Journal of Wildlife and Biodiversity

Predicting slow driving intentions to mitigate wildlife-vehicle collisions in Malaysia

2025-10-03T11:27:22+03:00

Research to understand wildlife-vehicle collisions has predominantly focused on spatial patterns and wildlife behaviors. Yet, as collisions also involve drivers, the human factors are important too and very few studies focus on the human dimension aspects of wildlife roadkill. Based on the theory of planned behavior, the present study examined the influence of driving attitude, driving norm, and perceived driving control on driving intentions to drive slowly, in three scenarios involving possible wildlife-vehicle collisions. An online survey was conveniently distributed to a sample of drivers in Malaysia to collect data (n = 270). The study found driving attitude as the most important factor influencing driving intentions, followed by driving norm and perceived driving control, based on the significant results and β values. Across scenario, driving norm influenced driving intention to drive slowly. The present study also found that the influence on driving intention is unique depending on the situation. Specifically, the three psychological factors were more influential in scenario encountering familiar stimulus (warning signage and common wildlife) than the more non-familiar trigger (uncommon wildlife species). Practically, the study offers insight on how to mitigate wildlife-vehicle collisions, focusing on the use of technology and artificial intelligence, including improving education that addresses driving attitude, driving norm, and perceived driving control.

Some observations on genus Apis, Linnaeus, 1758 (Apidae: Hymenoptera) from district Ghotki, Sindh, Pakistan

2025-12-01T11:45:08+03:00

The genus Apis, comprising ecologically and economically vital honey bees, is central to global pollination and agricultural productivity. This study documents the occurrence and habitat preferences of four Apis species i-e: Apis cerana, Apis dorsata, Apis florea, and Apis mellifera in district Ghotki, Sindh, Pakistan. Between August 2024 and October 2025, extensive field surveys were conducted across diverse habitats, resulting in the collection and morphological identification of 298 specimens. Digital photographs and detailed species descriptions were recorded, with each species' distribution mapped according to locality and floral resource use. Apis cerana and Apis mellifera were found in both managed and wild habitats, while Apis dorsata and Apis florea preferred open, rural landscapes. The results highlight the importance of floral diversity in supporting Apis populations and suggest that local agricultural practices significantly influence species abundance. These findings contribute to the understanding of Apis ecology in South Asia and underscore the need for habitat conservation to enhance pollinator services and crop productivity.

A survey of ethno-botanical food resources in Pakistan's Thal Desert

2025-09-28T13:31:11+03:00

This study investigates the nutritional potential of ten native medicinal plant species from the Thal Desert, Pakistan, as sustainable food resources for arid regions. The selected species—Ziziphus nummularia, Cenchrus ciliaris, Salvadora oleoides, Vachellia nilotica, Calotropis procera, Cordia myxa, Capparis decidua, Tamarix aphylla, Prosopis juliflora, and Chenopodium album—were analyzed for key nutritional components. Significant interspecies variation was found: Salvadora oleoides possessed the highest crude fat (11.25%) and carbohydrate (73.4%) content, while Ziziphus nummularia exhibited the highest ash (26.5%) and protein (20.33%) levels. Cenchrus ciliaris showed the maximum fiber content (33.01%). Heatmap dendrogram analyses revealed distinct clustering, reflecting species-specific adaptive strategies to the desert environment. The findings underscore the considerable nutritional diversity of these ethno-botanicals, highlighting their potential to combat malnutrition and enhance food security. This research provides a scientific basis for integrating these plants into local diets, functional foods, and conservation strategies, promoting their role in sustainable desert ecosystems.

Biological diversity of animal-associated lactic acid bacteria as natural producers of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

2026-01-10T20:25:01+03:00

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a crucial bioactive compound widely distributed in animal nervous systems, where it serves as the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter and plays a pivotal role in regulating physiological and behavioral processes. In recent years, increasing attention has been directed toward natural, biodiversity-based sources of GABA, particularly microorganisms associated with animals and animal-derived environments. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB), commonly occurring in animal gastrointestinal microbiota and traditional animal-based fermented foods, represent an important but underexplored component of animal-associated microbial biodiversity. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the diversity of animal-associated LAB capable of GABA biosynthesis and highlights their ecological, genetic, and functional significance. Special emphasis is placed on the glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) system (gadA, gadB, and gadC genes), which enables LAB to convert L-glutamate into GABA as part of an acid-resistance mechanism essential for survival in animal-related niches. Comparative analysis of published studies reveals substantial interspecific and intraspecific variation in GABA production among LAB species, with Lactobacillus brevis, L. paracasei, and L. buchneri emerging as prominent GABA producers. Optimal GABA synthesis is generally associated with acidic conditions, moderate temperatures, and sufficient substrate availability. The review further discusses the relevance of animal-derived fermented foods as reservoirs of microbial biodiversity and emphasizes the potential of indigenous LAB strains from animal-origin products as natural sources of GABA. Understanding the biodiversity and functional traits of animal-associated LAB contributes not only to microbial ecology and wildlife-related microbiomes but also to the development of naturally derived functional foods with potential benefits for animal and human health.

Could bats be a good tool for monitoring highly fragmented and endangered forest habitats?

2025-12-15T14:07:53+03:00

Habitat parçalanması, özellikle yerel ve endemik orman habitatları olmak üzere karasal ekosistemler için giderek artan bir endişe kaynağıdır. Parçalanma, ada biyocoğrafyası prensipleri doğrultusunda, küçük ve izole habitatlarda hızla genetik darboğazlara yol açabilir. Yarasalar gibi gösterge türler aracılığıyla bu etkilerin izlenmesi, uzun vadeli koruma planlaması için kritik bilgiler sağlayabilir. Bu çalışma, yarasaların Anadolu Sığlası ( Liquidambar orientalis ) Ormanları'nda parçalanmanın biyoindikatörü olarak uygunluğunu değerlendirdi. Bu ormanlar, şu anda yaklaşık 2.500 hektarı kaplayan, Güneybatı Türkiye ve Rodos Adası'ndaki (Yunanistan) nehir kıyılarıyla sınırlı endemik bir ekosistemdir. Araştırma, Kasım 2022 ile Mayıs 2023 tarihleri arasında Köyceğiz-Dalyan Özel Koruma Alanı'nda (Türkiye) yürütülmüştür. 30 ila 250 hektar arasında değişen on orman parçası, orman büyüklüğü ve parçalanma düzeyine göre dört gruba ayrılmıştır. Bu alanlar arasında eşit olarak dağıtılmış kırk yedi yarasa yuvası iki haftada bir denetlendi. Yarasa varlığı kaydedildi ve bireyler daha ileri izleme için halkalandı. Pipistrellus cinsinin dört türünden toplam 39 birey, yalnızca kışlama döneminde tespit edildi. Halkalanmış yarasaların dağılımı şu şekildeydi: 15'i büyük/çok parçalı alanlarda, 10'u küçük/çok parçalı alanlarda, 14'ü büyük/seyrek parçalı alanlarda ve hiçbiri küçük/seyrek parçalı alanlarda değildi. Tek yönlü ANOVA analizi, parçalanma seviyesinin tünek alanı seçimi üzerinde istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir etkisi olmadığını ortaya koydu. Umut verici ön bulgulara rağmen, kısa çalışma süresi sonuçların güvenilirliğini sınırlamaktadır. Uzun vadeli izleme, yıllık tünek sadakatini, göç modellerini ve çevresel değişkenlere tepkileri değerlendirmek için esastır. İklim verilerini ve alanlar arasındaki habitat yapısı karşılaştırmalarını içeren gelecekteki çalışmalar, habitat parçalanmasının yarasa ekolojisi üzerindeki etkisini açıklığa kavuşturmaya yardımcı olacaktır. Bu çalışmalar, endemik orman ekosistemlerinin ekolojik değerinin daha derinlemesine anlaşılmasına katkıda bulunacak ve daha etkili koruma stratejilerinin oluşturulmasına katkı sağlayacaktır.

Oral vaccination of Grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) against Aeromonas veronii as a sustainable strategy for disease control and biodiversity conservation

2025-09-08T12:03:51+03:00

Ctenopharyngodon idella (C. idella), a freshwater species of significant ecological and economic value, plays a vital role in aquaculture and aquatic ecosystem management. However, bacterial pathogens such as Aeromonas veronii (A. veronii) represent a major threat to fish survival, biodiversity, and sustainable aquaculture production. The current research assessed the protective potential of a monovalent oral vaccine formulated against A. veronii in grass carp (C. idella). Experimental feeds were formulated by two delivery methods: spraying and incorporation with either fish oil or mineral oil, included as adjuvants (10%). Healthy fingerlings (20 ± 5 g) were randomly assigned to five dietary groups: spray vaccine + mineral oil (SV-MO), incorporated vaccine + mineral oil (IV-MO), spray vaccine + fish oil (SV-FO), incorporated vaccine + fish oil (IV-FO), and unvaccinated control (C). The feeding trial lasted 60 days. After 56 days of dietary vaccination, vaccinated fish demonstrated markedly (p < 0.05) improved growth, antioxidant capacity, serum biochemical profiles (including total protein, albumin, and globulin) and immunological responses (lysozyme activity and antibody agglutination) relative to the control group. The dietary group IV-FO achieved the highest growth performance (12.7 ± 0.15^ag) and exhibited superior immune responses relative to other treatments. Challenge with live A. veronii demonstrated that IV-FO provided the greatest protection (87%), with only 13% mortality and a relative percent survival (RPS) of 85%. Protection rates were comparatively lower in SV-FO (67%, RPS 62%), SV-MO (67%, RPS 62%), and IV-MO (54%, RPS 70%), while the control group displayed minimal protection (14%) with 86% mortality. The findings indicate that oral delivery of vaccines, particularly via incorporation with fish oil, provides an effective strategy to enhance fish resilience against bacterial infection. Fish oil acted as an immunomodulatory adjuvant that strengthened antibody production, balanced oxidative stress, and improved mucosal defense, whereas mineral oil mainly stabilized the antigen and prolonged its immune-stimulating effect. These differences explain the superior vaccine performance observed in the incorporated fish-oil formulation (IV-FO). By improving fish health and reducing disease-induced mortality, this approach supports sustainable aquaculture practices while contributing to biodiversity conservation in freshwater ecosystems.

Diversity, distribution, and habitat preference of dragonfly (Odonata) in District Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

2025-12-20T04:47:16+03:00

Dragonflies are recognized as flagship species in freshwater conservation and act as a bio-control agent of important pests. To update existing information on the species composition, diversity and abundance in district Mardan, this study was carried out from March 2022 to October 2024. The total of 2240 collected specimens was identified into 23 species belonging to 14 genera and 4 families. Libullidae was the predominant family with 13 genera and 19 species; Orthetrum purinosum neglectum, Orthetrum coerulescens anceps, Orthetrum triangulare, Orthetrum cancellatum cancellatum, Orthetrum Chrysostigma luzonicum, Orthetrum chrysis, Orthetrum Sabina, Trithemis festiva, Trithmis aurora, Trithemis kirbyi, Neurothemis tulia tulia, Neurothemis fluctuans, Brachythemis contaminate, Pantala flavescens, Acisoma panorpoides, Crocothemis serivilia, Sympetrum hypomelas, Diplocodes lefebrvei and Palpopluera sexmaculata, followed by Gomphidae with two genera and two species: Onychogomphus bristigatus and Ictinogomphus angulosus. The rest of the two families, Aeshnidae and Cordulliidae, each comprised of a single species and a single genus: Anax immaculifrons and Macromia moorei. Orthetrum purinosum neglectum was reported as the most dominant (RA=25%) and constantly distributed species, whereas Sympetrum hypomelas was ranked satellite (RA=0.08%) and sporadically distributed species. Among the four tehsils, Rustam was found to be the most diverse in terms of the highest number of species (23), Simpson diversity index I-D (0.8818), Shannon diversity index H (2.51302), Evenness index E (0.801475), and Margelaf Richness index D (3.350969). Preferred habitats of various dragonfly species were also analyzed. Keeping in mind the declining diversity of dragonflies due to habitat destruction, an extensive study needs to be carried in the study area to focus on the habitat preferences and conservation of different dragonfly species.

Functional microbial diversity in arid soils of Uzbekistan: discovery of a biotechnologically valuable Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain

2026-01-10T21:29:52+03:00

In this study, we assessed the functional microbial diversity of arid and anthropogenically impacted soils of Uzbekistan to identify bacterial strains with biotechnologically important enzymatic activities. A total of 20 Bacillus isolates obtained from oil-sludge–contaminated areas and intensively irrigated agricultural fields were screened for their ability to produce proteases with milk-clotting activity (MCA). Preliminary screening on skim-milk agar revealed three isolates exhibiting strong proteolytic activity (hydrolysis zones > 20 mm). Quantitative assays performed in a lactose-based fermentation medium identified isolate 6/4/2 as the most active strain. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and 16S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed this isolate as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens UzRSMMT-413. Under optimal cultivation conditions (35–40 °C; pH 7.5), UzRSMMT-413 reached a maximum MCA of 400 U mL⁻¹ after 48–72 h and demonstrated an MCA/protease activity ratio of 5.18, indicating high specificity toward casein with minimal nonspecific proteolysis. These findings highlight the arid soils of Uzbekistan as an ecologically rich yet understudied reservoir of microbial resources with significant biotechnological potential. The functional diversity identified in these soils offers promising enzymatic candidates for cheese making, fermented dairy production, and other low-energy bioprocesses. Overall, the study underscores the conservation value and applied importance of microbial biodiversity within the semi-natural landscapes of the Palearctic–Oriental transition zone.

Improving Silkworm (Bombyx mori) Growth and Survival through Mulberry Leaves: A Study on Sustainable Sericulture and Biodiversity

2025-09-19T15:50:28+03:00

The mulberry leaves (Morus spp.) are primary source of food for silkworm and it’s quality heavily influenced the rearing of silkworms. A randomized block design was used with silkworm larvae (1000 per treatment group) fed on Morus alba, Morus nigra and a mixture of both. The proximate analysis of the mulberry leaves showed significant differences in moisture, protein and fat contents. Morus alba exhibited higher protein content, fat and total ash contents as 26.16 ± 0.20%, 4.53 ± 0.12% and 17.38 ± 0.06% respectively. Silkworms fed on Morus alba demonstrated significantly better growth (final body weight of 2101.50 ± 3.50 mg and body length of 31.35 ± 0.03 mm) as compared to those fed on Morus nigra (final weight of 1993.00 ± 5.67 mg and body length of 28.78 ± 0.02 mm). The survival rate was also higher in the Morus alba group, particularly during the early molting stages. The absence of extreme temperature-humidity Index (THI) values suggests that no additional environmental stressors were imposed during the trial. The data showed that silkworms fed with Morus alba exhibited the high survival probability followed by mixed leaves and Morus nigra which had the lowest survival. Survival probability was significantly low was observed during specific molting stages especially in later instars, confirming that molting represents a major biological stressor. The data revealed that both diet and molting stage significantly influence silkworm survival. The research also highlighted the significance of maintaining optimum temperature and humidity for silkworm growth. The semi-controlled environmental conditions proved to be effective in mitigating environmental stress during the experiment. It is recommended that future studies should explore the potential of other mulberry species for sericulture under diverse environmental conditions. Moreover, investigating how extreme environmental conditions such as heat waves or excessive rainfall can influence silkworm productivity would provide valuable insights into optimize sericulture practices and contribute to the sustainability of the industry.

Nuchal scalation patterns in Iranian Mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris Lesson, 1831) point to an overlooked conservation unit

2025-10-17T20:24:15+03:00

Nuchal scutes patterns in crocodilians are important for distinguishing species and populations, particularly isolated ones. The study focuses on nuchal scutes numbers and patterns of Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris (Lesson, 1831)) across its distribution in Iran, India, and Sri Lanka. Data was collected from 146 crocodile photos, analyzing both the numbers and pattern of nuchal scutes. Nonparametric methods were employed due to non-normal data distribution. The Binomial Test indicated no bias from the six-scute pattern, with 50% of Iranian crocodiles having variations from six scutes. Confidence intervals for scutes patterns were 0.41-0.59 in Iran and 0.01-0.13 in India and Sri Lankan crocodiles conformed to the six-scutes pattern. A total of 18 different scute patterns were identified, with unique patterns observed in Iranian crocodiles. The Kruskal-Wallis test revealed significant differences in scute patterns across all data and specifically in Iran. The Mann-Whitney U test indicated differences between the typical scute pattern and others, except for a few specific patterns. Iran exhibited the highest variation in nuchal scute patterns, with diversity increasing towards the north and west. Iranian mugger crocodile populations face threats from flooding, drought, and climate change, necessitating further studies for conservation planning. Also, there is concern about potential genetic bottlenecks due to isolation, highlighting the need for genetic investigation and its possible relationship with morphological diversity.

Diurnal activity and occurrence frequency of birds according to density during the breeding season at Heydar Aliyev International Airport

2025-11-14T11:45:39+03:00

In 2023–2025, diurnal activity patterns and occurrence frequency of migratory-breeding and sedentary bird species were studied at the Heydar Aliyev International Airport. During the study period, 28 species belonging to 8 orders, 18 families, and 23 genera were recorded. Of these, 27 species were observed during daylight hours, while one Little owl (Athene noctua) was recorded at night. The main peak of bird activity occurred between 06:00-11:00 (27 species) and 19:00–21:00 (22 species), whereas the lowest activity was observed between 11:0-–18:00. Based on species density, seven species with an occurence frequency rated at 80–100 points-Glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), Great black-headed gull (Larus ichthyaetus), Caspian gull (Larus cachinnans), Common gull (Larus canus), Rock dove (Columba livia), Common starling (Sturnus vulgaris), and Hooded crow (Corvus cornix) pose a high risk of collision with aircraft due to their flocking behavior, collision probability, and potential strike severity. By assessing bird activity and occurrence frequency across the airport area and adjusting the daily operational schedules of aircraft accordingly, it is possible to reduce the risk of bird strikes posed by hazardous species.

Faunal diversity and habitat associations in Mt. Arayat Protected Landscape, Luzon, Philippines

2025-08-18T15:59:15+03:00

Mountain ecosystems support rich biodiversity due to varied terrain, microclimates, and habitats, fostering endemism and specialization. However, these same traits make them vulnerable to human activities and climate change. Mt. Arayat Protected Landscape (MAPL) in Central Luzon, Philippines, features diverse lowland and montane forests. Despite its protected status and ecological importance, comprehensive faunal studies, especially those assessing multiple faunal groups and their ecological roles remain limited. This study conducted a multi-taxa faunal survey in 36 quadrats across the northern and southern slopes of MAPL throughout both wet and dry seasons, focusing on five important groups: detritivores, rodents, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. A total of 2,359 individual creatures have been identified. The location has a high species richness, as indicated by a Shannon Index of 4.001 and Simpson's richness Index of 0.972. The prominent and ecologically significant species were Rattus everetti, Diacamma australe, Platymantis mimulus, Lanius cristatus, and Pinoyscincus jagori. The faunal composition was a mix of disturbance-tolerant generalists and habitat-sensitive endemics. Migratory bird species, such as Lanius cristatus and Pericrocotus divaricatus, emphasized MAPL's function as a seasonal stopover. Ants, cockroaches, and termites all played an important role in ecosystem function by cycling nutrients and regulating the forest floor.

Fatty Acid Profile of Carps Fed Chlorella Oil-Based Diets

2025-08-17T13:06:56+03:00

Incorporating algae oil into diets provides balanced nutrition and improve growth compared to traditional diets. Fry (2.00 ± 0.50g) and fingerling (10.0±2.0g) of rohu and grass carp were fed on diets formulated as 0.67%, 1.33% and 2% Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) oil for two months. In growth, significant difference was observed in final weight (FW) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in fingerlings and fry regarding specie. Diets containing 1.33% algae oil showed the highest weight gain and the lowest FCR for both species at both stages. Rohu fingerlings exhibited higher WG and better FCR compared to grass carp fingerlings, while rohu fry showed higher weight gain and better FCR compared to grass carp fry. The increasing trend was observed among all experimental groups for moisture, protein, and fat contents showing the highest values in the group with 1.33 % of the inclusion level of C. vulgaris oil in the formulated diet. When comparing species, significant differences were found in moisture content among fingerlings, with grass carp fingerlings having higher moisture content than rohu fingerlings. In fry, no significant difference was present in moisture, protein, fat and ash content. Significant interactions were shown in moisture and protein content in fingerlings but no significant differences in interactions was observed in moisture, protein, fat and ash content in fry. The fatty acid profile of grass carp and rohu fingerlings, revealed significant differences regarding species, except for 18:2n-6 and 20:3n-6, and the ratio of n-3/n-6. The fatty acid profile analysis of grass carp and rohu fry, shown significant differences regarding species, except for fatty acids 18:2n-9, 20:1n-7, 20:3n-9, 20:4n-3, and 20:5n-3. In conclusion, replacing fish oil with algae oil up to 1.33% is recommended for the optimal growth of grass carp and rohu.

Translocation of Emamectin benzoate residues in the trunk, leaves, and fruits of date palm, Phoenix dactylifera

2025-12-22T20:42:13+03:00

The red palm weevil, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (Olivier), severely attacks date palm trees and has become a global problem. Due to extreme infestation of R. ferrugineus, date farmers use chemical insecticides, which are toxic to human and animals if residues are present in fruits. In this study, we assessed residues of emamectin benzoate (Aretor®), a biorational insecticide in the date palm, trunk, leaves, and fruits at different times (0, 3, 9, and 15 months) following trunk injection. Emamectin benzoate was injected into the palm trees using the Syngenta Tree Micro-Injection Devic. Each date palm was treated with 48 ml of insecticide solution, injected in four directions (i.e., 12 ml per direction). The concentrations of emamectin benzoate were monitored at 0, 3, 9, and 15 months for trunk and leaves samples, while fruit samples were taken at 1, 1.5, 2.5, and 3 months after treatment. The concentration of emamectin residues in treated palm trunks were 55.1 ppb immediately after treatment and 213.6 ppb after 15 months. Results indicated that the persistence of emamectin residues in the date palm trunk up to 15 months after injection can be utilized as preventive and curative endotherapy to protect date palm trees from red palm weevil infestation. Throughout the entire analysis period, the emamectin residues were not detected in the leaf or fruit samples. This research indicates that emamectin benzoate is extremely safe for humans and animals and can be a good option for red palm weevil management in date palm orchards.

Epidemiological investigation and phylogenetic analysis of Toxoplasma gondii strains from animal and human hosts as evidence of zoonotic spread in Duhok, Iraq

2025-08-20T23:53:34+03:00

This study aimed to investigate the genetic diversity and transmission dynamics of Toxoplasma gondii strains isolated from animals and humans in Duhok Governorate, Iraq. A total of 15 strains originating from chickens, horses, sheep, and women with a history of abortion were analyzed using PCR amplification and sequencing of the ITS1 rDNA region. Phylogenetic analysis revealed all local strains clustered into a single, well-supported monophyletic clade, regardless of host species or geographic location, indicating a common ancestral origin. In contrast, global reference strains showed marked genetic divergence and did not cluster with the Duhok isolates. Although most Duhok strains appeared generalist, minor host-associated sub-clustering and unique branching patterns were observed. These findings underscore the importance of region-specific control strategies, including improved sanitation, safer animal management, and public education. The study advocates for a “One Health” approach, integrating human, veterinary, and environmental health efforts to monitor and mitigate the spread of T. gondii in endemic areas.