Volume 10 Issue 1 (2026)
Official Open-Access Quarterly Issue • View Dedicated Issue Page →
Diversity and Abundance of Birds at Guddu Barrage, Pakistan
Authors: Sohaib Farid, Muhammad Sajid Nadeem, Amjad Rashid Kayani, Tariq Mahmood and Muhammad Mushtaq
The rivers of Pakistan have many dams and barrages with limited public access, which provides more protection to the birds. Guddu Barrage is one of the most important wetlands for migratory and resident bird species on the Indus River in the trans-boundary region of the Punjab, Sindh, and Balochistan provinces. Generally, the area is neglected by researchers; therefore, the present study is designed to record the diversity and relative abundance of resident as well as migratory birds at Guddu Barrage and its surroundings. A total of 15,174 birds from 83 species belonging to 16 orders and 36 families were recorded at Guddu Barrage from July 2021 to August 2022. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index was calculated as H' = 3.62. Threatened species included the Egyptian Vulture (EN), Common Poacher (VU), River Tern (VU), Spotted Eagle (VU), and Ferruginous Duck (NT). The highest relative abundance was recorded for the House Crow, Bank Myna, River Tern, and Jungle Babbler, while the Sindh Jungle Sparrow, Common Crane, Little Ringed Plover, and Egyptian Vulture were observed with the lowest relative abundance. Important migratory birds included cranes, ducks, pintails, sandpipers, teals, gulls, and terns. Among prey birds, the Marsh Harrier, Long-legged Buzzard, Black-winged Kite, Brahminy Kite, and Black Kite were observed. This study provides baseline data about bird diversity at Guddu Barrage that will be helpful for further studies and conservation of species in the future. Keywords: Indus River, Guddu, Dams, Barrage Citation: Farid, S., M. S. Nadeem, A. R. Kayani, T. Mahmood, and M. Mushtaq. 2026. Diversity and Abundance of Birds at Guddu Barrage, Pakistan. Journal of Wildlife and Ecology. 10: 1-13. doi.org/10.66470/10101
Physiological and Haemato-Biochemical Evaluation of Pangasius pangasius Reared in a Biofloc-Based Aquaculture System
Authors: Mukhtar Ahmad, Usama Shouket, Muhammad Rizwan, Numera Saif, Hafiz Aun Muhammad and Komal Sarwar
The objective of this study was to determine the physiological and biochemical reactions of Pangasius pangasius grown in a biofloc technology (BFT)-based aquaculture system. The setup time of the experiment took 90 days, and the fish were randomly split and placed into two biofloc treatment tanks (T1, T2) and one control tank. Growth, survival, hematology, and serum biochemistry performances were assessed. The results indicated that biofloc growth rearing was a better way to measure fish growth performance. After 90 days, the biofloc rearing treatment 2 (T2) had the highest absolute growth rate at 449.0 g, while treatment 1 (T1) had 439.8 g, and the control had 412.2 g. The survival rate was higher in biofloc systems (T1: 93%; T2: 91.7%) than in the control group (89.5%). Hematological tests indicated increased red blood cell (RBC) and hemoglobin levels in the biofloc groups, suggesting enhanced oxygen transfer and reduced stress. The substantial decrease in white blood cell (WBC) counts in T2 indicates improved immune function. The serum biochemistry revealed diminished glucose levels (signifying reduced stress) and elevated total protein and albumin levels in fish cultivated in bioflocs, indicating enhanced nutrient absorption. The study shows that biofloc technology improves the growth, health, and feed conversion efficiency of P. pangasius, even when external feed is scarce. This makes fish farming more sustainable and productive. Keywords: Pangasius pangasius, Biofloc technology, Hematology, Serum biochemistry Citation: Ahmad, M., U. Shouket, M. Rizwan, N. Saif, H. A. Muhammad, and K. Sarwar. 2026. Physiological and Haemato-Biochemical Evaluation of Pangasius pangasius Reared in a Biofloc-Based Aquaculture System. Journal of Wildlife and Ecology. 10: 14-24. doi.org/10.66470/10102
Tree Species Inventory and Diversity Assessment in Sitio Sak-Sak, Buanoy, Balamban, Cebu, Philippines: A Baseline Study
Authors: Karl Cirilson E. Angulo, Benedict U. Pancho, Kenth A. Mabala, Justine Christine T. Dihonglay, and Rabin V. Bellen
This study evaluated the composition and diversity of tree species in Sitio Sak-Sak, Buanoy, Balamban, Cebu, to establish baseline data regarding the ecological status of the region. We identified a total of five tree species across five families in three sampling quadrats using standard biodiversity assessment protocols. The computed Shannon–Wiener Diversity Index (H' = 1.461) indicated very low diversity, while the Simpson's Index of Diversity (1−λ = 0.792) showed relatively low dominance. The Evenness Index (E = 0.908) reflected a relatively even distribution of individuals among the recorded species. These conditions are primarily attributed to historical reforestation and past land disturbances, as evidenced by the dominance of the introduced species Swietenia macrophylla and Gmelina arborea. Most species recorded were categorized as Least Concern by the IUCN (2025), excluding S. macrophylla and Artocarpus altilis, which were listed as Endangered and Data Deficient, respectively. The prevalence of exotic species suggests potential ecological risks, such as competition with native flora and reduced biodiversity. These findings emphasize the need for management interventions that promote native species restoration and continuous monitoring to maintain ecological stability in the area. Keywords: Balamban, Cebu Island, tree diversity, tree species inventory Citation: Angulo, K. C. E., B. U. Pancho, K. A. Mabala, J. C. T. Dihonglay, and R. V. Bellen. 2026. Tree Species Inventory and Diversity Assessment in Sitio Sak-Sak, Buanoy, Balamban, Cebu, Philippines: A Baseline Study. Journal of Wildlife and Ecology. 10: 25-40. doi.org/10.66470/10103
Dispersal Patterns and Ecological Impacts of Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) in Ayubia National Park, Pakistan
Authors: Aftab Ahmad, Muhammad Kabir and Shehnila Kanwal
The wild boar (Sus scrofa) is listed as the world's worst invasive species (IUCN) and is recognized as a potential driver of ecosystem extinction. The wild boar is mainly responsible for crop damage and water pollution and acts as a vector for the transmission of many zoonotic diseases to humans and other domestic and wild animals. The present study was conducted to investigate the incidence of wild boar in Ayubia National Park (ANP) from August 2018 to August 2019. Questionnaire-based interviews were conducted to confirm the first presence record of wild boar, followed by a camera trapping survey to identify the movement corridors used by the species for their dispersal in the protected area. Site occupancy surveys confirmed the potential locations, which were afterwards selected for camera trapping to identify the current distribution of wild boar in the park area. Scat samples of leopards were collected and analyzed to investigate the contribution of wild boar to the diet composition of leopards in ANP. We also studied the ecological linkages and impacts of wild boar on the rest of the ANP's flora and fauna. A total of 107 respondents were interviewed, covering 10% of each village located in the vicinity of the species occurrence range. The study's results show that the first sighting of wild boar was recorded in 2008 on the edge of the park, and that the species was confirmed to be living in the park in 2011. We also found four possible movement corridors that helped the species spread throughout the park area: Kunhar Kas Nallah, Bakol Nallah, Satora-Haro River Nallah, and Namli Mera Water Tributary. The key drivers that enhanced the dispersal of the wild boar population are open dumping sites around tourist spots, mass infrastructural construction, and poorly managed tourism-based activities. The current distribution map of the species was developed in ArcGIS 10.3 using presence points obtained from camera trapping and sighting record information. Keywords: Wild boar, Noninvasive study techniques, Impact on biodiversity Citation: Ahmad, A., M. Kabir, and S. Kanwal. 2026. Dispersal Patterns and Ecological Impacts of Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) in Ayubia National Park, Pakistan. Journal of Wildlife and Ecology. 10: 41-52. doi.org/10.66470/10104
Assessment of Mammalian Diversity and Ethnopharmacological Uses in Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan
Authors: Bushra Sayyad, Maryam Faiz, Muhammad Jahangeer and Ayesha Atta
There are 6,036 mammalian species worldwide, while 195 species of mammals are documented in Pakistan, and 41 mammalian species are noted from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. The main objectives of the study are to know the diversity of mammals and the traditional medicinal uses of mammalian species in the study area. The linear count method was applied to assess mammalian diversity. To evaluate mammal diversity, both direct and indirect methods were used. Ethnomammalogical data were collected through questionnaires. The questionnaires consisted of personal profiles, species information, and ethnopharmacological uses of the species. A survey of mammalian diversity in Muzaffarabad found 12 species from 5 orders, 9 families, and 12 genera. The Dominance Index (D= 0.1385) indicates a relatively low concentration of individuals within a few species, suggesting a balanced community structure. This is further supported by the high Simpson Index (S = 0.8615), which indicates high diversity and a low likelihood that two randomly selected individuals belong to the same species. The Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index (H'= 2.222) shows moderate to high species diversity, while the Evenness Index (E = 0.769) indicates that individuals are fairly evenly distributed among the observed taxa. The Richness Index (R = 2.626) indicates a satisfactory level of species richness in comparison to the sample size. According to respondents, the meat and fat of the Indian crested porcupine are used topically to treat asthma, joint pain, skin issues, and wound healing. The skin, meat, and fat of the Rhesus macaque are used topically and taken orally to treat impotence, asthma, and joint pain. Keywords: Ethnomammalogy, Mammalogy, Diversity, Ecology Citation: Sayyad, B., M. Faiz, M. Jahangeer, and A. Atta. 2026. Assessment of Mammalian Diversity and Ethnopharmacological Uses in Muzaffarabad, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan. Journal of Wildlife and Ecology. 10: 53-64. doi.org/10.66470/10105
Volume 10 Issue 2 (2026)
Official Open-Access Quarterly Issue • View Dedicated Issue Page →
Recent Distribution and Rare Occurrence of the Ortolan Bunting (Emberiza hortulana) off the Coast of Pakistan
Authors: Altaf Hussain Narejo and Muhammad Moazzam
The ortolan bunting (Emberiza hortulana) was last assessed as "Least Concern" (LC) by the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 2025. This research aims to document a new provincial record of the ortolan bunting in Sindh, Pakistan, which would bridge a significant distributional gap, update the species' national presence map, and enhance our understanding of its migratory connections and habitat use in Pakistan's coastal ecosystems. The Emberiza hortulana specimen was visually identified and confirmed using field guides, and photographic evidence. The ortolan bunting (Emberiza hortulana) was reported for the first time from Pakistan as a straggler on a fishing vessel that was operating off the coast of Sindh, near the Indus Swatch. A single adult individual was photographed and observed exhibiting resting and preening behavior while perched on the deck of the fishing vessel. The species is a Palearctic migrant typically recorded during passage through continental stopover sites in southern Asia; however, its offshore occurrences are not common. The paper reports observations, highlights possible causes for the offshore displacement, and contributes to knowledge of vagrancy and migration dynamics of E. hortulana in Pakistan. Keywords: Ortolan Bunting, vagrant, offshore record, migration, Indus Swatch, Pakistan Citation: Narejo, A. H., and M. Moazzam. 2026. Recent Distribution and Rare Occurrence of the Ortolan Bunting (Emberiza hortulana) off the Coast of Pakistan. Journal of Wildlife and Ecology. 10: 129-136.
Distribution Patterns, Abundance, and Nesting Site Preferences of Parakeet Species in Margalla Hills National Park, Pakistan
Authors: Laiba Anees, Muhammad Sajid Nadeem, Sakhawat Ali, Faria Irshad and Abdul Hadi
This study thoroughly highlights the distribution, abundance, and habitat preferences of four parakeet species in Margalla Hills National Park (MHNP). Eighty-eight walking transects were carried out between October 2023 and June 2024. A total of 140 individuals were recorded, including the rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri), slaty-headed parakeet (Psittacula himalayana), plum-headed parakeet (Psittacula cyanocephala), and Alexandrine parakeet (Psittacula eupatria). The most prevalent species was the rose-ringed parakeet (79 individuals; mean 5.27 ± 0.92), which primarily occurred in open woodlands characterized by trees such as paper mulberry, peepal, kachnar, phulai, and Chinese tallow at lower elevations (450 m). The Slaty-headed Parakeet (56 individuals; mean 11.20 ± 4.08) was confined to pine and mixed forests of chinaberry and banyan at higher elevations (1,604 m). The Plum-headed Parakeet (4 individuals; mean 1.33 ± 0.33) was found in intermediate zones, while the Alexandrine Parakeet (1 individual; mean 1 ± 0), despite being previously abundant and widespread, was located in mid-to-upper elevations. Keywords: Psittacines, Distribution, Abundance, Adaptation, Conservation Citation: Anees, L., M. S. Nadeem, S. Ali, F. Irshad, and A. Hadi. 2026. Distribution Patterns, Abundance, and Nesting Site Preferences of Parakeet Species in Margalla Hills National Park, Pakistan. Journal of Wildlife and Ecology. 10: 65-73.
Optimizing Hand-Rearing Protocol through Nutritional Strategies to Improve Survival of Punjab Urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis) Lambs
Authors: Muhammad Rizwan Khan, Muhammad Zaman Zahid, Warda Gill, Junaid Nadeem, Muhammad Azhar, Huma Kalsoom, Amna Fayyaz, Muhammad Mujahid Khalid, Muhammad Abdur Rahman, Ammara Aslam, Ali Haider, Aftab Ahmed, Kiran Saleem, Mubarik Mehmood and Abdur Rahman
The purpose of this study was to establish and implement a successful hand-rearing protocol for Punjab urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis) lambs. This study involved three nutritional protocols applied to three groups of urial lambs, comprising three lambs in each group. In the first protocol, lambs were fed sheep milk, diluted tetra milk pack, fresh lucerne, and parched gram at different age levels. In the second protocol, milk was started at 25% of body weight, which was then gradually reduced until weaning at 13 weeks of age. Lucerne hay was also introduced on the 5th day of age. The third protocol involved feeding tetra-packed milk from the 7th day of age at 30% of body weight, which was gradually reduced to 3% until weaning at 13 weeks of age. Lucerne hay-based pelleted total mixed ration was also fed at 1.8% of body weight, which increased to 4% of body weight until weaning. Weekly weight gain, average daily gain, daily feed intake, and weekly feed conversion ratio of animals were recorded. Prophylactic treatment for helminths and health issues such as diarrhea and lameness was effectively managed. Unfortunately, animals died at one month of age due to diarrhea and digestive issues in the first protocol. However, all animals survived, albeit with poor growth performance, in the second protocol. In the third protocol, all animals survived with better growth performance. This study proved the role of balanced nutrition, regular growth monitoring, and early veterinary intervention in the survival of zoo animals. Keywords: Urial, Hand-rearing, Wildlife, Conservation Citation: Khan, M. R., M. Z. Zahid, W. Gill, J. Nadeem, M. Azhar, H. Kalsoom, A. Fayyaz, M. M. Khalid, M. A. Rahman, A. Aslam, A. Haider, A. Ahmed, K. Saleem, M. Mehmood, and A. Rahman. 2026. Optimizing Hand-Rearing Protocol through Nutritional Strategies to Improve Survival of Punjab Urial (Ovis vignei punjabiensis) Lambs. Journal of Wildlife and Ecology. 10: 74-84.
Assessing the Effectiveness of Forest Frontline Staff towards Human Sloth-Bear Interaction: A Survey-Based Study in Odisha, India
Authors: Shreya Pandey, Aurobindo Samal, Akash Padhan and Sukanya David
Numerous protected areas are facing a deep crisis due to negative human-wildlife interactions. Reduced forest cover and food resources outside protected areas have led to increased human-sloth bear conflicts, including frequent maulings. This study focuses on understanding the crucial role of forest frontline staff in mitigating human-bear conflicts. Odisha boasts an extraordinary variety of flora and fauna, including the sloth bear. We aimed to assess the contribution of forest staff to managing and helping prevent negative interactions. As part of this project, several activities were conducted to facilitate community education and spread awareness about early warning systems, strategies for conflict resolution, authentic data collection by the forest frontline staff, long-term roles in driving policy implementation, planning emergency responses in situations of conflict, monitoring human activities around the fringe areas, and potentially striving to maintain positive public relations. By utilizing a semi-structured questionnaire survey, we aim to assess the overall effectiveness of capacity-building programs in enhancing the skills, knowledge, and organizational capacity of professionals engaged in wildlife conservation on the ground, who have the first direct response to any situation and can make a significant difference in handling any incidents. The findings provide valuable insights into the strengths and limitations of existing initiatives and offer recommendations for optimizing future capacity-building strategies to mitigate human-bear conflict in Odisha, India. Keywords: Frontline staff, Wildlife management, Community outreach, Policy implementation, Coexistence Citation: Pandey, S., A. Samal, A. Padhan, and S. David. 2026. Assessing the Effectiveness of Forest Frontline Staff towards Human Sloth-Bear Interaction: A Survey-Based Study in Odisha, India. Journal of Wildlife and Ecology. 10: 85-92.
Cultural and Ethnopharmacological Uses of Wild Plants in the Cholistan Desert, Pakistan
Authors: Usman Zia, Fozia Bashir, Noman Rasheed, Umar Shahzad and Muhammad Altaf
Wild plants have been utilized by humans since the origin of humanity; they are utilized for food, fodder, medicine, superstition, trade, entertainment, religion, magic, timber, firewood, repelling insects, lizards, and rodents; as barriers, for fragrance, and as preservatives. Landscape, climate, and human attitudes change due to the rapid increase in the human population. People are becoming more dependent on modern materials and medications. Societies lose their cultural and ethnopharmacological data. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the cultural and ethnopharmacological information in the Cholistan Desert. Data were collected from the native respondents (n=100) of Cholistan. The data were analyzed with the help of different indices like the Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC), relative importance, and Similarity Index. Parts of plants (i.e., pod, bark, leaf, fruit, twig, root, stem, latex, and whole plant) from 23 species are used orally and topically to treat the following diseases: anemia, cancer, cough, diabetes, fatigue, fever, gastrointestinal issues, gut health, indigestion, insect bites, jaundice, joint pain, liver issues, livestock health, malnutrition, milk production, muscle pain, oral health, skin infections, swelling, tooth pain, urinary disorders, weakness, and wound healing. The relative frequency of citation (RFC) ranged from 0.02 to 0.86. Giant milkweed has the highest RFC (0.86) while the lowest was noted for saltwort and seepweed (RFC = 0.02). Keywords: Ethnobiology, Ethnomedicine, Wild plants, Human health, Food, Fodder Citation: Zia, U., F. Bashir, N. Rasheed, U. Shahzad, and M. Altaf. 2026. Cultural and Ethnopharmacological Uses of Wild Plants in the Cholistan Desert, Pakistan. Journal of Wildlife and Ecology. 10: 93-110.
Population Status of the Indian Softshell Turtle (Nilssonia gangetica) in Chitwan, Nepal
Authors: Shyam Kumar Pun, Craig B. Stanford, Amtyaz Safi and Jagan Nath Adhikari
We conducted this study to determine the population, distribution, and threats of the Indian softshell turtle (Nilssonia gangetica) in Chitwan, Nepal, based on a social survey conducted in four sites along the Rapti River in Chitwan, Nepal. The direct survey was conducted in August 2024 and involved 100 respondents selected through simple random sampling, with participation from local ethnic communities, park officials, and conservation stakeholders. The Indian softshell turtle was recognized by 49.2% of respondents. Most turtle encounters occurred near rivers during routine activities such as fishing, wood collection, and grazing. Although 86% of families did not report collecting turtles, children and local individuals were more involved in collection than outsiders. The primary reasons for collection are food and decoration. Major threats identified include habitat loss, pollution, human disturbances, traditional medicinal use, and lack of awareness. Keywords: Indian softshell turtle, Status, Survey, Threats Citation: Pun, S. K., C. B. Stanford, A. Safi, and J. N. Adhikari. 2026. Population Status of the Indian Softshell Turtle (Nilssonia gangetica) in Chitwan, Nepal. Journal of Wildlife and Ecology. 10: 111-120.
Assessment of Human Activities and Tree Regeneration Practices in the Sudano-Sahelian Parklands of Nigeria
Authors: Abdulrashid Inuwa, Sunday Adeniyi Adeduntan and Ridwanu Bunza Mukhtar
The research was conducted to assess the roles of human activities in tree regeneration in the agricultural parklands of northern Nigeria. A total of 491 structured questionnaires were purposively distributed to respondents in the sampled states (Bauchi, Jigawa, and Kano) to assess their roles in tree regeneration in the parklands. Descriptive statistics were used to analyse the data using SPSS software. The majority of the respondents (94.50%) were male, among whom 82.28% were married. Eighty per cent of respondents had farming as their primary occupation, with over 10 years of experience. The 34.83% of the respondents had never planted a tree on their farm. Regeneration is mostly natural and aided through vegetative propagation. Land is the major problem facing the farmers regarding tree regeneration. The parkland has poor regeneration potential due to little or no intervention by the farmers. Intervention is also needed from the government at all levels, NGOs, and Community-Based Organizations (i.e. CBOs) for proper development, conservation, and sustainable use of tree species on farms for improved livelihoods and biodiversity conservation. Keywords: Human activities, Tree regeneration practices, Sudano-sahelian region, Parkland Citation: Inuwa, A., S. A. Adeduntan, and R. B. Mukhtar. 2026. Assessment of Human Activities and Tree Regeneration Practices in the Sudano Sahelian Parklands of Nigeria. Journal of Wildlife and Ecology. 10: 121-128.
Volume 10 Issue 3 (2026)
Official Open-Access Quarterly Issue • View Dedicated Issue Page →
Diversity and Distribution of Dragonflies and Damselflies in the Central Karakoram Region of Pakistan
Authors: Zulqarnain Haider Ali, Bushra Allah Rakha, Farheen Ali, Nazia Batool, Ali Muhammad, Aliya Batool, Sania Rubab, Samreen Wazir Fatima, Muhammad Usman, Shabana Ali, Jawad Aziz and Muhammad Junaid
Odonates serve as environmental indicators, biological agents against a variety of insect pests and disease vectors, and have certain medical and veterinary applications. The goal of the current study was to document the Odonata species richness and abundance in District Skardu. In 2022–2023, we used aerial nets to gather odonates from fourteen sampling locations. The Odonata survey yielded 372 individuals, representing 16 species, 11 genera, and four subfamilies. Among these, the genus Orthetrum exhibited the highest species richness with four species. Among the species, Orthetrum brunneum (13.97%) had the highest relative abundance, while Cordulegaster brevistigma (0.26%) was the least abundant species. The community analysis revealed a Simpson (1-D) index of 0.81, which represents high Odonata diversity. During the present study, the highest Shannon diversity was recorded at Khushho Chumik (H': 2.28), whereas Chundah (E: 0.94) had the highest evenness. The present manuscript highlights the status of Odonata diversity associated with habitats and seasonal conditions. Further investigations are recommended to address knowledge gaps and support conservation and future Odonata biodiversity planning in Gilgit-Baltistan.
Structure, Values, and Mortality Factors of Household Forests in Maradi City, Niger
Authors: Adamou Bara Farida, Maâzou Allou Nana, Moussa Soulé and Karim Saley
Urban houses play a central role in the conservation of woody biodiversity. However, there are not enough studies that have determined the structure of woody plantations in houses, as well as the services provided and the causes of their mortality. This study, conducted in the city of Maradi in Niger, more precisely in the Zaria II district of Commune 2, aims to determine the number of woody species, their values, and the causes of their disappearance. To achieve this objective, socioeconomic and botanical surveys were carried out using a questionnaire administered to 73 heads of households. The results revealed a total of 34 woody species inventoried in the houses, belonging to 21 families and 30 genera. Fabaceae (11%) are the dominant family. These tree species provide four categories of services, including only one cultural service, which is beauty (8.82%), regulatory services: fight against erosion (5.88%) and fight against wind (10.29%). The supply services cited are pharmacopoeia (16.17%), human food (14.70%), firewood (4.41%), shade (17.64%), and finally, support services: CO2 capture (5.88%) and comfort (13.23%). The indices of floristic diversity show that the Zaria district is rich, with a Shannon index of 2.94 and Piélou equitability of 0.83. We recorded 76.47% of the woody exotic species (26 species) and 23.53% of indigenous woody species (8 species) with strong significance (P < 0.05). The equality of expectations test (paired observation) carried out on the number of species and the socio-demographic characteristics (sex, marital status, number of women, number of children, mode of acquisition) reveals that there is a significant relationship between the number of species and these characteristics (P < 0.05). However, the test on the number of species and mode of acquisition shows that there is no relationship between them (P > 0.05). This study will lead to a better understanding of the place of woody species in houses. The findings of this study can be applied toward the local and global efforts to conserve tree biodiversity in dryland cities in way that the tree biodiversity will provide a variety of ecosystem services to the urbanites for green and sustainable cities. The study recommends also the massive use of native tree biodiversity in tree planting initiative in the houses for sustainable biodiversity conservation.
Ethnobotanical and Ethnomedicinal Significance of Myrtus communis L. in Lower Swat, Pakistan
Authors: Qadar Khan, Hassan Sher, Jamil Ahmad, Salman Khan, Shamal Habib, Salahud Din, Zarina Rehman and Shazia Dilbar
Myrtus communis L. belongs to the family Myrtaceae and is commonly found in the Lower District, Swat. A survey reported that Myrtus communis is traditionally used for medicinal and cultural purposes. Residents provided information about local uses, recipe preparation, and diseases treated, which were recorded. The primary aim of the study was to understand the cultural and ethnomedicinal uses of this species in the study area. Data were collected from 311 informants across eleven localities in Lower Swat: Islamphur (Balavo), Shagai (Ghwara Khela Batorda), Shagai (Shne Shah), Marghazar (Daba Tangai), Marghazar (Manrvano Dub), Barikot (Natmera), Barikot (Nawagai), Barikot (Qwanj), Amlokdara (Gorykan), Jambeel (Shagai), Jambeel (Jhelkanai), and Kokarai (Lokmera/Chamanr). The overarching goal was to involve all participants in gathering information on the medicinal uses and importance of Myrtus communis. It is noted that various parts of this species (i.e., leaves, fruits, flowers, stem, and whole plant) are used in cultural practices and to cure different diseases. Culturally, this species is used for tea (n=49), as a flavoring agent (n=17), and as food (n=17). Ethnopharmacologically, it is used to cure chest disorders (n=39), headaches (n=32), hypertension (n=31), diabetes (n=28), stomach issues (n=25), gastric ulcers (n=22), diarrhea (n=16), and tooth pain (n=15). The highest Relative Popularity Level (RPL), i.e., 1.00, is noted for the following cultural uses and diseases: diabetes, stomach issues, gastric ulcers, headaches, chest disorders, hypertension, and tea. The lowest RPL (i.e., 0.14) was noted for anthelmintic and anxiety. The highest Rank Order Priority (ROP) is noted for tea (ROP=15.8), while the ROP for other cultural uses is food (ROP=4.68) and flavoring agents (ROP=4.49).
Comparing the Opportunity Cost of Living Inside and Outside Game Management Areas under Zambia’s Wildlife Conservation Policy: A Choice Experiment
Authors: Shadreck Mukanjo Mutti, Selma Tuemumunu Karuaihe, Eric Dada Mungatana, Damien Jourdain and Thomas Hedemark Lundhede
Managing wildlife resources requires balancing the needs of people living near wildlife-protected areas (PAs) with the grazing and habitat needs of wildlife. However, rising encroachment by households seeking new land for agriculture and increasing wildlife populations from wildlife-protected areas result in human-wildlife conflicts. Furthermore, protecting wildlife resources needs decreasing and restricting their illegal harvest, especially by people living near wildlife-protected areas, thereby imposing an opportunity cost on these households, who often depend on poaching for their livelihood. In this paper, we use a discrete choice experiment (DCE) based on a split sample of respondents living inside and outside the Game Management Area (GMA) near Kafue National Park in Zambia. The aim is to estimate the opportunity cost of conservation imposed on communities living near the national park under a hypothetical protection scenario in which households would receive various incentives in exchange for stopping poaching. Proposed incentives included donations of agro-input packs, donations of milking cows, and the presence of a community micro-credit facility. In addition, two measures aimed at discouraging poaching were an increase in the frequency of patrols by wildlife game scouts per week and an increase in the minimum number of years in jail for poaching offenders. In a test of external validity, we find that households living inside the GMA report a lower mean willingness to accept (WTA) compensation for the provision of wildlife conservation services compared to those outside the GMA. The study also reveals differences in other welfare-related preferences between respondents within and outside the GMA. Our methodology provides useful insights for policy prescription in addressing the problem of poaching and poverty alleviation in developing countries.
Human Behavior towards Herpetofauna in Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan
Authors: Laraib Safdar and Muhammad Altaf
Folklore and cultural norms have a significant impact on wildlife conservation. Different societies may have different negative values and legends. Amphibians and reptiles are among the vertebrates that receive the most criticism. Folklore directly influences the terrible persecution these animals endure. The goal of the study was to clarify how these unfavorable beliefs and myths directly impact the conservation of these animals. In the Pakistani state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, 1000 residents from several districts, including Muzaffarabad, Hattian, Bagh, Haveli, Poonch, Sudhnoti, and Kotli, were given questionnaires. The main aim was to gather data concerning the hypothesis that human-associated maltreatment is directly influenced by the existence of negative values and wrong ideas. Principal component analysis was utilized to confirm the hypothesized relationship between negative values and observations, and anti-conservation attitudes towards reptiles and amphibians. Socio-demographic variables were also included. The research revealed that people in the study area held strong negative values, folklore, and anti-conservation opinions regarding snakes. Principal component analysis results showed a significant correlation between folklore, negative values, and conservation inclinations; the two main factors influencing public behavior toward herpetofauna were persecution tendencies and negative values. Interestingly, there was no correlation found between the apparent harmfulness, lethality, or aggression of a herpetile and its ecological value, but rather with increasing dislike and fear.
Begomovirus-mediated changes in whitefly vectors: implications for viral transmission in response to environmental shifts and vector management strategies
Authors: Muhammad Aqib Idrees, Ahmad Kamran Khan, Gagan Deep, Muhammad Rizwan, Sadiqa Rukhsar and Bilal Ahmed
Plant viruses are known to cause more than 47% of plant diseases worldwide. Among this motley array, begomoviruses stand out as a prominent genus with a multitude of insect vectors. Whiteflies play a crucial role in the transmission of these viruses. As begomoviruses are transmitted and spread by whiteflies, alterations to the life cycle of these vectors have garnered significant interest. This review paper examines the multifaceted relationship between begomoviruses and their whitefly vectors in the transmission of viral pathogens. The objective of this review is to emphasize recent developments in the field, specifically the molecular and physiological changes that may occur in whitefly vectors when exposed to begomoviruses. It also sheds light on the ecological and evolutionary implications arising from begomovirus-induced changes in whitefly vectors and expands the discussion on vector management strategies. The findings described in this review contribute significantly to the overall understanding of viral transmission dynamics and provide a strong foundation for subsequent research and the development of control measures for diseases caused by begomoviruses and their whitefly vectors.
Special Issue 1 (2026)
Official Open-Access Quarterly Issue • View Dedicated Issue Page →
Seasonal Variation in Feeding Habits of the Hardnose Shark (Carcharhinus macloti) and Comparison of Diet with Other Demersal Sharks in the Northern Arabian Sea of Pakistan
Authors: Hamid Badar Osmany, Kashifa Zohra and Hina Imran
In Pakistani coastal waters, the hardnose shark Carcharhinus macloti (Müller and Henle, 1839) is known locally as "Bhusa." The study intends to compare the nutritional makeup of the hardnose shark to that of other shark species found in Pakistan's northern Arabian Sea, as well as to analyze seasonal fluctuations in the sharks' feeding habits. Specimens caught with bottom-set gillnets, ranging in size from 68 to 103 cm, were collected to analyze their food items using the frequency-of-occurrence (FO) technique. A total of 80 stomachs from both sexes were analyzed for dietary contents. Teleosts made up 95.00% of the total diet, followed by cephalopods (3.75%) and crustaceans (1.25%). A comparative study with other demersal shark species from the same region and time revealed the dominance of teleosts across all species, though in varying percentages.
Mitochondrial ATPase 6/8-Based Assessment of Genetic Diversity and Population Structure in Cirrhinus mrigala Across the Indus River System, Pakistan
Authors: Noor Muhammad, Fayaz Rasool and Muhammad Imran
This study used the sequences of two mitochondrial genes, ATPase 6 and ATPase 8, to analyze the genetic diversity and population structure of Cirrhinus mrigala from four geographically distinct river basins in Pakistan's Indus River System. Following the collection of 20 samples from the Taunsa, Chenab, Jhelum, and Ravi rivers, DNA was extracted, amplified by PCR, and sequenced. Genetic heterogeneity was observed among individuals and populations, as sequence alignment revealed a few nucleotide variations in the ATPase 6 and ATPase 8 genes. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the Taunsa and Chenab samples appeared to form a population-specific group. However, the genetic relationships among the populations were very close, suggesting a common origin. High genetic similarity and gene flow across geographically dispersed groups were demonstrated by low genetic distances between many samples. In summary, the findings indicate that C. mrigala has comparatively little population differentiation but substantial genetic variation within populations. This information can be useful for comprehending population connectivity, genetic conservation, fisheries management, and the sustainable use of this economically significant fish species in Pakistan.
Freshwater Fishes of Pakistan: Ecology, Distribution and Threats
Authors: Muhammad Altaf
There are 29,447 fish species reported by the IUCN from around the world. Out of this total, 14,350 freshwater fish species are documented globally. In Pakistan, a total of 196 species of freshwater fish, belonging to 93 genera, 39 families, and 17 orders, are documented. Of the total, 123 species are from Punjab, 122 species are from Sindh, 117 species are from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 80 species are from Balochistan, 60 species were noted from Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and 16 species were documented from Gilgit-Baltistan. While 31 species are endemic to Pakistan, namely: Barilius naseeri, Garra wanae, Labeo caeruleus, L. gedrosicus, Tariqilabeo macmahoni, Naziritor zhobensis, Puntius waagni, Schizothorax skarduensis, Schistura afasciata, S. anambarensis, S. arifi, S. fascimaculata, S. harnaiensis, S. kohatensis, S. lepidocaulis, S. machensis, S. macrolepis, S. microlabra, S. naseeri, S. prashari, Triplophysa hazaraensis, T. naziri, T. trewavasae, Ompok sindensis, Batasio pakistanicus, Mystus horai, Amblyceps macropterus, Sisor pakistanicus, Gagata pakistanica, Glyptothorax naziri,and G. stocki.