Species Distribution Model for the Asian Tapir and Vegetation Characteristics of Batang Gadis National Park, North Sumatra, Indonesia.

The Asian tapir is a primitive mammal whose habitat is heavily fragmented due to human activities. Studies on the Asian tapirs in Sumatra are very few, thereby basic information for developing tapir conservation programmes is limited. This study aimed to develop the species distribution model to map the potential distribution of tapirs in Batang Gadis National Park (BGNP), investigate the characteristic of tapir habitat, and identify tapir feed plants around BGNP. The model was developed using the Maximum Entropy (Maxent) approach, based on the existing information on tapir occurrence in BGNP and environmental variables. Vegetation characteristics in different land cover (primary forests, secondary forests, and open fields) were investigated using the strip transect method. This study found that zonal classification, temperature and precipitation have the greatest percentage contribution to the model. The model estimated that around 24.45% of BGNP areas are suitable for tapir habitat, and tapirs distribute near community gardens. Our results also showed that plant diversity at study sites was categorised as moderate-high. About 23 plant species dominated by the Moraceae family were identified as feed plants for tapirs. In developing tapir conservation programmes, BGNP management needs to consider tapir distribution that is closed to community gardens. We propose BGNP to enrich feed plants in open fields of the wilderness and traditional zones; reduce the canopy cover in the wilderness and utilisation zones to stimulate the growth of feed plants; facilitate local people to live harmoniously with tapirs; involve local communities in tapir conservation programmes; encourage local communities to plant non-palatable crops for tapirs; and provide a compensation scheme.

Looking back over the shoulder: New insights on the unique scapular anatomy of the tapir (Perissodactyla: Tapiridae).

The musculoskeletal anatomy of the shoulder of many ungulates has been inferred from veterinary model taxa, with uniformity in muscle arrangements and attachment sites often assumed. In this study, I investigated the muscular and osteological anatomy of tapirs and their relatives (Perissodactyla: Tapiroidea), using a combination of gross dissection and digital imaging (photography and laser surface scanning). Dissections of three modern tapir species revealed that the m. infraspinatus originates from both supraspinous and infraspinous fossae for all species, lying on both sides of the distal scapular spine. The epimysial border between the m. supraspinatus and m. infraspinatus origin sites are marked in all species by an ossified ridge, sometimes extending the length of the scapular spine. This "supraspinous ridge" is clearly visible on the scapular surface of both modern and extinct Tapirus scapulae; however, the ridge does not appear present in any non-Tapirus tapiroids examined (e.g., Helaletes, Nexuotapirus), nor in other perissodactyls or artiodactyls. Moreover, the ridge exhibits a clearly distinct morphology in Tapirus indicus compared to all other Tapirus species examined. Combined, these findings indicate that the presence and position of the "supraspinous ridge" may represent a robust phylogenetic character for reconstructing relationships within tapiroids. Unfortunately, any functional locomotor outcomes or benefits of the m. infraspinatus straddling the scapular spine remains elusive. This study represents a firm reminder for anatomists, veterinarians, and paleontologists to (where possible) look beyond veterinary model systems when inferring musculoskeletal form or function in non-model organisms.

EFFECTS OF DETOMIDINE AND DEXMEDETOMIDINE ON PHYSIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS AND ANESTHETIC RECOVERY IN TAPIRUS TERRESTRIS ANESTHETIZED WITH KETAMINE, GLYCERYL GUAIACOL ETHER, AND MIDAZOLAM.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of two anesthetic induction protocols for long procedures carried out in the field in Tapiridae. Sixteen tapirs were divided into two groups (n=8) receiving either detomidine (DET) or dexmedetomidine (DEX) for anesthetic induction. All animals were anesthetized by intramuscular administration of a combination of ketamine (1.5 mg/kg), midazolam (0.2 mg/kg), plus either DET (0.04 mg/kg) or DEX (0.007 mg/kg). Anesthetic maintenance was by continuous infusion of ketamine, midazolam, and glyceryl guaiacol ether at 2 mg/kg per hour, 0.1 mg/kg per hour, and 100 mg/kg per hour, respectively). The animals were kept anesthetized for a total of 50 min to allow physical examination and collection of biological material as part of a research program, and physiological variables (heart rate [HR], respiratory rate, oxyhemoglobin saturation [SpO2], rectal temperature [RT], mean arterial pressure [MAP], blood glucose [GLI], and cortisol) and electrocardiogram were recorded during anesthesia. Anesthetic recovery was monitored by two researchers who were not informed of the induction protocol group. The recorded results were statistically evaluated. In both groups there was an initial increase in MAP, which subsequently decreased; RT gradually decreased during anesthesia; HR and GLI increased throughout the procedure; SpO2 was below normal throughout the procedure. Cortisol levels were significantly higher in the DEX group than in the DET group. Also, the animals in the DEX group had a longer recovery time than those in the DET group. On the basis of the results, we conclude that the combination of alpha-2 agonists and midazolam, ketamine, and glyceryl guaicol ether is an appropriate protocol for the anesthesia of tapirs in the field. However, in moderately extended procedures oxygen supplementation is recommended. Additionally, DEX resulted in fewer cardiovascular effects and longer-lasting sedation than DET.

Sarcoptes scabiei infestation in a captive lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris): case report, morphological and molecular genetic mite identification.

Sarcoptes scabiei (Acari: Sarcoptidae) is a globally distributed parasitic mite species, which causes mange in a broad spectrum of domestic and wild mammals. In the present study, we report a case of chronic S. scabiei infestation in a captive lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) held in a multi-species exhibit at Vienna Zoo. The adult male showed clinically manifested mange flare-ups three times at an interval of up to 12 months, diagnosed by positive deep-skin scrapings and successfully treated by oral applications of ivermectin (0.1-0.2 mg/kg body weight) and washings with antimicrobial solutions. Clinical symptoms including pruritus, alopecia, erythema, crusts, and superficial bleedings were limited to the axillar and pectoral region, as well as distal limbs. The affected tapir died from underlying bacterial pneumonia during general anesthesia. Skin scrapings, necropsy, and histopathological analysis of mite material (eggs, larvae, and adults) permitted further morphological and molecular identification. The morphological features described here matched the characteristics for the species S. scabiei and molecular data verified morphological identification. Cross-species transmission plays a key role in the expansion of this neglected emerging panzootic disease and urban wildlife could potentially bridge the gap between free-ranging wildlife reservoirs and zoo animals. However, further examinations are needed to detect the primary source of infestation and discover transmission pathways within the zoo.

Molecular evidence of Bartonella spp. in wild lowland tapirs (Tapirus terrestris), the largest land mammals in Brazil.

The genus Bartonella (Hyphomicrobiales: Bartonellaceae) encompasses facultative intracellular α-proteobacteria that parasite erythrocytes and endothelial cells from a wide range of vertebrate hosts and can cause disease in animals and humans. Considering the large diversity of vertebrate species that may act as reservoirs and arthropod species that may be associated with Bartonella transmission, the exposure of animals and humans to these microorganisms is likely underestimated. The present study aimed to investigate the occurrence of Bartonella sp. in wild tapirs (Tapirus terrestris; Perissodactyla: Tapiridae) from two biomes in Brazil: Pantanal and Cerrado. Ninety-nine GPS-monitored wild tapirs were sampled in Pantanal (n = 61/99) and Cerrado (n = 38/99). A qPCR (quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction) assay targeting the nuoG gene was used for the screening for Bartonella spp. DNA. Positive samples were additionally subjected to conventional PCR assays targeting five molecular markers (ribC, gltA, rpoB, groEL, ITS). Eight (8/99; 08,08%) animals were positive in the qPCR assay for Bartonella spp.: 7 from Cerrado (7/8; 87.5%) and 1 from Pantanal (1/8; 12.5%). The 5 Bartonella ribC sequences obtained from tapirs' blood samples grouped together with Bartonella henselae obtained from cats, humans, wild felids and Ctenocephalides felis (Siphonaptera: Pulicidae) fleas. To the best of author's knowledge, this is the first report of Bartonella sp. in Tapirus terrestris. This finding contributes to the understanding of the occurrence of B henselae in wild mammals from Brazil as well as expands the knowledge regarding the potential vector-borne pathogens that may affect wild tapis from Cerrado and Pantanal biomes.

Inulin supplementation increases the differential metabolites and metabolic pathway in Baird's tapirs (Tapirus bairdii).

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of prebiotic has increased substantially over the past decades. Little is known on its metabolic effects in zoo herbivores. We investigated the difference in faecal metabolites to characterize the composition and pathways involved after feeding inulin in zoo Baird's tapirs (Tapirus bairdii). METHODS: Faecal samples were collected from before inulin treatment group and after treatment groups in six adult tapirs and analysed using untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry methods. The differential metabolites identified and metabolic pathways involved were analysed using KEGG annotation. RESULTS: The results demonstrated significant alterations in faecal metabolites and metabolic pathways in comparison to the control group. The amounts of differential metabolites and metabolic pathways tended to enrich with time after the treatment. We found that tryptophan and purine metabolism were relevant to the important metabolic pathways of the metabolite differences. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that inulin may have potential applications in captive wildlife, which may provide insights into the effects of prebiotic supplementation on gut metabolites and highlights further research in this field.

Anatomical, Histological and Histochemical Observations of the Eyelids and Orbital Glands in the Lowland Tapir (Tapirus terrestris Linnaeus, 1785) (Perissodactyla: Ceratomorpha).

The lowland tapir is one of four species belonging to the Tapiridae family of the Ceratomorpha suborder, similar to Rhinocerotidae. This study describes anatomy with morphometry, histology (hematoxylin and eosin, Masson-Goldner trichrome, Movat pentachrome, mucicarmine, picro-Mallory trichrome) and histochemistry (PAS, AB pH 1.0, AB pH 2.5; AB pH2.5/PAS and HDI) of the upper and lower eyelids, and superficial gland of the third eyelid with the third eyelid, deep gland of the third eyelid, and lacrimal gland. The aim of the work is to show the features of the above-mentioned structures typical only for Tapiridae, as well as to show the presence of similarities and differences between the families forming the order Perissodactyla. The eyelashes on the upper eyelid were long, while those of the lower eyelid were short and much less prominent. In the upper and lower eyelid sebaceous glands, a characteristic simple alveolar gland producing a mucus-like secretion and poorly developed tarsal glands were observed. The marginal zone of the posterior surface of the eyelids was covered by stratified columnar epithelium with 18-21 layers of nucleated cells, while the bulbar zone of these surfaces was covered by cubic multilayer epithelium with 6-11 non-keratinized layers of cells and with sparse goblet cells. In only lower eyelids, numerous lymphoid nodules, diffuse lymphocytes and high endothelial venules were observed. The superficial gland was an acinar complex which secreted mucous and contained plasma cells within the interlobular and interlobular connective tissue. The upper and lower branches of the third eyelid were the shape of a bent "caudal fin" and were composed of hyaline cartilage, and they contained conjunctiva associated lymphoid tissue (CALT). The deep gland was also an acinar complex producing a serous character and having numerous diffuse lymphocytes. The lacrimal gland was an acinar complex producing seromucous secretions and had numerous plasma cells located in the glandular interstitium. The results of our research indicate that the features of the anatomy of the eyelids and orbital region in the lowland tapir are also typical of the family Tapiridae, but also have features common to the families Equidae and Rhinocerotidae. We confirm the presence of poorly developed tarsal glands in both eyelids as well as presence of a palpebral part of the lacrimal gland in the upper eyelid, which is typical only to Tapirus terrestris.

Low Diversity of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) Genes in Endangered Malayan Tapir (Tapirus indicus).

The Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to multiple threats such as habitat loss and human disturbance that have led to its population decline. This decline increases the risk of inbreeding, which could result in the reduction of genome-wide genetic variation and negatively affect the gene responsible for immune response i.e., MHC gene. Class I and II MHC genes are responsible for encoding MHC molecules in the cells that recognise pathogenic peptides and present them to T-Cells on the cell surface for adaptive immune response. However, at present there is no study related to the MHC gene in Malayan tapir yet. This study characterises the MHC class I and II genes from seven individuals, investigates evidence of balancing selection and their relationships with homologous genes of other species. We identified at least one class I gene and four class II genes. Five sequences of alpha1 (α1) and four of alpha2 (α2) domains of class I alleles, two DRA, two DQA, three DRB and three DQB of class II alleles were isolated. α1 and α2 domains of class I and DRB domain of class II displayed evidence of selection with a higher rate of non-synonymous over synonymous substitutions. Within the DRB gene, 24 codons were found to be under selection where 10 are part of the codons forming the Antigen Binding Site. Genes sequences show species-specific monophyletic group formation except for class I and DRB genes with intersperse relationship in their phylogenetic trees which may indicate occurrence of trans-species polymorphism of allelic lineage. More studies using RNA samples are needed to identify the gene's level of expression.

Application of High-Throughput Sequencing (HTS) to Enhance the Well-Being of an Endangered Species (Malayan Tapir): Characterization of Gut Microbiome Using MG-RAST.

The Tapirus indicus, also known as Malayan tapir, has been listed as a rapidly declining animal species in the past decades, along with being declared and categorized as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) 2016. This tapir species is geographically distributed across several countries in Southeast Asia such as Peninsular Malaysia, Indonesia (Sumatra), South Thailand, and Myanmar. Amongst these countries, the Peninsula Malaysia forest is recorded to contain the highest number of Malayan tapir population. Unfortunately, in the past decades, the population of Malayan tapirs has declined swiftly due to serious deforestation, habitat fragmentation, and heavy vehicle accidents during road crossings at forest routes. Concerned by this predicament, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) Peninsular Malaysia collaborated with a few local universities to conduct various studies aimed at increasing the population number of tapirs in Malaysia. Several studies were conducted with the aim of enhancing the well-being of tapirs in captivity. Veterinarians face problems when it comes to selecting healthy and suitable tapirs for breeding programs at conservation centers. Conventional molecular methods using high-throughput sequencing provides a solution in determining the health condition of Malayan tapirs using the Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology. Unaware by most, gut microbiome plays an important role in determining the health condition of an organism by various aspects: (1) digestion control; (2) benefiting the immune system; and (3) playing a role as a "second brain." Commensal gut bacterial communities (microbiomes) are predicted to influence organism health and disease. Imbalance of unhealthy and healthy microbes in the gut may contribute to weight gain, high blood sugar, high cholesterol, and other disorders. In infancy, neonatal gut microbiomes are colonized with maternal and environmental flora, and mature toward a stable composition in two to three years. Interactions between the microorganism communities and the host allow for the establishment of microbiological roles. Identifying the core microbiome(s) are essential in the prediction of diseases and changes in environmental behavior of microorganisms. The dataset of 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of Malayan tapir was deposited in the MG-RAST portal. Parameters such as quality control, taxonomic prediction (unknown and predicted), diversity (rarefaction), and diversity (alpha) were analyzed using sequencing approaches (Amplicon sequencing). Comparisons of parameters, according to the type of sequencing, showed significant differences, except for the prediction variable. In the Amplicon sequencing datasets, the parameters Rarefaction and Unknown had the highest correlation, while Alpha and Predicted had the lowest. Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Bacilli, and Bacteroidia were the most representative genera in Malayan tapir amplicon sequences, which indicated that most of the tapirs were healthy. However, continuous assessment to maintain the well-being of tapir for long term is still required. This chapter focuses on the introduction of 16S rRNA amplicon metagenomics in analyzing Malayan tapir gut microbiome dataset.

Comparative Histology and Histochemistry of the Parotid Gland and Mandibular Gland in the Lowland Tapir (Tapirus terrestris Perissodactyla) and Aardvark (Orycteropus afer Tubulidentata).

In terrestrial mammals, the parotid and mandibular glands secrete different types of saliva into the oral cavity. Both glands were obtained from two female lowland tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) and one female aardvark (Orycteropus afer) from the Wroclaw Zoological Garden (Poland) and examined by light microscopy (hematoxylin and eosin, mucicarmine, periodic acid-Schiff, Alcian blue pH 1.0, Alcian blue pH 2.5, Alcian blue pH 2.5/PAS, and Hale's dialysed iron). Both the parotid glands observed in the lowland tapir and aardvark were compound alveolar serous secretory units, and in both species, the secretion was composed of neutral and acidic mucopolysaccharides (sialo and sulfated mucins). However, in both the lowland tapir and aardvark, a histological examination found the stroma of the mandibular gland was divided into very large lobes by poorly marked connective tissue. While many interlobar and striated ducts were found in the aardvark, very few were found in the lowland tapir. The mandibular gland was a branched tubular (mucous secretion) type in the lowland tapir, but it was a branched tubuloalveolar (mucous-serous) type in the aardvark. In all tested glands, the secretion was composed of neutral mucopolysaccharides, acid-sulfated mucosubstances, and sialomucins.

First report and genomic characterization of a bovine-like coronavirus causing enteric infection in an odd-toed non-ruminant species (Indonesian tapir, Acrocodia indica) during an outbreak of winter dysentery in a zoo.

Bovine coronavirus (BCoV) is associated with three distinct clinical syndromes in cattle that is, neonatal diarrhoea, haemorrhagic diarrhoea in adults (the so-called winter dysentery syndrome, WD) and respiratory infections in cattle of different ages. In addition, bovine-like CoVs have been detected in various species including domestic and wild ruminants. However, bovine-like CoVs have not been reported so far in odd-toed ungulates. We describe an outbreak of WD associated with a bovine-like CoV affecting several captive wild ungulates, including Indonesian tapirs (Acrocodia indica) an odd-toed ungulate species (Perissodactyla) which, with even-toed ungulates species (Artiodactyla) form the clade Euungulata. Genomic characterization of the CoV revealed that it was closely related to BCoVs previously reported in America. This case illustrates the adaptability of bovine-like CoVs to new species and the necessity of continued surveillance of bovine-like CoVs in various species.

CRISP protein expression in semen of the endangered Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus).

The Malayan tapir is a large endangered herbivore native to South-east Asia with fewer than 2500 animals remaining in the wild. Although a small number of animals (183 animals held by 60 institutions) are managed in zoos and breeding centres, there is limited information on the fundamental reproductive biology of this species. The purpose of this present study was to evaluate the associations of reproductive protein biomarkers (CRISP2 and CRISP3) in the seminal plasma and spermatozoa with reproductive characteristics in male Malayan tapirs. Ejaculates were collected from zoo-housed animals by electroejaculation and assessed for sperm motility and quality traits. Seminal plasma and sperm pellets were analysed for CRISP protein expression by immunoblotting. The reproductive tract of a single animal was also analysed for CRISP2 and CRISP3 protein expression and localization by immunohistochemistry. Our results showed that both CRISP2 and CRISP3 are expressed in the seminal plasma and spermatozoa derived from Malayan tapirs. CRISP expression was positively correlated with semen quality, especially ejaculate volume, number of motile sperm, and acrosomal integrity. In addition, CRISP2 and CRISP3 protein expression were slightly high in males that had recently sired an offspring. The results suggest that CRISP proteins may serve as biomarkers for ejaculate quality and fertility in male Malayan tapirs. These findings may have significant implications for planning future breeding and re-introduction efforts for this species.

Individual Differences in the Vocal Communication of Malayan Tapirs (Tapirus indicus) Considering Familiarity and Relatedness.

Studies in animal communication have shown that many species have individual distinct calls. These individual distinct vocalizations can play an important role in animal communication because they can carry important information about the age, sex, personality, or social role of the signaler. Although we have good knowledge regarding the importance of individual vocalization in social living mammals, it is less clear to what extent solitary living mammals possess individual distinct vocalizations. We recorded and analyzed the vocalizations of 14 captive adult Malayan tapirs (Tapirus indicus) (six females and eight males) to answer this question. We investigated whether familiarity or relatedness had an influence on call similarity. In addition to sex-related differences, we found significant differences between all subjects, comparable to the individual differences found in highly social living species. Surprisingly, kinship appeared to have no influence on call similarity, whereas familiar subjects exhibited significantly higher similarity in their harmonic calls compared to unfamiliar or related subjects. The results support the view that solitary animals could have individual distinct calls, like highly social animals. Therefore, it is likely that non-social factors, like low visibility, could have an influence on call individuality. The increasing knowledge of their behavior will help to protect this endangered species.

Clinical outcome and diagnostic methods of atypical mycobacteriosis due to Mycobacterium avium ssp. hominissuis in a group of captive lowland tapirs (Tapirus terrestris).

Tapirs seem particularly susceptible to mycobacterial infections, especially to tuberculosis caused by M. tuberculosis or M. bovis. In this case series, we report an infection with the non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) species M. avium ssp. hominissuis (MAH) in a group of four (2.2) captive lowland tapirs (Tapirus terrestris). Two female tapirs showed mild respiratory signs such as coughing and mucous sputum production for several years, one juvenile male tapir had to be euthanized due to severe dyspnoea, and the adult male only showed mild respiratory signs in 2010. Post-mortem histopathology of the euthanized animal revealed a chronic bronchopneumonia, and MAH was detected via culture. Subsequently, the three remaining tapirs were tested further: serologically, the tapirs had high antibody titres against M. avium, but they showed no reaction in the comparative skin test (TST). At several time points, the animals were tested for the presence of mycobacteria in different sample matrices including sputum samples, pooled faecal samples as well as swabs from the tapir enclosure to identify potential environmental niches of the pathogen. Moreover, animals were directly sampled using nasal swabs, endoscopic broncho-alveolar (BAL) and gastric lavages. MAH was detected by culture in the sputum samples, in the BAL of the breeding pair, as well as in the swimming pool water and walls, and in swabs taken from the tapir's sleeping beds. We conclude that the TST is not a useful diagnostic tool to detect MAC infections in tapirs, whereas antibody ELISA and culture from BAL appear more sensitive.

Inflamación mandibular en el tapir centroamericano (Tapirus bairdii) / Mandibular inflammation in Central American Tapirs (Tapirus bairdii)

Resumen El tapir de Baird o centroamericano (Tapirus bairdii), también conocido como danta, habita en bosques tropicales, bosques montañosos bajos, bosques caducifolios, praderas inundadas y humedales. La anatomía interna del tapir es análoga al caballo doméstico, al igual que su fórmula dental. Los molares carecen de cemento y tienen coronas pequeñas o bajas, por lo que son totalmente lofodontes. La inflamación mandibular en los tapires es muy común en las colecciones cautivas y su etiología y prevalencia han sido objeto de discusión, pero no se han definido. Este trabajo sugiere al cambio de dentición y la retención de la corona "tapas" como una posible etiología de inflamación mandibular, basado en su contraparte: el caballo, que fisiológicamente sobrelleva el siguiente proceso: a medida que los dientes permanentes se desarrollan por debajo de los dientes primarios, se desarrolla un proceso fisiológico de reabsorción y desplazamiento de vértices dentales, lo que acelera la erupción del diente caducifolio. La presión continua hace que las raíces sean reabsorbidas, y el poco suministro de sangre lleva a que los tejidos blandos sufran necrosis y, por ende, que la "tapa" se afloje. Tanto la gingivitis como la enfermedad periodontal pueden resultar de los restos radiculares de las raíces fracturadas que permanecen en el espacio subgingival después de eliminada "la tapa", aunado a la contaminación con los alimentos y bacterias.

Abstract Baird's tapir (Tapirus bairdii), also known as danta, inhabits tropical forests, lower mountain forests, deciduous forests, flooded meadows and wetlands. The internal anatomy of the tapir is analogous to the domestic horse, as is its dental formula. Molars lack cement and have small or low crowns, being fully lofodonts. Mandibular inflammation in tapirs is very common in captive collections and their etiology and prevalence have been discussed, but have not been defined. This work suggests changing teething and retaining the crown "caps" as a possible etiology of jaw inflammation based on its counterpart the horse, which physiologically copes with the following process: as permanent teeth develop below the primary teeth, a physiological process of resorption and vertex displacement develops, accelerating the eruption of the deciduous tooth. Continuous pressure causes the roots to be reabsorbed, and low blood supply leads to necrosis in the soft tissues and thus loosening the "cap". Both gingivitis and periodontal disease can result from splinters of broken roots that remain in subgingival space after "the cap" is removed, and this coupled with contamination with food and bacteria.

Pathological Findings in Lowland Tapirs (Tapirus terrestris) Killed by Motor Vehicle Collision in the Brazilian Cerrado.

The lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) is the largest land mammal in South America. The species faces steady population decline due to poaching, habitat loss and fragmentation, road-kill, pesticide pollution, competition with domestic livestock and fires, among other threats. The lowland tapir is currently listed as vulnerable to extinction. Little information is available about natural disease processes for the species. This study aimed to report the pathological findings recorded in a cohort of 35 lowland tapirs killed by motor vehicle collision (MVC) on highways of Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, between 2015 and 2018. The main gross pathological findings were those associated with MVC, primarily involving skeletal fractures and internal multiorgan damage with extensive bleeding and/or severe central nervous system injury. The most prevalent concurrent histopathological findings, unrelated to the cause of death, were: adrenal gland degeneration, necrosis and loss of fascicular and reticular cells with replacement fibrosis and cortical atrophy (9/15; 60%); interstitial pneumonia (20/34; 59%); glossitis (9/24; 38%); pulmonary anthracosis (12/34; 35%); colitis (9/28; 32%); and cholangitis/pericholangitis (9/35; 26%). The aetiopathogeneses and clinicopathological significance of some of these findings are unclear; however, parasitic infections appear to be common. Our results highlight the importance of wildlife health information obtained through the study of carcasses of roadkills.

Protocols for miRNA Target Prediction in Plants.

Next-generation sequencing has opened up new avenues for the identification of microRNAs (miRNAs) and their corresponding roles in abiotic and biotic stress responses. Recently, a plethora of evidence suggests a canonical action of miRNA-mRNA interactions to regulate plant systems biology at the posttranscriptional level, thus leading to the gain or loss of genetic adaptation in plants. In this chapter, we present a detailed protocol for the identification of miRNA targets using six different prediction tools.

Three-dimensional CT examination of the forefoot and hindfoot of the hippopotamus and tapir during a semiaquatic walking.

Semiaquatic walking has resulted in the evolution of functional and morphological changes in various hoofed mammals, such as hippopotamus and Brazilian tapir. The biomechanics of skilful walking in wetlands or at the bottom of a waterbody involve the medio-lateral opening and closing of the feet to effectively support and stabilize the body on soft ground and to reduce the water resistance during recovery stroke, respectively. We demonstrate that the opening and closing of the feet in hippopotamus and Brazilian tapir are mediated by the adduction and abduction of the most medial and lateral phalanges from the CT examination. The axial toes, metacarpals and metatarsals do not contribute to changes in the width and shape of the feet, unlike the medial and lateral toes. We suggest that this semiaquatic walking motion is derived from the original terrestrial mode of locomotion, in contrast to the highly functional swimming motion using webs or fins in morphologically modified feet and tail. From the present data we demonstrate that semiaquatic locomotion evolved due to the acquisition of adductor-abductor mobility in the phalanges of the most medial and lateral digits, as shown in hippopotamus and Brazilian tapir.

Determining the numbers of a landscape architect species (Tapirus terrestris), using footprints.

BACKGROUND: As a landscape architect and a major seed disperser, the lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) is an important indicator of the ecological health of certain habitats. Therefore, reliable data regarding tapir populations are fundamental in understanding ecosystem dynamics, including those associated with the Atlantic Forest in Brazil. Currently, many population monitoring studies use invasive tagging with radio or satellite/Global Positioning System (GPS) collars. These techniques can be costly and unreliable, and the immobilization required carries physiological risks that are undesirable particularly for threatened and elusive species such as the lowland tapir. METHODS: We collected data from one of the last regions with a viable population of lowland tapir in the south-eastern Atlantic Forest, Brazil, using a new non-invasive method for identifying species, the footprint identification technique (FIT). RESULTS: We identified the minimum number of tapirs in the study area and, in addition, we observed that they have overlapping ranges. Four hundred and forty footprints from 46 trails collected from six locations in the study area in a landscape known to contain tapir were analyzed, and 29 individuals were identified from these footprints. DISCUSSION: We demonstrate a practical application of FIT for lowland tapir censusing. Our study shows that FIT is an effective method for the identification of individuals of a threatened species, even when they lack visible natural markings on their bodies. FIT offers several benefits over other methods, especially for tapir management. As a non-invasive method, it can be used to census or monitor species, giving rapid feedback to managers of protected areas.

Anatomia óssea e muscular da coxa de Tapirus terrestris (Perissodactyla, Taperidae) / Bone and muscular anatomy of the thigh leg of Tapirus terrestris (Perissodactyla, Taperidae)

Tapirus terrestris (Linnaeus, 1758) é conhecida como anta brasileira é um mamífero da ordem Perissodactyla, o único dessa ordem que ocorre de forma endêmica no Brasil, sendo considerado maior mamífero brasileiro. Existem poucos estudos relacionados à sua morfologia. Objetivou-se descrever os ossos e os músculos da coxa de T. terrestris. Foram utilizados quatro exemplares de T. terrestris fixados em formaldeído a 10%. Para a descrição osteológica, os ossos foram macerados, limpos e secos, identificados e descritos. Para a descrição muscular, os músculos foram dissecados, segundo as técnicas usuais em anatomia macroscópica. O esqueleto da região glútea de T. terrestris é constituído pelo osso do quadril, a coxa é constituída e pelo osso fêmur.. Os músculos (M.) que compõe a coxa são o M. Tensor da fáscia lata, M. Bíceps femoral, M. Semitendíneo, M. Semimembranáceo, M. Grácil, M. Pectíneo, M. Quadríceps femoral, M. Adutor, M. Sartório, M. quadrado profundo, M. piriforme, M. gêmeos e M. obturador interno. Conclui-se que T. terrestris possuem características osteológicas e musculares semelhantes a dos equinos, Entretanto, algumas diferenças morfológicas são evidenciadas.

The species Tapirus terrestris (Linnaeus, 1758) is known as Brazilian tapir is a mammal of the order Perissodactyla, the only order that which occurs endemic in Brazil, considered largest mammal Brazilian. There are few studies related to their morphology. The study aimed to describe the bones and muscles of the thigh T. terrestris. We used four specimens of T. terrestris fixed in 3.7% formaldehyde. For osteological description, the bones were macerated, cleaned and dried, identified and described. For a description of muscle, the muscles were dissected according to the usual techniques in gross anatomy. For the histological description samples were collected every muscle they have been processed and applied stains hematoxylin and eosin, Masson's trichrome, and Orcein Reticulin, followed by analysis by light microscopy. The skeleton of the gluteal region of T.s terrestris consists of hip bone, thigh bone that is formed by the femur. The muscles (M.) that makes up the thigh are M. Tensor fascia lata, M. Biceps femoris, M. Semitendinosus, M. Semimembranosus, M. Gracilis, M. Pectineus, M. Quadriceps femoris, M. Adductor,M. Sartorius and M. quadratus profundus, M. piriformis, M. gemelis e M. obturator internus. Histologically muscles showed striated muscle fibers, collagen fibers, elastic and reticular fibers. We conclude that the T. terrestris have characteristics similar to osteological and muscle of horses, however, some differences were evident fact that can be corroborated by locomotor patterns acquired by the species due to its habitat.