UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
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Gonadal Biology of the Indian Native Killifish Aplocheilus lineatus
Get PDFThe present study was undertaken to provide in depth information on the gonadal cycle of Aplocheilus lineatus. Oocyte-size frequency distribution was also analyzed to pin-point the spawning season. One of the defining features of a species, therefore, is its reproductive strategy, as reflected in anatomical, behavioral, physiological and energetic adaptations. The males and females of killifish A. lineatus were randomly selected and standard length (SL) and total length (TL) were measured. Total length was measured from the tip of the lower jaw to the tip of the longest ray of the caudal fin. Oocyte diameters were measured in the randomly selected female gonads. A sub-sample of the ovarian tissue was removed and the oocytes were teased apart with needles in a petri dish filled with glycerol diluted to 30% with water. The ovary of A. lineatus was a paired saccular body with the investing wall of peritoneum, which led to the formation of ovisacs. Each ovary remained suspended in the body cavity by a mesentery, called mesovarium. The developmental stage of oocytes was determined by a microscopic examination of the ovary. The oogenesis of A. lineatus was categorized into thirteen developmental stages from oogonia to atretic oocyte. The sperm duct kept the continuation of its anterior part deep inside the testis and there it gave branching and sub-branching to form a system of tubules for collecting the sperm
Optimizing Nutritional Regimes for Sustainable Weight Gain in House Crickets (Acheta domesticus) for Food Security
Get PDFThe increasing world demand for sustainable food production calls for creative solutions with least environmental costs and in addressing food security issues. Traditional sources of animal feed, like soy and fishmeal, are aggravating ecological issues, and thus the search for alternative protein sources has become unavoidable. The house cricket (Acheta domesticus) presents a sustainable option as it is highly nutritious, efficient in feed conversion, and has low resource needs. This research assesses the impacts of five different diets, i.e., high-protein, balanced, high-carbohydrate, low-nutrient, and controlled, on the weight gain of A. domesticus. The findings show that a high-protein diet maximally enhances growth, followed by balanced, high-carbohydrate diets. These results demonstrate the potential to enhance cricket nutrition for productivity improvement while using agricultural by-products as feed inputs. Through the identification of best practices in feeding, this research supports scalable and environmentally sound cricket farming, facilitating sustainable agriculture and achieving key food security goals
Identification of a Novel Peptide-based Medicine Derived from Boerhavia diffusa against β-lactamase TEM of Klebsiella pneumonia Using In silico Approaches
Get PDFKlebsiella pneumoniae is the most prevalent pathogenic bacteria that cause nosocomial infections due to the expression of virulence factors and the emergence of drug resistance. β-lactamase could be the reason behind Klebsiella pneumoniae resistance to β-lactam drugs. In this study, we simulate the blaTEM protein sequence using In silico molecular docking techniques and integrate it into the novel peptide derived from Boerhavia diffusa. An automated drug docking server known as H-Dock server was used to ascertain how the peptide inhibits Klebsiella pneumonia multidrug resistance protein, blaTEM. The peptide and receptor combination was viewed using the advanced molecular visualization program Discovery Studio. The 3D interaction between the protein and the peptide demonstrated direct binding between the transmembrane regions and the functional domains. Thus, we conclude that the identified peptide is a new potential therapy for diseases associated with the multidrug-resistant protein blaTEM of Klebsiella pneumonia
Concentration-dependent Effects of CuO Nanoparticles on Survival, Biomass and Reproduction in Drawida willsi (Michaelsen)
Get PDFThe increasing use of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs) in agriculture and consumer products has raised concerns regarding their environmental impact, particularly on soil-dwelling organisms. This study evaluates the ecotoxicological effects of CuO NPs on Drawida willsi (Michaelsen), a dominant earthworm species in croplands and a vital indicator of soil health. D. willsi were exposed to different concentrations of CuO NPs (0, 200, 400, 600, 800, and 1000 mg/kg soil) for duration of 28 days. Data on different parameters were recorded on weekly basis. Results revealed a significant, concentration-dependent decline in survival, biomass, and reproduction rate. While lower concentrations (≤400 mg/kg) exhibited minimal toxicity, higher concentrations caused substantial reductions in cocoon production and led to complete mortality at 1000 mg/kg. These findings highlight the potential ecological risks associated with CuO NP contamination in agricultural soils and emphasize the need for cautious application and disposal practices
Study of the Hematological and Histopathological Changes Induced by Cypermethrin in Anabas testudineus (Bloch, 1792)
Get PDFThe present study was attempted to understand about the effects of Cypermethrin, a common pyrethroid insecticide used in agricultural fields, on Anabas testudineus. The impacts focused on this study were the hematological and histopathogical parameters after inducing the fishes with lethal concentrations of the insecticides. Live specimens of Anabas sp. of equal length and weight were taken for the study, and after administration of the insecticide, blood & tissue samples were taken at different time intervals. Changes were clearly observed with different concentrations of Cypermethrin in all blood parameters. Reduction in blood volume, the appearance of shrunken blood cells, and enlarged nuclei were observed during the blood parameter studies. The gill tissue observed for changes after the insecticide administration showed a wide change in colour and structure with respect to the control group. Significant gill lesions, including epithelial lifting, desquamation, necrosis, and hyperplasia of epithelial cells, hemorrhage were observed in the gill lamellae. It is quite evident from the study that Cypermethrin, an actively used insecticidal ingredient in the agricultural fields and has a deteriorating effect on the fishes which can be create adverse effects on humans as well upon fish consumption
Diversity and abundance of Butterfly Fauna (Insecta: Lepidoptera) in Vicinity of Shimla Kalibari, Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India
Get PDFThe current study was conducted in and around the Shimla Kalibari, Shimla district, Himachal Pradesh, India, in the month of April, 2025 to assess the butterfly composition at high altitudes. Butterfly sampling was carried out by using line transect method in which the entire survey path (4200 m) was divided into 12 transects and were surveyed every day following the same transect path. During the course of the study, 39 species of butterflies belonging to five different families were recorded. Percentage composition analysis of the five families illustrated that family Pieridae (56.54%) had the highest percentage, followed by Nymphalidae (24.08%), Lycaenidae (14.11%), Hesperiidae (4.70%) and lastly Papilionidae (0.56%). Based on the sightings of butterflies at the study site, it was found that 39.51% belonged to the not rare category, 34.71% to the very common, 17.31% to the rare, 8.18% to the common and 0.28% to the very rare category. Among the recorded butterfly species, 7 of them were found to be protected under various Schedules of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972. Shannon diversity index (H\u27=3.19) signified the high species richness of the butterfly community. Pielou’s evenness index (j=0.87) depicted the evenly distributed nature of the butterflies in the studies butterfly community and Simpson\u27s index of diversity (D=0.94) indicated the persistence of high species abundance in the sampled butterfly community. Therefore, the information from this preliminary survey will prove to be beneficial for implementing necessary conservation strategies required for the persistence of butterfly fauna in the hilly terrain
Insect Behaviour Modulation Using Pheromones: Trends and Applications
Get PDFPheromones are chemical signals secreted by insects that influence the behavior of conspecifics, playing a pivotal role in communication related to mating, aggregation, foraging, and defense. This review explores the advances in understanding insect behavioral modulation through pheromones, with a focus on contemporary trends and real-world applications. Emphasis is placed on the ecological functions of various pheromone types, mechanisms of detection, and behavioral outcomes. Emerging technologies in pheromone synthesis, controlled release systems, and gene-editing for pheromone production are also discussed. Practical applications such as mating disruption, mass trapping, lure-and-kill strategies, and integrated pest management (IPM) highlight the potential of pheromones in sustainable agriculture. The paper further outlines challenges including pheromone degradation, species-specificity, and resistance. By integrating ecological insights with biotechnological innovations, pheromone-based approaches offer a promising, eco-friendly alternative to conventional insecticides, reducing environmental impact while enhancing crop protection
A Checklist of Butterflies in Karulai, Malappuram District, Kerala, India
Get PDFThe present study provides a checklist of butterflies from Karulai, Malappuram District, Kerala. The study was conducted over a period of one year, from August 2020 to July 2021. A total of 76 butterfly species belonging to five families and 13 subfamilies were recorded. The family Nymphalidae was the most dominant, followed by Lycaenidae, Papilionidae, Hesperiidae, and Pieridae. The butterfly diversity and abundance of host plants in the study area highlight its importance for protection and conservation. The quality and availability of host plants play a crucial role in affecting an organism\u27s growth, development, and reproduction
Assessment of Camel Production and Husbandry Practices in Degahbour District, Jarar Zone, Somali Regional State, Ethiopia
Get PDFThe study was conducted in Degahbur district of the Somali Regional State to generate baseline information on camel production and husbandry practices. Data were collected from four purposively selected kebeles based on camel population and production potential. Using semi-structured questionnaires, focus group discussions, and field observations, 200 households (120 pastoral and 80 agropastoral) were interviewed. Results indicated that the majority of respondents were male (85%) and middle-aged (58%), with a high illiteracy rate (73%), significantly higher among pastoralists (p = 0.002). Pastoralists owned larger camel herds (6.12 ± 0.78) compared to agropastoralists (p < 0.001). Men predominantly performed activities such as feeding (80%), herding (90%), milking (95%), and treating camels (95%), while women were primarily responsible for selling camel milk (85%) and barn cleaning (85%). The main purposes of camel keeping were milk production and income generation. Browsing trees and shrubs were the primary feed resource during the dry season (64%), and wells served as the main water source (62%). Major constraints identified were feed shortages (0.240 & 0.260), recurrent drought (0.222 & 0.231), and animal diseases (0.172 & 0.160) for both production systems. Key opportunities included increasing demand for camel products, multipurpose use of camels, their high adaptability, and cultural significance. Camel production remains vital for local livelihoods but faces significant challenges, particularly in feed and water availability, warranting strategic interventions. Strengthening integrated support systems including improved feed and water management, veterinary services, and market access is essential to enhance camel production and pastoral and agropastoral livelihoods in the area
A Look at the Deadly Shark Attack on an Israeli Diver off the Mediterranean Coast of Hadera, Palestine
Get PDFThe Mediterranean Sea is home to a considerable number of shark species, some of which have posed a threat to humans. The hot waters discharged from the Hadera (Orot Rabin) power plant in northwestern Palestine attract schools of two large coastal shark species: Dusky Sharks (Carcharhinus obscurus Lesueur, 1818) and Sandbar Sharks (Carcharhinus plumbeus Nardo, 1827) every year from November to May. On Monday, April 21, 2025, a 45-year-old Israeli diver was fatally attacked by sharks off the Mediterranean coast of Hadera. The present descriptive study aims to shed light on this rare deadly incident. The study relied on collecting the necessary data through monitoring websites, news, and social media platforms. The Mediterranean coast of Hadera is characterized by a fascinating phenomenon that attracts many beachgoers, as they approach the shallow and warm waters dominated by predatory sharks. Several possible reasons for the shark attack on the Israeli diver have been listed, including the diver\u27s attempt to feed the shark dead fish for filming, the smell of bleeding fish the diver may have been carrying on his belt, mistaken identity of the sharks, the shark\u27s ability to detect the diver\u27s subtle electrical impulses, the diver\u27s possible sudden movements, loud noises, and frantic swimming that attracted the sharks, behavioral changes in the sharks due to human harassment, curiosity and confusion of the shark, hunger and starvation the sharks may have been suffering from, etc. The incident received unprecedented media coverage locally, regionally, and internationally, and sparked widespread interaction on social media platforms. Many Arab posts praised the shark for carrying out the attack, amid the fierce, destructive, and bloody war Israel has been waging against the Gazans since October 7, 2023. To prevent this incident from happening again, there is a need to manage the Mediterranean coast of Hadera in a way that is safe for humans and sharks