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Multidrug resistance has become a global health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. Antimicrobial peptides have been acknowledged as potential leads for prospective anti-infectives. Owing to their scavenging lifestyle, Corvus splendens is thought to have developed robust immunity to pathogens found in their diet, implying that they have evolved mechanisms to resist infection. In the current study, the transcriptome of C. splendens was sequenced, and de novo assembled to identify the presence of antimicrobial peptide genes. 72.09 million high-quality clean reads were obtained which were then de novo assembled into 3,43,503 transcripts and 74,958 unigenes. About 37,559 unigenes were successfully annotated using SwissProt, Pfam, GO, and KEGG databases. A search against APD3, CAMP R3 and LAMP databases identified 63 AMP candidates belonging to more than 20 diverse families and functional classes. mRNA of AvBD-2, AvBD-13 and CATH-2 were found to be differentially expressed between the three tested crows as well as among the tissues. We also characterized Corvus Cathelicidin 2 (CATH-2) to gain knowledge of its antimicrobial mechanisms. The CD spectroscopy of synthesized mature Corvus CATH-2 peptide displayed an amphipathic α-helical structure. Though the synthetic CATH-2 caused hemolysis of human RBC, it also exhibited antimicrobial activity against E. coli , S. aureus , and B. cereus . Docking simulation results revealed that this peptide could bind to the LPS binding site of MD-2, which may prevent LPS from entering the MD-2 binding pocket, and trigger TLR4 signaling pathway. The Corvus CATH-2 characterized in this study could aid in the development of novel therapeutics.

The Common House Crow ( Corvus splendens ) exhibits remarkable ecological adaptability, enabling its rapid expansion across continents. However, despite its wide distribution, there is a need for genetic studies to clarify its evolutionary history and population structure. This research employs DNA barcoding, focusing on the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase subunit I ( Cox1 ), which is effective for species identification and phylogenetic analysis. Blood samples were collected from 70 C. splendens specimens across seven cities in Punjab, Pakistan: Lahore, Kasur, Sialkot, Narowal, Pakpattan, Gujranwala, and Bahawalpur. Genomic DNA extraction was performed, and a partial sequence of the COX1 gene was amplified using PCR techniques. Sequencing of the Cox1 marker from 10 randomly selected specimens revealed nine distinct genetic variants. Interspecific analysis positioned our C. splendens sequences alongside various Corvus species available in GenBank, while intraspecific analysis identified a total of 15 genetic variants. These variants showed nucleotide identity rates ranging from 98.7 to 99.8%, with genetic distances between 0.002 and 0.013. The analysis indicated that the C. splendens group consists of a single heterogeneous clade with variants from multiple countries, including Pakistan, Tanzania, Nepal, South Africa, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Kenya, Australia, and Singapore. This study significantly enhances our understanding of genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships within C. splendens populations, highlighting the necessity of genetic research to inform conservation strategies. Further research employing advanced molecular techniques and broader geographic sampling is essential to assess the genetic diversity and population dynamics of this adaptable species.

Present paper provides information on the comparative effectiveness of the three repellents: mist nets, reflecting ribbons and distress sound player with respect to the five economically significant crops viz. maize, chickpea, sugarcane and sunflower for the two birds, Psittacula krameri and Corvus splendens at the mature crop stages. Mist nets are considered physical barrier on the various crops to maximally deter their damage and, therefore, act as the potential repellents against the birds. Present study was conducted from January through December, 2021 to determine the movements patterns of the rose-ringed parakeet and house crow impacted by the repellents at the students' farms of the University Campus. Observations were recorded in the two one-acre crops for eight hours, four each in the morning and afternoon durations, 05:30-9:30 am and from 13:30-17:30 pm, respectively. They were further differentiated for period of 30-min in the two observations hours for the controlled and repellent treated conditions. Apparently, the two crops, sunflower and maize, were significantly damaged by the rose-ringed parakeet in the controlled conditions. They depicted their means 506.43±2.54 and 537.57±5.52. Nonetheless, in the repellents treated conditions, the means were 242.29±4.95 and 273.14±5.86. Mean damage recorded for the crows in controlled conditions for the sunflower was 510.86±7.11 and for maize it was 464.43±3.20. It was, therefore, evident that the repellents sufficiently reduced the numbers of attacking birds on all the crops. Conclusively, the non-chemical measures should be considered obligatory in agriculture to decrease not only the bird depredations but also to maintain the ecosystem sustainability.

Aim: To observe the effect of environmental factors influenced by the anthropogenic activities on various events of roosting behavior of House crow (Corvus splendens). Methodology: All Roost sites were located in the vicinity of highly urbanized settlements with ample anthropogenic light and sound. Correlation analysis was carried out to work out how environmental factors affect various roosting events. Multiple regression analysis suggested best fitted model to explain the variability observed in roosting events. Sunset time, temperature, humidity, illumination and sound intensitywere recorded. Four principal events viz., time of first arrival, time of half arrival, time of last arrival and mean time of last vocal were observed. In addition, three derived events viz. duration between sunset time to first arrival, first arrival to last arrival and last vocal were also studied. Results: It was found that sunset time, temperature, humidity, illumination and sound intensity in part were correlated and predictors for different principle and derived roosting events. Anthropogenic light and sound affected roosting events via altering intensity and duration of light and sound. An extended duration of derived events were observed on comparing our findings with previously available record. It was proposed that in addition to altered abiotic conditions, interplay of various other complex cognitive processes while roosting may be a contributor to these times lapsed. Interpretation: Environmental factors along with anthropogenic light and sound affect roosting events. Therefore, anthropogenic activities should be managed to avoid adverse consequences on roosting behavior and thus, the survival of birds. Key words: Anthropogenic light and sound, Environmental factors, House crow, Roosting behavior

Not long ago, House Crow was the most wide-spread member of the Corvidae family in Punjab. Then, scattered observations revealed a decline in the population of this species, even so, that very few could be seen in many parts of Punjab. Till now there is no study on the House Crow disappearance from Punjab or any other part of the world. The present study was conducted for two continuous years from June 2015-May 2017 to obtain data on the current status of the House Crow population and to determine the possible reasons for their decline in three selected locations, viz. Ludhiana, Sangrur, and Bathinda districts falling in the Malwa region of Punjab. The survey showed that the population of House Crow in some pockets of Punjab has shown a considerable decline. These declines are troubling because the disappearance of House Crow means loss of cost-free scavenger services provided by them. This study could be used to predict and investigate the population of House Crow in other parts of Punjab and provide the baseline information for conservation practices to be adopted for the species in the state.

The Indian house crow ( Corvus splendens ) is a species that has rapidly disseminated across Europe, the Middle East, Eastern Africa, the islands in the Indian Ocean, East Asia, Australia, and the Americas, significantly expanding its ecological range. Corvus splendens is a significant invasive species with a diminished genetic diversity due to founder effects. Its reliance on human waste in urban environments increases its ability to spread germs. The crow is ecologically versatile, thriving in anthropogenic environments and consuming waste, thereby promoting its rapid proliferation and competition with indigenous avian species. It uses urban structures for nesting and communal roosting, demonstrates resistance to noise, and assembles near human settlements for food. The present review synthesised information from multiple articles to offer a full overview of C. splendens , with a particular focus on genetic research, its pathogenicity, ecological roles, and behaviour. The main goal of this study was to provide significant insights and describe research gaps for the efficient management of this invasive species.

Urban areas worldwide are increasing in size at an unprecedented rate, which is influencing local biodiversity. Most studies of urban biodiversity have focused on urban areas in developed countries, while knowledge from developing countries where much current urbanization is occurring is relatively scarce. Thus, in countries like Nepal that are undergoing significant urbanization (two-fold increase in 30 years), our understanding of the processes and impacts on biodiversity are extremely limited. In this study, we examine species richness, abundance, diversity and nesting habitat preferences of birds in Nepal’s capital Kathmandu in comparison to surrounding rural areas. Species richness, abundance and diversity were higher in rural sites than urban sites with a strong positive association with trees, which was much stronger in urban sites. Anthropogenic materials were incorporated into nests, and included plastics, wires and clothing. This behavior was observed primarily at urban sites, as was nesting on artificial substrates like power lines. Rural nesting preferences were positively associated with local vegetation and negatively with distances to buildings. Urban nesting preference were similar, but also increased with increasing distance to roads. Our results suggest that degrading urban green spaces may have severe impacts on urban avian diversity and facilitate colonization of generalist species, such as the House Crow ( Corvus splendens ), which was the most common species observed at urban sites. Our findings suggest that the planting and maintenance of trees throughout Kathmandu will help conserve current and future bird diversity.

Among the several anthropogenic factors, power lines are increasingly regarded as one of the most significant hazards to bird species, primarily owing to collisions and electrocutions. Nepal has comparatively fewer studies on the impact of power line collisions and electrocution on birds compared with developed nations. From November 2021 to May 2022, we assessed the effect of power line collisions and electrocutions on the mortality of birds in the Putalibazar Municipality of the Syangja district of Nepal. We established 117 circular plots in diverse habitats, including agricultural lands, forests, settlements, and river basins, along a 30.6 km long distribution line. Within 18 plots, we detected 43 fatalities of 11 species (17 individuals of six species due to collision and 26 individuals of eight species due to electrocution). House Swift (Apus nipalensis) and Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) were the primary victims of the collision, whereas House Crow (Corvus splendens) and Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) were frequently observed electrocuted. We also recorded the electrocution of the critically endangered White‐rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis). The total rate of bird power line collisions per kilometer was 0.55 birds, while the total electrocution rate per 10 poles was 2.22. The bird abundance, distance to agricultural regions, and proximity to human settlements were found to have a strong relationship with the mortality of birds caused by power lines. In order to reduce power line collisions and electrocution fatalities, we recommend conducting a detailed bird population study prior to determining the route of distribution lines. This study identified the bird collision and electrocution from distribution lines, which may be utilized for formulating policies and programs in order to ensure the safety and conservation of avifauna in Nepal. It has significant contributions to the board issue for avian species.

Urban-dwelling birds can be useful biomonitors to assess the impact of the urbanisation on both public and wildlife health. Widely distributed urban bird species, the House crow, was studied for heavy metal accumulation levels from nine cities of South Asia, Southeast Asia and Africa that border the Indian Ocean. Feathers were spectroscopically investigated for the deposition of ten heavy metals, i.e. As, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, iron Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu and Li. Fe and Zn were found to be the most prevalent metals in all sites. Measured concentrations of Pb (4.38–14.77 mg kg −1 ) overall, and Fe (935.66 mg kg −1 ) and Cu (67.17 mg kg −1 ) at some studied sites were above the toxicity levels reported lethal in avian toxicological studies. Multivariate analysis and linear models supported geographical location as a significant predictor for the level of most of the metals. Zn and Cu, generally and Pb, Cd, Mn, Cr at some sites exhibited potential bioaccumulation from surrounding environments. Inter-species comparisons strengthen the inference that the House crow is a reliable bioindicator species for the qualitative assessment of local urban environmental pollution and could be a useful tool for inter-regional monitoring programs.