SUMMARY: The myodural bridge is a dense connective tissue connecting muscles and ligaments to the spinal dura mater in the atlanto-occipital interspace. Some researchers believe that the myodural bridge may play a vital physiological role. It is possible, for instance, that the prevention of spinal dura mater infoldings might be involved in regulated cerebrospinal fluid circulation. For instance, it is possible to prevent spinal dura mater infoldings, regulating cerebrospinal circulation. Bats are nocturnal and the only mammals that can perform a genuine and sustained flight, whereas tree shrews are arboreal mammals that often climb to a high altitude of about 10,000 feet. Both animals have lifestyles that are different from other previously studied mammals. The study of these two animals will shed further light on the existence of the myodural bridge in mammals. Gross anatomical dissection was used to observe the connections between the deep muscles of the neck and the dura mater at the level of the atlanto-occipital interspace. The existing structures were analyzed using conventional and special histological staining techniques. The suboccipital regions in bats and tree shrews contained the rectus capitis dorsal major (RCDma), rectus capitis dorsal minor (RCDmi), oblique capitis anterior (OCA), and oblique capitis posterior (OCP). Dense connective tissue connects the RCDmi to the posterior atlanto-occipital membrane (PAOM) and the latter to the spinal dura mater. The myodural bridge in these mammals shares a similar structure to the myodural bridge in humans. Histological analyses confirmed that the connective fibers of the myodural bridge were primarily type I collagen fibers. In this study, it is supplemented by the existence of the myodural bridge in mammals. This further demonstrates that myodural bridge widely exists in the normal anatomy of mammals. This provides morphological support for a comparative anatomical study of the physiological function of the myodural bridge.

RESUMEN: El puente miodural es un tejido conjuntivo denso que conecta los músculos y los ligamentos a la duramadre espinal en el espacio atlanto-occipital. Algunos investigadores creen que el puente miodural puede desempeñar un papel fisiológico vital. Es posible, por ejemplo, que la prevención de los pliegues de la duramadre espinal pueda estar involucrada en la circulación regulada del líquido cefalorraquídeo. En esta instancia, es posible prevenir los pliegues de la duramadre espinal, regulando la circulación cerebro espinal. Los murciélagos son animales nocturnos y los únicos mamíferos que pueden realizar un vuelo real y sostenido, mientras que las musarañas arborícolas son mamíferos arbóreos que a menudo ascienden a una gran altura de unos 10 000 pies. Ambos animales tienen estilos de vida diferentes a los de otros mamíferos previamente estudiados. El estudio de estos dos animales ofrecerá más información sobre la existencia del puente miodural en los mamíferos. Se realizó una disección anatómica macroscópica para observar las conexiones entre los músculos profundos del cuello y la duramadre a nivel del espacio atlanto-occipital. Las estructuras existentes se analizaron mediante técnicas de tinción histológica convencionales y especiales. Las regiones suboccipitales en murciélagos y musarañas arbóreas presentaban el músculo recto dorsal mayor de la cabeza (RCDma), el recto dorsal menor de la cabeza (RCDmi), el oblicuo anterior de la cabeza (OCA) y el oblicuo posterior de la cabeza (OCP). El tejido conjuntivo denso conecta el RCDmi con la membrana atlanto- occipital posterior (PAOM) y esta última con la duramadre espinal. El puente miodural en estos mamíferos comparte una estructura similar al puente miodural en humanos. Los análisis histológicos confirmaron que las fibras conectivas del puente miodural son principalmente fibras de colágeno tipo I. Esto demuestra además que el puente miodural existe ampliamente en la anatomía normal de los mamíferos. Esta investigación proporciona apoyo morfológico para un estudio anatómico comparativo de la función fisiológica del puente miodural.

Abstract In xeric environments, such as Caatinga Biome, habitat characteristics such as phytophysiognomy type and presence of water bodies can represent higher resource availability. In this context, the present study investigated the effect of phytophysiognomies and presence of water bodies in the abundance and community structure of medium and large mammal species (MLM) in the Serra de Santa Catarina, Paraíba, Brazil. To evaluate these variables we conduct an effort of 373 camera-trap days, between August 2012 and November 2014. We recorded 12 MLM species, distributed in six orders and 11 families. From those, Kerodon rupestris is the only one listed in the Brazilian List of Threatened Fauna. Regarding the habitat, the Mann-Whitney showed a significant higher frequency to the Shrubby habitat and the ANOSIM showed no shifts in the community structure between Arboreal and Shrubby. Concerning the presence of water bodies, both the Mann-Whitney and the ANOSIM showed significant higher frequency to the habitat with water presence. We observed that both phytophysiognomy and water bodies are important variables which affect mainly the abundance of mammalian species from semiarid environments. Nonetheless, whereas the forest remnants get smaller the existence of water bodies becomes a preponderant factor to the MLM species and its community structure. environments Biome availability context (MLM Catarina Paraíba Brazil 37 cameratrap camera trap days 201 2014 1 families those Fauna MannWhitney Mann Whitney Nonetheless 3 20 2

Abstract Anthropogenic disturbances affecting forest areas can increase disease prevalence and susceptibility in several species of arboreal mammals, such as sloths. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the most common conditions in body systems of free-ranging sloths admitted at the Wildlife Triage and Rehabilitation Center of Amazonas of the Institute of Environment and Renewable Natural Resources. A total of 227 individuals (139 retrospective cases from 2015 to 2019, and 88 prospective cases from July 2020 to July 2021) were evaluated over a six-year period. Cases from the genus Bradypus showed involvement of the following body systems: 44% respiratory, 29% integumentary, 15% musculoskeletal, 5% digestive, 3% visual, 2% auditory, 1% circulatory and 1% genitourinary, while that distribution in the genus Choloepus was: 39% musculoskeletal, 27% integumentary, 19% respiratory, 9% digestive, 3% circulatory, 1% visual, 1% auditory and 1% genitourinary. The results reveal significant differences between the condition detected and the genus (Bradypus and Choloepus), age and case outcome. These results can provide data for future investigations of sloth diseases, confirming lesions, as well as motivating and suggesting adequate management methods. mammals Thus freeranging free ranging Resources 22 139 (13 201 2019 8 202 2021 sixyear six year period 44 respiratory 29 integumentary 15 musculoskeletal 5 digestive 3 visual 2 1 genitourinary was 39 27 19 9 Choloepus, , Choloepus) outcome diseases lesions methods 13 (1 20 4 (

Resumo Distúrbios antrópicos que afetam áreas florestais podem aumentar a prevalência de afecções e a suscetibilidade às doenças em diversas espécies de mamíferos arborícolas, como as preguiças. Desta forma, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar as condições mais comuns nos sistemas orgânicos de preguiças de vida livre admitidas no Centro de Triagem e Reabilitação de Animais Silvestres do Amazonas. Um total de 227 indivíduos (139 casos retrospectivos de 2015 a 2019 e 88 casos prospectivos de julho de 2020 a julho de 2021) foram avaliados durante um período de seis anos. Para o gênero Bradypus foram diagnosticadas 44% de afecções do sistema respiratório, 29% tegumentar, 15% musculoesquelético, 5% digestório, 3% visual, 2% auditivo, 1% circulatório e 1% genitourinário. Por sua vez, para o gênero Choloepus foram detectadas 39% de afecções do sistema musculoesquelético, 27% tegumentar, 19% do sistema respiratório, 19% do sistema respiratório, 9% digestório, 3% circulatório, 1% visual, 1% auditivo e 1% genitourinário. Os resultados mostraram diferenças significativas na prevalência da afecção e gênero das preguiças (Bradypus e Choloepus), a faixa etária e desfecho do caso. Esses resultados podem fornecer subsídios para investigar as doenças de preguiças, confirmando afecções, motivo e sugerir métodos adequados de manejo. arborícolas forma Amazonas 22 139 (13 201 8 202 2021 anos 44 respiratório 29 tegumentar 15 musculoesquelético 5 digestório 3 visual 2 1 genitourinário vez 39 27 19 9 Choloepus, , Choloepus) caso manejo 13 (1 20 4 (

Resumen Las áreas de conservación privadas (APC) son un recurso complementario para favorecer la conservación de los mamíferos en las regiones tropicales del mundo. Sin embargo, su reducida superficie puede ejercer una influencia diferencial sobre las especies presentes en términos de comportamiento y afectar su coexistencia. Durante la temporada de lluvias de 2016 investigamos los patrones de actividad diaria de los mamíferos del dosel en una APC de 100 ha en una selva. Para ello, se colocaron 11 cámaras trampa en los árboles, a 15 m de altura. Sciurus deppei presentó actividad diurna, Potos flavus alrededor de la medianoche y Caluromys derbianus y Coendou mexicanus antes y después de la medianoche. Tamandua mexicana y Didelphis marsupialis estuvieron activos durante toda la noche. Los mamíferos nocturnos mostraron gran superposición en sus horas de actividad. En general, no hubo diferencias en los patrones de actividad de los mamíferos del dosel en esta APC en comparación con los reportados en áreas naturales protegidas más grandes. El mayor número de registros ocurrió en los árboles más altos ubicados en las partes mejor conservadas del área de estudio, lo que sugiere la importancia de que las APC estén forestadas para la conservación de los mamíferos del dosel.

Abstract Private Conservation Areas (CPAs) are a complementary resource to support mammal conservation in tropical regions of the world. However, their small surface area can exert a differential influence on the species present in terms of behavior and affect their coexistence. During the 2016 rainy season, we investigated the daily activity patterns of canopy mammals in a 100 ha CPA in a rainforest. For this, 11 camera traps were placed in the trees, 15 m high. Sciurus deppei showed diurnal activity, Potos flavus around midnight, and Caluromys derbianus and Coendou mexicanus before and after midnight. Tamandua mexicana and Didelphis marsupialis were active throughout the night. Nocturnal mammals showed great overlap in their hours of activity. Overall, there were no differences in canopy mammal activity patterns in this APC compared to those reported in larger protected natural areas. The greatest number of records occurred in the tallest trees located in the best-preserved parts of the study area, suggesting the importance of APCs being forested for the conservation of canopy mammals.

RESUMEN Sedimentos continentales del Mioceno temprano-medio de la Formación Cerro Boleadoras (FCB) afloran en el área de los cerros Boleadoras y Plomo, en la vertiente occidental de la meseta del lago Buenos Aires, noroeste de la provincia de Santa Cruz, Argentina. Los niveles inferiores de la FCB consisten en estratos de areniscas medianas a gruesas con estratificación entrecruzada, lateralmente extensos, interpretados como depósitos de canales fluviales, que se intercalan con depósitos finos de planicie de inundación. Trabajo de campo reciente permitió recuperar vertebrados fósiles de estos niveles, con una edad estimada entre ~16,5 y 15,1 Ma (Burdigaliano tardío-Langhiano temprano). Estos niveles se solapan temporalmente con las secciones media y superior de la Formación Santa Cruz (FSC) en la cuenca Austral-Magallanes de la Patagonia Austral, la Formación Río Frías en Chile y la parte inferior de la Formación Collón Curá en el norte de la Patagonia. En este trabajo se recopila una lista faunística actualizada para esta localidad, que incluye especímenes de colecciones previas, y se discuten sus implicaciones cronológicas y paleoambientales. La lista incluye la mayoría de los grupos registrados en la FSC: un anuro, tres aves y al menos 33 mamíferos (metaterios, xenartros, litopternos, notoungulados tipoterios y roedores caviomorfos), indicando una edad del Santacrucense sensu lato. También registramos un testudínido, que constituye el registro más austral de tortugas terrestres en América del Sur y en el mundo. La disimilitud faunística registrada con las secciones mencionadas de las formaciones Santa Cruz, Río Frías y Collón Curá reflejarían diferencias ecológicas, climáticas y geográficas más que temporales. La coocurrencia de mamíferos arbóreos o semiarbóreos, ramoneadores, frugívoros y pastadores sugiere la presencia de árboles y ambientes abiertos para el área ocupada por las rocas de la FCB. Sin embargo, no es posible discernir si estos 2 ambientes coexistieron o alternaron y si un ambiente predominó sobre el otro. Taxones claves, como los roedores chinchílidos Prolagostomus y Pliolagostomus y el tipoterio Pachyrukhos, indican una tendencia a la aridificación para el Mioceno de Patagonia Austral, como se reportó anteriormente para la parte superior de la FSC a lo largo del río Santa Cruz y al sur del río Coyle, a lo largo de la costa atlántica y el río Gallegos.

ABSTRACT The early-middle Miocene continental Cerro Boleadoras Formation (CBF) crops out in the area of Cerro Boleadoras and Cerro Plomo on the western slope of the Meseta del Lago Buenos Aires, northwestern Santa Cruz Province, Argentina. The lower levels of the CBF consist of laterally extensive medium to pebbly sandstone beds with trough cross-bedding, interpreted as fluvial channel deposits, interbedded with tabular fine-grained floodplain deposits. Recent fieldwork provided fossil vertebrates from these levels with an estimated age between ~16.5 Ma and 15.1 Ma (late Burdigalian-early Langhian). The studied section temporally overlaps with the middle or upper sections of the Santa Cruz Formation (SCF) in the Austral-Magallanes Basin of southern Patagonia, the Río Frías Formation in Chile, and the lower Collón Curá Formation of northern Patagonia. We compile an integrated faunal list for this locality, including specimens from previous collections, and discuss its chronological and paleoenvironmental implications. The taxa list includes most of the groups recorded in the SCF: one anuran, three birds, and at least 33 mammals (metatherians, xenarthrans, litopterns, notoungulate typotheres and caviomorph rodents), indicating a Santacrucian age sensu lato. We also recorded a testudine, which constitutes the southernmost record of tortoises in South America and worldwide. Faunal dissimilarities between the vertebrate fossil content of the CBF and the mentioned sections of the Santa Cruz, Río Frías and Collón Curá formations may reflect ecologic, climatic and geographic differences rather than temporal ones. The co-occurrence of arboreal or semiarboreal, browsing, frugivorous, and grazing mammals suggests the presence of both forested and open environments for the area occupied by the CBF rocks. However, it is not possible to discern whether these two environments coexisted or alternated, and whether one environment predominated over the other. Marker taxa, such as the chinchillid rodents Prolagostomus and Pliolagostomus, and the typothere Pachyrukhos indicate a trend to aridification during the Miocene in southern Patagonia, as previously reported for the upper part of the SCF along the Río Santa Cruz and south to the Río Coyle, along the Atlantic coast and the Río Gallegos.

Resumen Esta investigación aporta información relacionada con los registros de atropellos de fauna silvestre en las diferentes vías del Departamento del Huila. Los resultados provienen de muestreos realizados durante la temporada de lluvias de octubre a diciembre de 2017 en el circuito vial Neiva - Rivera - Campoalegre. La mayor tasa de atropellamiento se registró en el tramo 1, Neiva - Rivera (peaje Los Cauchos); el cual tuvo un alto flujo vehicular durante el día (5045 vehículos/mes), un alto límite de velocidad (90 km/h), y una cobertura arbórea que forma un túnel verde debido a la falta de iluminación en esta vía. En este estudio se registraron un total de 102 ejemplares muertos, predominando los mamíferos (53 ejemplares, 51,96%) y la especie Didelphis marsupialis (48, 47,06%), seguida de los reptiles (34, 33,33%) cuyas especies más afectadas fueron la Boa constrictor (9, 8,82%) y la Iguana iguana (7, 6,86%). Además, las aves fueron el tercer grupo más afectado (12, 11,76%) clasificadas en 8 especies, como la Megascops choliba que fue la más afectada (4, 3,92%). Los anfibios fueron el grupo menos afectado (3, 2,94%), principalmente la especie Rhinella horribilis (2, 1,96%).

Abstract This research contributes information related to records of wildlife roadkill in the different roads of the department of Huila. The results come from samplings carried out during the rainy season from October to December of 2017 on the Neiva - Rivera - Campoalegre road circuit. The highest roadkill rate was recorded in section 1, Neiva - Rivera (Los Cauchos tollbooth); which had high traffic flow during the day (5045 vehicles/month), high speed limit (90 km/h), and an arboreal coverage that forms a green tunnel due to the lack of lighting on this road. A total of 102 dead specimens were registered in this case study; predominantly mammals (53 specimens, 51.96%) and the species Didelphis marsupialis (48, 47.06%), followed by reptiles (34, 33.33%) whose most affected species were the Boa constrictor (9, 8.82%) and the Iguana iguana (7, 6.86%). Additionally, birds were the third most affected group (12, 11.76%) classified in 8 species, such as the Megascops choliba which was the most affected (4, 3.92%). Amphibians were the least affected group (3, 2.94%), mainly the Rhinella horribilis species (2, 1.96%).

ABSTRACT. Introduction: Sloths are arboreal mammals that defecate on the ground, increasing the risk of predation. There are several hypotheses that try to explain why they undergo this risk. Objective: To critically review all the hypotheses and to propose a new hypothesis that is compatible with all known data. Methods: I verified the assumptions and implications of five hypotheses against the literature available February, 2021. Results: Previous hypotheses either lack reliable supporting data, or are contradicted by published data. Here I propose that defecation on the ground is an ancestral behavior that persists in all sloth species because there has not been enough natural selection against it. Conclusions: Current knowledge of sloth biology is compatible with the hypothesis that there has not been enough selective pressure for sloths to abandon defecation on the ground.

RESUMEN. “Por qué los perezosos defecan en el suelo: rechazo del modelo mutualista”. Introducción: Varias hipótesis intentan explicar por qué los perezosos, siendo mamíferos arbóreos, defecan en el suelo, aumentando el riesgo de depredación. Objetivo: Revisar críticamente todas las hipótesis y proponer una nueva, compatible con todos los datos conocidos. Métodos: Verifiqué las bases e implicaciones de cinco hipótesis con la literatura disponible en febrero de 2021. Resultados: Las hipótesis anteriores carecen de datos confiables o son incompatibles datos publicados. Aquí propongo que la defecación en el suelo es un comportamiento ancestral que persiste en todas las especies de perezosos porque no ha habido suficiente presión selectiva en contra. Conclusiones: Lo que se sabe actualmente de la biología de los perezosos calza con la idea de que no ha habido suficiente presión selectiva para que los perezosos abandonen la defecación en el suelo.

Abstract Mammal groups have a vast variety of habitats, which include aquatic, aerial, arboreal, and terrestrial. For terrestrial habitats, camera traps are used as a common technique to record mammals and other vertebrates and have been recently utilized to observe arboreal animals as well. Here, we compare the difference in mammal diversity between floor and canopy strata and evaluate the use of camera trapping in a lowland forest in central Amazon. We installed nine paired camera traps, one in the canopy stratum and other in the floor stratum, in the Alto Cuieiras Biological Reserve (Brazilian Amazon). With a sampling effort of 720 camera-days, we recorded 30 mammal species: nine in canopy strata, 14 in floor strata, and seven in scansorial strata (sharing both strata). On the forest floor, the species with the greatest abundance was Myoprocta acouchy; in the canopy, Isothrix paguros had the greatest abundance; and among the scansorial species, Proechymis sp. was the most abundant. Our results show the differences in mammal diversity between floor and canopy strata; canopy strata contained more small and frugivorous mammals. Although we obtained a relatively low sampling effort with the camera-trap method compared with other studies utilizing different techniques, our results were especially similar to those of previous studies that worked with canopy and floor strata. Thus, camera trap can be very effective for recording short periods of time, and this method is less physically exhaustive and expensive for researchers to study vertical strata.

Abstract: Studying activity patterns of canopy mammals provides information on the biology of these species. However, the challenges of reaching and sampling the forest canopy restrict the information available on activity patterns. This study aimed to describe the activity patterns of canopy mammals, and analyze their temporal overlap, in the Santa Gertrudis Ecological Reserve, State of Veracruz, Mexico. Camera trap records were obtained from February 2016 to February 2017. Nine camera traps were set in the study area, separated between 300 and 1500 m from each other, along a straight line in the forest canopy (~ 8 to 12 m above the ground). Cameras were affixed to a trunk above a branch that was perpendicular to the line and overlapping a neighboring tree. A total of 12 mammal species that use the tree stratum were recorded, including two diurnal and ten nocturnal species. The five species for which at least ten records were obtained were included in the activity pattern analyses. Four of these are nocturnal species and showed temporal overlap values (Δ1) ranging from 0.69 to 0.9. Four of the 12 species recorded are listed in an extinctionrisk category as per the Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM. This is one of the first studies providing ecological information on activity patterns of canopy mammals in Mexico.

Resumen: El estudio del patrón de actividad de los mamíferos del dosel ayuda a complementar la información básica sobre la biología de estas especies. Sin embargo, la dificultad por acceder al dosel para llevar a cabo el muestreo limita la información existente sobre sus patrones de actividad. El objetivo de la presente contribución fue describir el patrón de actividad y analizar el traslape temporal de los mamíferos de dosel en la Reserva Ecológica de Santa Gertrudis, Vega de Alatorre, Veracruz, México. Se obtuvieron los registros mediante cámaras-trampa durante un año de muestreo de febrero 2016 a febrero 2017. En el área se colocaron nueve trampas-cámara con una separación entre 300 m y 1.5 km en línea recta entre el dosel (~8 a 12 m de altura), sujetadas al tronco por encima de una rama en posición perpendicular y con conexión con otro árbol. Se registró un total de 12 mamíferos que hacen uso del estrato arbóreo, de los cuales dos presentaron actividad diurna y 10 actividad nocturna. Únicamente de cinco obtuvimos 10 o más registros que nos permitieron llevar a cabo los análisis de patrones de actividad. Cuatro de estas especies fueron nocturnas y presentaron un coeficiente de traslape temporal de entre Δ1 = 0.69 a 0.9. De las 12 especies registradas cuatro se encuentran catalogadas bajo alguna categoría de riesgo dentro de la legislación mexicana. Este estudio es uno de los primeros en aportar información ecológica con respecto a los patrones de actividad de un ensamble de mamíferos arborícolas en México.

Resumo As restingas são um componente importante da Mata Atlântica, sendo afetadas por impactos antrópicos ao longo da costa brasileira. A mastofauna que ocorre nesses ambientes ainda é pouco conhecida, principalmente no nordeste do país. O presente estudo caracterizou a riqueza, abundância e composição de pequenos mamíferos em uma fitofisionomia de restinga arbórea em Sergipe, nordeste do Brasil. A amostragem foi realizada mensalmente de setembro de 2017 a agosto de 2018. O esforço de 8188 armadilhas-noite e 1782 pitfalls-noite resultou na captura de 120 indivíduos pertencentes a 10 espécies, quatro marsupiais (Didelphis albiventris, Marmosa demerarae, Marmosa murina . Marmosops incanus) e seis roedores (Calomys sp., Cerradomys vivoi, Oligoryzomys sp., Phyllomys blainvilii, Rhipidomys mastacalis . Trinomys sp.). O registro de P. blainvilii é inédito para o estado. A riqueza observada corresponde a 73% da estimada por Jackknife 1 (13.6 ± 1.5 espécies). Marmosops incanus . R. mastacalis foram as espécies mais abundantes, correspondendo a 84% dos indivíduos capturados. A composição da comunidade difere das restingas de outras regiões do Brasil, mas a maioria das espécies corresponde a um subconjunto das encontradas nas áreas de Mata Atlântica da região. A localidade apresentou a maior riqueza de pequenos mamíferos em áreas da Mata Atlântica de Sergipe, reforçando a importância da preservação dessas áreas e contribuindo para o entendimento sobre a mastofauna que ocorre nas restingas. Este estudo apresenta assim uma lista atualizada de pequenos mamíferos para o estado.

Abstract The restingas are an important component of the Atlantic Forest, affected by anthropic impacts along the Brazilian coast. The mastofauna that occurs in these environments is little known, especially in the north-east of the country. This study characterized the richness, abundance and composition of small mammal species in arboreal restinga areas in the state of Sergipe, north-eastern Brazil. Sampling was performed monthly, from September 2017 to August 2018. An effort composed of 8188 trap-nights with Sherman traps and 1782 trap-night with pitfall traps resulted in the capture of 120 individuals from 10 species; four marsupials (Didelphis albiventris, Marmosa demerarae, Marmosa murina, and Marmosops incanus) and six rodents (Calomys sp., Cerradomys vivoi, Oligoryzomyssp., Phyllomys blainvilii, Rhipidomys mastacalis, and Trinomys sp.). Phyllomys blainvilii is a new record for the state. The observed richness corresponds to 73% of that estimated by Jackknife 1 (13.6 ± 1.5 species). Marmosops incanus and R. mastacalis were the most abundant, corresponding to 84% of the individuals captured. The community composition differs from the restingas of other regions of Brazil, but the majority of the species correspond to a subset of those found in the Atlantic Forest of the region. The locality presented the greatest richness of small mammals in areas of the Atlantic Forest of Sergipe, reinforcing the importance of the preservation of these areas and contributing to understanding the mastofauna in the restingas. This study also presents an updated list for this group in the state.

The southern Andes of Ecuador have a rich diversity of non-flying small mammals. However, the loss of habitat in the high Andean region is extensive. In particular, montane forests are being subjected to strong anthropogenic pressures; so protected areas are important conservation tools. Unfortunately, habitat degradation and loss also affect these areas. Cajas National Park is a protected area within this region that contains montane forest influenced by different levels of anthropic alteration. We sought to understand how the community of non-flying small mammals responds to habitat changes in montane forest areas. To this end, we evaluated the differences in the composition of the community of non-flying small mammals on eight plots in two localities with differing anthropogenic pressures: Mazán, an area closed to tourists with greater plant diversity and trees with greater diameters, and Llaviucu, an area open to tourists with lower diversity and lower average tree size. In total, 877 individuals of 13 species were recorded. Nephelomys albigularis, Akodon mollis and Thomasomys baeops were the most abundant. Ordination of the community revealed a tendency to separate the composition between the two study sites; Phyllotis andium, Thomasomys caudivarius and Caenolestesfuliginosus tend to cluster in plots characterized by an increase in the number of trees with larger diameters and greater plant diversity. This feature explains how species associated with more arboreal habits, sensitive to habitat change, are more strongly associated with mature montane forests strictly protected from human impacts.

Los Andes del sur de Ecuador tienen una rica diversidad de pequeños mamíferos no voladores. Sin embargo, la pérdida de hábitat en la región Altoandina es extensa. En particular, los bosques montanos están siendo sometidos a fuertes presiones antropogénicas; por lo que las áreas protegidas son importantes herramientas de conservación. Desafortunadamente, la degradación y pérdida de hábitats afectan incluso a estas áreas. El Parque Nacional Cajas es un área protegida dentro de esta región que contiene bosques montanos influenciados por diferentes niveles de alteración antrópica. Investigamos cómo la comunidad de estos mamíferos responde a los cambios de hábitat en estas áreas. Para ello evaluamos las diferencias en la composición de la comunidad de pequeños mamíferos no voladores en ocho parcelas de dos localidades con diferentes presiones antropogénicas; Mazán, zona cerrada a turistas, con mayor diversidad vegetal y árboles con mayores diámetros, y Llaviucu, zona abierta a turistas, con menor diversidad y menor tamaño promedio de árboles. En total, se registraron 877 individuos de 13 especies. Nephelomys albigularis, Akodon mollis y Thomasomys baeops fueron los más abundantes. La ordenación de la comunidad mostró una separación de la composición entre los dos sitios de estudio; Phyllotis andium, Thomasomys caudivarius y Caenolestes fuliginosus tienden a agruparse hacia un aumento de árboles con diámetros mayores y una mayor diversidad de plantas. Esta característica explica cómo las especies asociadas con hábitos más arbóreos están más asociadas con bosques montanos maduros y estrictamente protegidos de la actividad humana.

Resumo O interflúvio Tapajós-Xingu, um dos centros de endemismo da Amazônia, onde habita uma das mais poderosas aves de rapina, a harpia, é também alvo de intensa pressão antrópica com reduções históricas da cobertura florestal. Analisamos a disponibilidade de vertebrados e o consumo de presas por harpia em seis territórios de reprodução no Rio Xingu, entre 2013 e 2015. A disponibilidade de recursos alimentares foi baseada nos dados de amostragens por dois métodos: levantamentos terrestres pelo método RAPELD e resgate/afugentamento da fauna antes da supressão da vegetação para construção de infra-estrutura para o Complexo Hidrelétrico Belo Monte. As espécies de presas consumidas pela harpia foram identificadas a partir de vestígios coletados em seis ninhos. Dezoito espécies de mamíferos, aves e répteis compuseram a dieta no baixo e médio Rio Xingu, com maior proporção de preguiças, macacos e porcos-espinhos, incluindo duas espécies (Opisthocomus hoazin e Iguana iguana) associadas aos hábitats criados por rios. A proporção de indivíduos das espécies predadas no ninho com maior número de coletas foi diferente da disponibilidade (χ2 = 54,23; gl = 16; p < 0,001), no entanto, existe correlação positiva (rs = 0,7; p < 0,01) entre o consumo de presas e a abundância disponível, com a predação maior sobre espécies mais abundantes. A riqueza de presas indica que as florestas remanescentes na região foram fonte eficiente de recursos alimentares para a reprodução e manutenção da harpia. O monitoramento da dieta da harpia nos ninhos pode apresentar alterações relacionadas às mudanças no pulso sazonal de inundação do Xingu, provocadas pelo futuro funcionamento da usina hidrelétrica e à redução da floresta no entorno dos ninhos localizados no Reservatório Xingu e Intermediário. É importante considerar a proteção dos remanescentes florestais no entorno dos territórios de nidificação para garantir a disponibilidade de presas e a reprodução efetiva dos casais de harpia na região.

Abstract In the Tapajos-Xingu interfluve, one of the largest birds of prey, the Harpy Eagle, is under intense anthropogenic pressure due to historical and recent reductions in forest cover. We studied prey availability and use by Harpy Eagle on six breeding territories on the low- and mid-Xingu River, between 2013 and 2015. We evaluated food resource availability using the environmental-surveys database from two methods: terrestrial surveys (RAPELD method) and fauna rescue/flushing before vegetation suppression for the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Complex construction. Harpy Eagle diet was identified by prey remains sampled around six nest trees. Eighteen species of mammals, birds and reptiles comprised the prey items. Most prey species were sloths, primates and porcupines, which have arboreal habits and are found in forested areas, but two species, hoatzin and iguana, are usually associated with riverine habitats. The proportion of prey from each species predated on the nest best studied was different from estimated availability (χ2 = 54.23; df = 16; p < 0.001), however there was a positive correlation (rs = 0.7; p < 0.01) between prey species consumed and abundance available, where the predation was more on species more abundant. Continuous monitoring of the Harpy Eagle diet at these nests could evidence changes in the assemblage of prey species available for Harpy Eagles, due to changes in the seasonal flood pulse of the Xingu River to be caused by the operation of the hydroelectric dam, and changes in habitat features by forest reduction around breeding territories. We believe that it is important to consider the protection of remnants of forested areas in the landscape matrix surrounding the breeding territories to maintain the food resource availability and allow all pairs to successfully reproduce.

Apesar dos avanços nas técnicas para pesquisa de pequenos mamíferos arborícolas, dados ecológicos detalhados, tal como padrões de uso do habitat, são praticamente inexistentes para muitas espécies. Utilizando 150 armadilhas de captura viva instaladas no solo, sub-bosque (1,0-5,0m) e dossel (> 5,0m) nós investigamos padrões no uso do espaço arbóreo e terrestre por pequenos mamíferos em uma Floresta com Araucária no sul do Brasil (29°29′08″S; 50°12′26″W). Nós medimos 19 variáveis de micro-habitat que poderiam potencialmente influenciar a abundância de tais mamíferos em cada estação de captura. Os resultados indicaram que Akodon montensis e A. serrensis foram principalmente terrestres. Delomys dorsalis também foi terrestre, mas também utilizou o sub-bosque (17,24% das capturas). Juliomys sp. e Gracilinanus microtarsus foram os pequenos mamíferos mais arborícolas registrados. A. montensis esteve associado com vegetação densa, enquanto A. serrensisselecionou positivamente áreas abertas. Juliomys sp. e G. microtarsus estiveram associados a variáveis de micro-habitat relacionadas ao acesso e movimentação no dossel. Além disso, bromélias no estrato arbóreo foram um importante fator para estas duas espécies arborícolas. Este é o primeiro estudo a reportar associações de micro-habitat por Juliomyssp. e A. serrensis, e nós demonstramos que a estratificação vertical e o uso do micro-habitat são mecanismos sinergéticos em determinar o uso do habitat por pequenos mamíferos na Floresta com Araucária do sul do Brasil.

Despite the advances in the techniques for researching arboreal small mammals, detailed ecological data, such as habitat use patterns, are practically nonexistent for many species. Using 150 live-traps installed on the ground, understory (1.0-5.0m) and canopy (>5.0m) we investigated patterns of arboreal and terrestrial space use by small mammals in an Araucaria Forest in southern Brazil (29°29′08″S; 50°12′26″W). We also measured 19 microhabitat variables that could potentially influence the abundance of such mammals on each trap station. The results indicated that Akodon montensis and A. serrensis were mainly terrestrial. Delomys dorsalis was also terrestrial, but it also used understory (17.24% of captures). Juliomys sp. and Gracilinanus microtarsus were the most arboreal small mammals recorded. A. montensis was associated with dense vegetation, while A. serrensis selected positively opened areas. Juliomys sp. and G. microtarsus were associated to microhabitat variables related to the access and movement within the canopy. Moreover, bromeliads on arboreal layer were an important factor for these two arboreal species. This is the first study to report microhabitat associations by Juliomys sp. and A. serrensis, and we demonstrated that vertical stratification and microhabitat use were both synergic mechanisms to determine habitat use by small mammals on the Araucaria Forest of southern Brazil.

En Isla Gorgona se registran dos subespecies endémicas de mamíferos arbóreos, el Mono capuchino de pecho blanco (Cebus capucinus curtus) y el Perezoso de tres dedos de garganta marrón (Bradypus variegatus gorgon), especies importante para la conservación debido a su carácter endémico y papel ecológico como dispersores de semillas en el PNN Gorgona. En este trabajo se presenta información sobre la ecología poblacional de estas dos subespecies, utilizando el método de muestreo por distancia con transectos lineales para establecer la densidad, además se describió la estructura etaria general de cada población con base en los muestreos y observaciones directas. La densidad de C. capucinus curtus en isla Gorgona fue de 170,6 ind/km² (IC 95%=122,0-238,4 ind/km²) mientras que para B. variegatus gorgon fue de 2,6 ind/km² (IC 95%=1,3-4,9 ind/km²). El registro de densidad de C. capucinus curtus en isla Gorgona es el más alto para la especie en todo su rango de distribución geográfica, mientras que el de B. variegatus gorgon es el más bajo reportado para la especie. La alta densidad de C. capucinus curtus estaría relacionada con un efecto sinérgico entre la baja depredación natural y la continua disponibilidad de alimento, mientras que la baja densidad de B. variegatus gorgon estaría relacionada con la presión de caza realizada en el pasado, la baja tasa reproductiva de la especie y una pandemia ocurrida en el año 2005. Se recomienda el monitoreo constante de las poblaciones y estudios de salud poblacional para B. variegatus gorgon.

is a continental island in the Pacific of Colombia. Two subspecies of arboreal mammals inhabit the island: the White-throated Capuchin (Cebus capucinus curtus) and the Brown-throated Sloth (Bradypus variegatus gorgon). These organisms are important for conservation since they are endemic and perform an essential role as seed dispersers in the National Park. This paper presents information on the population ecology of these two subspecies by using the transects-of-variable-width method, based on perpendicular detection distance, to establish density and age structure. The density of C. capucinus curtus in Gorgona Island was 170.6ind/km2 (95% CI=122-238.4), while that of B. variegatus gorgon was 2.6ind/km² (IC 95%= 1.3 to 4.9ind/km²). The density of C. capucinus curtus in Isla Gorgona is the highest recorded for this species throughout its geographic range, while that of B. variegatus gorgon is the lowest reported for the species. The high density of C. curtus capucinus could be related to a synergistic effect between low predation and continuous availability of food, while the low density of B. variegates gorgon could be related to past hunting pressure, to the low reproductive rate of the species, and to a pandemic occurred in 2005. We recommend constant monitoring of populations of both subspecies, and population health studies for B. variegatus gorgon. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (Suppl. 1): 447-456. Epub 2014 February 01.

Introduction: The Cerrado is characterized by a mosaic of habitats ranging from open grasslands to dense arboreal savannas and woodlands, with gallery forests along watercourses. Extensive areas of Cerrado have been gradually deforested in the last 50 years, currently only 20% of the biome still retains its original vegetation, and only 2.5% is preserved as permanent protected areas. Scientific knowledge of the Cerrado fauna, such as composition, natural history, and geographic distribution of its species is very important to conservation strategies. Nevertheless, most of the Cerrado still remains poorly sampled and studied. Although an increasing number of works have been published for Cerrado nonvolant small mammals in recent years, there are few studies dealing with biogeographic patterns for the biome. The objective of this study was to investigate the diversity of nonvolant small mammals and to determine the habitat use of the species encountered at Emas National Park - ENP, one of the most important reserves of the Cerrado biome, located in a region yet poorly known. Methodology: We sampled 28 different areas representing seven habitat types found in the ENP. Small mammals were surveyed during rainy and dry seasons with live and pitfall traps. The total effort was 10,664 trap-nights for live and 2,898 trap-nights for pitfall traps. The data analysis consisted of rarefaction curves, estimates of species richness, data on relative abundance, diversity and evenness indexes, as well as the faunal composition in each habitat type and in ENP in order to observe how the assemblage is characterized and distributed in the landscape to better understand the biogeography of this southwestern region in the Cerrado. Results: We recorded 23 species of marsupials and small rodents in ENP. The grass mouse Necromys lasiurus was the most abundant, with the majority of species being rare. More species and individuals were encountered during the rainy season, with gallery forests and arboreal dense savannas representing the richest habitats. The assemblage was composed by two species groups: one inhabiting the forests and the other the open areas. Species composition overlaps with those of adjacent biomes and other Cerrado regions, but we found endemic and southwestern restricted species, characterizing an assemblage most similar to the Pantanal and Chaco biomes. Discussion and conclusions: Previous studies in the Cerrado have shown a higher richness and abundance during the dry season. Our results could be explained by the higher abundance (reproduction period) and activity (abundance of resources) during the rainy season. The habitat selectivity results showed the great importance of canopy and humidity on the distribution of small mammals, with gallery forest being not the richest habitat in the region. The high richness also found in the savannas, although less stratified vertically, may be a result of horizontal heterogeneity. Other biomes adjoin the Cerrado and influence its faunal composition; compared to the Amazon and Atlantic Rainforest, the fauna of the present study showed greater similarity with the Amazon, contrary to prior studies. This pattern is mainly related to the presence of four taxa that occur in both the Amazon and Cerrado, but are replaced by sister groups in the Atlantic Rainforest. This study highlights the importance of this protected area, as it harbors a high richness of nonvolant small mammals, including endemic species and also species with restricted distributional ranges within the Cerrado, together with a unique faunal composition, characteristic of the southwestern portion of this biome.

El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar la diversidad de pequeños mamíferos no voladores y determinar su uso de hábitat en el Parque Nacional Emas - PNE, una de las reservas más importantes del bioma Cerrado, ubicado en una región aún poco conocida. Registramos la presencia de 23 especies de marsupiales y pequeños roedores en el PNE, 20 de las cuales fueron encontradas en siete tipos distintos de hábitats mediante el uso de trampas de caída (2,898 noches-trampa, 9 especies) y trampas de captura viva (10,664 noches-trampa, 18 especies). En general, fueron encontradas más especies durante la época lluviosa (20) que durante la época seca (12). El hábitat analices mostró claramente un ensamblaje compuesto por especies habitando diferentes tipos de hábitat, obteniéndose dos agrupamientos principales: bosques y áreas abiertas; pocas especies fueran observadas en ambos tipos de hábitat, fisonómicamente diferentes. Desde el punto de vista biogeográfico, la composición de especies registrada en el PNE se superpone con la de los biomas adyacentes cuando se consideran las especies generalistas y con amplia distribución. Sin embargo, encontramos cuatro especies endémicas del Cerrado, tres de ellas exclusivas de las formaciones abiertas del parque. La mayor similitud en cuanto a composición se dio con la fauna del Pantanal, seguida por la del Chaco, la de la Caatinga y la del Amazonas. El presente estudio resalta la importancia de esta área protegida, dado que contiene una alta riqueza de pequeños mamíferos no voladores, incluyendo tanto especies endémicas como especies con distribuciones restringidas dentro del Cerrado y por su composición faunística única característica de la porción sudoeste de este bioma.