtDNA genes

2024-06-29T19:52:38+03:00

The herpetofauna diversity of Pakistan is underestimated due to the country's lack of molecular-based identification. Field surveys were conducted from August 2018 through July 2022 to collect as many as possible specimens from Punjab, Pakistan. A total of 21 species were collected and initially identified by morphological characteristics. The three gene fragments in four amphibian species and seven reptile species were successfully amplified and sequenced. A total of 18 DNA sequences of 11 species representing nine genera and five families were deposited in GenBank, and accession numbers were obtained. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis was performed through the Neighbor-joining method using 100 bootstrap pseudo-replicates in MEGA X. Closely related toad species, namely Duttaphrynus melanostictus and Duttaphrynus stomatitis, were clearly separated in the tree inferred from Cytb gene sequences. Similarly, conspecific sequences were analyzed for multiple individuals of Platyceps rhodorachis clustered together in the tree inferred from COI gene sequences. In our findings, 16S rRNA appears to be more reliable in identifying amphibian species, while COI has a better success rate in reptile species identification. In our recommendations, molecular-based identification of herpetofauna is necessary nationwide to document any new subspecies.