JOURNAL OF ANIMAL ENVIRONMENT
Year:2016 | Volume:8 | Issue:2|Papers Count:35

Iran as the last shelter population of the Asiatic cheetah in the world. However, relatively few individuals of this subspecies have been recorded in the last3 decades (50 to 60 collards). Food habits are an important aspect of the ecological niche of carnivores. Here, we studied the diet of the Asiatic cheetah using scat analysis in Bafgh protected area. This area in comparison of the other habitat of the Asiatic cheetah is mountainous. Wild goat is predominant wild ungulate in this area. The result of the analysis of 51 scats of Asiatic cheetah showed that this species preyed mainly on ungulates, which most consumed ungulate respectively are wild goat (frequency of occurrence: 43.14%, relative biomass: 40%), wild sheep (frequency of occurrence: 43.18%, relative biomass: -36.85%) and chinkara (frequency of occurrence: 43.18%, relative biomass: 14.25%) also result showed that after ungulate most consumed prey is livestock.

Markazi province with its elevated mountains is a suitable habitat for the wild sheep (Ovis orientalis) such that Significant populations of wild sheep can be seen in the central province of habitats. The MAXENT method is based on the maximum or close to reality entropy while the ENFA method is built on the normal distribution. The map and Habitat Suitability Model for the wild sheep were developed and compared using the factor analysis of ecological niche and maximum entropy. Based on the results of the ENFA and MAXENT methods, 118801 ha (8%), four ecological factors explain 93% of species habitat selection information. Marginality value of 1.603 and tolerance value of 0.299 indicate that wild goat preferred habitat with elevations and slopes higher than habitat's mean and had low tolerance to habitat variations and 169878 ha (11%) of the southern half of Markazi province, Iran, are suitable habitats for the wild sheep, respectively. Among the development variables, the highest impact on the wild sheep ecology is assigned to distance to cities variable (20 km) while the lowest impact is related to distance from unpaved road variable. And among the ecologic variables, the highest impact is determined for slop variable (20%) and the lowest impact is related to height variable. The comparison of the models’ ROC indicates that the validity of the Habitat Suitability Model is 0.978 and 0.951 respectively using the MAXENT and ENFA methods indicating the better performance of the MAXENT model than the ENFA model. Hence, the use of MAXENT method in the modeling of wildlife habitat suitability is recommended.

Predictive distribution models appropriate response in relation to ecology, biogeography and conservation of species. In this study biogeographic factors affecting the potential distribution of the species was assessed using the maximum entropy in the Bamoo National Park. For this purpose, 15 biogeographic uncorrelated variables were analyzed with spatial resolution of 100 meters. Determine the most influential variables were analyzed using the curve Jackknife. Evaluation of the survey show a good performance MaxEnt model in deer distribution (AUC = 0.992).Logistic map to predict the potential distribution of habitat types that are more favorable habitat for this species in the Tange-chah mahaki, Mehrab Haji and the well is deep-fried and wind pumps. Jack Knife assessment results and calculated the relative contribution of the variables showed that the distance from the source, the type of vegetation, away from the presence of geological leopard and deer are the most important variables affecting distribution.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of feed restriction and compensatory growth in increasing weight and microbial protein production of 21 afshari lambs post weaning with an average of 27 kg. Randomly Lambs were divided into three groups. The whole control treatment was fed with full ration (straw، hay and concentrate). The second and third groups regularly were fed 30 and 50 days by limited diet ration of 50 percent wheat straw and 50 percent of alfalfa. Next then, the other two groups were given with full ration. In order to estimate microbial protein produced by measuring urinary excretion of purine derivatives randomly, among each treatment urine samples were taken of three lambs every two six times at all. Using High Performance Liquid chromatography (HPLC) metod for the measuring of purine derivatives. The results showed that in all groups dry matter intake during fattening period and weight increase of lambs was increased and dry matter intake increasing causes microbial protein production increasing. In treatment control as during the fattening period, lambs weight and consumable dry matter increased which cause increased purine derivatives and microbial protein productions. In 30 and 50 days of treatments restriction microbial protein production during feed restriction was low level which with feed restriction finished and compensatory growth beginning productions increased that because it was quality of full. Meanwhile, better digestibility full ration causes feed consumable and purine derivatives (allantoin and uric acid) and microbial protein productions. So effect quality of full ration and also feed consumable increased was significant (p<0.05).

The 40 percent of the country's forests are allocated to Zagros area with five million hectare forest. Indiscriminate use of Zagros forests during last decades, has led to convert this valuable forests to sensitive and fragile ecosystems. Iranian Squirrel is an indicator mammal of the Zagros oak forests that unfortunately greatly reduced due to the destruction of habitat as a result of human activities. The aim of this study was to select the suitable remaining patches for conservation of this species. We used species distribution modeling Geographic Information System (GIS) to develop habitat suitability model for Iranian Squirrel in Zagros forests. The results showed that the major suitable patches for this species are located in the West of the city. As well as elevation, distance from roads and vegetation cover variables are most important variables for distribution of this species. The results of this study suggest that forest areas with dense cover and upland forest areas were most favorable habitat for Iranian squirrel species in the Salas-e Babajani County.

Urolithiasis is a worldwide problem. Kidney stones have different chemical components. Calcareous stones are still by far the most common nephroliths accounting for more than 80% of stones. In Iranian folk medicine, many plants are used for treatment of kidney stones. In the present study, effect of Trachyspermum copticum L. seeds hydro-alcoholic extract on calcium oxalate crystallization was studied in kidney of male rats. At first, hydro-alcoholic extract of plant at doses of 12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg were prepared. Crystallization of calcium oxalate was induced by adding ammonium chloride and ethylene glycol in drinking water for 3 and 38 days, respectively. Control group was treated by drinking water. Experimental groups were treated by plant extract at doses 12.5, 25 and 50 mg/kg for 41 days, interperitoneally. After 41 days, animals were anesthetized by ether and left kidneys removed and put them in buffered formaldehyde. Specimens were prepared for histological studies and stained by H&E staining method. Results showed that treatment of extract decreased number of crystals in kidney sections of experimental animals in comparison with control group (p<0.001). Also, administration of plant extract decreased tubule-interstitial damages in treated animals (p<0.01). So, the plant could be as a good candidate for prevent formation of calcium oxalate crystals in kidney.

Previous studies have shown that galanin is an orexigenic peptide that inhibits the activity of Hypothalamus –Pituitary – Thyroid (HPT) axis. It is also proved that galanin increases food intake via neuropeptide Y pathway. Morphine is an alkaloid opiates that effect on thyroid hormones concentration via Agouti Related Protein and increases dopaminergic neurons activity in median eminence. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of the interaction between galanin and morphine on thyroid hormones concentration. Twenty-one male Wistar rats (200-250 g) were randomly divided 3 groups. The groups received 200ng galanin, 1mg morphine and 200ng galanin together with 1mg morphine in third cerebral ventricle in volumes of 3 ml. Blood samples were collected one day before injection and untill 24 hours after that. The plasma was analyzed by Radioimmunoassay technique to determine T3 and T4 concentrations. Brain slices were taken to ensure that the place of the canulae was right. The results indicated that galanin or morphine significantly decreased thyroid hormones concentration after injections compared to before injection (p<0.05). Simultaneous injections of galanin and morphine causes more inhibitory effect on HPT axis activity (p<0.05).

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder which appears with impairment of brain electrical activity. Carbamazepine is an antiepileptic drug that causes oxidative stress and disorders in reproductive system in long-term. The purpose of this article was to investigate the antioxidant effect of wheat germ oil (WGO) on testosterone, sperm parameters and Lipid peroxidation levels of carbamazepine-treated epileptic rats. In this study 48 adult male rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=8), including: 1. Control; 2. Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) with a dose of 40 (IP); 3.PTZ 40 + CBZ at a dose of 30 (gavage); 4. PTZ 40 + CBZ with a dose of 180 (gavage); 5.PTZ (40) + CBZ at a dose of 30 + WGO at a single dose of 500 (gavage); 6. PTZ + CBZ with dose 180 + WGO with a single dose of 500 (dose unit= g/kg body weight). At the end of the treatment period (42 days), serum testosterone levels, MDA and sperm parameters were measured. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey test using SPSS20 software. In this study, in comparison to control group, testosterone level and sperm parameters of groups receiving CBZ were reduced (p<0.05). Also, lipid peroxidation levels increased in these groups (p<0.05). The use of wheat germ oil caused significant increase in testosterone and sperm parameters and decreased lipid peroxidation level compared to the carbamazepine - receiving groups. The results showed that wheat germ oil improves reproductive system performance and reduce the side-effects of carbamazepine desirably.

Heavy metals are ubiquitous elements, highly constant, and no nbiodegradable with long biological half-lives. In among the heavy metals, mercury is a highly toxic non-essential metal of major concern for its harmful environmental effects. Also it causes adverse effects on birds and their populations. Then it needs for an ecosystem to be evaluated. The aim of this study is that investigating different levels of mercury in four species of waterfowls which including Gray Goose (Anser anser), Common teal (Anas crecca), Pintail (Anas acuta) and Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and tropic and strategy levels and taxonomy. The Mercury measured with AMA 254 Advanced Mercury Analyzer. Results showed that there was significant difference between four species in mean mercury concentration (sig < 0.001). Pintail and common teal had highest mercury concentrations with more than 908 ng.g-1 and Gray Goose had lowest mercury concentration with 310 ng.g-1 in total mean mercury accumulation. As another result, in all species, the mercury concentration is lower than the maximum recommended by international organizations but this could be on the verge of an alarm.

In order to study the effect of Tsukamurella inchonensis bacterin on feed conversion ratio in broiler chickens, a total of 140 day-old broiler chicks were purchased and and 20 chicks were bled for determination maternal antibody and remaining chicks divided randomly into 4 equal groups and each group divided into 3 equal subgroups. Chickens of group A received 106 bacterin subcutaneously on 2 days before vaccination against influenza disease. Chickens of group B received 106 bacterin subcutaneously on 6 days after the first injection of bacterin. Chickens of group C received 106 bacterin subcutaneously on 6 days after the second injection of bacterin. Chickens of group D, vaccinated against influenza disease but did not receive bacterin. Mean feed intake, weight gains, and feed conversion ratio of all groups were determined at 21, and 42 days. The results of present study showed that there was not any significant difference between groups that received Tsukamurella inchonensis bacterin compared to control group. Comparison of chicks weight gains showed that there was significant difference between all groups during 21-42 days, and 0-42 days. Comparison of chicks feed intake showed that there was significant difference between all groups during 0-21 days, 21-42 days, and 0-42 days.

This research follows previous studies with the difference that the present study has been designed to investigate the effects of Melissa officinal is and thyme on birds' immune system using histology method which was raised for the first time. For this purpose, 40 broiler chicks of Ross 308 (one day-old) were obtained. Five gram of thyme and lemon balm powder mixture was added to the diet of the treatment group. Blood samples were taken randomly in order to HI test on the 10, 24, and 42 days old to measure the rate of antibody titer against Newcastle disease. Following preparation of paraffin blocks, the samples were stained using periodic acid shift (H&E) method. Histological data were statistically analyzed using T-TEST. There was no significant difference between the two groups (control and treatment groups) in the early period according to the results of HI (P>0.05). Although the HI results were not different meaningfully ( P<0.05) between the two groups in the growth and final periods, there was a meaningful difference (P<0.05) between the two groups in Morphometric parameters in terms of epithelial thickness, the amount of one row cells in the follicle cortex and the amount of one row cells in the follicle medulla. Based on the results obtained from bursa of Fabricius tissue changes it appears that the combination of thyme and Melissa officinal is can increase the density of B lymphocyte cells in cortex and medulla follicles in the bursa of Fabricius in the treatment group compared with the control group.

Order Anura are about 6200 species that have worldwide distribution except antarctic and most continental islands and consists of 49 families. Tree frog of family Hylidae is consists of 3 subfamilies and 901 species. Subfamily Hylinae includes 40 genera and 675 species, and 35 species of the genus Hyla Laurenti. There are two species of tree frogs in Iran. This research is result of study on Eastern tree frog (Hyla orientalis); its local name is Darwag in Mazandaran province. We studied morphologic and morphometric characters of 70 tree frogs of Mazandaran. We collected these frogs with hand. It was measured 15 morphometric characters with digital caliper with accuracy 0.01. It was distinguished males and females with dissection of frogs and observation of testis and ovary. Results revealed this species have green dorsal coloration and white bellow and brown stripe on sides of body. Forelimbs with four fingers and hind limbs with five toes, end of fingers and toes are disk like that are sticky. Hind limbs are longer than forelimbs. Male size is almost equal to female. In this research sex ratio was 1:1. L: 17.15-41.30 (mean 33.85), L to LC: 2.28-3.62 (mean 3.23), Lt.p to sp.p: 0.50-1.01 (mean 0.73), L.o to L.tym:1.44-2.56 (mean 1.81), F to T: 0.73-1.03 (mean 0.89), D.p to C.int:1.56-3.04 (mean 2.25). The body length (L), at a distance of 32.5-37.5 mm in males and of females at a distance of 32.5-37.5 and 27.5-30 mm. The T-test analysis between sexes was did not show significant difference in the characters.

Soil mites are known as soil indexes. The current study was conducted through 1392 in different crop fields including pomegranate, eggplant, cucumber, wheat, lettuce and alfalfa in varied parts of Varamin region, Mohammad Abad, Asgar Abad, Moein Abad, Pouinak, Jalil Abad, Ghalesin and Pishva roadway regarding to the most cultivation area of the crop in Varamin province. Totally, six species of soil mites belonging to six families were discovered which were included: Tyrophagus putrescentiae Shrank, Asperolaelaps rotundus Womersley, Nenteria stylifera Berlese, Hypoaspis aculeifer Canestrini, Scheloribates sp. and Epilohmannia cylindrica cylindrica Berlese. Statistical analysis by GLM model did not show any significant correlation between mite species diversity and soil components. Moreover, Spearman analysis showed total nitrogen % level could increase probability of mite occurrence. on the other hand, high levels of other mineral components of soil such as Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B and P could decrease mite occurance. Populational assesment of soil mites would confirm the result of this study.

Manipulation of riverine ecosystems shch as Taleghan river by construction of dam on them, provide new ecological conditions for its Inhabitants which they must be adapted to these new conditions for surviving. Therefore, this study was carried out to investigate the morphological differences of Siah mahi (Capoeta gracilis) populations living up and downstream of the Sangban Dam constructed on the Taleghan river, using geometric and traditional morphometric methods and also, to compare the feasiblity of these two methods to reveal their morphological differences. The results showed that geometric morphometric technique is an accurate and powerfull tool to discriminate close populations in terms of morphological charactrestics compared to traditional one. Therefore, two populations of Siah mahi were morphologicaly discrimintaed using geometric method nethod (P<0.05). The results also revealed that the Sangban Dam was caused differences in morphological features including body depth, head length and depth and caudal peduncle depth of up and downstream populations of Siah mahi.

This study aimed to investigate the genetic structure of kingfish, Scomberomorus commerson in the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea using microsatellite markers. Totally 90 samples of adult kingfish were collected from three commercial catch stations, Konarak and Pasabandar in Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Bandar Abbas in Hormozgan Province and Dayer in Bushehr Province. 5 Primer sets (C83Sc, H96Sc, J43Sc, F6Sc, L42Sc) to use for genetic differentiation. Analyses revealed that average of alleles (Na) per locus was 7.5±0.68 (range 4 to 13 alleles per locus) and all sampled regions contained private alleles. The average observed and expected heterozygosities were 0.571±0.01 and 0.783±0.05, respectively. Deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were in all cases. F-statistics and gene flow estimates in allele frequencies were 0.127 and 2.11 respectively. Rst and Fst estimates in AMOVA indicated significant genetic differentiation among regions (p<0.01). Genetic Studies revealed that genetic difference among the studied groups is pronounced. This study shows the existence of genetically distinct groups in the Persian Gulf and Oman Sea is the kingfish.

Spirlin (Alburnoides eichwaldi) is a stream species that has a good abundance in southern basin of Caspian sea, but it is supposed to be extincted in many inland waters of Europe. There hasn’t been any study about genetic diversity of this species yet. In this study, the genetic diversity of Alburnoides eichwaldi from Kaboodwal and Sefidrood streams was investigated by 6 microsatellite loci. According to the results, the Fst values was 0.020. Most of the loci showed deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The number of alleles, observed and expected heterozygosity were, 8-21, 0.541-1 (the average: 0.853 ± 0.06) and 0.834-0.927 (the average: 0.887), respectively. This indicates the allelic diversity and genetic variation of investigated populations is at favorable level. Also, analysis of molecular variance showed there is low genetic variation among populations and most of the observed variation is within the populations. Results based on genetic distance indicated that Spirlin populations are separated from each other in the investigated streams.

Abramis brama orientalis is one of the osteichties fishes of Caspian sea. 30 samples from each region (Bandaranzali and Chamkhale) were collected to investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of Abramis brama. In this study, all of seven microsatellite loci studied (Rser10, Ic654, MFW7, MFW26, Bl2 -114, Bl1 -153, M4) showed polymorphism. No observed any obvious genetic destinguish in terms of Fst, Rst and Analysis of Molecular Variance. The average number of allele’s levels in the population accounted for 10.5, The expected and observed heterozygosity mean were 0.820 and 0.615, respectively. Approximately all of loci showed deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The genetic similarity and distance between the two populations were 0.316 and 0.684, respectively. According to the analysis, it seems that Abramis brama hasn᾽t a desirable genetic diversity in the investigated regions.

There is concern over the presence of a broad range of environmental pollutants known as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and their disrupting consequences on normal reproductive processes. In the present study, probable abnormality was examined in immature and mature male and female of pike captured from the Anzali wetland (as polluted area with EDCs). A total of 38 pike from the Anzali wetland and 29 pike from the Amirkolaye wetland (as non-polluted area) were taken between October and November 2012. After macroscopic assessment of gonads, histological examination of gonads was performed using light microscope. Results of this study revealed no evidence of abnormality or intersex (the presence of female sexual cells in male gonads and vise versa) suggesting that gonad structure of pike is not affected by contaminants in the Anzali wetland recognized as highly polluted area.

There is different between the activity of digestive enzyme in cultural and wild environment. Because of changing available food stuffs. The object of this investigation is deliberation of the activity of a-Amylase Tripsine and Lipase enzymes in anterior, mid and posterior of Schizothorax zarudnyi intestine in cultural and wild environmental. For this reason 12 wild in from 4 groups weighted average number (141.6±6.3, 209.5±2.63, 263.1±9.6, 326.15±26.9) and 13 cultural weighted average number (55.1±5.6) were used. The results showed that survey activity of a-Amylase was higher than other enzymes in both group of wild and cultural fish. The highest activity of a-Amylase was observed in mid gut and the activity of this enzymes had a significant difference in different of segments of intestine (p<0.05) but the significant difference was observed between anterior and mid gut with posterior (p<0.05). The results of deliberation of Tripsine and Lipase enzymes activity showed that the activity of these enzymes were decreased from anterior to posterior gut in both groups of fish. The comparison of a-Amylase, Tripsine and Lipase enzymes activity and average weight of wild fish showed that the activity of these enzymes was increased with increasing of weight.

Most valuable fishery species such as Ruitilus frisii kutum that is the most important bony fishes of the Caspian Sea is anadromous and migrate into rivers for spawning. So characteristics of estuaries as spawning sites of fishes have an important role in their survival. Studies showed that in the past most of Iranian coastal rivers of the Caspian Sea, were the normal breeding sites of kutum. But now, just some of them are considered as Main site of spring migration of kutum. Therefore, we studied the effect of environmental factors in the main estuaries of southern coast of the Caspian Sea and its impacts on fish stock recruitment of kutum fingerlings in a Twenty-year period from 1992-2012. First data of physicochemical factors related to the amount of ten estuaries in four months of releasing time of kutum and amount of survival of two years old fingerlings as a index of stock recruitment were obtained and examined in SPSS. Results showed that is no significant relationships among the changes of factors and recruitment of kutum during of period of study on recruitment of kutum.

The aims of this study were determined of water quality and macrozoobenthos communities' production potential in the Aharchai Riverone year (from October 2012 to September 2013). Samples were taken at 12 stations by sorber sampler (50×50cm) and in the library were separated, identified, counted and weighed. In the river identified 12 families of macrozoobenthos including: Planaridae, Lumbriculidae, Tubificidae, Culicidae, Glossiphoniidae, Gamaridae, Heptagenidae, Caenidae, Chironomidae, Simulidae, Limnaeidae, Sphaeridea. Average of annual number was 159.83 ind/m2 and biomass was 1.49g/m2.The highest number was in August and lowest number in December with temporal and spatial variations. There are significant difference (p<0.01)in number of ind/m2 between months and stations. Bauer method shown that st.1 was in class I with excellent quality and the other stations were in the class II with good quality. The average biological condition was Z=1.85 and production potential determined 170 kg/h. Helsenhoff index shown that (HFBI=4.98) water quality was very good. The results shown that Aharchai River is one of the natural habitats with well balance and it is relatively low pollution but macrozoobenthos communities were temporal and spatial variations.

Artemia is a crustacean whose importance as a livefood in the field of aquaculture, has been known since 1930 decade. Today Artemia culturing, is considered as the main way to achieve such animal. Due to influence of Artemia species on the growing of this species, in addition to the environmental items; In this study, an Artemia species from Ghom Province (A partenogenetica), were cultured together with an imported species (A.franciscana), each in 3 treatments as territorial ponds along the southern coast of Ghom’s Namak Lake for a 180-day growing period. The results indicated that Nauplii production, cyst culture and biomass production of the local species were more suitable than the imported one, as (80± 10) kg/hectare and (66± 5) kg/hectare of cyst were produced from A.partenogenetica and A.franciscana species, respectively. Also, (2,800± 25) and (2,200± 20) kg/hectare of biomass were achieved from A.partenogenetica and A.franciscana, respectively during the husbandry term. The final result of this study showed that adaptability of the local species with the local growing natural environmental conditions is more cost-effective and preserving the region from presence of the invasive species.

Molluscs are among those bio-resources of oceanic ecosystems, which have a great importance for many industrial uses, especially because of their nutritional values and having biomolecules (i.e. lipids). In the present study regards to the importance of Gastropods and abundance of Thais savignyi in the intertidal zone of Asalooyeh- North-West of the Persian Gulf; qualitative and quantitative identifications of fatty acids in 200 specimens of this species by use of GC/MS in two periods of warm and cold seasons were conducted. 15 fatty acids were separated similarly in both warm and cold seasons; i.e. 11 saturated fatty acids and four unsaturated fatty acids. Generally, the proportions of S.F.As were greater than US.F.As and there was no significant difference between the reported quantity of F.As between the two periods of the survey (p>0.05). The most important identified US.F.A was Arachidonic acid (ω6). Among the S.F.As and the total content of lipids in the warm and cold seasons, Palmitic acid has had the greatest portion; in warm season Estaric acid stand for the second position and in the cold season Arashidonic acid stand for the second from the quantitative point of view. The results show that Thais savignyi is a destitute specimen regards to devoid of long chain unsaturated fatty acids and ω3 fatty acids. This condition could be due to ecological and nutritional condition of this gastropod. As a matter of fact, this species does not recommend as a valuable sea food.

Despite of all the studies on the Amphipoda, as yet Amphipoda inhibiting in the eastern shores muddy substrates of Bahracan, have not been studies. The present investigation, aims to identify the Amphiopods in Bahracan which was done during the seasons of spring and summer of 1392. Sampling was done by using vanveen Grab (with 0.0625m2 surface area) from 5 stations and in 6-25m depth. The samples were counted and identified through the valid identification keys. In this study 7 families and 9 genera were identified. genera are: Ampithoe, Ampelisca, Byblis, Gammaropsis, Microphotis, Cheiriphotis, Gammarus, Ceradocus and Ericthonius. Percentage of frequency for each genus was calculated. The highest percentage of frequency was observed in two genera, Ampithoe with ratio of 39.47% and Ampelisca with ratio of 35.52%., Diversity indexes were calculated and the maximum variation of Amphipoda was reported in April. Chi-square test results was showed a significant correlation between the frequency of Amphipods and different months (P<0.05).

Distribution and abundance of order Ephemeroptera, an important insect order in running waters was examined in Shafaroud River (a river entering the Caspian Sea). For this purpose following preliminary visit to the river some 6 sampling stations were selected from upstream to the estuary of the river. Monthly sampling was carried out from July 2013 to June 2014. A Surber sampler with mesh size of 500µ and area of 0.16 m2 were used for sampling. The collected samples were isolated from debris and sediments, immediately preserved in 4% formalin solution and transferred to the laborator for identification and enumeration. Some physical such as (air and temperature)and chemical parameters of the water such as dissolved oxygen (DO), and physicochemical parameters of the water were including electron conductivity (EC) Acidity (pH) and salinity, were measured simultaneously with benthos sampling at all sampling sites. In total 8100 specimens belonging to 5 families and 9 genera of Ephemeroptera were collected and identified out of which Heptagenidae and Baetidae were the dominant families and Baetis and Rhithrogena dominant genera respectively. In most seasons Significant statistical difference were observed between upstream and downstream sampling stations (p £ 0.05).

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary lactoferrin (LF) growth and feeding performance, hematological factors and non-specific immune response of sobaity (Sparidentex hasta) with an average weight of 7.64 ± 0.3 g. This study was carried out in a completely randomized design with three treatments and replications in fiberglass tanks with 300 liters volume. Fish were fed with feed containing 0, 400 and 800 mg lactoferrin per kg feed for a period of 42 days. At the end of the experiment, blood, plasma and mucus samples were collected. The obtained results indicated that dietary LF did not change sobaity fish growth and feeding performance (P > 0.05). The mucus bactericidal activity significantly rose in fish fed on 800 mg lactoferrin (P < 0.05), although other non-specific immune responses such as white blood cells count, total Ig, lysozyme activity, complement activity and plasma bactericidal activity were not influenced by LF (P > 0.05). But, hemoglobin, hematocrit value and red blood cells count showed significant differences between the control group with the treatments 1and 2 (P< 0.05). Overall, this study showed that hematological factors were affected by dietary lactoferrin. Nonetheless, it can be concluded that feeding of sobaity on the diet supplemented with 400 and 800 mg lactoferrin for a period of 6 weeks do not enhance the non-specific immune response and growth performance.

Parvar Protected Aera is located in the north-eastern of Semnan County in Semnan province of Iran. This area has the rich fauna and flora because of the various climates. This study was done in order to the identification of snakes' fauna in Parvar Protected Area from April to September 2013. Sampling was performed from morning to night in different parts of the Parvar Protected Area. Specimens were transferred to the Laboratory and metric and meristic characters were evaluated after identification. Totally, 25 specimens were collected in Parvar Protected Area and 10 species were identified belonging to seven genera and Colubridae and Viperidae families including: Dolichophis schmiditi, Platyceps najadum najadum, Platyceps ventromacalatus ventrimaculatus, Platyceps karelini karelini, Elaphe dione dione, Hemorrhois ravergieri, Natrix tessellata tessellata, Natrix natrix natrix, Macrovipera lebetina obtusa and Gloydius halys caucasicus. Elaphe dione dione has the highest frequency and Platyceps karelini karenini has the lowest frequency in this area.

The syrphidae family is one of the largest families of Diptera that consists of more than 6000 living species .The larvae of many species of syrphidae are predators of Aphids and play an important role in biological control. . In order to identify hoverfly fauna, some specimens of adults were collected during 2011 - 2012 using a sweeping net in northen khorasan-e razavi province. The results showed that 25 species belonging to 13 genera were identified. Two species Paragus abrogans, Cheilosia aerea are recorded for the first time from Khorasan-e Razavi Province.