UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY
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Impact of Vegetation Structure on the Web Distribution of Cyrtophora cicatrosa (Stoliczka, 1869) in a Semi-managed Botanical Garden from Umarkhed, Maharashtra, India
No full textUnderstanding the relationship between vegetation structure and the behavioral ecology of web-building spiders is vital for predicting habitat selection and foraging efficiency. The present study deals with different vegetation categories that influence the web architecture, spatial distribution, and foraging success of the tent-web spider, Cyrtophora cicatrosa. Research was conducted within the botanical garden of G.S.G. Mahavidyalaya in Umarkhed, Yavatmal, Maharashtra. Located at 19.59° N and 77.71° E, the study site sits at an elevation of approximately 300–350 meters (980–1,150 feet) above sea level. This altitude is characteristic of the Deccan Plateau region, which encompasses the area. Over a five-month period from July 2025 to November 2025, 142 active webs were monitored across two distinct study sites. The sampling focused on five primary vegetation types: dense shrubs, medium-height bushes, small trees, ornamental garden plants, and sparse vegetation. Data collection involved quantifying web placement metrics (height, diameter, and attachment points), vegetation complexity, inter-web spacing, microclimatic variables, and prey capture rates. Statistical analysis indicates that vegetation type significantly dictates the structural characteristics and spatial arrangement of C. cicatrosa webs. The highest web densities and superior prey capture rates were recorded in dense shrubs and medium-height bushes. These findings are directly attributed to the high structural complexity of these plant types, which provide numerous stable attachment points and optimal microclimatic conditions for web maintenance and prey interception. In contrast, sparse vegetation and ornamental plants supported fewer webs with lower foraging returns. The study concludes that the physical architecture of vegetation, alongside localized microclimatic factors, serves as a primary driver for the distribution and abundance of C. cicatrosa. These results highlight the importance of maintaining structural diversity within botanical habitats to support spider populations, which play a critical role as natural pest controllers. This research provides foundational data for future ecological modeling of spider-habitat interactions in semi-arid regions of Maharashtra
Molecular Identification of Homalogaster paloniae Poirier, 1882 (Trematoda: Gastrodiscidae) in Swamp Buffaloes Bubalus bubalis (Linnaeus, 1758) from Meghalaya, India
No full textHomalogaster paloniae (Gastrodiscidae, Trematoda) can lead to considerable economic losses to the breeding industry of livestock. The objective of the present study was to determine the phylogenetic position of Homalogaster paloniae based on ribosomal DNA sequences of the second internal transcribed spacer (ITS-2). ITS2 sequence analysis was carried out to perceive the occurrence of intra-specific variations within the species. The adult flukes collected from rectum of buffaloes (Bubalus bubalis Linnaeus, 1758) were identified as H. paloniae based on morphological criteria. ITS-2 was used as a genetic marker for identification and genotypic analysis of the parasite. PCR targeting conserved regions of ITS-2 yielded a 516bp fragment which on sequencing showed 100% similarity with that of H. paloniae. Phylogenetic studies by neighbour joining method revealed close relationship with Gigantocotyle explanatum, Paramphistomum epiclitum and Calicophoron calicophorum
Diversity of Avifauna in Wet Land Ecosystem: A Review
No full textIndia provides crucial habitats for a wide array of aquatic birds. Wetlands in India provide a unique habitat to many aquatic flora and fauna as well as numerous birds including migratory species. Bird community evaluation has become an important tool in biodiversity conservation which is necessitating documentation of the current status of bird species for future monitoring and conservation. Research papers on Avifauna of wetlands were reviewed by searching different research journals. Anthropogenic activities and environmental changes are disturbing the distribution and diversity of bird species. The paper highlights the importance of understanding the diversity, distribution, and ecological roles of aquatic birds for effective conservation and management strategies
Assessment of Physico-chemical Characteristics of Domestic Sewage Channels in Veraval City and Bhidiya Fishing Village, Gujarat, India
No full textThe present study aims to find the hydrochemical characteristics of seven domestic wastewater channels in Veraval and Bhidiya, Gujarat, over an eight-month monitoring period from August 2023 to March 2024. The discharge of untreated domestic sewage continues to be a major contributor to environmental deterioration in coastal urban areas and fishing settlements, posing serious threats to marine ecosystem health. A broad range of physicochemical parameters was assessed following standard analytical procedures, including temperature, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen (DO), turbidity, alkalinity, total hardness, electrical conductivity, chloride, total solids (TS), total dissolved solids (TDS), total suspended solids (TSS), biological oxygen demand (BOD), nitrate, and phosphate. Results indicated relatively consistent temperature (25.05 - 25.49 °C) and pH (7.22 - 7.37) values across sites; however, pronounced spatial variations were observed in salinity (5.37 - 15.41 ppt), electrical conductivity (746.33 - 1956.41 µS cm⁻¹), and chloride concentrations (2958.81 - 10103.98 mg L⁻¹). These disparities suggest varying degrees of anthropogenic pressure and differences in wastewater composition between urban and rural discharge points. Severe organic contamination was reflected by critically low DO levels (0.024 - 0.041 mg L⁻¹) and extremely elevated BOD values (222.25 - 377.70 mg L⁻¹). Additionally, substantial particulate and dissolved matter loads were recorded, with maximum TS, TDS, and TSS concentrations reaching 19530.08 mg L⁻¹, 18083.58 mg L⁻¹, and 1455.33 mg L⁻¹, respectively. Elevated nutrient levels, particularly nitrate (11.29 - 21.87 mg L⁻¹) and phosphate (1.00 - 2.82 mg L⁻¹), indicate a high potential for eutrophication in the receiving coastal waters. Overall, the findings reveal pronounced deterioration of wastewater quality in both study areas, underscoring the urgent need for strict regulatory implementation, increased public awareness, and strengthened governmental efforts to establish effective wastewater treatment systems and sustainable management practices to protect coastal biodiversity and fisheries resources
Comparative Study of Biofloc, Bio-Phyton and Aquamimicry System Using Millet as Carbon Source in Catla catla
No full textA 65-day comparative study was conducted to evaluate the effects of three culture systems Biofloc (T1), Bio phyton (T2), and Aquamimicry (T3) alongside a control (T4) on growth performance, water quality parameters, proximate composition, and microbial dynamics of Catla catla fingerlings (initial weight: 0.69 ± 0.02 g). Millet was used as a carbon source in all treatments, whereas no carbon source was added in the control. Among all treatments, Biofloc technology (T1) exhibited superior performance across most evaluated parameters. Fish reared under T1 showed significantly higher body weight gain (39.49 ± 4.35%), specific growth rate (2.30 ± 0.01), feed efficiency ratio (0.88 ± 0.07), protein efficiency ratio (2.20 ± 0.17), lipid efficiency ratio (14.67 ± 1.18), and survival rate (90.21 ± 1.77), along with a lower feed conversion ratio (1.15 ± 0.09), compared to other treatments. Water quality parameters in T1 remained within optimal ranges throughout the experimental period, reflecting efficient nutrient recycling and enhanced microbial activity. Microbial analysis through total plate count (TPC) revealed significantly higher microbial abundance in both water and fish gut samples under Biofloc (T1), followed by Bio phyton (T2), Aquamimicry (T3), and the control (T4). In water samples, T1 (3.5107CFU/ml) and T2(3.2107 CFU/ml) recorded the highest TPC values, while similar trends were observed in fish gut samples, with T1 exhibiting the maximum microbial load. The elevated microbial populations in biofloc systems likely contributed to improved nutrient assimilation, health status, and growth performance of fish by promoting beneficial heterotrophic microbial communities. the findings demonstrate that millet-based biofloc technology effectively enhances microbial abundance, water quality, and growth performance of C. catla, suggesting its suitability as a sustainable and productive aquaculture strategy
A Comprehensive Review on Helminthic Parasites of the Freshwater Goby Fish Glossogobius giuris (Hamilton, 1822) from 2015 to 2024
No full textGlossogobius giuris (Hamilton, 1822) (Teleostei: Gobiidae) is one among the popular fish species due to its nutritional value and delicious nature. It is a widely consumed and thus commercially important fish species. In the environment, this fish species maintains ecological balance by acting as a predator and then as prey for larger fish. So, helminthic infection in them affect fish industry by decreasing their taste and nutritional value; it can also pose a risk of transmitting zoonotic parasites if got infected with them, through their consumption in raw or undercooked form. The objectives of this study are to review and list the helminth infection in the freshwater fish Glossogobius giuris over the last decade, using keywords as helminthes, Acanthocephala, Trematoda, Nematoda, Cestoda, Monogenea, Glossogobius giuris from public databases. Only those data were included which are available to access, related to reports of infection, identification and characterisation of helminth parasites in the fish species. During the study, the fish species were infected with four groups of parasites: Acanthocephalan (4 species), trematode (11 species), monogenean (8 species) and nematode (3 species), but no cestode infection was recorded. These data are restricted from few countries namely India, Bangladesh and the Philippines. So, the present analysis revealed that less informations are available regarding the helminthic infection in G. giuris in terms of their life cycle, biology or histopathological effects. It emphasized on extensive investigation of helminthic infection in G. giuris, to study parasite infection, their spectrum, life cycle, biology and screen any parasite with zoonotic potential
Nutritional Efficacy of Kappaphycus alvarezii Sap Supplementation on Growth and Body Composition of Labeo rohita
No full textThe global aquaculture sector faces sustainability challenges due to the high cost and environmental burden of formulated feeds. This study investigated the potential of using red seaweed Kappaphycus alvarezii sap as a functional dietary supplement to enhance the performance of Labeo rohita (rohu) fingerlings. Rohu fingerlings were fed a commercial basal diet coated with graded inclusion levels of K. alvarezii sap (Control: 0%, T1: 5%, T2: 10%, T3: 15%, and T4: 20%) over a 60-day feeding trial. Water quality and survival remained optimal across all treatments. Results showed a significant dose-dependent improvement in growth performance and feed utilization efficiency in the sap-supplemented groups compared to the control (p<0.05). The 20% inclusion level (T4) exhibited the most significant enhancement, resulting in the highest cumulative net weight gain (66.30 g vs. 45.73 g in control), the best specific growth rate (SGR: 0.28% vs. 0.18% in control) and the most efficient Food Conversion Ratio (FCR: 1.670 vs. 2.237 in control). Furthermore, the carcass proximate composition, including crude protein (52.9% in T4 vs. 50.0% in control) and lipid levels, was significantly improved in the T4 group, indicating enhanced nutrient assimilation. These findings suggest that K. alvarezii sap functions as a highly effective, practical and non-diluting biofunctional feed additive. Its soluble compounds enhance metabolic efficiency and growth without negatively impacting nutrient digestibility, offering a promising, eco-friendl, and cost-effective strategy for improving productivity in freshwater carp culture.dis
Alleviation of Hydroxychloroquine-Induced Hepatic and Renal Damage by Dietary Intervention with Avena sativa and Ficus carica on Male Albino Rats
No full textBackground: Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), a well-known drug for the treatment of malaria, was repurposed to treat coronavirus. Despite the cure, this drug was found to be associated with hepatic and renal damage by inducing oxidative imbalance, enzymatic and histological alteration. Identifying natural plant products to mitigate this damage is necessary. Thus, this study aims to investigate the efficacy of dietary Avena sativa (Oats) and Ficus carica (Figs) for the alleviation of HCQ induced liver and kidney damage.
Methodology: Thirty male albino rats were allocated in five distinct groups, with six rats each. As per their feeding, the experimental groups are: Control (C), HCQ (T), HCQ + Oats (OA), HCQ+ Figs (F), HCQ+ Oats+ Figs (OA+F). After completion of six days of experimental tenure, animals were subjected to sacrifice and oxidative stress parameters, enzyme levels and histopathological changes of liver and kidney tissues were evaluated.
Results: HCQ-administration led to increased oxidative stress, elevated liver and kidney enzymes (SGOT, SGPT and ALP) and alter histoarchitectures. Treatment with oats and figs restored antioxidant enzymatic activity and improved overall histology.
Conclusion: HCQ administration led to a notable injury in liver and kidney tissues. Beneficial effects on the liver and kidney indicate the ameliorative properties of oats and figs on HCQ-induced damage.  
Light as a Chronobiological Zeitgeber in Bombyx mori: Developmental and Reproductive Outcomes under Spectral and Photoperiodic Stress
No full textLight regime and spectral composition are pivotal in synchronising circadian and developmental processes in insects. This study systematically investigated the chronobiological effects of five wavelengths (natural, white, red, yellow, blue, green) and six photoperiod regimes (natural, 12L:12D, 16L:8D, 8L:16D, 24L:0D, 0L:24D) on Bombyx mori L (each group consisted of 50 eggs, n = 50). Survival rates, moulting synchronisation, and reproductive success were measured as key endpoints. Larvae raised under natural, white, or blue light completed their life cycle with high survival (87–93%), exhibited synchronised pupation, and demonstrated oviposition rates exceeding 95%. In contrast, larvae subjected to red, yellow, or green light showed pronounced developmental arrest; survival dropped below 40%, with 100% mortality by the fifth instar for green spectrum exposure. Light-dominant photoperiods (16L:8D, 24L:0D) induced fourth instar arrest with <15% survival and no adult emergence, while darkness-dominant and natural regimes enabled normal development, yielding >90% survival and full reproductive capacity. Filament length and cocoon weight were highest in larvae exposed to blue (12L:12D) and natural light (mean body length ≥1070 mm, cocoon weight ≥0.22 g). These findings underscore that prolonged illumination or long-wavelength exposure disrupts hormonal signalling and circadian entrainment, with direct implications for optimising light environments in sericulture to enhance silk yield and reproductive output
IGF-1 and TGF-β Gene Expression and Length–Weight Relationship in Channa striata Fingerlings Fed with Artemia-Derived Chitosan Fish Feed
No full textThe present study was conducted for eight weeks and described the length weight relationship (LWR) and differential expression of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) genes in the striped murrel (Channa striata) fingerlings fed with three experimental diets: a chitosan-based feed prepared from Artemia shells, a basal diet (without chitosan), and a Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) diet. The length–weight relationship of Channa striata fingerlings presented as treatment-dependent growth, with negative allometry in the chitosan-fed group (b=2.280) and positive allometry in the basal and BSFL groups (b=3.444–3.474). Modifications in growth parameters and condition factor specify differential growth responses to the experimental diets. Total RNA was extracted from muscle tissues of the fingerlings using the TRIzol method, followed by cDNA synthesis and real-time PCR (RT-PCR). A significant upregulation of IGF-1 (7.27-fold) and TGF-β (5.51-fold) was exhibited in the chitosan-fed group (Exp 1) compared to the basal diet (Exp 2). The study emphasizes the potential of Artemia-derived chitosan as functional feed additives for enhancing the overall aquaculture performance and reducing the requirement for conventional fishmeal