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Simple Summary: The knowledge of the dynamics of ticks in wild animals is essential for surveillance of tick-borne diseases. Coatis (Nasua nasua) are mammals that easily adapt to anthropized areas, favoring close contact with domestic animals and humans, favoring the exchange of ticks and tick-borne agents. The present study aimed to investigate the tick diversity on coatis from forest urban areas of midwestern Brazil, as well as the dynamics of ticks during the seasons of the year and the correlation between tick species and gender and age of the sampled coatis. Three tick species were identified parasitizing coatis from forested urban fragments, namely A. dubitatum nymphs, A. sculptum adults and nymphs, and A. ovale adults. After analyzing the obtained results, it is likely that coatis from anthropized areas present tick species diversity lower than those from natural landscapes. The mean intensity and prevalence of Amblyomma larvae and nymphs is similar among males and females as well as in immature and mature animals, which might reflect the gregarious behavior of coatis, since adult males live together with females and offspring outside and inside the mating season, forming large groups of individuals. Understanding the diversity and ecology of ectoparasites in wild animals is essential for surveillance of vector-borne diseases. Coatis (Nasua nasua) easily adapt to anthropized areas, favoring close contact with domestic animals and humans, with the possibility of exchange of ectoparasites and pathogens. The present study aimed to identify the diversity of ticks parasitizing coatis from forest urban areas of midwestern Brazil, to evaluate the seasonal dynamics of ticks during the seasons of the year, and to assess the correlation between tick species and gender and age of the sampled coatis. For this purpose, 103 coatis were captured in two Conservation areas, both located in Campo Grande city, Mato Grosso do Sul state, Midwestern Brazil. The animals' entire body was inspected for the presence of ectoparasites, and ticks were removed for taxonomic identification. In total, 168 captures were performed in both areas during the observational study considering the first capture and recaptures. In total, 2242 ticks were collected: 838 Amblyomma larvae, 1241 A. sculptum nymphs, and 150 A. dubitatum nymphs. Thirteen adult ticks were identified as three males and five females of A. sculptum and two males and three females of A. ovale. While a quantity of Amblyomma larvae was observed in the first months of the year (January, April and May), Amblyomma nymphs showed a higher quantity during the months of July, August, October and November. No statistical difference was observed when comparing mean intensity and prevalence of Amblyomma larvae, nymphs of A. sculptum and A. dubitatum between the two sampled areas, males vs. females and immature vs. mature animals. In conclusion, three tick species were identified parasitizing coatis from forested urban fragments in midwestern Brazil, namely A. dubitatum nymphs, A. sculptum adults and nymphs, and A. ovale adults. Coatis from anthropized areas seem to present tick species diversity lower than those from natural areas. The lack of statistical difference regarding mean intensity and prevalence of Amblyomma larvae and nymphs between males vs. females and immature vs. mature animals might have reflected the gregarious behavior of coatis, since adult males live together with females and offspring outside and inside the mating season, forming large groups of individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ticks parasitize various hosts, including humans, and are known to transmit pathogens that can be harmful not only to animals but also to humans. To evaluate the possible presence of pathogens in ticks, we aimed to collect and identify tick fauna specimens in Lagoa Comprida Municipal Natural Park, an anthropogenic urban area located in Aquidauana, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. A total of 1216 ticks, of which 51.2% were Amblyomma sculptum , 1.2% were Amblyomma dubitatum , and 41% were Amblyomma spp. were collected. These results show that the prevalence of A. sculptum is significantly higher than that of A. dubitatum across all four seasons. Molecular analyses revealed positive samples for the genus Babesia , including the confirmation of Babesia bigemina in an A. sculptum specimen, marking the first record of this relationship. This unexpected finding demands greater attention and deeper analysis in the context of the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases. • Predominance of Amblyomma sculptum and Amblyomma dibitatum in Lagoa Comprida Municipal Natural Park. • None of the 1216 collected samples tested positive for Rickettsia spp. and Borrelia spp. • Identification of Babesia bigemina DNA in Amblyomma sculptum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses research which monitored the occurrence of ticks on monitored free-ranging giant anteaters and on road-killed anteaters and armadillos in the state of Mato Grosso du Sul in Brazil. Topics include the number of ticks according to tick species on anteaters and armadillos sampled, the major role of giant anteaters as hosts for A. sculptum adult ticks, and the importance of both the monitoring studies of free-ranging animals and the monitoring of carcasses on highways.