ABSTRACT The Amazon manatee (Trichechus inunguis) is endemic to the Amazon Basin, with limited information on population dynamics and currently listed as Vulnerable by the Red List of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The aim of this study was to compare three methodologies: visual detection (VD), side scan sonar technology (SBL) and surveys to local communities; to detect the presence of the Amazonian manatee and assess the use of these methods for future studies along the species distribution range. The study was ca‑ rried out within the Tamshiyacu Tahuayo Communal Regional Conservation Area in Iquitos, Peru. The VD resulted in zero sightings at both seasons after a sampling effort of 30 and 29 hours during the rainy and dry seasons respectively. Af‑ ter using the SBL, two individuals were recorded in August, after a total sampling of 103.38 km in the dry season (0.02 ind/km). Surveys to artisanal fishermen in three neighboring communities indicated the presence of manatees and the perception of reduction in sightings within the protected area during 2018 (previous year of this study). We discussed the advantages and disadvantages of each methodology, the logistics associated with its use in complex habitats, and its effectiveness and potential use to detect manatees in future studies in the area.

RESUMEN El manatí amazónico (Trichechus inunguis) es endémico de la cuenca amazónica, cuenta con una limitada información de dinámica poblacional y actualmente está categorizado como Vulnerable por la Lista Roja de la Unión Internacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza (UICN). El presente estudio tiene como objetivo comparar tres metodologías: registro visual (RV), sonar de barrido lateral (SBL) y encuestas en comunidades locales; para detectar la presencia de la especie y evaluar su aplicación para futuros estudios en su zona de distribución. El estudio fue llevado a cabo dentro del Área de Conservación Regional Comunal Tamshiyacu Tahuayo en Iquitos, Perú. El RV resultó en cero avistamientos en ambas estaciones luego de un esfuerzo de muestreo de 30 y 29 horas en la estación creciente y vaciante respectivamente. Tras el uso del SBL, dos individuos se registraron en agosto, luego de un recorrido total de 103,38 km en la estación vaciante (0,02 ind/km). Las encuestas realizadas a los pescadores artesanales en tres comunidades aledañas indicaron la presencia de la especie, así como la percepción de una reducción en avistamientos en el área protegida durante el 2018 (año previo a las encuestas). Se discute las ventajas y desventajas de cada metodología, la logística asociada a su uso en hábitats complejos, y su efectividad y uso potencial para la detección de manatíes en futuros estudios en la zona.

ABSTRACT We present results of the first simultaneous visual and acoustic surveys for Amazon River dolphins (Inia geoffrensis) and tucuxi (Sotalia fluviatilis), undertaken in Yarinacocha Lagoon, Ucayali, Peru (length = 20 km, area = 12 km2). A total of 324 Sotalia observations and 44 Inia observations were recorded in boat-based transects. Based upon total survey effort, we estimated Sotalia had a mean density ± SE of 1.98 ± 4.6 ind km−2 and an overall abundance of 34 individuals (95% CI: 28 to 40). Average density for Inia was 0.2 ± 1.2 ind km−2 with overall abundance estimated at 3 individuals (95% CI: 0 to 8). Visual surveys observed more Sotalia individuals during earlier hours of the day and during the dry season. Preliminary acoustic surveys undertaken with C-POD passive acoustic monitoring devices indicated a diel pattern in detections of cetacean vocalization with more diurnal activity and with detections ceasing from midnight until 10:00 AM. This work highlights the possibility of monitoring both river dolphin species through visual and acoustic surveys to generate baseline information on abundance trends and distribution patterns in the Ucayali region, an area with high levels of human disturbance.

ABSTRACT Background These trials are the first randomised controlled trials of telephone-based weight management and healthy lifestyle interventions for low back pain and knee osteoarthritis. This article describes the protocol and statistical analysis plan. Method These trials are parallel randomised controlled trials that investigate and compare the effect of a telephone-based weight management and healthy lifestyle intervention for improving pain intensity in overweight or obese patients with low back pain or knee osteoarthritis. The analysis plan was finalised prior to initiation of analyses. All data collected as part of the trial were reviewed, without stratification by group, and classified by baseline characteristics, process of care and trial outcomes. Trial outcomes were classified as primary and secondary outcomes. Appropriate descriptive statistics and statistical testing of between-group differences, where relevant, have been planned and described. Conclusions A protocol for standard analyses was developed for the results of two randomised controlled trials. This protocol describes the data, and the pre-determined statistical tests of relevant outcome measures. The plan demonstrates transparent and verifiable use of the data collected. This a priori protocol will be followed to ensure rigorous standards of data analysis are strictly adhered to.