Wildfires disproportionately affected jaguars in the Pantanal.

The Pantanal wetland harbours the second largest population of jaguars in the world. Alongside climate and land-use changes, the recent mega-fires in the Pantanal may pose a threat to the jaguars' long-term survival. To put these growing threats into perspective, we addressed the reach and intensity of fires that have affected jaguar conservation in the Pantanal ecoregion over the last 16 years. The 2020 fires were the most severe in the annual series, burned 31% of the Pantanal and affected 45% of the estimated jaguar population (87% of these in Brazil); 79% of the home range areas, and 54% of the protected areas within home ranges. Fires consumed core habitats and injured several jaguars, the Pantanal's apex predator. Displacement, hunger, dehydration, territorial defence, and lower fecundity are among the impacts that may affect the abundance of the species. These impacts are likely to affect other less mobile species and, therefore, the ecological stability of the region. A solution to prevent the recurrence of mega-fires lies in combating the anthropogenic causes that intensify drought conditions, such as implementing actions to protect springs, increasing the number and area of protected areas, regulating fire use, and allocating fire brigades before dry seasons.

Risk of exposure of farms and subsistence nurseries to contact with wild boar in southern Mato Grosso do Sul / Risco de exposição de granjas e criatórios de subsistência ao contato com javalis no sul do Mato Grosso do Sul

With the advancement of wild boar distribution in the rural environment, its impacts are not limited to health in the pig sector, but the requirements for monitoring and control of the species are requirements laid down by the OIE for the recognition of classical swine fever free zone status. The construction of ecological models of favorability or suitability for the occurrence of pest species are necessary tools for the decision making on priority areas of management aiming at risk management. This work aims to map the level of suitability for the occurrence of wild boar in the southern state of Mato Grosso do Sul, as well as to identify the main risk variables for contact with the wild boar and evaluate the biosecurity measures adopted by commercial farms integrated in the south of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. To evaluate the risk potential of wild boar for commercial and subsistence swine farming in southern Mato Grosso do Sul, a model of environmental suitability was constructed for this species in the swine producing region. This model considered different environmental strata, being the selection of the layers considered the physiological and behavioral characteristics of the species. In parallel, interviews were carried out in a sample of commercial farms integrating the region to survey the perception of the presence of the invasive species and the biosafety measures adopted. The results of this work indicate that the risk of contact among wild boars and animals reared in closed production systems may be high in the study area and only establishment of appropriate biosecurity measures that consider the characteristics and habits of the boar may prevent the intrusion of this species and contact with domestic swine. The built model can be considered of high reliability and it is recommended to apply it to other areas of the state, being a useful tool for the productive sector, environmental agencies and decision makers.(AU)

Com o avanço da distribuição do javali no ambiente rural, seus impactos não se restringem somente a sanidade suidea, embora as exigências quanto ao monitoramento e controle da espécie sejam exigências previstas pela OIE, para o reconhecimento do status de zona livre de peste suína clássica. A construção de modelos ecológicos de favorabilidade ou adequabilidade para a ocorrência de espécies-praga são ferramentas necessárias para as tomadas de decisão sobre áreas prioritárias de manejo visando gestão de risco. Este trabalho objetiva mapear o nível de adequabilidade para a ocorrência de javalis no sul do Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, bem como levantar as principais variáveis de risco para o contato com o javali asselvajado e avaliar as medidas de biosseguridade adotadas por granjas comerciais integradas no sul do Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul. Para avaliar o potencial de risco exercido pelos javalis para a suinocultura comercial e de subsistência nesta região foi construído um modelo de adequabilidade ambiental para essa espécie na região produtora de suínos. Esse modelo considerou diferentes estratos ambientais, sendo que para a seleção das camadas consideram-se características fisiológicas e comportamentais da espécie. Em paralelo, entrevistas foram realizadas em uma amostragem de granjas comerciais de integração da região para levantamento da percepção quanto a presença da espécie invasora e as medidas de biossegurança adotadas. Os resultados desse trabalho indicam que o risco de contato entre javalis de vida livre e os animais criados em sistemas de produção fechados pode ser alto na área de estudo e somente estabelecimento de medidas de biosseguridade apropriadas, que considerem as características e hábitos do javali poderá impedir a intrusão dessa espécie e o contato com os suínos domésticos. O modelo construído pode ser considerado de elevada confiabilidade e recomenda-se a sua aplicação para as outras áreas do estado, sendo uma ferramenta útil para o setor produtivo, os órgãos ambientais e os tomadores de decisão.(AU)

Risk of exposure of farms and subsistence nurseries to contact with wild boar in southern Mato Grosso do Sul / Risco de exposição de granjas e criatórios de subsistência ao contato com javalis no sul do Mato Grosso do Sul

With the advancement of wild boar distribution in the rural environment, its impacts are not limited to health in the pig sector, but the requirements for monitoring and control of the species are requirements laid down by the OIE for the recognition of classical swine fever free zone status. The construction of ecological models of favorability or suitability for the occurrence of pest species are necessary tools for the decision making on priority areas of management aiming at risk management. This work aims to map the level of suitability for the occurrence of wild boar in the southern state of Mato Grosso do Sul, as well as to identify the main risk variables for contact with the wild boar and evaluate the biosecurity measures adopted by commercial farms integrated in the south of the State of Mato Grosso do Sul. To evaluate the risk potential of wild boar for commercial and subsistence swine farming in southern Mato Grosso do Sul, a model of environmental suitability was constructed for this species in the swine producing region. This model considered different environmental strata, being the selection of the layers considered the physiological and behavioral characteristics of the species. In parallel, interviews were carried out in a sample of commercial farms integrating the region to survey the perception of the presence of the invasive species and the biosafety measures adopted. The results of this work indicate that the risk of contact among wild boars and animals reared in closed production systems may be high in the study area and only establishment of appropriate biosecurity measures that consider the characteristics and habits of the boar may prevent the intrusion of this species and contact with domestic swine. The built model can be considered of high reliability and it is recommended to apply it to other areas of the state, being a useful tool for the productive sector, environmental agencies and decision makers.(AU)

Com o avanço da distribuição do javali no ambiente rural, seus impactos não se restringem somente a sanidade suidea, embora as exigências quanto ao monitoramento e controle da espécie sejam exigências previstas pela OIE, para o reconhecimento do status de zona livre de peste suína clássica. A construção de modelos ecológicos de favorabilidade ou adequabilidade para a ocorrência de espécies-praga são ferramentas necessárias para as tomadas de decisão sobre áreas prioritárias de manejo visando gestão de risco. Este trabalho objetiva mapear o nível de adequabilidade para a ocorrência de javalis no sul do Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, bem como levantar as principais variáveis de risco para o contato com o javali asselvajado e avaliar as medidas de biosseguridade adotadas por granjas comerciais integradas no sul do Estado do Mato Grosso do Sul. Para avaliar o potencial de risco exercido pelos javalis para a suinocultura comercial e de subsistência nesta região foi construído um modelo de adequabilidade ambiental para essa espécie na região produtora de suínos. Esse modelo considerou diferentes estratos ambientais, sendo que para a seleção das camadas consideram-se características fisiológicas e comportamentais da espécie. Em paralelo, entrevistas foram realizadas em uma amostragem de granjas comerciais de integração da região para levantamento da percepção quanto a presença da espécie invasora e as medidas de biossegurança adotadas. Os resultados desse trabalho indicam que o risco de contato entre javalis de vida livre e os animais criados em sistemas de produção fechados pode ser alto na área de estudo e somente estabelecimento de medidas de biosseguridade apropriadas, que considerem as características e hábitos do javali poderá impedir a intrusão dessa espécie e o contato com os suínos domésticos. O modelo construído pode ser considerado de elevada confiabilidade e recomenda-se a sua aplicação para as outras áreas do estado, sendo uma ferramenta útil para o setor produtivo, os órgãos ambientais e os tomadores de decisão.(AU)

Yes, they can: three-banded armadillos Tolypeutes sp. (Cingulata: Dasypodidae) dig their own burrows

It is believed that the two species of Tolypeutes Illiger, 1811are the only armadillos that do not dig their own burrows, and that these species simply re-use burrows dug by other species. Here, we show that Tolypeutes matacus (Desmarest, 1804) and Tolypeutes tricinctus (Linnaeus, 1758) dig their own burrows. We describe the burrows and three other types of shelters used by them, and provide measurements and frequency of use of the different types of shelter. We have studied free-ranging individuals of T. matacus in two locations in Central Brazil and individuals of T. tricinctus in semi-captivity in the Northeast of Brazil. Individuals of T. matacus were found primarily in small burrows (76%), straw nests (13%), shallow depressions covered with leaf-litter (7%) or in straw nests made on shallow depressions (4%). Adult males and females of T. matacus did not differ in frequency of use of different types of shelter. Sub-adults T. matacus used shallow depressions and nests more often (40%) than adults (22%) and nurslings (10%). Nurslings of T. matacus reused the shelters more frequently (66%), than sub-adults (46%) and adults (35%). Adult females reused burrows and other types of shelter more frequently than adult males. Tolypeutes tricinctus rested mainly in burrows and under leaf-litter, but did not dig depressions or build nests. Tolypeutes tricinctus occasionally used burrows dug by Euphractus sexcinctus (Linnaeus, 1758), but T. matacus never used burrows dug by other species. Nursling T. matacus always shared shelter with an adult female therefore, both used shelters with similar frequency. Adult females and nurslings of T. matacus reused shelters in higher frequency. That can be explained by the fact that adult females with offspring tend to remain for consecutive nights in the same burrow when cubs are recently born. Due to their smaller body size, sub-adult T. matacus used shelter strategies that require less energetic effort more frequently than...

Yes, they can: three-banded armadillos Tolypeutes sp. (Cingulata: Dasypodidae) dig their own burrows

It is believed that the two species of Tolypeutes Illiger, 1811are the only armadillos that do not dig their own burrows, and that these species simply re-use burrows dug by other species. Here, we show that Tolypeutes matacus (Desmarest, 1804) and Tolypeutes tricinctus (Linnaeus, 1758) dig their own burrows. We describe the burrows and three other types of shelters used by them, and provide measurements and frequency of use of the different types of shelter. We have studied free-ranging individuals of T. matacus in two locations in Central Brazil and individuals of T. tricinctus in semi-captivity in the Northeast of Brazil. Individuals of T. matacus were found primarily in small burrows (76%), straw nests (13%), shallow depressions covered with leaf-litter (7%) or in straw nests made on shallow depressions (4%). Adult males and females of T. matacus did not differ in frequency of use of different types of shelter. Sub-adults T. matacus used shallow depressions and nests more often (40%) than adults (22%) and nurslings (10%). Nurslings of T. matacus reused the shelters more frequently (66%), than sub-adults (46%) and adults (35%). Adult females reused burrows and other types of shelter more frequently than adult males. Tolypeutes tricinctus rested mainly in burrows and under leaf-litter, but did not dig depressions or build nests. Tolypeutes tricinctus occasionally used burrows dug by Euphractus sexcinctus (Linnaeus, 1758), but T. matacus never used burrows dug by other species. Nursling T. matacus always shared shelter with an adult female therefore, both used shelters with similar frequency. Adult females and nurslings of T. matacus reused shelters in higher frequency. That can be explained by the fact that adult females with offspring tend to remain for consecutive nights in the same burrow when cubs are recently born. Due to their smaller body size, sub-adult T. matacus used shelter strategies that require less energetic effort more frequently than...(AU)

Incorporating animal spatial memory in step selection functions.

Memory is among the most important and neglected forces that shapes animal movement patterns. Research on the movement-memory interface is crucial to understand how animals use spatial learning to navigate across space because memory-based navigation is directly linked to animals' space use and home range behaviour; however, because memory cannot be measured directly, it is difficult to account for. Here, we incorporated spatial memory into step selection functions (SSF) to understand how resource selection and spatial memory affect space use of feral hogs (Sus scrofa). We used Biased Random Bridge kernel estimates linked to residence time as a surrogate for memory and tested four conceptually different dynamic maps of spatial memory. We applied this memory-based SSF to a data set of hog relocations to evaluate the importance of land cover type, time of day and spatial memory on the animals' space use. Our approach has shown how the incorporation of spatial memory into animal movement models can improve estimates of habitat selection. Memory-based SSF provided a feasible way to gain insight into how animals use spatial learning to guide their movement decisions. We found that while hogs selected forested areas and water bodies and avoided grasslands during the day (primarily at noon), they had a strong tendency to select previously visited areas, mainly those held in recent memory. Beyond actively updating their memory with recent experiences, hogs were able to discriminate among spatial memories encoded at different circadian phases of their activity. Even though hogs are thought to have long memory retention, they likely relied on recent experiences because the local food resources are quickly depleted and slowly renewed, yielding an uncertain spatial distribution of resources.

Molecular detection and identification of hemoparasites in pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus Linnaeus, 1758) from the Pantanal Brazil.

Hemoparasites were surveyed in 60 free-living pampas deer Ozotoceros bezoarticus from the central area of the Pantanal, known as Nhecolândia, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, through the analysis of nested PCR assays and nucleotide sequencing. Blood samples were tested for Babesia/Theileria, Anaplasma spp., and Trypanosoma spp. using nPCR assays and sequencing of the 18S rRNA, msp4, ITS, and cathepsin L genes. The identity of each sequence was confirmed by comparison with sequences from GenBank using BLAST software. Forty-six (77%) pampas deer were positive for at least one hemoparasite, according to PCR assays. Co-infection occurred in 13 (22%) animals. Based on the sequencing results, 29 (48%) tested positive for A. marginale. Babesia/Theileria were detected in 23 (38%) samples, and according to the sequencing results 52% (12/23) of the samples were similar to T. cervi, 13% (3/23) were similar to Babesia bovis, and 9% (2/23) were similar to B. bigemina. No samples were amplified with the primers for T. vivax, while 11 (18%) were amplified with the ITS primers for T. evansi. The results showed pampas deer to be co-infected with several hemoparasites, including species that may cause serious disease in cattle. Pampas deer is an endangered species in Brazil, and the consequences of these infections to their health are poorly understood.

Evidência molecular de Brucella sp. em Ozotoceros bezoarticus (veado campeiro) do Pantanal sul-mato-grossense / Molecular evidence of Brucella sp. in deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) of the southern Pantanal

A presença de Brucella spp. entre animais silvestres pode influenciar a taxa de reprodução destes hospedeiros, além de atuarem como fonte de infecção natural para os animais domésticos e humanos. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a presença de Brucella spp. em 44 amostras de sangue de veado campeiro (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) do Pantanal do Sul-Mato-Grossense, utilizando a técnica de PCR. Observou-se que 20,4 por cento (9/44) das amostras foram positivas. A sequência consenso de nucleotídeo obtida no sequenciamento do isolado de veado campeiro apresentou 514 pb e 95 por cento de identidade com virB5 de B. abortus (best hits acesso nr AF226278, e-value 0.0), já na análise filogenética a amostra de Brucella isolada de veado campeiro apresentou-se muito próximo de B. suis. A alta porcentagem de amostras positivas sugere que a brucelose pode ser um problema entre os veados campeiros na área estudada e que estes animais podem representar riscos para outros animais domésticos e silvestres.(AU)

The presence of Brucella spp. in wild animals can influence their reproduction rate and may be a source of infection for domestic animals and humans. The objective of this study was to identify the presence of Brucella spp. in 44 blood samples from the deer Ozotoceros bezoarticus in the southern Pantanal of Sul-Mato-Grossense, using the PCR technique. It was seen that 20.4 percent (9/44) of the samples were positive. The consensus sequence was obtained by sequencing these samples, which then showed 514 pb and 95 percent of identity with gene virB5 of B. abortus (best hits accession nr AF226278, e-value 0.0). The phylogenetic analysis of the sample isolated from deer revealed the Brucella to be very close to B. suis. The high percentage of positive samples suggests that brucellosis may be a concern in deer within the studied area, and that these animals may poses a risk for other domestic and wild ones.(AU)

Evidência molecular de brucella sp. em ozotoceros bezoarticus (veado campeiro) do Pantanal sul-mato-grossense / Molecular evidence of brucella sp. in deer (ozotoceros bezoarticus) of the southern Pantanal

A presença de Brucella spp. entre animais silvestres pode influenciar a taxa de reprodução destes hospedeiros, além de atuarem como fonte de infecção natural para os animais domésticos e humanos. O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar a presença de Brucella spp. em 44 amostras de sangue de veado campeiro (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) do Pantanal do Sul-Mato-Grossense, utilizando a técnica de PCR. Observou-se que 20,4 por cento (9/44) das amostras foram positivas. A sequência consenso de nucleotídeo obtida no sequenciamento do isolado de veado campeiro apresentou 514 pb e 95 por cento de identidade com virB5 de B. abortus (best hits acesso nr AF226278, e-value 0.0), já na análise filogenética a amostra de Brucella isolada de veado campeiro apresentou-se muito próximo de B. suis. A alta porcentagem de amostras positivas sugere que a brucelose pode ser um problema entre os veados campeiros na área estudada e que estes animais podem representar riscos para outros animais domésticos e silvestres.

The presence of Brucella spp. in wild animals can influence their reproduction rate and may be a source of infection for domestic animals and humans. The objective of this study was to identify the presence of Brucella spp. in 44 blood samples from the deer Ozotoceros bezoarticus in the southern Pantanal of Sul-Mato-Grossense, using the PCR technique. It was seen that 20.4 percent (9/44) of the samples were positive. The consensus sequence was obtained by sequencing these samples, which then showed 514 pb and 95 percent of identity with gene virB5 of B. abortus (best hits accession nr AF226278, e-value 0.0). The phylogenetic analysis of the sample isolated from deer revealed the Brucella to be very close to B. suis. The high percentage of positive samples suggests that brucellosis may be a concern in deer within the studied area, and that these animals may poses a risk for other domestic and wild ones.

Real time polymerase chain reaction to diagnose Anaplasma marginale in cattle and deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus leucogaster) of the Brazilian Pantanal / Reação da polimerase em cadeia tempo real para diagnóstico de Anaplasma marginale em bovino e veado campeiro do Pantanal brasileiro Ozotoceros bezoarticus leucogaster

Epizootiological study of Anaplasma marginale in regions that contain various reservoir hosts, co-existence of rickettsiapathogens, and common vectors is a complicated task. To achieve diagnosis of this rickettsia in cattle and campeiro deer ofBrazilian Pantanal, a comparison was made between a real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with intercalating SybrGreen fluorochrome and primers based on msp5 gene of A. marginale; a conventional PCR (C-PCR); and parasitologicalexamination using thin blood smear stained with Giemsa-MayGrunwald. Both PCRs showed good performance in thediagnosis of A. marginale in cattle, and were superior to the parasitological exam. The RT-PCR detected seven positive campeirodeer (16.3%). This rate was significantly higher compared to C-PCR, which identified one animal as positive (2.3%), andalso compared to parasitological diagnosis, which did not find any positive animals. The dissociation temperature average ofpositive reactions in cattle (81.72 °C ± 0.20) was identical to dissociation temperature found in the cervids (81.72 °C ± 0.12),suggesting that both animal species were infected with A. marginale. We concluded that RT-PCR can be used for A. marginalediagnosis and in epizootiological studies of cattle and cervids; in spite of the small number of campeiro deer samples, theresults indicated that this wildlife species has importance in the Anaplasma epizootiology in the Brazilian Pantanal.(AU)

O estudo epizootiológico de Anaplasma marginale em regiões que existem vários reservatórios, co-existência de espéciesde riquétsias patógenas e vetores comuns é uma tarefa complicada. Com o objetivo de obter o diagnóstico dessa riquétsia embovinos e veado campeiro do Pantanal brasileiro foi avaliada uma reação da polimerase em cadeia em tempo real (PCR‑TR)com o fluoróforo intercalante de fita dupla de DNA Sybr Green e iniciadores baseados na seqüência do gene msp5 deA. marginale comparando-a a uma PCR convencional (PCR-C) e ao exame parasitológico de esfregaço fino de sangue coradocom Giemsa-MayGrunwald. Ambas PCRs apresentaram bom desempenho no diagnóstico de A. marginale nos bovinos,o qual foi superior ao exame parasitológico. O PCR-TR detectou sete veados campeiros positivos (16,3%), o que foisignificativamente maior comparado ao PCR-C identificando um animal como positivo (2,3%), e ao exame parasitológiconão encontrou nenhum animal positivo. A média da temperatura de dissociação das reações positivas para amostras debovinos (81,72 °C ± 0,20) foi idêntica àquelas dos cervídeos ( 81,72 °C ± 0,12), o que sugere que ambas espécies animaisforam infectadas por A. marginale. Concluímos que PCR-TR pode ser utilizada para diagnóstico e estudos epizootiológicosde A. marginale em bovinos e cervídeos. Apesar da pequena amostragem de veado campeiro os resultados indicam que essaespécie de animal selvagem tem importância na epizootiologia do Anaplasma no Pantanal brasileiro.(AU)