Callithrix Penicillata Research Articles

Analysis of palmprints and soleprints of black-tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata): are there similarities to humans?

Friction ridges are important and unique biometric features that have been studied in fingerprint science since antiquity and used for human identification. This study aimed to analyze palmprints and soleprints of Callithrix penicillata, including the description of flexion creases, regions, minutiae classification, and delta counting, in order to evaluate the uniqueness of these data and feasibility of using this information as an identification method. Palmprints and footprints were collected using commercial fingerprint ink on A4 size paper. Following image digitalization using the GIMP (2.10.14) image editing program, regions and flexion creases were identified. A total of 600 minutiae were classified in females (288 palms and 312 soles) and 732 in males (360 palms and 372 soles), and all deltas were counted. It was possible to identify three main inconstant flexion creases, in both palmprints and soleprints, with different distribution and orientation when compared to those in humans. Less variety in the types of minutiae and differences in the distribution of deltas were found when compared to human studies. In addition, the hypothesis of non-coincident characteristics in each sample was confirmed.

Morphological and molecular identification of Callithrix sp. hybrids

The common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) and black-tufted marmoset (Callithrix penicillata) are endemic species of Brazil. Currently, both species are distributed in different regions of the country, being the main cause the illegal trafficking. The introduction of exotic animals is the second biggest cause of biodiversity loss globally and can lead to hybridization. In Bauru, São Paulo (SP), there is a record of both species and animals showing intermediate patterns between them. Thus, this work aimed to identify individuals of the genus Callithrix present in the Municipal Botanical Garden of Bauru (MBGB) as either pure or hybrids, through morphological and molecular markers. Ten individuals were sampled, 4 of which were pure species for control and six free-living, which were photographed, morphometrically measured, and from which the fragments of the mitochondrial genes COI and D-loop region were amplified. As a result, all animals showed intermediate patterns between both species. After analyzing the sequences obtained for D-loop and obtaining a high haplotypic diversity (h), low nucleotide diversity (π), Tajima D and Fu’s Fs statistic, it is possible to infer that the animals in the area continue receiving gene flow and the population began from a founder effect. Morphological and molecular data indicate that the individuals sampled are hybrids. From the data generated by this research, it is possible to plan the insertion of management of these animals in the Conservation Unit (UC), to avoid population growth and its outcomes.

Water and mineral composition of the exudate resulting from scarification of pau-pombo trees by black-tufted marmosets

Black-tufted marmosets to obtain tree exudates for food often use Tapirira guianensis trees. Tree exudates are sources of calories, nutrients and water. In seasonal droughts, the high concentration of water in the exudates can be an immediate source for marmosets. One of the most important elements for the metabolism of marmosets is calcium, but it remains to be proven whether T. guianensis gum is rich in calcium. This study characterizes the water and mineral composition of the exudate that is consumed by black-tufted marmosets in urban forests in the Cerrado domain. Orifice and stem exudate samples were collected from eight scarified T. guianensis trees. The composition of the exudate was characterized using bromatological methods. The exudate was shown to have high levels of water and calcium, which are essential for the metabolism of marmosets. Due to its characteristics, T. guianensis may be an important tree species for the feeding ecology of marmosets and should be taken into consideration when making wildlife management plans in the Cerrado domain.

Influência sobre valores de bioquímica clínica de saguis-de-tufo-preto (Callithrix penicillata) anestesiados com isoflurano ou sevoflurano

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical biochemistry behavior of Black-Tufted Marmosets (Callithrix penicillatta) submitted to blood collection without sedation and after general anesthesia with anesthetics isoflurane or sevoflurane. Blood collections were performed on (M1) day before anesthesia by physical restraint, and (M2) after anesthesia. There were four groups: Isoflurane (GI) and Sevoflurane (GS) using an anesthetic box. GIM: isoflurane induction with mask for a shorter period. Control group (GP): physical restraint in both moments. Plasma was separated and frozen to measure clinic biochemistry values. Urea was higher at M2 in groups GI and GP. AST was higher in M2 in GI, GS, and GP and only GI showed an increase in CK in M2. Glucose was higher in M1 in the GI, GS, and GP groups and fructosamine was higher in M2 in the GI. Stress caused by physical restraint can cause biochemical changes and these must be considered when interpreting the exams. Both the inhalational anesthetic isoflurane and sevoflurane did not cause clinically significant changes in clinical biochemistry results.

Acoustic Monitoring of Black-Tufted Marmosets in a Tropical Forest Disturbed by Mining Noise.

All habitats have noise, but anthropogenic sounds often differ from natural sounds in terms of frequency, duration and intensity, and therefore may disrupt animal vocal communication. This study aimed to investigate whether vocalizations emitted by black-tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) were affected by the noise produced by mining activity. Through passive acoustic monitoring, we compared the noise levels and acoustic parameters of the contact calls of marmosets living in two study areas (with two sampling points within each area)-one near and one far from an opencast mine in Brazil. The near area had higher anthropogenic background noise levels and the marmosets showed greater calling activity compared to the far area. Calls in the near area had significantly lower minimum, maximum and peak frequencies and higher average power density and bandwidth than those in the far area. Our results indicate that the mining noise affected marmoset vocal communication and may be causing the animals to adjust their acoustic communication patterns to increase the efficiency of signal propagation. Given that vocalizations are an important part of social interactions in this species, concerns arise about the potential negative impact of mining noise on marmosets exposed to this human activity.

AFFINITY OF BRAZILIAN WILD MAMMAL IMMUNOGLOBULINS TO BACTERIAL PROTEINS A AND G.

Staphylococcal A and streptococcal G proteins are widely used in immunoassays when specific immunological reagents are unavailable, such as for wild animals. The affinity of bacterial proteins A and G to the immunoglobulins of seven Brazilian mammals were tested, including black-tufted marmoset (Callithrix penicillata, n = 5), golden-bellied capuchin (Sapajus xanthosternos, n = 13), woolly mouse opossum (Micoureus demerarae, n = 6), long-nosed armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus, n = 5), collared anteater (Tamandua tetradactyla, n = 5), ocelot (Leopardus pardalis, n = 6), and vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus, n = 5). Blood samples were collected from animals that were rescued in peri-urban rainforest fragments. Sera pools of each species were tested by ELISA to determine the intensity of each bacterial protein affinity to the immunoglobulins. When comparing the affinity to both proteins, immunoglobulins from D. rotundus, S. xanthosternos, and T. tetradactyla presented a higher affinity to protein G, whereas a higher affinity to protein A was found for immunoglobulins of C. penicillata and L. pardalis. The only species that presented a very low affinity to both bacterial proteins was M. demerarae. This study can be used as a reference for further studies on the development of sensitive and specific immunodiagnostic assays to be used for the monitoring of the health of these wild mammals.

Tree Species and Morphology of Holes Caused by Black-Tufted Marmosets to Obtain Exudates: Some Implications for the Exudativory.

Simple SummaryBlack-tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) regularly exploit exudates by gouging the bark from trees with their specialized teeth. Determining preferred tree species to exploit exudates is important for forest management aimed at maintaining urban populations of marmosets. We investigated the trees used by black-tufted marmosets to obtain exudates in urban forest fragments in the Brazilian Cerrado, with a view to better understanding the relationship between marmosets and obtaining exudates. We characterized the tree species, the dendrometry, and the characteristics of the holes made by the marmosets. Based on these data, we proposed a gouging effort index (ChiSI). We found 108 individuals that were exploited by black-tufted marmosets belonged to 16 species of 10 tree families. Eleven new tree species used by black-tufted marmosets for exudates were identified. Exudate exploration was predominantly of medium intensity, with round holes concentrated in the canopy. The species Tapirira guianensis and Croton urucarana were preferred. Therefore, T. guianensis and C. urucarana should be considered the most important tree species for black-tufted marmosets that live in urban forests in the Cerrado.Knowledge of the pattern of exploitation of trees can help us understand the relationship between marmosets and plants, especially in declining forests, such as those in the Brazilian Cerrado. Black-tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) regularly exploit exudates by gouging the bark of trees with their specialized teeth. Determining preferred tree species to exploit exudates is important for forest management aimed at maintaining an essential food source for urban marmosets. We characterized the tree species, dendrometry, and the characteristics of the holes made by marmosets to obtain exudates. Based on these data, we proposed a gouging effort index (Chiseling Suitability Index for Marmosets, ChiSI). We identified 16 species belonging to 10 families of trees with gouging marks made by marmosets. Eleven new tree species used by black-tufted marmosets for exudates were identified in urban forests in the Cerrado. Exudate exploration was predominantly of medium intensity, with round holes concentrated in the canopy. The species Tapirira guianensis and Croton urucarana were preferred. The ChiSI was characterized by a narrow range for both T. guianensis and C. urucarana. Despite the flexibility of obtaining exudates, the black-tufted marmosets concentrate their exploitation to only a few tree species. The T. guianensis and C. urucarana tree species should be considered the most important species for management plans and the preservation of black-tufted marmosets that live in urban forests in the Cerrado.

Discovery of two novel Torque Teno viruses in Callithrix penicillata provides insights on Anelloviridae diversification dynamics.

The development of high-throughput sequencing (HTS) technologies and metagenomics protocols deeply impacted the discovery of viral diversity. Moreover, the characterization of novel viruses in the Neotropical primates (NP) is central for the comprehension of viral evolution dynamics in those hosts, due to their evolutionary proximity to Old World primates, including humans. In the present work, novel anelloviruses were detected and characterized through HTS protocols in the NP Callithrix penicillata, the common black-tufted marmoset. De novo assembly of generated sequences was carried out, and a total of 15 contigs were identified with complete Anelloviridae ORF1 gene, two of them including a flanking GC-rich region, confirming the presence of two whole novel genomes of ~3 kb. The identified viruses were monophyletic within the Epsilontorquevirus genus, a lineage harboring previously reported anelloviruses infecting hosts from the Cebidae family. The genetic divergence found in the new viruses characterized two novel species, named Epsilontorquevirus callithrichensis I and II. The phylogenetic pattern inferred for the Epsilontorquevirus genus was consistent with the topology of their host species tree, echoing a virus-host diversification model observed in other viral groups. This study expands the host span of Anelloviridae and provides insights into their diversification dynamics, highlighting the importance of sampling animal viral genomes to obtain a clearer depiction of their long-term evolutionary processes.

Distribution, activity patterns and diet of Callithrix penicillata (Primates: Callithrichidae) in an urban area in central Brazil

Urban remnants have been home to large groups of marmosets. However, ecological information about black-tufted marmosets, Callithrix penicillata (É. Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1812) on urban areas are scant in the scientific literature. Here, we investigated the distribution, interaction with residents, activity pattern and diet of C. penicillata in an urban area in central Brazil. We used direct observation (sightings and scan sampling) and 205 semi-structured interviews to evaluate distribution, interaction and ecological behavior of black-tufted marmosets. Callithrix penicillata occurred throughout the urban area of Quirinópolis municipality, occupying mainly the forest remnants and surrounding gallery forests. Supplementary feeding was the interaction most cited by people. However, C. penicillata spend most of their time in locomotion (35-40%) and resting (30%), and exudates and supplementary foods represented a large part of their diet. We conclude that C. penicillata are well adapted in urban area of central Brazil. However, due interaction with people, we highlighted that these marmoset populations should be part of future municipal public policy concern.

Fatal Human Alphaherpesvirus 1 Infection in Free-Ranging Black-Tufted Marmosets in Anthropized Environments, Brazil, 2012-2019.

Human alphaherpesvirus 1 (HuAHV1) causes fatal neurologic infections in captive New World primates. To determine risks for interspecies transmission, we examined data for 13 free-ranging, black-tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) that died of HuAHV1 infection and had been in close contact with humans in anthropized areas in Brazil during 2012–2019. We evaluated pathologic changes in the marmosets, localized virus and antigen, and assessed epidemiologic features. The main clinical findings were neurologic signs, necrotizing meningoencephalitis, and ulcerative glossitis; 1 animal had necrotizing hepatitis. Transmission electron microscopy revealed intranuclear herpetic inclusions, and immunostaining revealed HuAHV1 and herpesvirus particles in neurons, glial cells, tongue mucosal epithelium, and hepatocytes. PCR confirmed HuAHV1 infection. These findings illustrate how disruption of the One Health equilibrium in anthropized environments poses risks for interspecies virus transmission with potential spillover not only from animals to humans but also from humans to free-ranging nonhuman primates or other animals.

Comparative study between S-(+)-ketamine–midazolam and fentanyl–droperidol in black-tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata)

Sedative and antinociceptive effects of two anesthetic protocols in black-tufted marmosets were compared in this study. Twenty-six marmosets underwent chemical immobilization for physical examination, blood sampling, tattooing, and microchipping. Animals were randomly treated with S-(+)-ketamine (10 mg/kg) and midazolam (1 mg/kg) (KM) or fentanyl (12.5 µg/kg) and droperidol (625 µg/kg) (FD) given by intramuscular injection. Heart and respiratory rates were recorded. Sedation, antinociception, muscle relaxation, posture, auditory, and visual responses were evaluated using a scoring system. Sedation in KM was achieved faster (p < 0.001) and lasted for a shorter period of time (p = 0.0009). KM was similar to FD in its cardiorespiratory effects, auditory and visual responses. Both protocols promoted adequate sedation to allow manipulation. Animals in KM assumed lateral recumbency while animals in FD maintained a quadrupedal posture during evaluation. FD produced less intense sedation and muscle relaxation but a higher degree of antinociception compared to KM and is suitable for procedures that require analgesia in black-tufted marmosets.

Scrounging marmosets eat more when the finder's share is low without changing their searching effort

Animals that forage in groups may either search actively for food sources (producers, P) or monitor other members of the group in an attempt to consume resources that producers have encountered (scroungers, S). One factor that may influence the choice of foraging strategy is the finder's share, defined as the proportion of the resource consumed by the producer before the arrival of scroungers. Several models predict that when the finder's share is relatively small, the frequency of scrounging will be high because producing gives only a small benefit compared to playing scrounger. A model based on a linear operator learning rule confirmed this prediction and further predicted that individuals would change their foraging strategy gradually in response to environmental changes. We tested these predictions in an experiment involving three groups (N = 18 individuals) of free-ranging black-tufted marmosets, Callithrix penicillata. We manipulated the finder's share at artificial feeding stations by controlling the distribution of food rewards (slices of banana) among baited platforms. We divided our field experiments into two conditions – low finder's share (few food-rich patches) and high finder's share (many food-poor patches). Most (15/18) marmosets consumed more banana slices as scroungers in the low finder's share condition than in the high finder's share condition, as expected by the theory. However, individuals did not modify their frequency of use of the strategies in both conditions and did not show gradual learning as expected by the linear operator learning rule. We suggest that in social groups with high levels of tolerance and cooperation, such as those of marmosets, scrounging individuals can have higher foraging success without increasing their searching effort by sharing productive food patches with producers and other scroungers.

Spontaneous outbreak of Yersinia enterocolitica infection and co-infection with Escherichia coli in black-tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata)

Yersiniosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease that affects humans and animals, including primates. The aim of the study was to report one case of fatal Yersinia enterocolitica infection and two cases of co-infection with Escherichia coli in captive black tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) in Apucarana, Paraná, south Brazil. The affected animals presented severe diarrhea and progressed to death. Gross examination showed multifocal to coalescing necrosis in the liver, mild diffuse hepatomegaly, mild diffuse necrotizing enteritis, moderate splenomegaly and focally extensive hyperemia of the leptomeninges. Microscopically, the liver lesions comprised multifocal areas of lytic necrosis with intralesional colonies of gram-negative coccobacilli, characterizing a severe, random, multifocal to coalescing necrotizing hepatitis. A moderate multifocal lymphocytic cholangiohepatitis, severe focally extensive mucosal necrosis in the small intestine, and mild multifocal lymphoplasmacytic leptomeningitis in the brain were observed. Two cases of co-infection by Y. enterocolitica and E. coli, and one case by Y. enterocolitica were confirmed through bacterial culture, biochemical characteristics and 16S rRNA. To the best of the author’s knowledge, it is the first report of an infection of Y. enterocolitica and co-infection with E. coli in black-tufted marmosets resulting in diarrhea, septicemia and death.

Pathology and One Health implications of fatal Leptospira interrogans infection in an urbanized, free-ranging, black-tufted marmoset (Callithrix penicillata) in Brazil.

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic neglected disease of worldwide public health concern. Leptospira species can infect a wide range of wild and domestic mammals and lead to a spectrum of disease, including severe and fatal forms. Herein, we report for the first time a fatal Leptospira interrogans infection in a free-ranging nonhuman primate (NHP), a black-tufted marmoset. Icterus, pulmonary haemorrhage, interstitial nephritis, and hepatocellular dissociation were the main findings raising the suspicion of leptospirosis. Diagnostic confirmation was based on specific immunohistochemical and PCR assays for Leptospira species. Immunolocalization of leptospiral antigens and identification of pathogenic species (L. interrogans species) were important for better understanding the pathogenesis of the disease. One Health-related implications of free-ranging NHPs in anthropized areas and transmission dynamics of human and animal leptospirosis are discussed.

Breeding ecology of Rufous Casiornis Casiornis rufus in south-east Brazil

We present new reproductive information for the Rufous Casiornis Casiornis rufus, based on studies undertaken during 1991–99 and in 2018, in the municipality of Arcos, Minas Gerais, south-east Brazil. We found eight nests, all sited in cavities of dead trees or wooden fence posts, on average 62.8 cm above ground. Clutch size was usually three eggs, pale beige overlain with complex markings throughout, similar to those of the genus Myiarchus. Eggs measured on average 22.8 × 16.96 mm, mass c.3 g. Incubation lasted c.15 days, and nestlings remained in the nest 15–17 days, being fed by both adults, mainly with orthopterans. Three of the eight nests produced young that fledged. One nest was predated by both a Black-striped Capuchin Sapajus libidinosus and a Crane Hawk Geranospiza caerulescens, and another by a Black-tufted Marmoset Callithrix cf. penicillata. Nests were constructed in August, and the last nestlings fledged in late October. Most aspects of the breeding ecology of Casiornis are identical to those of other members of the Myiarchini.

Oral and Dental Examinations Findings in 15 Zoo Bolivian Squirrel Monkeys (Saimiri boliviensis) and Black-Tufted Marmosets (Callithrix penicillata).

As part of an annual wellness evaluation, we performed oral and dental examination under general anesthesia in 7 zoo Bolivian squirrel monkeys aged 10 and 15 years, and 8 zoo black-tufted marmosets aged between 1 and 7 years. No oral discomfort was observed in any animal prior to the procedure. Apart from dilacerated roots of second mandibular incisor teeth in Bolivian squirrel monkeys and one case of presumably odontodysplasia in a black-tufted marmoset, no major variations in number and shape of the present teeth and roots were revealed. All 15 animals had gingivitis, but periodontitis was only diagnosed in 3 black-tufted marmosets. Most commonly diagnosed dental pathology in Bolivian squirrel monkeys was attrition/abrasion, affecting 11.9% of all teeth, followed by caries, which was only diagnosed in older animals. Altogether 8 fractured teeth were diagnosed in Bolivian squirrel monkeys only, with root fracture being the most common type, followed by complicated crown fracture and complicated crown-root fracture. Radiographic signs of endodontic disease were found in 10 teeth in Bolivian squirrel monkeys and in one nonvital tooth with intact crown in a black-tufted marmoset. We associated high occurrence of caries in the older Bolivian squirrel monkeys with their diet and saliva characteristics of these animals. Lack of any periodontitis in Bolivian squirrel monkeys may partially be attributed to limitations of radiography technique, although squirrel monkeys appear to be far less susceptible to naturally occurring periodontitis than marmosets.

Clinical evolution of a black-tufted marmoset (Callithrix penicillata) through the use of acupuncture in clinical trauma: Case report

Acupuncture is a branch of traditional Chinese medicine that has been perfected over time and popular technique. It has been gaining a lot of space in the treatment of all species in veterinary and human medicine for showing good results with a short period of treatment, as well as being low in cost. This work will focus on reporting the case of a black-tufted marmoset treated with acupuncture, and the importance and effectiveness of acupuncture as a form of therapy. The animal arrived with suspected trauma, presenting mainly motor incoordination, neck pain, nystagmus, and prostration. Because acupuncture is a technique recommended in cases of neurological, joint, liver, and other problems, this treatment was adopted to restore the animal's health and well-being. Ten sessions were held, once a week. There was an improvement in motor incoordination after the second session. Along with the acupuncture treatment, she was given some drugs to minimize the biochemical changes found. It is believed that if the treatment was carried out with pharmacotherapy alone, it would not have the same success, since at each session the animal showed significant improvements. Considering the evolution of the clinical case and some other cases found, it can be said that acupuncture was effective in recuperating this animal. And it should and can be used in several diseases, always aiming for the animal's well-being. Data collected and animal treated at the Veterinary Hospital of FAV / UnB - Wild Animals Sector.

Morfologia do tubo digestório de Alouatta belzebul

O Alouatta belzebul é uma espécie classificada como “Vulnerável” e isso se justifica principalmente pela caça, fragmentação e perda do hábitat nas florestas tropicais. A anatomia deste gênero apresenta características peculiares em todas as espécies estudadas, assim este trabalho objetivou descrever a morfologia do tubo digestório de Alouatta belzebul a fim de fornecer subsídios para avaliação de dietas, realização de procedimentos clínicos e cirúrgicos nestes animais. Foram utilizados 10 espécimes de Alouatta belzebul, adultos, machos, de diferentes idade. O trabalho foi realizado na Universidade Federal de Goiás e aprovado no comitê de ética N.083∕17. Os animais previamente criopreservados, foram descongelados e fixados por meio da infusão intramuscular e intracavitária de solução aquosa de folmol a 10%. Existem diversas variações na anatomia macroscópica do tubo digestório entre os primatas e estas variações ocorrem de acordo com os hábitos alimentares. Em Alouatta belzebul, que são folívoros-frugívoros, o tubo digestório abrange a maior parte da cavidade abdominal. Estes animais possuem números variáveis de rugas palatinas, de 10 a 17 pares de rugas, independente do sexo e idade, valores estes diferentes dos relatados para Sapajus libidinosus, de 18 a 21 pares de rugas. O estômago pseudo-compartimentalizado com uma região glandular e duas aglandulares, assemelhando com os achados de Nasalis larvatus. O intestino grosso apresenta o ceco aumentado em formato de L, corroborando com os achados em Callithrix penicillata. Os resultados demonstram que as variações estruturais do tubo digestório ocorrem de acordo com o hábito alimentar das diferentes espécies.

Reflections on Potential Risk Factors of Callitrichidae Run Over in an Urban Area: A Case Report of Marmoset Deaths

ABSTRACT Interest in the well being of wild animals in their natural habitats is still lower than that of domesticated animals and captive wild animals. Urban development is one of the events that has the greatest impact on fauna, as it affects the survival and well being of wild species in many ways. This study aimed to record death by being run over of two Callithrix penicillata (black-tufted) marmosets in a fragmented environment by urbanization and to discuss how anthropic intervention modifies species behavior and influences their well being, and to suggest measures which can reduce the occurrence of incidents, thereby contributing to maintaining the fauna and their well being.

Distribution and invasive potential of the black-tufted marmoset Callithrix penicillata in the Brazilian territory

Biological invasions are one of the greatest existing threats to biodiversity. Invasive species can cause economic and environmental damage. Callithrix penicillata is naturally found in the Brazilian savanna and Caatinga. Its introduced populations have become a conservation problem due to its high occupancy potential, native fauna predation, competition with native primates, congeners and hybridization. We used Species Distribution Modeling (SDM) through the Maxent software in this study in order to identify areas with a higher probability of C. penicillata occurrence. The AUC value was close to 1 (AUC=0.966), with a curve value close to 1. Through the Jackknife test we observed that temperature seasonality was the variable most related to distribution (AUC=0.86), which agrees with other studies that show climatic variables influencing primate distribution. The Atlantic Forest in the Southeast and South regions of Brazil was indicated as susceptible to invasion by C. penicillata. The marmoset C. penicillata has become a successful invader of Atlantic Forest areas, causing depreciation in many native species and other problems. However, biological invasions might be mitigated or even extinguished through successful interventions and management.