Asian Journal of Research in Zoology

Mitochondrial DNA in Animal Systematics, Population Genetics, and Biodiversity Research: Applications, Limitations, and Emerging Perspectives: A Narrative Review

Ganesh H. Fadake — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) remains a widely used molecular resource in animal systematics, phylogeography, population genetics, conservation biology, and biodiversity assessment. Its high cellular copy number, compact genome, and informative variation across loci such as cytochrome c oxidase subunit I, NADH dehydrogenase genes, 12S and 16S rRNA, and the control region support applications ranging from species identification to population-level inference. This narrative review synthesises the principal applications of mtDNA in phylogenetic reconstruction, phylogeography, population genetics, DNA barcoding, aquatic biodiversity monitoring, environmental DNA metabarcoding, conservation, and mitogenomics. It also examines major biological and analytical limitations, including maternal inheritance, heteroplasmy, nuclear mitochondrial DNA segments, introgression, mitochondrial capture, incomplete lineage sorting, natural selection, inherited symbionts, and mito-nuclear discordance. Particular attention is given to the influence of reference-library quality, marker choice, sampling design, and analytical quality control on interpretation. The review further considers bioinformatic workflows, historical DNA, next-generation sequencing, population mitogenomics, and emerging machine-learning applications, while emphasizing that analytical tools cannot compensate for weak sampling, contamination, or incomplete reference data. Complete mitochondrial genomes can improve character sampling and phylogenetic resolution, but they remain linked and therefore retain the inheritance constraints of a single mitochondrial lineage. Accordingly, mtDNA is most informative when its results are interpreted with nuclear genomic, morphological, ecological, and geographic evidence. An integrated approach can reduce overinterpretation and support more robust assessments of evolution, taxonomy, conservation, and biodiversity.

A Critical Literature-Based Checklist of Spider Diversity in Central India and Adjacent Border Districts

Urwashi Chandrakar, Ayantika Pal — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Spider distribution records in central India are dispersed across taxonomic papers, regional surveys, institutional reports, and state-level checklists. This literature-based review consolidates records from Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh together with selected districts of neighbouring states that share boundaries with these two states. A structured search of scholarly databases and traceable institutional literature was conducted for publications available through 31 July 2026. Taxon names were reconciled conservatively against the World Spider Catalog, Version 27, accessed on 20 August 2026, and relevant specialist revisions. The source matrix contained 704 literature-derived taxon rows. After consolidation of duplicate accepted names and explicit retention of uncertain records, the final checklist comprised 689 records. These included 538 accepted species in 178 genera and 35 families; the complete evidence table included 39 families when genus-level, unresolved, doubtful, distributionally discordant, and excluded records were also considered. Additional categories comprised 87 genus-level records, four tentative identifications, six nomina dubia, one unavailable name, 23 unresolved historical names, 23 records requiring distributional verification, and seven unsupported or indeterminate records. Qualifying literature was available for 36 of 52 districts in Madhya Pradesh, four of 33 districts in Chhattisgarh, and 22 of 42 selected adjacent border districts. The checklist therefore provides a transparent baseline of documented occurrence rather than an estimate of standardised regional richness. The principal priorities are specimen-linked taxonomic verification and standardised, multi-season surveys in poorly represented districts.

An Updated Checklist of Aphidiine Parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) of Aphids (Homoptera: Aphididae) Infesting Artemisia Species (Asterales: Asteraceae) in Different States/Union Territories of India

Rajendra Singh — Sat, 12 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Aphidiine parasitoids are important natural enemies of aphids and form key components of plant-mediated trophic networks. This review provides an updated checklist of aphidiine parasitoids associated with aphids infesting Artemisia species in India, with emphasis on tri-trophic associations and geographical distribution. Published records available up to 31 July 2026 were compiled and evaluated, and authenticated parasitoid–aphid–host-plant combinations were treated as the basic unit of analysis. The synthesis documented 47 tri-trophic associations involving 26 aphidiine parasitoid taxa, 19 aphid taxa and five Artemisia taxa across eight states and union territories. Praon flavinode was the most frequently recorded parasitoid, while Macrosiphoniella and Capitophorus were the dominant aphid genera. Macrosiphoniella pseudoartemisiae formed 10 associations, followed by Macrosiphoniella yomogifoliae with seven and Capitophorus formosartemisiae with six. Artemisia vulgaris supported the greatest number of associations, with 21 recorded tri-trophic links. Records were concentrated mainly in the Himalayan and northeastern regions, whereas central, western and southern India were poorly represented or lacked documented associations. Generic-level identifications and unidentified host plants further indicate that the available records provide a minimum estimate of the diversity represented in the literature. The checklist therefore establishes a consolidated baseline for future taxonomic, biogeographical and biological-control studies of Artemisia-associated aphid–parasitoid networks in India.

Spatial Morphometric Differentiation of Catfish Sperata seenghala (Sykes, 1839) across Different Stretches of the Gomati River, Tripura, India

Dipak Das — Sat, 05 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Morphometric differentiation occurs in fishes within the same ecosystem or river when populations experience distinct microhabitats due to the dynamic nature of water physicochemical characteristics, such as water flow, food availability, and predation. It may offer survival benefits under changing environmental conditions to a certain extent.

Aim: The study was conducted to compare five populations and both sexes of Sperata seenghala (Sykes, 1839) in the Gomati River, Tripura, India, using 30 morphometric assessment criteria.

Method: The morphometric data used to quantify shape variation were analysed using the coefficient of variation (CV), principal component analysis (PCA), and UPGMA clustering.

Results: PCA performed on the morphometric data accounted for total variations of 78.62% (59.181% + 19.448%) and 95.73% (86.649% + 9.085%) in the first two principal components (PC1 and PC2) for male and female populations, respectively. The UPGMA dendrogram showed that, among males, the Maharani and Kakraban populations shared the most similar characteristics, whereas Sonamura was the most morphologically distinct population compared with the other populations. Among females, the Jatanbari and Amarpur populations shared the most similar characteristics, while Sonamura was an outlier compared with all other groups.

Conclusion: The findings provide insights into distinct morphological variation among populations of both sexes, demonstrating morphometric differentiation across five geographically distinct stretches of the Gomati River in Tripura. Further study is required to link these patterns with environmental variables and to assess adaptation to changing habitats through phenotypic plasticity and natural selection.

Faunal Diversity of Anantrao Pawar College Campus, Pirangut, Pune: A Preliminary Inventory and Ecological Assessment

Tanaji Mohan Kashid — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This preliminary study documented faunal diversity on the campus of Anantrao Pawar College, Pirangut, Pune, Maharashtra, and summarised the ecological roles associated with the recorded taxa. A qualitative, exploratory field survey was conducted from July 2025 to March 2026 using direct visual observation and photographic documentation while walking random transects through trees, manicured gardens, open ground, leaf litter, soil, and other campus microhabitats. The survey yielded 29 observational entries representing nine broad animal groups: insects, birds, arachnids, myriapods, molluscs, amphibians, reptiles, crustaceans, and annelids. Recorded fauna included predatory arthropods, soil and litter macrofauna, birds, an amphibian, a reptile, molluscs, a crustacean, and an earthworm. Notable birds included the House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), Black Drongo (Dicrurus macrocercus), Asian Green Bee-eater (Merops orientalis), Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis), House Crow (Corvus splendens), and Oriental Magpie-Robin (Copsychus saularis). The observed assemblage represented several functional categories, including predation, flower visitation, decomposition, scavenging, herbivory, and omnivory. These functions were interpreted from the observed taxa and supporting ecological literature rather than measured directly. The inventory therefore integrates taxonomic observations with cautious functional interpretation without estimating ecosystem-process or ecosystem-service rates. The findings indicate that the campus contains heterogeneous microhabitats capable of supporting a varied faunal assemblage and provide a preliminary baseline for future systematic biodiversity monitoring.

Behavioral Responses of the Freshwater Air-Breathing Fish Channa punctatus to Prolonged Exposure to Rogor (Dimethoate) under Laboratory Conditions

P. K. Azad, D. N. Choudhary — Wed, 09 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Behavioural responses can provide sensitive indicators of contaminant stress in fish, including exposure to organophosphate pesticides. This laboratory study characterised the time course of behavioural responses in the freshwater air-breathing fish Channa punctatus exposed to nominal concentrations of Rogor (30% EC dimethoate) corresponding to fractions of a previously reported 96-h LC₅₀of 0.74 mL/20 L. Fish were assigned to four groups: control (A), 1/5 LC₅₀ (0.148 mL/20 L; B), 1/3 LC₅₀ (0.247 mL/20 L; C), and 1/2 LC₅₀ (0.370 mL/20 L; D), with three replicate aquaria per group and 10 fish per aquarium. Opercular movement, surfacing frequency, feeding response, qualitative locomotor abnormalities, and stress-related behaviours were recorded at 48, 72, and 96 h and at 10, 20, 30, and 40 days. The reported observations showed relatively transient changes in Group B and more persistent respiratory, feeding, locomotor, and stress-related abnormalities in Groups C and D. No mortality occurred in Groups A or B; two deaths occurred in Group C and four in Group D during the prolonged exposure. Interpretation of treatment effects is necessarily cautious because exposure concentrations were nominal rather than analytically verified and the recorded mean water temperature was higher in the control group than in the treated groups. Within these limitations, the findings indicate that prolonged exposure to LC₅₀-derived fractions of Rogor was associated with progressively greater behavioural disturbance and mortality at the higher nominal concentrations. Long-duration behavioural observations may therefore complement conventional acute toxicity endpoints when supported by rigorous exposure verification and experimental-unit-aware analysis.

Assessment of the Effect of Wild Animals on Cocoa Farms in Boki Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria

Ovat Innocent Ovat — Fri, 11 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study assessed the effects of wild animals on cocoa farms in Boki Local Government Area, Cross River State, Nigeria, with emphasis on the species associated with farm damage, the nature and extent of damage, farmers’ experiences of cocoa-wildlife conflict, and locally relevant management responses. A descriptive survey design was used to collect quantitative and qualitative data through structured questionnaires, in-depth interviews, and field observations. Eighty cocoa farmers from four communities participated in the study. The majority of respondents were male (91.25%), and the largest educational category comprised respondents with no formal education (35%). Mammals constituted most of the wild animals identified as damaging cocoa farms, with affected plant parts including pods, bark, trees, beans, leaves, and roots. More than half of respondents (53.75%) reported observing wild animals on or near their cocoa farms, while 57.5% agreed that rodents, monkeys, bats, insects, and snakes attacked cocoa farms. Loss of cocoa pods (50%) was the most frequently reported form of conflict. Lack of knowledge (36.25%) and local taboos (28.75%) were prominent management challenges. Training and workshops (31.25%) and community awareness programmes (25.00%) were the principal forms of support considered useful, whereas 51.25% of respondents considered local authorities ineffective in managing cocoa-wildlife conflicts. The findings support locally adapted, non-lethal management approaches that integrate cocoa production with wildlife conservation and sustainable landscape management.

Feeding Evidence, Roost Abundance, Diversity and Conservation Considerations of Fruit Bats in the Kano Emirate Palace Gardens, Nigeria

M. N. Zakariyya, H. Bilyaminu, B.T. Abul, H. S. Minjibir, A.M. Saleh, L. I. Adam — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background and Aims: Fruit bats contribute to ecological processes in tropical urban landscapes, yet site-specific information from northern Nigeria remains limited. This study assessed fruit-bat feeding evidence, roost abundance, assemblage diversity and conservation considerations at three sampled roost sites within the Kano Emirate Palace gardens, Nigeria, and stakeholder perceptions relevant to conservation.

Study Design: A site-specific observational study integrating repeated ecological observations with a stakeholder questionnaire survey.

Place and Duration of Study: Three fixed roost sites (R1–R3) within the Kano Emirate Palace gardens were surveyed from 3 to 25 May 2025 during four consecutive weekly sampling rounds. Each round comprised Saturday and Sunday evening sessions from 18:00 to 19:10 h, yielding eight daily count sessions.

Methodology: Direct visual counts were conducted by six observers, with two assigned to each roost. Counts were recorded separately by roost and taxon or morphotype. Because bats were not marked or uniquely identifiable, observations from different sessions were treated as repeated observations rather than estimates of unique individuals or absolute population size. Feeding-related signs were recorded as site-level evidence unless directly attributable to an identified bat. A structured questionnaire was administered to 100 purposively selected respondents from five stakeholder groups.

Results: Four fruit-bat taxa or morphotypes were detected: Eidolon helvum, Epomophorus gambianus, Rousettus aegyptiacus and a provisional Epomophorus cf. crypturus morphotype. Across the four weekly rounds, 5,428 cumulative observations were recorded, of which E. helvum contributed 5,400 (99.48%). Shannon–Wiener diversity was H′ = 0.037, Simpson’s diversity 1 − D = 0.010 and Pielou’s evenness J′ = 0.027. Feeding-related signs included partially consumed fruits, pulp and expelled seeds. Among stakeholders, 77% perceived declining bat numbers, 73% reported hunting, 70% perceived environmental benefits and 72% supported conservation.

Conclusion: The study provides a short-term, site-specific baseline for the sampled palace-garden roosts. Protection of mature roost trees, retention of fruiting vegetation, reduction of hunting and disturbance, and standardised long-term monitoring are recommended.

Ant Assemblages in Banana Bunchy Top Disease Infected Fields of Thamarassery, Kozhikode District, Kerala, India: A Preliminary Study

K. K. Ashif, I. Joseph Antony Jerald, T. P. Rabeesh, P. Athif — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) are ecologically important components of agroecosystems and frequently associate with honeydew-producing aphids. This preliminary study assessed the diversity and taxonomic composition of ants associated with banana aphid colonies in Banana Bunchy Top Disease (BBTD)-infected banana plantations in Thamarassery Panchayat, Kozhikode District, Kerala. Sampling was conducted at five locations during November and December 2023. Ants associated with banana mats and suckers were collected using hand collection, pitfall traps, full searches, aspirator collection, and baiting methods. Collected specimens were preserved in 70% ethanol and identified morphologically to species level. Thirty ant species representing 21 genera and five subfamilies were recorded. The Results section reports Myrmicinae as the dominant subfamily, followed by Formicinae, Ponerinae, Dolichoderinae, and Pseudomyrmecinae. Several recorded species were observed on banana plants in association with Pentalonia nigronervosa and were described as honeydew feeders, predators, or both. The findings provide preliminary baseline information on ant assemblages occurring in BBTD-affected banana fields in Thamarassery and indicate substantial taxonomic diversity within the sampled agroecosystems. Because the observations establish occurrence and co-association rather than causation, further studies with broader temporal coverage, quantitative sampling, uninfected comparison fields, and direct measurements of ant–aphid interactions are required to clarify the ecological roles of individual ant species and their relevance to banana aphid and BBTD management.

Prevalence and Diversity of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Goats Reared in Urban and Peri-Urban Areas of Nashik, Maharashtra, India

Pragati Ravindra Bidawe, B. S. Pagar, Vikram R. Kakulte — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Gastrointestinal (GI) parasitism is one of the most significant and persistent constraints on small-ruminant health, welfare and productivity throughout the tropical and subtropical world, yet systematic parasitological data from rapidly urbanising Indian cities remain conspicuously scarce. Goat keeping continues to expand within and around Indian urban centres even as agricultural land is converted to residential and industrial use, creating novel epidemiological conditions – shrinking grazing areas, high stocking density, mixed-species housing, irregular deworming and limited veterinary access – whose influence on gastrointestinal parasite transmission is poorly characterised. The present investigation was therefore designed to generate baseline coprological data on the prevalence and species-wise distribution of gastrointestinal parasites infecting goats maintained under urban and peri-urban husbandry systems in Nashik city, Maharashtra, India, a Deccan Plateau district traversed by the Godavari river system. A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 300 goats drawn by simple random sampling from organised farms, unorganised smallholdings and household livestock units within and around the city. Fresh faecal samples were collected per rectum, preserved appropriately for qualitative and quantitative analysis, and examined by direct smear, saturated salt/sugar flotation, formalin–ether sedimentation and the modified McMaster quantitative egg-counting technique; parasite stages were identified using standard morphological and morphometric criteria. Of the 300 samples examined, 198 (66.00%) were positive for one or more gastrointestinal parasites. Six parasite taxa were recovered, spanning Nematoda, Trematoda, Cestoda and Protozoa: Haemonchus contortus (41.41% of positive samples), Trichostrongylus spp. (19.19%), Strongyloides spp. (10.61%), Eimeria spp. (9.09%), Moniezia spp. (8.08%) and Fasciola gigantica (6.06%), with mixed infections recorded in a further 5.56% of positive samples. These findings provide a coprological baseline for gastrointestinal parasitism in goats maintained under urban and peri-urban husbandry conditions in Nashik and indicate the need for continued faecal surveillance and context-appropriate parasite-control practices.

An Updated Checklist of Predators and Parasitoids of Aphids (Homoptera: Aphididae) Infesting Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) Across India

Rajendra Singh — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000

A comprehensive checklist of natural enemies associated with aphids infesting safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) was prepared from published records across India. The present study was undertaken to compile and critically evaluate the available records of predators and parasitoids associated with aphids infesting safflower in different states and union territories of India, with emphasis on their taxonomic diversity, aphid associations, and geographical distribution. The compiled data documented 26 predator species belonging to four orders, Araneae, Coleoptera, Diptera and Neuroptera, and four parasitoid species belonging to Diptera and Hymenoptera, distributed across 12 states and union territories. Coccinellidae was the most diverse predator group, with 14 species, followed by Neuroptera (7), Syrphidae (5), and spiders (6). Coccinella septempunctata exhibited the broadest aphid-host range, whereas most other predators were associated with a single aphid species. Among parasitoids, Endaphis aphidimyza had the widest host range. Uroleucon compositae supported the richest natural-enemy assemblage, with 29 predator and four parasitoid species across nine states/union territories, followed by Uroleucon carthami and Aphis gossypii. Karnataka and Maharashtra were the principal centres of documented natural enemy diversity, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, whereas fewer associations were recorded from several other states and union territories. Predator-mediated interactions were substantially more numerous than parasitoid associations in the available literature. Overall, the compiled records reveal a diverse but geographically uneven natural enemy complex associated with safflower aphids, reflecting both the distribution of documented associations and likely differences in sampling and reporting effort. These findings provide a useful baseline for further faunistic surveys, conservation biological control, and integrated management of safflower aphids in India.