Zoodiversity

Pathological Changes in the Liver Parenchyma of Reptiles as a Factor Influencing the Processes of Hematopoiesis (on the Example of Lacertidae: Eremias arguta)

N. M. Akulenko — 2024-09-09

The influence of liver repair processes on haematopoiesis in scaly reptiles, in particular the steppe runner Eremias arguta (Pallas, 1773) is considered. Specimens with maximum and minimum liver parenchyma damage were selected from the same biotope and their liver myelogram indices were compared. It was shown that macrophage activation during liver repair stimulates lymphoid and myeloid haematopoietic progenitor cells in steppe runners. On the contrary, differentiation of erythroid cells at the normocyte stage is somewhat reduced, probably due to lack of resources.

Diversity of Birds in Highland Reservoirs and Adjoining Areas of Tigray, Northern Ethiopia: Implication for Conservation

T. B. Weldemariam — 2024-08-27

Avian diversity is among the key components of the earth’s biodiversity that serve as unique barometers for environmental change. Bird diversity in unprotected habitats such as reservoirs in the Tigray region is less known. A study was conducted to assess the avian diversity in highland reservoirs of the Tigray region, particularly at Maygundi and Maysye reservoirs and their adjoining habitats from August 2022 to March 2023, covering both wet and dry seasons. A line transect and point count methods aided by binoculars were used to estimate avian species diversity and distribution. Biodiversity indices and Two-way ANOVA were used to analyze the data. A total of 1,813 individual birds belonging to 151 species, 17 orders and 51 families were recorded during the study period. Egyptian goose was the most abundant species (19.58 %), followed by Little Grebe (10. 86 %), Eurasian Coot (7.00 %), Ruff and Yellow Mantle Widowbird (3.31 % for each). A significant variation in the number of bird species between wet and dry seasons (F = 1225, df = 1, P = 0.02) and between reservoirs (F = 484, df = 1, P = 0.03) was observed. However, there was no significant difference in abundance of birds between wet and dry seasons in both reservoirs (P > 0.05). Maysye reservoir had high bird species diversity (H′ = 3.66), while Maygundi reservoir had the lowest (H′ = 3.24). The study shows that sedimentation and habitat destruction due to anthropogenic activities, including the expansion of settlements; agriculture and livestock grazing were the main threats to bird diversity. The highland reservoirs and their adjoining habitats support high avian species diversity including endemic and endangered species revealing the importance of the sites for bird conservation. Therefore, urgent conservation measures are recommended for long-term bird conservation.

Otolith Mass Asymmetry of Pampus candidus (Osteichthyes, Stromatidae) from Iraqi Marine Waters

A. Qasim — 2024-08-27

The otolith mass asymmetry of the fish species Pampus candidus was assessed. The findings indicated a significant level of asymmetry comparison with similar studies on other fish species. The level of asymmetry was shown to increase with the size of the fish, where the utmost estimate of the otolith weight irregularity was obtained. The detected otolith asymmetry may be linked to pollutants in the sampling area.

Length-Weight Relationship and Population Dynamics of Fringescale Sardinella Sardinella fimbriata (Clupeiformes, Clupeidae) from Malampaya Sound, Palawan, Philippines

J. A. Vicente — 2024-08-13

The study investigated the growth, mortality, exploitation rate and recruitment of Fringescale sardinella (Sardinella fimbriata Valenciennes, 1847) found in Malampaya Sound, Palawan, Philippines. A total of 1200 samples were collected from April 2023 to March 2024. The relationship between length and weight was expressed as y = 0.0291 x 2.561 for combined sex, y = 0.0404 x 2.4254 for males, and y = 0.0355 x 2.4856 for females. The resulting b values pinpoint to a negative allometric growth. The calculated regression model showed a significant association during which the p-values were below 0.0000 and the r² values ranged between 0.76 and 0.79. Estimation using the FISAT II software resulted in an asymptotic length (L∞) = 16.28 cm, growth rate (K) = 0.68 yr^-1, maximum length (L_max) = 15.78 cm, theoretical age at birth (t₀) = –0.5515 years and growth performance index (ɸ’) = 2.256. The estimated average total mortality rate (Z), natural mortality (M), and fishing mortality (F) were 2.69, 1.68, and 1.01 per year, respectively. Recruitment occurs throughout the year and peaks in June. It can be noted that the exploitation is calculated as 0.38, which is considered lightly exploited. To have a sustainable population and avoid overfishing, an optimum total yield (E₅₀) can be set at an exploitation rate of 0.278. The maximum yield (E_max) is at an exploitation rate of 0.421.

Alien Mollusks of Crimean Origin in Other Parts of Ukraine: Present Distribution and Chronology of Its Discovery

N. V. Gural-Sverlova — 2024-08-13

Known records of five species of land snails of Crimean origin (Brephulopsis cylindrica (Menke, 1828), B. bidens (Krynicki, 1833), Mentissa gracilicosta (Rossmässler, 1836), Monacha fruticola (Krynicki, 1833, Helix albescens Rossmässler, 1839) in Ukraine outside the Crimea were analyzed. It was found that at least single species from this list are now reliably registered in more than half of the administrative regions of Ukraine. Maps for B. cylindrica, M. fruticola, and H. albescens were compiled. The data systematized in the article can become the basis for monitoring the further spreading of the analyzed species in Ukraine.