UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
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Climate Change and Its Impact on Zoological Diversity and Species Distribution: A Review
No full textClimate change has emerged as a dominant driver of global biodiversity loss, profoundly altering zoological diversity, species distribution, and ecosystem functioning. Rising temperatures, erratic precipitation, ocean acidification, and habitat fragmentation disrupt physiological processes, migration patterns, and trophic interactions across taxa. This review explores the impact of climate change on zoological diversity and species distribution. Terrestrial, aquatic, and marine ecosystems exhibit varying degrees of vulnerability, with endemic and specialised species facing heightened extinction risks. Polar fauna such as seals and polar bears, tropical primates, coral reef communities, and migratory birds demonstrate clear evidence of climate-induced population decline and range shifts. Evolutionary responses, including genetic adaptation and phenotypic plasticity, are observed in some taxa but remain insufficient to counter rapid environmental changes. Advances in remote sensing, GIS-based species modelling, and molecular techniques such as genomics and environmental DNA (eDNA) have enhanced understanding of climate impacts and enabled predictive biodiversity mapping. Conservation measures encompassing ecosystem-based adaptation, habitat restoration, captive breeding, and wildlife corridor establishment contribute to mitigating biodiversity loss. Policy frameworks under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), IUCN, and IPCC emphasise integrating nature-based solutions with national climate strategies. Despite significant progress, uncertainties in predictive models, data scarcity, and limited integration between ecological and socio-economic systems impede effective conservation planning. Future research must prioritise long-term ecological monitoring, multi-scale data synthesis, and cross-sectoral policy implementation to enhance resilience. Integrating indigenous ecological knowledge with scientific innovations will strengthen adaptation measures and ensure sustainable biodiversity management in the face of accelerating climatic shifts
Prevalence and Diversity of Helminths on Faecal Matter of Local Backyard Fowls in Bishnupur Districts, Manipur, India
No full textDomestic chickens have significant contributory role in national economy and social world. In Manipur, especially in rural areas, farmers and agriculturists still depend economically on these animals. Poultry faeces may contain many harmful parasites, which can pose significant health risks to consumers. These parasites may then be transmitted to man by contaminated soil, drinking water supply or by mechanical vectors like flies and rodents. This is a neglected area of public health and deserves more scientific attention. The study was conducted to find out various gastrointestinal helminths and their prevalence in domestic fowls using Specimens processed through the Sedimentation and Floatation method. This research aimed to determine the prevalence and infection of endoparasites on backyard fowls in different villages of Bishnupur District of Manipur. The faecal samples were randomly collected from different backyard management areas located in Bishnupur District. 490 faecal samples were taken from backyard fowls of 11 different villages namely Nambol, Oinam, Keinou, Toubul, Thanga, Moirang, Ningthoukhong, Kumbi, Nachou, Ngaikhong and Khoijuman Khullen. The examinations taken in this study were faecal examination using native, sediment, and floating methods. Result showed that 73.87% samples were positive for helminthiasis infection consisting of thirteen different genera namely, Ascaridiagalli (65.51%), Raillietina sp. (58.97%) Heterakissp. (43.06%), Choanotaenia sp. (26.93%) Hymenolepissp. (3.06%), Sabulura sp. (3.46%), Strongyloides sp. (11.83%), Strongylus sp. (8.77%), Devaineasp. (15.51%), Echinostoma sp. (6.12%), Chaonotaenia infundibulum (3.87%), Capillaria sp. (29.59%) and Raillenentinatetragona (26.53%). This information will help the backyard farmers to assess their fowls regarding various helminth infections and how to minimize the parasitic infection, thereby increasing productivity and be helpful for the researchers, poultry farmers and local veterinarians to develop strategies for both treatment and control of the gastrointestinal helminths affecting domestic fowls. Keeping in view the public health importance of parasites in poultry faeces, open poultry shops should be cleaned and properly sanitized to mitigate health risks to humans and also the environment. There was no statistically significant difference (p<0.05) on the helminthiasis infection degree of local backyard fowls
Prevalence of Lytocestus indicus (Lytocestidae) (Moghe, 1925) (Woodland, 1926) in Clarias magur (Clariidae) (Hamilton, 1822) and Its Histopathological Study from West Bengal, India
No full textIn the present study, histopathological damage in the gut of Clarias magur caused by the parasite Lytocestus indicus has been investigated. This finding reveals that the infection induces pathological changes in the host’s gut wall. Histopathological examination of both infected and non-infected gut of Clarias magur revealed that the non-infected tissues exhibited intact villi and epithelial layers. In contrast, the infected tissues showed extensive damage, including destruction of the villi and epithelium. The parasite was noticed to remain attached to the wall of the stomach. The cestode was found to have a dorsoventrally flattened, elongated body with a digitiform scolex. The intestinal lumen and villi of the host fish were observed to be anchored by the parasite, leading to blockage of the intestinal passage and rupture of the mucosal and submucosal layers. Vacuolation within the gastrointestinal layers was also noted. Seasonal fluctuations were recorded (premonsoon, monsoon, and postmonsoon) during this investigation. The findings revealed seasonal variations in prevalence, mean intensity, and relative abundance, with higher values observed during the summer. This is the first report documenting the intestinal pathology in the fish Clarias magur caused by the cestode parasite Lytocestus indicus from North Bengal, West Bengal, India
Study of Physico-Chemical Parameters of Water Samples Collected from Potential and Non-Potential Fishing Zones of Ratnagiri District, Maharashtra, India
No full textThe present study was carried out to find the changes in physical-chemical parameters in potential fishing zones (PFZs) and Non potential fishing zones (N-PFZ) in three different sites including Dabhol, Harnai and Mirkarwada of Ratnagiri district Maharashtra. The various parameters like Water temperature, Turbidity, Total solid (TS), Total dissolved solids (TDS), PH, Dissolve oxygen, Biochemical oxygen demand, Chemical oxygen demand (COD), Free Carbon dioxide, Total alkalinity, Hardness, Total acidity, Chloride, Phosphate-Phosphorous (PO4-P), Nitrate-Nitrogen(N02-N). The minimum and maximum values Water temperature were- 25.12-30.9 (C), Turbidity- 1.87-4.15 (NTU), Total solid- 32728.47-37229.12 (mg/L), Total dissolved solid- 32108.66-36690.56 (mg/L), PH- 7.54-8.69, Dissolve oxygen-4.58-7.09 (mg/L), Biological oxygen demand-1.02-2.06 (mg/L), Chemical oxygen demand-2.18-3.41 (mg/L), Free carbon dioxide- 1.66-3.48 (mg/L), Alkalinity-133.43-166.95(mg/L), Hardness- 6043.21-7108.44 (mg/L), Acidity-0.04-0.14 (mg/L), Chloride-18051.6-20955.09 (mg/L), Phosphate-Phosphorous- 0.04-0.08 (mg/L), Nitrate-Nitrogen (NO2-N)-0.02-0.06 (mg/L).The observed data in the Dabhol, Harnai, and Mirkarwada PFZ and N-PFZ zones show dynamic seasonal changes driven by temperature, runoff, biological activity, and monsoon cycles. The designation of PFZs as rich fishing grounds was supported by their persistent higher biological activity, which was demonstrated by increased levels of BOD, turbidity, phosphate, and nitrite
A Comparative Morphometric Study of Indian Major Carps
No full textAmid growing demands for sustainable aquaculture, understanding species-specific growth patterns is essential for maximizing productivity. The findings revealed that Catla exhibited the highest weight gain, Mrigal showed superior linear growth, and Rohu demonstrated moderate overall performance. A significant positive correlation was observed between total length and other morphometric traits. These results highlight the value of species-specific selection for polyculture systems and emphasize the role of morphometric analysis in broodstock selection and aquaculture enhancement
Bioactive Peptides in Leech Saliva: Therapeutic Mechanisms and Clinical Applications in Modern Wound Care
No full textLeech therapy is a traditional medicinal system commonly known as hirudotherapy. Leech therapy is a fascinating blend of ancient medical healing and modern medicinal techniques. Hirudotherapy deals with the use of medicinal leeches (Hirudo medicinalis) to cure numerous health problems by improving blood circulation, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing by stimulating WBC. Leech therapy is an ancient system that’s currently being used once again in modern medicine, especially for healing wounds and improving blood circulation. A thorough review of the extensive literature on hirudotherapy was conducted using various platforms, including Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and other reputable online databases. Key relevant suggestions were collected from the analyzed manuscripts and incorporated into the findings. H. medicinalis saliva contains a varied group of bioactive peptides with potent pharmacological and medicinal constituents, including anticoagulant, anti-inflammatory, fibrinolytic, and vasodilatory effects. The current review synthesizes knowledge on key peptides such as hirudin, bdellins, eglins, calin, and destabilase, along with their molecular mechanisms in promoting wound healing and vascular regeneration. These compounds enhance microcirculation, modulate immune responses, and facilitate tissue remodeling, making them valuable adjuncts in treating post-surgical venous congestion, diabetic ulcers, and chronic inflammatory conditions
Bioindicators: A Review on Faunal Indicators
No full textEvery living organism within a biological system offers insights into the health of its environment. For instance, plankton exhibit rapid responses to environmental changes and serve as crucial biomarkers for evaluating water quality and pollution levels. Bioindicators encompass biological processes, species, or communities utilized to gauge environmental quality and its fluctuations over time. Alterations in the environment are often attributed to human-induced disturbances such as pollution and land use changes, or natural stressors like droughts and late spring freezes, with primary emphasis placed on human-induced stressors in bioindicator research. They offer insights into intricate ecological processes, serve as early warning signals, aid in diagnosing ecological issues, and are vital tools for conservation planning and management. This discussion focuses solely on animal indicators, excluding plants and microbial species, and refrains from including examples derived from toxicological studies. It provides a review of organism-level indications, where the presence or absence of certain species guides further investigations prompted by inquiries
Toxicological and Food Safety Implications of Ethanolic Extract of Avocado (Persea americana) Leaves on the Liver and Gills of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) Fingerlings
No full textThis study investigated the effects of ethanolic leaf extract of avocado (Persea americana) on the behavior and histopathology of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings. One hundred fish specimens were exposed to graded concentrations of the plant leaf extract (0.0, 2.0, 4.0, 6.0, and 8.0 mg/l) over a period of 96 h, Time-dependent (24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h). Responses were monitored, with particular attention to behavioral alterations and histopathological changes in the gills and liver. The 96-hour LC₅₀ was determined to be 2.8 mg/L, corresponding to a log-transformed concentration of 0.45 mg/L indicating the concentration at which 50 % of the test organisms were lethally affected. The study revealed that P. americana extract influenced water quality parameters in a concentration-dependent manner over time. Exposed fish exhibited prominent behavioral abnormalities, including excessive mucus secretion, air gulping, respiratory distress, erratic swimming, and vertical orientation. Histopathological analysis showed dose-dependent lesions in the gills, such as hyperplasia, epithelial erosion, lamellar fusion, disorganization of secondary lamellae, and cellular degeneration and in the liver, including hepatic coagulative necrosis, vacuolation of the parenchyma, hepatocellular hyperplasia, necrosis, and hepatopancreatic tissue lysis. These alterations suggest that bioactive phytochemicals present in avocado leafs, such as saponins, tannins, flavonoids and persin may disrupt oxidative balance, impair protein and lipid metabolism, and compromise detoxification pathways. While avocado leaves contain compounds with reported antioxidant and antimicrobial benefits at low doses, their indiscriminate use in aquaculture poses risks to fish growth, nutrient utilization, and food safety. The findings underscore the need to define safe exposure limits for P. americana extracts in fish nutrition and to integrate biochemical biomarkers of oxidative stress in future risk assessments
Harnessing Genetic Tools for Next-Generation Pest Management: A Comprehensive Review
No full textGenetic engineering is the technique of altering an organism’s genetic composition through the introduction of desired genes, often referred to as recombinant DNA technology or gene manipulation. In agriculture, this technology has been applied to develop transgenic plants with insect and herbicide resistance, tolerance to biotic and abiotic stress, and enhanced nutritional profiles. Genetically modified (GM) crops such as Bt cotton and Bt maize have significantly reduced pest infestations, lowered pesticide usage by up to 50%, and increased yields by 20–30% in several regions. Similarly, RNA interference (RNAi) based pest control has been successfully employed against major crop pests such as the corn rootworm and cotton bollworm, offering species-specific and environmentally safer alternatives to chemical pesticides. Genome editing tools, particularly CRISPR/Cas9, are being harnessed to engineer durable resistance against viruses, fungi, and insect pests in staple crops like rice, wheat, and tomato. These approaches not only reduce dependence on chemical pesticides but also contribute to sustainable agriculture by lowering production costs and minimizing environmental impacts. With continuous innovations in genetic pest control, the scope of crop protection and yield enhancement is expanding, demonstrating the transformative role of genetic engineering in modern agriculture
A Review on Poultry Chick Sex Identification: Traditional, Molecular and Advanced Methods
No full textChick sexing is the process of determining whether a newly hatched (or developing) chick is male or female. This is critical for the poultry industry – especially egg producers – because males (cockerels) are not needed for egg production and are often culled soon after hatching. Over the years, many methods have been developed to sex chicks, ranging from manual (traditional) to high-tech approaches. Each method has its principle, accuracy, speed, cost, and ethical implications. PCR-based methods have been applied widely to molecular sexing for many kinds of birds, providing rapid and accurate results. All bird species employ two sex chromosomes, Z and W. Male birds are homogametic (ZZ) and female birds are heterogametic (ZW). Constituent differences in the sex chromosomes between males and females therefore can be applied to DNA-based identification for sexing of birds. Various methods discussed presented in detail below, comparing their advantages and limitations and how widely they are used globally and in India