First Capture of a Jaguar Using a Minimally Invasive Capture System for GPS Tracking in an Isolated Patch of Atlantic Forest in Southern Brazil.

This study presents the first successful capture using GPS tagging of a jaguar (Panthera onca) using a minimally invasive capture system (MICS). We used snare-foot traps and a MICS during two capture campaigns in a fragment of Atlantic Forest in southeastern Brazil. The specimen disarmed snares on different occasions, and capture was only possible with the MICS. The captured jaguar, an estimated 16-year-old adult male, was monitored using a GPS Vertex Plus Iridium collar with an optimal performance of 86% in expected locations. The jaguar's home range (659 km2 by MPC and 174 km2 by 95%K) was within the observed range for the species and the animal was primarily maintained in protected areas. The habitat types most frequently used were native grassland (27.2% of 4798 fixes), marsh (24.8%), and dense lowland forest (24.7%). The use of a MICS for trapping jaguars is a promising technique that shows advantages in terms of efficiency, selectivity, portability, reduced potential risk of injury to animals or trappers, and animal stress compared to other capture methods used for the species.

Parasitism by Amblyomma humerale (Acari: Ixodidae) on Chelonoidis denticulatus (Testudines: Testudinidae) in the Atlantic Forest.

The present study reports on patterns of parasitism by Amblyomma humerale on yellow-footed tortoise, Chelonoidis denticulatus, in the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil. The tortoises were sampled occasionally, from July 2005 to January 2020. We collected 81 adult ticks from seven tortoises (mean = 11.57 ± 6.90 ticks/host), of which 72 were males (88.9%) and nine females (11.1%), resulting in an 8:1 sex ratio (males:females). Males were found in clusters, attached to the carapace. Females occurred mainly isolated, attached to coriaceous integumental areas (n = 7; 77.8%), especially the engorged females (100%). We suggest that the difference between attachment sites is a strategy used by fertilized females to avoid mechanical removal from their host through friction with elements of the environment. Because they undergo a considerable increase of volume when engorged, they move to more sheltered places on their host's surface. The parasitism patterns by A. humerale on C. denticulatus were compatible with those observed in the Amazon region and in the Cerrado-Amazonia transition. The present work provides information about the life history and host-parasite interface of the two species and contributes to understanding the parasitism patterns by A. humerale on C. denticulatus in the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil.

The differential genetic signatures related to climatic landscapes for jaguars and pumas on a continental scale.

Modern and paleoclimate changes may have altered species dynamics by shifting species' niche suitability over space and time. We analyze whether the current genetic structure and isolation of the two large American felids, jaguar (Panthera onca) and puma (Puma concolor), are mediated by changes in climatic suitability and connection routes over modern and paleoclimatic landscapes. We estimate species distribution under 5 climatic landscapes (modern, Holocene, last maximum glaciations [LMG], average suitability, and climatic instability) and correlate them with individuals' genetic isolation through causal modeling on a resemblance matrix. Both species exhibit genetic isolation patterns correlated with LMG climatic suitability, suggesting that these areas may have worked as "allele refuges." However, the jaguar showed higher vulnerability to climate changes, responding to modern climatic suitability and connection routes, whereas the puma showed a continuous and gradual transition of genetic variation. Despite differential responsiveness to climate change, both species are subjected to the climatic effects on genetic configuration, which may make them susceptible to future climatic changes, since these are progressing faster and with higher intensity than changes in the paleoclimate. Thus, the effects of climatic changes should be considered in the design of conservation strategies to ensure evolutionary and demographic processes mediated by gene flow for both species.

Parasitism by Amblyomma humerale (Acari: Ixodidae) on Chelonoidis denticulatus (Testudines: Testudinidae) in the Atlantic Forest / Parasitismo de Chelonoidis denticulatus (Testudines: Testudinidae) por Amblyomma humerale (Acari: Ixodidae) na Mata Atlântica

Abstract The present study reports on patterns of parasitism by Amblyomma humerale on yellow-footed tortoise, Chelonoidis denticulatus, in the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil. The tortoises were sampled occasionally, from July 2005 to January 2020. We collected 81 adult ticks from seven tortoises (mean = 11.57 ± 6.90 ticks/host), of which 72 were males (88.9%) and nine females (11.1%), resulting in an 8:1 sex ratio (males:females). Males were found in clusters, attached to the carapace. Females occurred mainly isolated, attached to coriaceous integumental areas (n = 7; 77.8%), especially the engorged females (100%). We suggest that the difference between attachment sites is a strategy used by fertilized females to avoid mechanical removal from their host through friction with elements of the environment. Because they undergo a considerable increase of volume when engorged, they move to more sheltered places on their host's surface. The parasitism patterns by A. humerale on C. denticulatus were compatible with those observed in the Amazon region and in the Cerrado-Amazonia transition. The present work provides information about the life history and host-parasite interface of the two species and contributes to understanding the parasitism patterns by A. humerale on C. denticulatus in the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil.

Resumo O presente estudo relata os padrões de parasitismo de Amblyomma humerale em jabuti-tinga, Chelonoidis denticulatus, na Mata Atlântica do Sudeste do Brasil. Os jabutis foram amostrados de forma ocasional, entre julho de 2005 e janeiro de 2020. Foram amostrados sete jabutis e coletados 81 carrapatos adultos (media = 11,57 ± 6,90 carrapatos/hospedeiro), sendo 72 machos (88,9%) e nove fêmeas (11,1%), resultando em uma razão sexual de 8:1 (machos:fêmeas). Os machos encontravam-se agrupados e aderidos à carapaça. As fêmeas ocorreram principalmente isoladas e fixadas a áreas de tegumento coriáceo (n = 7; 77,8%), especialmente as fêmeas ingurgitadas (100%). Sugere-se que a diferença entre os locais de fixação seja uma estratégia das fêmeas fecundadas, para evitar a remoção mecânica por atrito com o ambiente, uma vez que aumentam consideravelmente seu volume quando ingurgitadas, deslocando-se para locais mais abrigados na superfície do hospedeiro. Os padrões de parasitismo de C. denticulatus por A. humerale foram compatíveis com aqueles observados na Amazônia e na transição Amazônia-Cerrado. O presente trabalho contribui com informações acerca da história de vida e da relação parasito-hospedeiro entre as duas espécies, contribuindo para o entendimento dos padrões de parasitismo de A. humerale em C. denticulatus na Mata Atlântica do sudeste do Brasil.

NEOTROPICAL ALIEN MAMMALS: a data set of occurrence and abundance of alien mammals in the Neotropics.

Biological invasion is one of the main threats to native biodiversity. For a species to become invasive, it must be voluntarily or involuntarily introduced by humans into a nonnative habitat. Mammals were among first taxa to be introduced worldwide for game, meat, and labor, yet the number of species introduced in the Neotropics remains unknown. In this data set, we make available occurrence and abundance data on mammal species that (1) transposed a geographical barrier and (2) were voluntarily or involuntarily introduced by humans into the Neotropics. Our data set is composed of 73,738 historical and current georeferenced records on alien mammal species of which around 96% correspond to occurrence data on 77 species belonging to eight orders and 26 families. Data cover 26 continental countries in the Neotropics, ranging from Mexico and its frontier regions (southern Florida and coastal-central Florida in the southeast United States) to Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay, and the 13 countries of Caribbean islands. Our data set also includes neotropical species (e.g., Callithrix sp., Myocastor coypus, Nasua nasua) considered alien in particular areas of Neotropics. The most numerous species in terms of records are from Bos sp. (n = 37,782), Sus scrofa (n = 6,730), and Canis familiaris (n = 10,084); 17 species were represented by only one record (e.g., Syncerus caffer, Cervus timorensis, Cervus unicolor, Canis latrans). Primates have the highest number of species in the data set (n = 20 species), partly because of uncertainties regarding taxonomic identification of the genera Callithrix, which includes the species Callithrix aurita, Callithrix flaviceps, Callithrix geoffroyi, Callithrix jacchus, Callithrix kuhlii, Callithrix penicillata, and their hybrids. This unique data set will be a valuable source of information on invasion risk assessments, biodiversity redistribution and conservation-related research. There are no copyright restrictions. Please cite this data paper when using the data in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us on how they are using the data.

The Dispersion of Diaspores of Protium icicariba (Burseraceae) - a Networked or Multifactorial System?

The adaptive radiation of the angiosperms was strongly affected by fruit and seed dispersal since the establishment of the seedlings is a fundamental process for the recruitment of juveniles to the populations. Among the species of Burseraceae, seeds with fleshy attachments and high caloric value suggest mammaliochory as an ancestral dispersal way. In Protium icicariba, at the same time as there is a visual pattern typical of ornithochory, with a report of effective demonstration, the diaspores present the highest levels of essential oils of the whole plant, suggesting other dispersion processes by olfactory guided vectors. This work aims to monitor the diasporic dispersal process in P. icicariba in situ, aiming to identify dispersers and to investigate the role of the essential oil in the dispersion of diaspores of this plant species. The natural dispersion was monitored in situ, in weekly campaigns throughout eight months, using visual and photographic records, in daily shifts of six hours, distributed along the dawn, morning, afternoon, dusk, and night. We used both direct observation and continuous picture capturing along 43 days with photographic traps. Mature diaspores removed from pseudocapsules were pooled to determine potential dispersers. Artificial models of the diaspores, in white and green colors, were also used to test hypotheses on the role of scent in the dispersion, added 1%, weight/weight, of the essential oil extracted from the mature diaspores, which chemical composition determined by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Besides, the analysis of stomach contents of lizards collected in adjacent area was also performed. In daytime and nighttime monitoring in nature, no vertebrates were recorded dispersing diaspores. The most common was the primary wind-facilitated autochory of diaspores to the substrate, near the plant matrices. Secondarily, workers of the ant species Atta robusta can remove the pseudoarils or move the pyrenes to the anthills. The lizard species Tropidurus torquatus ingests pyrenes with the pseudoarils, and the sclerified pericarp of the pyrene is potentially resistant to chemical action of the digestive juices. Ants and lizards have also accessed the caves with natural diaspores. Concerning the artificial diaspore models, ants accessed, indistinctly, white and the green models that contained essential oils. The lizards accessed the white models, with or without essential oils, and showed insignificant access to green ones, with or without essential oil. The ingestion of pyrenes by lizards was also confirmed through analysis of stomach contents. The aggregate spatial pattern of P. icicariba at the study site, associated with clumps, may be derived from germination in the substrate near the matrices, or in the anthills or after diaspora defecation and / or regurgitation of the lizard, which is a species strongly associated with clumps of this vegetation. As the access to the diaspores by ants and lizards depends on the primary autochory, and no impediments to the germination near to the matrix plant were found, the dispersion is compatible with a multifactorial characteristic of the diplochory.

Neotropical carnivores: a data set on carnivore distribution in the Neotropics

Mammalian carnivores are considered a key group in maintaining ecological health and can indicate potential ecological integrity in landscapes where they occur. Carnivores also hold high conservation value and their habitat requirements can guide management and conservation plans. The order Carnivora has 84 species from 8 families in the Neotropical region: Canidae; Felidae; Mephitidae; Mustelidae; Otariidae; Phocidae; Procyonidae; and Ursidae. Herein, we include published and unpublished data on native terrestrial Neotropical carnivores (Canidae; Felidae; Mephitidae; Mustelidae; Procyonidae; and Ursidae). NEOTROPICAL CARNIVORES is a publicly available data set that includes 99,605 data entries from 35,511 unique georeferenced coordinates. Detection/non‐detection and quantitative data were obtained from 1818 to 2018 by researchers, governmental agencies, non‐governmental organizations, and private consultants. Data were collected using several methods including camera trapping, museum collections, roadkill, line transect, and opportunistic records. Literature (peerreviewed and grey literature) from Portuguese, Spanish and English were incorporated in this compilation. Most of the data set consists of detection data entries (n = 79,343; 79.7%) but also includes non‐detection data (n = 20,262; 20.3%). Of those, 43.3% also include count data (n = 43,151). The information available in NEOTROPICAL CARNIVORES will contribute to macroecological, ecological, and conservation questions in multiple spatio‐temporal perspectives. As carnivores play key roles in trophic interactions, a better understanding of their distribution and habitat requirements are essential to establish conservation management plans and safeguard the future ecological health of Neotropical ecosystems. Our data paper, combined with other largescale data sets, has great potential to clarify species distribution and related ecological processes within the Neotropics. There are no copyright restrictions and no restriction for using data from this data paper, as long as the data paper is cited as the source of the information used. We also request that users inform us of how they intend to use the data.

Diet of Crossodactylus timbuhy (Anura: Hylodidae) in the Reserva Biológica Augusto Ruschi, state of Espírito Santo, Brazil / Dieta de Crossodactylus timbuhy (Anura: Hylodidae) na Reserva Biológica Augusto Ruschi, Espírito Santo, Brasil

Abstract: Anurans are predator and prey, playing an important role in ecosystem functioning. The diet composition is closely related to feeding strategy, and the information about prey items is useful to understand intra and interspecific interactions in trophic webs. Here we determined diet composition, feeding strategy, and relation between prey ingestion and body measures of Crossodactylus timbuhy, a recently described anuran species. We found 466 prey items from 20 prey categories in the stomach of 66 specimens (15 males and 51 females) of C. timbuhy. The diet consists mostly of Formicidae and Coleoptera, the items with the highest number, frequency of occurrence and prey importance. The diet composition was relatively similar to other species of Crossodactylus. Prey volume was positively related to frog size and weight, suggesting frogs may feed upon any prey they can swallow. Diet showed some variation between sexes. Despite females were larger and heavier than males, females had higher consumption of smaller prey, and ingested a larger number of prey categories. We suggest C. timbuhy has an invertebrate-opportunistic feeding habit. It is likely C. timbuhy uses a combination of 'sit-and-wait' and 'active search' strategies due to high consumption of both highly mobile and sedentary prey.

Resumo: Os anuros são predadores e presas, desempenhando um importante papel no funcionamento dos ecossistemas. A composição da dieta está intimamente relacionada à estratégia de forrageamento das espécies e as informações sobre os itens consumidos são úteis para compreensão das interações intra e interespecíficas nas redes tróficas. O presente estudo objetivou determinar a composição da dieta, a estratégia de forrageamento e a relação entre a ingestão de presas e as medidas corporais de Crossodactylus timbuhy, uma espécie de anuro descrita recentemente. Foi analisado o conteúdo estomacal de 66 espécimes (15 machos e 51 fêmeas) de C. timbuhy e registrados 466 itens alimentares, distribuídos em 20 categorias de presas. A dieta consistiu principalmente de Formicidae e Coleoptera, as quais apresentaram maior número de itens consumidos, maior frequência de ocorrência e maior importância entre as presas registradas. A composição da dieta foi relativamente semelhante à de outras espécies do gênero Crossodactylus. O volume das presas foi positivamente relacionado com o tamanho e o peso dos espécimes, sugerindo que os indivíduos podem se alimentar de qualquer presa que eles possam engolir. A dieta apresentou variação entre os sexos. Apesar das fêmeas serem maiores e mais pesadas do que os machos, elas consumiram mais presas menores e ingeriram mais categorias de presas. Sugere-se que C. timbuhy tenha hábito alimentar invertebrado-oportunista. É provável que C. timbuhy apresente uma combinação de estratégias "senta-e-espera" e "forrageador ativo" devido ao alto consumo de presas altamente móveis e de presas sedentárias.

NEOTROPICAL XENARTHRANS: a data set of occurrence of xenarthran species in the Neotropics.

Xenarthrans-anteaters, sloths, and armadillos-have essential functions for ecosystem maintenance, such as insect control and nutrient cycling, playing key roles as ecosystem engineers. Because of habitat loss and fragmentation, hunting pressure, and conflicts with domestic dogs, these species have been threatened locally, regionally, or even across their full distribution ranges. The Neotropics harbor 21 species of armadillos, 10 anteaters, and 6 sloths. Our data set includes the families Chlamyphoridae (13), Dasypodidae (7), Myrmecophagidae (3), Bradypodidae (4), and Megalonychidae (2). We have no occurrence data on Dasypus pilosus (Dasypodidae). Regarding Cyclopedidae, until recently, only one species was recognized, but new genetic studies have revealed that the group is represented by seven species. In this data paper, we compiled a total of 42,528 records of 31 species, represented by occurrence and quantitative data, totaling 24,847 unique georeferenced records. The geographic range is from the southern United States, Mexico, and Caribbean countries at the northern portion of the Neotropics, to the austral distribution in Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, and Uruguay. Regarding anteaters, Myrmecophaga tridactyla has the most records (n = 5,941), and Cyclopes sp. have the fewest (n = 240). The armadillo species with the most data is Dasypus novemcinctus (n = 11,588), and the fewest data are recorded for Calyptophractus retusus (n = 33). With regard to sloth species, Bradypus variegatus has the most records (n = 962), and Bradypus pygmaeus has the fewest (n = 12). Our main objective with Neotropical Xenarthrans is to make occurrence and quantitative data available to facilitate more ecological research, particularly if we integrate the xenarthran data with other data sets of Neotropical Series that will become available very soon (i.e., Neotropical Carnivores, Neotropical Invasive Mammals, and Neotropical Hunters and Dogs). Therefore, studies on trophic cascades, hunting pressure, habitat loss, fragmentation effects, species invasion, and climate change effects will be possible with the Neotropical Xenarthrans data set. Please cite this data paper when using its data in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us of how they are using these data.

Plasticity in the timing of activity in the Red-rumped Agouti, Dasyprocta leporina (Mammalia: Rodentia), in the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil / Plasticidade comportamental no horário de atividade de cutia, Dasyprocta leporina (Mammalia: Rodentia), na Mata Atlântica do sudeste do Brasil

Abstract Timing of activity is a consequence of adaptations to daily and seasonal changes in the environment and examining these patterns is important to better understand the temporal niches of the species. Here we examine temporal activity in the Red-rumped Agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) in two fragments of Atlantic Forest and those factors that influence the circadian rhythm in the study areas. Camera traps were used to gather data in two protected areas (one montane and other coastal) in the state of Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil. A total of 49 photos were taken in the mountains and 152 in the coastal area. Activity patterns were diurnal and bimodal, and animals were active for 14-15 hours each day. Activity peaked in the morning soon after sunrise and then before and during dusk. Activity patterns were different in the two study areas (W = 6.77, p = 0.034). There was a longer peak in the morning in the coastal area, and a higher peak in the evening in the mountains, where activity starts later and becomes less intense earlier. The difference between activity patterns in the two locations suggests plasticity in agouti behavior. Because the two study areas are at about the same latitude, we suggest that the behavioral plasticity is due to different temperature regimes associated with a local effect of altitude and topography of the terrain on the incidence of solar rays inside the forest. The influence of other factors is also discussed. In addition to a better understanding of the temporal niche of the Red-rumped Agouti, the behavior patterns we describe here can be useful to optimize strategies for D. leporina conservation in southeastern Brazil once the species is more susceptible to poaching at times when animals are most active.

Resumo O horário de atividade reflete adaptações e respostas das espécies às variações diárias e sazonais do ambiente, sendo o entendimento destes padrões importante para uma melhor compreensão do nicho temporal das espécies. Este trabalho objetivou caracterizar o horário de atividade da cutia (Dasyprocta leporina) em dois remanescentes de Mata Atlântica e estabelecer os fatores que podem interferir no ritmo circadiano da espécie considerando peculiaridades das áreas amostradas. Foram analisados dados obtidos a partir de armadilhas fotográficas em duas áreas protegidas, sendo uma na região serrana e outra próximo à costa, ambas no estado do Espírito Santo, sudeste do Brasil. Foram obtidos 49 registros na região serrana e 152 registros na área costeira. A espécie apresentou padrão de atividade diurno e bimodal, mantendo-se ativa por 14-15 horas. Foi detectado um pico de atividade matutino, logo após o nascer do sol, e outro vespertino. O padrão de distribuição diária dos registros foi diferente entre as áreas amostradas (W = 6,766; p = 0,034), ressaltando que o pico de atividade matutino apresentou maior duração na área costeira, enquanto o pico vespertino foi proporcionalmente mais representativo na região serrana, onde as atividades se iniciam mais tarde e se tornam menos intensas mais cedo. Estas diferenças evidenciam a ocorrência de plasticidade comportamental em D. leporina no que se refere ao padrão de atividade local. Entretanto, a diferença entre as áreas estudadas não pode ser atribuída à latitude, uma vez que a distância entre as localidades é de menos de um grau. Sugere-se que a variação do horário de atividade de cutias nas áreas amostradas seja devido a diferenças na temperatura ambiente, associadas a variações locais decorrentes do efeito da altitude e da topografia do terreno na incidência de raios solares no interior da floresta. A influência de outros fatores também é discutida. Além do melhor entendimento do nicho temporal de cutias, os padrões comportamentais descritos no presente estudo podem ser úteis para otimizar estratégias de conservação de D. leporina no sudeste do Brasil considerando que a espécie é mais suscetível à caça quando os animais estão mais ativos.

Do we underestimate the impact of roads on arboreal animals? Roadkill as an important threat to Chaetomys subspinosus (Mammalia: Rodentia) / Estaríamos subestimando o impacto de estradas sobre espécies arborícolas? Atropelamento de fauna como uma importante ameaça para Chaetomys subspinosus (Mammalia: Rodentia)

Abstract: The Thin-spined Porcupine (Chaetomys subspinosus) is a medium-sized and mainly arboreal rodent, endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, and threatened with extinction. Habitat loss, hunting, forest fires, agriculture and livestock are threats identified for the species. Here we raise the alert to the impact of roads on remaining populations of C. subspinosus based on roadkill records from the state of Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil. Mortality due to roadkill is likely to impact C. subspinosus in different regions of the state, and is a widespread problem, not unique to a single location or population. The pattern of roadkills in the studied regions suggest that the species is more susceptible to collisions with vehicles in the breeding period. Additionally, concrete barriers that divide lanes on highways seens to increase the likelihood of roadkill for Thin-spined Porcupines. We recommend that roadkill should be included in the list of threats to C. subspinosus in the Espírito Santo. Mortality due to roadkill is probably relevant also for populations in the states of Bahia and Sergipe, and it should be evaluated locally. The installation of road-crossing structures for wildlife, such as arboreal overpasses, is recommended on roads crossing or close to protected areas with C. subspinosus presence in Espírito Santo and elsewhere.

Resumo: O ouriço-preto (Chaetomys subspinosus) é um roedor essencialmente arborícola, de médio porte, endêmico da Mata Atlântica brasileira. Atualmente está classificado como Vulnerável à extinção. Perda de habitat, caça, incêndios florestais, agricultura e pecuária são identificados como ameaças para a espécie. A presente comunicação alerta para o impacto de estradas sobre as populações remanescentes de C. subspinosus com base em registros de atropelamento obtidos no estado do Espírito Santo, sudeste do Brasil. Os registros aqui apresentados indicam que a morte de espécimes devido a atropelamentos afeta populações de C. subspinosus em diferentes regiões do estado, sendo um problema generalizado, não consistindo em ameaça para uma única localidade ou população. O padrão observado nas regiões estudadas sugere que a espécie é mais suscetível a atropelamentos durante o período reprodutivo. Além disso, a presença de barreiras de concreto dividindo as faixas das rodovias parece aumentar a ocorrência de atropelamentos de ouriços-pretos. Recomenda-se que o atropelamento de espécimes seja incluído entre as ameaças à conservação de C. subspinosus no Espírito Santo, podendo representar uma ameaça relevante para a espécie também nos estados da Bahia e Sergipe, o que deve ser avaliado localmente. A instalação de estruturas para transposição rodoviária pela fauna, como passagens aéreas, é recomendada para estradas que atravessam ou que estão associadas a áreas protegidas com confirmação da presença de C. subspinosus no Espírito Santo e em outros estados.

First record of intestinal parasites in a wild population of jaguar in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.

Small and isolated wildlife populations may be more susceptible to disease, which makes illness an important issue to investigate regarding the conservation of large carnivores. Here, we present the results of the first investigation of intestinal parasites in one of the last remaining populations of jaguars in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We studied parasites from fecal samples using three different techniques for parasitological examination: floatation in saturated sodium chloride solution, sedimentation and formalin-ether centrifugation. Intestinal parasites were detected in 70% of the analyzed samples, and seven taxa (mean = 3.7 taxa/sample) were identified. All the groups of parasites that were identified have been recorded in previous jaguar studies. However, the records of Class Trematoda and nematodes Trichuridae are the first evidence of these groups of worms in free-ranging jaguars in Brazil. Although our results do not provide conclusive evidence on the health of this jaguar population, given its very small size (approximately 20 animals) we stress the need to properly understand the dynamics of disease in this wild population and to evaluate the risk of contracting new diseases from domestic species inhabiting the neighboring areas. These represent imperative actions for the successful conservation of this threatened population of jaguar.

First record of intestinal parasites in a wild population of jaguar in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest / Primeiros registros de parasitos intestinais em uma população silvestre de onça-pintada na Mata Atlântica Brasileira

Small and isolated wildlife populations may be more susceptible to disease, which makes illness an important issue to investigate regarding the conservation of large carnivores. Here, we present the results of the first investigation of intestinal parasites in one of the last remaining populations of jaguars in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We studied parasites from fecal samples using three different techniques for parasitological examination: floatation in saturated sodium chloride solution, sedimentation and formalin-ether centrifugation. Intestinal parasites were detected in 70% of the analyzed samples, and seven taxa (mean = 3.7 taxa/sample) were identified. All the groups of parasites that were identified have been recorded in previous jaguar studies. However, the records of Class Trematoda and nematodes Trichuridae are the first evidence of these groups of worms in free-ranging jaguars in Brazil. Although our results do not provide conclusive evidence on the health of this jaguar population, given its very small size (approximately 20 animals) we stress the need to properly understand the dynamics of disease in this wild population and to evaluate the risk of contracting new diseases from domestic species inhabiting the neighboring areas. These represent imperative actions for the successful conservation of this threatened population of jaguar.

Populações pequenas e isoladas são mais suscetíveis a doenças, o que torna a investigação de enfermidades uma questão importante para a conservação de grandes carnívoros. O presente estudo apresenta os resultados da primeira investigação de parasitos intestinais em uma das últimas populações remanescentes de onça-pintada na Mata Atlântica brasileira. Os parasitos foram obtidos a partir de amostras fecais, sendo utilizadas três técnicas para exame parasitológico: flutuação em solução saturada de cloreto de sódio (Método de Willis), sedimentação (Método de HPJ) e centrifugação com formol-éter. Parasitos intestinais foram detectados em 70% das amostras analisadas, tendo sido identificados sete táxons (média = 3,7 taxa/amostra). Todos os grupos de parasitos identificados foram mencionados em estudos anteriores realizados com onças-pintadas. Entretanto, os registros de Trematoda e nematoides Trichuridae aqui obtidos representam a primeira evidência desses grupos de vermes em onças-pintadas de vida livre no Brasil. Embora os resultados obtidos não sejam conclusivos quanto à saúde da população estudada, em virtude do tamanho populacional reduzido (aproximadamente 20 indivíduos), recomenda-se a investigação da dinâmica de doenças, bem como a avaliação do risco de contração de novas doenças a partir do contato com animais domésticos provenientes do entorno da área estudada. Essas investigações são fundamentais para a conservação dessa população ameaçada de onças-pintadas.

Influence of camera-trap sampling design on mammal species capture rates and community structures in southeastern Brazil

The distribution of species and population attributes are critical data for biodiversity conservation. As a tool for obtaining such data, camera traps have become increasingly common throughout the world. However, there are disagreements on how camera-trap records should be used due to imperfect species detectability and limitations regarding the use of capture rates as surrogates for abundance. We evaluated variations in the capture rates and community structures of mammals in camera-trap surveys using four different sampling designs. The camera traps were installed on internal roads (in the first and fourth years of the study), at 100-200 m from roads (internal edges; second year) and at 500 m from the nearest internal road (forest interior; third year). The mammal communities sampled in the internal edges and forest interior were similar to each other but differed significantly from those sampled on the roads. Furthermore, for most species, the number of records and the capture success varied widely among the four sampling designs. A further experiment showed that camera traps placed on the same tree trunk but facing in opposing directions also recorded few species in common. Our results demonstrated that presence or non-detection and capture rates vary among the different sampling designs. These differences resulted mostly from the habitat use and behavioral attributes of species in association with differences in sampling surveys, which resulted in differential detectability. We also recorded variations in the distribution of records per sampling point and at the same spot, evidencing the stochasticity associated with the camera-trap location and orientation. These findings reinforce that for species whose specimens cannot be individually identified, the capture rates should be best used as inputs for presence and detection analyses and for behavior inferences (regarding the preferential use of habitats and activity patterns, for example). Comparisons between capture rates or among relative abundance indices, even for the same species, should be made cautiously.

A distribuição das espécies e os atributos das populações são dados críticos para a conservação da biodiversidade. Enquanto ferramenta para obtenção de tais dados, as armadilhas fotográficas tem se tornado cada vez mais comuns em estudos em todo o mundo. No entanto, há divergências sobre como os registros fotográficos devem ser utilizados devido a problemas de detectabilidade e limitações relacionadas ao uso das taxas de captura como substitutos de abundância. No presente estudo foram avaliadas variações na taxa de captura e na estrutura da comunidade de mamíferos registrada por meio de armadilhas fotográficas utilizando-se quatro diferentes desenhos amostrais. As armadilhas foram instaladas em estradas internas (primeiro e quarto anos), a 100-200 m de distância das estradas (bordas internas; segundo ano) e a 500 m da estrada mais próxima (interior da mata; terceiro ano). As comunidades de mamíferos amostradas em bordas internas e interior da floresta foram semelhantes entre si, mas diferiram significativamente daquelas amostradas em estradas. Além disso, para a maioria das espécies, o número de registros e o sucesso de captura variaram muito entre os quatro desenhos amostrais. A partir de um experimento desenvolvido paralelamente às amostragens, foi observado ainda que armadilhas fotográficas colocadas em um mesmo tronco de árvore, mas voltadas para direções opostas, registraram poucas espécies em comum. Nossos resultados demonstram que presença ou não detecção e taxas de captura variam entre diferentes desenhos de amostragem. Essas diferenças são atribuídas principalmente ao uso do habitat e atributos comportamentais das espécies, em associação com diferenças no desenho amostral, resultando em diferenças na detectabilidade. Foram também registradas variações na distribuição de registros entre pontos de amostragem e para o mesmo local, evidenciando a estocasticidade associada à localização e orientação das armadilhas. Esses dados reforçam que, para espécies cujos espécimes não podem ser individualmente identificados, os registros fotográficos são mais bem utilizados como insumo para análises de presença e detecção, assim como para obtenção de informações relacionadas a comportamento (uso preferencial de habitats e padrão de atividade, por exemplo). Comparações entre taxas de captura ou índices de abundância relativa, mesmo para a mesma espécie, devem ser realizadas com cautela.

Development and testing of an optimized method for DNA-based identification of jaguar (Panthera onca) and puma (Puma concolor) faecal samples for use in ecological and genetic studies.

The elusive nature and endangered status of most carnivore species imply that efficient approaches for their non-invasive sampling are required to allow for genetic and ecological studies. Faecal samples are a major potential source of information, and reliable approaches are needed to foster their application in this field, particularly in areas where few studies have been conducted. A major obstacle to the reliable use of faecal samples is their uncertain species-level identification in the field, an issue that can be addressed with DNA-based assays. In this study we describe a sequence-based approach that efficiently distinguishes jaguar versus puma scats, and that presents several desirable properties: (1) considerably high amplification and sequencing rates; (2) multiple diagnostic sites reliably differentiating the two focal species; (3) high information content that allows for future application in other carnivores; (4) no evidence of amplification of prey DNA; and (5) no evidence of amplification of a nuclear mitochondrial DNA insertion known to occur in the jaguar. We demonstrate the reliability and usefulness of this approach by evaluating 55 field-collected samples from four locations in the highly fragmented Atlantic Forest biome of Brazil and Argentina, and document the presence of one or both of these endangered felids in each of these areas.

Registros de perdiz Rhynchotus rufescens (Aves, Tinamiformes, Tinamidae) no interior da Reserva Natural Vale, Linhares, Espírito Santo, sudeste do Brasil / Observations of the tinamou Rhynchotus rufescens (Aves, Tinamiformes, Tinamidae) inside Reserva Natural Vale, Linhares, Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil

A presente comunicação reporta observações de perdiz (Rhynchotus rufescens) efetuadas no interior da área florestada da Reserva Natural da Vale (RNV). A Reserva apresenta grande extensão (21.787 ha) e é coberta predominantemente por florestas primárias. Seis registros foram obtidos no período de 2005 a 2007, em locais distantes entre 70 e 5.500 m da borda florestal mais próxima, indicando que esta espécie de Cerrado está utilizando partes internas e florestadas da Reserva. Observações anteriores e relatos de outros autores já haviam confirmado a presença da perdiz em áreas abertas adjacentes à RNV e à Reserva Biológica de Sooretama, que é contígua à anterior, mas esta é a primeira vez em que a presença desta ave campestre é relatada para o interior da floresta. Os impactos potenciais que a entrada da perdiz representa para as espécies nativas e florestais de tinamídeos, como a contaminação por parasitas e patógenos e a introdução de capim exótico, são brevemente discutidos.

The present communication reports records of the tinamou (Rhynchotus rufescens) made in the interior of the forested area of Reserva Natural Vale (RNV). This reserve has a large area (21,787 ha) and is covered predominantly by primary forests. Six tinamou sightings were obtained between 2005 and 2007 in places located within the forest from 70 to 5,500 m of distance to the nearest forest edge, indicating that this Cerrado-dwelling tinamou is using the forested interior of the reserve. Previous observations and reports from other authors had already confirmed the presence of this bird in open areas adjacent to the RNV and Sooretama Biological Reserve, which is contiguous to the former, however this is the first time this tinamou is observed within the forest. The potential impacts the entrance of this bird represents to other tinamou species, like contamination with parasites and pathogens and the introduction of exotic grass species, are briefly discussed.