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Contribution to the knowledge of the genus Lytorhynchus Peters, 1863 (Reptilia: Squamata: Colubridae) with special reference to the Iranian taxa
Naeim Moradi, Soheila Shafiei Bafti, Mohammad Ebrahim Sehhatisabet, Behzad Zadhoush, Eskandar Rastegar-Pouyani,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (10-2023)
Abstract
The genus Lytorhynchus, spanning from the Sahara’s western fringes to the Middle East, eastern Pakistan, and northwestern India, has seen numerous species and subspecies classifications over the years. Many of these have been deemed synonymous due to overlapping morphological traits, a problem compounded by the absence of a comprehensive phylogenetic study. The taxa residing in Iran exhibit morphological variations attributable to their broad distribution and disjunct populations. Of the seven recognized species, three have been confirmed in Iran, although some populations display pholidosis distinct from initial descriptions. Species identification has also been fraught with ambiguities. This study aims to elucidate the diagnostic characteristics of taxa and furnish an updated identification key by revisiting past studies and examining new voucher specimens. The biogeography of Iranian taxa is also explored.

 

Blood parasite of the genus Dactylosoma Labbé, 1894 in the Marsh frog Pelophylax ridibundus (Pallas, 1771) from north of Iran
Zahra Rahimi, Reyhaneh Hajian, Hossein Javanbakht,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (10-2023)
Abstract
Blood parasites of the phylum Apicomplexa, order Adeleiorina are a diverse group of haemoparasites reported from almost all vertebrate classes. The most commonly recorded haemoparasites to parasitize anurans are species of Dactylosoma. To date, six Dactylosoma species have been described from anurans and fishes. In the present study, we used molecular characterization for identifying haemoparasites detected by microscopy in blood smears of Pelophylax ridibundus, a frog in the north of Iran. Blood samples were examined from four adult individuals. The smears were prepared and stained by Gimsa. By microscopic investigation, one individual was found positive for blood parasites. According to morphological characteristics, it was identified belongs to the genus Dactylosoma. In genetic analysis, the blast of obtained sequences from part of 18S rRNA gene sequences showed 100% identity with Dactylosoma sp. and D. ranarum. Phylogenetic analysis showed the Dactylosoma sp. of the present study as a monophyletic group in Dactylosoma species, clustered with Dactylosoma sp. and D. ranarum (support > 80%). This study is the first report of a dactylosomatid parasite from Pelophylax ridibundus.
 

Cyprinid diversity and assemblage in South-central Bhutan (Teleostei: Cypriniformes)
Laxmi Sagar, Dhan Bdr Gurung, Karma Wangchuk, Karma L. Wangmo, Rinchen Dorji, Tshering Zangmo, Rupesh Subedi,
Volume 5, Issue 4 (10-2023)
Abstract
Bhutan's freshwater fishes is dominated by the family Cyprinidae, yet significant gaps exist in understanding their diversity and assemblage. Cyprinids were sampled from 54 plots across four river basins (Aiechhu, Jaldakachhu, Mangdechhu, and Punatsangchhu) using systematic sampling at an interval of 5 km. A total of 850 individuals belonging to 22 species and 13 genera were recorded. Aiechhu had the highest diversity and evenness (H’= 1.66±0.28, J’= 0.95±0.03) followed by Punatsangchhu (H’= 1.58±0.34, J’= 0.94±0.04). However, Jaldakachhu and Mangdechhu exhibited the lowest diversity and evenness (H’= 0.90±0.66, J’= 0.84±0.54 and H’= 0.54±0.70, J’= 0.38±0.49). There was a significant difference in diversity among river basins (χ2 (3)= 20.98, p <.001) with specific variation between Mangdechhu and Punatsangchhu (Z= 3.80, p= .00), Mangdechhu and Aiechhu (Z= 3.35, p= .01), and Jaldakachhu and Punatsangchhu (Z= 2.83, p= .03). Canonical Correspondence Analysis indicated that Cyprinid assemblage was significntly correlated with environmental variables (r= 0.94, p= .001 in axis 1 and r= 0.82, p= .001 in axis 2) explaining77% of variance. Axis 1 was positively correlated with temperature (r= 0.92), total dissolved solids (r= 0.53), conductivity (r= 0.51), and salinity (r= 0.39) and negatively correlated with elevation (r= -0.69). Axis 2 was negatively correlated with total hardness (r= -0.82) and dissolved oxygen (r= -0.65). Cluster analysis identified three clusters based on dominant species. Further studies exploring other river basins of Bhutan are needed to better understand the ecological dynamics of Cyprinids in Bhutan.

The bird diversity and conservation recommendations of Mount Zülküf in southeast Anatolia, Türkiye
Abdullah Atabey, Recep Karakaş,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract
Birds have a special importance in the exceptionally rich biodiversity of Türkiye; nevertheless, the ornithological importance of some parts of the country is inadequately known. The bird diversity of Mount Zülküf (MZ) was studied together with recommendations for conservation proposals. In total, 26 field surveys were conducted on MZ, which is located 6 km from Ergani district of Diyarbakır province, south-eastern Türkiye. During the field observations, transect line and point count methodologies were used, accompanied by the use of standard ornithological equipment, between April 2017 and April 2018. It was aimed at determining the seasonal status, breeding status, and threatened categories of bird species, together with suggesting conservation proposals. Within the scope of the studies conducted in the limited area over one year, 73 bird species, belonging to 25 families and nine orders were determined. Among the bird species identified, 19 are possible, 16 are probable, and 14 are certainly breeding species for the area; which means that 67% of them have breeding potential in the study area. Among the recorded bird species, there is one globally threatened species, while seven are threatened within Türkiye with many more least concern or data deficient species. Recording the bird diversity of the mountain, together with the existing cultural importance of the area in terms of religious tourism, will help to bring to light the ecotourism potential of the area, and could be used for monitoring the area for conservation plans. Raising awareness of the region's bird diversity, amongthe local people, will offer nature-based tourism opportunities via ornithology in the region.


 
Diet of some fish species of the Mormyridae (Actinopterygii: Teleostei; Bonaparte, 1831) family from the upper Sanaga River, Central Region in Cameroon 
Akohogni À Mmira, Evrad Medjo Kouopestchop, Boddis Tsiguia Zebaze, Alexia Kevine Noubissi Chiassa, Pamela Cynthia Mepa Tchiegang, Claudine Tekounegning Tiogué, Dorothy Fon,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract

This study was carried out between October 2020 and October 2021 with the aim of determining sustainable management options and nutrition for the domestication of Mormyridae fish species living in the lower reaches of the Sanaga River in central Cameroon. For this purpose, 451 specimens collected from local fishermen were identified and grouped into 4 genera and 7 species (20.84% Campylomormyrus phantasticus (Pellegrin), 5.32% Hippopotamyrus castor Pappenheim, 24.61% Mormyrops anguilloides (Linnaeus), 18.63% Mormyrops caballus (Pellegrin), 4.66% Mormyrops zanclirostris (Günther, 1867), 15.52% Mormyrus rume Valenciennes, and 10.42% Mormyrus tapirus Pappenheim). Fishes were measured, and parameters were obtained after dissection using intestinal morphometric characteristics and stomach content analysis methods. The emptiness coefficient varied from 0% (Hippopotamyrus castor and Mormyrops zanclirostris) to 26.66% (Mormyrus rume). The relative mass of the intestine was low in all studied species; the intestinal coefficient and the Zihler index of all these species are within the range of carnivorous species. Analysis of stomach contents revealed a broad food spectrum containing twelve categories of prey. Insects, macrophytes and larval shelters were the preferred foods of Mormyrops anguilloides, Mormyrops caballus and Mormyrops zanclirostris, while insect larvae and larval shelters were the preferred prey for other species. Site and season had little effect on the categories of prey consumed by these species.


 
Bears on the edge: on the occurrence of Himalayan Brown bear, Ursus arctos isabellinus in the high altitude protected areas of lesser Himalayas, Jammu and Kashmir, India
Ajaz Ansari, Neeraj Sharma,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract

This communication reports the evidence of Himalayan Brown bear in the twin mountainous protected areas of Bani Wildlife Sanctuary and Sudhmahadev Conservation Reserve in Jammu division of Jammu and Kashmir. With the established presence of Himalayan brown bear in the region, systematic surveys are necessitated to gain a better understanding about its behaviour and population dynamics, as well as to make management decisions linked to its conservation in the region.


 
Morphological profile of the forelimb long bones and ribs in the Ganges River dolphin, Platanista gangetica (Lebeck, 1801) (Mammalia: Cetacea: Platanistidae)  
Jannat Un Naim Tuli, Md. Manzoorul Kibria, Afia Khanam Beli, Shah Mohammad Kaisar, Jadab Kumar Biswas,
Volume 6, Issue 1 (3-2024)
Abstract

We conducted a study on the morphology of the forelimb long bones and ribs in the Ganges River dolphin, Platanista gangetica (Lebeck, 1801) using traditional morphometric methods. A total of 17 morphometric measurements of six specimens of P. gangetica were taken. The humerus was the longest bone in the forelimb morphology, with its length ranging from 41.75 to 52.78 mm (mean: 45.57, SD: ± 5.07) in juveniles/subadults and 60.56 to 90.92 mm (mean: 76.75, SD: ± 22.90) in adults. The length of the scapula was 85.84 to 135.46 mm (mean: 102.18, SD: ± 23.00) in juveniles/subadults and 171.79 to 251.95 mm (mean: 211.87, SD: ± 56.68) in adults. Of 10 ribs, the sixth rib was the longest (mean: 133.55, SD: ± 24.12) in juveniles/subadults and the seventh (mean: 240.62, SD: ± 54.24) in adults. All measurements (except the two variables of the scapula) were significantly correlated (P < 0.05) with specific bone length. The allometric coefficients of all correlated variables of the humerus, radius, ulna, scapula, and the depths of ribs exhibited isometry against the length of the particular bone, respectively. We discussed the morphological patterns of the forelimb long bones and ribs in P. gangetica along with the structural and functional aspects of the aquatic lifestyles.     


 
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