UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

Combination Therapy vs Monotherapy for Management of Feline Dermatophytosis Caused by Microsporum canis and Its Zoonotic Importance: Report of 4 Cases

2026-09-07T08:27:51+00:00

The most prevalent and significant cause of dermatophytosis in cats is Microsporum canis, which also has zoonotic potential. Infected animals often present with circular lesions, scaling, and multifocal alopecia. Notably, M. canis is not part of the normal skin microbiome in cats. This study evaluates the therapeutic management of dermatophytosis caused by M. canis using a combination of pulse-dosed itraconazole and continuous terbinafine therapy and compares its effectiveness with continuous terbinafine monotherapy. Four male Persian cats, aged 20 months, 18 months, 5 months, and 2 years, weighing 3.10 kg, 2.5 kg, 1.5 kg, and 3.3 kg, respectively, were presented at the R.V.P, IVRI, Izzatnagar, with complaints of pruritus, alopecia, and scaling on the nose, dorsum of the neck, and ears. Clinical examination revealed that all vital parameters were within the reference range. A ten-year-old boy who owned one of the cats presented with tinea corporis in his groin, highlighting the zoonotic nature of the infection. The diagnosis was confirmed through patient history, clinical signs, direct microscopic examination of hairs, fungal culture, and PCR, all consistent with M. canis. This study indicated that combination therapy with itraconazole and terbinafine was more effective than terbinafine monotherapy for treating feline dermatophytosis caused by Microsporum canis.

Avian Diversity of Lal Bahadur Shastri Mahavidyalaya Campus, Dharmabad, Maharashtra: A Comprehensive Checklist

2026-08-29T13:21:12+00:00

The present study was undertaken to assess bird diversity on the campus of Lal Bahadur Shastri Mahavidyalaya, Dharmabad, Nanded, Maharashtra, India. A well-organised survey was conducted at various locations on the campus from August 2025 to July 2026. A total of 41 bird species representing 12 orders, 27 families, and 36 genera were reported during the study period. The order Passeriformes was dominant, with 16 bird species. The family Sylviinae was the most abundant. Birds are important biotic components of ecosystems and contribute to various ecological services, including pollination, seed dispersal, biological control, and food chains. Birds play a crucial role in ecological functioning and are highly sensitive to climate change and habitat destruction. They occupy diverse habitats, including agricultural land, grassland, scrubland, woodland, water bodies, natural cliffs, and rural and urban areas. Most bird species belonged to the insectivorous feeding guild, followed by omnivores and carnivores, with nectarivores being the least represented. In addition, three mixed feeding guilds were recorded: granivore–frugivore, granivore–insectivore, and frugivore–insectivore. The IUCN status of all recorded birds was Least Concern (LC), indicating that the species were reported as well adapted, stable, and protected within the college campus area. Because the campus contains diverse habitats, it provides feeding areas, nesting sites, breeding habitats, and extensive foraging grassland for resident bird species. This study establishes baseline information on bird diversity, habitat use, migratory status, occurrence, feeding guild, endemicity, and IUCN status on the campus. The abundance of birds reflects the richness of the habitat, the eco-friendly environment, and the availability of natural resources such as water bodies, grasslands, teakwood plantations, amla plantations, and forest patches.

Taxonomic Study of Geometrinae Moths (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) from the Northernmost Western Ghats of Nashik, Maharashtra, India

2026-09-01T07:52:12+00:00

Geometrinae moths in the northernmost Western Ghats of Maharashtra remain insufficiently documented at a focused taxonomic level. This study assessed Geometrinae diversity in Nashik district using specimens and observations obtained from seven localities between June 2021 and December 2024. The seven sampling localities ranged from 309 to 1,243 m in elevation, with six to 15 visits per site. Nocturnal surveys employed a light-sheet method, with selected specimens examined using external morphology, wing venation, and external genitalia. Seventeen species representing 13 genera and five tribes—Agathiini, Comibaenini, Geometrini, Hemitheini, and Pseudoterpnini—were documented. Hemitheini was the most species-rich tribe, with seven species. Thirteen species were recorded as new regional records for Nashik district. Recorded wingspans ranged from 14 to 42 mm. Examination of wing venation showed a consistent pattern across the studied species, with no marked deviation observed among the taxa. External genitalia were examined for all 17 species and, together with published diagnostic descriptions and illustrations, supported species-level identification. The findings provide locality-based taxonomic and distributional information for Geometrinae in the northernmost Western Ghats and establish a regional baseline for subsequent systematic work. Continued surveys across seasons, localities, and elevations, together with complementary larval host-plant and molecular data, would improve understanding of Geometrinae diversity and distribution in this part of Maharashtra.

Morphological, Histological and Histochemical Studies on the Gizzard of Post-natal Haringhata Black Chickens

2026-09-04T13:25:01+00:00

Background: Breed and age-specific information on the postnatal gizzard of Haringhata Black chickens is limited.

Aims: The present research was carried out to explore the morphological, morphometric, histological and histochemical aspects and localisation of mast cells in the gizzard of Haringhata Black chickens.

Study Design: The investigation was carried out on 60 Haringhata Black chickens divided into five groups, viz. day-old, 15-day-old, 30-day-old, 45-day-old and 60-day-old birds, with six birds of each sex in each age group.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Veterinary Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, West Bengal University of Animal and Fishery Sciences, Kolkata-700037, India, between June 2022 and January 2023.

Methodology: A total of 60 Haringhata Black chickens aged 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 days, comprising 6 birds of each sex in each age group, were sacrificed and the gizzards were examined for gross morphological and morphometric studies. Portions of the gizzard were fixed in normal buffered formalin and later processed and prepared for histological and histochemical studies.

Results: The gizzard of the Haringhata Black chicken was a highly muscular, dark-brown, biconvex, lens-like organ covered by a considerable amount of fat. It was made up of four tunics: mucosa, submucosa, muscularis and serosa. The mucosal epithelium reacted positively to PAS-AB staining, indicating the presence of acidic and neutral mucins. A thick cornified layer, the koilin, lined the lumen of the gizzard, covered the mucous layer externally and showed moderate reactivity to PAS-AB stain. A distinct lamina muscularis was absent in the tunica mucosa of the gizzard of Haringhata Black chickens. The submucosa was composed of loose connective tissue, mainly collagen fibres. Mast cells were noticed within the connective tissue fibres in this layer. The tunica muscularis was very thick and organised in three layers: the inner oblique layer, the thick intermediate circular layer and an outer longitudinal layer. The outer serosa was typical and rich in blood vessels and nerves.

Conclusion: The study provides information on the gross morphology, morphometry, histology and histochemical characteristics of the gizzard of the Haringhata Black chicken at different developmental stages. The observations of the present study may serve as useful baseline data for future studies on the developmental anatomy, comparative morphology, physiology and pathological alterations of the gizzard in Haringhata Black chickens and other indigenous chicken breeds.

The Efficacy of Ginkgo Biloba and Fenugreek as Hepatoprotective Agents Against Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Liver Injury in Male Rats

2026-09-05T13:43:08+00:00

Background: Liver diseases represent a major global health burden and are associated with considerable morbidity and mortality worldwide. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatotoxicity is a well-established experimental model commonly used to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of natural products and therapeutic agents.

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of Ginkgo biloba and Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) extracts, administered individually or in combination, against CCl₄-induced liver injury in male rats.

Methods: Fifty adult male rats were randomly allocated into five experimental groups. Hepatic injury was induced using carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). Treatment groups received Ginkgo biloba extract, fenugreek extract, or a combination of both. Serum biochemical markers including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were evaluated. Histopathological examination of liver tissues was performed using Masson's Trichrome staining.

Results: Administration of CCl₄ resulted in significant elevation of AST, LDH, and MDA levels, accompanied by a significant reduction in SOD activity compared with the control group (P ≤ 0.05). Treatment with Ginkgo biloba and fenugreek extracts improved liver function biomarkers and oxidative stress parameters. Histopathological findings revealed marked restoration of hepatic architecture in treated groups, particularly in rats receiving the combined treatment.

Conclusions: Ginkgo biloba and fenugreek extracts exhibited significant hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects against CCl₄-induced liver injury. Combined administration of both extracts provided greater protection than either treatment alone and may represent a promising natural therapeutic strategy for preventing hepatic damage.

An Assessment of Productivity Levels in a Freshwater System Located in Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu in the Context of Aquaculture

2026-09-07T13:17:39+00:00

Background: Primary productivity is an important indicator of the energy available to support aquatic organisms and is relevant when assessing the suitability of freshwater ponds for fish culture.

Aim: This study assessed seasonal variation in productivity in a perennial freshwater pond at Swamimalai, Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu.

Methods: Primary productivity was measured monthly during 2025–2026 using the light-and-dark-bottle technique. Bottles were incubated for 12 h, from 06:00 to 18:00 h, and changes in dissolved oxygen were used to estimate gross primary productivity (GPP), net primary productivity (NPP) and community respiration (CR).

Results: During the first year, GPP ranged from 6.6 to 10.3 gC/m²/day, NPP from 4.2 to 6.6 gC/m²/day and CR from 2.4 to 3.8 gC/m²/day. During the second year, the corresponding ranges were 7.1–10.5, 4.3–6.8 and 2.8–4.0 gC/m²/day. Across both years, the minimum values of GPP, NPP and CR were recorded in January, whereas their maximum values occurred in May. The seasonal alignment of these productivity measures indicates variation in photosynthetic production and community oxygen demand over the study period.

Conclusion: The findings indicate measurable autotrophic production in the pond and support its potential usefulness for fish culture. However, productivity should be interpreted alongside water quality, nutrient conditions, plankton composition and other management-related factors when evaluating aquaculture suitability.

Length–Weight Relationship and Condition Factors of the Freshwater Prawn Macrobrachium lamarrei from the Sone River, Bihar, India: A Sex-Wise Comparative Study

2026-09-08T12:54:27+00:00

Sex-wise length–weight relationships and condition factors of Macrobrachium lamarrei were investigated in wild populations. The aim of the present study was to evaluate sex-wise length–weight relationships and condition factors of M. lamarrei from the Sone River, Bihar, across different length classes. The length–weight relationship showed negative allometric growth in males (b = 2.6154), females (b = 2.7443), and the pooled population (b = 2.6700), indicating that body weight increased at a slower rate than total length. The coefficient of correlation (r) was highest in males (0.9131), followed by the pooled population (0.9011) and females (0.8757), while the coefficient of determination (R^²) ranged from 0.7668 to 0.8338, demonstrating a strong relationship between length and body weight. Relative condition factor (Kn) values were generally greater than 1 across all length classes, indicating that individuals generally attained body weights comparable to or slightly higher than those predicted by the length–weight relationship. Variation in Fulton's condition factor (K) among different size classes indicated differences in somatic condition. Overall, the condition-factor indices indicated that the population of M. lamarrei in the Sone River maintained a favourable physiological status, while the negative allometric growth pattern provided useful information on size-dependent body development. Together, the length–weight relationship and condition factors of M. lamarrei provide basic information on the population structure and physiological condition of prawns and can serve as useful indicators for long-term ecological monitoring and assessment of habitat suitability for freshwater prawns.

Microbial Profiling of a Fresh Water Aquaculture Pond with Emphasis on Bacteria and Fungi in Tamil Nadu, India

2026-09-08T13:00:33+00:00

As an agriculture has almost reached its saturation level, the contribution of fish in fighting hanger and nutritional security has come to be widely recognized as fish is a low cost and high-quality animal protein which can be consumed by all cadres of individuals regardless of their religious beliefs and nutritional preferences. However, it is now well known that fishes and the environment can potential pathogenic microbes including bacteria and fungi and hence the present study. During the pre- summer season 7 species of bacteria were isolated from the water and 6 species bacteria in the skin of Catla catla while the summer season recorded only 5 bacterial species in water and 4 in the skin of Catla catla. The post summer and rainy seasons recorded 6 and 9 bacterial species both in water, and the skin of Catla catla respectively. Regarding the fungal species the pre-summer and rainy season recorded 8 species in water while the summer seasons recorded 6 species and the post summer season recorded only 5 species in water. The skin of Catla catla recorded 6 fungal species during pre-summer and rainy season whereas only 5 species were recorded in post-summer and 4 species in summer season in the skin of Catla catla. All the species recorded in the skin of Catla catla were also found in water. The system and the skin of Catla catla recorded both beneficial and harmful microbes. The study clearly suggests the need for the constant monitoring of microbes so that the health of fishes can be maintain by the use of appropriate therapeutic measures as and when necessary.

Time-Dependent Histopathological and Scanning Electron Microscopic Alterations in the Suprabranchial Chamber of the Air-Breathing Fish Channa gachua (Hamilton, 1822) Following Sublethal Profenofos Exposure

2026-09-08T13:05:58+00:00

Background: Organophosphate pesticides are among the most pervasive chemical contaminants of freshwater ecosystems in South Asia. In the intensively cultivated rice-vegetable belt of West Champaran, Bihar, small ponds, drainage ditches, and seasonal wetlands lie in close proximity to treated fields, and informal, largely unregulated pesticide use in this region routinely introduces organophosphates such as profenofos into these water bodies; yet the sub-organismal impact of such local contamination on the accessory respiratory organs of resident air-breathing fishes remains poorly characterised.

Objective: The present study evaluated the histopathological and scanning electron microscopic (SEM) alterations in the suprabranchial chamber (SBC) of the obligate air-breathing teleost Channa gachua (Hamilton, 1822) following sublethal exposure (0.06 ppm; 1/10th of 96-h LC₅₀) to the organophosphate insecticide profenofos.

Methods: Fish were collected from freshwater habitats of West Champaran, Bihar, India, acclimated under laboratory conditions, and exposed to profenofos for 10 and 20 days. SBC tissue was processed for H&E histology (seven photomicrographs) and gold-sputter-coated SEM (four micrographs).

Results: Light microscopy of control fish showed a well-organised respiratory epithelium, intact blood vessels, and regular folded lamellae. After 10 days of profenofos exposure, focal detachment of the respiratory epithelium and early vascular engorgement were evident. At 20 days, extensive epithelial erosion, haemorrhage, and architectural disruption were conspicuous. SEM of control tissue revealed regular dome-shaped vascular papillae arranged in rosette islets separated by smooth inter-islet lanes. In treated fish, SEM demonstrated deformation of islets, dilatation of mucous pores, intermingling of papillae and lanes, and extensive surface disorganisation that progressed with exposure duration.

Conclusion: These time-dependent morphological changes collectively indicate potential compromise of the aerial gas-exchange function of the SBC and highlight the ecological risk associated with organophosphate contamination of freshwater environments inhabited by air-breathing fishes.

An Assessment of Nutritional Quality in Some Commonly Occurring Freshwater Species of Edible Carps, Indigenous Fishes and Prawn Found in Tamil Nadu, India

2026-09-08T13:11:12+00:00

Freshwater fishes and prawns are nutritionally important food resources that provide macronutrients and micronutrients. This study assessed the nutritional quality of five carp species, four small indigenous fish species, and one freshwater prawn collected from a freshwater pond in Tamil Nadu, India. The analysed parameters included moisture, protein, fat, ash, total amino acids, nine minerals (sodium, potassium, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus), and the fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Among the carps, protein content ranged from 13.4 to 19.4 g/g%, while total amino acids ranged from 346 to 472 mg/100 g. Among the small indigenous fishes, protein content ranged from 14.4 to 18.6 g/g%, and total amino acids ranged from 332 to 426 mg/100 g. Litopenaeus vannamei contained 36.4 g/g% protein, 19.2 g/g% fat, and 540 mg/100 g total amino acids. Mineral and vitamin concentrations varied among the analysed species. Cirrhinus mrigala recorded the highest protein and total amino acid values among the carps, whereas Mystus vittatus recorded the highest fat content among the small indigenous fishes. The prawn showed higher protein, fat, and total amino acid values than the fish species analysed. Overall, the findings indicate species-specific nutritional profiles among the freshwater fishes and prawn assessed in the present study.

Description of Poecilobdella budhoi sp. nov. from Arunachal Pradesh, India

2026-09-09T13:35:17+00:00

A mature hirudinid leech collected from the Kurung River, Kurung Kumey District, Arunachal Pradesh, India (27°47′ N, 92°51′ E; 1015 m a.s.l.) on 7 August 2025 is described as Poecilobdella budhoi sp. nov. The holotype (ZSI-GNC-An 8611/2) is deposited in the General Non-Chordata collection of the Zoological Survey of India. External and internal morphology was examined using binocular microscopy, dissection, and slide-calliper measurements. The holotype is 13 cm long and is characterised by brownish-blue colouration in life that fades after preservation, absence of longitudinal dorsal and ventral stripes, a smooth tegument, 112 externally counted annuli, an anterior sucker 9 mm wide, and a posterior sucker 2.3 cm wide with 64 visible rays. The male gonopore occurs on annulus 31 and the female gonopore between annuli 35 and 36, giving a four-annulus separation. Internally, the specimen has six pairs of crop caeca, a large to medium-sized prostate, a short-to-moderate vaginal stalk, and a small-to-moderate vaginal caecum. This character combination differs from the 11 selected comparator taxa summarised in Table 1. Because the description is based on a single holotype and no molecular sequence data are available, additional specimens and integrative molecular analyses are desirable to evaluate intraspecific variation and phylogenetic placement.

Mosquitocidal Properties of Evolvulus nummularius Born Phyto-products against Ecto-parasitic Vector Mosquitoes

2026-09-09T13:40:50+00:00

Mosquito-borne vectors remain important targets for control, while extensive reliance on synthetic chemicals may create environmental concerns. This study evaluated the mosquitocidal activity of the leaf methanol extract of Evolvulus nummularius and its major GC-MS-identified phyto-compound against larvae and pupae of Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi, and Culex quinquefasciatus. GC-MS analysis of the leaf methanol extract identified 20 phyto-compounds, with 3,9. Beta.:14,15-Diepoxypregn-16-en-20-one, 3,11. beta.,18-triacetoxy- representing the largest chromatographic area (22.33%). Third-instar larvae and newly emerged pupae were exposed to graded concentrations under laboratory conditions. For the leaf methanol extract, larval LC₅₀/LC₉₀ values were 76.67/157.13, 83.35/164.55, and 88.29/178.72 µg/ml for the three species, respectively. For the major phyto-compound, the corresponding larval values were 11.79/25.46, 12.50/23.54, and 12.89/24.00 µg/ml. Pupal LC₅₀/LC₉₀ values for the extract were 102.97/174.73, 110.74/184.22, and 116.73/197.11 µg/ml, whereas those for the major compound were 14.84/25.17, 14.77/24.49, and 14.03/23.05 µg/ml. Both plant-derived products therefore exhibited measurable larvicidal and pupicidal activity under the tested laboratory conditions, with lower lethal-concentration values recorded for the major phyto-compound than for the crude extract. These findings support further investigation of E. nummularius-derived phyto-products for mosquito-control research. Field evaluation and assessment of possible effects on non-target fauna and human health are required before practical application can be considered.

Ichthyofaunal Diversity of Tammileru Reservoir of Andhra Pradesh during 2016-2018

2026-09-10T11:12:18+00:00

This study aimed to assess fish faunal diversity and conservation status in Tammileru Reservoir. The Tammileru River is a significant freshwater source for the Ramsar wetland Kolleru Lake and is connected to the Kolleru Lake ecosystem, which is crucial for diverse migratory and resident fish species. It primarily acts as a breeding and feeding ground for various fish species. A dam was constructed on the Tammileru River at Nagireddygudem village in Chintalapudi Mandal, and this reservoir was the principal study site, where fish species were collected. There are no fishermen regularly operating in this reservoir; fishing is carried out by part-time fishermen who employ gill nets, cast nets, and rod and line to supplement their income. Generally, local fishermen catch fish daily, but catches are higher on Saturdays for sale on Sundays. Field visits to the local fish market were conducted twice a month during the sample-collection period to document fish species diversity and record the morphometric measurements required for species identification. Fish diversity was characterised by orders such as Cypriniformes, Siluriformes, Perciformes, and Channiformes, comprising a mix of indigenous and commercial species. The dominant fish fauna in this river comprised Wallago attu, Channa marulius, Mystus spp., Chela sp., Ompok sp., Heteropneustes fossilis, Puntius spp., Etroplus spp., and Labeo spp. The transplanted carps, Labeo rohita, Cirrhinus mrigala, and Cyprinus carpio, appeared abundantly in catches. In the absence of regular stocking, wild populations are being exploited by fishermen.

Adoption, Discontinuation and Correlates of Artificial Insemination in Goat Breeding in the Greater Kamrup Area, Assam, India

2026-09-10T12:56:04+00:00

Artificial insemination (AI) can accelerate genetic improvement and reduce farmers’ dependence on breeding bucks, but its sustained use in smallholder goat-production systems remains uncertain. Stratified random sampling was used to select 100 goat farmers from Hajo, Palasbari, Sonapur and Azara, with each location treated as a separate stratum and 25 respondents selected randomly from each. Eligible respondents possessed or managed at least 10 goats at the time of the survey. Data were collected using a pretested structured interview schedule comprising a 20-item knowledge test and two 14-item attitude scales measuring attitudes towards introducing and fully adopting AI. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson’s correlation coefficients. Four per cent of respondents were full adopters, 33% were partial adopters, 22% had discontinued AI and 41% had never adopted it. Current adoption was 37%, whereas ever-use was 59% when discontinued users were included. Knowledge was predominantly medium (67%), as were attitudes towards introducing AI (79%) and fully adopting it (71%). Important knowledge gaps concerned semen-quality assurance, reduction of disease transmission, timing of pregnancy diagnosis, buck-maintenance costs and use of AI at first oestrus. AI adoption was most strongly correlated with knowledge (r = 0.82), followed by attitude towards introducing AI (r = 0.64), flock size (r = 0.58), income from goat rearing (r = 0.55) and training exposure (r = 0.52). Attitude towards introducing AI was strongly correlated with attitude towards full adoption (r = 0.91). AI had been used by many surveyed goat farmers, but discontinuation and non-adoption remained substantial. Sustained adoption requires accessible, timely and technically reliable AI services, practical training in oestrus detection and breeding management and systematic follow-up of farmers who discontinue the service.

Hymenopteran Fauna of Urban Nagpur, Koradi and Kamptee, District Nagpur, Maharashtra, India

2026-09-11T12:08:31+00:00

Hymenopteran insects are ecologically important components of terrestrial ecosystems and include pollinators, predators, parasitoids and other functional groups. This study documented hymenopteran fauna in selected urban and peri-urban locations of Nagpur, Koradi and Kamptee, Maharashtra, India. Regular field visits were conducted from April 2025 to April 2026 across urban green spaces, semi-forested habitats and mixed agricultural-urban landscapes. Hymenopterans were observed and collected primarily by hand-picking and sweep-net sampling, with photographs also used for identification; selected specimens were preserved in 70% ethanol. The survey documented 32 hymenopteran entries representing 24 genera and seven families. Formicidae constituted the largest recorded component, followed by Vespidae and Apidae, whereas Sphecidae, Chalcididae, Mutillidae and Pompilidae were represented by fewer records. Differences in occurrence were observed among localities, with urban green and wetland-associated areas supporting several ant, bee and wasp taxa. These findings provide a descriptive baseline inventory for the surveyed parts of Nagpur District. Further standardised sampling, taxonomic validation and season-specific observations are needed to clarify the distribution and temporal occurrence of Hymenoptera in the region.