UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
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Composition and Diversity of Birds Along the old Gongola River from Kupto to Dadin Kowa Community in Gombe State, Nigeria
Get PDFThe Gongola river is a significant tributary of the Benue river that meets the river Niger at Lokoja. It is a wetland that supports livelihood across six northern states and beyond. In this study, we sampled avifauna diversity from a section of the river (Kupto--Dadin-kowa reservoir) and surrounding landscapes to develop a checklist as a first step in measuring the ecological significance of the river. Point count census method was employed. We recorded a total of 3146 individuals from 212 species. One hundred and thirty eight (138) genera, in 62 families and 20 orders were also recorded. Thirty eight (38) AEWA listed species were recorded with a total abundance of 1188 individuals, accounting for 37.8 % of the overall abundance of all species combined. The most abundant bird species was the white faced whistling duck (Dendrocygna viduata) with a total of 622 individuals, followed by the laughing dove (Spilopelia senegalensis) with 170 individuals. The most species rich family was Accipitridae with a total of 19 species, followed by Ardeidae, Columbidae and Estrildidae with 10 species each. Insectivores were the most diverse functional and feeding guild with a total of 63 species and cumulative abundance of 721 individuals, followed by granivores and omnivores with a total of 39 and 36 individuals respectively. One hundred and fifty two species (152) were resident within range of occurrence, accounting for 71.7 % of total number of bird species recorded; while 60 bird species (28.3 %) were observed to be involved in one form of migration or the other. The preponderance of both migratory and resident bird species underscores the ecological significance of this wetland ecosystem for avian conservation. More detailed and systematic studies are required to assess the population dynamics and conservation status of the avifauna in the area. The river holds great potential as an avifaunal sanctuary if protective measures are taken to preserve and conserve its ecological integrity
Efficacy of Selected Chemicals and Biopesticides Against Yellow Stem Borer [Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker)] on Paddy
Get PDFThe present investigation was conducted during the Kharif season of 2024 at the Central Research Farm (CRF), Department of Entomology, Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized Block Design (RBD) with seven treatments, each replicated three times, along with an untreated control plot. The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of various chemical insecticides and biopesticides in managing yellow stem borer infestation in paddy. Damage symptoms caused by S. incertulas were assessed one day before spraying and subsequently on the 7th and 14th day after insecticide application. Observations focused on typical damage indicators as dead hearts (DH) during the vegetative stage and white earheads (WEH) during the panicle initiation stage. All treatments were found to be significantly more effective than the untreated control. Among the treatments, T6 – Flubendiamide 20 WG (7.81%) recorded the lowest infestation and proved to be the most effective. This was followed by T2 – Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC (8.88%), T4 – Cartap Hydrochloride 50 SP (9.94%) and T7 – Thiamethoxam 25 WG (12.04%). The biopesticide T5 – Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki showed moderate efficacy (13.00%), while T1 – Neem oil (16.38%) and T3 – Beauveria bassiana (1×10⁸ CFU/gm) were less effective. The highest infestation was observed in the untreated control plot (T0 – 26.99%)
Exploring the Safety and UV Defensive Properties of Herbal Microsponge Gel in Albino Rats
Get PDFAim: The present study was aimed with the formulation of herbal micro-sponge gel to improve protection against UV rays and also blocks the UVA, UVB, UVC radiation from the sun.
Methods: Citrus sinensis (Family: Rutaceae) and Eucalyptus globulus oil (Family: Myrtaceae) were used for the UV protection activity. Extraction was performed using water by the hydro distillation method and screened for the presence of active components using phytochemical tests and GS-MS analysis. Six different herbal micro-sponge formulations were prepared using the quasi-emulsion solvent diffusion method. By varying the polymer and drug ratios. The prepared herbal micro-sponges were evaluated for various parameters like particle size, Drug entrapment efficiency, % yield, SEM analysis, DSC analysis, and In vitro dissolution studies. From the above formulations, select the optimized formulation and incorporate it into gel. Here, the prepared herbal micro-sponge gel was evaluated for various parameters: pH, Viscosity, Spreadability, Drug content, In vitro diffusion studies, and in-vitro UV studies. Furthermore, for best formulation the skin irritation test was carried out in albino wistar rats model respectively were performed. A stability study was performed for the best formulation for 3 months.
Results: The best formulation (F2) was selected based on various physical parameters. F2 showed the particle size ranging from 129.3 to 149μm and also a spherical in shape. The zeta potential was found to be -31mV. In-vitro drug release of orange peel oil is 96.24% and also eucalyptus oil is 90.66% at 9hrs. F2 formulation showed the first-order release kinetics, and it’s a sustained release. SPF was calculated using an In vitro UV spectroscopic method. The highest SPF value was found to be 46.03. This herbal micro-sponge sunscreen gel blocks the UVA, UVB, and UVC radiation. The F2 formulation was subjected to dermal irritation test, which showed no signs of erythema, skin irritation or redness at the end of the 24-hour observation period.
Conclusion: Citrus sinesis and eucalyptus oil base microsponges loaded in carbopol gel exhibited sustained drug release and showed potential as a safe and effective formulation. Thus, the extract of Citrus sinesis and Eucalyptus oil could be a potential herbal drug for the treatment against UV radiation, and the developed formulation strategy poses a suitable formulation to treat patients, addressing the need for safe and effective treatment. This result indicated that formulation F2 herbal microsponge sunscreen gel showed the highest SPF value. This outcome suggests that F2 formulation is safe for topical applications
Bioremediation of Chlorpyrifos Contaminated Soil Using Biomass of Fruit-vegetable Waste
Get PDFIndia is a country where more than 70% of its population relies on its agricultural production. Excess production of crops leads to contamination by pests and to prevent these pesticides are in wide use. Chlorpyrifos is a pesticide commonly used due to its broad-spectrum activity. It is highly toxic and does not get degraded easily leading to irreversible hazards to the environment. The process of bioremediation involves the all-encompassing action of microbes, including aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and fungi. Most of the earlier studies involved the direct use of microbes or their enzymes in the bioremediation processes. In the present study we have attempted bioremediation of soil samples harnessed with chlorpyrifos at two different concentrations (10% & 20%) using crude fruit-vegetable waste biomass. The results of the study proved an exemplary reduction in the COD values as well as an enhancement in the essential nutrients (N,P,K) in the soil. Chlorpyrifos was completely degraded into its intermediary compounds phosphorothioic acid and1-methyl dodecyl benzene within a span of 30 days
Comparative Physicochemical Properties of Honey from Apis cerana indica and Apis dorsata Across Different Floral Origins in Khandesh, North Maharashtra, India
Get PDFThe aim of this study was to compare the physicochemical properties of honey produced by Apis cerana indica and Apis dorsata from three sites with distinct floral orgins (agriculture, forest, and urban) in Khandesh, North Maharashtra, India. Physicochemical analysis of honey samples was conducted using established methods described by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC 2012), and the protein content was determined using the Folin-Ciocalteau reagent method. Among the different sources of honey, significant differences were found across honey samples in terms of moisture content, pH, electrical conductivity, ash content, free acidity, protein, hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), proline, and diastase activity.
The honey samples from both bee species with different geographical and floral origins had varing ranges of moisture content (15.84%-23.16%), pH values (3.31-4.84), electrical conductivity (0.52-0.96 mS/cm), ash content (0.18%-0.51%), free acidity (26.83-40.18 meq/kg), protein content (1.45-3.05 g/kg), HMF levels (19.38-35.69 mg/kg), proline (223.49- 849.26 mg/kg), and diastase activity (9.46-21.57 DN). Notably, physicochemical parameters were significantly higher in A. dorsata honey than in A. c. indica honey. These variations highlight the influence of floral and geographical origin- on the physicochemical properties of honey. Furthermore, honey collected from forest sites was superior to that collected from agricultural and urban sites. All these values fall within the criteria set by international standards, highlighting the quality and compliance of honey samples. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a strong separation between the measured parameters, and was mostly dominated by moisture, pH, EC, ash, free acidity, protein, proline, and diastase
The Fiddler Crab of the Sundarbans: A Call for Conservation
Get PDFThe Sundarbans, renowned as the world\u27s largest mangrove forest, serves as a haven for a diverse array of species. Among these inhabitants are the often-overlooked fiddler crabs (Uca sp.), small crustaceans that play a pivotal role in maintaining the delicate balance of the Sundarbans ecosystem. This short communication aims to shed light on the ecological significance of these seemingly insignificant creatures, emphasizing their crucial contributions to nutrient cycling and the overall health of the mangrove vegetation. Fiddler crabs, with their distinctive large claws, are integral to the nutrient cycling processes within the Sundarbans. Their burrowing activities enhance soil aeration and facilitate the breakdown of organic matter, enriching the soil with essential nutrients. These nutrients, in turn, support the growth and development of the mangrove trees, which form the backbone of this unique ecosystem. Despite their vital role, fiddler crabs face a multitude of threats, including human exploitation, environmental pollution, and the impacts of climate change. The Sundarbans, while renowned for its Bengal tiger population, often overlooks the conservation needs of smaller, less charismatic species like the fiddler crab. Current conservation efforts primarily focus on protecting the tiger, leaving these crucial ecosystem engineers vulnerable. To ensure the long-term sustainability of the Sundarbans, a more holistic conservation approach is urgently needed. This approach must encompass the protection of all species, regardless of their perceived importance. Legal frameworks should be strengthened to safeguard fiddler crab populations, and community engagement programs should be implemented to raise awareness about their ecological significance. Furthermore, increased scientific research is crucial to better understand the ecological role of fiddler crabs and develop effective conservation strategies. Fiddler crabs play a crucial ecological role in the Sundarbans ecosystem, highlighting their importance in maintaining environmental balance. By incorporating the conservation needs of these lesser-known species into broader conservation efforts, we can strive towards a more sustainable future for this unique and invaluable natural treasure
Food and Feedings of Mystus tengara (Hamilton, 1822) from Nagavali River, Andhra Pradesh, India
Get PDFSmall indigenous fish species perform vital role in indigenous people food habitat and their empowerment. Mystus tengara is a well-known and commonly available food fish species, and one of the candidate ornamental fish species in ornamental fish firms. A total of 145 specimens of Mystus tengara (Hamilton, 1822) species were collected from a small distributary of Nagavali River of Andhra Pradesh. 35 food items were observed in the gut of Mystus tengara. The present study has been performed on the food and feeding habits, Gastro Somatic Index, Relative Length of Gut, Fullness and feeding Intensity, and Gut Content Analysis of Mystus tengara. Present study results very close to the earlier studies and revealed that Mystus tengara is a carnivorous fish and zooplankton is the basic food group for this fish species and observed food and feeding indicating sustainable growth and development in different river environments
Nutrient Utilization and Growth Responses of Oreochromis niloticus Juveniles Fed Varying Dietary Levels of Sun-dried Watermelon Peel Waste
Get PDFThis study was carried out to evaluate the nutrient utilization and growth response of O. niloticus juveniles fed a diet containing watermelon peel (WMP). Four iso-nitrogenous diets containing 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% were formulated. A total of 120 juveniles were fed at 5% body weight per day for 84 days. At the end of the experiment, WMP was most suitable as an energy supplement when it was incorporated at 50% replacement. The carcass analysis of the fish after the experiment revealed that the FCR values ranged between Treatment 1 (5.93 + 0.73) and Treatment 3 (4.61 + 0.17). The specific growth rate (SGR) ranged between 0.76 + 0.04 in Treatment 3 and 0.059 + 0.06 in Treatment 1. The highest survival value was recorded in Treatment 2 (70 + 0.00), and the lowest survival value was recorded in Treatment 4 (53.33 +16.67). The highest value was recorded in Treatment 3 (47.69+ 0.97), and the lowest was recorded in Treatment 1 (44.07 +0.94) for feed intake, while the protein efficiency ratio was the highest in Treatment 1 (0.22 + 0.03). The highest mean weight gain was recorded in Treatment 3 (10.39 + 0.54), and the lowest was recorded in Treatment 1 (7.67 + 0.96)
Morphological Notes on Marine Sponges of the Class Demospongiae and One Calcarea from Lakshadweep
Get PDFThis study expands knowledge on Lakshadweep’s sponge diversity, documenting a new species Scalarispongia androthensis n.sp. and four new regional records. These findings enhance understanding of coral reef ecosystems and support future conservation and biodiversity research
Safeguarding House Sparrows: Actionable Policy Recommendations for Conservation Efforts in India
Get PDFHouse sparrows (Passer domesticus) have been an integral part of Indian life for decades, playing a significant role in both ecological and cultural contexts. They are useful for pest control and are also culturally significant. Their population has declined sharply in recent years due to urbanization, habitat destruction, and changes in agricultural practices. This paper proposes several policy recommendations to conserve house sparrows in India by adopting an integrated approach involving habitat protection, regulation of pesticides, public awareness, community participation, and legislative backing. First, creating and restoring habitats for sparrows is necessary. Urban planners need to incorporate green spaces, such as parks and traditional building structures, that have nesting sites for sparrows. Second, laws on the use of pesticides should be tightened to encourage organic farming practices that suit farmers and birds alike. Third, public education campaigns need to inform people about the significance of sparrows and involve communities in conservation efforts, such as putting up nesting boxes. Participation of people is important, as residents can become important stakeholders in conservation. Programs that engage residents can make people own biodiversity. This paper suggests that legal policies must be revised to safeguard urban wildlife, such as house sparrows, and implement laws against the illegal trade of wildlife. This paper adopts a doctrinal research approach and a qualitative analysis method to identify the policies for house sparrow conservation. The paper expects that continuous study and surveillance are crucial to comprehending the problem sparrows encounter and monitoring the efficacy of conservation efforts. Through these suggestions, India can improve the environment for house sparrows and enhance biodiversity to the benefit of people and nature. This holistic approach will restore the house sparrow population, bridging urban and rural landscapes and keeping this beloved bird for generations to come