Environmental predictors of filarial infection in Amazonian primates: Ecological factors and primate filarial infection.

Filarial nematode infections are common in primates, but have received little attention in the Neotropics. Epidemiological data on filarial infections in primates are still too sparse to fully understand the complex of this parasitism, especially because of the difficulty in studying the ecology and epidemiology of wild primates.. We describe natural infections by Dipetalonema parasitizing 211 primates belonging to eight free-living primate genera in Amazonia, and assess the relationships between parasitic indicators and climatic (rainfall and river level), ecological (fruiting periods of plants) and biological (sex, species' body mass, group size and density) factors. The overall prevalence was 64.4% (95% CI: 64.0 - 64.9); parasitic mean abundance (N filariae per individual) and parasitic mean intensity (N filariae per infected host) of infection were 11.9 (95% CI: 8.3 - 15.6) and 18.4 (95% CI: 13.4 - 23.4) filariae/individual, respectively. Although we observed differences in parasitic parameters among primate genera, there was no correlation between parasitic parameters with density, body mass or group size. Sapajus, Cebus and Lagothrix had the highest prevalence and parasitic mean intensity. Using Lagothrix lagotricha poeppigii, the most sampled species (n = 92), as a model, we found that the number of filariae per infected host was associated with fruit production in swamp forests during the dry season, the time of food scarcity. The long periods of food shortage may cause environmental stress on primates, impairing their immune defenses and leading to increased parasite load but not affecting infection prevalence. However, the lack of information on vector ecology, key to understand risk factors associated to infection rate, prevents confirming the existence of an infection pattern dependent on food availability.

Ultrasound evaluation of fetal bone development in the collared (Pecari tajacu) and white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari).

The study of fetal development allows for evaluating the different strategies adopted by mammal species to maximize neonatal survival. Autonomous locomotion is fundamental for newborns to perform foraging activities and increases newborn survival from predation. In this study, we assess the gestational bone development of 53 collared (CP, Pecari tajacu) and 61 white-lipped (WLP, Tayassu pecari) peccaries, collected through the collaboration of subsistence hunters in the Amazon. The bone mineralization and biometry of the axial and appendicular skeleton were assessed by ultrasound examinations, and the timing of the main bone developmental events was calculated in relation to the total dorsal length (TDL) and the percentage of the total gestational period (GP). The first US signs of mineralization of the axial skeleton in CP and WLP were observed in fetuses with 3.4 cm (42 gestation days, 30% GPCP ) and 5.1 cm (51 gestation days, 32% GPWLP ). The early development of the appendicular skeleton was observed by the synchronic appearance of the mineralized scapula, humerus, radius, ulna, ilium, ischium, femur, tibia, and fibula at 36% GPCP (50 gestation days), and 35% GPWLP (56 gestation days). The pubis was mineralized in fetuses at 55% GPCP (75 gestation days) and 59% GPWLP (94 gestation days). The mineralization was observed in all autopod bones at 79% GPCP (109 gestation days) and 67% GPWLP (106 gestation days). All primary ossification centers in long bones of thoracic and pelvic limbs were mineralized in advanced fetuses (GPCP and GPWLP ≥75%). The mineralized patella was not observed in advanced fetuses in either species. Secondary ossification centers first appeared at the distal epiphysis of the femur in the CP (99 gestation days, 72% GPCP ) and the distal epiphysis of the radius, femur, and tibia in the WLP (106 gestation days, 67% GPWLP ). Advanced fetuses of CP and WLP presented 60% (15/25) and 68% (17/25) of the total secondary ossification centers observed present in the adult domestic pig, while newborns from the domestic pig presented 52% (13/25). The early intrauterine development of the skeletal system in both peccary species suggests a precocial development strategy, which likely correlates with neonatal ability to escape predators and reduces the dependence on parental care.

Wild meat trade over the last 45 years in the Peruvian Amazon.

The trade in wild meat is an important economic component of rural people's livelihoods, but it has been perceived to be among the main causes of the decline of wildlife species. Recently, the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to light an additional concern of wildlife markets as a major human-health challenge. We analyzed data from the largest longitudinal monitoring (1973-2018) of the most important urban wild-meat markets in Iquitos, Peru, to examine the trends in and impacts of these markets on people's livelihoods. Over the last 45 years, wild meat sales increased at a rate of 6.4 t/year (SD 2.17), paralleling urban population growth. Wild meat sales were highest in 2018 (442 t), contributing US$2.6 million (0.76%) to the regional gross domestic product. Five species of ungulates and rodents accounted for 88.5% of the amount of biomass traded. Vulnerable and Endangered species represented 7.0% and 0.4% of individuals sold, respectively. Despite growth in sales, the contribution of wild meat to overall urban diet was constant: 1-2%/year of total meat consumed. This result was due to greater availability and higher consumption of cheaper meats (e.g., in 2018, poultry was 45.8% cheaper and was the most consumed meat) coupled with the lack of economic incentives to harvest wild meat species in rural areas. Most wild meat was sold salted or smoked, reducing the likelihood of foodborne diseases. Community-based wildlife management plans and the continued trade bans on primates and threatened taxa may avoid biodiversity loss. Considering the recent COVID-19 pandemic, future management plans should include potential viral hosts and regulation and enforcement of hygiene practices in wild-meat markets.

Comercio de Carne de Monte en los Últimos 45 Años en la Amazonia Peruana Resumen El comercio de carne de monte es un componente económico importante del sustento de habitantes de zonas rurales, pero se ha percibido como una de las principales causas de la declinación de especies de vida silvestre. Recientemente, la pandemia de COVID-19 ha traído a la luz una preocupación adicional de los mercados de vida silvestre como un reto importante para la salud humana. Analizamos datos del monitoreo longitudinal más extenso (1973-2018) de los mercados urbanos de carne de monte más importantes en Iquitos, Perú, para examinar las tendencias y los impactos de estos mercados sobre el sustento de los habitantes. Las ventas de carne de monte incrementaron en los últimos 45 años a una tasa de 6.4 t/año (DS 2.17), en paralelo con el crecimiento de la población. Las ventas de carne de monte fueron más altas en 2018 (442 t), aportando U.S. $2.6 millones (0.76%) al producto interno bruto de la región. Cinco especies de ungulados y roedores comprendieron el 88.5% de la biomasa comercializada. Especies vulnerables y en peligro representaron 7.0% y 0.4% de los individuos vendidos, respectivamente. A pesar del incremento de las ventas, la contribución de la carne de monte al total de la dieta urbana fue constante: 1-2%/año del total de carne consumida. Este resultado se debió a una mayor disponibilidad y consumo de carnes más baratas (e. g., en 2018 la carne de pollo fue 45.8% más barata y fue la más consumida) aparejado con la falta de incentivos económicos para cosechar carne de especies silvestres en áreas rurales. La mayor parte de la carne de monte se vendía salada o ahumada, reduciendo con ello la probabilidad de enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos. Los planes de manejo de vida silvestre basados en comunidades y la prohibición continua del comercio de primates y taxa amenazados pueden evitar la pérdida de biodiversidad. Considerando la reciente pandemia de COVID-19, los planes de manejo futuros deben incluir potenciales huéspedes virales y la regulación y aplicación de prácticas de higiene en los mercados de carne de especies silvestres.

Taxonomic diversity of Cebuella in the western Amazon: Molecular, morphological and pelage diversity of museum and free-ranging specimens.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated the diversity of the pygmy marmoset, Cebuella pygmaea, by comparing genetic, morphological and pelage traits of animals from Peru and Ecuador. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We extracted DNA from museum specimen osteocrusts and from fecal samples collected from free-ranging individuals. We sequenced the mtDNA cytochrome b gene and the control region from samples collected at 13 different sites and used Bayesian inference and Maximum Likelihood to identify distinct clades. We took measurements of the crania of a subset of these specimens (n = 26) and ran a logistic regression to determine if any of the cranial measurements (n = 22) could predict a specimen's clade. In addition, we examined the pelage patterns of the museum specimens and photographs taken of free-ranging individuals and divided them into pelage types based on coloration of the underbelly. RESULTS: We identified two divergent clades, and two distinct groups with clear geographic boundaries within one of those clades. Two measurements of the zygomatic bone perfectly predicted a given individual's mtDNA clade. We found four distinct pelage patterns in our samples, but these patterns are variable within clades and among individuals within the same population. CONCLUSION: These analyses indicate that the two recognized subspecies of pygmy marmoset should be elevated to the species level (C. pygmaea and C. niveiventris) based on molecular and cranial differences but not on pelage patterns. We provide evidence on the geographic limits of the two clades and identify regions where additional sampling is required to better define the geographic distribution of the two clades.

First record of the gray-legged tinamou, Crypturellus duidae, and other poor-soil specialist birds from peatlands in the Putumayo River basin, Loreto, Peru

Crypturellus duidae (Tinamidae) is a poor-soil specialist with isolated populations in Amazonia, and is considered restricted to white-sand forest habitats. We report the first record of C. duidae in a peatland forest in northern Peru, in the Putumayo River basin. Our record extends the known distribution of C. duidae between two disjoint areas of occurrence in Peru and Colombia, and shows its presence in peatland forest, another forest type on nutrient-poor soils. Additionally, we report the presence of other poor-soil specialist bird species that were previously registered in peatlands. Together with the new record of C. duidae, these bird records provide evidence of the diversity of poor-soil specialists in peatland forests. (AU)

Major shifts in Amazon wildlife populations from recent intensification of floods and drought.

In the western Amazon Basin, recent intensification of river-level cycles has increased flooding during the wet seasons and decreased precipitation during the dry season. Greater than normal floods occurred in 2009 and in all years from 2011 to 2015 during high-water seasons, and a drought occurred during the 2010 low-water season. During these years, we surveyed populations of terrestrial, arboreal, and aquatic wildlife in a seasonally flooded Amazonian forest in the Loreto region of Peru (99,780 km2 ) to study the effects of intensification of natural climatic fluctuations on wildlife populations and in turn effects on resource use by local people. Shifts in fish and terrestrial mammal populations occurred during consecutive years of high floods and the drought of 2010. As floods intensified, terrestrial mammal populations decreased by 95%. Fish, waterfowl, and otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) abundances increased during years of intensive floods, whereas river dolphin and caiman populations had stable abundances. Arboreal species, including, macaws, game birds, primates, felids, and other arboreal mammals had stable populations and were not affected directly by high floods. The drought of 2010 had the opposite effect: fish, waterfowl, and dolphin populations decreased, and populations of terrestrial and arboreal species remained stable. Ungulates and large rodents are important sources of food and income for local people, and large declines in these animals has shifted resource use of people living in the flooded forests away from hunting to a greater reliance on fish.