Centre for Conservation and Research

Standardization of the herbal preparation is the process of standardizing the quality, consistency, and efficacy of products, aiming to evaluate their therapeutic properties. Analyzing the composition of herbal formulations is crucial for evaluating the quality, purity, safety, and effectiveness of drugs, as determined by the levels of their active ingredients. The current study aimed to establish a comprehensive pharmaceutical and analytical profile of the Ayurvedic poly-herbal Khadiradi Yoga churna, as described in Sahasra Yogam which contain 05 herbal ingredients. Raw material identification done and preparation of medicine was done according to authentic text. Organoleptic evaluation, physicochemical analysis, phytochemical analysis, Chromatographic tests, Heavy metal test, Microbial test were conducted according to Ayurveda Pharmacopeia of India (API) guidelines. Under quality and pharmacological significance, organoleptic evaluation showed traditional sensory attributes (color, odor, and taste). And under physicochemical key parameters; pH, moisture content, and total ash counts, extractive values tests were conducted and results align with API standards. glycosides, saponins, and phenolic compounds were identified as dominant compounds of the final product. TLC and HPTLC fingerprinting confirmed the presence of the main 06 ingredients, validating traditional composition. Absence of pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, comply with international standards and reflecting adherence to GMP. A critical safety concern was identified in heavy metal tests, regarding mercury contamination (Hg) 3.4 mg/kg) which is exceeding API acceptance limits (≤1mg/kg). Based on final results, while the Khadiradi yoga churna demonstrates and fulfil excellent phytochemical and microbial quality parameters, Hg contamination overshadows its therapeutic potential. Further market analysis for ingredients, environmental contamination analyses or analysis of manufacturing procedures should be conducted to identify root cause for high mercury contamination.

Abstract Electric fences are widely used in human–elephant conflict mitigation. However, elephants constantly challenge and overcome fences, which is a growing concern. We studied how elephants crossed the perimeter electric fence around the Udawalawe National Park (UWNP), Sri Lanka. Using camera traps, we monitored 18 fence posts and an open gate in the fence over 605 days from 2016 to 2019. Photographs of 3097 fence crossings were analysed to obtain demographic data for fence crossing elephants, crossing methods, and the daily and seasonal timing of fence crossing. We identified 77 adult males and 12 adult females that crossed the fence, which represent about 17% of the adult elephants in UWNP. Most of the crossings were through the open gate at night. Elephants used a variety of crossing methods, comprised of crossing at the open gate, at previously toppled posts, by crashing through wires and stepping over wires, as well as by using the trunk or forefeet to topple posts. Fence voltage was not a determinant of fence crossing. The frequency and timing of fence crossings varied between locations with later exits and less time spent outside, at crossing points bordering human dominated areas. Our results emphasis on the importance of taking into account the problem solving abilities of elephants in fence design and location, such as energising fence posts and constructing exclosure fences at the boundaries of crop fields and settlements, in employing electric fences to mitigate human‐elephant conflict.

Background: The study examines alloparental care and adoption in the Sri Lankan leopard population at Yala National Park, Sri Lanka. Using the Multi Point Leopard Identification Method, it documents a remarkable instance: a leopard cub [YM 67] initial

ABSTRACTThe black‐footed cat, a small felid endemic to southern Africa, is particularly vulnerable to killing by larger carnivores while also being prone to developing renal diseases. Here, we investigated the effect of predator control on black‐footed cat populations by comparing adult annual survival between two sites, a nature reserve with little predator management and a sheep and game farm where jackals and caracals were lethally controlled. Although relatively low, survival rates were similar for both sites, suggesting that intraguild killing did not have an additive effect on black‐footed cat mortality. Disease was however prevalent and weakened individuals might have a reduced ability to evade predators.

Abstract Mangroves are a critical coastal habitat that provides a suite of ecosystem services and supports livelihoods. We undertake the first global analysis to estimate density and abundance of 37 commercially important fish and invertebrates that are known to extensively use mangroves. Geomorphic mangrove type, sea surface salinity and temperature, and length of mangrove forest edge were important in predicting the density of commercial fish and invertebrates, with deltaic systems supporting the highest densities. The model predicted high densities throughout parts of southeast Asia, the northern coast of South America, the Red Sea, and the Caribbean and Central America. Application of our model onto the global mangrove extent, estimates that mangroves support the annual abundance of nearly 800 billion young-of-year fish and invertebrates contained in our model. Our results confirm the critical role of mangroves globally in supporting fish and fisheries, and further builds the case for their conservation and restoration.

Cardiovascular diseaseis the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in zoologically managed adult great apes, accounting for 29%-77% of adult deaths in the North American population depending on the species. In an effort to better understand the underlying causes of heart disease, implantable loop recorders (ILRs) have been used in some cases to monitor great apes with suspected or known cases of arrhythmia. This is a 10-year review of the Great Ape Heart Project's experience of implanting 21 ILRs in 7 gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla; 9 total ILR devices), 5 chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes, 11 total ILR devices), and 1 orangutan (Pongo abelii, 1 ILR device) in an effort to develop effective methods for surgical implantation and remote collection of the data for analysis.

Abstract ObjectivesHair (i.e., pelage/fur) is a salient feature of primate (including human) diversity and evolution—serving functions tied to thermoregulation, protection, camouflage, and signaling—but wild primate pelage evolution remains relatively understudied. Specifically, assessing multiple hypotheses across distinct phylogenetic scales is essential but is rarely conducted. We examine whole body hair color and density variation across Indriidae (Avahi, Indri, Propithecus)—a lineage that, like humans, exhibits vertical posture (i.e., their whole bodies are vertical to the sun).Materials and methodsOur analyses consider multiple phylogenetic scales (family‐level, genus‐level) and hypotheses (e.g., Gloger's rule, the body cooling hypotheses). We obtain hair color and density from museum and/or wild animals, opsin genotypes from wild animals, and climate data from WorldClim. To analyze our data, we use phylogenetic generalized linear mixed models (PGLMM) using Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms.ResultsOur results show that across the Indriidae family, darker hair is typical in wetter regions. However, within Propithecus, dark black hair is common in colder forest regions. Results also show pelage redness increases in populations exhibiting enhanced color vision. Lastly, we find follicle density on the crown and limbs increases in dry and open environments.DiscussionThis study highlights how different selective pressures across distinct phylogenetic scales have likely acted on primate hair evolution. Specifically, our data across Propithecus may implicate thermoregulation and is the first empirical evidence of Bogert's rule in mammals. Our study also provides rare empirical evidence supporting an early hypothesis on hominin hair evolution.

Abstract Traditional cultural beliefs influence perceptions of animals and can result in persecution of wildlife. In Africa, stigmas against species associated with witchcraft can act as a barrier to the uptake of sustainable practices such as reducing crop damage through reliance on indigenous predators rather than pesticides to control rodent agricultural pests. One way of enhancing perceptions of wildlife to increase participation in ecologically based rodent management schemes is through environmental education. Low‐intensity programs can produce positive attitudinal shifts, but their impact has not been assessed for species strongly associated with witchcraft. We tested whether a presentation on the natural history of owls in the Limpopo Province of South Africa could improve perceptions of these species and increase willingness to participate in the installation of owl boxes to increase owl populations and reduce rodent populations and crop damage. We used a pre‐ and post‐survey to assess the perceptions of owls of 340 learners aged between 12 and 18 in four schools before and after listening to the presentation. Respondents that watched the presentation had more positive perceptions of owls than those that had not watched the presentation and were more willing to put up owl boxes near their home. Despite this shift, negative perceptions of owls still dominated responses due to cultural associations with the occult. These findings indicate that even low‐intensity programs can be effective at enhancing perceptions of taboo wildlife. We suggest that environmental education programs featuring culturally taboo species should adopt a culturally sensitive approach to focus on the benefits these species provide.

A 21-year-old male southern rockhopper penguin (Eudyptes chrysocome) was presented with a chronic history of intermittently decreased appetite, lethargy, and regurgitation. On the external physical examination, the bird was determined to be in fair-to-thin body condition with the complete blood count and plasma chemistry panel being largely unremarkable. Full-body radiographic images were considered normal, and gastroscopy showed only mild gastritis and duodenitis. The penguin was euthanatized shortly thereafter due to acute onset of respiratory distress. During the gross necropsy examination, the bird had severe airsacculitis with thick, yellow-to-tan, moist granular plaques adhering to the surface of many air sacs, as well as regional contiguous pneumonia. Intralesional acid-fast bacilli were observed in histologic sections of air sac tissue, and polymerase chain reaction of the affected air sacs was positive for Mycobacterium fortuitum. This clinical case study describes mycobacteriosis in a sub-Antarctic penguin and to the best of the authors' knowledge, the first reported isolation of M fortuitum from a penguin.

Il est de plus en plus attendu des projets de développement qu’ils quantifient et atténuent pleinement leurs impacts sur la biodiversité avec pour objectif général « l’absence de perte nette » (no net loss) ou un « gain net » (net gain) de biodiversité. Or, chercher à atteindre ces objectifs en matière de biodiversité peut également affecter les populations qui dépendent de la biodiversité, de ses usages et des valeurs qui lui sont attribuées. Même si les impactssociaux sont aussi et de plus en plus pris en compte et atténués par les projets, ceux qui découlent de l’atténuation des impacts sur la biodiversité sont souvent sous-valus etinsuffisamment pris en compte. Ce document met en exergue les principes fondamentaux pour la mise en oeuvre de bonnes pratiques pour la prise en compte optimale des impacts sociaux résultant des pertes et des gains de biodiversité du fait d’un projet de développement et de son application de la hiérarchie d’atténuation. Il vise à:• Définir les effets sociaux mesurables de la mise en oeuvre de la hiérarchie d’atténuation pour la biodiversité.• Fournir un cadre pour s’assurer de la bonne intégration des aspects sociaux dans la mise en oeuvre de la compensation pour la biodiversité, conformément aux bonnes pratiques.• Faciliter, tout au long d’un projet, la collaboration étroite entre toutes les parties prenantes impliquées dans l’atténuation et la compensation des impacts sur la biodiversité, et en en particulier entre les spécialistes environnementaux et sociaux. Les principes énoncés dans ce document s’appuient sur les bonnes pratiques internationales par lesquelles les projets de développement doivent démontrer une absence de perte nette ou un gain net de biodiversité, tout en s’assurant que les populations affectées ne soient au final pas moins mais de préférence mieux loties par rapport à leur situation de référence. Ils proposent des objectifs de grande qualité en la matière, ce qui, dans la pratique, peut s’avérer être ambitieux pour certains projets. Ils s’appuient sur la littérature et les guides et directives existantes, et sur la synthèse d’une grande diversité de points de vue exprimés au cours d’un processus de consultation approfondi. Nous nous attendons néanmoins à ce qu’ils fassent l’objet de nouvelles améliorations lorsqu’ils seront testés sur le terrain. Les auteurs sont preneurs de toute remarque constructive en ce sens. Ainsi, les projets de développement visant l’absence de perte nette ou le gain net de biodiversité devraient toujours se fixer pour objectif que :Les populations considèrent que les composantes de leur bien-être affectées par les pertes et les gains de biodiversité sont au moins aussi bonnes à la suite du projet de développement et des mesures visant l’absence de perte nette ou le gain net de biodiversité que si le projet n’avait pas été mis en oeuvre.