Conservation Status and Biodiversity of Pelecanus onocrotalus (The Great white pelican bird) at Manchar Lake, District Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan

Quratulain Memon — 2024-09-30

Diversity amongst birds occurs in so many forms, which captivates their appearances and peculiar distributions. Avifaunal species enhance the beauty of wetlands with their ecological and economic benefits. Manchar Lake is a wetland of much importance, as it serves as a distinguished habitat for a variety of bird species, many of these species might be yet unknown to the scientific community. Objectives: To explore the distribution, diversity, and conservation status of the great white pelican (Pelicanus onocrotalus). For this purpose, South Asia's one of the largest natural lakes, Manchar located in Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan was investigated. Methods: Pelecanus onocrotalus was identified as a migratory species. Notably, a few specimens have been recorded for the first time all through the summer. According to the IUCN red list of endangered species, the conservation status of the great white pelican was recorded as least concern. The prevalence of the species was recorded highest from October to March and lowest from April to September. Results: A total of 50 specimens of Pelecanus onocrotalus (Great White Pelican) belonging to the genus Pelecanus and the family Pelecanidae were recorded. Conclusions: This fact-finding study aims to document the emergence of bird diversity and its association with the lake surroundings and other species. The research findings will be valuable for wildlife departments and future researchers as a useful literature resource.

Utilizing Medicinal Plants for Disease Treatment in Aquaculture: An Approach to Improve Fish Health

Tasawar Iqbal — 2024-09-30

Botanicals were being used more and more in aquaculture to promote fish health as well as for disease prevention. In this review, we discuss the efficacy of botanicals in aquaculture worldwide and go through their modes of action that might play a key role in these activities. Similarly, some plants with well documented broad-spectrum antimicrobial, immunomodulatory activity, and antioxidant properties. These can be advantageous as supplements in fish feed to stimulate the immune function of fish. Plant extracts may exert positive effects on animal health through different modes rather than relying solely on a single mode. Using herbs as dietary additives has been shown to enhance immunity defense mechanisms. Recently, botanical treatments have been incorporated into aquaculture, resulting in increased growth rates and disease resistance, thus giving rise to more sustainable practices. Work was still being done in this area to find new bioactive compounds, understand how they work, and identify delivery systems that will ensure the compound reaches cells where needed. They can be incorporated with sustainable approaches, such as the aquaponics system, and possibly remain organic accredited, all while decreasing chemical residue on food products and sustaining environmental wellness. These emerging botanical approaches promise environmentally sustainable strategies for disease management in aquaculture, supporting the consumer shift to demand safe and sustainably produced seafood. The advantages that botanical treatments offer indicate them as essential tools for the development of a sustainable and eco-friendly aquaculture industry

MARKHOR (The Journal of Zoology)

Conservation Status and Biodiversity of Pelecanus onocrotalus (The Great white pelican bird) at Manchar Lake, District Jamshoro, Sindh, Pakistan

Utilizing Medicinal Plants for Disease Treatment in Aquaculture: An Approach to Improve Fish Health