African Journal of Ecology and Ecosystems

African Journal of Ecology and Ecosystems ISSN 2756-3367 Vol. 12 (5), pp. 001-005, May, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Covariation Patterns Among Life-History Traits in Hyalella azteca and Orconectes virilis: A Comparative Analysis in Boreal Lake Ecosystems

R. L. France

1Integrated Environmental Management, Department of Engineering, NSAC, Truro, Nova Scotia, Canada.
2Faculty of Graduate Studies, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada.
3Center for Technology and the Environment, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.

E-mail: [email protected].

Accepted 19 March, 2025

Principal components analysis was used to determine the degree of covariance among life-history traits in eight populations of the amphipod Hyalella azteca and four populations of the crayfish Orconectes virilis inhabiting Canadian boreal lakes. Assumptions of tightly coupled traits which vary unidimensionally as a single fixed unit or "tactic" are untenable for these organisms. Instead, populations are characterized by an independence among demographic traits which contradict some established beliefs in life-history trade-offs. The degree to which organisms display traits which can vary independently will influence the resulting phenotypic flexibility of life history responses to varying environmental conditions and may dictate ranges of latitudinal distribution.

Key words: Amphipod Hyalella azteca, crayfish Orconectes virilis, life-history traits, independent variation.
 

African Journal of Ecology and Ecosystems ISSN 2756-3367 Vol. 12 (4), pp. 001-009, April, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Edaphic Factors and Herbaceous Diversity in Lower Dachigam National Park, Kashmir Himalaya: A Comparative Analysis

S. A. Shameem1*, N. Irfana Kangroo2 and G. A. Bhat2

1Division of Environmental Sciences, SKUAST-Kashmir, Srinagar (J&K) 191121, Ecology and Environment Division, Forest Research Institute University, Dehradun, Uttrakhand, India. 2Centre of Research for Development (CORD) / P. G. Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar (J&K), India.

Accepted 10 March, 2025

Assessment of edaphic features and herbaceous diversity was evaluated in two different sites (Site I, forest) and (Site II, pastureland) in the lower Dachigam National Park of Kashmir, Himalaya. The study was done on seasonal basis and the results revealed higher trend for edaphic factors at Site I (moisture content, 31.22%; organic carbon, 4.33% and total nitrogen, 0.33%). However, soil temperature varied from (6 to 25°C) at Site I. pH showed acidic (5.41, Site I) to nearly neutral kind of nature (6.91, Site II). Diversity index (H′) showed higher trend during summer season at both sites. Dominance index showed inverse relationship to diversity index (H′) at both sites. Richness index depicted maximum value in spring (Site I) and summer (Site II). Equability or evenness index showed highest value at Site I (winter) and Site II (summer). Comparatively average values showed higher trend at Site I in Shannon diversity (Site I = 2.655, Site II = 2.435), richness index (Site I = 3.297, Site II = 2.652) and equability index (Site I = 0.915, Site II = 0.852). Dominant species based on frequency and density at Site I were Fragaria nubicola, Poa annua, Stipa sibirica and Trifolium pratense whereas Site II was dominated by Cynodon dactylon, Origanum vulgare, Salvia moorcroftiana and Thymus serphyllum. Maximum similarities between the two communities were recorded in spring and minimum in winter season. The study concluded that seasons have great influence on edaphic factors and species diversity. During spring and summer season an increase in species diversity was observed which declined as autumn and winter approached due to multitude of factors. The study recommended urgent need for seasonal monitoring of soil characteristics and plant diversity in the two selected sites.

Key words: Dachigam, diversity, forest, grazing, seasons, species.
 

African Journal of Ecology and Ecosystems ISSN 2756-3367 Vol. 12 (4), pp. 001-005, April, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Microbial Analysis of Bunaea alcinoe: Assessing the Safety of an Edible Emperor Moth Caterpillar

W.    Braide1*, S. Oranusi1, L. I. Udegbunam1, O. Oguoma1, C. Akobondu1 and R. N. Nwaoguikpe2

1Department of Microbiology, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.
2Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, P. M. B. 1526, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria.

Accepted 5 March, 2025

An investigation into the microbiological status of processed caterpillar of a lepidopteran, Bunaea alcinoe revealed the presence of six genera of bacteria and three genera of moulds including one species of yeast. The microbial population of 4.49 × 107 (bacteria) and 9.5 × 106 (fungi) indicates contamination of the product. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus mirabilis are food contaminants with high protein contents. P. aeruginosa produce protease and lipase that catalysis reaction causing degradation of proteins and lipids respectively, resulting in an undesirable flavours in food products. P. mirabilis rarely give rise to food borne infections, but lowers the nutritional quality of contaminated foods. Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus and Escherichia coli produce various toxins associated with food infection and intoxication. Streptococcus mitis is involved in dental caries and periodontal disease when ingested in food. Aspergillus, Penicillium and Fusarium species elaborate lethal mycotoxins associated with carcinogenicity and nephrotoxicity in humans and animals. Majority of the isolates are soil borne and may have contaminated the product during harvest. Recontamination of the product could arise from poor handling, inadequate temperature of processing and exposure during sun drying. The use of modified atmospheric packaging system is strongly recommended to reduce moisture, microbial contamination and enhanced the shelf life of the nutritious product.

Key words: Edible, caterpillar, microbiological quality.
 

African Journal of Ecology and Ecosystems ISSN 2756-3367 Vol. 12 (4), pp. 001-005, April, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Forest Soil Ecology in Azerbaijan: An Ecological Assessment and Estimation

Ulviyya Mammadova

Institute of Soil Science and Agrochemistry of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Azerbaijan.
E-mail: [email protected].

Accepted 14 January, 2025

While afforestation is relevant in the study of the ecological state of forest soil, analyses of the soil samples and valuation of the soil types to obtain final yield class is important. Within the National State Afforestation Program, as the research object, the south-east slope of the big Caucasus has been chosen for checking up soils under woodland and woodless areas. After having taken soil samples in this zone, these samples were analyzed and the amount of humus, nitrogen, phosphorus and absorbed matters sum (AMS) have been determined for a hectare (t/ha). Formula (1) was applied to determine the soil fertility factor and mechanical composition quantity (t/ha). By the traditional soil valuation method, proposed by an academician, G. Sh. Mammadov, in comparison with the selected etalon soil type, other soil valuations were given by points. Formula (2) was used to obtain the final points of the soil type and subtypes: 1) The total amounts (t/ha) of the soil types and subtypes which were determined based on formula (1). As summary of the ecological estimation, the final main yield class points of soils was established due to calculation by formula (2) for all soil type and subtypes under woodland and woodless areas in Shamakhi region, situated in the very natural zone. The results obtained from the experiments and calculations, showed the present ecological state of the woodland and woodless soils, their fertility factor and mechanical composition.

Key words: Ecological estimation, main yield class, soil ecology, valuation of soil, valuation point, ecological safety, forest protection.
 

African Journal of Ecology and Ecosystems ISSN 2756-3367 Vol. 12 (4), pp. 001-009, April, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Grass Biomass and Hippopotamus Distribution: A Study of Population Density Along Zambia's Luangwa River

Wilbroad Chansa1*, Ramadhan Senzota2, Harry Chabwela3 and Vincent Nyirenda4

1Zambia Wildlife Authority, Directorate of Research, Planning, Information and Veterinary Services,
P/B 1 Chilanga, Zambia.
2Department of Zoology and Wildlife Conservation, University of Dar es Salaam, P. O. Box 35065,
Dar es Salaam Tanzania.
3Department of Biological Sciences, University of Zambia P. O. Box 32379, Lusaka, Zambia.
4    Directorate of Research, Planning, Information and Veterinary Services, P/B 1 Chilanga, Zambia.

Accepted 21 January, 2025

Hippopotamus is a selective nocturnal grazer consuming 50 kg of grass. Due to its large body size, it requires large areas of grass often exceeding 5 hectares within 2 to 5 km of the water body to maintain good body condition. In this study, hippo population size and density, grass biomass and grazing capacity were assessed in March 2008 along a 165 km stretch of the Luangwa River. The study area was subdivided into study blocks, A, B, C, D, E and F. Methods used were: river bank total counts, quadrat sampling and identification of all grass species, clipping of grass in a quadrat, drying of clipped grass at constant temperature of 70°C and weighing to obtain dry weight. Grazing capacity of the hippo was estimated based on grass biomass values obtained during the study. Hippo population density was then matched with grass biomass distribution along the study blocks A-H. Total primary production was 62, 800 kg with mean biomass per study block of 7, 850 kg /ha-1 (in 2008). Grazing capacity was 1 hippo/6 ha-1. Grass biomass varied significantly between river segments being higher in study blocks A, B and E and lower in study blocks C, D, F and G. Mean hippo density was 33 individuals/km stretch of the river. Hippo density was found to be above 33/km in study blocks A, B and E which had higher biomass and lower than 33/km in study blocks C, D, F and G. Hippo population density distribution was found to be influenced by grass species diversity and amount of biomass produced which also determined grazing capacity. In light of global climate change and changing rainfall patterns, more studies are required to determine the influence of rainfall on primary production and how this would affect the increase or decrease in hippo density and grazing capacity in the long-term.

Key words: Hippo, density, grazing capacity, grass biomass.
 

African Journal of Ecology and Ecosystems ISSN 2756-3367 Vol. 12 (4), pp. 001-005, April, 2025. Available online at www.internationalscholarsjournals.org © International Scholars Journals

Full Length Research Paper

Characterizing the Physico-chemical Properties of Jatropha curcas L. Seed Oil from Diverse Genetic Resources

K. T. Parthiban*, P. Selvan, M. Paramathma, S. Umesh Kanna, P. Kumar,

V. Subbulakshmi and S. Vennila

Forest College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Mettupalayam – 641 301, Tamil Nadu, India.

Accepted 16 January, 2025

Studies were carried out to assess seed physico-chemical properties of Jatropha curcas genetic resources. Twenty five seed sources of J. curcas investigated in the current study exhibited wide variation for seed physio-chemical properties. The chemical properties of seed sources indicated superiority of more number of seed sources for iodine value, cetane number and saponification value. Hence the J. curcas genetic resources tested in this current study could be the potential sources of raw material for biodiesel production.

Key words: Jatropha curcas, iodine number, saponification value.