Minimizing the damage: a methodological proposal to remove the brains of anurans and squamates

The brain is one of the most important organs of vertebrates. Over the years, several studies have investigated brain features under different approaches, such as comparative morphology. Although many recent studies use non-invasive methods, such as micro-CT scan, some methods require access to the brain, such as histological analyses and cell count methods. In addition, several researchers do not have access to those expensive devices and rely on the traditional dissection to conduct their studies. Still, for most vertebrates, very few protocols are available for removing the brain, especially those committed to minimizing the damage to the specimen for further examinations. Here we describe in detail a method to dissect the brains of anurans and squamates maintaining the specimen's external morphology as undamaged as possible. This simple method can be performed using few tools and can be achieved in the first trials, representing an incentive for more research on vertebrate's brains. This method contributes to the maximum utilization of each animal collected, a positive practice from both ethical and practical perspectives.(AU)

Occurrence of Amblyomma rotundatum Koch, 1844 on Epicrates assisi Machado, 1945 in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil / Ocorrência de Amblyomma rotundatum Koch, 1844 em Epicrates assisi Machado, 1945 em João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil

The Caatinga rainbow boa (Epicrates assisi Machado, 1945) is a snake belonging to the order Squamata, family Boidae, and subfamily Boinae. It has a wide distribution in Brazil and can be found in the Caatinga biome. The present study aims to report the first occurrence of Amblyomma rotundatum on E. assisi in the municipality of João Pessoa, Paraíba State (PB). On March 3, 2020, a tick collection was performed on the dorsal region of the head of an E. assisi, which was captive at the Arruda Câmara Zoobotanical Park, João Pessoa-PB. After collecting the tick, it was transferred to a flask containing 70º alcohol and sent to the Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid (UFERSA) for analysis. Identification was done with the aid of a stereomicroscope using a taxonomic key. The result identified this specimen as a nymph of A. rotundatum. The occurrence of this tick species on E. assisi is reported for the first time and constitutes new data applicable to the ectoparasites that occur in this host species in Brazil.

A jiboia arco-íris da Caatinga (Epicrates assisi Machado, 1945) é uma serpente pertencente à ordem Squamata, família Boidae, e subfamília Boinae. Esta possui ampla distribuição no Brasil, podendo ser encontrada no bioma Caatinga. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo relatar a primeira ocorrência de Amblyomma rotundatum em E. assisi no Município de João Pessoa, no Estado da Paraíba (PB). No dia 03 de março de 2020, foi realizada uma coleta de carrapato na região dorsal da cabeça de uma E. assisi, que se encontrava cativa no Parque Zoobotânico Arruda Câmara, João Pessoa-PB. Após a coleta do carrapato, este foi transferido para um frasco contendo álcool 70º e encaminhado ao Laboratório de Parasitologia Animal da Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA) para análise. A identificação foi realizada com o auxílio de estere-omicroscópio usando-se chave taxonômica. O resultado identificou o referido espécime como uma ninfa de A. rotundatum. A ocorrência dessa espécie de carrapato em E. assisi é relatada pela primeira vez e constitui um novo dado aplicável aos ecto-parasitos que ocorrem nessa espécie hospedeira no Brasil.

Occurrence of Amblyomma rotundatum Koch, 1844 on Epicrates assisi Machado, 1945 in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil / Ocorrência de Amblyomma rotundatum Koch, 1844 em Epicrates assisi Machado, 1945 em João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brasil

The Caatinga rainbow boa (Epicrates assisi Machado, 1945) is a snake belonging to the order Squamata, family Boidae, and subfamily Boinae. It has a wide distribution in Brazil and can be found in the Caatinga biome. The present study aims to report the first occurrence of Amblyomma rotundatum on E. assisi in the municipality of João Pessoa, Paraíba State (PB). On March 3, 2020, a tick collection was performed on the dorsal region of the head of an E. assisi, which was captive at the Arruda Câmara Zoobotanical Park, João Pessoa-PB. After collecting the tick, it was transferred to a flask containing 70º alcohol and sent to the Laboratory of Animal Parasitology of the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid (UFERSA) for analysis. Identification was done with the aid of a stereomicroscope using a taxonomic key. The result identified this specimen as a nymph of A. rotundatum. The occurrence of this tick species on E. assisi is reported for the first time and constitutes new data applicable to the ectoparasites that occur in this host species in Brazil.(AU)

A jiboia arco-íris da Caatinga (Epicrates assisi Machado, 1945) é uma serpente pertencente à ordem Squamata, família Boidae, e subfamília Boinae. Esta possui ampla distribuição no Brasil, podendo ser encontrada no bioma Caatinga. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo relatar a primeira ocorrência de Amblyomma rotundatum em E. assisi no Município de João Pessoa, no Estado da Paraíba (PB). No dia 03 de março de 2020, foi realizada uma coleta de carrapato na região dorsal da cabeça de uma E. assisi, que se encontrava cativa no Parque Zoobotânico Arruda Câmara, João Pessoa-PB. Após a coleta do carrapato, este foi transferido para um frasco contendo álcool 70º e encaminhado ao Laboratório de Parasitologia Animal da Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA) para análise. A identificação foi realizada com o auxílio de estere-omicroscópio usando-se chave taxonômica. O resultado identificou o referido espécime como uma ninfa de A. rotundatum. A ocorrência dessa espécie de carrapato em E. assisi é relatada pela primeira vez e constitui um novo dado aplicável aos ecto-parasitos que ocorrem nessa espécie hospedeira no Brasil.(AU)

Maintenance of venomous snakes in captivity for venom production at Butantan Institute from 1908 to the present: a scoping history

Maintenance of snakes at Butantan Institute started in the last century, intending to produce a different antivenom serum to reduce death caused by snakebites. Through a successful campaign coordinated by Vital Brazil, farmers sent venomous snakes to Butantan Institute by the railway lines with no cost. From 1908 to 1962, the snakes were kept in an outdoor serpentarium, where venom extraction was performed every 15 days. During this period, the snake average survival was 15 days. In 1963, the snakes were transferred to an adapted building, currently called Laboratory of Herpetology (LH), to be maintained in an intensive system. Although the periodicity of venom extraction remained the same, animal average survival increased to two months. With the severe serum crisis in 1983, the Ministry of Health financed remodeling for the three public antivenom producers, and with this support, the LH could be improved. Air conditioning and exhausting systems were installed in the rooms, besides the settlement of critical hygienic-sanitary managements to increase the welfare of snakes. In the early 1990s, snake survival was ten months. Over the years to the present day, several improvements have been made in the intensive serpentarium, as the establishment of two quarantines, feeding with thawed rodents, an interval of two months between venom extraction routines, and monitoring of snake health through laboratory tests. With these new protocols, average snake survival increased significantly, being eight years for the genus Bothrops, ten years for genus Crotalus and Lachesis, and four years for the genus Micrurus. Aiming the production of venoms of good quality, respect for good management practices is essential for the maintenance of snakes in captivity. New techniques and efficient management must always be sought to improve animal welfare, the quality of the venom produced, and the safety of those working directly with the venomous snakes.(AU)

Maintenance of venomous snakes in captivity for venom production at Butantan Institute from 1908 to the present: a scoping history

Maintenance of snakes at Butantan Institute started in the last century, intending to produce a different antivenom serum to reduce death caused by snakebites. Through a successful campaign coordinated by Vital Brazil, farmers sent venomous snakes to Butantan Institute by the railway lines with no cost. From 1908 to 1962, the snakes were kept in an outdoor serpentarium, where venom extraction was performed every 15 days. During this period, the snake average survival was 15 days. In 1963, the snakes were transferred to an adapted building, currently called Laboratory of Herpetology (LH), to be maintained in an intensive system. Although the periodicity of venom extraction remained the same, animal average survival increased to two months. With the severe serum crisis in 1983, the Ministry of Health financed remodeling for the three public antivenom producers, and with this support, the LH could be improved. Air conditioning and exhausting systems were installed in the rooms, besides the settlement of critical hygienic-sanitary managements to increase the welfare of snakes. In the early 1990s, snake survival was ten months. Over the years to the present day, several improvements have been made in the intensive serpentarium, as the establishment of two quarantines, feeding with thawed rodents, an interval of two months between venom extraction routines, and monitoring of snake health through laboratory tests. With these new protocols, average snake survival increased significantly, being eight years for the genus Bothrops, ten years for genus Crotalus and Lachesis, and four years for the genus Micrurus. Aiming the production of venoms of good quality, respect for good management practices is essential for the maintenance of snakes in captivity. New techniques and efficient management must always be sought to improve animal welfare, the quality of the venom produced, and the safety of those working directly with the venomous snakes.(AU)

Venom complexity of Bothrops atrox (common lancehead) siblings

Variability in snake venoms is a well-studied phenomenon. However, sex-based variation of Bothrops atrox snake venom using siblings is poorly investigated. Bothrops atrox is responsible for the majority of snakebite accidents in the Brazilian Amazon region. Differences in the venom composition of Bothrops genus have been linked to several factors such as ontogeny, geographical distribution, prey preferences and sex. Thus, in the current study, venom samples of Bothrops atrox male and female siblings were analyzed in order to compare their biochemical and biological characteristics. Methods: Venoms were collected from five females and four males born from a snake captured from the wild in São Bento (Maranhão, Brazil), and kept in the Laboratory of Herpetology of Butantan Intitute. The venoms were analyzed individually and as a pool of each gender. The assays consisted in protein quantification, 1-DE, mass spectrometry, proteolytic, phospholipase A2, L-amino acid oxidase activities, minimum coagulant dose upon plasma, minimum hemorrhagic dose and lethal dose 50%. Results: Electrophoretic profiles of male's and female's venom pools were quite similar, with minor sex-based variation. Male venom showed higher LAAO, PLA2 and hemorrhagic activities, while female venom showed higher coagulant activity. On the other hand, the proteolytic activities did not show statistical differences between pools, although some individual variations were observed. Meanwhile, proteomic profile revealed 112 different protein compounds; of which 105 were common proteins of female's and male's venom pools and seven were unique to females. Despite individual variations, lethality of both pools showed similar values. Conclusion: Although differences between female and male venoms were observed, our results show that individual variations are significant even between siblings, highlighting that biological activities of venoms and its composition are influenced by other factors beyond gender.(AU)

Venom complexity of Bothrops atrox (common lancehead) siblings

Variability in snake venoms is a well-studied phenomenon. However, sex-based variation of Bothrops atrox snake venom using siblings is poorly investigated. Bothrops atrox is responsible for the majority of snakebite accidents in the Brazilian Amazon region. Differences in the venom composition of Bothrops genus have been linked to several factors such as ontogeny, geographical distribution, prey preferences and sex. Thus, in the current study, venom samples of Bothrops atrox male and female siblings were analyzed in order to compare their biochemical and biological characteristics. Methods: Venoms were collected from five females and four males born from a snake captured from the wild in São Bento (Maranhão, Brazil), and kept in the Laboratory of Herpetology of Butantan Intitute. The venoms were analyzed individually and as a pool of each gender. The assays consisted in protein quantification, 1-DE, mass spectrometry, proteolytic, phospholipase A2, L-amino acid oxidase activities, minimum coagulant dose upon plasma, minimum hemorrhagic dose and lethal dose 50%. Results: Electrophoretic profiles of male's and female's venom pools were quite similar, with minor sex-based variation. Male venom showed higher LAAO, PLA2 and hemorrhagic activities, while female venom showed higher coagulant activity. On the other hand, the proteolytic activities did not show statistical differences between pools, although some individual variations were observed. Meanwhile, proteomic profile revealed 112 different protein compounds; of which 105 were common proteins of female's and male's venom pools and seven were unique to females. Despite individual variations, lethality of both pools showed similar values. Conclusion: Although differences between female and male venoms were observed, our results show that individual variations are significant even between siblings, highlighting that biological activities of venoms and its composition are influenced by other factors beyond gender.(AU)

Women and Science: a portrait of herpetology in the state of Piauí

Recently a Brazilian researcher has received great attention in national and international media by prize Rising Talents from L'Oreal's For Women in Science program 2016, which has partnered with Unesco and the Brazilian Academy of Sciences, and awards women scientists who have contributed significantly to the advancement of Science. However, locally, what does this award represent? Does it, in fact, demonstrate a greater participation of women in science? How is the participation of women scientists in Piauí? What is the representativeness of women in the publications of herpetology in Piauí?(AU)

Amphibians and reptiles from Floresta Nacional de Pau-Rosa, Amazonas, Brazil: an important protected area at the heart of Amazonia / Anfíbios e répteis da Floresta Nacional de Pau-Rosa, Amazonas, Brasil: uma importante área protegida no coração da Amazônia

Amazonia harbors the largest and most diverse tropical forest in the world, but knowledge about the species diversity of the region is still far from ideal. Given this low level of faunal and floral knowledge, we present an annotated list of the species of amphibians and reptiles found in Floresta Nacional do Pau-Rosa (FNPR), along the Rio Paraconi, municipality of Maués, state of Amazonas, Brazil. Herpetofauna of the FNPR was sampled with pitfall traps, active search and occasional encounters from February 18 to March 28, 2009. A total of 270 specimens were collected, representing 39 species of amphibians and 24 species of reptiles. At least seven of the species collected at FNPR represented, at the time, unnamed taxa (four of which have now been named). The number of taxa collected and the high number of unnamed taxa highlight the importance of this area in terms of biodiversity and as a priority for conservation. We also discuss about the amphibian diversity in Amazonia.(AU)

A Amazônia engloba a maior e mais diversa floresta tropical do mundo, mas o conhecimento sobre a diversidade de espécies da região ainda está longe do ideal. Apresentamos aqui uma lista comentada das espécies de anfíbios e répteis encontradas na Floresta Nacional de Pau-Rosa (FNPR), ao longo do Rio Paraconi, município de Maués, estado do Amazonas, Brasil. Espécimes da FNPR foram coletados com armadilhas de queda, busca ativa e encontros ocasionais de 18 fevereiro a 28 março de 2009. Um total de 270 espécimes foram coletados, o que representou 39 espécies de anfíbios e 24 espécies de répteis. Pelo menos sete das espécies coletadas na FNPR representaram, na época, táxons sem nome (quatro dos quais já foram nomeados). O número de exemplares recolhidos e o elevado número de táxons destaca a importância desta área em termos de biodiversidade e como uma área prioritária para a conservação. Nós também discutimos a diversidade de anfíbios na Amazônia.(AU)

Histology of the gastrointestinal tract from Bothrops jararaca and Crotalus durissus / Aspectos histológicos do trato gastrointestinal de Bothrops jararaca e Crotalus durissus

Recent studies have discussed the importance of snakes, going beyond the context of Public Health (snakebites). Promising research demonstrates the utility of snake venom in several fields, including oncology, diagnosis, anticoagulant therapy, and pain treatment. Nevertheless, there are still gaps in the basic knowledge on these animals, specifically regarding the histological characterization of the gastrointestinal tract, which ultimately hinder comparative histology and pathology studies. In this context the present study intends to contribute with the advance of current knowledge on snake histology by describing and analyzing histological samples of the gastrointestinal tracts of Bothrops jararaca and Crotalus durissus. Samples were collected from 12 individuals (six from each species), up to 6 months of age and equally distributed between males and females. Histological slides were prepared from the organs collected and were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff and alcian blue. The slides were photographed with a high-resolution camera to create a portfolio representative of the histology of the gastrointestinal systems of these animals.(AU)

Na atualidade, a importância das serpentes extravasa a conotação em saúde pública (acidentes ofídicos), e pesquisas promissoras têm demonstrado a utilidade dos venenos das serpentes em diversas áreas como oncologia, diagnóstico, terapia anticoagulante e tratamento da dor. Ainda assim, existem lacunas no conhecimento básico sobre esses animais, tais como a caracterização histológica do seu sistema gastrointestinal, que se tornam obstáculos para estudos nos campos da histologia e patologia comparadas. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho pretende contribuir com o avanço do conhecimento sobre histologia de serpentes a partir da descrição e análise histológica de amostras do trato gastrointestinal de exemplares das espécies Bothrops jararaca e Crotalus durissus. Para tanto, foram coletadas amostras de 12 indivíduos com até seis meses de idade, seis por espécie (distribuídos igualmente entre machos e fêmeas). A partir dos órgãos colhidos, lâminas histológicas foram preparadas e coradas pela técnica de hematoxilina e eosina, bem como PAS com Alcian Blue. As lâminas foram fotografadas por câmera de alta resolução, resultando em um portfólio representativo da histologia do sistema gastrointestinal desses animais.(AU)

Histology of the gastrointestinal tract from Bothrops jararaca and Crotalus durissus / Aspectos histológicos do trato gastrointestinal de Bothrops jararaca e Crotalus durissus

Recent studies have discussed the importance of snakes, going beyond the context of Public Health (snakebites). Promising research demonstrates the utility of snake venom in several fields, including oncology, diagnosis, anticoagulant therapy, and pain treatment. Nevertheless, there are still gaps in the basic knowledge on these animals, specifically regarding the histological characterization of the gastrointestinal tract, which ultimately hinder comparative histology and pathology studies. In this context the present study intends to contribute with the advance of current knowledge on snake histology by describing and analyzing histological samples of the gastrointestinal tracts of Bothrops jararaca and Crotalus durissus. Samples were collected from 12 individuals (six from each species), up to 6 months of age and equally distributed between males and females. Histological slides were prepared from the organs collected and were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff and alcian blue. The slides were photographed with a high-resolution camera to create a portfolio representative of the histology of the gastrointestinal systems of these animals.(AU)

Na atualidade, a importância das serpentes extravasa a conotação em saúde pública (acidentes ofídicos), e pesquisas promissoras têm demonstrado a utilidade dos venenos das serpentes em diversas áreas como oncologia, diagnóstico, terapia anticoagulante e tratamento da dor. Ainda assim, existem lacunas no conhecimento básico sobre esses animais, tais como a caracterização histológica do seu sistema gastrointestinal, que se tornam obstáculos para estudos nos campos da histologia e patologia comparadas. Nesse contexto, o presente trabalho pretende contribuir com o avanço do conhecimento sobre histologia de serpentes a partir da descrição e análise histológica de amostras do trato gastrointestinal de exemplares das espécies Bothrops jararaca e Crotalus durissus. Para tanto, foram coletadas amostras de 12 indivíduos com até seis meses de idade, seis por espécie (distribuídos igualmente entre machos e fêmeas). A partir dos órgãos colhidos, lâminas histológicas foram preparadas e coradas pela técnica de hematoxilina e eosina, bem como PAS com Alcian Blue. As lâminas foram fotografadas por câmera de alta resolução, resultando em um portfólio representativo da histologia do sistema gastrointestinal desses animais.(AU)

Acanthocephala Larvae parasitizing Ameiva ameiva ameiva (Linnaeus, 1758) (Squamata: Teiidae)

Abstract Knowledge concerning the taxonomy and biology of species of Acanthocephala, helminth parasites of the helminth species of the phylum Acanthocephala, parasites of lizards in Brazilian Amazonia, is still insufficient, but reports of Acanthocephala in reptiles are becoming increasingly common in the literature. Cystacanth-stage Acanthocephalan larvae have been found in the visceral peritoneum during necropsy of Ameiva ameiva ameivalizards from the Osvaldo Rodrigues da Cunha Herpetology Collection of the Emílio Goeldi Museum, Belém, Pará, Brazil. The aim of this study was to present the morphological study of the Acanthocephala larvae found in A. ameiva ameiva lizard.

Resumo O conhecimento a respeito da taxonomia e da biologia das espécies de Acanthocephala, helmintos parasitos das espécies de lagartos da Amazônia Brasileira ainda é insuficiente, mas o registro do encontro de acantocéfalos em répteis é cada vez mais comum na literatura. Foram encontradas larvas de acantocéfalos em fase cistacanto durante a necropsia, no peritônio visceral, de lagartos Ameiva ameiva ameiva provenientes da Coleção Herpetológica Osvaldo Rodrigues da Cunha do Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, Belém, Pará. O objetivo é apresentar um estudo morfológico de larvas de Acanthocephala encontradas em A. ameiva ameiva.

Acanthocephala Larvae parasitizing Ameiva ameiva ameiva (Linnaeus, 1758) (Squamata: Teiidae) / Larvas de Acanthocephala parasitando Ameiva ameiva ameiva (Linnaeus, 1758) (Squamata:Teiidae)

Knowledge concerning the taxonomy and biology of species of Acanthocephala, helminth parasites of the helminth species of the phylum Acanthocephala, parasites of lizards in Brazilian Amazonia, is still insufficient, but reports of Acanthocephala in reptiles are becoming increasingly common in the literature. Cystacanth-stage Acanthocephalan larvae have been found in the visceral peritoneum during necropsy of Ameiva ameiva ameivalizards from the Osvaldo Rodrigues da Cunha Herpetology Collection of the Emílio Goeldi Museum, Belém, Pará, Brazil. The aim of this study was to present the morphological study of the Acanthocephala larvae found in A. ameiva ameiva lizard.(AU)

O conhecimento a respeito da taxonomia e da biologia das espécies de Acanthocephala, helmintos parasitos das espécies de lagartos da Amazônia Brasileira ainda é insuficiente, mas o registro do encontro de acantocéfalos em répteis é cada vez mais comum na literatura. Foram encontradas larvas de acantocéfalos em fase cistacanto durante a necropsia, no peritônio visceral, de lagartos Ameiva ameiva ameiva provenientes da Coleção Herpetológica Osvaldo Rodrigues da Cunha do Museu Paraense Emílio Goeldi, Belém, Pará. O objetivo é apresentar um estudo morfológico de larvas de Acanthocephala encontradas em A. ameiva ameiva.(AU)

Efeito do endoparasitismo em Crotalus durissus terrificus (SERPENTES:VIPERIDAE) mantidos em cativeiro

Os acidentes ofídicos representam um problema de saúde pública nos países tropicais, sendo listada pela Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) com uma doença negligenciada. A manutenção de serpentes em cativeiro tornou-se uma alternativa para a obtenção do veneno para pesquisas imunológicas e produção de soro antiofídico. No Brasil, o gênero Crotalus é responsável por 10% dos acidentes ofídicos registrados e apresenta a maior taxa de letalidade, por volta de 1,0%. O Instituto Butantan, conta com o Laboratório de Herpetologia que desde a década de 60 mantém o programa de criação de serpentes em sistema intensivo. Muitas serpentes de vida livre que morrem pouco depois da chegada ao cativeiro, ou ainda na pós-captura, sofrem da síndrome de má adaptação. Esta síndrome é caracterizada por anorexia, emagrecimento progressivo, fragilidade dos tecidos e maior susceptibilidade às infecções por microrganismos. Todas essas alterações ocorrem devido a imunossupressão desencadeada pelo estresse. Por esse motivo a presença de endo e ectoparasitos torna-se um problema na manutenção dos animais, pois além de provocar enfermidades, a presença dos parasitos interfere na produção de veneno, uma vez que sua quantidade e qualidade estão diretamente associadas à alimentação e saúde das serpentes. Por este motivo o objetivo da presente pesquisa foi determinar as alterações hematológicas, bioquímicas provocadas pela ação de endoparasitas em Crotalus durissus terrificus e correlacioná-las com as níveis plasmáticos de corticosterona para determinar se animais parasitados apresentam valores maiores de corticosterona do que animais sadios, outra intenção da pesquisa foi determinar as alterações anatomopatológicas provocadas pelos parasitos nas serpentes e ainda determinar quais os principais parasitos que acometem a espécie em questão. As alterações hematológicas observadas, estatisticamente significante ocorreram no VCM e HCM das serpentes indicando uma possível anemia regenerativa com recrutamento de células jovens. Os parâmetros bioquímicos mantiveram-se praticamente iguais entre os Grupos do estudo. Com relação a concentração plasmática de corticosterona, os animais parasitados apresentaram maiores valores basais em todas as coletas, evidenciando que animais parasitados são mais estressados e consequentemente mais susceptíveis à infecções. Alterações histopatológicas foram observadas em ambos os Grupos, mas apenas os animais parasitados apresentaram inflamações granulomatosas, congestão gástrica além da presença de parasitas no sistema digestório. Com relação a determinação dos parasitos, em nossa pesquisa utilizamos técnicas moleculares (PRC) para determinar quais gêneros são mais frequentes e encontramos 80% de parasitismo por ascarídeo do gênero Ophidascaris sp.

Snakebite accidents represent a public health problem in tropical countries, being listed by the World Health Organization (WHO) with a neglected disease. The maintenance of captive snakes has become an alternative for obtaining venom for immunological research and the production of anti-venom. In Brazil, the genus Crotalus is responsible for 10% of recorded ophidian accidents and has the highest lethality rate, around 1.0%. The Instituto Butantan, counts on the Laboratory of Herpetology that since the decade of 60 maintains the program of creation of snakes on captivity. Many free-living snakes that die shortly after arrival in captivity, or even post-capture, suffer from the "maladaptation syndrome." This syndrome is characterized by anorexia, progressive thinning, tissue fragility and greater susceptibility to infections by microorganisms. All of these changes occur due to stress-induced immunosuppression. For this reason, the presence of endo and ectoparasites becomes a problem in the maintenance of the animals, because in addition to causing diseases, the presence of parasites interferes in the production of venom, since their quantity and quality are directly associated with food and health of the animals. snakes Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the hematological, biochemical alterations caused by endoparasites in Crotalus durissus terrificus and to correlate them with plasma corticosterone levels to determine if parasitized animals present higher values of corticosterone than healthy animals, another The aim of the research was to determine the anatomopathological alterations caused by the parasites in the snakes and to determine the main parasites that affect the species in question. The observed hematological alterations, statistically significant, occurred in MVC and MCH of the snakes indicating a possible regenerative anemia with recruitment of young cells. The biochemical parameters remained practically equal between the study Groups. Regarding the plasma corticosterone concentration, the parasitized animals presented higher baseline values in all collections, showing that parasitized animals are more stressed and consequently more susceptible to infections. Histopathological changes were observed in both Groups, but only the parasitized animals presented granulomatous inflammation, gastric congestion and the presence of parasites in the digestive system. With regard to the determination of the parasites, in our research we used molecular techniques (PCR) to determine which genera are most frequent and found 80% of parasitism per ascarid of the genus Ophidascaris sp.

História natural de Rhinella pygmaea (Myers & Carvalho, 1952), espécie endêmica da Mata Atlântica do Sudeste brasileiro

Rhinella pygmaea (Myers & Carvalho, 1952) é uma espécie de anfíbio pertencente à família Bufonidae Gray, 1825, a qual apresenta poucos registros bibliográficos sobre sua história natural. Aspectos sobre sua biologia reprodutiva foram publicados em 1994, suas características anatômicas e distribuição geográfica foram revistas em 2009 e sua vocalização de anúncio foi descrita pela primeira vez em 2013. A análise cienciométrica dos últimos 30 anos envolvendo bufonídeos brasileiros apontou a necessidade da realização de mais pesquisas em temas/áreas onde esta família é pouco estudada, para melhor delineamento e planejamento de atividades acadêmicas e conservacionistas. Assim sendo, a presente Tese de Doutorado objetivou obter o máximo possível de informações sobre os atributos intrínsecos e o modo de vida de R. pygmaea entre os anos de 2013 e 2016. São apresentados, ao longo de cinco capítulos, os manuscritos para apreciação referentes à análise cienciométrica da família Bufonidae no Brasil durante os últimos 30 anos (Capítulo 1), observações sobre o comportamento reprodutivo, oviposição, desenvolvimento embrionário, larval e metamorfose de R. pygmaea (Capítulo 2), descrição das vocalizações de anúncio e de soltura de R. pygmaea (Capítulo 3), descrição do comportamento defensivo de R. pygmaea (Capítulo 4) e predação de R. pygmaea por duas espécies de serpentes (Capítulo 5).

Rhinella pygmaea (Myers & Carvalho, 1952) is an amphibian species of the family Bufonidae Gray, 1825, which presents few published records about its natural history. Aspects on its reproductive biology were published in 1994, morphological features and geographical distribution were revised in 2009, and the advertisement call was described for the very first time in 2013. A scientometric analysis of papers related to Brazilian bufonids published along the past 30 years revealed a need of researching on such themes/study areas where this family is poor studied, to access on academic research and species conservation. This way, the present Doctorate Theses aimed for obtaining information about natural history of R. pygmaea between 2013 and 2016. The following five chapters presents manuscripts for appreciation, concerning to a scientometric analysis of the family Bufonidae in Brazil in the past 30 years (Chapter 1), observations on reproductive behaviour, oviposition, embryonic/larval development and metamorphosis of R. pygmaea (Chapter 2), description of advertisement and release calls of R. pygmaea (Chapter 3), description of defensive behaviour of R. pygmaea (Chapter 4) and predations over R. pygmaea by two snake species (Chapter 5).

AVALIAÇÃO DA SAÚDE DE JACARÉS-DE-PAPO-AMARELO (Caiman latirostris) EM CONDIÇÕES IN SITU E EX SITU NO ESPÍRITO SANTO, SUDESTE DO BRASIL

Dentre os crocodilianos que ocorrem no Brasil, Caiman latirostris é o que apresenta situação mais complexa para a conservação. As populações remanescentes encontram-se fragmentadas e, em muitos casos, em locais sob forte pressão antrópica, havendo pouca informação a respeito do perfil sanitário da espécie. O presente estudo objetivou avaliar a saúde de populações de C. latirostris em condições in situ e ex situ na Mata Atlântica do sudeste do Brasil, por meio de avaliação clínica e análise de parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos; e determinar valores de referência para a espécie em cativeiro e em vida livre; além de avaliar seu uso como sentinela da saúde ecossistêmica. Foram amostradas três populações de C. latirostris no estado do Espírito Santo, sendo duas em vida livre e uma em cativeiro. Ao todo foram capturados 120 jacarés, sendo 103 de vida livre e 17 de cativeiro. O índice corporal (IC) foi diferente em fases distintas do desenvolvimento dos animais, havendo relação positiva entre IC e comprimento rostro-cloaca (CRC), tanto em animais in situ quanto ex situ. Todos os espécimes analisados apresentaram-se clinicamente saudáveis, embora 24 (20%) tenham sido positivos para hemoparasitas do gênero Hepatozoon - sete espécimes (7%) de vida livre e todos os animais amostrados em cativeiro. Animais infectados apresentaram valores maiores de volume globular e hemoglobina do que os negativos para Hepatozoon. Foram determinados os valores hematológicos e bioquímicos de referência para diferentes classes de tamanho em condições in situ e ex situ. Houve diferença quando comparados valores hematológicos e bioquímicos de animais de diferentes classes de tamanho em um mesmo ambiente e de classes de tamanho semelhantes entre os ambientes amostrados. Os dados obtidos indicam que C. latirostris é resistente à antropização, mas responde a alterações antrópicas em ambientes aquáticos, podendo ser utilizada como espécie sentinela. Neste sentido, o estudo da saúde de C.latirostris contribui para o monitoramento da saúde ambiental.

Among the crocodilians that occur in Brazil, the Caiman latirostris presents the most complex situation for conservation. However, little is known about the populations health profile. The present study aimed to evaluate the health status of Broad snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) populations in both in situ and ex situ conditions in the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil, through clinical evaluation as well as analysis of hematological and biochemical parameters; determine reference values for the species in captivity and in free- life, in addition to evaluating the health profile study as a sentinel of ecosystem health. Three populations of C. latirostris were sampled in the state of Espírito Santo, being two in free life and one in captivity. A total of 120 caimans were caught and all presented to be clinically healthy. Of these, 24 (20%) were positive for hemoparasites of the genus Hepatozoon. Among the 103 free-living animals analyzed, seven (7%) were positive. In captivity, all 17 animals sampled (100%) were positive for Hepatozoon. Infected animals presented higher packed cell volume and hemoglobin values than the negative ones. Hematological and biochemical reference values were determined for different size classifications in in situ and ex situ conditions. Body index was different at distinct stages of the animals development. There was a positive relationship between body index and the snout-vent length for animals in situ and ex situ. Differences occurred when comparing hematological and biochemical values belonging to animals of different size classifications in the same environment, as well as when comparing values belonging to animals with similar size classifications in different environments. Based on data, C. latirostris is an animal resistant to environmental anthropization and a sentinel species. The health profile study, and hematological and biochemical parameters of C.latirostris, is a strategy for actions aimed at the monitoring of environmental health.