Predicting future climate change impacts on the potential distribution of the black howler monkey (Alouatta pigra): an endangered arboreal primate.

Climate change is one of the main factors affecting biodiversity worldwide at an alarming rate. In addition to increases in global extreme weather events, melting of polar ice caps, and subsequent sea level rise, climate change might shift the geographic distribution of species. In recent years, interest in understanding the effects of climate change on species distribution has increased, including species which depend greatly on forest cover for survival, such as strictly arboreal primates. Here, we generate a series of species distribution models (SDMs) to evaluate future projections under different climate change scenarios on the distribution of the black howler monkey (Alouatta pigra), an endemic endangered primate species. Using SDMs, we assessed current and future projections of their potential distribution for three Social Economic Paths (SSPs) for the years 2030, 2050, 2070, and 2090. Specifically, we found that precipitation seasonality (BIO15, 30.8%), isothermality (BIO3, 25.4%), and mean diurnal range (BIO2, 19.7.%) are the main factors affecting A. pigra distribution. The future climate change models suggested a decrease in the potential distribution of A. pigra by projected scenarios (from - 1.23 to - 12.66%). The highly suitable area was the most affected above all in the more pessimist scenario most likely related to habitat fragmentation. Our study provides new insights into the potential future distribution and suitable habitats of Alouatta pigra. Such information could be used by local communities, governments, and non-governmental organizations for conservation planning of this primate species.

Molecular detection of Bifidobacterium spp. in faeces of black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra).

BACKGROUND: Bifidobacterium genus are considered to be beneficial bacteria for their hosts; however, knowledge about the specific species that are part of the gut microbiome of howler monkeys is scarce. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a useful technique for the identification of non-cultivable or difficult to grow bacterial species. With the goal of detecting species of the genus Bifidobacterium in black howler monkeys, we used PCR on DNA derived from faecal samples. METHODS: We collected and extracted DNA from 40 faecal samples. Using specific primers, we performed PCR and nested PCR to detect members of the Bifidobacterium genus and a subset of species: Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. animalis. RESULTS: 97.5% (39/40) of the samples were positive for Bifidobacterium spp. We found B longum in 100% of the analysed samples. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report of B longum in black howler monkey faeces.

Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Escherichia coli Isolated from Black Howler Monkeys (Alouatta pigra) and Domestic Animals in Fragmented Rain-Forest Areas in Tabasco, Mexico.

The appearance and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacteria in natural environments and wildlife are related to agricultural and livestock activities and are a global health and conservation problem. We assessed the presence of AMR genes in Escherichia coli isolated from black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra), sheep (Ovis aries), cattle (Bos taurus), and horses (Equus caballus) from a highly fragmented forest in southern Mexico. Fresh fecal samples were collected using swabs, seeded on eosin-methylene blue agar, and E. coli colonies identified by PCR; multiplex-PCR was performed on E. coli DNA for the detection of 10 AMR genes from four families (sulfonamides, tetracycline, ß-lactamase, and chloramphenicol). We detected E. coli in 94% (48/51) of fecal samples, of which 33% (16/48) tested positive for at least one AMR gene. We detected AMR genes in at least one individual from each sampled animal species, with the most prevalent genes being tet(B) 18% (9/48), sul2 14% (7/48), sul1, and blaTEM 12% (6/48). Sheep samples contained AMR genes from the four families of antibiotics detected in this study and 50% (5/10) tested positive for the presence of at least one gene. A total of 12% (2/16) of fecal samples from black howler monkeys tested positive for AMR genes. The presence of AMR genes in A. pigra and domestic animals has not been reported in the Balancán area of Tabasco, Mexico. Transmission of AMR bacteria from domestic animals to monkeys is rare; however, this is a potential health risk for wildlife and species conservation.