UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
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Study on Diversity and Abundance of Butterflies (Insecta: Lepidoptera) in the Vicinity of Karhandla Gate, Umred-Pauni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary, Umred, Maharashtra, India
No full textButterflies, belonging to class Insecta, order Lepidoptera, the symbol of beauty and grace, play important role in biodiversity surveys as they are very sensitive to minute environmental fluctuations and habitat alteration. A survey-based study was conducted in the vicinity of Karhandla Gate, Umred-Pauni-Karhandla Wildlife Sanctuary of Maharashtra to explore butterflies and to estimate their diversity and abundance, and to grasp the need for conservation of the study area. Altogether 54 species of butterflies belonging to 40 genera and 5 families (Nymphalidae, Papilionidae, Pieridae, Lycaenidae and Hesperiidae) were recorded during this study, of which five species are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972. Family Nymphalidae was found dominant with 47.04% of total butterflies, 44.44% of total recorded species and 40% of total recorded genera. The calculated values of Shannon-Weiner index, Simpson\u27s index, Pielou’s evenness index of diversity and Margalef\u27s Richness index were found 3.74, 0.97, 0.94 and 6.68 respectively, indicating the area is rich in butterfly diversity with high abundance and evenness. The butterflies with high occurrence frequency percentage were Euploea core, Parantica aglea, Symphaedra nais, Pareronia hippia, Eurema hecabe, Papilio polytes and Pachliopta aristolochiae. This survey-based study will be an important biological tool to assess the habitat condition or ecosystem health of the study area that surrounds the wildlife sanctuary and to adopt the management strategies for biodiversity conservation of this region along with similar geographical regions that ultimately ensure sustenance of butterflies and their habitat
Plant-Derived Feed Resources as Sustainable Alternatives for Labeo rohita: A Review of Growth, Health, and Nutritional Impacts
No full textAquaculture is one of the fastest-growing food production sectors and is expected to meet the majority of future fish demand as the global population surpasses 8 billion. The sustainability issues with traditional fishmeal-based meals have prompted research on plant-based substitutes. This study summarizes studies on the use of unconventional plant resources in the diets of Labeo rohita (rohu), a significant large carp in India, such as sweet potato leaves, mustard oil cake, and Delonix regia leaf meal. We discussed impacts on growth, digestibility, enzyme activity, hematological parameters, immunological modulation, and anti-nutritional factors (ANFs). Plant feeds minimize environmental impacts, save costs, and promote fish health when processed adequately, with optimal inclusion levels of 10-40%. However, ANFs like tannins and phytates limit higher substitutions. Results back up plant feeds as practical, environmentally beneficial choices for sustainable rohu farming, along with processing suggestions
COI Gene-Based-Molecular Identification of Invasive Craspedacusta sowerbii Lankester, 1880 (Hydrozoa, Limnomedusa) Freshwater Jellyfish in Arga-Parvati Wetlands, Gonda District, Uttar Pradesh
No full textThis study reports the first molecularly confirmed occurrence of the freshwater jellyfish Craspedacusta sowerbii (Lankester, 1880) from northern India, recorded in the Arga-Parvati wetland complex of Gonda District, Uttar Pradesh. Species identification was achieved through an integrative approach combining morphological and molecular analyses. Morphologically, the medusa displayed a flattened hemispherical bell (mean diameter 15 ± 1.8 mm), four simple radial canals with corresponding pouch like gonads and 200 marginal tentacles bearing birhopaloid nematocysts. Molecular characterization using the mitochondrial Cytochrome C Oxidase subunit I (COI) gene (709 bp) confirmed 100% similarity with the Chinese isolate (KF510026.1) and 95% with the German isolate (FJ423619.1), indicating low genetic divergence and suggesting a globally conserved lineage. Phylogenetic analysis clustered the Indian isolate with C. sowerbii populations from China, Germany and Morocco with strong bootstrap support (86–100%), affirming its invasive potential. Physico-chemical analysis revealed warm (avg. 29.42 ± 1.90 °C), slightly alkaline (pH 7.7-7.9) and phosphate-enriched (0.34 ± 0.03 mg L⁻¹) conditions characteristic of eutrophic systems. The proliferation and decay of Eichhornia crassipes (Water hyacinth) likely enhanced phosphate release and organic load, stimulating algal and zooplankton productivity that favored jellyfish blooms. The findings demonstrate a trophic link between eutrophication and jellyfish proliferation and emphasize C. sowerbii as an indicator of nutrient enrichment while underscoring the need for wetland nutrient and macrophyte management
Conservation and Management of the Asiatic Lion (Panthera leo persica) in the Landscape of Gir, Gujarat: A Review of in-situ Strategies
No full textThe lion is at the peak of the ecological pyramid and majorly affects the food chain by controlling the population of animals at the lower trophic levels. Gir National Park, India, is the only place in the world except Africa where an Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) can be seen in its natural habitat due to its dry and deciduous forest. Asiatic lion (Panthera leo persica) are confined to Gir, Gujarat, India and its population started declining from 1936 to 1979 by almost 40% of the total population because of deadly diseases, habitat loss, fragmentation, poaching, and conflict with humans. The total number of lions in 1970 was reported to be around 177. This led to the threat of extinction of the lion species, so therefore, the project lion was launched for conservation in 1972, with the implementation of laws banning trophy hunting, poaching, relocating native humans to reduce human-lion conflict, protecting the boundaries of the national park to avoid exploitation and restricting human interaction, reducing anthropogenic activity, and the formation of a research and conservation centre. The project\u27s purpose was to bring the dwindling lion population, bringing it back from the brink of extinction in response to successful conservation efforts. Because of the efforts and implementation of Project Lion, the lion population currently stands at 674
Immunomodulatory Effect of Nigella sativa Extract on Caprine Lymphocytes
No full textBackground: A lymphocyte proliferation assay (LPA) is a laboratory test used to evaluate the functional capability of lymphocytes by measuring their capacity to proliferate in response to an antigen, mitogen, or foreign molecule. Nigella sativa has immunomodulatory activity, which can affect or modify goats\u27 immune systems. Studies have shown that it may strengthen the body\u27s defences against different infections and advance general health by improving both innate and adaptive immune responses.
Aim: The present study evaluates the immunomodulatory effect of Nigella sativa extract on Caprine Lymphocytes.
Methods: The various bands of blood components in tubes were formed with plasma at the top followed by the buffy coat of lymphocytes, and the histopaque RBC of the bottom. The buffy coat was collected carefully of lymphocytes (between the upper plasma and lower RBC using a sterile serological pipette) without agitating the tube.
Results and Discussion: In the present investigation, the immunomodulatory effect of the ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa was analysed by the lymphocyte proliferation assay, performed with 6.25 ug/ml,12.5 ug/ml & 25 ug/ml of extract. The production of cytokines or nitric oxide, phagocytic and cytotoxic activities, proliferation of T cells and splenocytes, and vulnerability to necrosis and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo are all factors that support that NS affects immune cells.
Conclusion: The present study found that only 6.25 ug/ml of N. sativa showed lymphoproliferation, whereas none of the higher concentrations showed proliferation. The present study indicated that the lowest dilution,6.25 ug/ml has immunomodulatory activity
Synthesis and Characterization of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles from Ethanol Extracts of Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus, 1758) and Their Evaluation of Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay
No full textAim: The present study focusses on the synthesis of titanium dioxide nanoparticles from the shell and the whole-body tissue ethanolic extracts of the blue crab Portunus pelagicus (Linnaeus, 1758).
Materials and Methods: The nature and characteristics of the synthesized nanoparticles were analysed using various techniques including XRD, FTIR, SEM, EDS and UV-visible spectroscopy. The brine shrimp lethality assay of the synthesized nanoparticles was also evaluated.
Results: The results revealed that the nanoparticles were spherical in shape, exhibited a tetragonal structure with an anatase phase, and were confirmed as titanium dioxide nanoparticles by EDS analysis. UV-visible spectral studies indicated a band gap energy of 3.14 eV. The brine shrimp lethality assay of the nanoparticles synthesized from ethanolic extract of shell demonstrated insignificant mortality at low doses with only a slight increase at 1500 µg/ml, while the nanoparticles synthesized from ethanolic extract of tissue exhibited dose dependent cytotoxic activity.
Conclusion: Thus, the synthesized titanium dioxide nanoparticles exhibit promising potential for diverse applications
The Chronobiology of Conflict: A Time Series Analysis of Diel and Seasonal Patterns of Human-Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) Conflicts in Gir Somnath District, Gujarat, India
No full textIn this study we assessed diel and seasonal patterns of human-leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) conflicts in Gir Somnath district. Data for this study was collected over a decade (2014–2023) within the geographical limits of the Gir Somnath district, Gujarat This study utilized a combination approach to examine human-leopard conflict over a decade in Gir Somnath. Systematic collection of secondary data from Gujarat Forest Department records included information on when and where incidents happened, who the victims were, and how compensation worked. This was supported by primary field data, which included structured questionnaires and focus group discussions with forest staff and individuals who lived nearby. An examination of 243 Gir Somnath leopard attacks from 2014 to 2023 shows different geographical and chronobiological traits. Due to their closeness to forests, Gir Gadhada (29%) and Talala (18%) were the riskiest areas during the peak of conflict in 2017. Leopard attacks increased in the winter of 2023, suggesting that the monsoon is no longer the most hazardous season. According to Diel research, most events take place between 12:00 AM and 6:00 AM, when people are least able to see. This suggests a nocturnal bias. Children under 15 years of age and adults aged 25 to 64 are most vulnerable. In Talala, there are more male victims than female victims. 21% of encounters result in fatalities, whereas 64% cause minor injuries. In some talukas of Gir Somnath, leopards live continuously with humans, frequently hiding in sugarcane and mango orchards. Children are most at risk, and although the majority of encounters result in minor defensive injuries, 21% are fatal. During the monsoon, conflicts are most prevalent at night. In order to navigate these shared landscapes more safely, workers in the field need to be alert and use protective farming techniques
Assessment of Citrus reticulata Powder Extract on the Control of Sitophilus oryzae in Stored Maize Grains
No full textSitophilus oryzae (rice weevil) is a severe insect pest that causes substantial post- harvest loss both qualitatively and quantitatively in stored grains. The use of plant- based insecticides offers a safer alternative for managing stored insect pests than chemical insecticides, which pose a serious health risk to both humans and the environment. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of Citrus reticulata peel powder extract on mortality and weight loss in maize grains infested with the Sitophilus oryzae. Shade-dried orange peels were utilized for powder synthesis. Adult rice weevils were exposed to 1%, 1.5%, 2% and 2.5% (w/w) powder extract, treated 30 gm maize grains and untreated maize grains were also used as the control for a period of 21 days
Length-weight Relationship of the Marine Gastropod Chicoreus brunneus (Link, 1807) from Thoothukudi Coast
No full textAims: This study aims to study the length weight relationship of the marine gastropod Chicoreus brunneus (Link, 1807) from Thoothukudi coast.
Place and Duration of Study: A total of forty five (45) individuals of Chicoreus brunneus were collected from the Thoothukudi coast in the month of June 2024.
Methodology: Length-weight measurements were done after all the collected samples were cleaned. Vernier calipers with an accuracy of 0.05 mm were used to measure the length and a digital weighing scale (Mettler Toledo balance) with a sensitivity of 0.01 g was utilized to weigh the specimens. Parameters of the length (L) and weight (W) relationship were estimated by using the formula W = aLb, where W represents the total weight; a is the intercept indicating the initial growth; L refers to length and b represents the relative growth rates of the variables and provides information on growth.
Results: The total length of Chicoreus brunneus ranged from 4.8 cm to 8.5 cm while the weight ranged from 9.2 g to 32.38 g. Total mean length was calculated as 6.35±0.78 cm and total mean weight was calculated as 18 ±6.35 g. A linear regression study found a substantial positive association between length and weight (b=2.567, P<0.001) with a negative allometric growth pattern (b<3). The negative allometric pattern of Chicoreus brunneus suggests that their length increased more quickly than their weight, which may be due to various local environmental conditions.
Conclusion: This study examined the length-weight relationship of the species to better understand its growth patterns and ecological dynamics. The study\u27s findings may give baseline information for the conservation and long-term management of the area\u27s molluscan resources. Future research could build on these findings by integrating environmental characteristics to investigate their impact on development dynamics and health status
Morphological Description and Taxonomic Notes on Poecilobdella tarubalaae sp. nov. from Karnataka, India
No full textIn search of medicinal leeches, one of the author Anoop sachi found the leech and collected it by dip net from Agara lake, Bangalore, Karnataka. Identification have been done under the Binocular LEICA EZ4 HD in ZSI and compaired with the other leeches of Poecilobdella genus in the world. As a result authors came to know that it is a new leech of the genus. Structure of Vaginal duct, Vaginal sac, Position of male and female pore, pattern of stripe, number of total segments, positions of eyes, all are different from other 9 aquatic species of the genus Poecilobdella. It may be used as medicinal leech in the world. The world is having more than 721 species of leeches and India possesses 84 species of leech. Dinobdella ferox (Blanchard, 1896) and species of Poecilobdella genus are used as medicinal leech in India. There are 9 leech species of Poecilobdella genus in the world. These leeches are freshwater and used as medicinal purposes. Poecilobdella hubeiensis Yang, 1980 from China, Poecilobdella nanjingensis Nakano and Lai (2016) from Taiwan same as Poecilobdella granulosa, Poecilobdella blanchardi (Moore, 1927) from Kerala Synonyms of Poecilobdella manillensis, Poecilobdella aligarhensis (Mandal et al., 2021). Poecilobdella kananbalaae (Mandal et al., 2025). Poecilobdella granulosa (Savigny, 1822), Poecilobdella javanica (Wahlberg, 1856), Poecilobdella manilensis (Lesson, 1842), Poecilobdella viridis (Moore, 1927). Here the opportunity to discover a new leech Poecilobdella tarubalaae from Agara lake, Bangalore, Karnataka, India