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Fabiana Lopes Rocha - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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recording of relict ocelot leopardus pardalis and south american Coati nasua nasua populations in the biodiversity hotspot pernambuco endemism center northern atlantic forest brazil
Mammalia, 2019Co-Authors: Mayara Guimaraes Beltrao, Anderson Feijo, Anna Carolina F Albuquerque, Getulio L Freitas, Fabiana Lopes RochaAbstract:The northern portion of the Atlantic Forest, namely Pernambuco Endemism Center (PEC), faces an extreme level of forest loss, with only 2% of its original forest remaining. In the PEC, mesocarnivores are the only remaining carnivores and, among them, the ocelot and South American Coati present a poorly known or even ignored distribution. Our goal is to provide an overview of the current distribution and conservation status of both species in the PEC through camera trap survey, review of published scientific literature and a search for voucher specimens in mammal collections. Our data confirm the presence of the ocelot and the South America Coati in the PEC. The ocelots were mainly recorded in fragments smaller than 12 km², suggesting they might access the monoculture matrix and anthropogenic areas. The few recent records of Coatis suggest a worse scenario, predicting an imminent local extinction. The PEC has witnessed a historical continued deforestation, which has reduced the remaining fragments and contributed to the accentuated decline of both species populations. Nevertheless, these Atlantic Forest remnants are paramount to supporting relict populations of mesocarnivores in the PEC, and their maintenance and connectivity should be a conservation priority.
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recording of relict ocelot leopardus pardalis and south american Coati nasua nasua populations in the biodiversity hotspot pernambuco endemism center northern atlantic forest brazil
Mammalia, 2019Co-Authors: Mayara Guimaraes Beltrao, Anderson Feijo, Anna Carolina F Albuquerque, Getulio L Freitas, Fabiana Lopes RochaAbstract:The northern portion of the Atlantic Forest, namely Pernambuco Endemism Center (PEC), faces an extreme level of forest loss, with only 2% of its original forest remaining. In the PEC, mesocarnivores are the only remaining carnivores and, among them, the ocelot and South American Coati present a poorly known or even ignored distribution. Our goal is to provide an overview of the current distribution and conservation status of both species in the PEC through camera trap survey, review of published scientific literature and a search for voucher specimens in mammal collections. Our data confirm the presence of the ocelot and the South America Coati in the PEC. The ocelots were mainly recorded in fragments smaller than 12 km², suggesting they might access the monoculture matrix and anthropogenic areas. The few recent records of Coatis suggest a worse scenario, predicting an imminent local extinction. The PEC has witnessed a historical continued deforestation, which has reduced the remaining fragments and contributed to the accentuated decline of both species populations. Nevertheless, these Atlantic Forest remnants are paramount to supporting relict populations of mesocarnivores in the PEC, and their maintenance and connectivity should be a conservation priority.
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Trypanosoma cruzi Infection in Neotropical Wild Carnivores (Mammalia: Carnivora): At the Top of the T. cruzi Transmission Chain
2016Co-Authors: Fabiana Lopes Rocha, Juliane Saab De Lima, Andre Luiz, Rodrigues Roque, Carvalho Cheida, Frederico Gemesio Lemos, Cavalcanti A De Azevedo, Corassa Arrais, Daniele Bilac, Heitor Miraglia HerreraAbstract:Little is known on the role played by Neotropical wild carnivores in the Trypanosoma cruzi transmission cycles. We investigated T. cruzi infection in wild carnivores from three sites in Brazil through parasitological and serological tests. The seven carnivore species examined were infected by T. cruzi, but high parasitemias detectable by hemoculture were found only in two Procyonidae species. Genotyping by Mini-exon gene, PCR-RFLP (1f8/Akw21I) and kDNA genomic targets revealed that the raccoon (Procyon cancrivorus) harbored TcI and the Coatis (Nasua nasua) harbored TcI, TcII, TcIII-IV and Trypanosoma rangeli, in single and mixed infections, besides four T. cruzi isolates that displayed odd band patterns in the Mini-exon assay. These findings corroborate the Coati can be a bioaccumulator of T. cruzi Discrete Typing Units (DTU) and may act as a transmission hub, a connection point joining sylvatic transmission cycles within terrestrial and arboreal mammals and vectors. Also, the odd band patterns observed in Coatis ’ isolates reinforce that T. cruzi diversity might b
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complexity and multi factoriality of trypanosoma cruzi sylvatic cycle in Coatis nasua nasua procyonidae and triatomine bugs in the brazilian pantanal
Parasites & Vectors, 2016Co-Authors: Fernanda Moreira Alves, Guilherme Mourão, Fabiana Lopes Rocha, Juliane Saab De Lima, Heitor Miraglia Herrera, Ana Maria JansenAbstract:Trypanosoma cruzi is dispersed in nature through many transmission mechanisms among a high diversity of vectors and mammalian species, representing particular behaviors and habitats. Thus, each locality has a unique set of conditions underlying the maintenance of this parasite in the wild. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the life-cycle of T. cruzi in free-ranging Coatis from the central region of the Brazilian Pantanal using a multi-factorial approach. Three methodological blocks were used in the present study: (i) We evaluated T. cruzi infection using serological (ELISA) and parasitological (hemoculture) tests in free-ranging Coatis captured from October 2010 to March 2012. In addition, we characterized T. cruzi isolates as DTUs (Discrete Typing Units); (ii) We evaluated Trypanosoma infection in species of Triatoma and Rhodnius inhabiting Coati arboreal nests from May to September 2012 using parasitological and molecular assays; and (iii) We analyzed a set of longitudinal data (from 2005 to 2012) concerning the effects of T. cruzi infection on this Coati population. Herein, we investigated whether seasonality, host sex, and host age influence T. cruzi prevalence and patterns of infection. The 2010–2012 period presented high seroprevalence on Coatis (72.0 % ELISA) and a high percentage of individuals with infectivity competence (20.5 % positive hemoculture). All isolates presented TcI band patterns, occurring in single (n = 3) and mixed infections (1 TcI/T. rangeli; 4 with undefined characterization). Both male and female individuals presented the same transmission potential, expressed as positive hemoculture, which was only detected in the summer. However, overall, the data (2005–2012) highlighted the importance of females for T. cruzi maintenance in the winter. Moreover, twenty-three (67.6 %) bugs from five Coati nests (71.4 %) were infected with flagellated forms. Seventeen samples were characterized as T. cruzi (TcI and TcIII genotypes). In the Pantanal region, T. cruzi is transmitted in a complex, multifactorial, dynamic and non-linear transmission web. The Coati nests might be inserted in this web, acting as important transmission foci at the arboreal stratum to different mammal species with arboreal or scansorial behavior.
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infestation of arboreal nests of Coatis by triatomine species vectors of trypanosoma cruzi in a large neotropical wetland
Journal of Vector Ecology, 2015Co-Authors: Juliane Saab De Lima, Fabiana Lopes Rocha, Ana Maria Jansen, Fernanda Moreira Alves, Elias Seixas Lorosa, Guilherme MourãoAbstract:The Coati (Nasua nasua, Carnivora) is a medium-sized mammal common in the Pantanal of Brazil. Unlike most mammals, Coatis construct arboreal nests used for resting and reproduction. In this region, the Coati is an important host of Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease. There are two possible routes through Coatis can be infected by T. cruzi: the oral route or the vectorial route. However, the relative importance of each of these routes in the infection of Coatis and its role in the sylvatic cycle of the parasite are unknown. Our objectives were to investigate: (i) whether Coati nests were infested by triatomine bugs, (ii) what species were frequent in the nests, (iii) whether the triatomines in nests were infected by T. cruzi, and (iv) what were the food resources of these triatomines. Eight of the 24 nests sampled were infested with triatomines, a total of 37 specimens of at least two species (Rhodnius stali and Triatoma sordida). In one nest, R. stali and T. sordida co-occurred and both fed on multiple resources, including Coatis. This is the first report of triatomines occurring in arboreal nests of Coatis. The co-occurrence of two different genera of triatomine vectors and Coatis within the limited space of the Coati nests provide multiple opportunities for the exchange of the protozoan parasite through both the vectorial and oral transmission routes.
Guilherme Mourão - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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outcomes of trypanosoma cruzi and trypanosoma evansi infections on health of southern Coati nasua nasua crab eating fox cerdocyon thous and ocelot leopardus pardalis in the brazilian pantanal
PLOS ONE, 2018Co-Authors: Filipe Martins Santos, Guilherme Mourão, Gabriel Carvalho De Macedo, Wanessa Teixeira Gomes Barreto, Carolina Martins Garcia, Grasiela Edith De Oliveira Porfirio, Elizangela Domenis Marino, Marcos Rogério André, Luiz Gustavo R Oliveirasantos, Livia PerlesAbstract:: The occurrence of Trypanosoma spp. in wild carnivore populations has been intensively investigated during the last decades. However, the impact of these parasites on the health of free-living infected animals has been largely neglected. The Pantanal biome is the world's largest seasonal wetland, harboring a great diversity of species and habitats. This includes 174 species of mammals, of which 20 belong to the order Carnivora. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of Trypanosoma evansi and Trypanosoma cruzi infections and coinfections on the health of the most abundant carnivores in the Pantanal: Coati (Nasua nasua), crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous), and ocelot (Leopardus pardalis). We captured 39 Coatis, 48 crab-eating foxes, and 19 ocelots. Diagnostic tests showed T. cruzi infection in 7 crab-eating foxes and 5 Coatis. Additionally, 7 crab-eating foxes, 10 Coatis, and 12 ocelots were positive for T. evansi. We observed coinfections in 9 crab-eating foxes, 8 Coatis, and 2 ocelots. This is the first report of T. evansi and T. cruzi infection on the health of free-living ocelots and crab-eating foxes. We showed that single T. evansi or T. cruzi infection, as well as coinfection, caused some degree of anemia in all animals, as well as an indirect negative effect on body condition in Coatis and crab-eating foxes via anemia indicators and immune investment, respectively. Furthermore, the vigorous immune investment observed in sampled Coatis, crab-eating foxes and ocelots infected by T. evansi, T. cruzi and coinfected can be highly harmful to their health. Overall, our results indicate that single and combined infection with T. evansi and T. cruzi represent a severe risk to the health of wild carnivores in the Pantanal region.
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niche partitioning among mesocarnivores in a brazilian wetland
PLOS ONE, 2016Co-Authors: Rita De Cassia Bianchi, Natalie Olifiers, Matthew Edzart Gompper, Guilherme MourãoAbstract:We investigated the home range size, habitat selection, as well as the spatial and activity overlap, of four mid-sized carnivore species in the Central Pantanal, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. From December 2005 to September 2008, seven crab-eating foxes Cerdocyon thous, seven brown-nosed Coatis Nasua nasua, and six ocelots Leopardus pardalis were radio-collared and monitored. Camera trap data on these species were also collected for the crab-eating raccoon Procyon cancrivorus. We hypothesized that there would be large niche differentiation in preferred habitat-type or active period between generalist species with similar diet, and higher similarity in habitat-type or activity time between the generalist species (crab-eating foxes and Coatis) and the more specialized ocelot. Individual home ranges were estimated using the utilization distribution index (UD- 95% fixed Kernel). With data obtained from radio-collared individuals, we evaluated habitat selection using compositional analysis. Median home range size of ocelots was 8 km2. The proportion of habitats within the home ranges of ocelots did not differ from the overall habitat proportion in the study area, but ocelots preferentially used forest within their home range. The median home range size of crab-eating foxes was 1.4 km2. Foxes showed second-order habitat selection and selected savanna over shrub-savanna vegetation. The median home range size for Coati was 1.5 km2. Coati home ranges were located randomly in the study area. However, within their home range, Coatis occurred more frequently in savanna than in other vegetation types. Among the four species, the overlap in activity period was the highest (87%) between ocelots and raccoons, with the least overlap occurring between the ocelot and Coati (25%). We suggest that temporal segregation of carnivores was more important than spatial segregation, notably between the generalist Coati, crab-eating fox and crab-eating raccoon.
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complexity and multi factoriality of trypanosoma cruzi sylvatic cycle in Coatis nasua nasua procyonidae and triatomine bugs in the brazilian pantanal
Parasites & Vectors, 2016Co-Authors: Fernanda Moreira Alves, Guilherme Mourão, Fabiana Lopes Rocha, Juliane Saab De Lima, Heitor Miraglia Herrera, Ana Maria JansenAbstract:Trypanosoma cruzi is dispersed in nature through many transmission mechanisms among a high diversity of vectors and mammalian species, representing particular behaviors and habitats. Thus, each locality has a unique set of conditions underlying the maintenance of this parasite in the wild. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the life-cycle of T. cruzi in free-ranging Coatis from the central region of the Brazilian Pantanal using a multi-factorial approach. Three methodological blocks were used in the present study: (i) We evaluated T. cruzi infection using serological (ELISA) and parasitological (hemoculture) tests in free-ranging Coatis captured from October 2010 to March 2012. In addition, we characterized T. cruzi isolates as DTUs (Discrete Typing Units); (ii) We evaluated Trypanosoma infection in species of Triatoma and Rhodnius inhabiting Coati arboreal nests from May to September 2012 using parasitological and molecular assays; and (iii) We analyzed a set of longitudinal data (from 2005 to 2012) concerning the effects of T. cruzi infection on this Coati population. Herein, we investigated whether seasonality, host sex, and host age influence T. cruzi prevalence and patterns of infection. The 2010–2012 period presented high seroprevalence on Coatis (72.0 % ELISA) and a high percentage of individuals with infectivity competence (20.5 % positive hemoculture). All isolates presented TcI band patterns, occurring in single (n = 3) and mixed infections (1 TcI/T. rangeli; 4 with undefined characterization). Both male and female individuals presented the same transmission potential, expressed as positive hemoculture, which was only detected in the summer. However, overall, the data (2005–2012) highlighted the importance of females for T. cruzi maintenance in the winter. Moreover, twenty-three (67.6 %) bugs from five Coati nests (71.4 %) were infected with flagellated forms. Seventeen samples were characterized as T. cruzi (TcI and TcIII genotypes). In the Pantanal region, T. cruzi is transmitted in a complex, multifactorial, dynamic and non-linear transmission web. The Coati nests might be inserted in this web, acting as important transmission foci at the arboreal stratum to different mammal species with arboreal or scansorial behavior.
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Overlap of active period among carnivore species.
2016Co-Authors: Rita De Cassia Bianchi, Natalie Olifiers, Matthew Edzart Gompper, Guilherme MourãoAbstract:Gray = 95% overlap, black = 50% overlap. Lp = Leopardus pardalis (ocelot), Ct = Cerdocyon thous (crab-eating fox), Nn = Nasua nasua (brown-nosed Coati), Pc = Procyon cancrivorus (crab-eating raccoon).
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co infection and wild animal health effects of trypanosomatids and gastrointestinal parasites on Coatis of the brazilian pantanal
PLOS ONE, 2015Co-Authors: Natalie Olifiers, Guilherme Mourão, Ana Maria Jansen, Heitor Miraglia Herrera, Rita De Cassia Bianchi, Paulo Sergio Dandrea, Matthew Edzart GompperAbstract:Wild animals are infected by diverse parasites, but how they influence host health is poorly understood. We examined the relationship of trypanosomatids and gastrointestinal parasites with health of wild brown-nosed Coatis (Nasua nasua) from the Brazilian Pantanal. We used Coati body condition and hematological parameters as response variables in linear models that were compared using an information theoretic approach. Predictors were high/low parasitemias by Trypanosoma cruzi and T. evansi, and indices representing the abundance of distinct groups of gastrointestinal parasites. We also analyzed how host health changed with host sex and reproductive seasonality. Hemoparasites was best related to Coati body condition and hematological indices, whereas abundance of gastrointestinal parasites was relatively less associated with Coati health. Additionally, some associations were best predicted by models that incorporated reproductive seasonality and host sex. Overall, we observed a lower health condition during the breeding season, when Coatis are under reproductive stress and may be less able to handle infection. In addition, females seem to handle infection better than males. Body condition was lower in Coatis with high parasitemias of T. evansi, especially during the reproductive season. Total red blood cell counts, packed cell volume, platelets and eosinophils were also lower in animals with high T. evansi parasitemias. Total white blood cell counts and mature neutrophils were lower in animals with high parasitemias for both Trypanosoma species, with neutrophils decreasing mainly during the reproductive season. Overall, decreases in hematological parameters of females with T. evansi high parasitemias were less evident. For T. cruzi, monocytes decreased in individuals with high parasitemias. High abundances of microfilariae in the bloodstream, and cestode eggs and coccidian oocysts in feces were also associated with Coati blood parameters. This study shows the potential value of examining hematological parameters as an approach to better understand the ecological relevance of parasite-host interactions.
Natalie Olifiers - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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a new species of pachysentis meyer 1931 acanthocephala oligacanthorhynchidae in the brown nosed Coati nasua nasua carnivora procyonidae from brazil with notes on the genus and a key to species
Acta Parasitologica, 2019Co-Authors: Omar M Amin, Natalie Olifiers, Rita De Cassia Bianchi, Joyce G R Souza, Helene Santos Barbosa, Arnaldo MaldonadoAbstract:Introduction Pachysentis comprises 10 species, which have been reported parasitizing mammals in Africa and the American continent. However, species of Pachysentis have not been described in brow-nosed Coatis. Pachysentis lauroi n. sp. (Oligacanthorhynchidae: Acanthocephala) is described from the brown-nosed Coati Nasua nasua (Linnaeus, 1766) Storr, 1780 (Procyonidae: Carnivora) in the Brazilian Pantanal wetlands of the Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil.
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A New Species of Pachysentis Meyer, 1931 (Acanthocephala: Oligacanthorhynchidae) in the Brown-Nosed Coati Nasua nasua (Carnivora: Procyonidae) from Brazil, with Notes on the Genus and a Key to Species.
Acta parasitologica, 2019Co-Authors: Omar M Amin, Natalie Olifiers, Rita De Cassia Bianchi, Joyce G R Souza, Helene Santos Barbosa, Arnaldo MaldonadoAbstract:Pachysentis comprises 10 species, which have been reported parasitizing mammals in Africa and the American continent. However, species of Pachysentis have not been described in brow-nosed Coatis. Pachysentis lauroi n. sp. (Oligacanthorhynchidae: Acanthocephala) is described from the brown-nosed Coati Nasua nasua (Linnaeus, 1766) Storr, 1780 (Procyonidae: Carnivora) in the Brazilian Pantanal wetlands of the Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. Specimens were studied using light and scanning electron microscopy. The new species is distinguished from other species of Pachysentis by the number of hooks in each longitudinal row (12 rows of 4 hooks, total of 48 hooks), presence of barbs on all hooks, and the organization of the cement glands. Notes on the genus Pachysentis [14] and a key to its species are provided. Critical comments on some species with a dubious diagnosis and questionable or missed key taxonomic characteristics are also reviewed. We also discuss the zoogeography of the members of the genus.
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Variation in the prevalence and abundance of acanthocephalans in brown-nosed Coatis Nasua nasua and crab-eating foxes Cerdocyon thous in the Brazilian Pantanal.
Brazilian journal of biology = Revista brasleira de biologia, 2018Co-Authors: Ana Paula Nascimento Gomes, Paulo Sérgio D'andrea, Matthew Edzart Gompper, Rita De Cassia Bianchi, Joyce G R Souza, A. Maldonado Júnior, Natalie OlifiersAbstract:Host infection by parasites is influenced by an array of factors, including host and environmental features. We investigated the relationship between host sex, body size and age, as well as seasonality on infection patterns by acanthocephalan in Coatis (Procyonidae: Nasua nasua) and in crab-eating foxes (Canidae: Cerdocyon thous ) from the Brazilian Pantanal wetlands. Between 2006 and 2009, we collected faecal samples from these hosts and analyzed for the presence of acanthocephalan eggs. Prevalence, abundance and intensity of eggs of acanthocephalans were calculated. Egg abundance was analyzed using generalized linear models (GLM) with a negative binomial distribution and models were compared by Akaike criteria to verify the effect of biotic and abiotic factors. Prevalence of acanthocephalans was higher in the wet season in both host species but did not differ between host sexes; however, adult crab-eating foxes showed higher prevalence of acanthocephalan eggs than juveniles. In contrast, prevalence of acanthocephalan eggs found in Coatis was higher in Coati juveniles than in adults. Host age, season and maximum temperature were the top predictors of abundance of acanthocephalan eggs in crab-eating foxes whereas season and host sex were predictors of egg abundance in Coatis. The importance of seasonality for abundance of acanthocephalan was clear for both host species. The influence of host-related attributes, however, varied by host species, with host gender and host age being important factors associated with prevalence and parasite loads.
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niche partitioning among mesocarnivores in a brazilian wetland
PLOS ONE, 2016Co-Authors: Rita De Cassia Bianchi, Natalie Olifiers, Matthew Edzart Gompper, Guilherme MourãoAbstract:We investigated the home range size, habitat selection, as well as the spatial and activity overlap, of four mid-sized carnivore species in the Central Pantanal, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. From December 2005 to September 2008, seven crab-eating foxes Cerdocyon thous, seven brown-nosed Coatis Nasua nasua, and six ocelots Leopardus pardalis were radio-collared and monitored. Camera trap data on these species were also collected for the crab-eating raccoon Procyon cancrivorus. We hypothesized that there would be large niche differentiation in preferred habitat-type or active period between generalist species with similar diet, and higher similarity in habitat-type or activity time between the generalist species (crab-eating foxes and Coatis) and the more specialized ocelot. Individual home ranges were estimated using the utilization distribution index (UD- 95% fixed Kernel). With data obtained from radio-collared individuals, we evaluated habitat selection using compositional analysis. Median home range size of ocelots was 8 km2. The proportion of habitats within the home ranges of ocelots did not differ from the overall habitat proportion in the study area, but ocelots preferentially used forest within their home range. The median home range size of crab-eating foxes was 1.4 km2. Foxes showed second-order habitat selection and selected savanna over shrub-savanna vegetation. The median home range size for Coati was 1.5 km2. Coati home ranges were located randomly in the study area. However, within their home range, Coatis occurred more frequently in savanna than in other vegetation types. Among the four species, the overlap in activity period was the highest (87%) between ocelots and raccoons, with the least overlap occurring between the ocelot and Coati (25%). We suggest that temporal segregation of carnivores was more important than spatial segregation, notably between the generalist Coati, crab-eating fox and crab-eating raccoon.
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Overlap of active period among carnivore species.
2016Co-Authors: Rita De Cassia Bianchi, Natalie Olifiers, Matthew Edzart Gompper, Guilherme MourãoAbstract:Gray = 95% overlap, black = 50% overlap. Lp = Leopardus pardalis (ocelot), Ct = Cerdocyon thous (crab-eating fox), Nn = Nasua nasua (brown-nosed Coati), Pc = Procyon cancrivorus (crab-eating raccoon).
Rita De Cassia Bianchi - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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a new species of pachysentis meyer 1931 acanthocephala oligacanthorhynchidae in the brown nosed Coati nasua nasua carnivora procyonidae from brazil with notes on the genus and a key to species
Acta Parasitologica, 2019Co-Authors: Omar M Amin, Natalie Olifiers, Rita De Cassia Bianchi, Joyce G R Souza, Helene Santos Barbosa, Arnaldo MaldonadoAbstract:Introduction Pachysentis comprises 10 species, which have been reported parasitizing mammals in Africa and the American continent. However, species of Pachysentis have not been described in brow-nosed Coatis. Pachysentis lauroi n. sp. (Oligacanthorhynchidae: Acanthocephala) is described from the brown-nosed Coati Nasua nasua (Linnaeus, 1766) Storr, 1780 (Procyonidae: Carnivora) in the Brazilian Pantanal wetlands of the Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil.
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A New Species of Pachysentis Meyer, 1931 (Acanthocephala: Oligacanthorhynchidae) in the Brown-Nosed Coati Nasua nasua (Carnivora: Procyonidae) from Brazil, with Notes on the Genus and a Key to Species.
Acta parasitologica, 2019Co-Authors: Omar M Amin, Natalie Olifiers, Rita De Cassia Bianchi, Joyce G R Souza, Helene Santos Barbosa, Arnaldo MaldonadoAbstract:Pachysentis comprises 10 species, which have been reported parasitizing mammals in Africa and the American continent. However, species of Pachysentis have not been described in brow-nosed Coatis. Pachysentis lauroi n. sp. (Oligacanthorhynchidae: Acanthocephala) is described from the brown-nosed Coati Nasua nasua (Linnaeus, 1766) Storr, 1780 (Procyonidae: Carnivora) in the Brazilian Pantanal wetlands of the Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil. Specimens were studied using light and scanning electron microscopy. The new species is distinguished from other species of Pachysentis by the number of hooks in each longitudinal row (12 rows of 4 hooks, total of 48 hooks), presence of barbs on all hooks, and the organization of the cement glands. Notes on the genus Pachysentis [14] and a key to its species are provided. Critical comments on some species with a dubious diagnosis and questionable or missed key taxonomic characteristics are also reviewed. We also discuss the zoogeography of the members of the genus.
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Variation in the prevalence and abundance of acanthocephalans in brown-nosed Coatis Nasua nasua and crab-eating foxes Cerdocyon thous in the Brazilian Pantanal.
Brazilian journal of biology = Revista brasleira de biologia, 2018Co-Authors: Ana Paula Nascimento Gomes, Paulo Sérgio D'andrea, Matthew Edzart Gompper, Rita De Cassia Bianchi, Joyce G R Souza, A. Maldonado Júnior, Natalie OlifiersAbstract:Host infection by parasites is influenced by an array of factors, including host and environmental features. We investigated the relationship between host sex, body size and age, as well as seasonality on infection patterns by acanthocephalan in Coatis (Procyonidae: Nasua nasua) and in crab-eating foxes (Canidae: Cerdocyon thous ) from the Brazilian Pantanal wetlands. Between 2006 and 2009, we collected faecal samples from these hosts and analyzed for the presence of acanthocephalan eggs. Prevalence, abundance and intensity of eggs of acanthocephalans were calculated. Egg abundance was analyzed using generalized linear models (GLM) with a negative binomial distribution and models were compared by Akaike criteria to verify the effect of biotic and abiotic factors. Prevalence of acanthocephalans was higher in the wet season in both host species but did not differ between host sexes; however, adult crab-eating foxes showed higher prevalence of acanthocephalan eggs than juveniles. In contrast, prevalence of acanthocephalan eggs found in Coatis was higher in Coati juveniles than in adults. Host age, season and maximum temperature were the top predictors of abundance of acanthocephalan eggs in crab-eating foxes whereas season and host sex were predictors of egg abundance in Coatis. The importance of seasonality for abundance of acanthocephalan was clear for both host species. The influence of host-related attributes, however, varied by host species, with host gender and host age being important factors associated with prevalence and parasite loads.
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niche partitioning among mesocarnivores in a brazilian wetland
PLOS ONE, 2016Co-Authors: Rita De Cassia Bianchi, Natalie Olifiers, Matthew Edzart Gompper, Guilherme MourãoAbstract:We investigated the home range size, habitat selection, as well as the spatial and activity overlap, of four mid-sized carnivore species in the Central Pantanal, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. From December 2005 to September 2008, seven crab-eating foxes Cerdocyon thous, seven brown-nosed Coatis Nasua nasua, and six ocelots Leopardus pardalis were radio-collared and monitored. Camera trap data on these species were also collected for the crab-eating raccoon Procyon cancrivorus. We hypothesized that there would be large niche differentiation in preferred habitat-type or active period between generalist species with similar diet, and higher similarity in habitat-type or activity time between the generalist species (crab-eating foxes and Coatis) and the more specialized ocelot. Individual home ranges were estimated using the utilization distribution index (UD- 95% fixed Kernel). With data obtained from radio-collared individuals, we evaluated habitat selection using compositional analysis. Median home range size of ocelots was 8 km2. The proportion of habitats within the home ranges of ocelots did not differ from the overall habitat proportion in the study area, but ocelots preferentially used forest within their home range. The median home range size of crab-eating foxes was 1.4 km2. Foxes showed second-order habitat selection and selected savanna over shrub-savanna vegetation. The median home range size for Coati was 1.5 km2. Coati home ranges were located randomly in the study area. However, within their home range, Coatis occurred more frequently in savanna than in other vegetation types. Among the four species, the overlap in activity period was the highest (87%) between ocelots and raccoons, with the least overlap occurring between the ocelot and Coati (25%). We suggest that temporal segregation of carnivores was more important than spatial segregation, notably between the generalist Coati, crab-eating fox and crab-eating raccoon.
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Overlap of active period among carnivore species.
2016Co-Authors: Rita De Cassia Bianchi, Natalie Olifiers, Matthew Edzart Gompper, Guilherme MourãoAbstract:Gray = 95% overlap, black = 50% overlap. Lp = Leopardus pardalis (ocelot), Ct = Cerdocyon thous (crab-eating fox), Nn = Nasua nasua (brown-nosed Coati), Pc = Procyon cancrivorus (crab-eating raccoon).
Matthew Edzart Gompper - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Variation in the prevalence and abundance of acanthocephalans in brown-nosed Coatis Nasua nasua and crab-eating foxes Cerdocyon thous in the Brazilian Pantanal.
Brazilian journal of biology = Revista brasleira de biologia, 2018Co-Authors: Ana Paula Nascimento Gomes, Paulo Sérgio D'andrea, Matthew Edzart Gompper, Rita De Cassia Bianchi, Joyce G R Souza, A. Maldonado Júnior, Natalie OlifiersAbstract:Host infection by parasites is influenced by an array of factors, including host and environmental features. We investigated the relationship between host sex, body size and age, as well as seasonality on infection patterns by acanthocephalan in Coatis (Procyonidae: Nasua nasua) and in crab-eating foxes (Canidae: Cerdocyon thous ) from the Brazilian Pantanal wetlands. Between 2006 and 2009, we collected faecal samples from these hosts and analyzed for the presence of acanthocephalan eggs. Prevalence, abundance and intensity of eggs of acanthocephalans were calculated. Egg abundance was analyzed using generalized linear models (GLM) with a negative binomial distribution and models were compared by Akaike criteria to verify the effect of biotic and abiotic factors. Prevalence of acanthocephalans was higher in the wet season in both host species but did not differ between host sexes; however, adult crab-eating foxes showed higher prevalence of acanthocephalan eggs than juveniles. In contrast, prevalence of acanthocephalan eggs found in Coatis was higher in Coati juveniles than in adults. Host age, season and maximum temperature were the top predictors of abundance of acanthocephalan eggs in crab-eating foxes whereas season and host sex were predictors of egg abundance in Coatis. The importance of seasonality for abundance of acanthocephalan was clear for both host species. The influence of host-related attributes, however, varied by host species, with host gender and host age being important factors associated with prevalence and parasite loads.
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niche partitioning among mesocarnivores in a brazilian wetland
PLOS ONE, 2016Co-Authors: Rita De Cassia Bianchi, Natalie Olifiers, Matthew Edzart Gompper, Guilherme MourãoAbstract:We investigated the home range size, habitat selection, as well as the spatial and activity overlap, of four mid-sized carnivore species in the Central Pantanal, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. From December 2005 to September 2008, seven crab-eating foxes Cerdocyon thous, seven brown-nosed Coatis Nasua nasua, and six ocelots Leopardus pardalis were radio-collared and monitored. Camera trap data on these species were also collected for the crab-eating raccoon Procyon cancrivorus. We hypothesized that there would be large niche differentiation in preferred habitat-type or active period between generalist species with similar diet, and higher similarity in habitat-type or activity time between the generalist species (crab-eating foxes and Coatis) and the more specialized ocelot. Individual home ranges were estimated using the utilization distribution index (UD- 95% fixed Kernel). With data obtained from radio-collared individuals, we evaluated habitat selection using compositional analysis. Median home range size of ocelots was 8 km2. The proportion of habitats within the home ranges of ocelots did not differ from the overall habitat proportion in the study area, but ocelots preferentially used forest within their home range. The median home range size of crab-eating foxes was 1.4 km2. Foxes showed second-order habitat selection and selected savanna over shrub-savanna vegetation. The median home range size for Coati was 1.5 km2. Coati home ranges were located randomly in the study area. However, within their home range, Coatis occurred more frequently in savanna than in other vegetation types. Among the four species, the overlap in activity period was the highest (87%) between ocelots and raccoons, with the least overlap occurring between the ocelot and Coati (25%). We suggest that temporal segregation of carnivores was more important than spatial segregation, notably between the generalist Coati, crab-eating fox and crab-eating raccoon.
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Overlap of active period among carnivore species.
2016Co-Authors: Rita De Cassia Bianchi, Natalie Olifiers, Matthew Edzart Gompper, Guilherme MourãoAbstract:Gray = 95% overlap, black = 50% overlap. Lp = Leopardus pardalis (ocelot), Ct = Cerdocyon thous (crab-eating fox), Nn = Nasua nasua (brown-nosed Coati), Pc = Procyon cancrivorus (crab-eating raccoon).
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co infection and wild animal health effects of trypanosomatids and gastrointestinal parasites on Coatis of the brazilian pantanal
PLOS ONE, 2015Co-Authors: Natalie Olifiers, Guilherme Mourão, Ana Maria Jansen, Heitor Miraglia Herrera, Rita De Cassia Bianchi, Paulo Sergio Dandrea, Matthew Edzart GompperAbstract:Wild animals are infected by diverse parasites, but how they influence host health is poorly understood. We examined the relationship of trypanosomatids and gastrointestinal parasites with health of wild brown-nosed Coatis (Nasua nasua) from the Brazilian Pantanal. We used Coati body condition and hematological parameters as response variables in linear models that were compared using an information theoretic approach. Predictors were high/low parasitemias by Trypanosoma cruzi and T. evansi, and indices representing the abundance of distinct groups of gastrointestinal parasites. We also analyzed how host health changed with host sex and reproductive seasonality. Hemoparasites was best related to Coati body condition and hematological indices, whereas abundance of gastrointestinal parasites was relatively less associated with Coati health. Additionally, some associations were best predicted by models that incorporated reproductive seasonality and host sex. Overall, we observed a lower health condition during the breeding season, when Coatis are under reproductive stress and may be less able to handle infection. In addition, females seem to handle infection better than males. Body condition was lower in Coatis with high parasitemias of T. evansi, especially during the reproductive season. Total red blood cell counts, packed cell volume, platelets and eosinophils were also lower in animals with high T. evansi parasitemias. Total white blood cell counts and mature neutrophils were lower in animals with high parasitemias for both Trypanosoma species, with neutrophils decreasing mainly during the reproductive season. Overall, decreases in hematological parameters of females with T. evansi high parasitemias were less evident. For T. cruzi, monocytes decreased in individuals with high parasitemias. High abundances of microfilariae in the bloodstream, and cestode eggs and coccidian oocysts in feces were also associated with Coati blood parameters. This study shows the potential value of examining hematological parameters as an approach to better understand the ecological relevance of parasite-host interactions.
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Construction of arboreal nests by brown-nosed Coatis, Nasua nasua (Carnivora: Procyonidae) in the Brazilian Pantanal.
Zoologia (Curitiba), 2009Co-Authors: Natalie Olifiers, Guilherme Mourão, Rita De Cassia Bianchi, Matthew Edzart GompperAbstract:The construction of arboreal nests is rare among mammals in the order Carnivora. However, Coatis (Procyonidae: Nasua Storr, 1780) build arboreal nests that are used for resting or birthing. Here we describe Nasua nasua (Linnaeus, 1766) nests located during a telemetry study of Coatis in the Brazilian Pantanal. Coati nests were all "bird-like", that is, open nests having a semispherical shape. Nests were constructed of twigs, branches, and lianas sometimes interlaced with leaves. Nest volume was 30-50 cm³ and average nest height was approximately 9.5 m. Nests were found in open "cerrado" vegetation, along forest edges, or in interior "cordilheiras" forest. The reasons why Coatis build such nests are unclear, but may relate to inter or intraspecific competition for nesting sites, litter size, thermoregulation, and predation avoidance