Abstract
Our main objective was to perform a preliminary survey of the non-marine gastropods at the Estação Biológica Fiocruz Mata Atlântica (EFMA) and its adjacent urban areas, also considering samples from other localities of the Parque Estadual da Pedra Branca received as donation, in Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. Infection by larval helminths of medical and veterinary importance was also investigated in 348 specimens of five freshwater species and two specimens of the terrestrial species Achatina fulica. In all, 584 samples of molluscs from 34 collection sites were obtained. They represented 31 species classified in 16 families. Fifteen species were exclusive to the EFMA area. In the urban area mainly exotic and/or synanthropic species were found. Some of them were found in the forest border as well. The freshwater Biomphalaria tenagophila, an intermediate host of the trematode that causes schistosomiasis mansoni, was found parasitized by Xiphidiocercarie cercariae and the Afro-asiatic Melanoides tuberculata by Pleurolophocercus cercaria. The finding of endemic and exotic species, including transmitters of parasites, demonstrate the importance of fast surveys such as the present study. However, considering the great diversity of endemic molluscs found in a relatively small part of the EFMA, we highlight the necessity of further additional studies.
Highlights
Introduction and establishment of exotic and invasive species are facilitated in environments altered by human action
Freshwater and terrestrial gastropods can act as intermediate hosts of helminths that cause diseases to human and animals (MS 2008, Ohlweiler et al 2010)
Mollusc samples were obtained from 34 sites distributed in two different areas within Campus Fiocruz Mata Atlântica (CFMA): a semi-preserved forest at the Estação Biológica Fiocruz Mata Atlântica (EFMA) and an urban and adjacent area to EFMA (Figures 1, 10a, Collection License number 51246-2- Instituto Estadual do Meio Ambiente - INEA)
Summary
Introduction and establishment of exotic and invasive species are facilitated in environments altered by human action. This fact has caused serious problems that affect native species conservation, as well as human health. Faunal inventories/surveys play an important role in assessing and managing these invasive species as well as the management of wildlife resources. Freshwater and terrestrial gastropods can act as intermediate hosts of helminths that cause diseases to human and animals (MS 2008, Ohlweiler et al 2010). Other species can be invasive, becoming important crop and urban pests that can compete with native species for resources (Barker 2002, Fernandez et al 2003, Dreves et al 2017)
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