RESUMO As rodovias e o fluxo de veículos contribuem para os processos de fragmentação da paisagem e alteração do habitat natural, representando ameaça para conservação das espécies em diversos biomas. Este estudo avalia os registros de atropelamentos das espécies de mamíferos silvestres e compara este com outros 37 estudos realizados no Brasil, para avaliar a riqueza e diversidade de espécies ameaçadas em distintas ecorregiões. O estudo foi realizado entre junho de 2007 e junho de 2008, ao longo de 60 km da rota BR-364, entre os municípios de Ouro Preto d’Oeste e Presidente Médici, no estado de Rondônia. Foram registrados 220 atropelamentos pertencentes a 13 espécies de mamíferos. Cingualata, Pilosa e Carnivora foram as ordens mais representadas, sendo Dasypus novemcinctus a espécie mais significativa (56.7%), seguida por Tamandua tetradactyla (10.5%) e Cerdocyon thous (8.2%), refletindo a capacidade de adaptação das espécies às alterações do habitats e a presença humana. O número de atropelamentos de indivíduos e espécies não indicaram diferenças significativas entre estações climáticas. Este estudo indica altos índices de atropelamentos de indivíduos (3.38 indivíduos/km/ano) e moderado número de espécies atropeladas (0.20 espécies/km/ano) para a região em relação a outras localidades no Brasil, com 46% das espécies em status de ameaça. As rodovias nas ecorregiões do Cerrado apresentaram resultados significativamente maiores de espécies ameaçadas (média de 52%) em relação ao Pampa (24%), porém não houve diferença significativa se comparado às rodovias na Amazônia (37%) e Mata Atlântica (31%). Os dados reforçam a necessidade de medidas emergenciais para minimizar impactos por atropelamentos da mastofauna, recomendando prioridade em rodovias mais impactadas e ecorregiões mais ameaçadas.

ABSTRACT Roadways and road traffic modify landscapes, posing a threat to the conservation of species in different biomes. The aim of the present study was to analyze roadkill records of wild mammals and to compare the results to findings from 37 other studies conducted in Brazil, to evaluate the richness and diversity of threatened species in different eco-regions of the country. This study was conducted between June 2007 and June 2008, along 60 km of the inter-state highway BR-364, which connects the municipalities of Ouro Preto d’Oeste and Presidente Médici in the state of Rondônia (northern Brazil). Two hundred twenty roadkills were recorded involving 13 species of mammals. Cingualata, Pilosa and Carnivora were the most represented orders. The most represented were the generalist species Dasypus novemcinctus (56.7%), Tamandua tetradactyla (10.5%), and Cerdocyon thous (8.2%), reflecting the adaptability of these species to habitat changes and presence of humans. The number of roadkilled individuals and species indicated no significant differences between the dry and rainy seasons. The findings indicate a high index of roadkills (3.38 individuals/km/year) and moderate number of run over species (0.20 species/km/year) in the region in comparison to records from other roadways in Brazil, with 46% species having an endangered status. Roadways in the eco-regions of the Cerrado (Brazilian savanna) accounted a significantly larger proportion of endangered species (mean: 52%) in comparison to the Pampa (lowlands of southern Brazil; 24%), but the differences in comparison to roadways in Amazonia (37%) and the Atlantic Forest (31%) were non-significant. The present findings underscore the need for emergency measures to minimize the impact of roadkills on mammals. Moreover, priority should be given to more impacted roadways and more threaten eco-regions.

From an ecological point of view, parasites are considered important selective forces that influence all aspects of a host's life. The purpose of this study was to assess the health state of Turdus leucomelas Vieillot, 1818 (Turdidae: Passeriformes) inhabiting a Brazilian Cerrado in the breeding and molting seasons through a hematological parameter analysis and an evaluation of infection by blood parasites. The birds were collected with mist-nets, ringed and blood sampled to assess hematological parameters (hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration and white blood cells) and blood parasites. We detected blood parasites through optical microscopy and subsequently used PCR (amplification of the 18sRNA gene) to verify the presence of Plasmodium spp. (avian malaria). During the breeding season, the hemoglobin level and CHGM percentage were greater. Global leukocyte count was positively related to hemoglobin level, CHGM percentage and body weight. Of the total 31 T. leucomelas individuals examined, 18 presented Plasmodium parasites (58% of prevalence). There was a significant relationship between the presence of Plasmodium spp. and decreased CHGM. These results suggest a connection between the health parameters of wild birds and the physiological stress associated with the breeding season.

The rates of infestation by chewing lice and feather mites on Turdus leucomelas Vieillot, 1818 (Aves: Turdidae) were used to test the hypothesis of that parasitism either increases or decreases according to, reproductive and molting seasons, respectively. Samples were obtained at the State Park of Rio Preto, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in October and December of 2006 and in March of 2007. The dust-ruffling technique was used in to remove the parasites from the body of their hosts. Five species of chewing-lice were found on the birds, with Myrsidea sp. and Brueelia sp. being the most prevalent parasites, whereas Menacanthus eurysternus Burmeister, 1838 was the least prevalent. No statistically significant difference was found between the infestation rates in the reproductive and molt seasons. Two suborders and four families of Acari were found on the birds.