Journal of Wildlife and Biodiversity

Benefits of wild plant: Camellia sinensis extract usage in medicine

Omar Ahmed Hassoon Ammar, Dhouha Ghribi Aydi — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0300

There is an increasing interest in the beneficial effects of green tea extracts, which are effective against various diseases due to the bioactive compounds they contain. Researchers have investigated the ability of green tea extract to inhibit microbial growth due to its polyphenolic compounds, particularly catechins. This study examines the antimicrobial effect of Camellia sinensis extract on clinical bacterial isolates obtained from wound and burn infections, as well as its impact on the gene expression of efflux pump regulator (EMR), penicillin-binding protein (PBP), metal-β-lactamase (MPH), and AmpC β-lactamase (AMP). Samples were collected from clinical cases of wounds and burns; the bacterial isolates were cultured and characterized using conventional methods. The minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) and minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBCs) of C. sinensis extract against the isolates were also determined. The bioactive composition of C. sinensis extract was analyzed, and real-time PCR was used to assess gene expression, with relative quantification of EMR, PBP, MPH, and AMP genes in the presence and absence of C. sinensis extract.

Impacts of rising temperatures and precipitation on the survival of Near-Threatened reptiles in Pakistan

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The Near-Threatened reptilian species of Pakistan are particularly vulnerable to climate change, especially due to variations in temperature and precipitation. This country hosts a diverse and exceptional reptilian fauna, owing to its varied ecological gradients and complex zoogeographic regions. In the present study, we evaluated the impact of temperature and precipitation on Near-Threatened reptile species viz. (Crossobamon orientalis, Eryx conicus, Eryx johnii, and Python molurus) under the current and future conditions for the years 2050 and 2070. To achieve this, we utilized present and projected climatic data from Worldclim and species occurrence records from GBIF (Global Biodiversity Information Facility). We modelled current distributions (1980-2019) and future distributions (averaged between 2050 and 2070) using MaxEnt. For future climatic scenarios, we considered two peak carbon-emission pathways: RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, providing an overview of environmental conditions and habitat suitability for the species in question. Our results indicate that under both RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 scenarios, the distribution of all four targeted reptilian species is projected to shift toward higher northern altitudes and from central-eastern regions extending into lower eastern altitudes. Compared to current suitable habitats, we estimate an average habitat loss of approximately 35 % by 2050 and 50 % by 2070. These findings are critical for policymakers and conservationists as they highlight specific geographic areas and timeframes where habitat loss is most severe.

Distribution and habitat suitability modelling of regionally endangered common Leopard in Ayubia National Park

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Common leopard (Panthera pardus) is one of the large carnivore species distributed in different regions of the world including Himalayan foothills of Pakistan. The range of this species has been restricted and narrowed down due to urbanization, human intrusion, commercialization and deforestation activities. Habitat suitability models (HSMs) are widely used for better identification of niche requirements, prioritising conservation management concerns of threatened species. The present research study was aimed to determine the common leopard's current distribution range and suitable habitat within Ayubia National Park (ANP), Pakistan and vicinity through maximum entropy (Maxent) modelling. The Common leopard was recorded at altitudes between 1367m-2972m asl with a mean elevation of 2434 ± 24.91 (m ± S.E.) during winter while 2375m ± 40.77 during summer in the area. The average test AUC for the replicate runs was 0.95 with standard deviation 0.016. Habitat suitability index showed a 6% highly suitable and 11% moderately suitable habitat within the 5Km area of the national park. The most significant predictor were proximity to roads (39.3%) with the permutation importance of 28.4%, while the least was settlement area (7.7%) with permutation importance of 29%. Bioclimatic variables i.e., bio_19 (12.3% contribution, 5.2% permutation importance), bio_17 (11.5% contribution, 0.9% permutation importance), and bio_14 (9.5% contribution, 0.8% permutation importance) have the highest percentage contribution among the bioclimatic factors and DEM showed relatively low percentage contribution (2.6%) yet high permutation importance (20.2%). This model suggests that a relatively small percentage of the land (17%) is suitable for the common leopard in the area; suggesting forest conservation as critical measure for the species' survival and / or it’s conservation.

Bioaccumulation of Copper in Selected Amphibians in Relation to Water and Sediment Quality at Head Balloki, River Ravi

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Freshwater ecosystems are increasingly threatened by heavy metal pollution, particularly in developing regions where industrial waste discharge is poorly regulated. This study investigates the bioaccumulation of copper (Cu) in three amphibian species viz., Hoplobatrachus tigerinus, Bufo stomaticus, and Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis in relation to copper concentrations in water and sediment at Head Balloki, a key hydrological site on the River Ravi, Punjab, Pakistan. Sampling was conducted from January to April 2024. Water and sediment samples were analyzed for copper content, and amphibian tissues (liver, muscle, and skin) were examined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results revealed elevated levels of copper in both environmental and biological samples. Water samples showed higher concentrations upstream compared to downstream, with the highest values recorded in April. Sediment analysis indicated peak copper accumulation in February. Among the amphibians, H. tigerinus exhibited the highest tissue concentrations, particularly in the liver (6.17 ± 0.98 µg/g), followed by B. stomaticus and E. cyanophlyctis. Liver tissues consistently accumulated more copper than muscle or skin, reflecting organ-specific detoxification roles. This study highlights the ecological vulnerability of amphibians in the River Ravi basin and suggests that copper contamination poses a significant threat to aquatic biodiversity. Given the central role amphibians play in ecosystem functioning and their sensitivity to environmental changes, the study serves as an urgent call for targeted environmental policy, pollution control, and continued ecological surveillance in Pakistan’s freshwater systems.

Impact of altitude and season on the nutritional profile of honey from various Apis species in Pakistan

Aqsa Saleem, Arshad Javid, Ali Hussain, Shahid Mehmood — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The quality and composition of honey can be influenced by geographic location, altitude, honeybee species and season. Honey samples were collected from four areas of different altitudes viz., Bahawalpur (118 m), Kasur (218 m), Kallar Kahar (679 m), and Murree (2291 m) during all four seasons in Pakistan. The collected honey samples were subjected to proximate analysis to evaluate their nutritional composition including moisture, ash, protein, fat, fiber and carbohydrate content. The results indicated that honey produced at higher altitudes (Murree) exhibited higher levels of protein, fat, fiber, and ash content, suggesting that environmental factors at these locations contribute to a richer nutrient profile. In terms of species, honey produced by Apis mellifera and Apis cerana shows higher fructose values as compared to Apis florea and Apis dorsata. The fructose content (30.45%) in summer was also highest compared to other seasons. However, other parameters such as protein, fat, fiber, and carbohydrate values remained relatively stable across seasons. The study revealed that Apis mellifera and Apis cerana produced honey with higher fructose concentrations as compared to Apis florea and Apis dorsata. However, other nutritional components such as protein, fat, fiber, and ash content remained relatively stable across species, suggesting that these traits are more influenced by climatic conditions and geographic location rather than the species of the honeybee. Future studies should focus on the specific floral diversity and climatic conditions to have more refined methods of honey production, enhancing its nutritional and medicinal benefits.

Evaluation of different shallot ecotypes cultivation performance for biodiversity enhancement

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This study evaluates the agronomic performance of different shallot (Allium hirtifolium Boiss.) cultivars to determine their potential in enhancing biodiversity. By assessing key growth parameters and ecological impacts, the research aims to identify which varieties best contribute to ecosystem diversity while maintaining optimal cultivation yields. The results indicated that the average percentage of bulb germination in the ecotypes of Isfahan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Kurdistan, Lorestan, and Hamadan were 96.7%, 94.8%, 75.3%, 77.3%, and 81.7%, respectively. The average plant height was 35.3, 32, 31, 30.7, and 31.3, respectively. Additionally, the average weight of one thousand seeds in the ecotypes of Isfahan, Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari, Kurdistan, Lorestan, and Hamadan were estimated to be 5.48, 6.5, 6.81, 6.42, and 8.03, respectively. According to the results, the Isfahan ecotype had the highest performance in terms of germination rate, and the Hamadan ecotype had the highest performance based on the average seed production. The results of the variance analysis of the germination treatment indicate a statistically significant difference between the different ecotypes. However, the average plant height and the weight of one thousand seeds treatments were not significant. It is worth mentioning that among the different planting densities of Persian shallots, the average percentage of germination was highest at a density of 10 bulb per square meter. Also, the weight of one thousand seeds performed better at a density of 30 bulb per square meter. It is suggested that, in order to increase biodiversity and optimize the management of rangelands, the cultivation of resistant and low-water-consuming plants such as Persian shallots should be prioritized in the programs of managers and local communities. The findings could provide valuable insights for sustainable agriculture practices that support both crop productivity and environmental conservation.

Mosquito species, seasonality, abundance, and resting sites in three villages of Peshawar, Pakistan

Lubna Wadood, Farrah Zaidi , Syed Basit Rasheed, Mujeeb Ullah, Gule Tanzila — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

To study adult mosquito species resting sites selection in the study area, they prefer cattle sheds despite the availability of mixed dwellings and human dwellings. Further, to study the relative abundance of different mosquito genera (Culex, Aedes, Anopheles, and Mansonia) in different rural villages, the present research work was carried out in the Entomology Research Laboratory, University of Peshawar, Pakistan. Indoor resting mosquitoes were collected from several shelters (rooms), including human dwellings and cattle sheds in the three rural villages of Peshawar during September 2018 - October 2019. The Flet method was used for capturing all the mosquitoes available in a room. The study conducted in different settlements, including rural areas of Peshawar, yielded a total of 12 species of mosquitoes belonging to four genera (Aedes, Anopheles, Culex, and Mansonia). A total of 4,928 (2,306 + 899 + 1,723) adult mosquitoes (2,908 females and 2,020 males) were captured using the Flet method from eighteen shelters, including nine human dwellings and nine cattle sheds, in the three study villages in Peshawar. The abundance of mosquitoes was higher in cattle sheds than in human dwellings; of the total capture, 60% (2,931/4,928) came from the cattle sheds, verifying that cattle sheds were more attractive than the human dwellings. Mosquito abundance was richly reported from cattle sheds, which should be given special attention during any control programme targeting adult mosquitoes. Furthermore, as mosquito increase was apparent during the post-monsoon season, the control measures should be enhanced during this time to ensure maximum protection of the inhabitants.

Impact of climate change on endemic birds of the Indian subcontinent: ecological consequences and challenges

Thu, 09 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The increase in global temperature may pose a risk of extinction to many endemic bird species of the Subcontinent by the end of the 21^st century. This region, being ranked as one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change, is experiencing the shifting and contraction of species ranges. The distribution data on four endemic bird species (sub-continent) viz. Ardeotis nigriceps, Dendrocopos assimilis, Passer pyrrhonotus, and Terpsiphone paradisi, were studied regarding their present and future habitat suitability in the ongoing climate change scenario. We used present and future climate variables from Worldclim and occurrence records obtained from GBIF in the present study. To simulate the present (normal range for 1980-2019) while for future (2050 and 2070) species distribution, we used the model maximum entropy approach (MaxEnt) and generalized linear model (GLM) by using to future peak scenarios of carbon emission RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5 and two circulation models for 2050 and 2070. Our results showed that under these two climate scenarios, the distribution of species is projected towards the altitudes of the east and north and the latitudes of the north. As well as the accuracy of our species distribution model, it predicted the high climatic suitability towards altitudes of the east and north regions of the subcontinent for endemic species. Across the eastern regions, one-third that was projected to drop by the end of 2050 as well as one-half by the end of 2070 of the present habitat. Our study highlighted the risks for endemic species of the subcontinent due to future environmental changes, and such findings are useful for policymakers to moderate the negative effects of future climate on these species within the subcontinent.

Knowledge, attitude and preventive practices regarding the risk of Leptospirosis from Rodents: A Public Health Concern in District Kasur, Punjab, Pakistan

Maryam Saeed, Asia Iqbal, Shahzad Ali, Haroon Akbar, Saba Sana, Usama Saeed — Sat, 02 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease and it finds its main reservoirs in the Norway rat (R. norvegicus) and black rat (R. rattus). The purpose of this study was to ascertain the level of knowledge, attitudes and preventive practices of Kasur residents regarding the risk of leptospirosis from rodents. The current study was carried out in Kasur, Punjab. A total of 384 close-ended questionnaires, each containing 34 questions, were distributed to randomly selected individuals from various backgrounds, such as students, teachers, health professionals and housewives. In the statistical analysis, descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were performed using SPSS software. Among the respondents, more male respondents (n=199; 51.8%). Majority of respondents (n=222, 5.7.8%) reported that rodents are reservoirs of leptospirosis and respondents from tehsils (p=0.016; χ²=15.597) were positively related to the about it. A large number of respondents (n=189; 49.2%) agreed that the presence of rodents is a big problem for humans and respondents from tehsils were significantly correlated (p=0.032; χ²=13.820) with such people’s attitudes. Most of the respondents n=212; (55.2%) protected themselves from leptospirosis by wearing protective gears and the relationship among people of four tehsils (p=0.018; χ²=15.266) with the frequency of using different PPE was statistically significant. The results of this study showed that respondents had good knowledge, attitudes and preventive practices related to the risk of leptospirosis from rodents. Community education is an important aspect of improving the management of rodents and their disease.

Assessing toxic element contamination in protected areas: A case study of the Sungun copper mine's impact on wildlife

Mortaza Nematpour, Nader Habibzadeh, Hossein Hazrati — Tue, 09 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Mining activities significantly contribute to the concentration of toxic elements (TEs) in protected areas (PAs), adversely affecting wildlife. The presence of the Sungun porphyry copper mine within the Arasbaran Biosphere Reserve (ABR) in East Azarbaijan, Iran, raises concerns about the potential impacts of TE contamination on the local ecosystem. This study pioneers the non-invasive monitoring of faecal toxic elements in Iran’s protected areas, offering the first comparative analysis between the mining-impacted ABR and the relatively pristine Kiamaky Wildlife Refuge (KWR). We collected faecal samples from herbivorous (Capra aegagrus, Lepus europaeus) and carnivorous (Canis lupus, Lynx lynx) mammals across these sites and analyzed arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) concentrations using atomic absorption spectrometry. Results showed significantly higher TE levels in ABR compared to KWR (eg, PB median 17.7 ± 3.2 µg/kg vs. 1.9 ± 0.5 µg/kg; p < 0.01). Carnivores exhibited elevated As (median 14.00 ± 2.1 µg/kg) and Cd (4.85 ± 1.1 µg/kg) relative to herbivores, while herbivores had higher Pb (11.20 ± 2.4 µg/kg) levels. Our findings underscore the value of faecal biomonitoring as a non-invasive, cost-effective tool for assessing toxic element exposure in wildlife, providing critical data for conservation management in mining-affected landscapes. Importantly, this study informs targeted monitoring and intervention strategies necessary to safeguard biodiversity in Iran’s protected areas.

Pan-mitochondrial Genomic Analysis of Felis catus: Insights into Cat Domestication

Changxin Wang, Qifan Sun, Wei Zhang — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Despite the popularity and diversity of domestic cats (Felis catus), the genetic adaptations resulting from their domestication remain largely unknown. To address this, we sequenced the complete mitochondrial genomes of five Chinese domestic cats and combined them with 126 publicly available sequences to create a comprehensive dataset. Phylogenomic analyses revealed significant genetic diversity within domestic cat lineages, distinct from their wild relatives (F. silvestris). Selective pressure analysis indicated that all 13 mitochondrial protein-coding genes are under purifying selection in domestic cats. We identified 16 stable variations differentiating domestic cats from wildcats, including a non-synonymous mutation in nad5, which encodes a subunit of mitochondrial respiratory complex I and is crucial for energy metabolism. Importantly, nad5 is under purifying selection in both groups, with domestic cats experiencing slightly stronger selection. Our findings illuminate the impact of domestication on mitochondrial genome evolution in cats, particularly selection on the respiratory gene nad5, providing insights into adaptive responses to human-modified environments.

Modeling and prediction of forest fire susceptibility areas based on machine learning methods in semi-arid oak forest

Kobra Azizi, abdolali karamshahi, Reza Omidipour — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Fire is the most pervasive factor that destroys forest ecosystems, which has negative ecological, economic, and social consequences. Therefore, examining the changes in the situation of the region in terms of fire occurrence danger and also the parameters affecting it will be very useful in the field of fire risk management and control approaches. This is especially true in semi-arid oak forests. The current research process has been completed in several sections; First, 13 parameters including topographical factors (height, slope direction, slope), climatic factors (rainfall, temperature, wind direction, wind speed), biological factors (vegetation cover (NDVI) and soil surface moisture ((normal difference moisture indices (NDWI) and soil surface moisture index (LSWI)) and human-made factors (distance from residential areas, distance from the road, distance from agricultural lands, distance from the forest) as effective factors in forest fire risk were assessed and modulated based on three machine learning methods including GLM, RF and SVM. The raster-based maps related to the desired criteria have been prepared using integrated geographic information systems and remote sensing. In the following, using the data related to the fire occurrence, the forest fire risk map was determined. The model’s accuracy was evaluated using AUC in the ROC curve which indicated RF (AUC = 0.994) as the best model in fire detection compared with GLM and SVM models (AUC_GLM = 0.983; AUC_SVM = 0.971). Based on the results of the RF model, 33.95 and 18.84% of the studied areas were categorized in the low and high fire risk classes. The investigation of the factors affecting the occurrence of fire showed that human-made factors (distance from residential areas, distance from agricultural lands), climatic factors (temperature, wind speed, relative humidity), and topographical factors (elevation) played a more important role in places with a history of fire. Therefore, to reduce the number of fires and damages caused by them. It is necessary to pay attention to the reasons and motivations of the factors that cause fire, to reduce and prevent the opportunity of fire as much as possible.

Castilleja lapponica Gand. (Orobanchaceae) coenopopulation status assessment in the Lovozero Massif (Murmansk Region)

Marija Menshakova, Ramzia Gainanova, Konstantin Moskvin, Anastasia A. Nizikova — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This article presents the results of Castilleja lapponica Gand. populations status monitoring in the Lovozero mountain range. This species is recognised as protected in the region but is poorly studied due to its fragmented distribution, small population size, and limited natural habitat, which makes it difficult to conduct representative studies of population dynamics and ecological prerequisites for survival. The study provided data on the ontogenetic structure and effective population size of six Castilleja lapponica coenopopulations growing in different types of biotopes, including anthropogenically transformed ones, as well as recovery, effectiveness, and vitality indices. It has been established that all studied coenopopulations are characterised by an incomplete ontogenetic spectrum and an extremely low recovery index, which indicates an inability to self-sustain under current conditions. Despite the high density of specimens in habitats disturbed by human activity, a general trend towards a decline in abundance has been observed, compared to previously recorded data. The results obtained confirm the risks to Castilleja lapponica populations and indicate the need to develop targeted conservation strategies whilst considering its apophyte-specific renewal strategy.

Diversity of Giardia intestinalis: Comparative evaluation of AI stool analysis, traditional techniques, and molecular phylogeny

Lana Othman Kanabe, Samir Jawdat Bilal — Sun, 14 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Giardia intestinalis is one of the most prevalent intestinal protozoan parasites causing Giardiasis, a disease infecting diverse people of any age and characterized by abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and weight loss. Although traditional diagnostic techniques are still widespread, however, newer AI and molecular technologies have much to offer in the way of more precise and quicker detection. The aim of this research was to determine the prevalence of Giardiasis among patients presenting the Public Health Laboratory in Erbil, Iraq, between January–December 2024, and to create a comparison of the effectiveness of traditional, immunological, molecular, and AI-based diagnostic techniques. A total of 25,460 stool specimens were first screened by direct wet mount microscopy. Positives were further analyzed with trichrome and acid-fast stains for morphological identification. Immunochromatographic assays and the KU-F600 AI-based automatic fecal analyzer were utilized. Molecular detection by real-time PCR and standard DNA sequencing was utilized for G. intestinalis infection confirmation. The diversity result of G. intestinalis was evaluated using direct wet mount, revealed 290 positive cases, which was represented 1.14% infection rate. Immunochromatographic and AI-based methods significantly enhanced diagnostic speed and ease compared to conventional microscopy. Molecular techniques (real-time PCR and sequencing) demonstrated the highest accuracy in detecting G. intestinalis. Although traditional microscopy remains a useful screening tool, it is less reliable than molecular and AI-based methods. The KU-F600 AI analyzer exhibited strong potential for rapid and accurate diagnosis. Further research is recommended to validate the broader application of AI technologies in parasitological diagnostics.

Role of urban parks in supporting bat communities under accelerating urbanization

Mohammed Khalid Jamal Al-Janabi, Okan Urker, Tarkan Yorulmaz — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Rapid urbanization has intensified the need to preserve urban green spaces for maintaining biodiversity. However, limited research has investigated the impact of urban green spaces on bat communities amid accelerating urbanization. Therefore, this study assessed the role of urban parks in supporting bat communities by providing conditions that mimic their natural habitats. By using manual detectors, we recorded the activity of nine distinct bat species in three different urban parks according to size, year of establishment and blue-green-brown area ratios in Ankara, TURKEY, from May to November 2022. Despite high levels of light, noise, and human traffic, which reduced bat activity, no significant differences were observed in bat community composition or annual biological activity among these parks. These findings underscore the critical role of urban parks as wildlife refuges in metropolises, suggesting that enhanced park management substantially improved urban biodiversity, particularly for bats. This study emphasizes the need for ongoing enhancements of urban park management strategies to better support local wildlife.

NUMTs as Diagnostic Markers for Hybrid Identification in Tigers: A Novel Reference-Free Approach

Wlaa Alumbark, Yan Chun Xu, Fadol ahmed — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Maintaining genetic purity is critical in conservation breeding programs, especially for endangered subspecies like the South China tiger (Panthera tigris amoyensis) and the Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica), where hybridization threatens subspecies integrity and reintroduction success. However, identifying hybrids is challenging due to unreliable morphological traits and limited access to verified purebred genomes. Here, we present Auto-Ref HybrID, a novel reference-free method that leverages nuclear mitochondrial DNA segments (NUMTs) as genetic markers to distinguish purebred and hybrid individuals using whole genome sequencing (WGS) data. We analyzed 400 fecal samples from captive tigers and found that hybrid individuals exhibit significantly higher NUMT counts, elevated mutation rates, and greater divergence from the maternal mitogenome compared to purebreds. Genetic distance metrics and phylogenetic clustering confirmed the presence of hybridization signals, even at shallow sequencing depths. Our results establish NUMTs as robust, scalable markers for hybrid detection and demonstrate that Auto-Ref HybrID is a powerful tool for assessing gene pool contamination in conservation programs where reference genomes are lacking

Antiradical activity of Flavonoids from the fruits of Crataegus meyeri Pojark

Sura Rahimova, Hilal Gasimov, Mursel Seyidov, Fidan Huseynova — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Hawthorn is an important edible plant belonging to the Rosaceae family and has a wide range of uses in traditional medicine. In the 19th century, tea made from hawthorn flowers and leaves began to be used as a blood purifier, and since the early 20th century, hawthorn fruits and flowers have been recommended as a remedy for heart and vascular diseases. The biological properties, medical and traditional uses of the Crataegus meyeri Pojark. species selected as the research object were investigated, and the antiradical activity of flavonoids from the fruits against the free radical DPPH was investigated. The relationship between the structure of flavonoids and their radical activity was determined. The results obtained show that the radical neutralizing effect of flavonoids directly depends on the substitution feature of free hydroxyl groups in the flavonoid structure. It was revealed that the presence of 3-OH and 3,4-dihydroxy groups in the flavonoid molecule is decisive for the antiradical activity.

Environmental awareness actions in the control of invasive species: the case of the European catfish (Silurus glanis) in the River Tagus (Portugal)

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This study reports on awareness-raising initiatives along the River Tagus (Portugal) targeting the spread of the invasive European catfish (Silurus glanis). Activities included public awareness on alien and native species, angler surveys, and culinary demonstrations with sensory evaluations, mobilising anglers and citizens for conservation. Results showed strong support for harvesting this non-native species and high acceptance of European catfish-based dishes. These findings underscore the role of environmental education in managing invasive species in Portugal’s freshwater ecosystems.

Integrative Phylogenetic, Genomic, Acoustic, and Geospatial Analyses of U.S. Frog Species Using Mitochondrial COI Sequences

My Abdelmajid Kassem — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Amphibians are critical bioindicators of environmental health, yet integrative frameworks combining genomic, acoustic, and spatial data remain underutilized in regional biodiversity assessments. Here, we present a reproducible bioinformatics workflow that integrates molecular phylogenetics, genome size analysis, acoustic feature extraction, and geospatial occurrence mapping to investigate patterns of amphibian diversity across 30 frog species in the United States. Using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) sequences, we reconstructed a robust maximum-likelihood phylogeny, identifying clear clade-level structuring among Hylidae, Ranidae, and Bufonidae. Genome size data integrated into the phylogenetic context revealed consistent family-level patterns, with Hylidae exhibiting larger genome sizes relative to other families. Acoustic analyses of five focal species demonstrated significant interspecific differences in call duration and dominant frequency, confirmed through principal component analysis (PCA), highlighting the utility of bioacoustics in species discrimination. Geospatial mapping of over 3,000 occurrence records retrieved from GBIF revealed amphibian diversity hotspots in the Southeastern United States, corresponding with known gradients of habitat heterogeneity and climatic suitability. The workflow integrates MAFFT-based sequence alignments, FastTree phylogenetic reconstruction, librosa-based acoustic feature extraction, and GBIF-powered spatial analyses into a single open-source, reproducible pipeline. This integrative informatics framework offers a scalable tool for amphibian biodiversity monitoring, conservation prioritization, and hypothesis-driven ecological research by leveraging computational reproducibility and multi-modal trait data.

Using bacteriocin as an alternative preservative: A promising approach for Listeria monocytogenes control in canned foods and other food products

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Due to the increasing demand for Ready-to-eat (RTE) foods that undergo minimal processing, there is a need for alternative methods of preservation that can ensure food safety without the use of chemicals or high temperatures. Listeria monocytogenes is a major safety concern in RTE food products. This pathogen can increase and multiply, simultaneously generating different virulence components like listeriolysin O, transcriptional activator, actin, and internalin. Additionally, the extended processing time and extended shelf life associated with certain ready-to-eat (RTE) foods, like cured meat and dairy products, create favorable conditions for the growth and proliferation of L. monocytogenes within the food itself. The review focuses on exploring the efficiency of bacteriocin and their potential to effectively manage L. monocytogenes within biofilms found in food production facilities. By targeting biofilms, the innovative techniques using bacteriocins have the potential to control and prevent L. monocytogenes contamination, thereby improving food safety standards in food industries.

Sustainable fisheries and biodiversity conservation: the potential of insect protein to replace fishmeal in aquaculture

Nida Ismat, Sikandar Hayat, Majid Hussain — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Aquaculture is an important source of food but it is also dependent on fishmeal, a high-protein ingredient made by using wild caught fish posing risks of overfishing and sustainability. The present study explored the potential of black soldier fly (BSF) and mealworm (MW) larvae as sustainable substitutes for fishmeal in aquafeeds. Experimental trial was performed in triplicates for 60 days under completely randomized design. The results demonstrated that the highest growth performance was observed in 75 % BSF based diet. The 75% BSF based diet led to highest weight gain, SGR and FCR of 14.53 ± 0.43 g, 1.837 ± 0.038 and 1.313 ± 0.071 respectively. Likewise, the data showed that the best growth performances were in 50% MW based diet group. Maximum weight gain, and better SGR and FCR were recorded in the 50% MW based diet group as 15.56 ± 0.41g, 1.763 ± 0.029 and 1.140 ± 0.070 respectively. Enzyme activity analysis revealed that BSF 75% and MW 50% diets significantly enhanced protease activity (16.99 ± 0.39 U/mg and 16.96 ± 0.36 U/mg, respectively), lipase activity (0.68 ± 0.02 U/mg), and amylase activity (2.33 ± 0.05 U/mg) as compared to the control group. Antioxidant enzyme activities including catalase (1.82 ± 0.05 U/mg) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (1.84 ± 0.03 U/mg for BSF 75%), also increased significantly. The recorded water quality parameters fell within the optimal range for the growth of Labeo rohita and non-significant differences were observed between the BSF and MW diets groups. The data indicated that insect-derived proteins, especially BSF and MW proteins have the potential to replace fishmeal in aquafeeds without compromising growth performance and fish health. Further studies are required to determine optimal inclusion levels for long-term sustainability and to alleviate the pressure on wild fish stocks used for fishmeal.

Preliminary analysis of antibacterial activity of honey produced by various Apis species from Punjab, Pakistan

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Honey has been used as a natural remedy for centuries, mainly due to its antibacterial properties. The present study explored the antibacterial activity of honey from three different species of honeybees, including Apis dorsata, Apis florea, and Apis mellifera from Punjab, Pakistan. The honey samples were tested against common harmful bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli. Honey from Apis dorsata showed the strongest antibacterial effects, particularly against E. coli, with an inhibition zone of 39 mm at 100% concentration. Apis florea honey also exhibited strong inhibition, particularly against P. aeruginosa, with a maximum zone of 38 mm at 100% concentration. In contrast, Apis mellifera honey showed the weakest activity, with the highest inhibition zone of 18.8 mm against S. aureus at 100%. The study found that honey’s antibacterial power increased with higher concentrations. At 50% concentration, honey from Apis dorsata inhibited E. coli by 17.5 mm, and Apis florea showed a 25 mm inhibition zone for S. aureus. The results suggest that honey from Apis dorsata and Apis florea could be a promising natural alternative for fighting bacterial infections, particularly those caused by antibiotic-resistant strains. Further research should focus on identifying active compounds like phenolics and flavonoids in these honeys, which may contribute to their antibacterial benefits.

Diversity and assemblage of Ichtyofauna in an unexplored tropical aquatic Ecosystems : Inzia river, Congo basin

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The diversity and assemblage of ichthyofauna in tropical aquatic ecosystems, particularly those of Central Africa, although rich in biodiversity, are far from being sufficiently well understood. The present study examines fish biodiversity along the tropical Inzia River catchment located in the Democratic Republic of Congo. From July to September 2022, a total of 22 stations were sampled and surveyed for an effort duration of 24 hours per station using various fishing equipment and techniques. These involved the use of still nets, floating lines, hawksbills, longlines, and catches from local fishermen. A total of 17,187 fish were caught, most (92.3%) of which were captured by the static net. Analysis of the data revealed 91 formally identified fish species, belonging to 57genera, 25 families, and 12 orders. Seven adult specimens were unknown, and their fin fragments were taken and preserved for identification by DNA analysis at the Royal Museum for Central Africa in Tervuren, Belgium. Fish species diversity was higher in the Inzia River than in its tributaries and showed an upward trend from the lower to the middle reaches of the basin. Our results confirm the abundant fish biodiversity in tropical aquatic ecosystems, and the unidentified individuals could probably be new species.

Assessment of growth, biomass, and carbon sequestration potential of three urban tree species in Calabar

Martin Ogheneriruona Ononyume, Esther Aja Bassey Edu — Sat, 02 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Urban forests play a vital role in climate change mitigation by sequestering carbon and providing essential ecosystem services. This study assessed the growth, biomass accumulation, and carbon sequestration potential of three commonly planted urban tree species in Calabar, Nigeria: Azadirachta indica, Delonix regia, and Terminalia mantaly. A total of 100 trees per species were sampled across Calabar Municipality and Calabar South. Growth parameters, including diameter at breast height (DBH) and height, were recorded, and allometric equations were used to estimate aboveground biomass (AGB), aboveground carbon density (ACD), belowground carbon density (BCD), basal area (BA), and volume. Results indicated significant differences in DBH and height among species, with Terminalia mantaly exhibiting the highest values (DBH: 56.93 ± 3.42 cm; Height: 12.84 ± 0.26 m). However, AGB, ACD, BCD, BA, and volume did not differ significantly among species, despite Terminalia mantaly having the highest mean values. Strong positive correlations were observed between DBH and AGB (r = 0.87), ACD (r = 0.87), BCD (r = 0.87), BA (r = 0.89), and volume (r = 0.87), suggesting DBH as a key predictor of carbon sequestration potential. Conversely, tree height exhibited weak correlations with biomass parameters. The study highlights the comparable carbon sequestration potential of these species despite differences in growth traits, emphasizing the need for species-specific assessments to enhance urban forest planning. These findings contribute to sustainable urban management strategies aimed at maximizing the ecological benefits of urban trees.

Diversity and ecology of mammals of Bahawalnagar, South Punjab, Pakistan

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Pakistan has 195 species of mammals and diverse habitats, with three zoogeographical realms: Palearctic, Oriental, and Ethiopian. Approximately two-thirds of the area is mountainous, and abrupt altitude changes result in variations in diversity over short distances. The key objectives of this study are to examine the diversity, distribution, and ecological status of mammalian species in Bahawalnagar, Punjab, Pakistan. Data collection was done twice every month throughout the day and night for one year using the Linear Count Method. The research identified 21 mammalian species from district Bahawalpur. The diversity indices show that the area has a high and rich diversity, as the Dominance Index is 0.1605, Simpson Index is 0.8395, Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H’) is 2.124, the evenness (E) is 0.3982 and the richness index (R) is 2.648, and in the study area. During the survey, the highest relative abundance (abbreviated as RA = 0.26261) of Mus musculus is documented from Bahawalnagar. The lowest relative abundance (RA = 0.00105) is noted in three species (i.e. Vulpes bengalensis, Viverricula indica and Antilope cervicapra) in the natural habitats of Bahawalnagar. These three species are rarely seen in the study area. It is documented that Rattus rattus, Herpestes edwardsii, Millardia meltada and Canis aureus also have high relative abundances as 0.21008, 0.15756, 0.10504 and 0.07773 respectively.

Investigating climate-driven corridor networks for Golden Jackal (Canis aureus) in Northern Parts of Iran

Ehsan Rahimi, Faraham Ahmadzadeh — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 00:00:00 +0300

This study aims to examine the evolving network of corridors resulting from climate change and the emergence of new barriers affecting Canis aureus. We employed species distribution models (SDMs) to evaluate the potential effects of climate change on Canis aureus under both current and future SSP585 climate scenarios for the year 2070. We utilized the Linkage Mapper tool to identify the least-cost paths under two climate scenarios. We discovered 20 core habitat areas with an average size of 29791 km² for this species, with Linkage Mapper detecting 34 links between them with an average length of 84.3 km in the current scenario. In contrast, we identified 20 core habitats with an average size of 6091 km2 under the future scenario, showing changes in their positions. We identified 39 links between them, averaging 50.4 km in length. There are 145 road intersections in the current scenario, which decreases to 87 in the future scenario. The overlap of least-cost paths with cropland areas decreases from 974 to 589, and with urban areas, it decreases from 72 to 50 in the future. Our research underscores the pressing necessity for conservation initiatives to mitigate climate change's repercussions on mammal habitats and corridors in Iran, highlighting the potential impact of our findings on future conservation strategies.

SDS-Page profiling and molecular characterization of Hirudin, Eglin C, and Hyaluronidase from the saliva of two local leech species

Shayan Jamal Hamad-Ali Hallaq, Sherwan Taib Ahmed — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Leeches of the genera Hirudo and Limnatis are known hematophagous ectoparasites of vertebrates, including humans. The present study investigated two leech species, H. oreintalis and L. paluda, during July 2024-June 2025 from thirty-five water bodies of leech collecting from four provinces of Kurdistan Region, Iraq. Morphological identifications of specimens followed by molecular characterizations were dependent on species identification through amplification and sequencing of the mitochondrial (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, COI locus). The partial gene fragments were sequenced for molecular characterization. These findings confirm the presence of two distinct leech species, H. oreintalis and L. paluda in the Kurdistan Region. The present work also revealed a comparative study on the saliva contents of both species, their salivary gland contents extracted for further molecular observations, including three proteins, Hirudin, Eglin C, and Hyaluronidase, which were isolated and identified with SDS chromatography. Genes of the mentioned proteins were partially amplified and sequenced, and the nucleotide variances were detected based on MEGA 11, as well as the amino acid sequences were studied with Phyre 2.2 web portal.

Morpho-anatomical characterization, phytochemical screening, and antibacterial activity of Swertia decurrens C.B.Rob (Gentianaceae)

Shaina Mae T. Antipuesto, Rhoda Jane E. Gabin, Jones Napaldet — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

The pursuit of scientific exploration requires a thorough investigation into the morphology and anatomy of plants, extending beyond visible structures to analyze the intricacies found at the cellular and subcellular levels. To contribute to this endeavor, the study documented the morphological and anatomical characteristics of Swertia decurrens, an endemic plant from the Cordillera Central Range, Northern Philippines. The morphological and anatomical characteristics of S. decurrens showed similarities to Swertia chirayita. It was observed that both have longer and wider leaves and an erect, greenish, quadrangular stem. Their flower characteristic is found to be the same, hypogynous with complete bisexual and purplish, but seen to be dotted in S. decurrens while marginal in S. chirayita. Also, the flower of S. decurrens is smaller. The phytochemical screening found alkaloids, anthraquinones, essential oils, saponins, and steroids to be present in S. decurrens, but flavonoids, phenols, and tannins were negative. Lastly, the plant showed no antibacterial activity against Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative bacteria Escherichia coli, which could be attributed to the absence of phenols and flavonoids. This contrasts with the medically proven S. chirayita that have strong antimicrobial activity. This information is helpful documentation of the understudied endemics and unverified medicinal plants in the tropics and in the country.

Biotopic distribution of Molluscan fauna in the Sura and Moksha river basins

Eugeniy A. Lobachev, Sergei V. Lukiyanov, Tamara G. Stojko, Alexander B. Ruchin — Mon, 20 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0300

Rivers and lakes are complex ecosystems that, in recent years, have faced increasing habitat degradation. Aquatic mollusks serve as important indicators in hydrobiological monitoring. This study investigated mollusk communities in the basins of the Sura and Moksha Rivers (Republic of Mordovia). Sampling was conducted at 21 localities. A total of 34 species belonging to 9 families of mollusks were recorded. In the Insar River, Oxyloma elegans was found at half of the surveyed sites, as well as in the Chermelei and Alatyr Rivers, indicating shoreline overgrowth with riparian vegetation. In two oxbow water bodies in the Bolshie Berezniki District, mollusks with corroded shells were discovered, suggesting a specific ionic composition of the water that promotes shell degradation. A rare shell form of the pond snail Ampullaceana ampla, which is otherwise widely distributed at other river sites, was found in the Alatyr River and warrants further study into the environmental conditions contributing to its formation. Unio crassus, found in the Moksha River, is listed in the Red Data Book of the Republic of Mordovia. The Raup-Crick index revealed similarity among mollusk communities inhabiting the headwaters of the Insar River and the tributaries of the Sura River.