Zoologist (The)最新文献

{"title":"Assessment of reproductive hormones in prepubertal and postpubertal rats (Rattus norvegicus) on chronic exposure to various spectra of artificial light at night","authors":"F. Kehinde, G. Dedeke, M. A. Olude, K. Ademolu, A. Aladesida, A. O. Adewale, F. O. Owagboriaye","doi":"10.4314/tzool.v22i1.5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/tzool.v22i1.5","url":null,"abstract":"Exposures to Artificial Light at Night (ALAN) is on the increase with resultant varied physiological impact related to the light spectrum via the non-visual pathway. This study examined the effects of various spectra of ALAN on Testosterone (Te), Progesterone (Pr) and Estradiol (Es) in rats exposed to Blue (BL), Green (GL), Yellow (YL), Red (RL), White (WL) and Darkness (DD) light wave-lengths while Ambient light (CL) served as the control. Dams with their post-natal day 1 pups were housed in cages exposed to various light wavelengths for 12 hours: (6:00pm–6:00am) daily for 126 days. At d63 and d126, five rats per treatments were euthanized; blood serum was collected and the serum hormones: Te, Es and Pr were analysed using ELISA. The results showed that light treatments had significant effect on the level of Te at d63 but not at d126 in male rats. At d63, onset of puberty, Te was significantly highest (p < 0.05) under BL. In females exposed to YL and WL at d126, Te was significant high and Es was significantly low. Estradiol was heightened significantly (p < 0.05) in both sexes exposed to RL. In conclusion, BL seemed to stimulate early sexual development in males, WL and GL enhanced post-pubertal male albino rat reproductive system while RL provided the best reproductive environment for females in the long term. Long periods of exposure to YL seemed to pose risks for male and female reproductive function.","PeriodicalId":426223,"journal":{"name":"Zoologist (The)","volume":"24 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140253861","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Distribution and abundance of mosquito species in Otuoke, Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria","authors":"C. Ezenwaka, T. E. Ailogie","doi":"10.4314/tzool.v22i1.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/tzool.v22i1.2","url":null,"abstract":"The distribution and abundance of mosquito species in Otuoke community of Ogbia Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, Nigeria was studied between April and July 2021. Indoor mosquito collections were carried using the Pyrethrum spraying method. Six (6) locations were sampled, consisting of Federal University Otuoke (FUO) female hostel and five other streets mapped out randomly within the community. The results of the study revealed 112 individual mosquitoes belonging to two genera; Anopheles and Culex. Culex species (83.93%) was significantly (p<0.05) more abundant than Anopheles (16.07%). All the Culex mosquitoes were identified as Culex pipiens (83.93%) Two species of anopheles, Anopheles gambiae 16(14.28%) and Anopheles funestus 2(1.76%) were identified morphologically. Nine (9) out of the 112 mosquitoes collected had slightly damaged genitals and were identified into genera and species but could not be differentiated into sexes. The total number of mosquitoes identified into sexes in the study was 103, out of which 13 (12.62%) were males and 90 (87.38%) were females. There was a significant difference between the sexes (p<0.05). Development of efficient mosquitoes’ control strategy by the government and local communities is recommended. Also, regular sanitation and proper waste disposal should be undertaken by the residents.","PeriodicalId":426223,"journal":{"name":"Zoologist (The)","volume":"32 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140253324","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Insect diversity and abundance in three forest areas of Lagos State","authors":"A. O. Alafia, K. O. Ajelara, H. E. Onyema, G. A. Reis, M. L. Ogun, J. Anikwe, A. Denloye, W. Makanjuola","doi":"10.4314/tzool.v22i1.6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/tzool.v22i1.6","url":null,"abstract":"Mangrove forest ecosystem preserves diversity of species, which includes insects. Insects serve as bioindicators, pollinators and nutrient recyclers in the forest. However, the number of insects decline as the forest fades. We conducted this field survey to assess the diversity and abundance of insect species in three selected mangrove swamp forests located in Lagos State, Nigeria. Samples were collected fortnightly using different techniques, for a period of three months. Insects collected were preserved in 70% alcohol, but butterflies and moths were preserved dry. Representative samples were identified with picture insect mobile application V1.0.8 and confirmed using standard identification keys. Vegetation cover was quite similar in all the areas sampled comprising of Alchornea cordifolia, Eragrosis racemose, Paspalum dilatatum and Avicennia germania. A total of 182 insects were collected belonging to seven Orders, 18 Families and 38 species. The most dominant Order was Coleoptera with relative abundance of 66.48% and the least was Hemiptera (0.59%). The Order Odonata was the most diverse (HꞋ=1.09), and the most dominant species were Pantala flavescens and Sympetrum fonscolombii, having relative abundance of 8.24% each, followed by Palpopleura lucia (7.69%), Ceriagrion glabrum (7.14%) and Lestinogomphus africanus (6.04%). Psedagrion kersteni was rare with relative abundance < 0.5%. Iba site had the highest species diversity (HꞋ=1.24) but lowest number of individuals. This study documents the diversity and abundance of insects in the fast-disappearing mangrove forest of Lagos State, Nigeria.","PeriodicalId":426223,"journal":{"name":"Zoologist (The)","volume":"36 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"140253479","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Quality assessment of smoke-dried Clarias gariepinus and Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus stored in two storage facilities","authors":"A. Osibona, C. Amaechi","doi":"10.4314/tzool.v21i1.5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/tzool.v21i1.5","url":null,"abstract":"The quality of smoke-dried fish can be enhanced by storing the products in good storage facilities. This research was carried out to determine the proximate composition, microbiological quality and sensory properties of smoke-dried Clarias gariepinus and Chrysichthysis nigrodigitatus stored in refrigerator and kitchen cabinet during a 6-week storage period. Sensory properties were assessed using panel of assessors. Bacterial load was done using plate count agar spread plate technique. Fish were purchased alive, washed, sacrificed and smoked for 72 hours. Percentage weight loss after smoking C. gariepinus and C. nigrodigitatus were 57.42% and 65.91%, respectively. Results for crude protein, moisture and lipid content of smoke-dried C. gariepinus stored in refrigerator ranged between 67.80-68.31%, 8.32-9.00% and 12.15-12.34% while the values for those stored in kitchen cabinet ranged from 67.04-68.30%, 8.30-8.49% and 12.15-12.34, respectively; for smoke-dried C. nigrodigitatus the ranges of the nutrients were 61.75-62.20%, 7.40%-8.00, 16.15-16.28% and 60.89-62.19%, 7.40-7.49%, 16.15-16.28% for those stored in refrigerator and kitchen cabinet, respectively. The results showed no significant difference (p>0.05) in proximate composition of the samples in the two storage facilities. Microbes isolated from the smoke-dried fish samples were Staphyloccus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Escherichia coli. Total bacterial counts (TBC) at week 6 for C. gariepinus were 0.17×10-6 and 0.25×10-6; C. nigrodigitatus, 0.24×10-6 and 0.31×10-6 in refrigerator and kitchen cabinet, respectively, and the values were not significantly different (p>0.05) in the two storage facilities. No fungal growth was present throughout the six-week storage period. The sensory quality ratings ranged between 8.00±0.00 for flavour and 4.67±0.58 for overall acceptability. Sensory quality was significantly different (p<0.05) in flavour, texture, appearance and aroma at week 2 and 6. The findings of this study show that the storage facilities retained good nutritional and sensory qualities as well as overall acceptability of the smoke-dried fish throughout storage.","PeriodicalId":426223,"journal":{"name":"Zoologist (The)","volume":"55 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128361079","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diversity, distribution and abundance of fish species in Lake Asejire, Oyo State, Nigeria","authors":"M. Ipinmoroti, A. Iyiola","doi":"10.4314/tzool.v21i1.8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/tzool.v21i1.8","url":null,"abstract":"Aquatic systems in Nigeria have suffered stress induced by human activities which alter the natural composition of the water resources. This study investigated the diversity, distribution and abundance of fish species in Lake Asejire. The lake was partitioned based on accessibility into upper, middle and lower sections for the study. Fish species were sampled using monofilament gill nets with stretched mesh sizes ranging from 44.45-169.33mm. Water and fish species were sampled fortnightly for a period of twelve months. Water quality parameters: temperature (28.96±0.28oC), dissolved oxygen (5.6±0.13mg/l), pH (6.73±0.19) and conductivity (159.8±0.32μS/cm) measured were within suitable standard ranges for fish production in natural waters. A total of 16 species from 10 families were identified from the lake. Cichlids had the highest number of fish species (4) and relative abundance (66.82%) and Coptodon zillii was the most abundant fish species across the months and sampling stations (27.53%). The lower section of the lake had the highest relative abundance (52.90%) while the upper section of the lake had the least (16.14%) and the highest fish catch (13.35%) was in November. The species richness of the lake decreased from lower (S=16) to upper section (S=14), the middle section was highly diversified (H=0.73) with a combined value of H=0.67 for the lake. The fish species were evenly distributed across the lake with the highest evenness in the upper section (E=0.22). Simpson’s index was highest in the lower region (D=0.30) and there was a high probability of picking different fish species at random. Trophic grouping showed forage to carnivore (F/C) ratio of 2.06 indicating an unbalanced fish population based on food habit, which should be addressed. There is need for proper regulation such as enforcement of fishing seasons and fishing across the trophic levels to ensure sustainability of the fish resources in the lake.","PeriodicalId":426223,"journal":{"name":"Zoologist (The)","volume":"13 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131623764","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ethnobotanical study of plants used for treating intestinal worms in Ibadan, Nigeria","authors":"F. Afolayan, R. Sowemimo","doi":"10.4314/tzool.v21i1.6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/tzool.v21i1.6","url":null,"abstract":"Poverty and poor sanitation in sub-Saharan Africa are the main reasons for parasitic infection prevalence. Medicinal herbs have been sources of natural and cheaper remedies for the treatment of many parasitic infections, including intestinal parasites. The study aimed to document medicinal herbs used in treating intestinal worm infections in the Ibadan metropolis through an ethnobotanical survey. The three main traditional herb markets, Oje, Oja Oba and Iwo Road, in Ibadan city, were purposively selected for the survey. The respondents, who were mainly herb sellers, were interviewed using structured questionnaires. The information obtained included demographic information, names of plants used in the treatment of worms, plant parts, dosage and method of preparation. The data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics and the Relative Frequency Citation (RFC), Use Value (UV) and Informant Consensus Factor (ICF) of the mentioned plants were calculated. The survey revealed 45 plants that are used in the treatment of intestinal worms in Ibadan. These plants belong to 31 families. The most frequently mentioned plants with their RFCs were Cryptolepis sanguinoleta (Lindl.) Schltr (0.39) and Aristolochia albida Duch (0.39) while most of the plants belong to the Families Apocynaceae and Euphorbiaceae. The roots (25%) and the leaves (18.75%) were the most commonly used plant parts. Most of the plants were indicated to be used singly while some were used in combinations of two or more. The study has revealed the medicinal plants that are used against intestinal parasites. Thus, bioassay studies to confirm the claims should be carried out to establish the activities of these plants.","PeriodicalId":426223,"journal":{"name":"Zoologist (The)","volume":"461 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133030616","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The physico-chemical variables and phytoplankton of Ufiobodo and Ebonyi Reservoirs, Ebonyi State, Nigeria","authors":"G. Nwonumara, F. A. Elebe, O. D. Nwibo","doi":"10.4314/tzool.v21i1.7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/tzool.v21i1.7","url":null,"abstract":"The water quality and phytoplankton of Ufiobodo and Ebonyi River reservoirs were studied for nine months from March to November, 2019 to evaluate the suitability of the reservoirs for domestic water supply and habitat for aquatic organisms. Temperature, pH, conductivity, total dissolved solid (TDS), transparency, dissolved oxygen (DO) and depth were measured in situ, while water samples were collected for determination of nitrate, iron, silicate and phosphate in the laboratory. Phytoplankton samples were also collected concurrently using plankton net of mesh size 45μm and mouth diameter (0.26m) and identified in the laboratory using standard keys. The results showed that mean conductivity (32.33μS/cm), TDS (16.00mg/l), nitrate (33.99mg/l), depth (10.36m) and phosphate (4.81mg/l) were higher at Ebonyi than Ufiobodo Reservoir but DO was lower at Ebonyi Reservoir (2.77mg/l) than at Ufiobodo Reservoir (6.67mg/l). Mean DO level was below the permissible limit for drinking water at Ebonyi Reservoir while nitrate, phosphate and iron concentrations exceeded permissible limits in both Reservoirs. Five phytoplankton Phyla were encountered, predominated by Chlorophyta (107 individuals/l, H=2.80 and d=3.85) and Bacillariophyta (81 individuals/l, H=2.39 and d=2.50) at Ufiobodo and Ebonyi Reservoirs, respectively. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) showed that temperature, conductivity, TDS, depth, DO, nitrate and phosphate were the major factors influencing phytoplankton abundance and diversity of the reservoirs. Thus, the reservoirs should be protected to maintain/improve the water quality for domestic use and to support the socio-economic and ecological services they provide.","PeriodicalId":426223,"journal":{"name":"Zoologist (The)","volume":"14 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"133636431","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Bacterial assessment of smoke-dried fishes sold at three landing market sites in Anambra State, Nigeria","authors":"I. Edeh, C. I. Nsofor, C. C. Ikechukwu, C. S. Olisa, P. I. Afoemezie, N. O. Chidubem-Nwachinemere","doi":"10.4314/tzool.v21i1.3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/tzool.v21i1.3","url":null,"abstract":"The study focused on the bacteriological profile of four different smoke-dried fishes Clarias gariepinus (CG), Oreochromis niloticus (ON), Malapterurus electricus (ME), and Citharinus citharus (CC) sold at three landing market sites (Otuocha, Ose, and Ogbakuba) in Anambra State, Nigeria. Bacteria isolates from fish samples were examined and identified using microscopic, morphological, and biochemical characteristics. The results revealed the presence of Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella enterica and Shigella flexneri in all the fish samples from the three markets. The highest number of bacteria (1471 cfu/g), was found at the Ose fish landing market followed by Ogbakuba (1353 cfu/g), while the lowest number was found in Otuocha (957 cfu/g). Some of the isolated bacteria, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella sp are known to cause food borne diseases and are of public health concern. Therefore, regular disinfection and cleaning as well as regular inspection by health officers are advocated to improve the hygiene of the markets. However, it is recommended that consumers should cautiously subject the fish to additional processing such as adequate cooking in order to eliminate these bacteria and to avoid food poisoning.","PeriodicalId":426223,"journal":{"name":"Zoologist (The)","volume":"5 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"114874727","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Nutritional and socio-economic analyses of processed catfish (Clarias gariepinus) using three kilns in Lagos State, Nigeria","authors":"M. M. Ogunbambo, K.M. Akapo, O.G. Chetuya","doi":"10.4314/tzool.v21i1.2","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/tzool.v21i1.2","url":null,"abstract":"Smoke-drying is a major way of processing catfish and this prompted the study of nutritional and socio-economic assessment of smoke-dried catfish in Makoko fish market in Lagos State, Nigeria. Standard methods were utilised for the analyses of proximate content and the administration of 25 structured questionnaires to the catfish processors in the Fish Market. The fish smoked-dried in Traditional Drum Kiln (TDK) had the highest protein content (61.42±1.86g/100g), highest ash content (10.73±1.80g/100g) but lowest fat (3.19±0.91g/100g) and fibre content (1.84±0.36g/100g). However, the highest contents of fat (12.81±1.72g/100g), fibre (4.50±1.13g/100g) and moisture (37.58±7.10g/100g) were obtained in fish smoked-dried with Oil Drum Kiln (ODK). Fifty percent (50%) of processors who smoke-dried catfish in Makoko fish market used TDK, 30% used ODK while 20% of the processors used Lagos State Kiln (LSK). Weekly fixed cost of smoke-drying was found to be lowest using TDK at ₦500 while the highest weekly costs was found with LSK at ₦1,250. The variable costs were the same regardless of the type of kiln to be used in the smoke-drying process. The weekly profit was estimated at ₦49,750, ₦50,450 and ₦50,500 for LSK, ODK and TDK, respectively. The study showed that smoke-drying business is profitable and TDK yields more profit with good quality smoke-dried catfish.","PeriodicalId":426223,"journal":{"name":"Zoologist (The)","volume":"12 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"128133635","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Aspects of the growth and reproductive characteristics of Labeo coubie (Ruppell 1832) in Upper Benue River, Nigeria","authors":"K. O. Ajijola, A. Ugwumba, O. A. Sogbesan","doi":"10.4314/tzool.v21i1.4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.4314/tzool.v21i1.4","url":null,"abstract":"Labio coubie is an ecologically and economically important fish of River Benue, thus the length-weight relationship, condition factor and fecundity of the fish were investigated in order to provide information essential for its sustainable management. Fish specimens were collected monthly from sampling stations at Jimeta, Yola, Adamawa State between September, 2017 and February, 2019. A total of 849 specimens were collected and their standard length, body weight and fecundity measured. Regression analysis of the length-weight relationship produced positive allometric growth coefficient, the values of regression coefficient (b) in males, females and combined sexes were 4.02, 3.52 and 3.34, respectively. Condition factor obtained ranged from 2.35-3.38 (mean=2.54±0.22), 2.36-2.78 (mean=2.52±0.11) and 2.36-3.00 (mean=2.53±0.14) for males, females and combined sexes, respectively. Fish condition factor was generally not significantly different (p˃0.05) between seasons. The fecundity of L. coubie ranged between 33,331eggs and 596,250 eggs (mean 78,017±165,667eggs). The mean values of condition factor showed that L. coubie was in a good state of wellbeing in the habitat during the period of study. These results confirm the suitability of upper River Benue for survival of Labeo coubie. There is however need for a systematic closed fishing regime to be employed in order to make way for sustainable growth of L. coubie fisheries in the river.","PeriodicalId":426223,"journal":{"name":"Zoologist (The)","volume":"19 1","pages":"0"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-01-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"131269257","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}