Dr. Kiran Aftab
2023-03-21
I am working as Associate Professor in the Department of Zoology, University of Gujrat, Gujrat. My research interests lie in the field of Paleontology. I have completed Research project in 2020 as Principal Investigator (PI) awarded by the HEC-Pakistan. I am HEC Approved PhD Supervisor and published more than 36 research papers in addition to three (03) books/Chapters and "Principles of Palaeontology & Zoogeography" Laboratory Manual (For Graduate and Postgraduate Classes according to the Syllabi of HEC & Universities of Pakistan). I have attended various workshops/trainings in addition to international conferences as participants/ oral presenter.I have conducted various seminars in Pakistan. I am Convener/ member (s) of various committees in the UoG. I have been awarded with the Financial Reward against Publications in 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 from UOG.
I am a paleontologist interested in patterns and processes of species-level evolution, adaptation and extinction. My research focusses mainly on mammals, with special expertise in giraffe, equids and bovids.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
- Zoology
- Paleontology
- Evolution
- Paleoecology
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0761-8690
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Dr-Kiran-Aftab
- PhD,Goverment College University , Lahore
- M.phil,Goverment College University , Lahore
- M.Sc,Goverment College University , Lahore
- Financial Award Financial Award Against 2023 Publications from University of Gujrat, Pakistan.
- Financial Award Financial Award Against 2022 Publications from University of Gujrat, Pakistan.
- Financial Award Financial Award Against 2021 Publications from University of Gujrat, Pakistan.
- Financial Award Financial Award Against 2020 Publications from University of Gujrat, Pakistan.
- Financial Award Financial Award Against 2019 Publications from University of Gujrat, Pakistan.
- Financial Award Financial Award Against 2018 Publications from University of Gujrat, Pakistan.
| Student Name | Degree | Title | Status / Completed Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Muhammad Fazail Nasar | MS | DIETARY VITAMIN C REQUIREMENT OF CTENOPHARYNGODON IDELLA JUVENILES Vitamin C or ascorbic acid (ASA) is an essential micronutrient for normal growth, antioxidant capacity and immunity of fish. However, requirements of ASA aren’t currently known for Ctenopharyngodon idella, grass carp juveniles (8.46 ± 0.19). For this purpose, a feeding trial of 60 days was conducted in triplicates. Six isolipidic and isoproteic diets were prepared containing 0, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of ASA. Results showed a linear increase in growth as supplementation of ASA was increased from 0 to 100 mg/kg, however, further increase in dietary ASA supplementation from 200 to 400 mg/kg resulted in a slight decrease in growth parameters. A similar trend was also recorded for the whole body, proximate composition, activity of antioxidant enzymes and organ indices against ASA supplementation. On the contrary, fish fed with basal diet had higher TBARS content in liver and muscles compared to those fed with ASA supplemented diets. Moreover, ASA concentration in muscles increased in dose dependent manner while ASA value was highest in the fish fed with 100 mg/kg ASA concenteation. The data of weight gain (WG%) were subjected to broken-line regression analysis and optimal ASA requirement of grass carp juveniles was estimated to be 67.1667 mg/kg. Therefore, inclusion of 67.1667 mg/kg of ASA is recommended in the feed of grass carp juveniles for optimum growth performance. We also recommend to analyze the effect of ASA in combination with Vitamin A and E. | 2021 |
| MUHAMMAD SHADAB | MS | TAXONOMIC STUDY OF MAMMALIAN FAUNA FROM THE LOWER SIWALIK OF DISTRICT JHELUM, PUNJAB, PAKISTAN The collection under study has thirteen (13) specimens which belong to order Artiodactyla and Proboscidea. The specimens were collected from three localities of the Lower Siwalik outcrops nearby Phadial, Bakrala and Chabbar Syedan. It consists of two horn core fragments, a maxillary fragment, seven isolated upper and lower premolars and molars and an upper tusk fragment. The species have been described and discussed including Miotragocerus gluten, Gazella sp, Bovidae Indet, Progiraffa exigua, Dorcatherium minus, Conohyus sindiensis and Gomphotherium browni. Miotragocerus gluten and Gazella sp. are medium sized bovids, having brachyodont to sub-hypsodont type of dentition. The cusps are elevated, and the crown is surrounded by rugose enamel layer. The Progiraffa exigua, a small sized girraffid, having well-developed cingulum on preprotocrista and strong styles. The Dorcatherium minus is a primitive tragulid with week stylids, and prominent interior median ribs. The molars of Conohyus sindiensis are short having cingular post talon. Main cusps are simple and median accessory conule is large. Gomphotherium browni, a Proboscidea, having sub circular tusk with thick enamel have been found in the Lower Siwalik Formation with estimated age 14.2-11.2 ma. Among the described specimens, the partial deciduous premolars of Conohyus sindiensis add much valuable information in the morphological characters of this species. The present study indicates the abundance of bovids in the Chinji Formation indicating a grassland ecosystem in this area. | 2021 |
| GHULAM DASTGEER | MS | DIVERSITY AND DISTRIBUTION OF ROTIFERS IN FISH POND AND MARALA HEADWORKS DISTRICT SIALKOT, PUNJAB, PAKISTAN The current study was carried out to assess the diversity of rotifer species from Marala Headworks and selected fish ponds of district Sialkot during 2017-2018 during different seasons. Sampling was conducted at three points in each selected site with the help of zooplankton net (mesh size 37 µm). Trinocular compound microscope was used to examine and identify the preserved samples of rotifers. In present study, 14 species belonging to 09 genera and 06 families of phylum Rotifera were identified. Brachionidae was the most prevalent family throughout the year. Physico-chemical parameters like temperature, pH, electrical conductivity, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids and specific gravity showed variation in mean values at ponds and Marala Lake. 07 species belonging to 05 genera and 04 families were identified in Fish Ponds whereas at Marala Lake, 14 species belonging to 09 genera and 06 families were identified. Diversity indices showed higher population diversity of rotifers in summer (H: 1.915) and lower in winter (H: 1.611) in ponds whereas at Marala Lake greater diversity was recorded in summer (H: 2.52) as compared to winter (H: 2.01) which were significantly different at two habitats i.e. at Marala Headworks and artificial water body in fish ponds. The study confirmed greater diversity at natural water reservoir than artificial water bodies sampled during the study which emphasized that natural bodies need to be explored extensively for the biodiversity of rotifers with special reference physiochemical parameters for their conservation. | 2018 |
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1. Hussain, M., Liaqat, H., Malik, M. F., Aftab, K., Batool, M., Iqbal, R., & Liaqat, S. “Distribution patterns of insect pollinator assemblages at Deva Vatala National Park, Bhimber, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. ” Pakistan Journal Of Zoology, August 2024 DOI:
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2. Khan, M. A., Aftab, K., Abbas, S. G., Siddiq, K.M., Mahmood., K Babar, M. A., Akhtar, M. “Equus remains from the Pleistocene deposits of Sardhok Pabbi Hills, Pakistan” Geobios, July 2024 DOI:
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3. Khan, M. A., Abbas, S. G., Aftab, K., Babar, M. A., Ali, M., Malik, M. F., & Zaman, R. “New fossils of Tragoportax and Gazella from Padhri, Pakistan, and comments on these genera in the Siwaliks. ” Historical Biology, July 2024 DOI:
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4. Mashaal, A., Hussain, M., Naeem, A., Aftab, K., Dastgeer, G., Irum, S., Bashir, S., & Shah, S. H. “Effects of Antibiotic Treated Mulberry Leaves Feeding on Larval Growth, Cocoon Production, and Gut Bacteria of Silkworm. ” Pakistan Journal Of Zoology, May 2024 DOI:
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5. Asim, M., Aftab, K., Khan, M. A., Abbas, S. G., Babar, M. A., Hussain, M., & Saeed, S. “Middle Miocene “Giraffa” from the Chinji Formation of Siwaliks, Pakistan. ” Palaeoworld, April 2024 DOI:
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6. Liaqat, S., Hussain, M., Aftab, K., Khalid, M., Shah, S.H. “Distributional Patterns of Carabid Beetles under Humid Subtropical Climate in Croplands of Sialkot.” Pakistan Journal Of Zoology, February 2024 DOI:
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7. Javaid, A., Hussain, M., Aftab, K., Malik, M. F., Umar, M., & Iqbal, T. “Isolation and characterization of bacteria associated with silkworm gut under antibiotic-treated larval feeding” Brazilian Journal Of Biology, January 2024 DOI:
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8. Nawaz, M. K., Abbas, S. G., Khan, M. A., Babar, M. A., Aftab, K., Ali, M., Akhtar, M. “Faunal correlation of Middle Miocene locality of Chabbar Syedan with Some Other localities of Chinji Formation of Siwalik Group. ” Paleontological Journal, December 2023 DOI:
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9. Aftab, K., Shadab, M., Khan, M. A., Hussain, M., Babar, M. A., Abbas, S. G., Malik, M.F., Iqbal, R., & Arif, A. “New fossils of Miotragocerus gluten from the Lower Siwalik, Pakistan. ” Kuwait Journal Of Science, January 2023 DOI:
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10. Zulfiqar, S., Hussain, M., Aftab, K., Malik, M. F., Khursheed, R., Liaqat, S., & Kanwal, M. “Comparative performance of three silkworm races fed on local mulberry against biological and commercial parameters. ” Pakistan Journal Of Zoology, December 2022 DOI:
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11. Hussain, M., Razaq, H., Malik, M. F., Aftab, K., Riaz, J., & Liaqat, S. “Taxonomic diversity of carabid beetles in the agricultural landscape under hot semi-arid climate in Mandi Bahauddin, Punjab, Pakistan” Pakistan Journal Of Zoology, November 2022 DOI:
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12. Hussain, M., Kanwal, M., Aftab, K., Khalid, M., Liaqat, S., Iqbal, T., Rahman, G., & Umar, M. “Distribution patterns of dung beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) assemblages in croplands and pastures across two climatic zones of Pakistan” Oriental Insects, September 2022 DOI:
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13. Aftab, K., Khan, M. A., Babar, M. A., Abbas, S. G., Ghaffar, A., Akhtar, M., Iqbal, R., & Afsheen, S. “New hipparionine fossils from the Dhok Pathan Formation of Punjab, Pakistan” Historical Biology, July 2022 DOI:
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14. Nawaz, M. K., Aftab, K., Khan, M. A., Abbas, S. G., Asim, M., Babar, M. A., Hussain, M., & Akhtar, M. “Mesowear and paleodiets of Middle Miocene mammals from Chabbar Syedan, Punjab, Pakistan” Journal Of Animal And Plant Sciences, January 2022 DOI:
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15. Dar, F. Y., Aftab, K., Abbas, S. G., Babar, M. A., Asim, M., Khan, M. A., & Akhtar, M. “A supplementary report of the Pleistocene bovids from the Pabbi Hills of Pakistan. ” Geological Journal, January 2022 DOI:
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16. M. Asim, K. Aftab*, M. K. Nawaz, M. A. Khan, M. A. Babar, S. G. Abbas, M. Hussain, M. Akhtar and A. M. Qureshi “NEW SPECIMENS OF MERYCOPOTAMUS (ARTIODACTYLA: ANTHRACOTHERIIDAE) FROM MIDDLE MIOCENE OF POTWAR PLATEAU, PAKISTAN ” Journal Of Animal And Plant Sciences, December 2020 DOI:
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17. G. Dastgeer, M. Hussain*, K. Aftab , M.S. Tufail , M.F. Malik , M. Umar and M.S. Sajid “SEASONAL DISTRIBUTION OF ROTIFER DIVERSITY IN SELECTED FISH PONDS AND MARALA HEADWORKS SIALKOT, PAKISTAN ” Journal Of Animal And Plant Sciences, October 2020 DOI:
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18. Asim, M., Ahmad, Z., Khan, M. A., Babar, M. A., Abbas, S. G., Nawaz, M. K., Aftab, K., & Akhtar, M. “Tragoportax cf. salmontanus (Bovidae, Mammalia) from the Middle Miocene of Pakistan. ” Pakistan Journal Of Zoology, May 2020 DOI:
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19. Asim, M., Babar, M. A., Aftab, K., Khan, M. A., Abbas, S. G., Shahid, R., Nawaz, M. K., & Akhtar, M. “Some new remains of Tragulidae (Mammalia: Ruminantia) from the Middle Siwaliks of Pakistan. ” Journal Of Animal And Plant Sciences, December 2019 DOI:
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20. Ahmad, Z., Aftab, K., Azad, S., & Khan, M. A. “New remains of Microstonyx (Suidae, Artiodactyls) from the Miocene of Pakistan. ” Journal Of Animal And Plant Sciences, October 2019 DOI:
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21. Dar, F. Y., Aftab, K., Babar, M. A., Khan, M. A., Abbas, S. G., Shahid, R., & Asim, M. “New fossils of Suidae (Mammalia) from Dhok Pathan Formation of Siwaliks, Punjab, Pakistan” Journal Of Animal And Plant Sciences, August 2019 DOI:
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22. Babar, M. A., Abbas, S. G., Khan, M. A., Aftab, K., Hanif, M., Asim, M., & Akhtar, M. “New Cervid (Artiodactyla) fossils from Middle Siwaliks of Pakistan” Pakistan Journal Of Zoology, August 2018 DOI:
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23. Aftab, K., Khan, M. A., Babar, M. A., Ahmad, Z., & Akhtar, M. “Giraffa (Giraffidae, Mammalia) from the Lower Siwaliks of Pakistan” Journal Of Animal And Plant Sciences, June 2018 DOI:
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24. Babar, M. A., Aftab, K., Khan, M. A., Batool, T., Abbas, S. G., Shahid, R., & Akhtar, M. “Pachyportax (Bovidae: Ruminantia) from Dhok Pathan Formation of Siwaliks.” Journal Of Animal And Plant Sciences, February 2018 DOI:
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25. Abbas, S. G., Babar, M. A., Khan, M. A., Aftab, K., Riaz, A., Ghaffar, A., & Akhtar, M. “Fossil Bovidae from Late Miocene Dhok Pathan Formation of Siwaliks, Northern Pakistan.” Pakistan Journal Of Zoology, February 2018 DOI:
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26. Aftab, K., Khan, M. A., Ahmad, Z., & Akhtar, M. “Progiraffa (Artiodactyla: Ruminantia: Giraffidae) from the Lower Siwalik Subgroup (Miocene) of Pakistan” Alcheringa, February 2016 DOI:
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27. Aftab, K., Ahmad, Z., Khan, M. A., & Akhtar, M. “Additional Giraffokeryx remains (Artiodactyla: Ruminantia: Giraffidae) from the Chinji Formation of Lower Siwaliks, Northern Pakistan” Pakistan Journal Of Zoology, October 2015 DOI:
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28. Aftab, K., Ahmed, Z., Khan, M. A., & Akhtar, M. “Giraffokeryx (Artiodactyla: Ruminantia: Giraffidae) from the Potwar Plateau Middle Miocene, Pakistan” Journal Of Animal And Plant Sciences, August 2014 DOI:
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29. Aftab, K., Ahmed, Z., Khan, M. A., & Akhtar, M. “Giraffokeryx (Artiodactyla: Ruminantia: Giraffidae) from the Potwar Plateau Middle Miocene, Pakistan” Journal Of Animal And Plant Sciences, August 2014 DOI:
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30. Aftab, K., Ahmad, Z., Khan, M. A., & Akhtar, M. “New remains of Giraffa priscilla from Parrhewala Chinji Formation, northern Pakistan” Biologia, October 2013 DOI:
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31. Ahmad, Z., & Aftab, K. “Vertical distribution of the Siwalik Giraffids” Biologia, August 2006 DOI:
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32. Ahmad, Z., & Aftab, K. “A new species of the genus Giraffokeryx from Potwar Plateau, Pakistan” Biologia, October 2005 DOI:
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33. Aftab, K., Asim, M., Nawaz, M. K., Babar, M. A., Khan, M. A., & Ahmed, Z. “New Giraffokeryx and Giraffa (Ruminantia, Giraffidae) dental material from Lower Siwaliks of Northern Pakistan” Pakistan Journal Of Zoology, February 1019 DOI:
| Date | Title | Agency/Organization | Amount | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017-07-24 | Ungulate fossils from the Dhok Pathan Formation | HEC | 330000 | Completed |
- Resource Person in “One Month Training Workshop on Fauna Study” organized by Stephenson Natural History Museum, Department of Zoology, GC University, Lahore Pakistan on August 24-30, 2021. ( Selected Professional Presentations )