Tapirus Terrestris Research Articles

Ontogenetic skull variation in an Amazonian population of lowland tapir, Tapirus terrestris (Mammalia: Perissodactyla) in the department of Loreto, Peru

ABSTRACT The skulls of 54 specimens of the South American tapir, Tapirus terrestris collected in the department of Loreto, Peru were measured, analyzed and compared to investigate skull development of this species. Univariate, multivariate and allometric analyses were performed using 32 skull variables through traditional morphometrics. Significant skull shape variation was detected among ontogenetic classes. Young individuals (class I, n = 22) showed higher variation than subadults and adults (class II, n = 23 and class III, n = 9), without evidence of sexual dimorphism (males = 35, females = 19). Principal component analyses and discriminant function analysis showed almost complete separation of the age classes. Allometric analysis indicated a tendency of unproportioned cranial growth. All our samples come from the same population living under the same ecological condition, which eliminates the effect of confounding variables related to habitat on the pattern of ontogenetic variation of this anatomical structure.

Panthera onca (Linnaeus, 1758) from the late Pleistocene of Brazilian Intertropical Region: taxonomy, habitat, isotopic diet composition, and isotopic niche overlap with extinct faunivores

This paper focuses in the description, radiocarbon dating and isotopic analyses (δ13C, δ18O) of new fossils of Panthera onca from the late Pleistocene of the Brazilian Intertropical Region. This paper focuses on the paleoecology of this large cat and is of major importance to understand ecological niches in evolutionary time. Radiocarbon datings and stable isotope compositions (carbon and oxygen) were determined from the structural carbonate of enamel for two fossils of Panthera onca found in two caves in Bahia, Brazil. Isotopic data available of large faunivores and other extinct and extant herbivorous taxa from the late Pleistocene of the Brazilian Intertropical Region were used for paleoecological interpretations. Carbon and oxygen isotopic values from P. onca allow us to suggest that these individuals lived in arboreal savanna habitat between 26 and 33 kyr BP, could reach 209 kg and feed mainly on Nothrotherium maquinense, Tapirus terrestris and Alouatta sp., being a specialist. The isotopic niche overlap with Smilodon populator and Arctotherium wingei was high, while with Protocyon troglodytes was low. In the late Pleistocene P. onca probably suffer high ecological pressure by S. populator, while with A. wingei this could not occur, as this species could be mainly herbivorous.

Roadkills of Lowland Tapir Tapirus terrestris (Mammalia: Perissodactyla: Tapiridae) in one of its last refuges in the Atlantic Forest

Highways limit the movement and dispersion of wild animals and contribute to their loss due to roadkills, leading to the isolation and decline of populations, increasing the risk of local extinction. The Lowland Tapir Tapirus terrestris is the largest neotropical herbivore-frugivore, and despite its wide distribution in South America it is threatened with extinction. In this study we report six roadkill events of tapirs between 2014 and 2019 in a section of a federal highway crossing the mosaic of Atlantic Forest reserves called Sooretama, one of the last tapir refuges in southeastern Brazil. The traffic in this area is heavy with inadequate speed control, while exotic fruit trees growing along the highway attract wild animals. Water drainage tunnels serve as passageways for some species, including tapirs. However, the tunnels located under the highway are not continuously maintained, reducing its effectiveness. The loss of at least one tapir per year can have serious long-term consequences for one of the last viable lowland tapir populations in the entire Atlantic Forest. Emergency measures are required to avoid vehicle-tapir collisions.

Large herbivore-palm interactions modulate the spatial structure of seedling communities and productivity in Neotropical forests

Top-down control by large herbivores is a well-known driver of plant diversity structure and productivity. Yet, for forest ecosystems the sign and magnitude of herbivore control across resource gradients is not well understood. We conducted a series of replicated large herbivore exclusion experiments in defaunated and non-defaunated Atlantic forests of Brazil to evaluate the effects of large herbivores on tropical plant communities. We hypothesized that the top-down impact of large herbivores on seedling recruitment, species richness, diversity and productivity would change across a natural gradient in the density of a key plant resource, the palm Euterpe edulis, which is thought to act as a foundation species. We found both positive (agonistic) and negative (antagonistic) spatially-structured effects of large herbivores on plant communities driven by an interaction between large herbivores and palm density on non-defaunated sites, but not on defaunated sites. Indeed, through its interaction with large herbivores, palm trees were able to regulate the spatial structure of seedling communities. In the non-defaunated forest, the negative impact of large herbivores on plant recruitment and species richness decreased substantially as palms became more abundant and canopy cover decreased. Furthermore, large herbivores caused a 185% increase but a 194% decrease in aboveground seedling productivity in areas of high and low palm density, respectively. In contrast, in the defaunated forest we did not find any consistent large herbivore impacts on plant recruitment or species richness across the gradient of palm density, and herbivore activity consistently had negative effects on seedling productivity. Analyses using camera trap data indicate that white-lipped peccaries (Tayassu peccari) played a key role in modulating recruitment and seedling productivity, while tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) contributed significantly to an increase in plant diversity, hence playing a functionally complementary role. Our results demonstrate that a key interaction between large forest-dwelling tropical herbivores and their palm resource results in landscape-scale modulation of plant communities through positive and negative spatially-structured feedbacks, and support the view that palms might act as foundation species in tropical forests. Anthropogenic pressures posed by defaunation and illegal palm harvesting in the Neotropics might lead to the functional loss of this interaction and the collapse of the spatial structure along palm density gradients, with cascading effects on the dynamics and productivity of tropical forests.

Gastrointestinal parasites in wild and exotic animals from a Zoobotanical Park in Northeast of Brazil

One of the obstacles for ex situ conservation of wild and exotic animals are the diseases that affect them in captivity and, among them, the endoparasitoses, which are very frequent. The objective of this study is to report the occurrence of endoparasites in the fecal samples of animals from the Arruda Câmara Zoobotanical Park, at João Pessoa, Paraiba State, Brazil, as well as to identify significant statistical differences between the percentages of each parasite species found. To this end, 66 fecal samples were obtained from 50 species of animals including mammals, birds, and reptiles. Statistical differences between the percentages of each parasite species were obtained using the binomial test at 5% significance level. A total of 54.5% (36/66) of the fecal samples were positive (p=0.539), among which 80.5% (29/36) presented nematodes, followed by cestodes 19.4% (07/36), protozoans 13.9% (05/36), and mites 16.7% (06/36). This study reports for the first time the association of Balantidium sp. with Tapirus terrestris, Bertiella sp. with Alouatta caraya, Hymenolepis spp., and Aspiculuris spp. as spurious parasites in reptiles; and Entamoeba coli and Eimeria spp. with Iguana iguana in the northeastern part of the country. This study provides knowledge about some of the endoparasites that may occur in zoos in the northeastern region of the country, as well as in expanding the ecological data on wild and exotic animals.

Use of mineral licks by mammals in areas of the Amazonia with no hunting pressure

Mineral licks are areas where several species of animals, including mammals, converge to consume water and soil as a mineral supplement. Certain mammal species are an important source of protein in the diet of indigenous communities. Many of these species are under hunting pressure and their populations have been seriously affected. The purpose of this study was to determine the species of large and medium-sized mammals that use three open mineral licks in the area of the Kichwa Añangu community, within the Yasuní National Park, where hunting used to take place. We calculate the capture frequency for the visiting species and the richness, composition, and similarity of the assemblages recorded in the mineral licks during two climatic seasons of the year (higher rainfall vs. lower rainfall). We installed a single camera trap station (CTS) at each mineral lick during three sampling periods in 2018. In each period, all cameras operated 24 hours a day for 30 to 40 days and were set to capture three photographs upon sensor activation, with 60-second intervals between consecutive activations. With a total sampling effort of 249 days/trap, we obtained 645 photographs and 398 grouped records of 16 species. We recorded 95.2 % of the expected richness according to the Chao1 estimator (S = 16.8). The species with the highest capture frequency were: Mazama zamora (FC = 62.2), Tayassu pecari (FC = 35.7), Tapirus terrestris (FC = 28.9), and Pecari tajacu (FC = 8.0). ECT-1 and ECT-2 captured 11 species each, and ECT-3 captured nine species. There were no significant differences in the species composition between the three mineral licks or between climatic seasons. Our results show that the focal mineral licks studied attract a rich mammalian fauna, which likely points to the success of the government regulation of wildlife trafficking and the application of sustainable tourism practices in the Añangu community.

TREATMENT OF MYCOBACTERIOSIS CAUSED BY MYCOBACTERIUM AVIUM SSP. HOMINISSUIS IN A GROUP OF CAPTIVE LOWLAND TAPIRS (TAPIRUS TERRESTRIS)

Tapirs are a taxonomic group with a high susceptibility to mycobacterial diseases. However, successful therapy has only been documented sporadically. Here treatment of mycobacteriosis diagnosed in three, one male and two female, lowland tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) in a zoo in Germany is reported. Two of the animals showed chronic mild respiratory signs, and conventional therapy did not improve the condition. Culture of broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) samples was positive for Mycobacterium avium ssp. hominissuis. Upon airway endoscopy, bronchial edema and increased mucus production were visible. Initially, all three infected tapirs received oral antimycobacterial therapy consisting of 5 mg/kg body weight isoniazid, 10 mg/kg rifampicin, and 10 mg/kg clarithromycin q24h. Based on therapeutic drug level monitoring, the doses of rifampicin were adjusted to 12 and 15 mg/kg in the females and the male, respectively. The treatment with all three drugs was continued for 11 mon. Six months into treatment, the clinical condition resolved, and repeated BAL samples of all three tapirs tested negative for mycobacteria by culture. Here the approach for a treatment protocol with minimal side effects suitable to control infections with nontuberculous mycobacteria in lowland tapirs is reported.

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.

Albinism in lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris)

Here we report the encounter of an albino lowland tapir in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. On November 23rd 2020, a female albino calf was found within the buffer zone of Jurupará State Park, in the city of Piedade, São Paulo State, Brazil. The orphaned female tapir was rescued and brought to Parque Zoológico Municipal Quinzinho de Barros. Albino tapirs have been reported in another forest, Legado das Águas Reserve, about 20 km from this calf was rescued. Thus, this new record of albino tapir highlights the importance of preserving and maintaining connectivity among the conservation units in that region.

Albinism in lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris)

Here we report the encounter of an albino lowland tapir in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. On November 23rd 2020, a female albino calf was found within the buffer zone of Jurupará State Park, in the city of Piedade, São Paulo State, Brazil. The orphaned female tapir was rescued and brought to Parque Zoológico Municipal Quinzinho de Barros. Albino tapirs have been reported in another forest, Legado das Águas Reserve, about 20 km from this calf was rescued. Thus, this new record of albino tapir highlights the importance of preserving and maintaining connectivity among the conservation units in that region.

Enhancing monitoring of rewilding progress through wildlife tracking and remote sensing.

Defaunation is a global threat to biodiversity that can be counteracted through trophic rewilding, a restoration strategy that promotes self-regulating ecosystems through active reintroductions or passive management. In order to estimate success in restoration initiatives, progress of the rewilding projects is measured and monitored. However, a spatially explicit understanding of rewilding and rewilding potential in a rewilding site has been absent so far. We present a novel approach for monitoring rewilding progress that focuses on a spatially explicit estimate of progress and ecological integrity within rewilding initiatives. This framework uses habitat classification of the site and tracking data of the reintroduced animals, to model their habitat selection. Through this we measure and map realized and potential rewilding. We operationalize the framework in an ongoing rewilding project in the Iberá Wetlands, Corrientes, Argentina. The majority of areas (76%) predicted to be occupied by reintroduced fauna were only predicted to be selected by one species. Of the four species in the rewilding project, only the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) filled the majority of its potential distribution, whereas pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus), collared peccary (Pecari tajacu) and lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) filled less than 23% of theirs. After rewilding we found a 10% increase in the proportion of the study area with high ecological integrity. Through this case study, we showed that this framework can be used to assess the spatial progress of a rewilding site. By incorporating wildlife tracking and satellite-based remote sensing, we are integrating a spatial component to monitoring of rewilding projects that should lead to more detailed understanding of the progress of rewilding. Applying this framework would facilitate decision-making for practitioners and inform species management plans.

Shifting cultivation and hunting across the savanna-forest mosaic in the Gran Sabana, Venezuela: facing changes.

BackgroundHuman encroachment and overexploitation of natural resources in the Neotropics is constantly increasing. Indigenous communities all across the Amazon, are trapped between a population rise and a hot debate about the sustainability of hunting rates. The Garden Hunting hypothesis states that shifting cultivation schemes (conucos) used by Amazon indigenous communities may generate favorable conditions, increasing abundance of small and medium wildlife species close to the ‘gardens’ providing game for indigenous hunters.MethodsHere, we combined camera trap surveys and spatially explicit interview dataset on Pemón indigenous hunting scope and occurrence in a mosaic of savanna and forest in the Gran Sabana, Venezuela to evaluate to what extent the wildlife resource use corresponds to Garden Hunting hypothesis. We applied the Royle–Nichols model and binomial regression in order to: (1) assess whether abundance of small and medium wildlife species is higher close to conucos and (2) evaluate whether hunters select hunting localities based on accessibility to wildlife resources (closeness to conuco) more than wildlife abundance.ResultsWe find mixed evidence supporting the Garden Hunting hypothesis predictions. Abundance of small and medium species was high close to conucos but the pattern was not statistically significant for most of them. Pemón seem to hunt in locations dominated by forest, where species abundance was predicted to be higher, than in close vicinity to conucos. Hunting scope was focused on the most abundant species located close to the conuco (Cuniculus paca), but also in less abundant and unavailable species (Crax alector, Tapirus terrestris and Odocoileus virginianus).ConclusionsOur research provided the first attempt of a systematic sampling survey in the Gran Sabana, generating a quantitative dataset that not only describes the current pattern of wildlife abundance, but sets the base-line to monitor temporal and spatial change in this region of highland Amazon. We discuss the applicability of the estimates generated as a baseline as well as, environmental challenges imposed by economic, social and cultural changes such as mining encroachment for wildlife management.

Impact of ecotourism on abundance, diversity and activity patterns of medium-large terrestrial mammals at Brownsberg Nature Park, Suriname.

The impacts of ecotourism on biodiversity are poorly understood and the outcome of this type of research is often contradictory. On the one hand ecotourism could impact the occurrence, survival or behavior of species, on the other hand ecotourism is often mentioned as providing a "human shield" by deterring negative practices like gold mining, logging and hunting. Brownsberg Nature Park is easily the most visited protected area of Suriname, with a high number of ecotourists visiting from abroad. A four-year study on the impact of ecotourism on medium-large terrestrial mammals was carried out between 2013 and 2016 using 16 camera trap stations. The area has a clear gradient of tourism pressure, with the pressure decreasing further away from the lodging facilities. Evidently, the impacts of human presence on the mammal communities were more significant in the busiest areas. Most species avoided areas with many hikers or switched to a more nocturnal activity pattern. In these areas the impact was not reflected in species numbers, however it was causing a significant decrease in the diversity of mammals. On the other hand, vehicles had little impact on species avoidance or diversity, but did increase nocturnality, even more than hikers. A few species seemed to be "attracted" by hikers and/or traffic. Giant armadillos (Priodontes maximus) and spotted pacas (Cuniculus paca) used the pools in the road created by traffic. Ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), margays (Leopardus wiedii) and red-rumped agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina) seemed to favor human disturbance probably because of predator release. Some of the most impacted species were the jaguar (Panthera onca), puma (Puma concolor) and lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris), all three species with significant contribution to ecosystem balance. Management measures should focus on lowering the number of hikers in popular places and limiting the number of vehicles in recreational areas.

First records of lowland tapir, Tapirus terrestris (Perissodactyla, Tapiridae), outside conservation areas after 30 years, in Santa Catarina, southern Brazil

Intense hunting pressure and habitat loss have significantly reduced populations of the lowland tapir Tapirus terrestris in southern Brazil. Remaining individuals inhabit mainly legally protected areas. Here we report the first records outside of conservation areas in the state of Santa Catarina, over the last 30 years. These records were found during a mammal monitoring program, developed between May 2018 and July 2020. The records provide new evidence of the distribution of the species in Santa Catarina and reinforce the relevance of connectivity between protected areas of the Serra do Mar Ecological Corridor.

Rabies Virus Exposure in Wild Lowland Tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) from Three Brazilian Biomes.

We evaluated the presence of antibodies for rabies virus in 177 serum samples from 125 wild lowland tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) from three different Brazilian biomes. The rapid fluorescent focus inhibition test was performed. No antibody titers suggesting the circulation of the rabies virus in tapir habitat were detected.

Ticks and rickettsial exposure in lowland tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) of three Brazilian biomes

This study evaluated ticks and rickettsial exposure in 220 free-ranging lowland tapirs, Tapirus terrestris, from 2006 to 2018 in selected areas of three major biomes of Brazil – Atlantic Forest, Pantanal, and Cerrado. Overall, a total of 5970 tick specimens representing the following nine species were collected from tapirs: Amblyomma brasiliense, Amblyomma coelebs, Amblyomma dubitatum, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma parvum, Amblyomma sculptum, Amblyomma triste, Haemaphysalis juxtakochi, and Rhipicephalus microplus. Amblyomma sculptum was the most prevalent and abundant tick species in all three biomes; however, mean intensity values for A. sculptum were significantly lower in Atlantic Forest than in the Pantanal or Cerrado, and at the same time, statistically similar among tapirs from Pantanal and Cerrado. Contrastingly, mean intensity values for A. coelebs were significantly higher in the Atlantic Forest than in the other biomes. The remaining tick species were collected in lower numbers, or were exclusive for one biome, e.g., A. brasiliense and H. juxtakochi only in the Atlantic Forest. A total of 177 blood sera (123 individuals plus 54 recaptures) were collected from tapirs and tested for the presence of reactive antibodies to six Rickettsia species by immunofluorescence assay. Overall, 69% (9/13), 49% (62/126), and 66% (25/38) tapir sera from Atlantic Forest, Pantanal and Cerrado, respectively, were seroreactive to at least one Rickettsia species, with no significant difference between the three areas. Although many tapir sera reacted simultaneously to ≥2 Rickettsia species, Rickettsia parkeri elicited highest % seroprevalence and endpoint titers, and was incriminated as the possible agent involved in a homologous reaction in tapirs from the three biomes, where A. ovale was previously found infected by R. parkeri. In fact, seroconversion to R. parkeri was demonstrated in five tapirs that were captured at least twice during the study. This study demonstrated that tapirs were found to be constantly infested by several tick species in the Atlantic Forest, Pantanal and Cerrado biomes; however, the richness of tick infestations was concordant to the tick species known to be established in each biome. Under natural conditions, lowland tapirs were shown to be exposed to tick-borne spotted fever group rickettsiae.

Lowland tapir exposure to pesticides and metals in the Brazilian Cerrado

Abstract Context The Cerrado is a Global Biodiversity Hotspot as well as Brazil’s main frontier for large-scale agriculture and livestock production, making it one of the most threatened biomes in the country. Brazil is one of the biggest consumers of pesticides in the world and allows the use of chemicals that are banned in many other countries due to their adverse health effects in a wide range of species, including humans. Aims This study aimed to assess pesticide and metal exposure of the lowland tapir – a threatened, large herbivorous mammal – to support future studies of the role of these chemicals in tapir health, survivorship, and population viability. Methods Foot pad, proboscis, stomach contents, liver, bone, and nail samples were obtained from tapir carcasses found along highways (n = 87). (i) Atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) was used to detect metals in bone, nail and liver tissue; (ii) gas chromatography – nitrogen phosphorous detector (GC-NPD) to detect organophosphates in liver and skin; and (iii) high performance liquid chromatography – ultraviolet (HPLC-UV) to detect pyrethroids and carbamates in stomach contents. Key results Two carbamates (aldicarb and carbaryl), three organophosphates (diazinon, malathion, and mevinphos), two pyrethroids (deltamethrin and permethrin), and two toxic metals (cadmium and lead) were detected in different tapir tissue samples, some at concentrations high enough to cause adverse health effects. In 90% of roadkill tapirs that were subjected to a full post-mortem examination (n = 25), macroscopic alterations of liver and/or kidney tissue were observed. Conclusions This study provides the first report to date of the detection of pesticides and metals in lowland tapirs. Implications Some of the reported pesticide concentrations exceed environmental safety thresholds. Consequently, results from this study raise concerns over potential adverse health effects in tapirs that could lead to population level impacts, thus requiring further investigation.

Using noninvasive techniques to monitor game species targeted by poaching in Misiones, Argentina

ABSTRACT Misiones, Argentina contains the largest remnant of Upper Paraná Atlantic forest; however, half of it is unprotected. The long-term survival of its biodiversity is threatened by poaching and habitat loss, which eliminate animal populations and decrease genetic variability in species. Noninvasive techniques were used to evaluate the presence of four mammals [white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari), collared peccary (Pecari tajacu), tapir (Tapirus terrestris), and paca (Cuniculus paca)] often targeted by poachers. With detection dogs, 179 scats were collected across intact and modified habitats in the northern-central zones of Misiones. Of the samples collected, 76.5% (n = 137) could be genetically confirmed as one of the three targeted prey: 98 white-lipped peccaries, 13 collared peccaries, and 26 tapirs. A greater proportion of white-lipped peccary and collared peccary samples were associated with heterogeneous landscapes (74.5% and 76.9%, respectively), which contrasts with tapirs that had a higher proportion (76.9%) in native forest. While collared peccaries and tapirs had close association with protected areas (84.6% and 96.2%, respectively), over half (57.1%) of the white-lipped peccary samples were located outside of protected areas. Despite a higher proportion of survey coverage in the central zone (64.0%), the majority (81.8%) of prey samples were in the northern zone. While samples were found across habitats that varied in integrity and degree of protection, the restrictions seen among prey species distributions indicate concern for their long-term survival if the threats imposed by poaching, habitat loss, and human expansion are not controlled, especially in the central zone of Misiones.

Post mortem protozoan hemoparasites detection in wild mammals from Mato Grosso state, Midwestern Brazil.

To a better insight into the epidemiology and genetic diversity of protozoan hemoparasites infections in wild mammals, this study aimed to the post mortem detection of DNA from species of the order Piroplasmida (Babesia sp., Cytauxzoon sp., and Theileria sp.) and suborder Adelorina (Hepatozoon sp.) using polymerase chain reaction based on the 18S rRNA gene followed by genetic sequencing of blood and spleen samples collected from carcasses of 164 free-ranging and captive wild mammals from Mato Grosso state. Among them, one Leopardus pardalis, three Panthera onca, two Puma concolor were positive for Cytauxzoon sp., and six Tapirus terrestris tested positive for Piroplasmida, while one L. pardalis was positive for Hepatozoon sp. Furthermore, an uncharacterized piroplasmid genetically related to Theileria sp. previously detected in cats from Brazil was described in lowland tapirs. Despite the controversy regarding the epidemiological threat of these protozoa, the detection of these tick-borne agents in wild free-living and captive mammals, even when asymptomatic, demonstrates the importance of monitoring, particularly in hotspots such as the state of Mato Grosso, to verify the circulation and genetic diversity, to anticipate the possible emergence of diseases, and even their consequences to other animals as well as humans.

Checklist of large and medium-bodied mammals from four areas of Tocantins state, Central Brazil

The state of Tocantins is located in Central Brazil. The northern extreme of this state corresponds to the southeastern portion of the Amazon biome, while it is covered primarily by Cerrado savanna, as well as the transition area between these two biomes. We provide a checklist of large- and medium-bodied mammals from four localities in Tocantins, update the list of species for the state, and compile the available information on their geographic distribution. We surveyed mammals at four sites during different periods (between 2010 and 2018), using camera traps and opportunistic observations. In spite of the differences in the sampling effort among the sites, we recorded 42 mammal species belonging to eight orders and 20 families. Our list includes rare and threatened species, such as the jaguar (Panthera onca), the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), and the lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris). One species (Galictis cuja) was recorded in the state for the first time and the known range distribution of two others (Speothos venaticus and Alouatta caraya) was updated.