Abundance of Mosquito Larvae at Jagannath University and Dhaka University Campus of Dhaka, Bangladesh

A year-round survey on the abundance of mosquito larvae was conducted at Jagannath University - and Dhaka University - Campus from October 2018 to September 2019. A number of total 4415 mosquito larvae were collected of which 3086 were identified as Culex and 1329 were Aedes. Only 3 species belonging to 2 genera were identified in this study. At Jagannath University campus, highest number of Culex larvae was recorded in the month of August which was 167 (10.9%) and the lowest number was recorded in February which was 66 (4.3%), on the other hand, highest number of Aedes larvae was recorded in the month of July which was 137 (23.8%) and the lowest number was found in December which was 9 (1.6%). At Dhaka University campus, the highest number of Culex larvae was found in the month of April, which was 179 (11.5%) and the lowest number was found in June, which was 66 (4.3%), on the other hand, the highest number of Aedes larvae was found in the month of June which was 200 (26.5%) and lowest number was found in February which was 8 (1.06%). This study could be helpful in launching larvicidal programs in a more cost-effective way at these two urban public universities of Dhaka city. Bangladesh J. Zool. 49 (2): 321-329, 2021

Prevalence of Some Common Human Traits: An Updated Survey Report From Rajshahi University Campus, Bangladesh

Prevalence of some common human traits viz., body weight, height and body mass index (BMI), pattern baldness, body hair, chin, colour blindness, cheek dimples, earlobes, length of index finger, lips, nose, polydactyly, tongue and widow’s peak, and ABO blood groups along with their Rh-D antigen, were recorded and analyzed from 500 male and 1000 female students of the Rajshahi University (RU) Campus. Results showed that body weights of the male students (66.42±8.92 kg) were significantly higher (t= 35.14; P<0.001) than those of the female students (51.64±6.97 kg). The differences in BMI between males (23.32±3.26) and females (20.85±2.63), as expected, were also highly significant (t= 15.79; P<0.001) and notably, some of the female students were underweight (BMI< 18.5). No female had baldness compared to 15.8% bald males. Sparse body hair was prevalent over the dense body hair in both genders. The females had much higher smooth chin (89.6%) than the males (58.0%) but the males had much higher cleft chin (42.0%) compared to the females (10.4%). No female was colourblind whereas 7.4% males were colourblind. Absence of dimples was recorded in 92.4% males and 85.7% females. Attached earlobes were higher than the free earlobes in both sexes. Compared to the length of the ring finger, shorter index finger was prevalent both in males (85.4%) and females (68.6%). Frequencies of the broad lips in males and females were 53.4% and 58.6%, respectively. Females dominated large and broad noses (76.1%) in comparison with their male counterparts (61.4%). Polydactyly was a rare trait in the Campus, where only 2.2% males and 0.2% females had extra digits in their hands or feet. Tongue rollers (53.8%) outnumbered the tongue folders in males, but tongue folders (54.4%) outnumbered the tongue rollers in females. Males with widow’s peak were higher (25.8%) than that in the females (19.0). Blood groups in the males and females were in the order: B (32.0) > O (29.8) > A (22.4) > AB (15.8) and O (34.8) > B (34.4) > A (21.9) > AB (8.9), respectively. As a whole, 85.4% males and 98.0% females were Rh-positive where the blood group phenotypes did not affect body weight, height and BMI of the subjects (r=0.012; P=0.63). The relevance of these findings to the physical, physiological, social and clinical well-being of the humans has been discussed. Bangladesh J. Zool. 49 (2): 215-228, 2021

How Is Life? What Our Researchers Thinking Today?

not available Bangladesh J. Zool. 49 (2): 187, 2021

Market Infrastructure and Species Availability of Four Wholesale Fish Markets in Dhaka City, Bangladesh

The study was conducted on species availability and infrastructure analysis of four different wholesale fish markets in Dhaka City. Two markets were selected from Dhaka South City Corporation, Showari Ghat and Jatrabari fish market, and two from Dhaka North City Corporation, Karwan Bazar and Abdullahpur fish market. The investigation was carried out from November 2018 to October 2019. Questionnaire based survey, FGDs (Focus Group Discussion) and KIIs (Key Informant Interviews) were conducted to get quantitative and qualitative data for present study. A total number of 62 fishes and 6 crustacean species were recorded during the study period. Among all species, 39 freshwater, 10 marine and 13 exotic fishes were recorded. Infrastructure facilities were very poor for all four markets in the matter of hygiene and quality control. Fish shades were not enough, improper sanitation and drainage system indicates the possibilities of disease transmission and deteriorate fish quality. Electricity and water supplies were good but no system was present to determine the distillation of those supplied water. Thus, infrastructural condition of the markets does not support a hygienic condition for fish marketing to provide quality fish and fish byproducts. The study highlighted the need for national initiatives, awareness building, and law implementation for improving the wholesale markets infrastructure to a minimum standard so that fish trade could provide good quality to the people of Dhaka City Bangladesh J. Zool. 49 (2): 289-300, 2021

Investigation on Suitable Spat Collectiors and Culture Sites for Edible Oyster in the Coast of Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh

Potential spat collectors and suitable culture sites were investigated for the development of edible oyster culture from June to December 2019 at three study sites (Moheshkhali, the Jeti of Nuniarchora, and Sonadia) of Cox’s Bazar coast of Bangladesh. Four types of collectors such as oyster shell, earthen pot, kortal (windowpane oyster shell) and tiles were investigated. On site sampling of water quality parameters and number of spats on each collector were done at 15-days interval following standard methods. Results indicated insignificant difference (P > 0.05) in temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen and pH, while significant difference (P < 0.05) in total dissolved solids, total suspended solids and Chl-a content of the water among the study locations. However, these parameters were in suitable range for growth and spawning of oyster. Results also indicated spat recruitment was significantly influenced by the types of collectors and study locations with significantly (P < 0.05) higher spat were recruited in Tiles. Tiles were also found to facilitate with an advantage of recycling of this collector. The location in interaction with polluting materials such as total dissolved solids and total suspended solids had a significant effect on spat recruitment rate and therefore, Sonadia was the most suitable location for spat recruitment. This study site can also be used as a suitable location for the development of oyster culture in the cost of Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh based on its environmental characteristics. Bangladesh J. Zool. 49 (2): 257-265, 2021

Morphometry of Rhinomugil Corsula (Hamilton, 1822) From Sitakunda Coast of the Bay of Bengal, Bangladesh

A total of 65 specimens of Rhinomugil corsula (Hamilton, 1822), measuring from 8.1 cm to 28.9 cm in total length, collected from the Sitakunda coast of the Bay of Bengal, were used for the morphometric analysis during the period between March 2016 and February 2018. Twenty seven morphometric characters were selected and studied during the investigation period. The regression equations – both arithmetic and logarithmic – between the total length (TL) and 21 morphometric characters, and head length (HL) with five morphometric characters related to the head, were determined. The value of coefficient of correlation ‘r’ for each relationship was calculated and t-test for each ‘r’ value was also done. The relationships of the various measurements of the body with the total length – and head length with the five relevant characters -of R. corsula from the Sitakunda coast of the Bay of Bengal showed linear relationships, which were highly significant (P<0.01). The ranges of ‘b’ values 0.967 to 1.346 in case of the relationships between TL and 21 relevant characters, whereas 0.906 to 1.236 in case of the relationships between HL and 5 relevant characters. These values differ insignificantly (P>0.01) with typical value b=1 indicating isometric relationships among the characters. Bangladesh J. Zool. 49 (2): 229-241, 2021

A Karyological Study of Tenualosa Ilisha (Hamilton, 1822) From the Confluence of Padma and Meghna River of Bangladesh

Tenualosa ilisha (Hamilton, 1822), commonly known as Hilsha shad is a valuable and highly acceptable species in terms of their high flavored properties. Hilsha shad has striking morpho-genetical adaptation to heterogeneous habitats across their migratory routes. Cytogenetic analysis demonstrates the changes in chromosomes. But none was focused on the cytogenetic analysis of T. ilisha in Bangladesh. T. ilisha was found to possess 2n = 42 number of chromosomes along with a karyotype formula: 1M + 31m + 8sm + 2st using giemsa staining technique. The results demonstrated ‘diffuse type of interphase nuclei, co-existence of continuous type and interstitial type of prophase chromosomes respectively. No heteromorphic sex chromosomes were determined cytologically. The presence of diverse types of chromosomes based on centromeric position, gradual decrease in total haploid chromosome complement, mean centromeric asymmetry, coefficient of variation of chromosome length and Stebbins’s classification highlighted its asymmetry in karyotype with advance nature. Therefore, the elemental karyological data will offer information for the proper identification, cytotaxonomical classification, expanding productivity and preservation of genetic resources ofT. ilisha. Bangladesh J. Zool. 49 (2): 243-255, 2021

Seasonal Occurrence of Gastrointestinal Parasites in Horse (Equus Ferus Caballus) From Dhaka City Bangladesh

The study was conducted to understand the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in horse during June, 2017 to April, 2018 from Bangladesh National Zoo, Puran Dhaka and Rajarbagh Police Line of Dhaka city. A total of 48 faecal samples were collected from horses and examined by Direct Smearing technique and Formol Ether Concentration technique. Out of 48 samples 47 found positive for gastrointestinal parasitic infection with an overall prevalence of 97.92 %. Highest prevalence was identified (77.1 %) in Parascaris equorum, followed by 70.8 % in Hymenolepis nana, 62.5 % in Isospora sp., 50 % in Ancylostoma duodenale, 39.6 % in Toxocara sp., 35.4 % in Entamoeba sp., 25 % in Trichuris sp., 20.8 % in Fasciola hepatica 16.67 % in Capillaria sp., 8.3 % in Taenia sp. and Opisthorchis sinensis, 4.2 % in Moniezia benedeni and Thysaniezia sp. Highest intensity (72.97± 46.32) was found for Isospora sp. The p value was 0.01, p < 0.05 so the prevalence rate was statistically significant.A significant difference was founded in prevalence between male and female horse where females were highly infected and also seasonal variation showed significant differences. Highest prevalence was recorded in winter and Rainy season (100 %) followed by summer (95 %). The intensity of parasites was highest in rainy season (63.38 ±79.94) followed by summer (55.47 ±29.73) and winter (49.5 ±28.58) Bangladesh J. Zool. 49 (2): 301-319, 2021

Market Survey of Fresh and Marine Water Fishes and Socioeconomic Conditions of Fish Retailers in Three Markets of Chattagram City

The study was carried out to survey the fresh and marine water fishes sold out in three markets of Chattagram city and socioeconomic condition of the fish retailers. Overall 29 fresh water and 24 marine water fish species were found to be sold in the three markets. Prices of fishes were higher in Kazirdewri Bazar followed by Riazuddin Bazar and Bohaddarhat Bazar. Data of fish retailers were collected through questionnaires in terms of age, income source, living standards, family size, financial facilities, literacy and education. Sole income came from fish business for 97% of the fish retailers, whilst 3% of the retailers did other business as well. Among 45 retailers interviewed, 40% were below 45 years, 53% were between 45-55 years and remaining 7% were above 55 years age. For coping with the business, 15% of the retailers were self-sufficient, 53% took loan from bank, whilst 32% took loan from local money lenders. Of the fish retailers, 34% was illiterate and 66% was literate, where 36% received up to primary level, 16% secondary level, 10% S.S.C and 4% H.S.C levels of education. In comparison with their education status their children were more educated (93%). Although their income was low, they tried to make their children educated, which is a good sign for our education sector. Transport cost, unhygienic market place, lack of sanitary facilities, poor ice-supply, exploitation by the middlemen, lack of proper management, lack of capital and the political disturbances were the common constraints of fish marketing. Necessary measures were recommended to overcome these problems. Bangladesh J. Zool. 49 (2): 277-288, 2021

Feeding and Breeding Habits of Mangrove Kingfisher (Todiramphus Chloris) In the Sundarbans Reserve Forest, Bangladesh

not available Bangladesh J. Zool. 49 (2): 347-351, 2021