Asian Journal of Research in Zoology

An Aberrant Ashy-plumaged Little Egret Egretta garzetta in Ajmer, Rajasthan, India

Sat, 11 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

An unusual Little Egret (Egretta garzetta) showing uniformly ashy-grey plumage was documented at Anasagar Lake, Ajmer, Rajasthan, India. The individual was observed and photographed on 15 December 2025 and 29 May 2026 during opportunistic bird-watching surveys using visual encounter and line-transect walking approaches. The bird retained key Little Egret characters, including a slender black bill, black legs, yellow feet and elongated plumes, while displaying a smooth grey-to-ashy tone across the head, neck, mantle, wings and underparts. The repeated observation across two dates, bright light conditions and absence of patchy soiling or localised marks reduce the likelihood of a single photographic artefact or temporary environmental staining. The field evidence is most consistent with a dilution-like plumage aberration, although this interpretation remains provisional because feather-level examination, genetic analysis, biometric assessment and long-term monitoring were not conducted. Dark or intermediate morph expression and possible hybrid origin, particularly with Indian Reef Heron, are also considered as alternative explanations. This record adds to the growing field documentation of unusual avian plumage phenotypes from Rajasthan and underscores the value of verifiable photographs and citizen-science records in identifying rare colour variation. Further repeated observations and, where feasible, feather or genetic studies are needed to clarify the mechanism and prevalence of such phenotypes in Indian Little Egret populations.

Gastrointestinal Parasite Burden and Zoonotic Risk in abattoir-sourced goats from Yenagoa, Bayelsa Sate, Nigeria

Emmanuel Green Ekine, Sotonye Peace Wodi, Eralei Ibere Karibi — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Gastrointestinal parasitism remains a major constraint to goat productivity and a potential public health concern in many developing regions, particularly where abattoir hygiene and veterinary control are inadequate.

Aim: This study assessed the prevalence, distribution, and zoonotic risk of gastrointestinal parasites in abattoir-sourced goats from Swali, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

Method: A total of 80 faecal samples were collected from slaughtered goats across two abattoirs (A and B). Samples were examined using direct microscopic examination and formalin–ether sedimentation techniques. Parasites were identified based on morphological characteristics, and data were analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential tests at 95% confidence level.

Results: Overall, 50% (40/80) of samples were positive for gastrointestinal parasites. Abattoir B recorded a higher infection rate (62.5%) than Abattoir A (37.5%). Four parasite genera were identified: Moniezia spp., Taenia spp., Toxocara spp., and Spirometra spp. Moniezia spp. was the most prevalent (45.4%), followed by Taenia spp. (23.1%), Toxocara spp. (19.4%), and Spirometra spp. (12.0%). Parasite burden varied between abattoirs, with Abattoir A showing higher intensity (4.93) compared to Abattoir B (1.36). Differences in infection rates were statistically significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The study reveals a substantial burden of gastrointestinal parasites in goats slaughtered for human consumption in Yenagoa, with notable zoonotic implications, particularly from Taenia and Toxocara species. Improved husbandry practices, routine deworming, and strengthened abattoir inspection systems are recommended to reduce transmission risks and enhance public health safety.

Preliminary Checklist of Freshwater Fishes from the Eraviperoor Region of the Manimala River, Kerala, India

A. Hanna, Reena P. George — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The Western Ghats of India, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and globally recognized biodiversity hotspot, support exceptionally high freshwater fish diversity and endemism, particularly in the southern region, making them a critical area for ichthyological research and conservation. The present study provides a preliminary checklist of freshwater fishes recorded from the Eraviperoor region of the Manimala River, Kerala. The Manimala River is a west-flowing river draining the southern Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. Fish samples were collected from January to April 2026 using gill nets, cast nets, and traditional trap nets. A total of 17 fish species belonging to 17 genera, 13 families, and 9 orders were recorded during the survey. The order Cypriniformes was the most species-rich, represented by four species, followed by Siluriformes and Anabantiformes with four and three species, respectively. Among the recorded species, eight (47.06%) were categorized as Least Concern (LC), two (11.76%) as Vulnerable (VU), one (5.88%) as Near Threatened (NT), and one (5.88%) as Data Deficient (DD) according to the IUCN Red List. Three species had not yet been assessed by the IUCN. Two species, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus and Labeo rohita, were identified as exotic to the river system. Notably, the checklist includes recently described taxa such as Heteropneustes fuscus Plamoottil, 2021 (Travancore Black Stinging Catfish), and Pristolepis rubripinnis Britz, Kumar & Baby, 2012 (Red-finned Catopra). As the survey was conducted at a single sampling station, the checklist does not represent the complete ichthyofaunal diversity of the Manimala River. The occurrence of threatened and endemic species, together with exotic fishes, highlights the conservation importance of the Manimala River and underscores the need for further comprehensive biodiversity assessments.

Effect of Lead Nitrate on Glucose Content in Blood of an Air-Breathing Fish Heteropneustes fossilis (Bloch)

Sachchidanand Mishra, Md Rahmatullah — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Heavy metal contamination in freshwater ecosystems remains an environmental concern because metals such as lead persist in aquatic habitats and may affect exposed organisms. The present study evaluated the effect of lead nitrate on blood glucose content in the freshwater air-breathing fish Heteropneustes fossilis under laboratory conditions. Healthy fish were acclimatised before exposure and maintained either in control water or in water containing lead nitrate at a sublethal concentration of 5 mg/L for 28 days. Blood samples were collected on days 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28, and glucose concentration was estimated by the glucose oxidase-peroxidase method. The control group showed only minor variation in blood glucose values, ranging from 82 to 85 mg/dL. In contrast, lead nitrate-exposed fish showed a gradual decline from 82 mg/dL on day 0 to 49 mg/dL on day 28, with a more evident reduction during prolonged exposure. Behavioural changes, including reduced swimming activity, irregular movement, decreased feeding response, mucus secretion and lethargy, were also observed in treated fish. These findings indicate that lead nitrate exposure may disturb carbohydrate metabolism and energy balance in H. fossilis. The observed decline in blood glucose may be associated with increased energy demand, depletion of glycogen reserves, altered liver metabolism, hormonal imbalance and disruption of enzymatic processes involved in glucose regulation. Blood glucose content may be used as a biochemical indicator of lead-induced stress in freshwater fish. Further studies with stronger replication, statistical validation and supporting physiological or histopathological observations are needed to clarify mechanisms of lead toxicity.

Phytochemical Screening and Insecticidal Effects of Some Botanical Powders against Periplaneta americana in Otukpo, Benue State, Nigeria

Sat, 04 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study evaluated the phytochemical composition and insecticidal efficacy of six selected botanical powders against the American cockroach, Periplaneta americana, in Otukpo, Benue State, Nigeria. The botanicals investigated were Azadirachta indica, Terminalia catappa, Cymbopogon citratus, Citrus sinensis, Carica papaya and Prunus dulcis. Laboratory bioassays were conducted using graded concentrations of plant powders mixed with biscuit bait, and mortality was recorded at 24, 48 and 72 hours. Phytochemical screening revealed that all tested plants contained biologically active secondary metabolites, including steroids, phenols, flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids and saponins, with Azadirachta indica exhibiting the highest abundance of these compounds. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse mortality counts, while probit regression analysis was used to calculate LC values at a 5% significance level (p≤0.05). The results showed a time-dependent increase in mortality across treatments, with longer exposure periods resulting in increased insect death. Azadirachta indica demonstrated the highest insecticidal activity, achieving up to 95.8% mortality after 72 hours and recording the lowest LC₅₀ (0.12 g) and LC₉₅ (1.45 g), indicating strong toxicity. Citrus sinensis and Carica papaya showed moderate to high effectiveness, while Cymbopogon citratus exhibited moderate activity. In contrast, Prunus dulcis and Terminalia catappa showed relatively low insecticidal effects. Overall, the order of efficacy was A. indica > C. sinensis > C. papaya > C. citratus > P. dulcis > T. catappa. The findings suggest that botanical powders, particularly neem, have potential as eco-friendly alternatives to synthetic insecticides for managing P. americana in domestic environments. However, further validation using standardised extraction methods and improved statistical modelling is recommended.

Mangrove-associated Avifauna in Kerala: A Comparative Study of Avian Biodiversity at Mangalavanam and Kadalundi

S. Jaya, Sneha Treesa Mathew — Mon, 06 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Mangrove ecosystems provide important habitats for resident and migratory birds and support ecological functions in coastal landscapes. This study compared avian biodiversity in two mangrove-associated wetland systems in Kerala, India: Mangalavanam Bird Sanctuary, an urban sanctuary in Ernakulam, and Kadalundi-Vallikunnu Community Reserve, a less disturbed estuarine site along the Kozhikode-Malappuram coastal belt. Monthly field surveys were conducted from August 2022 to July 2024 during morning and evening periods of peak bird activity. Bird species were recorded using point-count transects, visual identification, acoustic cues and opportunistic sightings. Species richness, Shannon-Wiener diversity and species evenness were used to assess community structure. Mangalavanam recorded 24 bird species from 19 families, whereas Kadalundi recorded 40 species from 20 families. Kadalundi showed higher avian diversity, with a Shannon-Wiener value of 3.17, compared with 2.86 for Mangalavanam. In contrast, Mangalavanam showed higher species evenness (0.90) than Kadalundi (0.79), indicating a more even distribution of individuals among recorded species at the urban site. The findings indicate that Kadalundi supports greater species richness and a wider range of functional groups, whereas Mangalavanam retains ecological value despite urban pressures. The study highlights the need for continued monitoring and conservation of both rural and urban mangrove habitats in Kerala.

Hepatic Histopathology and Recovery Dynamics in Clarias batrachus (Linnaeus, 1758) Following Exposure to Soil Suspension from Uranium Tailings Near Jaduguda, Jharkhand, India

Ramita Kumari, Ashwini Tigga, Deepshikha Samdershi, Bharti Singh Raipat — Wed, 08 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Uranium mining and tailings disposal may affect nearby aquatic environments through the release or mobilisation of sediment-associated contaminants. The present study examined liver histopathology in Clarias batrachus exposed under laboratory conditions to a soil suspension collected from the Jaduguda uranium waste-dumping area. Control fish were maintained in water collected from Ghatshila. Twelve healthy fish were acclimatised for seven days and divided into control and exposed groups, with six fish in each group. The exposed group was maintained for 30 days in 20 L of collected water mixed with 400 g of soil, corresponding to a sediment load of 20 g/L. After the exposure period, surviving fish from both groups were transferred to clean water for a further 30 days to assess tissue recovery. Liver tissues were processed following a routine histological protocol and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Control fish showed compact hepatic cords, distinct hepatocytes, centrally placed nuclei and regular sinusoidal spaces. In contrast, exposed fish showed marked histopathological alterations, including cytoplasmic vacuolisation, hepatocellular degeneration, nuclear pyknosis and karyolysis, sinusoidal dilation, disruption of hepatic organisation and focal necrotic changes. Fish transferred to clean water after exposure showed partial improvement in hepatic organisation, with reduced degeneration and better cellular arrangement. However, residual vacuolisation, focal necrosis and mild tissue disorganisation persisted in the liver sections of recovery-group fish. These observations indicate that exposure to soil suspension collected from the Jaduguda uranium tailings area was associated with hepatic tissue injury in C. batrachus under the experimental conditions used. The findings also suggest that recovery may begin after removal from the exposure condition, although complete histological restoration was not evident within 30 days.

New Distribution Record of Three Spider (Arachnida: Araneae) Species under Three Different Families in Chhattisgarh State, India

Thu, 09 Jul 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study reports new distributional information for three spider species representing three families from the forest region of Gariaband district, Chhattisgarh, India. The specimens examined comprised one female Gea subarmata Thorell, 1890 (Araneidae), two females Hamataliwa pentagona Tang & Li, 2012 (Oxyopidae), and one male Brettus cingulatus Thorell, 1895 (Salticidae). Specimens were collected during random field visits from sites along National Highway 130 (Raipur-Deobhog Road) using the hand-picking method. They were preserved in 70% ethanol and examined in the Zoology laboratory of Government D. B. Girls’ P. G. College, Raipur. Species-level identification was based on external morphology, body pattern, eye arrangement, leg characters and genital structures, including the epigyne in female specimens and the palp in the male specimen. The diagnostic characters were compared with published taxonomic descriptions and illustrations. The study records Gea subarmata and Hamataliwa pentagona from Chhattisgarh and provides a male record of Brettus cingulatus from the state, where a female had previously been reported. These records add to the known arachnofauna of Chhattisgarh and indicate that forested habitats in Gariaband district remain insufficiently documented. Further systematic surveys across seasons and habitats are required to refine state-level checklists and improve understanding of spider diversity in the region.