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Environmental DNA (eDNA) represents a sensitive and efficient method for noninvasively sampling rare or otherwise hard to monitor taxa, potentially making it a powerful tool for conservation management. Still, this novel method can be affected by sampling protocols, abiotic characteristics of the microhabitat, the focal taxa itself, and primer design. Here we designed 12 species-specific primers for the critically endangered Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis) inhabiting the middle to lower Yangtze River in China to enable complementary population survey tools for conservation efforts. Representing primer pairs that amplify a range of DNA fragment sizes, we test these primers for sensitivity at amplifying finless porpoise DNA using conventional PCR from serial diluted blood samples, and from eDNA in aquaria and in the wild, including a nature reserve and a negative control site. We further investigated the capacity for these primers to detect finless porpoise DNA signals from water samples over a 30-day period. Our study presents which primers were successful at amplifying finless porpoise DNA from aquaria and in the wild, and further demonstrates no significant amplicon size effects on primer sensitivity or longevity. We summarize the impact primer design may have on eDNA applications in general and suggest future considerations for conservation efforts with the Yangtze finless porpoise.

Geographic distribution is basic information on the biology for any species. However, the precise data on spatial limits of species are unavailable for most taxa, but knowledge of such data is essential for their conservation and monitoring. We report the northernmost records of Inia araguaiaensis, a newly described river dolphin that occurs in the Araguaia and Tocantins Rivers, in central-eastern Brazil. Three stranded specimens were collected in Marajo Bay area and were identified as I. araguaiaensis based on mitochondrial DNA analysis. We assume that these records represent not only a range expansion of nearly 500 km north from the previous known limit of I. araguaiaensis, but also a potential evidence on species-level responses to changes in habitat, as a result of adaptability to variable environmental conditions. These new records based on stranded animals reveal the importance of sampling effort in remote areas, such as coastal waters of the Amazon estuary ecosystem, and help to establish the actual distribution limits of this aquatic mammal for conservation purposes.

The use of aquatic mammals as bait to enhance the harvest of fisheries species has garnered little attention by the scientific and conservation communities, often receiving only brief mention in reports focused on the human consumption or bycatch of aquatic mammals. A number of studies, however, highlight the negative impact of this practice on affected mammal populations. A systematic review of relevant literature published since 1970 yields new insight into the scope of the issue. Findings indicate that the practice of using aquatic mammals for bait has been and continues to be geographically widespread, has affected at least 42 species, and often involves deliberate killing for the express purpose of securing bait. The nature of the fisheries involved is diverse, encompassing a wide range of target species and gear types; however, shark fisheries that employ longlines appear to be the most widely engaged in using aquatic mammals as bait. This practice appears to be most common in Latin America and Asia. It is evident, based on our review, that there is little information on the impact of the direct take on most targeted mammal populations, commonly small cetaceans, and increased monitoring efforts are needed in many locales. In most instances, the ecology and population dynamics of the targeted fishery species is poorly understood and in some cases the species is classified as threatened, suggesting a greater fishery sustainability issue that cannot be fully addressed with a substitute for the aquatic mammal bait. It is essential that natural resource managers implement mitigation approaches that consider the socio-economic, cultural, political, and ecological circumstances leading to the use of aquatic mammal bait in each fishery.

On the Recommended Vernacular Names of Mesoplodon peruvianus Reyes, Mead & Van Waerebeek, 1991 (Cetacea, Ziphiidae) in Several World Languages Relevant and distinctive vernacular species names are essential to assure efficient communication among scientists under field and laboratory conditions, but also among non-specialists including the public at large. We provide a rationale for recommended vernacular and alternative names for the lesser beaked whale Mesoplodon peruvianus Reyes, Mead & Van Waerebeek, 1991 in 11 major world languages which encompass most of cetacean literature. Principal criteria for name endorsement are unambiguity and nonrepetitiveness with respect to other aquatic mammal species.

Metabarcoding allows the genetic analysis of pooled samples of various sources. It is becoming popular in the study of animal diet, especially because it allows the analysis of the composition of feces without the need of handling animals. In this work, we studied the diet of the Pyrenean desman (Galemys pyrenaicus), a small semi-aquatic mammal endemic to the Iberian Peninsula and the Pyrenees, by sequencing COI minibarcodes from feces using next-generation sequencing techniques. For the identification of assembled sequences, we employed a tree-based identification method that used a reference tree of sequences of freshwater organisms. The comparison of freshly collected fecal samples and older samples showed that fresh samples produced significantly more sequencing reads. They also rendered more operational taxonomical units (OTUs), but not significantly. Our analyses of 41 samples identified 224 OTUs corresponding to species of the reference tree. Ephemeroptera, Diptera excl. Chironomidae, and Chironomidae were the most highly represented groups in terms of reads as well as samples. Other groups of freshwater organisms detected were Plecoptera, Trichoptera, Neuropteroida, Coleoptera, Crustacea, and Annelida. Our results are largely in line with previous morphological and genetic studies on the diet of the Pyrenean desman, but allowed the identification of a higher diversity of OTUs in each sample. Additionally, the bioinformatic pipeline we developed for deep sequencing of fecal samples will enable the quantitative analysis of the diet of this and other species, which can be highly useful to determine their ecological requirements.

Background. Until 2015, the aquatic mammal’s biodiversity in the Mexican Caribbean was unknown, but was in that year when 18 species were confirmed to be distribute in this region, none of them a Rorcual species. Goals. The aim of this work is to report the first sighting of a Balaenopteridae whale in the Mexican Caribbean. Methods. CONANP patrolling activities at the National Park Isla Contoy were conduced. Results On 2th August 2018, a stranded-live whale was found. The animal was identified as a ~18m (in length) fin whale Balaenoptera physalus (Linnaeus, 1758). Conclusions. This note is the first confirmed record of this species in the Mexican Caribbean increasing the list of confirmed aquatic mammal species distributed in this region.

The Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) is an aquatic mammal (Family Trichechidae) that inhabits freshwater environments. It is endemic to the Amazon Basin, and occurs from Marajó Island (at the mouth of the Amazon River in Brazil) to the headwaters of the floodplain in Colombia, Peru and Ecuador. Little is known of the causes of death or the prevalence of zoonotic organisms in manatees from Peru; however, Leptospira spp. have been reported to cause mortalities in marine mammals. Here we evaluated the presence of Leptospira spp. antibodies in Amazonian manatees. To our knowledge, this is the first report of presence of antibodies against Leptospira spp. in aquatic mammals maintained in captivity in the Peruvian Amazon.

We estimated the abundance of Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) through a large-scale project conducted in 2010 in north-eastern Brazil and evaluated the efficacy of an aerial survey for conservation purposes. Two observers conducted the survey via flights that maintained an altitude of 150 m and an air speed of 140 km h−1, covering over 2590.2 km2of the coastline. Strip transects were flown in a zigzag pattern. A total of 67 manatees (on- and off-effort) were recorded in 55 sightings. Historical published records of occurrence were formally incorporated using a Bayesian approach. We estimated the manatee population for north-eastern Brazil in the form of a posterior distribution with a mean of 1104 individuals and a 95% posterior probability interval ranging from 485 to 2221 individuals, which indicates high uncertainty. More large-scale studies in the region are warranted to understand temporal trends, in addition to further studies in hotspot areas, with smaller spatial scales, to reduce the coefficient of variation and to allow the use of improved techniques for monitoring the manatees. A greater emphasis on species-specific characteristics and methods to enhance detection probability (e.g. dual observers) are also recommended. The conditions prevailing along the study area were not conducive to aerial surveillance; thus, the results are not a precise estimate of the manatee population. However, these highlight the importance of conservation efforts for the Antillean manatee, considered the most endangered aquatic mammal in Brazil.

Camera-trapping represents a powerful tool in wildlife research, particularly when dealing with elusive and rare species such as otters (Lutra spp.). Nevertheless, detection problems arise when trying to detect otters with camera traps. We hypothesized that the temperature difference between the otter emerging from the water and the environment was too low to be detected by the standard passive infrared sensors (PIR). During June–September of 2010 and 2011 in the Sangro River basin in central Italy, we designed and tested a new pressure trigger and compared its effectiveness with that of the standard PIR. Results are encouraging and suggest that the new trigger could be able to detect otters and other semi-aquatic mammals. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.

In the present study, the species composition, geographical and seasonal patterns of strandings, bycatches and injuries of aquatic mammals reported in Chinese mainland waters, from 2000 to 2006, were analyzed based on national official documents. A total of 97 strandings, 66 bycatches and 30 injuries, involving at least 18 species (possibly 20) in eight families of Cetacea and two families of Carnivora, were recorded. Finless porpoises (Neophocaena spp.), spotted seal ( Phoca largha) and bottlenose dolphins ( Tursiops spp. ) were the most common species in all three categories, in total comprising 59.8% of strandings, 97.0% of bycatches and 86.7% of injuries. Strandings occurred throughout the year, but records of both bycatches and injuries peaked in spring (March to May), corresponding to the major fishing season and may reflect the negative impacts of fishing activities. The highest species diversity found in Fujian Province may be linked to upwelling and high production in the Strait of Taiwan. Serious difficulties were encountered in overall data interpretation and between-provinces comparability, mainly due to a lack of quantified observer effort and variable expertise levels. Hence the establishment of a coordinated nationwide network is recommended, providing a mechanism for the instant reporting of aquatic mammal events, as well as the adoption of a standardised data recording system including necropsy protocols. Better-quality data should allow quantitative analyses leading to an improved understanding of anthropogenic threats in China׳s aquatic mammal populations. The need to upgrade reserve management, such as the Dalian protected area in Liaoning, is also stressed.

Environmental DNA (eDNA) is an effective tool for the detection of elusive or low-density aquatic organisms. However, it has infrequently been applied to mammalian species. North American river otters (Lontra canadensis) are both broad ranging and semi-aquatic, making them an ideal candidate for examining the uses of eDNA for detection of mammals. We developed a species-specific assay for detection of North American river otters using eDNA. The assay was tested for specificity against closely-related mustelids native to western North America, and was validated through testing environmental samples.

We conducted a meta-analysis of the publication statistics for Vols. 1-8 of the Latin American Journal of Aquatic Mammals ( LAJAM ), the joint scholarly publication of the Sociedad Latinoamericana de Especialistas en Mamiferos Acuaticos and the Sociedad Mexicana de Mastozoologia Marina , with the following purposes: (a) identifying the main patterns in the authorship and content published between 2002 and 2010, and (b) assessing the contributions of these scientific societies in the Latin American and global contexts. With the caveat that the results are only representative of the researchers that chose to publish in LAJAM during the period covered by the study, the metadata from 168 articles indicated that most of the research was conducted on small odontocetes ( Sotalia , Pontoporia , Tursiops ) and pinnipeds ( Arctocephalus, Otaria, Mirounga ) of coastal habits. Rorqual whales ( Balaenoptera , Megaptera ) and oceanic odontocetes ( Stenella, Mesoplodon, Orcinus, Delphinus ) also were well represented. Studies of distribution (including first records) were the most common, followed by those related to feeding, strandings, health and bycatch. Seventeen countries were represented in the primary affiliation of the lead author, but just five dominated the contribution: Brazil (52%), Argentina (10%), Mexico (7%), Uruguay (5%) and USA (5%). Among institution types, a university was reported as the primary affiliation type by 50% of the authors, while 26% reported a NGO, 17% a government agency and 7% another type of organization. A social network analysis of 404 authors identified a large, well-connected cluster of 263 authors. Within this cluster, 13 authors from Brazil, Peru, Argentina and Colombia were among the most collaborative. The female to male ratio was 1:1.6 among lead authors and 1:3.2 among lead authors that published more than one article, suggesting a gender disparity within this scientific community. According to Google Scholar ™, 91 articles in LAJAM were cited in other publications through January 2012, with an average of 7.5 citations per article. The 15 most cited articles had between 13 and 15 citations, were predominantly from Brazil, and were mainly about small cetaceans.

In the Amazon, a large number of native and exotic toxic plants and of suspected toxicity has been described (see Tokarnia et al., 2007). Amazonian aquatic and semi-aquatic plants are consumed by a variety of aquatic organisms, including the Amazonian manatee, an herbivorous aquatic mammal of wide distribution in the Amazonian ecosystem. This species has been historically hunted by local communities until current days. In a recent study about the diet of Amazonian manatees in the Mamiraua and Amana sustainable development reserves, Guterres-Pazin (2010) reported on up to 49 plant species consumed by the manatee, most of which previously undescribed in the literature. Here we identify those plants of the Amazonian manatee diet that contain toxic principles and the effects of the toxic components on other (terrestrial) mammals.

The Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis; Mammalia: Sirenia), a threatened aquatic mammal endemic to the Amazon basin, is the only sirenian that lives exclusively in fresh water. Information about the reproductive endocrinology of the Amazonian manatee is scarce; therefore, the aim of this study was to monitor salivary progesterone and estradiol patterns during the ovarian cycle in T. inunguis. Salivary samples were collected daily during a 12-week period of two consecutive years from two captive adult females. The salivary estradiol and progesterone were measured by enzyme immunoassay. The results were analyzed in an iterative process of excluding values that were higher than the mean plus 2 standard deviations until the basal values were determined. The interval between two peaks of salivary estradiol followed by a rise of progesterone was considered as one complete cycle for the calculation of the cycle length. We observed only three complete cycles in all samples analyzed. The cycle length ranged from 42 to 48 days (mean of 44.67 days). We also observed two distinct salivary estradiol peaks during all cycles analyzed, with the first peak occurring before the rise in salivary progesterone and the second occurred followed by a return to basal progesterone levels. This is the first in-depth study of the ovarian cycle in Amazonian manatees. Our results demonstrate that salivary samples can be a useful tool in the endocrine monitoring of this species and suggest that T. inunguis shows a peculiar hormonal pattern during the ovarian cycle, a finding that may have physiological and ecological significance in the reproductive strategy of these animals.

A live-stranded harbor porpoise Phocoena phocoena was found on the west coast of the Dutch island Texel (North Sea) and transported to a rehabilitation center for small cetaceans, where it underwent a veterinary health check. Cardiac auscultation revealed a systolic cardiac murmur with the point of maximal intensity in the right hemithorax with an intensity of IV out of VI. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed a congenital ventricular septal defect with left-to-right shunting. Because the left atrium was not dilated according to the reference range of canine left atrium to aortic ratio, the presence of congestive heart failure was considered very unlikely. Therefore, this congenital cardiac anomaly was thought to be a clinically non-relevant incidental finding and would not explain the weakness, coughing, anorexia, vomiting, and diarrhea. Because the animal was still unable to swim or eat by itself after 2 wk of supportive care, it was euthanized. Post-mortem examination confirmed the presence of a ventricular septal defect. The weight of the heart relative to the animal's length was greater than expected, using linear regression analysis on the lengths and cardiac weights of 71 other stranded wild harbor porpoises without macroscopic cardiac pathologic changes. This finding suggests that the left ventricle had an eccentric hypertrophy because of volume overload resulting from the intracardiac shunt. This is the first report of a congenital cardiac anomaly and its ante-mortem diagnosis in this species. Data presented for the other 71 harbor porpoises may provide reference values for this species.

Submitted by Mario BC (mario@bc.ufrpe.br) on 2016-06-15T13:12:39Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Joao Carlos Gomes Borges.pdf: 1260294 bytes, checksum: 43236ab101e2f29881f9f2d010f259b3 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-15T13:12:39Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Joao Carlos Gomes Borges.pdf: 1260294 bytes, checksum: 43236ab101e2f29881f9f2d010f259b3 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-01-22 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES With five significant biomes and the largest river system in the World, Brazil has the richest continental biota on the planet, which has led to the country being classified as megadiverse. In Brazil, several species of aquatic mammals have been suffering almost constantly form the anthropogenic, and sometimes triggering, effects of different parasitic agents. However, our scientific knowledge of the parasitic fauna of aquatic mammals remains limited. Thus, the aim of the present study was to diagnose infections caused by Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia sp. and endoparasites among aquatic mammals in Brazil. To do this, 553 samples were collected from fecal content and the gastrointestinal tract of several species of cetaceans, sirenians (Antillean and Amazonian manatees) and mustelids (neotropical and giant otters) in the North (Amapá, Amazonas, Pará and Rondônia) and Northeast (Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Sergipe, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Norte) of Brazil. Samples were obtained from animals that were kept in captivity and others in the wild, including specimens that lived in rivers, coastlines and oceans. For Cryptosporidium spp., the fecal samples were processed by Kinyoun technique. Concerning the identification of Giardia sp. cysts and helminth eggs, the material collected was submitted to flotation (Willis and Faust) and sedimentation (Hoffman) methods, followed by the Flotac technique. All samples were subjected to the direct immunofluorescence test. In the results obtained, a notable infection was caused by the digenetic trematode of the Opistothrematidae family (Pulmonicola cochleotrema), with an infection prevalence of approximately 7.95% (07/88) among Antillean manatees. The presence of Cryptosporidium spp. was confirmed in five species: Lontra longicaudis (15.28%); Pteronura brasiliensis (41.66%); Sotalia guianensis (9.67%); Trichechus inunguis (16.03%) and Trichechus manatus (13.79%). Giardia sp. was diagnosed in the following species: L. longicaudis (9.23%); P. brasiliensis (29.16%); Kogia breviceps (100%); Kogia sima (25%); S. guianensis (9.67%); T. inunguis (3.81%) and T. manatus (10.34%). The identification of Cryptosporidium spp. and Giardia sp. in aquatic mammals, allied to the capacity of their oocysts and cysts, respectively, to remain infective in the environment for a long period of time, increases the possibility of the transmission of these agents to other aquatic and land organisms, as well as the human population. Abrigando cinco importantes biomas e o maior sistema fluvial do mundo, o Brasil tem a mais rica biota continental do planeta, o que rendeu o título de país megadiverso. Dentro deste contexto, encontram-se várias espécies de mamíferos aquáticos, as quais vem sofrendo constantemente com os efeitos antropogênicos e por vezes desencadeantes de diversos agentes parasitários. Entretanto, o conhecimento científico da fauna parasitária dos mamíferos aquáticos ainda é bastante limitado. Desta forma, este trabalho teve por objetivo diagnosticar infecções ocasionadas por Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia sp. e endoparasitos em mamíferos aquáticos no Brasil. Para isto foram realizadas coletas de 553 amostras de conteúdo fecal e do trato gastrointestinal de diversas espécies de cetáceos, sirênios (peixe-boi marinho e amazônico) e mustelídeos (lontra neotropical e ariranha), nas regiões Norte (Amapá, Amazonas, Pará e Rondônia) e Nordeste (Alagoas, Bahia, Ceará, Sergipe, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Rio Grande do Norte). Entre os animais envolvidos foi possível obter amostras de espécimes mantidos em cativeiro e de vida livre, bem como, de espécies que habitavam os recursos fluviais, costeiros e oceânicos. Para a pesquisa de Cryptosporidium spp. as amostras fecais foram processadas pela técnica de Kinyoun. Ao que concerne à identificação dos cistos de Giardia sp. e ovos de helmintos, o material coletado foi submetido aos métodos de flutuação (Willis e Faust) e sedimentação (Hoffman), assim como à técnica do Flotac. Todas as amostras foram submetidas ao Teste de Imunofluorescência Direta. Entre os resultados obtidos destaca-se a infecção ocasionada pelo trematódeo digenético da família Opistothrematidae, espécie Pulmonicola cochleotrema, sendo a frequência da infecção de aproximadamente 7,95% (07/88) em peixes-bois marinhos. A presença de Cryptosporidium spp. foi constatada em cinco espécies, sendo estas, a Lontra longicaudis (15,28%), Pteronura brasiliensis (41,66%), Sotalia guianensis (9,67%), Trichechus inunguis (16,03%) e Trichechus manatus (13,79%). No que concerne à ocorrência de Giardia sp., este coccídio foi diagnosticado em um maior número de espécies, conforme pode ser constatado em L. longicaudis (9,23%), P. brasiliensis (29,16%), Kogia breviceps (100%), Kogia sima (25%), S. guianensis (9,67%), T. inunguis (3,81%) e T. manatus (10,34%). A identificação de Cryptosporidium spp. e Giardia sp. acometendo os mamíferos aquáticos, aliado à capacidade dos oocistos e cistos respectivamente destes protozoários permanecerem infectantes em condições ambientais por um longo período de tempo, amplia a possibilidade de transmissão destes agentes para outros organismos aquáticos, terrestres e populações humanas.

In all vertebrate species examined, anal glands have been observed. These glands can be found anywhere along the anal canal and are generally a combination of apocrine and sebaceous adenomeres. They are used for signal expression in both terrestrial and aquatic settings. The goal of this study was to determine the morphology of the anal glands in the Florida manatee, Trichechus manatus latirostris, and suggest functional hypotheses through comparison to other species. Samples were collected from manatees of varying ages, during all seasons, and from both sexes (six females and five males). The glands were examined grossly and microscopically. They are present in fetal, juvenile, and adult male and female manatees and are found in clusters on each side of the anal canal within the sphincter muscles. Unlike in other species, the glands are solely apocrine without a sebaceous component. Branched tubules empty into collecting ducts and enter the anal canal at the anorectal junction. The secretion is mucus, protein, and lipid-rich. The large size and productive nature of the glands suggest that, like anal glands in other species, these may be used for signal transmission. This is the first detailed description of anal glands in a fully aquatic mammal.

Aquatic foraging is a fundamental component of the behavior of a number of small mammals, yet comprehensive observations of diving are often difficult to obtain under natural circumstances. Semiaquatic mammals, having evolved to exploit prey in both aquatic and terrestrial environments, are generally not as well adapted for diving (or for life in the water) as are fully aquatic species. Because dive ability also tends to increase with body size, small, semiaquatic mammals are presumed to have fairly limited dive ability. Nevertheless, diving plays an important role in food acquisition for many such species. We used time–depth recorders (TDRs) to measure and describe the dive performance of 9 female and 5 male free-living American mink (Neovison vison; body mass approximately 1 kg) on lowland rivers in the southern United Kingdom. We recorded dives up to 2.96 m deep (maximum depth X 5 1.82 m) and up to 57.9 s in duration (maximum duration X ¯ 5 37.2 s). Dive duration was approximately 40% of that predicted by allometry for all air-breathing diving vertebrates (as might be expected for a small, semiaquatic animal) but was twice as long as previously measured for mink in captivity. Mink performed up to 189 dives per day (X ¯ 5 35.7 dives/day), mostly during daylight, and spent a maximum of 38.4 minutes diving per day (X ¯ 5 7.6 min/day). Some individuals maintained particularly high diving rates over the coldest months, suggesting that the benefits of aquatic foraging in winter outweigh the costs of heat loss. We observed a number of very shallow dives (depth approximately 0.3 m) of particularly long duration (up to 30 s). The function of these dives is currently unknown, but possibilities include searching for prey, travelling, or avoidance of threats. There is only 1 other study of which we are aware that presents detailed measurements of dive performance in a small, shallow-diving, semiaquatic mammal.

1 Most aquatic mammals have high dispersal potential, and there are often severe conservation concerns related to their legal or illegal harvesting. Therefore, economic, social and forensic factors often arise in decisions relating to their population management. Molecular markers are essential tools in modern conservation genetics, revealing previously unknown aspects of aquatic mammal behaviour, natural history, population structure and demography. Molecular markers also have been used to define management units, to recognize taxonomic units, to conduct forensic analyses and to control illegal wildlife trade, providing valuable information for decision-making in wildlife conservation and management. 2 We review studies published in peer-reviewed journals between 1993 and 2010, in which genetic approaches have been applied to conservation-related issues involving natural populations of 25 species of aquatic mammals in South America. These studies cover just 34% of the 70 aquatic mammal species recorded in South America. 3 Most of the studies are related to population structure, phylogeography, gene flow and dispersal movements. In addition, recent findings relate to evolutionarily significant units, management units, forensics and conservation policy. 4 Finally, we look to the future and, based on numbers of studies and conservation concerns, suggest which species, geographic areas and genetic studies should be prioritized. Moreover, we discuss constraints on research and suggest collaborative works that would provide critical information towards the effective conservation and management of aquatic mammals in South America.

The recovery of giant otter populations after the hunting prohibition and restriction of the pelt trade resulted in more frequent conflicts with fishermen. In this study, fisherman–giant otter conflicts were analyzed in the Uacari Sustainable Development Reserve, where giant otters are accused of interfering with fisheries by eating the fish (predation), frightening the fish away (local interference), and damaging fishing equipment (direct interference). Interference by predation was analyzed by evaluating overlap in fish species consumption between humans (measured by subsistence and commercial catches) and giant otters. The giant otter diet was assessed from fecal samples, and the human diet through questionnaires. Local and direct interferences were analyzed through fish samples using gillnets and comparing capture efficiency with and without giant otters’ presence. The overlap between human and giant otter diets was low (0.37), varied seasonally, and was smaller in the low water (0.24) than in the high water period (0.60), when both species tend to be more generalists. Overlap between fish species consumed by giant otters and those exploited by commercial fisheries was small (0.34). Giant otter presence during the experimental fishing was low (9.5%), restricted to the high water period, and did not significantly reduce the captures (U = 13, P = 0.61). The low overlap in diet may be a result of differences in preferences and fishing strategies. The conflict between giant otters and fishermen is greater in the high water period, when the income of the fisheries decreases; however, the conflict seems to be mainly motivated by the resident's prejudice against giant otters. Resumo A recuperacao de populacoes de ariranhas, apos a proibicao da caca e do comercio de peles, tem tornado mais constantes os conflitos com pescadores. Neste estudo analisou-se o conflito entre pescadores e ariranhas na Reserva de Desenvolvimento Sustentavel Uacari, onde as ariranhas sao acusadas de interferirem na pesca por comerem (predacao) e espantarem (interferencia local) os peixes, e danificarem apetrechos de pesca (interferencia direta). A interferencia por predacao foi analisada atraves da sobreposicao alimentar entre as especies de peixes consumidas por humanos (capturas comerciais e de subsistencia) e ariranhas. A dieta das ariranhas foi avaliada por amostras de fezes, e a dos humanos por entrevistas. As interferencias local e direta foram analisadas atraves de pescarias experimentais com malhadeiras, comparando-se a eficiencia de captura entre eventos com e sem a presenca de ariranhas. A sobreposicao entre as dietas de humanos e ariranhas foi baixa (0,37), variou temporalmente, e foi menor na seca (0,24) que na cheia (0,60), quando ambas as especies tendem a ser mais generalistas. A sobreposicao entre os peixes consumidos pelas ariranhas e aqueles explorados pela pesca comercial local foi pequena (0,34). A presenca de ariranhas durante as pescarias experimentais foi baixa (9,5%), so ocorreu na cheia, e nao interferiu significativamente na eficiencia das capturas (U = 13, P = 0,61). A baixa sobreposicao nas dietas pode ser resultado de diferencas nas preferencias alimentares e estrategias de pesca. O conflito entre ariranhas e pescadores e intensificado na cheia, quando o rendimento das pescarias diminui naturalmente, mas parece ser motivado principalmente pelo preconceito dos moradores com relacao as ariranhas.

The Antillean subspecies of the West Indian manatee Trichechus manatus is found throughout Central and South America and the Caribbean. Because of severe hunting pressure during the 17th through 19th centuries, only small populations of the once widespread aquatic mammal remain. Fortunately, protections in Belize reduced hunting in the 1930s and allowed the country’s manatee population to become the largest breeding population in the Wider Caribbean. However, increasing and emerging anthropogenic threats such as coastal development, pollution, watercraft collision and net entanglement represent challenges to this ecologically important population. To inform conservation and management decisions, a comprehensive molecular investigation of the genetic diversity, relatedness and population structure of the Belize manatee population was conducted using mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA. Compared with other mammal populations, a low degree of genetic diversity was detected (HE=0.455; NA=3.4), corresponding to the small population size and long-term exploitation. Manatees from the Belize City Cayes and Southern Lagoon system were genetically different, with microsatellite and mitochondrial FST values of 0.029 and 0.078, respectively (P ! 0.05). This, along with the distinct habitats and threats, indicates that separate protection of these two groups would best preserve the region’s diversity. The Belize population and Florida subspecies appear to be unrelated with microsatellite and mitochondrial FST values of 0.141 and 0.63, respectively (P ! 0.001), supporting the subspecies designations and suggesting low vagility throughout the northern Caribbean habitat. Further monitoring and protection may allow an increase in the Belize manatee genetic diversity and population size. A large and expanding Belize population could potential assist in the recovery of other threatened or functionally extinct Central American Antillean manatee populations.

The Florida manatee (Trichechus manatus latirotris) is a threatened aquatic mammal in United States coastal waters. Over the past decade, the appearance of papillomavirus-induced lesions and viral papillomatosis in manatees has been a concern for those involved in the management and rehabilitation of this species. To date, three manatee papillomaviruses (TmPVs) have been identified in Florida manatees, one forming cutaneous lesions (TmPV1) and two forming genital lesions (TmPV3 and TmPV4). We identified DNA sequences with the potential to form G-quadruplex structures (G4) across the three genomes. G4 were located on both DNA strands and across coding and non-coding regions on all TmPVs, offering multiple targets for viral control. Although G4 have been identified in several viral genomes, including human PVs, most research has focused on canonical structures comprised of three G-tetrads. In contrast, the vast majority of sequences we identified would allow the formation of non-canonical structures with only two G-tetrads. Our biophysical analysis confirmed the formation of G4 with parallel topology in three such sequences from the E2 region. Two of the structures appear comprised of multiple stacked two G-tetrad structures, perhaps serving to increase structural stability. Computational analysis demonstrated enrichment of G4 sequences on all TmPVs on the reverse strand in the E2/E4 region and on both strands in the L2 region. Several G4 sequences occurred at similar regional locations on all PVs, most notably on the reverse strand in the E2 region. In other cases, G4 were identified at similar regional locations only on PVs forming genital lesions. On all TmPVs, G4 sequences were located in the non-coding region near putative E2 binding sites. Together, these findings suggest that G4 are possible regulatory elements in TmPVs.

The diet of the platypus Ornithorhynchus anatinus was studied by examination of material collected from the cheek pouches of animals captured while foraging in streams in Kangaroo Valley, NSW, Australia. Platypuses consumed benthic invertebrates from 55 families in 16 orders, with virtually no prey being derived from the terrestrial environment. We also sampled invertebrates in pool, riffle and stream edge habitats to identify where prey were obtained. Invertebrates in the diet were most similar to those collected along stream edges and in pools compared with the faster-flowing riffles, suggesting that platypuses focused their foraging activities largely in these deeper water habitats. Although there was no seasonality in the assemblage structure of macroinvertebrates, the diet of platypuses varied between seasons, notably between winter and summer, suggesting that some dietary selectivity is seasonal. Dietary differences between the sexes were not detected. Overall, our results suggest that some dietary selection occurs in the platypus with respect to both foraging habitat and season. Seasonal selectivity may reflect different metabolic demands on platypuses at different times of the year. In contrast, habitat selectivity may reflect difficulty of prey access and risk of prey escape in fast-flowing riffles, higher energy costs and risk of predation associated with exploiting this habitat, and prey avoidance responses that are more rapid in the shallow riffles than in the deeper water pools and stream edges. These alternatives await evaluation by future research.

The Antillean manatee ( Trichechus manatus mana-tus ) is distributed along much of the northern and eastern coasts of Brazil, although relatively little is known of the ecology or behaviour of the mem-bers of this population. In the present study, the behaviour of seven juvenile manatees earmarked for reintroduction to the wild was monitored using focal animal sampling over a 20-d period at the Aquatic Mammal Centre (CMA/ICMBIO) on Itamaraca Island, Pernambuco. The primary aim of this study was to characterise behaviour patterns, especially individual differences, as a baseline for monitoring during reintroduction. In particular, it was hoped that specific patterns could be identified as a diagnostic reference for the evaluation of an individual’s potential for suc-cessful reintroduction. Overall, while resting was the predominant activity of all but one subject, considerable individual variation was recorded in all behavioural categories. In addition, significant differences were recorded between morning and afternoon sessions, with some individuals pre-senting a given category during only one part of the day. Some of the behaviour patterns, such as circular movement, appeared to be related to anxi-ety or stress and might be useful for the behav-ioural diagnosis of individuals earmarked for re-introduction, although it will only be possible to interpret the exact implications following the re-introduction process. Key Words: Antillean manatee, Trichechus manatus manatus , behaviour, captivity, individual variation, reintroduction, Brazil

We observed 42 humpback whale mother–offspring pairs on a foraging ground in southeast Alaska during 2001 and 2002 to examine their spatial association. We found that whenever these pairs were at the surface they maintained close proximity similar to that observed in terrestrial followers. By examining their dive behaviour, however, we determined that calves dive significantly less frequently and for shorter durations than their mothers, leading to periods of separation during foraging dives. Because this is likely to increase the risk of calf predation, females responded by significantly shortening the duration of their dives when unaccompanied by their offspring, thereby reducing this risk. As the season progressed, we observed that this behaviour waned and females became significantly less responsive to their offspring. At the same time, calves appeared to increase their role in maintaining proximity by synchronizing their dives with the mothers increasingly often. We discuss this shift in proximity maintenance in terms of the energetics associated with lactation, increased foraging effort by the offspring and parent–offspring conflict.

Capture and utilization of the Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) on the northern Brazilian coast. The Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus manatus) is now considered to be the most endangered aquatic mammal of Brazil. During 1992 and 1993, we surveyed 3000km of the coastal area of the Maranhão (MA), Pará (PA) and Amapá (AP) states where we visited 145 localities and performed 262 interviews aiming to identify the hunting pressure on the species, and how the population actually uses the manatees hunted on the Brazilian north coast. The people interviewed were involved in fi shing activities, pre- ferably those who hunted manatees. Catches followed by intentional killing were responsible for 94.07% of the cases of mortality, while ani- mals stranded on the beach represented 5.93% of the cases. Intentional capture was the strongest factor in the manatee mortality, and hunting with a harpoon occurred in 86.38% of catches. After capture, the animals were used for the hunter’s subsistence (63.83%) and human consumption and trading (30.64%), and the animals’ parts were used for diverse pur- poses (medicine, fetish and santerias). It was considered that a proper understanding of the communities’ customs concerning the animals was important for any proposal of conservation strategies. O mamífero aquático mais ameaçado de extinção no Brasil é o peixe-boi marinho (Trichechus manatus manatus). Durante os anos de 1992 e 1993, foram percorridos 3000km do litoral dos Estados do MA, PA e AP, onde foram visitadas 145 localidades e realizadas 262 entrevistas com o objetivo de identificar a pressão de caça do peixe-boi marinho e sua utilização pelas comunidades litorâneas do norte do Brasil. Os entrevistados foram pessoas envolvidas em atividades de pesca, preferencialmente que já caçaram o animal. A captura seguida de morte intencional foi responsável por 94,07% da mortalidade, e o encalhe por 5,93%. A captura intencional é um fator ainda muito forte na mortalidade do peixe-boi, tendo a caça com arpão ocorrido em 86,38% das capturas. O objetivo da captura foi, em 63,83%, para alimentação, e, em 30,64%, para alimentação e comércio, registrando-se a utilização de partes do animal para fins diversos (remédio, fetiches, simpatias). A compreensão dos costumes das comunidades no que tange ao animal é condição importante para proposição de estratégias de conservação da espécie.

Terminos Lagoon was made a protected ecosystem by the Mexican government in 1994, but it is also the most important center for oil extraction and transportation companies in the Gulf of Mexico, besides several rivers carrying on city effluents along with agricultural and cattle residuals into the lagoon. The main goal of this study is to analyze the potential for aquatic mammal species such as bottlenose dolphins, manatees and river otters to be environmental sentinels. While data showed that levels of heavy metals and pesticides contained in bottlenose dolphins blubber samples – lead (< 1.1 mg/l) and cadmium (< 0.08 mg/l) – were low, heptachlor epoxies showed the highest values (359.67 μg/g), followed by endosulfan sulfate and methoxychlor,' p-DDE, which was recorded in a sample with concentrations of 239.542 μg/g, along with p 'p-DDD and p' p-DDT, with values of 1.2 and 13.63 μg/g, respectively. Analysis of heavy metals in Manatee bones showed that zinc, lead and cadmium presented higher concentrations (102.60 + 27.19 μg/g, 14.54 + 1.77, μg/g and 3.92 + 0.5 μg/g, respectively). Values of both heavy metals and pesticides in samples were low compared to those recorded in other studies. Water quality analysis at the fluvial-lagoon system POM-Atasta found concentrations of BOD5 of up to 270 mg/l, COD 640 mg/l and SST 245 mg/l. These environmental and biological parameters, combined with the health assessment results for bottlenose dolphins, indicate that dolphins have a good health condition but human activities such as agriculture, livestock, fishing and boat traffic seem to have a chronic impact on the ecosystem and, subsequently, on the aquatic mammals found in Terminos Lagoon.

Submitted by Mario BC (mario@bc.ufrpe.br) on 2016-06-13T13:26:00Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Luciana Ghinato.pdf: 629302 bytes, checksum: 02a62afbcd511099f103c660d71ff183 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-13T13:26:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Luciana Ghinato.pdf: 629302 bytes, checksum: 02a62afbcd511099f103c660d71ff183 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-02-26 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES The Brazil is a country which has five important biomes and the largest river system in the world. In addition, it has the richest continental biota of the planet which earned him the title of mega-diverse country. The various species of aquatic mammals, the manatee (Trichechus manatus) has constantly suffered the effects of anthropogenic factors. In this context, the sewage waste dumps and heavy metal waste, are related to the degradation of aquatic environments and animal species which live in this biome. The aims of this study was to evaluate the quality of surface water from the river Mamanguape, located in the state of Paraíba, Brazil. This place is featured by an Environmental Protection area, where manatees occur. From September 2013 to July 2014, water samples were collected in triplicate of five distinct points of the river. In order to determine the Most Probable Number of fecal coliform the technique of multiple tubes was used. The reading of the samples for the research of mercury metal was performed through the System of Flow Injection Analysis, whereas for the other metals was performed, by Optical Emission Spectrometry with Inductively Coupled Plasma. In the research of thermotolerant coliforms, the contamination of some points, but always, values below to that recommended by the legislation was observed. Mercury, cadmium and chromium metals, were not detected, conversely copper, nickel, manganese, zinc and iron were detected, in low concentrations. On the other hand, aluminum and lead were found in concentrations above that allowed by the legislation. In conclusion, the water of the Mamanguape River presenting levels of salinity and pH within the limits previously established and low levels of contamination by fecal coliforms. The water samples of the Mamanguape River herein evaluated presented contamination by heavy metals, demonstrating the need of implementation of programs to monitor the collection sites. This measure could identify the likely source of contamination, considering that they are bioconcentrated in marine biota and may cause alterations in the food chain and consequently on the manatee. O Brasil é um país que tem cinco biomas importantes e o maior sistema fluvial do mundo. Além disso, ele tem a mais rica biota continental do planeta, que lhe valeu o título de país mega-diverso. Dentre as várias espécies de mamíferos aquáticos, o peixe-boi (Trichechus manatus) tem constantemente sofrendo os efeitos de fatores antropogênicos. Neste contexto, os depósitos de resíduos de esgoto e resíduos de metais pesados, estão relacionados com a degradação dos ambientes aquáticos e espécies animais que vivem nesse bioma. Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar a qualidade das águas superficiais do rio Mamanguape, localizada no estado da Paraíba, Brasil. Este lugar é caracterizado por uma Área de Proteção Ambiental, onde ocorrem peixes-bois marinhos. De setembro de 2013 a julho de 2014, amostras de água foram coletadas em triplicata de cinco pontos distintos do rio. A fim de determinar o Número Mais Provável de coliformes fecais foi utilizada a técnica de tubos múltiplos. A leitura das amostras para a pesquisa do metal mercúrio foi realizada por meio do Sistema de análise em fluxo, enquanto que para os outros metais foram realizadas, por Espectrometria de Emissão Óptica com plasma indutivamente acoplado. Na pesquisa de coliformes termotolerantes, houve contaminação de alguns pontos, mas sempre valores abaixo do recomendado pela legislação. Os metais mercúrio, cádmio e crómio, não foram detectados, pelo contrário foram detectados cobre, níquel, manganês, zinco e ferro, em concentrações baixas. Por outro lado, o alumínio e chumbo foram encontrados em concentrações superiores que permitidas pela legislação. Em conclusão, a água do rio Mamanguape apresenta níveis de salinidade e pH dentro dos limites previamente estabelecidos e baixos níveis de contaminação por coliformes termotolerantes. As amostras de água do rio Mamanguape aqui avaliados apresentaram contaminação por metais pesados, o que demonstra a necessidade de implementação de programas para monitorar os locais de coleta. Esta medida poderia identificar a provável fonte de contaminação, considerando que eles são bioacumulados na biota marinha e podem causar alterações na cadeia alimentar e, consequentemente, sobre o peixe-boimarinho.

We test the longstanding hypothesis, known as the dive constraint hypothesis, that the oxygenation demands of diving pose a constraint on aquatic mammal brain size.Using a sample of 23 cetacean species we examine the relationship among six different measures of relative brain size, body size, and maximum diving duration. Unlike previous tests we include body size as a covariate and perform independent contrast analyses to control for phylogeny. We show that diving does not limit brain size in cetaceans and therefore provide no support for the dive constraint hypothesis. Instead, body size is the main predictor of maximum diving duration in cetaceans. Furthermore, our findings show that it is important to conduct robust tests of evolutionary hypotheses by employing a variety of measures of the dependent variable, in this case, relative brain size.

Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos The neotropical otter (Lontra longicaudis) is one of the 13 species of otter and has one of the widest geographic distribution, occurring from the north of Mexico until northern Argentina. Along its distribution the species, inhabits a variety of habitats facing different environmental quality levels. The availability of food and places to build burrows are the key factors to its occurrence. The species is defined as top predator and because its generalist habits, it has been suggested as a community structure species. Although the species tend to be generalist it shows a preferences for fishes and crustaceans in its diet. Its IUCN classification (data deficient) is based mainly on studies related to its diet and habitat use. Nevertheless, information about the species still have too much gaps in relation to populations studies, current distribution and environment requirements. This paper aims to review the current status and species information with the purpose of propose future conservation actions for the species, and therefore propose further information to enable a most appropriate classification on the conservation status of the neotropical otter. A Lontra longicaudis é uma das 13 espécies de lontra com maior distribuição geográfica, ocorrendo desde o norte do México até o norte da Argentina. Em todo seu território, está presente em diversos tipos de ambientes e com variados níveis de qualidade ambiental. A oferta de alimentos e disponibilidade de locais propícios para criação de tocas são os fatores chave para a sua ocorrência. Considerada topo de cadeia, é um animal generalista, mas que apresenta uma preferência em sua dieta por peixes e crustáceos. Classificada pela IUCN como Dados Deficientes, possuindo vários trabalhos relacionados à dieta e utilização de ambiente. Porém, ainda há grandes lacunas no que diz respeito a estudos populacionais, distribuição atual e suas exigências ambientais. Este trabalho teve como objetivo fazer uma revisão do atual status e informações a respeito da espécie e propor quais atitudes devem ser tomadas para conservação da lontra, tal como, trabalhos de educação ambiental, monitoramento das unidades de conservação, maior rigidez com o cumprimento das leis ambientais e quais áreas necessitam de maiores informações para possibilitar uma classificação sobre o status de conservação mais adequada da lontra.

In South Carolina, U.S.A., mink have been reintroduced from two apparently healthy populations to areas where populations haveexisted in the past but have been extirpated. High mortality wasobserved during transport of mink from the source populations. Inorder to elucidate the potential effects of dioxin-like compoundson the survival and reproduction of mink, concentrations of totalpolychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), p,p′-DDE, dioxin-likePCBs, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), anddibenzofurans (PCDFs) were measured in livers of mink collectedfrom the source populations in South Carolina and Louisiana. Concentrations of total 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxinequivalents (TEQs) for the South Carolina and Louisiana mink were21 and 14 pg g-1, wet wt., respectively. PCB and TEQ concentrations were close to the threshold values that can, under laboratory conditions, elicit toxic effects in ranchmink. Therefore, any additional exposures of these populations toTEQs might adversely affect their populations.

Alive Antillean manatee stranding is one of the main challenges for the conservation of the species in Brazil. In the present study, data on Antillean manatee stranding recorded by the CMA/ICMBio’s Wild Animals Rehabilitation Center from 1987 to 2015 were analyzed. The CMA and the REMANE’s (Northeastern Aquatic Mammal Stranding Network’s) institutions have rescued on average five Antillean manatees per year. Approximately 56% of the animals were alive when rescued, and 43.7% were found dead. The states of Ceara and Rio Grande do Norte have the highest records of stranding, rescue, and assistance of alive calves. Stranding of alive specimens is more frequent during the austral summer, especially in January, February, and March. In the North region, the main threat to the Antillean manatee population seems to be interaction with fishing activities. Studies on the causes of dependent calf stranding in northeast Brazil are urgently needed to promote the development of public policies for the conservation of t...

Amazon river dolphins or botos ( Inia geoffrensis Blainville) were observed carrying objects in 221 social groups over a 3-year study period. Sticks, branches and clumps of grass were taken from the water surface and often repeatedly thrashed or thrown. Lumps of hard clay were collected from the river bed and held in the mouth while the carrier rose slowly above the surface and submerged again. Carriers were predominantly adult males and less often subadult males. Adult females and young dolphins rarely carried objects. Groups of dolphins in which object carrying occurred were differentially large and comprised a greater proportion of adult males and adult females. Aggression, mostly between adult males, was significantly associated with object carrying. The behaviour occurred year-round, with peaks in March and July. A plausible explanation of the results is that object carrying by adult males is aimed at females and is stimulated by the number of females in the group, while aggression is targeted at adult males and is stimulated by object carrying in the group. We infer that object carrying in this sexually dimorphic species is socio-sexual display. It is either of ancient origin or has evolved independently in several geographically isolated populations.

The Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) is a threatened aquatic mammal endemic to the Amazon basin. The aim of this study was to evaluate the urinary and salivary reproductive hormone levels of captive Amazonian manatees collected during two seasons of the year. Salivary samples from four males and urinary and salivary samples from three females were collected during two seasons (March-June and September-November) over two consecutive years.Salivarytestosteroneinmaleswasmeasuredbyradioimmunoassayandreproductivehormonesinfemales(salivary progesterone and oestradiol and urinary progestogens, oestrogens and luteinising hormone) were measured by enzyme immunoassay. The data were analysed in a 2� 2 factorial design, where the factors were year and season. There was no effect of year or season for salivary testosterone. All female hormones showed a seasonal effect (higher hormone levels during March-June than September-November) or an interaction between year and season (P,0.05). These results strongly indicate the existence of reproductive seasonality in Amazonian manatees; however, apparently only females exhibit reproductive quiescence during the non-breeding season. Further long-term studies are necessary to elucidate which environmental parameters are related to reproductive seasonality in T. inunguis and how this species responds physiologically to those stimuli. Additional keywords: reproduction, saliva, sirenian, steroids, urine.

Com o objetivo de testar o tempo de passagem do alimento no trato digestório de peixes-bois da Amazônia em cativeiro, foram testadas separadamente duas dietas distintas. Uma composta exclusivamente de capim do gênero Brachiaria (dieta experimental - DE 1) e outra de capim do gênero Brachiaria acrescentado de pequenas porções de ração extrusada para eqüinos (dieta experimental - DE 2). Foram selecionados do plantel do INPA dois animais adultos machos sadios, os quais foram isolados dos demais e submetidos a um período de aclimatação às dietas experimentais por 15 dias. Após este período, as dietas foram marcadas com uma fita plástica de 10 cm e fornecidas aos animais que foram monitorados em intervalos de uma hora. Todo material fecal foi coletado até a recuperação dos marcadores plásticos. A média do tempo de passagem da DE 1 foi de 123h57min, cerca de 5,15 dias e da DE 2 foi de 125h04min ou 5,21 dias. Não houve diferença estatística (P

Com o objetivo de testar o tempo de passagem do alimento no trato digestório de peixes-bois da Amazônia em cativeiro, foram testadas separadamente duas dietas distintas. Uma composta exclusivamente de capim do gênero Brachiaria (dieta experimental - DE 1) e outra de capim do gênero Brachiaria acrescentado de pequenas porções de ração extrusada para eqüinos (dieta experimental - DE 2). Foram selecionados do plantel do INPA dois animais adultos machos sadios, os quais foram isolados dos demais e submetidos a um período de aclimatação às dietas experimentais por 15 dias. Após este período, as dietas foram marcadas com uma fita plástica de 10 cm e fornecidas aos animais que foram monitorados em intervalos de uma hora. Todo material fecal foi coletado até a recuperação dos marcadores plásticos. A média do tempo de passagem da DE 1 foi de 123h57min, cerca de 5,15 dias e da DE 2 foi de 125h04min ou 5,21 dias. Não houve diferença estatística (P

The Antillean manatee (Trichechus manatus) is the most threatened aquatic mammal in Brazil. It was considered to be extinct in Sergipe until 1998, when a re-...

Passive electroreception is a sensory modality in many aquatic vertebrates, predominantly fishes. Using passive electroreception, the animal can detect and analyze electric fields in its environment. Most electric fields in the environment are of biogenic origin, often produced by prey items. These electric fields can be relatively strong and can be a highly valuable source of information for a predator, as underlined by the fact that electroreception has evolved multiple times independently. The only mammals that possess electroreception are the platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) and the echidnas (Tachyglossidae) from the monotreme order, and, recently discovered, the Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis) from the cetacean order. Here we review the morphology, function and origin of the electroreceptors in the two aquatic species, the platypus and the Guiana dolphin. The morphology shows certain similarities, also similar to ampullary electroreceptors in fishes, that provide cues for the search for electroreceptors in more vertebrate and invertebrate species. The function of these organs appears to be very similar. Both species search for prey animals in low-visibility conditions or while digging in the substrate, and sensory thresholds are within one order of magnitude. The electroreceptors in both species are innervated by the trigeminal nerve. The origin of the accessory structures, however, is completely different; electroreceptors in the platypus have developed from skin glands, in the Guiana dolphin, from the vibrissal system.

Aquatic mammals and fishes often migrate over large distances through oceans, seas, and river systems. Many aquatic mammals migrate seasonally between mating and feeding areas (Stevick et al. 2002). Many species of fishes show a similar seasonality with spring and autumn migration between spawning and feeding areas. Some species also have a distinct migration cycle related to phases in life, which can include marine and freshwater stages, covering distances of more than 6,000 km such as the eel (e.g., Anguilla anguilla; van den Thillart et al. 2009).

Summary Among the several threats to which free-ranging cetaceans are exposed, a number of biological noxae are believed to represent a serious hazard to their health and conservation on a global scale, with special emphasis on the Mediterranean Sea. These pathogens include viral agents such as Morbillivirus, which during the last 25 years have caused dramatic epidemics and die-offs among several aquatic mammal species and populations worldwide, as well as Herpesvirus, protozoan agents such as Toxoplasma gondii and bacterial pathogens such as Brucella spp.

Management of renewable natural resources in developing countries has been hampered by a mix of socio-economic and political difficulties that in turn have resulted in insufficient scientific knowledge, limited environmental awareness and education, and limited commitment to conservation. Aquatic mammals provide good examples. Despite the fact that about 65% of all known living species of aquatic mammals are found in Latin America (including 19 species found nowhere else), local and regional conservation efforts have developed only recently and are isolated. While management of the commercial exploitation of most baleen whales and pinnipeds has been more or less successfully achieved, the lack of comprehensive policies and conservation strategies for small cetaceans, manatees, and otters has allowed several species or populations to become threatened or even endangered. Threats include incidental mortality in fisheries, direct exploitation for human consumption or for use as bait in other fisheries, and habitat loss and degradation. To illustrate these problems, several cases are briefly discussed: (1) the endangered vaquita (Phocoena sinus) in Mexico; (2) the tuna-dolphin problem in the eastern tropical Pacific; (3) the small cetacean fishery in Peru; and (4) the Amazon river dolphin (Inia geoffrensis). Because many aquatic mammal populations are shared by Latin American countries, international cooperation is critical to ensuring their long-term conservation. Resumen: La administracion de los recursos naturales renovables en paises en vias de desarrollo ha sido afectada por una mezcla de dificultades socio-economicas y politicas que, a su vez, han traido como resultado un conocimiento cientifico insuficiente, asi como una conciencia y educacion ambiental restringidas y un compromiso limitado hacia la conservacion. Los mamiferos acuaticos ofrecen buenos ejemplos en este sentido. A pesar de que cerca del 65% de las especies vivientes conocidas de mamiferos acuaticos estan presentes en America Latina (incluyendo 19 especies que no se encuentran en ningun otro lugar), los esfuerzos locales y regionales para su conservacion han sido iniciados solo recientemente y son aislados. Mientras que el manejo de la explotacion comercial de la mayoria de ballenas y pinnipedos se ha logrado mas o menos con exito, la falta de politicas integrales y de estrategias de conservacion para los cetaceos paquenos, manaties y nutrias ha permitido que varias especies esten amenazadas o, mas aun, en peligro de extinguirse. Las amenazas incluyen la mortalidad incidental en pesquerias, la explotacion directa para consumo humano o para ser utilizados como carnada en otras pesquerias, y la perdida y degradacion del habitat. Para ilustrar estos problemas, se discuten varios casos brevemente: (1) la vaquita (Phocoena sinus) en peligro de extincion en Mexico; (2) el problema atun-delfin en el Pacifico oriental tropical; (3) la pesqueria de pequenos cataceos en Peru; y (4) el delfin del Rio Amazonas (Inia geoffrensis). Debido a que muchas poblaciones de mamiferos acuaticos son compartidas por paises latinoamericanos, la cooperacion internacional es critica para asegurar su conservacion a largo plazo.