Abstract: A great diversity of living beings and human values are invisible to the prevailing global culture, which associates the word biodiversity with large organisms such as trees and mammals. Paradoxically, most biodiversity is made up of small organisms that remain invisible to global society and are under-represented in philosophy, science, and education. To help resolve this “biocultural blindness” about biological and value diversity, in this article we present concepts and practices of field environmental philosophy. We focus on the activity “ecotourism with a hand-lens” to illustrate “conceptual lenses” that amplify the appreciation of biological and cultural diversity. This activity integrates philosophy, sciences, and arts to appreciate the beauty and relevance of small organisms and the multiplicity of languages, forms of knowledge, and values that different cultural traditions give to biodiversity. Participants practice forms of analogical thinking to co-create knowledge and biocultural expressions of their own, instead of being passive recipients of information. Finally, this field environmental philosophy activity combines bodily and sensory activities with theoretical readings that provide conceptual foundations for cultivating a biocultural ethic that guides forms of co-inhabitation with small and large co-inhabitants (humans and others-than-humans) with whom we share both our local habitats and the global biosphere.

Resumen: Una gran diversidad de seres vivos y valores humanos son invisibles a la cultura global prevaleciente, que asocia la palabra biodiversidad con grandes organismos tales como mamíferos y árboles. Paradójicamente, la mayoría de la biodiversidad está compuesta por pequeños organismos que permanecen invisibles para la sociedad global y son subrepresentados en la filosofía, la ciencia y la educación. Para contribuir a resolver esta “ceguera biocultural” sobre la diversidad biológica y de valores, en este artículo presentamos conceptos y prácticas de la filosofía ambiental de campo. Nos enfocamos en la actividad “ecoturismo con lupa” para ilustrar “lentes conceptuales” que amplifican la apreciación de la diversidad biológica y cultural. Esta actividad integra las ciencias, artes, humanidades y ética para apreciar la belleza y relevancia de los pequeños organismos y los múltiples lenguajes, formas de conocimientos y valores que diferentes tradiciones culturales otorgan a la biodiversidad. Los participantes practican formas de pensamiento analógico para co-crear conocimiento y expresiones bioculturales propias, en vez de ser receptores pasivos de información. Finalmente, la práctica de la filosofía ambiental de campo combina actividades corporales y sensoriales con lecturas teóricas que proveen fundamentos conceptuales para cultivar una ética biocultural que orienta formas de co-habitación con pequeños y grandes co-habitantes, humanos y otros-que-humanos, con quienes compartirnos tanto nuestros hábitats locales como la biosfera global.

Resumen Se presentan los resultados del análisis de los restos faunísticos recuperados en el sitio arqueológico Los Conitos (valle de Potrerillos, Mendoza, Argentina). El sitio posee dataciones absolutas que definen las ocupaciones en un rango cronológico entre los ca. 796-3694 años AP (cal 2σ). Se recuperaron evidencias de macro restos de plantas domésticas, registro imprescindible para evaluar las prácticas agrícolas prehispánicas en el centro occidente argentino. El análisis tafonómico realizado en el presente estudio permitió identificar a humanos y depredadores no antrópicos (probablemente pequeños carnívoros) como los agentes responsables de dichas acumulaciones. En cuanto a las evidencias antrópicas, se detectaron huellas de corte sobre huesos de Lama guanicoe. Se registraron especímenes asignables al roedor octodóntido extinto Octomys rosiae. Los mamíferos fueron el grupo más frecuente, dominado por roedores, aunque se detectaron armadillos, marsupiales y lepóridos en baja proporción. También se recuperaron escasos elementos asignados a reptiles y aves. Se observó una considerable cantidad de elementos modificados por digestión. También se identificaron perforaciones por carnívoros. El ensamble zooarqueológico evidencia la co-ocurrencia de especies con distribuciones actualmente alopátricas.

Abstract In this paper, the results of the analyses of bone remains recovered in the Los Conitos archaeological site (Potrerillos Valley, Mendoza, Argentina) are presented. The site covers a chronological range of c. 796-3694 years BP (cal 2σ). Numerous domestic plant macro remains were recovered at the site, the record of which is an important source for evaluating pre-Hispanic farming strategies in central-western Argentina. Taphonomic analysis enabled the identification of human and non-anthropic predators (probably small carnivores) as the responsible agents of such accumulations. Regarding anthropic evidence, only two cut marks were detected on two bones of Lama guanicoe. Bone specimens of the extinct octodontid rodent Octomys rosiae were recovered. Mammals were the most represented taxonomic group, dominated by rodents; although armadillos, marsupials and leporids were detected in low proportion. Bone remains of birds and reptiles were scarce. We observed a considerable number of specimens that were modified by digestion, with strong degrees of modification. Punctures associated with carnivore activity were also recorded. The zooarchaeological assemblage shows the co-occurrence of species with current allopatric distributions.

Abstract Leishmaniosis is a disease caused by protozoan parasites of the genus Leishmania and, in the New World, is transmitted to mammals through the bite of blood-sucking dipteran insects of the genus Lutzomyia. Canines are susceptible to infection, developing the visceral form (VL) and the cutaneous form (CL) of the disease. Diagnostic methods include direct observation of the parasite by light microscopy, serology, or molecular biology techniques in samples from dogs with clinical signs and/or clinical suspicion. In this word, the usefulness of a nested PCR designed for the diagnosis of this pathology in dogs was evaluated. A total of 18 samples of EDTA pre-treated dog’s whole blood were analyzed. Dogs were from the city of Corrientes and presented clinical suspicion of suffering from leishmaniasis. From the samples, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted and two successive rounds of amplification of a sequence that codes for the small subunit of ribosomal RNA were carried out. The results obtained from the nested PCRs were compared with this obtained from the direct parasitological method (gold standard). The applied technique showed a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 75%, positive predictive value of 67% and negative predictive value of 100%, turning it into a valuable tool for diagnosing canine leishmaniosis.

Resumen La leishmaniosis es una enfermedad causada por parásitos protozoarios del género Leishmania y transmitida a mamíferos mediante la picadura de insectos dípteros hematófagos del género Lutzomyia en el nuevo mundo. Los caninos son susceptibles de adquirir la forma visceral y la forma cutánea de la enfermedad. Los métodos de diagnóstico incluyen observación directa del parásito por microscopía óptica, serología o técnicas de biología molecular en muestras de perros con signos clínicos evidentes y/o sospecha clínica. En este estudio se evaluó la utilidad de una reacción en cadena de la polimerasa anidada (PCRn) para el diagnóstico de dicha patología en perros. Se analizaron 18 muestras de sangre entera anticoagulada con EDTA de perros de la ciudad de Corrientes con sospecha clínica de padecer leishmaniosis. A partir de las mismas, se extrajo ácido desoxiribonucleico (ADN) y se realizaron dos rondas de amplificación sucesivas de una secuencia que codifica para la subunidad pequeña de ARN ribosomal. Los resultados obtenidos de las PCR anidadas fueron comparados con los resultados obtenidos a partir del método parasitológico directo considerado como gold standard. La técnica aplicada mostró sensibilidad del 100%, especificidad del 75%, valor predictivo positivo del 67% y valor predictivo negativo del 100% lo que la convierte en una herramienta útil para el diagnóstico de leishmaniosis canina.

Resumo Este estudo objetivou analisar a dieta do cachorro-do-mato, de vida livre, por meio da identificação do conteúdo estomacal de 17 Cerdocyon thous atropelados em duas unidades de conservação da Floresta Amazônica. O conteúdo estomacal foi analisado e os itens alimentares foram quantificados pela frequência de ocorrência (FO) e percentagem de ocorrência (PO). Também foram avaliados os teores de matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), fibra bruta (FB), extrato etéreo (EE) e, matéria mineral (MM). Foram estimados o extrativo não-nitrogenado (ENN), a energia metabolizável (EM) e a necessidade energética de manutenção. A composição da dieta do cachorro-do-mato apresentou 29 itens alimentares dos diferentes grupos taxonômicos, tendo uma maior diversidade de itens de origem animal (n=22), ainda que a maior FO tenha sido de gramíneas (Poaceae) (41.18%). Dentre os itens de origem animal, 21% eram mamíferos, 18% répteis, 10% anfíbios, 9% invertebrados e 3% aves. Determinou-se um alto teor de FB (62.76%). A média do ENN e da MS foi 5.91% e 141.82 kcal/100g, respectivamente. A média da energia de manutenção foi 447.01 kcal/dia. Estes achados sugerem que o cachorro-do-mato encontrado na Bacia Amazônica é um animal generalista com uma dieta onívora, se alimentando de gramíneas, frutos, insetos, serpentes, anfíbios, aves e pequenos mamíferos, portanto com o mesmo hábito alimentar relatado a esta espécie quando encontrada em outros biomas brasileiros.

Abstract The present study aimed to evaluate the diet of the free-living crab-eating fox by identifying the stomach contents of the 17 crab-eating foxes (Cerdocyon thous) roadkilled in two conservation units, both located in the Amazon rainforest. The food items were quantified by frequency of occurrence (FO) and percentage of occurrence (PO). The stomach contents were analysed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE), and mineral matter (MM). Nitrogen-free extractives (NFE), metabolisable energy (ME) values, as well as the energy need for maintenance were estimated. The composition of the diet for the crab-eating fox presented 29 food items from the different taxonomic groups, with a greater diversity of items of animal origin (n=22), although the highest frequency of occurrence was gramineae (Poaceae) (41.18%). Among the items of animal origin, 21% were mammals, 18% reptiles, 10% amphibians, 9% invertebrates and 3% birds. A high content of CF (62.76%) were determined. Nitrogen-free extractive and dry matter averages were 5.91% and 141.82 kcal/100g, respectively. The average maintenance energy was 447.01 kcal/day. These findings suggesting that the crab-eating foxes have a generalist diet with an omnivorous diet in the Amazon basin, feeding on gramineae, fruits, insects, snakes, amphibians, birds and small mammals and have the same feeding habit that present in other Brazilian biomes.

Resumo Os mamíferos têm uma capacidade limitada de regenerar seus tecidos e órgãos. Um dos mecanismos associados à regeneração natural é a desdiferenciação. Várias moléculas pequenas, como vitamina C e fatores de crescimento, podem melhorar a eficiência da reprogramação. Neste estudo, as células NTERA2-D1 (NT2) foram induzidas à diferenciação (NT2-RA) com ácido retinóico (RA) 10-5 M por três dias e depois submetidas a várias quantidades de humor vítreo (VH). Os resultados mostram que a taxa de crescimento dessas células foi reduzida, enquanto essa taxa foi parcialmente restaurada após o tratamento com VH (NT2-RA-VH). A análise do ciclo celular com o método PI também mostrou que o número de células na fase S do ciclo celular nessas células estava aumentado. Os níveis de antígenos SSEA3 e TRA-1-81 em NT2-RA diminuíram, mas aumentaram em NT2-RA-VH a um nível semelhante ao das células NT2. O nível de SSEA1 teve um padrão oposto. A expressão do gene OCT4 diminuiu após o tratamento com AR, mas foi recuperado em células NT2-RA-VH. Em conclusão, sugerimos o VH como uma mistura potente para melhorar a reprogramação celular levando à desdiferenciação.

Abstract Mammals have a limited capacity to regenerate their tissues and organs. One of the mechanisms associated with natural regeneration is dedifferentiation. Several small molecules such as vitamin C and growth factors could improve reprogramming efficiency. In this study, the NTERA2-D1 (NT2) cells were induced towards differentiation (NT2-RA) with 10-5 M retinoic acid (RA) for three days and then subjected to various amounts of vitreous humor (VH). Results show that the growth rate of these cells was reduced, while this rate was partly restored upon treatment with VH (NT2-RA-VH). Cell cycle analysis with PI method also showed that the numbers of cells at the S phase of the cell cycle in these cells were increased. The levels of SSEA3 and TRA-1-81 antigens in NT2-RA were dropped but they increased in NT2- RA-VH to a level similar to the NT2 cells. The level of SSEA1 had an opposite pattern. Expression of OCT4 gene dropped after RA treatment, but it was recovered in NT2-RA-VH cells. In conclusion, we suggest VH as a potent mixture for improving the cellular reprogramming leading to dedifferentiation.

Resumen Se analizó la dieta de gatos (Felis silvestris catus) y perros (Canis lupus familiaris) errantes de la Reserva Ecológica del Pedregal de San Ángel (REPSA), Ciudad Universitaria, UNAM, Ciudad de México. Se examinaron 12 muestras de gatos y 55 de perros obtenidas mediante el Programa de Remediación de Fauna Feral, Secretaría Ejecutiva de la REPSA. La determinación de las especies consumidas se realizó comparando el material con ejemplares depositados en colecciones científicas; adicionalmente para mamíferos, se utilizaron patrones morfológicos de la cutícula y médula del pelo. El análisis mostró que la dieta de gatos y perros está compuesta, principalmente, de mamíferos medianos (Bassariscus astutus, Didelphis virginiana, Otospermophilus variegatus, Spilogale angustifrons y Sylvilagus floridanus) y pequeños (Mus musculus, Neotoma mexicana, Peromyscus gratus, Rattus norvegicus, Reithrodontomys fulvescens y Sorex saussurei), en menor proporción de reptiles e insectos, y material alimenticio de consumo humano. Los mamíferos nativos son más consumidos que los introducidos y que la dieta de gatos y perros incluye especies endémicas de México (S. saussurei, P. gratus y Peromyscus melanophrys) o en alguna categoría de riesgo (S. saussurei y la lagartija Sceloporus grammicus). Estos resultados proveen información para justificar y desarrollar alternativas de conservación en reservas ecológicas urbanas.

Abstract Diet analysis was performed on free ranging cats (Felis silvestris catus) and dogs (Canis lupus familiaris) from Reserva Ecológica del Pedregal de San Ángel (REPSA), Ciudad Universitaria, UNAM, Mexico City. Twelve samples of cats and 55 of dogs were analyzed as part of the Wildlife Remediation Program of the REPSA’s Executive Secretariat. The determination of consumed species was made by comparing the obtained remains with specimens deposited in scientific collections; additionally, for mammals, morphological scales patterns and hair marrow were examined. Our results showed that the diet of cats and dogs is mainly composed of medium-size mammals (Bassariscus astutus, Didelphis virginiana, Otospermophilus variegatus, Spilogale angustifrons, and Sylvilagus floridanus) and small mammals (Mus musculus, Neotoma mexicana, Peromyscus gratus, Rattus norvegicus, Reithrodontomys fulvescens, and Sorex saussurei), with a smaller proportion of reptiles and insects and food material for human consumption. The native mammals are consumed more than introduced mammals, and that diet of cats and dogs includes species endemic to Mexico (S. saussurei, P. gratus, and Peromyscus melanophrys) or in any risk category (S. saussurei and the lizard Sceloporus grammicus). These results provide information for justify and developing conservation alternatives in urban ecological reserves.

This article presents a broad overview of excavated animal taxa and methods of procurement at the Middle Iron Age site of Schroda (AD 900-1100), located in the Mapungubwe National Park. Here, a diverse animal resource base was exploited through various strategies - some of which drew on individual participation, while others relied on group effort and resource pooling. Cattle, sheep and goat herds provided a reliable supply of meat, milk and skins throughout the year, while a range of wild mammals, birds, reptiles and fish were also hunted, trapped and collected. Although procurement strategies and animals targeted generally remained unchanged for about 200 years, there is a small shift in the proportion of livestock relative to other animals and a related increase in the exploitation of wild animals. Reliance on a broad spectrum of subsistence strategies is often done as a risk management strategy in areas with unpredictable environmental conditions. Erratic rainfall patterns, evident at the end of the first millennium in the middle Limpopo Valley, would have necessitated such an approach. In addition, the updated taxonomic list for Schroda provides a deep-time record of animal presence and expands the former distribution ranges for some taxa in the Mapungubwe National Park area.

Abstract Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacilli Mycobacterium leprae and Mycobacterium lepromatosis. In addition to humans, animals such as nine-banded armadillos and red squirrels are species naturally infected. The objective of this study was to investigate the presence of M. leprae and M. lepromatosis in non-volant small mammals of the order Didelphimorphia and Rodentia through Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay. During 2015 and 2018, field expeditions were carried out in three municipalities, covering biotic elements of the Amazon and Cerrado biomes, in the Mato Grosso State, Midwest of Brazil. A specific primer for repetitive sequences of the genomic DNA of M. leprae and M. lepromatosis targeting the RLEP and RLPM gene, respectively, was used to screen for these agents. The molecular detection of M. leprae DNA in the samples was 13.8%. M. lepromatosis was not detected. The present study reports a description of M. leprae in small non-volant mammals in Brazil. humans ninebanded nine banded infected M nonvolant non volant PCR (PCR assay 201 2018 municipalities biomes State Brazil gene respectively agents 138 13 8 13.8% detected 20 1 13.8 2 13.

Abstract To understand the ecoepidemiology of fleas and their interactions with domestic and wild animals, it is necessary to decode the cycles of flea abundance in relation to host species and environmental factors. The province of Misiones, known for its biodiversity and land use changes, provides an excellent study location. We assessed the diversity, prevalence, abundance, and parasitic intensity of fleas collected from 1153 rodents and opossums in various environments in the Upper Paraná Atlantic Forest of Argentina, considering phytogeography and land use. Our findings were consistent with previous studies conducted in humid regions of Argentina and the Atlantic Forest in Brazil. Hosts with high population density exhibited greater flea prevalence and abundance, and widely distributed hosts showed higher flea species richness and diversity. Significant similarities in flea similarity indices among phytogeographic areas, especially in forest. Environments with an anthropogenic gradient exhibited marked dissimilarities, with higher species richness and diversity in less disturbed sites. These parameters may be influenced by the presence of polyxenous Ctenocephalides, Polygenis, and Adoratopsylla fleas co-infesting opossum in urban areas. These findings provide valuable insights into the ecoepidemiology of fleas, their relationships with host species, and the impact of environmental factors in a strategic Atlantic forest ecoregion. animals Misiones changes location 115 Brazil areas dissimilarities sites Ctenocephalides Polygenis coinfesting co infesting ecoregion 11 1

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 Los roedores son organismos muy importantes dentro de los ecosistemas; sin embargo, algunas especies son consideradas como plagas porque consumen y dañan cultivos y porque son vectores, hospederos o reservorios en la trasmisión de enfermedades infecciosas emergentes. Los roedores en Bolivia están representados por 148 especies, entre las cuales Oligoryzomys microtis (Allen, 1916) es de importancia en salud pública, debido a que se considera como potencial reservorio natural del virus Chapare, el cual produce la fiebre hemorrágica Chapare, enfermedad mortal para el ser humano y con un impacto en la salud pública aún desconocido. En este estudio se registró la presencia de la especie O. microtis en los hábitats silvestres e intervenidos de la comunidad de Samuzabety, sitio en el que se detectó por primera vez el virus Chapare. Esta comunidad se encuentra ubicada en la Provincia Chapare del departamento de Cochabamba, Bolivia. Las especies registradas fueron los roedores Oligoryzomys microtis (morfotipo mattogrossae), Proechimys brevicauda, Neacomys vargasllosai, Hylaeamys perenensis y el marsupial Metachiurus nudicaudatus. Se confirma la presencia de la especie O. microtis (morfotipo mattogrossae) en la comunidad de Samuzabety, la cual se encuentra asociada con hábitats de bosques, cultivos cercanos y alrededores. La especie O. microtis tiene relevancia epidemiológica al ser el reservorio natural del hantavirus Río Mamoré y al ser considerado actualmente como potencial reservorio del virus Chapare y de otros arenavirus.

Abstract Rodents are very important organisms within ecosystems; however, some species are considered pests because they consume and damage crops and because they are vectors, hosts, or reservoirs in the transmission of emerging infectious diseases. Rodents in Bolivia are represented by 148 species, Oligoryzomys microtis (Allen, 1916) being a species of public health importance because it is considered a potential natural reservoir of the Chapare virus, which causes Chapare Hemorrhagic Fever, and it is a deadly disease for humans. Its impact on public health is still unknown. The present study consisted of recording the presence of the species O. microtis through the use of Sherman-type live capture traps for small mammals arranged in linear transects in the wild and intervened habitats of the Samuzabety community, where the Chapare virus was detected for the first time, this community is located in the Chapare Province of the department of Cochabamba, Bolivia. The species recorded were the rodents Oligoryzomys microtis (morphotype matogrossae), Proechimys brevicauda, Neacomys vargasllosai, Hylaeamys perenensis, and the marsupial Metachiurus nudicaudatus. The presence of the species O. microtis (morphotype matogrossae) in the community of Samuzabety is confirmed. This species is associated with forest habitats with nearby and surrounding crops. The species O. microtis has epidemiological relevance, as it is the natural reservoir of the Río Mamoré Hantavirus and is currently considered a potential reservoir of the Chapare virus and other Arenaviruses.

Resumen Antecedentes: Para poblaciones con distribución fragmentada, la alta remoción de frutos/semillas puede representar un cuello de botella para su propagación a nuevas áreas. Por lo que es importante conocer cómo la vegetación y el comportamiento de los comedores de frutos influyen en el patrón espacial de remoción. Pregunta: ¿De qué manera la densidad de la vegetación influye en la probabilidad de remoción de frutos post-dispersión de P. hintonii? Sitio y fecha: Estación Científica las Joyas, Reserva de la Biósfera Sierra de Manantlán, Jalisco. Abril-mayo 2015. Métodos: El número de frutos removidos fue registrado en áreas con sotobosque denso y escaso, en dos tipos de bosques y dos áreas abiertas cubiertas de arbustos. Para identificar las especies de vertebrados removedores de frutos, fueron colocadas cámaras-trampas bajo dosel de P. hintonii con alta producción de frutos. Resultados: La remoción de frutos fue más bajo en áreas con baja densidad de sotobosque en pino-encino (11.17 ± 5.30 %) y áreas abiertas (25.5 ± 2.39 %), comparado al bosque nublado (72.51 ± 0.60 %). El número de días para el inicio de la remoción de frutos fue más bajo en el bosque nublado y pino-encino con sotobosque denso, que en aquellos con sotobosque escaso. Se identificaron seis especies de mamíferos y tres especies de aves consumidoras de frutos de P. hintonii; Pecari tajacu y pequeños mamíferos fueron los más importantes removedores de semillas. Conclusiones: Sotobosques poco densos en pino-encino favorecen menor remoción de frutos de P. hintonii, asociado probablemente al comportamiento de sus consumidores.

Abstract Background: High post-dispersal fruit-seed removal can be a bottleneck for successful propagation to new areas of plant populations with fragmented distribution, as in cloud forest. Therefore, it is important to know how vegetation and fruit-eating behavior will influence the spatial removal pattern. Questions and/or Hypotheses: How do vegetation structure and density influence fruit removal of Persea hintonii in potential propagation areas? Study site and dates: Las Joyas Scientific Station, Sierra de Manantlán Biosphere Reserve, Jalisco, Mexico. April-May 2015. Methods: The number of fruits removed were recorded in treatments excluding of different size vertebrates, in areas with a dense or sparse understory within two forest types plus open areas with shrub cover. To identify vertebrate fruit-removing species, camera-traps were placed under the canopy of P. hintonii trees with high fructification amounts. Results: Fruit removal was lower in areas of low understory density at pine-oak forests (11.17 ± 5.30 %) and gap areas (25.5 ± 2.39 %), compared to subtropical cloud forests (72.51 ± 0.60 %). The number of days to start the fruit removal was lower in the cloud and pine-oak forests with dense understory than in those with a sparse understory. We identified six mammal and three bird species as removers of P. hintonii fruits, among which Pecari tajacu and small mammals were the most important fruit removers. Conclusions: Low density understory in pine-oak favor less fruit removal of P. hintonii, probably associated with the behavior of its consumers.

Abstract European hedgehogs, Erinaceus europaeus (Linnaeus, 1758), are small mammals found in western Europe and also in parts of northern Europe. They can be seen in rural, suburban and urban areas, but are usually found in grassland with edge habitats. These animals are omnivorous and serve as definitive or paratenic hosts for several parasites, including acanthocephalans (phylum Acanthocephala). During necropsy of a European hedgehog, a single adult parasite was collected from the intestinal lumen and preserved in 70% ethanol. After morphological evaluation of the specimen, it was identified as Moniliformis cestodiformis (von Linstow, 1904) (Acanthocephala: Moniliformidae). This is the first report of M. cestodiformis in a European hedgehog, as well as in Europe. More epidemiological studies need to be carried out to map the location and prevalence of this parasite in Portugal and the European continent. hedgehogs Linnaeus, Linnaeus (Linnaeus 1758, 1758 , 1758) rural areas habitats parasites phylum Acanthocephala. Acanthocephala . Acanthocephala) hedgehog 70 ethanol specimen von Linstow 1904 (Acanthocephala Moniliformidae. Moniliformidae Moniliformidae) M continent 175 7 190 17 19 1

Resumo Os ouriços, Erinaceus europaeus (Linnaeus, 1758), são pequenos mamíferos que se localizam na Europa ocidental e também em regiões do Norte da Europa. Eles podem ser avistados em áreas rurais, suburbanas e urbanas, mas são geralmente encontrados no campo no limite daqueles hábitats. São animais omnívoros e servem de hospedeiros definitivos ou paratênicos de muitos parasitas, incluindo acantocéfalos (filo Acanthocephala). Durante a necropsia de um ouriço, um exemplar adulto acantocéfalo foi recolhido do lúmen intestinal e preservado em etanol a 70%. Depois de uma avaliação morfológica desse exemplar, este foi identificado como Moniliformis cestodiformis (von Linstow, 1904) (Acanthocephala: Moniliformidae). Esta é a primeira referência de M. cestodiformis num ouriço, assim como na Europa. Mais estudos epidemiológicos necessitam ser realizados, para localizar este parasita e calcular a sua prevalência em Portugal e no continente europeu. ouriços Linnaeus, Linnaeus (Linnaeus 1758, 1758 , 1758) rurais urbanas hábitats parasitas filo Acanthocephala. Acanthocephala . Acanthocephala) ouriço 70 70% von Linstow 1904 (Acanthocephala Moniliformidae. Moniliformidae Moniliformidae) M realizados europeu 175 7 190 17 19 1

Abstract Rhodnius neglectus is a wild triatomine, vector of the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, which causes Chagas’ disease, and feeds on the blood of small mammals, being essential for its growth and reproduction. Accessory glands of the female reproductive tract are important in insect reproduction, but their anatomy and histology in R. neglectus are poorly studied. The aim of this work was to describe the histology and histochemistry of the accessory gland of the female reproductive tract of R. neglectus. The reproductive tract of five females of R. neglectus was dissected and the accessory glands transferred to Zamboni's fixative solution, dehydrated in a crescent series of ethanol, embedded in historesin, sectioned at 2 µm thick, stained with toluidine blue for histological analysis or mercury bromophenol blue for detection of total proteins. The accessory gland R. neglectus is tubular, without branches, opening in the dorsal region of the vagina and differing along its length in proximal and distal regions. In the proximal region, the gland is lined by the cuticle with a layer of columnar cells associated with muscle fibers. In the distal region of the gland, the epithelium has spherical secretory cells with terminal apparatus and conducting canaliculi opening in the lumen through pores in the cuticle. Proteins were identified in the gland lumen, terminal apparatus, nucleus and cytoplasm of secretory cells. The histology of the R. neglectus gland is similar to that found in other species of this genus, but with variations in the shape and size of its distal region. triatomine cruzi Chagas disease mammals reproduction R studied Zambonis Zamboni s solution ethanol historesin thick proteins tubular branches regions fibers genus

Resumo Rhodnius neglectus é um triatomíneo silvestre, vetor do protozoário Trypanosoma cruzi, causador da doença de Chagas. Este inseto se alimenta do sangue de pequenos mamíferos, que é essencial para o seu crescimento e reprodução. As glândulas acessórias do sistema reprodutor feminino são importantes na reprodução de insetos, mas sua anatomia e histologia em R. neglectus são pouco conhecidas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever a histologia e histoquímica da glândula acessória do aparelho reprodutor feminino de R. neglectus. O sistema reprodutor de cinco fêmeas de R. neglectus foi dissecado e as glândulas acessórias transferidas para solução fixadora de Zamboni, desidratadas em série crescente de etanol, embebidas em historesina, seccionadas com 2 µm de espessura, coradas com azul de toluidina para análise histológica ou submetidas ao teste de mercúrio-bromofenol para detecção de proteínas totais. O sistema reprodutor de R. neglectus tem uma glândula acessória tubular, sem ramificações, abrindo-se na região dorsal da vagina, sendo diferenciada em regiões proximal e distal. Na região proximal, a glândula é revestida internamente pela cutícula com uma camada de células colunares associadas a fibras musculares. Na região distal ocorrem células secretoras esféricas com aparato terminal e canalículos condutores que se abrem no lúmen da glândula através de poros na cutícula. O teste histoquímico revelou a presença de proteínas no lúmen da glândula e no aparato terminal, núcleo e citoplasma das células secretoras. A histologia da glândula de R. neglectus é semelhante à das espécies desse gênero, mas com variações na forma e no tamanho de sua região distal. silvestre cruzi Chagas mamíferos insetos R conhecidas Zamboni etanol historesina espessura mercúriobromofenol mercúrio bromofenol totais tubular ramificações abrindose abrindo vagina musculares gênero