UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
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Effective Control and Eradication of Mycoptes musculinus in Research Mice Colonies
Aims: To develop and evaluate an effective eradication program for Mycoptes musculinus in a research facility by implementing a combination of animal isolation, environmental control, and chemical treatments.
Study Design: Observational case study documenting the identification, control, and eradication phases of a mite infestation in a laboratory setting.
Place and Duration of Study: Institute Animal facility, IISER Bhopal, conducted over three months (e.g., August 2024 to October 2024).
Methodology: Clinical signs of infestation, such as excessive grooming, hair loss, and scaling, prompted diagnostic tests including cellophane tape tests, skin scrapings, and PCR for confirmation. Microscopic examination identified mite sexual dimorphism, aiding in understanding population dynamics. Control measures included isolating and euthanizing affected mice, sealing wild rodent access points with plaster of Paris, and disinfecting facility areas with ivermectin (1:50 dilution) and Butox solution (5 ml/L). Weekly follow-ups and environmental inspections ensured the effectiveness of the intervention.
Results: The intervention and butox therapy successfully eradicated Mycoptes musculinus from the facility. Post-treatment follow-ups showed no evidence of reinfestation over a three-month period. Environmental sealing, combined with strategic disinfection protocols, proved effective in breaking the infestation cycle.
Conclusion: A swift and integrated response, including animal containment, environmental controls, and chemical disinfection, can eradicate Mycoptes musculinus in laboratory facilities. This case underscores the importance of early detection, comprehensive mitigation strategies, and continuous monitoring in maintaining biosecurity in research animal facilities. Future research should focus on alternative and sustainable approaches to prevent mite outbreaks
Studies on Fecundity and Ova Diameter of the Near Threatened Indian Butter Catfish [Ompak bimaculatus (Bloch, 1794)] from Vamsadhara River, Andhra Pradesh, India
Ompok bimaculatus (Bloch 1794) is a near threatened catfish of freshwaters, belongs to the family Siluridae of the order Siluriformes. Due to its rich lipo-protein content and soft bony structure it becomes delicious and nutritiously highly valuable food fish species. At present Ompok bimaculatus facing decline in the natural populations, due to several anthropogenic factors such as indiscriminate fishing during the breeding season, unscientific use of pesticide in agricultural fields, gradual siltation in the freshwater habitat, depletion of water velocity as a result of decrease in water volume etc. Because of such drastic reduction in its population and a very restricted distribution in the freshwater ecosystem, Present work aims to an experimental analysis of reproductive biology of Ompok bimaculatus. Standardized knowledge on factors like fecundity, ova diameter, maturity, sex-ratio, and spawning are essential pre-requisites in fishery management and conservation. For understanding the dynamics of the gonads and to assess reproductive performance of species information of the phase of gonad development is virtually importan
Impact of Malathion Toxicity on Acetyl Choline Esterase Activity in ‘Carassius auratus’ (Linnaeus, 1758) and Botia striata (Narayan Rao, 1920)
Fishes are considered as the bio-indicator species to monitor water pollution. Malathion, an organophosphate pesticide widely utilized in agriculture across Kerala and other Indian states, is a potent insecticidal agent. This study aims to assess the impact of malathion on acetyl choline esterase (AchE) activity in various tissues of Carassius auratus and Botia striata. Separately, both fish species were subjected to a sub-lethal concentration of 3.4 ppm malathion for 48, 72, and 96 hours, followed by a recovery period of 15 days. The quantification of AchE activity was done using Ellman’s method. In the control group, highest activity was observed in brain and muscle, with moderate activity in liver, and kidney. In C. auratus, following 72 hours of exposure, AchE activity significantly declined from 7.2 to 1.8 in the brain and in B.striata, the value declined from 5.7 to 1.4. In C. auratus, there was a gradual recovery with activity reaching 5.26, and in B.striata recovery activity reached 4.46 by the end of 15-days. In case of kidney in C. auratus, the AchE activity was found to show variation with fluctuating values while in B.striata an abnormal AchE activity was found in recovery period. The findings highlight the severe neurotoxic effects of malathion on aquatic organisms and its potential risks to environmental health and biodiversity. Moreover, the persistent use of another organophosphate pesticide, endosulfan in Kasaragod district, Kerala, has led to detrimental effects on human populations, including children. This poses the concern of the prolonged usage of malathion on human population. Reports indicate chromosomal abnormalities and genetic mutations, with the possibility of these defects being transmitted across generations. This study underscores the urgent need for regulatory measures to mitigate the environmental and public health risks posed by malathion
Evaluation of Soybean Varieties for Pod Borers Resistance Under Field Conditions
A screening experiment was conducted to evaluate the resistance of nine soybean varieties against pod borers Cydia ptychora (Meyrick) and Etiella zinckenella (Treitschke) under field conditions. Larval population and the damage caused by the two pod borers were assessed at 60, 75 and 90 days after sowing. Significant variations were observed in the susceptibility of the nine soybean genotypes. Hardee genotype exhibited the least larval population and less pod damage (19.69 %), categorizing it as highly resistant. DSb 23, KHS23, MAVS2, and DSb21 were categorized into moderately resistant, while karuna, KHSB2 and JS 335 were intermediate. KB79 showed the maximum larval population and pod damage (61.10%) making it the susceptible genotype. Biochemical analysis revealed a negative correlation between the phenol content and pod damage, where total sugars and proteins showed a positive correlation. The finding highlights the role of biochemical defense mechanisms in soybean resistance
Comparative Histological Study of the Kidney in the Domestic Dogs and Cats
The objective of the present study was to conduct a comparative histological of the renal anatomy in dogs and cats. A sample consisting of twenty healthy adult subjects (ten domestic cats and ten domestic dogs) was utilized for this investigation. The average weight of the local feline population was recorded at 2 ± 0.4 kg, whereas the local canine average weight was significantly higher at 20 ± 3 kg, with both species represented within the age range of one to three years. The histological attributes of the kidneys were examined post-slaughter. The structure of the nephron includes a renal corpuscle and various tubules-proximal straight and convoluted and distal straight and convoluted. Urine formation begins as fluid from the glomerular capsule enters the proximal tubule, which is lined by a simple cuboidal epithelium with a pronounced apical microvilli border. The thin tubule, a continuation of the proximal tubule, is encapsulated in simple squamous epithelium with spherical nuclei. Notably, the Bowman’s capsule serves as the convergence point for the glomeruli, comprising dense connective tissue. Comparative histological analysis identified that the urinary tubule linking to the glomerulus demonstrated greater clarity in feline tissues as opposed to canine tissues. Additionally, proximal tubule channels in cats appeared more dilated compared to those in dogs, and cats exhibited larger nuclei in both proximal and distal tubule cells. Periodic acid–Schiff staining revealed that feline renal tissues were more susceptible compared to their canine counterparts. Furthermore, cats displayed denser and more intensely red renal tissue and connective cells. Interestingly, islands of ascending branches of the loop of Henle were observed amid more densely arranged papillary ducts in feline kidneys, a structural feature that was notably absent in canines. The comparative study of the histology of the kidney in cats and dogs is important for several reasons, particularly in veterinary medicine, research, and clinical diagnostics. Studying kidney histology in cats and dogs provides insights into similar diseases in humans, aiding in comparative nephrology. Helps in the development of new diagnostic markers and treatments
Advance Techniques Used in Forensic Entomology
Forensic Entomology plays a very important role in forensic science. It provides valuable inputs for crime scene investigation. This involves looking into the many pest species that are commonly related to dead bodies, as well as their life cycles and biological presence in a specific environment. This review included concepts of forensic entomology, stages of decomposition and the latest techniques used by entomologists. It gives the detailed study of different techniques that are used to examine the entomological evidences, such as molecular analysis, entomotoxic analysis, Micro CT, cuticular hydrocarbon analysis, etc. by taking the references of previous researches. This review focuses light on the factors affecting PMI estimates and analyzes the uses of entomological data in PMI estimation. The main task is to determine the age of the insects. This review focuses on the advantages and disadvantages of age-determined methodologies. The aim of this study is to summarize techniques that are so far used commonly and all the latest advances made in the concerned field. All these methods have shown more reliable results, adequate accuracy and more effectiveness. As evidence contamination is a major setback in providing results, these techniques have less risk of contamination of evidence and have also proved to be less time consuming
Urbanization and Faunal Diversity: A Systematic Checklist of Different Faunal Species in Kharadi-Wagholi, M/S, India
Urbanization greatly changes biodiversity by changing natural habitats, affecting species composition, and disturbing ecological balance. The current research records the faunal diversity of the Kharadi-Wagholi area in Pune District, Maharashtra state, which is a region with fast developmental activities. Field surveys were carried out from February 2024 to January 2025, including Pre-Monsoon, Monsoon, and Post-Monsoon seasons. Species identification was made using systematic transect walking, visual sighting, and photographic recording, and it was based on standard taxonomic guides. There were 68 species that were recorded and belonged to variety of faunal groups. Out of 68 species, 29 species belonged to Phylum Arthropoda, and 35 species belonged to Phylum Chordata. Avifauna diversity was very rich, with 21 species of birds were recorded. Insects showed greatest diversity, especially during the monsoon, reflecting seasonal changes in species richness. The scarcity of amphibians and reptiles indicates habitat fragmentation, pollution, and reduced water sources as potential limitations on their populations. The results highlight the necessity for biodiversity conservation efforts in rapidly urbanizing environments. Conservation of green spaces, restoration of native habitats, and incorporating ecological aspects into urban planning are necessary to maintain biodiversity. The study generates baseline data that will be used for future ecological evaluation and conservation planning so that urbanization follows an environmental sustainable pattern
Evaluation of Microplastics in the Shell and Soft Tissues of Green Mussel, Perna viridis from N4 Beach and Pulicat Lake, Tamil Nadu, India
Microplastics accumulate in the aquatic environment and are a major source for aquatic pollution in the freshwater and marine ecosystem. Mussels are well known bioindicators for pollution owing to their filter feeding habit and susceptiblity to microplastics uptake. In this preliminary study, green mussels, Perna viridis collected from two sites, N4 Beach (Site-1), Chennai district and Pulicat lake (Site-2), Thiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu, India were examined to isolate, identify, characterize and quantify the amount of microplastics present in the green mussel’s shell and soft tissue. Extraction and characterization of microplastics from the samples were conducted using wet peroxide oxidation method, Phase contrast microscope and FT-IR respectively. Results showed higher concentration of microplastics on an average of 228±24.463 items, in Green mussels from Site-1 with 39% in shell flushed water and 61% in the soft tissues. Most common microplastics from both the sites were fragmented shape, black colour and size range >200µm. The dominant polymers as microplastics were identified as Polyvinyl chloride [PVC] in the shell and soft tissue of Site-1 green mussels, whereas Polyurethane [PU] in Site-2. This study reveals the underlying threat to human health through an exposure to the impact of microplastics pollution as green mussels are consumed on a large scale
Observations on Sun Basking, Dust Bath Behavior of Golden Jackal (Canis aureus) and other Canidae species
The Canidae family is represented in the Indian subcontinent by the Golden Jackal, Indian Wolf, Indian Fox,and Asiatic Wild dog. Amongst them probably the Jackal is most common, and inhabits different types of habitats. Jackal being omnivores in food habit feeds on variety of food like smaller animals and certain crops. This study was undertaken with the object to determine its sunbath, and dust bath behavior. Jackals occasionally resort to sun bath and dust bath, the purpose is to get rid of ectoparasites, control body temperature, control immunityto muscle performance.
Similar behavior was observed inIndian Fox, Wild dogs and Hyena in Kanha Tiger Reserve, Pench TR, Guru Ghasidas TR for varying durations of 3 to 15 minutes.These species while sunbathing must have availed its benefits which was evident from their subsequent activities .The observations were visual and photographed wherever the opportunities offered.During this study we observed jackals, wild dogs, hyena and fox using this remedy of sunbath
Diversity of Pulse Beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Bruchinae) Associated with Stored Pulses in District Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India
Insects are significant pests of stored pulses. It has been found that without adequate protection, Coleopteran pests, particularly beetles and weevils can quickly deteriorate stored grain and deplete entire stocks. A survey was conducted in various localities of the Kolhapur district to assess the diversity and insects infesting major stored pulses. The study indicates that six species of pulse beetles damage pulses during storage. Bruchids were the primary insect pests of legumes. Callosobruchus maculatus, Callosobruchus analis, and Callosobruchus chinensis emerged as the predominant pest of legumes and primarily attacked cowpea, green gram, and lentils. This work summarizes the importance and diversification of bruchid pests in the Kolhapur district. Understanding pest diversity is an important step in the strategy to develop a friendly and ecological control method for these harmful insects