UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
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Comprehensive Biochemical and Histopathological Assessment of Hepatic and Renal Protective Effects of Cobalt Nanoparticles by Using Alcoholic Extract of Artemisia herba alba in Laboratory Male Rats Induced Diabetic
No full textIn this experimental investigation, 30 male rats with alloxan-induced diabetes were used to assess the biochemical, histopathological, and physiological effects of three treatments: Artemisia herba alba-coated cobalt nanoparticles (CoNPs-AHA), Artemisia herba alba nanoparticles (AHA-NPs), and alcoholic extract of Artemisia herba alba (AHA extract). Significant weight loss resulted with the injection of alloxan (150 mg/kg), which also caused notable changes in blood biochemical markers and the weights of the liver, kidney, and pancreas. Along with normalised creatinine (20.66 ±6.77), urea (5.59 ±1.57), AST, ALT, and ALP levels (70.50 ±6.65, 28.50 ±5.39, 100.66 ±10.15) in ( P≤ 0.05), and the restoration of liver and kidney histological architecture, CoNPs-AHA (104.5µg\ml) treatment led to a considerable improvement in body weight and pancreatic weight as compared to the diabetic group. The administration of AHA-NPs (146µg\ml) improved lipid profiles (HDL 32.66 ±4.17, TG 29.00 ±1.64, TCh 24.28 ±1.00) at (P≤ 0.05), and liver enzyme levels while also considerably increasing body and pancreatic weights. Furthermore, when compared to diabetic controls, therapy with AHA extract resulted in positive changes in organ weights, lipid profiles, and serum urea and creatinine levels. Histological evaluation demonstrated that the CoNPs-AHA group had almost full restoration of normal morphology, confirming the regenerative effects of these therapies on the liver and kidneys. These results suggest that CoNPs-AHA, AHA-NPs, and AHA extract may be useful therapeutic agents for reducing the biochemical and histological effects of diabetes mellitus in experimental rat models. This research focuses on an innovative approach for diabetes mellitus treatment, offering a new therapeutic possibility. Our study provides a promising evidence that could enhance the diabetes management. Furthermore, these finding open a new horizon for the researcher in the future who seeking for diabetes treatment with advance solution
Baseline Data on Butterfly Diversity (Lepidoptera: Rhopalocera) from Bazpur, Terai Region of Kumaun, Uttarakhand, India
No full textThe present study provides the first baseline account of butterfly diversity from Bazpur, a semi-urban landscape situated in the Terai region of Kumaun, Uttarakhand, India. The Terai belt, representing an ecotonal zone between the Himalayan foothills and the Gangetic plains, remains less studied in terms of insect diversity. Pilot surveys were conducted from 15 July to 16 October 2025 at two sites—MundiaPistor (Site A) and Namoona (Site B)—using the modified Pollard Walk method. A total of 22 species belonging to five families and 267 individuals were recorded. The family Nymphalidae was the most dominant (35.21%), followed by Pieridae (31.46%), Papilionidae (15.73%), Hesperiidae (12.73%), and Lycaenidae (4.87%). Species richness and abundance were slightly higher at Site B due to greater vegetation heterogeneity. The Shannon–Wiener diversity index (H′ = 2.954) and Pielou’s evenness (J = 0.956) indicated a well-balanced and heterogeneous butterfly community. The most common species included Phalanta phalantha, Danaus chrysippus, and Catopsilia pomona, whereas Tarucus balkanica, a rare species in Uttarakhand, was recorded once from Site A. The observed post-monsoon peak in butterfly activity corresponds with patterns reported from other Himalayan foothill regions. Despite increasing anthropogenic pressures, the Bazpur Terai supports diverse butterfly taxa, reflecting its ecological significance within the Terai Arc Landscape. This study establishes essential baseline data for future biodiversity monitoring, habitat management, and conservation planning in the lowland ecosystems of the Kumaun Himalaya
Strain-Based Comparison of Red Tilapia and Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia: Growth, Fillet and Nutritional Attributes
No full textTilapia, a fast-growing species from the Cichlidae family is often termed as ‘aquatic chicken’. This study was to evaluate the growth performance using growth metrics like specific growth rate (SGR), feed conversion ratio (FCR), feed efficiency ratio (FER), protein efficiency ratio (PER), carcass characteristics and nutritional quality of Red tilapia and Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia (GIFT) strains reared under pond conditions. The study was conducted for 180 days. Advanced mono-sex fingerlings of both strains were subjected to 17-methyl testosterone treatment. They were reared in nursery hapas for 60 days before being stocked in polyethylene-lined earthen ponds using completely randomized design with two treatments in duplicate. Fish were fed with commercial floating pellets while monitoring standard water quality parameters. Carcass traits were evaluated and the proximate composition was determined using Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) methods. For statistical analysis, independent t-test was performed using SPSS software with significance at P<0.05. GIFT strain demonstrated markedly enhanced performance characterized by significantly elevated final biomass, superior specific growth rate (SGR) and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) indicative of its advanced genetic merit for accelerated somatic growth and optimized nutrient assimilation. The volume of production was found to be higher in GIFT compared to red strain. Additionally, it exhibited superior carcass traits with favourable flesh-to-bone ratio and increased fillet yield. In case of nutritional composition, red tilapia displayed better results compared to GIFT strain
Poecilobdella kananbalaae: A New Species of Leech from Karnataka, India
No full textThere are more than 721 species of leeches (Annelida: Hirudinea) in the world. India has 84 different species. Only 6 species have been identified of Poecilobdella genus (Poecilobdella granulosa Savigny, 1820, Poecilobdella manilensis Lesson, 1924, Poecilobdella javanica Wahlberg, 1856, Poecilobdella viridis Moore, 1927 and Poecilobdella aligarhensis Mandal et al., 2021. Poecilobdella tarubalaae Mandal, et al., 2025. This research will establish a new leech species, Poecilobdella kananbalaae, which was collected from Ulsoor lake in Bangalore, Karnataka, India
Morpho-molecular Identification of Rhipicephalus microplus and Associated Skin Pathology in Mithun (Bos frontalis)
No full textA survey was conducted in key mithun-inhabiting areas of northeastern states, viz. Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Manipur, to study Rhipicephalus Spp. tick infestation prevalence and its associated pathological effects on Mithun health. A total of 1778 animals were randomly screened, and 27 tick isolates were collected for identification. Molecular identification was carried out using PCR amplification of the mitochondrial COI gene and the ITS-2 region, followed by DNA sequencing. The identified tick species were confirmed as Rhipicephalus microplus. Tick infestation showed seasonal variation, with the highest concentration during the monsoon and pre-monsoon period. The study recorded a 50.64% incidence rate with a tick index of 2.08. Gross examination of tick-infested adult mithun showed symptoms of hyperkeratinization, alopecia, focal dermatitis, crust and scab formation, weakness, loss of body condition, and even death. Histopathology revealed exfoliation, hyperkeratosis, oedema, necrosis, and collagen fibre disorientation, along with cellular infiltrates in the corneum and dermis. Ultrastructural analysis showed cell death, vacuolation, inflammatory infiltrates, necrotic cells, and organelle disorganization in the epidermis. The study highlights the significant burden of Rhipicephalus microplus infestation in mithun populations of Northeast India, demonstrating marked seasonal influence and dermal pathology. The findings highlight the need for timely surveillance and integrated tick-control strategies to safeguard mithun health and productivity
Preserving Nature\u27s Allies: A Framework for Sustainable Agriculture and Biodiversity Conservation through the Guardians of the Soil - Red Velvet Mite (Trombidium spp.) Conservation
No full textThe indiscriminate use of high-energy inputs like chemical fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides and farm mechanization is resulting in a decline in the amount of organic carbon in the soil, a decrease in the population of soil microbes, a loss of biodiversity in the flora and fauna and an accumulation of inorganic chemicals, which are deteriorating soil and crop ecosystems. Due to habitat loss brought on by excessive chemical use, both the variety and number of insects are declining globally. If extensive action is not taken, many of these important creatures, including Earthworms, Green Lacewings, Ladybug Beetles, Trombidium spp., and others will go extinct within the next few decades. Ironically, the uncontrolled application of chemical fertilizers, insecticides, and pesticides as well as over-exploitation by the drug trade are the main threats to these beneficial and valuable creatures. In this study, the importance of beneficial, farmer-friendly, trombididae in biological pest management, medicinal use, enhancing soil fertility and identifying potential change trajectories and forecasting their consequences on beneficial insects provides a scientific framework for making informed decisions regarding sustainable agriculture methods to save them from extinction were suggested
Evaluation of the Antibacterial Activity and Toxicity of C-Phycocyanin and Cellular Extracts from Westiellopsis sp., a Filamentous Freshwater Cyanobacterium
No full textThis study employed the paper disc diffusion method to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy and toxicity profile of culture filtrate and C-phycocyanin extracted from the filamentous freshwater cyanobacterium Westiellopsis sp. against three pathogenic bacteria: Bacillus subtilis (Gram-positive), Pseudomonas sp. (Gram-negative), and Xanthomonas sp. (Gram-negative), resulting in inhibition zones ranging from 1.3 ± 0.2 mm to 13.2 ± 0.5 mm. Toxicity was assessed using a silkworm (Bombyx mori) bioassay. Larvae fed with C-phycocyanin extracts from different strains showed increased total body weight (65.1-102.6% increase) and silk gland weight (209.1-240.9% increase) compared to controls, with no observed adverse effects. Statistical analysis confirmed these increases were highly significant (p < 0.001). These results demonstrate that both the crude culture filtrate and the refined pigment possess notable antibacterial properties and exhibit a favorable safety profile in an invertebrate model. The dual activity of these natural extracts supports their potential application as alternative antibacterial agents in agricultural and medicinal contexts. Future studies should focus on comprehensive molecular characterization of active compounds, determination of minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC), and expanded toxicity testing in mammalian models to confirm clinical viability
Otters of India: Conservation Challenges and Veterinary Perspectives
No full textOtters are described as top predators in freshwater and coastal food webs. By preying on fish, crustaceans, amphibians and small mammals, they help regulate prey populations. Unfortunately, many otter populations are declining due to habitat loss, pollution, poaching and human-wildlife conflict. This review explored conservation challenges and veterinary perspectives on Indian otters. The Smooth-coated otter and the Asian small-clawed otter, being the smallest species, are classified as vulnerable by IUCN and are protected under Schedule I species in the Wildlife (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022. Similarly, the Eurasian otter is classified as near threatened. The otter population is declining due to mining, illegal trade, poaching and disturbance of the riparian ecosystem, which is mainly due to the presence of human activities in dense forests of the Western Ghats. Smooth-coated otters were mainly traded for fur and the live pet trade, while Small-clawed otters were traded mostly for live pets, especially in Indonesia, Thailand, and Vietnam. From a veterinary standpoint, prioritising the health and welfare of both free-ranging and captive otters is equally critical, particularly in the face of emerging zoonotic diseases such as canine distemper and the increasing incidence of trauma resulting from human activities. By developing species-specific health protocols, promoting ethical standards in captive management and supporting field-based ecological research, it is possible to play a pivotal role in the survival of these vulnerable species
Evaluating Cardiac Morphology and Heart Rate Alterations Induced by Pyrolysis Microplastics in Danio rerio
No full textPlastic pollution of the environment is a burgeoning worldwide issue with MPs becoming a prominent aquatic contaminant. Plastic waste pyrolysis generates fine particulate residues with the potential to serve as MPs and produce toxic effects in aquatic life. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) are commonly employed as a vertebrate model to screen environmental toxicants because they share human-like genetics, are transparent in early life stages, and are convenient to maintain. In this research, MPs collected from a pyrolysis facility were leached out and diluted in six concentrations (control, 3.12%, 6.25%, 12.5%, 25%, and 50%) to evaluate their cardiotoxicity in zebrafish larvae. Larvae were exposed for a maximum of 96 hours post fertilization (hpf), and cardiac morphology and heart rate were monitored. Counts of heartbeat significantly declined with rising MP concentrations, from 173 beats/min (control) to 112 beats/min at the highest exposure (50%). Morphological measurements indicated concentration-related cardiac malformations including pericardial edema and constricted body morphology, with most pronounced changes occurring in the 50%, 25%, and 12.5% groups. The 3.12% group showed minimal changes similar to controls. These findings show that MPs obtained by pyrolysis could produce dose-dependent bradycardia and cardiac malformations in zebrafish larvae, which highlights the cardiotoxic hazard of pyrolysis microplastics to aquatic species
In vivo Effects of Copper and Mercury Accumulation on Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Defense in Hepatic Tissues of Aquatic Species
No full textMetals such as copper and mercury are the most diffused and hazardous organ specific environmental contaminants that exist in wide variety of physical and chemical status, each endowed with unique characteristics of target organ specificity. Aimed at correlating the tissue concentration of these heavy metals (copper and mercury) with oxidant defense levels and lipid peroxidation, different aquatic species with different life strategies (fish, Tilapia mossambica; snail, Pila globosa; crab, Oziotelphusa senex senex) were collected from freshwater environment in and around Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh, India. After due acclimatization to laboratory conditions, the test animals were exposed to sublethal concentrations of both the metals and studies were conducted for accumulation, antioxidant defense and lipid peroxidation after 7- and 15-days exposure periods and also after 15 days depuration period to clean water. The levels of the two antioxidant enzyme activities revealed that they are species dependant with fish liver showing higher reduction in glutathione S-transferase (0.28 ±0.02 mM/mg protein/min) and catalase (0.19±0.02 mM/mg protein/min) than snail glutathione S-transferase (0.18±0.09 mM/mg protein/min) and catalase (0.16±0.04 mM/mg protein/min). After 15 days in captivity and depuration the antioxidant enzyme activities in liver further decreased to reach normalcy. However, the hepatic lipid peroxidation was elevated in all the three aquatic species under study with increased levels of accumulation of the two metals in the liver tissue. In conclusion, the results highlight that while both copper and mercury contribute to oxidative stress, the observed species-specific differences in bioaccumulation and antioxidant response suggest that these species may require tailored management approaches in polluted freshwater environments