MARKHOR (The Journal of Zoology)

The Role of Protected Areas in Safeguarding Markhor Populations

Riffat Mehboob — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Protected areas have long been recognized as vital tools in preserving biodiversity and safeguarding endangered species. In the case of the majestic markhor, a species of wild goat found in the mountainous regions of Pakistan and neighboring countries, protected areas play a crucial role in ensuring the survival and recovery of their populations. These designated regions provide a sanctuary where markhors can thrive, free from human disturbances and threats. Understanding and strengthening the role of protected areas is essential for securing the future of markhor populations. Protected areas offer numerous benefits for markhor conservation. Firstly, these areas provide critical habitats that meet the specific needs of markhors, including suitable vegetation, adequate food sources, and safe breeding grounds. By designating protected areas, we can create an environment where markhors can engage in natural behaviors and maintain healthy population dynamics.

Secondly, protected areas act as a shield against human activities that pose a threat to markhors, such as habitat destruction, illegal hunting, and human-wildlife conflicts. Strict regulations and enforcement within these areas deter poaching and ensure the security of markhor populations. By mitigating these anthropogenic pressures, protected areas offer a refuge for markhors to flourish and recover their numbers. Furthermore, protected areas provide opportunities for scientific research, monitoring, and conservation initiatives. Through ongoing studies, researchers can gain valuable insights into markhor behavior, population dynamics, and habitat requirements. This knowledge informs evidence-based conservation strategies, guiding efforts to ensure the long-term survival of markhors and their ecosystems.

However, it is important to recognize that protected areas alone cannot guarantee the conservation of markhor populations. Effective management plans, community engagement, and collaboration between government agencies, local communities, and conservation organizations are crucial. Engaging local communities in conservation efforts can foster a sense of ownership, encourage sustainable practices, and mitigate conflicts between humans and markhors.

Protected areas play a pivotal role in safeguarding markhor populations by providing them with secure habitats, protection from threats, and opportunities for scientific research and conservation initiatives. However, the success of markhor conservation relies on comprehensive management plans, community involvement, and collaborative efforts. By recognizing the significance of protected areas and strengthening their management, we can ensure the preservation of this magnificent species for generations to come. The markhor's survival is not only a testament to the effectiveness of protected areas but also a symbol of our commitment to protecting the world's biodiversity and natural heritage.

Population and Distribution of Himalayan Tahr (Hemitragus jemlahicus) in Lamtang National Park of the Nepal Himalaya

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The Himalayan ecosystems, which are among the least studied mountain ecosystems, face threats and habitat degradation due to unplanned development, natural calamities, and overgrazing. Ungulates like Himalayan tahrs (Hemitragus jemlahicus), play a crucial role in mountain ecology as it forms the major prey base of the top predators of mountain ecosystems. Objective: To explore the population status, distribution, and habitat uses of Himalayan tahrs in Lamtang National Park (LNP), Central Nepal by line transect method during May 2022. Methods: Total 20 transects each of about 500 m length were established randomly along the Lamtang River at different elevations from 3100m to 4300m and Himalayan tahrs were observed. Results: A total of 154 Himalayan tahrs were recorded from 9 herds that accounted for an average herd size of 17.1 ± 5.77 individuals. The elevational distribution of the herds ranged between 3107 m and 4200 m asl. Their preferred habitat was rocky cliffs, with grasslands, shrublands, and rhododendron-fir-mixed forests being utilized to a lesser extent. The tahrs predominantly inhabited rugged terrain on south-facing slopes, prioritizing it over other available habitats. Conclusions: The demographic indices of the Himalayan tahrs in the LNP show a remarkable decline when compared with the previous studies in the same area in 1976 and 2006. Therefore, conservation and management initiatives of the Himalayan tahrs are urgently needed in the LNP

Evaluation of Cardiac Profile in CCl4 Induced Toxicity in Albino Rats

Sania Murtaza, Muhammad Khalil Ahmad Khan — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The use of consumer and fumigant products like CCl₄ has been phased down, leaving only industrial usage. It is extremely harmful to one's health. It's also one of the most toxic substances in vital organs like the lungs, kidneys, liver, heart, and brain. Objective: To evaluate the cardiac profile in CCl₄-induced toxicity in albino rats. Methods: The research was conducted at animal home of Department of Zoology, University of Okara. The targeted victims were albino rats. There were two types of groups created: control group and experimental group. The rats were fed 30 percent diluted carbon tetrachloride with normal saline as a control group to see if it had an adverse effect on their cardiac profile. A 12-day trek was used to accomplish this. After 12 days, samples were taken or dissected to assess serum Creatine Kinase (CPK), (CK-MB), and (LDH). The samples were analyzed by a machine called Micro-Lab 300 after they were taken by puncturing the Rats' hearts. Results: Abnormal increased level for Creatine Kinase (CPK) (199.20 ± 1.93) was observed after the administration of CCl4 compared to normal control (71.60 ± 4.04). When CCl₄ was injected, the level of CK-MB was abnormally high (34.00 ± 1.21) compared to the normal control (16.00± .84). The level of LDH increased abnormally (291.60 ± 5.01) when CCl₄ was given, compared to the normal control (250.20± 2.16). Conclusions: The levels of Creatine Kinase (CPK), CK-MB, and LDH were found to be greater than normal, showing that CCl₄ is hazardous to rats cardiac profile.

Teratogenic Effects of Lead in the Developing Chick Embryos

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Lead (heavy metal) can be found in trace levels in the crust of the planet. It may be harmful to both human and animals' health. Nearly all body's organs and systems can be affected by lead and mainly found in smelting and mining areas. Objective: To estimate the effect of lead on chick embryos at morphologic, morphometric, and histological levels and to study the toxic effects of lead in developing chick embryos Methods: Fertilized eggs were separated into three groups. Two groups were treated with varying concentrations of lead as experimental groups, untreated designated as control group. The dose was administered on the fourth day of incubation, and recovery occurred on the ninth day. Results: Significant differences (p<0.000) and (p<0.001) in CR length, body weight, head size, eye circumference, forelimb and hindlimb were reported. Morphological abnormalities such as hydrocephaly, microcephaly, beak shortening, agenesis, Amelia, micromelia, anophthalmia, microphthalmia, and kyphosis were seen. It also revealed various abnormalities in important organs such as irregular cerebral folia, necrotic intestine, and hemorrhages in bursa fabricious. Lead has been shown in various combinations to cause embryotoxicity and teratological effects in chick embryos. Conclusions: Lead is a harmful pollutant and may be responsible for various developmental anomalies in livings beings including animals and humans.

A Study on Association of Stress Related Problems with Gastrointestinal Disorders in University Students

Farah Ashfaq, Sara Hayee, Shahida Wali Muhammad, . Bint-e-Zainab — Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Psychological stress may lead to different physiological problems in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Objective: To study the association of stress with gastrointestinal (GIT) disorders as stress has been found to play a key role in the pathophysiology of the human body. Methods: A cross-sectional study including 300 female students from different departments of Lahore College for Women University, was done. The females were categorized into two groups. Group A (n= 111) comprises females of age between 15 to 20 years. Group B of age group between 21 to 28 years including 189 females (n= 189). Demographic measurements such as weight, height and BMI were taken of all subjects. Stress, bloating, acidity in the stomach, iron supplements and intake of junk food was reported via questionnaire. All the data were collected and analyzed. Results: The mean age± SD of group A was (18.80± 1.40013) and the mean age ± SD of group B was (22.42 ± 1.447). In group A, 77% of females take stress and in group B, 82% of females take stress out of 111 with (p< 0.001). 16% of females feel bloating in the stomach in group A and 23% of females in group B with (p<0.002). 36% of females feel acidity in group A and 49% in group B with (p<0.002). 70% of females take junk food regularly in group A and 71% in group B with (p<0.001). Conclusions: The percentage of stress and GIT problems was slightly higher in the larger age group.

Body Composition and Fatty Acid Profile of Carps under the Influence of Ammonium Nitrate and Feed Supplementation

Fri, 30 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Aquaculture plays a significant role in the food requirements of an increasing population. Fertilization, composition of diet and its feeding rates affect the fish meat quality. Objectives: To observe the body composition and fatty acid profile of carps towards rice polish and maize gluten supplementation in ammonium nitrate fertilized ponds. Methods: Two earthen ponds containing total 55 fishes were selected with each pond stocked with Rohu (Labeo rohita), Silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and Mori (Cirrhinus mrigala) at the final ratio of 2:1:1 respectively. Ammonium nitrate and rice polish was the feed in pond 1 while ammonium nitrate and maize gluten were the feed in pond 2. Results: Proximate analysis of fish meat samples showed that Labeo rohita showed maximum moisture contents in P₁ (78.51%) and minimum in P₂ (77.27%) in Hypophthalmichthys molitrix. Maximum crude protein was recorded as (17.93%) in L. rohita, under P₂ whereas minimum crude protein was observed in P₁ (16.81%) in L. rohita. C. mrigala remained well-known with minimum fat contents (1.71%) in P₂ but maximum (1.96) in Labeo rohita in P₂. H. molitrix gave the major ash contents of (1.85%) in P₁ as compared to other experimental fish species. Highest position of carbohydrate contents in P₁ was occupied by H. molitrix. The most abundant fatty acids recovered were monounsaturated fatty acids (37%) followed by polyunsaturated fatty acids (33%) and saturated fatty acids (29%). Conclusions: The body composition and fatty acid profile of carps varies depending upon their diet and feeding rate.