Effect of α-Chlorohydrin water-bait on the fertility of captive males of the Egyptian fruit-bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus) and the proper time for controlling its free-ranging populations in Egypt

Abstract

Water-bait Egyptian fruit-bat Rousettus aegyptiacus α-chlorohydrin antifertility controlThe Egyptian fruit-bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus) is a serious vertebrate pest that lives in riverine and agricultural habitats of the Nile Delta and Valley of Egypt. The present work evaluates the acceptability and effect of a water bait of α-chlorohydrin (ACH), which is a well-known species-specific male chemosterilant, on the fertility of males of this bat species. A dose of 85.7mg/kg consumed by captive males for four consecutive days has damaged their testicular tissues, caused a significant decrease in sperm count and motility and a significant increase in sperm abnormalities. Preliminary results of the study of the reproductive cycle of this bat species in one of the districts of Greater Cairo Area showed that males had reached peak sexual activity during autumn mouths. For best control results, it is suggested that control campaigns be implemented during these months. It is recommended that ACH water-baits be set in roosting caves and near fresh water courses where bats used to drink.

Antifertility Potential of n-Butanol and Ethyl Acetate Extracts of Penicillium oxalicum OM282858 in Male Albino Rats as Biological Control Agents

“…These results indicated that both fungal extracts had highly destructive effects on the count and motility of epididymal sperm compared to the control rats. The results were consistent with those of other researchers, who reported that sperm count and motility were vital factors and that any changes in sperm count and motility could be used as an indicator for measuring normal fertility by measuring sperm fertilizing capacity in animals (Mahmoud et al 2018;Taha and Soliman 2019). The reduction in the count and motility of epididymal sperm was attributed to the reduced supply of testosterone in the epididymis (Gong and Han 2006).…”

“…The activity of the ATPase enzyme in the spermatozoa cell membrane could be affected by alkaloid compounds and the distributing balance of sodium and potassium ions (Hidayati et al 2018). The morphology of sperm is a vital parameter that reflects their normality and maturity and is directly correlated with male fertility (Memon et al 1986;Taha and Soliman 2019). Head and mid-piece sperm abnormalities were identified as mainly prime spermatogenesis defects (Schumacher and Moll 2011;Taha and Soliman 2019) and were valuable indicators of testicular degeneration (Bloom 1950;Taha and Soliman 2019).…”

“…According to WHO (2000), the sperm were classified as abnormal. The abnormality of sperm was calculated as a percentage of the total spermatozoa count (Taha and Soliman 2019).…”

“…Traditional strategies such as poisonous baits, anticoagulant rodenticides, trapping, hunting, and pesticides have been adopted to limit rodent damage or lower rodent populations. These traditional methods are ineffective, and the repetitive use of chemicals endangers human health and causes environmental hazards (Taha and Soliman 2019;Taha 2022). Therefore, pest managers have been directed to search for non-lethal approaches to increase the desire for environmentally friendly control methods at low cost and limit the non-target effects (Aktar et al 2014;Mahmoud et al 2018;Taha and Soliman 2019).…”

“…These traditional methods are ineffective, and the repetitive use of chemicals endangers human health and causes environmental hazards (Taha and Soliman 2019;Taha 2022). Therefore, pest managers have been directed to search for non-lethal approaches to increase the desire for environmentally friendly control methods at low cost and limit the non-target effects (Aktar et al 2014;Mahmoud et al 2018;Taha and Soliman 2019). One of these approaches is biological control using natural materials containing bioactive compounds from plants, algae, animals, microorganisms, and marine biota (Asyura et al 2017), which is effective against rodent pests, phytopathogens, insects, and weeds.…”