Hasil untuk "Zoology"

P. Kausch

Hoda Atta, Kamal R. Mahmoud, Elsayed I. Salim et al.

Marlyn H. Romero, Sergio A. Gallego-Polania, Jorge A. Sanchez

The Colombian Orinoquia is considered one of the eight most important ecosystems in the world. Savannah ecosystems play an essential role in providing ecosystem services. The objectives were (a) to explore and identify the perceptions of traditional farmers and institutional representatives regarding human well-being, animal welfare and the environment, and (b) to identify environmental challenges and opportunities for improvement based on the “One Welfare” concept. Three focal groups were developed: male and female farmers and institutional representatives <i>(n =</i> 24) from Vichada. A thematic analysis, coding with an inductive approach and the definition of themes and sub-themes were carried out. The concept of being “a good farmer” explains the behavior of the producers, where the perception of human well-being is associated with the value of the family and the sense of pride in their tradition as “llanero”. Animal welfare was considered a symbol of profitability and prestige for cattle farmers, a concept that, for them, mixed traditional management, water supply, shade and feed, good health and the natural behavior of cattle. Regarding the environment, this concept is based on their awareness of the importance of conserving the natural savannah. Among the environmental challenges described are climate change, solid waste management and the use of controlled burns. Regarding opportunities for improvement, they proposed strengthening institutional dynamics, partnerships, environmental governance and education. Our results can provide information on the “One Welfare” approach and the motivation of farmers to care for animals and the environment, a fundamental aspect for developing effective intervention strategies.

Kaliyamoorthy Dass, Nagamuthu Prakash, Pitchaimuthu Mariappan

Mosquitoes transmit a number of serious diseases, including brain fever, chikungunya, dengue fever, filariasis, hemorrhagic fever, Japanese encephalitis, malaria, dengue, and Zika. Whereas the synthetic chemical insecticides are commonly used for mosquito control, and it caused physiological resistance to mosquito species and significant effects on humans and the environment. As a result, plant-based insecticides have emerged as an attractive one. Recent research has revealed that green-synthesized silver nanoparticles derived from plant extracts have significant larvicidal properties. In the scenario we focused on application of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is an emerging field of science and technology, it has incredible potential in pest management, medicine, and other fields. In this regards current investigation focused on the larvicidal and pupicidal effect of green-synthesized silver nanoparticles using C. aromaticus and W. tinctoria on second, third, and fourth-instar and pupa of Aedes aegypti. The green synthesized silver nanoparticles characterized by UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, and SEM. The 24-hour LC50 and LC90 values obtained from C. aromatics and W. tinctoria synthesized silver nanoparticles against Ae. aegypti second, third, and fourth instars and pupae. The results showed that green synthesized silver nanoparticles from C. aromaticus are more effective than W. tinctoria nanoparticles used.

Yunlu Xiao, Ning Xiao

Four synallactid specimens were collected during four deep-water benthic fauna surveys (2013–2018) conducted at three seamounts (‘Jiaolong’, ‘Y3’, and ‘M4’) and the Ganquan Plateau in the South China Sea, tropical Western Pacific Ocean, at depths ranging from 344 to 3610 m. Morphological examination of these specimens revealed four new species belonging to three genera, which are described as Synallactes tenuibrachius sp. nov., Bathyplotes liaoi sp. nov., Bathyplotes varicolumna sp. nov., and Amphigymnas ganquani sp. nov. Notably, Amphigymnas ganquani sp. nov. represents the first report of an Amphigymnas species in the South China Sea. Detailed descriptions are provided for the morphological features, including the type locality, and geographic and bathymetric distributions of these species. These findings contribute to the understanding of seamount biodiversity and provide valuable insights for advancing research on seamount ecology, management, and conservation.

Ragavendran Chinnasamy, Kamaraj Chinnaperumal, Natarajan Devarajan et al.

Zhuravleva Larisa

The principle of differentiated technologies is to process fields in accordance with the actual needs of agricultural crops at each specific point of the field. The purpose of the work was to analyze the effectiveness of the use of differentiated fertilization technologies in the cultivation of winter wheat of the Moskovskaya variety. Field research was carried out according to three options: without the use of fertilizers, the application of fertilizers by a single norm and by differentiated technology. The use of fertilizers using traditional fertilization technology allowed for an increase in yield of almost 32% compared to the control (without fertilizers).With the use of differentiated technologies, the yield increased by 82%.

Khawla Alharbi, Andi Asnayanti, Anh Dang Trieu Do et al.

Our prior research demonstrated a 20% to 25% reduction in bacterial chondronecrosis with osteomyelitis (BCO) lameness in broilers with organic Zn, Mn, and Cu (Availa^® ZMC) supplementation. Expanding on this, we investigated the optimal timing for Availa^® ZMC feeding to mitigate BCO lameness and reduce feed additive costs in the poultry industry. In this study, we compared the application of 0.15% Availa^® ZMC for 56 days, the first 28 days, and the last 28 days. The experimental design was a randomized block design involving 1560 one-day-old chicks distributed across two wire-floor pens as BCO source infection and four treatment groups with six replicates. The source of BCO infection exhibited a cumulative lameness incidence of 83%, whereas the negative control group showed a 77% cumulative incidence of lameness (<i>p</i> = 0.125). Administering 0.15% of Availa^® ZMC during the initial 28 d resulted in a 41.3% reduction in BCO incidence, significantly different from the supplementation during the last 28 d (<i>p</i> < 0.05). However, this reduction did not differ substantially (<i>p</i> > 0.05) from the 56d application period. Hence, administering 0.15% Availa^® ZMC during the first four weeks emerges as the optimal timing protocol, providing a defense against lameness comparable to the continuous supplementation throughout the complete production duration. Implementing this feeding approach reduces the cost of feed additive, promotes the health of skeletal bones, and effectively protects against BCO lameness in broilers, offering a valuable consideration for producers seeking optimal outcomes in the poultry industry.

Gonzalo A. Collado, Moisés A. Valladares, Cristian Suárez et al.

The capability to produce pearls is widespread in the phylum Mollusca, including bivalves of the superfamily Unionoidea. Here, we identified and characterized natural pearls formed by <i>Diplodon chilensis</i>, a freshwater clam native to southern South America, using samples obtained from two lakes located in the Chilean Patagonia. Pearls were studied using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy. Naturally formed pearls were found in both male and female <i>D. chilensis</i> specimens. Pearls are produced in different shapes, including spherical, ellipsoidal, buttoned, and bumpy, ranging in size from 200 µm to 1.9 mm. The internal microstructure is composed of irregular polygonal tablets, about 0.40 to 0.55 μm in thickness. EDX analysis showed that pearls are composed of calcium carbonate. FTIR and Raman spectra recorded several peaks attributable to the aragonite in pearls of this species, as has been shown in other mollusks. In addition to these results, pearls of different colors are illustrated.

Tao Xie, Yinuo Liu, Huixian Lu et al.

Agouti signalling protein (ASIP) is a coat colour-related protein and also is a protein-related to lipid metabolism, which had first been found in agoutis. According to our previous study, <i>ASIP</i> is a candidate gene that affects the lipid metabolism in bovine adipocytes. However, its effect on milk lipid has not been reported yet. This study focused on the effect of the <i>ASIP</i> gene on the lipid metabolism of mammary epithelial cells in cattle. The <i>ASIP</i> gene was knocked out in bMECs by using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. The result of transcriptome sequencing showed that the differentially expressed genes associated with lipid metabolism were mainly enriched in the fatty acids metabolism pathways. Furthermore, the contents of intracellular triglycerides were significantly increased (<i>p</i> < 0.05), and cholesterol tended to rise (<i>p</i> > 0.05) in bMECs with the knockout of the <i>ASIP</i> gene. Fatty acid assays showed a significant alteration in medium and long-chain fatty acid content. Saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids were significantly up-regulated (<i>p</i> < 0.05), and monounsaturated fatty acids were significantly decreased in the <i>ASIP</i> knockout bMECs (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The Q-PCR analysis showed that knockout of <i>ASIP</i> resulted in a significant reduction of gene expressions like <i>PPARγ</i>, <i>FASN</i>, <i>SCD</i>, and a significant up-regulation of genes like <i>FABP4</i>, <i>ELOVL6</i>, <i>ACSL1</i>, <i>HACD4</i> prompted increased mid-to long-chain fatty acid synthesis. Overall, <i>ASIP</i> plays a pivotal role in regulating lipid metabolism in bMECs, which could further influence the component of lipid in milk.

Xiaoxiang Wu, Zehua He, Xiaodan Lin et al.

Three new species of the predaceous midges of genus Alluaudomyia Kieffer, 1913: A. flavinotum Wu &amp;amp; Li, sp. nov. of the maculipennis group, and A. reflexuralis Wu &amp;amp; Li, sp. nov. and A. limu Wu &amp;amp; Li, sp. nov. of the parva group, are described from the National Park of Hainan Tropical Rainforest, Hainan Island, China. Illustrations and COI barcodes (a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1) of the three new species are also provided. Associations of male and female specimens of two species (A. reflexuralis Wu &amp;amp; Li, sp. nov. and A. limu Wu &amp;amp; Li, sp. nov.) are supported by DNA barcodes. The parva group is reported from China for the first time.

L. Ludwig, J. Y. Muraoka, C. Bonacorsi et al.

Abstract Bats are important for the homeostasis of ecosystems and serve as hosts of various microorganisms including bacteria, viruses, and fungi with pathogenic potential. This study aimed to isolate fungi from biological samples obtained from bats captured in the city of Sinop (state of Mato Grosso, Brazil), where large areas of deforestation exist due to urbanization and agriculture. On the basis of the flow of people and domestic animals, 48 bats were captured in eleven urban forest fragments. The samples were processed and submitted to microbiological cultures, to isolate and to identify the fungal genera. Thirty-four (70.83%) of the captured bats were positive for fungi; 18 (37.5%) and 16 (33.33%) of these bats were female and male, respectively. Penicillium sp., Scopulariopsis sp., Fusarium sp., Aspergillus sp., Alternaria sp., Cryptococcus sp., Trichosporon sp., and Candida sp., which may cause opportunistic infections, were isolated. The bat species with the highest number of fungal isolates was Molossus molossus: 21 isolates (43.8%). According to our results, bats captured in urban forest fragments in Sinop harbor pathogenic fungi, increasing the risk of opportunistic fungal infections in humans and domestic animals.

S. Muruaga de L'Argentier, A. L. Terán

Mahatub Khan Badhon, Md Kutub Uddin, Fahmida Khalique Nitu et al.

Fisheries bycatch is known as the major threat to Threatened shark species (herein, sharks, skates, and rays) in Bangladesh. But bycatch is not appropriately addressed under the existing wildlife and fisheries conservation management regime. This policy brief evaluates the current scenario of shark conservation and identifies priorities for future interventions. The literature review finds 71 shark species and only four peer-reviewed publications from Bangladesh suggesting the species already known have not yet been studied. In addition, inconsistencies in legal frameworks have limited the capacities and mandates of responsible government agencies. We recommend actionable changes in policy to regulate shark trade, reduce bycatch of Threatened species, improve fisheries data reporting system, and bring consistency between institutional mandate and the capacity of conservation and management agencies.

Clare I. M. Adams, Luke A. Hoekstra, Morgan R. Muell et al.

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is an increasingly used non-invasive molecular tool for detecting species presence and monitoring populations. In this article, we review the current state of non-avian reptile eDNA work in aquatic systems, and present a field experiment on detecting the presence of painted turtle (<i>Chrysemys picta</i>) eDNA. Thus far, turtle and snake eDNA studies have shown mixed results in detecting the presence of these animals under field conditions. However, some instances of low detection rates and non-detection occur for these non-avian reptiles, especially for squamates. We explored non-avian reptile eDNA quantification by sampling four lentic ponds with different densities (0 kg/ha, 6 kg/ha, 9 kg/ha, and 13 kg/ha) of painted turtles over three months to detect differences in eDNA using a qPCR assay amplifying the <i>COI</i> gene of the mtDNA genome. Only one sample of the highest-density pond amplified eDNA for a positive detection. Yet, estimates of eDNA concentration from pond eDNA were rank-order correlated with turtle density. We present the &#8220;shedding hypothesis&#8222;&#8212;the possibility that animals with hard, keratinized integument do not shed as much DNA as mucus-covered organisms&#8212;as a potential challenge for eDNA studies. Despite challenges with eDNA inhibition and availability in water samples, we remain hopeful that eDNA can be used to detect freshwater turtles in the field. We provide key recommendations for biologists wishing to use eDNA methods for detecting non-avian reptiles.

Ferrer–Sánchez, Y, Ruiz Companioni, I., Abasolo–Pacheco, F. et al.

Reproductive parameters and potential geographical distribution of nesting areas of Grus canadensis nesiotes (Aves, Gruidae) in Cuba: conservation implications Grus canadensis nesiotes (Cuban sandhill crane) is an endemic and endangered subspecies from Cuba. Protection of wetland habitats is essential for survival of this species, but studies that could contribute to its management and conservation are lacking. In this study we recorded the reproductive parameters of Grus canadensis nesiotes in eight breeding seasons between 2005 and 2015 in a wetland of Cuba. We modeled and characterized the potential geographical distribution of the nesting areas, analyzing its representation within protected areas. Maximum entropy algorithm and habitat variables were used for modeling (100 m of pixel size). To characterize the potential distribution we calculated each land–use–vegetation within the potential distribution. We used the same procedure to determine the extent of the protected area. A hundred and fifty–one nests were located in marsh grasslands. These nests were simple platforms built on wet soil/water; the largest nests were observed in 2006. Seventy percent of nests had two eggs (1.7 eggs/nest) and 63.5% were successful with 1.6 chicks per successful nest. The potential nesting habitat is a narrow stretch (242 km2) located in the center of the wetland. The area with high probability of presence makes up 13.8% of the predicted distribution. Sixty percent of marsh grassland of the study area was included in the potential distribution, while the proportion of crops (1.2%) and pastures (2.1%) was low. Managed protected areas cover only 39.1% of the potential distribution of the nesting sites and 12% of the high probability areas. We propose three priority sites to study and monitor nesting of the subspecies. Species conservation actions should consider the potential geographical distribution of nesting sites both inside and outside the protected areas.

Tabassum Rehmat, Shoeba Binte Anis

<p>A new species of the genus <em>Litus</em> Haliday (Chalcidoidea: Mymaridae), <em>Litus assamensis</em> sp. nov., is described from Assam, India.  A key to the Indian species of the genus is also given.</p><div> </div>

Woyke Jerzy

This paper emphasizes the topics concerning honey bee (Apis mellifera L.) mating biology, which have not been described in the recently published book of Koeniger et al. (2014). At the beginning of natural mating, the drone becomes paralyzed. However, the muscles in the abdomen continuously contract shrinking the abdomen till mating has ended and the pair have separated. It is not the queen that ends the nuptial flight. The termination of the nuptial flight is determined by the drone, which fails to remove the mating sign of the previous drone from the sting chamber of the queen. The mating sign originates from two or more drones. The queen also does not determine the age at which she starts oviposition. It is the last drone, which tried to mate, but failed to remove the mating sign of the predecessor, that determines the age that the queen starts oviposition. The book of Koeniger et al. (2014), together with this paper, present the current knowledge of the mating biology of honey bees.

Judith S. WEIS, Allison CANDELMO

Fish behavior can be altered by contaminants. There is an extensive literature on laboratory behavioral assays, with many chemicals impairing feeding or predator avoidance. However, there is not extensive work on fishes that live in contaminated environments. Therefore, we then review our recent research on feeding and trophic relations of populations from contaminated estuaries compared with relatively unpolluted sites. The mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus, is a non-migratory fish; those from more contaminated areas are poor predators and slower to capture active prey (grass shrimp, Palaemonetes pugio). In the field, they consume much detritus and sediment, which is not nutritious. They are less active than fish from cleaner sites and more vulnerable to predation. They have altered thyroid glands and neurotransmitter levels, which may underlie altered behaviors. Fish from the reference site kept in tanks with sediment and food from the polluted site showed bioaccumulation and reduced prey capture after two months, although fish from the polluted site did not show significant improvement when maintained in a clean environment. Poor nutrition and predator avoidance may be responsible for their being smaller and having a shorter life span than reference fish. Bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix, are a marine species in which the young-of-the-year spend their first summer in estuaries. We found bioaccumulation of contaminants and reduced activity, schooling, and feeding in young-of-the-year bluefish from a relatively unpolluted site that were fed prey fish from a contaminated site. They also had altered thyroid glands and neurotransmitter levels. Many field-caught specimens had empty stomachs, which is rare in this species. In the fall, when they migrate back out to the ocean, they are smaller, slower, and more likely to starve or to be eaten than those that spent their summer in cleaner estuaries [Current Zoology 58 (1): 9-20, 2012].