Papers by Muhammad Nawaz Rajpar
Al Khadim Research journal of Islamic culture and Civilization
The Almighty Allah created the universe to express His existence and greatness. After adorning th... more The Almighty Allah created the universe to express His existence and greatness. After adorning the earth with colorful blessings, He settled it with humanity. He connected human beings in the bonds of kinship and revered them in tribes and clans for recognition. They found themselves linked in the necessities of life to each other, hence He gave them a system of rights and duties, through the Prophets and Revealed Books of divine guidance that would take them to the fulfillment of the needs of their body, as well as man would not be in a state of spiritual confusion. These matters make it clear that the humen are interconnected and there are some distances between them too. Man, in his private and personal life, is somewhat independent as well as bound by social relations. If this balance of private and social life is maintained, then the atmosphere of home and society presents a view of heaven and if the balance is disturbed, it becomes a part of hell. The study evolves the analyti...
Al-Aijaz Research Journal of Islamic Studies & Humanities
The issue of divorce in the state of intoxication in the light of the discussions of modern and a... more The issue of divorce in the state of intoxication in the light of the discussions of modern and ancient scholars Islam, being a universal religion, provides guidance at every stage of life. Islam guides in home life, community life, events and problems in provincial, national and international life. The marital relationship is important in human family life. The orbit of domestic life is connected with this relationship. Allah Almighty has placed natural love and attraction between husband and wife. This relationship becomes the source of a new family and then other families which will come into existence in future. Sometimes this relationship becomes difficult for a person due to some reasons. Islam says divorce is the way out of a relationship that causes trouble. Divorce is permissible, but in the sight of Allah, it is permissible to do something that causes anger. Divorce has many domestic and social disadvantages. Therefore, Islam has commanded to use common sense before doing ...
Molecules
Cancer is the second-ranked disease and a cause of death for millions of people around the world ... more Cancer is the second-ranked disease and a cause of death for millions of people around the world despite many kinds of available treatments. Phytochemicals are considered a vital source of cancer-inhibiting drugs and utilize specific mechanisms including carcinogen inactivation, the induction of cell cycle arrest, anti-oxidant stress, apoptosis, and regulation of the immune system. Family Fabaceae is the second most diverse family in the plant kingdom, and species of the family are widely distributed across the world. The species of the Fabaceae family are rich in phytochemicals (flavonoids, lectins, saponins, alkaloids, carotenoids, and phenolic acids), which exhibit a variety of health benefits, especially anti-cancer properties; therefore, exploration of the phytochemicals present in various members of this family is crucial. These phytochemicals of the Fabaceae family have not been explored in a better way yet; therefore, this review is an effort to summarize all the possible in...
Frontiers in Environmental Science
Regional carbon emissions related to forest cover change (FCC) and wood harvest (WH) are critical... more Regional carbon emissions related to forest cover change (FCC) and wood harvest (WH) are critical for the accurate estimates of global carbon balance over an extended time period. Using remote sensing and inventory data, this study provides a comprehensive record of FCC, WH, and their integrated carbon emissions between 1908 and 2015 in the dry temperate regions of Pakistan. Results demonstrate a significant decline in forest area (21,034 ha) at an annual rate of 0.56% from 1973 to 2015. The total WH was 24.84 million m3 (0.23 million m3 yr−1) between 1908 and 2015. Deforestation was responsible for a net loss of 1.39 million Mg C (0.018 million Mg C yr−1), while WH-related carbon emissions accounted for 11.29 million Mg C (0.52 million Mg C yr−1). The present results indicate that under the existing FCC and WH harvest scenario, the forests are acting as a net source of 0.29 million Mg C yr−1. Agriculture expansion and the heavy dependency of local communities on the forest’s resour...
Ecological Indicators
Natural wetlands are at the cutting edge of protection concerns, as they harbor a greater range o... more Natural wetlands are at the cutting edge of protection concerns, as they harbor a greater range of waterbird assemblages than artificial wetlands. However, more than 50.0% of natural wetland areas and more than 17.0% of waterbird species have become imperiled due to human activities over the last two decades. Thus, it is important to understand whether artificial wetlands play significant roles as alternative habitats for wetland birds. The distance sampling point count method was employed to ascertain the difference in waterbird assemblages inhabiting Lungh natural wetland and Raja artificial wetland in Sindh Province, Pakistan from September 2017 to February 2019. Natural wetlands harbored 39,282 individuals representing 40 waterbird species and 14 families, while artificial wetlands hosted 23,122 individuals representing 39 species and 13 families. In total, 37 species were identified as least concern, 3 were near threatened, and one species was endangered, one vulnerable, and one data deficient. Anas crecca (4.95%) and A. platyrhynchos (4.72%) were the foremost abundant species in natural wetlands. A. crecca (4.57%) and A. clypeata (3.95%) were the foremost prevailing species of artificial wetlands. Alcedo atthis, Charadrius leschenaultia, and Vanellus leucurus did not utilize natural wetlands, while Bubulcus ibis, Larus genei, Tringa brevipes, and Plegadis falcinellus avoided artificial wetlands. The relative abundance of waterbirds between natural and artificial wetlands varied considerably (F1, 85 = 6.26, p < 0.05). Diversity indices indicated that natural wetlands attracted a greater diversity of waterbirds than artificial wetlands. The results indicated that natural wetlands had attracted a larger number of migrating birds than artificial wetlands. In contrast, artificial wetlands harbored a wide range of resident waterbird species than natural wetlands. As a result, we accept the hypothesis that artificial wetlands may serve as an alternative habitat for a wide range of waterbird communities. Hence, it is strongly recommended that artificial wetlands be constructed to harbor a wider array of waterbird species to halt wetland habitats and biodiversity loss across the country.
Global Ecology and Conservation
To determine the conservation status and population structure of avian species living in various ... more To determine the conservation status and population structure of avian species living in various subtropical broadleaved urban forests, namely Dob Ghar, Kamal Khan, Kityari, Palamar, Seya Sar and Shahabad of Pakistan, we aimed to use the distance sampling line transect process. To avoid double counting of the same bird individual, a total of 180 counting points were set at 250 m from each other. In all, between December 2017 and November 2018, 2,879 individuals representing 53 species, 28 families and 9 orders were detected. One species was vulnerable (VU) out of 53 bird species, while the remaining 52 species were the least concerned (LC). In particular, the results of the distance analysis indicate that, in six subtropical broad-leaved forests, the bird population can vary. For eg, Palamar (0.954 ± 0.221 birds/ha) and Kityari (0.938 ± 0.162 birds/ha) were densely populated by bird species, while Kamal Khan (0.102 ± 0.178 birds/ha) was less concerm. Similarly, the CAP findings show...
Arabian Journal of Geosciences, 2022
Cadmium (Cd) toxicity in paddy soil and its accumulation in rice has caused widespread concern du... more Cadmium (Cd) toxicity in paddy soil and its accumulation in rice has caused widespread concern due to its negative health effects. Biochar (BC) and traditional manures (farmyard manure and press-mud) are well-known to improve plant growth by decreasing the uptake of toxic heavy metals. However, the impact of various organic amendments on Cd and the accumulation of major mineral nutrients in rice have been less understood. Therefore, in the present study, wheat straw biochar (WSB), sugarcane straw biochar (SSB), press-mud (PRM), and farmyard manure (FYM) at the rate of 1% (w/w) were evaluated for Cd immobilization in soil and to enhance nutrient uptake in rice plants grown in Cd contaminated soil (6.0 mg kg−1). Before 18 days of rice nursery transplanting, the amendments were applied to Cd contaminated soil, and rice plants were harvested at maturity after 120 days of transplanting. Results depicted that the use of WSB significantly enhanced the number of grains panicle−1, straw, and paddy yield by 35, 96, and 76% as compared to the control without any amendment under Cd stress. Cd uptake was reduced by 12, 25, 58, and 44% in rice straw, and paddy yield increased by 38, 45, 76, and 66% with the use of FYM, PRM, WSB, and SSB respectively. The application of WSB and SSB caused an increase of 191 and 158% in N uptake in rice straw compared to control, respectively. Similarly, FYM and PRM improved P uptake in paddy by 118 and 136%, respectively over the control. The maximum Zn uptake in rice grains and straw was noted with the application of WSB which was around 261 and 346% higher than in control. In conclusion, BC proved more effective in soil Cd immobilization and reduction of Cd uptake in straw and paddy compared to traditional manures.
The forest edge is the boundary between the forest area and the surrounding landscape. In this st... more The forest edge is the boundary between the forest area and the surrounding landscape. In this study forest edge is surrounded landscape which encompass of housing societies, highway, sports complex and equestrian park. Edge may directly or indirectly affect bird species in forest habitats because of various microclimate conditions (i.e., sunlight, wind, temperature, relative humidity) and microhabitat factors (i.e., vegetation species composition, structure and food resources). However, little information is available on the effects of edge on tropical forest birds. This study was conducted in an isolated tropical rainforest from March 2010 to June 2011 using a distance sampling point count technique to examine edge effects on the foraging guilds of upperstory bird species. In total, 1,618 individuals representing 61 upperstory bird species were detected. The analysis of feeding guilds indicated that sallying insectivores (F6 = 22.95, P < 0.001), arboreal foliage-gleaning frugiv...
Applied Ecology and Environmental Research, 2021
Determining the bird assemblages is utmost important to identify the adequacy and efficiency of h... more Determining the bird assemblages is utmost important to identify the adequacy and efficiency of habitats. The line transect method was used to determine patterns of bird relative abundance, diversity indices, and conservation status in Sheikh Badin National Park from November 2017 to December 2019. In total, 7,919 individuals (2,592 migrants and 5,327 inhabitants) representing 42 species and 25 families were enlisted. Of 42 species, 27 were native (i.e., 67.26%) utilizing the study area throughout the year, while the remaining 15 species were migrant (e.g., 32.73%) that used the study area during the winter. Passer domesticus (0.06%), Merops persicus (0.05%), Tachymarptis melba, and Ploceus philippinus (each 0.04%) were the overwhelming bird species. In contrast, Francolinus francolinus (0.02%), Falco tinnunculus (0.008%), and Alectoris chukar (0.005%) were the rarest bird species. All species were identified as "Least Concern" based on IUCN RedList. Diversity results showed birds were assorted a diverse, i.e. H' = 3.608 (resident birds; H' = 3.608 and migratory birds; H' = 2.543), rich; i.e. D = 0.031 (resident birds; D = 0.046 and migratory birds D = 0.093) and evenly distributed J = 0.965 (resident birds, J = 0.967 and migratory birds, J = 0.939). The perceptions of local inhabitants and personnel observation shown that bird species are facing confronting threats due to human endeavor, such as illegal hunting, habitat loss due deforestation, and uncontrolled grazing.
Seabirds, 2018
Seabirds are those waterbirds that directly or indirectly depend on the marine environment over t... more Seabirds are those waterbirds that directly or indirectly depend on the marine environment over the waters, i.e., they foraged at sea either near shore or offshore and inhabit in coastal areas, islands, estuaries, wetlands, and ocean islands. They are mostly aerial waterbirds sailing above sea spending much of their time (weeks, months, and even years) in marine environments or floating on the water surface or diving in deep sea in search of food. Seabirds encompass of 65 genera, 222 marine, and 72 partially marine bird species. Seabirds have been used as good indicators (i.e., bioindicators) of marine ecosystems due to cause-effect association with different microclimate and habitats. They exploit broad scale of habitat, quickly respond to environmental changes, they can be detected easily (i.e., they showed their presence through vocalization), easy to identify, can be surveyed efficiently over large spatial scale, e.g., presence, abundance, and influenced by surrounding habitats as compared to other animals. Employing seabird as bioindicators is a cost-effective and informative tool (well defined matrix) to determine the effects of disturbances, contamination, i.e., effects of pollutants, organic substances, and oil-spills of the marine environment. Seabirds are top predators in the marine food chain and key component of the food web. Seabirds may indicate the status of habitat, reduction in food occurrence and abundance, rate of the predation, an effect of weather (climate change), and threats. The other reason could be that, seabirds often closely associate with inter-site more distinctly than other animals and may breed in the same site each year, easy to catch while incubating and during rearing chicks. Hence, it is crucially important to use seabirds as bioindicators within the context of ecological and spatial parameters to determine the effects of disturbances in the marine environment and for effective conservation and better management of seabirds in the future.
Birds are habitat specialist, i.e. often selects habitat that offers ample services such as a var... more Birds are habitat specialist, i.e. often selects habitat that offers ample services such as a variety of food resources, safe breeding and less disturb sites to satisfy their needs. We aimed to ascertain the conservation status of avian assemblages inhabited in six different coniferous forests. The study employed the point count method to determine the avian assemblages in each forest type. The surveys were conducted employing the distance sampling point count method and determining the floristic composition through direct visual estimation from January 2018 to March 2019. In total, 2465 bird individuals representing 57 species and 29 families were observed in six coniferous forests. Twelve tree species, nine shrub species, and 14 grass species were identified in the forests. Except for the Streptopelia turtur (vulnerable), all bird species are listed as “least concern” according to the IUCN Red List Category and Criteria 2019–2. Notably, the relative abundance of bird assemblages a...
Sustainability, 2021
Broad-leaved subtropical forests are the most productive, diversified, and complex ecosystems on ... more Broad-leaved subtropical forests are the most productive, diversified, and complex ecosystems on the planet. Unfortunately, they are currently under severe threat from anthropogenic activities, such as. deforestation, housing settlements, and agricultural expansion. In response to these severe effects, the present study was conducted to explore the current conservation status and population structure of a wide range of bird species inhabiting different subtropical broad-leaved urban forests of Pakistan. In total, 2879 individuals comprising 53 species and 28 families were detected between December 2017 and November 2018 as revealed through the distance sampling line transect method. The habitat selection among bird species varied according to vegetation structure and composition, food resources, adjoining habitats, and human settlements. According to IUCN Red List data, one species was deemed vulnerable out of 53 bird species, while the remaining 52 species were ranked as ofleast co...
Plants, 2021
Lack of proper infrastructure and the poor economic conditions of rural communities make them dep... more Lack of proper infrastructure and the poor economic conditions of rural communities make them dependent on herbal medicines. Thus, there is a need to obtain and conserve the historic and traditional knowledge about the medicinal importance of different plants found in different areas of the world. In this regard, a field study was conducted to document the medicinal importance of local plants commonly used by the inhabitants of very old historic villages in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. In total, 58 plant species were explored, which belonged to 28 taxonomic families, as informed by 200 experienced respondents in the study area. The vernacular name, voucher number, plant parts used, and medicinal values were also documented for each species. Among the documented species, Poaceae remained the most predominant family, followed by Solanaceae and Asteraceae. The local communities were dependent on medicinal plants for daily curing of several ailments, including asthma, common cold, sore th...
Pertanika Journal of Science and Technology, 2020
Food distribution and diversity is a significant factor that determines the habitat and site sele... more Food distribution and diversity is a significant factor that determines the habitat and site selection of avian species. Its effects on the health, reproduction, survival rate, diversity indices, population structure and home range of avian species. In wetland ecosystem, bird home range and population structure is influenced by richness and diversity of food resources and availability of suitable foraging sites. The aim of the study was to ascertain the food variety of Lesser Whistling Duck - Dendrocygna javanica in Paya Indah Wetland Reserve (PIWR). A scan method was employed from strategic places or blinds using a spotting scope and binocular to determine the food selection and density by Distance sampling point count method. Food items were categorised into the aquatic plants (AP), aquatic invertebrates (AIV), aquatic vertebrates (AV), terrestrial plants (TP), terrestrial vertebrates (TV) and terrestrial invertebrates (TIV). Distance analysis indicated that PIWR harboured 3.88 ± ...
Journal of Environmental Biology, 2020
Journal of Environmental Biology, 2020
Tropical Forests - The Challenges of Maintaining Ecosystem Services while Managing the Landscape, 2016
Tropical rainforests are the cradle of life (perfect conditions for life) on Earth, i.e., rich in... more Tropical rainforests are the cradle of life (perfect conditions for life) on Earth, i.e., rich in plant species composition (>250 plant species/hectare) and fauna diversity (>50% of animal species in the world). Rainforests occur near the Earth's equator and cover 6% of the Earth's surface across the tropical regions and are characterized by wet climate, i.e., heavy rainfall (125-660 cm), relative humidity (77-88%) and temperature (20-34°C). They are dominated by a wide range of broad-leaved trees that form dense canopy and the most complex ecosystem. Currently, the tropical rainforest ecosystem is changing faster than ever in human history due to anthropogenic activities, such as habitat loss and degradation due to deforestation for timber and conversion into agriculture fields (oil palm plantation), mining, fire, climate change, etc. The habitat loss and degradation had adversely influenced the distribution and richness of the fauna species. The current information on the fauna diversity of tropical rainforest is not sufficient and in the future, more research is required to document the various community parameters of the fauna species in order to conserve and protect them. For better future, conservation, and management, we must identify the major drivers of changes and how these factors alter the tropical rainforest.
Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences, Feb 1, 2015
Malaysia characterized by diverse habitats, such as forests, open areas, shrub lands and woodland... more Malaysia characterized by diverse habitats, such as forests, open areas, shrub lands and woodlands, that attract a wide array of bird species. Microclimate and habitat structure are major driving forces that influence avian community composition in particular habitats. This study examined the effects of open-area and shrub habitats on bird species composition and abundance. Bird abundance was determined using the distance sampling point count method. The relationship between bird abundance and microclimate and habitat structure was determined using canonical correspondence analysis. A total of 5,144 birds belonging to 84 species representing 35 families were detected. Open areas contained 62.44% of all the birds (3,212 individuals representing 75 bird species and 35 families), and shrub lands contained the remaining 37.56% (1,932 individuals representing 68 bird species and 33 families). Flowering and fruiting trees dominated the open-area habitat, whereas densely clustered young woody saplings and shrubs (i.e., less than 10 ft tall and less than 10 cm dbh) were abundant in the shrub habitat. The findings of this study indicate that the bird species composition and distribution in both habitats are influenced by various factors of microclimate (i.e., temperature, relative humidity and light intensity) and habitat structure (i.e., vegetation cover, vegetation composition and distribution).
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Papers by Muhammad Nawaz Rajpar