Scientific Reports in Life Sciences

Two rare reptile species' destinies are entangled with human superstition

Suman Pratihar — 2024-11-22

This study explores the critical conservation status of two scarce reptile species in West Bengal, India: the Yellow Monitor (Varanus flavescens) and the East Indian Leopard Gecko (Eublepharis hardwickii). Both species face dire threats due to human superstitions and beliefs, which have led to significant exploitation and habitat destruction. The Yellow Monitor, predominantly inhabiting wetland areas, is often victimized for its perceived magical properties and culinary value. At the same time, the East Indian Leopard Gecko is targeted for its supposed medicinal benefits despite the absence of scientific backing. Through systematic seasonal surveys in critical habitats, we documented the occurrences and behaviors of both species, revealing the urgent need for enhanced public awareness and conservation efforts. The research underscores the importance of addressing human misconceptions about these reptiles, promoting their ecological significance, and establishing effective conservation strategies to mitigate threats from habitat loss and wildlife trade. Additionally, we advocate for regional collaboration and community engagement in wildlife protection initiatives to secure a sustainable future for these vulnerable species.

The first record of a medicinal plant species Boerhavia repens L. (Nyctaginaceae) from Libya

Sh-hoob El-Ahamir — 2024-11-22

A new record for Boerhavia repens L is recorded for the first time in the flora of Libya. This widespread wild weed was collected from the Ariggiba region (110 Km west-south Sabha city). To facilitate further identification and future detection, a full description, habitat information, distribution map, and distribution data are provided. A brief discussion about the most important threats posed by this species is presented.

High altitude conflict between humans and wildlife in a cold desert area of Spiti, Himachal Pradesh

Jayant Gupta — 2024-11-22

To conserve wildlife and lessen conflicts between people and animals, it is crucial to have a thorough understanding of these relationships. This study attempts to evaluate and identify the interactions between people and wildlife in the cold desert region of Spiti, Himachal Pradesh, as well as the harm that wildlife does to people and how people perceive wildlife in this region. Wildlife-related issues and human-made solutions to them were discovered during the field trip in the Cold desert area of Spiti. In the Cold desert area of Spiti, wildlife became essential to growth and a major source of income for the locals. From 2017 to 2022, there was no wildlife poaching or killing, and there were no human casualties brought on by the wildlife in the area. Due to the sparse vegetation in the Spiti Cold Desert Area, there is significant competition for resources between wild herbivores and livestock. NCF is doing a great job by encouraging locals to protect wildlife and offering insurance to residents against livestock damage caused by wild animals. In the Cold Desert area of Spiti, the government compensates for agricultural loss and animal damage caused by wildlife. The study's findings indicate that although the wildlife in the Cold desert area of Spiti is secure from humans, it may be in danger because of rising tourism and climate change.

Enhancing Pine Growth: A Meta-Analysis of Fertilizer and Treatment Effects on Pine Species

Mohd Imran Hossain Chowdhury — 2024-11-22

This meta-analysis examines the growth dynamics of various Pinus species in response to different fertilization and environmental management strategies. Incorporating data from 65 studies and using the Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) method, the model evaluates fit metrics, including log-likelihood, deviance, AIC, and BIC. Key findings reveal no residual heterogeneity or moderation effects, indicating the model's robustness. Fertilizer treatments, particularly Basacote for P. elliottii and fast-release nitrogen for P. ponderosa, significantly enhance growth, achieving up to 40% and 30% increases, respectively. P. strobus benefits more from environmental interventions like tree shelters. Species-specific responses and significant heterogeneity underscore the need for tailored forest management practices. Meta-regression highlights species and fertilizer type as substantial moderators. This study advocates for customized fertilization and environmental strategies to optimize growth and sustainability in pine species, providing valuable insights for forestry management and conservation efforts.

Detection of Blood parasites (Trypanosoma spp) in Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus, 1758) in Zobe Reservoir, Katsina State

Mustapha Amadu Sadauki — 2024-11-22

A Three (3) months survey was done to detect the prevalence of blood parasites on Oreochromis niloticus from Zobe Reservoir, Katsina State, Nigeria. A total of 108 fish samples were randomly selected comprising male and female. Experimental fish samples were purchased from four major landing sites of the reservoir from July to September 2023. The fish were transported alive to the Fish Biology Laboratory, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, for the blood parasites inspection. Fish were identified at each of the four landing sites of the reservoir. Samples of fish were measured for length and weighed. Blood parasites were identified and counted. Blood parasites were different in size, shape, and staining reaction. Male samples had a higher percentage of infestation (6.82%) than female samples (5.00%). The highest prevalence was recorded in sample location C while the lowest was recorded in sample location B, while Oreochromis niloticus was free from trypanosomes this could be due to the absence of bloodsuckers in the sample location.

Mathematical modeling of Gorilla Gorilla Delhi population in cross river state, Nigeria

Pius Oko — 2024-11-22

This study investigates various mathematical models to ascertain their suitability for predicting gorilla population dynamics over three decades in Cross River State, Nigeria. Models including linear, quadratic, exponential, logarithmic, power law, logistic growth, polynomial, sinusoidal, and piecewise linear were evaluated based on their R² (coefficient of determination) and SSE (sum of squared errors) metrics. The analysis, conducted using historical gorilla population data from 1990 to 2020, aimed to identify the model that best captures the observed growth patterns and fluctuations in the gorilla population. Among the models tested, the piecewise linear model emerged as the most effective, achieving the highest R² of 0.966 and the lowest SSE of 71,866.8. This model's segmented approach accommodates shifts in growth rates over distinct time intervals, reflecting real-world ecological dynamics influenced by environmental factors and conservation efforts. In contrast, models such as the power law exhibited poor performance due to a significant overestimation of gorilla populations, highlighting their limited applicability in ecological studies. Understanding these dynamics through effective modeling not only enhances our ability to predict future population trends but also informs strategic conservation initiatives aimed at ensuring the long-term viability of gorilla populations in their natural habitats. This research underscores the importance of robust mathematical modeling in wildlife management and conservation decision-making processes.