Submitted date: 25 October 2024 Accepted date: 22 October 2025 Published date: 18 November 2025 Pp. 230–235.
IMMUNOGENETIC INSIGHTS AND CONSERVATION OF THE ENDEMIC LEMPUK FISH (GOBIIFORMES: Gobiopterus)
Asus M.S. Hertika*, Muhammad Musa, F. Farikhah, Renanda B.D.S. Putra, Sigit Afendy, Alfi Khasanah & Muhammad A. Alfarisi *Corresponding author. E-mail: asusmaizar@ub.ac.id
Abstract The health and conservation of the endemic lempuk fish (Gobiopterus sp.) are closely linked to their genetic diversity and immunological function. Assessing immune gene expression offers a robust indicator of fish health and environmental stress. This study examines the morphological characteristics, immune gene activity, and genetic variation of lempuk fish from Ranu Grati, East Java, Indonesia. Males had larger bodies and longer dorsal fins than females, which were shorter and stockier. Expression of immune genes (TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ) was quantified using RT-qPCR, while mitochondrial COI sequences were analyzed to determine genetic relationships. TNF-α was markedly upregulated, suggesting a strong pro-inflammatory response to environmental or pathogenic stimuli. COI analyses revealed moderate genetic divergence between East Javan and adjacent populations, with a close affinity to Malaysian Gobiopterus and clear separation from Australian species. Preserving genetic variation is essential for resilience against environmental stressors, and is necessary for the conservation of this endemic species.
Abstract Borobudur Temple in Indonesia is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites, renowned for its exquisite architecture, adorned with intricate reliefs, sculptures, and stone outcrops. A notable aspect that has not been exhaustively examined is the presence of diverse forms of archaeofauna depicted in the carvings of the Karmawibhangga relief. By employing the methodologies of intra-, inter-, and extratextuality, the examination of these reliefs as ecological and cultural texts unveils the broader implications associated with the incorporation of fauna within the narrative of the Karmawibhangga. The examination of 160 panels of Karmawibhangga reveals 52 species of archaeofauna, classified into the following taxonomic groups: mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and molluscs. The archaeofauna functions as a valuable indicator of temporal, natural, and symbolically meaningful expectations related to the designated aspects, particularly human behaviour. These conditions serve to underscore the fact that Karmawibhangga reliefs serve as a means of conveying natural scientific principles and cultural critique in a manner that is more accessible to readers.
Submitted date: 30 September 2024 Accepted date: 22 September 2025 Published date: 30 October 2025 Pp. 206–213.
DIVERSITY, SEASONALITY, AND HERBIVORE PALATABILITY OF THE GRASSES OF KAVALEDURGA FORT, WESTERN GHATS, INDIA
Hanchali U. Abhijit, Hanchali U. Vishwajit, Krishna Kulkarni* & Raghavendra P. Bhat *Corresponding author. E-mail: krishecol@gmail.com
Abstract The Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot in India, face environmental changes from human activities. While various species have been studied, grass ecology remains underexplored in this region. This study reports on the diversity, seasonality, and herbivore palatability of grass species at Kavaledurga Fort in Karnataka, a tourist spot where wild small mammals and livestock graze. From 2019 to 2022, we documented 51 grass species from 33 genera, 9 tribes, and 6 subfamilies across various microhabitats. Over 80% of the grasses flower and fruit between August and December, coinciding with the late monsoon to early winter period. The dominant subfamilies were Panicoideae and Chloridoideae, accounting for 88% of species. About 47% of the species were palatable to herbivores, while 35% were not. Our study highlights the ecological importance of grass flora in the historical forts of Western Ghats, emphasizing the need for continued documentation and monitoring, as these often-neglected habitats face growing pressures.
Abstract We provide the first identification of male specimens of Leptobrachella korifi from its type locality in Doi Inthanon, Thailand, along with a description of its tadpole, using DNA barcoding identification. This account is based on the discovery of male and tadpole specimens of L. korifi from Inthanon National Park. Less than 0.1% of the 12S rRNA, tRNA-Val, and 16S rRNA gene sequences from the tadpoles deviate from those of the holotype of L. korifi in GenBank and the adult, thereby clarifying the identification. Adults were typically seen at night calling while resting on the dry litter of bushes surrounding streams and waterfalls, where tadpoles of this species were collected. The characters of adult males of this species are: small-sized (SVL 22.8±1.85 mm); dorsal skin smooth; venter dusted with a fine brown network; ventrolateral glands completed; distinct axillary gland, parabrachial gland, and femoral gland; toe webbing with basal and lateral fringes narrow. Tadpole’s coloration in life is beige with brown blotches on the body, tail, and fin. The Keratodont Row Formula is 1:3+3/2+2:1.
Abstract We evaluated differences in morphology and advertisement calls of Microhyla fissipes and M. heymonsi from Nantou County, Taiwan, to better delineate the species and to improve our ability to identify them in the field. M. heymonsi in the tadpole stage is easily recognized due to the presence of an upturned funnel-like oral disc in the mouth, which has not been noted in other microhylids so far. While the two species exhibit similar call structures in temporal attributes with a series of calls each with rapidly repeating pulses, they were distinguishable with different pulse numbers per call and pulse rate. Mean call duration for M. fissipes and M. heymonsi was 0.31 ± 0.03 s (n = 97) and 0.36 ± 0.09 s (n = 153), respectively, with the calls comprising 14.3 ± 0.9 and 10.27 ± 2.09 repeating pulses with a pulse rate of 46.66 ± 2.65/s and 28.95 ± 2.91/s, respectively.