UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
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Investigation of Physiochemical Parameters and its Pollution Implications in Thenpennai River, Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, India
Full text linkWater, which nearly makes up the entire Globe, is the most basic natural resource and is necessary for life. Therefore, its quality and distribution play an important role. Riverine system pollution has been a major problem as it has an impact on the aquatic organisms in the rivers and the lives that depends on them. Thenpennai River, is one among them where the soil and water of the river has been polluted due to disposal of waste. The main objective of this study is to assess the water quality and to screen the amount of domestic wastes present in the river which is the major cause of water pollution. The present study aims to analyze the physiochemical parameters of soil and water due to dumping of waste. The study also evaluates the amount of Biodegradable and Non-Biodegradable wastes. Results obtained from the samples of Thenpennai River shows elevated variations than the standard values. The significance t-test was performed. Based on statistical evidence, non-biodegradable waste has been seen as a main cause of pollution that creates a threat to the ecosystem and may have a major impact on human health. It has also been determined that the contamination in soil and water sample is due to organic and inorganic wastes, which results from inappropriate disposal of waste materials. Therefore, the sample site of Thenpennai River is unsuitable for human consumption and for cultivation of fish. Steps should be taken against these activities so that the quality of water can be improved for a better future
Ichthyofaunal Diversity and Abundance in the Longnit River, Karbi Anglong, Assam, India: A Preliminary Assessment
Full text linkThe present study aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the ichthyofaunal diversity, abundance, and conservation status of fish species in the Longnit River, Karbi Anglong, a relatively less documented region with limited studies on its biodiversity. An extensive survey was conducted from November 2020 to June 2021, in two distinct catchment areas of the river using standard methodologies. A total of 23 species belonging to 14 families and 6 orders were identified, with Cyprinidae being the most dominant family. Notable genera, such as Botia, Crossocheilus, Garra, Glyptothorax, Labeo, and Psilorhynchus, were recorded, which are characteristic of such fast-flowing hillstream ecosystems. Although continuous monitoring is essential to assess potential threats, the IUCN conservation status assessment revealed that the majority of species fall under the Least Concern category. Diversity indices reveal a high level of species richness and evenness with the Shannon Diversity Index (H\u27) = 3.0, The Simpson\u27s Index of Dominance (D) = 0.05, and Simpson\u27s Index of Diversity (1-D) = 0.95 indicating a rich diversity and low dominance by any one species. As a preliminary study, these results on the fish diversity and abundance of Longnit River provide fundamental data for the development of targeted conservation strategies to preserve the aquatic hill stream fish fauna of this underexplored ecological zone
Management of Melon Fruit fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae (Coquillett) with Improved Protein Bait Formulation
Full text linkBackground: Melon fruit fly, Zeugodacus cucurbitae is the most destructive insect pest of cucurbits with much quarantine importance. They damage the economic produce of several vegetable crops particularly cucurbitaceous vegetables throughout the world. In India, fruit flies are considered serious threats to horticulture, causing economic losses ranging from 2.5% to 100% depending upon the crop and season.
Aim: Current research work was done on the management of fruit flies by focussing on attractionof both male and female fruit flies, as capturing male fruit flies only does not bring desirable reduction in infestation levels.
Methodology: An improved gel formulation of proteinex bait was formulated and evaluated in field conditions in ridge gourd for attracting both the sexes of fruit flies.
Results: Gel proteinex bait was the most attractive to female fruit flies followed by liquid proteinex bait in ridge gourd fields. Cue-lure trapped more number of male fruit flies followed by gel proteinex bait. Gel proteinex bait was significantly superior in reducing the cucurbit fruit fly incidence when compared to liquid proteinex bait and cue-lure. Improvised liquid proteinex bait i.e., gel proteinex bait was significantly superior in attracting both male and female fruit flies. When compared with the cue-lure traps, in gel proteinex bait traps number of males attracted was less. However, in cue-lure, no females were attracted.
Conclusion: Gel proteinex bait traps can attract both males and females and this is the added advantage of these traps over cue-lure traps. Before oviposition itself, female fruit flies are attracted to gel proteinex bait traps for the want of proteins for egg maturation and trapping & killing them before egg laying itself is a key reason for the reduced levels of fruit fly incidence. This was clearly noticed in our study where low per cent and level of fruit fly incidences were observed in the gel proteinex bait placed cucurbit fields
Efficacy of Biorationals for the Management of Invasive Thrips, Thrips parvispinus (Karny) under Semi Field Conditions
Full text linkThe present study was conducted during Rabi, 2023, in the pot culture yard of the Department of Entomology, Annamalai University, Chidambaram, to evaluate the bio-efficacy of five different biorationals against the invasive thrips, Thrips parvispinus (Karny). The experiment employed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with eight treatments, including an untreated control and an absolute control, replicated five times. The efficacy of biorationals was assessed at 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14 days after application. All treatments significantly outperformed the control. Among the tested biorationals, five-leaf extracts (5%) and a combination of ginger, garlic, and green chili extracts (3%) demonstrated the highest efficacy, with the maximum thrips mortality percentage (61.21% and 60.97%, respectively). These were followed by herbal insect repellent (3%) and azadirachtin (1500 ppm). The least effective treatment was turmeric powder + lime extract (5%), which recorded a minimum mortality rate of 44.29%. The findings suggest that these eco-friendly biorationals could be potential alternatives to synthetic insecticides for managing T. parvispinus, emphasizing their role in sustainable pest management practices
The Avian Diversity of Deccan/ Western Bastar Plateau, Bastar Division, Chhattisgarh, India
Full text linkThis much-needed study was undertaken from January 2017 to March 2020. The study revealed the presence of 260 avian, both resident and migratory categories. Nine threatened category species were found, Critically Endangered two species, vulnerable one species, and Near Threatened six Species, including Malabar Pied Hornbill reported recently after 1991. One species was found extending its distribution range. The avian species encountered were categorized by feeding habits, the number of birds were found highest as Omnivorous and most petite as Nectarivores. In Indravati Tiger Reserve, this study revealed the presence of 165 additional species, which were not mentioned previously. Interestingly, species such as Pink-headed Duck and Lesser Florican have past records but have not been recorded in recent years. Finding a juvenile of Black Baza suggests its breeding in this area. Himalayan Griffon was found in March 2020, the first record from Chhattisgarh. The entire area is subjected to multiple threats like large-scale poaching by locals, law and order problems, Iron ore mining, new Railway tracks and Power transmission line projects and two multipurpose hydel projects envisaged on river Indravati. These need to be mitigated. Despite our attempts, there is always scope for additions to our bird list
Effects of Berberine and Zinc Supplementation on Growth Performance of Murrah Buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) Calves
Full text linkAims: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of berberine and zinc supplementation on the growth performance of Murrah buffalo calves.
Study Design: A Completely randomized design was employed.
Place and Duration of Study: The trial was conducted at the Livestock Research Center, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India, from July to December 2024.
Methodology: Twenty-eight Murrah buffalo calves (average body weight 132±5.41 kg, aged 9-11 months) were randomly assigned to four groups (n=7 each). Control (basal diet only) T1 (basal diet+800 mg/kg dry matter berberine), T2 (basal diet+60 mg/kg dry matter zinc), T3 (basal diet+800 mg/kg dry matter berberine + 60 mg/kg dry matter zinc). All calves were fed a basal diet consisting of concentrate, green fodder and straw in a 50:30:20 ratio. Body weight, body weight gain, dry matter intake and feed conversion ratio were measured fortnightly.
Results: Final mean weight was significantly higher in the T3 group (P<0.05) compared to the control. Body weight gain was greater in T1 and T3 groups followed by T2 and control groups (P<0.05). Dry matter intake was statistically greater in experimental groups compared to control group (P<0.05). Feed conversion ratio was significantly lower in T1 and T3 groups than T2 and control (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Supplementation with berberine and zinc particularly in combination significantly enhances growth performance in Murrah buffalo calves by improving Body weight gain, Dry matter intake and Feed conversion ratio
Resistance Mechanisms in Aquatic Insects against Environmental Stressors: A Review
Full text linkAquatic insects are found in nearly every kind of freshwater habitat and play an important role in the aquatic ecosystem as predators, parasites, shredders, grazers, filter feeders, and piercers. Due to their critical role in energy flow and cycling of nutrients, they are essential components of freshwater ecosystems. However, their survival in a particular habitat is threatened by various environmental stressors, including pollution, habitat degradation and climate change. These challenges affect their immune system, thereby weakening their natural defenses. To fight against infections, aquatic insects primarily rely on the innate immunity, which includes both humoral and cellular responses. However, environmental factors such as fluctuating temperatures, chemical pollutants, and low oxygen levels in aquatic bodies can damage these immune defenses, making the insects more susceptible to diseases. To defeat these challenges, some species have evolved adaptive strategies, both physiological and behavioural. Such changes include the production of antimicrobial peptides, improved phenoloxidase activity and the generation of heat shock proteins. In the present review, we explore the existing research on how environmental stressors impact the immunity of aquatic insects. Understanding the immunological mechanisms of aquatic insects can assist in conservation planning of aquatic insects by revealing their adaptability to environmental stressors. During our literature survey, we also examined the adaptive mechanisms the aquatic insects employ, the ecological implications of these changes and the importance of insect’s immune adaptation in conservation efforts
Bio-efficacy of Different Plant Products against Earhead Bug (Leptocorisa spp.) on Rice (Tulaipanji) in Old Alluvial Zone, West Bengal, India
Full text linkRice (Oryza sativa) is an important staple widely consumed in Asian countries and it is attacked by several pests. Gundhi bug or ear head bug (Leptocorisa spp) is one of the major pest of rice. Botanical is now gaining importance to manage the crop pest and protect the environment from toxic effect of pesticides causing pollution which is a global concern. So, the present study was conducted in three consecutive kharif seasons from 2017 to 2019 at Regional Research Station (Old Alluvial Zone), UBKV, Majhian, Dakshin Dinajpur, West Bengal to evaluate bio efficacy of different botanicals against rice ear head bug (Leptocorisa spp.). The experimental design was laid out in RBD (Randomized Block Design) using ten treatments and three replications. All the treatments were superior over control. The standard check treatment, Thiamethoxam (100g/ha.) was found most effective treatment in all the cases as compared to the formulated botanicals used in the studies The three years pooled mean data of kharif of rice earhead bug population and grain yield revealed that inorganic chemical treatment, Thiamethoxam (100g/ha.) was found very effective and exhibited lowest population of earhead bugs (0.90 /hill) and highest yield (28.57q/ha). Amongst the botanicals, Neem Seed Kernel extracts 5% was recorded lowest population (1.80) and highest yield (27.03 quintal/ha) over control and followed by Neem oil 1% (2.08/hill), Pongamia seed kernal extract 5% (2.14/hill), Karanja oil 1% (2.30/hill), Jathropa leaf extract 10% (2.47/hill), Custard apple leaf extract 10% (2.56/hill), Jathropa leaf extract 5%( 2.92/hill) and Custard apple leaf extract 5% (3.05/hill). The untreated control plot recorded highest population of ear head bug (6.24 /hill) and lowest grain yield (15.06 q/ha). Considering two parameter efficacy and yield, Neem Seed Kernel extracts 5% was found most effective treatment amongst the botanicals used in the studies. Botanical source of insecticides could serve as an alternative to popularly used synthetic chemical insecticides which result to reduce environmental hazards and save non-targets living beings. Botanical pesticides can supplement and easily be incorporated into Bio-intensive Integrated Pests Management Programme for the development of sustainable agriculture
Studies on Growth and Morphometrics in Bombyx mori (L.) Fed on Morus alba: Insights for Enhanced Sericulture
Full text linkThe present study investigates the morphometric and biological parameters of the silkworm, Bombyx mori (L.), reared on Morus alba under controlled laboratory conditions at the College of Agriculture, KSNUAHS, Shivamogga. Observations from 25 individuals per stage revealed progressive increases in body dimensions across developmental stages, with fifth instar larvae showing the maximum length (59.35 mm) and breadth (7.09 mm). Cocoon and pupal measurements averaged 3.19 × 1.82 cm and 1.91 × 0.79 cm, respectively. Adult females were consistently larger than males in wingspan, body length and breadth. The egg incubation period averaged 9.00 ± 1.41 days with a high hatching percentage (93.30%). The complete life cycle ranged between 54 to 56 days depending on sex. Female fecundity averaged 334.55 eggs. Environmental parameters such as temperature (29.7°C) and humidity (60.1%) were closely monitored. The results aligned with previous studies and reinforce the influence of host plant quality and environmental control on silkworm growth, reproduction, and silk yield
Impacts of Microplastic Exposure on Animal Physiology and Health: A Global Perspective
Full text linkMicroplastic (MP) pollution has emerged as a critical global concern, infiltrating both terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. Its potential impact on animal health is drawing increasing scientific attention. This review highlights widespread MP contamination across a diverse range of species and environments, with evidence emerging from all continents, including both industrialized and developing regions. The health effects of MPs on animals are multifaceted, encompassing physical damage, inflammatory responses, chemical toxicity from adsorbed pollutants, and behavioural alterations. Long-term exposure raises serious concerns about chronic toxicity and the role of MPs as vectors for harmful substances, contributing to bioaccumulation within food chains. These disruptions can cascade into broader ecological consequences, affecting animal behaviour, population stability, and overall ecosystem functionality. Understanding these dynamics calls for an integrative research approach, drawing on insights from ecology, toxicology, biology, and environmental chemistry. Importantly, as MPs may transfer from animals to humans via the food web, the implications for public health demand urgent and continued global investigation