Squalene (C30H50) is a natural, highly unsaturated terpenoid hydrocarbon found in animals, plants, and humans, notable for its applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and nutraceuticals. Squalene is a bioactive functional lipid that has antioxidant, anticancer, and cardioprotective properties. The present study aimed to extract and purify squalene from the waste of the fish processing and value addition unit. The fisheries industry may have a great impact on addressing poverty and improving the economy of a country. Almost 35-40% of edible fish meat is produced by fish processing, which can be utilized for the production of different products. Our study was planned to extract and purify squalene from different sources by using the method of fractional crystallization to achieve the best yields at the lowest possible cost. The qualitative and quantitative analyses were done on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to check the purity of squalene. Squalene found its applications in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and nutraceuticals. It was originally extracted from shark liver oil but is easily present in animals, plants, and microorganisms. The richest source of squalene is the shark liver among all available natural sources. Notably, the head portion of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) yielded squalene with a purity of 97%, highlighting its potential as a viable renewable source. Sustainable management of fish waste can result in the recovery of several bioactive substances.
Maintaining the health of domesticated avian species is a critical component of agricultural biodiversity and ecosystem biosecurity. This study investigated the interaction between ultraviolet-A (UV-A) lighting and feeding systems on the performance and microbial load of Ross-308 parent broilers. In a controlled trial involving 2,880 birds, we applied six lighting combinations-varying spectrum (visible, special visible, and UV-A added) and color temperature (3000K/4500K)-across two feeding systems (automatic vs. manual). Parameters included reproductive performance, welfare indicators (dust bathing, litter moisture), and the prevalence of E. coli and S. aureus. UV-A spectrum integration significantly enhanced egg production (p <= 0.01) and improved welfare-related behaviors such as dust bathing (p <= 0.05). Importantly, UV-A showed it can kill germs, greatly lowering the numbers of E. coli and S. aureus on bird feathers and equipment (p <= 0.01). Automatic feeding further synchronized these benefits by reducing litter moisture and bird stress. The findings suggest that mimicking natural light spectrums (including UV-A) promotes the physiological well-being of domesticated birds. By reducing microbial pathogens within farm environments, these practices enhance farm biosecurity, reduce the need for pharmaceutical interventions, and minimize the ecological footprint of poultry farming, thereby supporting the conservation of healthier agricultural landscapes. The impact of UV light inside a poultry house may further reduce the risk of pathogen spillover into local ecosystems.
For high-mountain vegetation, especially rocky-rubble landscapes, the family Crassulaceae J.St.- Hil. is characteristic. The first classification of the Crassulaceae family was given by Burnett G.T. ( Burnett G.T., 1835), and the last one was more fully developed by Thiede Joachim & Eggli Urs. (Thiede Joachim.) & Eggli Urs., 2007). It is shown by Christenhusz Maarten J.M., Zhang Xian-Chun, and Schneider Harald (Christenhusz Maarten J.M. et al 2011) that the Crassulaceae family is represented by 1400 species in 35 genera worldwide. On the territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, 21 species belonging to 6 genera were noted in the Crassulaceae family. During the expeditions to the Zangezur ridges, we discovered new species of Sempervivum montanum L. and Sedum acre L. for the flora of the autonomous republic. The territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic is home to 6 genera and 23 species of the family Crassulaceae J.St.-Hil.
The interface between humans and wild primates in ecotourism settings poses a significant risk of bidirectional zoonotic pathogen transmission. This study, conducted at the clinics of Tashkent State Medical University (TSMU) from January 2023 to December 2024, investigated the prevalence of shared viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections among 150 ecotourists returning from primate habitat regions (Southeast Asia, Africa, and Central/South America) and 50 captive long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis) imported for research. Using serological, molecular (PCR), and parasitological methods, we detected antibodies against Herpes B virus (Macacine alphaherpesvirus 1) in 4.0% of tourists and 18.0% of macaques; SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in 12.0% of tourists and 6.0% of macaques; and Giardia duodenalis in 22.0% of tourists and 14.0% of macaques. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed cross-species transmission clusters. In multivariable analysis, feeding primates was associated with a 3.5-fold increase in infection odds (95% CI: 1.8-6.8), while photography with direct contact and proximity of <3 m were also significant risk factors. These findings highlight the urgent need for health monitoring protocols at primate ecotourism sites and conservation areas to prevent reverse zoonoses and protect endangered primate populations.
The Indian crested porcupine creates conflicts with farmers by damaging crops and orchards within its range. Therefore, understanding the porcupine's diet and its composition is vital for knowing its ecological role, habitat adaptations, and foraging approaches. Diet analysis was conducted through micro-histological examination of 336 fecal pellet groups collected across three districts: 132 samples from Muzaffarabad (67 in summer, 65 in winter), 87 from Hattian Bala (47 in summer, 40 in winter), and 117 from Neelum (62 in summer, 55 in winter). The results indicated notable variation in dietary diversity across districts, with Hattian Bala exhibiting the highest number of dietary items, i.e., 34 species of plants, followed by Muzaffarabad, i.e., 30 species, and Neelum, i.e., 23 species. Cultivated crops and commercially important herbs, such as Zea mays, Cannabis sativa, Solanum tuberosum, and Pisum sativum, are grazed more in warmer months and utilized less in winter months.
Human-carnivore conflicts increasingly threaten large carnivores worldwide, and the brown bear (Ursus arctos) is no exception. In Iran, which hosts the southernmost extent of the species' global distribution, such conflicts have risen noticeably over the past decade, yet spatially explicit information remains limited. Here, we aimed to determine the most important areas of tension between local communities and brown bears within southwestern Iran, Kohgiluyeh va Boyer-Ahmad Province. Our study included field surveys and 332 semi-structured interviews with residents. Subsequently, the kernel density estimation was utilized to analyze five conflict types: attacks on humans, livestock depredation, damage to fruit orchards and beehives, and roadkill incidents. Our mapping highlighted the eastern and northeastern parts of the study area as hotspots for all conflict types. The overlap of conflict hotspots with protected areas was significant: approximately half of human attacks and livestock depredation events, 34.7% of orchard damage sites, 63.6% of beehive damage sites, and about a quarter of high-risk roadkill segments fell inside or at the edges of protected areas. Conflicts were more frequent during late summer and early autumn, linked to the bears' hyperphagic phase and seasonal human activities such as fruit harvesting and moving beehives into mountains. These trends show that conflicts don't happen at random; rather, they occur when bears grow accustomed to readily available anthropogenic resources, human land uses encroach on bear habitats, and natural food sources are depleted. The existing overlap between bear habitats and human livelihoods in protected areas indicates that current management strategies are not sufficient. Without site-specific adaptive measures such as electric fencing around orchards and apiaries, bear-proof enclosures, and community-based early warning systems, conflicts are likely to intensify, undermining both local tolerance and the longterm persistence of this threatened population.
The pointed land snail, Cochlicella acuta (O. F. M & uuml;ller, 1774), belonging to the Family Geomitridae, was recorded for the first time at multiple sites across Erbil City, Iraq, between November 2023 and October 2024, during which average monthly temperatures ranged from 3 to 44 degrees C. Specimens were collected by hand from grasses and soil surfaces at various locations, and this species was additionally detected in imported black mulberry fruit (Morus nigra), suggesting a potential pathway of introduction through agricultural trade. Species identification was rigorously confirmed through two complementary approaches: detailed morphological analysis based on shell characteristics, including height, width, whorl count, coiling direction, sculpture, and coloration, and molecular identification via DNA barcoding of the mitochondrial Cytochrome C Oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. The obtained sequence showed 99.43% similarity to a reference sequence available in GenBank, confirming the species identity. This finding represents the first documented record of C. acuta in Iraq and highlights the need for strengthened phytosanitary and quarantine measures to prevent the further introduction and spread of non-native gastropod species into the country.
Entomopathogenic fungi are the most practical alternative for insect pests in livestock and agriculture. In Pakistan, fungal identification has primarily relied on morphological characteristics, resulting in a lack of molecular validation. This study aimed to isolate and molecularly identify indigenous entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) from different ecological zones in Pakistan to develop environmentally sustainable biocontrol agents. Three entomopathogenic fungi (EPFs), namely Beauveria bassiana, Trichoderma longibrachiatum, and Purpureocillium lilacinum, with their accession numbers PQ285129, PQ551091, and PQ415785, respectively, were recovered from soils in Balochistan, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). Morphological characterization was complemented by ITS-based molecular phylogenetics, confirming their species identity. These findings provide a basis for developing region-specific biopesticides for sustainable pest control. The successful isolation and confirmation of these fungal species from different provinces also highlights their natural adaptation to local environments. This baseline information addresses the existing gap in documenting native EPF diversity in Pakistan and provides foundational data for developing locally adapted, region-specific biocontrol formulations for future pest management strategies.
Aquaculture is a rapidly growing industry that faces the challenge of providing sustainable, cost-effective, and nutritious feed to meet the increasing global demand for fish protein. Traditionally, fishmeal has been the primary source of protein in aquafeeds; however, concerns about its environmental impact and price volatility have led to the exploration of alternative protein sources. This study investigates the potential of mealworm (Tenebrio molitor) meal as a sustainable protein source for Labeo rohita fingerlings, with a focus on its effects on bone mineralization and amino acid composition. The research was conducted under semi-controlled laboratory conditions, with Labeo rohita fingerlings fed diets containing varying levels of mealworm meal (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%) as a replacement for fishmeal. Bone mineralization was assessed by measuring calcium, iron, and phosphorus content, while amino acid composition was analysed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Results demonstrated that the inclusion of mealworm meal positively influenced bone mineralization, with moderate inclusion (50% and 75%) showing the most significant effects on calcium, iron, and phosphorus levels. The amino acid profile also improved, with increased concentrations of essential amino acids, particularly lysine, methionine, and threonine, at the 50% mealworm inclusion level. This study highlights the potential of mealworm meal as an alternative protein source in aquafeeds, offering benefits not only for fish health and growth but also for sustainability in aquaculture. The results suggest that mealworm meal could replace fishmeal in aquafeeds without compromising the nutritional value of Labeo rohita. Future research should focus on optimizing mealworm inclusion levels, assessing the long-term impacts on fish health, and exploring its economic feasibility for large-scale aquaculture.
The mulberry silkworm (Bombyx mori) is a key species in the sericulture industry for silk production. The present study examined the effects of vitamin C and vitamin B12 supplementation on growth performance, survival rate, and cocoon production of silkworms fed with Morus nigra leaves under semi-controlled environmental conditions. The experiment was conducted at the Sericulture Unit, Department of Wildlife and Ecology, UVAS Ravi Campus, Pakistan, using a randomized block design with three treatment groups: control (M. nigra), M. nigra supplemented with Vitamin C, and Vitamin B12. Each treatment included one replicate of 250 larvae. Growth performance, cocoon weight, and survival rate were recorded and analyzed through one-way ANOVA and Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. The results showed that vitamin supplementation significantly improved nutritional composition and growth performance. Silkworms fed Vitamin C-fortified leaves achieved the highest body length (4.77 +/- 0.04 mm) and weight (893.20 +/- 17.39 mg) at the fourth molt, followed by those fed Vitamin B12-supplemented leaves (4.32 +/- 0.07 mm; 763.85 +/- 17.26 mg), both significantly higher than the control group (4.16 +/- 0.06 mm; 669.75 +/- 19.36 mg). Cocoon weights also increased significantly, with Vitamin C-fed larvae producing the heaviest cocoons (2.42 +/- 0.079 g) compared to Vitamin B12 (2.14 +/- 0.107 g) and control (1.77 +/- 0.094 g). Survival analysis revealed the highest cumulative survival probability in the Vitamin C group, indicating enhanced resistance and physiological efficiency. Statistical differences were significant at p < 0.05 across most parameters. Future research should focus on optimizing the concentration and combination of vitamins to achieve maximum benefits without causing adverse effects. It is also recommended that future investigations focus on using probiotics alongside vitamin supplements to improve growth performance and cocoon production.
The research article explores the state of Orchidaceae Pseudorchis albida (L.) A. Love & D. Love species' coenopopulations on the Rybachy Peninsula, located in the north of the Murmansk region (Russia). The species is included in the Red Book of the Russian Federation. Morphometric and demographic parameters of P. albida have been studied in two coenopopulations during the 2016 and 2025 field seasons. We assessed the ontogenetic structure, density, recovery index (Ir), and vitality index (IVC) of the coenopopulations, as well as their effective size (CP) and capacity for self-maintenance. Based on monitoring results, the coenopopulation in the eastern part of the Rybachy Peninsula was recorded in 2016 as the largest known in the Murmansk Region, while the remaining surveyed populations were few in number. Between 2016 and 2025, the total area occupied by P. albida coenopopulations decreased by more than sevenfold, accompanied by a 3.4-4-fold reduction in density, a sharp decline in the number of generative individuals, and a marked drop in the recovery index. The plant species is characterized by differences in vegetative and generative individual ratios; the self-maintenance ability is defined as weak and moderate. The studied populations are located outside the "Rybachy and Sredny Peninsulas" nature park boundaries, where there are no special protection measures taken. Hence, with the growing tourist inflow, there is a direct threat to the extinction of P. albida in the area under consideration.
The ongoing global biodiversity crisis has been hypothesized to increase the risk of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs), yet the direction and magnitude of this relationship remain debated. We conducted a global meta-analysis of 245 studies published between 1990 and 2024, encompassing 1,286 effect sizes, to quantify the association between biodiversity loss and disease risk using a multilevel random-effects model. Biodiversity loss was significantly associated with increased disease risk (SMD = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.31-0.53, p < 0.001, I-2 = 78.6%), with the strongest effects observed for vector-borne diseases (SMD = 0.67) and directly transmitted zoonoses (SMD = 0.39). Dilution effects were documented for Lyme disease, West Nile virus, and hantavirus, while amplification effects occurred for certain fungal and parasitic infections. Habitat fragmentation and land-use change significantly exacerbated disease risk, whereas latitude and publication year showed no moderating influence. These findings support the dilution effect hypothesis and indicate that biodiversity conservation should be integrated into pandemic prevention and One Health strategies.
Located in southern Iran, the Lut Desert is one of the world's most extreme and unique arid environments. It was inscribed as Iran's first Natural World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2016. Although often perceived as barren and lifeless due to its harsh conditions, this region exhibits remarkable botanical significance. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive survey of the floristic composition and life forms in key subregions of the Lut Desert. Extensive fieldwork was carried out across five major sites during the spring and summer of 2021. For all plant species, we documented key traits including life form, cotyledon type, growth form, life span, chorotype, NCBI ID, and IUCN conservation status. Chorological analysis of the 76 recorded plant species (64 genera, 31 families) classified them into monoregional, biregional, and pluriregional groups, with the Irano-Turanian/Saharo-Sindian chorotype being the most dominant (30.3%). Plant distribution is primarily influenced by elevation and geographic location, with the highest species richness observed at mid-high elevations (764-1386 m) and in the northwest quadrant. Key species, such as Hammada sal/corn/ca, demonstrate wide adaptability across these environmental gradients. The flora is dominated by perennial shrubs and grasses (93% of species), mainly phanerophytes and hemicryptophytes, reflecting adaptations to extreme aridity. In a rare pattern, both species richness and phylogenetic diversity increase monotonically with elevation, reaching their highest levels at upper elevations (>750 meters) due to milder temperatures, increased precipitation, and improved soil conditions. The discovery of one threatened species, Haloxylon persicum, underscores the conservation importance of this desert ecosystem. This study reveals a critical elevation-diversity relationship and underscores the ecosystem's vulnerability to climate change and human impacts, necessitating targeted conservation. Contrary to prior views of it being barren, the Lut Desert hosts significant plant diversity, acting as a biological refuge.
Understanding how mammalian communities respond to changes in human activity and habitat disturbance is essential for conservation in human-dominated landscapes. This study provides the first comprehensive, long-term camera trap evaluation of medium and large mammals in Afyonkarahisar Province, a key biogeographical transition zone in western T & uuml;rkiye with increasing anthropogenic pressure. Monitoring across 11 stations from 2022 to 2024 yielded 14 species, including two Near Threatened species, Lutra lutra and Spermophilus xanthoprymnus, as well as the wetland-dependent felid Felis chaus (Least Concern). Multivariate analyses revealed a significant temporal reorganization of the mammalian community following the COVID-19 anthropause, a short-term period of reduced human mobility and disturbance. The 2022 assemblage was broad and heterogeneous, consistent with relaxed human pressure, whereas the 2023 and 2024 communities exhibited a clear contraction toward a more homogenized structure dominated by disturbance-tolerant generalists such as Sus scrofa and Vulpes vulpes (Permanova: F = 4.63, R2 = 0.17, p = 0.001). Habitat specialists were restricted to wetlands, forest patches, and ecologically intact areas, indicating strong habitat filtering under increasing human pressure. Temporal activity analyses further demonstrated a shift from broad diel activity windows in 2022 to increasingly narrow and constrained patterns in 2023 and 2024 as human activity intensified. These synchronous temporal shifts across multiple taxa indicate rapid behavioral adjustment to the re-establishment of human disturbance. Overall, this study provides one of the most detailed mammalian datasets for Inner Western Anatolia and demonstrates that the ecological effects of the anthropause were temporary and rapidly reversed. The findings highlight the importance of wetland protection, habitat connectivity, and sustained disturbance management for the long-term conservation of sensitive mammalian species in heterogeneous Anatolian landscapes.
This study evaluates the microbial biodiversity and ecological health of the freshwater distribution system in Chamchamal District, Iraq, through an integrated lens of heavy metal stress and bacterial community structure. Over four seasonal campaigns (January-June 2025), 40 samples from ten sites were analyzed for eleven heavy metals and bacterial abundance (TVC and TC). While the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) remained below critical thresholds (Mean: 44.23), taxonomic stressors such as Mercury and Lead frequently exceeded national standards. Ecological diversity was quantified using Shannon-Wiener (H ') and Simpson (1-D) indices, revealing significant spatial and temporal shifts in bacterial community structure, with diversity peaking in warmer months. A novel Metal-Bacteria Interaction Index (MBII) was developed (MBII = Cd & times; log10 (1 + Atotal)) to quantify the combined effects of chemical stressors and microbial richness. MBII identified Sites 4 and 9 as critical ecological hotspots (Class III). Spearman correlations revealed significant positive associations between Nickel and bacterial richness (rho=0.697), suggesting a selective metabolic advantage for certain taxa under metal stress. This study demonstrates that traditional pollution indices may overlook cumulative ecological risks, and the MBII offers a robust tool for assessing biodiversity stability in anthropogenically stressed aquatic habitats.
Greening campuses is an integral component of creating campus environments. Students can learn about and observe campus plants, and teachers can use the plants as on-site teaching materials. This makes schools ideal for environmental education. This study conducted on-site surveys and analyzed the correlations between campus plant resource factors at 20 elementary schools in the Chiayi area, Taiwan. Elevation, proportion of native plants, species diversity, campus area, and normalized difference vegetation index were the variables considered. There were 150 families, 518 genera, and 770 plant species in total for all campuses, but only 322 (41.47%) species were native. Schools with a high elevation, a small campus area, and a rural location had a significantly greater proportion of native plants on campus and plant species per unit area than schools with other elevations, areas, and locations. The majority of campus plants are ornamental alien species. The lower proportion of native species hinders students' ability to comprehend the native and endemic plant species of Taiwan. Going forward, the proportion of native plants planted on campus should be increased progressively, along with the incorporation of these plants into the curriculum, to strengthen administrators' knowledge of campus plant management.
Urban wildlife typically reduces vigilance and increases tolerance toward humans. However, human-wildlife interactions, such as direct feeding, may facilitate the transmission of zoonotic pathogens. This bacteriological pilot survey analyzed 20 palm and 20 rectal swab samples collected from 18 Eurasian red squirrels inhabiting an urban park to investigate their bacterial flora. Most bacteria isolated from the palm swabs were resident microbiota (e.g., Staphylococcus sciuri). Escherichia coli was isolated from 12 of the 20 swab samples, and one isolate was identified as serotype O25, which may be associated with pathogenic E. coli. However, no other major pathogens, including Pasteurella spp. and Campylobacter spp., were observed. Although this was a pilot study, the findings suggest a possible pathogen presence in Eurasian red squirrels inhabiting an urban park in Japan. Further investigation of specific virulence determinants, particularly with respect to E. coli, is required to assess the risk of pathogen transmission in an urban park in Japan.
Toxoplasmosis, a zoonotic disease caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, poses significant public health and economic challenges by infecting humans, animals, and birds globally. Birds, as intermediate hosts, play a critical role in the transmission cycle of this parasite, highlighting the importance of community awareness regarding its epidemiological impacts. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) related to toxoplasmosis among residents in Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan. Using close-ended questionnaires with 59 structured questions, responses from 200 randomly selected participants across five tehsils were analyzed. Findings revealed that although 45.5% of the respondents were aware of the existence of toxoplasmosis but 64% lacked knowledge about its transmission. Commonly identified transmission routes included consumption of raw or undercooked meat, contact with contaminated soil, untreated water, and raw vegetables. Additionally, 58% of participants supported disease control measures, though 59% were unaware of available treatments. These results underscore a moderate level of community awareness among the residents of Lahore and emphasize the need for targeted educational campaigns utilizing the One Health Approach to mitigate the risks associated with this parasitic disease. Community engagement and intersectoral collaboration are imperative to enhance public health outcomes and prevent the spread of toxoplasmosis.
Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue continue to pose significant public health challenges worldwide, primarily due to the rapid distribution and adaptability of Aedes aegypti. Conventional chemical control methods are increasingly limited by issues such as insecticide resistance, short residual activity, and environmental concerns, emphasizing the need for sustainable alternatives. The present study aimed to evaluate the toxicity and repellent efficacy of encapsulated essential oils (micro-and nano-formulations) against the dengue vector A. aegypti. Essential oils from lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus), grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), and neem (Azadirachta indica) were assessed for their repellent potential. Bioassays revealed that lemongrass oil exhibited the highest repellency, providing up to three hours of protection at the highest concentration among unencapsulated treatments. Encapsulation markedly enhanced both the efficacy and persistence of repellency. Specifically, microencapsulated lemongrass oil with chitosan provided up to seven hours of repellency, while nanoencapsulated lemongrass oil extended protection to nine hours against adult A. aegypti. Successful encapsulation was confirmed through zeta potential analysis, demonstrating stable formulations. Overall, the findings highlight that micro-and nanoencapsulation significantly improve the longevity and effectiveness of essential oil-based repellents, offering a promising eco-friendly approach for sustainable dengue vector management. Future research should focus on optimizing encapsulation parameters to achieve enhanced controlled release and prolonged field efficacy.
This study examines and compares the anatomy and histology of the male reproductive system in Ablepharus pannonicus from the Scincidae family during spring and autumn. Male specimens of the Asian-eyed skink, A. pannonicus, were collected from the northern mountain slopes of Sorkheh-Dizeh village, 125 km west of Kermanshah Province, west Iran. Post-anesthetization, specimens were lab-dissected and sections of the male reproductive system underwent tissue processing. Using a rotary microtome, serial sections were prepared and slides were stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin for histological study. The results showed that the lumen of each testicular spermatogenic tubule is abundant with free sperm in spring. However, in the autumn season, almost no free sperm can be seen, and more developing spermatids can be observed. Therefore, the reproductive pattern in the male lizard A. pannonicus is seasonal. Its gonads and reproductive ducts show the greatest change and increase in activity in spring (May). Simultaneously, with the decrease in ambient temperature and the end of the breeding season, the volume and activity of the gonads also decrease. No signs of sexual activity can be seen in this lizard in autumn (November). Given the findings of this research, there exists a possibility that the animal prepares itself for hibernation by feeding and storing fat.
