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David A Mann - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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detection of hydrodynamic stimuli by the florida Manatee trichechus manatus latirostris
Journal of Comparative Physiology A-neuroethology Sensory Neural and Behavioral Physiology, 2013Co-Authors: Joseph C Gaspard, Roger L Reep, Gordon B. Bauer, David A Mann, Kimberly Dziuk, Latoshia ReadAbstract:Florida Manatees inhabit the coastal and inland waters of the peninsular state. They have little difficulty navigating the turbid waterways, which often contain obstacles that they must circumnavigate. Anatomical and behavioral research suggests that the vibrissae and associated follicle–sinus complexes that Manatees possess over their entire body form a sensory array system for detecting hydrodynamic stimuli analogous to the lateral line system of fish. This is consistent with data highlighting that Manatees are tactile specialists, evidenced by their specialized facial morphology and use of their vibrissae during feeding and active investigation/manipulation of objects. Two Florida Manatees were tested in a go/no-go procedure using a staircase method to assess their ability to detect low-frequency water movement. Hydrodynamic vibrations were created by a sinusoidally oscillating sphere that generated a dipole field at frequencies from 5 to 150 Hz, which are below the apparent functional hearing limit of the Manatee. The Manatees detected particle displacement of less than 1 μm for frequencies of 15–150 Hz and of less than a nanometer at 150 Hz. Restricting the facial vibrissae with various size mesh openings indicated that the specialized sensory hairs played an important role in the Manatee’s exquisite tactile sensitivity.
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temporal resolution of the florida Manatee trichechus manatus latirostris auditory system
Journal of Comparative Physiology A-neuroethology Sensory Neural and Behavioral Physiology, 2005Co-Authors: Joseph C Gaspard, Roger L Reep, Gordon B. Bauer, Brandon M Casper, David A Mann, Debborah E Colbert, Mandy L H CookAbstract:Auditory evoked potential (AEP) measurements of two Florida Manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) were measured in response to amplitude modulated tones. The AEP measurements showed weak responses to test stimuli from 4 kHz to 40 kHz. The Manatee modulation rate transfer function (MRTF) is maximally sensitive to 150 and 600 Hz amplitude modulation (AM) rates. The 600 Hz AM rate is midway between the AM sensitivities of terrestrial mammals (chinchillas, gerbils, and humans) (80–150 Hz) and dolphins (1,000–1,200 Hz). Audiograms estimated from the input–output functions of the EPs greatly underestimate behavioral hearing thresholds measured in two other Manatees. This underestimation is probably due to the electrodes being located several centimeters from the brain.
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intraspecific and geographic variation of west indian Manatee trichechus manatus spp vocalizations l
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, 2003Co-Authors: Douglas P. Nowacek, Randall S Wells, Brandon M Casper, Stephanie M Nowacek, David A MannAbstract:Recordings of Manatee (Trichechus manatus spp.) vocalizations were made in Florida and Belize to quantify both intraspecific and geographic variation. Manatee vocalizations were relatively stereotypical in that they were short tonal harmonic complexes with small frequency modulations at the beginning and end. Vocalizations ranged from almost pure tones to broader-band tones that had a raspy quality. The loudest frequency was typically the second or third harmonic, with average received levels of the peak frequency of about 100 dB re 1 μPa. Signal parameters measured from these calls showed the Manatees from Belize and Florida have overlapping distributions of sound duration, peak frequency, harmonic spacing, and signal intensity, indicating no obvious distinguishing characteristics between these isolated populations.
Margaret E Hunter - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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surveys of environmental dna edna a new approach to estimate occurrence in vulnerable Manatee populations
Endangered Species Research, 2018Co-Authors: Margaret E Hunter, Janet M Lanyon, Robert M Dorazio, Gaia Meigsfriend, Jason A Ferrante, Aristide Takoukam Kamla, Lucy Keith W Diagne, Fabia De Oliveira Luna, James P ReidAbstract:Environmental DNA (eDNA) detection is a technique used to non-invasively detect cryptic, low density, or logistically difficult-to-study species, such as imperiled Manatees. For eDNA measurement, genetic material shed into the environment is concentrated from water samples and analyzed for the presence of target species. Cytochrome b quantitative PCR and droplet digital PCR eDNA assays were developed for the 3 Vulnerable Manatee species: African, Amazonian, and both subspecies of the West Indian (Florida and Antillean) Manatee. Environmental DNA assays can help to delineate Manatee habitat ranges, high use areas, and seasonal population changes. To validate the assay, water was analyzed from Florida's east coast containing a high-density Manatee population and produced 31 564 DNA molecules l(-1) on average and high occurrence (psi) and detection (p) estimates (psi = 0.84 [0.40-0.99]; p = 0.99 [0.95-1.00]; limit of detection 3 copies mu l(-1)). Similar occupancy estimates were produced in the Florida Panhandle (psi = 0.79 [0.54-0.97]) and Cuba (psi = 0.89 [0.54-1.00]), while occupancy estimates in Cameroon were lower (psi = 0.49 [0.09-0.95]). The eDNA-derived detection estimates were higher than those generated using aerial survey data on the west coast of Florida and may be effective for population monitoring. Subsequent eDNA studies could be particularly useful in locations where Manatees are (1) difficult to identify visually (e.g. the Amazon River and Africa), (2) are present in patchy distributions or are on the verge of extinction (e.g. Jamaica, Haiti), and (3) where repatriation efforts are proposed (e.g. Brazil, Guadeloupe). Extension of these eDNA techniques could be applied to other imperiled marine mammal populations such as African and Asian dugongs.
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the florida Manatee trichechus manatus latirostris immunoglobulin heavy chain suggests the importance of clan iii variable segments in repertoire diversity
Developmental and Comparative Immunology, 2017Co-Authors: Breanna Breaux, Thaddeus C Deiss, Patricia L Chen, Maria Paula Cruzschneider, Leonardo Sena, Margaret E Hunter, Robert K Bonde, Michael F CriscitielloAbstract:Abstract Manatees are a vulnerable, charismatic sentinel species from the evolutionarily divergent Afrotheria. Manatee health and resistance to infectious disease is of great concern to conservation groups, but little is known about their immune system. To develop Manatee-specific tools for monitoring health, we first must have a general knowledge of how the immunoglobulin heavy (IgH) chain locus is organized and transcriptionally expressed. Using the genomic scaffolds of the Florida Manatee ( Trichechus manatus latirostris ), we characterized the potential IgH segmental diversity and constant region isotypic diversity and performed the first Afrotherian repertoire analysis. The Florida Manatee has low V(D)J combinatorial diversity (3744 potential combinations) and few constant region isotypes. They also lack clan III V segments, which may have caused reduced VH segment numbers. However, we found productive somatic hypermutation concentrated in the complementarity determining regions. In conclusion, Manatees have limited IGHV clan and combinatorial diversity. This suggests that clan III V segments are essential for maintaining IgH locus diversity.
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understanding Manatee immunogenetics and the implications for conservation vet1p 1121
Journal of Immunology, 2015Co-Authors: Breanna Breaux, Margaret E Hunter, Robert K Bonde, Ashley Heardganir, Leo Sena, Michael F CriscitielloAbstract:The completion of the genome draft of the Florida Manatee ( Trichechus manatus latirostris ) in 2012 made immunogenetic exploration of the Sirenia order more feasible. The endangered Manatees are sentinel species for coastal ecosystems and their evolutionary origins are complex. It is believed that they evolved from a wading terrestrial mammal that became fully aquatic, which suggests distinctive adaptations for transitioning to a new environment. Discovering the genetic details of their immune system will help understand Manatee evolution and allow species-specific diagnostic tools to be developed. Due to bottleneck signatures at other loci, the genetic diversity of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is expected to be low. This could pose problems for conservation efforts because low diversity can increase the chance of extirpation. The primary focus of this project is to determine the immune robustness of Manatees by looking at their antibody repertoire and MHC polymorphism. Two species will be compared: the West Indian Manatee ( T. manatus ) and the Amazonian Manatee ( T. inunguis ). Using next generation sequencing, we will robustly sample the IgH and IgL rearrangements contributing to the antibody repertoire, and identify dominant MHC alleles and estimate their frequencies. The allelic distribution between the species could reveal clues to their evolutionary relationship and aid conservation efforts to help this species become more stable in their environment.
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low genetic variation and evidence of limited dispersal in the regionally important belize Manatee
Animal Conservation, 2010Co-Authors: Margaret E Hunter, Robert K Bonde, N E Auilgomez, Kimberly Pause Tucker, J Powell, Peter M McguireAbstract:The Antillean subspecies of the West Indian Manatee Trichechus manatus is found throughout Central and South America and the Caribbean. Because of severe hunting pressure during the 17th through 19th centuries, only small populations of the once widespread aquatic mammal remain. Fortunately, protections in Belize reduced hunting in the 1930s and allowed the country’s Manatee population to become the largest breeding population in the Wider Caribbean. However, increasing and emerging anthropogenic threats such as coastal development, pollution, watercraft collision and net entanglement represent challenges to this ecologically important population. To inform conservation and management decisions, a comprehensive molecular investigation of the genetic diversity, relatedness and population structure of the Belize Manatee population was conducted using mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA. Compared with other mammal populations, a low degree of genetic diversity was detected (HE=0.455; NA=3.4), corresponding to the small population size and long-term exploitation. Manatees from the Belize City Cayes and Southern Lagoon system were genetically different, with microsatellite and mitochondrial FST values of 0.029 and 0.078, respectively (P ! 0.05). This, along with the distinct habitats and threats, indicates that separate protection of these two groups would best preserve the region’s diversity. The Belize population and Florida subspecies appear to be unrelated with microsatellite and mitochondrial FST values of 0.141 and 0.63, respectively (P ! 0.001), supporting the subspecies designations and suggesting low vagility throughout the northern Caribbean habitat. Further monitoring and protection may allow an increase in the Belize Manatee genetic diversity and population size. A large and expanding Belize population could potential assist in the recovery of other threatened or functionally extinct Central American Antillean Manatee populations.
Robert K Bonde - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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the florida Manatee trichechus manatus latirostris immunoglobulin heavy chain suggests the importance of clan iii variable segments in repertoire diversity
Developmental and Comparative Immunology, 2017Co-Authors: Breanna Breaux, Thaddeus C Deiss, Patricia L Chen, Maria Paula Cruzschneider, Leonardo Sena, Margaret E Hunter, Robert K Bonde, Michael F CriscitielloAbstract:Abstract Manatees are a vulnerable, charismatic sentinel species from the evolutionarily divergent Afrotheria. Manatee health and resistance to infectious disease is of great concern to conservation groups, but little is known about their immune system. To develop Manatee-specific tools for monitoring health, we first must have a general knowledge of how the immunoglobulin heavy (IgH) chain locus is organized and transcriptionally expressed. Using the genomic scaffolds of the Florida Manatee ( Trichechus manatus latirostris ), we characterized the potential IgH segmental diversity and constant region isotypic diversity and performed the first Afrotherian repertoire analysis. The Florida Manatee has low V(D)J combinatorial diversity (3744 potential combinations) and few constant region isotypes. They also lack clan III V segments, which may have caused reduced VH segment numbers. However, we found productive somatic hypermutation concentrated in the complementarity determining regions. In conclusion, Manatees have limited IGHV clan and combinatorial diversity. This suggests that clan III V segments are essential for maintaining IgH locus diversity.
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seasonal response of ghrelin growth hormone and insulin like growth factor i in the free ranging florida Manatee trichechus manatus latirostris
Mammalian Biology, 2016Co-Authors: Rachel L Tighe, Robert K Bonde, Julie P AveryAbstract:Abstract Seasonal changes in light, temperature, and food availability stimulate a physiological response in an animal. Seasonal adaptations are well studied in Arctic, Sub-Arctic, and hibernating mammals; however, limited studies have been conducted in sub-tropical species. The Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris), a sub-tropical marine mammal, forages less during colder temperatures and may rely on adipose stores for maintenance energy requirements. Metabolic hormones, growth hormone (GH), insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I, and ghrelin influence growth rate, accretion of lean and adipose tissue. They have been shown to regulate seasonal changes in body composition. The objective of this research was to investigate Manatee metabolic hormones in two seasons to determine if Manatees exhibit seasonality and if these hormones are associated with seasonal changes in body composition. In addition, age related differences in these metabolic hormones were assessed in multiple age classes. Concentrations of GH, IGF-I, and ghrelin were quantified in adult Manatee serum using heterologous radioimmunoassays. Samples were compared between short (winter) and long (summer) photoperiods (n = 22 male, 20 female) and by age class (adult, juvenile, and calf) in long photoperiods (n = 37). Short photoperiods tended to have reduced GH (p = 0.08), greater IGF-I (p = 0.01), and greater blubber depth (p = 0.03) compared with long photoperiods. No differences were observed in ghrelin (p = 0.66). Surprisingly, no age related differences were observed in IGF-I or ghrelin concentrations (p > 0.05). However, serum concentrations of GH tended (p = 0.07) to be greater in calves and juveniles compared with adults. Increased IGF-I, greater blubber thickness, and reduced GH during short photoperiod suggest a prioritization for adipose deposition. Whereas, increased GH, reduced blubber thickness, and decreased IGF-I in long photoperiod suggest prioritization of lean tissue accretion. Hormone profiles in conjunction with difference in body composition between photoperiods indicate seasonal adjustments in Manatee nutrient partitioning priorities.
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understanding Manatee immunogenetics and the implications for conservation vet1p 1121
Journal of Immunology, 2015Co-Authors: Breanna Breaux, Margaret E Hunter, Robert K Bonde, Ashley Heardganir, Leo Sena, Michael F CriscitielloAbstract:The completion of the genome draft of the Florida Manatee ( Trichechus manatus latirostris ) in 2012 made immunogenetic exploration of the Sirenia order more feasible. The endangered Manatees are sentinel species for coastal ecosystems and their evolutionary origins are complex. It is believed that they evolved from a wading terrestrial mammal that became fully aquatic, which suggests distinctive adaptations for transitioning to a new environment. Discovering the genetic details of their immune system will help understand Manatee evolution and allow species-specific diagnostic tools to be developed. Due to bottleneck signatures at other loci, the genetic diversity of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) is expected to be low. This could pose problems for conservation efforts because low diversity can increase the chance of extirpation. The primary focus of this project is to determine the immune robustness of Manatees by looking at their antibody repertoire and MHC polymorphism. Two species will be compared: the West Indian Manatee ( T. manatus ) and the Amazonian Manatee ( T. inunguis ). Using next generation sequencing, we will robustly sample the IgH and IgL rearrangements contributing to the antibody repertoire, and identify dominant MHC alleles and estimate their frequencies. The allelic distribution between the species could reveal clues to their evolutionary relationship and aid conservation efforts to help this species become more stable in their environment.
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variation in the hindgut microbial communities of the florida Manatee trichechus manatus latirostris over winter in crystal river florida
FEMS Microbiology Ecology, 2014Co-Authors: Samuel Merson, Robert K Bonde, D Ouwerkerk, Lisamaree Gulino, A V Klieve, Elizabeth A Burgess, Janet M LanyonAbstract:The Florida Manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, is a hindgut-fermenting herbivore. In winter, Manatees migrate to warm water overwintering sites where they undergo dietary shifts and may suffer from cold-induced stress. Given these seasonally induced changes in diet, the present study aimed to examine variation in the hindgut bacterial communities of wild Manatees overwintering at Crystal River, west Florida. Faeces were sampled from 36 Manatees of known sex and body size in early winter when Manatees were newly arrived and then in mid-winter and late winter when diet had probably changed and environmental stress may have increased. Concentrations of faecal cortisol metabolite, an indicator of a stress response, were measured by enzyme immunoassay. Using 454-pyrosequencing, 2027 bacterial operational taxonomic units were identified in Manatee faeces following amplicon pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene V3/V4 region. Classified sequences were assigned to eight previously described bacterial phyla; only 0.36% of sequences could not be classified to phylum level. Five core phyla were identified in all samples. The majority (96.8%) of sequences were classified as Firmicutes (77.3 ± 11.1% of total sequences) or Bacteroidetes (19.5 ± 10.6%). Alpha-diversity measures trended towards higher diversity of hindgut microbiota in Manatees in mid-winter compared to early and late winter. Beta-diversity measures, analysed through permanova, also indicated significant differences in bacterial communities based on the season.
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biomedical health assessments of the florida Manatee in crystal river providing opportunities for training during the capture handling and processing of this endangered aquatic mammal
Journal of Marine Animals and Their Ecology, 2012Co-Authors: Robert K Bonde, Andrew Garrett, Michael Belanger, Nesime Askin, Carin WittnichAbstract:Federal and state researchers have been involved in Manatee (Trichechus manatus) biomedical health assessment programs for a couple of decades. These benchmark studies have provided a foundation for the development of consistent capture, handling, and processing techniques and protocols. Biologists have implemented training and encouraged multi-agency participation whenever possible to ensure reliable data acquisition, recording, sample collection, publication integrity, and meeting rigorous archival standards. Under a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wildlife research permit granted to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Sirenia Project, federal biologists and collaborators are allowed to conduct research studies on wild and captive Manatees detailing various aspects of their biology. Therefore, researchers with the project have been collaborating on numerous studies over the last several years. One extensive study, initiated in 2006 has focused on health and fitness of the winter Manatee population located in Crystal River, Florida. During those health assessments, capture, handling, and work-up training has been afforded to many of the participants. That study has successfully captured and handled 123 Manatees. The data gathered have provided baseline information on Manatee health, reproductive status, and nutritional condition. This research initiative addresses concerns and priorities outlined in the Florida Manatee Recovery Plan. The assessment teams strive to continue this collaborative effort to help advance our understanding of health -related issues confronting Manatees throughout their range and interlacing these findings with surrogate species concepts. [JMATE. 2012;5(2):17-28]
Gordon B. Bauer - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Behavioral lateralization in the Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris)
International Journal of Comparative Psychology, 2016Co-Authors: Kara Tyler-julian, Kate M Chapman, Candice Frances, Gordon B. BauerAbstract:Author(s): Tyler-Julian, Kara; Chapman, Kate M; Frances, Candice; Bauer, Gordon B | Abstract: We examined side preferences in the Florida Manatee (Trichechus manatus latirostris) through observations of limb use (right and left flipper) in 123 wild and 16 captive individuals. We also analyzed archival data on wild Manatees to develop an index of boat-caused body scars to determine lateralization of evasive action. Wild and captive Manatees displayed flipper lateralization at the individual, but not the population level for several behaviors including substrate touches, sculling, and feeding. In contrast, Manatees were lateralized at the population level for boat-scar biases with more Manatees showing a left scar bias (45%) versus right (34%) or dorsal (21%).
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detection of hydrodynamic stimuli by the florida Manatee trichechus manatus latirostris
Journal of Comparative Physiology A-neuroethology Sensory Neural and Behavioral Physiology, 2013Co-Authors: Joseph C Gaspard, Roger L Reep, Gordon B. Bauer, David A Mann, Kimberly Dziuk, Latoshia ReadAbstract:Florida Manatees inhabit the coastal and inland waters of the peninsular state. They have little difficulty navigating the turbid waterways, which often contain obstacles that they must circumnavigate. Anatomical and behavioral research suggests that the vibrissae and associated follicle–sinus complexes that Manatees possess over their entire body form a sensory array system for detecting hydrodynamic stimuli analogous to the lateral line system of fish. This is consistent with data highlighting that Manatees are tactile specialists, evidenced by their specialized facial morphology and use of their vibrissae during feeding and active investigation/manipulation of objects. Two Florida Manatees were tested in a go/no-go procedure using a staircase method to assess their ability to detect low-frequency water movement. Hydrodynamic vibrations were created by a sinusoidally oscillating sphere that generated a dipole field at frequencies from 5 to 150 Hz, which are below the apparent functional hearing limit of the Manatee. The Manatees detected particle displacement of less than 1 μm for frequencies of 15–150 Hz and of less than a nanometer at 150 Hz. Restricting the facial vibrissae with various size mesh openings indicated that the specialized sensory hairs played an important role in the Manatee’s exquisite tactile sensitivity.
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temporal resolution of the florida Manatee trichechus manatus latirostris auditory system
Journal of Comparative Physiology A-neuroethology Sensory Neural and Behavioral Physiology, 2005Co-Authors: Joseph C Gaspard, Roger L Reep, Gordon B. Bauer, Brandon M Casper, David A Mann, Debborah E Colbert, Mandy L H CookAbstract:Auditory evoked potential (AEP) measurements of two Florida Manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris) were measured in response to amplitude modulated tones. The AEP measurements showed weak responses to test stimuli from 4 kHz to 40 kHz. The Manatee modulation rate transfer function (MRTF) is maximally sensitive to 150 and 600 Hz amplitude modulation (AM) rates. The 600 Hz AM rate is midway between the AM sensitivities of terrestrial mammals (chinchillas, gerbils, and humans) (80–150 Hz) and dolphins (1,000–1,200 Hz). Audiograms estimated from the input–output functions of the EPs greatly underestimate behavioral hearing thresholds measured in two other Manatees. This underestimation is probably due to the electrodes being located several centimeters from the brain.
Fabia De Oliveira Luna - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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surveys of environmental dna edna a new approach to estimate occurrence in vulnerable Manatee populations
Endangered Species Research, 2018Co-Authors: Margaret E Hunter, Janet M Lanyon, Robert M Dorazio, Gaia Meigsfriend, Jason A Ferrante, Aristide Takoukam Kamla, Lucy Keith W Diagne, Fabia De Oliveira Luna, James P ReidAbstract:Environmental DNA (eDNA) detection is a technique used to non-invasively detect cryptic, low density, or logistically difficult-to-study species, such as imperiled Manatees. For eDNA measurement, genetic material shed into the environment is concentrated from water samples and analyzed for the presence of target species. Cytochrome b quantitative PCR and droplet digital PCR eDNA assays were developed for the 3 Vulnerable Manatee species: African, Amazonian, and both subspecies of the West Indian (Florida and Antillean) Manatee. Environmental DNA assays can help to delineate Manatee habitat ranges, high use areas, and seasonal population changes. To validate the assay, water was analyzed from Florida's east coast containing a high-density Manatee population and produced 31 564 DNA molecules l(-1) on average and high occurrence (psi) and detection (p) estimates (psi = 0.84 [0.40-0.99]; p = 0.99 [0.95-1.00]; limit of detection 3 copies mu l(-1)). Similar occupancy estimates were produced in the Florida Panhandle (psi = 0.79 [0.54-0.97]) and Cuba (psi = 0.89 [0.54-1.00]), while occupancy estimates in Cameroon were lower (psi = 0.49 [0.09-0.95]). The eDNA-derived detection estimates were higher than those generated using aerial survey data on the west coast of Florida and may be effective for population monitoring. Subsequent eDNA studies could be particularly useful in locations where Manatees are (1) difficult to identify visually (e.g. the Amazon River and Africa), (2) are present in patchy distributions or are on the verge of extinction (e.g. Jamaica, Haiti), and (3) where repatriation efforts are proposed (e.g. Brazil, Guadeloupe). Extension of these eDNA techniques could be applied to other imperiled marine mammal populations such as African and Asian dugongs.
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cranial and chromosomal geographic variation in Manatees mammalia sirenia trichechidae with the description of the antillean Manatee karyotype in brazil
Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research, 2017Co-Authors: Helen Maria Duarte Do Rego Barros, Miriam Marmontel, Fabia De Oliveira Luna, Ana Carolina Oliveira De Meirelles, Pedro Cordeiroestrela, Neide Santos, Diego AstuaAbstract:We employed landmark-based 3D geometric morphometrics to assess cranial size and shape diversification in Trichechus manatus and T. inunguis to compare it with patterns among all Manatee taxa (T. manatus latirostris, T. m. manatus, T. inunguis and T. senegalensis), and to analyse geographic variation within American Manatee populations, using a sample of 189 skulls. Chromosome G- and C-banding techniques were performed in T. m. manatus from Brazil. All taxa were statistically discriminated by skull shape. Trichechus m. manatus and T. m. latirostris have larger skulls than T. inunguis. A morphological discontinuity was noted within T. m. manatus, with the Brazilian population south of the Amazon discriminated from the T. m. manatus Caribbean and T. m. latirostris USA populations. Specimens from Suriname and Guyana had a skull shape more similar to the one from the Caribbean population. The Brazil Antillean Manatee population exhibited morphological differences similar in magnitude to those found between the Amazonian and African species. Additionally, structural chromosome differences were detected between that population (chromosome pair 4 is metacentric and 10 is submetacentric) and Manatees from Puerto Rico and Florida. Based on such morphological discontinuity and chromosomal divergence, we hypothesize that the Amazon River mouth may be acting as a reproductive barrier for the T. m. manatus population in Brazil, thus indicating that its taxonomic status and conservation strategies need an urgent reassessment.
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seroprevalence of toxoplasma gondii in captive antillean Manatee trichechus manatus manatus in brazil
Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, 2016Co-Authors: Fernanda Loffler Niemeyer Attademo, Fabia De Oliveira Luna, Augusto Carlos Da Boaviagem Freire, Glaucia P Sousa, Vanessa O Ribeiro, Herbert Sousa Soares, Solange Maria Gennari, Leucio Câmara Alves, Maria Fernanda Vianna Marvulo, J P DubeyAbstract:Abstract Antillean Manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) are aquatic mammals that inhabit marine waters from Central America to the northeastern region of Brazil, and they are an endangered species. Infection with Toxoplasma gondii through intake of water or food contaminated with oocysts has been reported among marine mammals. The present study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of antibodies to T. gondii in West Indian Manatees living in captivity in northeastern Brazil. Serum samples from 55 West Indian Manatees from three different captive groups were tested for T. gondii antibodies by means of the modified agglutination test using a cutoff of 1:25. The samples were screened at dilutions of 1:25, 1:50, and 1:500, and positive samples were end-titrated using twofold serial dilutions; antibodies were found in six Antillean Manatees (10.9%) with titers of 1:50 in three, 1:500 in one, 1:3,200 in one, and 1:51,200 in one Manatee. This study is the first report of T. gondii antibodies in captive Antillean man...
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debris ingestion by the antillean Manatee trichechus manatus manatus
Marine Pollution Bulletin, 2015Co-Authors: Fernanda Loffler Niemeyer Attademo, Deisi Cristiane Balensiefer, Augusto Carlos Da Boaviagem Freire, Glaucia P Sousa, Fabio Adonis Gouveia Carneiro Da Cunha, Fabia De Oliveira LunaAbstract:The Antillean Manatee inhabits coastal regions of North and Northeastern Brazil and currently is considered an endangered species in the country. Aiming to gather information for the development of public policies focusing on the conservation of Manatees, the National Center for Research and Conservation of Aquatic Mammals of the Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity has been rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing these mammals since the 1980s. Over the last 36 years, 40 Manatees were released by the CMA/ICMBio and four of them were rescued again due to debris ingestion. Two of these Manatees died and the other two were taken back into captivity for a new rehabilitation process. The four mammals had confirmed diagnosis of plastic debris ingestion. These findings demonstrate that the environment where the Manatees live after being released had a significant amount of garbage which may hinder the success of the species conservation in Brazil.
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eighteen years of antillean Manatee trichechus manatus manatus releases in brazil lessons learnt
Oryx, 2015Co-Authors: Iran C Normande, Joao Carlos Gomes Borges, Fabia De Oliveira Luna, Fernanda Loffler Niemeyer Attademo, Ana C M Malhado, Pitagoras Carlos Viana, Richard J LadleAbstract:The Antillean Manatee Trichechus manatus manatus was once widespread from the south-eastern coast of Brazil to Central America and the Caribbean. In Brazil habitat destruction and overhunting severely reduced and fragmented the wild population, restricting extant subpopulations to the north and north-east coast. In response to these threats an ambitious government-led programme was initiated in 1994, with the aim of rehabilitating orphaned Manatee calves and releasing them into the southernmost subpopulation. The programme is unique within Brazil, and has invested unprecedented resources in post-release monitoring. So far 30 Manatees have been released at three sites, with a high rate of success (> 75%). Time in captivity appears to be a key variable determining post-release success: too long or too short a time in captivity decreasing the probability of survival. We describe the main features of this long-term programme and identify six key lessons learnt: (1) close monitoring, health assessments and rescues can significantly increase the success of releases, (2) combining different monitoring techniques results in high-quality data and reduces tracking costs, (3) long-term studies are needed to effectively evaluate the results, (4) releasing Manatees at c. 5 years of age can increase chances of success, (5) soft-release is important to aid acclimatization, and (6) the programme has been effective in raising awareness among the general public, supporting education and fund-raising.