RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a morfologia e a métrica da glândula tireoide e os valores hormonais de T4 total e T4 livre entre felinos domésticos e selvagens sem doenças da tireoide. Foram avaliados 33 felinos sem doenças da tireoide, sendo 13 felinos, uma Panthera onca, três Pumas concolor, três pequenos gatos selvagens, três Pumas yagouaroundi, dois Leopardus pardalis e um Leopardus wiedii, e 20 felinos domésticos. Os animais foram submetidos à ultrassonografia da glândula tireoide e à dosagem sérica hormonal de T4 total e T4 livre pela técnica de quimioluminescência. Em seguida, foram divididos em grupos de acordo com peso, sexo e idade. O volume médio do lobo da tireoide foi de 0,11cm³ para gatos domésticos, 0,18cm³ para o grupo misto de felinos selvagens (Leopardus pardalis, Leopardus tigrinus, Leopardus wiedii e Pumas yagouaroundi) e 1,57 cm³ para o grupo de onças-pintadas (Panthera onca e Pumas concolor). A média de T4 total e T4 livre foi de 2,55µg/dL e 1,23ng/dL para gatos domésticos, 1,46ug/dL e 1,89ng/dL para o grupo de felinos mistos e 0,68ug/dL e 0,82ng/dL para o grupo da onça-pintada, respectivamente. Os animais com mais de 10 anos de idade apresentaram valores mais altos de T4 livre. T 3 1 concolor yagouaroundi 2 quimioluminescência seguida peso 011cm³ cm 0 11cm³ 0,11cm 018cm³ 18cm³ 0,18cm tigrinus 157 57 1,5 onçaspintadas onças pintadas concolor. . concolor) 255µgdL µgdL 55µg dL µg 123ngdL ngdL 23ng ng 146ugdL ugdL 46ug ug 189ngdL 89ng 068ugdL 68ug 082ngdL 82ng onçapintada, onçapintada onça pintada, pintada onça-pintada respectivamente 011cm 11cm 018cm 18cm 15 5 1,

ABSTRACT This study aimed to determine the morphological and metric of the thyroid gland, and Total T4 and Free T4 hormonal values among domestic and wild felids without thyroid diseases. Thirty-three felids without thyroid diseases were evaluated, being 13 felids, one Panthera onca, three Pumas concolor, three small wild cats, three Pumas yagouaroundi, two Leopardus pardalis and one Leopardus wiedii, and 20 domestic felines. The animals were submitted to ultrasonography of the thyroid gland and to hormonal serum dosage of Total T4 and Free T4 by the technique of chemiluminescence. Subsequently, they were divided into groups according to weight, sex, and age. The mean volume of thyroid lobe was 0.11cm³ for domestic cats, 0.18cm³ for the mixed wild feline group (Leopardus pardalis, Leopardus tigrinus, Leopardus wiedii and Pumas yagouaroundi) and 1.57cm³ for the jaguar group (Panthera onca e Pumas concolor). The mean Total T4 and Free T4 were 2.55µg/dL and 1.23ng/dL for domestic cats, 1.46µg/dL and 1.89ng/dL for the mixed feline group and 0.68µg/dL and 0.82ng/dL for the jaguar group, respectively. Animals over 10 years old presented higher Free T4 values. T Thirtythree Thirty evaluated 1 concolor cats yagouaroundi 2 felines chemiluminescence Subsequently weight sex age 011cm³ cm 0 11cm³ 0.11cm 018cm³ 18cm³ 0.18cm tigrinus 157cm³ 57cm³ 1.57cm concolor. . concolor) 255µgdL µgdL 55µg dL µg 123ngdL ngdL 23ng ng 146µgdL 46µg 189ngdL 89ng 068µgdL 68µg 082ngdL 82ng respectively 011cm 11cm 018cm 18cm 157cm 57cm

Resumen Introducción: Los mamíferos medianos y grandes están amenazados globalmente debido a la pérdida y fragmentación de su hábitat. En Costa Rica, los fragmentos de bosque fuera de áreas protegidas pueden servir como refugio o sitio de paso para estos animales. La presencia de mamíferos en ambientes fragmentados puede estar influenciada por la disponibilidad de recursos, la cual puede variar ampliamente en sitios con una estacionalidad marcada. Objetivo: Determinar la riqueza de especies de mamíferos medianos y grandes en un fragmento de bosque, y examinar si la diversidad y detectabilidad de estas especies variaron entre la época seca y lluviosa. Métodos: Establecimos 26 estaciones de cámaras trampa en el Bosque Municipal de Atenas (Alajuela, Costa Rica), un fragmento de bosque de 26.4 ha, que brinda agua potable a cerca de 1 800 personas. Desde agosto de 2021 hasta abril de 2022, una cámara trampa estuvo activa en cada estación durante 12-21 días en cada época (seca y lluviosa), para un total de 810 días cámara trampa. Aplicamos curvas de rarefacción y extrapolación para caracterizar la diversidad de especies y compararla entre la época seca y lluviosa. Resultados: Registramos 19 especies de mamíferos medianos y grandes, siendo las más detectadas el pizote (Nasua narica; 0.254 detecciones/día cámara trampa) y la guatusa (Dasyprocta punctata; 0.163 detecciones/día cámara trampa). También, registramos cuatro especies consideradas en peligro de extinción en Costa Rica, tres felinos: Puma concolor, Herpailurus yagouaroundi, Leopardus pardalis y la nutria, Lontra longicaudis. No observamos un efecto de la estacionalidad en la diversidad, pero sí en la detectabilidad, la cual fue mayor durante la época lluviosa. Conclusiones: Nuestro estudio demuestra cómo la protección de parches de bosque pequeños puede contribuir a la conservación de mamíferos en paisajes fragmentados.

Abstract Introduction: Medium and large-sized mammals are threatened globally due to habitat loss and fragmentation. In Costa Rica, forest fragments that remain outside protected areas may serve as a refuge or corridor for these animals. Mammal presence in fragmented landscapes may be influenced by resource availability, which varies greatly in seasonal regions. Objective: To determine the species richness of medium and large-sized mammals in a forest fragment, and to examine if species diversity and detectability varied between the wet and dry season. Methods: We established 26 camera trap stations throughout the Municipal Forest of Atenas (Alajuela, Costa Rica), a 26.4 ha forest fragment that provides water to about 1 800 people. From August 2021 to April 2022, one camera trap was active at each station for 12-21 days throughout each season (dry and wet), for a total of 810 camera trap days. We applied rarefaction and extrapolation curves to characterize mammal's species diversity and compare it between seasons. Results: We detected 19 species of mammals. The most frequently detected species were the White-nosed Coati (Nasua narica; 0.254 detections/camera trap day), and the Central American Agouti (Dasyprocta punctata; 0.163 detections/camera trap day). We also registered four species considered as endangered in Costa Rica, three felines: Puma concolor, Herpailurus yagouaroundi, Leopardus pardalis, and the Neotropical River Otter, Lontra longicaudis. Seasonality did not affect species diversity, but it influenced dominant species and detectability, which was greater during the wet season. Conclusions: Our study demonstrates how protecting small forest fragments, can help conserve endangered medium and large-sized mammals in human-dominated landscapes.

Resumen Introducción: Actualmente, la biodiversidad está administrada principalmente por áreas protegidas, pero la proximidad con las actividades humanas genera conflictos, los cuales están poco estudiados en los trópicos. Objetivo: Estimar el conflicto entre humanos y vida silvestre en la zona de amortiguamiento de la Reserva Biológica Alberto Manuel Brenes, San Ramón, Costa Rica. Métodos: Entrevistamos a los propietarios o administradores de 59 fincas. Resultados: Registramos 540 incidentes, en su mayoría con mamíferos (N=479); los coyotes (Canis latrans) mataron 1 074 animales en 183 ataques en 12 granjas. También registramos conflictos con jaguar, Panthera onca, puma, Puma concolor, ocelote, Leopardus pardalis y tigrillo, Leopardus wiedii, que depredaron 261 animales domésticos. También se reportaron otros mamíferos y serpientes, especialmente la terciopelo, Bothrops asper. En seis ocasiones, los hechos se produjeron a más de 500m de una vivienda; sin embargo, la mayoría estaban a 0-25m de una casa (media 398m). Los campesinos han sacrificado pumas, coyotes, mapaches y serpientes y no hubo un control coordinado de instituciones, ONG y comunidades. Conclusión: Los coyotes son los animales salvajes más comúnmente involucrados y se necesita un esfuerzo coordinado que incluya tanto a las organizaciones como a las comunidades.

Abstract Introduction: Currently, biodiversity is mainly managed by protected areas, but proximity with human activities results in conflicts, which are poorly studied in the tropics. Objective: To estimate human-wildlife conflict in the buffer zone of the Alberto Manuel Brenes Biological Reserve, San Ramón, Costa Rica. Methods: We interviewed the owners or managers of 59 farms. Results: We recorded 540 incidents, mostly with mammals (N=479); coyotes (Canis latrans) killed 1 074 animals in 183 attacks at 12 farms. We also recorded conflicts with jaguar, Panthera onca, puma, Puma concolor, ocelot, Leopardus pardalis, and margay, Leopardus wiedii, which preyed on 261 domestic animals. Other mammals and snakes were also reported, especially the Fer-de-lance, Bothrops asper. In six occasions, the incidents took place over 500m from a house; however, most were 0-25m from a house (mean 398m). The farmers have sacrificed pumas, coyotes, raccoons and snakes and there was not a coordinated control effort from institutions, NGOs and communities. Conclusion: Coyotes are the most common wild animals involved and there is need for a coordinated effort that includes both organizations and communities.

ABSTRACT The mechanisms of ecological segregation involved in the coexistence between Neotropical felids are the key to support strategies for conservation. Due to their inconspicuous and elusive behavior, camera trapping constitute a strategic, non-invasive method to study these species. The present work aimed to evaluate the daily and seasonal activity patterns of four felid species: Leopardus guttulus (Hensel, 1872), L. pardalis (Linnaeus, 1758), L. wiedii (Schinz, 1821) and Puma concolor (Linnaeus, 1771), in the Papagaios-de-Altitude Private Protected Area, state of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil. Data were collected from January 2018 to December 2019, using 25 sites of camera traps among the study area. We collected 624 independent records from L. guttulus (108), L. pardalis (55), L. wiedii (77) and P. concolor (384) in a sampling effort of 12,266 camera-traps/day. All species analysed showed a non-uniform distribution of daily activity, when considering the two years. We report the peak of seasonal activity for all species between the months of June and September, coinciding with the Araucaria nut harvest in the study area, and with the increase in populations of small rodents. We also report a high overlap between the activity patterns of the four species. The daily and seasonal activity patterns of the species in this study seem to reflect the intrinsic dynamics of the Araucaria Forest, as well as possible adaptations to prey availability. conservation behavior strategic noninvasive non invasive Hensel, Hensel (Hensel 1872, 1872 , 1872) L Linnaeus, Linnaeus (Linnaeus 1758, 1758 1758) Schinz, Schinz (Schinz 1821 1771, 1771 1771) PapagaiosdeAltitude Papagaios de Altitude Area Catarina Brazil 201 2019 2 area 62 108, 108 (108) 55, 55 (55) 77 (77 P 384 (384 12266 12 266 12,26 cameratraps/day. cameratrapsday traps/day. day camera-traps/day nonuniform uniform years September rodents Forest availability 187 175 182 177 20 6 10 (108 5 (55 7 (7 38 (38 1226 1 26 12,2 cameratraps cameratraps/day trapsday traps/day 18 17 (10 (5 ( 3 (3 122 12, (1

RESUMO Os mecanismos de segregação ecológica envolvidos na coexistência entre felídeos neotropicais são a chave para subsidiar estratégias para sua conservação. Por apresentarem comportamento inconspícuo e esquivo, as armadilhas fotográficas constituem um método não invasivo estratégico para estudá-los. O presente trabalho buscou avaliar o padrão de atividade diário e sazonal de quatro espécies de felídeos: Leopardus guttulus (Hensel, 1872), L. pardalis (Linnaeus, 1758), L. wiedii (Schinz, 1821) e Puma concolor (Linnaeus, 1771), na RPPN Papagaios-de-Altitude, no estado de Santa Catarina, sul do Brasil. Coletamos os dados através de 25 sítios de armadilhas fotográficas na área de estudo. Obtivemos 624 registros independentes de L. guttulus (108), L. pardalis (55), L. wiedii (77) e P. concolor (384) em um esforço amostral de 12.266 armadilhas/dia. Todas as espécies analisadas apresentaram distribuição de atividade diária não uniforme, quando considerados os dois anos. Relatamos o pico de atividade sazonal de todas as espécies entre os meses de junho a setembro, coincidindo com a safra de pinhão na região, e com o aumento nas populações de pequenos roedores. Também relatamos uma alta sobreposição entre os padrões de atividade das quatro espécies. A atividade diária e sazonal das espécies neste estudo parece refletir as dinâmicas intrínsecas da Floresta Ombrófila Mista, além de possíveis adaptações à disponibilidade de presas. conservação esquivo estudálos. estudálos estudá los. los estudá-los Hensel, Hensel (Hensel 1872, 1872 , 1872) L Linnaeus, Linnaeus (Linnaeus 1758, 1758 1758) Schinz, Schinz (Schinz 1821 1771, 1771 1771) PapagaiosdeAltitude, PapagaiosdeAltitude Papagaios Altitude, Altitude Papagaios-de-Altitude Catarina Brasil 2 62 108, 108 (108) 55, 55 (55) 77 (77 P 384 (384 12266 12 266 12.26 armadilhasdia dia armadilhas/dia uniforme anos setembro região roedores Mista presas 187 175 182 177 6 10 (108 5 (55 7 (7 38 (38 1226 1 26 12.2 18 17 (10 (5 ( 3 (3 122 12. (1

Abstract A complete genome of the first anellovirus infecting the wild felid Leopardus pardalis (ocelot) and a partial genome were assembled and annotated through high-throughput sequencing protocols followed by Sanger sequencing validation. The full-length virus obtained comprises 2,003 bp, while the partial genome comprises 1,224 bp. Phylogenetic analysis grouped these two sequences in two distinct clusters related to previously described Felidae anelloviruses. The ORF1 of the partial genome was identified as a new species provisionally called Torque teno ocelot virus, with 53.6% identity with its sister lineage. The complete genome was inferred as a new representative of the Torque teno felid virus 3 species, with 73.28% identity to the closest reference. This study expands known virus diversity and the host span of anelloviruses. (ocelot highthroughput high throughput validation fulllength full length 2003 2 003 2,00 bp 1224 1 224 1,22 anelloviruses ORF 536 53 6 53.6 lineage 7328 73 28 73.28 reference 200 00 2,0 122 22 1,2 5 53. 732 7 73.2 20 0 2, 12 1, 73.

Resumen (Introducción): Los refugios de vida silvestre son cruciales para mejorar la conectividad en el contexto de corredores biológicos, ya que conservan fragmentos de bosque y consecuentemente poblaciones de mamíferos neotropicales, sin embargo, para poder idear estrategias de conservación y manejo es prioritario realizar estudios de campo que validen estos esfuerzos y midan su efectividad en el tiempo. (Objetivo): Generar información de línea base sobre el estado poblacional de mamíferos terrestres medianos y grandes y sus patrones de actividad, que contribuyan a realizar un adecuado manejo y protección de este grupo en el Refugio de Vida Silvestre Lapa Verde. (Metodología): Se utilizó la metodología de foto-trampeo colocando 13 cámaras-trampa por bloque de muestreo, en dos bloques (1 855 ha) durante enero - febrero 2015 y entre diciembre 2015 - enero 2016. (Resultados): El esfuerzo de muestreo fue de 1 584 noches, registrando18 especies con presencia de grandes y medianos depredadores como Panthera onca, Canis latrans, Leopardus pardalis y Leopardus wiedii, así como especies que sirven de presas como Silvilagus sp., Dasypus novemcinctus, Dasyprocta punctata y Cuniculus paca. La especie con mayor IAR fue D. punctata, la riqueza fue similar entre bloques; sin embargo, los patrones de actividad circadiana sí presentaron diferencias entre algunas especies (L. pardalis y D. punctata). (Conclusiones): Especies como jaguares y tapires, que requieren grandes extensiones de tierra para asentarse, utilizan estos bloques de conservación, lo que indica la importancia de la conservación de estos bloques.

Abstract (Introduction): Wildlife refuges are crucial to improve connectivity in the context of biological corridors, as they conserve forest patches and consequently neotropical mammal populations. However, in order to devise conservation and management strategies, it is a priority to carry out field studies that validate these efforts and measure their effectiveness over time. (Objective): To generate baseline information on the population status of medium and large terrestrial mammals and their activity patterns to help the management and protection of the Lapa Verde Wildlife Refuge. (Methods): We analyzed the camera-trapping methodology by placing 13 camera traps per sampling block, divided into two blocks (1 855 ha) during January-February 2015 and December 2015-January 2016. (Results): The sampling effort was 1 584 nights, capturing 18 species with the presence of large and medium predators such as Panthera onca, Canis latrans, Leopardus pardalis, and Leopardus wiedii, as well as species of prey such as Silvilagus sp., Dasypus novemcinctus, Dasyprocta punctata, and Cuniculus paca. The species with the highest RAI was D. punctate. The richness was similar between blocks. However, the patterns of circadian activity differed between some species (L. pardalis and D. punctata). (Conclusions): Species such as jaguars and tapirs, which require large areas of land to settle, use these conservation blocks; this indicates the importance of the conservation of these blocks.

RESUMEN Introducción: El 8 de enero del 2009 sufrió el terremoto de Cinchona, en Alajuela, Costa Rica. Desde dos años antes del terremoto, operaba en la zona una red de cámaras automáticas en el bosque pluvial premontano, lo que permitió conocer la abundancia relativa de mamíferos en ese periodo. Objetivo: Cuantificar la abundancia relativa de ciertos mamíferos silvestres en la zona de Cinchona, antes del terremoto, y servir como punto de comparación para estudios futuros. Métodos: Con cámaras automáticas funcionando un total de 1555 ''noches-cámara''. Resultados: obtuve 150 fotografías correspondientes a 10 especies, siendo las más abundantes el saíno, Pecari tajacu, con 150 registros; la guatuza, Dasyprocta punctata, con 31; y el tepezcuintle, Cuniculus paca, con 29 registros. También registré al puma, Puma concolor, (un macho y una hembra, 0,02 pumas/km2); y al ocelote, Leopardus pardalis (un macho, dos hembras y una cría, 0,43ind/km2). Conclusión: Aunque la abundancia de mamíferos silvestres en Cinchona era relativamente baja antes del terremoto, incluía grandes felinos declarados en peligro de extinción en Costa Rica.

ABSTRACT ''Relative abundance of wild mammals in Cinchona, Costa Rica, before the 2009 earthquake: estimation with camera traps''. Introduction: On January 8, 2009, Costa Rica was hit by the Cinchona earthquake in Alajuela Province. When the earthquake hit, a network of automatic cameras had been operating in the premontane rain forest for two years, recording the relative abundance of mammals. Objective: To quantify the relative abundance of wild mammals in the Cinchona area, before the earthquake, and to serve as a point of comparison for future studies. Methods: With automatic cameras running a total of 1555 "camera-nights". Results: I obtained 150 photographs corresponding to 10 species. The most abundant were the peccary, Pecari tajacu, with 150 records; the guatuza, Dasyprocta punctata, with 31; and the tepezcuintle, Cuniculus paca, with 29 records. I also recorded the puma, Puma concolor (one male and one female, 0,02 pumas/km2); and the ocelot, Leopardus pardalis (one male, two females and one calf, 0,43ind/km2). Conclusion: The abundance of wild mammals in Cinchona was relatively low before the earthquake, but it included large cats declared endangered in Costa Rica.

Abstract Isla Santay is an important Ecuadorian conservation area for native species, but with little information on mammals. Between August 2018 and January 2019, the richness and abundance of medium and large mammals was studied in two areas with different land use: undisturbed, and disturbed. We used a combination of camera trapping, direct observation, and indirect evidence (i.e. tracks, scat) for quantifying species richness. We recorded a total of six species, all observed in both zones, and three of them are currently included on the Red List of Mammals in Ecuador. In the undisturbed zone, Leopardus pardalis was the most frequently observed species and showed the highest activity; in the disturbed zone, L. pardalis and Procyon cancrivorus were the most active. Additionally, we reported the presence of Lontra longicaudis and Philander melanurus for the first time in this reserve. Several species that we expected to observe, such as Didelphis marsupialis, Nasua nasua, Eira barbara, Galictis vittata, and Herpailurus yaguarondi, were not recorded. Isla Santay presented low species richness, probably due to environmental pollution and geographic isolation. Nonetheless, Isla Santay is a critical area for the preservation of mammalian species from western Ecuador, especially for species at risk. Future research should prioritize both the preservation of ecological processes and the understanding of the negative effects of human impacts on local biodiversity.

Resumen Isla Santay es una importante área ecuatoriana de conservación para especies nativas, pero que posee poca información sobre mamíferos. Entre agosto de 2018 y enero 2019, la riqueza y abundancia de mamíferos medianos y grandes fue estudiada en dos zonas con diferente uso de suelo: no disturbada, y disturbada. La riqueza de especies fue cuantificada mediante una combinación de fototrampeo, observación directa y evidencias indirectas (rastros, heces, etc.). Registramos seis especies en ambas zonas, de las cuales tres están incluidas en la lista roja de mamíferos del Ecuador. En la zona no disturbada, Leopardus pardalis fue la especie más frecuente y mostró más actividad; mientras que esta misma especie junto con Procyon cancrivorus lo fueron en la zona intervenida; Lontra longicaudis y Philander melanurus fueron registradas por primera vez para la reserva. Especies esperadas como Didelphis marsupialis, Nasua nasua, Eira barbara, Galictis vittata, y Herpailurus yaguarondi estuvieron ausentes. Isla Santay presentó una baja riqueza de especies, probablemente debido a amenazas como la contaminación ambiental y aislamiento geográfico. A pesar de esto, Isla Santay ayuda en la protección de mamíferos en la región, especialmente para especies amenazadas. Futuras investigaciones deben priorizar la preservación de los procesos ecológicos y a entender el efecto negativo de los impactos antropogénicos en su biodiversidad.

Resumo: Dentre as ecorregiões que compreendem a zona alto-andina dos Andes Tropicais, a Puna e as Yungas se destacam por abranger grande parte dos Andes Orientais peruanos. Localizado no ecótono entre estas duas ecorregiões, o Santuário Nacional Pampa Hermosa (SNPH) abriga uma das áreas prioritárias para conservação no Peru. No entanto, a biodiversidade da zona alto-andina do santuário e seu entorno permanece pouco estudada. Dessa forma, através de armadilhas fotográficas e transectos, buscamos inventariar pela primeira vez os mamíferos de médio e grande porte da região alto-andina do SNPH e de sua zona de amortecimento. Nós registramos 11 espécies nativas e três espécies domésticas de mamíferos de médio e grande porte. A riqueza observada dos mamíferos nativos atingiu 91,7% da riqueza estimada (S est.= 11,99 ± 1,85). Dentre as espécies nativas, Odocoileus virginianus foi a que apresentou a maior frequência relativa (56%). Registramos três mamíferos endêmicoss dos Andes Tropicais, Cuniculus taczanowskii, Tremarctos ornatus, e Pudu mephistopheles. A riqueza observada foi superior que a maioria dos levantamentos de mamíferos de médio e grande porte feitos em ecótono Puna-bosque no Peru, onde a riqueza reportada variou de 4 a 13 espécies. Além disso, os registros de Leopardus pardalis e Eira barbara são os mais elevados para toda distribuição destes dois carnívoros. Nossos resultados demonstraram que mais de 90% das espécies registradas foram encontradas nela, demonstrando que toda região alto-andina do SNPH e seu entorno tem um importante valor para a fauna de mamíferos local.

Abstract: Among the ecoregions that comprise the high-Andean zone of the Tropical Andes, the Puna and the Yungas stand out for covering a large part of the Peruvian Eastern Andes. Located in the ecotone of these two ecoregions, the Pampa Hermosa National Sanctuary (PHNS) houses one of the priority areas for conservation in Peru. However, the biodiversity of the high-Andean zone of the sanctuary and its surroundings remains poorly studied. Thus, through camera traps and transects, we sought to inventory for the first time the medium and large mammals from the high-Andean region of the PHNS and its buffer zone. We recorded 11 native and three domestic species of medium and large mammals. The richness of native mammals sampled reached 91.7% of the estimated richness (S est.= 11.99 ± 1.85). Among the native species Odocoileus virginianus had the highest relative frequency (56%). We recorded three endemic mammals from the Tropical Andes, Cuniculus taczanowskii, Tremarctos ornatus, and Pudu mephistopheles. The observed richness was higher than most surveys of medium and large mammals carried out in the Puna-forest ecotone in Peru, where the reported richness ranged from 4 to 13 species. In addition, our records of Leopardus pardalis and Eira barbara are the highest for all distribution of these two carnivores. Our results showed that more than 90% of the species recorded were found in it, demonstrating that the entire high-Andean region of the PHNS and its surroundings has an important value for the local mammal community.

ABSTRACT It is reported the case of a Leopardus pardalis specimen, male, 15.6 kg body weight, found with partial decomposition in a road in the rural sector of the municipality of Arauca, Colombia. At necropsy, 36 parasitic forms of nematodes were found, with an approximate length of 3.4 cm, which were identified as Toxocara cati by the presence of lateral fins at the cervical end, the presence of three lips and a ringed cuticle. This is the first report in Colombia of the parasitic species in this wild feline, indicating that the species L. pardalis may be a potential carrier and disseminator of T. cati.

RESUMEN Se presenta el caso de un espécimen de Leopardus pardalis, macho y peso de 15.6 kg, hallado con descomposición parcial en una vía del sector rural del municipio de Arauca, Colombia. En la necropsia se encontraron 36 formas parasitarias de nematodos, con una longitud aproximada de 3.4 cm, las cuales fueron identificadas como Toxocara cati por la presencia de aletas laterales en el extremo cervical, presencia de tres labios y de una cutícula anillada. Este es el primer reporte en Colombia de la especie parasitaria en este felino silvestre, indicando que la especie L. pardalis puede ser potencial portador y diseminador de T. cati.

Abstract Leopardus pardalis, one of the eight species of the family Felidae found in Peru, is the second largest spotted feline in South America and can be found in a wide variety of habitats, such as tropical rainforests, swamps, thorny bushes areas, among others. This work reports the first photographic record, using a camera trap, of an adult male Leopardus pardalis in the Sauce Grande Sector of the El Angolo Game Reserve, Piura, Peru, confirming the presence of this species within that protected natural area.

Resumen Leopardus pardalis, una de las ocho especies de la familia Felidae que se encuentran en el Perú, es el segundo felino manchado más grande de Sudamérica y se le puede encontrar en una gran variedad de hábitats, como bosques húmedos tropicales, pantanos, zonas matorrales espinosos, entre otros. Este trabajo reporta el primer registro fotográfico, usando cámaras trampa, de un L. pardalis (macho adulto) en el Sector Sauce Grande del Coto de Caza El Angolo, Piura, Perú, confirmándose la presencia de esta especie en esa área natural protegida.

Resumo Para uma melhor compreensão da epidemiologia e diversidade genética das infecções por hemoprotozoários em mamíferos selvagens, este estudo teve como objetivo a detecção post mortem de DNA de espécies da ordem Piroplasmida (Babesia sp., Cytauxzoon sp. e Theileria sp.) e subordem Adelorina (Hepatozoon sp.), utilizando-se a reação em cadeia pela polimerase, baseada no gene 18S rRNA, seguido de sequenciamento genético de amostras de sangue e baço, coletadas de 164 carcaças de mamíferos selvagens de vida livre e cativos do estado de Mato Grosso. Entre eles, um Leopardus pardalis, três Panthera onca, dois Puma concolor foram positivos para Cytauxzoon sp., e seis Tapirus terrestris testaram positivos para Piroplasmida, enquanto um L. pardalis foi positivo para Hepatozoon sp. Além disso, foi descrito em antas, um piroplasmídeo não caracterizado geneticamente, relacionado à Theileria sp., previamente detectado em gatos do Brasil. Apesar da controvérsia quanto à ameaça epidemiológica desses protozoários, a detecção desses agentes em mamíferos silvestres e cativos, mesmo quando assintomáticos, demonstra a importância do monitoramento, principalmente em hotspots, como no estado de Mato Grosso, para verificar a circulação e a diversidade genética, a fim de antecipar o possível surgimento de doenças e, até mesmo, suas consequências para outros animais, bem como os humanos.

Abstract To a better insight into the epidemiology and genetic diversity of protozoan hemoparasites infections in wild mammals, this study aimed to the post mortem detection of DNA from species of the order Piroplasmida (Babesia sp., Cytauxzoon sp., and Theileria sp.) and suborder Adelorina (Hepatozoon sp.) using polymerase chain reaction based on the 18S rRNA gene followed by genetic sequencing of blood and spleen samples collected from carcasses of 164 free-ranging and captive wild mammals from Mato Grosso state. Among them, one Leopardus pardalis, three Panthera onca, two Puma concolor were positive for Cytauxzoon sp., and six Tapirus terrestris tested positive for Piroplasmida, while one L. pardalis was positive for Hepatozoon sp. Furthermore, an uncharacterized piroplasmid genetically related to Theileria sp. previously detected in cats from Brazil was described in lowland tapirs. Despite the controversy regarding the epidemiological threat of these protozoa, the detection of these tick-borne agents in wild free-living and captive mammals, even when asymptomatic, demonstrates the importance of monitoring, particularly in hotspots such as the state of Mato Grosso, to verify the circulation and genetic diversity, to anticipate the possible emergence of diseases, and even their consequences to other animals as well as humans.

RESUMO Este é o primeiro estudo a investigar a contaminação por mercúrio (Hg) em espécies de felinos na Amazônia brasileira. Foram coletadas 26 amostras de pelo de felinos selvagens de quatro espécies (Puma concolor, Panthera onca, Leopardus pardalis e Leopardus wiedii) ocorrendo nas reservas de desenvolvimento sustentável Mamirauá e Amanã, no estado do Amazonas. As amostras foram coletadas de espécimes de museu, exceto cinco amostras de P. onca obtidas de indivíduos capturados em vida livre. As concentrações de Hg variaram de 0,12 a 48,1 µg g-1. Não houve diferença significativa entre a concentração de Hg no pelo de espécimes de museu e de indivíduos vivos de P. onca. Houve variação significativa entre espécies, sendo que P. onca e L. pardalis tiveram concentrações significativamente mais altas, o que pode estar relacionado a fatores como dieta e hábitat.

ABSTRACT This is the first study to investigate mercury (Hg) contamination in felid species in the Brazilian Amazon. We collected 26 fur samples from wild felids of four species (Puma concolor, Panthera onca, Leopardus pardalis and Leopardus wiedii) occurring in the Mamirauá and Amanã sustainable development reserves, in the state of Amazonas. Samples were from museum specimens, except for five P. onca samples collected from free-living individuals. Total Hg concentrations ranged from 0.12 to 48.1 µg g-1. Concentrations of Hg did not differ significantly between museum specimens and live individuals of P. onca, but varied significantly among species, with significantly higher concentrations for P. onca and L. pardalis, which could be related to factors such as diet and habitat.

Abstract: The Gran Sabana is a region of great biogeographical and conservation value that has been recently threatened due to increasing overexploitation of natural resources and illegal mining. Systematic survey methods are required in order to study species responses to landscape transformation. The main objectives of this study were: 1) to test the relationship between habitat types and mammal species presence in the Gran Sabana and Canaima National Park (NP), and 2) establish baseline methodology that can set guidelines for future, considering sampling limitations, conservation opportunities and increasing threats to biodiversity in this region. We implemented a stratified sampling design using camera traps for monitoring medium and large mammals in two previously under-sampled regions in the Gran Sabana, south-east Venezuela. We analysed time-series of remotely sensed vegetation indices to classify habitat types and summarized relative abundance of mammals, naïve occupancy, and habitat fidelity for each type. With a sampling effort of 5,523 camera*days, 29 species of mammals were recorded, including endangered Priodontes maximus, and vulnerable: Speothos venaticus, Tapirus terrestris, and Panthera onca. Cuniculus paca and Dasyprocta leporina were the most frequently registered, while Hydrochoeris hydrochaeris, Leopardus wiedii, and Leopardus tigrinus had few records. Most of the species were associated with forest (13), fewer with transitional shrub (7) and savanna (5) habitats, but only some of these were statistically significant. Cerdocyon thous show significant association with savanna (P < 0.01), whereas Leopardus pardalis (P < 0.05) and Cuniculus paca (P < 0.05) with shrub-intermediate habitat. As many as seven species: Dasypus kappleri, Dasyprocta leporine, Mazama americana, M. gouazoubira, Nasua nasua, Priodontes maximus, and Tapirus terrestris have statistically significant association to forest habitat (P < 0.05). We present the first record Myoprocta pratti for Canaima NP. We found higher species richness of large- and medium-sized mammals comparable to lowland Guianas and Amazon sites. Four species remained undetected, probably due to low abundance or detectability, but Sylvilagus brasiliensis seems to be truly absent from the Gran Sabana. Uncontrolled development of Orinoco Mining Arc on the border of Canaima NP and the Gran Sabana raised new ecological and social concerns.

Resumen: La Gran Sabana es una región de gran importancia biogeográfica y valor para la conservación que se encuentra crecientemente amenazada debido a la sobre-explotación de los recursos naturales y la minería ilegal. Para estudiar las respuestas de las especies a la transformación del paisaje es necesario un programa de seguimiento sistemático. Los objetivos principales de este estudio fueron: 1) evaluar la relación entre los tipos de hábitat y la presencia de especies de mamíferos en la Gran Sabana y el Parque Nacional (PN) Canaima, y 2) establecer un método de referencia para el monitoreo a largo plazo considerando las limitaciones de muestreo, oportunidades para la conservación y amenazas crecientes para la biodiversidad en esta región. Se implementó un diseño de muestreo estratificado basado en cámaras trampas para monitorear mamíferos medianos y grandes en dos regiones previamente sub-muestreadas en la Gran Sabana, sureste de Venezuela. Analizamos series de tiempo temporales de índices de vegetación con sensores remotos para clasificar los tipos de hábitat y resumimos la abundancia relativa de mamíferos, la ocupación naïve y la fidelidad para cada tipo de hábitat. Con un esfuerzo de muestreo de 5,523 cámara*días, se registraron 29 especies de mamíferos, incluidas cuatro especies amenazadas: Priodontes maximus, categoría En Peligro, el Speothos venaticus, Tapirus terrestris y Panthera onca, estos tres en categoría Vulnerables. Cuniculus paca y Dasyprocta leporina tuvieron mayor cantidad de registros, mientras que Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris, Leopardus wiedii y Leopardus tigrinus tuvieron pocos registros. La mayoría de las especies están asociadas con el bosque (13) y en menor medida con hábitats de arbustos (de transición; 7) y de sabana (5), pero sólo algunas tuvieron asociaciones estadísticamente significativas. Cerdocyon thous muestra una asociación significativa con la sabana (P < 0.01), mientras que el Leopardus pardalis (P < 0.05) y Cuniculus paca (P < 0.05) con el hábitat intermedio. Hasta siete especies: Dasypus kappleri, Dasyprocta leporina, Mazama americana, Mazama gouazoubira, Nasua nasua, Priodontes maximus y Tapirus terrestris tienen una asociación estadísticamente significativa con el hábitat forestal (P < 0.05). Se presenta el primer registro de Myoprocta pratti para PN Canaima. Se registró una mayor riqueza de especies de mamíferos grandes y medianos en comparación con las tierras bajas de las Guayanas y Amazonia. Cuatro especies permanecieron sin ser detectadas, probablemente debido a la baja abundancia o detectabilidad, pero Sylvilagus brasiliensis parece estar ausente de la Gran Sabana. El desarrollo incontrolado del Arco Minero del Orinoco en la frontera del PN Canaima y la Gran Sabana genera nuevas preocupaciones ecológicas y sociales.

Resumen Se presenta el listado de los mamíferos medianos y grandes registrados en 11 áreas de conservación del departamento del Quindío, Colombia. La fase de campo se desarrolló en cinco municipios, entre julio y diciembre del 2016, y el muestreo incluyó recorridos por transectos e instalación de cámaras trampa. Se confirma la presencia de 21 especies de mamíferos en las áreas estudiadas. Las áreas con mayor número de especies hacen parte de la Reserva Forestal Central o están cerca a otras áreas de conservación, situación que podría estar permitiendo la interconexión entre reservas por corredores biológicos. Cuatro de las especies registradas se encuentran bajo categoría de amenaza: Tapirus pinchaque (En Peligro), Aotus lemurinus, Leopardus tigrinus y Mazama rufina (Vulnerable). Se resalta la presencia de Leopardus pardalis como nuevo registro para el departamento.

Abstract We present a list of medium and large mammals occurring in 11 conservation areas of the department of Quindío, Colombia. The field phase was developed in five municipalities, between July and December 2016, and sampling included transect routes and installation of camera traps. We confirm the occurrence of 21 species of mammals in the studied areas. The areas with the highest number of species are part of the Reserva Forestal Central or are close to other conservation areas, a situation that could facilitate the connection between reserves through biological corridors. Four of the recorded species are under threat category: Tapirus pinchaque (Endangered), Aotus lemurinus, Leopardus tigrinus and Mazama rufina (Vulnerable). The presence of Leopardus pardalis is highlighted as a new record for the department.