In reproductive medicine, decellularized scaffolds offer new opportunities for treating reproductive tract pathologies and improving assisted reproductive technologies. After obtaining them through decellularization procedures, these scaffolds are usually stored at 4°C, -20°C, or -80°C, although the effect of these temperatures on their quality is unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the short-term influence of these storage temperatures on the quality of the decellularized oviduct scaffolds derived from porcine species. Complete oviducts were obtained from prepubertal animals (Large White × Landrace) and decellularized following a previously described immersion–agitation protocol [1]. Subsequently, the scaffolds were stored at 4°C, -20°C, or -80°C for one month. Freshly decellularized oviducts were used as the control (n=4 per group). After storage, samples from each group underwent differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and were tested for cytotoxicity by co-incubating them with porcine spermatozoa for 3 h at 38°C. Cytotoxicity analysis included the evaluation of sperm motility, kinematic parameters, viability, acrosomal integrity, and mitochondrial activity. The samples were also analyzed microbiologically, including counts of total aerobic bacteria (TAB), total coliforms (TC), and sulfite-reducing clostridia (SRC). The DSC results show no significant differences between the control group and the stored groups, indicating that storage temperature did not affect the thermal stability of the proteins (p > 0.05). No changes were observed in any sperm parameter evaluated after incubation of scaffolds with porcine spermatozoa (p > 0.05). However, storage temperature influenced TAB counts, which were significantly higher in oviducts stored at 4°C and -20°C compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Overall, these results demonstrate that decellularized oviductal scaffolds exhibit good stability after one month of storage. Nevertheless, bacterial growth can compromise scaffold quality, and storage at -80°C is the most effective way to prevent contamination.

[1] Martínez-López C et al. Theriogenology. 2025;231:36–51.

When regrouping pregnant goats, blows can occur as this forms part of goats'social behaviour; however, this can induce abortions and impairment of animal welfare. The aim was to observe whether agonism and aggressive behaviours could be mitigated through habituation among goats that must be fused into a herd. At the farm from UADY (Mérida, México), 70 resident, pregnant adult goats, and a new group of 24 non-pregnant goats purchased from a local farm were used. All were in a good health state; the protocol was approved by the Bioethics Committee (UADY, ref# CB-CCBA D-2014-003). Prior to mixing, both groups remained apart for a period longer than one month. Habituation was considered as the repeated and gradual exposure to frequency and intensity of stimuli without negative or positive consequences for animals. A four-step program exposed all animals to 1) three days of 10 minutes of vocalization records from both groups plus hair and faeces; 2) three days of riding on a leash in groups of three goats from the new group in front of the pen of the resident goats; 3) four days of grazing in the same paddock but separated by wire mesh; and 4) two days of grazing together in the same paddock, with qualitative observations of behaviour through scan sampling. From the results, during steps one and two, vocalization and sniffing behaviours were displayed in 100% of individuals of both groups. A total of 50% of them attempted biting during step two. For step three, a third of goats showed behaviour such as pushing with the head, and bite attempts were observed in all goats. Finally, during step four, only sniffing and no aggression events were observed in 100% of animals. We concluded that after 12 days of habituation, an absence of aggressive behaviour and a low intensity of agonism was observed when mixing goats.

Octopus maya is an endemic species of high ecological and socioeconomic importance in the Yucatán Peninsula, representing the fourth most valuable fishery in Mexico and the most important cephalopod fishery in the country. Recent findings have revealed that this species can develop a parasitic disease associated with cestodes of the genus Prochristianella, representing a previously undescribed pathology in mollusks. An integrative methodological approach was applied to characterize the effects of natural infections caused by Prochristianella sp. 1 in the buccal mass of O. maya. Morphological and molecular tools were used to confirm the identity of the parasite, while macroscopic and histological assessments were used to assess tissue damage and hemocyte responses in infected versus uninfected individuals of O. maya. Immune-related genes were analyzed to explore potential molecular responses associated with infection. This combined strategy provided a comprehensive understanding of the pathological process and host–parasite interaction from cellular to organismal levels. High-intensity infections resulted in progressive tissue degradation of the superior mandibular muscle, accompanied by increased hemocyte counts and histopathological alterations consistent with an inflammatory response. The expression of immune-related genes was evaluated. Gene C1q, associated with the complement system, and LITAF, a regulator of tumor necrosis factor α, were significantly overexpressed in infected individuals, suggesting activation of both immune and pro-inflammatory pathways. The pathology, provisionally named Myocestodiasis in cephalopods, represents a novel helminth disease. These findings emphasize the importance of addressing host–parasite interactions in marine invertebrates through a One Health perspective, recognizing the interconnectedness between environmental health, animal health, and human well-being. By identifying a new parasitic disease in a species of economic relevance, this study provides essential insights for monitoring the sanitary status of wild octopus populations and underscores the need to integrate parasitological, ecological, and immunological information to ensure the sustainability of fisheries in the Yucatán Peninsula.

This study develops a comprehensive bioeconomic model to investigate the critical balance between ecological sustainability and economic profitability in Moroccan fisheries. By integrating mathematical ecology, dynamic optimization, and game theory, the model captures the coupled interactions between biological dynamics, harvesting behavior, and economic incentives. The research focuses on two demersal species — Guitarfish (Rhinobatos spp.) and Plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) — both ecologically important and socio-economically valuable to Morocco’s coastal communities. Notably, Guitarfish is currently listed as threatened on the IUCN Red List, emphasizing the urgency of adopting sustainable exploitation strategies.

The model simulates alternative harvesting scenarios to evaluate the effects of fishing effort on biomass recovery, species coexistence, and long-term profitability. Results reveal the existence of optimal effort thresholds that maintain ecological resilience while ensuring economic viability. Cooperative management approaches, where stakeholders coordinate strategies, consistently outperform competitive exploitation in achieving stable equilibria and higher collective payoffs. The study highlights the importance of adaptive policy design, incorporating economic incentives, biological feedback, and institutional cooperation to secure the long-term viability of fisheries.

This research contributes to the advancement of sustainable resource management by linking theoretical modeling with practical policy insights. It directly supports several United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). Overall, the framework provides policymakers and researchers with a robust decision-support tool to promote responsible, science-based fishery governance in Morocco and beyond.

Introduction: A cross-sectional study was conducted in two working equid regions of western-central Morocco (Oulad Frej and Echemmaia) to characterize the equine population, harness and cart design, and to evaluate their impact on the occurrence of injuries.

Methods: A total of 155 randomly selected working equids were included in the study. Animal characteristics (species, sex, and age) were recorded, and body condition score (BCS) was assessed. Harnesses were evaluated for their condition, padding, fit, and assembly, while carts were assessed based on their structural design. Injuries were recorded using anatomical location and depth. Statistical analyses (chi-square tests and Multiple Correspondence Analysis—MCA) were performed to assess associations between equipment characteristics and wound occurrence.

Results: The population consisted of 66% horses, 21% donkeys, and 14% mules, with a mean age of 7.5 ± 3.2 years and an average BCS of 2.5 ± 0.85 (five-point scale). Wounds were observed in 89.7% of equids, mainly superficial, while 19.4% presented deeper lesions. The most affected areas were the prescapular region (52.3%), withers (42.6%), and gluteal region (27.1%). A significant association was found between low BCS and wound presence (χ² = 13.89, p = 0.003).

MCA revealed a significant association between wounds and poor harness quality: 22% of harnesses were in poor structural condition, 30% were poorly adjusted, 40% were poorly padded, and 30% were poorly assembled. Key defects included absence of saddle padding (40%), poor breeching strap adjustment (30%), and improper assembly of neck straps and breast collars (30%). The draft collar was completely absent in 100% of cases. Vehicle assessment showed that none of the carts were equipped with singletrees. Structural defects included underinflated wheels (57%), protruding parts (56%), and excessive tilt (41%).

Conclusions: This study highlights the prevalence of injuries in working equids and identifies critical deficiencies in harness condition and cart design in western-central Morocco.

African elephant populations in fenced reserves require active management to prevent overpopulation and habitat degradation. Whilst contraception is a common method used in elephant population management, a detailed understanding of elephant movement patterns, and the associated environmental or behavioural drivers, is fundamental to the management and long-term conservation of critical resources in protected areas. These data, on both the impact of contraception and elephant movement dynamics, are particularly important for the effective management of elephant populations in small conservation areas, such as uMkhuze Game Reserve. Here, six cows and three bulls were fitted with Long-Range (LoRaWAN) GPS collars transmitting hourly location data. These locality data in combination with environmental variables including the vegetation type, soil type, topography and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index are used to determine the factors influencing movement patterns across the reserve. The effectiveness of the contraception program is evaluated by comparing elephant population structure, based on morphological characteristics of age and sexratios, in pre- and post- contraception periods. Ultimately, this research supports adaptive conservation strategies that promote the sustainable management of elephant populations while supporting biodiversity conservation and ecosystem resilience. These results provide the reserve management with an evidence-based framework for the effective management of their elephant population.

Introduction: The escalating land-use conflicts between nomadic herdsmen and sedentary farmers in northern Nigeria represent a critical disruption to national food security. Driven by climate-induced resource scarcity and traditional migratory shifts, these disputes result in significant loss of life and agricultural productivity. This study explores the deployment of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) as a strategic tool for surveillance, resource management, and conflict mitigation.
Methods: Using a qualitative research design, data was gathered through semi-structured interviews, pictorial evidence, and a review of existing land-use policies. To identify systemic patterns, the qualitative data was analyzed through thematic categorization, focusing on three primary domains: Conflict Drivers, Security Vulnerabilities, and Technological Feasibility. This approach allowed the mapping of migration routes to avoid high-risk "clash zones".
Results: Analysis identified three distinct patterns of conflict: seasonal migration friction, border-crossing incursions, and the emerging exploitation of drone technology by non-state actors (terrorist groups). The study categorizes UAS applications into four actionable pillars:
1. Monitoring: Real-time surveillance of designated grazing reserves.
2. Tracking: Geospatial mapping of migration corridors to prevent farmland encroachment.
3. Intelligence: Early warning systems for border security.
4. Coexistence: Using aerial data to inform extension services and land-sharing agreements. Findings indicate that while UAS provides a tactical advantage, its efficacy is contingent upon community-based education and the formalization of grazing lands.
Conclusion: The integration of drone technology offers a novel framework for stabilizing Northern Nigeria’s agricultural sector. However, the study concludes that technological intervention must be preceded by robust legislative governance. There is an urgent need for the Nigerian government to regulate both armed and unarmed UAS use. Furthermore, a "hybrid governance" model involving traditional leaders is essential to ensure that drone-led surveillance fosters trust rather than further tension.

Migratory birds serve as critical indicators of ecological health and environmental change, providing insights into the effects of climate variability, habitat modification, and human disturbance on ecosystems. This proposed research examines how climate variability, land-use dynamics, and community-linked conservation practices influence the distribution, behavior, and recovery of selected migratory bird species.

Globally, many migratory bird populations are declining due to habitat degradation, pollution, and increasing human pressures. Key migratory habitats (such as wetlands, estuaries, and forests) face threats from urban expansion, agricultural intensification, and shifting climatic patterns. Understanding how these ecological and human dimensions interact is essential for developing effective conservation strategies.

Building on prior research exploring community influence on wildlife conservation, this study will assess how climate variability and community-based conservation initiatives shape migratory bird population trends. Ecological data from published studies, biodiversity databases, and long-term monitoring records will be integrated with insights from community engagement programs to evaluate species distribution, migration timing, habitat use, and the impact of locally driven interventions.

A mixed methodological approach will be employed. Quantitative analyses will utilize secondary ecological and spatial datasets (including BirdLife International records, national biodiversity repositories, and GIS-based land-use and climate studies) to examine population trends, distribution shifts, and habitat changes. Complementary qualitative insights from case studies and documented community stewardship programs will illuminate social and behavioral factors influencing conservation outcomes.

This research will generate evidence on how migratory birds respond to environmental change and identify strategies for integrating local stewardship with species conservation. By bridging ecological science and participatory approaches, this study aligns with global efforts to promote sustainable animal management, biodiversity protection, and evidence-based conservation.

Background and Aim: Maternal dietary protein intake plays a vital role in fetal development, placental function, and pregnancy outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different levels of maternal dietary protein on reproductive performance in mice, with an emphasis on placental function.
Materials and Methods: A total of 45 female C57BL/6 mice were fed isocaloric purified diets containing 10% (low protein, LP), 20% (moderate protein, MP), or 40% (high protein, HP) protein from conception until gestational day (GD) 18.5. On GD18.5, tissue and blood were collected. The number of total and live fetuses, as well as individual fetal and placental weights, were recorded.
Results: Maternal protein intake did not significantly affect total litter size, live litter size, total litter weight, or average placental weight. However, the HP group exhibited reduced average fetal weight and placental efficiency, suggesting impaired placental function. This impairment was accompanied by elevated oxidative stress in the placenta. Additionally, the expression of genes involved in antioxidant defense and animal acid transport was downregulated in the HP group. In contrast, the LP group showed mild oxidative stress but enhanced antioxidant activity.
Conclusion: In conclusion, although both protein deficiency and excess can disrupt physiological balance, our findings highlight that excessive protein intake was associated with the downregulation of placental amino acid transporters and heightened oxidative stress. These findings highlight a nonlinear response to maternal protein intake and emphasize the importance of maintaining optimal protein levels during pregnancy to support healthy placental function and favorable pregnancy outcomes.

Biodiversity assessments provide critical baselines for conservation planning, particularly in tropical forest ecosystems facing rapid habitat degradation. This study assesses the species richness and diversity of amphibians and reptiles across the three main management units of Omo Forest Reserve, Strict Nature Reserve (strictly managed for flora species), Erin Camp (strictly managed for fauna species), and the J4 area (unrestricted area managed for timber plantation), and compares species composition and distribution patterns among the surveyed sections. Standard visual encounter surveys, pitfall traps, and opportunistic searches were conducted across multiple habitat types, and all individuals were identified to species level. The dataset was analyzed to estimate species richness, and distribution patterns.
A total of 59 individuals representing seven reptile (Agamidae, Boidae, Gekkonidae, Elapidae, Crocodylidae, Pythonidae, and Scincidae) and six amphibian (Hyperoliidae, Arthroleptidae, Dicroglossidae, Phrynobatrachidae, Ptychadenidae, and Bufonidae) families were recorded. There were eleven species of reptiles and 16 species of amphibian. The Erin Camp recorded the highest number of individuals encountered [39 (23 reptiles and 16 amphibian)], followed by the Unrestricted Area (J4) [10 (three reptiles and seven amphibians)], while the Strict Nature Reserve (SNR) recorded 10 individuals (four reptiles and six amphibians). For reptiles, Shannon diversity (H′) ranged from 1.099 (J4) to 2.175 (Erin Camp), while Simpson’s index (1 – D) ranged from 0.667 (J4) to 0.873 (Erin Camp), indicating moderate to high diversity within the study area. For amphibians, Shannon diversity (H′) ranged from 1.330 (SNR) to 2.047 (Erin Camp), while Simpson’s index (1 – D) ranged from 0.722 (SNR) to 0.852 (Erin Camp). The findings highlight Omo Forest Reserve as a key refuge for herpetofaunal diversity in southwestern Nigeria, despite increasing habitat modification. This study provides an essential baseline for future monitoring, habitat restoration planning, and potential genetic diversity assessments.