Danger under wheels: mammal roadkills in the threaten lowland Atlantic Forest in southeast Brazil / Perigo sob rodas: atropelamentos de mamíferos na ameaçada Mata Atlântica de baixada no sudeste do Brasil

Understanding the ecological impacts of roads on mammals requires periodic monitoring of roads, and identification of both temporal and spatial distribution of roadkills (i.e., roadkill hotspots). The main aim of the study was to identify the most roadkilled mammals and evaluate the temporal and spatial distribution of roadkills in the RJ-122, a highway that crosses the threaten lowland Atlantic Forest in the state of Rio de Janeiro, southeast Brazil. Between October 2017 and January 2020, an intense monitoring study was conducted, with the carcasses of the roadkilled mammals being collected three times a week. Overall, we recorded 295 roadkilled mammals belonging to 22 species, resulting in 11 roadkills per month for the RJ-122 highway. The black-eared opossum, Didelphis aurita (N=149, 51%) stood out as the most roadkilled mammal, followed by porcupine, Coendou spinosus (N= 24, 8%), crab-eating fox, Cerdocyon thous (N= 23, 8), nine-banded armadillo, Dasypus novemcinctus (N= 23, 8%), and white-tufted marmoset, Callithrix jacchus (N= 20, 7%). Roadkills on the RJ-122 varied throughout the year, being more frequent in the rainy season (N=180) than in the dry season (N=115), and were concentrated in two hotspots, indicating some critical points with high roadkill frequency. Hotspots were associated with areas with dense natural vegetation, which can function as forest corridors in this fragmented landscape. Based on our results, several mitigation measures are recommended for the RJ-122 highway.(AU)

Compreender os impactos ecológicos das estradas sobre a fauna de mamíferos requer o monitoramento periódico das estradas e a identificação da distribuição temporal e espacial dos atropelamentos (ou seja, hotspots de atropelamentos). O objetivo principal do estudo foi identificar os mamíferos mais atropelados e avaliar a distribuição temporal e espacial dos atropelamentos na RJ-122, uma rodovia que atravessa a ameaçada Mata Atlântica de baixada no estado do Rio de Janeiro, sudeste do Brasil. Entre outubro de 2017 e janeiro de 2020, foi realizado um intenso estudo de monitoramento, com a coleta três vezes por semana das carcaças dos mamíferos atropelados. Ao todo, registramos 295 mamíferos atropelados pertencentes a 22 espécies, resultando em 11 atropelamentos por mês para a rodovia RJ-122. O gambá-de-orelha-preta, Didelphis aurita (N=149, 51%) destacou-se como o mamífero mais atropelado, seguido pelo ouriço-cacheiro, Coendou spinosus (N= 24, 8%), cachorro-do-mato, Cerdocyon thous (N= 23, 8%), tatu-galinha, Dasypus novemcinctus (N= 23, 8%) e sagui-de-tufo-branco, Callithrix jacchus (N= 20, 7%). Os atropelamentos na RJ-122 variaram ao longo do ano, sendo mais frequentes na estação chuvosa (N=180) do que na estação seca (N=115), e se concentraram em duas áreas, indicando alguns pontos críticos com alta frequência de atropelamentos. Os hotspots foram associados a áreas com vegetação natural densa, que podem funcionar como corredores florestais nesta paisagem fragmentada. Com base em nossos resultados, várias medidas de mitigação são recomendadas para a rodovia RJ-122.(AU)

Hyperadrenocorticism in a crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) kept under human care / Hiperadrenocorticismo em cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous) mantido sob cuidados humanos

Hyperadrenocorticism is a relatively common endocrine disease affecting the adrenal glands of domestic dogs. However, there are few reports of this disease in wild canids. A crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) kept under human care was diagnosed with the disease after detection of conformational abnormalities in the adrenal glands visualized by ultrasonography, a cortisol suppression test after low-dose dexamethasone, and the detection of proteinuria and bacteria in urinalysis. After the diagnosis, the patient was treated with trilostane with a satisfactory clinical response. This report aims to report the sonographic and laboratory findings of hyperadrenocorticism and its treatment in a specimen of the species.

O hiperadrenocorticismo é uma doença endócrina que acomete as glândulas adrenais relativamente comum em cães domésticos. Porém, em canídeos selvagens, poucos são os relatos descritos dessa enfermidade. Um exemplar de cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous), mantido sob cuidados humanos, foi diagnosticado com a doença após detecção de anormalidades conformacionais em glândulas adrenais visibilizadas via ultrassonografia, teste de supressão de cortisol após uso de baixa dose de dexametasona, além de detecção de proteinúria e bactérias em urinálise. Após o diagnóstico, instituiu-se tratamento medicamentoso a base de trilostano com resposta clínica satisfatória. Este relato objetiva reportar os achados ultrassonográficos e laboratoriais de hiperadrenocosticismo e seu tratamento em um exemplar da espécie.

Dimensions and skeletopy of kidneys in two populations of Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766) / Dimensões e esqueletopia dos rins em duas populações de Cerdocyon thous(Linnaeus, 1766)

Cerdocyon thous is the South American canid with great geographic distribution. To the south of Ecuador, two isolated populations have been identified, living in different average temperatures and food availability. The objective was to measure the length, width, thickness and volume of the kidneys, length of renal vessels, and verify the renal skeletopy in two populations of C. thous. Kidneys and renal vessels were measured from 34 cadavers collected on highways in the Brazilian territory. From the Atlantic Forest biome (latitude 22º), 14 specimens (seven males and seven female) were analyzed, and from the Pampa biome (latitude 29º), 20 specimens (eight males and twelve female). On average, in the right antimere the kidneys measured 49.9 ´ 25.2 ´ 24.4 mm, had a volume of 16.5 cm3, the renal artery measured 21.3 mm and the renal vein 19.4 mm. In the left antimere, the kidneys measured 49.3 ´ 24.4 ´ 22.8 mm, with a  volume of 14.6 cm3 and the artery and vein measured 21.0 mm and 28.4 mm, respectively. The right kidney was always cranial and predominantly positioned ventrally to vertebrae L1L3, while the left one was positioned ventrally to vertebrae L2L4. There was no difference in the comparison between sexes or antimeres. Most renal dimensions were significantly higher in the specimens from the Pampa biome, possibly due to the body size and type of diet.

Cerdocyon thousé o canídeo sul americano com maior distribuição geográfica. Ao sul do Equador, duas populações distintas são reconhecidas, submetidas a diferentes temperaturas médias e disponibilidade de alimento. Objetivou-se mensurar o comprimento, largura, espessura e volume dos rins, comprimento dos vasos renais e esclarecer a esqueletopia renal em duas populações isoladas de C. thous.Para tal, foram estudados rins e vasos renais de 34 cadáveres coletados mortos em rodovias brasileiras. Catorze espécimes (sete machos e sete fêmeas) são provenientes do bioma Mata Atlântica (latitude 22º) e 20 espécimes (oito machos e doze fêmeas) do bioma Pampa (latitude 29º). Na média, os rins direitos mediram 49,9x25,2x24,4 mm, tinham um volume de 16,5 cm3e a artéria renal direita mediu 21,3 mm e a veia renal direita 19,4 mm. Os rins esquerdos mediram 49,3x24,4x22,8 mm tinham volume de 14,6 cm3e as artérias e veias renais direitas mediram 21,0 mm e 28,4 mm, respectivamente. Os rins direitos foram sempre craniais e predominantemente posicionados ventralmente às vertebras L1 a L3, enquanto os rins esquerdos estavam posicionados majoritariamente ao nível de L2 a L4. Não houve diferença na comparação das medidas entre os sexos ou antímeros. Praticamente todasas medidas renais foram significativamente maiores nos espécimes do bioma Pampa, possivelmente devido

Dimensions and skeletopy of kidneys in two populations of Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766) / Dimensões e esqueletopia dos rins em duas populações de Cerdocyon thous(Linnaeus, 1766)

Cerdocyon thous is the South American canid with great geographic distribution. To the south of Ecuador, two isolated populations have been identified, living in different average temperatures and food availability. The objective was to measure the length, width, thickness and volume of the kidneys, length of renal vessels, and verify the renal skeletopy in two populations of C. thous. Kidneys and renal vessels were measured from 34 cadavers collected on highways in the Brazilian territory. From the Atlantic Forest biome (latitude 22º), 14 specimens (seven males and seven female) were analyzed, and from the Pampa biome (latitude 29º), 20 specimens (eight males and twelve female). On average, in the right antimere the kidneys measured 49.9 ´ 25.2 ´ 24.4 mm, had a volume of 16.5 cm3, the renal artery measured 21.3 mm and the renal vein 19.4 mm. In the left antimere, the kidneys measured 49.3 ´ 24.4 ´ 22.8 mm, with a  volume of 14.6 cm3 and the artery and vein measured 21.0 mm and 28.4 mm, respectively. The right kidney was always cranial and predominantly positioned ventrally to vertebrae L1L3, while the left one was positioned ventrally to vertebrae L2L4. There was no difference in the comparison between sexes or antimeres. Most renal dimensions were significantly higher in the specimens from the Pampa biome, possibly due to the body size and type of diet.(AU)

Cerdocyon thousé o canídeo sul americano com maior distribuição geográfica. Ao sul do Equador, duas populações distintas são reconhecidas, submetidas a diferentes temperaturas médias e disponibilidade de alimento. Objetivou-se mensurar o comprimento, largura, espessura e volume dos rins, comprimento dos vasos renais e esclarecer a esqueletopia renal em duas populações isoladas de C. thous.Para tal, foram estudados rins e vasos renais de 34 cadáveres coletados mortos em rodovias brasileiras. Catorze espécimes (sete machos e sete fêmeas) são provenientes do bioma Mata Atlântica (latitude 22º) e 20 espécimes (oito machos e doze fêmeas) do bioma Pampa (latitude 29º). Na média, os rins direitos mediram 49,9x25,2x24,4 mm, tinham um volume de 16,5 cm3e a artéria renal direita mediu 21,3 mm e a veia renal direita 19,4 mm. Os rins esquerdos mediram 49,3x24,4x22,8 mm tinham volume de 14,6 cm3e as artérias e veias renais direitas mediram 21,0 mm e 28,4 mm, respectivamente. Os rins direitos foram sempre craniais e predominantemente posicionados ventralmente às vertebras L1 a L3, enquanto os rins esquerdos estavam posicionados majoritariamente ao nível de L2 a L4. Não houve diferença na comparação das medidas entre os sexos ou antímeros. Praticamente todasas medidas renais foram significativamente maiores nos espécimes do bioma Pampa, possivelmente devido(AU)

Aspectos anatomopatológicos e imuno-histoquímicos de cinomose em graxains / Anatomopathological and immunohistochemical aspects of distemper virus in crab-eating-foxes and pampa-foxes

Background: Distemper is a contagious disease with worldwide distribution, which is caused by a single-stranded RNAvirus of the genus Morbillivirus. The Crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) and the Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus), wildcanids commonly found in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, are highly susceptible to the disease. Distemper virus infection oftenshows a multisystemic presentation. Central nervous system lesions are frequently reported, and may lead to death of wild canids.Distemper virus infection affecting these species has been cited by several studies; nonetheless, case descriptions involving theCrab-eating fox and the Pampas fox are infrequent. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to describe the anatomopathological and immunohistochemical aspects of distemper in the referred species, aiming to assist with the diagnosis of the disease.Materials, Methods & Results: A retrospective study was performed, and the necropsy reports of Crab-eating foxes and Pampasfoxes admitted to SPV-UFRGS from 2010 to 2016 were reviewed. Necropsy reports were revised in order to obtain information related to the clinical history and anatomopathological findings, and cases compatible with distemper were selected. Dataregarding the affected species, sex, approximate age, origin and clinical signs were compiled and analyzed. Selected histologicalsections of brain and cerebellum were submitted for immunohistochemistry (IHC) for monoclonal antibody canine distempervirus. In the studied period, 20 animals of the referred species were subjected to necropsy, of which four were diagnosed withdistemper as a cause of death. Of the affected animals, two were female and two were male. Three were juvenile and one wasan adult animal. Clinical signs reported included myoclonia, opisthotonos, forelimb paresis and nystagmus. No significant grosschanges were noted. Histopathological findings were restricted to the central nervous system...

Aspectos anatomopatológicos e imuno-histoquímicos de cinomose em graxains / Anatomopathological and immunohistochemical aspects of distemper virus in crab-eating-foxes and pampa-foxes

Background: Distemper is a contagious disease with worldwide distribution, which is caused by a single-stranded RNAvirus of the genus Morbillivirus. The Crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) and the Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus), wildcanids commonly found in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, are highly susceptible to the disease. Distemper virus infection oftenshows a multisystemic presentation. Central nervous system lesions are frequently reported, and may lead to death of wild canids.Distemper virus infection affecting these species has been cited by several studies; nonetheless, case descriptions involving theCrab-eating fox and the Pampas fox are infrequent. Therefore, the objective of the present study is to describe the anatomopathological and immunohistochemical aspects of distemper in the referred species, aiming to assist with the diagnosis of the disease.Materials, Methods & Results: A retrospective study was performed, and the necropsy reports of Crab-eating foxes and Pampasfoxes admitted to SPV-UFRGS from 2010 to 2016 were reviewed. Necropsy reports were revised in order to obtain information related to the clinical history and anatomopathological findings, and cases compatible with distemper were selected. Dataregarding the affected species, sex, approximate age, origin and clinical signs were compiled and analyzed. Selected histologicalsections of brain and cerebellum were submitted for immunohistochemistry (IHC) for monoclonal antibody canine distempervirus. In the studied period, 20 animals of the referred species were subjected to necropsy, of which four were diagnosed withdistemper as a cause of death. Of the affected animals, two were female and two were male. Three were juvenile and one wasan adult animal. Clinical signs reported included myoclonia, opisthotonos, forelimb paresis and nystagmus. No significant grosschanges were noted. Histopathological findings were restricted to the central nervous system...(AU)

Genes encoding Shiga toxin and the intimin receptor detected in faecal samples collected from wild canids

Background: Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) are diarrheagenic E.coli that can cause disease in humans. The pathotype EPEC leads to the attaching and effacing lesion, causing damage tothe microvilli following to diarrhea. STEC pathotypes produces cytotoxins, which in humans are responsible for hemorrhagic colitis or hemolytic uremic syndrome. Animals are the reservoirs of these pathotypes, especially ruminants. However,other animal’s species can be associated as carriers of EPEC and STEC strains. The aim of this study was to analyze wildcanid crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) as potential natural carriers of STEC and EPEC E. coli.Materials, Methods & Results: Seven fecal samples were analyzed from the crab-eating fox of free-living, captured in aperi-urban area. Samples were collected from the rectal ampulla, and the animals were clinic evaluated, being consideredhealthy at the captured moment. The feces were inoculated on medium MacConkey agar, and then the plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 h. All colony forming units (CFU) were collected by plate washing with ultrapure water (2 mL) andposterior freezing at -20°C. The total bacterial DNA from the CFU collected was extracted, followed by PCR assay tosearch for three genes: stx1, stx2 (responsible for the synthesis of the Shiga toxin) and tir, which encodes the translocatedintimin receptor, related to the A/E lesion formation. Three samples were detected as positive, being one animal detected ascarrier of the stx2 gene (STEC strain), while two animals were identified as carrier of the tir gene (EPEC strains).The stx1gene was not identified on the samples. Also, in the samples, only the presence of one gene studied at a time was observed.Therefore, we have found out that the crab-eating fox...

Genes encoding Shiga toxin and the intimin receptor detected in faecal samples collected from wild canids

Background: Enteropathogenic Escherichia coli (EPEC) and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) are diarrheagenic E.coli that can cause disease in humans. The pathotype EPEC leads to the attaching and effacing lesion, causing damage tothe microvilli following to diarrhea. STEC pathotypes produces cytotoxins, which in humans are responsible for hemorrhagic colitis or hemolytic uremic syndrome. Animals are the reservoirs of these pathotypes, especially ruminants. However,other animals species can be associated as carriers of EPEC and STEC strains. The aim of this study was to analyze wildcanid crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) as potential natural carriers of STEC and EPEC E. coli.Materials, Methods & Results: Seven fecal samples were analyzed from the crab-eating fox of free-living, captured in aperi-urban area. Samples were collected from the rectal ampulla, and the animals were clinic evaluated, being consideredhealthy at the captured moment. The feces were inoculated on medium MacConkey agar, and then the plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 h. All colony forming units (CFU) were collected by plate washing with ultrapure water (2 mL) andposterior freezing at -20°C. The total bacterial DNA from the CFU collected was extracted, followed by PCR assay tosearch for three genes: stx1, stx2 (responsible for the synthesis of the Shiga toxin) and tir, which encodes the translocatedintimin receptor, related to the A/E lesion formation. Three samples were detected as positive, being one animal detected ascarrier of the stx2 gene (STEC strain), while two animals were identified as carrier of the tir gene (EPEC strains).The stx1gene was not identified on the samples. Also, in the samples, only the presence of one gene studied at a time was observed.Therefore, we have found out that the crab-eating fox...(AU)

Ticks and fleas in crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) of Pernambuco state, Brazil / Carrapatos e pulgas em cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous) do Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

This study aimed to identify the species of fleas and ticks of Cerdocyon thous from the state of Pernambuco. Animals (n = 20) were examined, with 30% (6/20) ectoparasitized. Fleas (n = 16) and ticks (n = 17) parasitizing free-living crab-eating fox and captive in state of Pernambuco were collected. The fleas were identified as: Pulex irritans and Ctenocephalides felis; and the ticks were: Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato and Amblyomma ovale. The presence of ectoparasites of domestic animals parasitizing C. thous, suggests a close contact of this species to the peridomicile. Furthermore, this is the first report of the occurrence of A. ovale in C. thous in northeastern Brazil.(AU)

Objetivou-se identificar as espécies de pulgas e carrapatos de Cerdocyon thous provenientes do estado Pernambuco. Foram examinados 20 animais, estando 30% (6/20) ectoparasitados. Foram coletadas 16 pulgas e 17 carrapatos em cachorros-do-mato de vida livre e de cativeiro no estado de Pernambuco. As pulgas foram identificadas como: Pulex irritans e Ctenocephalides felis; e os carrapatos foram: Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato e Amblyomma ovale. A presença de ectoparasitos de animais domésticos parasitando C. thous, sugere a aproximação de indivíduos desta espécie ao peridomicílio. Além disso, este é o primeiro relato da ocorrência de A. ovale em C. thous no nordeste brasileiro.(AU)

Ticks and fleas in crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) of Pernambuco state, Brazil / Carrapatos e pulgas em cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous) do Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

This study aimed to identify the species of fleas and ticks of Cerdocyon thous from the state of Pernambuco. Animals (n = 20) were examined, with 30% (6/20) ectoparasitized. Fleas (n = 16) and ticks (n = 17) parasitizing free-living crab-eating fox and captive in state of Pernambuco were collected. The fleas were identified as: Pulex irritans and Ctenocephalides felis; and the ticks were: Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato and Amblyomma ovale. The presence of ectoparasites of domestic animals parasitizing C. thous, suggests a close contact of this species to the peridomicile. Furthermore, this is the first report of the occurrence of A. ovalein C. thous in northeastern Brazil.(AU)

Objetivou-se identificar as espécies de pulgas e carrapatos de Cerdocyon thous provenientes do estado Pernambuco. Foram examinados 20 animais, estando 30% (6/20) ectoparasitados. Foram coletadas 16 pulgas e 17 carrapatos em cachorros-do-mato de vida livre e de cativeiro no estado de Pernambuco. As pulgas foram identificadas como: Pulex irritans e Ctenocephalides felis; e os carrapatos foram: Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato e Amblyomma ovale. A presença de ectoparasitos de animais domésticos parasitando C. thous, sugere a aproximação de indivíduos desta espécie ao peridomicílio. Além disso, este é o primeiro relato da ocorrência de A. ovaleem C. thous no nordeste brasileiro.(AU)

DIVERSIDADE DE PARASITAS GASTROINTESTINAIS EM CACHORRO-DO-MATO (Cerdocyon thous, LINNAEUS 1766) NA REGIÃO METROPOLITANA DE FORTALEZA

O cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous) é um canídeo silvestre brasileiro com uma população estável, amplamente distribuído na América do Sul. Entretanto, esta espécie está exposta a diversas ameaças, incluindo uma variedade de agentes patogênicos e a fragmentação do habitat causada pela construção de rodovias, as quais levam a um grande número de atropelamentos fatais. Através do levantamento da diversidade de parasitas gastrointestinais deste canídeo, pode-se compreender a sanidade de indivíduos no seu habitat, elucidando o potencial zoonótico de seus parasitas, e os riscos à saúde pública. Portanto, o objetivo desse trabalho foi realizar um estudo qualitativo e quantitativo de endoparasitas na população do cachorro-do-mato da Região Metropolitana de Fortaleza. Dessa forma, entre março de 2019 e agosto de 2020, foram capturados cinco indivíduos em áreas autorizadas pelos órgãos ambientais, manejados dois espécimes cativos do Centro de Triagem do IBAMA, e recolhidos 18 animais atropelados dos 20 animais identificados e georreferenciados nas rodovias de 19 municípios que compõem a Região Metropolitana de Fortaleza, e ainda, nos municípios de Beberibe e Fortim no Estado do Ceará. Para determinar a copro-prevalência, as amostras fecais dos capturados e cativos, e conteúdo intestinal dos atropelados e necropsiados foram analisados usando as técnicas de flutuação de Willis (1927) e sedimentação fecal simples (Técnica de Hoffman). As estruturas reconhecidas como ovos foram caracterizadas morfológica e morfometricamente. Nematódeos foram os helmintos mais prevalentes (79,2%, n = 19), seguidos dos trematódeos (41,7%, n = 10), cestódeos (16,7%, n = 4), e acantocéfalos (12,5%, n = 3). Os ovos de helmintos encontrados e suas respectivas prevalências foram as seguintes: nematódeos, incluindo Ancylostoma spp. (70,8%), Uncinaria sp. (12,5%), Toxocara spp. (16,7%), Capillaria spp. (37,5%), Aspiculuris sp. (29,2%), Syphacia sp. (8,3%), Enterobius sp. (4,2%); trematódeos (41,7%), incluindo Alaria sp. (20,8%); cestódeos (16,7%), identificado como Spirometra sp. (16,7%); e acantocéfalos, identificados como Prosthenorchis sp. (12,5%). Verificou-se elevada prevalência de ovos de nematódeos da família Ancylostomatidae, e uma diversidade parasitária que alberga os filos Nematoda e Acantocephala, e as classes Cestoda e Trematoda. Uma ampla diversidade que deverá ser elucidada com pesquisas complementares a essa espécie na área estudada, já que as características morfológicas e morfométricas dos ovos se mostram inconclusivas para tal finalidade.

The crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) is a Brazilian wild canid with a stable population, widely distributed across South America. However, this species is exposed to several threats, including a variety of pathogens and habitat fragmentation caused by road construction, which leads to a large number of roadkill fatalities. By surveying the diversity of gastrointestinal parasites in this canid, one can understand the health of individuals in their habitat, elucidating the zoonotic potential of their parasites, and the risks to public health involved. Therefore, the aim of this work was to perform a qualitative and quantitative study of endoparasites in the population of the crab-eating fox in the Metopolitan Region of Fortaleza. Thus, between March 2019 and August 2020, five individuals were captured in areas authorized by environmental agencies,two captive specimens were handled at the Ibama Wildlife Screening Center (CETAS), and 18 animals road-killed from the 20 animals identified and georeferecend on the highways of 19 municipalities that compose the Metropolitan Region of Fortaleza, and also in the municipalities of Beberibe and Fortim in the State of Ceará. To determine copro-prevalence, fecal samples from captured and captive animals, and the intestinal content of road-killed animals and necropsied were analyzed using the Willis flotation technique (1927) and simple fecal sedimentation (Hoffman technique). Structures recognized as eggs were morphologically and morphometrically characterized. Nematodes were the most prevalent helminths (79.2%, n = 19), followed by trematodes, (41.7%, n = 10), cestodes (16.7%, n = 4), and acanthocephalans (12.5%, n = 3). The eggs of helminths found and their respective prevalence were: nematodes, including Ancylostoma spp. (70.8%), Uncinaria sp. (12.5%), Toxocara spp. (16.7%), Capillaria spp. (37.5%), Aspiculuris sp. (29.2%), Syphacia sp. (8.3%), and Enterobius sp. (4.2%); trematodes (41.7%), including Alaria sp. (20.8%); cestodes (16.7%), namely Spirometra sp. (16.7%); and acanthocephalans, namely Prosthenorchis sp. (12.5%). Were observed a high prevalence of nematode eggs from the family Ancylostomatidae, and a parasite diversity comprising members of the phyla Nematoda and Acanthocephala, and the classes Cestoda and Trematoda. A wide diversity that should be elucidated with complementary researches to this species in the studied area, since the morphological and morphometric characteristics of the eggs are inconclusive for this purpose.

Occurrence of oral diseases in neotropical wild carnivores kept in captivity at the zoo from Federal University of Mato Grosso Cuiabá / Ocorrência de afecções orais em carnívoros selvagens neotropicais mantidos em cativeiro no zoológico da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso Cuiabá

Control of oral lesions contributes directly to the health, survival and welfare of captive animals. In order to investigate the occurrence of oral diseases in neotropical wild carnivores kept at the zoo at the Federal University of Mato Grosso Cuiabá, we evaluated 31 oral cavities from three families of carnivores (Felidae, Canidae and Procyonidae) between July 2012 and June 2013. Twelve coatis (Nasua nasua), three raccoons (Procyon cancrivorus), two maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus), six crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous), one hoary fox (Pseudalopex vetulus), three ocelots (Leopardus pardalis), one cougar (Puma concolor) and three wild cats (Puma yagouaroundi, Leopardus wiedii and Leopardus colocolo) were reviewed. The most frequent lesions were dental absences 21/31 (67.7%), dental fractures 20/31 (64.5%) and tooth wear 19/31 (61.3%), which were suggestive of trauma caused from stress. Of lesser importance, we also observed occurrence of dental calculus grade I in 18/31 (58%), caries 1/31 (3.2%), foreign bodies 2/31 (6.4%), orofacial fistulas 1/31 (3.2%), hyperplasia in the oral mucosa 1/31 (3.2%), dental dimming 3/31 (9.7%) and chafing of the soft tissue 5/31 (16.1%). Therefore, it was concluded that environmental enrichment strategies and oral routine evaluation must be implemented to ensure the welfare of these animals, reducing local and systemic adverse effects of oral lesions. The diet has been successful in preventing periodontal disease, suggesting that this diet for the captive animals in the institution should be maintained.(AU)

O controle de lesões odontoestomatológicas contribui diretamente na saúde, sobrevivência e bem-estar dos animais cativos. Este estudo objetivou investigar a ocorrência de afecções orais em carnívoros selvagens neotropicais mantidos no zoológico da Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso Cuiabá. Foram avaliadas 31 cavidades orais de três famílias (Felidae, Canidae e Procyonidae), no período de julho de 2012 a junho de 2013, sendo doze quatis (Nasua nasua), três mãos-peladas (Procyon cancrivorus), dois lobos-guarás (Chrysocyon brachyurus), seis lobinhos (Cerdocyon thous), uma raposa (Pseudalopex vetulus), três jaguatiricas (Leopardus pardalis), uma onça-parda (Puma concolor) e três gatos selvagens (Puma yaguaroundi, Leopardus wiedii e Leopardus colocolo). As lesões mais frequentes foram ausências dentárias 21/31 (67,7%), fraturas dentárias 20/31 (64,5%) e desgastes dentários 19/31 (61,3%), as quais foram sugestivas de traumas, proveniente de estresse. Foram ainda observados com menor expressão, acúmulo de cálculo dentário grau I em 18/31 (58%), cárie 1/31 (3,2%), corpo estranho 2/31 (6,4%), fístula orofacial 1/31 (3,2%), hiperplasia na mucosa oral 1/31 (3,2%), escurecimento dental 3/31 (9,7%) e escoriações em tecidos moles 4/31 (12,9%). Logo, foi possível concluir que estratégias de enriquecimento ambiental e rotina de avaliação odontoestomatológica são importantes para garantir o bem-estar desses animais, reduzindo as consequências negativas locais e sistêmicas das lesões orais. A dieta utilizada mostrou-se eficiente na prevenção de doença periodontal, sugerindo a manutenção da mesma na alimentação dos animais cativos da instituição.(AU)

OCORRÊNCIA DE ANTICORPOS ANTI-Leptospira spp. EM MAMÍFEROS SILVESTRES DA REGIÃO METROPOLITANA DE CAMPINAS, AGLOMERADO URBANO DE JUNDIAÍ E UNIDADE REGIONAL BRAGANTINA, ESTADO DE SÃO PAULO

Objetivou-se verificar a ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp. em mamíferos silvestres de vida livre da Região Metropolitana de Campinas RMC (20 municípios), do Aglomerado Urbano de Jundiaí AUJ (sete municípios) e da Unidade Regional Bragantina URB (11 municípios), localizadas no Estado de São Paulo. Para tanto, foram utilizadas amostras de soros sanguíneos de 267 mamíferos pertencentes a 26 espécies, 17 famílias e oito ordens (Carnivora, Cetartiodactyla, Cingulata, Didelphimorphia, Lagomorpha, Pilosa, Primates e Rodentia) que foram colhidas na Associação Mata Ciliar, no período de 2012 a 2019. Os soros foram examinados por meio do Teste de Aglutinação Microscópica (MAT) com uma coleção de 24 antígenos vivos de leptospiras dos seguintes sorovares e variantes sorológicas: Australis (Australis e Bratislava), Autumnalis (Autumnalis e Butembo), Batavia (Bataviae), Ballum (Castellonis) , Canicola, Celledoni (Whitcombi), Cynopteri, Djasiman (Sentot), Grippotyphosa, Hebdomadis, Icterohaemorrhagiae (Copenhageni e Icterohaemorrhagiae), Javanica, Panama, Pomona (Pomona), Pyrogenes, Sejroe (Guaicura, Harjo e Hardjobovis), Shermani e Tarassovi. Os soros foram triados na diluição de 1:100 (ponto de corte), e os que apresentaram 50% ou mais de aglutinação foram titulados em uma série de diluições geométricas de razão dois. Dentre os soros examinados, 11 (4,1%) foram soropositivos para anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp. No total, foram 11 mamíferos soropositivos: três cachorros-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous), dois lobos-guará (Chrysocyon brachyurus), dois veados-catingueiros (Mazama gouazoubira), um ouriço-cacheiro (Sphiggurus villosus), uma capivara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), um gambá-de-orelha-branca (Didelphis albiventris) e um sagui-de-tufo-preto (Callithrix penicillata). Os sorovares mais prevalentes de acordo com as espécies analisadas foram: cachorro-do-mato (Pomona), lobo-guará (Australis e Icterohaemorrhagiae), ouriço-cacheiro (Autumnalis), capivara (Panama), veado-catingueiro (Panama e Canicola), gambá-de-orelha-branca (Sejroe) e sagui-de-tufo-preto (Autumnalis). Considerando a região, os mamíferos soropositivos da RMC foram oriundos dos municípios de Itatiba e Pedreira, do AUJ de Jundiaí e Louveira e da URB de Atibaia e Bragança Paulista. Esta pesquisa representou o primeiro inquérito sorológico da leptospirose nestas três regiões geográficas de São Paulo.

The objective was to verify the occurrence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies in free-living wild mammals in the regions of the Campinas Metropolitan Region - RMC (20 municipalities), Jundiaí Urban Agglomerate - AUJ (seven municipalities), and Bragantina Regional Unit - URB (11 municipalities), State of São Paulo, Brazil. For this purpose, 267 blood serum samples from 26 species, 17 families and eight orders (Carnivora, Cetartiodactyla, Cingulata, Didelphimorphia, Lagomorpha, Pilosa, Primates and Rodentia) were used. In order to obtain more samples (n=62), the mammals were restrained according to the specific protocol for each species. The blood serum were was examined by the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) with a collection of 24 live leptospiral antigens from the following serogroups and serological variants: Australis (Australis and Bratislava), Autumnalis (Autumnalis and Butembo), Batavia (Bataviae), Ballum (Castellonis), Canicola, Celledoni (Whitcombi), Cynopteri, Djasiman (Sentot), Grippotyphosa, Hebdomadis, Icterohaemorrhagiae (Copenhageni and Icterohaemorrhagiae), Javanica, Panama, Pomona (Pomona), Pyrogenes, Sejroe (Guaicura, Harjo and Hardjobovis), Shermani, and Tarassovi. The sera were screened at a 1: 100 dilution (cut off), and those with 50% or more agglutination were titrated in a series of geometric dilutions of ratio two. Among the examined sera, 11 (4.1%) were seropositive for anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies. In total, there were 11 seropositive mammals: three crab-eating fox (Cerdocyous thous), two maned wolves (Chrysocyon brachyurus), two brown brocket (Mazama gouazoubira), an orange-spined hairy dwarf porcupine (Sphiggurus villosus), a capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), a white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris) and a black-tufted marmoset (Callithrix penicillata). The detected serovars according to the analyzed species were: crab-eating fox (Pomona), maned wolf (Australis and Icterohaemorrhagiae), orange-spined hairy dwarf porcupine (Autumnalis), capybara (Panama), brown brocket (Panama and Canicola), white-eared opossum (Sejroe) and black-tufted marmoset (Autumnalis). Considering the region, the seropositive mammals from RMC came from the municipalities of Itatiba and Pedreira, AUJ from Jundiaí and Louveira and URB from Atibaia and Bragança Paulista. This research represented the first serological survey of leptospirosis in these three geographic regions of the State of São Paulo.

Identificação de mamíferos silvestres do Pantanal sul-mato-grossense portadores de Leptospira spp / Identification of wild mammals from Pantanal sul-matogrossense carriers of Leptospira spp

Foi realizado um levantamento da infecção por Leptospira spp. em mamíferos silvestres do Pantanal sul-mato-grossense com o emprego da reação de soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM) e da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Os sorovares de maior frequência nos animais investigados foram Hardjobovis (28%), Icterohemorhagiae (12%), M-110/2006 (isolado de Cerdocyon thous; 16%), Canicola (L014 isolada de Bos taurus, 4%), Whitcombi (4%), Pomona (20%), Autumnalis (12%) e Copenhageni (M9/99 isolada de Rattus norvegicus, 4%). Das 79 amostras examinadas pela PCR, 21 (26,58%) foram positivas, com a amplificação de um fragmento de aproximadamente 331pb. Dois fragmentos amplificados obtidos de amostras de C. thous foram clonados, sequenciados e identificados como L. interrogans por análise filogenética.

A survey of Leptospira spp. in wild mammals from the southern Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul was performed by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The serovars most frequently found were Hardjobovis (28%), Icterohemorhagiae (12%), M110/2006 strain (isolated from Cerdocyon thous, 16%), Canicola (L014 isolated from Bos Taurus, 4%), Whitcombi (4%), Pomona (20%), Autumnalis (12%) and Copenhageni (M9/99 isolated from Rattus norvegicus, 4%). From the 79 samples tested by PCR, 21 (26.58%) were positive, resulting in the amplification fragment of approximately 331pb. Two amplified fragments from C. thous were cloned, sequenced and identified as L. interrogans by phylogenetic analysis.

Identificação de mamíferos silvestres do Pantanal sul-mato-grossense portadores de Leptospira spp / Identification of wild mammals from Pantanal sul-matogrossense carriers of Leptospira spp

Foi realizado um levantamento da infecção por Leptospira spp. em mamíferos silvestres do Pantanal sul-mato-grossense com o emprego da reação de soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM) e da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Os sorovares de maior frequência nos animais investigados foram Hardjobovis (28%), Icterohemorhagiae (12%), M-110/2006 (isolado de Cerdocyon thous; 16%), Canicola (L014 isolada de Bos taurus, 4%), Whitcombi (4%), Pomona (20%), Autumnalis (12%) e Copenhageni (M9/99 isolada de Rattus norvegicus, 4%). Das 79 amostras examinadas pela PCR, 21 (26,58%) foram positivas, com a amplificação de um fragmento de aproximadamente 331pb. Dois fragmentos amplificados obtidos de amostras de C. thous foram clonados, sequenciados e identificados como L. interrogans por análise filogenética.(AU)

A survey of Leptospira spp. in wild mammals from the southern Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul was performed by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The serovars most frequently found were Hardjobovis (28%), Icterohemorhagiae (12%), M110/2006 strain (isolated from Cerdocyon thous, 16%), Canicola (L014 isolated from Bos Taurus, 4%), Whitcombi (4%), Pomona (20%), Autumnalis (12%) and Copenhageni (M9/99 isolated from Rattus norvegicus, 4%). From the 79 samples tested by PCR, 21 (26.58%) were positive, resulting in the amplification fragment of approximately 331pb. Two amplified fragments from C. thous were cloned, sequenced and identified as L. interrogans by phylogenetic analysis.(AU)

Anatomo-radiographic description of the axial skeleton of the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) / Descrição anátomo-radiográfica do esqueleto axial do cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous)

The aim of this study was to describe the axial skeleton of a wild Brazilian carnivorous, the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous). Five specimens of crab-eating fox were previously unfrozen for radiographic exams and their bones went through dissection and chemical maceration. This animal presents seven cervical vertebrae, and from the third on, they become shorter and wider than the other ones e the spinous process was makeable from the fifth cervical vertebrae on. There are thirteen thoracic vertebrae and the spinous process of the lumbar vertebrae, which are seven, decreases from the fifth on. The sacrum is formed by two vertebrae and there are twenty or twenty one caudal vertebrae. It can be concluded that the crab-eating fox axial skeleton is similar to that of the domestic dog.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever o esqueleto axial de um carnívoro selvagem brasileiro, o cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous). Cinco animais foram previamente descongelados para exames radiográficos e posteriormente submetidos a dissecação óssea e maceração química. Os animais apresentavam sete vértebras cervicais e, à partir da terceira, eram mais curtas e largas e o processo espinhoso mais evidente a partir da quinta vértebra cervical. Há treze vértebras torácicas e o processo espinhoso das vértebras lombares, que são sete, diminui partir da quinta vértebra. O sacro é constituído por duas vértebras fundidas e há 20 ou 21 vértebras caudais. Pode-se concluir que o esqueleto axial do cachorro-do-mato se assemelha ao do cão doméstico.(AU)

Anatomo-radiographic description of the axial skeleton of the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) / Descrição anátomo-radiográfica do esqueleto axial do cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous)

The aim of this study was to describe the axial skeleton of a wild Brazilian carnivorous, the crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous). Five specimens of crab-eating fox were previously unfrozen for radiographic exams and their bones went through dissection and chemical maceration. This animal presents seven cervical vertebrae, and from the third on, they become shorter and wider than the other ones e the spinous process was makeable from the fifth cervical vertebrae on. There are thirteen thoracic vertebrae and the spinous process of the lumbar vertebrae, which are seven, decreases from the fifth on. The sacrum is formed by two vertebrae and there are twenty or twenty one caudal vertebrae. It can be concluded that the crab-eating fox axial skeleton is similar to that of the domestic dog.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever o esqueleto axial de um carnívoro selvagem brasileiro, o cachorro-do-mato (Cerdocyon thous). Cinco animais foram previamente descongelados para exames radiográficos e posteriormente submetidos a dissecação óssea e maceração química. Os animais apresentavam sete vértebras cervicais e, à partir da terceira, eram mais curtas e largas e o processo espinhoso mais evidente a partir da quinta vértebra cervical. Há treze vértebras torácicas e o processo espinhoso das vértebras lombares, que são sete, diminui partir da quinta vértebra. O sacro é constituído por duas vértebras fundidas e há 20 ou 21 vértebras caudais. Pode-se concluir que o esqueleto axial do cachorro-do-mato se assemelha ao do cão doméstico.(AU)

Biometria do Bulbo ocular e poder dióptrico da lente em cachorro do mato (Cerdocyon thous - LinnEUS, 1766)

Este estudo objetivou determinar o poder dióptrico da lente intraocular (LIO) em cachorro do mato - Cerdocyon thous e descrever valores de referência para exames oftalmológicos, além de comparar as mensurações oculares quanto ao descrito nos cães domésticos, bem como considerando o sexo, lateralidade do olho e as diferentes fórmulas analisadas para o cálculo do poder dióptrico. Para isso, foram utilizados 11 cachorros do mato (22 olhos), hígidos, com idade superior a um ano, (seis) machos e (cinco) fêmeas, com peso médio de cinco kg. As variáveis oftalmológicas realizadas foram o teste lacrimal de Schirmer tipo I (TLS I) e tonometria (PIO). O valor dióptrico da LIO foi obtido utilizando-se as fórmulas Holladay II, Holladay I, Hoffer Q, SRK/T e Haigis. Com relação ao TLS e PIO, verificaram-se valores médios de 20,31±5,31 mm e 17,68±2,97 mmHg, respectivamente. Os valores dióptricos da LIO observados variaram entre 48,36±2,67 e 60±3,4 D. Para curvatura corneal, foi encontrado o valor médio de 7,03±0,38 mm. Na comparação entre lateralidade do olho e gênero, não foram observadas diferenças nas variáveis oftalmológicas, comprimento axial, fórmulas e poder dióptrico da LIO. Conclui-se que as variáveis oftalmológicas avaliadas se assemelham aos valores descritos para cães domésticos, apesar das menores dimensões da espécie. O bulbo do cachorro do mato é extremamente curto e o valor do poder dióptrico é superior ao descrito para cães domésticos.

This study aimed to determine the dioptric power of the intraocular lens (IOL) in dogs of Cerdocyon thous and to describe reference values for ophthalmologic examinations, as well as to compare the ocular measurements as described in domestic dogs, as well as considering the gender, laterality of the dog. And the different formulas analyzed for the calculation of the dioptric power. For this, eleven puppies of the bush (22 eyes), healthy, older than one year, (six) males and (five) females, with an average weight of five kg were used. The ophthalmologic variables were the Schirmer type I tear test (TLS I) and tonometry (IOP). The dioptric value of IOL was obtained using the formulas Holladay II, Holladay I, Hoffer Q, SRK / T and Haigis. Regarding TLS and IOP, mean values were 20.31 ± 5.31 mm and 17.68 ± 2.97 mmHg, respectively. Dioptric values of IOL observed ranged from 48.36 ± 2.67 to 60 ± 3.4 D. For corneal curvature, the mean value of 7.03 ± 0.38 mm was found. In the comparison between laterality of the eye and gender, no differences were observed in ophthalmologic variables, axial length, formulas and IOP dioptric power. It is concluded that the ophthalmological variables evaluated resemble the values described for domestic dogs, despite the smaller size of the species. The bulb of the bush dog is extremely short and the value of the dioptric power is superior to that described for domestic dogs.

Abundance of Conepatus chinga (Carnivora, Mephitidae) and other medium-sized mammals in grasslands of southern Brazil

Between January 2007 and December 2010, the abundance of medium-sized mammals was studied, with special focus on the Molina's hog-nosed skunk, Conepatus chinga (Molina, 1782), at four locations in southern Brazil. In this study, transect line methodology was used to obtain data for Distance Analyses. Transects were traveled by car at night, searching with spotlights along the edges of secondary roads in agricultural landscapes. Along 1,811 km, we obtained 620 observations of 20 mammal species. The most common species was the exotic European hare, Lepus europaeus (Pallas, 1778); the highest abundance estimated for South America was observed in one of the study areas, where its density was estimated as 32 individuals/km². Carnivores were the most commonly recorded mammals, represented by 10 species and comprising 51% of all observations. Molina's hog-nosed skunk occurred in all study areas, but occurred in sufficient numbers to obtain density estimates in only two of the areas. We estimated 1.4 to 3.8 individuals/km², in the first density estimate made by the transect method for a member of Conepatus in the Neotropics. These values are similar to those estimated for North American species of Mephitidae. In Brazil, C. chinga is apparently more abundant in the Pampa biome than in the grasslands of the Atlantic Forest. For two other carnivores, Lycalopex gymnocercus (Fisher, 1814) and Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766), we estimated preliminary densities that were similar to those previously cited for different regions.

Entre janeiro de 2007 e dezembro de 2010 a abundância de mamíferos de médio porte foi estudada, com especial ênfase no zorrilho Conepatus chinga (Molina, 1782) em quatro locais no sul do Brasil. Neste estudo, foi utilizada a metodologia de transectos lineares de forma a obter dados para análises de densidade com uso do software Distance. Os transectos foram percorridos de carro, à noite, procurando por animais na periferia de estradas secundárias, com o uso de holofotes de longo alcance. Em 1.811 km percorridos, foram obtidos 620 registros de 20 espécies de mamíferos. A espécie mais comum foi a lebre européia Lepus europaeus (Pallas, 1778), para a qual, em uma das áreas estudadas, foi obtida a maior estimativa de abundância já registrada para a América do Sul, com uma densidade estimada de 32 indivíduos por km². Carnivora foi a ordem mais comumente registrada, representada por 10 espécies que, juntas, compreenderam 51% de todas as visualizações. O zorrilho ocorreu em todas as áreas estudadas, embora só tenha sido registrado em número suficiente para a obtenção de estimativas de densidade em duas destas áreas. A densidade do zorrilho foi estimada em 1,4 a 3,8 indivíduos por km², sendo esta a primeira estimativa por transectos lineares do gênero Conepatus na região Neotropical. Estes valores são similares aos observados para mefitídeos norte-americanos. No Brasil, C. chinga é aparentemente mais abundante no Pampa do que nos campos de altitude da Mata Atlântica. Para outras duas espécies, Lycalopex gymnocercus (Fisher, 1814) e Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766), foram feitas estimativas preliminares de densidade que apontaram valores semelhantes aos de outras regiões de ocorrência das espécies.

Abundance of Conepatus chinga (Carnivora, Mephitidae) and other medium-sized mammals in grasslands of southern Brazil

Between January 2007 and December 2010, the abundance of medium-sized mammals was studied, with special focus on the Molina's hog-nosed skunk, Conepatus chinga (Molina, 1782), at four locations in southern Brazil. In this study, transect line methodology was used to obtain data for Distance Analyses. Transects were traveled by car at night, searching with spotlights along the edges of secondary roads in agricultural landscapes. Along 1,811 km, we obtained 620 observations of 20 mammal species. The most common species was the exotic European hare, Lepus europaeus (Pallas, 1778); the highest abundance estimated for South America was observed in one of the study areas, where its density was estimated as 32 individuals/km². Carnivores were the most commonly recorded mammals, represented by 10 species and comprising 51% of all observations. Molina's hog-nosed skunk occurred in all study areas, but occurred in sufficient numbers to obtain density estimates in only two of the areas. We estimated 1.4 to 3.8 individuals/km², in the first density estimate made by the transect method for a member of Conepatus in the Neotropics. These values are similar to those estimated for North American species of Mephitidae. In Brazil, C. chinga is apparently more abundant in the Pampa biome than in the grasslands of the Atlantic Forest. For two other carnivores, Lycalopex gymnocercus (Fisher, 1814) and Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766), we estimated preliminary densities that were similar to those previously cited for different regions.

Entre janeiro de 2007 e dezembro de 2010 a abundância de mamíferos de médio porte foi estudada, com especial ênfase no zorrilho Conepatus chinga (Molina, 1782) em quatro locais no sul do Brasil. Neste estudo, foi utilizada a metodologia de transectos lineares de forma a obter dados para análises de densidade com uso do software Distance. Os transectos foram percorridos de carro, à noite, procurando por animais na periferia de estradas secundárias, com o uso de holofotes de longo alcance. Em 1.811 km percorridos, foram obtidos 620 registros de 20 espécies de mamíferos. A espécie mais comum foi a lebre européia Lepus europaeus (Pallas, 1778), para a qual, em uma das áreas estudadas, foi obtida a maior estimativa de abundância já registrada para a América do Sul, com uma densidade estimada de 32 indivíduos por km². Carnivora foi a ordem mais comumente registrada, representada por 10 espécies que, juntas, compreenderam 51% de todas as visualizações. O zorrilho ocorreu em todas as áreas estudadas, embora só tenha sido registrado em número suficiente para a obtenção de estimativas de densidade em duas destas áreas. A densidade do zorrilho foi estimada em 1,4 a 3,8 indivíduos por km², sendo esta a primeira estimativa por transectos lineares do gênero Conepatus na região Neotropical. Estes valores são similares aos observados para mefitídeos norte-americanos. No Brasil, C. chinga é aparentemente mais abundante no Pampa do que nos campos de altitude da Mata Atlântica. Para outras duas espécies, Lycalopex gymnocercus (Fisher, 1814) e Cerdocyon thous (Linnaeus, 1766), foram feitas estimativas preliminares de densidade que apontaram valores semelhantes aos de outras regiões de ocorrência das espécies.