DEPARTMENT OF ANIMAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL BIOLOGY

Botanical insecticides may serve as suitable alternatives to synthetics in future, as the yare relatively safe and readily available in many parts of the world. This study investigated the efficacy of Chrysophyllum albidum extracts (Leaf and Bark stem) on Culex species larvae. The extracts were tested on laboratory bred Culex sp. larvae at different concentrations (500, 750and1000ppm) at 24, 48 and 72 hrs. Data was analyzed statistically using Analysis of Variance(ANOVA). Increasing mortalities was observed with increase in concentration and time of exposure. Highest mortalities of Chrysophyllum albidum bark per exposure time were observed in larvae exposed to highest test concentration of 1000 ppm (24 h = 3.3%; 48 h = 10.0%; 72h=13%). Highest mortalities of C. albidum leaf per exposure time were observed in larvae exposed to highest test concentration of 1000 ppm (24 h = 10%; 48 h = 16.7 %; 72 h = 23.3%). LC50andLC90 values at 72 hrs were 6332.262 ppm and 58278.321 ppm respectively for Chrysophyllum albidum bark, 4672.394 ppm and 46866.555 for the leaf and 4265.617ppmand 42292.050forboth the leaf and bark. The phytochemicals screening of ethanoic extract of Chrysophyllumalbidum from both the leaves and bark revealed the presence of carbohydrate, saponins, tannins, phenol, steroid and alkaloids in Chrysophyllum albidum and the absence of phenol in leaves. The findings of the present investigation revealed that the leaf extract of Chrysophyllum albidum showed larvicidal activity against Culex sp. Chemicals derived from plants offer promise in future mosquito control

This study was conducted to investigate the physico-chemical effect of imidacloprid (Imidacloprid 200G /L SL exposure on Clariasgariepinus juveniles. Four (4) weeks old C. gariepinus juveniles werepurchased at the Department of Fisheries, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Benin. The experimental fishes were kept and used for twenty-eight (28) days in a static renewal bioassay. At the end of the 28 days exposure, juvenile samples were prepared for physico-chemical parameters using standard procedures. This study investigated the effects of imidacloprid on Clariasgariepinus and examined Albumin function in the liver and muscle. Albumin constitutes a major part of the proteins in the body. Functions of albumin includes distribution of extra cellular fluid, regulation of osmotic pressure ,acts as transport agent for hormones,lipids and vitamins. Increased levels are found in dehydration and decreased levels are found in liver disease, malnutrition and kidney disorders. Standard physicochemical analyses of the experimental water yielded the following parameters: temperature 28 °C, pH 5.74, electrical conductivity 32 µS/cm, total dissolved solids 16 mg/L, turbidity 2 NTU, dissolved oxygen 6.6 mg/L, biological oxygen demand 2.7 mg/L, hardness 18 mg/L, alkalinity 8 mg/L, and chloride 14.12 mg/L. Fish were exposed to imidacloprid at three concentrations—5 µg/L (Concentration A), 10 µg/L (Concentration B), and 15 µg/L (Concentration C)—with an unexposed group serving as the control (Concentration D). These results suggest that imidacloprid exposure led to changes in albumin levels. At lower concentrations imidacloprid may affect albumin synthesis and at higher concentrations there was a significant increase in albumin levels. Increase in Clariasgariepinus, potentially serving as a protective mechanism against pesticide-induced oxidative damage. The research work shows the importance of antioxidant responses in aquatic environments on their exposure to neonicotinoid pesticides and teaches the management of contaminated aquatic systems 

Contamination from various pollutants has been a major threat to water bodies, resulting in the accumulation of minerals. This study evaluated and compared the concentration and distribution of minerals (Na, Mg, Ca, K, P) in two fish species (Parachanna obscura and Malapterurus electricus). Samples from both species were taken, processed and analyzed in the laboratory. The results were then presented in mean ± standard deviation format. The mean concentration of sodium in Parachanna obscura was 1.75 ± 0.29 while that of Malapterurus electricus was 0.90 ± 0.19, the mean concentration in Parachanna obscura was 18.65 ± 5.63 while that of
Malapterurus electricus was10.81 ± 2.42, the mean concentration of Phosphorus in Parachanna obscura was 9.76 ± 2.02 while that of Malapterurus electricus was 8.16 ± 1.66. In Parachanna obscura, magnesium mean concentration was 9.35 ± 2.24 while that of Malapterurus electricus was 6.45 ±1.52 and lastly, the mean value of concentration of calcium in both species were 1.88 ± 0.62 and 1.18 ± 0.22 respectively. From the result, Parachanna obscura showed higher mean concentration across all measured minerals thereby indicating a greater nutritional benefit from it. This finding provides valuable insights into nutritional planning, dietary choices and fish consumption. There is need for further research to explore seasonal/environmental factors that may influence mineral levels in the species as well as the reduction of environmental pollution and preserve public health.

This study examined the diversity and distribution of gecko species within the newly constructed Danjuma Hostel, University of Benin (UNIBEN), Ugbowo Campus, Edo State, Nigeria. The survey was conducted from August to October 2025 to determine how quickly Hemidactylus species establish in modern human dwellings. Visual encounter surveys were carried out during both day and night, focusing on walls, ceilings, corridors, and nearby vegetation. A total of 18 geckos were recorded, comprising Hemidactylus mabouia (10 individuals, 55.6%) and Hemidactylus angulatus (8 individuals, 44.4%). Despite the hostel’s recent construction, both species displayed remarkable adaptability, indicating early colonization facilitated by artificial lighting, insect availability, and microhabitat conditions. H. mabouia was predominantly observed in light-exposed areas, while H. angulatus occupied more secluded and shaded sections, suggesting niche differentiation within a shared environment. These findings reveal that ecological succession in human structures can occur much faster than previously assumed, particularly among synanthropic reptiles. The presence of both species in near-equal proportions implies a balanced micro-ecosystem, where competition and resource partitioning allow coexistence. Beyond its local significance, this study underscores the broader ecological principle that nature wastes no opportunity to reclaim and inhabit newly available niches, even those fashioned by human hands

A survey was conducted in the month of August, 2023 in order to investigate the food and feeding habit of Sclerophrys maculata in Okomu Rubber Plantation in Ovia South -West, Edo State, Nigeria. The study was carried out in order to contribute to the available information on the food and feeding habit of the Sclerophrys maculata . The specimens examined were captured at night using visual and acoustic encounter sampling techniques among grasses while they were out to feed or mate. The anurans were euthanized by exposing them to chloroform in a killing jar and then injected through the peritoneum with 10% formalin to preserve the stomach content and then stored in a bottle filled with 10% formalin. A total of nine Sclerophrys maculata comprising of 3 males and 6 females were examined for their dietary content. Analysis of the prey items recovered from the stomach of the species showed the occurrence of three prey items category: Hymenoptera, Coleoptera and Blattodea. Hymenoptera was the most abundant prey items accounting for 92.16% while other prey items were Coleoptera (3.92%) and Blattodea (3.92%). There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the feeding rate of both male and female specimens. The high prey abundance of Hymenopterans recovered from the toads confirmed the description that they are sit and wait feeders and myrmecophagous specialist but may opportunistically feed on other prey items.

A survey was conducted in the month of August, 2023 in order to investigate the foodand feeding habit of Sclerophrys maculata in Okomu Rubber Plantation in Ovia South -West, Edo State, Nigeria. The study was carried out in order to contribute to the available information on the food and feeding habit of the Sclerophrys maculata. The specimens examined were captured at night using visual and acoustic encounter sampling techniques among grasses while they were out to feed or mate. The anurans were euthanized by exposing them to chloroform in a killing jar and then injected through the peritoneum with 10% formalin to preserve the stomach content and then stored in a bottle filled with 10% formalin. A total of nine Sclerophrys maculata comprising of 3 males and 6 females, were examined for their dietary content. Analysis of the prey items recovered from the stomach of the species showed the occurrence of three prey item categories: Hymenoptera, Coleoptera, and Blattodea. Hymenoptera was the most abundant preyitemsaccounting for 92.16% while other prey items were Coleoptera (3.92%) and Blattodea (3.92%). There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the feeding rate of both male and female specimens. The high prey abundance of Hymenopterans recovered from the toads confirmed the description that they are sit-and-wait feeders and myrmecophagous specialists but may opportunistically feed on other prey items.

River systems are valuable to human beings; meanwhile, they are intensively influenced by human activities. especially urbanization. In this study, we evaluated water quality of Amagba- Okoroma River, Benin City using analysis of water physico-chemical parameters recorded seasonally from March to April 2023 (dry season) and June and July 2023 (rainy season). Three sampling sites were selected along the course of the river from upstream (site 1) to downstream (site 3) associated with various anthropogenic activities. Water samples were collected and anlysed using standard procedure. Of the 21 water physico-chemical parameters anlysed, 5 parameters namely, turbidity (15.5 NTU), pH (5.4), Cr (0.15 mg/L), Cu (0.34 mg/L) and Zn (0.66 mg/L) exceeded the stipulated Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS) guidelines. The result revealed that 3 parameters, namely, air temperature, water depth, and transparency showed
significant spatial variation across the three sites. Additionally, statistically significant seasonal variation was observed in 2 parameters in dry and rainy season namely, nitrate-nitrogen and sulphate. Water quality index (WQI) results reveal that water samples from each site were rated to be of excellent water quality, however, site 1 upstream had the best quality followed by site 2 and site 3 respectively. To preserve this water resource against pollution, the implementation of stringent guidelines as well as routine biomonitoring are needed to enhance its health status

The sediment characterization and evaluation of Zoobenthos community in Aghuakuari River, Edo State, Nigeria was carried out for four (4) months across three (3) stations from April 2023through July, 2023. The heavy metals of the sediment were analyzed and studied and they include, Iron (Fe) (310.11– 411.0 mg/kg), Copper (Cu) (10.05 – 29.00 mg/kg), Manganese(Mn)(0.13 – 0.60 mg/kg), Lead (Pb) (0.30 – 1.20 mg/kg), Cadmium (Cd) (0.12 – 0.23 mg/kg), and Zinc (Zn) (7.63 – 14.00 mg/kg) and also the Particle size distribution and Organic content (%organic carbon and % organic matter) were also analyzed. Heavy metals apart from iron parameters were within the allowable limits of USEPA for freshwater bodies. Atotal of 19taxacomprising of 394 individuals, were recorded during the study. Hemiptera accounted for 1%, Coleoptera accounted for 7%, Odonata accounted for 1%, Diptera accounted for 57%, Ephemeroptera accounted for 3%, Decapoda accounted for 5%, Amphibia accounted for 26%, and Araneae accounted for 0.1%. The total number of taxa in station 1 were 8 with 181total number of individuals. In station 2, 16 taxa were recorded and individuals were 83 while instation 3, the total number of taxa and individuals were 6 and 130, respectively. From the coefficient correlation analysis, it was observed that the distribution and abundance of some benthic macroinvertebrates by changes in some physico-chemical parameters. Factors that influenced the abundance and distribution of the benthic macroinvertebrates include the nature of the water body, habitat richness and stability, immediate substrate of occupation, the heavy metal composition, anthropogenic activities, tropic condition, resource partitioning, and predation.

Houseflies, also known as Musca domestica L. , are a type of insect in the Muscidae family. Certain types of these bugs are capable of transmitting illnesses. They are called dirtyfliesbecause they like to hang around things like garbage and poop. This study found the germs andharmful bacteria that are linked to house flies and the potential danger in the main market inEgor Local Government Area of Edo state. We used a net to collect things fromtwo parts of thedumpsites. Testing was done on housefly samples to find out what kind of bacteria were inthem. This involved looking at the bacteria under a microscope, identifying their physical traits, andseeing how they grew on special substances. The study found certain types of bacteria, includingEscherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia marcescens, and Proteus vulgaris. Thestudyfound that the amounts of certain types of bacteria ranged from 1. 4 x 106 to 1. 6 x106forcoliform bacteria and from 6. 7 x 106 to 7. 4 x 106 for other bacteria. The bacteria Escherichia coli, Serratia, Pseudomonas, and Proteus were separated. We all react strongly to Gentamycin and ciprofloxacin. is a type of bacteria. E coli and Serratia bacteriaareeasily affected by chitosan. is a type of bacteria. The tests showed that most bacteriaweresensitive to carbenicillin, but Proteus sp was resistant to it. The MAR index ranged from0. 333to 0444. It was found that houseflies in Uselu market from Egor Local Government Area of Edostate carry harmful parasites and bacteria on their bodies and inside them. So there is needtocontrol the number of flies to prevent diseases caused by flies now and in the future

This study was carried out to determine the wound healing potency of Parkia biglobosa ethanol leaf extract on surgical wounds using animal model. Thirty-two (32) healthy female albino rats (Rattus norvegicus), two months old, with an average weight of about 188g were purchased. Normal excision wounded animals in Group 1 (Control) were only given food and water. Group 2 (Standard drug) were given cicatrin powder to treat their wounds. Group 3 were given 10% Parkia biglobosa extract to treat their wounds. Group 4 were given 20% Parkia biglobosa extract to treat their wounds. After seven days, serum blood samples were taken, analyzed for anti-inflammatory. The results of showed that the extracts of P. biglobosa had positive effect on wounded healing. Tumour necrosis factor (TNF-α) of group 1 animals range from 136.0 pg/ml to 110.5 pg/ml, group 2 animals range from 87.0 pg/ml to 117.6 pg/ml, group 3 animals range from 123.45 pg/ml to 117.6 pg/ml, while group 4 animals range from 116.7 pg/ml to 133.6 pg/ml. The Superoxide dismutase (SOD) values of the treated animals were as follows: group 1 animals range from 12.6 U/mg to 18.95 U/mg, group 2 animals range from 17.85 U/mg to 25.15 U/mg, group 3 animals range from 14.2 U/mg to 23.9 U/mg, while group 4 animals range from 14.8 U/mg to 16.1 U/mg. The study recommends that the potential and safety of this plant extract, as well as their possible protective mechanisms, should be determined before administration into humans.