Blood values diverge between two populations of a Neotropical wild canid

Abstract

The evaluation of the health status of wild populations has received much attention in conservation projects, as it is considered an important but neglected component of species’ ecological fitness. Considering the increasing interest in the conservation and health of Neotropical wildlife species, the aim of this study was to improve the knowledge on blood parameters of maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) populations from two different protected areas. We performed comparisons of hematological and serum biochemistry data (urea and creatinine dosage) from a total of 17 healthy adult maned wolves cage-trapped and chemically restrained in Serra do Cipo National Park (four females and three males) and Galheiro Private Natural Reserve (four females and six males), both located in Southeast Brazil. Lymphocyte counts were significantly higher in males from the smallest and non-buffered area, the private reserve, which most likely reflects differences in pathogen exposure. Serum creatinine and urea concentrations were higher in females and in animals of both genders from the largest and buffered area, the national park, the latter of which we hypothesized to be an effect of greater protein intake due to higher prey availability. The results highlight that there are slight differences in physiological parameters between populations of wild mammal species, which must be taken into account in health evaluations or assessments of the effects of anthropogenic disturbance on wildlife health.