UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

Echinostoma revolutum Infection in Native Ducks from the Cauvery Delta Region of Tamil Nadu, India: A Case Report

R. Velusamy — 2026-07-31

Duck farming is a viable enterprise for poor nomadic farmers in the Cauvery delta region of Tamil Nadu because of the extensive paddy fields. Ducks are generally highly susceptible to various pathogens, including trematode parasites, because their aquatic feeding behaviour facilitates access to snail intermediate hosts. Two dead native ducks were brought by a nomadic farmer to the Department of Veterinary Pathology, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Orathanadu, Thanjavur, for post-mortem examination. The farmer reported bloody diarrhoea, reduced feed intake, and dullness before death. Necropsy of the duck carcasses revealed haemorrhagic enteritis, flukes in the intestine, and operculated eggs in the intestinal contents. The flukes were stained with borax carmine and identified as Echinostoma revolutum on the basis of their morphological features using standard taxonomic keys. Microscopic examination showed an elongated body with a spiny cuticle in the anterior region. A well-developed head collar surrounding the oral sucker bore 37 spines, including a group of five corner spines on each side. The ventral sucker was much larger than the oral sucker and was located in the anterior region. The mid-region of the body contained uterine coils filled with operculated eggs, followed by two slightly branched tandem testes and an ovary. The vitelline follicles were well developed and positioned laterally, extending from the level of the ventral sucker to the posterior end of the body. This study reports the occurrence of Echinostoma revolutum in native ducks from the Cauvery delta region of Tamil Nadu, India.

Climate Change and Agroecosystem Pest Dynamics: A Critical Narrative Review of Impacts on Insect Pests, Their Natural Enemies, and Implications for Crop Protection

M. Rawat — 2026-07-31

Climate change is altering the physiology, phenology, distribution and interaction networks of agricultural insect pests and the natural enemies that regulate them, yet the literature addressing these changes remains fragmented across disciplines and taxa. This critical narrative review synthesises evidence on how rising temperatures, elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide, altered precipitation and increasing climatic variability affect insect pests and their predators, parasitoids and entomopathogens in agricultural systems, and evaluates the resulting implications for crop protection. Warming generally accelerates insect development, increases voltinism and extends the geographical range of many pest species, while its effects on natural enemies are more variable and frequently negative, owing to a combination of lower thermal optima among parasitoids relative to their hosts, disrupted phenological synchrony, and altered chemosensory cues that impair host or prey location. Elevated carbon dioxide most often reduces host-plant nitrogen content, prompting compensatory feeding by herbivores, with inconsistent consequences for third-trophic-level performance. Case evidence from the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda, bark beetle outbreaks in coniferous forests, desert locust plagues linked to Indian Ocean climate variability, and cereal aphid–parasitoid systems illustrates convergent patterns of pest release alongside marked context-dependency. Meta-analytic evidence indicates that predators continue to suppress pests and support yield across a range of climates, and that landscape complexity can buffer biological control against climatic variability, offering a partial counterweight to the more pessimistic single-species findings. Methodological heterogeneity, including short experimental durations, single-factor manipulations, and geographic concentration of research in temperate systems, limits confidence in generalising current findings to tropical and subtropical smallholder systems where food security risks are often greatest. Research priorities include multifactorial and multigenerational experiments, standardised reporting of thermal and moisture regimes, and expanded evidence from under-represented regions and cropping systems. The review concludes that climate change is reshaping the balance of tritrophic interactions in ways that generally favour pests over their natural enemies, but that this outcome is neither universal nor immutable, and that landscape-scale conservation of natural enemy diversity is among the more defensible adaptive strategies currently supported by evidence.

Assess the Impact of Duckweed (L. minor) on Soil and Water Quality Parameters of Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) Culture

Amrita Giri Das — 2026-07-30

This study assessed the effects of graded dietary duckweed (Lemna minor) inclusion on selected soil and water quality parameters in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) culture ponds. The 180-day feeding trial comprised a control and three dietary treatments containing 5%, 10%, and 20% duckweed, designated T1, T2, and T3, respectively. Two hundred fingerlings were distributed among the experimental ponds and fed at 5% of body weight twice daily. Water temperature, pH, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, and total dissolved solids were monitored, while pond-soil pH, nitrogen, organic carbon, potassium, and phosphorus were also assessed. Water temperature ranged from 24.7 to 25.7°C, pH from 7.9 to 8.5, alkalinity from 110 to 200 mg/L, and dissolved oxygen from 5.0 to 8.0 mg/L. Total dissolved solids ranged from 430 to 608 mg/L. Soil pH varied from 7.4 to 8.1, while the measured soil nutrient values showed moderate differences among the control and treatment groups. Across the reported environmental measurements, dietary duckweed inclusion was not associated with clear deterioration in the selected pond-water parameters. However, the available data do not establish treatment-related effects on pond soil, fish growth, feed efficiency, survival, or profitability because the replication, statistical analysis, and performance data are incompletely reported. Further replicated field evaluation is therefore required before larger-scale adoption.

Effects of Varying Salinity on Growth Performance, Osmoregulation, Stress Physiology and Histopathological Responses of Juvenile Silver Pompano (Trachinotus blochii) Cultured in a Periphyton-based System

R. Bhargavi — 2026-07-31

The present study evaluated the effects of different salinity levels on the growth performance, osmoregulatory responses, stress physiology, and histopathological alterations of juvenile silver pompano (Trachinotus blochii) cultured in a periphyton-based system. A 60-day experiment was conducted using four salinity treatments (35, 25, 15, and 5 ppt), each maintained in triplicate under identical periphyton-based culture conditions. Fish growth, plasma cortisol, plasma glucose, haematocrit, antioxidant enzyme activities (CAT, SOD, and GPx), and histological changes in the gill and liver tissues were assessed. Although minor numerical differences were observed in initial body weight among the treatments, one-way ANOVA indicated that these differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05), confirming the comparability of the treatment groups at stocking. At the end of the experimental period, fish reared at 15 ppt exhibited significantly greater weight gain (13.12 ± 0.53ᵃ g), weight gain percentage (615.77 ± 104.56ᵃ%), and specific growth rate (11.66 ± 0.23ᵃ) than fish maintained at the other salinity levels (P < 0.05). Physiological stress increased progressively as salinity decreased, as evidenced by significantly elevated plasma cortisol, plasma glucose, and antioxidant enzyme activities in fish reared at 5 ppt. Histopathological examination further revealed severe hepatic degeneration, cytoplasmic vacuolation, focal necrosis, haemorrhage, epithelial hyperplasia, and lamellar alterations in fish exposed to 5 ppt, whereas fish maintained at 15 ppt showed only mild tissue alterations and well-preserved organ architecture. The findings indicate that rearing juvenile silver pompano at 15 ppt provides favourable conditions for growth while minimising physiological stress and tissue damage.

Management of Sitophilus oryzae in Stored Wheat Using Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Ocimum kilimandscharicum

Hanshika Singh — 2026-07-31

Growing concern about the environmental and health risks associated with synthetic pesticides has increased interest in plant-based pesticides for controlling stored-grain pests. This study evaluated the efficacy of an ethanolic leaf extract of Ocimum kilimandscharicum against the rice weevil, Sitophilus oryzae, a major pest of stored wheat. Wheat grains were treated with different concentrations of the ethanolic extract (20%, 30%, 40%, and 50% v/v), and mortality was recorded at 1, 3, 7, 14, and 21 days. The experiment was conducted with three replicates, and an untreated group was maintained as the control. Mortality increased progressively with extract concentration and exposure time, with the highest mortality (57.78%) observed at 50% concentration after 21 days. One-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s post hoc test showed significant differences among treatments during the later observation periods (p < 0.05). The bioefficacy of the ethanolic leaf extract was also assessed by measuring grain weight loss caused by S. oryzae infestation. The extract exhibited dose- and time-dependent insecticidal activity and correspondingly increased grain protection. These findings indicate that O. kilimandscharicum has promising insecticidal properties and may offer an environmentally compatible option for managing stored-grain insect pests.

Identification of Resistance Sources against Yellow Stem Borer (Scirpophaga incertulas Walker) in Rice under Field Conditions

Akkireddy Sahithi — 2026-07-31

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a crucial food crop, but its productivity is greatly affected by insect pests, particularly the yellow stem borer, Scirpophaga incertulas (Walker). This study evaluated rice cultivars for resistance to this pest under natural field conditions during the Rabi 2025-26 season at the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Warangal, Professor Jayashankar Telangana Agricultural University (PJTAU). Thirty rice cultivars, together with seven resistant and susceptible checks, were evaluated in a randomised block design (RBD) with two replications. Yellow stem borer (YSB) damage was recorded at the vegetative stage at 30 and 50 days after transplanting (DAT) and at the reproductive stage. Based on dead-heart incidence, five cultivars were classified as highly resistant, seven as resistant, ten as moderately resistant, seven as moderately susceptible, and one as susceptible. Based on white-ear incidence, five cultivars were highly resistant, seven were resistant, nine were moderately resistant, seven were moderately susceptible, and two were susceptible. WGL-1957 recorded the lowest dead-heart incidence and the highest grain yield, whereas IET 29877 recorded the lowest white-ear incidence and the second-highest grain yield. These resistant cultivars may serve as donors in breeding programmes for yellow-stem-borer resistance and may support integrated pest management strategies.

Augmenting Poultry Feed with Essential Oil of Thymus vulgaris and Melaleuca alternifolia as an Infection Control Agent in Broiler Chickens

Seema R. Nimbarte — 2026-07-31

Poultry is widely recognised as an important source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and fats. However, poultry production is frequently affected by infections in birds, which adversely affect the prospects of the industry. Consequently, poultry farmers have made extensive use of antibiotics to control infections. This practice has contributed to the development of antibiotic resistance among common pathogens encountered in the poultry industry. The present study was therefore conducted to evaluate the potential of the essential oils of Thymus vulgaris and Melaleuca alternifolia (thyme oil and tea tree oil, respectively) as antimicrobial agents against broiler pathogens and for possible use in poultry feed. Both oils were assessed for antibacterial activity against pathogens isolated from infected chickens, namely Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus carnosus, and Salmonella gallinarum. Antimicrobial activity was assessed using the disc diffusion method, and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of the oils were determined using a 96-well microbroth dilution method. The diameters of the zones of inhibition ranged from 19 to 34 mm. MIC values ranged from 0.07% to 0.15% for tea tree oil and from 0.019% to 0.039% for thyme oil. A feeding trial was subsequently conducted using standard procedures, in which Indian broiler chickens received feed augmented or fortified with essential oils for six weeks. The experimental birds had a lower recorded prevalence of infection. The birds also gained substantial body weight during the trial, indicating that essential-oil supplementation did not adversely affect their health.

Spatial Distribution and Demographic Structure of Pellonula leonensis Boulenger, 1916 (Clupeiforme: Clupeidae) across Fishing Zones of the Taabo Dam Lake, Côte d’Ivoire

Ahoutou Konan Eric — 2026-08-01

Understanding spatial variation in the demographic structure of exploited fish populations is important for identifying areas where fishing pressure may affect recruitment and reproductive capacity. This study assessed the spatial distribution and demographic structure of Pellonula leonensis across seven fishing zones of the Taabo Dam Lake, Côte d’Ivoire. Commercial fishery landings were sampled monthly from August 2014 to July 2015, and 10,875 specimens were examined for standard length, sex, and maturity stage. Sampling locations and dates were recorded when fishing vessels unloaded their catches, enabling comparison of demographic indicators among the zones. Sex ratios varied significantly among zones, with females predominating at Courandjourou (1:4.63) and Antonio (1:2.01), whereas males predominated at Dike (1.68:1). Mature specimens were more abundant than immature individuals in most zones, although no significant difference was observed in the Islands area. Mature females accounted for 60.71% of catches at Courandjourou, 37.37% at Antonio, 34.48% at Islands, and 31.05% at Port. The proportion of specimens within the optimal size range was highest at Courandjourou (46.07%) and lowest at Dike (23.43%). Super-breeders were poorly represented across all zones, ranging from 2.27% at Antonio to 16.36% at Islands. These findings demonstrate marked spatial variation in sex ratio, maturity composition, and size structure across the reservoir. Continued monitoring incorporating seasonal conditions, environmental variables, and fishing effort is required to confirm these patterns and support the development of zone-specific management measures for the sustainable exploitation of P. leonensis in the Taabo Reservoir.

Assessment of Benzo[a]pyrene-Induced Immunotoxicity in the Estuarine Mud Crab Scylla serrata

V. Kruthikka — 2026-08-01

Aquatic ecosystems are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic organic contaminants arising from industrialisation, urbanisation, and inadequate waste management. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are of particular concern because of their persistence, bioaccumulation potential, and toxicity. Estuarine environments receive benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) from industrial effluents, urban runoff, oil spills, and atmospheric deposition, creating risks for resident organisms. The mud crab Scylla serrata is a useful sentinel species because of its broad estuarine distribution, semipelagic behaviour, sensitivity to contaminants, ease of laboratory acclimatisation, and commercial importance. This study evaluated the effects of sublethal BaP exposure on selected haematological and immunological biomarkers in S. serrata. Crabs were exposed to 10 or 20 μg L⁻¹ BaP for 40 days, followed by a 20-day depuration period. Total haemocyte count (THC), differential haemocyte count (DHC), phagocytic activity, and haemolymph antibacterial activity were assessed. THC and DHC were altered after BaP exposure, while phagocytic activity declined significantly relative to the control, with the greater reduction occurring at 20 μg L⁻¹. The optical-density-based antibacterial assay also changed across concentrations and exposure periods, although the pattern did not consistently indicate reduced immune activity. Depuration produced partial recovery, particularly in the lower-exposure group. These findings indicate that sublethal BaP exposure can disrupt circulating haemocyte profiles and cellular immune function in S. serrata, supporting the value of haemolymph-based biomarkers for assessing immunotoxic stress in estuarine crustaceans.

Diversity of Snakes in Manipur University Campus, Canchipur, Imphal, Manipur

Nongthombam Hemeshwor — 2026-08-01

Aim: This study aimed to prepare a preliminary checklist of snakes recorded on the Manipur University Campus, Canchipur, Manipur, India.

Study Design: The study was designed to document snake diversity on the Manipur University Campus, Manipur, India, using visual encounter surveys and opportunistic sampling. It was conducted from January 2023 to January 2025.

Place and Duration of Study: Manipur University Campus, Canchipur, Manipur, India, over approximately two years (January 2023–January 2025).

Methodology: Fifty-five snake specimens were collected on the campus through surveys and rescue calls. The collected specimens were photographed, and morphometric and meristic data were recorded. Snake identification was based solely on morphology using available literature.

Results: Eight snake species belonging to three families were morphologically identified among the 55 collected specimens. Six species belonged to Colubridae, while one species each belonged to Typhlopidae and Elapidae. Six species were non-venomous and two were venomous; one species was both venomous and poisonous. One species was listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, six as Least Concern, and one had not yet been assessed. Two species were listed in Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Amendment Act, 2022, and the remaining six in Schedule II.

Conclusion: Snake diversity on the MU Campus was lower than that reported for MZU, GU and TUC. Despite the presence of venomous snakes on the campus, recorded human–snake conflict was limited during the study period. The campus also supports snake conservation through cultural and religious practices.

A Checklist and Distribution Information on the Short-horned Grasshoppers (Acrididae and Pyrgomorphidae: Orthoptera) Found in Telangana, India

Varanasi Shiva Kumar — 2026-08-01

This study presents a checklist and zonal distribution account of short-horned grasshoppers associated with major crop ecosystems in Telangana, India. The inventory was prepared using data generated from extensive field surveys conducted across the North Telangana Zone, Central Telangana Zone and South Telangana Zone, representing the major agro-climatic regions of Telangana, together with authenticated specimens preserved in the Insect Biosystematics Laboratory, Department of Agricultural Entomology, College of Agriculture, Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad. The checklist was further updated in accordance with the current nomenclature and classification provided by the Orthoptera Species File. A total of 21 species belonging to 18 genera, 11 subfamilies and two families, Acrididae and Pyrgomorphidae, were documented from the major crop ecosystems of Telangana. Among the recorded taxa, species of Atractomorpha, Chrotogonus, Poekilocerus, Oxya, Hieroglyphus, Acrida and Cyrtacanthacris were widely distributed across the three agro-climatic zones, whereas a few species exhibited restricted zonal distributions. The checklist provides updated information on the taxonomy, type locality, type depository and distribution of each species within Telangana. This is the first comprehensive checklist of short-horned grasshoppers associated with the major crop ecosystems of Telangana and provides baseline information for future taxonomic, biodiversity, ecological and pest-management studies in the state.