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A study was conducted on community structure, ecology, and conservation issues of the avifauna of two human-dominated landscapes in a lower Ganges Madhukhali Upazila, under the Faridpur district during the COVID-19 pandemic period. Direct field observations were made from April 2020 to March 2021. In total, 109 species of birds belong to 18 orders, and 49 families were observed, with a total count of 5,453 individuals. Resident bird species (93 species, 85.32%) dominant in the study area, whereas the migratory species were only 16 (14.68%). The highest number of bird species (93 species, 85.32%) with the highest number of individuals (n=3171, 58.15%) was observed in Beleswar (rural site) area. Shannon diversity index value (H=3.89, Ds= 0.9724) was higher in the rural site than Madhukhali municipal area (urban site). In the winter season, the highest number of bird species (95 species, 87.15%) with the highest number of individuals (n=2303, 42.23%) was observed. Among micro-habitats, trees, particularly the native tree species, were the preferable sites for bird nesting, foraging, and roosting. Among birds, Acridotheres tristis was the most abundant species (n=316, 5.79%) in the study area, and an uneven distribution of species in the community structure was observed. The abundance of birds shows that 59 (54.12%) species were very common, 8 (7.33%) common, 9 (8.25%) uncommon, and 33 (30.27%) rare. Among the bird species, Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus was categorised as Near Threatened (NT), and the rest are Least Concerned (IUCN Bangladesh 2015). Illegal hunting of birds, especially waterbirds, is the major threat in the rural site. Preparing a proper management plan based on the baseline data is essential for protecting of avian diversity in the study area. J. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 48(1-2): 53-66, June-December 2022

A yearlong scientific study was conducted using direct field observation technique from November 2020 to October 2021 to investigate community structure, habitat preference, and conservation concerns of birds in the urban setting of Faridpur Sadar Upazila. A total of 168 species under 18 orders and 56 families were recorded and 6,551 individual of birds were counted. The order Passeriformes had the highest species richness (71 species, 42.26%) and abundance (n=3,831, 58.48%). Among the bird species, 48 species (29.58%) were migratory and the rest were resident. During the winter season, the highest number of bird species (156 species, 92.85%) and individuals (n= 2,960, 45.18%) were observed. The overall comparison of species richness and abundance for three seasons were significant. Pair-wise one-way ANOVA for species richness and abundance of birds shows significant differences between winter-rainy and summer-winter seasons.The diversity index showed the highest value in winter season. Analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) test showed a significant difference in birds communities among three-season. Among the 10 types of microhabitats surveyed, trees were the most used by the bird species (103 species, 61.31%) The highest 69 species (41.07%) were very common according to the observation status. The most abundant bird was Pycnonotus cafer with the highest relative abundance (5.15%). Bird hunting, trade, and habitat loss were the major threats for the survival of bird community in this area. Therefore, immediate initiatives are needed to implement for the conservation of bird and their habitats. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 31(2): 343-360, 2022 (July)

The current study was undertaken for the preliminary investigation of the analgesic, cytotoxic, antioxidant, and thrombolytic properties of the methanolic extract of Stachytarpheta cayennensis (Rich.) Vahl leaves. Both the central and peripheral analgesic action of the crude extract of methanol were significant and the analgesic effect increases with the increasing of dose and time with the pronounced effect at 600 mg/kg body weight. According to the brine shrimp lethality bioassay, the pet-ether soluble fraction (PESF) displayed notable cytotoxic action showing LC50 value (5.33 μg/ml) among the fractions as compared to the standard vincristine sulfate (0.452 μg/ml) and crude extract of the leaves contained a total phenolic content ranging from 18.68-145.98 mg of GAE/gm while revealing moderate thrombolytic activity. Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 26(1): 45-50, 2023 (January)

Derris scandens (Roxb.) Benth. (Family: Fabaceae), a recognized medicinal plant colloquially known as ‘Kalilata’ in Bangladesh, has been traditionally used as analgesic in Thailand. This study was intended to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial and membrane stabilizing potentials among the methanol extracts of D. scandens leaf and stem, and their fractionates. The stem and leaves of the plant were extracted by methanol separately and fractioned into aqueous, dicholoromethane (DCM), ethyl acetate and n-hexane soluble fractions. They were tested for antimicrobial activity by using the agar-well diffusion method where ciprofloxacin and fluconazole were used as references. The highest antimicrobial activity was observed against a Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli) by the DCM soluble fraction of the leaf and stem extracts with 20 mm and 15 mm zones of inhibition, respectively. The n-hexane soluble fraction of methanol extract of stem revealed weak to moderate antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive bacteria. The ethyl acetate soluble fractionates of methanol extracts of leaf and stem showed similar antifungal property against Saccharomyces cerevisiae with a zone of inhibition of 12 mm. The membrane stabilizing potential of the extractives was estimated based on the prevention of hemolysis of RBC prompted by hypotonic solution as well as heat. The n-hexane and DCM soluble fractions of both extracts showed around 75% inhibition of hypotonic solution- and heatinduced hemolysis. All in all, the extracts and several fractionates showed moderate antimicrobial and membrane stabilizing properties and further investigations are warranted to find out active phytoconstituents responsible for these properties. Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 26(1): 67-72, 2023 (January)

To scrutinize the present status of birds in a sub-tropical urban green space, a research work was conducted in Mymenshing City Corporation from November 2018 to October 2019 by direct field observations. Three green spaces were selected in the study area where in total 180 species of birds with 7,079 individuals were documented. Passeriformes had the highest species richness (76 species, 42.22%) and abundance (n = 4174, 58.96%). Bangladesh Agricultural University Campus Area (Site A) showed the highest diversity index value with the highest species richness (170 species, 94.44%) and abundance (n = 3261, 46.06%). Analysis of similarity (ANOSIM) test showed a significant difference in bird communities among three study sites. Cluster analysis showed that fallow land and agricultural land formed a large cluster which further formed another cluster with grassland, water-body, tree and urban settlements. Species richness and abundance across the seasons and study sites varied significantly. The highest avian diversity and abundance were observed in winter, particularly in January. Species richness and abundance for nine microhabitats showed significant variations where tree was mostly used microhabitat. The avian community of urban settlements and agricultural lands were highly correlated. These urban green spaces support 48 (26.67%) migratory birds in the study area. Pycnonotus cafér had the highest relative abundance (4.28%), Maximum observed bird species as the least concern and five species were threatened according to the national conservation status. J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2022, 8(2): 37-50

Dry fish is considered as a delicacy in the menu of many people of Bangladesh. The most economically important marine and freshwater dried fishes are ribbon fish, bombay duck, olive barb, pomfret, shrimp, etc. In this study, fresh ribbon fish sample was collected from Cox's Bazar and morphologically identified as ribbon fish. The collected fish was confirmed through a molecular technique using mitochondrial COI gene (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) to avoid morphological ambiguity, which is first reported data from Bangladesh. Partial sequence of this COI gene was amplified using a genus specific universal primer set. The target nucleotide sequence of COI gene was determined successfully with 616 bp length and the ribbon fish was identified as Eupleurogrammus sp. Within the amplified region GC and AT content were 45.5% and 54.5%, respectively. 16.88% interspecific polymorphism was observed when compared with other species under genus Eupleurogrammus collected from Gen Bank database. This sequence will be used as molecular bar code for authentic identification of Eupleurogrammus sp. at genus level. Bangladesh J. Zool. 50 (2): 231-238, 2022

Due to local people's misconceptions, a large number of wildlife species are facing threats in Bangladesh. From July 2017 to June 2021 a research work was conducted in Kashipur Union, under Barishal district of Bangladesh. In total, 191 vertebrate wildlife species were recorded. 141 species (74.35%) were bird, 18 species (9.42%) mammals, 17 species (8.90%) reptiles and 15 species (7.85 %) were amphibians. The largest diversity of animals (148 species) and their abundance (n=1477) were counted in winter. Bird species diversity was high in winter (H=4.699, Ds=0.989) with winter migrants (24 species). The summer season had the most evenness (E= 0.7652). Among them, 82 (42.93 %) species of wildlife were very common, 20 (10.47 %) common, 36 (18.32 %) uncommon and 54 (28.27 %) were few. An amphibian species Euphlyctis kalasgramensis had the highest (24.95 %) relative abundance; Hemidactylus frenatus (22.60 %) (reptile); Turdoides striata (3.23 %) (bird); and Rattus rattus (21.94 %) (mammalian) species. Among the observed wildlife species, 183 (95.81 %) were classified as least concern followed by 4 (2.09 %) near threatened, 2 (1.04%) vulnerable and only one (0.52%) endangered. J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2021, 7(2): 61-72

Venomous snakes are one of the most dreadful animals globally that kill their victims by injecting venoms (toxic substances) using fangs. However, snakes are being used for numerous vital life-saving purposes, including antivenom and traditional medicines, pain killers, cancer treatment, cardiac arrest, paralysis, arthritis, anti-ageing, and cosmetics to leather products, foods, display and research. This study was conducted to investigate the current status, challenges and prospects of snake farming in Bangladesh using self-structured questionnaires surveys. In this study, in total, 281 snakes belonging to 12 species i.e., common krait Bungarus caeruleus, banded krait B. fasciatus, greater black krait Bungarus niger, monocled cobra Naja kaouthia, spectacled cobra Naja naja, king cobra Ophiophagus hannah, russell's viper Daboia russelii, indian python Python molurus, common sand boa Eryx conicus, common cat snake Boiga trigonata, common wolf snake Lycodon aulicus and rat snake Ptyas mucosa were observed. This study also showed that the largest snake farm was at Patuakhali, where about 231 venomous snake individuals were reared, while 35 snakes were reared in Rajshahi farm, eight and seven snakes were reared in Rajbari and Gazipur farms, respectively. These snakes were collected from snake catchers/charmers and rescued from several places and nature. Snakes were fed on natural feeds (toad, frog, rat, and snake) and chickens. These farms had small to medium tin-shed building infrastructure with minimal facilities and used tanks, cages, and vivaria for snake rearing, breeding, and displaying. Snake farmers had not received any training, but some skilled snake handlers operated these farms. These snake farms did not keep managemental activities records and lack of proper design. These were not collected and preserved snake venom and were mainly involved in snake displaying. Although this study did not explore much information but snake farming may have great potential in Bangladesh; thus, more research is warranted on proper snake farming facilities. However, the government could be initiated the establishment of a modern and sophisticated snake farm for research, development, conservation, and venom collection including antivenom production and pharmaceutical purposes. Hence, the existing snake resources and skilled professionals may assist the government in snake farming activities. Bangladesh J. Zool. 50 (1): 121-133, 2022

not available Bangladesh J. Zool. 50 (1): 135-139, 2022

Litchi is a popular summer fruit in Bangladesh and the production of litchi is increasing day by day. However, the production procedure of litchi is not a problem free venture. The Meherpur district of Bangladesh is a suitable place for commercial cultivation of litchi. Thus, the present study was conducted to determine the status of litchi cultivation and to identify the problems confronted by the litchi growers of Meherpur Sadar and Mujibnagar upazila of Meherpur district, Bangladesh. Data were collected through a pre-tested interview schedule from 60 respondents selected by accidental sampling during May to June, 2019. Majority of the respondents (58.3%) belong to early initiation category of litchi cultivation (during 1996 to 2012) with early (3-5 years) fruit collection (51.7%). Most of the respondents (80.0%) allotted small area (up to 0.5 ha) of land for litchi cultivation; and 41.7% used low extent for litchi cultivation i.e., 40% of the potential area; and all the respondents belonged to continuous adoption category. Most of the respondents (80.0%) cultivate Bombai variety and 73.3% had moderate number (86-135) of plants in their orchard; and about one-third of the respondents (30.0%) maintain a spacing of 4.65m×6.20m in their litchi orchard. Two-fifth (40.0%) of the respondents harvested a moderate yield (1,00,001-2,00,000 fruits ha-1), however, most of the respondents (81.67%) argued that they get low price (up to 1,25,000 BDT ha-1) from their litchi orchards . Majority of the respondents (68.33%) reported that litchi fruit and shoot borer infest their orchard while the orchards of 45% respondents were infested by fruit rot disease. Majority of the respondents (68.3%) confronted medium extent of problems followed by low (18.3%) and high (13.4%) extent of problems. The most severe problems were lack of training on litchi cultivation and low shelf life of litchi as reported by all (100%) of the respondents. Among eleven selected socioeconomic characteristics of the respondents’ only farm size, annual income, cosmopolitanism and knowledge on litchi cultivation showed significant negative relationship with their problem confrontation. It might be concluded that proper, adequate and timely extension activities would minimize the extent of problems in litchi cultivation to ensure sustained higher yield in Bangladesh. South Asian J. Agric., 8(1&2): 20-28

Northern River Terrapin, Batagur baska, is an ecologically extinct species in Bangladesh. The ‘Project Batagur’ has undertaken some important initiatives to resuscitate the nearly deceased population through captive breeding at Bhawal National Park, Gazipur, Bangladesh. We conducted a study on breeding biology of B. baska from May 2016 to June 2017 in the project site. Four adult females and three adult males comprised breeding pair in the study site. Male Batagur baska developed black colouration on head and neck, with rich crimson on dorsal portion of the neck during breeding season. During our study, we observed paired basking behaviour rather courtship and parental care. We found three nests from mid-March to first week of April. Females laid eggs at night and a total of 67 eggs were extracted from three nests; eggs were elliptical and whitish in colour. Clutch size varied from 18 to 28 eggs. There was significant positive correlation between clutch size and nest diameter (p = 0.03). The relationship was also positive and significant between egg weight and diameter (p = 0.01).The size of the egg was not related with the size of breeding females (r = 0.143).Average incubation period was (68.26 ± 5.23) days and there was significant negative relationship with temperature (p= 0.000), clutch size (p = 0.001), and hatching success (p = 0.004). Hatching success was also negatively co-related with temperature (p= 0.001). Hatching started in May and ended in the first week of June 2017 with mean hatching success of 91%. Simple linear regression showed positive relationship between egg length and hatchlings’ carapace length, plastron length, and height. We also found positive relationship between egg diameter and hatchlings weight, and carapace width. This study can be used as a protocol for captive breeding and rearing activities of threatened chelonians around the world. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 31(1): 67-78, 2022 (January)

The species diversity and abundance of wildlife are the important indicators of a healthy ecosystem. A survey-based scientific study on species diversity, abundance and status of vertebrate wildlife was conducted from May 2015 to April 2016 at Sreepur upazila, Magura, Bangladesh. A total of 123 species of vertebrate wildlife was recorded during the 12 months of study period. Among them, eight species (6.5%) were amphibians, 13 (10.57%) reptiles, 84 (68.29%) birds and 18 species (14.64%) were mammals. Out of 84 species of birds, 45 (53.57%) were passerines and 39 (46.43%) non-passerines. Most of the observed birds (72 species, 85.72%) were resident and the rest 12 species (14.28%) were migratory. The highest number of wildlife species was observed in winter (108 species, 87.80%), particularly in December (62 species, 50.40%). The lowest number of species was recorded in June (33 species, 26.83%). Out of 123 species of vertebrate wildlife, three (2.44%) were very common, nine (7.32%) common, 26 (21.14%) fairly common and 85 (69.1%) were common. Of the total species, 117 (95.12%) species were least concern, five (4.06%) near threatened and one (0.81%) was endangered according to IUCN Bangladesh 2015. Implementation of conservation and management plan is required to save the wildlife in the study area. J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2021, 7(1): 51-62

Over past few years, people are giving more attention to air pollution and its effects on human health. Due to the high population density in Bangladesh, air pollution is a major issue in metropolitan areas, especially in Dhaka city. Present study aims to isolate air-borne microbes from the inside environment of public transport and different types of microbes that are frequently encountered by commuters when they touch the interior surfaces of vehicles used for public transport in Dhaka City. Atmospheric load of microorganisms was measured with petri dish which was kept open for 30 minutes in the sampling locations and swabs were taken from interior surfaces of vehicles. Air samples collected from both bus and railway stations showed a high atmospheric microbial count (total viable bacteria and total fungal count were 140 to 776 CFU/plate/30 min and 27 to 168 CFU/plate/30 min, respectively). A similar outcome was found after analysis of swab samples of the contact surfaces of the vehicles as well. A total of four bacterial pathogens were identified from the interior surfaces of the vehicle including Escherichia coli, Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp. and Vibrio spp. which are known to be associated with gastrointestinal tract infection. To manage and control the environmental health risks caused by air pathogens, an authorized governmental agency should do continuous monitoring of air quality to reduce the negative effects and impacts of air pathogens on human and animal health. This research has shown a great concern to health practitioners in developing countries because these are pathogens that are mostly resistant to the commonly available antibiotics used in the treatment of infection associated with these pathogens. Most importantly, we need to raise awareness among the public in order to reduce the load and spread of pathogenic bacteria in the environment. Stamford Journal of Microbiology, Vol.11 (1) 2021: 7-10

Zebrafish, Danio rerio belonging to the family Cyprinidae is one of the most important native ornamental model species used in fisheries research globally. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effects of sex ratio on the spawning of zebrafish and to observe the ovarian maturity in the laboratory condition. This experiment was conducted for 12 weeks in the glass aquaria (25×16×26 cm3 in size) and the zebrafish were reared in five different sex ratio treatments like -T1 (1m:1f), T2 (1m:2f), T3 (1m:3f), T4 (2m:1f) and T5 (3m:1f) and the fertilized eggs were collected daily from the aquaria. The results showed that mean number of eggs was found to be highest at T3 (821±67.11) and the average egg lay day interval was 1.9 days which significantly (p

As there is a resurgence of interest in plants as promising sources of new active pharmaceutical constituents, the present study has been designed to establish the preliminary biological activities of Blumea clarkei Hook.f. leaves. Here, the crude methanol extract of the leaves along with its organic and aqueous soluble fractions were subjected to different in vitro and in vivo assays. The ethyl acetate soluble fraction exhibited the highest total phenolic content (71.59 mg of GAE/gm of extract) and DPPH free radical scavenging (IC50 value 19.25 μg/ml) whereas another polar fraction; the aqueous soluble extractive showed the maximum cytotoxicity (LC50 value of 18.60 μg/ml) in the brine shrimp lethality assay. In membrane stabilizing activity evaluation, the inhibition of hypotonic solution and heat induced hemolysis were revealed maximum by the DCM (30.64%) and aqueous soluble fraction (39.15%), respectively while the crude methanol extract exhibited the highest thrombolytic potential (30.47% clot lysis). The central analgesic activity of the crude extract significantly increased the latent response time in tail-immersion method (p

The world has been encountering a COVID-19 pandemic since late 2019. The world’s people have also witnessed the free movement of wildlife, even in many urban areas in some countries during the imposed lockdown. We conducted research on the birds in the urban landscape of Jamalpur Sadar upazila from March 2020 to October 2020 during this pandemic situation. A total of 134 species of birds with 4338 individuals were recorded during the study period. The number of resident bird species was the maximum (115 species, 85.82%) compared to migrants. The highest number of birds was observed (120 species, 89.55%) and counted 2278 individual birds 52.51%) in the summer season. It was observed that the highest diversity of birds (89 species, 65.92%) was in March. The tree was the most (94 species, n = 2502) used microhabitat by birds in the study area. Among all birds, Pycnonotus cafer was the most abundant bird species with the highest relative abundance (6.11%). Some bird species (e.g. Metopidius indicus, Anastomus oscitans, Amaurornis phoenicurus, Streptopelia tranquebarica, Lonchura malacca) were frequently observed in the urban landscape of the study area during the pandemic. Proper management and awareness creation are essential for the conservation of the bird species in this area. Dhaka Univ. J. Biol. Sci. 30(2): 261-274, 2021 (July)

A study on diversity, status, and habitat preference of avifauna was conducted from November 2017 to October 2018 in Magura Sadar upazila, Magura. Data was collected through direct field observations using line-transect method. Field surveys were made for three days per month in both rural and urban sites. A total of 140 species of birds belonged to 18 orders and 48 families were reported. Among the total species, 55% (77 species) were non-passerines and 45% (63 species) passerines with the highest individuals were counted under order Passeriformes. Resident bird species were dominant (106 species, 75.71%) over migratory (34 species, 24.28%) species. Species richness was the highest in the rural areas (124 species, 88.57%) and occurrence was the highest in winter season (97 species, 69.29%). The maximum species were recorded from trees (87 species, 62.14%) as preferred habitat. In this study, in total 4,060 individuals of birds were counted and among them, 51.55% (n=2093) were observed in the rural areas and 48.45% (n=1967) were in the urban areas. The highest number of birds was found in December (10.34%, n=432) and seasonal abundance was the highest in winter (40.15%, n=1630). Abundance was the highest for Common Myna (5.76%, n=234) among all recorded species. Diversity indices showed that the bird species were the most diverse in the rural areas in the winter season and in July. Habitat diversity indices were the highest for trees and birds used different types of habitats at different times for roosting, breeding and feeding. Regarding the observation status, 29.28% species was very common, 4.28% common, 31.42% fairly common, and 35% were few. This baseline data indicate that this study site is significant from the ecological and conservation point of views. Therefore, further research is necessary to understand how this avian diversity is maintained in this ecological setting. Bangladesh J. Zool. 48(2): 441-456, 2020

The poultry selling and processing practices followed in the poultry wet markets of Bangladesh are always being overlooked unknowingly. The research was conducted to observe the existing scenario of poultry selling and processing practices at the selected wet markets located in the Gazipur City Corporation of Bangladesh. A total of 43 poultry selling shops were randomly selected and interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. It was surprising to observe the absence of female personnel and involvement of few (6.9%) people over the age of 50 years in the wet markets. All the persons engaged in poultry selling and processing had no institutional training. The shops found to be abstained from following some important practices such as feed withdrawal period, isolation of diseased birds, ante and post mortem inspection. The proper bleeding time (1-2) min was recorded in 58.2% cases. The killing cone was recognized as the best device in terms bleeding time. The 72.1% of the outlets never cleaned the carcass prior to deliver the customers. The absence of ante- and post-mortem inspections may cause a great threat of disease outbreak. Taken together, the poultry selling and processing practices followed in the wet market needs to be assessed carefully to deliver safe and quality meat to the customers. In addition, organizing basic training on pre-slaughter management and processing for both seller and processor and also ensuring the regular ante- and post- mortem inspection could improve the present situation in order to produce quality poultry meat. Progressive Agriculture 31 (3): 205-217, 2020

The use of antibiotics in the poultry and livestock industries for the treatment and prevention of infectious diseases, and as growth promoters in poultry feeds has increased worldwide. Such frequent employment of antibiotics may contribute to the development and dissemination of bacterial antibiotic resistance. The present study was an attempt to isolate drug-resistant bacteria and to screen the probability of having residual antibiotics in the poultry feed samples. Therefore, a total of 18 samples inclusive of starter, grower and finisher of two poultry feed brands of reputed Bangladeshi feed companies were collected and subjected to microbiological analysis, antibiogram and agar well diffusion assay. All the samples contained extended numbers of total viable bacteria and fungi in an average of 108 and 107 cfu/g, respectively. Klebsiellaspp., Pseudomonas spp. and Bacillus spp. were predominantly present in the tested samples. E. coli and Vibrio spp. were also found in most of the samples. Most isolates have been determined to be multidrug-resistant. All the isolates showed resistance against Cefuroxime. Penicillin resistance was found in most of the isolates in greater proportion. Higher rate of resistance was evident against Novobiocin, Cephradine and Rifampicin. However, the bacterial isolates showed sensitivity to Tobramycin, Nalidixic acid and Neomycin. The poultry feed samples, especially starter and finisher of both brands noticeably had significant antimicrobial activity against the laboratory isolates indicative of the probable presence of residual antibiotics which might be used as supplements in the poultry feed samples. Stamford Journal of Microbiology, Vol.10 (1) 2020: 30-34

Thunderstorm is a mesoscale system (from a km to below thousands of km and sustaining less than one hour). Two pre-monsoon thunderstorms events are analyzed in this study which are named as event-1 (0030-0150 UTC of 19 April 2018 over Chattogram) and event-2 (0600-1000 UTC of 4 May 2018 over Dhaka). To predict these events Mean Convective Available Potential Energy (mCAPE), Mean Convective Inhibition Energy (mCINE), K Index (KI), Total totals Index (TTI), wind distribution, and relative humidity (RH) are investigated.The model simulated mCAPE and mCINE values, 18 hours before the events, are found greater than 1700 J/Kg and less than 100 J/Kg respectively which satisfies the conditions for thunderstorms to occur.The KI values are close to 400C and TTI values are greater or equal to 450C for both events. The wind patterns and the high value of mid –tropospheric RH also favors the formation of severe thunderstorm. Dhaka Univ. J. Sci. 67(2): 151-156, 2019 (July)

Hemidactylus is a taxonomically complex genus and little is known about its feeding and breeding behavior in Bangladesh. Most of the species of this genus have a preference to live within human habitations, and play an important role in ecosystem, controlling insect pest population. Their breeding strategy is almost similar with each other and associated with their body structure. Review of literature found that there is a relationship between life history pattern and their reproductive biology. They lay two eggs per clutch usually and the highest egg number (12) has been recorded for H. frenatus. Strong significant positive correlation (r = 0.91) was found for preclaocal-femoral pores and egg number. Besides, significant negative correlation was found for average female body size and egg number (r = 0.96). Previous work and observation records showed that feeding habit is almost similar among all species of Hemidactylus and dipteran insects were the mostly consumed food item. J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2019, 5(1): 77-84

Wildlife diversity (amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals) of Kashimpur Union in Gazipur Sadar Upazila under Gazipur district was studied from May, 2015 to March, 2016. A total of 110 species of wildlife belonging to 58 families under 19 orders were recorded. Among them, 6 (5.45%) species were amphibians, 14 (12.72%) reptiles, 72 (65.45%) birds and 18 (16.38%) were mammals. Among the amphibians, 5 (83.33%) species were frogs and only one (16.67%) was toad; of reptiles, 7 (50%) species were lizards, 5 (35.71%) snakes and 2 (14.29%) were tortoises. Of the birds, 39 (54.16%) species were passerines and remaining 33 (45.84%) were non-passerines. Resident status shows that 66 (91.62%) species were resident, 5 (7.00%) migrants and 1 (1.38%) species were vagrant. Among the mammals, 8 (44.45%) species were rodents, 4 (22.22%) flying mammals and 6 (33.33%) species were carnivorous mammals. The relative abundance shows that 10 (9.09%) species were very common, 24 (21.81%) common, 31 (28.19%) fairly common and 45 (40.91%) species were few. Considering the conservation status, 5 species were near threatened and 105 were the least concern nationally. According to Shannon-Wiener (H = 3.287) and Simpson's (D = 0.942) diversity indices, diversity of birds was higher than the other wildlife observed. Some potential threats on wildlife diversity were identified such as habitat degradation and fragmentation, expansion of agricultural lands and urbanization. Therefore, conservation and management are necessary in order to protect the diversity of existing wildlife and their population in the study area. Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 44(2): 101-115, December 2018

Correction: On 21st September 2018, the author 'Pravin Kumar Mishra' was changed to 'Pravin Mishra' - Editorial Board. The study has been directed to find out the occurrence of surgical affections in herbivorous zoo animals in National Zoological Garden, Dhaka, Bangladesh predicated on record books from 2012 to 2016. A total of 330 surgically affected animals were recorded. The overall occurrence of surgical affections was higher in Bovidae (34.85%) followed by Cervidae (25.45%), Equidae (13.94%), Cercopithecidae (10.61%), Giraffidae (4.85%), Elephantidae (4.55%) Hippopotamidae (4%), Rhinocerotidae (1.52%) and Macropodidae (0.61%). In this study, it is found a higher occurrence of surgically affected are male than female animals. The overall occurrence in male was 56.36% and those in female, it was 43.64%. In terms of different affections, the highest occurrence was wound (13.03% male, 16.67% female) and followed by lameness (14.55% in male, 11.82% in female), skin lesions (9.39% in male, 6.67% in female), myiasis (5.76% in male, 3.33% in female), Horn fracture 3.33% (Only in male), arthritis (2.42% male, 1.52% female), hoof injury (1.82% male, 1% female), abscess (1.52% male, 1.21% female), sore (0.61% male, 2.12% female), Fracture (1.21% male, 0.3% female), Paralysis (0.61% male, 0.3% female) and Corneal opacity (0.61% male, 0.3% female). This report may help to develop control strategies against major surgical affections reported in this study.Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.5(2): 209-214, August 2018

This study was carried out with a view to evaluating the effect of foliar application of urea on BRRI dhan29. The experiment was laid out in a RCBD design with seven treatments (T 1 : Full dose of prilled urea @ 140 Kg N ha -1 ) (control), T 2 (50% prilled urea + 5 foliar spray @ 0.5% N solution @ 5.5 kg N spray -1 ),T 3 (70% prilled urea + 3 foliar spray @ 0.5% N solution @ 5.5 kg N spray -1 ), T 4 (50% prilled urea + 3 foliar spray @ 1.0% N solution @ 11 kg N spray -1 ), T 5 (50% prilled urea + 5 foliar spray @ 0.5% N solution @ 5.5 kg N spray -1 + 5 t ha -1 cow dung), T 6 (70% prilled urea + 3 foliar spray @ 0.5% N solution @ 5.5 kg N spray -1 + 5 t ha -1 cow dung) and T 7 (50% prilled urea + 3 foliar spray @ 1.0% N solution @ 11 kg N spray -1 + 5 t ha -1 cow dung) and three replications. Soil and foliar application of nitrogen significantly influenced the growth and yield contributing characters like plant height, panicle length, and effective tillers hill -1 as well as the grain and straw yields of the crop. The treatment T 5 produced the highest grain yield (6.68 t ha -1 ) which was statistically similar to yield from T 7 , T 6 . Treatment T 2 ,T 3 and T 4 gave similar yield. The grain yields of these treatments were higher than those of T 1 treatment (soil application of urea only). The T 5 also produced the highest straw yield of the crop. The lowest grain yield of 4.72 t ha -1 and the lowest straw yield of 5.17 t ha -1 were recorded with T 1 (control). Res. Agric., Livest. Fish.3(1): 79-85, April 2016

Population morphometry including population demography, size group distribution, length weight relationship and sex ratio of an important freshwater fish, Colisafasciata was studied which collected fromJessore and Jhenaidah districts in Bangladesh during May, 2014 to April, 2015. Random samples of 201 individuals (108males and 93 females) were collected from different fish markets in Jessore (Monirampur, Borobazar, Chowgasa) and Jhenaidah (Mohespur, Barobazar, Kotchandpur) districst. The mean size of the specimen was recorded 65.08 ±14.32 mm in length and 7.43 ±3.09 g in body weight. Females were found little smaller than males. The specimens were larger in winter than summer and monsoon season. But in monsoon season the females were larger than males. The maximum length of the specimen collected from Jhenaidah district was smaller compare to the specimen of Jessore district. Most of the population (29%) was observed under 55-64 mm size class. Linear relationship was obtained between the log length (mm) and log weight (g) of the species in respects of sexes, seasons, and districts. The allometric coefficient ‘b’ of the relationship indicated negative allometric growth of the species as ‘b’ value was less than 3. The overall sex ratio (male: female=1:0.86)showed significant difference from the expected value 1:1. Overall males showed non-significant over females (?2 =1.119) in all season of both districts but in November males showed the significant (P

Social interactions of Hanuman langurs (Semnopithecus entellus) were studied from August, 2013 to July, 2014 at Keshabpur and Manirampur Upazila, Jessore, Bangladesh. The study was mainly based on direct field observations from dawn to dusk and data was collected through focal animal sampling in 10- minutes duration. During the study period seven groups of Hanuman langurs were found in urban and rural habitats. Eight behavioral activities like resting, feeding, grooming, moving, parental care, playing, submission and aggression were recorded. They interacted with each other through grooming, parental care, playing, submission and aggression. Social interactions varied in urban and rural habitats. Aggression was mostly observed in rural habitat and generally showed by the males. Adults were engaged in playing to encourage infants, juveniles and sub-adults. Significant seasonal variation of grooming was observed between age classes. Females were engaged more in grooming and parental care than males. Allomothering was also observed within a group. More submission was received by dominant males within a group. Langurs of focal groups spent 41.04% of their total activity budget in resting which was the highest activity followed by 33.75% in feeding, 11.73% in grooming, 4.87% in moving and 8.61% time for other activities.Bangladesh J. Zool. 42(2): 217-225, 2014