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There is a little understanding of how apex carnivores partition their diet to coexist. We studied food habit and trophic niche overlap of two apex carnivores, tiger and leopard in the tropical forest of Similipal tiger reserve, eastern India. We used line transect and scat analysis method, to estimate the prey availability and determine the diet and prey selection of two apex carnivores. Tigers consumed mostly large and medium-sized prey, whereas leopards mostly consumed medium and small-sized prey. Both carnivores were not random in their consumption of prey, sambar and wild pigs were selectively consumed by tigers, whereas leopards selectively consumed wild pigs, barking deer and mouse deer. Dietary overlap between two carnivore species was moderate (Pianka's niche overlap index: 0.55), and trophic niche breadth (Levin's standardized niche breadth) of the leopard (0.52) was greater than that of the tiger (0.37). Overall, tigers exhibited specialized feeding habits, whereas leopards showed generalist feeding habits. Our study highlights the opportunistic nature of leopards and probably a reason for the species successfully coexist with tigers.

This study conducted from January to June 2018, attempts to determine the density, habitat preferences and attitudes of people towards Gekko gecko and its impact on the conservation of this species in human-dominated landscapes in Sonitpur district, Assam. Eight villages at different distances from Nameri Tiger Reserve were chosen for the study. The line transects analyzed using DISTANCE software estimated a density of 7.99 individuals ha−1 in fringe villages of Nameri Tiger Reserve which also had higher number of host tree species diversity with higher basal area and density as compared to that of villages distant from Nameri Tiger Reserve. Gekko gecko was sighted on a total of 30 trees (6 species, 2 families), the highest being Ficus rumphii (40%). Maximum sightings of Gekko gecko was done on trees (67%). The occurrence of Gekko gecko was highly influenced by distance from forest (12%), followed by source of income (11%) and gender (4%). The majority of the respondents (53.54%) revealed that Gekko gecko occurred naturally in the homegardens implying that homegardens provided the habitat that can support the populations of Gekko gecko. But 46.45% of the respondents reported that they were adopted (62.16% in villages distant from Nameri Tiger Reserve), which raises serious concerns about the conservation of Gekko gecko in homegardens. Though, majority of the people knew that it is illegal to trade Gekko gecko, the financial benefits of its trade is very alluring. To make homegardens more favourable for the survival of Gekko gecko there should be strict law enforcement, upgradation of the species in the IUCN Red List and options for alternative livelihood.

The geometrid moths of Kalakad-Mundanthurai Tiger reserve were studied during the years 2012 to 2016. Since collection of specimens was not permitted, only field notes, accompanied by photo documentation was undertaken. Two-hundred-and-sixty geometrid moths identified to various hierarchical levels of taxa and one new genus for southern India, are reported.

Twenty-nine species of arboreal tiger beetles are found in Sri Lanka of which 23 species are endemic. However, records of species dates back to many years and systematic studies are lacking. Considering the high percentage of endemic arboreal tiger beetle species of the country, and the pressure on their arboreal habitats due to accelerated development activities, it is imperative that the group is studied and conservation practices are implemented. Therefore, the present study was conducted to record the arboreal tiger beetle species currently prevailing in the country, their locations, habitat types, morphometric and morphological characters. The study was conducted from August 2017 to September 2020 for a duration of three years. Arboreal tiger beetles were collected by hand picking when encountered during visual survey, in eighty-five locations in Sri Lanka. Specimens were identified using standard taxonomic keys. Locational data, habitat types, morphometric and morphological characters were recorded and all species were photographed. Arboreal tiger beetles were recorded from 22 locations which represented all climatic zones and provinces, and 14 districts of the country. Nine species of three genera, Tricondyla (3 species), Derocrania (5 species), Neocollyris (1 species), were identified and six of the species were endemic. Derocrania scitiscabra was the most common and widely distributed species encountered in the study and was found mainly occupying lands that were cultivated. Tricondyla gounellei that had been known only from Southern India was recorded for the first time in Sri Lanka.

Postnatal colonization and development of the gut microbiota is linked to health and growth. A comprehensive understanding of the postnatal compositional changes and development of the microbial community is helpful to understand the gut health and improve the survival rate of South China tiger cubs (Panthera tigris amoyensis). Fecal samples from three tiger cubs were collected on the day of birth in 2018 (June 17–21 [G0], July 18 [G1], July 31 [G2], and August 7 [G3]). The 16S rRNA genes of the fecal microflora were sequenced. Results showed that 38 phyla, 58 classes, 134 orders, 272 families, and 636 genera of bacteria from 3,059 operational taxonomic units were identified from 12 fecal samples. The diversity and abundance of species of group G0 were significantly higher (p < 0.05 or 0.01) than those of groups G2 and G3. The predominant phylum was Proteobacteria in groups G0 and G1 (38.85% and 48%, respectively) and Firmicutes in groups G2 and G3 (71.42% and 75.29%, respectively). At the phylum level, the abundance of Deinococcus-Thermus was significantly decreased in groups G1, G2, and G3 as compared to group G0 (p < 0.05), while that of Firmicutes was significantly increased in groups G2 and G3 (p < 0.05). At the genus level, the abundance of Faecalibacterium, Ralstonia, and unidentified Rickettsiales was significantly decreased in groups G1, G2, and G3 as compared with group G0 (p < 0.05), while that of Pseudomonas was significantly decreased in groups G2 and G3 (p < 0.05). The composition and structure of fecal microbiota of South China tiger cubs changed after birth.

We report the first record of a Bengal Tiger, Panthera tigris tigris, in eastern Nepal in 2020 based on photographic evidence. We documented this evidence at 3,165 m a.s.l., which makes it the highest elevation record of a tiger in Nepal. We recorded this evidence in one of 46 trail cameras deployed for monitoring Red Pandas in the Panchthar-Ilam-Taplejung (PIT) area. The PIT area, which has non-protected status, borders India in the east. Our finding supports the importance of transboundary conservation, which will benefit local and flagship wildlife in the PIT area.

Inspiring visitors to engage in conservation-related behaviour following a zoo visit is a primary objective for most zoos. Animal–visitor interactive (AVI) experiences are often central to this goal. Yet, these interactive experiences are insufficiently evaluated from both the visitors’ and captive animals’ perspectives. The current study took place at Fota Wildlife Park and involved the construction of an environmental enrichment device during an interactive visitor experience with Sumatran tigers (Panthera tigris sumatrae). It aimed to simultaneously encourage pro-conservation behaviour in visitors and promote animal welfare. Visitors (n = 51) completed a survey, observed the tigers’ behaviour and made a pledge to help tigers in the wild after completion of the AVI. Tiger behaviour was simultaneously observed by a trained researcher using occurrence or non-occurrence sampling, which found no indication that tiger welfare was compromised during the activity and was likely enhanced by engaging with the enrichment. Additionally, visitors observed a range of tigers’ behaviours. The results indicated that some visitors (8%) had continued with their pledge six weeks after the experience, and most visitors exhibited a high level of knowledge and a positive attitude towards tigers. The use of enrichment during AVIs may be a positive link between the visitor experience and animal welfare. These results can be used to guide AVIs in zoos which aim to connect people with nature and drive pro-conservation behaviour in visitors.

The shrimp species Penaeus monodon is the main commodity of Indonesian aquaculture. One of the obstacles when cultivating tiger prawns is the attack of white spot disease (White Spot Syndrome Virus) which makes the quality and quantity of production decrease. One attempteffective for overcoming the white spot virus attack on shrimp, namely through the transfer of antiviral genes. Previous researchers carried out the transfer of antiviral genes to provide immunological effects so that they were resistant to pathogen attack and could prevent the death of tiger prawns. Destinationwriting article that is This study aims to determine the increase in resistance of tiger shrimp to Whispovirus that causes White Spot Syndrome through the transfer of antiviral genes. The type of research conducted is descriptive qualitative with a literature review method that discusses five focus studies, namely Whispovirus as a cause of White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) disease in tiger prawns, tiger shrimp infected with White Spot Syndrome Virus, the use of PmAV antiviral genes in the treatment of Whispovirus , the mechanism of transfection of antiviral genes in the treatment of Whispovirus infection against tiger prawns, and changes in tiger shrimp resistance after insertion of antiviral genes. The conclusion obtained is that the addition of antiviral genes in tiger shrimp DNA can increase its resistance to Whispovirus.

Understanding the population dynamics of highly mobile, widely distributed, oceanic sharks, many of which are overexploited, is necessary to aid their conservation management. We investigated the global population genomics of tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier), a circumglobally distributed, apex predator displaying remarkable behavioral versatility in its diet, habitat use (near coastal, coral reef, pelagic), and individual movement patterns (spatially resident to long-distance migrations). We genotyped 242 tiger sharks from 10 globally distributed locations at more than 2000 single nucleotide polymorphisms. Although this species often conducts massive distance migrations, the data show strong genetic differentiation at both neutral (FST = 0.125–0.144) and candidate outlier loci (FST = 0.570–0.761) between western Atlantic and Indo-Pacific sharks, suggesting the potential for adaptation to the environments specific to these oceanic regions. Within these regions, there was mixed support for population differentiation between northern and southern hemispheres in the western Atlantic, and none for structure within the Indian Ocean. Notably, the results demonstrate a low level of population differentiation of tiger sharks from the remote Hawaiian archipelago compared with sharks from the Indian Ocean (FST = 0.003–0.005, P < 0.01). Given concerns about biodiversity loss and marine ecosystem impacts caused by overfishing of oceanic sharks in the midst of rapid environmental change, our results suggest it imperative that international fishery management prioritize conservation of the evolutionary potential of the highly genetically differentiated Atlantic and Indo-Pacific populations of this unique apex predator. Furthermore, we suggest targeted management attention to tiger sharks in the Hawaiian archipelago based on a precautionary biodiversity conservation perspective.

A new fossil tiger beetle species, Goriresina fungifora gen. n., sp. n. (Coleoptera, Cicindelidae), is described from Eocene Rovno amber. The new genus belongs to the subtribe Iresiina, tribe Cicindelini, due to the glabrous head, the labrum with six submarginal setae (latero-basal setae very long) and two apical teeth with notch between them, the glabrous and globular pronotum, the lack of setae on the metepisternum and metepimeron, as well as on the visible parts of abdominal sternites, the single long seta each on the fore- and mesotrochanter. The new species is characterized by the long and moderately convex labrum, two clypeal setae, the elongate and apicad converging elytra with an angularly, but smoothly rounded apex, the small and sharp sutural spine, the probable presence of an apical portion of the elytral humeral spot, a slightly sinuate, transverse medial fascia with an extended and downward directed apical portion, and a slightly transverse basal portion of the apical spot. This is the first record of a tiger beetle in Rovno amber and only a fourth well-preserved Cicindelidae from fossil resins.

Vagrans egista (Cramer, 1780) is reported for the first time from southern part of West Bengal, India. The Raygar forest of Bankura district in the plateau region is the second locality for the reported species in West Bengal, which extends the distribution range (aerial distance: 525 km) of the species from its known locality, Buxa Tiger Reserve of Alipurduar district in the state. This paper also reports occurrence of Rapala pheretima and Gerosis bhagava in Bankura district for the first time. Importance of an invasive plant, Mikania micrantha has also been discussed as a nectaring plant of butterflies.

Deforestation and agricultural intensification have resulted in an alarming change in the global land cover over the past 300 years, posing a threat to species conservation. Dhole is a monophyletic, social canid and, being an endangered and highly forest-dependent species, is more prone to the loss of favorable habitat in the Anthropocene. We determined the genetic differentiation and demographic history of dhole across the tiger reserves of Maharashtra using the microsatellite data of 305 individuals. Simulation-based analyses revealed a 77–85% decline in the major dhole sub-populations. Protected areas have provided refuge to the historically declining dhole population resulting in clustering with strong genetic structure in the remnant dhole population. The historical population decline coincides with the extreme events in the landscape over the past 300 years. The study highlights the pattern of genetic differentiation and diversity of a highly forest-dependent species which can be associated with the loss of forest cover outside tiger reserves. It also warrants attention to develop conservation plans for the remnant surviving population of dholes in India.

This study presents a first photographic record of two ungulate species Red Goral Nemorhaedus bailey and Mishmi Takin Budorcas taxicolor taxicolor in Kamlang Tiger Reserve. This area has a high potential for sustaining many endemic and endangered species but unfortunately is less studied due to the complexity of terrain and a paucity of funds. This article establishes a baseline information with the help of advanced technology such as camera trapping and motivates further scientific survey in the region.

Understanding movement patterns underlies effective management and conservation measures. The current study summarises the main findings from a tagging program of Western Australian sharks to provide insights into the movement patterns of the main commercial shark species: dusky (Carcharhinus obscurus), sandbar (C. plumbeus), gummy (Mustelus antarcticus) and whiskery (Furgaleus macki) sharks. Between 1993 and 2020, >12 000 individuals from 52 taxonomic groups were implanted with conventional tags in Western Australia, of which 8.5% were recaptured. Most of the tagged (74.5%) and recaptured (95.8%) individuals belong to the four main commercial shark species. Recaptured individuals of these species, as well as tiger (Galeocerdo cuvier) and bronze whaler (C. brachyurus) sharks showed displacements of >1000 km and rates of movement (ROMs) of >10 km day–1, with the exception of whiskery sharks, which showed much slower ROMs (

The Indian bison, commonly called gaur (Bos gaurus gaurus), is native to South and Southeast Asia. In all its distribution ranges, the conservation status of the gaur lies between “vulnerable” and “endangered”. In this study, we genotyped 70 free-ranging wild gaurs from the Melghat Tiger Reserve (MTR), one of the first nine tiger reserves created in 1972 for tiger conservation in India. Fourteen microsatellite loci were genotyped in DNA extracted from the dung samples. An observed average heterozygosity of 0.726, evidence of gene flow was observed in the wild gaur population sampled from 11 locations in MTR. The effective population size (Ne) was 52.7. Approximate Bayesian computation analysis revealed population decline in the wild gaur population with the rise of mature Indus civilization ~ 2880 years ago. The population decline intensified during the reign of the medieval Monarch, extending further with the arrival of the British ~ 250 years ago. Our analyses detect population recovery in the free-ranging gaur population of MTR around 66 years ago, a time period coinciding with the independence of India followed by the implementation of the Indian wildlife protection act in the year 1972. The genetic data were discussed in the background of anthropology, archaeology and history of the Indian subcontinent.

The Indian Pangolin, although considered to be widely distributed due to its elusive nature and low detection probability its status and distribution records are very limited. Rampant hunting for local consumption, and illegal wildlife trade for medicinal and ornamental purposes has pushed the species towards serious decline. Herein, we report the first photographic records of the Indian Pangolin in Sariska Tiger Reserve (STR), Rajasthan, India. During our camera trapping study from June 2018 to April 2019, out of 29,220 camera trapping nights the species was recorded on four occasions, at two different locations in STR. The species was recorded in the open forest areas near natural water bodies situated in the middle of dense Anogeissus pendula forests.

Tiger sharks (Galeocerdo cuvier) play an important ecological role as top predators, yet knowledge of their reproductive ecology is scarce. Here, the authors report the first observation of a potential neonate G. cuvier at Cocos Island, a predator-dominated oceanic island in the Eastern Tropical Pacific (ETP). The individual was detected using baited remote underwater video stations (BRUVS). The cameras also detected female individuals potentially pregnant, suggesting that parturition may take place at or near the island. Nonetheless, it is still unclear if the presence of a single neonate is an isolated event or evidence that the species is using the island for reproduction.

This work shows an update of the sightings and reports of tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon on the Mexican coast of the Gulf of Mexico recorded from 2012 to 2019 and reports the smallest specimen found in the western Atlantic. The results show an increase of almost 300% in sightings and reports since the first report. The zone with most sightings and reports was the coast of Campeche and Yucatán. The wide range of size and distribution of the captured specimens, including the smallest specimen found in the western Atlantic and the presence of females at an advanced stage of gonadal maturity, indicates that P. monodon has established itself in the area. The possible negative effects of such establishment make necessary the proposal of measures based on scientific evidence.

Snake-Turtle interactions have been rarely documented. We recorded a hatchling Chelodina oblonga within the stomach contents of a Western tiger snake (Notechis scutatus occidentalis). This is the first recorded observation of an interaction between snakes and hatchling freshwater turtles in Western Australia. Field based palpation failed to detect the hatchling, suggesting that without dissection, turtle hatchling predation by snakes more generally could be higher than commonly reported. Snake predation of hatchlings could be placing additional pressure on threatened populations of freshwater turtles in Australia, warranting further investigation.

The population of Northern River Terrapin Batagur baska is ‘Critically Endangered’ and threatened with extinction. In India, the species was once known to occur in the mangroves of West Bengal and Odisha. The sub-population in Odisha is suspected to have been wiped out. The Sundarban Tiger Reserve and the Turtle Survival Alliance launched a modest conservation breeding program in 2012 to recover the species using a small number of adults as founders. Gravid adult females are kept in a dedicated breeding enclosure with minimal disturbance, eggs are incubated outdoor on an artificial nesting beach, and hatchlings are raised to develop assurance colonies for purposes of reintroduction in future. Currently, the project holds 12 adults and over 350 juveniles of various size classes. Three additional assurance colonies were developed for 70 sub-adults from 2012–13 batches, using rain-fed ponds within STR.

A thorough description and detailed photographs of all developmental stages of one of the rarest Palaearctic moths, Menetries’ tiger moth Arctia menetriesii (Eversmann, 1846) (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae), are presented. Eggs were obtained from a female collected in the Bureinsky Nature Reserve, Khabarovsk Krai, Russia. Data relating to specimens from this region significantly supplements previously published data, which was derived exclusively from more westerly parts of the species’ range. Larvae were reared mainly on dandelion (Taraxacum campylodes G.E.Haglund) in laboratory conditions. Some larvae were fed on Aconitum consanguineum Vorosch. leaves and larch (Larix gmelinii (Rupr.) Kuzen.) needles during certain periods of their lives. It is hypothesized that toxic compounds found in these plants resulted in high mortality rates among larvae prior to pupation. Metamorphosis anomalies in the form of larva-pupa intermediates and various morphological defects of pupae are documented for A. menetriesii for the first time. The assumptions of some researchers about the important role of Larix and Aconitum in larval development are questioned.

Conservation biologists have long debated the value of subspecies, which are morphologically and geographically identifiable but not necessarily evolutionarily distinctive. One example of a controversial subspecies is Cicindela formosa gibsoni, a tiger beetle that is nationally listed as threatened in Canada and whose taxonomic status is based primarily on its unique elytral (forewing) color pattern. To determine whether C. f. gibsoni represents one or more genetically distinctive units, we sampled 14 populations within or near this subspecies’ disjunct North American range and assessed their genetic differentiation from neighboring and phenotypically distinctive populations of C. f. formosa and C. f. fletcheri. Instead of clustering by color pattern, analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear markers recovered three geographically structured genetic groupings: a northern cluster from Canada, a southwestern cluster from northwestern Colorado, and a southeastern cluster of US populations east of the Continental Divide. These data, coupled with previously documented differences in larval morphology, suggest that populations of C. formosa in western Canada and northwestern Colorado may have independently evolved similar color patterns. Thus, we consider C. f. gibsoni to be endemic to Canada and describe the novel subspecies C. f. gaumeri ssp. nov. from northwestern Colorado. Both subspecies are evolutionarily significant units, and each deserves consideration for conservation listing. Collectively, our results reveal general congruence between mitochondrial and nuclear genetic data but conflict with color pattern, the conventional basis for subspecies designations in tiger beetles.

Determining the density trends of a guild of species can help illuminate their interactions, and the impacts that humans might have on them. We estimated the density trends from 2013 to 2017 of the clouded leopard Neofelis nebulosa, leopard cat Prionailurus bengalensis and marbled cat Pardofelis marmorata in Nam Et—Phou Louey National Park (NEPL), Laos, using camera trap data and spatial capture-recapture models. Mean (± SD) density estimates (individuals/100 km2) for all years were 1.77 ± 0.30 for clouded leopard, 1.50 ± 0.30 for leopard cat, and 3.80 ± 0.70 for marbled cat. There was a declining trend in density across the study years for all three species, with a ≥ 90% probability of decline for clouded leopard and leopard cat and an 83% probability of decline for marbled cat. There was no evidence that mesopredator release occurred as a result of tiger (Panthera tigris) and leopard (P. pardus) extirpations. We believe that snaring, the factor that led to the extirpation of tiger and leopard in NEPL, is now contributing to the decline of smaller felids, to an extent that over-rides any potential effects of mesopredator release on their densities and interactions. We recommend that the NEPL managers implement a more systematic and intensified snare removal program, in concert with extensive community outreach and engagement of local people to prevent the setting of snares. These actions might be the only hope for saving the remaining members of the felid community in NEPL.

Memecylon viswanathanii R.Rajesh, P.Sakthidhasan & C.Rajasekar, a new species of Melastomataceae, is described and illustrated from the Kalakkad-Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve (KMTR) in the southern Western Ghats of India. M. viswanathanii is close to M. parvifolium Thwaites and M. varians Thwaites but differs by several vegetative and floral characters. The species is assessed here as Critically endangered as per IUCN Red List.

The purpose of this study was to identify the tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) histopatology status in traditional cultured ponds at Bireuen Regency, Aceh Province. The sampling was carried out by purposively random method from seven ponds and two shrimps were sampled from each pond. Several water quality parameters were checked like temperature, pH, salinity and ammonia. Result showed that black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) which were cultivated in traditional ponds in the Bireuen Regency, Aceh Province were histopathologically changes. It was suspected the hepatopancreas changes were associated with viral infection like Hepatopancreatica Parvovirus (HPV) and White Feces Disease (WFD). Ammonia concentrations were found higher in some ponds like Alu Buya Village, Jangka Keutapang Village, Jangka Mesjid Village, Alu Kuta Village and Punjot Village. The management of regular feeding and water quality control is highly recommended to anticipate the viral potential attack in traditional shrimp pond farming at Jangka District, Bireuen Regency, Aceh Province.Keywords:Tiger shrimps Histopathology Water quality

Highlight The sex ratio of tiger prawns in the waters of female groceries is 1.08 times higher than that of males. The growth characteristic of male and female tiger prawns is negative allometry, but the male and female body shapes are fat. Fishing mortality, capture mortality, exploitation rate, female tiger prawns are higher than males, but total mortality and natural mortality male tiger prawns are higher than females. The male infinitive growth is longer than the female. Abstract The windu shrimp ( Penaeus monodon ) is an economically important fishery species in the waters of Tarakan. The shrimp is highly demanded for frozen seafood industry that makes its market price range attractive from Rp. 50,000 (USD 3.37) to Rp. 70,000 (USD 4.72)/kg. This can cause the species to be potentially exploited. However, due to lack of data, the exploitation status of the windu shrimp is unknown. Hence, the present study was carried out to determine the absolute growth, mortality, and exploitation level of the windu shrimp in Juata waters of Tarakan. Sampling of the shrimp using experimental trawling net was conducted four times between June and August 2020 in the waters of Tarakan. Morphometric data of the windu shrimps including sex, total length, carapace length, and total weight were recorded and analyzed. The results showed that the sex ratio of male and female tiger prawns was 1:1.08. The maximum growth of male and female shrimps was estimated at 26.875 and 21.435 cm respectively. The size of the male shrimps caught during the sampling ranged between 8.7 and 22.5 cm, and was estimated to be at 13 to 67 days old respectively. Maximum growth of male shrimp was estimated at 26.875 cm that could be achieved within 411 days. The size of female shrimp caught during the sampling ranged from 9.8 to 19.3 cm with an estimated age of 21 to 87 days respectively. The maximum growth for female shrimp was estimated at 21.435 cm, and achievable within 377 days. The mortality of male and female shrimps was not significantly different at 110.3% and 110.1% respectively. The fishing mortality for male and female shrimps was recorded at 19% and 22.5% respectively. The level of exploitation of male and female shrimps was slightly different at 17.2% and 20.5%, respectively. Finally, the natural mortality for male and female shrimps was at 91.3% and 87.5%, respectively.

This study provides the first standardized global microsatellite database for a shark species, the tiger shark (Galeocerdo cuvier). Genotyping of reference individuals was used to develop and apply a calibration key for data from eight microsatellite loci data produced by three different laboratories, thereby allowing merging of genotypes into a single dataset. The unified data helped to elucidate the global population structure of the species and provided improved statistical power, through allowing a higher number of samples per location compared to the original studies from which the samples were obtained. Pairwise FST estimates and PCA plots showed significant genetic differentiation between Atlantic and Indo-Pacific samples, confirming previous findings by identifying the presence of a strong genetic break between tiger sharks inhabiting the two ocean basins. In turn, the standardized database (n = 799) also allowed archived historical samples to be genotyped and assigned back to their population (ocean basin) of origin. We demonstrate how calibration tests in population structure studies using microsatellite data is important as it simply provides more data to single studies. Importance factors for successful assignment analysis is discussed, as well as how the possibility of assigning historical samples of unknown origin back to the population, increases sample value. Our results demonstrate that global calibration of microsatellite and other genetic datasets can improve the statistical power and resolution of population structure analysis; an approach applicable not only when working with highly mobile globally distributed species such as the tiger shark, but with any species for which multiple genetic datasets exist.

Big cats are often on display in zoos around the world. The study of their time budget is the basis of ethological research in captivity. The paper considers the features of the behavior of the subfamily Pantherinae, the daily activity of animals in the summer, methods of keeping, the exposition of enclosures, and relationships with keepers. The studies were conducted in the summer of 2012 and 2013 at the Barnaul Zoo. The total observation time for the animals was 120 hours. The behavior of the African lion (Panthera leo leo – male), the Ussuri tiger (Panthera tigris altaica – female), and the Amur leopard (Panthera pardus orientalis – male) has been studied. In the course of the work, the compilation of ethograms, continuous recording, and free observations were used. The clustering method was applied to analyze the patterns of behavior of animals in captivity. Cluster analysis breaks down the behavior of captivities animals into two large blocks. Locomotion in animals should be considered as a separate block. The animal’s growth and development period require a high proportion of physical activity, which is noticeable when observing the Amur tiger. Locomotion occupied 32.8% of the total time budget of this animal. Large cats have never been in a shelter (in wooden structures of the appropriate size). They used the roof of the houses only as a place for rest and observation. The proportion of marking, hunting, eating, exploratory behavior, grooming, and such forms of behavior as freezing, static position, orienting reaction did not differ significantly. Play behavior with elements of hunting and manipulative activity took 5.5% of the Amur tiger’s time budget for the period under review. We associate this primarily with the age of the given animal. Play behavior was observed two times less often in the Far Eastern leopard (2.9%) and African lion (2.6%)..

Dystocia in reptiles is the retention of ova or foetuses within the female due to the failure of the female to complete parturition or oviposition. This disorder is commonly observed in captive reptiles, but has rarely been reported in wild reptiles. We observed a large internal obstruction in an adult female Tiger Snake captured as part of an ongoing population study. We failed to palpate out the object in the field, so we took the snake to a veterinary practice for professional assistance. All non-lethal methods of extracting the object were unsuccessful so we euthanised the specimen and post-mortem dissection revealed five mummified stillborn young lodged in a sealed reproductive tract. Reproductive abnormalities are frequent in Tiger Snakes and large proportions of litters can be comprised of unfertilised eggs, fertilised aborted eggs and stillborn young, yet none of these observations ever resulted in dystocia. It is interesting that this observation occurred in a snake from Herdsman Lake, Western Australia, where the Tiger Snake population is subjected to many anthropogenic stressors. We cannot determine what caused this case of dystocia but suspect it may have been caused by some sort of negative effect onset by the quality of the environment.

Individuals of Tawny Fish-Owl (Ketupa flavipes) were sighted and photographed in a sacred grove in Zemithang, Tawang district, Arunachal Pradesh during nine months fieldwork between June 2017 and February 2018. Previous records from ebird have only listed the occurrence of Tawny Fish-Owl from Pakke Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh. The present sighting is the first photographic evidence from Tawang district in Western Arunachal Pradesh. The record shows the importance of sacred groves in the conservation of wildlife, which is threatened due to an upcoming hydroelectric power project in the area.

The Sumatran tiger population is on the edge of extinction due to uncontrolled habitat loss. The population of Sumatran tigers, which are only around 400, remaining in the forest. The main thing that causes the lack of the Sumatran tiger population is illegal hunting. Local people hunt the Sumatran tiger because people have economic problems. Thus, illegal trade emerged. Local people hunt Sumatran tigers, sell their body parts, it trusted that the body parts of tiger could heal diseases, and have magical powers for the protection and luck of the community. Thus, INGO International Organizations such as WWF and Tiger Range Countries formed the TX2 program that aims to double the tiger population. In addition, the theory used in this problem also uses Environmental Security.

This study (1) displays markings pattern of male and female specimens of Arctia tundrana from various parts of its broad range; (2) illustrates a paratype male specimen of this species with its genitalia and aedeagus; (3) presents a few additional occurrences of A. tundrana supplementing the data set published in our earlier paper (Bolotov et al. 2015); (4) provides an updated map of the species’ occurrences; and (5) discusses its imaginal phenology based on long-term occurrence data.

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is a significant cause of tiger shrimp mortality, and has a profound economic impact on commercial shrimp farming. A transgenic technology provides an effective method to control the viral disease by increasing the shrimp resistance. The study aimed to assess the overexpression of the PmAV (Penaeus monodon antiviral) gene on the embryo/larvae of tiger shrimp and the performance of transgenic shrimp by WSSV-challenge test. Transfection of pProAV-PmAV gene construct into the embryo was conducted using jetPEI reagent. Transient antiviral gene expression was detected at 12, 18, 24 and 30 h post transfection (hpt). The tiger shrimp larvae of PL-25 were challenged by waterborne infection technique. Survival and expression of antiviral genes were observed after challenge test. The results showed that the PmAV gene and the jetPEI reagent did not have the toxicity to the tiger shrimp larvae. The transient antiviral gene expression was exhibited at 12 hpt until the peak reached within 24 hpt and then decreased slightly at 30 hpt. This suggested that the expression of PmAV during infection was an up-regulated sign. The challenge test result showed that the transgenic tiger shrimp exhibited higher resistance (P < 0.05) to the WSSV infection (95.6% survival rate) than the control shrimp (71.1% survival rate). The 47-day transgenic tiger shrimp did not show significant difference (P > 0.05) in body weight and length gain as well as appearance, morphology, and activity from normal control shrimps. © 2021 Friends Science Publishers

Shrimp culture has been developed during the last three decades and the production of farmed shrimp reached its peak. However, the shrimp production was decreased all over the World including in Asian Countries because of the mass mortality due to the outbreak of several diseases predominantly White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) which caused extensive economic damage to the shrimp culture industry. Various Polyculture technologies of shrimp with shellfish, finfish or seaweeds have been implemented to reduce economic damages by mass mortality of shrimp. The present study was conducted with Tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon and Pacific white shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei through Polyculture operation to determine optimum stocking ratios for induction of best performance and highest production rates. Initially, the experiments were conducted with different ratios and combinations of stocking densities 1:1, 2:1 and 1:2 ratios of Penaeus monodon and Litopenaeus vannamei with control group feed with commercial feed, the other group certain Probiotic bacteria such as Bacillus licheniformis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus added in feed, the third group both the Probiotic bacteria and the addition of external Carbon source from sugarcane molasses in the form of Bioflocs for 100 days. To ascertain further interaction of ratios influence, 20:10, 20:12, 20:15 ratios of stocking and Monoculture experiments were conducted. In both the experiments the Survival rate, Final body weights, Weight Gain, Feed conversion ratio, Specific growth rates, Average daily growth rates, Protein efficiency ratio, and Productivity rates were significantly different (P

To document a relation between abundance of arboreal, predatory tiger beetles, their ant prey, and extrafloral nectaries attracting the ants, we gathered data from more than 10 species of native and introduced trees and large, tree‐like perennial plants in Lanao del Sur Province, Mindanao, Philippines. All specimens of tiger beetles (two Tricondyla and two Neocollyris species, all endemic to the country) were noted on five tree species characterized by presence of extrafloral nectaries, including three alien/invasive and two native ones. Invasive Spathodea campanulata and native Hibiscus tiliaceus were the most inhabited ones (respectively, 56% and 19% of beetles). Presence of tiger beetles on these trees most probably depends on high abundance of ants, which are typical prey for arboreal Cicindelidae, while occurrence of ants can result from presence of extrafloral nectaries on different parts of the plants. This suggests a new mutualistic insect–plant interaction between native and invasive species., Arboreal tiger beetle species used invasive and native trees having extrafloral nectaries as preferred place for hunting on ants, the insects which are attracted to these trees because of presence of sweet substances produced in these elements. Based on these observations, we suggest a new mutualistic insect–plant interaction between native and invasive species. In our opinion, this is the first case of such interactions noted between tiger beetles and invasive trees both in the Philippines and in the entire area of the southeastern Asia.

During the field survey in central Western Ghats of India, an interesting dryopteridoid fern species was collected from Nellikathrupodu Range of Billigiri Rangaswamy Temple (BRT) Tiger Reserve of Karnataka. After a critical study of literature, the specimen was identified as Cyrtomium micropterum (Kunze) Ching. In India, this species is known only from its type locality Nilgiri and Palani hills of Tamil Nadu. The present collection from the BRT Tiger Reserve shows its extended distribution and forms the first report for the state of Karnataka. The present paper deals with the assessment and conservation status of Cyrtomium micropterum (Kunze) Ching in India in accordance with IUCN guidelines for the application of Red List Criteria at regional and national Levels, 2012, Version 4.0. Detailed descriptions, photographs, microphotographs are provided for easy identification of this species.

Large carnivores play an important role in the functioning of ecosystems, yet their conservation remains a massive challenge across the world. Owing to wide‐ranging habits, they encounter various anthropogenic pressures, affecting their movement in different landscape. Therefore, studying how large carnivores adapt their movement to dynamic landscape conditions is vital for management and conservation policy. A total of 26 individuals across 4 species of large carnivores of different sex and age classes (14 Panthera tigris, 3 Panthera pardus, 5 Cuon alpinus, and 4 Canis lupus pallipes) were GPS collared and monitored from 2014–19. We quantified movement parameters (step length and net squared displacement) of four large carnivores in and outside protected areas in India. We tested the effects of human pressures such as human density, road network, and landuse types on the movement of the species. We also examined the configuration of core areas as a strategy to subsist in a human‐dominated landscape using BBMM. Mean displacement of large carnivores varied from 99.35 m/hr for leopards to 637.7 m/hr for wolves. Tigers outside PAs exhibited higher displacement than tigers inside PAs. Moreover, displacement during day–night was significantly different for tigers inside and outside PAs. Similarly, wolf also showed significant difference between day‐night movement. However, no difference in day–night movement was found for leopard and dholes. Anthropogenic factors such as road length and proportion of agriculture within the home range of tigers outside PAs were found to be significantly different. All the habitat variables in the home range showed significant difference between the social canids. The core area size for tiger outside PA and wolf was found greater than PAs. The study on movement of large carnivore species across landscapes is crucial for conservation planning. Our findings can be a starting point for interlinking animal movement and landscape management of large carnivore conservation in the current Anthropocene., The study is about movement parameters of four large carnivores in and outside protected areas in India (tiger, leopard, dhole, and wolf). In this study, we tested the effects of human pressures like human density, road density, and landuse types on the movement of the species. Finally, we examined the configuration of core areas as a strategy to exploit the human‐dominated landscape.

The negative effects of roads on wildlife populations are a growing concern. Movement corridors and road-kill data are typically used to prioritize road segments for mitigation measures. Some research suggests that locations where animals move across roads following corridors coincide with locations where they are often killed by vehicles. Other research indicates that corridors and road-kill rarely occur in the same locations. We compared movement corridor and road mortality models as means of prioritizing road segments for mitigation for five species of felids in Brazil: tiger cats (Leopardus tigrinus and Leopardus guttulus were analyzed together), ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi), and puma (Puma concolor). We used occurrence data for each species and applied circuit theory to identify potential movement corridors crossed by roads. We used road-kill records for each species and applied maximum entropy to determine where mortality was most likely to occur on roads. Our findings suggest that movement corridors and high road mortality are not spatially associated. We suggest that differences in the behavioral state of the individuals in the species occurrence and road-kill data may explain these results. We recommend that the road segments for which the results from the two methods agree (~5300 km for all studied species combined at 95th percentile) should be high-priority candidates for mitigation together with road segments identified by at least one method in areas where felids occur in low population densities or are threatened by isolation effects.

Shrimps are good source of protein and also good exportable item for its quality all over the world. Inappropriate use of antibiotics in the production of local and export quality shrimps can facilitate infiltration of antibiotic residues into human bodies which are toxic enough to cause serious health hazard. The present study was investigated to determine the antibiotic residues in some selected local market and export quality shrimps and also commercial shrimp feeds in chattogram. Local grade and export grade samples of Black tiger shrimps (Penaeus monodon) and feeds of four different companies were taken for the completion of this study. The permissible residual limit for the shrimp samples were- 0.3(μg/kg) for Chloramphenicol and 1.0 (μg/kg) for AHD, AMOZ, SEM, AOZ. Black tiger shrimps from local market 1 had high concentration of Chloramphenicol (0.35 μg/kg) and SEM (1.2 μg/kg) residues whereas Market 2 showed maximum residues in AMOZ (1.2 μg/kg) and SEM (1.1 μg/kg). Whereas, Market 3 showed negative result. Local market 4 had high concentration of Chloramphenicol (0.4 μg/kg) and AOZ (1.2 μg/kg) residues. However, in export grade shrimps antibiotic residues was found under the maximum residual limit in all samples. Also, among four feed tested, two of them were found positive for chlorampenicol and nitrofurans. The result was considered significant where P>0.05. So, legal actions should be taken against the farmers and the farms that overuse antibiotics in shrimps. Also, people should be made aware of the harmful effects of antibiotics so that the impact can be minimized. Asian J. Med. Biol. Res. December 2020, 6(4): 623-627

Background: Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) belong to the family of Cyperaceae and the order of Commelinalis. It has been existing for more than 4,000 years ago. Objective: To determine the nutritional composition (protein, fat, fiber, ash, moisture and carbohydrate) of nut, to extract and characterize oil from varieties of tiger nuts, to determine the mineral elements presence in the nut. Study Design: A descriptive research design was adopted by this study to determine the nutritional composition (protein, fat, fiber, ash, moisture and carbohydrate) of nut, to extract and characterize oil from varieties of tiger nuts and to determine the mineral elements presence in the nut. Place and Duration of the Study: The study was conducted at Biochemistry Department, Bayero University Kano, between April, 2019 to September, 2019. Methods: The Proximate compositions were determined using the method describe by Association of official analytical chemist’s, while Carbohydrate were determined by difference. The physicochemical properties were determined using the method describe by American oil Chemist’s society and Mineral composition were determined. Results: The proximate composition of the yellow variety was moisture (9.48%), ash (2.07%), fat (33.5%), protein (6.11%), crude fibre (17.5%) and carbohydrate (31.2%). Corresponding values of the brown variety was moisture (9.62%), ash (2.76%), fat (34.2%), protein (6.93%), crude fibre (15.3%) and carbohydrate (30.9%) respectively. The extracted oil has a golden colour and a nutty taste. The saponification, acid, peroxide, iodine and free fatty acid values of the yellow variety were found to be 210.8±4.28, 3.17±0.64, 1.00±0.52, 78.7±13.1 and 0.40±0.21 and the saponification, acid, peroxide, iodine and free fatty acid values of the yellow variety were also found to be 212.2±4.92, 3.36±0.56, 1.06±0.75, 76.5±14.6 and 0.42±0.04 and was not significantly (P> 0.05) different between th yellow and brown varieties respectively. The mineral element (mg/100g) of the brown variety is Mg 133.67, P 527.33, K 957.67, Ca 394, Cu 2.0 and Fe 1.86. Corresponding values for the yellow variety are Mg 118.13, P 159.61, K 384.33, Ca 152, Cu 2.0 and Fe 1.04. Lead and Cadmium were not detected in both varieties. Conclusion: These results indicate that tiger nut tuber oil could be a good source of edible oil, highly nutritive and can provide a lot of energy like some starchy food.

This research analyzed the biometrics and reproductive characteristics of a group of Hypancistrus sp. L-333 (King Tiger Plecos) in order to gather biological information and aid the rearing of the species in captivity, thus supporting its natural conservation. This species has a natural distribution that is restricted to the lower Xingu River, and is currently threatened by the hydroelectric projects in the region. The acquired specimens were measured, weighed and classified according to sex based on morphometric characteristics (evidence of secondary sexual characteristics) that were later confirmed by dissection. A total of 32 individuals, 16 males and 16 females were identified. Although the length-weight ratio did not present significant differences, the results revealed that the species has secondary sexual dimorphism. The odontodes were more developed in the mid-lateral region of the body, post-dorsal region, caudal peduncle and in the first ray (ossified) of the pectoral fin in males. Histological analyses of the gonads confirmed that all of the fish were adult individuals. The diameter of the oocytes ranged from 0.14 to 2.0 mm, presented three distinct modes, and were synchronous in more than two groups, which evidences batch spawning. Fecundity was low, between 35 and 54 oocytes in the largest batch. This information is novel and important for the identification of reproductive groups, and is aimed at breeding in captivity so that these resources can be exploited in a sustainable way, without harming the already threatened natural stocks.

The subfamily Cicindelinae which belongs to the family Carabidae are commonly known as tiger beetles. Despite the recent studies conducted on this taxon, current ecological knowledge on tiger beetles is limited. Thus, this study aimed to provide a current checklist of tiger beetles as well as their species distribution, abundances and habitat preferences in Sarawak based on voucher specimens from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak Insect Reference Collection (UIRC). A total of 76 specimens of tiger beetles were examined in which comprising of seven genera from eight species. The genus Neocollyris was represented with two species, namely Neocollyris (s. str.) ermaginata and Neocollyris (Stenocollyris) sarawakensis macrodera, while the other genera were represented by only one species, respectively. The most abundant species with 64 individuals (84.21%) were represented by Cosmodela aurulenta, followed by Abroscelis tenuipes araneipes and Therates labiatus with three individuals (3.95%) and N. ermaginata with two individuals (2.63%). In this study, there were eight ecological habitats being identified, namely heath forest, limestone forest, littoral forest, mixed dipterocarp forest, oil palm plantation, peat swamp forest, riverine forest and urban area. The data indicates that C. aurulenta being recorded at seven ecological habitats suggesting this species to have a wide distribution capability while species such as A. tenuipes araneipes, Callytron doriai, Cicindela sp., Myriochila (s. str.) specularis brevipennis, N. ermaginata and N. s. macrodera suggesting these species to have a very narrow habitat specialisation. The results of this preliminary study provide evidence on the need to conduct further studies on the ecological aspects of tiger beetles in Sarawak. Keywords: Cicindelinae, ecological distribution, Sarawak, tiger beetles, voucher specimens

The quality and safety aspects of two commercially important species Macrobrachium rosenbergii and Harpodon nehereus were evaluated on this study by examining organoleptic properties, proximate composition, total volatile base-nitrogen (TVB-N) and tri methyl amine-nitrogen (TMA-N) contents of the samples. Both the species showed excellent sensory quality with the defect point 1.57 and 1.4 for M. rosenbergii and H. nehereus, respectively. The moisture content of M. rosenbergii and H. nehereus were 80.89±0.23% and 78.56±0.39%; the protein content were 11.76±0.3% and 13.74±0.04%; the lipid content were 2.15±0.007% and 1.89±0.34% and the ash content were 1.24±0.35% and 1.97±0.31% respectively. The TVB-N and TMA-N was found 19.3±0.45 mg/100 g and 3.19±0 mg/100g for M. rosenbergii and 22.37±0.15 mg/100g and 2.09±0.04 mg/100 g for H. nehereus respectively. The result showed the nutritional composition and quality attributes of these two species.