Indo-Malayan Region Research Articles

Integrative taxonomy of the genus Coridius Illiger, 1807 (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Dinidoridae) reveals hidden diversity and three new species from North-East India.

The genus Coridius Illiger, 1807 (Heteroptera: Dinidoridae) comprises a group of phytophagous terrestrial bugs consisting of 36 species distributed in the Afrotropical and Indo-Malayan regions. In several communities in northeastern India, insects are recognised as a delicacy, medicine, and a nutritional supplement, with Coridius being a popular delicacy. However, Coridius has received little taxonomic attention to date due to large intraspecific variations, inadequate taxonomic treatments, and the rarity of many species. To address this gap, an integrative taxonomy of the genus was performed. Two mitochondrial genes, viz., cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI) and 16S rRNA, were sequenced to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships within Coridius. We performed both maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) to develop a species tree, followed by the Bayesian implementation of the Poisson tree process (bPTP) and Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning (ASAP) as an additional test to assess species boundaries and delimit operational taxonomic units. A linear discriminant analysis (LDA) of four key morphological characters was then performed to identify species groups. Overall, our analysis supported the establishment of three new species: Coridius adii sp. nov., Coridius esculentus sp. nov., and Coridius insperatus sp. nov., and revealed six distinct lineages within Coridius chinensis (Dallas, 1851). Linear discriminant analysis of morphological characters indicated the clustering of eight species. The species status of Coridius nigriventris (Westwood, 1837) stat. rev, formerly synonymized under Coridius nepalensis (Westwood, 1837), is reinstated in this study. Further, we revised the genus Coridius from India and rediscovered Coridius assamensis (Distant, 1902) and Coridius fuscus (Westwood, 1837) after 100 years.

Biogeography and Conservation in the Arabian Peninsula: A Present Perspective.

The Arabian Peninsula, with its rugged mountains, wadis, alluvial plains, sand dune deserts, and diverse coastlines, spans over 3 million km2. The Peninsula is situated at the crossroads of Africa and Asia and is a meeting point for diverse biogeographic realms, including the Palearctic, Afrotropical, and Indomalayan regions. This convergence of biogeographic zones has resulted in a remarkably diverse flora and fauna, which is adapted to the harsh and varied climates found throughout the Peninsula. Each of the countries of the Arabian Peninsula are biologically diverse and unique in their own right, but Yemen, Saudi Arabia, and Oman are the most diverse in terms of their landforms and biological diversity. The mountainous regions support a cooler and more moderate climate compared to the surrounding lowlands, thus forming unique ecosystems that function as refugia for plant and animal species, and have a high endemism of plant species. The desert ecosystems support a variety of lifeforms that are specially adapted to an extreme arid climate. Due to its long history of human habitation and subsistence agriculture, particularly in the mountainous areas, the Arabian Peninsula possesses unique crop varieties adapted to extreme arid climates, making them important genetic resources for the future in the face of climate change. The Arabian Peninsula, though rich and diverse in its biological diversity, has been greatly affected by human activities, especially in the last 50 years, including urbanization, habitat destruction, overgrazing, and climate change, which pose significant threats to the biodiversity of the region. This review presents the biogeography and background of conservation efforts made in the countries in the Arabian Peninsula and gives the progress made in botanical research and conservation practices throughout the Peninsula.

A new species of the spider genus Khorata Huber, 2005 (Araneae, Pholcidae), with a list of Khorata species from Vietnam.

The genus Khorata Huber, 2005 contains 51 species. It is distributed in the Indo-Malayan Region. Nine species have been recorded from Vietnam. Khorataninhbinh sp. nov. is described as a new species from Vietnam. In addition, a list of all Khorata species from Vietnam is also provided.

Revision of Troporhogas Cameron (Hymenoptera, Braconidae, Rogadinae) with six new species from India and Thailand.

The genus Troporhogas Cameron, 1905 from the Indo-Malayan region is reviewed. Six new species, Troporhogasalboniger Quicke, Loncle & Butcher, sp. nov., T.benjamini Quicke, Loncle & Butcher, sp. nov., T.hugoolseni Quicke, Loncle & Butcher, sp. nov., T.rafaelnadali Quicke, Loncle & Butcher, sp. nov., and T.rogerfedereri Quicke, Loncle & Butcher, sp. nov. from Thailand, and T.anamikae Ranjith, sp. nov. from India are described and illustrated photographically, bringing the total number of species of the genus known from the Indo-Malayan Region to 19. Troporhogas is recorded for the first time from India. A key is included to differentiate Troporhogas species. A four-gene ML tree based on COI, Cytb, 16S and 28S is reconstructed, representing the six new species. Troporhogascontrastus Long, 2014, originally described from Vietnam, is recorded from Thailand for the first time. The holotypes of the type species, Troporhogastricolor Cameron, 1905 and that of its junior synonym Iporhogas are illustrated, and photographs are presented of all the species known only from China and Sri Lanka. Sexual colour dimorphism of males of several species is described for the first time. Drawings summarising the different patterns of black marks on the metasoma that aid species recognition are presented.

Long-Term Stability of Harvest Mouse Population

The Eurasian harvest mouse (Micromys minutus) is a tiny rodent of the Palearctic and Indomalayan regions, with a distinct regional species status in Europe and irregularly varying local numbers. We analysed the population of M. minutus in Lithuania (Northern Europe) based on trapping data from 1975 to 2022 and owl pellet data from 1986 to 2009. Based on both datasets, the proportion of this species in the small mammal community was similar, 1.13% and 0.62%, respectively. The proportions have remained stable across all decades. Relative abundance was 1.19 ± 0.19 individuals per 1000 trap days, stable over the long term and across the country. Irregular fluctuations in abundance were observed in some of the sites surveyed. The highest average RA was recorded in open sedge habitats, meadows and marshes. The absolute highest RA was 88 individuals per 1000 trap days in floodplain meadows after a major flood. Although the negative impact of habitat anthropogenisation has been confirmed, M. minutus does not require special conservation measures in Lithuania.

A Review on the Extraction and Optimization of Phytochemicals from Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb

The genus Curcuma pertains to the Zingiberaceae family and consists of 70-80 species of perennial rhizomatous herbs. This genus originates in the Indo-Malayan region and it is broadly spread all over the world across tropical and subtropical areas. Curcuma xanthorrhiza belongs to the Zingiberaceae family is a rich source of phenolics and terpenoids with various bioactivities. This study aims to provide more information about botanical features, biological activities, essential oils, phytochemicals, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and optimization of C.xanthorrhiza by response surface methodology and HPLC for further advanced research. Because of its use in the medicinal and food industries, C.xanthorrhiza is an extremely important economic genus. C.xanthorrhiza rhizomes are the source of a yellow dye and have traditionally been utilized as spices and food preservers, as a garnishing agent, and also utilized for the handling of various illnesses because of the chemical substances found in them. Furthermore, Because of the discovery of new bioactive substances with a broad range of bioactivities, including antioxidants, antivirals, antimicrobials and anti-inflammatory activities, interest in their medicinal properties has increased. Lack of information concerning botanical features, biological activities, essential oils, phytochemicals, ultrasound-assisted extraction, and optimization of C.xanthorrhiza by response surface methodology and HPLC is the biggest problem that the researcher encountered. This review recommended that collecting information concerning the C.xanthorrhiza may be providing more opportunities for further advanced studies lead to avoid wasting time and use this information for further research on bioactive compounds which are beneficial in medicinal purposes.

Germalus kozari sp. nov.: Description of a new representative of big-eyed bugs from the Indomalayan Region with notes on allied species (Heteroptera: Lygaeoidea: Geocoridae)

AbstractGermalus kozari sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Lygaeoidea: Geocoridae) is now described. Comparative notes, keys, diagnoses, and distribution data to allied Indomalayan species is provided. Germalus greeni is reported for the first time from outside of India and Sri Lanka.

Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum) Products as Medical Treatment of Human Diseases

Sweet basil is cultivated for production of essential oils, dry leaves as a culinary herb, condiment/spice or as an ornamental plant. It is used as an ingredient in Ocimum basilicum L. commonly called as Sweet Basil belongs to family Lamiaceace is native plant of Indo-Malayan region. It is called the “king of herbs” which contains plenty of phytochemicals with significant nutritional as well as antioxidant capabilities and health benefits. Sweet basil is cultivated for production of essential oils, dry leaves as a culinary herb, condiment/spice or as an ornamental plant. It is used as an ingredient in various dishes and food preparations, especially in the Mediterranean cuisine. The unique array of active constituents called flavonoids found in basil provides protection at cellular level. Orientin and vicenin are two water-soluble flavonoids that have been of particular interest in basil. Essential oil of basil, obtained from its leaves, has demonstrated the ability to inhibit several species of pathogenic bacteria that have become resistant to commonly used antibiotic drugs. Due to its antimicrobial, insecticidal activity and very pleasant aroma, basil essential oil is widely used in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and aromatherapy industries. In addition, now-a-days public prefers natural food additives hence naturally derived antimicrobial agents from basil have become more important in antimicrobial packaging as they present a perceived lower risk to consumers. Aromatic leaves and flowering parts of O. basilicum are traditionally used as stimulant and tonic agents used in folk remedies to treat various ailments such as poor digestion, stomach-ache, feverish illnesses, nausea, abdominal cramps, gastro-enteritis, migraine, insomnia, depression, gonorrhoea, dysentery, and chronic diarrhoea exhaustion. Externally, they have been applied for the treatment of acne, loss of smell, insect stings, snake bites, and skin infections. Rosmarinic acid (RA) is the most biologically active compound present in Basil. The extract of the herb is used in preventing cardiovascular diseases through improved diet and several antioxidant compounds it contains display a high antioxidant power. The extracts have been shown to display important effects at the cellular level, including a platelet antiaggregant property and inhibitory activity against HIV to decrease plasma lipid content. Some of the medicinal properties that basil has are that it can be used to cure coughs, headaches, abdominal aches, and kidney diseases. Basil oils have been classified into four chemotypes according to their chemical composition and geographical source. The European type, cultivated in Europe, USA, and Africa, is characterized by linalool and methyl chavicol as the major oil constituents. The Reunion type, located in the Comoros and Seychelles Islands, Africa, and Reunion Island, is characterized by a high concentration of methyl chavicol. Tropical type originated from India, Pakistan, Guatemala, Haiti, and Africa is rich in methyl cinnamate. Another basil chemotype, with eugenol as the main component, is common in North Africa, Russia, Eastern Europe, and parts of Asia. In addition to these, other basil oils have also been reported which contained various quantities of linalool, camphor, methyl chavicol, methyl cinnamate, and eugenol.

Integrative taxonomy supports one rather than several species of Palingenia in South-Eastern Europe (Insecta, Ephemeroptera, Palingeniidae)

Palingenia Burmeister, 1839, is a small but intensively debated genus of mayflies due to the controversial taxonomy of the species belonging to it. Once widespread throughout Europe, Palingenia longicauda (Olivier, 1791), an iconic species of large pristine rivers, has lost most of its original range, but conservation efforts are greatly hampered by its morphology, which is similar to the sympatric P. fuliginosa (Georgi, 1802) and the peripatric P. sublongicauda Tshernova, 1949. Based on the revision of Soldán’s original collection, supplemented with fresh material from southeastern Europe, we analyzed 213 adult male specimens from 15 different locations from the presently known distribution area of Palingenia in Europe. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) based on the morphometry results of penis morphology and eye distances showed no significant differences among the analyzed populations. Further, the mtCOI barcode sequence data of 73 individuals from the known range of Palingenia species in southeastern Europe represented highly similar populations genetically, with no differentiation. These results show the presence of only one species in southeastern Europe, P. longicauda, thus disproving the distribution of P. fuliginosa in this region. The taxonomic status of P. sublongicauda remains doubtful, as no type material or fresh material from the locus typicus of the species was available for this study. A comprehensive revision of Palingenia, including additional species from Asia and the Indomalayan regions, is highly recommended to reevaluate the species composition of Palingenia and detect the most closely related taxa of the single P. longicauda in Europe.

The evolution of an ancient tapeworm lineage in its catfish hosts: vicariance, dispersal and diversification in Gangesiinae (Cestoda: Proteocephalidae)

Abstract The diversification of tapeworms of the subfamily Gangesiinae (Cestoda: Proteocephalidae), parasites of catfishes (order Siluriformes), is assessed using molecular and morphological evidence. A two-gene (lsrDNA and COI) phylogenetic analysis of all species of Gangesiinae (except Gangesia margolisi) resulted in a basal polytomy that included several lineages of Gangesiinae and Acanthotaeniinae. Palaeogeological events, along with host-shifting and dispersal, played prominent roles in the evolution of these tapeworms. Gangesia radiated through two major lineages in the Indomalayan and Palaearctic regions. Morphological changes during this radiation also included secondary loss of diagnostic morphological features of the genus, as in Gangesia mukutmanipurensis sp. nov., which lacks hooks and hooklets on its scolex. An updated key to the genera placed in Gangesiinae is provided and two new synonyms are proposed. A basal polytomy involving some of the potentially oldest lineages of Gangesiinae prevents firm conclusions regarding the ancestral area of origin of these tapeworms. Nevertheless, when the distribution and host-associations of Gangesiinae are considered in the context of the historical biogeography of their catfish hosts, the Indomalayan region appears to have been the ancestral homeland and a major centre of diversification of these tapeworms, with range expansions in western and northern parts of Eurasia and Africa.

Modeling global habitat suitability and environmental predictor of distribution of a Near Threatened avian scavenger at a high spatial resolution

Vultures are among the most vulnerable birds in the world. The bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) is among the threatened species of vultures and listed as Near Threatened. The species is widely distributed across the Palearctic, Afrotropical, and Indomalayan regions. The species faces several threats such as poisoning, direct persecution, habitat degradation, and collisions with powerlines and wind power farms. Thus, knowing the global habitat suitability of the species and environmental predictors of the species distribution can facilitate the species conservation. In this study, we applied a maximum entropy approach, 10,585 distribution records, and 10 environmental variables to model the bearded vulture's global habitat suitability at high spatial resolution [30-arc-second (1 km)]. We also estimated protected area coverage for the species' suitable habitats. We identified 8,117,231 km2 of suitable habitat for the species across its global range in Europe, Asia, and Africa. The results showed that topographic diversity is the most important predictor of the species distribution across its distribution range. Results of estimating the area of suitable habitats of the bearded vulture within protected areas revealed that only 16.26% of the species' suitable habitats are protected. The areas that were identified to have the highest suitability for the species have high priority for the conservation of this iconic species thus these areas should be included in the network of protected areas.

TWO NEW SPECIES OF GELECHIID MOTHS OF THE GENUS <i>HELCYSTOGRAMMA</i> ZELLER 1877 (LEPIDOPTERA, GELECHIIDAE) FROM PANAMA

Two new species of the gelechiid moth genus Helcystogramma are described from Panama: H. jeffi sp. n. and H. almi sp. n. Based on male genitalia, they are assigned to the perelegans and trijunctum groups, respectively, both identified for the regional fauna of China. Helcystogramma effi sp. n. is morphologically similar to H. amethystias (Meyrick), from the Indo-Malay Region, and H. perelegans (N. Omelko et M. Omelko), from East Asia, but it differs by the uncus of the male genitalia bearing rounded lobes distally. Helcystogramma almi sp. n. in showing a variegate coloration of the wings is similar to H. carycastis (Meyrick), a species from Brazil and British Guiana, but in male genitalic structure it is closer to H. imagitrijunctum Li et Zhen and H. albilepidotum Li et Zhen, both from China.

DNA BARCODING OF CANANGA ODORATA (LAM. HOOK.F. & THOMSON) USING CHLOROPLAST GENES IN NORTH SUMATRA, INDONESIA

Cananga odorata (Lam.) Hook.f. & Thomson, a member of the Annonaceae family, has become widespread from the Indo-Malayan region to northern Australia and Malaysia. This plant has economic value because it produces essential oils used in the perfume and food industries. No research existed yet related to DNA barcoding to see intraspecific variations in C. odorata. This study aimed to analyze the potential of chloroplast genes maturase K (matK)-trnK, ribulose 1,5-biphosphate carboxylase (rbcL), and trnL-F intergenic spacer as DNA barcodes on C. odorata from North Sumatra, Indonesia. The research sample obtained from five areas included Tanjung Balai, Langkat Regency (Tangkahan Conservation Forest), Medan, Tanjung Morawa (Deli Serdang Regency), and Sukarasa (Deli Serdang Regency). Phylogenetic analysis using the three markers showed that C. odorata was monophyletic grouped from a common ancestor. The results of the phylogenetic tree construction also showed that the three markers used were able to group each genus in the Annonaceae family and form separate branches from the outgroup (Magnolia, Sarcandra, and Litsea). The barcoding gap on the genetic distance could not be observed in this study, although phylogenetic results showed that the three markers were discriminatory enough to separate species. The results showed that the matK-trnK, rbcL, and trnL-F markers could be effectively used as DNA barcodes to identify C. odorata.

Faunal composition, diversity, and distribution of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of Dhofar Governorate, Oman, with updated list of the Omani species and remarks on zoogeography

The Sultanate of Oman is a country on the southeastern corner of the Arabian Peninsula, near the intersection of the Afrotropical, Palaearctic, and Indomalayan biogeographic realms. We surveyed ants at 18 sites between 16 and 22 November 2017 using beating sheets, hand picking, Malaise traps, sifting trays, sweeping net, and light traps on the coastal plains and monsoon slopes of Dhofar Governorate in southwest Oman, an area that is relatively verdant due to its exposure to monsoons between June and September. We collected 37 ant species, including 11 species recorded for the first time from Oman: Camponotus diplopunctatus Emery, 1915, Cardiocondyla minutior Forel, 1899, Cardiocondyla wroughtonii (Forel, 1890), Carebara arabica (Collingwood & van Harten, 2001), Leptanilla islamica Baroni Urbani, 1977, Monomorium clavicorne André, 1881, Monomorium floricola (Jerdon, 1851), Monomorium sahlbergi Emery, 1898, Strumigenys membranifera Emery, 1869, Anochetus sedilloti Emery, 1884, and Hypoponera ragusai (Emery, 1894). In total, 130 ant species are now known from Oman, including 53 from Dhofar. The known ants of Dhofar are primarily of Afrotropical origin (23 species, 43%), followed by Palearctic (20 species, 38%), and Indomalayan (4 species, 8%), and a single species from both the Malagasy and Neotropical Regions (1%). Five species (9%) are apparently endemic to Dhofar, Lepisiota dhofara Collingwood & Agosti, 1996, Lepisiota elbazi Sharaf & Hita Garcia, 2020, Crematogaster jacindae Sharaf & Hita Garcia, 2019, Meranoplus mosalahi Sharaf, 2019, and Nesomyrmex micheleae Sharaf, 2020. The zoogeography of the Omani ant fauna reflects a clear dominance of faunal elements from the Palearctic Region (68 species, 53%) followed by Afrotropical faunal elements (45 species, 34%), and five species that are broadly spread throughout both the Palearctic and the Afrotropical Regions (4%). There are nine species (6%) from the Indomalayan Region, two species from the Neotropical Region (2%), T. melanocephalum, C. emeryi, and a single species Ph. megacephala (1%) from the Malagasy Region. The number of endemic species (15 species, 12%) is relatively low compared to the large geographical area of Oman and the broad diversity of habitats that characterizes the country.

Autochthonous transmission of the Indomalayan parasite, Transversotrema patialense, in the Caribbean: Molecular, morphological, and experimental evidence

The Asian freshwater snail Melanoides tuberculata has been established since the 1960s in the Americas, where it transmits cercariae of a small number of digenetic trematode species from its native range. In 2021–2022, 24 M. tuberculata were discovered shedding transversotrematid cercariae in Puerto Rico, where parasites of this snail have not been previously studied. Adult transversotrematids (in some cases, gravid) were found on field-caught fish and on fish exposed to shedding snails, including on fish species native to Puerto Rico. Adults and cercariae were identified as Transversotrema patialense (Soparkar, 1924), a species native to the Indomalayan region. Morphological identification was supported with 28S rDNA sequences closely matching that from unidentified transversotrematid cercariae in Thailand. The absence of T. patialense in snails collected prior to 2021, increasing prevalence of infection in snails collected thereafter, and lack of variation in parasite DNA sequences (28S, internal transcribed spacer 2, cytochrome c oxidase I) from three isolates are consistent with a recently introduced and possibly expanding parasite population. Transversotrema patialense has been recorded outside its native range before, but most studies (including a prior record in the Americas) reported the parasite from captive hosts from commercial sources such as pet shops. The present results thus provide the first demonstration of natural transmission of T. patialense in the Americas. Phylogenetic analysis of 28S but not of ITS2 show the transversotrematid genus Transversotrema Witenberg, 1944 is paraphyletic, with Crusziella Cribb, Bray and Barker 1992 nested within it.

Description of four new species of Lepidotrigona (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Meliponini) from north-east India.

We describe Lepidotrigona thenzawlensis sp. n., L. rajithae sp. n., L. amruthae sp. n. all from Thenzawl, Mizoram and L. sikkimensis sp. n. from Mamley, Sikkim with associated female and male bees and with a brief note on the nest structure of the former three species. These new species belong to the ventralis species group with body and forewing lengths less than 5 mm in females. These four species are different from the holotype of L. arcifera (from the ventralis group), the only known species from India, in morphometry and ratio of interocellar to ocellocular distance, scape length to eye length, hind tibial length to forewing diagonal length, and hind basitarsus width to hind tibial width are greater than those in L. arcifera. The new species also differ from other species of the ventralis group (L. arcifera, L. flavibasis, L. ventralis, L. satun and L. doipaensis) of the Indo-Malayan region in morphometry, pilosity, structure of male metasomal sterna and male genitalia. Each new species is distinct and can be differentiated from each other based on the structure of male metasomal sterna 4, 5 and 6 as well as genitalia. The brood cells in L. thenzawlensis and L. rajithae were arranged in single-cell thick multi-layered combs. The discovery of these four new species increases the number of species of the genus Lepidotrigona from one to five from India.

Occupancy winners in tropical protected forests: a pantropical analysis.

The structure of forest mammal communities appears surprisingly consistent across the continental tropics, presumably due to convergent evolution in similar environments. Whether such consistency extends to mammal occupancy, despite variation in species characteristics and context, remains unclear. Here we ask whether we can predict occupancy patterns and, if so, whether these relationships are consistent across biogeographic regions. Specifically, we assessed how mammal feeding guild, body mass and ecological specialization relate to occupancy in protected forests across the tropics. We used standardized camera-trap data (1002 camera-trap locations and 2–10 years of data) and a hierarchical Bayesian occupancy model. We found that occupancy varied by regions, and certain species characteristics explained much of this variation. Herbivores consistently had the highest occupancy. However, only in the Neotropics did we detect a significant effect of body mass on occupancy: large mammals had lowest occupancy. Importantly, habitat specialists generally had higher occupancy than generalists, though this was reversed in the Indo-Malayan sites. We conclude that habitat specialization is key for understanding variation in mammal occupancy across regions, and that habitat specialists often benefit more from protected areas, than do generalists. The contrasting examples seen in the Indo-Malayan region probably reflect distinct anthropogenic pressures.

Waterbird assemblage along Punatsangchhu River, Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang, Bhutan

Crossing Bhutan is one of the shortest transits, and Bhutan holds the main breeding refuge/habitats for many Central Asian migratory birds. Our study assessed the community structure of waterbirds along the Punatsangchhu River basin, located towards the western part of Bhutan. The study determined the species composition, habitat use and preference of waterbirds, together with the different habitats present. Furthermore, the study examined the potential drivers of habitat fragmentation along the river. The entire study area was classified into five different habitats: dam, dredged area, farmland, urban, and pristine. The Cummings method of habitat assessment for high gradient river and streams was used to assess the habitat variables such as bank stability, vegetative protection and the riparian vegetation zone along the river and the association with the diversity of aquatic birds. A questionnaire survey was also used to evaluate the degree of threats caused by human disturbances. Among the five habitats, the dam area recorded the highest diversity (H` = 2.13) against their total count of 103 (8.7%) and the least diversity was recorded from farmland area (H` = 1.1) against their total count of 282 (23.8%) birds. Most waterbirds preferred an open area with shallow river depth. Habitats with emergent vegetation negatively correlated with the waterbird species composition. The study also recorded one Vulnerable species Aythya ferina, one Near Threatened species Vanellus duvaucelii, and one Endangered species Haliaeetus leucoryphus. Punatsangchhu is a major habitat to both resident and migratory waterbirds which stop here enroute from the Palaearctic and Indo-Malayan Region corroborating the need for habitat conservation and management regimes in the basin.

Prevalence of major nematodes and human factors that affect infection in the zebra dove in a closed cage system.

Background and Aim:Roundworms cause infections in the avian population that lead to illness and poor production. The singing zebra dove is an economically important animal in the Indo-Malay region. The prevalence of these parasitic groups in zebra doves is unknown. This study estimated the prevalence and associated human risk factors of gastrointestinal nematode infections in zebra dove farming.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted from January to April 2021. The study was conducted on 184 doves in three zebra dove farms. Fecal samples were collected from pooled zebra dove droppings. Major proportions and infection intensity of gastrointestinal nematodes were morphologically identified and morphometrically investigated. Associated human factors were assessed through the interview surveys among farmers.Results:Results showed that 36.96% of the zebra doves were infected. The primary nematodes were Ascaridia galli (34.78%), Heterakis gallinarum (6.52%), Trichostrongylus tenuis (2.17%), Syngamus spp. (4.35%), and Amidostomum spp. (2.17%). The primary human factors that contribute to parasitic infection were poor hygiene, food contamination with parasites, and inappropriate deworming.Conclusion:There was a high prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes in the zebra dove in the close cage system. Human factors played key roles as risk factors, and improves farming management will help reduce parasitic infections. However, these nematodes may contribute to poor health status and poor productivity of zebra doves. Further extensive studies on clinical signs and pathological changes should be conducted.

Identification of giant hornet Vespa mandarinia queen sex pheromone components

The Vespidae is a diverse family of wasps and hornets that are formidable predators of insects, including social bees1, and includes a number of invasive species2. Recently, the world's largest hornet, Vespa mandarinia Smith (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), which occurs naturally in the Indomalayan region, has been found in Canada and the United States2. Some simulations indicate that it could rapidly spread throughout Washington and Oregon in the western US, as well as some eastern parts of the country2,3, threaten native bees and honeybees, and harm bee-pollinated crop production worth over $100 million annually3. There is consequently an urgent need to learn more about V. mandarinia's reproductive biology and to develop trapping methods to locate its nests and to control its reproduction. We identified V. mandarinia queen-produced sex pheromone from the 5th and 6th intersegmental sternal glands of virgin queens. The major active compounds were hexanoic acid, octanoic acid, and decanoic acid. When placed in field traps, the synthetic compounds and a queen-equivalent mixture rapidly attracted hundreds of males but no females or other species.