Distribution and habitat use patterns of the endangered Central American clouded oncilla (Leopardus pardinoides oncilla) in Costa Rica.

Montane cloud forests are highly threatened ecosystems that are vulnerable to climate change. These complex habitats harbor many species that suffer the negative consequences of this global phenomenon, such as shifts in their distribution and habitat use. The Central American clouded oncilla (Leopardus pardinoides oncilla) is the smallest and most endangered wild cat in Mesoamerica and is primarily reported in cloud forests throughout its distribution. The species is poorly understood, with no studies conducted in Central America assessing its habitat preferences. To bridge this knowledge gap, we sampled two mountain ranges in Costa Rica with camera traps and conducted an occupancy analysis to understand the anthropogenic and environmental features that influence oncilla habitat use within them. Additionally, we conducted spatial predictions of habitat use across its northern and southern range in Costa Rica to identify priority conservation areas for the species. We found that Central American clouded oncilla habitat use is driven primarily by environmental factors. Our results showed that oncillas select habitats with denser tree cover at high elevations, closer to permanent water sources, which may provide them with high prey density and a favorable habitat structure for their survival. Spatial predictions identified two main regions as conservation priority areas where threat mitigation efforts and monitoring should be implemented: the Caribbean slope of the Talamanca mountains, and the Arenal-Monteverde forest complex. The occupancy modeling approach turned out to be very useful to assess the spatial associations of the species with the environment and mapping the conservation priority areas. Future research and mitigation actions should focus on potential threats that could negatively impact Central American clouded oncilla populations and habitat use, including the role of mesopredators and feral species.

Assessing microhabitat, landscape features and intraguild relationships in the occupancy of the enigmatic and threatened Andean tiger cat (Leopardus tigrinus pardinoides) in the cloud forests of northwestern Colombia.

Mesocarnivores play a key role in ecosystem dynamics through the regulation of prey populations and are sensitive to environmental changes; thus, they are often considered good model organisms for conservation planning. However, data regarding the factors that influence the habitat use of threatened small wild felids such as the Andean tiger cat (Leopardus tigrinus pardinoides) are scarce. We conducted a two-year survey with 58 camera trap stations to evaluate the determinants of Andean tiger cat habitat use in three protected areas in the Middle Cauca, Colombia. We developed site occupancy models and found that Andean tiger cat habitat use increased with leaf litter depth at intermediate elevations and far from human settlements. Through conditional cooccurrence models, we found that Andean tiger cat habitat use was invariant to the presence of prey or potential intraguild competitors and killers/predators, but its detectability increased when they were present and detected. This suggests that Andean tiger cats may be more likely to be detected in sites with high prey availability. We found that Andean tiger cats preferred sites with deep leaf litter, which is a particular feature of cloud forests that provides suitable conditions for ambush hunting and hiding from intraguild enemies. Our results showed that Andean tiger cats avoided human settlements, which may minimize potential mortality risks in those areas. Moreover, the restricted use of middle elevations by Andean tiger cats suggested that they could be used as a sentinel species to track the effects of climate change since their suitable habitat is likely to be projected upward in elevation. Future conservation actions must be focused on identifying and mitigating human-related threats close to the Andean tiger cat habitat while preserving microhabitat conditions and the existing networks of protected areas.

Reprodução ex situ de felinos silvestres e seus desafios / Challenges of ex situ reproduction in wild cats

A reprodução ex situ de felinos silvestres assegura a sobrevivência das espécies ameaçadas por meio do estabelecimento e manutenção de populações viáveis em cativeiro. O conhecimento da biologia reprodutiva básica é essencial para o desenvolvimento de planos de manejo reprodutivo (PMRs) eficientes, seja pela reprodução natural ou pela aplicação de técnicas de reprodução assistida (TRAs). Os PMRs visam garantir a representatividade das espécies quanto à variabilidade genética e demográfica baseada nos studbooks. Entretanto, o pareamento de animais selecionados pelos PMRs deve levar em conta, além de fatores genéticos e demográficos, fatores comportamentais e o fenótipo dos animais, uma vez que pode haver consequências negativas caso descendentes de gerações futuras sejam reintroduzidos na natureza. As TRAs estão cada vez mais sendo desenvolvidas para auxiliar na manutenção de populações geneticamente viáveis ex situ que possam contribuir geneticamente com populações in situ. A criopreservação de sêmen e a inseminação artificial (IA) são as TRAs utilizadas atualmente pelos PMR nacionais e internacionais, no entanto, são muitos os desafios para que as populações cativas se reproduzam de maneira adequada visando a manutenção de uma população viável que possa contribuir com populações de vida livre no futuro.(AU)

Reproductive management plans are essential to ensure that imperiled populations maintain adequate genetic and demographic variability and remain representative of the species as a whole. Basic reproductive biology knowledge is essential for the development of efficient reproductive management plans (PMPs), either through natural breeding or through assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs). The PMPs aim to ensure the representativeness of the species in terms of genetic and demographic variability based on studbooks. However, the specific animal pairings should be maintaining adequate genetic, behavioral and the phenotype of the animals, ensuring proper reintroduction of animals into the wild. ARTs have been explored as a means to enhance the conservation of endangered species, focused on maintaining genetic diversity through enhanced animal propagation. Semen cryopreservation and artificial insemination (AI) are used by national and international PMRs, however, there are many challenges for captive populations reproduction in order to maintain a viable population that can contribute for freeliving populations in the future.(AU)

Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism in a puppy Leopardus geoffroyi (d'Orbigny and Gervais, 1844) / Hiperparatireoidismo secundário nutricional em filhote de Leopardus geoffroyi (d'Orbigny and Gervais, 1844)

Nutritional Secondary Hyperparathyroidism (NSH) is a metabolic disorder that mainly affects young animals. This disease causes imbalance between the levels of calcium and phosphorus, culminating in bone changes. Wild animals raised in captivity can develop the disease when they are given an inadequate diet. The aim of this study is to report the clinical findings, the complementary exams and the therapeutics utilized in a Leopardus geoffroyi (Geoffroy's cat) cub originated from captivity with NSH. The animal went through complementary imaging exams and biochemical evaluation that respectively revealed generalized osteopenia and pathological fracture of the right femur, reduction of serum calcium level and elevation of serum phosphorus level. The diagnosis of NSH was established by associating the history, clinical signs, and findings of ancillary exams. The treatment was based on diet correction, mineral and vitaminic supplementation and sun exposure. The NSH diagnosis was stablished by associating history, clinical signs, imaging exams findings and serum biochemicals. The early identification of this disease is of paramount importance, because in this way corrections can be made in food management, in order to provide successful clinical recovery and promote quality of life for wild captive animals.(AU)

O hiperparatireoidismo secundário nutricional (HSN) é uma desordem metabólica que acomete principalmente animais jovens. Essa doença cursa com desequilíbrio entre os níveis de cálcio e fósforo, culminando com alterações ósseas. Animais silvestres quando criados em cativeiro podem desenvolver a doença quando recebem uma dieta inadequada. O obje-tivo deste estudo é relatar os achados clínicos, os exames complementares e a terapêutica utilizada em um filhote de Leopardus geoffroyi (gato-do-mato-grande)proveniente de cativeiro com HSN. O animal passou por exames complementares de imagem e avaliação bioquímica que revelaram respectivamente osteopenia generalizada e fratura patológica de fêmur direito, redução dos níveis séricos de cálcio e elevação do fósforo. O diagnóstico de HSN foi estabelecido associando o histórico, sinais clínicos e achados dos exames complementares. O tratamento foi baseado na correção da dieta, suplementação mineral e vitamínica e exposição solar. A identificação precoce dessa doença é de suma importância, pois dessa forma podem ser feitas correções no manejo alimentar, afim de proporcionar a recuperação clínica com êxito e promover qualidade de vida para os animais selva-gens de cativeiro.(AU)

O que já sabemos sobre a reprodução de fêmeas de grandes felídeos? / What do we already know about the reproduction of big cats' females?

Os grandes felídeos são predadores de topo de cadeia com um papel essencial nos ecossistemas globais. O conceito de Conservação Única propõe a reprodução artificial como uma das ferramentas para reduzir a vulnerabilidade dessas espécies. Este manuscrito teve como objetivo avaliar o que há de novo na reprodução de grandes felídeos na última década. O conhecimento da fisiologia e do comportamento reprodutivo é o primeiro passo para o desenvolvimento de tecnologias reprodutivas em animais selvagens. Nos grandes felídeos, o comportamento copulatório é de fundamental importância, pois necessitam de mecanismos de indução da ovulação, que podem ser mecânicos, sensoriais ou via administração de hormônio luteinizante. O sucesso no cuidado neonatal representa o sucesso da tecnologia reprodutiva em fêmeas. Na última década, o sucesso da inseminação artificial foi relatado apenas em tigres-siberianos e leopardos da Anatólia, e a inseminação de onças-pintadas é foco de pesquisa do Instituto Reprocon, trocando material genético entre ambientes in situ e ex situ por meio de inseminação artificial. Para obter oócitos viáveis de alta qualidade, a técnica de escolha é a colheita de oócitos por laparoscopia. A produção de embriões in vitro enfrenta desafios para a maturação eficiente de oócitos e sua vitrificação eficiente. As técnicas reprodutivas precisam de estudos aprofundados em grandes felídeos para atingir a repetibilidade necessária para uma aplicação eficiente na conservação.

Big cats are apex predators with an essential role in global ecosystems. The One Conservation concept proposes artificial reproduction as one of the tools to reduce the vulnerability of these species. This manuscript aimed to assess what is new in big cat reproduction in the last decade. Knowledge of reproductive physiology and behavior is the first step towards developing reproductive technologies in wild animals. In big cats, copulatory behavior is of fundamental importance because they need ovulation induction mechanisms, which can be mechanical, sensory, or via the administration of the luteinizing hormone. The success in neonatal care represents the success of reproductive technology in females. In the last decade, successful artificial insemination was only reported in Siberian tigers and Anatolian leopards. Jaguar artificial insemination focuses on research at the Reprocon Institute, exchanging genetic material between in situ and ex situ environments thru artificial insemination. The technique of choice is laparoscopic ovum pick-up to obtain high-quality viable oocytes. The production of in vitro embryos faces challenges for the efficient maturation of oocytes and their efficient vitrification. Reproductive technologies need in-depth studies in big cats to achieve the repeatability necessary for efficient application in conservation.

Daily activity patterns and occurrence of Leopardus guttulus (Carnivora, Felidae) in Lami Biological Reserve, southern Brazil / Padrões de atividade diária e ocorrência de Leopardus guttulus (Carnivora, Felidae) na Reserva Biológica do Lami, sul do Brasil

Daily activity patterns are important elements of species behavior that reflect how they interact with their environment and with other related species. To investigate these patterns is crucial to understand how environmental or community changes may affect this behavior in each particular species. Within the Felidae family, research becomes fundamental to assess how small wild cats respond to local conditions and pressures, once there is a large gap in studies addressing such issues. Leopardus guttulus (Hensel, 1872) is an endangered species classified as Vulnerable (VU) at a regional and global level, being threatened mainly by the loss and fragmentation of its habitats. The aim of this study is to document the daily activity patterns of L. guttulus at the Lami Biological Reserve, and the influence of seasonality and temperature on those patterns. We also aimed to quantify how many individuals were using the Biological Reserve during the study period and evaluate their permanence in the area. We obtained 25 independent records for L. guttulus, which was the only cat species recorded at the site during the study period. In general, the species presented a cathemeral habit, being active throughout the 24 hours of the day, but with a more crepuscular/nocturnal activity in the spring and summer. The relationship between the species’ activity and temperature showed that more than 70% of the records were obtained in a narrow range of 10-17°C. We identified at least two individuals that remained at the site from four to six months of the year, with a higher detection frequency between August and November. Our results showed some interesting trends for the temporal activity of L. guttulus, suggesting flexibility related to seasonality, and the importance of the biological reserve to the preservation of this cat species in the southern limit of its distribution.

Os padrões de atividade diária são elementos importantes do comportamento das espécies que refletem como elas interagem com seu ambiente e com outras espécies relacionadas. Investigar esses padrões é crucial para entender como as mudanças ambientais ou na comunidade podem afetar esse comportamento em cada espécie em particular. Dentro da família Felidae, os felinos silvestres de menor porte sofrem com uma grande lacuna de estudos nesse sentido, e pesquisas se tornam fundamentais para avaliar como eles respondem às condições e pressões locais. Leopardus guttulus (Hensel, 1872) é uma espécie ameaçada de extinção classificada como Vulnerável (VU) em nível regional e mundial, sendo ameaçada principalmente pela perda e fragmentação de seus habitats. O objetivo deste estudo é documentar o padrão de atividade diária de L. guttulus na Reserva Biológica do Lami e verificar a influência da sazonalidade e da temperatura nestes padrões. Nós também tentamos identificar o número de indivíduos usando a reserva biológica durante o período monitorado e avaliar o tempo de permanência destes na área. Obtivemos 25 registros independentes para L. guttulus, sendo a única espécie de felídeo silvestre registrada no local durante o período amostrado. No geral a espécie apresentou um hábito catemeral com atividade ao longo das 24 horas do dia, mas com uma maior atividade crepuscular/noturna nas estações da primavera e verão. A relação entre a atividade da espécie e a temperatura mostrou que mais de 70% dos registros foram obtidos em uma estreita faixa de temperatura de 10-17°C. Nós identificamos pelo menos dois indivíduos que permaneceram no local durante quatro a seis meses no ano, com maior frequência de detecção nos meses entre agosto e novembro. Nossos resultados demonstram algumas tendências interessantes sobre a atividade temporal de L. guttulus, sugerindo uma flexibilidade sazonal, e demonstram também a importância da reserva biológica para a preservação desta espécie no limite sul de sua distribuição.

Daily activity patterns and occurrence of Leopardus guttulus (Carnivora, Felidae) in Lami Biological Reserve, southern Brazil / Padrões de atividade diária e ocorrência de Leopardus guttulus (Carnivora, Felidae) na Reserva Biológica do Lami, sul do Brasil

Daily activity patterns are important elements of species behavior that reflect how they interact with their environment and with other related species. To investigate these patterns is crucial to understand how environmental or community changes may affect this behavior in each particular species. Within the Felidae family, research becomes fundamental to assess how small wild cats respond to local conditions and pressures, once there is a large gap in studies addressing such issues. Leopardus guttulus (Hensel, 1872) is an endangered species classified as Vulnerable (VU) at a regional and global level, being threatened mainly by the loss and fragmentation of its habitats. The aim of this study is to document the daily activity patterns of L. guttulus at the Lami Biological Reserve, and the influence of seasonality and temperature on those patterns. We also aimed to quantify how many individuals were using the Biological Reserve during the study period and evaluate their permanence in the area. We obtained 25 independent records for L. guttulus, which was the only cat species recorded at the site during the study period. In general, the species presented a cathemeral habit, being active throughout the 24 hours of the day, but with a more crepuscular/nocturnal activity in the spring and summer. The relationship between the species activity and temperature showed that more than 70% of the records were obtained in a narrow range of 10-17°C. We identified at least two individuals that remained at the site from four to six months of the year, with a higher detection frequency between August and November. Our results showed some interesting trends for the temporal activity of L. guttulus, suggesting flexibility related to seasonality, and the importance of the biological reserve to the preservation of this cat species in the southern limit of its distribution.(AU)

Os padrões de atividade diária são elementos importantes do comportamento das espécies que refletem como elas interagem com seu ambiente e com outras espécies relacionadas. Investigar esses padrões é crucial para entender como as mudanças ambientais ou na comunidade podem afetar esse comportamento em cada espécie em particular. Dentro da família Felidae, os felinos silvestres de menor porte sofrem com uma grande lacuna de estudos nesse sentido, e pesquisas se tornam fundamentais para avaliar como eles respondem às condições e pressões locais. Leopardus guttulus (Hensel, 1872) é uma espécie ameaçada de extinção classificada como Vulnerável (VU) em nível regional e mundial, sendo ameaçada principalmente pela perda e fragmentação de seus habitats. O objetivo deste estudo é documentar o padrão de atividade diária de L. guttulus na Reserva Biológica do Lami e verificar a influência da sazonalidade e da temperatura nestes padrões. Nós também tentamos identificar o número de indivíduos usando a reserva biológica durante o período monitorado e avaliar o tempo de permanência destes na área. Obtivemos 25 registros independentes para L. guttulus, sendo a única espécie de felídeo silvestre registrada no local durante o período amostrado. No geral a espécie apresentou um hábito catemeral com atividade ao longo das 24 horas do dia, mas com uma maior atividade crepuscular/noturna nas estações da primavera e verão. A relação entre a atividade da espécie e a temperatura mostrou que mais de 70% dos registros foram obtidos em uma estreita faixa de temperatura de 10-17°C. Nós identificamos pelo menos dois indivíduos que permaneceram no local durante quatro a seis meses no ano, com maior frequência de detecção nos meses entre agosto e novembro. Nossos resultados demonstram algumas tendências interessantes sobre a atividade temporal de L. guttulus, sugerindo uma flexibilidade sazonal, e demonstram também a importância da reserva biológica para a preservação desta espécie no limite sul de sua distribuição.(AU)

Margay (Leopardus wiedii) in the southernmost Atlantic Forest: Density and activity patterns under different levels of anthropogenic disturbance.

The margay (Leopardus wiedii) is a small Neotropical arboreal wild cat. This species is thought to be forest-dependent, although few studies so far have directly evaluated the relationships between spatiotemporal aspects of its ecology and landscape characteristics. The aim of this study was to estimate margay population density and activity patterns in six areas with different habitat types and levels of anthropogenic disturbance in the southernmost Atlantic Forest of Brazil. Our working hypothesis was that density and activity patterns differed between areas in response to differences in forest cover and anthropogenic disturbance. Margay records were obtained using camera trapping, during spring and summer from 2017 to 2019. In all areas, the sampling scheme consisted of 20 un-baited stations, set 1km apart, each containing two paired cameras. We assessed the potential effects of environmental variables, including anthropogenic factors, on margay density, rate of detection and space use by comparing nine spatial capture-recapture (SCR) models. Activity patterns of the margay, its potential prey, and competitors were described and compared using the date and time of the records. We obtained 66 records of margay. Two of the six sampled areas were excluded from subsequent analyses due to the small number of records. The density estimated by the top-ranked model varied from 9.6±6.4 individuals/100km2 in the area with the highest human disturbance to 37.4±15.1 individuals/100km2 in a less disturbed area. Margay densities responded positively to vegetation cover, supporting the hypothesis of forest dependence by the species. Both the margay and their potential prey (small rodents and marsupials) were found to be mostly nocturnal. Margay activity also overlapped with that of the ocelot, Leopardus pardalis, and with mammals associated with human presence (wild boar, cattle, domestic dogs and cats). This is the first multi-area study on patterns of density and activity of the margay in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We concluded that the margay is mostly nocturnal, and while its densities are positively influenced by forest cover and negatively influenced by human disturbance, the activity pattern of the species does not seem to change across landscapes with distinct levels of human modification. Margay populations seem to be able to persist under moderate levels of habitat modification, highlighting the importance of preserving even small native forest remnants in the highly fragmented Atlantic Forest.

Cryopreservation of margay (Leopardus wiedii) spermatozoa: Effects of different extenders and frozen protocols.

Sperm cryopreservation offers many benefits to wild felids conservation programs. However, the implementation of these programs is limited by the different responses of each species to the cryopreservation protocols and extenders used, requiring the formulation of species-specific protocols. For this purpose, semen samples from 6 margays (Leopardus wiedii) were submitted to 2 cryopreservation protocols: 1) manual freezing (cooling rate of - 0.33 °C/min at 5 °C/180 min and freezing rate with two steps - 9 °C/min for 2 min and -19.1 °C/min for 2 min) and 2) automatic freezing machine (cooling rate of - 0.25 °C/min at 5 °C/120 min and freezing rate with one step -20 °C/min for 8.3 min) using 2 commercial extenders, an egg yolk-based (Test Yolk Buffer; TYB) and an egg yolk-free extender (AndroMed; MED). Post-thawed sperm quality was assessed at 3 time points (immediately after thawing and 1 and 2 h post-thawed) by sperm motility index (SMI), plasma membrane and acrosomal integrity, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Regarding SMI, TYB yielded superior results (29.4 ± 3.5%) compared to MED (11.2 ± 2.8%; p < 0.002) immediately after thawing until 2 h after thawing (TYB 3.9 ± 1.7% and MED 0.0 ± 0.0%; p < 0.05). Furthermore, the automated freezing method provided higher motility compared to the manual freezing procedure immediately post-thaw (25.08 ± 3.66% and 15.78 ± 3.29%, respectively) and 1 h post-thaw (13.71 ± 2.56% and 6.03 ± 1.97%, respectively; p < 0.05). The percentage of intact acrosomes and plasma membranes and the percentage of sperm with high MMP were superior for TYB when compared to MED regardless of cryopreservation protocol (p < 0.05). Conversely, the interaction between cryopreservation protocols and extenders was observed for MMP where TYB exhibits better results compared to MED (p < 0.05) in both procedures, but it was higher in automated procedures. For MED, no changes were found in MMP between procedures. Considering only TYB, samples showed higher MMP when submitted to an automated procedure (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the slow cooling rates with shorter time of exposure to glycerol contributed to minimize cryodamage in the Margays' sperm. Moreover, results indicated that association between TYB and automatic freezing machine ensured the minimal quality of spermatozoa after thawing required for further use in in vitro fertilization (IVF) and intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).

Morphology of male and female reproductive tract of the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)

The Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is the largest species of this genus, despite having broad distribution in the Americas; it is included in the main list of endangered species. Their conservation is widely studied, but there is a lack of studies about their morphology. In order to contribute to the knowledge of its reproductive system, five male and female ocelots were examined macro- and microscopically by histological techniques. Macroscopic analysis of the male reproductive system revealed presence of prostate and bulbourethral gland located caudally to the urinary bladder and a penis with small spicules. Microscopically, the testes were encased by the tunica albuginea and divided it into lobules with 5-10 tubules per lobe. In females, macroscopic analysis demonstrated two ovaries position dorsally in the sublumbar region and caudal to the kidneys. The bicornuate uterus is composed by uterine horns (12 to 14 cm in length), which travels from the ovaries in a caudal direction to form a small uterine body (4 cm in length). The ovary analysis revealed, in longitudinal section, medullary region composed of loose connective tissue, a stroma rich in blood vessels, and an external parenchymal region surrounded by a tunica albuginea. The results of the study confirmed the similarity between ocelot's reproductive system as domestic cat's ones and showing for the first time the complete morphological tool to highlight these organs and tissue in this male and female endangered wild felid specie. The present study open venue for other researchers to consider morphological and preservationist features and aimed to help at long-term conservation of wild felines.

Morphology of male and female reproductive tract of the ocelot (Leopardus pardalis)

The Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) is the largest species of this genus, despite having broad distribution in the Americas; it is included in the main list of endangered species. Their conservation is widely studied, but there is a lack of studies about their morphology. In order to contribute to the knowledge of its reproductive system, five male and female ocelots were examined macro- and microscopically by histological techniques. Macroscopic analysis of the male reproductive system revealed presence of prostate and bulbourethral gland located caudally to the urinary bladder and a penis with small spicules. Microscopically, the testes were encased by the tunica albuginea and divided it into lobules with 5-10 tubules per lobe. In females, macroscopic analysis demonstrated two ovaries position dorsally in the sublumbar region and caudal to the kidneys. The bicornuate uterus is composed by uterine horns (12 to 14 cm in length), which travels from the ovaries in a caudal direction to form a small uterine body (4 cm in length). The ovary analysis revealed, in longitudinal section, medullary region composed of loose connective tissue, a stroma rich in blood vessels, and an external parenchymal region surrounded by a tunica albuginea. The results of the study confirmed the similarity between ocelot's reproductive system as domestic cat's ones and showing for the first time the complete morphological tool to highlight these organs and tissue in this male and female endangered wild felid specie. The present study open venue for other researchers to consider morphological and preservationist features and aimed to help at long-term conservation of wild felines.(AU)

Land management strategies can increase oil palm plantation use by some terrestrial mammals in Colombia.

While the conservation role of remaining natural habitats in anthropogenic landscapes is clear, the degree to which agricultural matrices impose limitations to animal use is not well understood, but vital to assess species' resilience to land use change. Using an occupancy framework, we evaluated how oil palm plantations affect the occurrence and habitat use of terrestrial mammals in the Colombian Llanos. Further, we evaluated the effect of undergrowth vegetation and proximity to forest on habitat use within plantations. Most species exhibited restricted distributions across the study area, especially in oil palm plantations. Habitat type strongly influenced habitat use of four of the 12 more widely distributed species with oil palm negatively affecting species such as capybara and naked-tailed armadillo. The remaining species showed no apparent effect of habitat type, but oil palm and forest use probabilities varied among species. Overall, generalist mesocarnivores, white-tailed deer, and giant anteater were more likely to use oil palm while the remaining species, including ocelot and lesser anteater, showed preferences for forest. Distance to nearest forest had mixed effects on species habitat use, while understory vegetation facilitated the presence of species using oil palm. Our findings suggest that allowing undergrowth vegetation inside plantations and maintaining nearby riparian corridors would increase the likelihood of terrestrial mammals' occurrence within oil palm landscapes.

Prey availability and temporal partitioning modulate felid coexistence in Neotropical forests.

Carnivores have long been used as model organisms to examine mechanisms that allow coexistence among ecologically similar species. Interactions between carnivores, including competition and predation, comprise important processes regulating local community structure and diversity. We use data from an intensive camera-trapping monitoring program across eight Neotropical forest sites to describe the patterns of spatiotemporal organization of a guild of five sympatric cat species: jaguar (Panthera onca), puma (Puma concolor), ocelot (Leopardus pardalis), jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) and margay (Leopardus wiedii). For the three largest cat species, we developed multi-stage occupancy models accounting for habitat characteristics (landscape complexity and prey availability) and models accounting for species interactions (occupancy estimates of potential competitor cat species). Patterns of habitat-use were best explained by prey availability, rather than habitat structure or species interactions, with no evidence of negative associations of jaguar on puma and ocelot occupancy or puma on ocelot occupancy. We further explore temporal activity patterns and overlap of all five felid species. We observed a moderate temporal overlap between jaguar, puma and ocelot, with differences in their activity peaks, whereas higher temporal partitioning was observed between jaguarundi and both ocelot and margay. Lastly, we conducted temporal overlap analysis and calculated species activity levels across study sites to explore if shifts in daily activity within species can be explained by varying levels of local competition pressure. Activity patterns of ocelots, jaguarundis and margays were similarly bimodal across sites, but pumas exhibited irregular activity patterns, most likely as a response to jaguar activity. Activity levels were similar among sites and observed differences were unrelated to competition or intraguild killing risk. Our study reveals apparent spatial and temporal partitioning for most of the species pairs analyzed, with prey abundance being more important than species interactions in governing the local occurrence and spatial distribution of Neotropical forest felids.

Trophic ecology of sympatric small cats in the Brazilian Pampa.

Information about resource partitioning among small cat species that live in sympatry in South America is fairly incomplete. Knowledge about feeding habits is essential for understanding the role of these predators in the environment, the impact on prey populations, and potential competition among themselves and with other carnivores. This study aimed to describe and compare the diet of four sympatric small cats in the grasslands of southern Brazil. We analysed the stomach contents of 37 Geoffroy's cats (Leopardus geoffroyi), 27 margays (Leopardus wiedii), 14 pampas cats (Leopardus colocola), and 20 jaguarundis (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) obtained as road kill in the Brazilian Pampa in southern Brazil. Small mammals were the most representative class consumed by all cats, followed by Aves, Reptilia, and Amphibia. Some items, such as rodents Cavia aperea, Akodon sp., Oligoryzomys sp. and Passeriformes were consumed by all cat species. Niche overlap varied widely, from 10% (margay x jaguarundi) to 92% (jaguarundi x pampas cat). Niche breadth indicated that jaguarundi were the most specialized of the cats (Bsta = 0.24) in this region, with a diet closely associated to C. aperea. Margay consumed more items associated with arboreal behaviour than other cat species, but consumed more terrestrial items than arboreal ones. The pampas cat consumed mostly terrestrial species associated with open fields. Geoffroy's cat consumed mammals found in a diversity of habitats, indicating high ecological flexibility. Species with more similarity in diet such as jaguarundi and pampas cat probably present temporal segregation in activity. In conclusion, despite their habitat and diet similarities, these four species explore distinct microhabitats by foraging different prey groups, what favor them to live in sympatry.

Vitrificação testicular de felinos pré-púberes / Testicular vitrification of prepubertal feline

Todas as espécies felinas encontram-se ameaçadas de extinção, exceto o gato doméstico, o que tem despertado interesse na otimização dos protocolos de conservação do material genético desses animais para utilização futura na reprodução artificial. Apesar das diferentes biotécnicas reprodutivas existentes, a criopreservação do tecido gonadal representa a única opção para resgatar e preservar o material biológico de animais pré-púberes que tenham ido a óbito precoce ou que foram submetidos a tratamentos que resultem em infertilidade. Em relação aos machos felinos, a vitrificação do tecido testicular é uma biotécnica reprodutiva com aplicações recentes na conservação do material biológico de felinos pré-púberes e os resultados obtidos são promissores. Utilizando o gato doméstico como modelo experimental, já foi possível desenvolver protocolos que propiciam menores danos aos túbulos seminíferos e suas populações celulares ao utilizar diferentes técnicas de vitrificação. Apesar dos avanços, ainda são necessários novos estudos no intuito de estabelecer protocolos ideais para o aquecimento dos fragmentos testiculares, assim como métodos para o desenvolvimento em cultivo da espermatogênese, o que irá possibilitar a utilização das células espermatogênicas obtidas na reprodução assistida de espécies felinas ameaçadas.

All the feline species are threatened, except the domestic, which has aroused interesting in the optimize the protocols of the genetic material conservation of these animals for future utilization in the artificial reproduction. Despite the different reproductive biotechniques, the gonadal tissue cryopreservation represents the only alternative to rescue and preserve the biological material from prematurely dead prepubertal animals or those undergoing treatments that cause infertility. In terms of male felines, vitrification of the testicular tissue is a reproductive biotechnology with recent applications in the conservation of the biological material of prepubertal animals and the results obtained are promising. Using the domestic cat as an experimental model, it has been possible to develop protocols that provide less injury to the seminiferous tubules and their cell populations using different vitrification techniques. Despite advances, new studies are still needed to establish optimal protocols for the warming testicular fragments, as well as methods for the development spermatogenesis in culture, which will allow the use of spermatogenic cells obtained in the assisted reproduction of the threatened feline species.

Vitrificação testicular de felinos pré-púberes / Testicular vitrification of prepubertal feline

Todas as espécies felinas encontram-se ameaçadas de extinção, exceto o gato doméstico, o que tem despertado interesse na otimização dos protocolos de conservação do material genético desses animais para utilização futura na reprodução artificial. Apesar das diferentes biotécnicas reprodutivas existentes, a criopreservação do tecido gonadal representa a única opção para resgatar e preservar o material biológico de animais pré-púberes que tenham ido a óbito precoce ou que foram submetidos a tratamentos que resultem em infertilidade. Em relação aos machos felinos, a vitrificação do tecido testicular é uma biotécnica reprodutiva com aplicações recentes na conservação do material biológico de felinos pré-púberes e os resultados obtidos são promissores. Utilizando o gato doméstico como modelo experimental, já foi possível desenvolver protocolos que propiciam menores danos aos túbulos seminíferos e suas populações celulares ao utilizar diferentes técnicas de vitrificação. Apesar dos avanços, ainda são necessários novos estudos no intuito de estabelecer protocolos ideais para o aquecimento dos fragmentos testiculares, assim como métodos para o desenvolvimento em cultivo da espermatogênese, o que irá possibilitar a utilização das células espermatogênicas obtidas na reprodução assistida de espécies felinas ameaçadas.(AU)

All the feline species are threatened, except the domestic, which has aroused interesting in the optimize the protocols of the genetic material conservation of these animals for future utilization in the artificial reproduction. Despite the different reproductive biotechniques, the gonadal tissue cryopreservation represents the only alternative to rescue and preserve the biological material from prematurely dead prepubertal animals or those undergoing treatments that cause infertility. In terms of male felines, vitrification of the testicular tissue is a reproductive biotechnology with recent applications in the conservation of the biological material of prepubertal animals and the results obtained are promising. Using the domestic cat as an experimental model, it has been possible to develop protocols that provide less injury to the seminiferous tubules and their cell populations using different vitrification techniques. Despite advances, new studies are still needed to establish optimal protocols for the warming testicular fragments, as well as methods for the development spermatogenesis in culture, which will allow the use of spermatogenic cells obtained in the assisted reproduction of the threatened feline species.(AU)

The effects of intrinsic enrichment on captive felids.

Environmental enrichment is a well-known technique, which has been used to enhance the welfare of captive animals. The aim of this study is to investigate how three different forms of intrinsic enrichment, namely, a hay ball without scent, a hay ball with catnip, and a hay ball with cinnamon, influenced the behavior of six cheetah and two Sumatran tigers at Fota Wildlife Park, Ireland. Enrichment-directed behaviors, as well as pacing, locomotion, inactive, and exploratory behaviors were investigated. The results indicated that the three forms of enrichment had similar effects, in terms of enrichment-directed behavior, with cinnamon resulting in the highest levels of enrichment-directed behaviors. The cinnamon treatment resulted in a significant decrease in pacing behavior when compared with baseline observations. No evidence of habituation (i.e., a significant reduction in enrichment-directed behaviors) was observed for any of the three enrichments. This means that these low cost, easy to apply, practical forms of enrichment could be frequently applied for these species as part of an enrichment regime.

Daily rhythmicity of behavior of nine species of South American feral felids in captivity.

The authors analyzed the daily activity rhythms of the domestic cat and of eight of the ten feral felid species that are indigenous to South America. All species showed daily rhythmicity of activity in captivity under a natural light-dark cycle. The robustness of the rhythmicity varied from species to species, but the grand mean of 34% was within the range of robustness previously described for mammalian species ranging in size from mice to cattle. There was not a sharp division between diurnal and nocturnal felids. Instead, what was found was a gradient of diurnality going from the predominantly nocturnal margay (72% of activity counts during the night) to the predominantly diurnal jaguarundi (87% of activity counts during the day) with the remaining species lying in between these two extremes. The ecological implications of temporal niche variations are discussed.

Cell cycle synchronization and analysis of apoptosis-related gene in skin fibroblasts from domestic cat (Felis silvestris catus) and kodkod (Leopardus guigna).

The kodkod population is in constant decrease and the somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) might help to preserve the genetic pool of this species. The cell cycle synchronization of donor cells plays a crucial role in SCNT. The objective of this research was to evaluate two different methods for quiescence induction, serum starvation (SS) and contact inhibition (CI), both for 1, 3 and 5 days, on skin fibroblast from domestic cat and kodkod. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that in domestic cat, SS and CI, both at 3 and 5 days, increased the percentage of fibroblasts in G0/G1 compared to growing cells (GC) (p < .05). In kodkod, only SS for 3 and 5 days and CI for 1 and 3 days increased the percentage of fibroblasts in G0/G1 compared to GC (p < .05). Viability analysis by differential staining revealed that SS for 5 days decreased the proportion of live fibroblasts in domestic cat and kodkod (p < .05). Regarding gene expression analysis, in domestic cat fibroblasts, no differences were found in the BAX/BCL2 ratio in SS and CI (both at 1, 3 and 5 days) compared to GC. In kodkod fibroblasts, BAX/BCL2 ratio was increased in CI at 3 and 5 days compared to SS at 3 and 5 days (p < .05). In conclusion, in kodkod fibroblasts SS for 5 days and CI after 3 days might have a negative impact on cellular viability. According to these results, we suggest SS for 3 days for cell cycle synchronization in kodkod fibroblasts.

Effect of different semen extenders for the storage of chilled sperm in Tigrina (Leopardus tigrinus).

To enhance the conservation of endangered populations, the present study aimed to evaluate whether Tigrinas (Leopardus tigrinus) sperm could be conserved under refrigeration for short periods while maintaining sufficient quality for use in assisted-reproductive techniques (i.e., cryopreservation, in vitro fertilization). For this purpose, semen samples from 15 Tigrinas individuals were submitted to conventional and functional tests after different cooling periods (4 °C; 0, 12, and 24 hours postcooling), using TCM 199 (TCM), Ham's F10 (HAM), Ham's F10 with bovine serum albumin (HBSA), and Tris-citrate egg yolk (TEYC) extenders. In a second step, semen cooled using TEYC was supplemented with reduced glutathione (GSH) at different concentrations (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 mM). TEYC yielded superior results compared with TCM, HAM, and HBSA even after 24 hours of cooling in regard to the sperm motility index (SMI-TEYC: 50.2 ± 1.7%), high mitochondrial activity (TEYC: 51.4 ± 1.9%), plasma membrane integrity (TEYC: 53 ± 2.1%), and DNA integrity (TEYC: 56.3 ± 2.9%). In regard to the concentration of thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substances (TBARS), TEYC (1900.1 ± 341.4 ng/106 spermatozoa) showed higher levels compared with the other extenders (HAM: 638.7 ± 121.6 ng/106 spermatozoa; HBSA: 468.7 ± 95.6 ng/106 spermatozoa; TCM: 169.6 ± 31.6 ng/106 spermatozoa). However, GSH therapy had no effect. In conclusion, the TEYC extender may be useful in maintaining sperm parameters of Tigrinas for up to 24 hours at 4 °C. Furthermore, these results allow the transport of this material at a minimum quality to be further used for artificial insemination, in vitro fertilization, and the development of semen cryopreservation protocols.