Modified Crab-Shell Chitosan for Dye Adsorption and Optimization | JBES 2026

M. Priyanga, depertment of the Sri Paramakalyani Centre of Excellence in Environmental Sciences, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Alwarkurichi, Tamil Nadu, India. V. Gomathi Priya, depertment of the Post Graduate & Research Centre of Microbiology, Sri Paramakalyani College, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Alwarkurichi, India.   P. Bhuvaneswari, depertment of the JP College of Arts and Science, Department of Chemistry, College Road, Agarakattu, Ayikudi, Tamil Nadu, India. T. Shanmuga Vadivu, depertment of the JP College of Arts and Science, Department of Chemistry, College Road, Agarakattu, Ayikudi, Tamil Nadu, India. S. Viswanathan, depertment of the Post Graduate & Research Centre of Microbiology, Sri Paramakalyani, depertment of the College, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Alwarkurichi, India. G. Annadurai, depertment of the Sri Paramakalyani Centre of Excellence in Environmental Sciences, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Alwarkurichi, Tamil Nadu, India. R. Soranam, depertment of the Sri Paramakalyani Centre of Excellence in Environmental Sciences, Manonmaniam Sundaranar University, Alwarkurichi, Tamil Nadu, India. Wrote a research article about, Modified Crab-Shell Chitosan for Dye Adsorption and Optimization. entitled, Using chitosan made from modified chitosan (Crab shells) for dye adsorption, equilibrium, kinetic, and response surface methods. This research paper published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences | JBES.  an open access scholarly research journal on Environmental Sciences.  under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

Adsorption techniques based on the use of natural polymers, such as non-toxic chitosan, which is made from leftover crab shells by demineralization (acid treatment) and deproteinization (alkaline treatment), have drawn more attention in recent years. The most popular method for advanced wastewater treatment is adsorption. Because of its many functional uses, chitosan is frequently employed as an efficient biomaterial in the field of adsorption. Chitosan’s hydroxyl (-OH) and amine (-NH2) groups make it one of the most appropriate and adaptable adsorbents. By adding more functions to its fundamental structure, chitosan adsorption capability and selectivity can be further enhanced. While the Langmuir, Freundlich Isotherms study and kinetics investigations demonstrated that the adsorption process was suited by pseudo-first-order and second order for dye, the results from isotherm models demonstrated that the adsorption of dye on chitosan corresponded well with the Freundlich model. These three distinct factors influencing methylene blue adsorption performance were chosen for modelling and optimization procedures utilizing response surface methods in a central rotating composite design. A second-degree polynomial equation was used to predict the percentage of methylene blue elimination by chitosan made from crab shells. With an R2 = 0.9934 and a Radj = 0.9849, the proposed model was valid and accurately described the phenomenon investigated in the experimental area.

Introduction

When numerous industries produce garbage that seriously pollutes the environment, environmental protection becomes a challenging undertaking. Large amounts of aqueous wastes and dye effluents with high BOD loading and strong, lasting color are released from the dyeing process in the textile sector, which is unsatisfactory from an aesthetic and environmental standpoint (Annadurai and Krishnan, 1997). Aquatic life is seriously at risk because the majorities of these dye wastes are poisonous and may cause cancer (Vandevere et al., 1998). Consequently, the elimination of dyestuffs from effluents becomes crucial, and numerous governments have imposed environmental regulations concerning the quality of colored effluents and mandated that enterprises that use dyes decolorize their effluents before to discharge. Numerous conventional dye removal treatment systems, including trickling filters, activated sludge, chemical coagulation, carbon adsorption, and photodegradation processes, have been thoroughly studied (Vandevere et al., 1998; Ganesh et al., 1994; Gan Yang et al., 2008). Among these chemical and physical techniques, the adsorption process is reasonably successful in producing a highquality effluent without the production of hazardous compounds like ozone and free radicals during the UV photodegradation process.

Activated carbon (Walker and Weatherley, 1997), peat (Poots et al., 1976a;1976b; Ho and Mckay, 1998), pith (Mckay et al., 1987; Namasivayam et al., 1998; Ho and Mckay, 1999; Namasivayam et al., 2001; Namasivayam et al., 2002), fuller's earth (Atun et al., 2003; Mckay et al., 1985), and wood (Poots et al., 1976a;1976b; Asfour et al., 1985). The potential uses of polymeric nanoparticles in medicine and nanotechnological devices, especially as drug delivery vehicles, have drawn more interest in recent years. These nanoparticles are manufactured with a regulated composition, unique supramolecular structures, and dimensions. Due to intra- and or intermolecular interactions of hydrophobic segments in aqueous media, these polymeric nanoparticles with hydrophilic and hydrophobic segments have special properties, including thermodynamic stability, unusual rheological features, and the structure of a hydrophilic shell and a hydrophobic core (Chu and Tsui, 1999; El-Geundi, 1991; Grau, 1991). Polymeric amphiphiles have been thoroughly investigated and identified as promising medication and gene delivery vehicles due to their ability to decrease harmful side effects and enhance therapeutic outcomes. Preparing biodegradable and nontoxic polymeric amphiphiles based on natural biomaterials like chitosan has received a lot of attention lately.

Chitin is deacetylated to generate chitosan, a heteropolymer comprising β - [1→4]-2-amino-2- deoxy-D-glucopyranose and β - [1→4]-2-acetamido2-deoxy-D-glucopyranose. An essential part of the adsorption process is chitosan; a type of natural polysaccharide made from chitin. The b (1-4)-2- amino-2-deoxy-D-glucopyranose (D-glucosamine) repeating unit makes up the majority of chitosan, a polysaccharide that also contains trace amounts (less than 20%) of N-acetyl-D glucosamine residues (Ali Aberoumand and Maryam Hosseinian, 2025). The polymer has a very high affinity for a variety of dye classes, including disperse, direct, reactive, and acid dyes. It is also non-toxic and biodegradable. Through electrostatic attraction, cationized amino groups can adsorb anionic dye molecules in an acidic aqueous media. The manufacture of chitosan from crab shells is the subject of the proposed study (Musmade and Lalit Mahatma Ali Aberoumand, 2021). The purpose of this research is to achieve the best removal efficiency of methylene blue with short contact and settling durations. Chitosan has been well examined for its capacity to remove dye from textile wastewater effluent. Experiments on a bench scale were carried out to investigate the impact of temperature and pH. Because of its vast surface area, the chitosan is thought to have a greater capacity. The sorption behavior of the chitosan research will be examined (Anggraeni et al., 2024).

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Article source : Using chitosan made from modified chitosan (Crab shells) for dye adsorption, equilibrium, kinetic,and response surface methods

 

 

 

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Farmers’ Perceptions of Pepper Genetic Diversity in Niger | IJAAR 2025

Halimatou Ousseini Maiga, from the Faculty of Agronomy, Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, Niger. Oumarou Souleymane, from the National Institute of Agronomic Research of Niger, Niamey, Niger.  Illiassou Mossi Maiga, from the National Institute of Agronomic Research of Niger, Niamey, Niger.    Adam Toudou, from the Faculty of Agronomy, Abdou Moumouni University of Niamey, Niger. Wrote a research article about, Farmers’ Perceptions of Pepper Genetic Diversity in Niger. Entitled, Farmers perception of the genetic diversity of peppers (Capsicum annuum) in Niger: Between tradition and innovation. This research paper published by the International Journal of Agronomy and AgriculturalResearch | IJAAR. an open access scholarly research journal on Agricultural Research.  under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

Genetic diversity plays a crucial role in crop development on farms facing the growing challenges posed by climate change. Rural bell pepper growers in Niger are heavily dependent on this biodiversity, for which they are constantly seeking a balance to ensure sustainable production. Studying farmers’ perceptions of bell pepper genetic diversity in Niger is a necessity to explore the relationship between traditional farming practices and innovative approaches to crop diversity management.  The aim of this study is to understand how farmers in Niger perceive and use bell pepper genetic diversity. To this end, a survey was carried out in the country’s main pepper-growing regions. The results showed the existence of a great diversity of accessions, the use of rich and varied farmer descriptors and the coexistence of 3 systems: traditional, improved and a combination of the two. In addition, the study showed that several factors influence farmers’ choices and preferences in the selection of bell pepper accessions, as well as the seed system used. 

Introduction

Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.), a member of the Solanaceae family, originates from Mexico, with Guatemala identified as its secondary center of origin (Bukasov, 1930). The most widely cultivated species, C. annuum (2n = 2x = 24), possesses a genome size of 3.48 GB (Kim et al., 2014). It is a predominantly selfpollinated crop, although the cross-pollination rate can reach up to 10% (Rai et al., 2013). Pepper is a major horticultural crop with substantial commercial importance and medicinal value. Globally, approximately 36 million tons of peppers are produced on about 2 million hectares. China is the leading producer, accounting for 46% of global production, followed by Mexico, Indonesia, and Turkey (FAO, 2021). Genetic diversity plays a pivotal role in the development of climate-resilient crops, particularly in the context of the increasing challenges posed by climate change. Within the broader framework of agricultural adaptation, the conservation and utilization of genetic diversity represent key strategies to enhance agricultural resilience (Mohamed et al., 2025). Moreover, genetic diversity is fundamental to both natural evolutionary processes and breeding programs. Through genetic variation, crop species are able to survive and adapt to diverse and changing environmental conditions (Salgotra and Chauhan, 2023).

In Niger, pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is a key crop, highly valued for its economic importance as well as its cultural significance. However, increasing environmental pressures, the evolution of agricultural systems, and shifting market demands have compelled farmers to continuously adapt their cultivation strategies. Understanding farmers‘ perceptions of genetic diversity in pepper has therefore become crucial for exploring the complex relationship between traditional agricultural practices and innovative approaches to crop diversity management. Such an investigation provides insight into how local knowledge systems evolve and integrate with modern agricultural innovations in response to changing socio-economic and environmental conditions. The present study aims to analyze how Nigerien farmers perceive, maintain, and utilize the genetic diversity of pepper. It seeks to identify the balance between time tested traditional knowledge and the potential offered by improved and emerging agricultural practices, contributing to the sustainable management and enhancement of pepper genetic resources in Niger.

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Article source : Farmers perception of the genetic diversity of peppers (Capsicum annuum) in Niger: Between traditionand innovation 

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Seasonal Diversity of Molluscs in Bagoué | JBES 2025

Kouadio Behegbin Habib Herber,  Aman Jean Baptiste,  and Memel Jean Didié, institute of the Laboratory of Animal Biology and Cytology, Animal Production Research Center, Natural Sciences UFR, Nangui Abrogoua University, Côte d’Ivoire. Wrote a research article about, Seasonal Diversity of Molluscs in Bagoué. Entitled, Diversity of molluscs in the Bagoue region (Côte d’ivoire): Influence of seasons. This research paper published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences | JBES. an open access scholarly research journal on Biodiversity.  under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

Côte d’Ivoire finds itself lacking in animal proteins despite the multiple efforts made to achieve food self-sufficiency for its population. Indeed, natural resources capable of guaranteeing food security are under pressure from humans (destruction of forests and wildlife and action of bush fires). Thus, our work was carried out in the Bagoué region in the north of Côte d’Ivoire. From January 2018 to December 2019 (2 years), we inventoried 7 species of mollusks divided into 5 families according to the two well-defined dry and rainy seasons. To carry out our work, the Bagoué region was divided into six zones. We demarcated quadrats of 200 m² in three villages chosen in each zone. To do this, we searched in the ground, the litter, on the leaves and tree trunks and then on the trees. The identification of molluscs was carried out using morphological criteria. Our study recorded 5089 ± 47.97 Achatina fulica (324 ± 9.13 in dry season and 4765 ± 38.84 in rainy season), 1794 ± 17.18 Laristes varicus (144 ± 1.02 in dry season and 1650 ± 15.97 in rainy season), 991 ± 22.45 Archachatina ventricosa (40 ± 2.2 in dry season and 951 ± 20.25 in rainy season), 968 ± 9.87 Limicolaria flammea (9 ± 0.99 in dry season and 959 ± 19.86 in rainy season), 444 ± 2.39 Gabbiella africana (432 ± 41.12 in dry season and 309 ± 38.21 in rainy season), 271 ± 1.44 Limacus flavus (12 ± 10.11 in dry season and 254 ± 23.28 in rainy season) and 187 ± 1.21 Mytilis edulis (36 ± 11.20 in dry season and 151 ± 21.02 in rainy season). At the end of our study, it appears that in the natural environment, the 7 species of molluscs collected vary according to the seasons. The populations of Bagoué, through their activities (bush fires, deforestation, slash-and-burn cultivation) have a considerable impact on the biotope. These activities could be a danger to the survival of molluscs. Thus, we suggest raising awareness among populations on environmental protection, strengthening measures for the protection and conservation of animal and plant species.

Introduction

The degradation of natural ecosystems is accentuated by the aridity of the climate which has become a worrying phenomenon in humid tropical zones (Thiombiano, 2005). Despite this aridity, animal and plant species survive there. Ivory Coast, particularly in the Bagoué region in the north, in the savannah district, is at the heart of this daily degradation. For Achard et al. (2002) and Anonymous (2014), the Ivorian forest has experienced rapid degradation. It increased from 16.5 million hectares in 1960 to 4 million in 2000 and then to 2.97 million hectares in 2014. According to Brooks et al. (2002) this deforestation results in the degradation and loss of natural habitats. This is the main cause of the massive disappearance of species such as molluscs in these environments. The diversity and distribution of these molluscs are determined by environmental factors, namely air humidity, temperature, litter thickness, altitude, soil type (Bruggen, 1969; 1995; Peake, 1978; Tattersfield, 1990; Welter-Schultes, 2000), the type of habitat (Cameron et al., 2007; Memel et al., 2009; Oke and Chokor, 2009; Tattersfield et al., 2001) and the availability of food resources (Memel, 2009). Little work has been devoted to the ecology and diversity of molluscs in Côte d’Ivoire. The oldest work carried out took place at Mount Nimba in the west of Côte d’Ivoire. Forcart (1953) studied the Veronicidae. Gaillard (1954) worked on the genus Curvella. Binder (1963; 1976) and Van Mol (1970) worked on Urocyclidae. Lamotte and Roy (2003) also studied these mollusks. The most recent work was carried out by (Memel, 2009) on the Achatinidae family within the Banco National Park. In the Yapo classified forest, (Amani, 2018) worked on the biodiversity and ecology of Gastropod molluscs. At the National Floristic Center of Abidjan Cocody (N’dri, 2021) carried out work on the biodiversity and ecology of terrestrial gastropod molluscs. The choice of the Bagoué region is justified by the fact that it is subject to anthropogenic pressures such as the collection of snails by populations, bush fires, field work, trampling by livestock and the long dry season. In addition, this study can contribute, for vulnerable species such as Molluscs (Lydeard et al., 2004; Régnier et al., 2015), or Invertebrates in general (Cardoso et al., 2011), to their better taken into account in conservation strategies, particularly in the context of current issues linked to the massive erosion of biodiversity (Barnosky et al., 2011; Pimm et al., 2014). Knowledge of the mollusks of this region could strengthen its conservation.

The general objective of this work is to determine the diversity of molluscs in the said region. It will be specifically:

1. To study the physicochemical conditions of the Bagoué region;

 2. Make a qualitative (specific diversity) and quantitative (abundance) inventory of molluscs. 

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Article source : Diversity of molluscs in the Bagoue region (Côte d’ivoire): Influence of seasons 

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E. coli Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance in Frozen Chicken Meat | IJB 2024

Md. Shariful Islam, Sharmin Islam,  Israt Jahan Mouri, and Aurnob Sarker, from the institute of the Bangladesh. Wrote a research article about, E. coli Prevalence and Antimicrobial Resistance in Frozen Chicken Meat. Entitled, Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli from frozen chicken meat. This research paper published by the International Journal of Biosciences| IJB.  an open access scholarly research journal on Biosciences.  under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

The emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, poses a growing threat to human health, veterinary medicine, and food hygiene. Therefore, the aim of this research was screening of E. coli and identifying antibiotic resistance profiles in isolates obtained from frozen chicken meat samples collected from super shops in Sylhet, Bangladesh. The study was conducted in 2023 with 40 chicken samples. Gram-negative E. coli isolates were identified based on their green metallic sheen on selective media and confirmed through biochemical examination. Of the 40 samples, 38 (95% prevalence) samples tested positive for E. coli. Antibiotic resistance profiles were determined using the disk diffusion method against 16 antibiotics from 13 antimicrobial classes. Resistance rates were particularly high against ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, nalidixic acid, oxytetracycline, and cephalexin, with 100% of multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates. Six isolates (15.79%) were resistant to all thirteen antibiotic classes tested, while more than 70% of the MDR E. coli were resistant to 9-13 antibiotic classes. Antibiotics such as chloramphenicol (44.74%) and aztreonam (39.47%) showed a higher rate of susceptibility. The findings of this research may contribute to a better understanding of antimicrobial resistance in E. coli from frozen chicken meat samples.

 

Introduction

The consumption of animal products has increased due to factors such as increased population growth, urbanization, globalization, rising per capita income, and shifting consumer preferences towards higherprotein diets (Dharma et al., 2013). Among animal products, meat is a significant dietary item for humans because of its high nutritional content and delectableness. Globally, both poultry meat production and consumption are rising (Bilgili, 2002), and the advantages of chicken meat includes low-calorie content, low saturated fat content, low collagen content, and easy digestibility (Marangoni et al., 2015). Bangladesh has a thriving chicken industry, which is essential for boosting agricultural growth and the availability of protein and nutrients (Rahman et al., 2015). The poultry industry supplies quality protein to the people of Bangladesh at some of the lowest prices globally (Islam et al., 2014) and contributes 22-27 % of the country’s total meat supply (Department of Livestock Services, 2022). Although harmful microorganisms are absent from the muscles of healthy animals, meat tissues can become contaminated with microorganisms at different points in the value chain (Ibrahim et al., 2019). Consuming contaminated meat and meat products is thought to be one of the main causes of the high frequency of zoonotic and food-borne illnesses in humans.

Gastrointestinal complications caused by the consumption of specific foods or beverages are referred to as food-borne illnesses or food poisoning. Each year, food-borne disease affects over one-third of the world's population in affluent countries (Tanveer et al., 2017). There are around sixteen types of bacteria, three virus families, twenty-two parasites, and three protozoa among the microbial pathogens that can be transmitted from animals to humans through food (Thapa et al., 2020). Among bacterial food-borne agents, Escherichia coli, a gram-negative, facultative anaerobic, rod-shaped bacterium from the genus of Escherichia, poses a potential infection risks to humans. Chicken meat can become contaminated by it due to improper handling, cleaning, dressing, and unhygienic meat-selling practices. Consequently, pathogenic E. coli can be transmitted to humans either directly during food preparation or via consumption of undercooked or raw meat products (Addis and Sisay, 2015).

Undoubtedly, antibiotics have revolutionized the way for treating many infectious diseases, which in turn reduce morbidity and mortality rates (Huemer et al., 2020). However, the unwise use of antibiotics in food animal production for both treatment and growth enhancement purposes led the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) (Agyare et al., 2019), which is now a significant public health concern in both human and veterinary medicine globally (Ferri et al., 2017; Palma et al., 2020). AMR against firstline antibiotics in pathogens like E. coli has rendered these treatments ineffective (Cosgrove, 2006).

Furthermore, E. coli can transfer antibiotic resistance mechanisms not only among its different strains but also to other bacterial species (Rasheed et al., 2014). There is a limited amount of research available in assessing the contamination of frozen chicken meat with antibiotic resistant bacteria in super shops (Parvin et al., 2020). Moreover, people’s preferences to go shopping in super shops are increasing all over Bangladesh, and the safety of using frozen chicken from super shops needs to be assessed. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the prevalence of E. coli and assess their multidrug-resistant (MDR) pattern in frozen chicken meat samples from super shops in Sylhet, Bangladesh.

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Mandal AK, Talukder S, Hasan MM, Tasmim ST, Parvin MS, Ali MY, Islam MT. 2022. Epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli in broiler chickens, farmworkers, and farm sewage in Bangladesh. Veterinary Medicine and Science 8(1), 187–199. https://doi.org/10.1002/vms3.664.

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Article source : Prevalence and antimicrobial resistance of Escherichia coli from frozen chicken meat  

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Elephant History and Habitat in the Canaan Region | JBES 2025

Khandaker Mursheda Farhana, Department of Sociology and Anthropology, Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh.Kazi Abdul Mannan, Department of Business Administration, Shanto-Mariam University of Creative Technology, Dhaka, Bangladesh. Wrote a research article about, Elephant History and Habitat in the Canaan Region. Entitled, Elephant habitat, use and extinction history in the canaan region (Jordan, Israel, Lebanon and Syria): A zoological and forestry survey. This research paper published by the Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences | JBES. an open access scholarly research journal on Environmental Sciences.  under the affiliation of the International Network For Natural Sciences| INNSpub. an open access multidisciplinary research journal publisher.

Abstract

This study examines the historical presence, ecological functions, and extinction of elephants in the Canaan region, encompassing modern-day Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, and Syria, through an interdisciplinary zoological and forestry-based survey. Drawing on archaeological records, paleontological findings, historical texts, and ecological reconstructions, the research explores how elephants once inhabited and shaped the Levantine landscapes. The paper examines their role as keystone herbivores, their integration into regional cultures through trade, warfare, and symbolism, and their eventual disappearance due to climatic shifts, deforestation, and anthropogenic pressures. Cultural memory of elephants, preserved in religious scriptures and place names, offers insights into human–animal relations and the ecological consciousness of ancient societies. The study highlights how lessons from the extinction of elephants can inform current biodiversity strategies, forest management, and conservation outreach in the Levant. It also proposes future research directions, including ecological rewilding, public education, and regional conservation collaboration. By contextualising elephants within the broader environmental history of the region, the study underscores the importance of integrating lost megafauna into modern ecological narratives.

Introduction

The Canaan region—encompassing the present-day territories of Jordan, Israel, Lebanon, and Syria—has historically been a critical intersection of ecological diversity, human civilisation, and zoological interaction. Among its lost megafaunal inhabitants, elephants played a prominent role both ecologically and culturally. Once thriving in the fertile plains and woodlands of the Levant, elephants are now extinct in this region, their legacy surviving in fossil records, ancient texts, and cultural symbolism. This paper seeks to understand the historical habitat, use, and eventual extinction of elephants in Canaan through a multidisciplinary zoological and forestry survey.

The presence of elephants in the Levant dates back to the Pleistocene, evidenced by fossilised remains found at sites such as Ubeidiya (Israel), Latamne (Syria), and the Bekaa Valley (Lebanon) (Tchernov, 1987; Lister and Stuart, 2008). These remains indicate the coexistence of Palaeoloxodon antiquus (the straight-tusked elephant) and Elephas maximus or African elephant variants, which were adapted to the forested and open habitats that characterised the region during interglacial periods. Their extinction has traditionally been attributed to natural climatic cycles; however, increasing evidence suggests significant anthropogenic impact, including habitat destruction, hunting, and early forms of environmental modification (Surovell et al., 2005; Stuart, 1991).

Culturally, elephants left a strong imprint on regional traditions. They are referenced in historical and religious texts, including the Hebrew Bible and the Qur’an, notably in stories such as the “Army of the Elephant” and accounts of Seleucid and Ptolemaic warfare (Littman, 2009; Al-Tabari, 1987). These references not only point to the presence of elephants but also to their utilisation in political and religious narratives, trade, and imperial expansion. By the 1st millennium BCE, imported elephants were likely used in military campaigns, highlighting their political significance even as native populations dwindled.

Despite their historical significance, little attention has been paid to the ecological context in which elephants lived in the Levant. The region's ancient forests, including those of oak, pistachio, and tamarisk, supported a diverse array of flora and fauna that would have enabled elephant habitation and movement (Zohary, 1973). However, deforestation resulting from agriculture, settlement expansion, and wood extraction has severely altered the landscape, contributing to habitat fragmentation and biodiversity loss. These ecological pressures, compounded over centuries, have created unsustainable environments for the survival of megafauna (Faith, 2014).

This research addresses the need for a comprehensive analysis of elephant extinction in the Levant by integrating zoological data, paleontological evidence, archaeological records, and forestry ecology. It aims to reconstruct the environmental conditions that supported elephants, understand their interaction with human societies, and analyse the cascading consequences of their extinction on the regional ecosystem.

Furthermore, the study seeks to contribute to current conservation discussions by evaluating how historical knowledge of megafauna loss can inform present-day environmental policy and rewilding initiatives. In a region frequently viewed through the lens of religious and political history, highlighting its deep-time ecological transformations offers a broader perspective on land use, biodiversity, and sustainability.

In doing so, this paper argues for the inclusion of historical megafauna in regional environmental memory and conservation frameworks. Elephants in Canaan were not merely victims of extinction—they were agents in shaping forests, dispersing seeds, and constructing ecosystems. Their loss altered not just the biological fabric of the region but its cultural consciousness. Recovering that legacy is essential for a holistic understanding of both past and present ecological dynamics.

Reference

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Article source : Elephant habitat, useand extinction history in the canaan region (Jordan, Israel, Lebanon andSyria): A zoological and forestry survey

 

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