A disease of an unknown etiology (Syndrome) broke out as epidemic infecting chicks of peafowl / p... more A disease of an unknown etiology (Syndrome) broke out as epidemic infecting chicks of peafowl / pheasants at Wildlife Research Center, Jallo park, Lahore and caused 100% mortality. To investigate the causative agent, mutant / resistant bacterial strains were cultured from the pus collected from the ocular region of the infected peafowl and pheasant chicks. This bacterial strain was found resistant to the latest broad spectrum antibiotics viz: Tylosin, Doxycycline, Colistin, Amoxixillin, Tribrissen, Gentamycin, Furazolidone, Quinolone. Passive immunity induction plan was developed to control the bacterial disease. For this purpose, pus and blood taken from infected chicks were injected to the healthy birds to obtain antiserum which was later injected to the infected chicks. Antibiotics, Glucose and Texiron were mixed with antiserum to strengthen the immune system. A total of 250 chicks were treated and 73% survival was obtained. This supported the hypothesis that passive immunity is an effective tool against mutant / resistant bacterial strains. Identification of the mutant / resistant bacterial strains, preparation of vaccine / antibiotics and passive immunization with antiserum are the most important factors as management strategies in wildlife and poultry sectors.
The present report reveals the findings of surveys conducted jointly by Sindh Wildlife Department... more The present report reveals the findings of surveys conducted jointly by Sindh Wildlife Department (SWD), Government of Sindh and WWF Pakistan, Islamabad (WWF-P) during November-December, 2008 and February 2009 with the objectives to confirm the existence of Smooth coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillita sindica) in different areas in Sindh and to identify various threats to otter population. An area of about 5,000 km was traversed covering 36 different sites in 12 districts of Sindh province where there were reports of otter existence. The existence of otter was confirmed at 25 sites in 11 districts. Evidence like recent otter tracks, remains of fish eaten by otter, otter spraints, and holts was gathered and local residents and fishermen were interviewed to verify the existence of otter at every site. Five sites located in four different districts were identified where an otter population exists throughout the year, whereas otters visited all the other sites occasionally over different seasons, in search of food. Various threats to the species identified during the surveys included hunting for fur, habitat degradation, water pollution, weak enforcement of wildlife laws, increasing tourism and competition and conflicts between otters and fishermen. The total population of Smooth coated otter was also estimated over the 25 sites as 178.
Uptake of hexavalent chromium (Cr VI) using dead biomass of green algae, Spirogyra spp. to evalua... more Uptake of hexavalent chromium (Cr VI) using dead biomass of green algae, Spirogyra spp. to evaluate biosorption capacity with special emphasis on its mechanistic aspect was studied. Optimum biosorption of Cr (VI) was observed at pH 4.0 (265mg/g), biomass concentration of 1mg/g, and temperature 303K.Various adsorption isotherms were employed to analyze the experimental data of which Langmuir isotherm was found most suitable, showing monolayer adsorption. Pseudo-second order model was found suitable for the kinetic interpretation of the data. Various thermodynamic parameters were calculated and the biosorption was found to be spontaneous, endothermic and feasible under the given conditions. Analysis of FTIR spectra indicated the presence and role of electronegative functional groups on algal surface responsible for binding of Cr (VI) ions.
The study was conducted from October 2008 to September 2010 to record the historical and current ... more The study was conducted from October 2008 to September 2010 to record the historical and current distribution of smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata sindica) in Sindh province of Pakistan. Surveys were conducted jointly by professional staff from Sindh Wildlife Department and WWF-Pakistan. An extensive literature review was carried out to explore the historic distribution of the species in Sindh. For recording the current distribution, different direct and indirect methods including direct observation, observing tracks, holts, spraints and feeding remains were applied. Local people were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire. Around 5000 km were traversed covering 36 different sites in 12 districts of Sindh and the existence of smooth- coated otter was confirmed at 25 sites in 11 districts. Both the historical and current distribution of the species was plotted on maps using GIS tools. The results showed that the species existed in isolated populations and in fragment...
Strip transect (2.5 X 0.04 km 2 ) data on sighting of black francolin and grey francolin was simu... more Strip transect (2.5 X 0.04 km 2 ) data on sighting of black francolin and grey francolin was simultaneously collected from 10 francolin favourable habitat stands of the Lal Suhanra National Park (South Punjab, Pakistan) for two consecutive days in each calendar month (1993-2004). Average population densities of black (8.40±1.39 birds/ km²; range 3 - 13/ km²) and grey (6.20±1.52 birds/ km²; range 3 - 10/ km²) was not significantly different (t = 0.5629, df = 159, p > 0.05). Significant differences in individual stand densities of two species and a negative correlation (r² = - 0.333, p > 0.05) indicated habitat exclusion. Both the species followed identical pattern of density variations, with minimum populations during winter (November-February) and peak in late summer (July- August), but there was a rapid rise in February-March in black and in July-August in grey francolin. Distribution of juveniles in the populations (black: 0.32±0.09 juvenile/ female, 0.14±0.03 juvenile/ adul...
Analyses of 31 crop contents of grey francolin (Francolinus pondicerianus interpositus) collected... more Analyses of 31 crop contents of grey francolin (Francolinus pondicerianus interpositus) collected from Lal Suhanra National Park (Punjab, Pakistan) during different seasons (spring 7, summer 9, autumn 7, winter 8) contained 51 (35 plants, 16 insects) taxa, demonstrating the omnivorous and food generalist character of this species. The food was comprised of seeds (44%), leaves (7%), insects (34%), grit (11%) and unidentified material (5%). Relative representation of all food taxa remained low (>7%). Seeds were more frequent in autumn (49%) and winter (51 %) compared to spring (37%) and summer 40%), insects were in lower proportions in autumn (27%) and winter (28%) than in spring (40%) and summer (38%), and leaves were slightly higher in spring (9%) and summer (10%) than in autumn (5%) and winter (4%). Grit formed 11% of average content and exhibited significant positive regression with seed and significant negative regression with leaves and insects. Comparison of food of grey and...
We studied the mammalian fauna in the desert lands of Tharparkar district during the period April... more We studied the mammalian fauna in the desert lands of Tharparkar district during the period April 1, 2013 to April 10, 2013. An attempt has been made to assess the current conservation status of the mammals occurring in part of Thar Desert in Pakistan. Thirty five (35) species were recorded from different habitats of the district. Majority of species belonged to order Rodentia followed by Carnivora. The rodents dominated the mammalian fauna, being represented by 15 species. Gerbillus gleodowi and Meriones hurrianae were the most dominant and abundant, followed by Tatera indica and Mus species. Among the 10 species of Carnivores, majority are rare in distribution; either endangered or near threatened. Of the Ungulates Indian wild ass (Equus hemionus) is near extinction in the Rann of Kutch (Pakistan part). Striped hyaena (Hyaena hyaena), chinkara or Indian gazelle (Gazella bennettii), and nilgai or bluebull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) are species of concern which need protection for ex...
Keeping to the persistent concern of wildlife enthusiasts regarding decline of the Black Francoli... more Keeping to the persistent concern of wildlife enthusiasts regarding decline of the Black Francolin (Francolinus francolinus) and general absence of quantified studies on feeding biology, the present attempt was designed to study the relative dependence of this Francolin on different animal and plant species, seasonal variation in food intake and the association of grit with different broad type of food. For the purpose 28 crop contents (spring = 8, summer = 7, autumn = 6, winter = 7) were collected from the birds hunted during 1998 from the Lal Suhanra National Park, Bahawalpur, Punjab (Pakistan) through the courtesy of local hunters. The study suggested that on the average the species consumed seeds (43.33±7.30%) and leaves (8.12±1.31%) of 33 plant and 11 animal texa (mainly insects and earthworm (32.94±5.43%). The species composition of contents varied between different seasons, however, animals and leaves were consumed in higher quantities during summer and spring and seeds in au...
Abstract: This note describes the conservation status and threats of the two otter species descri... more Abstract: This note describes the conservation status and threats of the two otter species described in Pakistan; Smooth coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata sindica) and the Eurasian or common otter (Lutra lutra). It also briefly describes the actors involved as well as the efforts made for its conservation. Pakistan being located at western ends of Indian subcontinent and having various habitat types, hosts a mixture of Palaearctic, Oriental and Ethiopian fauna. Its vertebrate fauna is comprised of more than 1200 species with 120 (10%) endemic species. It is a unique feature that shows the zoogeographical importance of the country. Mammalian fauna of the country includes 188 species and sub-species
The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata), a semi-aquatic species, is one of the two spec... more The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata), a semi-aquatic species, is one of the two species of otters in Pakistan. It is reported as Near Threatened (NT) according to IUCN Red List of Mammals of Pakistan. The species is distributed throughout the Indomalayan eco-zone and occurs along the Indus River and its tributaries in Pakistan. Current study was conducted to evaluate the habitat of the smooth-coated otter in Indus Plains of Pakistan using Habitat Suitability Model (HSM) by incorporating topographic and environmental layers along with species sighting data. ALOS-AVNIR-2 satellite images were used to develop land cover maps of entire study area leading to the development of digital layers in accordance to key habitat features of the species. Within each layer, different variables were assigned suitability values according to the relationship of that indicator with otter habitat. Combining all these layers we derived the suitability of habitat for smooth coated otter in th...
Study was conducted on habitat preferred by the black francolin in Lal Suhanra National Park. A m... more Study was conducted on habitat preferred by the black francolin in Lal Suhanra National Park. A minimum of seventy plant species were identified for the stands preferring black francolin in their habitat, which included 12 trees, 11shrubs, 3 under shrubs, 21 herbs and 23 grasses. For roosting species exploited moderate sized plants like, Ziziphus sp (32.15%), Accacia sp (31.30%), Tamrix sp (23.18%), were more frequently exploited for roosting. Nesting was associated with minimum of 16 pant of which Saccharum sp., Tamrix sp., Typha angustata., Phragmite karka, Panicum sp., Lasiurus sp., Aristida sp., Cenchrus sp. were more preferred The francolin were distributed in significantly higher densities (t = 2.25, df = 18, p = 0.03) in the irrigated forest plantations (12.39±1.11 birds per km2) as compared to the tropical thorn forests (4.26±0.22 birds per km2). The tree cover has an almost linear increase with the increase in density of the black francolin (adjusted regression value = 0.97...
Industrial use of nanoparticles and their accumulation during the recent decade have created an u... more Industrial use of nanoparticles and their accumulation during the recent decade have created an urgent need to assess their environmental implications. The current study deals with the evaluation of acute toxicity of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) in the albino mice (Mus musculus). Lethal dose of these nanoparticles in albino mice injected via intravenous route were found to be 550 mg/kg body weight (BW). Exposure of the albino mice to sub-lethal concentrations of these nanoparticles resulted in altered hematological parameters such as a significant increase in white blood cells (WBCs), a significant decrease in red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb) and platelets count. NPs significantly elevated the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea and creatinine. Histopathological examination of liver and kidney showed that sub-lethal doses of CuO-NPs, in liver, led to rupture of hepatocytes, dilation of sinusoid space, hemorrhaging in hepati...
A review of the available literature on Smooth coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata sindica) has... more A review of the available literature on Smooth coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata sindica) has been made covering its nomenclature, status, distribution, biology, habitat, behavior, ecology, ecological role, food and feeding habits, breeding, territory size and various threats. Out of 13 species of otters Pakistan hosts only two; smooth coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata sindica) and Eurasian or common otter (Lutra lutra). Smooth coated otter is called "Oodh Balao" in Urdu language and the sub-species found in Pakistan is known as Sindh otter. The status of the species has recently been declared as vulnerable in Pakistan by IUCN. It prefers plain areas and is widely distributed in Sindh, some parts of the Punjab and a few places in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa along Indus River. The nocturnal mammal is adapted to a semi aquatic mode of life. Average body weight is seven kg, head and body length 61 cm and tail length around 40 cm. Smooth coated otter is a top carnivore of wetla...
six amphibian species representing 6 gen-era and 3 families and 24 reptilian species representing... more six amphibian species representing 6 gen-era and 3 families and 24 reptilian species representing 23 genera and 13 families, were recorded from Kalabagh Game Reserve, district Mianwali, Pakistan. Among the five capture techniques i.e., hand picking, use of snake sticks, forceps, drag nets and noose traps, hand picking appeared the most effective one. The captured amphibian species included Bufo
Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease which affects humans, farm animals and wildlife as well. In Pak... more Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease which affects humans, farm animals and wildlife as well. In Pakistan, the status of human and farm animal brucellosis is documented but the information about brucellosis in wildlife is lacking. To access the seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies in avian (turkeys, peafowl, guineafowl, mallard ducks and Indian blue rock pigeon) and selected wild species (reptiles and amphibians), a total of 117 serum samples (reptile = 34, amphibian = 04, avian n = 79) were collected from Karachi and Pattoki regions of Pakistan. Serum samples were screened for Brucella antibodies using Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and11.1% serum samples were found positive. Overall, 2.5% birds, 29.4% reptiles and 25% amphibians were seropositive for Brucella antibodies. This is first report of detection of Brucella antibodies in reptiles and amphibians in Pakistan.
A disease of an unknown etiology (Syndrome) broke out as epidemic infecting chicks of peafowl / p... more A disease of an unknown etiology (Syndrome) broke out as epidemic infecting chicks of peafowl / pheasants at Wildlife Research Center, Jallo park, Lahore and caused 100% mortality. To investigate the causative agent, mutant / resistant bacterial strains were cultured from the pus collected from the ocular region of the infected peafowl and pheasant chicks. This bacterial strain was found resistant to the latest broad spectrum antibiotics viz: Tylosin, Doxycycline, Colistin, Amoxixillin, Tribrissen, Gentamycin, Furazolidone, Quinolone. Passive immunity induction plan was developed to control the bacterial disease. For this purpose, pus and blood taken from infected chicks were injected to the healthy birds to obtain antiserum which was later injected to the infected chicks. Antibiotics, Glucose and Texiron were mixed with antiserum to strengthen the immune system. A total of 250 chicks were treated and 73% survival was obtained. This supported the hypothesis that passive immunity is an effective tool against mutant / resistant bacterial strains. Identification of the mutant / resistant bacterial strains, preparation of vaccine / antibiotics and passive immunization with antiserum are the most important factors as management strategies in wildlife and poultry sectors.
The present report reveals the findings of surveys conducted jointly by Sindh Wildlife Department... more The present report reveals the findings of surveys conducted jointly by Sindh Wildlife Department (SWD), Government of Sindh and WWF Pakistan, Islamabad (WWF-P) during November-December, 2008 and February 2009 with the objectives to confirm the existence of Smooth coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillita sindica) in different areas in Sindh and to identify various threats to otter population. An area of about 5,000 km was traversed covering 36 different sites in 12 districts of Sindh province where there were reports of otter existence. The existence of otter was confirmed at 25 sites in 11 districts. Evidence like recent otter tracks, remains of fish eaten by otter, otter spraints, and holts was gathered and local residents and fishermen were interviewed to verify the existence of otter at every site. Five sites located in four different districts were identified where an otter population exists throughout the year, whereas otters visited all the other sites occasionally over different seasons, in search of food. Various threats to the species identified during the surveys included hunting for fur, habitat degradation, water pollution, weak enforcement of wildlife laws, increasing tourism and competition and conflicts between otters and fishermen. The total population of Smooth coated otter was also estimated over the 25 sites as 178.
Uptake of hexavalent chromium (Cr VI) using dead biomass of green algae, Spirogyra spp. to evalua... more Uptake of hexavalent chromium (Cr VI) using dead biomass of green algae, Spirogyra spp. to evaluate biosorption capacity with special emphasis on its mechanistic aspect was studied. Optimum biosorption of Cr (VI) was observed at pH 4.0 (265mg/g), biomass concentration of 1mg/g, and temperature 303K.Various adsorption isotherms were employed to analyze the experimental data of which Langmuir isotherm was found most suitable, showing monolayer adsorption. Pseudo-second order model was found suitable for the kinetic interpretation of the data. Various thermodynamic parameters were calculated and the biosorption was found to be spontaneous, endothermic and feasible under the given conditions. Analysis of FTIR spectra indicated the presence and role of electronegative functional groups on algal surface responsible for binding of Cr (VI) ions.
The study was conducted from October 2008 to September 2010 to record the historical and current ... more The study was conducted from October 2008 to September 2010 to record the historical and current distribution of smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata sindica) in Sindh province of Pakistan. Surveys were conducted jointly by professional staff from Sindh Wildlife Department and WWF-Pakistan. An extensive literature review was carried out to explore the historic distribution of the species in Sindh. For recording the current distribution, different direct and indirect methods including direct observation, observing tracks, holts, spraints and feeding remains were applied. Local people were interviewed using a pre-tested questionnaire. Around 5000 km were traversed covering 36 different sites in 12 districts of Sindh and the existence of smooth- coated otter was confirmed at 25 sites in 11 districts. Both the historical and current distribution of the species was plotted on maps using GIS tools. The results showed that the species existed in isolated populations and in fragment...
Strip transect (2.5 X 0.04 km 2 ) data on sighting of black francolin and grey francolin was simu... more Strip transect (2.5 X 0.04 km 2 ) data on sighting of black francolin and grey francolin was simultaneously collected from 10 francolin favourable habitat stands of the Lal Suhanra National Park (South Punjab, Pakistan) for two consecutive days in each calendar month (1993-2004). Average population densities of black (8.40±1.39 birds/ km²; range 3 - 13/ km²) and grey (6.20±1.52 birds/ km²; range 3 - 10/ km²) was not significantly different (t = 0.5629, df = 159, p > 0.05). Significant differences in individual stand densities of two species and a negative correlation (r² = - 0.333, p > 0.05) indicated habitat exclusion. Both the species followed identical pattern of density variations, with minimum populations during winter (November-February) and peak in late summer (July- August), but there was a rapid rise in February-March in black and in July-August in grey francolin. Distribution of juveniles in the populations (black: 0.32±0.09 juvenile/ female, 0.14±0.03 juvenile/ adul...
Analyses of 31 crop contents of grey francolin (Francolinus pondicerianus interpositus) collected... more Analyses of 31 crop contents of grey francolin (Francolinus pondicerianus interpositus) collected from Lal Suhanra National Park (Punjab, Pakistan) during different seasons (spring 7, summer 9, autumn 7, winter 8) contained 51 (35 plants, 16 insects) taxa, demonstrating the omnivorous and food generalist character of this species. The food was comprised of seeds (44%), leaves (7%), insects (34%), grit (11%) and unidentified material (5%). Relative representation of all food taxa remained low (>7%). Seeds were more frequent in autumn (49%) and winter (51 %) compared to spring (37%) and summer 40%), insects were in lower proportions in autumn (27%) and winter (28%) than in spring (40%) and summer (38%), and leaves were slightly higher in spring (9%) and summer (10%) than in autumn (5%) and winter (4%). Grit formed 11% of average content and exhibited significant positive regression with seed and significant negative regression with leaves and insects. Comparison of food of grey and...
We studied the mammalian fauna in the desert lands of Tharparkar district during the period April... more We studied the mammalian fauna in the desert lands of Tharparkar district during the period April 1, 2013 to April 10, 2013. An attempt has been made to assess the current conservation status of the mammals occurring in part of Thar Desert in Pakistan. Thirty five (35) species were recorded from different habitats of the district. Majority of species belonged to order Rodentia followed by Carnivora. The rodents dominated the mammalian fauna, being represented by 15 species. Gerbillus gleodowi and Meriones hurrianae were the most dominant and abundant, followed by Tatera indica and Mus species. Among the 10 species of Carnivores, majority are rare in distribution; either endangered or near threatened. Of the Ungulates Indian wild ass (Equus hemionus) is near extinction in the Rann of Kutch (Pakistan part). Striped hyaena (Hyaena hyaena), chinkara or Indian gazelle (Gazella bennettii), and nilgai or bluebull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) are species of concern which need protection for ex...
Keeping to the persistent concern of wildlife enthusiasts regarding decline of the Black Francoli... more Keeping to the persistent concern of wildlife enthusiasts regarding decline of the Black Francolin (Francolinus francolinus) and general absence of quantified studies on feeding biology, the present attempt was designed to study the relative dependence of this Francolin on different animal and plant species, seasonal variation in food intake and the association of grit with different broad type of food. For the purpose 28 crop contents (spring = 8, summer = 7, autumn = 6, winter = 7) were collected from the birds hunted during 1998 from the Lal Suhanra National Park, Bahawalpur, Punjab (Pakistan) through the courtesy of local hunters. The study suggested that on the average the species consumed seeds (43.33±7.30%) and leaves (8.12±1.31%) of 33 plant and 11 animal texa (mainly insects and earthworm (32.94±5.43%). The species composition of contents varied between different seasons, however, animals and leaves were consumed in higher quantities during summer and spring and seeds in au...
Abstract: This note describes the conservation status and threats of the two otter species descri... more Abstract: This note describes the conservation status and threats of the two otter species described in Pakistan; Smooth coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata sindica) and the Eurasian or common otter (Lutra lutra). It also briefly describes the actors involved as well as the efforts made for its conservation. Pakistan being located at western ends of Indian subcontinent and having various habitat types, hosts a mixture of Palaearctic, Oriental and Ethiopian fauna. Its vertebrate fauna is comprised of more than 1200 species with 120 (10%) endemic species. It is a unique feature that shows the zoogeographical importance of the country. Mammalian fauna of the country includes 188 species and sub-species
The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata), a semi-aquatic species, is one of the two spec... more The smooth-coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata), a semi-aquatic species, is one of the two species of otters in Pakistan. It is reported as Near Threatened (NT) according to IUCN Red List of Mammals of Pakistan. The species is distributed throughout the Indomalayan eco-zone and occurs along the Indus River and its tributaries in Pakistan. Current study was conducted to evaluate the habitat of the smooth-coated otter in Indus Plains of Pakistan using Habitat Suitability Model (HSM) by incorporating topographic and environmental layers along with species sighting data. ALOS-AVNIR-2 satellite images were used to develop land cover maps of entire study area leading to the development of digital layers in accordance to key habitat features of the species. Within each layer, different variables were assigned suitability values according to the relationship of that indicator with otter habitat. Combining all these layers we derived the suitability of habitat for smooth coated otter in th...
Study was conducted on habitat preferred by the black francolin in Lal Suhanra National Park. A m... more Study was conducted on habitat preferred by the black francolin in Lal Suhanra National Park. A minimum of seventy plant species were identified for the stands preferring black francolin in their habitat, which included 12 trees, 11shrubs, 3 under shrubs, 21 herbs and 23 grasses. For roosting species exploited moderate sized plants like, Ziziphus sp (32.15%), Accacia sp (31.30%), Tamrix sp (23.18%), were more frequently exploited for roosting. Nesting was associated with minimum of 16 pant of which Saccharum sp., Tamrix sp., Typha angustata., Phragmite karka, Panicum sp., Lasiurus sp., Aristida sp., Cenchrus sp. were more preferred The francolin were distributed in significantly higher densities (t = 2.25, df = 18, p = 0.03) in the irrigated forest plantations (12.39±1.11 birds per km2) as compared to the tropical thorn forests (4.26±0.22 birds per km2). The tree cover has an almost linear increase with the increase in density of the black francolin (adjusted regression value = 0.97...
Industrial use of nanoparticles and their accumulation during the recent decade have created an u... more Industrial use of nanoparticles and their accumulation during the recent decade have created an urgent need to assess their environmental implications. The current study deals with the evaluation of acute toxicity of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) in the albino mice (Mus musculus). Lethal dose of these nanoparticles in albino mice injected via intravenous route were found to be 550 mg/kg body weight (BW). Exposure of the albino mice to sub-lethal concentrations of these nanoparticles resulted in altered hematological parameters such as a significant increase in white blood cells (WBCs), a significant decrease in red blood cells (RBCs), hemoglobin (Hb) and platelets count. NPs significantly elevated the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea and creatinine. Histopathological examination of liver and kidney showed that sub-lethal doses of CuO-NPs, in liver, led to rupture of hepatocytes, dilation of sinusoid space, hemorrhaging in hepati...
A review of the available literature on Smooth coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata sindica) has... more A review of the available literature on Smooth coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata sindica) has been made covering its nomenclature, status, distribution, biology, habitat, behavior, ecology, ecological role, food and feeding habits, breeding, territory size and various threats. Out of 13 species of otters Pakistan hosts only two; smooth coated otter (Lutrogale perspicillata sindica) and Eurasian or common otter (Lutra lutra). Smooth coated otter is called "Oodh Balao" in Urdu language and the sub-species found in Pakistan is known as Sindh otter. The status of the species has recently been declared as vulnerable in Pakistan by IUCN. It prefers plain areas and is widely distributed in Sindh, some parts of the Punjab and a few places in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa along Indus River. The nocturnal mammal is adapted to a semi aquatic mode of life. Average body weight is seven kg, head and body length 61 cm and tail length around 40 cm. Smooth coated otter is a top carnivore of wetla...
six amphibian species representing 6 gen-era and 3 families and 24 reptilian species representing... more six amphibian species representing 6 gen-era and 3 families and 24 reptilian species representing 23 genera and 13 families, were recorded from Kalabagh Game Reserve, district Mianwali, Pakistan. Among the five capture techniques i.e., hand picking, use of snake sticks, forceps, drag nets and noose traps, hand picking appeared the most effective one. The captured amphibian species included Bufo
Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease which affects humans, farm animals and wildlife as well. In Pak... more Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease which affects humans, farm animals and wildlife as well. In Pakistan, the status of human and farm animal brucellosis is documented but the information about brucellosis in wildlife is lacking. To access the seroprevalence of Brucella antibodies in avian (turkeys, peafowl, guineafowl, mallard ducks and Indian blue rock pigeon) and selected wild species (reptiles and amphibians), a total of 117 serum samples (reptile = 34, amphibian = 04, avian n = 79) were collected from Karachi and Pattoki regions of Pakistan. Serum samples were screened for Brucella antibodies using Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) and11.1% serum samples were found positive. Overall, 2.5% birds, 29.4% reptiles and 25% amphibians were seropositive for Brucella antibodies. This is first report of detection of Brucella antibodies in reptiles and amphibians in Pakistan.
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