Bioecology and conservation of the birds of hingol national park, balochistan

The studies were undertaken during the period 2006 to 2009 to record the distribution and status of the birds of Hingol National Park [HNP]. The main habitats of birds were found to be the coastal / estuaries areas, valleys, plains, desert areas, riverine, riparian areas and the near about of cultivation and human settlements. The important bird sites included Aghor area, Hingol River, Sapat, Sanguri, Kukri Bhent, Dhrun and Rodaini Kachho. A total of 158 species of birds were recorded, and bird fauna comprised of waterbirds, birds of prey, game birds, passerines and other birds [Parakeet, Nightjar, Swifts, Kingfishers, Bee Eaters, Roller, Hoopoe and Woodpecker]. The common species during the season were found to be Black Kite, Grey Partridge, Common Quail, Blue Rock Pigeon, Ring Dove, Little Brown Dove, Large Cormorant, White Pelican, Flamingo, Common Teal, Shoveller, Coot, Blackwinged Stilt, Kentish Plover, Redwattled Lapwing, Dunlin, Little Stint, Roseringed Parakeet, House Swift, Small Green Bee-eater, Greater Short-toed Lark, Brown-throated Sand Martin, Barn Swallow, White Wagtail, White-cheeked Bulbul, Common Babbler, House Crow, House Sparrow, Sind Jungle Sparrow, Sind Yellow throated Sparrow and Blackheaded Bunting. The threatened species of birds recorded in the HNP include Laggar Falcon, Pallas's Fishing Eagle, Imperial Eagle, Lesser Kestrel, Egyptian Vulture, Indian White backed Vulture, Painted Stork and Sociable Lapwing. 16 key species of birds were recorded based on park healthy conditions or integrity.viz, Grey Pelican, White Pelican, Dalmatian Pelican, Greater Flamingo, Sociable Lapwing, Crab Plover, Great Stone Plover, Black Ibis, Grey Partridge, See-see Partridge, Houbara Bustard, Sooty Gull, Imperial Eagle, Pallas's Fishing Eagle and Brown headed Raven. The key sites for birds such as Aghor, Hinglaj, Khundarch, Hingol River and the estuarine area may be conserved and developed as Bird watching sites

Determination of induced effect of pesticide chlopyrifos [organophosphate] on skin of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis

Investigations were carried out on the effects of pesticide Chlorpyrifos [organophosphate] on skin of adult frogs of Euphlyctis cyanoplyctis. The effects of pesticide were observed on frog's skin during 90 days after the treatment. Study of skin cells was carried out by sectioning of fixed tissue by Paraffin Section Technique. The results obtained in the long-term experiment showed that under the effects of chlorpyrifos sections examined reveal skin covered fibrocollagenous tissue exhibiting areas of necrosis and aggregate of mild chronic inflammation, pigment containing basal keratinocytes were identified in epidermis. Variable size measured fibers with degenerated and regenerative changes also noted. A few fiber stain internalization took place in collection of chronic and non stapile inflammatory cells along with tissue necrosis. Chronic granulomatous inflamation is not identified. However, histolytic collision has been found. No evidence of malignancy was observed

Adverse effects of some selected agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals in aquatic environment with reference to amphibians and fish

The agrochemicals and pharmaceutical effluents released into the aquatic environment without toxicological risk have the abilities to disrupt the function of endocrine systems. A number of aquatic species are being exposed to small amount of everything from Prozac to perfume to birth control pills that make their way into rivers and streams. Some antidepressants drugs cause development problems in fish, and metamorphosis delays in frogs. The health of amphibians can suffer from exposure to pesticides because of their semi permeable skin, the development of their eggs and larvae in water, and their position in the food web, amphibians can be exposed to waterborne and airborne pollutants in their breeding and foraging habitats. Some studies have shown that several frogs, toads and other amphibian species, especially at their more vulnerable larval stages, can be highly susceptible to fairly low levels of nitrate and nitrite exposure. When exposed to moderate amounts of nitrates and nitrites, some tadpoles and young frogs reduced their feeding activity, swam less vigorously, developed physical abnormalities, suffered paralysis and eventually died. Several agrochemicals reduced the cholinesterase activity of frogs. Some results reported that the trout absorb waterborne pyrene through the branchial and dermal routes