DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY

Melanoides tuberculata is a freshwater snail of medical importance and serves as an intermediate host for several parasitic trematodes that affect both humans and animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of trematode infections in M. tuberculata snails from River Siluko in Ovia South-West Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria. A total of 83 snails were collected in two batches: 17 and 66 specimens in May and July, 2025, respectively. All snails were subjected to standard cercarial shedding techniques and examined for the presence of trematode larvae under a dissecting microscope. Thereafter they were crushed and also examined. None of the snails shed cercaria. However, trematode larval stages (redia and furcocercous cercariae) were recovered from two (2.41%) of the snails examined after crushing. Only the snails examined in May were infected while none was infected in July. This finding showed that M. tuberculata from River Siluko harbors trematode infections, although at a relatively low prevalence. This indicates the role of M. tuberculata as an intermediate host for trematodes infection. The finding provides insight into the potential health risk posed by the aquatic environment of River Siluko. This study contributes to the understanding of the epidemiology of snail-borne trematode infections in the region and offers valuable data that can support public health planning, especially in community like Siluko that relied on water from the river for domestic and recreational activities. There is therefore need for continuous monitoring of freshwater snails parasites infection in the area.

The study investigated the effects of 6PPD-quinone (6PPD-Q) on the swimming performance of Clarias gariepinus fingerlings over a 28-day exposure period. Fish were exposed to nominal concentrations of 0 µg/L 6PPD-Q (positive control), 200 µg/L DMSO (negative control), and 500, 1000, and 1500 µg/L 6PPD-Q. Swimming speed showed a clear concentration and time dependent reduction across all treatment groups compared to the positive control. The mean swimming speeds (m/s) for the respective treatments were 2.115 ± 1.252, 0.8950 ± 0.2758, 0.8050 ± 0.0778, 0.1100 ± 0.0212, and 0.0250 ± 0.0071 on day 7; 4.110 ± 1.725, 0.4750 ± 0.1061, 0.0600 ± 0.0212, 0.0600 ± 0.0212, and 0.0150 ± 0.0071 on day 14; 0.8950 ± 0.2758, 0.6050 ± 0.0778, 0.1350 ± 0.0212, 0.0550 ± 0.0071, and 0.0350 ± 0.0071 on day 21; and 0.5800 ± 0.1838, 0.2500 ± 0.1556, 0.1650 ± 0.0495, and 0.0400 ± 0.0212 on day 28. Statistically significant differences (p <0.05) were observed between all 6PPD-Q-exposed groups and the positive control, except for the 200 µg/L and negative control groups on days 7, 21, and 28 (p > 0.05). Percentage reductions in swimming speed relative to the positive control were 57.7%, 61.9%, 94.8%, and 98.8% on day 7 for the negative control and 500, 1000, and 1500 µg/L groups, respectively. By day 21, reductions reached 32.4%, 84.9%, 93.9%, and 96.1%, and further deepened to 56.9%, 71.6%, 86.2%, and 93.1% by day 28. The observed decline in swimming performance indicates that 6PPD-Q impairs locomotor ability in C. gariepinus in a dose and duration dependent manner, potentially compromising survival and ecological fitness in contaminated aquatic environments

Mosquitoes are common insect pests and are well known as major vectors responsible for transmitting important parasitic and arboviral diseases such as malaria, filariasis, dengue fever, chikungunya and Zika virus, which pose significant health risks to humans and animals. This study investigated the species composition, sex ratio and distribution of outdoor-resting mosquitoes on the Ugbowo Campus of the University of Benin, Nigeria. Adult mosquitoes were sampled using sweep nets across 14 selected outdoor sites between 3:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. from August to September 2025. Identification was carried out using standard morphological keys. A total of 244 adult mosquitoes were recorded, representing seven species: Aedes albopictus (67.6%), Aedes infirmatus (2.87%), Aedes cretinus (0.4%), Aedes vexans (2.87%), Culex quinquefasciatus (25.4%), Coquillettidia fraseri (0.4%) and Mansonia sp. (0.4%). Aedes albopictus was the most abundant (67.6%) and the most widely distributed, occurring in all sampled locations except the Junior Staff Quarters farmland. Aedes cretinus, Coquillettidia fraseri and Mansonia sp. were the least represented, each accounting for 0.4%. The sex ratio showed a higher proportion of females (63.9%) than males (36.1%). The Junior Staff Quarters farmland had the highest mosquito abundance (17.6%), followed by the Faculty of Agriculture (11.5%) and the Ekosodin back gate (11.0%), while Hall 6 recorded the lowest abundance (2.5%). Species diversity was highest at the Faculty of Engineering, Basic Medical Sciences, and Hall 6, whereas the Department of Health Services and the Junior Staff Quarters plantain farm showed the lowest diversity.

This study evaluates heavy metal contamination in soils and earthworms (Aporrectodea longa) across three distinct sites—a botanical garden, an automobile repair workshop, and an industrial zone—to assess site-specific pollution impacts. Soil and earthworm samples were analyzed for zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and iron (Fe). Results revealed stark contrasts: the industrial zone exhibited the highest contamination, with Cd averaging 0.2700 mg/kg in soil (peaking at 0.5250 mg/kg) and 0.01500 mg/kg in earthworms, exceeding regulatory thresholds. The automobile workshop showed elevated Pb (0.02100 mg/kg in soil) linked to vehicular emissions, while the botanical garden had relatively lower metal levels (Zn: 1.370 mg/kg in soil), though earthworms still accumulated significant Fe (3.342 mg/kg) and Cd (0.01450 mg/kg). Earthworm bioaccumulation patterns mirrored soil contamination, with industrial earthworms retaining hazardous Pb (0.03150 mg/kg) and Cd, underscoring their role as bioindicators. The automobile workshop’s earthworms exhibited suppressed metal uptake (Zn: 0.3600 mg/kg vs. soil Zn: 1.661 mg/kg), suggesting behavioral avoidance or toxicity effects. Conversely, botanical garden earthworms demonstrated moderate bioaccumulation despite lower soil pollution, hinting at atmospheric deposition. These findings highlight the industrial zone as a critical hotspot, with Cd posing severe ecological and human health risks due to its carcinogenic potential. The study advocates for urgent remediation in industrial areas, stricter regulation of automotive waste, and expanded use of earthworms in pollution monitoring. By linking land use to metal bioavailability, this research provides actionable insights for urban planning and environmental policy.

A parasitological study was carried out between May and June 2025, to determine the helminth parasites of Agama agama at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp located at Uhogua Community, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State. The lizards were killed by exposure to chloroform, dissected and examined for helminth parasites. A total of 30 lizards were sampled and they were all infected, giving an overall prevalence of 100% and a mean intensity of 24.3 parasites/infected host. The parasites recovered included two nematode species, one species of cestode and a trematode. The nematodes were Strongyluris brevicaudata
and Thelandros scleratus, which were recovered from the large intestine/rectum and a few in the small intestine. The cestode species was Oochoristica sp. recovered from the small intestine and Mesocoelium monodi represented the trematodes, also from the small intestine. The most prevalent parasite was Strongyluris brevicaudata (76.67%), followed by Oochoristica sp. (43.33%) and the least prevalent, Mesocoelium monodi (10.0%). All the parasites recorded infected both male and female lizards, except Mesocoelium monodi, which was only reported in male Agama lizards. The difference in prevalence value amongst the helminth parasites reported was statistically significant (p < 0.05). More samples need to be examined from Uhogua in order to have more materials for proper identification of the Oochoristica sp., as well as to study other parasites that may be present in the study area but were not encountered due to the short duration of this study

A parasitological study was carried out between May and June 2025, to determine the helminth
parasites of Agama agama at the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Camp located at Uhogua
Community, Ovia North-East Local Government Area of Edo State. The lizards were killed by
exposure to chloroform, dissected and examined for helminth parasites. A total of 30 lizards
were sampled and they were all infected, giving an overall prevalence of 100% and a mean
intensity of 24.3 parasites/infected host. The parasites recovered included two nematode
species, one species of cestode and a trematode. The nematodes were Strongyluris brevicaudata
and Thelandros scleratus, which were recovered from the large intestine/rectum and a few in
the small intestine. The cestode species was Oochoristica sp. recovered from the small intestine
and Mesocoelium monodi represented the trematodes, also from the small intestine. The most
prevalent parasite was Strongyluris brevicaudata (76.67%), followed by Oochoristica sp.
(43.33%) and the least prevalent, Mesocoelium monodi (10.0%). All the parasites recorded
infected both male and female lizards, except Mesocoelium monodi, which was only reported
in male Agama lizards. The difference in prevalence value amongst the helminth parasites
reported was statistically significant (p < 0.05). More samples need to be examined from
Uhogua in order to have more materials for proper identification of the Oochoristica sp., as
well as to study other parasites that may be present in the study area but were not encountered
due to the short duration of this study

Amphibians play vital roles in our ecosystem as both predator and prey, contributing to insect population control and serving as a bio-indicator of the environmental health. This study was done to examine the food and feeding habits of anurans (Sclerophyrs maculata, Hoplobatrachus occipitalis, and Ptychadena pumilio) around the Faculty of Life Science towards the Department of Anatomy at the University of Benin, Edo state, Nigeria. A total of 62 specimen were captured and analyzed using the stomach-flushing method to obtain the stomach content and the prey items were identified. The result revealed that the anurans mainly consumed insects in the Order Hymenoptera, which was the most abundant and frequently occurring prey item (73.43%). Sclerophyrs maculata had the highest dietary diversity, while H. occipitalis showed a preference for Araneae (spiders) and Ptychadena pumilio showed the lowest prey diversity probably due to the number of specimens captured. This study provides insight into the adaptability of these species to their environment, demonstrating their opportunistic feeding habits and the factors influencing their diet. The high consumption of hymenoptera suggests that crawling insects are a readily available and preferred type of food. The presence of empty stomach might indicate low availability of food or fast digestion rate.

Investigation of wall geckos, caught in IDP Uhogua, Benin City, Edo State for their parasites was undertaken between July and September , 2025. A total of 27 specimens were collected consisting of 20 males and seven females. Two species of geckos were encountered, consisting of Hemidactylus angulatus and Hemidactylus mabouia. Out of the 27 samples examined, 17 were H. angulatus and 10 were H. mabouia. Twenty three out of the 27 wall geckos examined were infected with parasites giving an overall prevalence of 85.18%. The parasites recorded included pentastomid;; Raillietiella sp. (55.55%), Cestode; Oochoristica sp. (7.41%), Nematode; Parapharyngodon awokoyai (3.70%) and Thelandros scleratus (62.96%). The most encountered parasite was Thelandros scleratus while the least encountered was Parapharyngodon awokoyai. More males (74.1%) were infected than
Females (25.93%). This difference in prevalence values was statistically significant (p<0.05). The four parasites recorded in this study have previously been recorded by other researchers in Nigeria.Further study needs to be conducted on the helminth parasites of wall geckos from IDP camp Uhogua in order to unravel other species of wall geckos and helminth parasites infecting them which were not recorded in this study due to small sample size and short duration of study. Investigation of two species of wall geckos caught in Uhogua, Benin City, Edo State for their parasites was carried out between July and October, 2025. A total of 32 specimens were collected and all were males. Two species of geckos were encountered, consisting of Hemidactylus angulatus and Hemidactylus mabouia. Out of the 32 samples examined, fifteen were H. angulatus and seventeen were H. mabouia. Nineteen out of the 32 wall geckos examined were infected with parasites given an overall prevalence of 59.38%. The
parasites recorded included; Pentastomid; Raillietiella sp. (37.50%), Cestode; Oochoristica sp.(15.63%), Trematode; Paradistomoides(3.13%) and Nematodes; Parapharyngodon awokoyai (15.63%) and Thelandros scleratus(28.13%). The most encountered parasite was Raillietiella sp. having overall prevalence of 37.50% and mean intensity of 5.67 while the least encountered was Paradistomoides having an overall prevalence of 3.13% and mean intensity of 1.00. The difference in prevalence value was statistically significant (p<0.01). All parasites recorded affected both H. angulatus and H. mabouia except Oochoristica sp.
and Paradistomoides which infected only H. mabouia. The parasites recorded in this study have all been previously reported b other researchers from Uhogua and other localities in Edo State.

Cladocera is a crucial bio-indicator of water quality and trophic status of the aquatic
environment they inhabit. This study was carried out from August 2021 to January 2022 using standard methods to investigate the species composition, abundance, distribution and diversity of Cladocera community of Okhuaihe River at Ikpe, Benin city, Edo state, Nigeria. A total of 22 physicochemical parameters were determined. Results show that flow rate width and phosphate were significantly higher across the sampling stations, while temporally, air temperature, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, chloride, iron, zinc and manganese showed high significance difference. The physicochemical parameters measured were within the Federal Ministry of Environment and WHO permissible limits except electrical conductivity, ammonium, chloride, turbidity, iron, copper, manganese and chromium. A total of 6 families comprising 75 individuals were recorded. Abundance was highest in station 4 contributing 64 individuals and lowest at station 1 which accounted for 3 individuals of total individuals. The family Chydoridae (33.33%) dominated the samples followed by Sididae (26.67%), Moinidae (16.00%), Daphniidae (14.67%), Bosminidae (8.00%) and then Macrothricidae (1.33%). Species richness was highest in station 4 and lowest in station 2. Shannon wiener index indicated that station 4 had the highest diversity followed by station 3 while Cladocera species in station 2 were less diverse. Evenness was highest in station 1, closely followed by station 2 while station 4 had the least value. Dominance was measured with highest value in station 2 and least value in station 4. Daphniidae showed a positive significant correlation to turbidity while Macrothricidae exhibited positive significant correlations with sulphate and turbidity. The water quality index at stations 1 to 4 indicate that the sampled stations are safe for human consumption, support aquatic life and other domestic activities This study proved that Okhuaihe River is of good water quality and the Cladocera community encountered are typical of a tropical freshwater habitat but of low diversity. However, continuous monitoring should be carried out intermittently on the River so that a deviation in the quality of the water could be detected timely.

This study examined the emotional impact of parental neglect on children in Egor Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. The research aimed to determine the prevalence of emotional neglect, identify its major causes, assess its ef ects on children’s mental health, behavior, and academic performance, evaluate parental responsiveness, and examine the availability and ef ectiveness of support services. A descriptive survey research design was adopted, targeting 370 respondents, including primary and secondary school children, their parents, and teachers. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations) and inferential statistics (Spearman’s Rank Correlation and multiple regression analysis) via SPSS version 25. Findings revealed that emotional neglect is prevalent, primarily driven by parental work commitments, financial constraints, and poor communication. The study further established significant associations between neglect and children’s emotional well-being, social behavior, and academic performance, while institutional support services were found to be limited. Recommendations emphasize parental engagement, school counseling, community awareness, and policy interventions