Semarak International Journal of Animal Science and Zoology

Spatial Distribution of Green Stink Bug, Rhynchocoris Humeralis (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) Before and After Chemical Control on Calamansi Trees at the Bangi Botanic Garden, UKM

Deeloshini A Naga Sundaram — 2024-12-20

The green stink bug, Rhynchocoris humeralis is a dominant pest in calamansi plantations. The impact of the stink bug causes damage to calamansi fruits and leaves. Monitoring the abundance and distribution of pest insects is crucial for systematic pest control, but it is often neglected until the crop area is severely infested. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the spatial distribution of R. humeralis in calamansi trees and to compare its abundance before and after chemical control. Sampling was conducted in February and March 2024 using sweep nets, with data collected before and after chemical treatment. Insect sampling was done once before chemical treatment and twice after, one and two weeks post-treatment. Initial data recorded 71 insects before chemical control, which decreased to 45 one week after treatment but increased to 86 after two weeks. Data were analyzed using QGIS 3.36.2, and the results showed spatial distribution maps and density maps of R. humeralis, helping to identify changes in pest abundance before and after chemical treatment. Paired t-tests were conducted using RStudio to compare the distribution before and after treatment. The first comparison showed a statistically significant difference (p = 0.02268), while the second comparison was not significant (p = 0.3450). A deeper understanding of the spatial distribution of R. humeralis will help identify areas with higher insects, allowing for more effective control methods.

Diversity and Abundance of Ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Pineapple Plantation of Sungai Merab Bangi, Selangor

Vinosaa Tamilselvan — 2024-12-20

Ants play an important role in the environment. The study on the diversity of ant species in the pineapple plantation is scarce. Saudagar Nanas Pineapple Plantation located at Sungai Merab is a monoculture pineapple plantation. Until now, no study on ant species in the plantation has been conducted and the reference of ant population is not available. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the diversity and abundance of ant species at Saudagar Nanas Pineapple Plantation Sungai Merab, Selangor. Ants were sampled from January to March 2024 using pitfall traps and active sampling, including direct observation. Twenty-five pitfalls were set at the study site and left for a week. A total of 314 individuals of ant species have been successfully sampled, consisting of two subfamilies and six species. The subfamily Formicinae had the highest number of individuals. The genus Camponotus was the most abundant, totaling 297 individuals. The Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H') indicated the highest value in March (H'=0.2745) and the lowest value in February (H'=0.1217). One-way ANOVA test did not indicate any significant difference in ant species diversity between January, February and March (p > 0.05). This study has successfully compiled the most recent list of ant species found in Saudagar Nanas Pineapple Plantation Sungai Merab, Bangi, Selangor. Therefore, with this data, a further study on the interaction of ant species with pineapple mealybugs can be conducted.

Toward a Greener UUM: A Study of Stray Cat Population Dynamics at Universiti Utara Malaysia

Nur Shafikah Abdullah — 2024-12-20

Cats have a tremendous impact on human health and societal well-being in many nations throughout the world. This work focuses on creating models to employ difference equations to examine the population of stray cats living in the Universiti Utara Malaysia’s (UUM) residence hall. These models' main goal is to make it easier to determine the best strategy for controlling the stray cat population, in line with UUM's sustainable objectives. The examination of four different countermeasure strategies—catch-release, catch-neuter-release, catch-euthanize, and catch-release-neuter-euthanize—is covered by this inquiry. Our findings show that the stray cat population is dropping in three of the four successful techniques. The catch-release tactic, on the other hand, shows a rising tendency. Our analysis leads us to recommend the catch-neuter-release strategy as the most effective and sustainable way to control the stray cat population in the UUM residential hall, in line with the university's commitment to sustainability.

Abundance and Diversity of Zoonotic Parasites in Periplaneta americana Cockroaches from the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Campus Area

Hani Kartini Agustar — 2024-12-20

Cockroaches are a paraphyletic group of insects belonging to the Blattodea family. A major factor contributing to the presence of cockroaches in an area is poor cleanliness and improper disposal of food waste. Periplaneta americana (the American cockroach) typically moves between breeding sites and contaminated food waste, serving as a potential vector for zoonotic parasites. These parasites pose a significant danger to humans by transmitting diseases from animals to people. This study aims to examine the abundance and diversity of zoonotic parasites in the gastrointestinal organs of P. americana cockroaches. Cockroaches were caught from selected indoor and outdoor areas at the Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi campus, Selangor. Parasites in the gastrointestinal organs of cockroaches were isolated and identified using microscopic analysis. A total of 102 cockroaches were caught which were identified as one species, Periplaneta americana. There are four families and five parasite species have been identified in the gastrointestinal tract of P. americana, namely Thelastomatidae (Leidynema appendiculatum and Hammerschmidtiella diesingi) which have the highest prevalence in P. Americana (84 %), followed by Balantiididae (Balantidium coli: 12 %), Onchocercidae (Wuchereria bancrofti: 2 %), and Sarcocystidae (Toxoplasma gondii: 2 %). Parasites such as Balantidium coli, W. bancrofti, and T. gondii identified in P. americana are zoonotic pathogens that can be transmitted from animals to humans. The Shannon index showed that outdoor areas had a higher diversity of zoonotic parasite species than cockroaches compared to indoor areas. Therefore, this study is important to understand the diversity of parasites in cockroaches and the potential risk of zoonotic disease transmission, as well as to raise awareness about keeping the environment clean among the communities.

Diversity and Richness of Birds in Tasik Chin Chin, Melaka, Peninsular Malaysia

Anushia Devi Chandran — 2024-12-20

Tasik Chin Chin serves as a vital wetland habitat, home to a rich diversity of wildlife, particularly avian species. However, there are plans to construct a dam to meet the increasing water demands in the state, raising concerns about the potential impact on local ecosystems. To address the lack of prior research concerning bird species richness in this area, a comprehensive study was conducted to establish a detailed inventory. Over the course of two days in March 2023, bird observations and photographic documentation were carried out during the early morning and evening—times when bird activity is highest. This effort led to the identification of 401 individual birds representing 45 species across 26 families. Notably, the family Cuculidae displayed the greatest species richness, comprising five distinct species. The most prevalent bird observed was the Acridotheres javanicus, commonly known as the Javan Myna, which accounted for 53 sightings. The findings also indicated the presence of two bird species of conservation concern, both listed on the IUCN Red List. Acridotheres javanicus is classified as Vulnerable, while Phaenicophaeus diardi, or the Black-bellied Malkoha, is considered Near Threatened. The analysis of species diversity yielded a Shannon Index value of H' = 3.12, indicating high diversity, which is further supported by a Simpson Index value of 1/D = 0.94. Additionally, the Chao-1 estimator suggested that a total of approximately 85 bird species could be found in the region with more extensive sampling efforts. The results of this study will serve as a crucial resource for developers, providing a basis for monitoring changes during and after the implementation of development activities. Moreover, these findings can be utilized as a benchmark for future restoration and conservation initiatives aimed at preserving avian biodiversity in Tasik Chin Chin.