Zoology

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    Impacts of invasive Alien plant species on diversity of soil macroinvertebrates in Parsa Nation park, Nepal
    (2024) Paneru, Chandu; Hari Prasad sharma
    Available in fulltext
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    Molecular detection of Balamuthia Mandrillaris in Soil samples from Kathmandu Valley
    (2024) Magar, Tsunami Tapa; Kishor Pandey
    Abstract Balamuthia mandrillaris is an emerging free-living amoeba (FLA) that inhabits in a wide range of environments including soil, water, air, dust, contact lens storage case, distribution systems, drinking water treatment, and cooling towers. This pathogen is responsible for the amoebic encephalitis caused known as Balamuthia amoebic encephalitis (BAE) with over 90% of cases of this pathogen results in death. The biology and environmental distribution of B. mandrillaris are still insufficiently understood, and the environmental isolation of this amoeba is infrequent. The aim of this study is to detect the presence of B. mandrillaris in soil samples taken from various sites within the Kathmandu Valley. This study assesses the detection of the pathogen in a variety of soil environments that influences its presence, employing molecular approach. Twenty-five (25) soil samples were collected for the investigation and stored in sterilized zip-lock plastic bags at 4°C. B. mandrillaris was identified by isolating DNA from the soil samples, and PCR amplification. The positive samples were separated through electrophoresis and validated the result by sequence analysis and phylogeny. A phylogenetic tree was constructed in MEGA 11 software using the maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) and a substitution Jukes-Cantor model to verify the evolutionary relation and genetic association between predicted B. mandrillaris with previously published GenBank sequences. Out of 25 samples, 5 samples were tested positive for Balamuthia specific DNA in which two were collected from distinct river banks, one from park, one from nursery and one from goat farm premises soil. The NCBI BLAST analysis of the sequences confirmed 100% homology with the corresponding previously reported B. mandrillaris sequence in the GenBank database from Japan. The detection of B. mandrillaris from multiple environmental conditions emphasizes the ubiquitous character of this pathogen. Of the 25 samples, B. mandrillaris was found in five (20%) soil samples through molecular method and sequencing which demonstrate the significantly higher incidence of Balamuthia in environmental habitats. The discovery highlights the importance of public health activities aimed at raising awareness regarding the risks associated with B. mandrillaris.
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    Functional diversity of fish species in Panaha River, Gulmi district , Nepal
    (2024) Panthi, Bishnu; Kumar Sapkota
    Abstract Functional diversity reflects functional characteristics and their responses to environmental changes. For the study, four season's data was taken in the Panaha River of Gulmi District, form April 2023 to January 2024. This research involved the analysis of functional diversity and detailed exploration of the interconnection between functional traits and environmental conditions. To determine potential variations among environmental conditions a one-way ANOVA was done. Species and environmental variables were analyzed through multivariate analysis, canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) and intra- traits relationships were evaluated using principal component analysis (PCA). The research shows a diverse aquatic ecosystem hosting 19 fish species from 4 different Orders and 6 Families, with a total of 836 individuals collected fish. Seasonal variations showed the highest species diversity in summer. Schizothorax plagiostomus (20.93%) and Garra rupecula (19.62%) were the most dominant species. Cypriniformes (74%) appear as the dominant order and Cyprinidae (53%) being the most species rich family. Comparative analysis on functional traits among the species shows Mastacembelus armatus as the largest species, while Schistura species was the smallest in measurement. Body shapes, position in water, caudal fin types, and mouth orientations appear diverse among the fishes .Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) show the EC, velocity, temperature, width are highly associated and influence factors for change in fish functional traits. PCA provide interrelationships among morphological traits, indicating strong positive correlations among certain traits and negative correlations with some others. This study provides the essential information for maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity in the region. Knowledge on functional diversity play key role for identifying particular important species, evaluating ecosystem health and increase conservation efforts.
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    Spatio-Temporal variation in fish assemblage in west Babai, Dang Nepal
    (2024) Khadka, Ram Bahadur; Archana Prasad
    Abstract The study focused on spatio-temporal variation in fish assemblages in West Babai River, Dang, Nepal which originates from the eastern end of Dang valley. The fish samples and water parameters were collected from March to December, 2023. In Each season, sampling stations were visited once to gather data. Samples were collected from three stations; i.e. Kalitara (I), Jaluke(II) and Purandhara(III) of Babai Gaupalika. Fish sampling was done by using cast net (1*1 cm2), hook and line and diverting river course with the assistance of local fishermen.The collected fish samples were identified by using keys (Shrestha 2019, Jayaram 1999). A total 784 individuals were collected belonging to six Order, eight families and 15 genera. Cypriniformes exhibited highly dominant order, which contained 15 species. Beloniformes and Perciformes were less dominant, both consisting only one species. Pethia ticto appeared as the most abundant species, comprising 13.13% of the total catch, while Danio rerio was the least dominant, accounting for only 0.12%. The Shannon-Weiner diversity index was highest in summer (2.86) and at station I & II (1.87) whereas lowest in winter (1.49) and at station III (1.81). The Redundancy Analysis (RDA) ordination plot highlighted spring and summer as optimal seasons for the existing fish populion. Notably, the analysis of water quality confirmed that the Babai River in Dang, Western Nepal, provides favorable conditions for fish growth and development. This study establishes foundational data crucial for future investigations concerning fish diversity, distribution, and water quality in the Babai River region.
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    Gastrointestinal Parasitic infection among humans, Macaques dogs and pigeons at Swayambhunath Mahachaitya, Kathmandu Nepal
    (2024) K.C. Anisha; Kishor Pandey
    Gastrointestinal (GI) parasites are the most common infectious agents in both humans and non-human animals. The interaction among humans and a wide variety of animals including wildlife, companion animals and avian species increases the likelihood of transmitting GI parasitic infections across different groups. They pose a significant but often neglected threat to public health, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and diversity of GI parasites in humans, macaques, dogs and pigeons and to determine the risk of cross-species transmission. A cross-sectional study was performed from February 2023 to February 2024 at Swayambhunath Mahachaitya. A total of 200 fresh fecal samples were collected non-invasively comprising 50 from humans, 50 from macaques, 50 from dogs and 50 from pigeons. The samples were carefully labeled, preserved in 2.5% potassium dichromate and then transported to the laboratory at the CDZ. The samples were analyzed via iodine wet mount, floatation and sedimentation under the microscope at total magnifications of 100× and 400×. Data interpretation was carried out using venn diagram, tables and bar diagrams while statistical analysis was performed using R studio (version 4.3.2). The current study revealed an overall prevalence rate of 67% with specific rates of 16% in humans, 96% in macaques, 72% in dogs and 84% in pigeons respectively. Major GI parasites detected included Ascaris lumbricoides and Entamoeba spp. in humans. In macaques, Balantidium coli, Hookworm and Strongyle spp. were detected, while in dogs Strongyloides spp., Hookworm and Strongyle spp. were commonly found. Pigeons exhibited a higher prevalence of Eimeria spp., Ascaridia spp. and Heterophyes spp. Given the diverse range of parasites found across the study populations, this area presents a significant risk of cross-species transmission. Humans are susceptible to contracting parasitic infections from these animal populations, emphasizing the importance of implementing proper hygiene practices and parasite control measures. Further molecular studies will help characterization of parasite species and genotypes providing deeper insights into the potential for zoonotic cross transmission of parasites.
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    Diversity and floral perference of Butterflies in Maijogmai, Illam, Nepal
    (2023) Helmu, Anju; Bimal Raj Shrestha
    Available in fulltext
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    Distribution of Gastrointestinal parasites among the badi community of Gurbhakot Municipality, Surkhet, Nepal
    (2024) Gautam, Jitendra; Kishor Pandey
    Available in fulltext
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    Intestinal parasites and Nutritional status of children in public and private school in Sarlahi District, Nepal
    (2024) Lama, Merina; Janak Raj Subedi
    Available in fulltext
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    Ethnomedicinal uses and conservation of animals among Tharu, Magar and Brahmin communities of Kapilvastu District, Nepal
    (2024) Pokharel, Nisha; Bishnu Prasad Bhattarai
    Available in fulltext
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    Habitat use and threats of Eurasian otter (Lutra Lutra) in Kabeli of Taplejung District, Eastern Nepal
    (2024) Basnet, Amir; Hari Prasad Sharma
    Available in fulltext
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    Intestinal parasites and associated risk factors among the people of squatter community in Butwal, Rupandehi
    (2024) Bhandari, Shristi; Kishor Pandey
    Available in fulltext
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    Molecular detection of Dengue Virus outbreak in Jhapa District, Nepal
    (2024) Bharati, Niten; Kishor pandey
    Available in fulltext
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    Land use gradients and distribution of birds in Manaslu conservation area, Nepal
    (2013) Katuwal, Hem Bahadur; Khadga Basnet
    Available in fulltext