UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
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Assessing Seasonal Occurrence of Odonates in the Joysagar Area, Sivasagar District, Assam, India
No full textThe present paper deals with the study of seasonal occurrences of Odonate species in the Joysagar area, Sivasagar district, Assam, India. The study was conducted from June, 2023 to May, 2025. Three sites were selected from the study area. A total of 26 species of Odonates i.e., 14 species of dragonflies (Suborder-Anisoptera) and 12 species of damselflies (Suborder- Zygoptera) belonging to the Families Libellulidae, Coenagrionidae and Platycnemididae were recorded from the three study sites during the study period i.e., from June, 2023 to May, 2024 and June, 2024 to May, 2025, where the highest number of Odonate species and individuals were recorded from monsoon. Orthetrum sabina (Drury) and Ceriagrion cerinorubellum (Brauer) were found to be the most abundant species in the study area during both the two years of study period. The current study also reveals that the Sørensen Similarity Coefficient ranges between the values 0.70-1.00 for Site 1, Site 2 and Site 3 between the study periods June, 2023 to May, 2024 and June, 2024 to May, 2025. Statistical analysis indicated a moderate positive correlation between average seasonal temperature and Odonate abundance in all of the three study sites. The current paper highlights that the population of Odonates are shaped by monsoonal patterns, underscoring their role as indicators of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem integrity and a wide environmental stability
Comparative Diversity of Small Indigenous Freshwater Fishes from the Wetlands of Charaideo and Nagaon Districts of Assam, India
No full textThe present study documents the diversity of small indigenous freshwater fishes from selected wetlands of Charaideo and Nagaon districts of Assam, India. Field surveys were conducted using traditional fishing gears commonly employed by local fishermen, and species identification was carried out following standard taxonomic literature. A total of 32 small indigenous fish species belonging to 15 families were recorded from the study area, reflecting considerable ichthyofaunal diversity in the wetlands. The family Cyprinidae was found to be the most dominant, followed by Danionidae, Channidae, and other families. Comparative analysis revealed that Nagaon district exhibited higher species richness and abundance, while several species in Charaideo district were recorded as present or rare. Most of the recorded species fall under the ‘Least Concern’ category of the IUCN Red List, although a few species were categorized as ‘Near Threatened’, indicating the need for focused regional conservation measures. The findings provide important baseline information for future research, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable management of freshwater wetland ecosystems in Assam
Butterfly (Lepidoptera) Diversity and Community Structure in Kohka, Adjacent to Turia Gate, Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India
No full textButterflies are an important model group in understanding ecology particularly biodiversity status and habitat health of a particular region. A scientific exercise was undertaken to explore butterfly diversity and abundance in Kohka, an adjoining area of Turia gate, Pench National Park, Madhya Pradesh, India, in December, 2025. A total of 69 butterfly species belonging to 48 genera and five families (Nymphalidae, Papilionidae, Pieridae, Lycaenidae and Hesperiidae) were recorded during this study, of which eight species are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972. Of the total, 38.14% were very common, 24.78% were common, 33.92% were not rare, and 3.16% were rare. Nymphalidae was dominant with 54.66% of total butterflies, 43.48% of total recorded species and 39.58% of total recorded genera. The high values of Shannon-Weiner index (H\u27=3.86), Simpson\u27s index of diversity (D=0.97), Pielou’s evenness index (J′=0.91) and Margalef\u27s Richness index (d=10.72) indicates high butterfly diversity with, high abundance and evenness in the study area. The butterflies found with high occurrence frequency were Euploea core, Parantica aglea, Junonia iphita, Symphaedra nais, Melanitis leda, Ypthima baldus, Pareronia hippia, Eurema hecabe, Catopsilia Pomona, Pieris canidia, Papilio polytes, and Pachliopta aristolochiae. The information from this survey-based study will facilitate the assessment of the habitat quality or ecosystem health of the area surrounding the National Park, thus aiding in the development of necessary conservation strategies for butterflies and their habitat, if necessary
Influence of Dietary Turmeric Powder (Curcuma longa) Supplementation on Blood Haematological Parameters of Kuroiler Chicks
No full textThis study investigated the physiological impact of incorporating varying levels of turmeric powder (Curcuma longa) specifically focusing on haematological parameters of Kuroiler chicks. For this trial, 120 day-old chicks, selected for uniform body weight from a single batch, were distributed across four experimental groups. The control group T0 received a standard basal diet following BIS (2007) guidelines, while the treatment groups- T1, T2 and T3 were supplemented with turmeric powder at dosages of 5.0 g/kg, 7.5 g/kg, and 10.0 g/kg, respectively. Each treatment comprised 30 chicks, further divided into the three replicates of 10 chicks each. Following an 8-week feeding period, hematological analysis was conducted on representative blood samples from each chick to determine hemoglobin (Hb) levels, packed cell volume (PCV), total RBC, total WBC and including differential WBC counts for lymphocytes, neutrophils, monocytes and eosinophils. Statistical analysis revealed that the significant (P≤0.05) increase in haemoglobin concentration, total RBC and lymphocytes counts was observed in the T2 group (supplemented turmeric powder at 7.5 g/kg) compared to all other experimental groups. These findings suggest that inclusion of dietary turmeric powder @ 7.5 g/kg positively influenced the haemoglobin concentration, total RBC and lymphocytes counts in Kuroiler chicks
Microplastic Pollution in Aquatic Ecosystems: Environmental Behaviour, Biological Impacts, and Public Health Implications- A Comprehensive Review
No full textMicroplastics and nanoplastics are pervasive contaminants in freshwater and marine systems. Here, the current evidence on their major sources and pathways, phytochemical characteristics, environmental fate (transport, fragmentation, biofouling, and sedimentation), and ecological effects across trophic levels is synthesized. We also summarize human exposure routes (seafood, drinking water, and inhalation), health-relevant toxicological mechanisms (e.g., inflammation, oxidative stress, and endocrine disruption), and the current state of analytical detection and monitoring (e.g., FTIR/Raman spectroscopy and pyrolysis-GC/MS), including key limitations to comparability. Finally, we review regulatory and mitigation approaches and highlight research priorities such as harmonized definitions, method inter-comparisons, realistic chronic exposure studies, and quantitative risk-assessment frameworks. Addressing these gaps is essential for evidence-based regulation and reducing microplastic inputs to aquatic environments and the food chain
Biodiversity Exploration of Terrestrial Hemiptera in Simlipal Tiger Reserve Reveals Multiple New Area Records
No full textThis study is the first effort to document the terrestrial Hemipteran diversity of Simlipal Tiger Reserve of Odisha, which is also famous as a biodiversity Hotspot area. The assessment of terrestrial hemipteran fauna of the Reserve area was performed across six sampling sites comprising different habitat types within the reserve area, and 141 examples of terrestrial hemiptera were collected by hand picking methods, sweep netting and light trap methods. During the study, 55 species from 50 genera belonging to 14 families have been identified. The study clearly shows the dominance of the Pentatomidae family, followed by Rhyparochromidae, Lygaeidae and Reduviidae, while some of the families are represented by a single species, which indicates variation of habitat occupancy.
The diversity analysis of the six selected sites revealed noticeable variation in species composition. Station 6 (S6), that is Ramatirtha, shows the highest number of species richness and Shannon index, while station 3 (S3) and station 4 (S4), that is Gurguria and Bundayiposi respectively, show the lowest numbers. The data shows variation in species composition, as well as species evenness and also highlights the species dominance and community structure of every station.
This study shows that Simlipal is a reservoir of various hemipteran fauna that includes not only the sap feeders but also some agriculturally significant pests and predators, which play an important role in balancing the ecosystem of the forest. As this is the first effort to document the hemipteran diversity of the protected area, it will provide a baseline for further taxonomic, ecology-oriented research works in the near future. This study also shows that a larger number of surveys and the collection of specimens from different habitats and in different seasons are needed to completely understand the hemipteran diversity of this significantly important biodiversity hotspot area
Field Screening of Chilli Genotypes Against the Incidence of South East Asian Thrips, Thrips parvispinus (Karny)
No full textChilli (Capsicum spp.) is a commercially important vegetable and spice crop; however, its productivity is severely constrained by thrips infestation, particularly by the invasive South East Asian thrips, Thrips parvispinus (Karny). The present study aimed to evaluate the resistance of different chilli genotypes to T. parvispinus under natural field conditions and to identify potential sources of host plant resistance. The field experiment was conducted during 2024–2025 at the College of Horticulture, Bengaluru and the Regional Horticultural Research and Extension Centre (RHREC), University of Horticultural Sciences, Gandhi Krishi Vignana Kendra, Bengaluru, Karnataka, situated in the Eastern Dry Zone of India. A randomized complete block design with two replications was adopted to evaluate thirty-five chilli genotypes without the application of insecticides, allowing natural infestation of thrips. Observations on thrips population were recorded using the tapping method at 30, 60, 90 and 120 days after transplanting. Damage severity was assessed using the percent leaf curl index (PLI). The results revealed significant variation in mean thrips population and leaf curl severity among the genotypes. For most genotypes, the mean thrips population reached its peak at 60 days after transplanting. None of the genotypes exhibited immunity or complete resistance based on mean percent leaf curl index values. However, six genotypes such as S45, S29, S1, S31, S35 and S19 were categorized as moderately resistant due to lower mean thrips population and reduced leaf curl symptoms. The majority of genotypes were susceptible, while S8, S7, S3, S32 and S14 exhibited high susceptibility. The popular cultivars Arka Meghana and Pusa Jwala were also found to be susceptible. The study identified promising chilli genotypes with moderate resistance to T. parvispinus, which can serve as potential donor parents in resistance breeding programmes, thereby contributing to sustainable chilli production through reduced dependence on chemical insecticides
Survivability of Lepidiota mansueta (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Grubs under Different Soil Orders of Assam, India
No full textThe survival of the third instar grubs of Lepidiota mansueta under four different soil orders of Assam was investigated in the Soil Arthropod Pests Laboratory and Bio-fertilizer Laboratory, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat during 2012-17. A total of 30 grubs were reared for each of the soil orders in ambient laboratory conditions (temperature: 28±2o C & Humidity: 70-80%). Among the four different soil orders, grubs were successfully reared up to adult stage in both surface and subsurface soil of Entisols and Inceptisols. Survival of grubs was recorded in surface (214.46 days) and subsurface (212.20 days) soil of Entisols with adult emergence of 73.33% and 86.66% respectively, whereas in case of Inceptisols survival of grubs was found to be 210.03 and 205.67 days with adult emergence of 5.00% and 11.67%, respectively. The maximum organic carbon (0.89%), pH (6.48), soil microbial biomass carbon (289.70 mg/ kg), and sand (67.20%) were recorded in case of Entisols which exhibited a loamy sand texture. However, not a single grub could survive under Alfisols and Ultisols, indicating the strong effects of soil physicochemical properties on survival of the grubs. The findings of the present research will help developing predictive risk models and subsequent management of this pest
Carcass Characteristics of Kadaknath in Comparison to Narmada Nidhi and Jabalpur Colour Chickens
No full textThe experiment was conducted to investigate meat yield and carcass characteristics of male Kadaknath, Narmada Nidhi and Jabalpur colour chickens at 6 and 10 weeks of age. The present experimental work was conducted on a total of 36 birds of Kadaknath, Narmada Nidhi, and Jabalpur colour. The birds were categorised into two age groups: 6 weeks and 10 weeks of age of Kadaknath (G1 and G2), Narmada Nidhi (G3 and G4) and Jabalpur colour (G5 and G6), respectively, with six birds in each group. Birds were procured from All India Co-ordinated Research Project on Poultry (AICRP), Livestock Farm, Adhartal, Nanaji Deshmukh Veterinary Science University (NDVSU), Jabalpur (M.P.). All birds were humanely slaughtered by cervical dislocation at the Department of Veterinary Anatomy, College of Veterinary Science & A.H. (CoVSc & A.H.), Jabalpur. Pre-slaughter live weight, slaughter weight, dressed weight and carcass yield with skin were recorded for Kadaknath, Narmada Nidhi, and Jabalpur colour chickens as per standard technique. The live, slaughter, and dressed weights were significantly higher at 10 weeks in all three birds; however, carcass yield with skin % was not significantly different (p<0.05) at 6 and 10 weeks of age in Kadaknath and Narmada nidhi. Carcass yield with skin was not significant among groups G1, G3 and G5. However, at 10 weeks, carcass yield with skin was significantly higher in the Jabalpur colour (G6) (p<0.05) than in the other two breeds
Antibacterial and Anti-biofilm Activity of Crude Extracts of Halodule pinifolia (Hartog, 1964) against Biofilm Forming Bacterial Species
No full textMarine biofouling is a serious concern in maritime activities. Since the use of TBT and heavy metal-based antifoulants was banned due to their toxic effects on non-target organisms, the hunt for eco-friendly antifoulants are still in search. Seagrasses are submerged and sessile marine angiosperms which have resistance ability against attaching epibionts. This present study focuses on the use of seagrass extracts against the marine biofouling-forming bacteria. Different colonies were isolated from the collected biofilm sample of the boat hull and were tested for their biofilm-producing ability by Congo Red agar method. The seagrass Halodule pinifolia was collected from Vellar estuary and its crude extracts such as ethanol, methanol, dichloromethane and chloroform were tested against the biofilm-forming bacteria Priestia megaterium (PQ012983), Bacillus licheniformis (PQ012984), Bacillus subtilis (PV460241), Vibrio alginolyticus (PV460242), Priestia flexa (PV460243) and Bacillus stercoris (PV460244) by well-diffusion assay. Among all the crude extracts of Halodule pinifolia the maximum zone of inhibition was exhibited by dichloromethane extracts against Bacillus stercoris (18.5±0.8mm). The overall minimum zone of inhibition was exhibited by chloroform extracts against Bacillus licheniformis (5 ± 0.6 mm). Followed by dichloromethane, methanol extract was most effective against these bacteria. Anti-biofilm activities of these effective extracts were performed using Tissue Culture Plate method, which showed the reduction in biofilm production. The dichloromethane extracts showed a greater reduction of biofilm against targeted bacterial species. The active compounds present in the effective extracts were further analysed using GS-MS. The compounds such as 2-Pentadecanon, 6,10,14-Trimethyl pentadecan and n-Hexadecanoic acid were abundantly found in the methanol and dichloromethane extracts, respectively. This study concludes that the Halodule pinifolia extracts have effective inhibiting activity against biofilm-forming microorganisms and thus can be considered as a potential source for eco-friendly marine antifoulants