فصلنامه محیط زیست جانوری
سال هفتم شماره 3 (پاییز 1394)

One of the most important measures to protect wildlife in each area, is the existence of enough food and water in it. According to specific importance of Persian gazelle (Gazella Subgutturosa Subgutturosa) in the west of Iran, especially in Qaraviz no hunting area and presence of livestock of nomads and villagers and also importance of water and its distribution as a one of vital sources of habitat for wilderness and desert species, this study seeks to find suitable areas to establish trough for this species. So criteria of distance from roads, slope classes, distance from the village, Gazella density, distance from waterways, land use and distance from the predaceous and distance from livestock are considered. Then by using GIS analysis functions, the entire range was zoned for each of the specified criteria. To obtain the importance of each criterion, analytic hierarchy process (AHP) was used. The final map was obtained by combining of maps and removing unsuitable areas and it was divided to five categories very appropriate potential, appropriate potential, relatively appropriate potential, inappropriate potential and limitations layer for construction. The results of this method were investigated by using ground controllers which indicated suitable areas for construction exist in the central, west and southwest parts of region and in adjacent with Iraq country.

Gazelle are endangered species that their populations are declining sharply. Therefore need to conservation programs. Nine samples were collected from seven Gezella Genus in Fars province of Iran. The study was carried out base on mitochondrial Cytochrome b gene sequencing. Obtained sequencing form samples comparing with sequences available in Gene banks as NCBI and EMBL with BLAST tools after approved the sequences of this study. The phylogenetic tree was drawing with MEGA 5.2 software. Analysis of molecular variance in was done with software Arlequine 3 software. The results showed that the differences among and within populations are 88.09 and 11.91, respectively. The gene flow rate is low and fixation index is 0.88, respectively. Fst is greater than 0.25 indicate, showed that the genetic variance was good in the samples. Persian gazelle haplotype analysis with network software suggested that two sample of Bamoo3 and Abade2 have common haplotype, Jebeer haplotype network showed that Bahram goor's samples have common haplotype and Hormod's samples formed a separate haplotype.

Wild goat (Capra aegagrus) is an indicator species used for assessing the health of the habitat. In this study, the population of wild goats, were analyzed in Arasbaran protected area in the three sub zones include; Shah Heydar – Daraghzi, Vineq, Tazakend - Anza. The results of the annual census surveys and extensive field visit showed that linear transect method is reasonable for the census of the species in the National Park and Protected Area of Arasbaran, However, the need to revise and supplement besides using it to compare and determine the error for clarification of results is necessary. Census statistics for the eight-year observations show that approximately 50% of the total population of Goats focus in habitats of Daraghzi – Shah Heydar. Statistical analysis of census data show that a significant difference (p

This study was carried out to determined the reproductive performance (calving interval, days open) of Tehran and Alborz provinces Holstein Cows and some factors affecting it, while using 90824 records which were collected by Animal Breeding Center from years2001to2011.mean and standard error of calving interval 401/75±70/52 days, days open 123/31±59/86 days were estimated. The effect of herd, lactation number and milk yield on reproductive performance were significant (p

In this study a population of 160 males and 320 females with genome consists of 4 chromosomes were simulated. The first chromosome have 100 biallelic loci and the other chromosomes each one have 50 biallelic loci. Then a causative mutation (QTL) on chromosome 1 and 50th loci with genotypic effect equal to the half of the supposed standard deviation of breeding values were simulated for a randomly selected individual (Mutant). Remainder loci of chromosome 1 were considered as traceable SNP markers neglecting other chromosomes. Assuming random mating of selected parents, 2 offspring per dam were simulated. 50 discrete generations by selecting 50% of the male progenies based on breeding values and all female progenies as parents of the next generation. Linkage disequilibrium and allelic frequency of progenies were calculated for markers of first chromosome for different levels of dominance during all generations. The results showed that the levels of dominance cannot change linkage disequilibrium pattern and no efficiently on identify sweeps. But they can play a role in continuity of Sweeps.

Among 4 species of fox in Iran, Branford's fox is the smallest one. The previous studies on this species are limited and not significant. Therefore we researched the main factors that affect its distribution and its potential distribution throughout Iran using MAXENT modeling based on the presence data. The presence data gathered from camera trap pictures and some of the incidental observations and also several environmental variables including climatic, topographic and manmade were used for modeling. The output model indicates that rainfall in the coldest season; slope and daily temperature mean are the 3 variables that respectively have the most impact on Branford's fox distribution in Iran. Moreover 64787.5 km2 of Iran, mainly in the central region, is assumed as suitable habitat for Branford's fox.

Recent national assessments consider the Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx) to be a vulnerable species in Iran, yet no empirical data exist on its population status. During February 2010-May 2011 we carried out a baseline survey of the species status in Anguran Wildlife Refuge, northwestern Iran, using extensive camera-trapping, assessment of prey availability (wild sheep Ovis orientalis), and interviews with local people. A total of 1,944 camera trap-nights yielded no photograph of the lynx, though all the sympatric large and medium-sized carnivores were recorded. Adapting Hetherington and Gorman (2007)’s lynx-prey relationships, we found a much lower biomass density of the ungulates than has been published from the species range (i.e., 23.9 kg km-2), thus the predicted lynx density was negative. No recent reliable observation of the lynx was obtained during the questionnaires, and no stock breeder claimed any livestock depredation by the species. Overall, we found no evidence of a resident lynx population in our study site, though the reserve has been considered to be a lynx hotspot in Iran based on the unconfirmed observations. We recommend a monitoring scheme of continuously collecting and compiling field records of the Eurasian lynx in order to robustly assess the distribution and conservation status of this lesser-known felid in Iran.

Diabetes is the most common metabolic disease in the world. Diabetic Complications, oxidative stress induced by free radicals linked.Body's antioxidant defense mechanisms to fight through it arise. Parameters reduction of glucose control and serum lipids in patients with the use of medicinal plants is important. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant effect of the aqueous extract of cinnamon on pancreatic tissue of streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats. In this study, the diabetes induced in 21 adult male Wistar rats in the weight range 200 ± 30 with an intra-peritoneal injection of streptozotocin (mg/kg 50). Animals in three groups of 7 digits healthy, diabetic control and diabetic rats treated with the extract, respectively. Fasting mice were injected with a dose of 50 mg/kg of streptozotocin (STZ) intraperitoneally was diabetic. After 21 days of treatment with the extract at a dose of 200 mg / kg of malondialdehyde (MDA), FRAP and catalase were measured in three groups of pancreatic tissue. In order to perform statistical analyzes were performed using SPSS software. All data are presented as mean ± standard error (SE ± Mean) was expressed. ANOVA test and the Tukey's test were used for comparisons between groups. Significant in statistical work (0.05> P) was considered. The results showed that treatment with cinnamon extract increases the FRAP and MDA decreased in male rats, but in this study the changes in catalase activity was observed.

To date, an effective and exact chemical drug has not been introduced for wound healing acceleration. Therefore the use of herbal medicine studies, are performed. In this study we compared the leaves dough and water extract of the Ghich (Zygophyllum eurypterum: Zygophylaceae) with Phenytoin cream 1% on the skin wound healing rate in the male souri mouse (Mus musculus). This experimental study was performed on the six groups of male mice. After mice anesthetizing, the skin lesion area with7/85 mm2 was created on the animal back. From the first day, phenytoin cream 1%, leaves dough and water extract (in 3 doses: 50, 100, 200) were applied on the wound. The wound surface every day and the percentage of wound healing in 3th, 6th, 9th, 12th and 14th days were measured. Also the time needed for complete wound healing was determined. The results showed that the percentage of wound healing in leaf dough and water extract (100) groups was higher than the ointment group (P

Diabetes millitus is a common metabolic disorder due to dysfunctional insulin secretion and hyperglycemia. The main aim of this study is to investigate the effect of hydroethanolic extract of marigold (Calendula officinalis) on glucose, serum lipids and liver enzymes of AST, ALT in diabetic male Wistar rats.
This research is an experimental-laboratory study on male Wistar rats (n=32) weighing 180-200 gr. The Rats were randomly divided into 4 groups, including normal control,extract treated- normal control, diabetic control and extract- treated diabetic rats.A single intraperitoneal dose of (60mg/kg) STZ was used to induce experimental diabetes in the rats.The Extract was given orally (300mg/kg.P.O) to diabetic rats and the other group took normal salin at the same time.At the end of the eight- week treatment , blood samples were collected dirvectly from heart and then biochemical tests of liver enzymes , serum lipids and glucose were done.The collected data was analyzed using ANOVA and SPSS20. The obtained results indicated that serum levels of liver enzymes i.e. AST , ALT, and cholesterol and triglycerdices were significantly reduced in treatment groups compared to diabetic control group (p

Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) is one of the protected birds occupying a wide range of habitats in northern parts of Iran. Successful management of this species demands information on its habitat requirements. In this study, habitat suitability for pheasant was assessed using ecological niche modeling across Golestan Province. For this purpose, 15 environmental variables presumably participating in constraining the large-scale niche dimensions of pheasant were used to model the ecological niche and distribution of the species using a maximum entropy algorithm. Results indicated that model predictions were statistically significantly better than random expectations. Model predictions identified three separate regions of potential pheasant distribution, in the western, central, and eastern parts of the province, and as well a small area in the northwest, but pheasant distribution is largely limited to the southern part of the province in forested areas and their surrounding habitats. Generally, 8.6%, 28.1%, and 63.3% of the province were categorized as potentially suitability at high, moderate, and low levels, respectively. The variables “distance to forest” and “precipitation seasonality” as most relevant determinants of pheasant distribution.

In this research Evaluate 96 Japanese quail female 9 month age (in egg drop production period) in 40 days. These birds grouped in 3 experimental groups contain human menotropin gonadotropin (HMG) injection in 0, 180 and 360 mg/kg body weight bird in day during 10 days in breast muscle, With 4 replicates and 8 birds in each replicate. This bird divided by randomized completely block design. During injection and post injection periods, calculated laying performance and qualitative characters after collecting data in each period. Results shown both doses from HMG significantly increased egg weight, albumin percent, egg content weight, egg production percent and decrease feed conversion ratio in both periods (P

In this study one hundred and thirty male and female broiler chicks from ages 21 to 35 days were evaluated. At the initial day of this experiment (d 21), 10 birds (as control group at initial phase) were blood collection, and 120 birds were divided as a completely randomized design, in 5 experimental groups, contains two normal chicken groups (include control and Allium sativum extract injected groups) and three hypercholesterolemic chick groups (include control, Allium sativum extract and lovastatin injected groups) with three replicates and 8 birds per replicate. Normal chicks were subcutaneously injected only by Allium sativum extract (25 mg/kg body weight/d) at days 21-28 and hypercholesterolemic chicks were injected by Allium sativum extract plus cholesterol (50 mg/kg body weight/d). Blood samples were collected at day 28 from half of the birds and at day 35 from the others.. The results showed that a seven-day period injection causes increased levels of blood TC, TG and LDL compared with the control group. In hypercholesterolemic chicks, levels of blood LDL at the end of a seven-day period (day 28) increased and level of blood HDL decreased by Allium sativum extract injection rather than control group (P

Global climate change has been predicted to exert negative impacts over biodiversity. large proportion diverse taxonomic groups is predicted to go extinct under the predicted climate change during the lasts decades species distribution models have become an important tool to predict the impact of climate change on the animal and plant. But very little is known about the effects of climate change on the Iranian Herpetofauna. This study aims to investigate the reptile’s habitat suitability change under current and future climatic conditions in Iran. For this we used four species distribution models (Maximum entropy (Maxent), support vector machines (SVM), generalized linear Model (GLM), artificial neural networks (ANN)) to produce ensemble prediction maps for Paralaudakia caucasia and Saara loricata a mountain and desert dwelling reptiles in Iran. Our result shows suitable habitats will be decline under the current climate change for Paralaudakia caucasia whileclimate change increase suitable habitats for Saara loricata.

Zarivar international wetland has high ecological significance and are treasure of genetic resources. Thus, assessment of pollution in this ecosystem is necessary that can be performed by use of aquatic organisms as biological indicators such as fish. This research ýwas carried out in order to evaluation of heavy metals (Pb, Cd and Zn ) in Zarivar international wetland by ýmeasuingt these metals in muscle tissue of Cyprinus carpio. For this purpose, sampling was done during ýthe seasons winter 2013 from the study area. After biometry of the catch fishes samples, muscle ýtissues dissected and samples were prepared and analyzed. Concentrations of selected metals in ýmuscle tissue by acid digestionþ þmethod (HNO3:HClO4)ýþ þwere measured using an atomic absorption ýspectrophotometer (HR-CS AAS)ýþ.þý Statistical analyses were done using the SPSS software. ý The mean ýconcentrations of Cd, Pb and Zn in carpio muscle were 0.4, 0.33 and 127.5 μg/g dry weight, ýrespectively. The results indicated no significant differences in metal concentration between the males ýand females. The metals concentrations in muscles of this species were below the recommended limits by world ýorganizations with exception of Cd that was above the permissible limits by NHMRC.ý It seem be that agricultural runoff and wastewater discharge are the main anthropogenic source of these toxic heavy metals in the Zarivar international wetland.

This study was carried out to assess Choghahor water quality using WQS index. Sampling was done at 10 stations (3 repetitions) with the frequency of every 45 days from May to March 2010. Dissolved oxygen (DO), TN (nitrate, nitrite and ammonium), TP, NH3, pH, TDS and BOD5 were evaluated. The results of analyses of variance showed that differences were significant (P<0.01) for all parameters in whole stages. According to DO, TP, NH3 and pH, WQS were placed in grade 5 showing good water quality. But to TN it was in grade 3 and 1 indicating poor and bad quality, respectively. Finally, BOD5 was placed in grade 1 showing bad water quality. Using WQS, high similarities have been seen between water qualities in various stations. Total value was found 3.96 for the whole studied area indicating poor water quality.

In this survey, in order to study the Coliform pollution of Zyarat Stream from surface layer were sampled in 10 stations. Sampling was done monthly in during spring and summer (1391). The Coliform pollution was examined by standard MPN method. Present results has shown significant difference among stations (p>0.05)) that the main cause of it was human,s activities while there was no significant difference among different months that the main cause of it was flood monthly that occurred. In summer, due to the high temperature, growth of bacteria is more than ever and in the lower area, because of calm flowing of water and it is passing through the city and agricultural centers, and entering garbage into it, the amount of pollution has been apparently reached a high level in comparison with other parts of the stream with rapid flowing of water.

This study was located at Karoon 4 reservoir, down-stream of Armand and Bazoft rivers (Southwest of Iran). Water samples were collected from March 2012 to February 2013 in three selected silts. Environmental parameters and chlorophyll a concentration were measured, as well as identification and abundance of zooplankton communities was studied. According to this study, 4 phyla of zooplankton was identified, include Rotifera, Protozoa, Cladocera and Copepoda. Overall 43 species were identified at four seasons. Most abundance was related to the phyla Rotifera (27 species), Copepoda (7 species), Cladocera (5 species) and Protozoa (4 species) respectively. The results showed, the maximum rate of chlorophyll a concentration was measured in the warm and minimum of this, was measured in the cold months. Al groups of zooplankton phyla without copepod, showed the minimum abundance at winter. The rate of chlorophyll a concentration, amount of phosphate and zooplankton indicator species, showed an oligotrophic condition in the lake of karoon 4 dam. As the results, we have the positive significant correlate between all groups of zooplanktons abundance and temperature, as well as chlorophyll a concentration (P<0.01). Whereas, there is negative correlation and not significant between DO and zooplankton communities (P>0.05).

Regarding the importance of Jinga shrimp (Metapenaeus affinis) in shrimp catch cycle in the Persian Gulf, primary study of genetic structure of this species population was considered by sequencing of mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. A number of 18 shrimps were collected from the regions of Bandar Abbas, Bushehr and Khuzestan and after DNA extraction using phenol-chloroform method, the PCR for amplification of 16S rRNA was optimized. The maximum amount of F- statistic parameter was 0.750 calculated between samples of Bandar Abbas and Khuzestan and the minimum amount was -0.105 between the samples of Bushehr and Khuzestan. At probability level of 0.05, population differentiation was significant between Bandar Abbas and two other regions of Bushehr and Khuzestan but not significant between the regions of Bushehr and Khuzestan, which was confirmed by test of exact p values within populations. Mean values of Tajima’s D and Fu’s Fs between the regions for the 18 sequences were -0.823 and 1.181, respectively that were not statistically significant. Phylogenetic trees showed the differentiation of Bandar Abbas population from the two other regions but this hypothesis needs supplementary investigations with more samples as well as by analyzing other mitochondrial and genomic markers.

The biomass and distribution of Penaeus semisulcatus were investigated in the Southern water of Bushehr province in 2014. Total CPUE of Penaeus semisulcatus was calculated 264/313 kg/h. There was no significant difference in CPUE of Penaeus semisulcatus indifferent regions and depth layers (P>0.05). From the depth layers and various regions, maximum mean CPUE were observed in 10-20 m layer zone with 10.92±3.21 kg/h and Rase Khan to Motaf region with 15.35±3.88, respectively. There was no significant difference in mean CPUE of Penaeus semisulcatus indifferent regions and depth layers (P>0.05). Total CPUA of Penaeus semisulcatus was calculated 1460 kg/nm2. CPUA did not differ significantly between various regions and depth layers (P>0.05). Total biomass of Penaeus semisulcatus was estimated 524 tons in the entire study area. Maximum biomass was estimated in Rase Khan to Motaf region with 389 tons and 20-30 m layer zone with 205 tons.

This research was carried out in four seasons from May 2009 to February 2010 in artificial reefs of Bahrakan coastal water.The samples were collected by SCUBA diving at depth of 12m by throwing quadrate (0.25×0.25m) randomly. Four stations selected for sampling. Comparison of sponge production in ARs was examined over one yr period. The highest production during the one year in seasons belonged to H. simulans and H. oculata:7.06 gAFDMm-2yr-1 and 6.75 gAFDMm-2yr-1, respectively and the lowest scale of production belongated to species Clathria sp. with 0.31 gAFDMm-2yr-1. So, in this study the production of stations estimated that the highest production stations belonged to H. simulans and H. oculata:46.22 gAFDMm-2yr-1 and 12.09 gAFDMm-2yr-1, respectively and the lowest production in stations belongated to species Clathria sp. with ratio of 0.32 gAFDMm-2yr-1. The results of relation between physicochemical properties of water and sponges biomass showed increasing of salinity in cold season increased biomass and vice versa decreasing of salinity in warm season decreased it in all species.

Although there are different groups of invertebrate in the world, little information about ascidian species from Iranian coastal waters exists. The present study attempts to describe the presence and distribution of Phallusia nigra intertidal zone of Hengam Island. P. nigra specimens were collected in intertidal zone traversal From Ship hulls and metal plates were remained in the area. Samples were placed in the closed jar with formaldehyde and then transferred to the laboratory and Taxonomic identification was carried out using authoritative keys and literature. In this study, unlike previous results which limited to shallow waters were influenced by the various phenomenonand and residing in shallow area. It seems that lower depth is not distribution limitation factor. The basic data in the region, a tool to estimate the possible effects on animals as biofouling invasion sites in the future.

OCPs (Organochlorine pesticides) are part of various contaminants that are able to accumulate in organisms and transfer through the food chain, due to their high fat solubility and persistence in the environment .The aim of the present study was to examine the levels of Heptachlor, Heptachlor epoxide and Aldrin in sediments, macrobenthos (Chironomidae) and Caras fish (Carassius carassius) at 8 stations (in the west side, 2 in the central part and 3 in the east side) in West Lagoon of Anzali wetland (Abkenar) in the spring of 2013. The pesticides concentrations were analyzed using the Moopan method and Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Heptachlor epoxide had the highest concentrations with a mean of (6.01±4.42) ppb and (0.41±0.09) ppb in fish and sediment samples respectively. In addition, the highest average concentration of pesticides in macrobenthos (Chironomidae) samples was related to Aldrin with a mean of (0.16±0.07) ppb. The highest levels of all three pesticides were found in the sediments from the east of the Abkenar lagoon. The highest levels of Heptachlor, Heptachlor epoxide, and Aldrin in fish were recorded in the central and eastern part of Abkenar and in Chironomidae samples in the central and western part of Abkenar. The overall order of pesticides levels were west>central>East parts in Abkenar In the present study, concentrations of heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, and Aldrin in sediments were higher than the Canadian standards (TEC: Threshold effect concentration). None of the concentrations of the pesticides detected in fish samples were higher than the standards recommended by Europe Standards) EU (in macrobenthos samples, the highest average concentration of pesticides was related to Aldrin and all of the toxins (Heptachlor, Heptachlor epoxide and Aldrin) were below the LOQ (Limit of Quantification) standard. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of Heptachlor epoxide in sediment, Heptachlor in fish and Aldrin in Chironomidae samples revealed a significant difference (P<0.05). According to the results of the study, biomagnification can be observed in the food chain.

The effects of probiotic effects of (Pediococous acidlactici) on survival rate of broodstocks, cyst and naupli production, immunological enzymes and coloy count of digestive tract of Artemia franciscana were examined. Three diets containing 102 (T1), 104 (T2), 106 (T3) CFU of probiotics g feed-1 and a control diet (C) without probiotic were used daily through a completely randomized design (each with three replicates). The results showed a significantly (P<0.05) increment in the number of cyst and produced naupli with Artemia franciscana and also the survival rate of broodstocks compared to those of control. The highest number of cyst and naupli was obtained in the T2 (215 l-1) and T3 (1909 l-1), respectively. The immunological enzymes of Artemia franciscana fed the experimental diets did not show significant differences with those of control group but Artemia fed the T2 showed the highest activities of lysozyme (4.15 U µg-1), phenoloxidasse (2.74 U min-1) and superoxide dismutase (2.90 U min-1) while the highest activity of catalase (2.79 U min-1) was for T3. The colony count (CFU ml-1) of Pediococous Acidlactici formed in the digestive tract of artemia showed a significant difference with that of control group and the highest count was observed for T1 (760). Based on the results, the proposed range of probiotic in the diet of Artemia franciscana was 102-104 CFU g-1.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the bacteria (Bacillus subtilis and licheniformis) on the growth factors and caracase contenent Litopenaeus vannamei in different density different. In this study, the shrimp were feed by tow concentration, probiotics 4×1010 cfu/g food and 1×1010 cfu/gfood and density 300 individval/m2 and 250 individval/m2during 8 weeks. Finally, growth, carcass composition and total count in the digestive tract were studied. Growth factor in the treatment of T2 (300 individual/m2, 4×1010cfu/gfood) and T4 (250 individval/m2, 4×1010 cfu/g food) showed significant different to control groups C1 (300 individval/m2), C2 (250 individval/m2)(p<0/05). Treatment such as; T1 (300 individval/m2, 1×1010 cfu/gfood) and T3 (250 individval/m2, 1×1010 cfu/g food) didn’t show significant different to T2, T4 andcontrol groups (P>0/05). Shrimp feed 4×1010 cfu/g food had significant higher Bacillus counts than shrimp treated by 1×1010 cfu/g food. The results of this experiment, the shrimp feed by 4×1010 cfu/g food showed improvement, in body composition and total count. But, there was not found significant different in growth factors, and caracase composition in different density (p>0/05). Therefore, it is suggested to use increase rate of probiotics L. vannamei shrimp colony forming units per gram of 1010 × 4 concentration used 4×1010 cfu/g food in increasingof shrimp production.

To determine the optimal amount of food for growth and survival of Phallocryptus spinosa (Milne-Edwards, 1840) under standardized laboratory conditions, the Haematococussp. was used at five different concentrations: 18×106, 36×106, 54×106, 72×106 and 90×106 cells ml-1. We studied growth and survival of the fairy shrimp on 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 days of culture. The results indicated significant difference between the growth and survival of the fairy shrimps fed by different algae densities. The highest growth and lowest survival among the treatments was observed in animals fed with concentration 90×106 cells ml−1 on days of 15. The fairy shrimp fed with concentration 54×106 cells ml−1 had the higher survival than all other treatments. Hence, we can conclude that the growth and survival of the P. spinosa increase with increasing density of algae to the given level and any changes have significant negative effects on growth and survival of Phallocryptus spinosa.

Fungal infections are one of the main factors responsible for mortality and economic loss to the fish industry in the world. In this study, antifungal effect of Basil (Ocimum basilicum) and Nettle (Urtica dioica) aqueous and ethanolic extracts against Saprolegnia parasitica was investigated. Basil and Nettle aqueous and ethanolic extracts were prepared in 5 dosages (0, 250, 350, 700 and 1050 mg L-1) and mixed with Sabroud Dextrose Agar medium in five replicate. Then, the inhibition of S. parasitica mycelia growth was measured in different dosages. The result of this study showed that among of experimental extracts, the Nettle aqueous extract (250 mg L-1) performed more effectively compared to other extracts for the growth inhibition of S. parasitica (p<0.05). The present study revealed that the Nettle aqueous extract at a concentration of 250 mg L-1 can be used as a treatment for saprolegniosis.

Free amino acids have a stimulatory effect on the taste system. The purpose of this study was to study of the behavioral responses of Blantiocheilos melanopterus to various concentrations of stimulant taste substances. Taste preferences of silver shark (Blantiocheilos melanopterus) 3/8±0/15g to granules containing differences amounts of amino acids were established. The granules containing different concentrations amino acids, and control (lacking amino acids) preparation, and behavioral responses to each granule were recorded. Highest palatability index, percentage of consumption and consumption/grasp, were observed at concentrations of 0.01M of Glutamic acid and Aspartic acid. In high concentration of substances decreased (p≥0.05). High correlation was between in percent consumption and palatability index (p≥0.05). Glutamic acid and Aspartic acid were highly attractive. Different behavioral responses in varied fish spaces to same amino acid, ascribed to highly species-specific in fish taste preferences.

This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary astaxanthin pigment on growth and maturation of bloodstocks and fry survival rates in fighter fish, Betta splendens. To this end, 48 fighter fish fry were prepared with 0.2gr.weight (the sexual ratio at fish is 1:1) then these fish A completely randomized design. Were divided to 4: groups with three replicates including group1 or control group (with additional astaxantine in diet), group2 (with 50 mg/kg supplementary astaxanthin in diet), group 3 (with 100 mg/kg supplementary astaxanthin in diet) and grpup4 (with 150 mg/kg supplementary astaxanthin in diet). Fish were reared for two month and then growth factors and some spawning indices were studied. According to the result although astaxanthin lead to lower FCR in treatment groups but it has no significant effects on other growth indices (P<0.05). On the other hand spawning were just recorded in treatment groups and treatment with 150 mg/kg supplementary astaxanthin had most hatched fry in first and second spawning in compare to other groups. Moreover, the highest survival rate of larva was observed in group 4. Based on the nutritional effects of astaxanthin and its positive impact on sexual maturation and survival rate of larva, we recommend using of this pigment (at least 50 mg kg-1 of feed) in the diet of fighter fish.

This study investigates the effects of isomaltooligosaccharide as prebiotic on some growth factors, survival, and resistance to salinity stress of Common carp (Cyprinius carpio) fry. Fish (average weight of 6.13±0.31g) were supplied from a private sector fish farm located in Mazandaran Province and were randomly allocated in 12 tanks (20 fry tank) and after acclimation, triplicate grouped were fed with diets supplemented with 0 (control), 0.5, 1 and 2% isomaltooligosaccharide for 8 weeks. At the end of the period growth factors (final weight, weight gain, SGR, CF) as well as survival rate and resistance to salinity stress were measured. Our results showed that common carp fry fed with isomaltooligosaccharide supplemented diet showed no significant effects on growth condition include final weight, specific growth rate, condition factor when compared with control treatment (P>0.05). Survival showed no significant difference between prebiotic supplemented treatment compare with control (p>0.05). Resistance showed a significantly increase in all treatments except the control treatment (p < 0.05) and the highest mortality was observed in control treatment.

Hoverflies (Dip: Syrphidae) are important pollinators of flowering plants. Their larvae are predators of Aphids and play an important role in ensuring biological balance. In order to identify hoverfly fauna, some specimens of adults were collected during 2011-2012 using a sweeping net inNorabad, Khoramabad, Aleshtar, and Borojerd. The results showed that 29 species belonging to 18 genera were identified, six Species namely Chrysotoxum intermedium, Chrysotoxum bactrianum, Myiatropa florae, Spazigaster ambulans, Lejogaster tarsata, Neoascia oblique are recorded for the first time from Lorestan Province.

Asaccus andersoni is a recently described gecko from the west of Iranian Plateau, Ilam Province. Thisgecko is an endemic lizard species of Iran. Information on the ecology and behaviors of this species is very rare, and is closed to the first description of this species. We conducted our fieldwork at the type locality, in the Manesht Mountains, during several weeks from early spring to late summer of 2012. Here, we report the first data on some aspects of ecology, behaviors, and especially feeding habits of this leaf-toed gecko. Additionally, other important data on this speciesare given in detail in the text.