UTTAR PRADESH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY

Functional Genomics in Zoology: Harnessing CRISPR-Cas Mechanisms and Applications

Prashant Ankur Jain — 2026-07-08

The advent of CRISPR–Cas genome editing has changed the study of animal biology, turning functional genomics from a discipline constrained by slow forward-genetic screens and bespoke, species-specific reagents into one capable of rapid, programmable, and broadly portable genetic manipulation. This review critically synthesises the past decade of progress in applying CRISPR-based tools across zoology, spanning classical vertebrate model organisms, emerging non-model invertebrates, livestock and aquaculture species, and wildlife populations of direct conservation concern. We examine the expanding molecular toolkit, from nuclease-mediated knockouts through base and prime editing to transcriptional and epigenetic modulation, and consider how these tools have been adapted to taxa as different as zebrafish, cephalopods, reef-building corals, lepidopteran insects, poultry, and large-bodied mammals. Particular attention is given to three areas where functional genomics meets applied zoology and conservation biology most directly: genetic rescue and de-extinction science aimed at restoring genetic diversity or ecological function to imperilled or vanished species; gene drive technologies designed to suppress or modify wild populations of disease vectors and invasive pests; and genome-edited livestock, poultry, and aquaculture stocks engineered for disease resistance, welfare improvement, and production efficiency. We further evaluate methodological advances in detecting and mitigating off-target mutagenesis, the welfare and biosafety implications of intentionally altering the genomes of sentient animals, and the evolving regulatory landscape governing genome-edited organisms in agriculture, biomedicine, and the environment. Throughout, we take a critical stance, weighing demonstrated efficacy against persistent technical limitations, ecological uncertainty, and unresolved ethical questions. We conclude that CRISPR-based functional genomics has reshaped zoological enquiry in ways unlikely to be reversed, yet its translation into field-deployed conservation and agricultural interventions remains constrained by incomplete ecological risk assessment, uneven regulatory harmonisation, and the biological idiosyncrasies of non-model taxa that resist easy extrapolation from laboratory systems.

Impact of Climate Change on Metamorphosis and Reproduction of Arthropods: A Comprehensive Review

M. Devi — 2026-07-10

Arthropods constitute the most diverse animal phylum on Earth, and the majority of their species pass through a metamorphic life cycle in which temperature, moisture and photoperiod govern the timing of moulting, pupation and reproductive maturation. Anthropogenic climate change is altering each of these cues simultaneously, with consequences that extend from individual development to population persistence. This review synthesises evidence on how rising mean temperatures, more frequent heatwaves, shifting precipitation regimes and ocean warming and acidification affect metamorphic development, voltinism, diapause, body size, fecundity and sex allocation across insects, crustaceans, arachnids and myriapods. Warming generally accelerates larval and nymphal development up to a thermal optimum, beyond which performance declines sharply, producing smaller adults through the temperature–size rule, altered generation number, and disrupted synchrony between diapause induction and seasonal cues. Reproductive consequences include shifts in fecundity, mating phenology, sperm viability under heat stress and, in some taxa, skewed offspring sex ratios. Marine and freshwater crustaceans show parallel sensitivity of larval moulting and embryo development to warming and acidification, while terrestrial arthropods face compounding effects of drought and altered host-plant or prey phenology. The review identifies marked taxonomic and geographic unevenness in the evidence base, a shortage of multigenerational and multifactorial experiments, and limited integration between physiological and population-level models. Future research priorities include long-term field monitoring of voltinism shifts, experiments combining thermal and hydric stressors, and trait-based forecasting frameworks capable of informing conservation and pest management policy under projected warming scenarios.

Two New Lynx Spider Species of Hamadruas and Oxyopes and the First Record of Hamadruas Thorell, 1887 (Araneae: Oxyopidae) from Wai, Maharashtra, India

Rahul R. Tayade — 2026-07-07

The present study reports two oxyopid spider species from Wai, Satara District, Maharashtra, India, based on morphological examination of specimens collected from the Kisan Veer Mahavidyalaya campus. The specimens were collected using hand-collection and sweep-net methods, preserved in 70% ethanol, and examined under a stereotrinocular microscope. Diagnostic structures, including the female epigyne and male palp, were studied after dissection, and distribution maps were prepared using QGIS. Hamadruas kvmensis sp. nov. is characterised by distinct dark elongated spermathecal lobes, a rounded central region forming the median fertilisation duct, curved copulatory ducts, and a male palp with an elongated curved cymbium, large bulb, prominent tegulum, slender embolus, conductor, tibial apophysis and sensory setae. Oxyopes waiensis sp. nov. is distinguished by its pale yellow carapace with an orange median band, elongated silvery abdomen with a reddish-brown longitudinal band, spiny legs, reniform coiled spermathecae, curved copulatory ducts and broad atrium. The diagnostic characters were compared with related taxa reported from India and nearby regions to support species-level separation. The study also records Hamadruas from Wai for the first time and updates the regional distributional information for the documented taxa. These findings add to knowledge of lynx spider diversity in Maharashtra and indicate the need for further local surveys of under-documented habitats.

Evaluation of Different Attractant Baits for Trapping Giant African Snail, Lissachatina fulica (Bowdich)

Jyothy Narayanan — 2026-07-07

Background: Giant African Snail (GAS) infestation requires practical trapping options that can reduce dependence on chemical molluscicides.

Aims: The study aims to identify effective and eco-friendly fermented baits prepared from locally available resources for attracting the GAS.

Study Design: Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD).

Place and Duration of Study: GAS-infested farmers' plots located near the Aromatic and Medicinal Plants Research Station (AMPRS), Odakkali, Ernakulam district, Kerala, India, during the monsoon seasons of 2021-22, 2022-23 and 2023-24.

Methodology: Preliminary screenings followed by confirmatory trials were conducted to select superior fermented baits against GAS. The cumulative counts of snails trapped in each treatment were recorded at five and ten days after placement. The results were subjected to ANOVA, and the means were separated by DMRT and LSD (P < 0.05) for the preliminary and confirmatory trials, respectively, using GRAPES, KAU.

Results: Among the 17 treatments screened with two replications during the preliminary screening of 2021-22, the jaggery- and yeast-based baits prepared from ripe papaya and wheat flour were superior (P < 0.05), with cumulative mean counts ranging from 20 to 44.5 at 10 days after placement (DAP). During the preliminary screening of 2022-23 with 25 treatments, baits based on black gram, ripe banana, ripe papaya and wheat flour were effective, and the cumulative counts of snails at 10 DAP ranged from 29 to 76. The addition of copper sulphate (CuSO4) at 0.5-5.0 per cent to the baits reduced snail attraction compared with baits without CuSO4. A similar difference in snail numbers was observed in pulse-based baits with common salt at two concentrations (0.5 and 2.5 per cent). The cumulative mean count of GAS during the confirmatory trial of 2022-23 with seven treatments and five replications ranged from 6.2 to 44.6. At 10 DAP, the black gram-based bait outnumbered all the tested baits, with a cumulative mean count of 44.6, followed by the wheat flour- and cooked matta rice-based baits, with mean counts of 23.2 and 18, respectively. During the confirmatory trial of 2023-24 with six treatments and four replications, the cumulative mean count of snails at 10 DAP ranged from 1.75 to 39. The black gram powder- and jaggery-based bait was most superior, with a mean number of snails of 39, followed by ripe papaya- (33.75) and banana-based baits (24.75). The mean number of snails in the wheat flour-based bait was 9.25.

Conclusion: Fermented baits based on readily available resources can be installed in GAS-infested areas as a complementary strategy in integrated pest management of GAS, thereby minimising the use of harmful molluscicides such as metaldehyde. A reduction in the number of snails was noticed in fermented baits supplemented with common salt and CuSO4, demonstrating their inhibitory potential.

First Regional Report on Equine Trypanosomosis in North-Eastern Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh: Epidemiological Assessment and Risk Factor Analysis

V. K. Pal — 2026-07-07

Equine trypanosomosis, commonly known as surra, is an important vector-borne disease of equines caused by Trypanosoma evansi. The present study assessed the prevalence of equine trypanosomosis and associated epidemiological risk factors in the North Eastern Plain Zone of Uttar Pradesh, India. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from February 2020 to February 2021 across eleven districts. A total of 192 equines, comprising 107 horses, 26 donkeys and 59 mules, were randomly sampled. Blood samples were examined using blood smear examination, wet blood film, micro-haematocrit centrifugation technique, polymerase chain reaction and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The overall prevalence detected by blood smear examination, wet blood film and micro-haematocrit centrifugation technique was 1.04%, 1.56% and 4.69%, respectively. Molecular detection by polymerase chain reaction recorded 10.93% positivity, whereas serological detection by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay recorded 15.62% positivity. Among the districts examined, Balrampur showed the highest prevalence by both polymerase chain reaction and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Risk-factor analysis indicated variation in prevalence according to species, age, helminth infestation status, sex and work type. Donkeys and mules showed higher positivity than horses, and animals younger than two years showed higher seropositivity than older animals. The findings indicate the presence of T. evansi infection in equines in the study region and highlight the value of sensitive diagnostic methods for epidemiological surveillance. Regular screening, vector control, deworming and improved management practices may help reduce infection risk in equine populations.

Prevalence and Etiological Spectrum of Canine Dermatological Disorders in the Cauvery Delta Region of Tamil Nadu, South India

S. Vijay — 2026-07-07

Canine dermatological disorders are commonly encountered in small animal clinical practice and may be influenced by host-related and environmental factors. The present study was conducted to determine the prevalence and etiological spectrum of dermatological disorders in dogs presented to the Small Animal Medicine Outpatient Unit, Veterinary Clinical Complex, Veterinary College and Research Institute, Orathanadu, located in the Cauvery Delta region of Tamil Nadu, South India. A total of 10,841 canine cases presented between January and December 2025 were screened. Of these, 1,011 dogs were diagnosed with dermatological disorders, giving an overall prevalence of 9.32%. Seasonal distribution showed the highest occurrence during the southwest monsoon season (31.26%), followed by summer (26.51%), northeast monsoon (25.32%) and winter (16.91%). Age-wise analysis indicated that dogs below one year of age were most frequently affected (34.42%), followed by dogs aged 2–4 years (20.97%) and 1–2 years (19.29%). Male dogs accounted for 68.94% of affected cases, while females represented 31.06%. Breed-wise distribution showed that mongrel dogs formed the largest proportion of affected animals (50.94%), followed by Labrador Retrievers (12.07%), German Spitz (7.91%) and German Shepherd Dogs (7.12%). Among the recorded dermatological conditions, bacterial dermatitis was the most common disorder (34.32%), followed by demodicosis (13.55%), sarcoptic mange (10.98%), flea allergy dermatitis (8.31%) and contact dermatitis (7.91%). The findings indicate that infectious and parasitic skin conditions were predominant among the dermatological disorders recorded in this region. The study also suggests that age, sex, breed and seasonal factors may influence the occurrence of canine dermatological disorders under local environmental conditions.

Effect of Silkworm Pupal Oil Fortification of Mulberry Leaves on Growth Performance of Bivoltine Silkworm (Bombyx mori L. Hybrid NB4D2 × SH6)

Gunjan Vats — 2026-07-08

The present study evaluated the effect of silkworm pupal oil fortification on the growth performance of bivoltine silkworm larvae (Bombyx mori L.; NB4D2 × SH6) under subtropical conditions of Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. Fresh Morus alba leaves were fortified with silkworm pupal oil at 3000, 6000, and 9000 ppm, while untreated leaves served as the control. Growth parameters, including larval body length, larval body weight, larval body perimeter, Overall Growth Rate (OGR), Compound Periodical Growth Rate (CPGR), and Gland-Body Ratio (GBR), were evaluated during the fourth and fifth instars. Silkworm pupal oil fortification significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced larval growth compared with the control. During the fourth instar, larvae fed 3000 ppm fortified leaves exhibited the highest final larval body length (1.34 ± 0.0003 cm), larval body weight (0.54 ± 0.0004 g), and larval body perimeter (2.25 ± 0.0005 cm), with corresponding OGR values of 26.42%, 145.45%, and 39.75%, respectively. In the fifth instar, the 9000 ppm treatment recorded the highest final larval body length (3.47 ± 0.0003 cm), larval body weight (3.06 ± 0.0004 g), larval body perimeter (3.33 ± 0.0001 cm), and GBR (36.75 ± 0.006), with OGR values of 104.12%, 215.46%, and 24.25%, respectively. Compared with the control, the 9000 ppm treatment increased final larval body weight by approximately 26% (3.06 vs. 2.43 g). The study highlights the potential application of silkworm pupal oil as a sustainable dietary supplement for enhancing silkworm performance and sericultural productivity.

Prevalence and Species Diversity of Ectoparasites Infesting Domestic Dog (Canis lupus familiaris) in Imphal East and Imphal West, Manipur, India

Anju Pangambam — 2026-07-08

Ectoparasite infestations in dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) are a significant health concern, affecting animal welfare and public health. This study examined the occurrence and species distribution of ectoparasites in dogs in two districts of Manipur. A total of 395 dogs, comprising 185 from Imphal West and 210 from Imphal East, were randomly selected and inspected for ectoparasites. The study was conducted over two years, from December 2023 to November 2025. The dogs were carefully examined, and ectoparasites were removed by combing and using forceps. The ectoparasites were preserved in 70% alcohol, transported to the Parasitology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Dhanamanjuri University, and later mounted for species-level identification using standard identification keys. Among the dogs examined, 123 dogs from Imphal West (66.49%) and 145 dogs from Imphal East (69.05%) were infested with one or more ectoparasites. Five ectoparasite species from three taxa were identified: fleas, lice and ticks. The most prevalent ectoparasite identified was Ctenocephalides canis (74.63%), followed by Ctenocephalides felis (55.97%), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (26.12%), Rhipicephalus microplus (18.66%) and Heterodoxus spiniger (11.19%). The high prevalence observed in this study indicates insufficient veterinary care and suggests that dogs may serve as hosts for ectoparasites of public health importance. The study indicates that proper and regular care should be provided to dogs to reduce ectoparasite infestation and associated zoonotic risks.

Mass Production of Entomopathogenic Fungi on Synthetic and Natural Media

Gopi S. — 2026-07-08

Entomopathogenic fungi are important biological control agents with potential applications in the sustainable management of insect pests. The present laboratory study evaluated the mass-production potential of selected entomopathogenic fungi on synthetic and natural media, with emphasis on the duration required for mycelial coverage and spore yield. Four fungi, namely Isaria fumosorosea, Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana and Lecanicillium lecanii, were cultured on solid and liquid synthetic media, cereal grains, vegetable-based substrates, cashew apple and natural liquid media. The effect of supplementation with baker's yeast and insect homogenate was also examined. The media were inoculated with fungal cultures and incubated under laboratory conditions. Mycelial coverage was recorded visually, and spore yield was estimated after serial dilution using a Neubauer hemocytometer.

Among the fungi tested, I. fumosorosea showed comparatively faster mycelial growth across several media. The shortest duration for surface coverage was recorded on sugarcane juice supplemented with insect homogenate. Natural liquid media generally supported faster surface growth than solid synthetic and natural substrates. In terms of sporulation, L. lecanii produced the highest spore yield on red rice supplemented with insect homogenate, reaching 7.00 × 10⁵ spores/g. Among synthetic media, carrot dextrose agar supported comparatively higher mean spore production than the other synthetic media tested. The results indicate that locally available natural substrates, particularly cereal grains and natural liquid media, may serve as useful alternatives for laboratory-scale multiplication of entomopathogenic fungi. The study also suggests that media supplementation can influence growth and sporulation, although the response varied according to fungal species and substrate type.

Lethal Effects of Sugar Industry Effluent on Behaviour and Mortality in the Freshwater Fish Chanda nama

Vinod B. Kakade — 2026-07-09

Discharge of industrial, municipal and agricultural wastewater into freshwater ecosystems introduces pollutants such as heavy metals, nutrients and organic loads that can affect aquatic organisms. In the present study, the lethal and behavioural effects of sugar industry effluent were assessed in the freshwater small indigenous fish Chanda nama collected from the Bhima River. Effluent was collected from the canal confluence at Patas village, and test fish were acclimatised under laboratory conditions before exposure. Acute toxicity bioassays were conducted for 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours using different concentrations of sugar industry effluent. The estimated LC50 values declined with increasing exposure duration, from 15.5% at 24 hours to 15.0%, 14.5% and 14.0% at 48, 72 and 96 hours, respectively. Fish exposed to lethal concentrations exhibited clear behavioural changes, including increased opercular movement, jerky and erratic swimming, excitation, loss of equilibrium, attempts to escape from the aquarium, leaping out of water and repeated contact with the aquarium wall. Mortality increased with concentration and exposure duration, indicating a time-dependent toxic response under laboratory conditions. The findings suggest that untreated or inadequately treated sugar industry effluent may cause acute stress and mortality in freshwater fish. Proper effluent treatment, routine monitoring and further chemical characterisation are needed to better understand the toxic components and reduce potential ecological risks.

Optimization of Dietary Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal as a Fish Meal Substitute for Labeo rohita during the Nursery Phase

Puneet Kumar Patel — 2026-07-13

The increasing cost and limited availability of fish meal have intensified the search for sustainable plant-based protein sources for aquafeeds. Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) is a promising alternative because of its high protein content and abundance of bioactive compounds. The present study evaluated the effects of graded dietary inclusion of MOLM as a partial replacement for fish meal on the growth performance, feed utilisation, whole-body composition, and haematological responses of Labeo rohita spawn during a 20-day nursery feeding trial. Five isonitrogenous experimental diets containing 0% (Control), 5% (T1), 10% (T2), 15% (T3), and 20% (T4) MOLM were formulated. Fish were randomly allocated to triplicate experimental units and fed the respective diets under controlled environmental conditions. Water quality parameters remained within the optimal range throughout the experimental period and did not differ significantly among treatments (P > 0.05). Dietary supplementation with MOLM significantly influenced growth performance and nutrient utilisation (P < 0.05). Fish fed the T3 diet (15% MOLM) exhibited the highest final weight (315.54 ± 0.92 mg), weight gain (314.11 ± 0.92 mg), and specific growth rate (26.98 ± 0.06% day⁻¹), the lowest feed conversion ratio (1.36 ± 0.02), the highest protein efficiency ratio (1.72 ± 0.03), and the greatest survival (62.67 ± 2.33%). Whole-body protein (18.50 ± 0.12%), lipid (4.67 ± 0.12%), and ash (4.07 ± 0.03%) contents were also significantly enhanced in the T3 group. Furthermore, dietary inclusion of 15% MOLM significantly improved haematological indices, including haemoglobin concentration (5.50 g/dL), red blood cell count (0.98 ± 0.14 × 10⁶/mm³), and packed cell volume, indicating an enhanced physiological condition and oxygen-carrying capacity. In contrast, the highest inclusion level (20%) adversely affected growth performance and blood parameters, likely because increased dietary fibre and anti-nutritional factors reduced nutrient utilisation. The findings demonstrate that replacing fish meal with 15% M. oleifera leaf meal effectively enhances the growth, feed efficiency, body composition, and haematological health of L. rohita spawn without compromising water quality. Therefore, MOLM can serve as a sustainable and economical plant protein source for nursery diets, contributing to environmentally responsible and cost-effective carp aquaculture.

Assessment of Species Diversity and Assemblage Patterns of Mudskippers (Gobiidae: Oxudercinae) in the Coastal Region of Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India

Prasun Maity — 2026-07-13

Aims: The present study examines species composition, ecological traits and temporal variation in mudskippers.

Study Design: The study was designed to investigate species diversity and assemblage patterns through a field survey. After field collection, samples were transported to the laboratory of the Department of Fisheries Science, Ramnagar College, Depal, Ramnagar, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, for further study.

Place and Duration of the Study: The present study was conducted in the coastal areas of Purba Medinipur over a five-month period (August-December 2025).

Methodology: Samples were collected weekly for five months. Live specimens were kept in plastic jars with perforated lids to ensure normal breathing. The collected samples were promptly transported to the laboratory for further examination.

Results: Five mudskipper species, namely Pseudapocryptes elongatus, Periophthalmus novemradiatus, Periophthalmus variabilis, Periophthalmus waltoni and Apocryptes bato, were identified in the study region, indicating moderate species diversity. Weekly occurrence data showed temporal variation in species distribution, which may be associated with environmental factors such as temperature, salinity, tidal cycles and habitat conditions. Conservation status assessment showed that most species were classified as Least Concern (LC). However, Periophthalmus novemradiatus was categorised as Data Deficient (DD), indicating the need for further study of its population status and conservation requirements. The Shannon index (H') peaked in September, indicating comparatively higher diversity during that month. Simpson's index (1-D) suggested low dominance, whereas evenness (J') values close to 1 in most months indicated relatively uniform species distribution.

Conclusion: Periophthalmus variabilis and Apocryptes bato exhibited comparatively higher and more consistent occurrence among the five recorded species, whereas the other species showed irregular distribution patterns that may reflect habitat specificity or sensitivity to environmental change. None of the identified species was reported as harmful to humans, supporting their ecological relevance in coastal and estuarine ecosystems.

Prevalence of Escherichia coli H7 in Diarrhoeic Cattle from Jaipur Region, Rajasthan, India

Warsha Chaudhary — 2026-07-13

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), particularly E. coli O157:H7, is an important food-borne pathogen associated with gastrointestinal disease in humans and animals. This study investigated the occurrence of E. coli O157:H7 among diarrhoeic cattle in and around Jaipur, Rajasthan. A total of 100 diarrhoeic faecal samples were collected and processed for isolation and identification of E. coli using conventional bacteriological techniques. Of these samples, 82 isolates were identified as Escherichia coli based on characteristic growth on MacConkey agar and eosin methylene blue agar. All isolates were screened on Sorbitol MacConkey agar for presumptive detection of E. coli O157:H7. None of the isolates exhibited the sorbitol non-fermenting phenotype associated with O157:H7. Molecular confirmation was performed by PCR targeting the rfbO157 and fliCH7 genes. All 82 isolates were negative for rfbO157, whereas six isolates (7.31%) yielded the expected 625 bp amplicon specific to fliCH7. The findings indicate that E. coli O157 was not detected in the studied cattle population, although a small proportion of isolates possessed the H7 flagellar antigen gene. These results suggest that diarrhoeic cattle in the study area may harbour non-O157 E. coli strains carrying H7-associated genetic markers. The study supports the value of molecular surveillance for accurate characterisation of potentially pathogenic E. coli in cattle.

Poecilobdella lakshmikantai, A New Leech from Arunachal Pradesh, India

C. K. Mandal — 2026-07-08

Leeches of the class Hirudinea include diverse aquatic and terrestrial forms, and the Indian fauna continues to receive taxonomic additions from under-documented regions. This study describes Poecilobdella lakshmikantai sp. nov. from Dirang, West Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh, India, based on a specimen collected from a freshwater habitat at 1500 m altitude and deposited in the General Non-Chordata collection of the Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata. The holotype was examined using external and internal morphological characters. The species is assigned to Poecilobdella and diagnosed by a combination of characters, including a dorsoventrally flattened body measuring 35 mm in length and 8 mm in width, 110 annuli, five pairs of eyes, seven black dorsal stripes with dot-like patterning, and a circular posterior sucker with 42 rays. The male gonopore is positioned between annuli 31 and 32, while the female gonopore lies on segment 38, with six annuli separating the gonopores. Internally, the species has well-developed toothed jaws, numerous salivary papillae, elongated crop caeca, an enlarged last pair of caeca, a short-stalked vaginal canal, and a long tubular epididymis. These features distinguish it from known congeners. The record increases the documented leech fauna of Arunachal Pradesh to seven species and supports the taxonomic importance of continued morphological surveys in northeastern India.