<div>Hepatotoxicity was targeted in Baluchistan Gerbil (Gerbillus nanus) as a biomonitor of pollution with heavy metals near Al-Asfar lake in Al-Ahsa province, KSA. The study showed as compared to reference animals that polluted gerbil&rsquo;s liver recorded significant increase of lead and copper and significant decrease of zinc contents. In addition to significant decrease in RBC count, hemoglobin content, hematocrit percentage, MCH, MCV and MCHC. Also, significant increase in serum liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase) activity was observed. Liver oxidative stress (OS) was evidenced by significant increase in, malondialdehyde level and significant decrease of superoxide dismutase and catalase enzyme activities. Light and ultra-histopathological results assessed the liver tissue impairment. In conclusion, the present study suggested that lead and copper could be the major heavy metals serving hepatotoxicity in gerbils. This study present Gerbillus nanus as the first bio monitor in native wild mammal in Al-Ahsa.&nbsp;</div>

<div>Baluchistan Gerbil hepatotoxicity as a new biomonitor of heavy metal pollution</div>

Background: Barn Owls (Tyto alba Scopoli, 1769), which are nocturnal birds of prey, play a crucial role in controlling rodent populations that damage crops. They are valuable allies for farmers because they can effectively hunt small rodents. In Algeria, the Barn Owl is represented by two subspecies, Tyto alba alba and Tyto alba guttata.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: This study focuses on the Barn Owls&#39; diet in the Saharan region, specifically in the Souf region, characterized by a dry climate. The research examines the contents of the Barn Owl&#39;s reject balls, which are regurgitated, to determine their diet.&nbsp; 
 
Result: The study reveals that each reject ball contains 1 to 9 prey items. The researchers identified 23 prey species, with rodents being the most abundant, making up 88.3% of the diet. The most commonly found prey species in Barn Owl balls are G. gerbillus, G. campestris, M. musculus, G. nanus and G. tarabuli. Overall, the Barn Owl&#39;s diet in the Saharan region is crucial for maintaining ecosystem balance by controlling rodent populations.

Baluchistan Gerbil hepatotoxicity as a new biomonitor of heavy metal pollution

Barn Owls (Tyto alba Scopoli, 1769) in the Saharan Region of Algeria (Souf): Valuable Predators for Rodent Control in Agriculture