Bird Leg Skin Lesions and Urbanization in a Neotropical Savanna City.

Urban sprawl threatens biodiversity and is responsible for significant changes in the species that live in these environments. Given the high cost of comprehensive surveillance, monitoring disease indirectly, such as detecting skin lesions in birds, may help us better understand the prevalence of diseases affecting wild populations. We assessed the frequency of leg skin lesions, as a proxy of disease presence, in 1,565 individuals of 25 species, along the urban matrix of a large Neotropical city, Brasília, Federal District, Brazil. We tested the hypothesis that there is an increase in the frequency of skin lesions in birds due to urban intensification. We observed an increasing trend in some bird species between the frequency of occurrence of lesions and the intensity of urbanization. Species with a higher number of captures had an increase in the percentage of lesions, indicating that the occurrence of lesions may be linked to higher population density or that detection of the effect occurs only when sample sizes are high and controlled among urbanization categories. Our study highlights how the intensity of urbanization may increase the risk of disease transmission for these species. Unfortunately, studies on this topic are scarce in Neotropical regions, despite the region's high biodiversity and urban expansion.

ESBL-producing Escherichia coli prevalence and sharing across seabirds of central Chile.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global public threat, now largely reported in natural environments. Seabirds are carriers of extended-spectrum ß-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-E. coli), but different foraging and breeding behaviour could impact ESBL-E. coli circulation. We compared the prevalence and genetic determinants of ESBL-E. coli from resident Kelp gulls (Larus dominicanus, Ld), migratory Franklin's gulls (Larus pipixcan, Lp), and endemic Peruvian pelicans (Pelecanus thagus, Pt) from the Humboldt Current Ecosystem (HCE) of central Chile. From 2020 to 2022, we collected 699 fresh faecal samples (Ld = 449, Lp = 116, Pt = 134), and isolated 271 ESBL-E. coli (39 %). Whole-genome-sequencing (WGS) was performed on 85 E. coli selected isolates to identify their Sequence Type (ST), AMR genes, virulence genes, mobile genetic elements (MGE), and to assess potential interspecies transmission. ESBL-genes were detected in the remaining ESBL-E. coli isolates by PCR. ESBL-E. coli prevalence in Ld (46 % [CI: 42-51 %]) and Pt (34 % [CI: 27-43 %]) was higher than in Lp (15 % [CI: 9-22 %]). WGS revealed 41 ESBL-E. coli STs including pandemic clones ST10, ST58, ST131 and ST410. The blaCTX-M-1 and blaCTX-M-15 genes were the most prevalent among ESBL genes, and were mostly associated with MGE IncI1-I(Alpha) and ISEc9. We also report the pAmpC blaCMY-2 gene associated to MGE Inc1-I(Alpha) and IS640 in two E. coli from a Ld and a Lp. Eight ESBL-E. coli of the same ST were shared by at least two seabird species, including ST10 (Ld and Pt); ST88, ST410 and ST617 (Pt and Lp); ST38, ST58, ST131, and SST1722 (three species). Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) phylogenetic analyses of ST38, ST617 and ST1722 showed a low difference of SNPs between STs found in different seabird species, suggesting ESBL-E. coli clonal exchanges. Our results highlight ESBL-E. coli dissemination across seabirds of the HCE, including species that unusually forage on human waste like pelicans.

Mountain caves of the central region of Veracruz: A vertebrate biodiversity reservoir in a Neotropical hotspot.

The mountain region of central Veracruz, Mexico hosts a large system of karst and volcanic caves that are unexplored. In particular, the vertebrates that inhabit these subterranean ecosystems are unknown. This study evaluated the diversity of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish in three environments (euphotic, disphotic, and aphotic) of 16 caves of different geological origin (12 karst caves and 4 volcanic caves) distributed along an altitudinal gradient (300-2400 m a.s.l.). We found a richness of 242 vertebrate species (184 birds, 30 mammals, 15 reptiles, 12 amphibians, and 1 fish) and an abundance of a total of 11,323 individuals (4,969 mammals, 6,483 birds, 36 reptiles, 27 amphibians, and 5 fish). The richness of all vertebrate classes was higher in karst than in volcanic caves. Vertebrate diversity was also higher at mid-altitudes between 600-899 m a.s.l. Diversity varied between environments, where bird and reptile richness was higher in the euphotic environment, while mammal and amphibian diversity was higher in the aphotic environment. The similarity in the composition of vertebrate species does not depend on the distance between karstic and volcanic caves. Volcanic and karst caves shared on average up to 70% and 55% of vertebrate species, which indicates that only 30% and 45% of species, respectively, is different in each cave type. Given the vulnerability and fragility of these subterranean ecosystems, as well as the important diversity that they contain, we recommend including the caves of the central region of Veracruz in the conservation agenda of local governments and communities. Community-based conservation can help ensure the presence of vertebrate species in the caves of this region.

Observed declines in body size have differential effects on survival and recruitment, but no effect on population growth in tropical birds.

Declines in body size can be an advantageous physiological response to warming temperatures, or a result of physiological and nutritional stress. Either way, studies often assume that these climate-induced trait changes have important implications for fitness and demography. We leveraged almost three decades of capture-mark-recapture data of 51 bird species in Panama to examine if body size has changed through time, how sensitive body size is to changes in weather, and if body size impacts population demography. We evaluated two metrics of body size, structural size (wing length), and body condition (residual body mass). Over the study, wing length changed in varying directions for 88% of species (23 decrease, 22 increase), but the effects were weak, and change was only significant for two species. Conversely, body condition declined for 88% of species (45), effects were stronger, and that change was significant for 22% of species (11). This suggests that nutritional stress is likely the cause of changes in body size, not an adaptive response to warming. Precipitation metrics impacted body condition across three of our four feeding guilds, while wing length was only impacted by weather metrics for two guilds. This suggests that body condition is more sensitive to change in weather metrics compared to wing length. Lastly, we found that the impact of changes in body size on survival and recruitment was variable across species, but these relationships were in the opposite direction, ultimately resulting in no change in population growth for all but one species. Thus, while different stages (adult survival and recruitment) of populations may be impacted by body size, populations appear to be buffered from changes. The lack of an effect on population growth rate suggests that populations may be more resilient to changes in body size, with implications for population persistence under expected climate change.

First Isolation and Molecular Characterization of Umatilla Virus (Sedoreoviridae, Orbivirus) in Brazil.

In this study, we provide a genomic description of the first isolation of the Umattila virus (UMAV) in Brazil. The virus was obtained from the blood of a bird (Turdus fumigatus) and isolated in a C6/36 cell culture. The viral genome contains ten segments, and its organization is characteristic of viruses of the genus Orbivirus (family Sedoreoviridae). The coding region of each segment was sequenced, demonstrating the nucleotide identity with UMAV. The phylogenetic inference results were in line with these findings and demonstrated the formation of two distinct monophyletic clades containing strains isolated around the world, where our isolate, belonging to the same clade as the prototype strain, was allocated to a different subclade, highlighting the genetic divergence between them. This work reports the first isolation of UMAV in Brazil, and due to the scarcity of information on this viral agent in the scientific literature, it is essential to carry out further studies to better understand its epidemiology, dispersion, and, in particular, its interactions with vertebrate hosts, vectors, and the environment.

Disentangling the drivers of urban bird diversity in the non-breeding season: A general synthesis.

Current knowledge about the impacts of urbanisation on bird assemblages is based on evidence from studies partly or wholly undertaken in the breeding season. In comparison, the non-breeding season remains little studied, despite the fact that winter conditions at higher latitudes are changing more rapidly than other seasons. During the non-breeding season, cities may attract or retain bird species because they offer milder conditions or better feeding opportunities than surrounding habitats. However, the range of climatic, ecological and anthropogenic mechanisms shaping different facets of urban bird diversity in the non-breeding season are poorly understood. We explored these mechanisms using structural equation modelling to assess how urbanisation affects the taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional diversity of avian assemblages sampled worldwide in the non-breeding season. We found that minimum temperature, elevation, urban area and city age played a critical role in determining taxonomic diversity while a range of factors-including productivity, precipitation, elevation, distance to coasts and rivers, socio-economic (as a proxy of human facilitation) and road density-each contributed to patterns of phylogenetic and functional diversity. The structure and function of urban bird assemblages appear to be predominantly shaped by temperature, productivity and city age, with effects of these factors differing across seasons. Our results underline the importance of considering multiple hypotheses, including seasonal effects, when evaluating the impacts of urbanisation on biodiversity.

Reproductive biology as a tool to elucidate taxonomic delimitation: How different can two highly specialized subspecies of Parodia haselbergii (cactaceae) be?

Reproductive isolation is one of the mechanisms of speciation. The two currently accepted subspecies of Parodia haselbergii (P. haselbergii subsp. haselbergii and P. haselbergii subsp. graessneri) were studied regarding flower traits, phenology, breeding systems and pollination. In addition, a principal component analysis with 18 floral characters and germination tests under controlled conditions were performed for both taxa. Pollination was studied in the field, in two localities of Southern Brazil. Pollinators were recorded through photos and film. Breeding system experiments were performed by applying controlled pollinations to plants excluded from pollinators. Both taxa mostly differ in asynchronous flowering periods, floral traits (including floral part measurements and nectar concentration) and pollinators. The flowers of both subspecies are functionally protogynous and perform remarkably long lifespans (≥ 15 days), both traits being novelties for Cactaceae. Whereas the reddish flowers of P. haselbergii subsp. haselbergii (nectar concentration: ca. 18%) are pollinated by hummingbirds of Thalurania glaucopis, the greenish flowers of P. haselbergii subsp. graessneri (nectar concentration: ca. 29%) are pollinated by Augochlora bees (Halictidae). Both subspecies are self-compatible, yet pollinator-dependent. The principal component analysis evidenced that both subspecies are separated, regarding flower traits. The seeds of both subspecies performed differently in the germination tests, but the best results were recovered at 20 °C and germination considerably decreased around 30 °C. In conclusion, all these results support that both taxa are in reproductive isolation, and can be treated as different species.

Analysis of antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacilli in wild and exotic healthy birds in Brazil: A warning sign.

Bacterial antibiotic resistance is a public health problem affecting humans and animals. This study focuses on identifying Gram-negative bacilli (GNB) (MALDI-TOF MS and Klebsiella MALDI TypeR) resistant to antimicrobials in freshly emitted feces of healthy captive and rescued wild birds from a zoo in Brazil. Birds from the zoo and rescued from sixteen different orders were investigated. Resistant bacteria from feces were selected (MacConkey agar with 2 µg/mL cefotaxime). Genomic similarity and plasmid were investigated by Pulsed-Field Gel Electrophoresis of XbaI fragments (XbaI-PFGE) and S1-PFGE. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was performed to search for beta-lactamase genes. From 80 birds included, 26 from the zoo (50 %) and 18 rescued wild birds (64 %) presented cefotaxime-resistant GNB. E. coli and Klebsiella spp were the most prevalent species. Among 65 isolates from the zoo and rescued wild birds, 75 % were considered multidrug-resistant (MDR). The majority of the isolates were extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) producing and resistant to enrofloxacin. blaCTX-M-GROUP-1, blaTEM, and blaSHV were the most detected genes, and blaKPC was detected in K. pneumoniae complex. According to genomic similarity results, some identical profiles were found in birds with no known contact among the zoo or rescued birds. Several isolates carried one to three plasmids (15-350 kb). The presence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates from healthy captive and wild birds brings novel data on the dissemination of these elements to the environment.

Blue nests: The use of plastics in the nests of the crested oropendola (Psarocolius decumanus) on the Brazilian Amazon coast.

Birds have been impacted by plastic pollution via entanglement, accidental ingestion, and exposure to chemical contaminants. However, plastics were also observed as a nesting material for several species. For the first time, we describe the occurrence and composition of plastics in 36 nests of the crested oropendola (Psarocolius decumanus) in three different sites on the Amazon coast. Plastics were present in 67 % of abandoned, fallen nests. At the mangrove site, all nests contained plastics, while at the grassy clearing and the fishermen's village, plastics were present at 35.3 and 90 % of the nests, respectively. Blue fibers and ropes were the main plastics observed, probably derived from discarded fishing gear. Of 79 analyzed fibers, 97.5 % were composed of Polyethylene, and 83.5 % contained Cobalt Phthalocyanine as an additive. Our results showed a widespread use of plastics by P. decumanus, which may increase the exposure of both juveniles and adults to potential contaminants.

A phylogeny-informed characterisation of global tetrapod traits addresses data gaps and biases.

Tetrapods (amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals) are model systems for global biodiversity science, but continuing data gaps, limited data standardisation, and ongoing flux in taxonomic nomenclature constrain integrative research on this group and potentially cause biased inference. We combined and harmonised taxonomic, spatial, phylogenetic, and attribute data with phylogeny-based multiple imputation to provide a comprehensive data resource (TetrapodTraits 1.0.0) that includes values, predictions, and sources for body size, activity time, micro- and macrohabitat, ecosystem, threat status, biogeography, insularity, environmental preferences, and human influence, for all 33,281 tetrapod species covered in recent fully sampled phylogenies. We assess gaps and biases across taxa and space, finding that shared data missing in attribute values increased with taxon-level completeness and richness across clades. Prediction of missing attribute values using multiple imputation revealed substantial changes in estimated macroecological patterns. These results highlight biases incurred by nonrandom missingness and strategies to best address them. While there is an obvious need for further data collection and updates, our phylogeny-informed database of tetrapod traits can support a more comprehensive representation of tetrapod species and their attributes in ecology, evolution, and conservation research.

Unraveling habitat-driven shifts in alpha, beta, and gamma diversity of hummingbirds and their floral resource.

Background: Biodiversity, crucial for understanding ecosystems, encompasses species richness, composition, and distribution. Ecological and environmental factors, such as habitat type, resource availability, and climate conditions, play pivotal roles in shaping species diversity within and among communities, categorized into alpha (within habitat), beta (between habitats), and gamma (total regional) diversity. Hummingbird communities are influenced by habitat, elevation, and seasonality, making them an ideal system for studying these diversities, shedding light on mutualistic community dynamics and conservation strategies. Methods: Over a year-long period, monthly surveys were conducted to record hummingbird species and their visited flowering plants across four habitat types (oak forest, juniper forest, pine forest, and xerophytic shrubland) in Tlaxcala, Mexico. Three locations per habitat type were selected based on conservation status and distance from urban areas. True diversity measures were used to assess alpha, beta, and gamma diversity of hummingbirds and their floral resources. Environmental factors such as altitude and bioclimatic variables were explored for their influence on beta diversity. Results: For flowering plants, gamma diversity encompassed 34 species, with oak forests exhibiting the highest richness, while xerophytic shrublands had the highest alpha diversity. In contrast, for hummingbirds, 11 species comprised the gamma diversity, with xerophytic shrublands having the highest richness and alpha diversity. Our data reveal high heterogeneity in species abundance among habitats. Notably, certain floral resources like Loeselia mexicana and Bouvardia ternifolia emerge as key species in multiple habitats, while hummingbirds such as Basilinna leucotis, Selasphorus platycercus, and Calothorax lucifer exhibit varying levels of abundance and habitat preferences. Beta diversity analyses unveil habitat-specific patterns, with species turnover predominantly driving dissimilarity in composition. Moreover, our study explores the relationships between these diversity components and environmental factors such as altitude and climate variables. Climate variables, in particular, emerge as significant contributors to dissimilarity in floral resource and hummingbird communities, highlighting the influence of environmental conditions on species distribution. Conclusions: Our results shed light on the complex dynamics of hummingbird-flower mutualistic communities within diverse habitats and underscore the importance of understanding how habitat-driven shifts impact alpha, beta, and gamma diversity. Such insights are crucial for conservation strategies aimed at preserving the delicate ecological relationships that underpin biodiversity in these communities.

Endangered bird species of one of the last remnants of lowland Atlantic Forest in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil: pressures and preservation measures.

The lowland Atlantic Forest, at altitudes of below 500 m, is highly fragmented, and is home to many threatened species of birds. The Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro has a high concentration of threatened birds in the Americas and is an important residual of the dense ombrophilous formations of the Atlantic Forest, which includes the Reserva Biológica União, a high priority area for conservation of Atlantic Forest birds. This study compiled empirical and secondary records of threatened birds in this reserve and discusses potential factors determining their local occurrence. Since 2008, regular observations, including transect surveys and mist-netting, in addiction to secondary data, have provided records of 306 bird species, of which 49 appear on red lists at some level (state, national or global), including 34 listed as endangered, of which 13 are listed globally, eight of them dependent on well-conserved lowland rainforest. Future studies should include new areas of the reserve, with the aim of confirming the presence of additional threatened species. The long-term conservation of this fauna will depend not only on the adequate management of the reserve, but also the reestablishment of its connectivity with adjacent forest fragments and upland areas in the state.

Trophic plasticity of a tropical seabird revealed through DNA metabarcoding and stable isotope analyses.

DNA metabarcoding and stable isotope analysis have significantly advanced our understanding of marine trophic ecology, aiding systematic research on foraging habits and species conservation. In this study, we employed these methods to analyse faecal and blood samples, respectively, to compare the trophic ecology of two Red-billed Tropicbird (Phaethonaethereus; Linnaeus, 1758) colonies on Mexican islands in the Pacific. Trophic patterns among different breeding stages were also examined at both colonies. Dietary analysis reveals a preference for epipelagic fish, cephalopods, and small crustaceans, with variations between colonies and breeding stages. Isotopic values (δ15N and δ13C) align with DNA metabarcoding results, with wider niches during incubation stages. Differences in diet are linked to environmental conditions and trophic plasticity among breeding stages, influenced by changing physiological requirements and prey availability. Variations in dietary profiles reflect contrasting environmental conditions affecting local prey availability.

Prevalence and composition of haemosporidians in an avian community from a World Heritage area: Associations with host foraging strata and forest regeneration.

Forest regeneration is becoming a powerful tool to combat land conversion which covers 30 % of the Neotropical territory. However, little is known about the effect of forest regeneration on vector-borne diseases. Here, we describe the haemosporidian lineage composition across a successional gradient within an Atlantic Forest bird community. We test whether forest successional stages, in addition to host life history traits affect haemosporidian infection probability. We sampled birds at 16 sampling units with different successional stages between 2017 and 2018 within a forest remnant located in Antonina, Paraná, Brazil. We captured bird individuals using mist-nets, identified them to the species level, and collected blood samples to detect and identify Plasmodium and Haemoproteus lineages based on molecular analysis. We used a Bayesian phylogenetic linear model with a Bernoulli distribution to test whether the haemosporidian infection probability is affected by nest type, foraging stratum, and forest successional stage. We captured 322 bird individuals belonging to 52 species and 21 families. We found 31 parasite lineages and an overall haemosporidian prevalence of 23.9 %, with most infections being caused by Plasmodium (21.7 % of prevalence). The Plasmodium probability of infection was associated with forest successional stage and bird foraging stratum. Birds from the secondary forest in an intermediate stage of succession are more likely to be infected by the parasites than birds from the primary forests (ß = 1.21, 95 % CI = 0.11 - 2.43), birds from upper strata exhibit a lower probability of infection than birds from lower foraging strata (ß = -1.81, 95 % CI = -3.80 - -0.08). Nest type did not affect the Plasmodium probability of infection. Our results highlight the relevance of forest succession on haemosporidian infection dynamics, which is particularly relevant in a world where natural regeneration is the main tool used in forest restoration.

Phylodynamics of avian influenza A(H5N1) viruses from outbreaks in Brazil.

Our study identified strains of the A/H5N1 virus in analyzed samples of subsistence poultry, wild birds, and mammals, belonging to clade 2.3.4.4b, genotype B3.2, with very high genetic similarity to strains from Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina. This suggests a migratory route for wild birds across the Pacific, explaining the phylogenetic relatedness. The Brazilian samples displayed similarity to strains that had already been previously detected in South America. Phylogeographic analysis suggests transmission of US viruses from Europe and Asia, co-circulating with other lineages in the American continent. As mutations can influence virulence and host specificity, genomic surveillance is essential to detect those changes, especially in critical regions, such as hot spots in the HA, NA, and PB2 sequences. Mutations in the PB2 gene (D701N and Q591K) associated with adaptation and transmission in mammals were detected suggesting a potential zoonotic risk. Nonetheless, resistance to neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs) was not identified, however, continued surveillance is crucial to detect potential resistance. Our study also mapped the spread of the virus in the Southern hemisphere, identifying possible entry routes and highlighting the importance of surveillance to prevent outbreaks and protect both human and animal populations.

Detection of Mycoplasma spp. in free-living seabirds.

This study aimed to investigate the presence of Mycoplasma spp. and identify the species of mycoplasma isolates obtained from seabirds found on Brazilian coastal beaches. Tracheal and cloacal swab samples were collected from 50 seabirds rescued by three conservation and marine animal rehabilitation centers located in Brazil. The tracheal and cloacal samples were subjected to mycoplasma culture and the isolates were identified through PCR. A "Mollicutes-specific" 16S rRNA PCR reaction was employed for triage. Four species-specific PCR reactions were used to detect Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Mycoplasma synoviae, Mycoplasma meleagridis, or M. gallinarum. The Mollicutes positive and species negative samples were submitted do 16S rRNA sequencing. Eighteen (36%) of 50 seabirds tested positive for mycoplasma by culture. In the PCR for the genus, 28 (56%) of 50 seabirds were positive for Mycoplasma spp., with 13 (26%) detected in the trachea, one (2%) in the cloaca, and 14 (28%) in both sites. In the species-specific PCR, M. gallisepticum was detected in 17.8%, and M. meleagridis in 17.8%. Both species were detected in 14.3%. Of the isolates not characterized at species level, we obtained ten sequences and they were divided into three clusters. The first cluster was closely related to M. meleagridis, the second to M. synoviae, and the third grouped M. tully, M. gallisepticum, and M. imitans. Four and five of nine species of seabirds studied had mycoplasma detected by culture or PCR, respectively. Mycoplasmas were found in the majority of the animals studied, with the highest prevalence proportionally found in Sula leucogaster, and the lowest in Fregata magnificens. The phylogenetic analysis identified Mycoplasma spp. adapted to aquatic birds.

Ecotoxicological consequences of urbanization: A multi-biomarker approach to assessing sewage treatment plant effects on free-living birds.

Birds are good bioindicators of disturbance in the environment. They are present in different habitats and trophic levels. In addition, rapid urbanization has led birds to use cities as shelter and for seeking food resources. Sewage treatment plants (STPs) are suitable locations for free-living birds within cities. However, few studies address the impacts of emerging pollutants from sewage treatment plants on wild birds. In this sense, the aim of this study was to analyze the genotoxic, mutagenic, and immunological impacts from metal and pollutant exposure on free-living birds collected at a STP. For comparison, birds were collected in a preserved environment, the Silvania National Forest (FLONA). To achieve this, we used non-destructive biomarkers sensitive to environmental changes. Birds were collected in both environments using mist nets. After collection, birds were weighed, measured, species-identified, and released. Blood was collected for comet assay, micronucleus test, and leukocyte profile, while feathers were collected for metal concentration analysis. Water physicochemical parameters were measured at both sites, and water samples were collected for metal analysis. Our results demonstrated that birds collected at the STP exhibit a higher frequency of genotoxic damage and erythrocyte abnormalities, and increased immune response compared to FLONA birds. Traces of potentially toxic metals, such as Hg and As, were found in the birds feathers from both environments, raising concerns about metal contamination in both environments. Trophic guilds appear to respond similarly to exposure. The parameters and metals found in the water reflect environmental characteristics and may be influencing pollutant availability. Finally, despite the advancement of our findings, studies linking these damages to detrimental effects on behavior and reproduction are encouraged.

Herpesviruses in migrating procellariforms, northeastern Brazil.

Seabirds are one of the most threatened avian groups. Viruses, including herpesvirus, represent considerable threats to marine avifauna. Herein, our goal was to survey herpesvirus in Procellariiformes that stranded in Brazil between June and July 2021. We analyzed 12 Cory's shearwaters (Calonectris borealis), two Great Shearwaters (Ardenna gravis, syn. Puffinus gravis) and one Yellow-nosed Albatross (Thalassarche chlororynchos) found in an unusual mortality event in Bahía state, northeastern Brazil. After necropsy, selected tissue samples were tested for herpesvirus using a broad-range nested PCR. Overall, 20% (3/15) of the birds were herpesvirus-positive, i.e., two Cory's Shearwaters and one Great Shearwater. One alphaherpesvirus sequence type was identified in each shearwater species, classified into the genus Mardivirus. This study describes two likely novel herpesviruses in shearwaters, contributing to the currently very scarce data regarding infectious agents in Procellariiformes. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the presence and characteristics of herpesvirus in Procellariiformes, and the presence (or not) of related disease in order to understand the epidemiology of this infectious agent and eventually contribute to the conservation of this endangered seabird group.

Centrorhynchus spp. (Acanthocephala) in South America: new anuran record and checklist of vertebrate hosts.

The aim of this study was to record Centrorhynchus sp. associated with the exotic species Aquarana catesbeiana (bullfrog) in southern Brazil and to present a checklist of vertebrate hosts in South America. Twenty-nine adults and juveniles of A. catesbeiana were collected in Capão do Leão, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, between October 2019 and December 2020. We found 275 specimens of Centrorhynchus sp. cystacanths in the stomach musculature and coelomic cavity of 55.1% of hosts (16). There was no significant differences in the prevalence and mean intensity of infection with cystacanths when compared males and females of A. catesbeiana. The prevalence was significantly higher in adults than in juveniles. The checklist presents 106 species of vertebrate hosts and 14 taxa of Centrorhynchus recorded in nine South American countries. Avian were the main definitive hosts of Centrorhynchus spp. and snakes Dipsadidae, anurans Hylidae and Leptodactylidae the main paratenic hosts in South America. This is the first record of Centrorhynchus cystacanths in A. catesbeiana in the South America. The study provides tools to help understand the parasitic relationships between species of Centrorhynchus and A. catesbeiana and other hosts in areas where bullfrog have been introduced.

Prevalence of plastic debris in nests of two cormorant species in Peru.

The guanay cormorant (Leucocarbo bougainvilliorum) and red-legged cormorant (Poikilocarbo gaimardi) are known for their prolific nest-building behavior, utilizing a diverse array of materials, including anthropogenic debris, thereby serving as valuable indicators of ocean plastic pollution. To elucidate inter-specific variations in nest plastic occurrence between these two cormorant species, we conducted a comprehensive examination of nests at 12 colonies along the Peruvian coast in 2018-2019. Our findings revealed a significantly higher occurrence of plastic in red-legged cormorant nests (mean 50 ± 27 %, N = 100 nests in 7 colonies) compared to guanay cormorant nests (mean 10 ± 20 %, 3497 nests in 8 colonies). Furthermore, the prevalence of plastic waste varied across colonies within both species. Off-white/clear plastic bags were the predominant color and type of debris found in both cormorant nests. This study is a baseline of plastic marine pollution occurrence along the Peruvian coast.