Pakistan Journal of Zoological Sciences (PJZS) is the official, peer-reviewed journal of IJSMART Publishing Company®. It is an open-access, quarterly publication that follows a double-blind peer-review process. PJZS (ISSN: 3105-5222) serves as a platform for disseminating original scientific research across all branches of zoology. Journal Scope PJZS (ISSN: 3105-5222) aims to promote significant advancements in the field of zoology. PJZS is the first open-access zoology journal in Pakistan dedicated to combining diverse disciplines that study animal life from various perspectives. Our goal is to provide a platform for a comprehensive understanding of zoological phenomena at all levels molecular, cellular, organismal, ecological, and evolutionary. We welcome original research articles and systematic reviews, in the following areas: Animal Biology & Behavior Ecology and Environmental Zoology Animal Physiology and Anatomy Entomology Evolutionary Zoology and Systematics Zoological Genetics and Genomics Zoological Toxicology and Wildlife Health Applied Zoology and Conservation Invertebrate and Vertebrate Zoology Aquaculture and Fisheries Zoology Parasitology and Zoonotic Zoology Developmental and Cell Zoology Comparative Zoology: Anatomy and Physiology Paleozoology and Zoological Biogeography Ethnozoology and Human-Animal Interactions Our editorial board and expert peer reviewers rigorously evaluate all submissions to ensure the highest standards of scientific integrity, clarity, and novelty. Editorial Board Editor-in-Chief Ms. Saba Malik School of the Environment, Nanjing University, Xianlin Campus, Qixia District, Nanjing, 210023 China. Environmental science, Zoology, Water quality management, Environmental toxicology, ecological risk assessment, Climate change >>>View Full Biography Associate Editors Dr. Muhammad Naeem Associate Professor, College of Biological Resources and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Yunnan, China All editorial correspondence should be addressed to: Associate editor Dr. Muhammad Naeem Associate Professor, College of Biological Resources and Food Engineering, Qujing Normal University, Yunnan, China; Email: pjzs@ijsmartpublishing.com (See full Editorial Board for more details.) Article Processing Charges All manuscripts submitted from Pakistan and other countries are welcome without any initial processing fees. However, a publication fee will be applicable only upon acceptance of the manuscript after the peer-review and editorial decision process: For authors in Pakistan: PKR 15,000 For students from China: RMB 300 For international (overseas) authors: USD 100 These charges support the cost of DOI, digital archiving, online hosting, and long-term accessibility of published content.
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Comparison of Proximate body composition and heavy metals detection in Muscles and Liver Enzymes of Major Carps from Head Islam, Vehari
Section: Articles Categories: Environmental Zoology, Zoological Toxicology, Applied Zoology and Conservation, Aquaculture Keywords: aquaculture, enzymes Subjects: Aquatic toxicology, liver enzymes Disciplines: Zoology, Fisheries This study evaluated the comparison of proximate body composition and heavy metals detection in muscles and liver enzymes of three major freshwater carps Labeo rohita, Catla catla and Cirrhinus mrigala. Experimental groups were taken from three different water sites W1, W2 and W3 from Head Islam near Vehari and compared with a Control group taken from Assistant Director Fisheries District Vehari. Proximate body composition analysis revealed a significant decline in moisture content from 74.4% in the Control group to 72.0% in W3 and crude protein content decreased from 15.13% to 13.67% across the same water sites. Conversely, crude fat content showed a gradual increase, reaching 3.50 % while ash content fluctuates slightly but consistently remains within the acceptable reference range of 2.40 % to 2.16 %. Heavy metal accumulation was found to exceed recommended safety limits in W3, with Lead levels rising from 0.21 mg/kg in the control to 1.36 mg/kg in W3. Cadmium and Mercury levels also increased significantly across water sites. Liver enzyme activity showed marked elevation, with Aspartate Transaminase levels increasing from 50 U/L in controls to 114.3 U/L in W3, and similar trends were observed in Alanine Transaminase and Alkaline Phosphate levels, indicating liver stress and possible hepatocellular damage. Albumin slightly decreased but remained within normal limits. Bilburin levels rose gradually, nearing the upper limit in W3 samples. ANOVA results confirmed highly significant differences (P < 0.01) among major carps for all studied parameters. These findings underscore the detrimental effects of poor water quality on fish health and highlight the risk of bioaccumulation of toxic substances in edible fish tissues. The study emphasizes the need for routine water quality monitoring and stringent environmental controls to safeguard aquaculture productivity and consumer safety.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tahira Ghafoor, Anam Saeed, Ayesha Zahid, Maryam Riasat, Rida Younas, Naureen Rana, Huanhuan Chen (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Investigation of the influence of dietary iron oxide nanoparticles on immunity and oxidative stress markers in Gallus gallus domesticus
Section: Articles Categories: Animal Physiology, Zoological Toxicology, Aquaculture Keywords: Iron oxide nanoparticles, Gallus gallus domesticus, oxidative stress, immunity, antioxidant enzymes, hematology, nanotechnology, Yellow Catfish, Yellow catfish juveniles Subjects: Aquaculture Nutrition, Nanotechnology, Fish Physiology Disciplines: Animal Nutrition, Toxicology, Nanotoxicology, Fisheries Science Conventional mineral supplements often exhibit poor absorption and gastrointestinal intolerance, reducing their nutritional effectiveness in poultry production. This study evaluated whether dietary iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) can overcome these limitations by enhancing nutrient absorption and modulating immune function and oxidative stress markers in Gallus gallus domesticus. A controlled feeding trial was conducted using 200 broiler chicks divided into five treatment groups (T₀ control, T₁ 50 mg/kg, T₂ 150 mg/kg, T₃ 250 mg/kg, T₄ 350 mg/kg IONPs) for 30 days. Standardized procedures assessed hematological indices, immunoglobulin concentrations, and oxidative stress biomarkers including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total oxidant status (TOS). Statistical validation was performed through Shapiro-Wilk tests for normality, Levene's tests for homogeneity of variances, one-way ANOVA, and Tukey HSD post-hoc comparisons. Results demonstrated significant dose-dependent alterations across all measured parameters. SOD activity progressively decreased from 9.8 ± 0.1 U/mg protein (T₀) to 5.4 ± 0.1 U/mg protein (T₄), representing a 45% reduction (p < 0.001). CAT activity similarly declined from 38.5 ± 0.15 to 19.0 ± 0.15 U/mg protein. Conversely, TOS levels increased dose-dependently from 5.6 ± 0.1 to 16.9 ± 0.1 µmol/L, indicating elevated oxidative stress. Immunoglobulin levels (IgG, IgM, IgA) showed significant reductions with increasing IONP doses. The study provides a scientific basis for establishing safe supplementation levels of IONPs in poultry nutrition and contributes to understanding the risks and benefits of nanotechnology application in animal feed additives.
Copyright (c) 2026 Saba Zulfiqar, Maryam Riasat, Salma Majeed, Zeeshan Rehman, Fiza Habib, Muqaddas Nisar (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effects of Polyvinyl Chloride Microplastics on the Growth Rate, Liver Enzyme, and Serum Metabolites of Cirrhinus mrigala
Section: Articles Categories: Aquaculture Keywords: Global concern, aquatic toxicity., plastics usage, micro plastics, histopathology, serum metabolites Subjects: Aquatic toxicology, Fish biology, PVC microplatic Disciplines: Zoology Polyvinyl chloride microplastics have become one of the most harmful aquatic pollutants, and their potential toxicity to fish has become one of the major issues. The target of our research was to determine the effects of polyvinyl chloride microplastics on the Cirrhinus mrigala growth pattern and serum metabolites like glucose, protein, and lipid profiles. To assess the effect of polyvinyl chloride on Cirrhinus mrigala, we use four containers marked as T0, T1, T2, and T3. An equal number of fingerlings was placed in each container. T0 used as control, in which we used no microplastics. While 50, 100, and 150 mg/L of microplastics were used in T1, T2, and T3, respectively. The research was performed under the complete randomized design (CRD). After 4 weeks of growth, the result was measured, and the result was analyzed by one-way ANOVA. After a specific time, the growth was compared. The fingerlings in T3 had a smaller length than those in other containers due to a high amount of PVC microplastics. The noticeable changes in the liver include loss of cell shape, damaged liver cells, and deposition of fat in parenchyma cells. The serum metabolites parameter was measured by LFT. Serum metabolite parameters such as ALT, AST, ALP, protein, bilirubin, and GGT were significantly elevated as PVC quantity increased. The results of this study revealed that a higher concentration of PVC microplastics could have negative impacts on the growth and liver of fish, which may ultimately endanger the food web.
Copyright (c) 2026 Anam Saeed, Maryam Riasat, Ayesha Zahid, Faiza Maqsood, Tahira Ghafoor, Muneeb Ul Rehman, Rida Younas, Naureen Rana (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effects of Silver Nitrate (AgNO₃) Nanoparticles on the Growth Performance and Liver of Cyprinus carpio
Section: Articles Categories: Environmental Zoology, Animal Physiology, Zoological Toxicology, Aquaculture Keywords: water pollutant, adverse effects, AgNO3 NPs, aquatic life, Antimicrobial Subjects: Silver nanoparticles, Nanotoxicity, Aquatic toxicology, Cyprinus carpio, Growth performance, Hepatotoxicity, Fish physiology, Oxidative stress, Nanoparticle ecotoxicology, Liver histopathology Disciplines: Biology , Environmental Science, Toxicology, Nanotechnology, Fisheries Water pollutants that contaminate water supplies and harm aquatic life all over the world and impact on their growth and physical parameters. Silver nanoparticles have wide use in industries because of their electrical, optical, and antibacterial qualities. The aquatic life has suffered as a result of its widespread use and application. The objective of the study was to investigate the effect of various concentrations of silver nitrate nanoparticles on growth performance and liver profile of Cyprinus carpio. In experimental design, total 60 fishes (15 fingerling/ aquarium) were subjected to different concentrations of AgNO3 NPs 0 mg/L (Tₒ serve as control) group), 50 mg/L (T1), 100 mg/L (T2) and 150 mg/L T3). The treatments were compared by applying one way Analysis of variance and variation among mean was evaluated by applying Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) in statistical software R (Version 4.3.3). Results showed that effect of silver nitrate nanoparticles on fish growth rate are toxic and showed non-significant (P>0.05) variation in average weight, specific growth rate and condition factor while, significant (P<0.05) in weight gain, average length and length gain and liver profile (bilirubin, albumin, total protein, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and aspartate aminotransferase) of Cyprinus carpio. It can be concluded that silver nitrate nanoparticles at higher concentration (150 mg/L) in T3 have significant (P<0.05) toxic effect on fish growth rate and liver profile of Cyprinus carpio.
Copyright (c) 2025 Tehreem Shakoor, Rida Younas, Maryam Riasat, Naureen Rana, Muhammad Saail Abbas, Nawaz Haider Bashir, Muhammad Naeem, Huanhuan Chen (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Influence of Environmental Factors on the Mosquito Vector Habitat Distribution in Urban Areas of Faisalabad, Punjab
Section: Articles Categories: Environmental Zoology, Ecology , Entomology, Applied Zoology and Conservation Keywords: Mosquito vectors, spatial distribution, GIS, dengue, Aedes aguptii, urban areas, Faisalabad, punjab, pakistan Subjects: Biological Sciences Disciplines: Zoology The viruses that cause malaria, Dengue hemorrhagic fever, and Rift Valley fever are primarily spread by mosquitoes. Globally, mosquito-borne diseases pose a serious threat to public health, particularly in crowded cities. The goal of the current study was to update knowledge about the mosquito (Diptera: Culicidae) fauna of Punjab region, Pakistan's District Faisalabad, and forecast the distribution of the larvae of the most important mosquito vectors in this area. Environmental factors such as water sources, land use, temperature, and humidity were recorded at each collection location. A perspective for the geographic distribution of dengue vectors in the metropolitan areas of Faisalabad was created using GIS-based spatial analytic tools after the data was gathered. The number of mosquito larvae was assessed in connection with the physiochemical characteristics (pH & TDS) of breeding grounds. Mosquito larvae were collected from January 2024 until December 2024. Aedes aegypti was the most important vector discovered in Faisalabad. To predict the species distribution of Aedes aegypti in the district of Faisalabad, 19 bioclimatic variables were combined with the data from the collection. More than 100 locations yielded more than 1800 mosquito larvae. The northeastern region of the Faisalabad district was identified as having the best suited lands. The region that was least conducive to the presence of Aedes aegypti was the southwest. Precipitation factor (bio8) contributed the most in the presence of this vector, accounting for over 40%, followed by bio19, which contributed 20%.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sania Shammas, Maryam Riasat, Rida Younas, Naureen Rana, Nawaz Haider Bashir, Muhammad Naeem, Huanhuan Chen (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR SHAPING THE DISTRIBUTION AND BIODIVERSITY OF DIFFERENT SPECIES OF LEPIDOPTERA IN DISTRICT FAISALABAD
Section: Articles Categories: Ecology , Entomology, Zoological Biogeography Keywords: Climatic factors, diverse assemblage, temperature, precipitation, humidity Subjects: Entomology, Ecology, Biogeography Disciplines: Biological Sciences, Environmental Sciences, Earth & Climate Sciences, Zoology, ecology, Entomology The analysis examines butterfly distribution and diversity in District Faisalabad, Punjab, Pakistan, and the impacts of ecological (climate variables and land cover) and anthropogenic (population density and urbanization) factors. A diverse assemblage including Pieris rapae, Danaus chrysippus, and Euploea core was recorded. PCA and K-means clustering revealed three major climatic zones in Faisalabad. Species like Eurema hecabe and Pieris rapae were common in agro-ecosystems due to human activity adaptation and host plant presence. Correlation matrix showed strong positive correlations between butterfly richness and moderate climates (stable temperatures, adequate precipitation), while extreme weather or stress led to negative correlations. Butterflies, as pollinators and bioindicators, are affected by urbanization, habitat fragmentation, and pesticide use. Results emphasize targeted conservation through nectar-rich vegetation and reduced chemical use to sustain butterfly diversity.
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammad Shahid, Maryam Riasat, Zubda Ashfaq, Ujala Hanif, Rida Younas, Iqra, Naureen Rana, Nawaz Haider Bashir, Muhammad Naeem, Huanhuan Chen (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessing The Role of Bioclimatic Variables in Shaping Diptera Biodiversity and Distribution in District Faisalabad, Punjab
Section: Articles Categories: Environmental Zoology, Ecology , Entomology, Invertebrate Zoology, Zoological Biogeography Keywords: diptera diversity, bioclimatic variables, species distribution modeling, principal component analysis (PCA), microclimate gradients Subjects: Insect Biodiversity, Diptera Distribution, Bioclimatic Modeling, Species Distribution Patterns, Climate Impact on Fauna Disciplines: zoology, Entomology, Environmental Science, Biodiversity Studies, ecology Agricultural and climatic changes are reshaping insect communities globally, yet the role of bioclimatic factors in determining Diptera diversity remains underexplored. This study examined the effects of temperature, precipitation, humidity, and seasonality on Diptera occurrence across 14 sites in District Faisalabad, Pakistan. Field observations of 11 ecologically and medically relevant species were analyzed alongside 19 WorldClim bioclimatic variables. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that temperature (PC1) and moisture (PC2) accounted for 61% of the environmental variation. Sites were grouped into four clusters warm, humid, cool, wet, cool and dry, and hot, dry each supporting distinct Diptera assemblages. K-means clustering validated these ecological groupings, highlighting microclimatic gradients as key drivers of species composition. Warm–humid sites harbored the highest richness, while arid and cooler areas supported more specialized or generalist taxa. Correlation analysis showed strong positive associations between Diptera abundance and both Bio5 (maximum temperature) and Bio12 (annual precipitation), suggesting these as primary predictors of species richness. Overall, the findings underscore the importance of temperature and moisture thresholds in shaping Diptera communities and offer a framework for forecasting climate-induced distribution shifts and managing key fly species.
Copyright (c) 2025 Ujala Hanif, Maryam Riasat, Zubda Ashfaq, Muhammad Shahid, Rida Younas , Iqra, Naureen Rana, Tehreem Shakoor , Nawaz Haider Bashir, Muhammad Naeem , Huanhuan Chen (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Microplastic Pollution in Urban Birds: A Comparative Study of Rock, Columba livia, and Corvus splendens
Section: Articles Categories: Environmental Zoology, Ecology , Entomology, Applied Zoology and Conservation, Invertebrate Zoology Keywords: Microplastic pollution, Urban birds, Environmental contamination, Avian health, Bioindicators, Plastic ingestion, Behavioral impact, FRIT Subjects: Nocturnal insects, Insect distribution, Light pollution, Bioclimatic factors, Urban ecology, Semi-urban ecosystems, Insect biodiversity, Species abundance, Environmental gradients, Urbanization impact on fauna Disciplines: Entomology, Environmental Zoology, ecology Microplastic pollution has emerged as a pervasive environmental threat, yet its effects on terrestrial urban avifauna remain underexplored. This study investigates the extent and implications of microplastic contamination in two synanthropic bird species: the Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) and the House Crow (Corvus splendens), both of which inhabit highly polluted urban environments. Through a comparative analysis involving the examination of ingested microplastics, health markers, and behavioral changes, the research evaluates species-specific vulnerabilities and adaptive responses to microplastic exposure. Findings reveal significant differences in ingestion patterns, with behavioral and physiological impacts evident in both species. The study highlights the role of urban birds as bioindicators of environmental health and underscores the urgent need for targeted conservation strategies and improved urban waste management. This work contributes to filling the knowledge gap in terrestrial microplastic ecology and advocates for integrative urban biodiversity protection measures.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sheeza Iqbal, Naureen Rana, Maryam Riasat, Rida Younas, Nawaz Haider Bashir, Muhammad Naeem (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Effects of Green and Chemical Cerium Oxides Nanoparticles on the Blood Profile and Liver Enzymes of Cirrhinus mrigala
Section: Articles Categories: Animal Physiology, Zoological Toxicology, Aquaculture Keywords: Chemical cerium oxide, green cerium oxide, hematology, liver, nanoparticles, Cirrhinus mrigala, toxicity Subjects: entmology, Zoology, Ichthyology, qz, TOX, toxicology, Nanomaterials, Nanoparticle ecotoxicology, Fish physiology, Biochemistry, Aquatic ecosystems Disciplines: Zoology, Aquatic Biology, Toxicology, Nanotechnology, Environmental Science, Physiology As nanotechnology advances, minute contaminants are increasingly found in both the terrestrial and aquatic environments, raising concerns about nanoparticle pollution such as cerium oxide. They could be consumed by fish and other aquatic life, leading to poisoning, illness, and even death. The goal of the current study was to investigate how cerium oxide nanoparticles physically affected the freshwater Cirrhinus mrigala's liver and hematological markers. Fish for 28 days were exposed to two dosages of each type: 50 mg and 100 mg. The fingerlings in each experimental aquarium were twelve. Following CRD, hepatotoxicity was measured in a spectrophotometer Microlab 300® using the QCA diagnostic kit method for markers such as ALT and AST, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin. Hematological parameters were evaluated by CBC tests, which included hemoglobin, hematocrit, differential RBCs, WBCs, and platelets. One-way ANOVA was used to statistically examine the data. This study showed that both chemically produced cerium oxide nanoparticles and green cerium oxide had an effect on the liver and blood profile of Cirrhinus mrigala. Histopathological analysis revealed cellular deterioration and necrosis in the liver tissue. Hematological markers like white blood cell counts and hemoglobin levels showed notable variability in the blood profile. These results suggested that both kinds of nanoparticles may have toxicological consequences on fish.
Copyright (c) 2025 Iqra Aqram, Maryam Riasat, Rida Younas, Naureen Rana, NawazHaider Bashir, Muhmmad Naeem, Huanhuan Chen (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Clonorchis Sinensis and Its Pathobiological Impact on Human Health: A Comprehensive Review
Section: Reviews Categories: Zoonotic Zoology, Parasitology Keywords: Clonorchiasis, hepatobiliary disease, hepatic inflammation, human infection, pathogenesis, cholangiocarcinoma, foodborne trematode Subjects: Parasitology Disciplines: Zoonotic Zoology Clonorchiasis remains an important food-borne parasitic disease associated with hepatobiliary complications and long-term health consequences. Despite its public health significance, infections are often underdiagnosed due to mild or nonspecific symptoms. This review aims to summarize the epidemiology, life cycle, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and current strategies for the prevention and treatment of clonorchiasis. After ingestion, the parasite migrates to the bile ducts where it matures and can persist for many years. Mild infections may remain asymptomatic, whereas moderate to severe infections can cause hepatobiliary disorders such as abdominal pain, fatigue, bile duct obstruction, jaundice, and hepatomegaly. Clonorchis sinensis can infect a variety of mammals including humans, cats, dogs, pigs, and other piscivorous animals, which serve as reservoir hosts. Chronic infections may remain undetected for decades, contributing to delayed diagnosis and mismanagement. Accurate diagnosis can be achieved through microscopic, serological, and molecular methods. Prevention and control strategies include improved sanitation, food safety practices, public health education, and chemotherapy. Early diagnosis, effective treatment with antiparasitic drugs such as praziquantel, and strengthened preventive measures are crucial for controlling clonorchiasis in endemic regions. Enhanced public awareness and implementation of comprehensive health strategies can substantially reduce the burden of this neglected parasitic infection.
Copyright (c) 2026 Asra Nawab, Dr. Ghulam Murtaza, Iqra Moomina, Bareera Fatima, Shazia Parveen, Nimra Akhtar (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Integration of GIS and Remote Sensing for Studying Environmental Impacts on Invertebrate Biodiversity of Different Districts of Punjab
Section: Articles Categories: Environmental Zoology, Ecology , Entomology Keywords: ecological monitoring, invertebrate biodiversity, GIS, Remote Sensing Subjects: ecological monitoring, GIS, invertebrate biodiversity, land use change, remote sensing Disciplines: Entomology, Ecology, Environmental Zoology The rapid environmental fluctuations occurring across various districts of Punjab have raised concerns regarding their impact on invertebrate biodiversity, which plays a vital role in maintaining ecological balance. This research aims to inspect the influence of environmental factors on invertebrate diversity using the combined application of Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing, addressing the deficiency of spatial biodiversity calculations in the region. Field-based biodiversity surveys were conducted to collect species data, which was then analyzed alongside satellite imagery and spatial datasets to identify areas facing ecological stress due to anthropogenic activities. GIS tools were used to map land use and land cover changes, while remote sensing helped in detecting environmental transformations such as urban expansion, deforestation, and habitat fragmentation. Evaluation was based on species occurrence and richness patterns observed across selected sites. The findings revealed a noticeable decline in invertebrate diversity in regions with high human-induced disturbances and land use conversion. The study concludes that GIS and RS are effective tools for monitoring biodiversity patterns and can support conservation planning in biodiversity-sensitive areas. Future research could expand this framework by incorporating long-term monitoring and species-level ecological modeling.
Copyright (c) 2025 Rabia Yousaf Yousaf Ali Shahid, Maryam Riasat, Iqra, Naureen Rana, Tehreem Shakoor, Nawaz Haider Bashir, Muhammad Naeem, Nawaz Haider Bashir (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Aphids fauna (Aphidoidea: Hemiptera) and their host association of Al Bahah Province, Saudi Arabia
Section: Articles Categories: Ecology , Entomology Keywords: Aphids, Aphidoidea, biodiversity, Al Bahah Province, host plants Subjects: Insect biodiversity, Agricultural entomology, Entomology, biodiversity, Aphids Disciplines: Entomology, Applied Zoology, Conservation, Conservation Biology, Entomology. Aphid habitats are aplenty in the Al Bahah Province, Saudi Arabia because of the abundance of native and introduced plants there and the region's moderate temperature. But no prior surveys of aphids from the province have been conducted. Fifty-five aphid species from 30 genera were identified. Six aphid species namely, Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas, 1878), Brachycaudus rumexicolens (Patch, 1917), Uroleucon sonchi (Linnaeus, 1767), Brachycaudus helichrysi (Kaltenbach, 1843) and Myzus persicae (Sulzer, 1776) were the most prevalent aphid species according to the quantity of samples gathered. In this research, 102 species of host plants for aphids were identified, comprising 82 genera. The most frequent aphid hosts plant during the recent findings were species of the Asteraceae, Chenopodiaceae, Euphorbiaceae, Fabaceae, Poaceae, and Solanaceae families. Aphid species varied from one to six in number per plant host species. There is a key provided for identifying the different kinds of aphids in KSA.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sabir Hussain, Muhammad Naeem, Muhammad Rafiq Shahid, Zainab Baloch, Javed Iqbal, Jahansher Qambrani, Manzoor Ahmed, Huanhuan Chen (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Assessing the Role of Light and Bioclimatic Factors in the Distribution and Abundance of Nocturnal Insects in Urban and Semi-Urban Areas of Faisalabad and Sahiwal
Section: Articles Categories: Environmental Zoology, Entomology, Applied Zoology and Conservation, Invertebrate Zoology Keywords: Canonical correspondence analysis, nocturnal insects, light pollution, bioclimatic variables, species diversity Subjects: Nocturnal insects, Light pollution, Bioclimatic variables, Urban biodiversity, Insect distribution, Species Abundance and Distribution, Environmental gradients, Semi-urban habitats, Urbanization effects, Insect ecology Disciplines: Conservation Biology, Invertebrate Zoology, Urban Ecology, Environmental Zoology, Ecology, Entomology The influence of light pollution and bioclimatic factors on nocturnal insect diversity is key knowledge for biodiversity conservation in fast urbanizing areas. Here we assess whether artificial light intensity and environmental variability, including abiotic and biotic variables, drive nocturnal insect community composition in two contrasting regions: Faisalabad (urban) and Sahiwal (semi-urban), Punjab, Pakistan. Spodoptera litura, Helicoverpa armigera, Plusia orichalcea, and Gryllus bimaculatus were the key species whose abundance was significantly affected by the light intensity, while the others had weak or no significant responses with the increase in light intensity, as revealed by regression analysis. Results Boxplots and scatterplots showed higher variability of light pollution and lower species richness in Faisalabad, and a weak negative trend between Shannon Diversity Index and light intensity promote that light pollution might help in biodiversity losses. By using multivariate analyses such as Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA), each region was found to have a unique composition of species and environmental factors. The higher degree of environmental heterogeneity in Faisalabad was most likely driven by urbanization-related processes such as habitat fragmentation and change in local microclimates. Correlation heatmaps and hierarchical clustering additionally emphasized this complexity in species interactions and species interactions with environmental variables. These results highlight the relative importance of environmental heterogeneity and light pollution as local-scale drivers of nocturnal insect diversity. Our study highlights the need to manage increasing light pollution and environmental heterogeneity to promote insect conservation, particularly in urbanizing landscapes. This knowledge provides clearer understanding in the impacts of anthropogenic change on nocturnal ecosystems and informs urban and biodiversity management moving forward.
Copyright (c) 2025 Hafsa Adil, Maryam Riasat, Rida Younas, Nawaz Haider Bashir, Muhammad Naeem, Huanhuan Chen (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
Biodiversity and Relative Abundance of Insects Fauna in different Crops of Kamalia Region, Pakistan
Section: Articles Categories: Entomology Keywords: Biodiversity, species richness, abundance, Shannon index, Simspons Index Subjects: Insect Biodiversity, Agroecosystem Entomology, Species Abundance and Distribution, Insect Fauna in Crops, Applied Entomology, Agricultural Ecology, Invertebrate Zoology Disciplines: Entomology This study examines insect biodiversity across 28 locations in Kamalia using key ecological indices—Species Richness, Shannon Index, and Simpson Index—to assess species distribution and diversity. The findings highlight significant variations in biodiversity, with areas like the Forest area, Chak No. 740 GB Kamalia exhibiting high species richness and a balanced ecosystem, whereas urbanized locations such as Govt. Girls High School 713 GB Kamalia show lower diversity, dominated by species like Aedes aegypti and Periplaneta americana. The study underscores the impact of human activities, including urbanization, pollution, and habitat fragmentation, on insect populations. It also identifies both beneficial species, such as Apis mellifera linnaeus, and pest species, indicating a complex ecological balance. Key limitations include sampling biases and the exclusion of seasonal variations. To address these gaps, future research should incorporate broader geographic sampling and long-term monitoring. The study emphasizes the need for targeted conservation strategies and sustainable habitat management to preserve biodiversity. Encouraging green spaces and community-based research can help mitigate biodiversity loss. These findings provide valuable insights for researchers, conservationists, and policymakers aiming to balance ecological stability with sustainable development in Kamalia’s diverse ecosystems.
Copyright (c) 2025 Sabahat Farooq, Maryam Riasat, Junaid Raza, Rida Younas, Naureen Rana, Tehreem Shakoor, Nawaz Haider Bashir, Muhammad Naeem, Huanhuan Chen (Author) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0