Mustelids Research Articles

First photo evidence of stone marten Martes foina (Erxleben, 1777) in Rolwaling and Lapchi valleys of Gaurishankar Conservation Area, Nepal

Stone marten (Martes foina) is a fascinating, elusive and crepuscular small carnivore mammal belonging to the family Mustelidae. They are widely distributed throughout Europe and in western and central Asia. Little information is available on the distribution pattern and habitat requirement of the species in the Nepal Himalaya. Based on the camera trap study, we reported the first photo evidence of the presence of stone marten in the Lapchi and Rolwaling valleys of the Gaurishankar Conservation Area. This finding has opened new avenues for further ecological research and to investigate human-induced threats to the species in the region.

Morphological features of capsules of trichinella larvae in the muscle tissue of badgers of the Amur region

One of the main reservoirs of the causative agent of trichinosis in the Amur region is the badger, whose meat and fat are used for medicinal purposes or as a delicacy. Data on infection of badgers and the localization of Trichinella larvae in the muscle tissue of badgers are ambiguous. The morphological features of the development of muscle tissue in badgers are associated with lifestyle, which is likely reflected in the localization of Trichinella larvae in certain muscles. The goal is to determine the morphological parameters of capsules of Trichinella larvae in the muscle tissue of badgers in the conditions of the Amur region. The material was the muscle tissue of the skeletal muscles of the head, pectoral, pelvic limbs, muscles of the spinal column and abdominal cavity of badgers, hunted by hunters under licenses in the Amur region.Detection of Trichinella larvae was carried out by compressor trichinoscopy and digestion in individual housing, according to MUK 4.2.2747-10 “Methods of sanitary and parasitological examination of meat and meat products.” For each muscle, the intensity of invasion was determined (personal/gram). Morphological parameters of capsules of Trichinella larvae were determined using an eyepiece micrometer. The capsule shape index was calculated using the formula V=D/L.The most invaded muscles in badgers have been identified and the shape index of capsules of Trichinella larvae has been determined. Areas of natural foci of trichinosis in the Amur region have been identified. In badgers, the most infested Trichinella larvae are the head muscles (mylohyoid muscle, tongue muscle tissue and masticatory muscle), which are preferable to take for diagnosing trichinosis in this animal species.The rounded shape of the capsules of Trichinella larvae (shape index 0.72), characteristic of badgers of the weasel family, was established. The areas of natural foci of trichinosis have been identified - Mikhailovsky, Seryshevsky, Blagoveshchensky, Tambov and Ivanovo administrative districts of the Amur Region. Of particular concern is infection in the southern, most populated areas, where there is a high probability of the transition of trichinosis from natural foci to anthropurgic and synanthropic ones.

Using global remote camera data of a solitary species complex to evaluate the drivers of group formation

The social system of animals involves a complex interplay between physiology, natural history, and the environment. Long relied upon discrete categorizations of "social" and "solitary" inhibit our capacity to understand species and their interactions with the world around them. Here, we use a globally distributed camera trapping dataset to test the drivers of aggregating into groups in a species complex (martens and relatives, family Mustelidae, Order Carnivora) assumed to be obligately solitary. We use a simple quantification, the probability of being detected in a group, that was applied across our globally derived camera trap dataset. Using a series of binomial generalized mixed-effects models applied to a dataset of 16,483 independent detections across 17 countries on four continents we test explicit hypotheses about potential drivers of group formation. We observe a wide range of probabilities of being detected in groups within the solitary model system, with the probability of aggregating in groups varying by more than an order of magnitude. We demonstrate that a species' context-dependent proclivity toward aggregating in groups is underpinned by a range of resource-related factors, primarily the distribution of resources, with increasing patchiness of resources facilitating group formation, as well as interactions between environmental conditions (resource constancy/winter severity) and physiology (energy storage capabilities). The wide variation in propensities to aggregate with conspecifics observed here highlights how continued failure to recognize complexities in the social behaviors of apparently solitary species limits our understanding not only of the individual species but also the causes and consequences of group formation.

The Distribution of Sarcocsytis Species Described by Ungulates-Canids Life Cycle in Intestines of Small Predators of the Family Mustelidae.

Using molecular techniques, we have previously shown that carnivorous mammals of the family Mustelidae might be common definitive hosts for various protozoan Sarcocystis species. In the present study we aimed to unravel whether Sarcocystis species using ungulates as intermediate hosts and canids or felids as definitive hosts can be found in intestine of mustelids. Small intestine samples of 93 individual mustelids of five different species from Lithuania were examined. Sarcocystis species were identified based on species-specific PCR and subsequent cox1 sequencing. Six Sarcocystis species (S. arieticanis, S. bertrami, S. capracanis, S. capreolicanis, S. linearis and S. morae) defined by ungulate-canid life cycle were detected for the first time in small intestines of mustelids. By contrast, the prevalence of Sarcocystis characterised by ungulate-felid life cycle was low (3.2%). Overall, 76% of the examined animals were positive for at least one of the studied Sarcocystis species. Four species, S. arieticanis, S. bertrami, S. capracanis and S. morae were most commonly found, with the detection rate of about 40%. The current finding, in addition to our previous studies, suggests that mustelids play an important role in the spread of various Sarcocystis species.

Влияние доместикации на интерьерные показатели представителей семейства куньих (Mustelidae)

The article examines the impact of domestication and selection of fur-bearing animals on live body weight and the absolute and relative weight of some internal organs of three representatives of the mustelidae family (Mustelidae): mink, ferret and sable. During the work, the parameters of the liver, spleen, heart, lungs and kidneys were studied in females and males of each species. It was established that over the past period of domestication in minks (both females and males), the parameters of the considered internal organs increased manifold (from 1,84 to 2,70 times). In farm ferrets, regardless of gender, enlargement of the studied organs was also noted, but to a lesser extent (from 1,35 to 2,20 times). In farm sables, during cage breeding, the size of the liver (1,6 times in females and 1,1 times in males), heart (1,1 times in females and 1,2 times in males), lungs increased slightly – in females (1,2 times) and kidneys in females and males (1,2 times). The size of the spleen did not change and a decrease in the lungs was noted in males (0,9 times). Thus, it can be stated that in the species of fur-bearing animals under consideration, the process of domestication has an impact to varying degrees: the greatest in American minks and the least in sables.

Body size evolution in otters distinguished from terrestrial mustelids.

Some taxa of mammals live in water, all of which evolved from land-dwelling ancestors. In the family Mustelidae (Mammalia: Carnivora), most species live on land, while otters, comprising the subfamily Lutrinae, inhabit aquatic environments, which include the almost exclusively aquatic sea otters (Enhydra lutris). Thus, the transition from a terrestrial to an aquatic lifestyle has occurred within this family. Despite potentially different selection pressures on body size in aquatic and terrestrial habitats, no divergence in the evolutionary pattern of body size between otters and other mustelids has previously been shown using models of trait evolution on a phylogeny. We applied models that explicitly incorporated lineage-specific directional selection to the evolution of body mass in living mustelids. Using a simulation-based likelihood and approximate Bayesian computation approach, we demonstrated lineage-specific directional selection for larger body mass in otters, which is distinct from other mustelids. There was no evidence of a difference between sea otters and other otters in the strength of directional selection for larger body mass. Additionally, our analyses supported no difference in the rate at which body mass evolves in both directions between otters and other mustelids. These findings suggest that the evolution of body mass in otters is associated with selective advantages of larger size rather than the relaxation of constraints on body size in aquatic habitats, like other aquatic mammals such as sirenians, cetaceans, and pinnipeds.

First Identification and Molecular Characterization of Trichinella britovi (Nematoda: Trichinellidae) from the Pine Marten (Martes martes Linnaeus, 1758) in Romania.

Trichinella spp. are etiological zoonotic agents spread throughout the world and affect mammals, birds, and reptiles; they evolve via two cycles: domestic and sylvatic. Martes martes is a carnivorous nocturnal mammal from the family Mustelidae. In Romania, this host is widespread in all forests of the country. Martes martes has an extremely voracious appetite, feeding on fruit and also on a variety of small animals, including rodents such as mice and rats. The aim of this study was the identification and molecular characterization of Trichinella larvae isolated from the muscle tissue of Martes martes collected in different counties of Romania. The muscle samples were examined via artificial digestion, and the larvae were identified at the species level via multiplex PCR. The presence of larvae belonging to Trichinella britovi, a species frequently identified in wild carnivores in temperate zones, was observed. Although T. britovi has been already reported in several host species in Romania, this is the first time this species has been observed in a Martes martes specimen. This finding contributes to our knowledge about the host species involved in the maintenance of the Trichinella sylvatic cycle in Romania, and it confirms that this parasite is consistently present in the wild fauna of this country.

Special features of helminth fauna of Mustelidae in the Polistovsky National Nature Reserve and development factors

The purpose of the research is to study the species composition of helminths of the Mustelidae family taking into account biotopic and trophic factors in the Polistovsky National Nature Reserve.Materials and methods. Faeces of Mustela putorius, Neovison vison, Lutra lutra and Martes martes were studied to determine a helminth fauna composition in the Mustelidae family and the factors affecting its development. Helminth eggs were detected using coproovoscopy. For detection of nematode eggs in the feces, the Forate sugar solution flotation method was used; for detection of trematode and cestode eggs, the successive washing method was used. Sexually mature nematodes of the genus Eucoleus were obtained from the pine marten by the method of B. V. Romashov. Species diagnostics of helminth eggs was carried out according to determinants, monographic and other works. The morphometric study of eggs was carried out using the Screen Meter computer program with an accuracy of 0.001 mm. The final diagnostics was carried out by comparing eggs from the faeces of predators and eggs from mature helminths. To study the trophic factor in helminth fauna development, the faeces composition was studied.Results and discussion. The studied mustelids were infected by nematodes Eucoleus sp., Eucoleus aerophilus and Capillaria putorii, and trematodes Isthmiophora melis and Opisthorchiidae sp. Helminth eggs were found in 42.3% samples. The helminth eggs prevail in the material from the polecat and American mink (60.5%) over that from the otter (30.5%). Stenobionts, stenophagy and morphophysiology determine a low infection rate in the otter versus the mink and polecat. Mixed coniferous-small-leafed forest shows a richer list of helminths than the marsh. The obtained data evidences limited helminth circulation in high moor. It is not possible to differentiate eggs of E. aerophilus and E. trophimenkovi according to the previously proposed shape index due to the high individual variability of eggs. High moor as a specific biotope reduces biodiversity including helminths.

Lingual morphology ofdomesticated Asian small-clawed otters inYogyakarta, Indonesia.

This study aimed toobserve the lingual morphology ofthe domesticated Asian small-clawed otter, Aonyx cinereus (A.cinereus), from Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Six domesticated A.cinereus adults were obtained from alocal otter breeder inYogyakarta, with noregard tosex. The animals were acclimated tothe laboratory for one day, following this, the animals underwent macroscopy identification and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and light microscopy (LM) analysis. Macroscopically, the tongue ofdomesticated A.cinereus isdivided into three parts: the apex, corpus, and radix. The apex isthe shortest part and can move freely. Amedian groove isbent along the corpus. Typically, the radix contains circumvallate papillae and the epiglottic valleculae. The SEM and LM observations revealed that the lingual morphology ofA.cinereus consisted oftwo types ofpapillae: mechanical papillae (horny filiform, leaf-like filiform, bifid filiform, trifid filiform, elongated leaf-like filiform, triangular filiform and conical papillae) and gustatory papillae (fungiform and circumvallate papillae). The lingual glands consisted ofWeber's glands and von Ebner's glands secreting acid and neutral mucins. Collagen fibres are found inthe lamina propria and muscular layer. Inconclusion, the papillae ofthe Asian short-clawed otter have the same structure asthose ofother Mustelidae family members.

The first genomic resource for the ‘near threatened’ Neotropical otter Lontra longicaudis (Carnivora: Mustelidae): mitochondrial genome characterisation and insights into phylomitogenomic relationships in the family Mustelidae

ABSTRACT The Neotropical otter Lontra longicaudis is a top predator in aquatic ecosystems from North, Central, and South America and is subjected to substantial environmental distress due to historic and contemporary anthropogenic disturbance. Currently, L. longicaudis is considered ‘near threatened’ by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. This study renders the first genomic resource for L. longicaudis; its mitochondrial genome was assembled and characterised in detail. The AT-rich mitochondrial genome of L. longicaudis was 16,436 bp in length and encoded 13 protein coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes, and a 994 bp long putative control region (CR). The heavy use of CTA (Leu), ATA (Met), and ATC (Ile) codons in PCGs contributes to the AT-rich nature of this genome. Out of 22 tRNAs, tRNA-Ser (AGY) (trnS1) lacked a typical ‘cloverleaf’ secondary structure. In the CR, numerous microsatellites and two tandem repeats were detected as well as multiple ‘hairpin’ structures. Ka/Ks values estimated for all but one PCG were < 1, indicating purifying selection in most PCGs. atp8 experienced neutral selection. A phylogenomic analysis based on PCGs confirms the monophyly of the family Mustelidae and also supports the monophyletic status of the subfamilies Guloinae, Helictidinae, Melinae, Mustelinae and Lutrinae; Ictonychinae was found to be polyphyletic. In the Lutrinae, L. longicaudis had an early branching position. The characterisation of a complete mitochondrial genome in the Neotropical otter L. longicaudis constitutes the first step towards supporting conservation efforts using genomic tools in this and other mustelids inhabiting aquatic neotropical environments under considerable contemporary anthropogenic disturbance.

Molecular Identification of Sarcocystis rileyi and Sarcocystis sp. (Closely Related to Sarcocystis wenzeli) in Intestines of Mustelids from Lithuania.

The genus Sarcocystis is a group of numerous protozoan parasites having a two-host life cycle. Based on laboratory experiments and/or phylogenetic analysis results it was shown that seven Sarcocystis spp. producing sarcocsyts in bird tissues are transmitted via predatory placental mammals. To date the role of small mammals of the family Mustelidae in the distribution of avian Sarcocystis spp. have not been studied. During the current investigation, intestinal mucosa scrapings of 115 mustelids belonging to five species were tested for S. albifronsi, S. anasi, S. rileyi, and S. wenzeli infecting anseriforms and chickens. Microscopically, free sporocysts, sporulating oocysts, and loose oocysts were found in 61 samples (53.0%). Using nested PCR targeting the ITS1 region and sequencing, S. rileyi was confirmed in eight American minks, two European polecats and single European badger. Sarcocystis sp. was identified in one American mink and one European pine marten. Based on the partial ITS1 region this parasite showed that 100% identity to pathogenic Sarcocystis sp. caused a fatal infection in backyard chickens from Brazil. Phylogenetically, the Sarcocystis sp. identified in our study was most closely related to S. wenzeli parasitising domestic fowl (Gallus domesticus).

Гистологические особенности ряда органов куньих и их патологические изменения при неэкссудативном перитоните

The article presents the histological features of some organs of weasel family. Also described the pathological changes during nonexudative form of peritonitis of weasel family. The studies were carried out at the Department of General Pathology named after V. M. Koropov of Moscow State Academy of Veterinary Medicine and Biotechnology – MBA named after K. I. Scriabin. The objects of investigation were predatory animals weasel family both healthy and with sings of peritonitis. There are 21 sables, 11 mink cellular content and 15 domestic ferrets. In the study complex methodological approach was used, including classical anatomical preparation, post mortem and histological examination. It has been established, that abdominal wall weasel has three puffs. There are muscle layer, a layer of dense connective tissue and serous membrane. The muscle layer is showing striated muscle tissue with endomysium layers. In the endomysia of muscle febers of abdominal wall of the weasel there are mast cell. Serous membrane is represented by mesothelium, which has typical structure of single – layered squamous epithelium. Large oil seal showing of fat cells with connective tissue layers, including lymphatic capillaries, vessels and nerve trunks. In a large oil seal single mast cell concentrated around the vessels and in the connective tissue of the omentum observed clusters of mast cells. Essential features of the structural organization of the stomach walls and intestinal canal are not found, but revealed a large number of goblet cells in the mucous membrane of the colon and small intestine and mycocytes in mucous membrane of stomach. The liver has a typical structure, lobilarity is weakly expressed. Liver beams are shortned, hepatocytes fit snugly together, sinusoid capillaries are broad. In morphological organization of organs of immune defense weasel significant features are not found. In the spleen was observed a lot of white pulp. In the cortical layer of lymph node was founded a large number of follicles. Thymus has sings age involution. Kidney and lungs weasel has not significant features. Predatory animals weasel family had predominantly nonexudative form of peritonitis. Under the nonexudative peritonitis form was observed sings of acute inflammation of many organs like as system inflammatory response syndrom.

Morphological and molecular comparison of nematodes from the family Ancylostomatidae isolated from selected species of carnivorous mammals in central Poland

The aim of the study was to morphologically and genetically compare parasitic nematodes from the genus Uncinaria found in different hosts. These common parasites belong to hookworm nematodes (family Ancylostomatidae). Worms were collected during dissection of mammals obtained from the Institute of Veterinary Hygiene in Warsaw, where the animals had been tested for rabies. The hosts of the nematodes were European badgers (Meles meles) from the family Mustelidae, as well as red foxes (Vulpes vulpes), dogs (Canis familiaris), and raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) from the family Canidae. The parasites were viewed under a microscope, and identified on the basis of their morphological features characteristic of the species U. stenocephala. Isolated, PCR-amplified, and sequenced rDNA segments containing internal transcribed spacer segments (ITS1 and ITS2) in the gene encoding 5.8S rDNA were also compared. No genetic or morphological differences were found between Uncinaria hookworms obtained from the four different host species. This means that wild raccoon dogs and badgers can be a source and reservoir for the hookworm U. stenocephala that infects dogs.

Detection and sequence analysis of Canine morbillivirus in multiple species of the Mustelidae family

BackgroundCanine morbillivirus (canine distemper virus, CDV) is a member of the Paramyxoviridae family. Canine distemper is a serious viral disease that affects many mammalian species, including members of the Mustelidae family. These animals have an elusive nature, which makes related virological studies extremely challenging. There is a significant knowledge gap about the evolution of their viruses and about the possible effects of these viruses to the population dynamics of the host animals. Spleen and lung tissue samples of 170 road-killed mustelids belonging to six species were collected between 1997 and 2022 throughout Hungary and tested for CDV with real-time RT-PCR.ResultsThree species were positive for viral RNA, 2 out of 64 Steppe polecats (Mustela eversmanii), 1 out of 36 European polecats (Mustela putorius) and 2 out of 36 stone martens (Martes foina); all 18 pine martens (Martes martes), 10 least weasels (Mustela nivalis) and 6 stoats (Mustela erminea) tested negative. The complete CDV genome was sequenced in five samples using pan-genotype CDV-specific, amplicon-based Nanopore sequencing. Based on the phylogenetic analysis, all five viral sequences were grouped to the Europe/South America 1 lineage and the distribution of one sequence among trees indicated recombination of the Hemagglutinin gene. We verified the recombination with SimPlot analysis.ConclusionsThis paper provides the first CDV genome sequences from Steppe polecats and additional complete genomes from European polecats and stone martens. The infected specimens of various species originated from distinct parts of the country over a long time, indicating a wide circulation of CDV among mustelids throughout Hungary. Considering the high virulence of CDV and the presence of the virus in these animals, we highlight the importance of conservation efforts for wild mustelids. In addition, we emphasize the importance of full genomic data acquisition and analysis to better understand the evolution of the virus. Since CDV is prone to recombination, specific genomic segment analyses may provide less representative evolutionary traits than using complete genome sequences.

First complete mitochondrial genome of the Saharan striped polecat (Ictonyx libycus)

The Saharan striped polecat (Ictonyx libycus) is endemic to Africa, inhabiting the edges of the Saharan Desert. Little is known about the biology or genetic status of this member of the weasel family (Mustelidae). We present the first complete mitochondrial genome of the Saharan striped polecat, assembled from data generated using a genome skimming approach. The assembled mitogenome is 16,549 bps in length and consists of 37 genes including 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNAs, 22 tRNAs, an origin of replication, and a control region. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the placement of the Saharan striped polecat within the subfamily Ictonychinae.

Mountain weasel Mustela (Gale) altaica Pallas, 1811 in the Russian Far East

A ubiquitously rare species of the Mustelidae family, the mountain weasel Mustela (Gale) altaica Pallas, 1811, is close in size and body shape to the stoat Mustela (Mustela) erminea Linnaeus, 1758 and the Siberian weasel Mustela (Kolonokus) sibirica Pallas, 1811, which causes difficulties in species identification by non-specialists. However, even taking into account possible errors, data on the mountain weasel hunting indicate a sharp decrease in its abundance and distribution in the Russian Far East in the second half of the 20th century. This is mainly due to the destruction of the species’ habitats and competition with the larger Siberian weasel. Due to these facts, it is proposed to restore the mountain weasel in the Red Data Book of Russia with a rarity status category of 1, as an endangered species.

Impact of the Anthropocene on the status of the world's small carnivores: A global macroecological perspective

AbstractAimThe continued erosion of global biodiversity resulting from Earth's sixth mass extinction event has been particularly pronounced on mammalian carnivores. Here, we evaluated the status of the world's small carnivore species (SCS) (&lt;15 kg), examined their trending status and assessed the threats they face globally and regionally.LocationWorldwide.TaxonSmall carnivore species.MethodsUsing a global 100 km2 grid, we analysed the impact of 12 variables (anthropogenic and landscape) on general small carnivore richness (SCR), threatened species richness and the number of declining SCS. We applied simple, multiple and simultaneous regression models to explore the associations between landscape conditions and human impacts on SCR.ResultsApproximately 22% (n = 49) of SCS are classified as threatened (vulnerable, endangered and critically endangered), with the largest number occurring in the Indo‐Malayan, followed by the Afrotropical regions. The family Mustelidae had the greatest number of threatened species, followed by the Felidae, Viverridae and Eupleridae. Euplerids, however, had the highest proportion of threatened species (90%). Human accessibility had the strongest negative impact on global species richness, whereas landscape modification gradient, indigenous lands and intact forest structure, all predicted higher levels of overall and threatened SCR. Approximately 84% of SCS are threatened by illegal wildlife trafficking, with greatest proportion hailing from the Indo‐Malayan region, followed by the Afrotropical region.ConclusionsLandscape conditions play a leading role in the conservation of SCS. However, the impact of humans has dramatically modified the spatial patterns of small carnivores across the globe. We believe new incentives promoting more sustainable landscapes could facilitate coexistence between carnivores and human communities. We advocate for new policies promoting sustainable practices, which are needed to help mitigate extinction risk and facilitate coexistence with small carnivores across the planet's human‐dominated landscapes.

A global review of the conservation threats and status of mustelids

AbstractThe family Mustelidae is the largest among the order Carnivora. While we know a great deal about certain species, there is still a lack of information about many mustelids.We first investigated the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List species‐level assessments for each mustelid species. Then, we undertook a systematic review of the scientific literature with the aim of identifying the primary threats and subthreats reported, and which species are most studied. Threats are defined by the IUCN as “the proximate human activities or processes that have impacted, are impacting, or may impact the status of the taxon”.We analysed 1003 published articles. For each article, we collected year of publication, geographical zone of each study, species studied, and the threats and subthreats identified.The majority of species (62%) were classified as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, but 31 out of 63 species were found to be declining globally and only two species were increasing. The species studied and location of studies were biased, with 72% of studies undertaken in North America or Europe and focussing on very few species. A high proportion of species distributed predominantly in the tropics were categorised as declining, and threats linked with hunting, fishing, and logging were identified as the most common for mustelids by the IUCN Red List and in the scientific literature. Differences in the proportion of threats affecting each subfamily were also reported.The nature of threats varies in different parts of the world and between species. It is essential to undertake more research with a strong focus towards species in highly biodiverse regions. A greater understanding of threats such as wildlife pet trade, emerging diseases, and climate change must also be central to prevent declines.

Morphology of the male reproductive tract of Eira barbara.

Eira barbara, popularly known as irara, is a medium-sized carnivore member of the Mustelidae family. Despite its important role in the ecosystems in which its lives, data on the internal morphology of E.barbara remains scarce. Therefore, this study aimed to provide knowledge regarding the anatomy of the male reproductive system of this species to improve understanding of its reproduction to inform its conservation. We studied seven specimens who had died after being run over. The specimens were dissected for the evaluation of the reproductive system, which comprised a globular scrotum; a small pendulum covered with light-coloured hair; a pair of testicles of firm consistency and ellipsoid shape and suspended in the scrotum by the spermatic cord; a paired duct system; an ampoule of the deferens duct and prostate constituting the set of attached glands; a urethra divided into pelvic and penile portions; a penis with a baculum having a novel "C" shaped apex; and a prepuce. Microscopically, the testicular parenchyma consisted of seminiferous tubules separated by intertubular spaces formed by loose connective tissue, fibrocytes, Leydig cells, and blood and lymph vessels. The epididymis was surrounded by a capsule of dense connective tissue and extended to form septa. The baculum was microscopically classified as a compact bone containing several bony lamellae with osteocytes and osteoblasts. The macro and microscopic findings were generally similar to those of domestic carnivores, with some notable differences.

The Structure of the Brachial Plexus in Selected Representatives of the Caniformia Suborder.

Simple SummaryThe brachial plexus of animals is an ongoing topic of research interest among the scientific community. Research in this area allows scientists to select model animals for laboratory studies. In this way, the research contributes to the improvement of techniques for performing various procedures, not only on animals but also on humans. The most important information about the brachial plexus is the number of roots that form the plexus, from which roots the individual nerves arise, their course, and the extent of innervation of the individual nerves. In this paper, we have analysed the brachial plexus of five species of animals that commonly live in forests. In the study, we show similarities to the domestic dog but also present the individual anatomical features of the brachial plexus. Our results increase knowledge of the nervous system anatomy of wild animals and provide important information for veterinarians dealing with wild and exotic animal species.Like most structures, the brachial plexus is subject to species variation. Analysing this structure over a wide spectrum of species, we can obtain a complex view of the changes–in a given group of animals. The aim of this study was to describe the brachial plexus anatomy of species from two families of Caniformia. We analysed the brachial plexus structure of five species from two families of Caniformia: Canidae and Mustelidae. The cadavers were obtained from breeders and hunters. All were fixed by being kept in a 10% formaldehyde solution for two weeks. This study allows us to present the similarities as well as the differences between species and families. Our study reveals different trends in the course of the individual nerves and innervations of the thoracic limb. A species-specific feature is the extent of the brachial plexus, as each species has a specific number of ventral branches of the spinal nerves in the brachial plexus. However, a characteristic of the family Mustelidae is the course of the median nerve through the epicondylar foramen. Within the Canidae, two species are characterised by a very long branch for the coracobrachialis muscle. The general conclusion is that the brachial plexus of species belonging to the Caniformia is subject to variation within families and species, as well as individual variation while maintaining a general schematic for the group.