Conepatus Semistriatus Research Articles

Black and white but not a crosswalk: land use and roadkill impact the survival of the striped hog-nosed skunk (Conepatus semistriatus) in a Neotropical hotspot

ABSTRACT Roadkill, the result of collisions between vehicles and wildlife, is becoming one of the most important conservation issues. This is especially evident in regions such as the Cerrado savannas which are under strong land use conversion, forcing animals to move more through the landscape and thus increasing exposure to roadkill. Herein, we assess the temporal and spatial patterns of roadkill of the striped hog-nosed skunk (Conepatus semistriatus) as well as its interaction with surrounding land use in the Brazilian Cerrado. To do so, we sampled BR-050, a nationally-important highway, for roadkilled C. semistriatus between 2015 and 2020 and used location and date to identify temporal and spatial patterns of roadkill. Furthermore, we assessed whether different land uses affected wildlife-vehicle collisions using a random forest model. We recorded 672 roadkilled individuals of C. semistriatus, and detected both monthly and yearly temporal hotspots as well as spatial hotspots. These hotspots were significantly surrounded by soy, which along with savannas and crops were the most impactful land uses. Since conservation practitioners need to know when and where there are higher risks of wildlife-vehicle collision, our results are essential for the conservation of C. semistriatus in the Cerrado by incorporating land use into roadkill.

Perception, preference and hunting strategies of mammals in a rural community in the semi-arid region of Northeastern Brazil

The goal of this study was to characterize the hunting of mammals in a rural community in the Northeast of Brazil affected by the largest hydro project in the country. We used semi-structured questionnaires, free lists and visual stimuli to estimate the perceived abundance of species, which are prioritized for hunting, selection criteria and methods used in collection. 23 species were perceived as occurring in the region, which have potential for hunting. Of these, nine were prioritized for hunting Conepatus semistriatus, Euphractus sexcinctus and e Dasypus novemcinctus species with greater cultural prominence. The averages of perceived abundance of the species ranged from 1.1 a 3,8. Meat flavor was the main prioritization criterion at the time of hunting. Nine methods are used in hunting, which can be combined between, as well as used in more than one species. The recent scenario of environmental modification with the creation of perennial water sources may be promoting changes in the local hunting pattern. However, new research must be carried out to understand how the permanent availability of water will contribute to changes in socioecological systems in the Brazilian semi-arid region.

Wild mammals involved in the transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi and food sources of Triatoma sherlocki in an endemic region of northeastern Brazil.

The present study, carried out in the municipality of Gentio do Ouro, Bahia, Brazil aimed to evaluate which wild mammals may be involved in the transmission of T. cruzi and which are the blood sources for triatomines collected in the study area. PCR analysis of 31 wild mammals captured revealed T. cruzi infection in 6.4% (2/31): one specimen of the opossum Didelphis albiventris (1/3) and one of the rodent Kerodon rupestris (1/5); despite being more frequent in the area, no specimen of the rodent Thrichomys sp. (0/23) was infected. A total of 169 triatomines were captured. The conclusive detection of food sources was possible only for Triatoma sherlocki Papa et al., 2002 (n=56), with evidence for: K. rupestris (35.7%), Gallus (17.9%), D. albiventris (14.3%), Homo sapiens (14.3%), Tropidurus hispidus (7.1%), Leopardus geoffroyi (5.3%), Conepatus semistriatus (1.8%), Thrichomys inermis (1.8%) and Rattus norvegicus (1.8%). Triatomines of the species T. sherlocki showed food eclecticism, including feeding on humans, with some of them being captured at dwellings. These facts make this triatomine a potential link for the transmission of T. cruzi between wild and anthropic environments, highlighting a latent risk of the reemergence of Chagas disease outbreaks.

Flexible habitat use and range extension by the striped hog-nosed skunk (Conepatus semistriatus) in Brazil

We present evidence of plasticity in habitat use and range extension of the striped hog-nosed skunk (Conepatus semistriatus) in Brazil. We first compiled literature records of C. semistriatus across its known distribution (N = 390), added new records from primary data (N = 10), and compared the main landscape composition (forest, savannah, grassland, agriculture) among these occurrence sites (N = 400). We unveil that landscape composition among occurrence sites varied widely within and among biomes in Brazil (Caatinga, Cerrado and Atlantic Forest), indicating C. semistriatus presence from dense forested habitats to grasslands and anthropogenic areas (especially agricultural landscapes). Almost 30% of the occurrence records of C. semistriatus are outside of the species known distribution, including records in ecotones between Cerrado-Amazonia biomes, extending its occurrence area in 449,118 km2. We conclude that habitat modification is a driver for the occurrence of C. semistriatus in dense forested habitats, facilitating its distribution expansion to previously unexpected areas.

Clavicle in Carnivorans: A Forgotten Bone.

The clavicle is a bone whose development is related to the versatility of the thoracic limbs in mammals. Studies with vestigial structures are scarce and controversial, especially in the order Carnivora. The objective of this study was to verify the presence and to investigate the shape and constitution of the clavicle in neotropical carnivores. In order to do this, 108 cadavers of 19 different species were collected dead on highways and were analyzed. The clavicles were submitted to dissections, longitudinal length measurements, radiographs, histological sections and, in some cases, diaphanization. Sixteen of the 19 species had clavicles in both sides, being significantly larger (P < 0.05) and distinctly more radiopaque in the felids than in the other families. There were no macro or microscopic evidence of clavicle in the specimens of Nasua nasua (n = 6), Conepatus semistriatus (n = 2), and Conepatus chinga (n = 1). The clavicle of the males of Lycalopex gymnocercus, Galictis cuja, and Leopardus geoffroyi was significantly larger (P < 0.05). The predominating contour of the clavicles was a thin stick with cranial convexity. The histological sections demonstrated compact bone consisting of trabecula and lamellae filled by bone marrow and different levels of occupation by chondroid matrix. It can be proposed the clavicles of the order Carnivora, although vestigial and rarely absent, have their presence, constitution and shape more associated with the phylogenetic proximity and evolutionary history of the species than to the variety of movements the thoracic limbs perform in free-living conditions. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy Anat Rec, 303:1831-1841, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy.

Mammalian carnivore occupancy is inversely related to presence of domestic dogs in the high Andes of Ecuador.

Although the Andes have long been occupied by people, habitat loss, fragmentation through deforestation, and other human activities such as introduction of invasive species have increased drastically during the past century. The Ecuadorian Andes are considered a biodiversity hotspot. However, the fauna and threats to the region are poorly studied, and understanding of factors that shape the distribution of species in habitats disturbed by human activities is needed to identify and mitigate region-wide threats to wildlife. We evaluated factors associated with patterns of occurrence of Andean carnivores in landscapes of the northern Ecuadorian Andes, particularly habitat loss, fragmentation, and occupancy of domestic dogs, and determined whether thresholds occurred for these factors beyond which carnivore occurrence declined markedly. Five study areas (each 20 x 20 km) were surveyed with a total effort of 2,800 camera trap nights. Occupancies of four of the eight carnivores known from the region were best predicted by occupancy of domestic dogs rather than measures of habitat loss and fragmentation [Andean fox (Pseudalopex culpaeus), puma (Puma concolor), striped hog-nosed skunk (Conepatus semistriatus), and Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus)]. The two largest carnivores, puma and Andean bear, demonstrated significant threshold responses to the presence of domestic dogs at two sites. Four smaller carnivores were recorded too infrequently to model occupancy, and at least two of these species appear to be in decline. The magnitude of domestic dog impacts on native species in tropical areas like the Ecuadorian Andes currently are not recognized. Results of our study indicate that small and large carnivores are in urgent need of conservation and clearly point to dogs as a significant threat to a broad range of native species.

Abundance of mesocarnivores in two vegetation types in the southeastern region of Mexico

Mesocarnivores play an important ecological role in terrestrial communities. However, there is little information on the abundance of most of these species, which is essential for establishing conservation strategies. The aim of this study was to estimate the population density and temporal variation of species of mesocarnivores in two types of vegetation in southeastern Mexico, and to evaluate the relationship between abundance of each species with vegetation characteristics, human presence, predators, and prey. Using camera traps, we sampled from July 2014–June 2015 and estimated density through the random encounters model, obtaining 640 independent records of 11 species of mesocarnivores. Density in all species did not differ significantly between seasons, although Conepatus semistriatus, Leopardus pardalis, Leopardus wiedii, and Mustela frenata showed significant differences between vegetation types and were present in high densities. We found a positive relationship between abundance of C. semistriatus and Eira barbara with the presence of L. pardalis, but found a negative relationship between E. barbara and human presence. Presence of prey positively affected abundance of L. pardalis and L. wiedii. Density for most mesocarnivores differed from the range known for regions with similar environments. However, estimates for C. semistriatus, E. barbara, M. frenata, and Galictis vittata represent the first approximations of this parameter in Mexico. The high densities that we encountered for some species considered at risk by Mexican law may be due to the good condition of the cloud forest in this region.

Spatiotemporal ecology of the striped hog-nosed skunk Conepatus semistriatus (Carnivora, Mephitidae) in a seasonally dry forest of northeastern Brazil

Many carnivorous mammals have been forced to contract their distribution due to anthropogenic activities that cause fragmentation and loss of their natural habitat. The striped hog-nosed skunk,Conepatus semistriatus, has a marked population disjunction in the Neotropics and one of the largest geographic ranges in the genus. However, there is a huge lack of biological information about this species. The present study aimed at assessing habitat use and activity pattern ofC. semistriatusand at identifying abiotic factors that influence them. The study was carried out in Serra das Almas Natural Reserve in Brazil with camera traps distributed over 40 sampling stations during 26 months, from 2013 to 2015. Environmental seasonality significantly influenced the detectability ofC. semistriatus, as most records were obtained in the dry season. AlthoughC. semistriatuswas more frequently seen in open habitats, this difference in habitat use was not significant. The species was found to be predominantly nocturnal with higher activity in bright nights. In general,C. semistriatusoccupied all habitats of Serra das Almas, with a preference for open areas. In the dry season, habitat use by the species was more restricted, and was influenced mainly by proximity to water sources. The predominantly nocturnal activity is consistent with the literature, and can be influenced by a behavioral response to avoid high diurnal temperatures.

Exposure of Free-Ranging Wild Carnivores and Domestic Dogs to Canine Distemper Virus and Parvovirus in the Cerrado of Central Brazil.

Human population growth around protected areas increases the contact between wild and domestic animals, promoting disease transmission between them. This study investigates the exposure of free-ranging wild carnivores and domestic dogs to canine distemper virus (CDV) and parvovirus in Emas National Park (ENP) in the Cerrado savanna of central Brazil. Serum samples were collected from 169 wild carnivores, including the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous), hoary fox (Pseudalopex vetulus), puma (Puma concolor), ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), pampas cat (Leopardus colocolo), jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi), striped hog-nosed skunk (Conepatus semistriatus) and coati (Nasua nasua), and from 35 domestic dogs living on rural properties bordering ENP. Serological tests showed that 10.6% of wild carnivores (maned wolves, crab-eating foxes and ocelots) and 71.4% of domestic dogs were exposed to CDV, and 56.8% of wild carnivores, including all species sampled except coatis, and 57.1% of domestic dogs were exposed to parvovirus. This report is the first to indicate that the free-ranging pampas cat, jaguarundi and striped hog-nosed skunk are exposed to parvovirus. CDV and parvovirus deserve attention in ENP, and it is extremely important to monitor the health of carnivore populations and perform molecular diagnosis of the viruses to determine the possible involvement of the domestic dog in their transmission.

Altered activity patterns and reduced abundance of native mammals in sites with feral dogs in the high Andes

Negative impacts of some introduced carnivores like feral cats are well documented, widespread, and significant. Comparatively, the effects of feral dogs (individuals that are not associated with people or human settlements) on native wildlife are poorly known, even though feral dogs occur worldwide. We assessed the density of feral dogs and compared relative abundance, activity patterns and habitat use of 10 species of mammals in areas with and without feral dogs in Cayambe-Coca National Park in the northern Ecuadorian Andes using line transect surveys, camera traps, and track and sign surveys. In areas where feral dogs were present, four native mammals were absent: mountain coati (Nasuella olivacea), mountain paca (Cuniculus taczanowskii), long-tailed weasel (Mustela frenata), and northern pudu (Pudu mephistophiles). Relative abundances of six species were lower compared to areas without feral dogs: puma (Puma concolor), Andean fox (Lycalopex culpaeus), Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus), striped hog-nosed skunk (Conepatus semistriatus), mountain tapir (Tapirus pinchaque), and little red brocket deer (Mazama rufina). Three species significantly altered activity patterns where feral dogs were present (Andean bear, mountain tapir, and little red brocket deer). In contrast, none of the native mammal species exhibited shifts in habitat use in areas with feral dogs. Dogs used all habitat types according to availability. Our results point to feral dogs as a significant problem for the native mammal community of this Andean region, and highlight the need to consider feral dogs as a potential threat to wildlife in other regions where anthropogenic effects appear to be low but feral dogs are present, particularly natural areas that contain endangered and endemic species.

Detection of Rickettsia bellii and Rickettsia amblyommii in Amblyomma longirostre (Acari: Ixodidae) from Bahia state, Northeast Brazil.

Studies investigating rickettsial infections in ticks parasitizing wild animals in the Northeast region of Brazil have been confined to the detection of Rickettsia amblyommii in immature stages of Amblyomma longirostre collected from birds in the state of Bahia, and in immatures and females of Amblyomma auriculariumcollected from the striped hog-nosed skunk (Conepatus semistriatus) and armadillos (Euphractus sexcinctus) in the state of Pernambuco. The current study extends the distribution of R. amblyommii (strain Aranha), which was detected in A. longirostre collected from the thin-spined porcupine Chaetomys subspinosus and the hairy dwarf porcupine Coendou insidiosus. In addition, we report the first detection of Rickettsia bellii in adults of A. longirostre collected from C. insidiosus in the state of Bahia.

Non-volant mammals in a protected area on the Central Andes of Colombia: new records for the Caldas department and the Chinchiná River basin

The Chinchiná River basin is located on the western slope of the Colombian Central Andes. This basin provides ecosystem services such as water provision for &gt;500,000 people, but has suffered considerable ecosystem degradation, and the information on its biodiversity is limited. We inventoried the non-volant mammals in the Caldas’ Central Hydroelectric (CHEC) Reserve in the Chinchiná River basin, in the Caldas department. We detected 18 species of mammals, present the first record of Puma yagouaroundi for the high Chinchiná River basin, the first record of Leopardus wi­edii for the basin and a new altitudinal record of this felid for the Colombian Central Andes, and we also report a melanistic individual of Leopardus tigrinus. We also provide the first record of Conepatus semistriatus for Caldas department. We highlight the importance of preserving forests on the Chinchiná River basin such as the CHEC Reserve, since they made serve to connect Andean forest with paramo areas on the National Natural Park Los Nevados, adding possible habitat for movements of Puma concolor and other mammals.

Primeiro registro de um Mephitidae (Mammalia: Carnivora) naturalmente infectado por parasitos do gênero Physaloptera (Rudolphi, 1918) (Spirurida: Physalopteridae)

Os animais silvestres podem ser considerados reservatorios de especies de varios parasitos. A ocorrencia de determinados agentes parasitarios pode fornecer informacoes importantes sobre a ecologia e o comportamento do hospedeiro e suas relacoes troficas. Dessa forma, este estudo teve por objetivo determinar a fauna parasitaria de animais silvestres do sul de Minas Gerais no periodo de janeiro a dezembro de 2011. Foi realizado um estudo transversal com uma amostra de conveniencia constituida por cadaveres de dois animais atropelados, que foram resgatados de rodovias e transportados para o Laboratorio de Anatomia Animal da Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA). Os exemplares foram inspecionados para verificacao da presenca de ectoparasitos e, em seguida, dissecados para recuperacao do conteudo gastrintestinal e deteccao de helmintos. Nao foram identificados ectoparasitos nos dois animais, ambos da especie Conepatus semistriatus (jaritataca), mas foi identificada a presenca de helmintos do genero Physaloptera no estomago de um especime.

English

Researches on roadkill aggregations are important tools for wildlife conservation. The objective of this study was to determine wild vertebrate roadkill aggregations on a stretch of 96 kilometersof the BR-050 highway, between the cities of Uberlândia and Uberaba, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The survey was conducted between April 2012 and March 2013. Roadkill monitoring was performed by car, at a speed of approximately 60 km/h, and forty two (42) weekly trips, totaling 8064 km, were performed. The 2D Ripley's K-Statistics test from the Siriema v1.1 program was used to detect the scales of roadkill aggregations and 2D HotSpot Identification test was used to identify the location of these hotspots. Aggregations extended from the following kms: 14 to 33, 38, 41 to 51, 66 to 70 and 78 to 94. We found roadkill aggregations for wild vertebrates and mammals. The roadkill aggregations were significant for Euphractus sexcinctus, Conepatus semistriatus, Procyon cancrivorus, Hydrochoerus hydrochoerus, Cariama cristata, Boa constrictor amarali and Crotalus durissus collilineatus according to the taxonomic specific level . Thus, it is suggested that mitigation measures for vertebrate conservation must be implemented in the indicated areas.

Domestic, peridomestic and wild hosts in the transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi in the Caatinga area colonised by Triatoma brasiliensis.

The role played by different mammal species in the maintenance of Trypanosoma cruzi is not constant and varies in time and place. This study aimed to characterise the importance of domestic, wild and peridomestic hosts in the transmission of T. cruzi in Tauá, state of Ceará, Caatinga area, Brazil, with an emphasis on those environments colonised by Triatoma brasiliensis. Direct parasitological examinations were performed on insects and mammals, serologic tests were performed on household and outdoor mammals and multiplex polymerase chain reaction was used on wild mammals. Cytochrome b was used as a food source for wild insects. The serum prevalence in dogs was 38% (20/53), while in pigs it was 6% (2/34). The percentages of the most abundantly infected wild animals were as follows: Thrichomys laurentius 74% (83/112) and Kerodon rupestris 10% (11/112). Of the 749 triatomines collected in the household research, 49.3% (369/749) were positive for T. brasiliensis, while 6.8% were infected with T. cruzi (25/369). In captured animals, T. brasiliensis shares a natural environment with T. laurentius, K. rupestris, Didelphis albiventris, Monodelphis domestica, Galea spixii, Wiedomys pyrrhorhinos, Conepatus semistriatus and Mus musculus. In animals identified via their food source, T. brasiliensis shares a natural environment with G. spixii, K. rupestris, Capra hircus, Gallus gallus, Tropidurus oreadicus and Tupinambis merianae. The high prevalence of T. cruzi in household and peridomiciliar animals reinforces the narrow relationship between the enzootic cycle and humans in environments with T. brasiliensis and characterises it as ubiquitous.

Home range and activity patterns of Conepatus semistriatus (Carnivora, Mephitidae) in Emas National Park, Brazil

Skunks (Mephitidae) have not been well studied throughout the Neotropics. In Brazil there is a general lack of data on the ecology, behavior, distribution, systematics, morphology and biogeographic patterns of the two species occurring in the country (Conepatus semistriatus and C. chinga). The focus of this study was on understanding the home range and activity patterns of C. semistriatus. Field research was conducted in the Emas National Park, where three skunks with radio-collars were located on 157 separate occasions. The observed patterns of activity indicate that the species is predominantly nocturnal, with a great expenditure of time on foraging. Temperature had a direct influence on the animal’s behavior, but there was no apparent influence of light on activity patterns. Average home range areas were 1.39 ± 0.87 km2 (Minimum Convex Polygon method) and 0.69 ± 0.25 km2 (Local Convex Hull method). There was high home range overlap between individuals, 0.27 km2 based on the Minimum Convex Polygon method, at sites with easy access to resources.

Rickettsia amblyommiiInfectingAmblyomma auriculariumTicks in Pernambuco, Northeastern Brazil: Isolation, Transovarial Transmission, and Transstadial Perpetuation

This study investigated rickettsial infection in Amblyomma auricularium ticks from the state of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. An engorged female of A. auricularium collected from a skunk (Conepatus semistriatus) was sent alive to the laboratory, where the female was found through molecular analysis to be infected by Rickettsia amblyommii. This engorged female oviposited, and its offspring was reared through three consecutive generations, always using tick-naïve rabbits to feed the ticks. PCR performed on five egg pools, 10 larvae, 10 nymphs, and 10 adults of each of the three generations always yielded rickettsial DNA, indicating maintenance of rickettsial infection in the ticks by transstadial and transovarial passages. DNA sequences of random PCR products from eggs, larvae, nymphs, and adults were identified as R. amblyommii. All infested rabbits seroconverted to R. amblyommii antigens at the 21(st) day after infestation, indicating that larvae, nymphs, and adults transmitted R. amblyommii through parasitism. However, no infested rabbit presented fever or any clinical alteration during the experimental period. Rickettsiae were successfully isolated from the two A. auricularium females, and the isolates were established in Vero cell culture. Molecular characterization of the isolates confirmed R. amblyommii by sequencing partial gltA, ompA, and ompB genes. From another sample of 15 A. auricularium adult ticks collected from two armadillos (Euphractus sexcinctus), eight (53.3%) were infected by R. amblyommii. This study reports R. amblyommii infecting the tick A. auricularium for the first time. This is also the first report of rickettsia infecting ticks in the northeastern region of Brazil.

Ticks (Acari: Ixodida) parasitizing free-living wild animals in the Caatinga biome in the State of Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil

Abstract Information on ticks from the Caatinga, a semi-arid biome unique to northeastern Brazil, is scarce. The present study reports field data on ticks infesting free-living wild animals in native Caatinga vegetation within the municipalities of Cabrobo, Custodia, Floresta, Ibimirim and Salgueiro, State of Pernambuco, Brazil. During field work from March 2009 to February 2010, a total of 91 ticks were collected from the following animals: Amblyomma rotundatum parasitizing Boa constrictor (tropical American boa); Amblyomma auricularium parasitizing Euphractus sexcintus (yellow armadillo), Galea spixii (Spix yellow-toothed cavy), Thrichomys apereoides (common punare), Monodelphis domestica (gray short-tailed opossum) and Conepatus semistriatus (striped hog-nosed skunk); Amblyomma parvum parasitizing G. spixii and T. apereoides; and Ornithodoros (Alectorobius) sp. parasitizing Wiedomys pyrrhorhinos (red-nosed mouse). We report the first tick infestation in northeastern Brazil on G. spixii and C. semistria...

Polymorphic microsatellite loci from the endangered Giant Otter (Pteronura brasiliensis)

We describe the first microsatellite loci isolated from the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis), an endangered mustelid endemic to South America. Fourteen di- and trinucleotide polymorphic loci were characterised in fourteen individuals from the Pantanal wetlands, Central Brazil. Number of alleles per locus ranged from 2 to 5, and average observed heterozygosity was 0.577. Two loci were in linkage disequilibrium, and one further locus deviated from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, probably due to the presence of null alleles. The transferability of these markers to two other mustelids (Lontra longicaudis and Eira barbara) and to the mephitid Conepatus semistriatus was also evaluated. These loci are useful to study the ecology and evolution of these species.

NUEVO REGISTRO DE CONEPATUS SEMISTRIATUS BODDAERT, 1784 (CARNIVORA: MUSTELIDAE) EN OAXACA, MÉXICO

Oaxaca is one of the most biodiverse regions in México harboring a high number of mammals species. In spite of the large number of mammal inventories conducted in this State, there are still many unexplored areas. We collected a specimen of the skunk Conepatus semistriatus outside of its known distribution range, located at La Fortaleza, Municipio de Santa Maria, Chimalapa. This new record pinpoints the need for continuing conducting biological inventories in regions holding a high biodiversity.