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Baseline Hematology and Serum Biochemistry Results for Indian Leopards (Panthera pardus Fusca)


Affiliations
1 Department of Biotechnology, Jain University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
2 Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bannerghatta, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
3 Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Center, Wildlife SOS, Khamgaon, Maharashtra, India
4 Department of Ecology & Environmental Science, E. P. Odum School of Environmental Sciences, Silchar, Assam, India
5 Wild Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab, Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bannerghatta, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
 

Aim: The aim of the study was to establish the baseline hematology and serum biochemistry values for Indian leopards (Panthera pardus fusca), and to assess the possible variations in these parameters based on age and gender.

Materials and Methods: Hemato-biochemical test reports from a total of 83 healthy leopards, carried out as part of routine health evaluation in Bannerghatta Biological Park and Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Center, were used to establish baseline hematology and serum biochemistry parameters for the subspecies. The hematological parameters considered for the analysis included hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume, total erythrocyte count (TEC), total leukocyte count (TLC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular Hb (MCH), and MCH concentration. The serum biochemistry parameters considered included total protein (TP), albumin, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, triglycerides, calcium, and phosphorus.

Results: Even though few differences were observed in hematologic and biochemistry values between male and female Indian leopards, the differences were statistically not significant. Effects of age, however, were evident in relation to many hematologic and biochemical parameters. Sub-adults had significantly greater values for Hb, TEC, and TLC compared to adults and geriatric group, whereas they had significantly lower MCV and MCH compared to adults and geriatric group. Among, serum biochemistry parameters the sub-adult age group was observed to have significantly lower values for TP and ALT than adult and geriatric leopards.

Conclusion: The study provides a comprehensive analysis of hematologic and biochemical parameters for Indian leopards. Baselines established here will permit better captive management of the subspecies, serve as a guide to assess the health and physiological status of the free ranging leopards, and may contribute valuable information for making effective management decisions during translocation or rehabilitation process.


Keywords

Hematology, Indian Leopard, Panthera pardus Fusca, Serum Biochemistry.
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  • Baseline Hematology and Serum Biochemistry Results for Indian Leopards (Panthera pardus Fusca)

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Authors

Arun Attur Shanmugam
Department of Biotechnology, Jain University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Sanath Krishna Muliya
Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bannerghatta, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Ajay Deshmukh
Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Center, Wildlife SOS, Khamgaon, Maharashtra, India
Sujay Suresh
Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bannerghatta, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Anukul Nath
Department of Ecology & Environmental Science, E. P. Odum School of Environmental Sciences, Silchar, Assam, India
Pa Kalaignan
Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bannerghatta, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Manjunath Venkataravanappa
Wild Animal Disease Diagnostic Lab, Bannerghatta Biological Park, Bannerghatta, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Lyju Jose
Department of Biotechnology, Jain University, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Abstract


Aim: The aim of the study was to establish the baseline hematology and serum biochemistry values for Indian leopards (Panthera pardus fusca), and to assess the possible variations in these parameters based on age and gender.

Materials and Methods: Hemato-biochemical test reports from a total of 83 healthy leopards, carried out as part of routine health evaluation in Bannerghatta Biological Park and Manikdoh Leopard Rescue Center, were used to establish baseline hematology and serum biochemistry parameters for the subspecies. The hematological parameters considered for the analysis included hemoglobin (Hb), packed cell volume, total erythrocyte count (TEC), total leukocyte count (TLC), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular Hb (MCH), and MCH concentration. The serum biochemistry parameters considered included total protein (TP), albumin, globulin, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, triglycerides, calcium, and phosphorus.

Results: Even though few differences were observed in hematologic and biochemistry values between male and female Indian leopards, the differences were statistically not significant. Effects of age, however, were evident in relation to many hematologic and biochemical parameters. Sub-adults had significantly greater values for Hb, TEC, and TLC compared to adults and geriatric group, whereas they had significantly lower MCV and MCH compared to adults and geriatric group. Among, serum biochemistry parameters the sub-adult age group was observed to have significantly lower values for TP and ALT than adult and geriatric leopards.

Conclusion: The study provides a comprehensive analysis of hematologic and biochemical parameters for Indian leopards. Baselines established here will permit better captive management of the subspecies, serve as a guide to assess the health and physiological status of the free ranging leopards, and may contribute valuable information for making effective management decisions during translocation or rehabilitation process.


Keywords


Hematology, Indian Leopard, Panthera pardus Fusca, Serum Biochemistry.