Cerdocyon Research Articles

MAMÍFEROS SILVESTRES DE MÉDIO E GRANDE PORTE DA RESERVA BIOLÓGICA MUNICIPAL MORENO FORTES, DOIS IRMÃOS DAS MISSÕES, RIO GRANDE DO SUL, BRASIL

Medium- and large-sized wild mammals (MLSWM) are little known in protected areas. I carried a survey of MLSWM at the Reserva Biológica Municipal Moreno Fortes (REBIO-MF) in Dois Irmãos das Missões, Rio Grande do Sul state (RS), Brazil, using active search, footprint traps and interviews with residents. This work provided a list of 26 species of MLSWM. This number represent 60% of MLSWM species of Rio Grande do Sul state and 70% of those found in the region. Among them, 54% are included in the list fauna of endangered species at the state level, 19% at the national level, and 23% globally. The Crab-eating Fox (Cerdocyon thous) was the most registered and common species. The interviewees reported 24 species, 12 of which were not registered using active search and footprint traps methods. Such informations indicates REBIO-MF as an important place for MLSWM at RS.

MEDIUM- AND LARGE-SIZED MAMMALS AT THE URUCUM MASSIF IN THE BRAZILIAN PANTANAL: CAMERA TRAP AS AN EFFECTIVE SAMPLING METHOD TO ESTIMATE SPECIES RICHNESS, RELATIVE ABUNDANCE, AND ACTIVITY PATTERNS

The Urucum Massif (UM) is recognized as a region of flora and fauna endemism, and it is one of the few mountain ranges found in the western edge of the Brazilian Pantanal, in Mato Grosso do Sul state. Despite the lack of knowledge on mammalian species occurrence, several mining companies established in this region has rapidly changed its landscape. Therefore, this study aims to carry out an inventory of medium- to large-sized mammals in the UM to estimate their relative abundance and activity patterns using data provided by camera trapping surveys. Two main camera-trapping surveys were carried between October 2014 and July 2015, in addition to a small survey in July 2016. Results showed 25 species from medium- to large-sized mammals. Dicotyles tajacu, Dasyprocta azarae and Dasypus novemcinctus presented the highest relative abundance indices. Overall, D. azarae, Nasua nasua and Euphractus sexcinctus were diurnal, while Tamandua tetradactyla, D. novemcinctus, Tapirus terrestris and Sylvilagus paraguensis were nocturnal, in turn, D. tajacu and Cerdocyon thous were associated with the crepuscular period. Overall, 28 % (N = 7) and 12 % (N = 3) of the recorded species are threatened nationally and globally, respectively. Due to the scarcity of protected areas in the UM, we recommend long term monitoring of mammals and ecological studies to support conservation actions for this group in the region

DISTRIBUIÇÃO ESPACIAL DA ICTIOFAUNA E SUA RELAÇÃO COM AS CARACTERÍSTICAS AMBIENTAIS NA MICROBACIA DO CÓRREGO TARUMÃ (ALTO RIO PARANÁ, BRASIL)

The Urucum Massif (UM) is recognized as a region of flora and fauna endemism, and it is one of the few mountain ranges found in the western edge of the Brazilian Pantanal, in Mato Grosso do Sul state. Despite the lack of knowledge on mammalian species occurrence, several mining companies established in this region has rapidly changed its landscape. Therefore, this study aims to carry out an inventory of medium- to large-sized mammals in the UM to estimate their relative abundance and activity patterns using data provided by camera trapping surveys. Two main camera-trapping surveys were carried between October 2014 and July 2015, in addition to a small survey in July 2016. Results showed 25 species from medium- to large-sized mammals. Dicotyles tajacu, Dasyprocta azarae and Dasypus novemcinctus presented the highest relative abundance indices. Overall, D. azarae, Nasua nasua and Euphractus sexcinctus were diurnal, while Tamandua tetradactyla, D. novemcinctus, Tapirus terrestris and Sylvilagus paraguensis were nocturnal, in turn, D. tajacu and Cerdocyon thous were associated with the crepuscular period. Overall, 28 % (N = 7) and 12 % (N = 3) of the recorded species are threatened nationally and globally, respectively. Due to the scarcity of protected areas in the UM, we recommend long term monitoring of mammals and ecological studies to support conservation actions for this group in the region

Myxomatous Degeneration of Atrioventricular Valves in a Crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) - Echodopplercardiography Diagnosis

Background: The myxomatosis degeneration is a degenerative cardiac valve disease, with a higher incidence in male and senile canids. The diagnosis is made by a doppler echocardiography exam. Although there are few reports on the occurrence of cardiopathies in wild dogs (Cerdocyon thous), some studies on their cardiological parameters can be found. Considering this, and knowing that the cardiopathies in wild canids are common post mortem findings, the objective of this study is to describe the echocardiography diagnosis of a case of myxomatous degeneration of the atrioventricular valves in 1 wild dog (Cerdocyon thous) living in captivity.Case: It was treated at the Diagnostic Imaging Department of the Veterinary Hospital of the Federal University of Mato Grosso (HOVET-UFMT), 1 wild dog (C. thous), male, living in captivity with approximately 10-year-old, directed by the Center of Medicine and Research in Wild Animals of Cuiabá, to perform echocardiography exam. The patient was submitted to anesthesia for proper examination, which was used Esaote® machine model MyLabFive VET with sector scan transducer (4.0 -7.5 MHz). The longitudinal, transverse and apical scan planes were obtained through left and right parasternal windows. The evaluation of M mode exposed ejection fraction and shortening increased, of 81% and 47%, respectively, however it showed no increase in systolic and diastolic values of left ventricle, nor in right cavities on subjective evaluation. The relation between the left atrium (LA) and the aorta (Ao) remained normal, at 1.2 mm, with dimensions of 13.4 mm from the AO and 16.3 mm from LA, compatible with species parameters or domestic canines. The atrioventricular valves showed thickening and irregularities in their cusps, with great intensity in the left atrioventricular valve (LAV). The Doppler mode analysis revealed a turbulent systolic flow into the left atrium and right atrium, constituting transvalvular LAV and right atrioventricular valve- (RAV) regurgitation, both observed through the blood flow in colored Doppler and measured through the reflux velocity of 4.02 m/s of LAV and 2.17 m/s of RAV by the continuous Doppler, showing insufficiency of intense degree of LAV and moderate degree of RAV, no evidence of pulmonary hypertension. On the other hand, the relation between wave E and wave A (E/A) was 1.0, with increased transvalvular velocities and values of 0.95 m/s for wave E and A. The isovolumetric mitral relaxation time was approximately 76 m/s. The value of the pressure derivative (dp) in relation to time (dt) dp/dt measured from the LAV reflux was 1257 mmHg, within the limit considered normal for canines. Four months after the diagnosis, the patient died due to complications of chronic renal failure.Discussion: Despite being a commonly diagnosed pathology in domestic canids, the myxomatous degeneration of atrioventricular valves is still little reported in wild canids. The evaluation of the results showed that although there was severe LAV regurgitation, there was no hypertrophy or compensatory dilation of the left cavities. However, there was a compensatory increase in the shortening fraction together with the ventricular relaxation deficit. The diagnosis of this condition in Cerdocyon thous demonstrates that the pathology can affect animals of advanced age and that its incidence needs to be determined in these captive species, in order to understand the real impact of this disease in these populations. Keywords: cardiopathies, cardiac valve disease, degenerative disease, cardiological parameters, wild dog. Título: Degeneração mixomatosa das válvulas atrioventriculares em cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous) - diagnóstico ecocardiográfico Descritores: cardiopatias, doença valvular cardíaca, doença degenerativa, parâmetros cardiológicos, canídeo selvagem.

Factors affecting searcher efficiency and scavenger removal of bat carcasses in Neotropical wind facilities

AbstractBat fatalities at wind facilities have been reported worldwide, and environmental impact assessments depend on searches for carcasses around wind turbines to quantify impacts. Some of the carcasses may go undetected by search teams or be removed by scavengers during search intervals, so these biases must be evaluated and taken into account in fatality estimation. We investigated the influence of different factors on searcher efficiency and scavenger removal in a dry forest area in northeastern Brazil, one of the regions with the highest density of wind turbines in the Neotropics. We conducted searcher efficiency and scavenger removal trials around 34 wind turbines from January 2017 to January 2018. Searcher efficiency was influenced by cover type, season, and carcass size, ranging between 12% for small bats in shrub vegetation during the rainy season and 96% for large bats in absent or sparse vegetation during the dry season. Carcass type and season affected scavenger removal; carcass persistence time was shorter for chicks (1.2 days) than for bats and mice (2.1 days), and the probability of a carcass persisting for a whole day was higher in the rainy season, while the probability of carcass persistence for 7, 14, and 28 days was higher in the dry season. The scavenger community was composed of canids, birds of prey, and insects, with systematic removal of carcasses by the crab‐eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) throughout the year and by dung beetles in the rainy season. Based on our findings, impact assessments of wind facilities on bats should conduct searcher efficiency trials in all seasons and cover types around wind turbines, using bat carcasses or models of different sizes. Scavenger removal trials should cover all seasons as well, and use mouse carcasses (but not chick carcasses) as surrogates for bats.

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.

Normal echocardiographic and radiographic reference values for crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) anesthetized with ketamine and midazolam.

The cardiac evaluation of wild animals is still a wide and largely unknown field for several species. Therefore, through complimentary examinations such as radiography, echocardiography and serum troponin levels, this study aimed at describing the values observed in 12 crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) anesthetized with a combination of intramuscular ketamine and midazolam. Thus, through complementary exams such as radiography, echocardiography and serum troponin levels, the aim of this study was to describe the cardiac values in 12 wild foxes (C. thous) anesthetized with an intramuscular injection of ketamine and midazolam. After anaesthetization, the radiographic, echocardiographic and immunoenzymatic reference values for the 12 males in the sample group were determined. Compared with those in domestic canids, there was a decrease in the sizes of the septum, wall and left ventricular cavity as well as decreases in the transmitral blood flow velocity indices, correlated with preserved serum cardiac troponin (cTnI) levels. Thus, M-mode echocardiography proved to be safer, with results that were comparative to those for other species of wild canids with indexed values. In addition, when evaluating the systolic function and segmentary contractions, the anesthetic combination did not have any effects on the results of complementary examinations performed in crab-eating foxes (C. thous) included in this study.

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.

Reproductive parameters of male crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) subjected to pharmacological semen collection by urethral catheterization

The crab-eating fox inhabits all Brazilian biomes, but little is known about its in situ reproduction. The objective of this study was to assess the pharmacological semen collection by urethral catheterization in crab-eating foxes. In addition, we compare seminal and reproductive biometric parameters between juveniles and adults, as well as between the breeding season (June to September) and the non-breeding season (October to May). For this study, free-living crab-eating foxes (individuals n = 8; adult = 6 and juvenile = 2; capture events N = 10) were captured in the Pantanal using Tomahawk traps. Biometric parameters, such as testis volume, differed between juveniles and adults, but there was no difference when comparing adults across seasons. All eight attempts to collect semen from adults were successful, but attempts to collect from juveniles were unsuccessful. The average semen volume (±SD) was 39.13 ± 21.98 µL, with motility averaging 40 ± 29.01 % and vigor of 2.57 ± 0.79. The sperm concentration was 277.57 ± 298.74 × 106 sperm/mL, and the percentage of morphologically normal sperm was 50.1 ± 14.7 on average. Significant increases were observed in sperm motility, concentration, and the proportion of sperm with normal morphology during the breeding season. It is the first time that pharmacological collection has been performed on the species and the first time that semen has been collected from free-living C. thous. The results suggest that male crab-eating foxes exhibit temporal variation in seminal quality, providing additional evidence that this species is a seasonal breeder.

Predation of Boa constrictor (Boidae) by Cerdocyon thous (Canidae) in Caatinga in Brazil

Predation of Boa constrictor (Boidae) by Cerdocyon thous (Canidae) in Caatinga in Brazil

WILDLIFE ROADKILL IN THE SURROUNDINGS OF EMAS NATIONAL PARK, CERRADO BIOME, BRAZIL

Roadkill is a serious threat to biodiversity conservation especially when roads are near natural habitats of wildlife, such as the Emas National Park (ENP), a Protected Area in Mid-west Brazil in the Cerrado Biome. We aimed to identify the species killed on a stretch of the GO-341 highway that is tangent to the ENP. We investigated if roadkills were influenced by seasonality, sugar cane harvest and by the activity pattern of the animals (diurnal/nocturnal). We also analyzed if roadkills were aggregated in space, where the roadkill hotspots were located, if they were influenced by seasonality, and if they were different for the most abundant species. The highway was monitored with a vehicle, in the morning, at a speed of 40 to 60 km/hour, daily, with two observers. We covered a total of 4,230 km during the 90-day monitoring period, which included dry and rainy seasons. We recorded 132 wild animals’ roadkills: 67 birds (51 %), 60 mammals (45 %) and 5 reptiles (4 %). We identified 22 vertebrate species, including 13 birds, six mammals and three reptiles. The roadkill rate was 0.03 animals/km/day. During the dry season, the blue-and-yellow macaw (Ara ararauna) had higher roadkill rates. The crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) was the only species with higher roadkill rates during the sugarcane harvest. Most birds killed had diurnal habits, for mammals, no difference was observed concerning the activity pattern. Bird roadkills were aggregated considering the entire data set, as well as for the dry and rainy seasons separately. Mammal roadkills were aggregated only when considering the entire data set. The location of bird roadkill hotspots differed between seasons. The roadkill hotspot location of birds and mammals highly overlapped those observed for the two most abundant species of these taxa, respectively, Ara ararauna and Euphractus sexcinctus.

A Novel Terrestrial Rabies Virus Lineage Occurring in South America: Origin, Diversification, and Evidence of Contact between Wild and Domestic Cycles.

The rabies virus (RABV) is characterized by a history dominated by host shifts within and among bats and carnivores. One of the main outcomes of long-term RABV maintenance in dogs was the establishment of variants in a wide variety of mesocarnivores. In this study, we present the most comprehensive phylogenetic and phylogeographic analysis, contributing to a better understanding of the origins, diversification, and the role of different host species in the evolution and diffusion of a dog-related variant endemic of South America. A total of 237 complete Nucleoprotein gene sequences were studied, corresponding to wild and domestic species, performing selection analyses, ancestral states reconstructions, and recombination analyses. This variant originated in Brazil and disseminated through Argentina and Paraguay, where a previously unknown lineage was found. A single host shift was identified in the phylogeny, from dog to the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) in the Northeast of Brazil. Although this process occurred in a background of purifying selection, there is evidence of adaptive evolution -or selection of sub-consensus sequences- in internal branches after the host shift. The interaction of domestic and wild cycles persisted after host switching, as revealed by spillover and putative recombination events.

New insights on severe clinical manifestations and deaths from visceral leishmaniasis in free-living crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) in Brazil

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is a zoonotic and severe neglected tropical disease, with worldwide distribution, that still cause many deaths among dogs and humans. Brazil is the country responsible for about 97% of the cases of leishmaniasis in the Americas and the disease is still considered a serious public health concern. Among wild mammalians, studies demonstrate the involvement of Cerdocyon thous in the biological cycle of Leishmania. Nevertheless, several authors consider the clinical manifestation of the disease to be rare or mild in free-living animals. Herein, we demonstrate the occurrence of severe clinical sings and deaths caused by VL in free-living crab-eating foxes. Three specimens of foxes collected from periurban areas were diagnosed with VL. The animals presented cutaneous, ophthalmological, gastrointestinal, locomotor and hematological alterations, and died after clinical progression. We identified the presence of anti-Leishmania antibodies by immunochromatographic test in all specimens. We also observed intra and extracellular amastigotes in skin cytology and lymph node aspirate. Furthermore, Leishmania infantum DNA was identified in all samples by the polymer chain reaction technique. Additionally, we performed blood count and stool parasitological tests and observed hematological disorders common to VL, such as anemia and lymphopenia. Taken together, our data demonstrate that VL can induce clinical complications and even cause death in C. thous and corroborate that this crab-eating fox is an adequate host for L. infantum.

OCORRÊNCIA DO VÍRUS DA RAIVA NA POPULAÇÃO SELVAGEM DE SAGUIS CALLITHRIX GEOFFROYI (HUMBOLDT, 1812) NO SUDESTE DO BRASIL

Background: Zoonosis, which causes acute and lethal encephalitis, is transmitted through the inoculation of the virus present in the saliva of mammals of several species. In Brazil, wild rabies is a challenge for epidemiological surveillance and a significant increase has already been observed in human cases. Some of the main wild reservoirs are: wild dog (Cerdocyon thous), marmosets (Callithrix sp) and hematophagous bats (Desmodus rotundus). Considering cases of positivity in marmosets in the Northeast of Brazil, together with the increasing number of cases in wild animals, this work aimed to survey the occurrence of the virus in a wild population. The animals were necropsied from the tramway ES-060, all of the Callithrix geoffroyi. The material collected for analysis of the rabies virus consisted of brain, which was conditioned and identified for later analysis at the Institute of Agricultural and Forest Defense of Espírito Santo (IDAF). The 44 samples gave negative results. The study suggests that the occurrence of the virus should be investigated in other localities, especially in regions closer to sites that have already been reported cases of rabies, and that the use of trampled animals is feasible for a better understanding of wildlife health.

Comparative analysis of origin and branches of phrenic nerve in the diaphragm of the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) and domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris).

The crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) is a canid widely distributed throughout South America, considered the only representative of the gender. There is a lack of information about anatomical aspects of the species, mainly regarded of nervous system anatomy. For clinical and surgical approaches of these animals, the domestic dog is adopted as anatomophysiological model. So, the aim of the present study was to analyse origin and branches of the phrenic nerve in the diaphragm of crab-eating fox compared to domestic dog. Four specimens of Cerdocyon thous and four of Canis lupus familiaris were used. The phrenic nerve originated from the ventral branches of the fifth (C5), sixth (C6) and seventh (C7) cervical spinal nerves. Phrenic nerves were distributed in the diaphragm as lumbocostal trunk and sternal branch (100%) in the crab-eating fox, and in costosternal trunk and lumbar branch (75%) and lumbocostal trunk and sternal branch (25%) in the domestic dog. In both species, the lumbar branch innervates the diaphragm pillars, the costal branch addresses all costal region, and the sternal branch distributes in the costal ventrolateral region and the sternal part of the diaphragm, to the left and to the right.

Influence of extraordinary floods on wildlife parasites: the case of gastrointestinal helminths and protozoa of wild canids from the Iberá Ecoregion, Argentina.

Parasites are natural components of ecosystems and play a significant role in the dynamics of wild animal populations. Although the environment of parasites is primarily defined by the host, most life cycles involve stages that must endure external conditions. Rainfall and flooding events are important factors that might influence the transport of parasitic stages, altering soil moisture levels, and resulting in a favorable environment for parasite survival and development. We assessed whether an extraordinary flood event modified the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites (nematodes and protozoa) in wild canids in two protected areas in northern Argentina. From 2016 to 2018, we collected fecal samples of two fox species, Lycalopex gymnocercus and Cerdocyon thous, and examined the presence of nematodes and protozoa. We assessed changes in the occurrence of these parasites after a flood event, while adjusting for potential confounders (i.e., monthly average temperature, season, host species, site). In a second stage of the analysis, we evaluated whether part of the effect was caused by changes in soil moisture, by adding normalized difference water index as an independent variable. We found that the presence of nematodes in foxes was higher after flooding than before flooding, and this association was not explained by changes in the soil moisture. On the other hand, the flood event was not relevant for protozoa. Stronger and long-lasting flood events are expected due to the effect of global warming on El Niño events, and this may increase and intensify the spread of some parasites affecting wildlife, which could also be of public health concern.

Molecular Characterization of Spirometra decipiens Complex (Eucestoda: Diphyllobothriidea) from Uruguay

This study used a partial sequence of the mitochondrial cox1 gene for the reconstruction of the interrelationship of the adult and larval stages of Spirometra obtained from Cerdocyon thous, Leopardus munoai, Canis familiaris, Didelphis albiventris and Philodryas patagoniensis in Uruguay. The phylogenetic analysis showed that they were grouped with Spirometra decipiens from the Americas with a high bootstrap support. According to recent studies, American Spirometra species split into two S. decipiens complexes. Our findings strongly suggest that S. decipiens complex 1 is widely distributed in South America, and that wild and domestic canids are definitive hosts. Most of the samples (n = 10) grouped adults and plerocercoids that were retrieved from mammals and reptiles and seem to be the same taxon found in a Lycalopex gymnocercus from Argentina. A second clade was formed with Spirometra sp. found in a L. munoai as well as other wild felids such as a Puma concolor and a Leopardus pardalis (both from Argentina). On the other hand, S. decipiens complex 2 is present in South America and North America. South American clade parasitizes wild (and possibly domestic) felids and reptiles as definitive and intermediate hosts, respectively, whereas the North American clade found in snakes and captive meerkats (acting either as second intermediate or paratenic hosts) has unconfirmed definitive hosts.

MAMÍFEROS DE MÉDIO E GRANDE PORTE NA ÁREA DE PROTEÇÃO AMBIENTAL MUNICIPAL DO RIO VERMELHO EM SANTA CATARINA, SUL DO BRASIL

MEDIUM AND LARGE MAMMALS IN RIO VERMELHO MUNICIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AREA, SANTA CATARINA, SOUTHERN BRAZIL: Most studies on medium and large mammals in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest are carried out in areas under full protection (as parks and biological reserves). Considering the continuing threats that the forest remnants are suffering, it is essential to carry out mammal surveys in protected areas for sustainable use. In order to evaluate the species richness and the relative frequency of medium and large mammals in the área de proteção ambiental municipal do Rio Vermelho – APARV (northern Santa Catarina state), methodologies of direct visualization and camera traps were used. The study was conducted from the beginning of 2015 to the end of 2019. In Santa Catarina state, there is only one study which sampling effort is comparable to the present one (7300 night-trap). Thirty-three native mammal species and two alien species (Canis familiaris and Lepus europaeus) were found. The species accumulation curve tended to stabilize at the beginning of the third year. Three species were responsible for more than half of the photographic records (Cerdocyon thous, Eira barbara and Procyon cancrivorus). In total, 33.3% of the species are classified in some category of threat, and three of these species are among the less recorded in Santa Catarina state (Tayassu pecari, Tapirus terrestris and Mazama nana). Our survey added 18 new occurrences to the APARV management plan. Only two of the 18 mammal surveys carried out previously in the Santa Catarina state recorded more species than our study. This is the second survey which was carried out in protected areas for sustainable use in Santa Catarina state. Our study contributes to the important knowledge that can be used in conservation measures. In this way, the APARV plays a fundamental role for the conservation of the Atlantic Forest mammals, constituting an important area favoring the population movements of mammals.

The geography of diet variation in Neotropical Carnivora

Abstract Mammalian carnivores (order Carnivora) perform important regulatory functions in terrestrial food webs. Building a comprehensive knowledge of the dietary patterns of carnivorans and the factors determining such patterns is essential for improving our understanding of the role of carnivorans in ecosystem functioning. In the Neotropics, there are 64 extant species of terrestrial Carnivora, but information on their trophic ecology is diffuse. We compiled and analysed the available quantitative dietary data for Neotropical carnivorans, aiming to detect patterns of intraspecific and interspecific dietary variation at a large geographical scale. The resulting database encompasses information on trophic interactions of 37 native carnivoran species from six families across 14 countries. There are clear geographical biases towards southern Brazil, Chile, and Argentina, and a noticeable knowledge gap within the Amazon. Also, most studies are focused on canids and felids, especially Puma concolor, Panthera onca, Cerdocyon thous, Leopardus pardalis, and Chrysocyon brachyurus, whereas for 27 native species, we found no quantitative dietary information. Neotropical carnivorans consume species from at least 651 genera of vertebrates, invertebrates, and plants. We found clear species‐specific dietary patterns and marked differences between Neotropical felids and canids. Although predators generally exhibit high levels of consistency in their diets regarding prey body mass, we detected significant intraspecific variation for all species analysed across study sites. Body mass imposes strong constraints on prey use, but biogeographical differences in prey availability and human influence may drive the geographical variation we found. Overall, observed patterns show not only similarities with resource‐use patterns found for carnivorans in other continents, such as nestedness driven by body mass, but also differences, such as high levels of frugivory and consumption of invertebrates by canids. Assessing resource‐use patterns is the first step towards a better understanding of processes underlying the organisation of trophic interactions, and is imperative for addressing impacts of defaunation on ecosystems and for informing conservation efforts.

An Hepatozoon americanum-like protozoan in crab-eating (Cerdocyon thous) and grey pampean (Lycalopex gymnocercus) foxes from Uruguay.

In South America, apicomplexan parasites of the genus Hepatozoon have been sporadically detected in mammals. Previous studies in wild canids from Brazil and Argentina demonstrated infections by species genetically related to Hepatozoon americanum. The aim of the present work was to detect the presence of Hepatozoon in road-killed foxes encountered in Uruguayan highways. Blood samples from 45 crab-eating (Cerdocyon thous) and 32 grey pampean (Lycalopex gymnocercus) foxes were analyzed by PCR for Hepatozoon 18S rRNA gene. Eight foxes (10.4%) were found to be infected with an H. americanum-like protozoan, an Hepatozoon closely related to H. americanum. Bayesian and maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analyses revealed that the sequences obtained in this study cluster with H. americanum from the United States, and with an H. americanum-like species from dog and foxes from Brazil and Argentina. In the Unites States, H. americanum causes severe disease in dogs. In addition to this, an increasing habitat overlap between dogs and foxes makes the presence of H. americanum-like protozoan in foxes acquires veterinary relevance. This work represents the first report of L. gymnocercus infected with an H. americanum-like protozoan, and of wild canids infected with Hepatozoon in Uruguay.