Speothos Venaticus Research Articles

High-resolution computed tomographic (HRCT) image series from 413 canid and 18 felid skulls

Computed tomography (CT) is a non-invasive, three-dimensional imaging tool used in medical imaging, forensic science, industry and engineering, anthropology, and archaeology. The current study used high-resolution medical CT scanning of 431 animal skulls, including 399 dog skulls from 152 breeds, 14 cat skulls from 9 breeds, 14 skulls from 8 wild canid species (gray wolf, golden jackal, coyote, maned wolf, bush dog, red fox, Fennec fox, bat-eared fox), and 4 skulls from 4 wild felid species (wildcat, leopard, serval, caracal). This comprehensive and unique collection of CT image series of skulls can provide a solid foundation not only for comparative anatomical and evolutionary studies but also for the advancement of veterinary education, virtual surgery planning, and the facilitation of training in sophisticated machine learning methodologies.

Occurrence of Typical Domestic Animal Viruses in Wild Carnivorans: An Emerging Threat to the Conservation of Endangered Species

Wild species are susceptible to several typical domestic animal pathogens, and the increasingly close contact between these groups is a predictive factor for disease exposure. Some viruses are important and old-known, and others are emerging or reemerging for domestic carnivorans and have been identified as threats to the conservation of wild mammals. The purpose of the study was to investigate the occurrence of bocaparvoviruses (BoVs, Parvoviridae family, Parvovirinae subfamily, Bocaparvovirus genus), parvoviruses (Parvoviridae family, Parvovirinae subfamily, Protoparvovirus genus, Protoparvovirus carnivoran1), hepadnaviruses (Hepadnaviridae family), coronaviruses (Coronaviridae family, Orthocoronavirinae subfamily), paramyxoviruses (Paramyxoviridae family) and canine distemper virus (Orthoparamyxovirinae subfamily, Morbillivirus genus, Morbillivirus canis), poxviruses (Poxviridae family), feline herpesvirus (Orthoherpesviridae family, Alphaherpesvirinae subfamily, Varicellovirus genus, Varicellovirus felidalpha1), feline calicivirus (Caliciviridae family, Vesivirus genus, FCV), feline immunodeficiency virus (Retroviridae family, Orthoretrovirinae subfamily, Lentivirus genus, FIV), feline leukemia virus (Retroviridae family, Orthoretrovirinae subfamily, Gammaretrovirus genus, FeLV), and gammaherpesviruses (Orthoherpesviridae family, Gammaherpesvirinae subfamily) in wild carnivorans. A total of 30 biological samples from the families Canidae, Felidae, Mephitidae, Mustelidae, and Procyonidae were evaluated. All animals were victims of vehicular collisions in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Canine parvovirus (CPV-2) DNA was detected in the spleen of a bush dog (Speothos venaticus), a jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi), and a jaguar (Panthera onca), FeLV proviral DNA was found in the spleen of an ocelot (Leopardus pardalis); while CDV RNA was detected in the liver of a jaguarundi. Phylogenetic analysis carried out with the partial sequence of the CPV-2 VP2 gene and the U3 (LTR) gag region of FeLV showed 100% identity with strains obtained from domestic dogs and cats, respectively. The approximation between wild and domestic animals favors the transmission of pathogens, especially between phylogenetically close species, such as members of the Canidae and Felidae families. Identification of the DNA and RNA of potentially fatal viruses such as CPV-2, FeLV, and CDV in four wilds endangered to extinction and understudied species contributes to our understanding of the pathogens circulating in this free-ranging and vulnerable population.

Toxoplasmosis in jungle dog (speothos venaticus): case study

This clinical case describes a bush dog (Speothos venaticus), a vulnerable species in Ecuador. The objective was to document a case of toxoplasmosis in a captive specimen at the Yanacocha Animal Rescue Center in the Amazon region of Ecuador. A 2-year-old, 6,7 kg specimen was brought to the VitalPet specialty clinic in Ambato with symptoms of ataxia, lethargy, and anorexia of 24 hours’ duration. Clinical examinations and blood tests, including complete blood count, comprehensive blood chemistry, hemoparasite tests, and immunoglobulin analysis for toxoplasmosis, were performed. Results showed neutrophilic leukocytosis, a hematocrit of 50 %, and slight hyperglycemia. Infections by Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Lyme, and Dirofilaria were ruled out. Clinical signs and high IgG and IgM antibody titers indicated that the patient was affected by toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis in jungle dog (speothos venaticus): case study

This clinical case describes a bush dog (Speothos venaticus), a vulnerable species in Ecuador. The objective was to document a case of toxoplasmosis in a captive specimen at the Yanacocha Animal Rescue Center in the Amazon region of Ecuador. A 2-year-old, 6.7 kg specimen was brought to the VitalPet specialty clinic in Ambato with symptoms of ataxia, lethargy, and anorexia of 24 hours’ duration. Clinical examinations and blood tests, including complete blood count, comprehensive blood chemistry, hemoparasite tests, and immunoglobulin analysis for toxoplasmosis, were performed. Results showed neutrophilic leukocytosis, a hematocrit of 50%, and slight hyperglycemia. Infections by Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, Lyme, and Dirofilaria were ruled out. Clinical signs and high IgG and IgM antibody titers indicated that the patient was affected by toxoplasmosis

Influence of forest type on the diversity, abundance, and naïve occupancy of the mammal assemblage in the southeastern Brazilian Atlantic Forest

The Brazilian Atlantic Forest has the highest rate of native vegetation destruction, which is one of the principal drivers of mammal extinctions. Therefore, reducing information gaps regarding diversity patterns, abundance, and habitat use is crucial to understand mammal persistence in fragmented landscapes. Our objective was to establish the γ diversity and to assess the extent to which the α, and β diversity, the relative abundance, and naïve occupation of medium and large-sized mammal communities differ between seasonal and ombrophilous forests. Between January 2019 and March 2020, we placed 22 camera traps in the Atlantic Forest of Minas Gerais. We calculate Hill's numbers using iNEXT.4steps package, the β-diversity with the Betapart package, as well as the relative abundance index (RAI), and naïve occupancy (PAO). We used Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney statistical tests to compare the RAIs between different species and forest types. Finally, we calculated the correlation between the RAIs and PAOs. We found 32 species, principally from the orders Carnivora and Artiodactyla. The alpha diversity and evenness profiles were not different between the two forest types (seasonal q0 = 0.91, q1 = 0.99, q2 = 1, J = 0.83; ombrophilous q0 = 0.96, q1 = 0.99, q2 = 1, J = 0.85). The beta diversity was low (βJAC = 0.37) which was mostly associated with species turnover (βJTU = 0.34), while nestedness was almost non-existent (βJNE = 0.02). The RAIs varied among mammalian species (H = 115.24, P = 0.000), with the highest values for Didelphis aurita (RAI = 4.55 ± 7.66) and Cuniculus paca (RAI = 2.35 ± 3.73) and the minor values for Speothos venaticus (RAI = 0.04 ± 0.24) and Galictis cuja (RAI = 0.06 ± 1.19). The RAIs of species was not significantly different between forests (U = 453.5; Z = 0.37; P = 0.70), and only Leopardus wiedii showed significant differences between forests (U = 84.5; P = 0.01). Most of the mammalian species had restricted occupancy to a few localities (< 50 %). The species Eira barbara and Didelphis aurita had the highest PAOs in both forests (> 50 %), and the species Tayassu pecari, Tamandua tetradactyla, and Speothos venaticus, the lowest values (5 %). We found a correlation of 75 % between the average RAI and naïve occupancy. The γ diversity was representative and consistent with the species found in the Atlantic Forest, and the relative abundance and naïve occupancy reflected the rarity of most species in the area. Additionally, the only difference between the two forests corresponds to species turnover. Therefore, we must conserve native remnants of both forests to ensure the existence of native mammals, mainly the most threatened species, to prevent more dramatic scenarios of local extinction in Minas Gerais.

Predation of Atelocynus microtis and Speothos venaticus (Carnivora: Canidae) by Boa constrictor (Squamata: Boidae) in Southwestern Brazil and Southeastern Peru

Literature on the predation ecology of Amazonian canids is scarce, especially for the two rarely observed canids; Speothos venaticus (Bush Dog) and Atelocynus microtis (Short-eared Dog). Between 2000 and 2005 we documented one observation of predation of a A. microtis from southeastern Peru and an observation of S. venaticus predation from southwestern Brazil.

Neglected zoonotic helminthiases in wild canids: new insights from South America.

The global threat of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) constitutes a public health issue in underdeveloped countries. Zoonotic helminthiases are the most common human NTD agents in developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, and the Americas, causing a global burden of disease that exceeds that of more recognized infectious diseases such as malaria and tuberculosis. Wild canids are well-known mammals that act as natural reservoirs of zoonotic-relevant helminthiasis worldwide, thus playing a pivotal role in their epidemiology and transmission to humans. Here we evaluate the occurrence of zoonotic gastrointestinal helminths in two Neotropical wild canid species from the Amazonian and Andean regions of Colombia, i.e., the bush dog (Speothos venaticus) and the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous). We recovered tapeworm proglottids from bush dog fecal samples and identified them molecularly as the canine-specific lineage of Dipylidium caninum by using cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene sequences. Moreover, examination of a crab-eating fox during necropsy revealed the presence of non-embryonated eggs of the neglected nematode Lagochilascaris cf. minor, in addition to eggs and gravid proglottids of the cestode Spirometra mansoni. These findings represent the first report of zoonotic-relevant cestodes, i.e., D. caninum ("canine genotype"), S. mansoni, and the nematode L. cf. minor, in bush dogs and crab-eating foxes as final hosts. The occurrence of these zoonotic helminthiases in wild canid species calls for regular monitoring programs to better understand the epidemiology and transmission routes of neglected dipylidiasis, lagochilascariosis, and sparganosis in South America.

First record of the bush dog Speothos venaticus in the Atlantic Forest of Minas Gerais, Brazil

AbstractThe bush dog Speothos venaticus is a highly social Neotropical canid categorized globally on the IUCN Red List as Near Threatened, as Vulnerable in Brazil and as Critically Endangered in Minas Gerais, south-eastern Brazil, and the Atlantic Forest as a result of human pressure. As part of the monitoring of this mammal, during January 2019–March 2020 we placed one camera trap in each of 22 forest fragments in various landscapes in 15 municipalities in the state of Minas Gerais and one municipality in the state of Rio de Janeiro. On average, each camera trap was active for 4.3 months in each fragment. In a total of 2,856 trap-days we obtained the first record of S. venaticus in south-eastern Minas Gerais, c. 2 km from Serra de Santa Rita Mítzi Brandão Biological Reserve. This is the northernmost record of S. venaticus in the Atlantic Forest and highlights the importance of forest remnants in a fragmented landscape for this species. Further monitoring of this area should be a priority, to increase knowledge regarding the distribution of this species and for developing conservation strategies appropriate to these fragmented landscapes.

Social Behaviour of Bush Dogs, <i>Speothos Venaticus (Lund, 1842)</i> in Captivity

In the present study, we analysed the social behaviour of a family group of bush dogs, Speothos venaticus (Lund, 1842), at Moscow Zoo. A unique situation has developed at Moscow Zoo, which makes it possible to observe a family group of bush dogs, consisting of 23 individuals. The group consisted of the parent couple and five litters of cubs (10 males and 11 females). The study was carried out in the summer and autumn of 2022 by observing a focal group of animals of different sex and age, consisting of 12 individuals (5 females and 6 males). The hierarchical structure of a group of bush dogs, the ratio of various forms of social behaviour of animals, as well as the nature of their aggressive interactions were evaluated. It was shown that in the studied family group, the dominant parent couple and their off spring were distinguished, which corresponds to the data known from the literature. The predominant form of behavior in animals was group movement around the enclosure, which accounted for 47.3% of all social interactions between dogs. The level of aggression was low among older individuals. Probably, the hierarchical structure of the group of bush dogs is not based on the aggression of high-ranking individuals, but on the demonstration of submission by low-ranking ones. Other social interactions observed included play, communication, marking, parental, and sexual behaviour. There were sex differences in the way territory was marked with urine. Females marked territory by adopting a standing posture on their forelegs, while males sprayed urine. At the same time, sequential urinary marking prevailed (71.6%).

A multispecies corridor in a fragmented landscape: Evaluating effectiveness and identifying high-priority target areas.

While Misiones, Argentina contains one of the largest remnants of Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest ecoregion, one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, only ~50% of this native forest is protected. Each protected area is at risk of becoming an island of native forest surrounded by a matrix of altered habitats due to ongoing land conversion. In an effort to maximize long-term connectivity between existing protected areas, DeMatteo [1] used a multifaceted cost analysis to determine the optimal location for the region's first multispecies corridor using noninvasive data on jaguars (Panthera onca), pumas (Puma concolor), ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), southern tiger cats (Leopardus guttulus), and bush dogs (Speothos venaticus). This work builds on this framework by integrating new field data that broadens the scope of species-specific data across the region's heterogeneous landscape, which varies in vegetation, disturbance, human proximity, and protective status. In addition, two different land use layers are compared across the distributions of the five carnivores, the overlap in their independent distributions, and their relationship to the multispecies corridor. Interpretation of these land use data to species-specific habitat suitability goes beyond DeMatteo [1], with a subdivision of suitability into marginal and optimal areas. This refined scale allows a reanalysis of key areas in the multispecies corridor, where connectivity was previously defined as at highly-at-risk, allowing for a more directed development of management strategies. These analyses and their interpretation extend beyond northern-central Misiones, as the threats are not unique to this region. The need to develop management strategies that balance human-wildlife needs will continue to grow as humans expand their footprint. The techniques applied in this analysis provide a way to identify key areas that require specific management strategies, either through restoration, protection, or a combination of both.

Issue Cover (April 2023)

Front cover: Cover image: Using finite element analysis to understand the hunting behaviour of the bear-faced bush dog (Speothos venaticus), one of the world's least-know canids. See J.V. Ruiz et al., ‘Different, but the same: inferring the hunting behaviour of the hypercarnivorous bush dog (Speothos venaticus) through finite element analysis’, this issue.

Different, but the same: Inferring the hunting behaviour of the hypercarnivorous bush dog (Speothos venaticus) through finite element analysis.

Cerdocyonina is a clade composed by the South-American canids in which the bush dog (Speothos venaticus) is one of the most elusive species. Known for its unique morphology within the group, this small, bear-like faced canid is the only member of the clade adapted to hypercarnivory, an almost exclusively meat-based diet currently present only in usually large, pack-hunting canids such as the grey wolf (Canis lupus). However, much of the biology of the bush dog is poorly understood, and inferences about its ecology, hunting strategies and diet are usually based on observation of captive individuals and anecdotal records, with reduced quantitative data to offer support. Here, we investigated the craniomandibular functional morphology of the bush dog through finite element analysis (FEA). FEA was employed to model the biting behaviour and to create extrinsic and intrinsic functional scenarios with different loads, corresponding to different bites used to subdue and process the prey. For comparison, the same modelling was applied to the skull of a grey wolf and a grey fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus). Our analysis showed that the bush dog's responses to loading are more similar to the wolf's than to the fox's in most scenarios, suggesting a convergent craniomandibular functional morphology between these two hypercarnivorous species, despite their distinct phylogenetic positions and body sizes. Differences between the three taxa are noteworthy and suggested to be related to the size of the usual prey. The modelled bite force for the bush dog is relatively strong, about half of that estimated for the wolf and about 40% stronger than the fox's bite. The results strengthen with quantitative data the inferences of the bush dog as a pack-hunting predator with prey size similar to its own, such as large rodents and armadillos, being specialised in subduing and killing its prey using multiple bites. Its similarity to the wolf also confirms anecdotal accounts of predation on mammals that are much larger than itself, such as peccaries and tapirs. These data highlight the ecological specialisation of this small canid in a continent where large, pack-hunting canids are absent.

Comparative genomics uncovers the evolutionary history, demography, and molecular adaptations of South American canids

The remarkable radiation of South American (SA) canids produced 10 extant species distributed across diverse habitats, including disparate forms such as the short-legged, hypercarnivorous bush dog and the long-legged, largely frugivorous maned wolf. Despite considerable research spanning nearly two centuries, many aspects of their evolutionary history remain unknown. Here, we analyzed 31 whole genomes encompassing all extant SA canid species to assess phylogenetic relationships, interspecific hybridization, historical demography, current genetic diversity, and the molecular bases of adaptations in the bush dog and maned wolf. We found that SA canids originated from a single ancestor that colonized South America 3.9 to 3.5 Mya, followed by diversification east of the Andes and then a single colonization event and radiation of Lycalopex species west of the Andes. We detected extensive historical gene flow between recently diverged lineages and observed distinct patterns of genomic diversity and demographic history in SA canids, likely induced by past climatic cycles compounded by human-induced population declines. Genome-wide scans of selection showed that disparate limb proportions in the bush dog and maned wolf may derive from mutations in genes regulating chondrocyte proliferation and enlargement. Further, frugivory in the maned wolf may have been enabled by variants in genes associated with energy intake from short-chain fatty acids. In contrast, unique genetic variants detected in the bush dog may underlie interdigital webbing and dental adaptations for hypercarnivory. Our analyses shed light on the evolution of a unique carnivoran radiation and how it was shaped by South American topography and climate change.

Hotspots and Season Related to Wildlife Roadkill in the Amazonia–Cerrado Transition

The construction of new roads opens access to native environments, resulting in changes to the landscape. These roads cause the death of native wildlife due to collisions with vehicles, which is the main cause of human-induced vertebrate death. This work aimed to investigate the spatial distribution of roadkills on the BR-163 highway, Mato Grosso, Brazil, an Amazonia–Cerrado transition zone, to identify roadkill hotspots. The study area consisted of 244 km of road. Twenty-five trips were made totaling 6100 km of surveyed roadway between 2008 and 2011. A total of 1005 individuals from 65 species was recorded in this study. Mammals were the most affected, both in number of individuals and species, followed by birds, reptiles, and amphibians. The species with the highest roadkill rates were Cerdocyon thous and Tyto furcata. Identified endangered mammals included Myrmecophaga tridactyla, Chrysocyon brachyurus, Priodontes maximus, Speothos venaticus, Tapirus terrestris, Pteronura brasiliensis, and Ateles marginatus. The highest rates of roadkill were recorded during the wet season. The location and number of hotspots varied among classes and were related to different environmental variables such as waterbodies, forest fragments, and agricultural areas. Roadkills may be a major threat for vulnerable species and should therefore be studied to define conservation plans for local species and road traffic.

Complex Evolutionary History of the South American Fox Genus Lycalopex (Mammalia, Carnivora, Canidae) Inferred from Multiple Mitochondrial and Nuclear Markers

The canid genus Lycalopex comprises six recently diversified South American species whose evolutionary relationships have been remarkably challenging to resolve. We analyzed 6000 bp of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from 55 Lycalopex individuals (L. sechurae = 4, L. culpaeus = 7, L.griseus = 8, L.gymnocercus = 17, L.vetulus = 13 and L. fulvipes = 6), and nine specimens from the closely related species Cerdocyon thous, Chrysocyon brachyurus and Speothos venaticus, to reconstruct their phylogenetic relationships, estimate the support for species-level monophyly, and date their divergences. In addition, we also sequenced seven nuclear segments from the same taxa. Three different phylogenetic approaches converged on the same mitochondrial topology with strong support for most nodes. All species were confirmed to be monophyletic for mtDNA, except for one intriguing case in which two L. vetulus individuals carried L. gymnocercus haplotypes, potentially implying a case of interspecies admixture. L. vetulus was the first species to diverge (ca. 1.2 Mya), followed by L. sechurae and then L. gymnocercus. The most internal group comprised L. griseus and the sister-species L. culpaeus and L. fulvipes, which diverged around 430,000 years ago in southern Argentina or Chile. The analysis of nuclear markers revealed several examples of intra-specific variation coupled with lack of species monophyly, consistent with pervasive incomplete lineage sorting and/or hybridization in this recent radiation. Our results provide robust mitochondrial resolution of this challenging radiation, and illustrate the difficulty of attaining similar success with traditional nuclear markers.

Mechanisms of coexistence in a diverse Neotropical mammalian carnivore community

Abstract Mammalian carnivore diversity within the Reserva Natural del Bosque Mbaracayú in eastern Paraguay is represented by five families (Canidae, Mephitidae, Mustelidae, Procyonidae, and Felidae) and includes large-bodied, apex predators, several omnivores, and numerous mesocarnivores. The competitive exclusion principle argues that sustained spatial and temporal coexistence of two or more species with identical ecological requirements is unsustainable. The Reserve is a mosaic of habitats that has become isolated due to extensive deforestation of the surrounding Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest. Nevertheless, it is remarkable in that 16 mammalian carnivore species are documented as coexisting within the Reserve. We sought to determine the extent to which this diverse community is mitigating competition through the partitioning of available niche space by assessing dietary ecology of mammalian carnivores present, including diet breadths and dietary overlap, and by examining spatial patterns within the reserve. Feces were collected from all 16 mammalian carnivore species from seven areas within the reserve and specific identifications were confirmed by molecular analyses. Diet breadth, B^, standardized diet breadth, B^A, and Pianka’s Index for dietary overlap, O^, were calculated. A Chi-square goodness-of-fit test was performed to test for randomness of samples associated with survey areas. Diet analyses indicated a spectrum from dietary generalists to specialists. Species segregated into six dietary guilds, defined as groups of species with O^ > 0.5. Four guilds included only one species each (Neotropical otter, crab-eating fox, jaguar, and puma). The low dietary overlap between jaguar and puma contrasts with studies conducted elsewhere. One guild consisted of four highly omnivorous species (maned wolf, Molina’s hog-nosed skunk, crab-eating raccoon, and South American coati). The sixth guild included eight species which mostly consumed small vertebrates, primarily mammals as well as birds and reptiles (bush dog, two mustelines, five small felids). The mustelines (tayra and lesser grison) had extremely high dietary overlap. Although they did not segregate spatially, they are known to occupy distinct niches in vertically stratified forests. The five small felids also showed extremely high dietary overlap. Three of them were found to segregate spatially within the Reserve and two did not, although one (jaguarundi) is known to segregate temporally, being more active diurnally. The exceptionally rich community of mammalian carnivore species at the Reserva Natural del Bosque Mbaracayú appeared to avoid unsustainable competition by a variety of mechanisms, some utilizing different food items, or, in the case of high dietary overlap, utilizing spatial or temporal resources differently.

Canids (Caninae) from the Past of Venezuela

There are three extant species of wild canids in Venezuela: Urocyon cinereoargenteus, Cerdocyon thous, and Speothos venaticus, excluding the feral domestic dog (Canis familiaris). However, a review of paleontological material that was published previously, along with newly reported ancient specimens, reveals a distinct historical diversity for the same region. The gray fox, U. cinereoargenteus, is the only small-sized taxon and the only Vulpini (true fox) identified to date in the fossil record of Venezuela; its presence is limited to the late Pleistocene of the Mene de Inciarte site, Zulia State. In contrast, large canids are more abundant. Aenocyon dirus (subtribe Canina), the dire wolf from the late Pleistocene, was reported from the sites El Mene de Inciarte, Muaco in Falcón State, and for the first time in El Breal de Orocual (ORS20) in Monagas State. The genus Protocyon, a native South American canid (subtribe Cerdocyonina), is recognized in the country from late Pleistocene Inciarte (Protocyon troglodytes sensu lato), and late Pliocene–early Pleistocene Orocual (ORS16) (Protocyon orocualensis sp. nov.). Finally, we report a possible genus Theriodictis from the late Pleistocene Orocual; this is a Cerdocyonina not previously mentioned for the northern region of South America. These records present broader diversity and suggest a more complex evolutionary history than previously thought for South American canids.

Ocorrência de potenciais hospedeiros silvestres de Echinococcus vogeli nas florestas do sudoeste da Amazônia brasileira

Abstract The helminth Echinococcus vogeliRausch & Bernstein, 1972 is a causative agent of Neotropical Echinococcosis, a chronic zoonotic disease which is endemic to the Neotropical region. This parasite is transmitted from bush dogs (Speothos venaticus) to their prey, which include lowland pacas (Cuniculus paca) and agoutis (Dasyprocta spp.). In Brazil, most human cases of Neotropical Echinococcosis have been recorded in the Amazonian states of Acre and Pará, although few data are available on the occurrence of the potential definitive or intermediate hosts of E. vogeli in the Amazon region. In the present study, we surveyed the forests surrounding 46 human communities located within and around of outside six sustainable-use protected areas in the southwestern Amazon basin of Brazil. The forests were surveyed using camera traps to determine the local presence of potential wild hosts of E. vogeli, and the exploitation of these hosts for game meat was evaluated through interviews with 136 subsistence hunters resident in the local communities. We recorded pacas, agoutis, and bush dogs, as well as domestic dogs (Canis familiaris), all potential reservoirs of Neotropical Echinococcosis, using the same habitats. We also confirmed the frequent consumption of paca and agouti meat by subsistence hunters and their families in the study communities. Our data contribute to the understanding of the occurrence of E. vogeli in Brazilian ecosystems.

Cutaneous mast cell tumor in a captive Bush dog (Speothos venaticus): pathological and immunophenotypical aspects - case report

ABSTRACT A senile male captive bush dog (Speothos venaticus) presented a small perianal cutaneous nodule. Histologically, there was an ulcerated round cell tumor composed of well differentiated mast cells with abundant intracytoplasmic purple Giemsa-positive granules, with a diffuse eosinophilic infiltrate. Immunohistochemistry revealed that 30% of the neoplastic cells were positive for Kit in the cytoplasm and cell membrane, and all neoplastic cells were negative for MAC and CD3. Less than 10% of the neoplastic cells were positive for Ki67. At necropsy other primary tumors were identified in this animal, including an intestinal adenoma, an adrenal cortex adenoma and a testicular interstitial cell tumor.

Evolution of Cranial Ontogeny in South American Canids (Carnivora: Canidae)

South American Canids are endemic and form a monophyletic clade supported by molecular and morphological data, with the exception of Urocyon cinereoargenteus, which is a typical North American form. South American canids occur in almost all environments in continent, and exhibit diet diversity and large size variation. Here we analyzed the skull ontogeny by applying 3D geometric morphometric techniques, in a well-represented sample of South American canids, with the aim of exploring variation in cranial size and shape as well as evolutionary patterns of such variation. The sample consisted of 1227 crania of the 11 living species of South American canids and 92 crania of Canis lupus and Vulpes vulpes, which were considered as out-groups. South American canids exhibited similar shape and diet (they are mostly omnivorous), which implies similar mechanical commitments, which are reflected in their almost uniform skulls. However, it is possible that cranial similarity is related to a shared evolutionary history with a short time of divergence. Speothos venaticus differed in its ontogenetic trajectory, with the difference being stronger between adults of this species and the remaining canids. The skull configuration is consistent with the hyper-carnivorous diet. In the case of Chrysocyon brachyurus, size plays an important role in the structure of a skull, giving rise to remarkable morphological differences from other species, although in terminal stages of its ontogeny.