Population Density, Habitat Characteristics and Preferences of Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) in Chakwal, Pakistan

The Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a least concern carnivore according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (2016). However, in Pakistan Red fox is considered as Near Threatened (NT), due to habitat destruction and depletion of food resources. The objective of the study was to identify habitat preferences and population density of Red fox in District Chakwal, Pakistan. Line transect census method was used to estimate the population density of Red fox through direct sighting and indirect method of burrow counting, presence of footprints and scats. A total of 10 transects were carried out at three potential sites: Devi, Photaki and Chumbisurla Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS) in Chakwal based on preliminary surveys. Habitat preference was estimated by comparing three different study sites by quadrat method and found that CWS area is preferred habitat for Red fox. A total of 24 plant species were recorded in the study areas, among them Cynodon dactylon is major herb found to provide shelter to Red fox in all study sites based on Importance value Index (I.V.I) at CWS (IVI=208.8) followed by Devi (IVI=185.93) and Photaki (IVI=142.33). The maximum population density of Red fox through direct sighting at CWS having 0.26 individuals/km2 compared to Devi and Photaki having 0.16 and 0.13 individuals/km2, respectively. The indirect estimation method revealed that maximum dens were found in CWS area compared to Devi and Photaki, while footprints and scats were found maximum in Devi and Photaki, respectively. It is concluded that Red fox preferred habitat is CWS site. Habitat destruction and conflicts with fox are causing the population of the Red fox to dwindle in Chakwal, Pakistan

In Vitro Supplementation of Glycine Improves Quality of Cryopreserved Bull Semen

The extender supplementation of glycine on quality of cryopreserved bull sperm was reported in current study. Three adult Sahiwal bulls was used for semen collection by artificial vagina having 42°C (three weeks) (replicates; n=18)). Collected semen was quickly shifted to laboratory for initial evaluation. Qualified semen ejaculates (>60% motility, >1mL volume, >0.5billion/mL cons.) was diluted in tris extender having 0 (control), 5, 10 and 15 and 20mM of glycine. Cooling of extended semen to (4℃) was done in 2 hours and kept for 4 hours for equilibration. French straws were used for filling at (4℃), liquid nitrogen used for freezing. Highest percentages of post thaw sperm progressive motility and acrosome integrity were observed in extender containing 5mM of glycine compared to other treatments and control (P<0.05). However, glycine supplementation in extender didn’t affect viability, chromatin integrity and plasma membrane integrity of bull sperm. In conclusion, glycine addition at 5 mM in extender improves quality of cryopreserved bull semen

Population Density, Habitat Characteristics and Preferences of Red Fox (Vulpes vulpes) in Chakwal, Pakistan

The Red fox (Vulpes vulpes) is a least concern carnivore according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (2016). However, in Pakistan Red fox is considered as Near Threatened (NT), due to habitat destruction and depletion of food resources. The objective of the study was to identify habitat preferences and population density of Red fox in District Chakwal, Pakistan. Line transect census method was used to estimate the population density of Red fox through direct sighting and indirect method of burrow counting, presence of footprints and scats. A total of 10 transects were carried out at three potential sites: Devi, Photaki and Chumbisurla Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS) in Chakwal based on preliminary surveys. Habitat preference was estimated by comparing three different study sites by quadrat method and found that CWS area is preferred habitat for Red fox. A total of 24 plant species were recorded in the study areas, among them Cynodon dactylon is major herb found to provide shelter to Red fox in all study sites based on Importance value Index (I.V.I) at CWS (IVI=208.8) followed by Devi (IVI=185.93) and Photaki (IVI=142.33). The maximum population density of Red fox through direct sighting at CWS having 0.26 individuals/km2 compared to Devi and Photaki having 0.16 and 0.13 individuals/km2, respectively. The indirect estimation method revealed that maximum dens were found in CWS area compared to Devi and Photaki, while footprints and scats were found maximum in Devi and Photaki, respectively. It is concluded that Red fox preferred habitat is CWS site. Habitat destruction and conflicts with fox are causing the population of the Red fox to dwindle in Chakwal, Pakistan

Comparison of extenders for liquid storage of Indian Red Jungle Fowl (Gallus gallus murghi) spermatozoa

This study was designed to evaluate a range of avian semen extenders for liquid storage of Indian Red Jungle Fowl (Gallus gallus murghi) spermatozoa at 5 °C. Semen was collected from 8 mature trained cocks and processed in the Beltsville Poultry, Turkey, Lake, EK, Tselutin Poultry and Chicken semen extenders for storage at 5 °C. Semen quality parameters viz, motility (%), plasma membrane integrity (%), livability (%) and acrosomal integrity (%) were assessed at 0, 3, 6, 24 and 48 hours of storage. A time dependent decrease was observed in motility, plasma membrane and acrosomal integrity in all experimental extenders during the storage period. However, the Turkey semen extender was found significantly (P<0.05) superior for protecting all aforementioned semen quality parameters compared to the Beltsville Poultry, Lake, EK, Tselutin Poultry and Chicken semen extenders. It is concluded that the Turkey semen extender can be used efficiently for the liquid storage of Indian Red Jungle Fowl spermatozoa at 5 °C

Cryopreservation of Indian Red Jungle Fowl (Gallus gallus murghi) spermatozoa: a first approach

Cryopreservation of Indian Red Jungle Fowl ([i]Gallus gallus murghi[/i]) spermatozoa: a first approac

Cryopreservation of Indian red jungle fowl (Gallus gallus murghi) semen with polyvinylpyrrolidone

The Indian red jungle fowl is a sub-species of the genus Gallus native to South Asia; facing high risk of extinction in its native habitat. During cryopreservation, permeable cryoprotectants like glycerol are usually employed and we previously showed encouraging results with 20% glycerol. Because bird spermatozoa contain very little intracellular water, the possibility of replacing an internal cryoprotectant by an external one is opened. In the present study, we tested the replacement of internal cryoprotectant glycerol by the external cryoprotectant Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). PVP is a non-permeable cryoprotectant and keeps the sperm in glassy state both in cooling and warming stages without making ice crystallization within the sperm cell. We evaluated the effect of various levels of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) on Indian red jungle fowl semen quality and fertility outcomes. The qualifying semen ejaculates collected from eight mature cocks were pooled, divided into five aliquots, diluted (37 °C) with red fowl semen extender having PVP [0% (control) 4% (w/v), 6% (w/v), 8% (w/v) and 10% (w/v)]. Diluted semen was cryopreserved and stored in liquid nitrogen. The whole experiment was repeated/replicated for five times independently. Sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, viability and acrosome integrity were recorded highest (P &lt; 0.05) with 6% PVP at post-dilution, cooling, equilibration and freeze-thawing. Higher (P &lt; 0.05) no. of fertile eggs, fertility, no. of hatched chicks, percent hatch and hatchability was recorded with 6% PVP compared to control. It is concluded that 6% PVP maintained better post-taw quality and fertility of Indian red jungle fowl spermatozoa than glycerol and can be used in routine practice avoiding the contraceptive effects of glycerol