Nilgai Research Articles

Reproductive Capabilities of Female Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) in Southern Texas.

Free-ranging nilgai antelope (Boselaphus tragocamelus) are an understudied species, both on their native ranges of India, Pakistan, and Nepal and on their introduced ranges in southern Texas. Basic data related to population sizes, survival, reproduction, and recruitment are needed throughout their range to inform management and conservation decisions. We collected nilgai fetuses from 3 ranches in southern Texas, including East Foundation's El Sauz and Santa Rosa ranches, and the Norias Division of the King Ranch® from 2018-2021. We calculated the percentage of individuals that were pregnant in each of the sample years and overall. We determined monthly average, maximum, and minimum fetus length. Of 488 nilgai cows, we found 386 to be pregnant (79%) and 214 to be pregnant with twins (56%). We found nilgai cows as young as 1-year old to have fetuses and therefore to have reached sexual maturity. Sex ratios of fetuses during any sampling year did not differ. We found ample evidence supporting our hypothesis that nilgai are fecund on their introduced range of southern Texas. To prevent nilgai overpopulation and associated problems, harvest management strategies should be implemented, specifically on nilgai cows.

<b> </b>SEASONAL<b> </b>VARIATION AND PREVALENCE OF GASTROINTESTINAL PARASITES IN CAPTIVE MAMMALS AT LAHORE ZOO

This study was conducted at Lahore Zoo, Punjab, Pakistan from January to December 2023 to assess the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in 10 different captive wild mammalian species. The mammals including girrafe (Giraffa), vervet monkey (Chlorocebus pygerythrus), zebra (Equus quagga), lion (Panthera leo), leopard (Panthera pardus), Rhinoceros (Rhinocerotidae), wild boar (Sus scrofa), Chinkara deer (Gazella bennettii), urial (Ovis vignei) and nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) were selected. A total of 100 fresh fecal samples were collected from the animal enclosures in polythene bags (6×4 inches) 2 times during study period. Coprological examination was done using qualitative analysis such as direct smear method, sedimentation method and flotation methods. The parasitic prevalence was as follows zebra 44.5%, followed by giraffes, rhinoceroses, and wild boars at 27.8%, nilgai, urial, lion and vervet monkey at 22.3%, chinkara 16.7% and leopard 11.2%. The prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites was as Eimeria spp. (3.9%), Strongyloides spp. (3.4%), Trichuris spp. (2.8%), Giardia spp., Ascaris spp., and Strongyle spp. (2.3%), Entamoeba histolytica (1.12%), Trematode eggs (1.12%), Nematodirus (1.12%), Balantidium coli (0.6%), Haemonchus contortus (0.6%), Paramphistomum cervi (0.6%), Parascaris equorum (1.12%) and Cryptosporidium (1.12%). The overall parasitic prevalence was 23.9%, with a noticeable seasonal variation, being higher in summer (31.2%) compared to winter (17.79%). These findings highlight the significant parasitic burden in captive wild mammals. It can be concluded that regular de-worming sessions, cleaning, disinfection of enclosures and proper disposal of fecal matter should be done to reduce the overall parasitic burden.

Understanding Human-Nilgai negative interactions in India: a systematic review through print media report analysis

Despite being one of the most conflict-prone species in India, the Nilgai antelope Boselaphus tragocamelus has received little scientific attention. In this study, we address this knowledge gap by conducting an analysis of secondary data extracted from print media reports on Human-Nilgai negative interactions at the regional scale (tehsils and districts) across different states of India. Our findings revealed notable variations in conflict levels among different states, with Bihar emerging as the most affected (86 tehsils and 22 districts), followed by Madhya Pradesh (34 tehsils; 21 districts) and Uttar Pradesh (33 tehsils; 20 districts). Within Bihar, Muzaffarpur and East Champaran districts stand out for their high conflict levels. Crop raiding by different populations of Nilgai is identified as the primary cause of the negative interaction, with a relative frequency of occurrence of 98%. Attacks on humans by nilgai, although rare, accounted for a relative frequency of occurrence of only 1.2%. Additionally, newspapers reported retaliatory killings, with a relative frequency of occurrence of 0.84%. Between 2018 and 2022, nilgai populations were documented raiding 45 distinct crop types. Analysis of these raids revealed varying frequencies across different crop categories, with vegetables being the most heavily targeted (31%), followed by pulses (22%) and cereals (20%). Our study identifies priority tehsils and districts across different states in the country where studies aiming at nilgai-crop interactions, population dynamics, and movement ecology can be carried out to devise effective mitigation measures.

Nilgai antelope display no signs of infection upon experimental challenge with a virulent Babesia bovis strain

BackgroundBovine babesiosis is caused by infection with the protozoal parasite Babesia bovis, which is transmitted by Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) spp. It can cause mortality rates up to 90% in immunologically naive Bos taurus cattle. In south Texas, R. (B.) microplus is known to infest nilgai antelope (Boselaphus tragocamelus); however, their susceptibility to infection with B. bovis and their role in the transmission of the parasite remain unknown. In this study, we challenged nilgai antelope with B. bovis and evaluated their susceptibility to infection.MethodsNilgai were needle inoculated with ≈108B. bovis-parasitized erythrocytes (merozoites) or a homogenate of B. bovis-infected larval ticks (sporozoite) delivered intravenously. Bos taurus beef calves were inoculated in parallel, as this strain of B. bovis is lethal to cattle. Temperature and hematocrit were monitored daily over the course of each study, and whole blood was collected for molecular [polymerase chain reaction (PCR)] and serological [indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)] diagnostic evaluation. Histological sections of nilgai cerebral tissue were examined for evidence of infection. Recipient bovine calves were sub-inoculated with blood from nilgai challenged with either stage of the parasite, and they were monitored for clinical signs of infection and evaluated by a PCR diagnostic assay. Red blood cells (RBCs) from prechallenged nilgai and B. taurus beef cattle were cultured with an in vitro B. bovis merozoite culture to examine colonization of the RBCs by the parasite.ResultsNilgai did not display clinical signs of infection upon inoculation with either the merozoite or sporozoite stage of B. bovis. All nilgai were PCR-negative for the parasite, and they did not develop antibodies to B. bovis. No evidence of infection was detected in histological sections of nilgai tissues, and in vitro culture analysis indicated that the nilgai RBCs were not colonized by B. bovis merozoites. Cattle subinoculated with blood from challenged nilgai did not display clinical signs of infection, and they were PCR-negative up to 45 days after transfer.ConclusionsNilgai do not appear to be susceptible to infection with a strain of B. bovis that is lethal to cattle. Tick control on these alternative hosts remains a critical priority, especially given their potential to disseminate ticks over long distances.Graphical

Study on the Docility Pattern of Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) in the Gopalganj District of Bihar

Study on the Docility Pattern of Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) in the Gopalganj District of Bihar

Assessment of wild prey of mammalian carnivores in Barda Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat, India

The Barda Wildlife Sanctuary (Barda WLS) is a semi-arid ecosystem that plays an important role in the conservation of mammalian carnivores. It is essential to evaluate the population of important wild prey species in Barda, which has conservation implications for mammalian predators and themselves. We assessed the density, biomass, and population structure of wild prey species by surveying road (n = 10) and trail (n = 8) transects using the distance sampling framework method. We used male-to-female sex ratios and the percent contribution of each age class to assess population structure. Mean group size (MGS), median group size (Mdgs), and mean crowding (Mc) were calculated to analyze group size. Of the species studied, Indian peafowl had the highest density (51.61 ± 7.08 individuals/km2), followed by wild pig (10.77 ± 4.59), blue bull (3.50 ± 0.51), Indian hare (3.03 ± 0.73), and spotted deer (0.62 ± 0.04). The male-to-adult female sex ratio was biased towards females, except for Indian peafowl. All species had small group sizes except wild pigs. The results of this study can aid in its development as one of the important protected areas in Gujarat for the conservation of mammalian predators, along with framing conservation strategies for Barda WLS.

Retracted: Pathological, Histological, and Molecular Based Investigations Confirm Novel Mycobacterium bovis Infection in Boselaphus tragocamelus.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2022/7601463.].

Quality and Proportion of X and Y Sperm After Sexing Process using Percoll Density Gradient Centrifugation Method on Different Gradients and Diluents in Belgian Blue Cross Bull

Quality and Proportion of X and Y Sperm After Sexing Process using Percoll Density Gradient Centrifugation Method on Different Gradients and Diluents in Belgian Blue Cross Bull

Quality and Proportion of Spermatozoa in the Percoll Density Gradient Centrifugation Sexing Method at Different Gradients using AndroMed® Diluent

The utilization of sexing technology is an effort made to improve the efficiency of livestock farming, which was created to predict the sex of the calves born so that it can be adjusted to the objectives of the farm. This study aims to analyze the quality and proportion of sexed spermatozoa using the percoll density centrifugation method at different gradients with AndroMed® diluent. The research material used was fresh semen from Belgian Blue Bull aged six years with a body weight of 600 kg and fresh semen quality motility ≥70%. This research is a laboratory experiment with two treatments and ten replicates. The treatments in the study were T0: Ten Gradient density percoll + AndroMed® and T1: Five Gradient density percoll + AndroMed®. The research analysis used a dependent t-test. The statistical analysis showed a significant difference (P<0.05) in treating ten gradients with five gradients in each layer regarding individual motility, viability, abnormality, and total motile spermatozoa. At the same time, in concentration, there was no difference (P>0.05) in the treatment of 10 gradients with five gradients. The average results on individual motility, abnormality, concentration, and total motile spermatozoa showed treatment of 10 gradients better than treatment of 5 gradients in each layer. At the same time, the variable viability showed that the gradient treatment is better than the five-gradient treatment. Proportion of spermatozoa in the Upper Layer T0 X (23.4%), Y (76.8%) and T1 X (16.9%), Y (83.1%). The proportion of Spermatozoa in the Bottom Layer was T0 X (84.1%), Y (15.9%), and T1 X (83%), Y (17%), respectively. In conclusion, sexing spermatozoa with the Percoll 10 and 5 Gradient Density Centrifugation method can separate X and Y spermatozoa.

Numberdar Ka Neela: A Study of Postcolonial Context & Anti-Colonialism

Syed Ashraf's novel, "Numberdar Ka Neela," serves as a potent critique of the post-colonial condition. It illustrates how oppression and exploitation persist even after country gains independence. The author delves into issues like power concentration, power abuse, and resistance to oppression, set in the early 1950s post-colonial context. The central character, Thakur Odal Singh, embodies power, exploitation, and tyranny. He symbolizes the forces struggling to retain their dominance in a changing society. Thakur's authority is epitomized by his blue bull, ‘Neela’, representing the violent and destructive consequences of concentrated power. Despite Neela's sacred status in Hindu religion, the villagers gradually realize it is merely a tool of oppression wielded by Thakur to maintain control. The novel culminates with the villagers finally rebelling against this cruelty, resulting in Neela's defeat and disappearance, as well as the demise of Thakur and his two sons. This article critically analyzes the symbolism and postcolonial context of "Neela" in "Numberdar Ka Neela."

A case study of pneumonic changes and death in Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) with respiratory disease in Punjab, Pakistan

A nine-year-old Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) in Bahawalpur Zoo, Punjab, Pakistan, was ill with respiratory disease, so the pathogens involved were studied, and morphological features and propensity for Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) involved were also speculated. Because of demolition, Nilgai is sparsely populated in Pakistan, so studying the cause of its death was essential. The lung samples were collected, and histopathological techniques and bacterium isolation were used to analyse them. Necropsy, i.e., gross and histopathological postmortem exams, were carried out in the laboratory using customary methods under rigorous crafting circumstances. A standard visual and microscopic methodology was used in gross examination, and routine microbiologic tests were run. Specific and compelling infectious agents have been found in Nilgai's lungs, including Pasteurella multocida and Mycoplasma bovis. Pathology and histopathology revealed that Nilgai had extensive ulceration and chronic swelling behind his mandibles, and the post-mortem report verified this. The report revealed that the lungs were grey hepatised. Histological lesions represented acute, severe, haemorrhagic, and chronic bronchopneumonia stages of pneumonia. Lungs with histological lesions were classified as pattern pneumonia. The current study's goals were to report clinical, pathologic, and molecular data and to determine the cause of the respiratory ailment that affected one Nilgai.

Habitat Suitability and Conflict Zone Mapping for the Blue Bull (Boselaphus tragocamelus) across Nepal.

Rapidly changing environmental conditions (bioclimatic, anthropogenic, topographic, and vegetation-related variables) are likely to alter the spatial distribution of flora and fauna. To understand the influence of environmental variables on the Blue bull's distribution and to identify potential conflict zones, the habitat suitability analysis of the Blue bull was performed using ensemble modeling. We modelled the distribution of the Blue bull using an extensive database on the current distribution of the Blue bull and selected 15 ecologically significant environmental variables. We used ten species distribution modeling algorithms available in the BIOMOD2 R package. Among the ten algorithms, the Random Forest, Maxent, and Generalized linear model had the highest mean true skill statistics scores, ensuring better model performance, and were considered for further analysis. We found that 22,462.57 km2 (15.26%) of Nepal is suitable for the Blue bull. Slope, precipitation seasonality, and distance to the road are the environmental variables contributing the most to the distribution of Blue bull. Of the total predicted suitable habitats, 86% lies outside protected areas and 55% overlaps with agricultural land. Thus, we recommend that the future conservation initiatives including appropriate conflict mitigation measures should be prioritized equally in both protected areas and outside protected areas to ensure the species' survival in the region.

Diet composition of Asiatic lions in protected areas and multi-use land matrix

Comparative studies on the diet of large felids in protected areas (PAs) and surrounding multi-use landscapes are important for their conservation. The Asiatic lion is an endangered felid distributed in Gir PA and the surrounding multi-use land matrix. Based on scat analyses, we assessed the dietary composition of Asiatic lions. The frequency of occurrence (FOO), biomass consumption model, dietary niche breadth and dietary overlap index was used to quantify diet. The Asiatic lion ate more wild prey (74%) than domestic livestock (26%) in the Gir PA. In contrast, lion diets comprised 51% wild prey and 42% domestic livestock in the multi-use land matrix. Sambar contributed most (38%) to the diet in PAs, while blue bull most (29%) in the multi-use land matrix. However, diet diversity and niche breadth were similar between these two areas. The dietary overlap in the lions' diet between these two areas was 0.52. The results suggest that large-size wild ungulates are the main prey species in Gir PA, while in the surrounding multi-use land matrix, both large wild ungulates and domestic livestock are the main prey. The present study may help future lion conservation management decisions.

Movement ecology of exotic nilgai antelope: A threat to the re‐emergence of cattle fever ticks in the southern USA

AbstractWildlife plays an important role in the emergence of livestock diseases, and their movements can complicate disease management efforts. One of the most significant vector‐borne diseases of livestock worldwide is bovine babesiosis, spread by cattle fever ticks (CFTs; Rhipicephalus [=Boophilus] microplus and Rhipicephalus [=Boophilus] annulatus). Although CFTs were eradicated from the United States by 1943, bovine babesiosis and CFTs are prevalent in México. Recently, management of CFTs in the Texas–México region has been complicated by the presence of free‐ranging, exotic nilgai antelope (Boselaphus tragocamelus). Nilgai are abundant in this region and are competent hosts for CFTs. The goal of this study was to better understand nilgai movements and space use to inform CFT treatment strategies. We analyzed hourly locations from 40 GPS‐collared nilgai in Cameron County, TX, USA, from April 2019 to September 2020. We assigned each nilgai a movement behavior using the net squared displacement metric. We estimated nilgai home range sizes at different temporal scales (monthly, seasonally, and overall) using Brownian bridge movement models. We observed movement patterns consistent with residency (52.5%), seasonal movers (17.5%), dispersal (5%), and unclassified (25%). Resident nilgai had an average maximum axial distance of 7.8 km, while two young females made separate dispersal movements of about 40 km within a year. Overall, nilgai had large and highly variable home ranges: annual median home range estimate for females was 563 ha (range = 105–1545 ha), and for males, it was 937 ha (range = 221–1602 ha). Peak nilgai movements occurred during crepuscular hours, and median hourly movement for females was 57 m/h, and for males, it was 66 m/h. Nilgai home ranges and long‐distance movements have the potential to overlap multiple ranches, as the typical ranch size in South Texas ranges from 250 to 6000 ha. Resident nilgai were more likely to maintain local infestations of CFT. Dispersal events took place during peak tick season, demonstrating the potential for nilgai to aid in the spread of CFT. Understanding these behaviors will help the CFT Eradication Program develop more efficacious treatment strategies to treat infestations in nilgai.

Effects of helicopter net gunning on the survival and movement behaviour of nilgai antelope

Context Research on large, terrestrial mammals often requires physical captures to attach tags or collars, collect morphological data, and collect biological samples. Choice of capture method should minimise pain and distress to the animal, minimise risk to personnel, and consider whether the method can achieve study objectives without biasing results. Aims We studied how capture via helicopter net-gunning affected survival, post-capture movement patterns, and space use of exotic nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus) in southern Texas, USA. Methods We estimated daily survival rates for 101 collared nilgai over 28 days, following 125 captures. We calculated mean daily movement rates and net-squared displacement for 21 recaptured nilgai for 60 days, starting 30 days before capture. Key results The survival probability of 125 nilgai individuals was 0.97 (95% CI = 0.92–0.99) over the 28 days following capture, with the lowest daily survival for the day after capture ( x ¯ WR22049_IE1.gif = 0.99; 95% CI = 0.96–1.00). We observed an increase of ~65% in the mean daily movement rate of 134 m/h on the first 2 days since capture, followed by a period of reduced movement out to the 5th day before returning to pre-capture levels. Analysis of net-squared displacement for 21 nilgai showed that 17 resumed pre-capture space-use patterns within a week, whereas four individuals did not return to the pre-capture range for ≥1 month. Conclusions Capture-related mortality rates for nilgai using helicopter net-gunning in our study (3%) were similar or lower than those reported for similar species captured using the same method. While we were able to detect a period of elevated movement rates, followed by a recovery period of diminished movement as a result of capture, nilgai appeared to return to typical behaviour ~6 days post-capture. Most nilgai in our study also resumed typical space-use patterns within a week of capture; however, our results suggest high individual variability in their response. Implications We recommend using net-gunning from a helicopter as a method for capturing nilgai when conditions and where vegetation and topography allow. We suggest censoring data for a minimum of 7 days following capture for analyses related to survival and movement rates. For analyses relating to space use, we suggest inspecting net-squared displacement or some similar displacement analysis for each animal separately to account for individual variation in response and exclude data accordingly.

The Effect of Different Levels of Lycopene in Egg Yolk Citrate Extenders on Post-Thawed Semen Qualities of Belgian Blue Crossbreed Bull

The Effect of Different Levels of Lycopene in Egg Yolk Citrate Extenders on Post-Thawed Semen Qualities of Belgian Blue Crossbreed Bull

Habitat use and diurnal activity budget of blue bulls (Boselaphus tragocamelus) in the Lumbini Heritage Site, Nepal

Blue bulls (Boselaphus tragocamelus) in Nepal are found near human settlements, crop fields and forest patches of lowland Terai and their management is becoming challenging due to conflicts with locals. This study explored habitat use and diurnal activity pattern of blue bulls at the Lumbini Heritage Site (LHS), one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites from Nepal between 29 February and 31 March 2022. The habitat availability was quantified from classified land use land cover data of 10 m resolution and habitat use of the blue bulls was studied by direct observation. Activities of the blue bulls were recorded by the focal animal sampling method to determine the diurnal time budget for three observational phases 7:00–10:30 AM, 10:30–2:00 PM, and 2:00–5:30 PM; morning, afternoon and late-afternoon, respectively. The behavioral states recorded were grazing, locomotion, resting, alert and other activities (running, fighting, etc.). A total of 73 individuals of blue bulls were recorded along the 20 line transects each of 200–300 m in length. The majority of the blue bull individuals (52.05%) were observed in grassland that occupied only 7.14% of the LHS while lesser were found in dense forests (44.44% of the LHS) and agricultural land. Blue bulls spent the majority of their diurnal time on feeding followed by resting and locomotion. Feeding peaked during the morning and late-afternoon observational phases when the temperature was low whereas resting was the major activity in the afternoon. Because the grasslands are the most used habitats by blue bulls in the LHS, especially for feeding, we emphasize the proper management of the grasslands.

An Assessment of Human-Wildlife Conflict in Basanta Corridor: a Case Study from Kailari Rural Municipality, Nepal

The human-wildlife conflict (HWC) has always been a subject of concern for conservationists and people living in the proximity of forests. Nepal has witnessed increasing incidents of HWC at an alarming rate in the last few years. The study was carried out to understand the causes and trends of HWC in Kailari Rural Municipality and the perception of people towards wildlife conservation. The major tools used for the data collection were key informant interviews and questionnaire surveys. The data collected from the field was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. This study showed that crop plundering, human injuries & death, livestock injuries, and killing by wildlife was the common form of HWC and the animals with high incidents of conflict were a monkey, wild boar, elephant, tiger, blue bull, deer, and rabbit in recent years. The main crops damaged in the area were wheat, paddy, maize, peanuts, mustard, etc. The problematic animals were found to be monkeys, rabbits, and wild boars. The study concluded that tigers and elephants attack were the major problems in the areas near Dudhwa National Park (India). None of the respondents have got compensation for the loss of crops, livestock, and even in case of human casualties. Most of the respondents believed that animals come to the cropland due to farmland nearer to forest areas and lack of food for the animals.

Food plants and feeding habits of ungulates at Panna Tiger Reserve, Madhya Pradesh, India

The food and feeding habits of ungulates present in the Panna Tiger Reserve were studied by direct field observations from January 2019 to May 2019.The aim of the study was to explore the composition of the diet, preferable plant species, and variation in diet consumption among five sympatric ungulate species i.e. Chital (Axis axis), Sambar (Rusa unicolor), Nilgai (Boselaphus tragocamelus), Chinkara (Gazella bennettii), Chousingha (Tetracerus quadricornis). The Important Value Index of all the food plants was calculated to check the availability of food plants. The results showed that the diet of ungulates consisted of diverse species of plants. Ungulates were seen feeding on 89 specie out of which 53 are tree species and 36 are herb and shrub species. Plant species were belonging to 28 families with 21% contributing from Poaceae, and 12% from Rubiaceae. The results are based on 255 observations of sambar, 295 observations of chital, 341 observations of nilgai, 219 observations of chinkara, and 69 observations of chousingha. Plants provide a healthy environment for Herbivores as they are solely dependent on them for food.

Arthroscopic debridement and lavage of a fetlock joint in a British blue calf

AbstractA 3‐week‐old pedigree British blue bull, weighing 70 kg, presented with soft tissue swelling of the distal left forelimb, with a discharging sinus associated with a granulating wound (pressure sore). Involvement of the metacarpophalangeal joint was suspected. There were also granulating wounds on the dorsal aspect of both metacarpophalangeal joints and laterally on both tarsi. Radiography, arthrocentesis, arthroscopy and joint lavage were carried out under general anaesthesia and the external wounds were debrided and dressed. Intra‐articular antibiotics were given at the time of surgery and systemic antibiotics and anti‐inflammatories were given for 14 days afterwards. The calf made a good recovery and returned to normal function.