Search

Insects are key fauna species that respond quickly to disturbances and environmental changes. They act as good indicators of habitat, community, or ecosystem quality. Among the great diversity of insects, butterflies stand as ideal bio-indicators for ecosystem function and are sensitive to changes in habitat composition and structure. This study was carried out to examine the diversity and abundance of butterflies across the restored habitats in Usangu area part of Ruaha National Park (RUNAPA) from May 2022 to June 2022 using the walking transect method supplemented by sweep nets and butterfly baited traps. A total of six transects of 1 km in length were laid in the four main habitat types selected in Usangu area including grassland, Miombo woodland, Vachellia/Commiphora woodland, and riverine forest. Searches were conducted in the morning and evening. The Miombo woodland and riverine forest habitats exhibited relatively higher species diversity, richness, evenness, abundance, and a higher number of habitat-restricted species, while Vachellia/Commiphora woodland and grassland habitats recorded the lowest diversity and abundance as well as the lowest number of habitat-restricted species. Family Nymphalidae was the most dominant followed by Pieridae while Papilionidae and Hesperiidae were scarce in the study area. This study clearly shows the importance of Miombo woodland and riverine forest habitats in sustaining rich butterfly diversity and abundance in Usangu area. The two habitats must be effectively managed and conserved for sustaining ecological health and integrity of Usangu area. The Usangu area’s Miombo woodland and riverine forest habitats have immense potential for butterfly tourism and they can offer an excellent opportunity to promote conservation efforts and raise public awareness. However, it is crucial to monitor these habitats closely as any environmental changes that may occur could harm the butterfly diversity and abundance in the area. Preserving this wilderness to maintain a thriving butterfly population is of utmost importance.

Abstract The North American native prairie grass Panicum virgatum (switchgrass) is a primary bioenergy feedstock candidate. Its widespread distribution and genetic diversity enable the possibility of developing this perennial grass for high production in a variety of conditions, including on marginal lands. A critical concern in feedstock development and deployment is the risk of novel pathogen emergence. Here, we investigate the landscape‐scale prevalence and epidemiology of a little‐studied North American virus that was first detected in switchgrass and other grasses in bioenergy trials in the US Midwest. Switchgrass mosaic virus (SwMV, Genus Marafivirus, Family Tymoviridae) is transmitted by leafhoppers and is phylogenetically a sister to Maize rayado fino virus, a significant pathogen of maize in parts of the Americas. Our goal was to determine whether SwMV is uniquely limited to specific bioenergy trials or well‐established and circulating more broadly. We used molecular diagnostics to quantify naturally occurring SwMV infection in leafhoppers and switchgrass in naturalistic stands throughout a large Midwestern landscape, and quantified leafhopper abundances and stand performance. Our analysis revealed that this apparently wild virus is well‐established and widespread. Infection was present at nearly all sites, across diverse landscape contexts, with its prevalence ranging as high as 33%–60%. Infection appeared to accumulate and persist in stands over time. It was associated with increases in premature stand senescence but not with reductions in stand height. Although wild viruses are believed to evolve benign relationships with their natural hosts, these data suggest that SwMV has the potential to impact yield components. Viruses are frequently overlooked in crop development efforts, but they represent the majority of emerging plant pathogens. For SwMV, it is imperative to quantify its impact on host performance, to identify the extent of any host resistance, and to assess any risks of virus spillover to agricultural plantings of other Poaceae species, including maize and sorghum.

Summary: Background: Compliance with infection prevention and control standard precautions (IPCSPs) remains a major challenge in many countries including Tanzania. Lack of compliance exposes healthcare workers (HCWs) and patients to a high risk of developing healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) including antimicrobial-resistant microorganisms which can contribute to the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This study investigated compliance with IPCSPs and associated factors among HCWs in public healthcare facilities (HFs) in Songwe Region, Tanzania between January and March 2021. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in all 5 districts in Songwe Region, involved 400 HCWs from difference healthcare facilities (HFs) including dispensaries, health centres and hospitals. The Compliance with Standard Precautions scale (CSPS) tool developed by WHO was used. Descriptive and modified Poisson regression analysis was done. A P-value of less than 0.05 indicated statistical significance. Results: Only 22.5% (90/400) of HCWs had high compliance (above 80%) to IPCSPs. The majority of HCWs reported highest compliance on discarding used needles/sharps into sharps containers (94%), the lowest IPCSPs compliance was for the correct handling of spills, taking a shower after extensive splashing and not re-using disposable masks, 8%, 28.5% and 34% respectively. Attending IPC training or an IPC seminar in the previous year (ARR=2.97 [1.87–4.72] P

A study was carried out for a period of 4 months to evaluate the effect of dietary inclusion of garden cress (GC) seeds on growth performance and nutrient digestibility in New Zealand White rabbits. Eighteen New Zealand White female rabbits of four months of age were selected and were divided into three groups of six animals each based on age and body weight. The animals were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments, T1 (control diet with 18 per cent CP and 2700 kcal DE), T2 (concentrate with 5 per cent GC seed on dry matter basis) and T3 (concentrate with 7.5 per cent GC seed on dry matter basis). Data analysis revealed that the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and ether extract were similar among treatment groups. Furthermore, dietary treatments had no effect on blood biochemical parameters. From the overall results, it can be concluded that GC seeds can be safely incorporated up to 7.5 per cent in rabbit diet without compromising the health status and growth performance in New Zealand White rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

feeding trial of four months duration was carried out in Vechur cattle to analyse the impact of various protein concentrations in total mixed ration on rumen fermentation and haematobiochemical parameters. Fifteen Vechur cattle between the ages of six and ten months were chosen from Vechur Cattle Conservation Unit, Mannuthy and were randomly allotted to three dietary treatments, T1 -- Total mixed ration containing 16 per cent CP and 60 per cent TDN, T2 -- Total mixed ration containing 14 per cent CP and 60 per cent TDN and T3 -- Total mixed ration containing 12 per cent CP and 60 per cent TDN. All the dietary treatments were isocaloric. Rumen fermentation parameters such as rumen pH and total volatile fatty acid did not show any significant difference among the treatment groups, whereas rumen ammonia nitrogen was significantly higher (P<0.01) in T1, compared to T2 and T3. The mean per cent of methane emission levels were similar among the treatment groups. The haemato-biochemical parameters were analysed at the beginning and at monthly interval and the values were comparable among the treatment groups. But the BUN concentration was higher in T1 compared to T2 and T3 (P<0.01). Therefore, it could be resolved that Vechur cattle can be reared on TMR containing 12 per cent CP and 60 per cent TDN without any negative effects on the health of animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metagenomic DNA extraction and subsequent bioinformatic analysis is an easy method to analyse the divergence and relative abundance of microflora present in environment samples. Extraction of DNA from faeces of elephant is challenging due the presence of inhibitory substances in dung. DNA was extracted from faeces using cTAB lysis method and commercial kits. The V3-V4 region of 16S rRNA was amplified and was further used for library preparation using NEBNext® Ultra™ DNA Library Prep Kit for Illumina®India. Taxonomic analysis was done using V search against SILVA data base. Metagenomic analysis revealed that Bacteriodata, Verrucomicrobiota, Firmicutes, Spirochaetota, Fibrobacterota, Synergistota, Proteobacteria were the major phyla seen in elephant dung samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A feeding trial of 120 days was conducted in crossbred calves to examine the impact of feeding varied levels of rumen undegradable protein on growth and economics of production. Eighteen weaned female crossbred calves of age ranging between six to nine months were chosen from University Livestock Farm and Fodder Research and Development Scheme (ULF & FRDS), Mannuthy and randomly allotted to three dietary treatments (CP 20%, TDN 70%) varying in undegradable protein levels: Control- 35%; T1 -45%; T2 -- 55%, respectively of total CP. The experimental calves were given feed as per ICAR standards (ICAR, 2013). The average daily gain (ADG) and total body weight (TWG) were similar between groups. The average feed cost per kg body weight gain was considerably (P<0.05) lower in T1 and T2 groups compared to control. Thus, it was determined that feeding concentrate mixture (20% CP and 70% TDN) with an RUP level of 45 per cent of total CP was economical without affecting the growth rate of calves. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context. Efficient monitoring of herpetofauna can prove challenging to agencies and NGOs responsible for their management. Wildlife cameras have been proposed as a method to monitor herpetofauna; however, estimates of detection rates and factors affecting detection by cameras are generally lacking and therefore limiting their application. Aims. We determined the effect of body size and temperature differential on the detection of snakes and frogs by passive infrared (PIR) wildlife cameras. We hypothesised that detection would differ among models and be positively correlated with body size and surface-temperature differential between the animal and substrate. We then conducted a field study to compare the detection of herpetofauna by a traditional method with PIR cameras. Methods. We tested 10 cameras of seven models on five snakes and one camera on six frogs. Photographs were downloaded to determine the detection rate of each species by each camera. We then chose a camera model to compare two herpetofauna survey methods, namely, drift fences equipped with cameras and visualencounter surveys. Surveys were conducted monthly over 12 months in Irwin County, GA, USA. Key results. The highest mean detection rates of snakes were 0.65 (s.e. = 0.33), 0.50 (s.e. = 0.34), and 0.49 (s.e. = 0.34) for the Browning Dark Ops, Reconyx Hyperfire 2, and Mossy Oak Covert Scouting Camera respectively. The detectability of larger snakes was greater than that of smaller snakes and increased as the absolute temperature differences between the snake and the substrate increased. The detectability of frogs was influenced by absolute temperature differential alone. PIR cameras generated five times more observations, documented more herpetofauna species, and were seven times more efficient than traditional surveys. Conclusions. The effectiveness of PIR cameras to detect herpetofauna varies among models and depends on the likelihood that the animal will have a body temperature significantly different from the temperature of the substrate. PIR cameras generated observations far more efficiently than traditional sampling methods. Implications. PIR wildlife cameras may be most effective at detecting larger, diurnal herpetofauna and least effective at detecting smaller, nocturnal species. Wildlife cameras have the potential to efficiently monitor some herpetofauna, providing a means to better evaluate management objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]