Wildlife and Biodiversity Conservation

The present study was carried out to report the avifaunal assemblages in suburban habitat of district Udhampur based on the survey carried from 2021 to 2022. A total of 103 avian species belongs to 15 orders were reported from study area. The suburban study area primarily was divided into four habitats i.e., Aquatic habitat (AqH), Open cultivation habitat (OCH), Scrubby Habitat (SH) and Aerial Habitat (AeH). The results indicates that open cultivation habitat reported highest Shannon diversity index (3.54) and lowest found in Scrubby habitat (1.23). Shannon Equitability Index was found highest in open cultivation area (0.88) and lowest in scrub by habitat (0.76). Margalef's index was found highest at open cultivation habitat (7.10) and lowest in aerial habitat (1.02). Similarly, Menhinick's index was found highest in Open cultivation habitat (0.99) and lowest in Aerial habitat (0.52). Out of 103 bird's species 73 were resident, 4 shows winter migrants, 24 species were reported to be summer migrant and 2 species found to be Passage migrant/Vagrant. Species abundance was found as Common (65%), Occasional (12%), Frequent (12%) and Rare (11%).

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This study discusses how AI can be combined with multi-source geospatial big data. It improves predictions and advisory activities to combat climate change at regional and global levels. The issue of climate change is a burning world problem that requires technological breakthroughs. The phenomenon of access to geospatial big data by satellites, sensors, and drones. Climate monitoring systems are giving an unprecedented chance to know environmental dynamics. Scalable models of artificial intelligence learn meaningful dissimilarities amid rich and large-scale data sources. This paper uses

International aid for biodiversity conservation is expected to provide alternative livelihoods for forest-dependent communities to offset restrictions on forest use. This aligns with the contemporary conservation discourse that promotes pro-poor, human rightsbased, and sustainability principles. We used the Central Africa Forest Ecosystem Program (ECOFAC), the longest-running EUfunded initiative with nearly 200 million euros invested for about 30 years, as a case study to analyze how international aid, has attempted to achieve fair and sustainable conservation practices. Through a longitudinal study of the design of ECOFAC, we assessed its implementation arrangements, budget distribution, prioritized technical solutions, and target actors to identify to whom it has benefited the most (winners) and for whom it has not been beneficial or even harmful (losers). Our findings show that the EU biodiversity conservation program has prioritized the reinforcement of state administrations to strengthen their coercive power in protected areas. A co-dependency has developed between transnational actors, preferred by the EU as implementing partners, and state conservation actors. This relationship has become a barrier to meaningful reform within ECOFAC despite decades of policy learning. The pro-poor discourse and human rights concerns of the EU aid have not been reflected in the types of activities funded nor in the level of investments aimed at incentivizing forest-dependent communities to support conservation restrictions. EU policymakers need to pay more attention to how their interventions in biodiversity conservation policies create or reinforce power asymmetries and inequality, especially in Central Africa.

This study focuses on the diet of the common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus, Linnaeus, 1758) in the Souf region, southeast Algeria, based on analysis of 46 regurgitated pellets. A total of 22 prey species were identified, spanning 5 orders and 11 families. Rodents were the primary food source, accounting for 63.8% of all prey items and 80.3% of the total biomass. The lesser Egyptian gerbil (Gerbillus gerbillus, Olivier, 1801) alone contributed 46.5% of the biomass. Insects constituted 27% of prey by number, while birds and reptiles contributed 11.6% and 5.9% of the biomass, respectively. An equitability index of approximately 0.73 reflects a balanced exploitation of available prey, consistent with the kestrel's generalist and opportunistic feeding behavior. These findings highlight its ecological role as a natural pest controller in agricultural landscapes. The study also contributes to regional faunistic knowledge and underscores the importance of conserving this raptor to support ecosystem stability and sustainable agriculture.

On 26th of December 2019, a sandbar shark, Carcharhinus plumbeus (Nardo, 1827), was incidentally captured by a stationary-net, deployed nearly 40 m of depth, off Arsuz coast. Because of the presence of a partially healed birth mark, examined sandbar shark was considered as young-of-the-year specimen. Arsuz coast and in a broad perspective Iskenderun Bay can be served as a nursery ground for C. plumbeus, a promising possibility for the survival of an endangered shark species in the Mediterranean Sea. The leucism seen on the examined specimen was one of the very rare examples of an atypical character reported for C. plumbeus.

We assessed the distribution pattern and abundance of Petaurista philippensis in the state of Gujarat, India. Itis the only species of flying squirrel found in the western states of India. The species was distributed on a large geographic area with confined populations in the eastern dry and moist deciduous forest stretch with tall trees within the state. During the study period, 33 times flying squirrels were encountered at 14 sites in 7 districts, concentrated mainly in protected areas. The overall encounter rate was 0.50 individuals/km among which, the central districts of Gujarat showed the highest while the north-east districts showed the lowest abundance of P. philippensis. It was found to be a tree-dwelling species, positively associated with old-growth forests with tall trees. The abundance rates were found to be associated with forest degradation and hunting practices. Illegal hunting practices persists in some areas of Gujarat, may affect the population number and trend. A...

Mihoci, I. & [a{i}, M.: New distribution data on the endemic butterfly Proterebia afra dalmata (Godart, [1824]) (Nymphalidae, Satyrinae) in Croatia. Nat. Croat., Vol. 16, No. 3., 205–210, 2007, Zagreb. The endemic butterfly the Dalmatian Ringlet Proterebia afra dalmata (Godart, [1824]) was found at several new sites in the years 2006 and 2007. In this paper we present the current distribution of this endemic subspecies in Croatia.

During a butterfly inventory from 2005 to 2012 on Mt Dinara along the transect from Knin to the Sinjal peak (1831 m a.s.l.), 116 species were found. There are 23 newly-found species for the Mt Dinara area, and 7 species have not been confirmed. With 130 registered species this area is a hot spot of butterfly diversity. 15 species belong to Alpine elements, but in comparison with other better investigated Dinaric mountains, Ponto-Mediterranean oreal species are more numerous than Euro/Alpine species.

It is important to prioritize natural and environmental issues in a balanced way with economic and social issues, when addressing the development progress of Turkish Defense Industry, which has a high potential in the economy, with a socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable approach. Some approaches for the responsibilities of a firm concerning society have typically excluded defense companies from their research, mainly on ideological grounds. On the contrary, the managers of defense companies have concerns that their companies imply to operate in socially responsible ways. Additionally, it is well known fact that wildlife and biodiversity are under direct and indirect impact of such human activities. Current knowledge on biodiversity points out the requirement of further efforts and resources to increase the understanding and, thus, develop more effective conservation strategies. A framework for integration of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and wildlife conservation could be beneficial to increase the effort on this purpose, especially for less studied regions. This research aims to outline characteristics and perceptions of managers as decision makers of CSR activities in Turkish Defense Industry and propose a framework for integration between wildlife conservation and CSR of the Turkish Defense Industry. Results highlighted that demographic characteristics and company structure does not impact the CSR view of managers as considerably as expected. Additionally, managers of defense industries, especially mid-level corporations are aware of CSR, but their knowledge is insufficient for planning. A framework for CSR activities for wildlife conservation was designed by including corporations, non-governmental organization and universities, as stakeholders. This framework can provide structure to take their interest to increase the understanding by continuous monitoring of wildlife and implementing more effective conservation strategies for the biogenic components of nature.

The paper assesses the local communities' interest in institutional reform in wildlife conservation in Tanzania. Data were collected from 281 heads of households through questionnaire surveys, interviews, focus group discussions and documentary review and analysed by content, thematic analysis, and SPSS version 21. The study found that the local community was generally excluded from decision-making on the Wildlife Management Area (WMA). The wildliferelated benefits did not reach the household, reducing the community's interest in supporting wildlife conservation. The local community should be required by law to participate in establishing and managing WMA to ensure full participation in planning, management, and benefit sharing from wildlife resources.

Railway lines crossing elephant habitats pose significant danger to these animals throughout regions where train lines and animals co-exist. The effectiveness of traditional mitigation approaches such as fencing, speed restrictions, and manual monitoring reduces because elephants show unpredictable movement patterns. Artificial intelligence supplies a fundamental solution to train some of its limitations through real-time monitoring features, alongside predictive analytics, plus automated alerts and training intervention systems. The review investigates existing AI-based solutions for train-elephant collision prevention while analyzing their performance and AI architectural structures that benefit conservation activities. This paper evaluates AI applications in wildlife conservation through structured research of Indian and African case studies, developing policy recommendations and identifying existing challenges.

The critically endangered Bornean banded langur (Presbytis chrysomelas) is exclusively found in Borneo. This species is classified among the world's 25 most endangered primate species. The geographical locations and distribution patterns of P. chrysomelas remain inadequately understood, and their taxonomic classification remains unclear. Although it was once abundant in Sarawak, the distribution of P. chrysomelas has become one of the most restricted among all Presbytis species. Presently, documented sightings of P.

The critically endangered Bornean banded langur (Presbytis chrysomelas) is exclusively found in Borneo. This species is classified among the world's 25 most endangered primate species. The geographical locations and distribution patterns of P. chrysomelas remain inadequately understood, and their taxonomic classification remains unclear. Although it was once abundant in Sarawak, the distribution of P. chrysomelas has become one of the most restricted among all Presbytis species. Presently, documented sightings of P.

This study evaluated Length-Weight Relationships (LWRs) and condition factor (K) of the juvenile and young adult fish from shallow littoral zones in some aquatic ecosystems located in Khuzestan province, Iran. In June 2015, the specimens were sampled using a seine net from the Shadegan Wetland, the Dez, and the Karkheh Rivers in the time period of increased juvenile recruitment. The LWRs of fish were calculated using linear regression log formula as log W=loga+blogTL, and the K estimated using K=W/L3. A total of 18 species belong to 5 families collected in the stations. Exotic species comprised 33.33% of the total ichthyofauna. The variation of b-value ranges between 2.65 and 3.26, and the growth pattern is isometric in all species except Acanthobrama marmid. Since the amount of K was higher than one in all species, it can be concluded that the sampling stations are favorable for the growth of the fish. As a consequence of the decreased floodplain habitats in the surrounding of the water bodies, the shallow waters of littoral zones that have suitable features for the juvenile fish can play an essential role in the survival of the native fish fauna.

Mt Kozjak is an elongated mountain ridge situated in central Dalmatia, just above the Riviera of Kaštela near Split. It was well surveyed a century ago by Hermann Stauder who recorded 38 butterfly species. Among these, Papilio alexanor was the most prominent discovery. During our surveys from 2007 to 2018, we recorded 82 butterfly species at 19 localities bringing the total of observed species to 87. We managed to confirm the presence of Papilio alexanor more than hundred years after the first observation in the area. The occurrence of some additional rare and interesting species like Carcharodus orientalis, Pyrgus sidae, Pyrgus serratulae, Parnassius mnemosyne, Euchloe ausonia, Cupido osiris, Polyommatus admetus and Hyponephele lycaon is discussed in more detail. The butterfly fauna of Mt Kozjak is very diverse given its geographic position, low habitat diversity and size. Abandonment of pasturing and subsequent overgrowing of calcareous grasslands is the most important factor caus...

The critically endangered Bornean banded langur (Presbytis chrysomelas) is exclusively found in Borneo. This species is classified among the world's 25 most endangered primate species. The geographical locations and distribution patterns of P. chrysomelas remain inadequately understood, and their taxonomic classification remains unclear. Although it was once abundant in Sarawak, the distribution of P. chrysomelas has become one of the most restricted among all Presbytis species. Presently, documented sightings of P. chrysomelas span across five specific locations in Sarawak: Samunsam Wildlife Sanctuary, Tanjung Datu National Park, Gunung Pueh National Park, Similajau National Park, and Maludam National Park. Thus, the purpose of this review is to present previous studies conducted on P. chrysomelas in Sarawak, elucidating its taxonomy, characteristics, distributions, important sites, research gaps, threats, and recommendations for further studies. Immediate conservation efforts and attention from the primatologist, relevant authorities and stakeholders are needed to prevent the localized extinction of P. chrysomelas.

Bats are unique among mammals as they are the only group that has evolved true powered flight, like aves. India has a rich diversity of bat fauna comprising approximately 119 species of bats, out of which 14 species are megachiropteran bats belonging to 8 genera and one family (Pteropodidae) and the remaining are microchiropteran bats. In Uttar Pradesh, a total of 14 species of bats are recorded. Out of which, three species belong to the family Pteropodidae and remaining 11 species belong to five insectivorous families such as Vespertilionidae, Hipposideridae, Emballonuridae, Megadermatidae and Rhinopomatidae. Previous literatures revealed that population of bats are declining day by day due various anthropogenic factors such as habitat destruction, human influences, hunting and electrocution etc. The present study also revealed major threats to survival of bat species in district Lakhimpur-Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, India. The electrocution was observed one of the major threats to P. giganteus in study area. The present study also made some recommendations to protect and conserve bat population.

In this study, six chondrichthyan species (Raja clavata, Raja miraletus, Raja asterias, Torpedo marmorata, Rhinobatos rhinobatos and Gymnura altavela) were captured for age determination in Iskenderun Bay (North eastern Mediterranean Sea) between May 2010 and January 2012. Age was determined from vertebral sectioned, using four staining techniques, namely Crystal Violet, Silver Nitrate, Safranin O and Alcian Blue. The results from these four techniques were compared to each other, with respect to visibility success on growth rings. Of all four staining techniques, Silver Nitrate staining provided the best optical resolution for growth rings of R. clavata, R. miraletus and R. rhinobatos. For, R. asterias, T. marmorata and G. altavela, however, it provided a lower optical resolution. In fact, four staining technique was also efficient for R. clavata. The most efficient staining techniques were Safranin O in T. marmorata and Alcian Blue in R. rhinobatos. The order of average readabilit...

Lepus nigricollis is a small mammal species mainly found in South Asia. The phylogenetic position of the Sri Lankan wild hare (Lepus nigricollis singhala) is yet to be determined. Therefore, the mitochondrial DNA D-loop of three Sri Lankan wild hare samples was studied. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that Sri Lankan wild hare clustered as a basal separate branch consistent with the phylogenetic position of other isolated populations. The limitation of the current data did not permit us to make any further conclusions; therefore, more research evidence is still required.

Tanzania is diversifying wildlife investments. The Special Wildlife Investment Concession Area, (the SWICA) is set aside. The regulations to achieve the purpose are in place.The regulations enlighten on the procedures of carrying out investments within the SWICA. This paper reviewson this new investment scheme;whether itwill spare the ecosystem, specifically, the safety and survival of wild animals.The invited investments activities connote disturbance on the lives of wild animals. This paper observes that, the cumulative promulgation of the regulations threatens the life of wild animals. The apprehension of ecosystem disturbances in the SWICA is too wide to connote probable security on the lives of wild animals. Moreover, the avenues for some actors to excises "their wisdom," aside of the regulations may invite unnecessary difficulties between the investors and the authority. Lastly, wild animals are likely to suffer a significant prejudice if investments in the SWICAs get through.

Oriental White Ibis, also known as Indian White Ibis (Threskiornis melanocephalus), belongs to family Threskiornithidae. It is a large, white-water bird with a prominent bare black head and neck, and a long, down-curved black bill. The body of this species is elongated but robust. The tail of the black-headed ibis bears grey ornamental feathers. Both the male and female black-headed ibis are similar in size and appearance. We observed many leucistic Black-headed Ibis during breeding season. Almost partially leucistic individuals (15) were solitary and perched on nesting trees but few birds (only one) form pairs with normal individuals of Black-headed Ibis at the end of breeding season. The comparison of various behaviors like nest building, courtship and mating, incubation, hatching and feeding of such abnormal and normal mophs, were studied June 2019 to October 2020, factors affecting the breeding success of the species were also analyzed. The abnormal morphology failed to form a pair like normal morphs during breeding cycle.

Sacred groves have long been recognised for their critical role in biodiversity conservation, but research on their importance in avian conservation is limited. We conducted a comprehensive assessment of bird diversity, richness, and abundance within sacred groves and their surrounding areas in the semi-arid landscape of Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. We made 120 point counts (60 sacred groves and 60 random points) to record birds from March 2023 to July 2023. Our results revealed a greater number of bird species (n = 114) within sacred groves than random points (n = 100), including several species of global conservation concern. The species diversity remained consistent, while variations in species richness and abundance was observed. Moreover, we found that the overall composition of birds' feeding guilds was similar in both groups. We observed noteworthy differences in the abundance of frugivores, granivores, insectivores, and omnivores. Species and guild-level abundance exhibited an even distribution. Species richness in both type of sites predominantly attributed to species turnover. Feeding guilds and bird species had varying associations to environmental variables. Our findings recommend the immediate protection of these sacred areas for bird conservation.

Diospyros kaki L. (Ebenaceae) fruit and leaves are traditionally used for the treatment of hypertension and angina, as well as for their antithrombotic and anti-inflammatory effects. We investigated the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of Diospyros kaki L. (Ebenaceae) in order to scientifically validate its pharmacological importance. In the current study, the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of ethyl acetate (Per-1), n-butanol (Per-2) and aqueous (Per-3) fractions of a methanol extract of Persimmon leaves were tested. W istar rats weighing 190-210 g (for the anti-inflammatory assay) and male albino mice (Swiss) weighing 18-24 g (for the antipyretic and analgesic assays) were utilized as the experimental animals. The rats were separated into eight groups (for anti-inflammatory) and seven group (for antipyretic), each consisting of six rats. Each sample was treated orally and two doses: 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight were used in these experiments. The Per-3 sample at a dose of 200 mg/kg produced the highest inflammation inhibition at 59.28%. The same sample at a dose of 200 mg/kg lowered body temperature from 38°C of hyperthermia mice back to 36.65 ± 0.12°C after 120 min, close to the normal temperature (35.21 ± 0.29°C). In the tail flick model, sample Per-3 showed 67.74% highest nociception inhibition. Similar results were obtained with Acetic acid and hot-plate assay. These results confirm that the n-butanol and aqueous fractions of persimmon are active and may be used for further pharmacological screening.

Diet analysis is one of the most basic requirements for understanding species' ecological niches and determining their feeding relationships in an ecosystem. Pellets are common material for investigating diets. In this study, to investigate the diets and food niche overlap of coexisting raptors in NE Iran, a total of 344 pellets were collected during 2017–18. The pellets belonged to common buzzard (Buteo buteo), long-legged buzzard (Buteo rufinus), little owl (Athene noctua), common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), and Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) from the Binalud protected area. Analysis of prey percent frequency showed that the pellets were predominantly composed of the remains of rodents, followed by birds and reptiles. The most frequently captured rodents were jirds (Meriones libycus and M. persicus), followed by a vole (Microtus arvalis). Although the raptors generally utilized small mammalian prey, they showed species-specific prefer...

During 2003 -2004, seventy-two samples were collected from 6 sampling points on Isparta stream basin (Isparta/Turkey). Macrozoobenthic organisms and physico-chemical parameters were investigated to assess the impact of the pollution on macrozoobenthos assemblages. Ecological methodologies (species richness, diversity and family biotic indices and multivariate analysis) were employed to assess the impact of the pollution on macrozoobenthic assemblages. During the study, totally 27293 specimens were collected from six sampling points. These belonged to 83 taxa distributed into 6 taxonomic groups as follows: Plathelminthes, Mollusca, Annelida, Crustacea, Insecta, and Arachnida. Biological oxygen demand, NH4-N, NO3-N, NO2-N SO4, conductivity, total hardness and turbidity parameters were measured higher in the 3rd and 6th sampling points, while dissolved oxygen amount was the lowest in these. pH was variable. In this study, the number of species is the highest at station 1, which is also...

This thesis contributes to the current debate on how to balance conservation and development objectives. The extent of land under protection globally has increased enormously over the last 30 years, and there are still plans to expand the current protected areas (PAs) and create new ones. Their establishment is associated with impacts on local communities who live in the proximity of such areas. Different actors have proposed local participation and benefit sharing for people affected by these conservation initiatives. Despite their implementation over three decades, the social, economic, and political impacts of establishing and maintaining PAs remain debatable. It is in this context that this study was conducted in the Enduimet Wildlife Management Area (WMA), the Kilimanjaro National Park, and the West Kilimanjaro Forest Plantation in Tanzania. The specific research questions of the study are: i. What are the social and economic impacts of the expansion and establishment of conser...

Unfortunately, adverse rather than positive local welfare outcomes of community‐based conservation initiatives are quite common. Through the case of Burunge Wildlife Management Area (WMA) this study documents how WMAs in Tanzania appear designed to facilitate accumulation by dispossession in the name of decentralized wildlife management. Based on focus group discussions, interviews, and policy‐document analyses, we show that the process of establishing the WMA was fraught with hidden agendas and lacked legitimacy as well as transparency. Villagers and their local governments were also oblivious to the fact that the village land they contributed to forming the WMA would no longer be under village control even if they withdrew from the WMA. Decentralized revenue streams were gradually recentralized, and when the High Court ruled in favor of a Village Government that did not want to be part of the WMA, higher levels of government scared it to stay and to drop its legal as well as econo...

Through a cross-sectional research design, this study examined power struggles in Burunge Wildlife Management Area (WMA) in Tanzania. Four out of ten villages comprising the WMA were purposively selected, and data were collected via focus group discussions, key informant interviews, questionnaires to household heads, and a literature review. Results showed that the central government, investors and non-government organisations held institutional and strategic powers, while the democratically elected Village Councils held structural powers and lost most of their pre-WMA institutional powers to a legally required new institution, the Authorised Association. Therefore, Village Councils lost influence on strategic, institutional and management decisions pertinent to the WMA and their constituencies' livelihoods. Accordingly, Burunge WMA dedemocratised wildlife management by eroding the relevance of Village Councils to their constituencies. The study also found power struggles over revenues, land management and access to resources among the stakeholders, mainly due to a divergence of interests. However, there was no conflict management mechanism in place. Hence, we recommend that the institutional powers to establish, govern and dissolve WMAs should go back to Village Councils. The purpose is to establish economic incentive structures that promote (i) wildlife conservation, (ii) an equitable distribution of associated costs and benefits between Village Councils forming WMAs and (iii) an equitable distribution of costs and benefits between WMAs and higher levels of government as well as international conservation NGOs.

An electronic version of this book is freely available, thanks to the support of libraries working with Knowledge Unlatched. KU is a collaborative initiative designed to make high quality books Open Access for the public good. The Open Access ISBN for this book is 978-0-8165-4345-8. More information about the initiative and links to the Open Access version can be found at www. knowledgeunlatched.org.

The book, written by an international team of interdisciplinary researchers, is composed of a series of scientific essays touching on themes of roots of the idea of primeval forest in the connection with Białowieża Primeval Forest (BPF) and scientific recognition of BPF and European bison in European research. We trace specimens of European bison from BPF in European nature museums and show their significance in, we follow the perception of BPF in popular writings and collect information on initiatives to reintroduce wild animals as an attempt to re-create the fauna of a primeval forest. We also attempt to describe the evolution of the visons of European bison in art and its connection with the development of knowledge on the species. Lastly, we conclude that contemporary conservation needs a new definition of primeval forest, taking into account the history of this term in the context of BPF.

Rodents (mainly mice and rats) are the most commonly used animal models for studies of cancer biology, immunology, genetics, developmental biology and also embryo transfer techniques in domestic and endangered animal species, and even in humans. Herein, we aimed to evaluate Goodwin’s brush-tailed mouse (Calomyscus elburzensis) as a suggested model species for evolutionary developmental biology (Evo-Devo) studies. Trapping procedure was performed in Khaje-Morad rocky region, south center of Mashhad, Razavi Khorasan province, Iran between April and September 2014. Breeding procedure for 15 adult females and 12 adult males was conducted in captivity between 2014 and 2017. Brother × sister mating in each generation was used as laboratory rearing method for breeding three generations (F1-F3). The average of pregnancy period and the differences in the sex of newborns in different parturition were measured using descriptive statistical analyses (independent-sample t-test). We observed that...

Rodents (mainly mice and rats) are the most commonly used animal models for studies of cancer biology, immunology, genetics, developmental biology and also embryo transfer techniques in domestic and endangered animal species, and even in humans. Herein, we aimed to evaluate Goodwin’s brush-tailed mouse (Calomyscus elburzensis) as a suggested model species for evolutionary developmental biology (Evo-Devo) studies. Trapping procedure was performed in Khaje-Morad rocky region, south center of Mashhad, Razavi Khorasan province, Iran between April and September 2014. Breeding procedure for 15 adult females and 12 adult males was conducted in captivity between 2014 and 2017. Brother × sister mating in each generation was used as laboratory rearing method for breeding three generations (F1-F3). The average of pregnancy period and the differences in the sex of newborns in different parturition were measured using descriptive statistical analyses (independent-sample t-test). We observed that...

European White Stork belongs to the family Ciconiidae. It is rare winter migratory bird in India. European White Stork is distributed in Europe, Africa and Indian subcontinent. Beak deformities may be permanent or temporary and are caused by various factors. Despite its vast geographical area in India, there has been limited research on beak abnormalities in wild birds and few cases have been reported. In the present study, a beak abnormality in European White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) has been reported first at worldwide level as reviewed from many research paper. The present research paper reports first photographic evidence of Avian Keratin Disorder from Ummedgunj Conservation Reserve, Kota, Rajasthan. The present study is the first scientific study confirming this disorder through photographic evidence. The importance of photographs as a valuable tool for documenting bird beak abnormality has been highlighted here.

Aims: The study aims to study the resource partitioning and nesting behaviour in four species namely Common Myna, Bank Myna, Brahminy Starling, and Asian Pied Starling nesting in human settlements. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted from January 2022 to July 2023 in peri-urban areas of Ajmer city, Rajasthan, India. Methodology: Using observations and point-count transects, we examined the nesting preferences, heights, and materials used by these species. Results: The findings reveal that all four species demonstrated a remarkable adaptability to urban environments by selecting man-made structures as their preferred nesting sites. Common Mynas, in particular, displayed a preference for a variety of human constructions, such as buildings and building cracks, and utilized materials like twigs, straws, plastic, paper, and cotton. Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of considering wildlife adaptation in urban planning and conservation efforts, as these bird...

Changes in body mass, length of forearm, and length of total epiphyseal gaps of young Formosan leaf-nosed bats (Hipposideros terasensis) were monitored by marking and recapturing at a maternity colony in central Taiwan. Length of forearm and body mass of 1day-old neonates averaged 43.3 mm Ϯ 2.7 SD and 15.9 g Ϯ 3.3 SD, respectively. Increase in forearm length and body mass was fastest in the 1st week after birth, but rate of increase decreased thereafter. Length of total epiphyseal gap increased to its maximum size at about 10 days after birth and subsequently decreased linearly. Growth constants derived from the logistic growth model were 0.096 and 0.114 for the increase in length of forearm and body mass, respectively. Age of H. terasensis between 1 and 44 days can be estimated either by length of forearm when forearm length is Յ91 mm or by length of total epiphyseal gap when forearm length is Ͼ91 mm. Subsequent monitoring suggested that males of H. terasensis are capable of reaching sexual maturity in their 1st year and females in their 2nd year. When compared with other bats, growth rate of H. terasensis was faster than that of many tropical species but slower than that of most temperate species.

A survey to identify the birds diversity in the catchment area of Thandapani Tawi River-Manawar Tawi River was conducted between May 2022 to January 2023. The study reveals a rich avian diversity and a total of 160 species of birds belonging to 56 families. The catchment of Thandapani Tawi River-Manawar Tawi River is a biodiversity rich region. It harbors a variety of flora and fauna. The catchment is a house of number of migratory as well resident birds. Varieties of migratory birds visit the catchment during winter. Continuous monitoring of the avifaunal diversity is required to evaluate the ecological status of the birds and their habitats. Birds plays an important role in maintaining the ecological balance. Due to increase in urbanization and various anthropogenic activities, diversity and distribution of bird's species is on declining trend all over the globe. Out of 160 species of birds 08 species are migratory, 128 resident, 02 resident summer visitors, 03 resident winter visitors, 03 summer visiotors, 16 winter visitors were recorded.

The study evaluated some population parameters of Galeoides decadactylus in coastal waters of Ghana. A total of 567 samples were collected from some selected coastal communities along the Greater Accra region of Ghana from August 2018 to August 2019. The total length of individual fish samples was measured and analyzed using TropFish R statistical package. Von Bertalanffy parameters were estimated at asymptotic length (L∞) = 39.6 cm, growth rate (K) = 0.19 per year, and growth performance index (Φ′) = 2.484 with an Rn value of 0.37. The length at first capture and maturity was 17.2 cm and 22.7 cm, respectively. Mortality parameters were calculated as total mortality rate (Z) = 1.49 per year, natural mortality rate (M) = 0.36 per year and fishing mortality rate (F) = 1.13 per year. The exploitation rate (E) was 0.76, indicating that G. decadactylus fishery in Ghana is overexploited. Monitoring of fishing efforts and the use of legal mesh size are some of the recommended management me...

This paper presents new findings of the rare butterfly Proterebia afra dalmata (Godart, [1824]) along the Dalmatian coast in Croatia. The subspecies was found on seven new sites: in Lozovac near the Krka National Park, in the vicinity of the main spring of the Cetina River, near Velo Blato on the island of Pag and at four locations on the northern slopes of Mt Biokovo between Lon~ari, Kaoci and Turija (all inside the borders of Biokovo Nature Park). The range and the habitat characteristics of this threatened subspecies are also discussed.

The endemic butterfly Erebia stirius kleki Lorkovi}, 1955 was found at Kle~ice (Klek Mountain, western Croatia), representing the known occurrence of this subspecies in Croatia. The biology of the species, the characteristics of a newly found site and the threat status of this endemic subspecies are also briefly discussed.

This paper presents new findings of the rare butterfly Proterebia afra dalmata (Godart, [1824]) along the Dalmatian coast in Croatia. The subspecies was found on seven new sites: in Lozovac near the Krka National Park, in the vicinity of the main spring of the Cetina River, near Velo Blato on the island of Pag and at four locations on the northern slopes of Mt Biokovo between Lon~ari, Kaoci and Turija (all inside the borders of Biokovo Nature Park). The range and the habitat characteristics of this threatened subspecies are also discussed.

During a butterfly inventory from 2005 to 2012 on Mt Dinara along the transect from Knin to the Sinjal peak (1831 m a.s.l.), 116 species were found. There are 23 newly-found species for the Mt Dinara area, and 7 species have not been confirmed. With 130 registered species this area is a hot spot of butterfly diversity. 15 species belong to Alpine elements, but in comparison with other better investigated Dinaric mountains, Ponto-Mediterranean oreal species are more numerous than Euro/Alpine species.

After more than 40 years the nymphalid butterfly Nymphalis vaualbum was rediscovered in Croatia. A single specimen was found on Papuk Mt. in the spring area of Dubočanka stream in July 2004. The habitats on Papuk Mt. are suitable for the species long term survival ; therefore the area was proposed as NATURA 2000 site for this threatened and protected species. As the species has disappeared from many European countries, this recent record is of great importance and emphasizes the need for further field research efforts to confirm a resident populations of species, a distribution area and population status.

Urbanization constitutes one of the most aggressive drivers of habitat and biodiversity loss worldwide. However, studies focused on determining the response of local biodiversity to urbanization are still scarce, especially in tropical ecosystems. Urban ecosystems are characterized by low biological productivity which in turn leads to a reduction in biodiversity. However, the responses to urbanization should be species dependent. For instance, changes in the availability of resources can favor certain species with specific characteristics. We assessed the effects of the urbanization process on a bird community in a city located in the Tropical Andes of southern Ecuador, a region widely recognized for its diversity and endemism of birds. We selected three independent localities in each of the four levels of the urbanization gradient in the study area (forest, forest-pasture, pasture, and urban). In each locality, we sampled the bird community by visual and auditory surveys along 1 km...

Wildlife is widely becoming an important vehicle for rural development in most third-world countries across the globe. With wildlife, as with other conservation and development policies, policymakers are usually not informed about the needs and wants of poor rural households and roll out programmes that are not tailor made to suit their desires, which often results in policy failure. We use a survey-based choice experiment in this paper to investigate household preferences for various attributes of a wildlife management scheme. The survey was administered in local communities around the Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe. Respondents showed great willingness to move from the status quo to a regime that gives them full control over wildlife. Thus, our results speak to increased devolution of wildlife management from the rural district councils into the hands of sub-district producer communities. The respondents' willingness-to-pay to take full control over wildlife conservation suggests that full devolution doubles the value of CAMPFIRE to the producer communities. Furthermore, our results support the idea that government programmes and development projects should not be imposed on local communities but should be informed by programme beneficiaries through research in order to capture their needs and wants. Finally, our results demonstrate that poachers and those who are generally good at extracting resources from the environment will oppose change.