Resumo A ariranha (Pteronura brasiliensis) é um carnívoro semiaquático e um predador de topo na cadeia trófica, considerada sentinela dos ecossistemas de água doce. Os carrapatos são ectoparasitos comuns com distribuição mundial e potenciais vetores de doenças. Neste estudo, foi relatado o ectoparasitismo por carrapatos em uma carcaça de ariranha encontrada durante atividade de monitoramento no Rio Negro, no Pantanal brasileiro, que abriga uma população viável desta espécie ameaçada de extinção. Um total de três espécimes de carrapatos foram coletados: dois adultos foram identificados como Amblyomma sculptum e uma ninfa como Amblyomma spp. Há uma lacuna de informações sobre a saúde das ariranhas de vida livre e este relato contribui para elucidar algumas das relações parasita-hospedeiro, embora ainda seja necessária mais pesquisa para ampliar o conhecimento sobre quais tipos de patógenos estão circulando na espécie, especialmente entre os transmitidos por carrapatos. Pteronura brasiliensis trófica doce doenças estudo Negro brasileiro extinção coletados spp parasitahospedeiro, parasitahospedeiro parasita hospedeiro, hospedeiro parasita-hospedeiro

Abstract The giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) is a semiaquatic carnivore and a top predator in the trophic chain, considered a sentinel of freshwater ecosystems. Ticks are common ectoparasites of worldwide distribution and potential vectors of diseases. In this study, we report the ectoparasitism by ticks on a giant otter carcass found during monitoring activity at the Negro River, that holds a viable population of this endangered species in the Brazilian Pantanal. A total of three tick specimens were collected: two adults were identified as Amblyomma sculptum and a nymph as Amblyomma spp. There is a lack of information about the health of free-ranging giant otters and this report contributes to elucidate some of the host-parasite relationships, although much more research is needed to expand the knowledge about which kinds of pathogens are circulating in the species, especially among those transmitted by ticks. Pteronura brasiliensis chain ecosystems diseases study River Pantanal collected spp freeranging free ranging hostparasite host parasite relationships

Resumo As ariranhas são mamíferos semiaquáticos habitantes do território brasileiro. É comum encontrar vários indivíduos apresentando feridas e cicatrizes devido a conflitos intraespecíficos. A miíase é uma infestação parasitária em tecidos vivos de vertebrados, causada por larvas de dípteros que, geralmente, se desenvolvem em feridas recém-abertas, podendo ameaçar seriamente a saúde do hospedeiro. Ectoparasitos parecem ser raros em ariranhas e, até o presente, não há relatos de miíase nesta espécie. Aqui, é apresentado um registro de miíase em uma ariranha de vida livre, encontrada morta no Pantanal, Brasil. Foi encontrada uma lesão ulcerativa na região frontoparietal, na qual foram recuperadas 22 larvas identificadas como Cochliomyia hominivorax. A baixa ocorrência de ectoparasitos em ariranhas pode refletir seus hábitos semiaquáticos e seu comportamento de limpeza, o que dificulta a permanência dos parasitos na pele. A ariranha ferida, provavelmente, se infestou com as larvas após uma briga intraespecífica. Encontros agonísticos entre grupos de ariranhas já foram relatados antes, e essas lutas podem resultar em ferimentos graves ou até mesmo em morte. Foi hipotetizado que a miíase causada por C. hominivorax deteriorou a saúde da ariranha infestada, o que impediu a recuperação e acelerou sua morte.

Abstract Giant otters are territorial semi-aquatic mammals. It is common to find several individuals exhibiting wounds and scars due to intraspecific conflicts. Myiasis is a parasitic infestation on living tissues of vertebrates caused by dipterous larvae, that usually develops in freshly open wounds and can seriously threaten the host’s health. Ectoparasites seem to be rare among giant otters and myiasis had not been recorded in this species until now. Here, is presented one record of myiasis in a free-ranging giant otter found dead in the Pantanal, Brazil. An ulcerative lesion was found in the frontoparietal region, from which 22 larvae were recovered and identified as Cochliomyia hominivorax. The low occurrence of ectoparasites in giant otters might reflect their semi-aquatic habits and their grooming behavior, which makes it difficult for parasites to remain on the skin. The injured otter probably got the larvae after an intraspecific fight. Agonistic encounters between groups of giant otters have been reported before and these fights can result in serious wounds or even death. It was hypothesized that the myiasis caused by C. hominivorax deteriorated the health of the infested giant otter, which prevented recovery and accelerated its death.

As populações de javali estão se espalhando rapidamente pelo centro-oeste do Brasil, causando dano às lavouras, impactando a biodiversidade e, possivelmente, carreando doenças para os animais de criação. Apesar do seu perigo, pouco se conhece sobre as populações introduzidas em áreas agrícolas do país. A crítica falta de conhecimentos sobre aspectos básicos da ecologia espacial dos javalis na região nos levou a capturar e monitorar sete javalis com colares equipados com sistema de posicionamento global de modo a avaliar seus padrões de atividade, características das áreas de vida e padrões de seleção de habitat em áreas de interface entre zonas agrícolas e matas ciliares. Capturamos e rastreamos os animais usando coleiras GPS entre 19 e 77 dias. As áreas de vida estimadas através dos métodos Mínimo Polígono Convexo e Kernel de Pontes Aleatórias Tendenciosas variaram de 273-1253 ha (mediana = 497 ha) e 129-779 ha (mediana = 235 ha) respectivamente. Os animais monitorados foram mais ativos no período noturno, com pico de atividade durante a primeira metade da noite (entre 19:00-03:00 h) e menor atividade nas horas mais quente do dia (12:00 h). Os javalis tiveram clara preferência por áreas de mata ciliar tanto em períodos diurnos quanto noturnos. Eles também evitaram áreas abertas (como lavouras e pastagens), principalmente no período diurno. Nosso estudo fornece informações importantes para aumentar a eficiência dos planos de controle, direcionando esforços de captura para os períodos de maior atividade e para os habitats preferidos pelos javalis na região estudada.

Wild boar populations are rapidly spreading through midwest Brazil, causing crop damage, impacting biodiversity and, possibly, spreading diseases to livestock. Despite their threat, little is known about introduced populations in Brazilian agricultural landscapes. The critical lack of knowledge about basic aspects of wild boar spatial ecology led us to evaluate home range sizes, activity pattern and habitat selection in interface regions of agricultural crops and natural riparian forests. We captured and monitored seven individuals using global position system collars throughout 19 to 77 days. The home range sizes calculated by Minimum Convex Polygon and Biased Random Bridge Kernel ranged from 273 to 1253 ha (median = 497 ha) and from 129 to 779 ha (median = 235 ha), respectively. Animals were more active at night, with an activity peak during the first half of the night (between 19:00-03:00 h) and less activity during the hottest hours of day (12:00 h). Wild boars positively selected riverine forests both during the day and night. They also avoided open areas (like crops and pastures), mainly during daylight. Our study provides information to improve control plans, directing capture efforts towards periods of high activity in the preferred habitats used by wild boars in the studied region.

Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar um índice de biomassa relativa por espécie, em uma comunidade de mamíferos de médio a grande porte, assim como determinar como o javali (Sus scrofa) invasor se ajusta a esse índice, e verificar se a ocupação de locais por cães interfere na ocupação por javalis e quanto o período de atividade dos cães se sobrepõe ao do javali. O índice de biomassa/esforço foi medido para cada espécie de mamífero nativo e também para o javali invasor, em duas fazendas em área de Mata Atlântica do Oeste do Brasil, por meio de armadilhas fotográficas, que também foram usadas para estimar a sobreposição espacial e o período de atividade de cães e javalis. Os javalis parecem dominar a comunidade de mamíferos, poucos anos depois que sua presença na região foi registrada. Surpreendentemente, várias espécies ameaçadas de mamíferos nativos ainda persistem na paisagem altamente modificada das áreas estudadas, porém suas tendências populacionais são ainda desconhecidas. Javalis e cães ocupam em geral as mesmas áreas; no entanto, não se sobrepõem no período de atividade, o que é indicativo de que é improvável que os cães possam efetivamente proteger os cultivos.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to estimate an index of the relative biomass per species, in a medium to large-sized mammal community, as well as to determine how the introduced wild boar (Sus scrofa) fits into this index, and to verify if the occupancy of sites by domestic dogs interferes with those of wild boars and how much the periods of dogs’ activity overlap those of wild boars. The biomass/effort index was measured for each native mammal species and for the introduced wild boar, in two surveyed farms in Brazil’s Western Atlantic Forest range, through the use of camera trappings that were also used to verify if dogs and wild boar overlap in space and activity time. Wild boars seem to dominate the community, just a few years after their presence was first recorded in the region. Surprisingly, several native endangered mammal species persist in the highly modified landscape of the studied areas, but their population trends are still unknown. Wild boars and dogs generally occupy the same areas; however, they do not overlap in activity time, which is an indicative that it is unlikely that the dogs can effectively protect the crops.

Resumo Atualizamos a lista de mamíferos do estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil com base em registros primários. Cento e sessenta e seis espécies são listadas como ocorrentes no estado, sendo 47 de mamíferos de médio e grande porte, 46 de pequenos mamíferos e 73 de morcegos. As espécies listadas estão distribuídas em 31 famílias: Didelphidae (17 spp.), Dasypodidae (7 spp.), Myrmecophagidae (2 spp.), Cebidae (1 sp.), Callithrichidae (2 spp.), Aotidae (1 sp.), Pitheciidae (1 sp.), Atelidae (1 sp.), Leporidae (1 sp.), Felidae (7 spp.), Canidae (4 spp.), Mustelidae (5 spp.), Mephitidae (2 sp.), Procyonidae (2 spp.), Tapiridae (1 sp.), Tayassuidae (2 spp.), Cervidae (4 spp.), Sciuridae (1 sp.), Cricetidae (22 spp.), Erethizontidae (1 sp.), Caviidae (3 spp.), Dasyproctidae (1 sp.), Cuniculidae (1 sp.), Echimyidae (4 spp.), Phyllostomidae (41 spp.), Emballonuridae (2 spp.), Molossidae (16 spp.), Vespertilionidae (9 spp.), Mormoopidae (1 sp.), Noctilionidae (2 spp) e Natalidade (1 sp.). Estes números representam um aumento de quatorze espécies com registro primário para o estado em comparação com a listagem publicada anteriormente. Ainda assim, é evidente a escassez de informações em diversas regiões do estado, e a necessidade de implementação de coleções zoológicas regionais. O estado de Mato Grosso do Sul representa apenas 4,19% do território brasileiro, mas o número de mamíferos atinge 24,13% do total de espécies que ocorrem no país.

Abstract We updated the checklist of mammals from Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil based on primary records only. One hundred and sixty-six mammal species were listed as occurring in the state, 47 of them being medium to large, 47 small mammal and 73 bat species. The listed species are distributed in 31 families: Didelphidae (17 spp.), Dasypodidae (7 spp.), Myrmecophagidae (2 spp.), Cebidae (1 sp.), Callithrichidae (2 spp.), Aotidae (1 sp.), Pitheciidae (1 sp.), Atelidae (1 sp.), Leporidae (1 sp.), Felidae (7 spp.), Canidae (4 spp.), Mustelidae (5 spp.), Mephitidae (2 spp.), Procyonidae (2 spp.), Tapiridae (1 sp.), Tayassuidae (2 spp.), Cervidae (4 spp.), Sciuridae (1 sp.), Cricetidae (22 spp.), Erethizontidae (1 sp.), Caviidae (3 spp.), Dasyproctidae (1 sp.), Cuniculidae (1 sp.), Echimyidae (4 spp.), Phyllostomidae (41 spp.), Emballonuridae (2 spp.), Molossidae (16 spp.), Vespertilionidae (9 spp.), Mormoopidae (1 sp.), Noctilionidae (2 spp.), and Natalidade (1 sp.). These numbers represent an increase of fourteen species with primary records for the state in comparison with the previously published checklist. However, it is evident the scarcity of information at several regions of the state, and the need of implementation of regional zoological collections. The state of Mato Grosso do Sul represent only 4.19% of the Brazilian territory, but the number of mammal species reach 24.13% of the known species occurring in the country.

RESUMO Este artigo consiste de uma lista comentada das espécies de carrapatos coletadas em diversas espécies de animais selvagens e domésticos incluindo aquelas espécies já reportadas na região. Os animais capturados são em sua maioria mamíferos de pequeno e médio porte. Os carnívoros foi o grupo com maior número de observações. Entretanto, o veado campeiro ( Ozotocerus bezoarticus) e o tamanduá bandeira ( Mymercophaga tridactyla) também tiveram um número significativamente de amostras. Dentre os animais domésticos, cães, equinos e bovinos foram examinados. No total foram listadas 18 espécies de carrapatos para a região. Dezesseis delas são carrapatos duros (Ixodidae) e duas, carrapatos moles (Argasidae). Dentre os Ixodidae, Amblyomma sculptum foi a espécie mais encontrada, sendo considerada a mais abundante na região. Ornithodoros rostratus (Argasidae) mostrou-se frequente e abundante, sendo o principal representante da família. Somando as coletas com os resultados de literatura, as seguintes espécies foram catalogadas para a região: Argas miniatus Koch, 1844; Ornithodoros rostratus Aragão, 1911; Dermacentor nitens Newmann, 1897; Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus Canestrini, 1887; A. tigrinum Koch, 1844; A. dissimile Koch, 1844; A. ovale Koch, 1844; A. parvum Aragão, 1908; A. sculptum Berlese, 1888; A. calcaratum Neumann, 1899; A. coelebs Neumann, 1899; A. dubittatum Newmann, 1899; A. scalpturatum Newmann, 1906; A. naponense Packard, 1869; A. nodosum Newmann, 1899; A. pseudoconcolor Aragão, 1908; A. rotundatum Koch, 1844; A. triste Koch, 1844.

ABSTRACT This is a commented list of tick’s species collected on various wild and domestic animals, including the reports on scientific literature for the studied region. Most of animals were small or medium mammals. Carnivores were the main taxa group examined. Although, the pampas deer ( Ozotocerus bezoarticus) and giant anteater ( Mymercophaga tridactyla) also has a good representation on study. Among domestic animals, dogs, horses and cattle were examined. Summing up, 18 tick species were listed for the region. Sixteen were hard ticks (Ixodidae) and two soft ticks (Argasidae). Amblyomma sculptum was the most common and abundant hard tick. Ornithodoros rostratus (Argasidae) was very abundant, being the more important Argasidae tick on the study region. The following species were colleted or reported on scientific literature: Argas miniatus Koch, 1844; Ornithodoros rostratus Aragão, 1911; Dermacentor nitens Newmann, 1897; Rhipicephalus ( Boophilus) microplus Canestrini, 1887; Amblyomma tigrinum Koch, 1844; A. dissimile Koch, 1844; A. ovale Koch, 1844; A. pauvum Aragão, 1908; A. sculptum Berlese, 1888; A. calcaratum Neumann, 1899; A. coelebs Neumann, 1899; A. dubittatum Newmann, 1899; A. scalpturatum Newmann, 1906; A. naponense Packard, 1869; A. nodosum Newmann, 1899; A. pseudoconcolor Aragão, 1908; A. rotundatum Koch, 1844; A. triste Koch, 1844.

ABSTRACT It is believed that the two species of Tolypeutes Illiger, 1811are the only armadillos that do not dig their own burrows, and that these species simply re-use burrows dug by other species. Here, we show that Tolypeutes matacus (Desmarest, 1804) and Tolypeutes tricinctus (Linnaeus, 1758) dig their own burrows. We describe the burrows and three other types of shelters used by them, and provide measurements and frequency of use of the different types of shelter. We have studied free-ranging individuals of T. matacus in two locations in Central Brazil and individuals of T. tricinctus in semi-captivity in the Northeast of Brazil. Individuals of T. matacus were found primarily in small burrows (76%), straw nests (13%), shallow depressions covered with leaf-litter (7%) or in straw nests made on shallow depressions (4%). Adult males and females of T. matacus did not differ in frequency of use of different types of shelter. Sub-adults T. matacus used shallow depressions and nests more often (40%) than adults (22%) and nurslings (10%). Nurslings of T. matacus reused the shelters more frequently (66%), than sub-adults (46%) and adults (35%). Adult females reused burrows and other types of shelter more frequently than adult males. Tolypeutes tricinctus rested mainly in burrows and under leaf-litter, but did not dig depressions or build nests. Tolypeutes tricinctus occasionally used burrows dug by Euphractus sexcinctus (Linnaeus, 1758), but T. matacus never used burrows dug by other species. Nursling T. matacus always shared shelter with an adult female therefore, both used shelters with similar frequency. Adult females and nurslings of T. matacus reused shelters in higher frequency. That can be explained by the fact that adult females with offspring tend to remain for consecutive nights in the same burrow when cubs are recently born. Due to their smaller body size, sub-adult T. matacus used shelter strategies that require less energetic effort more frequently than adults and nurslings. The habit of covering the burrow entrance with foliage and the burrow's reduced depth, indicates that Tolypeutes use of burrows is more likely to be related to parental care behavior and thermoregulation strategies than to defense mechanisms. We are confident that the burrows used for resting were indeed dug by Tolypeutes because, besides the direct observation of armadillos digging burrows, the measures of the burrows are very distinctive from those presented as characteristic for the co-occurring burrowing species and are congruent with Tolypeutes size and carapace shape. The newly acquired knowledge that species of Tolypeutes dig burrows can be used to increase the well-being of individuals kept in captivity by adapting enclosures to enable their digging behavior. In addition, this information contributes not only to the study of the ecology and natural history of the species, but can shed new light on the study of the anatomy of specialized diggers. Tolypeutes spp. can comprise the least fossorial of all living armadillo species, but they can no longer be classified as non-diggers.

ABSTRACTINTRODUCTION: The transmission cycle of Trypanosoma cruzi in the Brazilian Pantanal region has been studied during the last decade. Although considerable knowledge is available regarding the mammalian hosts infected by T. cruzi in this wetland, no studies have investigated its vectors in this region. This study aimed to investigate the presence of sylvatic triatomine species in different habitats of the Brazilian Pantanal region and to correlate their presence with the occurrences of vertebrate hosts and T. cruzi infection.METHODS: The fieldwork involved passive search by using light traps and Noireau traps and active search by visual inspection. The light traps were placed at five selected points along forested areas for seven nights during each of the nine excursions. At each point where a light trap was set, eight Noireau traps were placed in palm trees and bromeliads.RESULTS: In all, 88 triatomine bugs were collected: two and one individuals from light traps and Noireau traps, respectively; three from peridomestic areas; 23 in coati nests; and 59 in thornbird nests. In this study, active search in microhabitats showed higher efficiency than passive search, since 95% of the triatomine bugs were caught in nests. Further, triatomine bugs were only found to be infected by T. cruzi in coati nests.CONCLUSIONS: Coati nests might act as a point of convergence and dispersion for triatomine bugs and mammal hosts infected by T. cruzi, thereby playing an important role in the sylvatic cycle of T. cruziin the Pantanal region.

Um inquérito sorológico em quatis (Procyonidae: Nasua nasua) e lobinhos (Canidae: Cerdocyon thous) de vida livre foi conduzido na sub-região da Nhecolândia do Pantanal Sulmatogrossense para avaliar a presença de anticorpos anti-Brucella (fenótipo liso). A pesquisa de anticorpos anti-Brucella foi realizada pelo teste do antígeno acidificado tamponado, utilizado como teste de triagem e pelo teste de polarização fluorescente, utilizado como teste confirmatório. A frequência de animais soropositivos para anticorpos anti-Brucella foi de 13,2% (5/38, IC 95%: 4,4% - 28,1%) para lobinhos e de 8,8% (3/34, IC 95%: 1,9% - 23,7%) para coatis. Não foi encontrada associação entre a soropositividade para brucelose e gênero ou idade. Os resultados deste estudo sugerem exposição a ou infecção de lobinhos e quatis do Pantanal Brasileiro por Brucella spp

A serological survey in free-ranging crab-eating foxes (Canidae: Cerdocyon thous) and brown-nosed coatis (Procyonidae: Nasua nasua) was performed in the Nhecolândia sub-region of the Brazilian Pantanal to evaluate the presence of anti-smooth Brucella antibodies on those wild populations. The detection of anti-smooth Brucella antibodies was performed by the Rose Bengal Test (RBT) as screening test and the Fluorescence Polarization Assay (FPA) as a confirmatory test. The frequency of smooth Brucella seropositive animals were 13.2% (5/38, 95% CI: 4.4% - 28.1%) for crab-eating foxes and 8.8% (3/34, 95% CI: 1.9% -23.7%) for brown-nosed coatis. No association was found between seropositivity for brucellosis and gender or age. The results of this study suggest exposure to or infection of crab-eating fox and brown-nosed coati from the Brazilian Pantanal by Brucella spp

Foi realizado um levantamento da infecção por Leptospira spp. em mamíferos silvestres do Pantanal sul-mato-grossense com o emprego da reação de soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM) e da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). Os sorovares de maior frequência nos animais investigados foram Hardjobovis (28%), Icterohemorhagiae (12%), M-110/2006 (isolado de Cerdocyon thous; 16%), Canicola (L014 isolada de Bos taurus, 4%), Whitcombi (4%), Pomona (20%), Autumnalis (12%) e Copenhageni (M9/99 isolada de Rattus norvegicus, 4%). Das 79 amostras examinadas pela PCR, 21 (26,58%) foram positivas, com a amplificação de um fragmento de aproximadamente 331pb. Dois fragmentos amplificados obtidos de amostras de C. thous foram clonados, sequenciados e identificados como L. interrogans por análise filogenética.

A survey of Leptospira spp. in wild mammals from the southern Pantanal of Mato Grosso do Sul was performed by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The serovars most frequently found were Hardjobovis (28%), Icterohemorhagiae (12%), M110/2006 strain (isolated from Cerdocyon thous, 16%), Canicola (L014 isolated from Bos Taurus, 4%), Whitcombi (4%), Pomona (20%), Autumnalis (12%) and Copenhageni (M9/99 isolated from Rattus norvegicus, 4%). From the 79 samples tested by PCR, 21 (26.58%) were positive, resulting in the amplification fragment of approximately 331pb. Two amplified fragments from C. thous were cloned, sequenced and identified as L. interrogans by phylogenetic analysis.

Os autores relatam um caso de estenose de artéria hepática transplantada tratada com angioplastia e stent, que evoluiu para trombose completa após 30 dias do procedimento. Realizada trombólise intra-arterial e angioplastia subintimal com sucesso. Controle angiotomográfico após 90 dias demonstra perviedade da artéria hepática.

The present study reports a case of hepatic artery stenosis treated by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stent. After 30 days, this artery occluded and the patient was submitted successfully to thrombolysis and subintimal percutaneous angioplasty. Ninety days after the procedure a computed tomography showed patency of hepatic artery.

This work reports a survey of Leptospira spp in pampas deer (Ozotoceros bezoarticus) in the Pantanal wetlands of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil by serology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Seventy pampas deer were captured in the dry season and surveyed using PCR, microscopic agglutination test (MAT) (n = 51) and by both techniques (n = 47). PCR detected infections in two pampas deer and MAT detected infections in three. Through sequencing and phylogenetic analyses, the PCR-amplified fragment detected in deer was identified as Leptospira interrogans. Serovars Pomona and Butembo were detected using MAT and the highest titre was 200 for serovar Pomona. Epidemiological aspects of the findings are discussed.

De Maio a Outubro de 2006, 143 hipoboscídeos do gênero Lipoptena foram coletados sobre a superfície corporal de 16 veados-campeiros Ozotocerus bezoarticus capturados em quatro fazendas localizadas na área central do Pantanal brasileiro. Também foram examinados 172 bovinos na mesma área, sobre os quais não foram encontrados hipoboscídeos. Muitos dos parasitos foram identificados como Lipoptena guimaraesi apesar de um indivíduo de L. mazamae, registrado pela primeira vez sobre veado-campeiro. A prevalência de L. guimaraesi foi de 93,8%, a intensidade média de infestação foi de 9,5 e o índice de discrepância foi de 0,444.

From May to October of 2006 we collected 143 louse flies of the genus Lipoptena on the body surface of 16 pampas deer Ozotocerus bezoarticus captured in four farms from the central area of the Brazilian Pantanal wetlands. We also examined 172 cattle individuals and none of them had louse flies. Most of the parasites identified were Lipoptena guimaraesi but one specimen of L. mazamae was also found, representing a new host record for this ked fly. The prevalence of L. guimaraesi was 93.8%, the mean intensity of infestation was 9.5, and the index of discrepancy was 0.444.

The jabiru stork, Jabiru mycteria (Lichtenstein, 1819), a large, long-legged wading bird occurring in lowland wetlands from southern Mexico to northern Argentina, is considered endangered in a large portion of its distribution range. We conducted aerial surveys to estimate the number of jabiru active nests in the Brazilian Pantanal (140,000 km²) in September of 1991-1993, 1998, 2000-2002, and 2004. Corrected densities of active nests were regressed against the annual hydrologic index (AHI), an index of flood extension in the Pantanal based on the water level of the Paraguay River. Annual nest density was a non-linear function of the AHI, modeled by the equation 6.5 · 10-8 · AHI1.99 (corrected r² = 0.72, n = 7). We applied this model to the AHI between 1900 and 2004. The results indicate that the number of jabiru nests may have varied from about 220 in 1971 to more than 23,000 in the nesting season of 1921, and the estimates for our study period (1991 to 2004) averaged about 12,400 nests. Our model indicates that the inter-annual variations in flooding extent can determine dramatic changes in the number of active jabiru nests. Since the jabiru stork responds negatively to drier conditions in the Pantanal, direct human-induced changes in the hydrological patterns, as well as the effects of global climate change, may strongly jeopardize the population in the region.

Tick species parasitizing yellow armadillo, Euphractus sexcinctus, were recorded from October 2006 to October 2007 in Pantanal. A total of 89 ticks were collected from 23 yellow armadillos. Most ticks (n = 50) were identified as Amblyomma cajennense (Fabricius) (32 males and 18 females). The only other species found was Amblyomma parvum (Aragão) (three females and two males). The remaining ticks were immatures of Amblyomma (29 nymphs and five larvae). The prevalence of A. cajennense was 55%, the mean intensity was 2.7 ± 0.5 (SE) (n = 17) and the mean abundance was 1.5 ± 0.4 (n = 31).