UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
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Diversity of Aquatic Macrophytes and Water Quality Assessment of Joysagar Tank of Sivasagar District, Assam, India
No full textThe primary objective of this research was to inventory the aquatic macrophyte species and assess important water quality indicators, including pH, dissolved oxygen, and temperature, in order to generate baseline information on the ecological condition of the tank. A total of 54 macrophyte species belonging to 45 genera were recorded during the study period. The dominant families were Poaceae representing 10 species. This is followed by Polygonaceae and Asteraceae each family represented by 6 species. The findings reveal a diverse assemblage of macrophytes, with species such as Eclipta prostrata, Eichhornia crassipes, Kyllinga brevifolia and Colocasia esculenta being particularly prominent. Overall, the measured water quality parameters remained within stable ranges, suggesting a functioning aquatic ecosystem. The characteristics of tank hydrology is regulated by the physico- chemical properties of water. Results show that increasing temperature value and rain water is favorable for growth and development of macrophytes. Lower turbidity enhances light availability, improves photosynthesis and generally indicates better water quality which support the healthy growth and development of macrophytes. Hydrogen ion concentration of water is considered as one of the important factors regulating aquatic ecosystem. Nevertheless, the study also identifies emerging concerns, including eutrophication and persistent human-induced disturbances, which pose significant threats to the long-term sustainability of the tank. In Joysagar Tank, various anthropogenic activities—such as the disposal of solid waste and plastics, discharge of restaurant waste, and recreational boating—have contributed to the degradation of the tank’s ecosystem. Although Joysagar Tank supports rich biodiversity, it is increasingly facing environmental challenges due to human interference. Therefore, the implementation of effective pollution-control measures, along with enhanced public awareness and community participation, is essential for the conservation and sustainable management of the tank’s ecosystem. 
Toxicological Evaluation of Microplastic Extracts in Zebrafish Behavior by Light–Dark and Startle Response Assays
No full textPollution of the environment by plastics and their degradation products has become a global environmental concern, with microplastics (MPs) being one of the most resilient and most toxic pollutants. In the present work, microplastic powders obtained from a pyrolysis plant in Chennai were treated using saline leaching, and the extracts obtained were evaluated for toxicological effects in zebrafish (Danio rerio.). The light–dark preference test and startle response assay were used as behavioral assays to evaluate anxiety, stress, and neuromotor activity after exposure to graded concentrations of the extract. Zebrafish given elevated doses (12.5% and 25%) showed elevated time in the dark compartment, reflecting increased anxiety levels, and startle responses declined with increasing doses progressively, verifying impaired neuromotor and cognitive abilities. The extract caused negative behavioral effects even at low doses, reflecting its toxicity. These results indicate that pyrolysis-derived microplastic leachates have significant neurobehavioral toxicity in zebrafish, highlighting their potential environmental and public health concern
Parasitological Survey of Intestinal Helminths in Equines from Al-Najaf and Al-Diwaniyah Governorates
No full textHelminth infection is the most common problem that causes economic and health losses, especially in equines. The present study aimed to identify and diagnose specific intestinal helminths that are responsible for causing diarrhea in horses and donkeys. Additionally, the study aimed to determine the prevalence of these infections in various regions of Al-Najaf and Al-Diwaniyah. Additionally, the study investigated how the age and sex of the animals influenced the occurrence of the disease. The laboratory analysis of feces from 105 equines (84 horses and 21 donkeys) showed that 48 of them were infected with nematodes. Among the infected equines, 30 were horses (35% of the total horses) and 18 were donkeys (85% of the total donkeys). The specific types of nematodes found were Trichostrongylus axei (31% of the infections) and Strongylus spp. (14% of the infection). Overall, the percentage of equines infected with nematodes was 45%. The disparities in infection rates between Trichostrongylus axei and Strongylus spp. were statistically significant (P ≤ 0.05). The incidence of nematode infections was highest (60%) in equines aged 2 and 4 years old, and lowest (38%) in equines aged 6 and 8 years old. The prevalence of nematode infections was greater in female equines (48%) than in male equines (37%). Al-Manadera had the highest prevalence of nematode infection, with approximately 62%, while Al-Diwaniyah (known for its Arabian horses) had the lowest prevalence, at approximately 25%. Statistically, there were significant variations (P ≤ 0.05) between different regions. However, there were no significant changes (p > 0.05) in infections based on animal age and sex, as they showed similar percentages of infection. The subclinical impacts of nematodes likely have a pervasive impact on the animal\u27s health and productivity throughout its life. Hence, it is imperative for future research to examine the harmful consequences of nematodes
Effect of Essential Oil Supplementation on Gut Morphological Parameters of Japanese Quails Assessed by Histopathological Examination
No full textThe present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation of essential oil on growth performance, nutrient utilization of japanese quail birds. A total of two hundred (200), a day-old Japanese quail chicks were taken and divided randomly into five different treatment groups (T1, T 2, T3, T4 and T5) and every group was having four replicates having ten chicks in each. Diets were prepared by addition of cinnamon and peppermint essential oils in different concentrations, treatment group T1-basal or control diet for 35 days, T2-basal diet supplemented with cinnamon essential oil @500 ppm, T3-basal diet supplemented with peppermint essential oil @500 ppm, T4-basal diet supplemented with combination of cinnamon and peppermint essential oil @250 ppm each, T5 -Basal diet supplemented with combination of cinnamon and peppermint essential oil @ 500 ppm each. Gut histological parameters were found to be improved in all essential oil supplemented groups. Villus height (μm) was found higher (p<0.05) in essential oil supplemented groups than control. Crypt depth (μm) was found higher (p<0.05) in T2 and T3 group than control. It was concluded that dietary supplementation of cinnamon oil (@500ppm), peppermint oil (@500ppm) and combination of cinnamon and peppermint oil (@250 ppm each) significantly (p<0.05) improved gut morphological parameters, without adversely affecting blood biochemical parameters in Japanese quail birds
Larvicidal Potency of Essential Oils of Ocimum suave against Anopheles gambiae Mosquitoes in Delta State
No full textThis study was carried out to determine the larvicidal potency of Ocimum suave against Anopheles gambiae mosquitoes in Delta State, Nigeria. Mosquitoes were collected in the early hours of the morning from breeding sites across Aniocha North and South LGAs. Puddles, gutters, and stagnant water were inspected for immature stages, which were collected using dippers. The immature stages were allowed to acclimatize in the insectary under controlled conditions until they developed into fourth-instar larvae. The experiment adopted a completely randomized design (CRD) with three replicates. Larval mortality was recorded, and lethal times for 50% and 95% of the larvae were determined. Key findings revealed that larval mortality increased significantly with both concentration and exposure time. All concentrations (5–100 ppm) produced complete larval mortality within 24 hours. The 100% PPM concentration caused the highest mortality between 40 and 60 minutes (p < 0.0001). Lethal time (LT₅₀) values ranged between 52.6 and 65.2 minutes, while LT₉₅ values ranged between 100.0 and 123.9 minutes. GC–MS analysis showed that linoleic acid (24.9%) was the most abundant compound, while stigmasterol exhibited the highest retention time (37.5 minutes). Conclusively, the essential oil of O. suave demonstrates strong larvicidal activity and has potential for use as a plant based larvicide against Anopheles gambiae. These findings highlight its promise for incorporation into larval source management programs aimed at reducing vector emergence and abundance. Future studies are required to evaluate its field performance under natural environmental conditions
Human-Banbakri Antelope Conflict in India: A Review of Crop Depredation, Ecological Dynamics and Mitigation Strategies
No full textThe Banbakri antelope (Boselaphus tragocamelus), commonly known as the Nilgai, is distributed across and neighbouring countries such as Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Texas, Mexico, Italy, and South Africa. Increasing human encroachment, habitat degradation, and agricultural expansion have led to a rising incidence of crop raiding by Banbakri, causing substantial economic losses to farmers, particularly in northern and central India. This review examines the human–Banbakri conflict arising from competition for agricultural resources, drawing on secondary data from scientific journals and reports. Banbakri antelope have increasingly moved from natural habitats to human-dominated landscapes in search of water, food, and crops. Bihar hosts the largest population (295,366), followed by Uttar Pradesh (254,444). The species causes significant damage to major crops, fruits, and vegetables, sometimes up to 58% yield loss-forcing farmers to alter cropping patterns. Crop depredation can be identified through direct sightings, photographs, hoof prints, plant damage, and dung traces. The review highlights ecological interactions between Banbakri antelope besides agriculture and underscores the urgent need for an Integrated Banbakri Pest Management (IBPM) framework to balance conservation priorities with rural livelihoods, emphasizing evidence-based, socially acceptable, and ecologically sustainable solutions
Circumferential Periauricular Necrosis with Partial Ear Sloughing in a Captive Asian Elephant (Elephas maximus): A Case Report
No full textPeriauricular necrosis and sloughing of the ear in elephants are rare but serious clinical conditions, most often associated with vascular compromise following intravenous drug administration. This case report describes the clinical presentation, diagnostic evaluation, medical management, and outcome of circumferential periauricular necrosis in a 10-year-old captive female Asian elephant (Elephas maximus). The animal was presented with anorexia and subsequently developed impaired ear flapping, peripheral ear dryness, and a septic wound on the caudal aspect of the left pinna. Clinical examination revealed circumferential dry necrosis of the ear with loss of sensation and absence of bleeding on needle puncture. Doppler ultrasonography confirmed a lack of blood flow to the affected peripheral region, while electrocardiography showed no systemic abnormalities. Histopathological examination demonstrated epithelial loss, fibrous tissue proliferation, and marked avascularity, consistent with ischemic necrosis. Conservative medical management, including systemic antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory therapy, resulted in spontaneous sloughing of the necrotic ear tissue by Day 7, followed by healthy granulation and early epithelialization by Day 15. The lesion was presumed to be of iatrogenic origin, likely secondary to auricular vascular injury following intravenous injection. This report underscores the susceptibility of the elephant ear to vascular compromise, highlights the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management, and emphasizes the need for meticulous intravenous administration techniques to prevent such debilitating complications in captive elephants
Phytochemical-Mediated Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Apis mellifera (Honeybee) Propolis and Their Enhanced Antibacterial Efficacy Against Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens
No full textThe escalating crisis of antimicrobial resistance necessitates the urgent development of novel, effective, and biocompatible therapeutic agents. This study reports a sustainable, phytochemical-mediated approach for synthesizing silver nanoparticles (Pro-AgNPs) using the ethanolic extract of Apis mellifera (honeybee) propolis, a complex natural resin renowned for its broad-spectrum bioactivity. The bioactive compounds in propolis, primarily flavonoids and phenolic acids, served a dual function as reducing and capping agents, facilitating the eco-friendly synthesis of stable nanoparticles. Comprehensive characterization confirmed the successful formation of crystalline, spherical Pro-AgNPs with an average size of 22.4 ± 5.8 nm, as evidenced by UV-Vi’s spectroscopy (surface plasmon resonance at ~435 nm), X-ray diffraction (peaks corresponding to face-cantered cubic silver), and electron microscopy. Crucially, the synthesized Pro-AgNPs demonstrated significantly enhanced in vitro antibacterial efficacy against a panel of clinically relevant multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens—including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin-resistant Enterococci, and extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae—when compared to pure propolis extract or silver nitrate solution. The determined minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) for Pro-AgNPs were substantially lower (8–32 µg/mL), highlighting a potent synergistic effect. The enhanced activity is attributed to a concerted "hybrid nano-bio" mechanism, where propolis phytochemicals compromise bacterial membrane integrity and inhibit efflux pumps, thereby potentiating the multifaceted antimicrobial action of the silver nanoparticles, which include membrane disruption, reactive oxygen species generation, and intracellular damage. These findings underscore propolis as an exceptional natural precursor for green nanotechnology and position Pro-AgNPs as a promising, synergistic nano-antibacterial platform with significant potential for combating multidrug-resistant infections
Diversity and Seasonal Variation of Zooplankton in Avudaiyar Pond, Tiruchendur, Tamil Nadu, India
No full textBackground: Zooplankton constitute an essential component of freshwater ecosystems, functioning as key intermediaries in aquatic food webs and serving as sensitive indicators of environmental change.
Aims: The present study investigates the diversity, composition, and seasonal variation of zooplankton communities in Avudaiyar Pond, located in Tiruchendur, Thoothukudi District, Tamil Nadu, South India, over one year from January 2024 to December 2024. Method: Zooplankton samples were collected monthly from selected sites using a standard plankton net with a mesh size of 60 μm, and organisms were identified to the species level using standard taxonomic keys. A total of 55 zooplankton species belonging to four major taxonomic groups—Rotifera, Cladocera, Copepoda, and Ostracoda—were recorded during the study period. Among these groups, Rotifera emerged as the dominant group, contributing the highest species richness, followed by Cladocera and Copepoda, while Ostracoda showed comparatively lower diversity.
Results: Distinct seasonal variations were observed in zooplankton abundance and species richness, with higher diversity during the summer and post-monsoon seasons and a marked decline during the monsoon period. The reduced diversity during the monsoon season is attributed to increased water inflow, turbidity, and hydrological disturbance. Diversity index analysis revealed moderately high Shannon diversity and evenness values, indicating a stable and well-balanced zooplankton community and suggesting favourable ecological conditions in Avudaiyar Pond.
Conclusion: The findings highlight the effectiveness of zooplankton as bioindicators of freshwater ecosystem health and provide valuable baseline ecological data for long-term monitoring, conservation planning, and sustainable management of freshwater resources in the Tiruchendur region
Effect of Jeevamruth and Millet-Based Biofloc on Hepatosomatic and Intestinal Somatic Indices of Labeo rohita in Integrated Aquaculture
No full textThis study evaluated the physiological effects of integrating Jeevamruth (a traditional microbial consortium) and millet-based biofloc technology on Labeo rohita. The experiment utilized a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five treatments: Control (C), Biofloc (T1), 0.5% Jeevamruth (T2), 1% Jeevamruth (T3), and Biofloc + 0.5% Jeevamruth (T4). A total of 45 fish (n=3 per tank) were sampled for Organosomatic analysis after a 60-day culture period. Results indicated that the Hepatosomatic Index (HSI) remained stable across all treatments (p > 0.05), ranging from 1.19% to 1.62%, demonstrating that the organic amendments did not induce hepatic stress or toxicity. Conversely, the Intestinosomatic Index (ISI) showed significant variation (p < 0.05), with the lowest value recorded in T4 (6.29 ± 0.37%) compared to the Control (9.57 ± 0.07%). This reduction in intestinal mass suggests enhanced nutrient assimilation and digestive efficiency driven by the synergistic microbial environment. The study concludes that combining Jeevamruth with biofloc creates a bio-secure, nutrient-rich rearing system that supports optimal physiological health in Labeo rohita, validating its potential for sustainable, low-input aquaculture