MARKHOR (The Journal of Zoology)

Incidence of Cestode Parasites and Assessment of Histopathological Alterations in the Intestine of Domestic Pigeons (Columba livia domestica) in District Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan

Bakhtawar Soomro — 2024-03-31

The avian species are severely harmed by helminth parasites. Many of the parasites infected them via habitats, feeding habits, or by a few infected birds that coexist with them. Objective: To examine histological alterations caused by cestode parasites in the pigeon’s intestines in the district of Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan. Methods: One hundred (100) domestic pigeons (Columba Livia domestica) were used after that pigeons were dissected and their intestines were excised. Under the dissecting microscope and magnifying glass various parts of the intestine were examined to see the presence of the cestode parasites. The (H & E) staining method was applied for histological study. Results: The cestode parasites that infected the pigeons were identified as Choanotenia infundibulum, Raillietina cesticillus, and Cotugnia digonopora. Infected Pigeons had diarrhea, weakness, emaciation, and stunted development. Histopathological alterations in the intestine of pigeons caused by Cotugnia digonopora have disfigured the villus and glands. The intestinal architecture was destroyed, villi degraded, the muscle layer had holes, and glands were distorted by Raillietina cesticillus and Choanotenia infundibulum, respectively. Conclusions: This research revealed that the pigeon’s intestine was infected with cestode parasites and had notable histological alterations as compared to non-infected pigeons. It is concluded that this study will help out in the documentation of specific parasite species and also provide a valuable understanding of the pathogenesis of infections in birds.

Biodiversity of Earthworms with Special Reference to Tehsil Wazirabad, District Gujranwala, Punjab, Pakistan

Muhammad Ahsan Raza — 2024-03-31

Earthworms are crucial soil invertebrates that are involved in the circulation of nutrients, humus formation, decomposition of organic matter and generation of soil texture. They play an important role as bioindicator of soil contamination. Objective: To investigate the biodiversity of earthworms in different habitats (Grassy lawns, croplands, marshy areas, ponds, edges of river and canals) of Tehsil Wazirabad, Punjab, Pakistan. Methods: A total number of four hundred and fifty (450) samples of earthworms were collected from above mentioned sites for a period of six months (March 2015 to August 2015), by hand sorting technique. Morphological details of all earthworm specimens collected from the designated areas were recorded and species were identified by using the systematic key. Results: During present investigation, six species; Pheretima posthuma, P. lignicola, P. morrisi, Microscolex dubis, Aporrectodea longa and Notoscolex sacutarius belonging to 4 genera and 2 families (Megascolecidae, Lumbricidae) were recorded. The distribution patterns of various earthworm species in the designated habitats shows that Pheretima posthuma is the most abundant species distributed in all sites; whereas, P. lignicola was least populated in the selected habitats. According to ecological grouping of reported earthworm species; Endogeic (50%) was the most dominant group followed by Epigeic (33%) and Anecic (17%). Conclusions: This study provided the base line data and much needed information about biodiversity of earthworms in Tehsil Wazirabad. This knowledge can be very useful in improving the soil conditions and agriculture gross production in investigated area.

The Ecological Status of Treehopper Caresa tuarina in District Hyderabad, Sindh Pakistan

Iqra Babar — 2024-03-31

The treehopper, also known as Caresa tuarina, is an intriguing creature with more than a hundred recorded species. Treehoppers are a very diverse group of insects, that play a crucial role in the ecosystem, yet many species remain uncovered in terms of their ecological status. Objectives: To investigate the ecological status of C. taurina and propose conservation strategies to ensure its preservation in the district Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan. Methods: Field survey was carried out in different areas of Hyderabad to investigate the habitat and population of C. tuarina. For preservation of C. taurina specie, naphthalene balls and 70% alcohol were used. Environmental factors including temperature, humidity, plant cover, air pressure, soil type, and UV index and habitat structure were noted at each sample location. Results: The collected treehoppers were small size insects, measuring around 8 mm in length. Agricultural areas and riparian zones were shown to be important habitats for C. taurina populations. Different physical characteristics included soil type was lay and whose terrain was plane land; there was a full moon, 34°C in the mean temperature; 27% Mean humidity; 21.22 psig of air pressure; and a moderate UV index. Urbanization, intensified agriculture, pesticide usage, and changes in habitat appropriateness brought on by climate change are the main causes of habitat degradation for populations of C. taurina. Conclusions: It is concluded that population of treehoppers (C. tuarina) mostly found in agriculture and riparian zones. They are facing habitat degradation as a result of urbanization, intensive agriculture, pesticide use, and changes in habitat appropriateness brought on by climate change.

Biometrical Analysis of the Indian One Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros Unicornis) in Laal Suhanra National Park, Pakistan

Muhammad Rizwan Khan — 2024-03-31

The Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis), commonly referred to as the Indian Rhinoceros, is an endangered species inhabiting the floodplains and grasslands of the Indian subcontinent. Once abundant, the species now faces a vulnerable status in its homeland, as confirmed by the International Union for The Conservation of Nature IUCN’s assessment. Objective: To record Rhinoceros unicornis' biometric body measurements for the first time. Methods: The following study delves into the significance of body biometry data for the conservation of this remarkable species Indian One Horned Rhinoceros housed at Lal Suhanra National Park, Punjab, Pakistan. In order to give conservationists, the resources they need to develop more effective methods involving habitat management, population monitoring, and captive breeding programs, a thorough analysis of the physical characteristics, growth trends, and sexual dimorphism of 42-year-old Indian Rhinos via the evaluation of the body measurements was conducted. Results: This study presents comprehensive body measurements of the Indian One-Horned Rhinoceros which have never been published before. The length of the rhino itself spanned 143 inches, encapsulating the magnitude of this magnificent creature. These insightful observations are crucial for protecting the threatened species, particularly considering the growing threats caused by habitat loss, poaching, and the effects of climate change. Conclusions: Biometric analysis of large mammals assumes a pivotal role when designing enclosures and estimating the enclosure dimensions.

Multivariate Analysis of Copepod’s Distribution in Jallo Lake, Lahore Pakistan

Faheem Nawaz — 2024-03-31

Copepods are valuable zooplankton found globally. Fish eat them. Any water ecosystem has food chains and webs. Their diversity and density depend on physicochemical factors. Objective: The Jallo Lake was targeted for the investigation of the spatio-temporal distribution of copepods from January to December 2023. Methods: Copepods were collected from Jallo Park's freshwater with a zooplankton mesh. These organisms were species-classified using conventional keys. Separate water samples were taken to examine physicochemical characteristics. Sedgwick Rafter chamber for species counting. PAST software was used for PCA I & II and CCA. Results: Ten species and their nauplius larvae from seven orders were identified in this study. The study examined conductivity, oxygen saturation, dissolved oxygen, pH, and transparency. Air and water temperature was also recorded. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) for physicochemical properties, excluding transparency, was statistically significant at (= 0.05, P = 0.000). Copepod variety and density peaked in June and July and dropped in October and December. The dendrogram showed three cluster-level variations. Plotting copepod species and month abundance curves. Principal component analysis (PCA I, PCA II) was used to correlate months, copepod species, and physicochemical parameters. Canonical component analysis (CCA) shows diversity similarities between sites on the same water body and links species abundance to environmental conditions. Conclusions: Only ten copepod species from seven orders and nauplius larvae were isolated from the aquatic body under research during the study months. Copepod diversity and density in freshwater lakes depended on environmental conditions.

Toxic Impact of Chlorpyrifos Insecticide on the Ovary of Pigeon (Columba Livia Domestica)

Shakeel Ahmed Memon — 2024-03-31

Modern agriculture and vector-borne diseases are responsible for the rapid increase in pesticide usage, which is harmful to animals, particularly birds. The declining in the diversity of bird’s species is a major concern Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is the commonly used insecticide in agriculture sector. Unfortunately, CPF is still being applied across the world. Objective: To evaluate the toxic impact of chlorpyrifos on the ovaries of the pigeon in relation to the reproductive toxicity. Methods: For this purpose, N=80 healthy (Columba Livia domestica) pigeons were used. Pigeons had been acclimated for fifteen (15) days and divided into four equal groups (A-D) Oral dosages 1.3 mg, 1.6 mg, and 2.1 mg per kg body weight per day of chlorpyrifos (CPF) were administered respectively to group B, C and D for 84 consecutive days and pigeons from group (A) assigned as control. Daily observations were made on stress-related signs and behavioral changes. (H & E) staining method was applied to examine histological change in the ovary of pigeons after exposure to CPF, likewise for the control. Results: Birds from groups B-D displayed notable clinical signs such as: tremors, salivation, open-mouth breathing, ruffled feathers, lethargy and watery diarrhea and reduced food intake. The Histological examinations revealed that the ovary of pigeons from the B, C, and D showed notable variations such as follicular degeneration, vacuolation, hypertrophy, and fibrosis after exposure to CPF. The intensity was on high doses as compared to control which were with normal ovarian articulation small containing big follicles of all diameters. Oocytes, thecal layers, granulosa layers (g), stromal Tissue, and nucleus contained yolk-like secondary oocytes, mature follicles. Conclusions: In current study it was concluded that, the CPF produced drastic impact on the ovary of pigeon that may be associated with alterations in reproduction.

Comparative Safety Evaluation of Boma and Chemical Immobilization Techniques Applied for Translocation of Spotted Deer (Axis axis)

Bushra Nisar Khan — 2024-03-31

The translocation of wild ungulates poses significant stress to the animal species being transported, necessitating careful consideration. Chemical restraint helps to reduce the stress levels significantly by minimizing the mobility of the animals. Capture myopathy, a leading cause of mortality during chemical immobilization, is a critical concern. However, the Boma method offers a promising alternative to the conventionally used translocation methods. Objective: To compare the survival outcomes of the spotted deer captured and transported using both chemical restraint and the Boma method, therefore assessing their respective effectiveness. Methods: In the study, we used 22 spotted deer for chemical restraint method and 30 spotted deer were captured through Boma method and both of techniques were assessed, how capture methods influenced the fatality rate of the highly sensitive spotted deer which were being trans-located from Safari Zoo, Lahore to other captive sites of Punjab Pakistan. Results: The exceptional record of zero mortality in the Boma procedure was seen as compared to the chemical immobilization in which 31% of the total shifted animals were expired. The pathognomic white streaked/pale muscles in necropsy findings of dead animals later on confirmed the dead due to capture myopathy. Conclusions: The study established the finding that Boma technique is safer technique for trans-location of ungulates especially spotted deer as compared to the chemical immobilization.

Production of Bio-Ethanol from Agricultural Waste Using Microbes: An Overview

Sumaira Mazhar — 2024-03-31

Ethanol produced through the fermentation of plant biomass is considered an environment friendly alternate to fossil fuels. Bioethanol and biodiesel, commonly known as second-generation biofuels, are produced through biological processes using agro-industrial waste and are considered sustainable, safe, and ecofriendly. These biofuels can minimize the emission of carbon dioxide and reduced the world’s dependence on fossil fuel. This review article focuses on three generations of biofuels, particularly the production of biofuel using fungal biocatalysts specifically Aspergillus niger and Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the mechanism by which they convert biomass into biofuel. A. niger is known for releasing cellulolytic and pectolytic enzymes to hydrolyze biomass and survive against toxins, while S. cerevisiae produces invertase and zymase enzymes to convert sucrose into fructose and glucose sugars, and then further convert fructose and glucose into ethanol. The main purpose of this review is to explore alternative techniques for generating biofuels, using as few harmful chemicals as possible and reducing time consumption.

The Coral Chronicles: Climate Crisis and Its Implications on the Global Coral Reefs

Nadeem Sheikh — 2024-03-31

The coral reefs are one of the most devastating causalities that is often overlooked as our planet grapples with the continually progressing crisis of climate change. They are often addressed as the rainforests of the sea and are hubs of biodiversity that support a one-fourth of all marine species even though they only cover less than one percent of the ocean floor. Not only are they inhabiting countless marine creatures, they are also a crucial food an income source to the millions of people worldwide. Alas! These vibrant underwater ecosystems are being pushed to the brink of collapse due the relentless onslaught of climate change.

Consider the Great Barrier Reef, off the coast of Australia, where extensive coral bleaching events are occurring due to rising sea temperatures [1]. The threat of ocean acidification has jeopardized the coral reef in the Maldives and is potentially affecting the country economically which is based on the tourism and fisheries. Likewise, Caribbean Sea is facing disease outbreak and coral bleaching. Philippines is home to some of the most diverse coral reefs in the world but, climate change, overfishing and coastal development is threatening these natural ecosystems. Apart from these, Seychelles and Mauritius in the Indian Ocean and the Coral triangle in the Southeast Asian region are also at stake due to these environmental stressors [2].

In the face of these challenges, many governments, NGOs and local communities have united to conserve these global reefs. Different Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been developed to mitigate overfishing and habitat destruction and protect the coral reefs [3]. Moreover, many techniques have been developed to restore the degraded coral ecosystems and enhance their resilience, including Coral Transplantation and Artificial Reef Structures. These initiatives have created the hope that the vibrant coral reefs will eventually recover in face of the existing environmental crises.

However, we cannot overstate that the current situation is dire and nothing short of a global calamity. It is our moral obligation that we protect and preserve these natural wonders for future generations. If we do not take immediate action to curb the emission of greenhouse gases and fight against the climate change, we risk losing these underwater ecosystems right in front of our eyes. It is our choice and the stakes could not be higher.