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The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), the largest representative of the xenarthrans, is listed as Vulnerable-IUCN. Their unique anatomy and physiological characteristics, such as relatively low basal metabolic rates, make xenarthrans challenging to anesthetize and equip with tracking devices. This study evaluates and describes physical capture and chemical immobilization protocols for field conditions that enable the harnessing of free-ranging giant anteaters. A total of 51 wild giant anteaters were physically captured, and chemical immobilization was performed applying the combination protocol (BDM), butorphanol tartrate, detomidine hydrochloride, and midazolam hydrochloride, each at 0.1 mg/kg. Whenever extra time was necessary, supplementary doses of BDM were used (0.03 mg/kg of butorphanol, 0.03 mg/kg of detomidine, and 0.03 mg/kg of midazolam). Vital signs were monitored during anesthesia every 10 min. All individuals received the antagonist combination NYF: naloxone hydrochloride (0.02 mg/kg), yohimbine hydrochloride (0.125 mg/kg), and flumazenil (0.01 mg/kg). Average rectal temperature was 34.5 ± 2.52 °C, heart rate/min 43.47 ± 7.39, respiratory rate 8.49 ± 2.79, and oxygen saturation values (SpO2%) 90.1 ± 4.38. BDM protocol was considered satisfactory and provided enough time to complete the procedures. The total chemical immobilization time was 85.5 ± 16.8 min. This protocol provided rapid, smooth inductions, and a wide margin of safety. Recovery time varied according administration method lasting 2.55 ± 1.33 to 12 ± 5.39 min intravenous or intramuscular, respectively. Physical capture method and the chemical immobilization protocol were considered efficient, safe, highly feasible, and can be completely antagonized, promoting smooth and rapid recoveries.

In general, large mammal species with highly specialized feeding behavior and solitary habits are expected to suffer genetic consequences from habitat loss and fragmentation. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the genetic diversity distribution of the threatened giant anteater inhabiting a human-modified landscape. We used 10 microsatellite loci to assess the genetic diversity and population structure of 107 giant anteaters sampled in the Brazilian Central-Western region. No genetic population structuring was observed in this region suggesting no gene flow restriction within the studied area. On the other hand, the moderate level of genetic diversity (Ho = 0.54), recent bottleneck detected and inbreeding (Fis, 0.13; p ≤ 0.001) signatures suggest potential impacts on the genetic variation of this Xenarthra. Additionally, a previous demographic reduction was suggested. Thus, considering the increased human-promoted impacts across the entire area of distribution of the giant anteater, our results can illustrate the potential effects of these disturbances on the genetic variation, allowing us to request the long-term conservation of this emblematic species.

Gigantorhynchus echinodiscus (Diesing, 1851) is a parasite of anteaters in South America. Although described by Diesing in 1851, there is still a lack of taxonomic and phylogenetic information regarding this species. In the present study, we redescribe G. echinodiscus collected from a giant anteater, Myrmecophaga tridactyla Linnaeus, 1758, from the Brazilian Cerrado (Savannah) in the State of São Paulo by light and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, phylogenies were inferred from partial DNA gene sequence of the nuclear large subunit ribosomal RNA gene (28S rRNA). We provide for the first time details of the proboscis with a crown having 18 large hooks and numerous small hooks, a lateral papilla at the base of the proboscis, a ringed pseudo-segmented body, large testes, cemented glands in pairs, and a non-segmented region in the posterior end of the body, which contributed to the diagnosis of the species. Molecular phylogenetic analyses recovered G. echinodiscus forming a well-supported monophyletic group with Mediorhynchus sp., which was congruent with morphological studies that allocate both genera within the family Gigantorhynchidae. In conclusion, the present work adds new morphological and molecular information, emphasizing the importance of adopting integrative taxonomic approaches in studies of Acanthocephala., Graphical abstract Image 1, Highlights • Redescription of Gigantorhynchus echinodischus from Brazilian giant anteater. • First molecular data of the genus Gigantorhynchus with 28S rRNA partial gene. • Phylogenetic relationships of Gigantorhynchidae are assessed.

EnglishThe giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is the largest living anteater, which due to several anthropic impacts, is threatened with extinction. So far, there was only one locality with a confirmed record of M. tridactyla in Northeast of Brazil. We present a new direct record of the species in Brazilian Northeast, registered in July 2017 by camera trap, in an arboreal caatinga area, municipality of Sento Se, Bahia. This record is the second one of the species in the Caatinga Biome and confirms the occurrence of M. tridactyla in the state of Bahia. It constitutes the first direct record of M. tridactyla in more than 13 years of monitoring in the study area, suggesting that the species is locally rare. portuguesO tamandua-bandeira (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) e o maior tamandua vivente e, de-vido a varios impactos antropicos, encontra-se ameacado de extincao. Ate o momen-to, havia apenas uma localidade com um registro confirmado de M. tridactyla no nordeste do Brasil. Apresentamos um novo registro direto de M. tridactyla no nor-deste brasileiro, registrado em julho de 2017 por armadilha fotografica em uma area de caatinga arborea do municipio de Sento Se, no estado da Bahia. Este e o segundo registro da especie na Caatinga e confirma a ocorrencia de M. tridactyla no estado da Bahia. Constitui-se no primeiro registro direto de M. tridactyla em mais de 13 anos de monitoramento na area de estudo, sugerindo que a especie e localmente rara. Palavras-chave: Caatinga, distribuicao, tamandua-bandeira

Made available in DSpace on 2019-10-04T12:14:12Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2019-03-01. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2021-07-15T14:34:51Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 S0102-09352019000200545.pdf: 889430 bytes, checksum: 5287382d95a2242880870f5115d66aea (MD5) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) Were used twelve (12) adult anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), adults, 6 (six) males and 6 (six) females, weighing from 20 to 27.32kg from free life. The thoracic cavity was opened until visualization of the whole heart and lungs and later injection of the coronary vessels. The right coronary artery emerged through a single coronary ostium of the aorta, 50%, emitting the intermediate branch and the subsinuous interventricular branch, had a path directed to the subsurface interventricular groove. In the other 50%, the right coronary artery was not present, showing only its branches, intermediate branch and subsurface interventricular branch with emergence of the aorta. Left coronary artery presented, in 83.33%, origin from the aorta in single ostium, issuing the circumflex and interventricular paraconal branches. In 16.66%, the left coronary artery was not evidenced originating from the aorta, but its branches, circumflex and interventricular paraconal. Med Vet Autonomo, Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil Ctr Univ Rio Preto, Sao Jose Do Rio Preto, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Aracatuba, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Ilha Solteira, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Aracatuba, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista, Ilha Solteira, SP, Brazil FAPESP: 09/54025-9

Made available in DSpace on 2021-07-14T10:22:58Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-06-21. Added 1 bitstream(s) on 2021-07-14T11:28:54Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 S0102-09352021000300647.pdf: 229877 bytes, checksum: 755945bec1acc31df216f8fe893c581e (MD5) O tratamento das fraturas do membro torácico dos tamanduás-bandeira (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) é extremamente desafiador. Características anatômicas pouco familiares e peculiares, musculatura muito desenvolvida e necessidade iminente de retorno precoce à função do membro destacam tais desafios. Objetivou-se, neste relato, descrever a utilização com sucesso da osteossíntese anatômica com placa bloqueada robusta em fratura umeral de um tamanduá-bandeira. O paciente foi resgatado em rodovia após atropelamento e atendido no Hospital Veterinário Universitário. Após sedação e avaliação física completa, foi realizado exame radiográfico, o qual revelou fratura completa oblíqua curta em diáfise média de úmero esquerdo. A estabilização cirúrgica foi realizada por abordagem craniomedial ao úmero, utilizando-se placa bloqueada (LCP) do sistema 3,5mm customizada. O paciente apresentou apoio precoce do membro com 24 horas de pós-operatório. Realizou-se acompanhamento radiográfico aos 30, 60 e 90 dias, sendo observada união clínica sem quaisquer complicações. Conclui-se que o tratamento das fraturas do úmero em tamanduás-bandeira exige robustez na fixação. A utilização de sistema reforçado de placa bloqueada mostrou-se efetiva e adequada à carga mecânica de que um indivíduo adulto dessa espécie necessita para uso precoce do membro torácico e, ao mesmo tempo, eficiente no controle da movimentação interfragmentária, o qual permitiu consolidação da fratura. The treatment of fractures from the thoracic limb in giant anteaters is extremely challenging. Unfamiliar and peculiar anatomical characteristics, robust musculature and the imminent need for an early return to limb function highlight such challenges. The objective of this report was to describe the successful use of anatomical osteosynthesis with a robust locking compression plate in a humeral fracture of an adult giant anteater. The patient was rescued on the highway after being run over and presented for treatment at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Surgical stabilization was performed using a craniomedial approach to the humerus, using a customized broad 3.5mm locking compression plate. The patient presented early limb support at 24 hours postoperatively. Radiographic monitoring was performed at 30, 60 and 90 days postoperatively, and bone healing was observed without any complications. It is concluded that the treatment of humerus fractures in giant anteaters requires robust fixation. The use of a reinforced locking compression plate system proved to be effective and adequate to the mechanical load that an adult individual of this species needs for early use of the thoracic limb and, at the same time, efficient in controlling interfragmentary movement, which allowed fracture consolidation. Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias Universidade Estadual Paulista, Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias

Submitted by CLARICE SILVA CESÁRIO (claricesilvacesario@gmail.com) on 2021-11-03T16:00:59Z No. of bitstreams: 1 TESE_Clarice_2021.pdf: 5763186 bytes, checksum: e00ca2fa323532cb063df6abe273ffba (MD5) Approved for entry into archive by Elza Mitiko Sato null (elzasato@ibilce.unesp.br) on 2021-11-04T14:06:56Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 cesario_cs_dr_sjrp.pdf: 5763186 bytes, checksum: e00ca2fa323532cb063df6abe273ffba (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2021-11-04T14:06:56Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 cesario_cs_dr_sjrp.pdf: 5763186 bytes, checksum: e00ca2fa323532cb063df6abe273ffba (MD5) Previous issue date: 2021-05-17 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) O tamanduá-bandeira (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) é vulnerável à extinção em várias escalas e tem sido crescente alvo de pesquisas nas últimas décadas. Nossos objetivos gerais com este trabalho foram (1) discutir sobre as variações dos parâmetros fisiológicos de tamanduás-bandeira de vida livre anestesiados, (2) caracterizar seu estado de saúde a partir de exames sanguíneos e infestação de parasitas, e (3) estudar a taxonomia de nematódeos do gênero Aspidodera encontrados em um dos indivíduos. As capturas e imobilizações de nove tamanduás-bandeira ocorreram em uma área protegida de bioma Cerrado no estado de São Paulo, sudeste do Brasil, entre 2014 e 2015, com uso da associação de cetamina, midazolam e xilazina, além de atropina e ioimbina. Os animais apresentaram bradipneia, bom relaxamento muscular e estabilidade dos parâmetros fisiológicos ao longo do monitoramento anestésico. A temperatura do ar e a corporal tiveram queda durante o monitoramento e correlacionaram-se positivamente. Os exames sanguíneos demonstraram eritrocitose, trombocitopenia, hemácias microcíticas e hipocrômicas, leucopenia, eosinofilia, alta concentração de LDH, ALT, AST, ureia, ácido úrico e triglicérides, além de baixas taxas de lipase, amilase, creatinina e fosfatase alcalina. Das quatro espécies de carrapatos identificadas, Amblyomma sculptum, A. nodosum e A. calcaratum foram encontradas frequentemente nos indivíduos, enquanto A. parvum, ocorreu em apenas um. Dos morfotipos de ovos/oocistos de parasitas gastrointestinais encontrados nas fezes, os de maior prevalência foram Trychostrongylidae, Aspidodera spp. e Apicomplexa. Mas além desses, identificamos Ascaridoidea, Trichuris spp. e Physaloptera spp. Apenas um tamanduá-bandeira mostrou-se positivo para o hemoparasita Mycoplasma spp. Todos testaram negativo para os demais agentes investigados (Ehrlichia canis, E. chaffeensis, Anaplasma spp. e Hepatozoon spp.). Redescrevemos duas espécies de Aspidodera, A. fasciata e A. scoleciformis, a partir de estruturas de machos e fêmeas, as comparamos com as congenéricas encontradas em Xenarthra e incluímos A. fasciata na filogenia molecular do grupo. Descrevemos uma nova espécie de Aspidodera a partir de dois espécimes fêmeas com uso de microscopia eletrônica e criamos uma nova chave de identificação para o gênero. Este estudo traz informações inéditas para a espécie e um alerta para o limitado conhecimento sobre saúde e parasitismo de tamanduás-bandeira de vida livre. The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is vulnerable to extinction at various scales and has been a growing research target in recent decades. Our general objectives with this work were (1) to discuss about the variations in physiological parameters of anesthetized free-living giant anteaters, (2) characterize their health status from blood exams and parasite infestation, and (3) to study the taxonomy of nematodes from Aspidodera genus found in one of the individuals. The captures and immobilizations of nine giant anteaters occurred in a protected area of the Cerrado biome in São Paulo state, Southeastern Brazil, between 2014 and 2015, using the combination of ketamine, midazolam and xylazine, in addition to atropine and yohimbine. The animals presented bradypnea, good muscle relaxation and physiological parameters stability during anesthetic monitoring. Air and body temperature decreased during the monitoring and were positively correlated. Blood exams showed erythrocytosis, thrombocytopenia, microcytic and hypochromic red blood cells, leucopenia, eosinophilia, high concentration of LDH, ALT, AST, urea, uric acid and triglycerides, in addition to low rates of lipase, amylase, creatinine and alkaline phosphatase. Of the four tick species identified, Amblyomma sculptum, A. nodosum and A. calcaratum were frequently found on the individuals, while A. parvum occurred in only one. Of the egg/oocysts morphotypes of gastrointestinal parasites found in feces, the most prevalent were Trychostrongylidae, Aspidodera spp. and Apicomplexa. In addition to these, we identified Ascaridoidea, Trichuris spp. and Physaloptera spp. Only one giant anteater was positive for the hemoparasite Mycoplasma spp. All of them tested negative for the other agents investigated (Ehrlichia canis, E. chaffeensis, Anaplasma spp. and Hepatozoon spp.). We redescribed two species of Aspidodera, A. fasciata and A. scoleciformis, from male and female structures, compared them with the congeneric ones found in Xenarthra and included A. fasciata in the molecular phylogeny of the group. We described a new species of Aspidodera from two female specimens using electron microscopy and created a new identification key for the genus. This study brings unprecedented information for the species and an alert to the limited knowledge about health and parasitism of free-living giant anteaters. FAPESP: 2013/04957-8 FioTec: IOC-023-FIO-18-2-11 CAPES: 001

This study was financed in part by the Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior, Brasil (CAPES; https://www.gov.br/capes/pt-br) under finance code 001, PROEX 88887.360861/2019-00 to AG, and PNPD 1694744 to ZO. It was also supported by the Junta de Andalucia under Research Postdoctoral Contract 401 to ZO, and by the Sao Paulo Research Foundation (FAPESP; https://fapesp.br), under finance codes 2013/18526-9 to AB and 2013/04957-8 to AB. Part of the costs for the field work were covered by the Giant Armadillo Conservation Program, which benefited from multiple grants, mostly from North American and European zoos listed at www.icasconservation.org.br/partners.The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript., Knowing the influence of intrinsic and environmental traits on animals’ movement is a central interest of ecology and can aid to enhance management decisions. The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is a vulnerable mammal that presents low capacity for physiological thermoregulation and uses forests as thermal shelters. Here, we aim to provide reliable estimates of giant anteaters’ movement patterns and home range size, as well as untangle the role of intrinsic and environmental drivers on their movement. We GPS-tracked 19 giant anteaters in Brazilian savannah. We used a continuous-time movement model to estimate their movement patterns (described by home range crossing time, daily distance moved and directionality), and provide an autocorrelated kernel density estimate of home range size. Then, we used mixed structural equations to integratively model the effects of sex, body mass and proportion of forest cover on movement patterns and home range size, considering the complex net of interactions between these variables. Male giant anteaters presented more intensive space use and larger home range than females with similar body mass, as it is expected in polygynous social mating systems. Males and females increased home range size with increasing body mass, but the allometric scaling of intensity of space use was negative for males and positive for females, indicating different strategies in search for resources. With decreasing proportion of forest cover inside their home ranges, and, consequently, decreasing thermal quality of their habitat, giant anteaters increased home range size, possibly to maximize the chances of accessing thermal shelters. As frequency and intensity of extreme weather events and deforestation are increasing, effective management efforts need to consider the role of forests as an important thermal resource driving spatial requirements of this species. We highlight that both intrinsic and environmental drivers of animal movement should be integrated to better guide management strategies., Coordenacao de Aperfeicoamento de Pessoal de Nivel Superior (CAPES) 001 PROEX 88887.360861/2019-00 PNPD 1694744, Junta de Andalucia 401, Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo (FAPESP) 2013/18526-9 2013/04957-8

Wildlife-vehicle collisions (WVC) represent a serious source of mortality for many species, threatening local populations’ persistence while also carrying a high economic and human safety cost. Animals may adapt their behaviour to road associated threats, but roadside resources can act as attractants, providing misleading signals about the quality of roadside habitats, ultimately acting as an ecological trap. Yet, the extent to which individuals modify their behaviour and space use to roads is largely unknown for most taxa. Using fine-scale movement data from 41 giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), tracked in the Brazilian Cerrado, we aimed to identify facets of movement behaviour that might exhibit plasticity to roads and traffic volume. Specifically, the analysis of daily and instantaneous movement speeds, home range characteristics, and crossing rates/times, allowed us to test for an effect of road proximity, traffic volume and natural linear features on movement behaviour. We found no effect of road proximity or traffic volume on space use or movement behaviour. While individuals tended to reduce their movement speed when approaching roads and crossed roads ~3 times less than would have been expected by random chance, none of the highways we monitored were impervious. The majority of tracked anteaters living near roads (Article Impact StatementAnalyses of giant anteater movement show how roads act as ecological traps, reinforcing the need for fencing and reduced night-time driving.

The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is a vulnerable species from Central and South America, and is considered possibly extinct in Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Uruguay. Due to the species’ conservation and reproductive importance, this research aimed to characterize the morphology, histochemical, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural feature of the giant anteater prostate gland. For this, we collected 11 giant anteater prostate glands and performed macroscopic, morphological, histochemical, immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural analysis. Nine prostate glands from an adult subject and two from young subjects were studied. Grossly, the adult giant anteater prostate gland is divided in two distinct zones, the central zones (composed mainly of ducts) and the peripheral zones (of acini formed by secretory cells). The secretory cells showed positive periodic acid–Schiff staining. Furthermore, the immunohistochemical characterization revealed a similar human prostate pattern, with p63 staining basal cells, uroplakin III (UPIII) superficial cells of prostatic urethra, androgen receptor (AR) expressing nucleus of secretory and stromal cells, and prostatic specific antigen (PSA) staining prostatic epithelial cells. Overall, our research provided an in-depth morphological description of the giant anteater’s prostate gland, providing valuable information for futures studies focused on giant anteater conservation.

Made available in DSpace on 2022-04-29T08:32:04Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-02-10 ABSTRACT: The relatively recent surge in Aspidodera species descriptions suggests that several species are yet to be documented and properly described. We describe Aspidodera serrata n. sp. from the giant anteater Myrmecophaga tridactyla from the Cerrado biome (Savanna), Brazil. The new species is distinctive in the genus because of the attributes of the cephalic cordons, position of pore-like papillae and a thickening of body cuticle. Because no male specimens were recovered from the host, morphological characteristics that are identical in both sexes and specific for the genus were fundamental during the identification. We emphasize the relevance of hood features and scanning electron microscopy to base descriptions in Aspidodera. We provide a new key for the genus to assist in the efforts to identify the species present in multiple infections. This is the first report of a coinfection with 3 congeners in the same individual host involving Aspidodera. We urge researchers to preserve and document the metazoan parasites from tetrapod species considered vulnerable, because they can be valuable sources of information on the distribution of parasites in the wild. Laboratório de Ecologia de Mamíferos Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal Universidade Estadual de São Paulo, Rua Cristóvão Colombo 2265, São José do Rio Preto Laboratório de Biologia e Parasitologia de Mamíferos Silvestres Reservatórios Fundação Oswaldo Cruz/Fiocruz, Avenida Brazil 4365, Manguinhos Universidade Veiga de Almeida, Rua Ibituruna 108, Maracanã Department of Zoology Southern Illinois University, Life Science II Room Number 351, Mail Code 6501 Laboratório de Ecologia de Mamíferos Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Animal Universidade Estadual de São Paulo, Rua Cristóvão Colombo 2265, São José do Rio Preto

The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is being threatened by natural habitat destruction and fragmentation, illegal hunting and road kills. In this context, the generation of basic information on the reproductive parameters of this species is vital, aiming to improve reproductive management via, amongst others, assisted reproductive technologies. This study aimed to describe the morphological and functional features of semen collected from captive giant anteaters. Electroejaculation was performed in 13 animals housed in zoos located in Sao Paulo state, Brazil. Semen samples were collected from 13 animals in 16 procedures. Samples were evaluated for volume, motility, vigor, pH, concentration, sperm morphology, and functional tests. The following mean values were obtained: volume 1.28 ± 0.27 mL; motility 28.3 ± 6.2%; vigor 2.4 ± 0.25; concentration 129.4 ± 36.1 × 106 sperm/mL; pH 7.4 ± 0.2. Total acrosome, head, midpiece, and tail sperm abnormalities were 3.2 ± 0.8%, 25.4 ± 3.6%, 20.7 ± 3.2%, and 14.7 ± 2.6%, respectively. Intact acrosome was found in 83.7 ± 3.1% and intact membrane in 81.1 ± 4.0% of all samples collected. Mitochondrial activity was 66.4 ± 6.0% (Class I), 18.7 ± 2.9% (Class II), 8.0 ± 2.0% (Class III), 3.9 ± 1.0% (Class IV), and 3.0 ± 0.9% (Class V). Sperm DNA fragmentation rate was 13.2 ± 3.7%. These results indicated that electroejaculation is a feasible method for semen collection in giant anteaters, allowing a more detailed description of the semen in this species.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T10:54:55Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 The aim of this study was to identify the anatomical structures in the head region of the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) using computed tomography. For this, three giant anteater corpses, adult and female, were used. The tomographic analysis was performed in sequential order in rostrocaudal direction. Subsequently, the heads of these animals were sectioned in cross sections of approximately 1.5 cm each. Tomographic images were compared with anatomical sections. The association between computed tomography and anatomical sections allowed the visualization of anatomical structures found in the nasal, oral, cranial, pharyngeal and ear cavities. An elongated oral cavity delimited by the elongated mandible was observed. The oral cavity was mainly occupied by a thin and elongated tongue formed mainly by the union of the sternoglossal muscles. The nasopharynx and oropharynx extended up to the neck at the level of the fifth cervical vertebra. The findings of this study suggest that the giant anteater has a head with structures morphologically adapted to its feeding habits, such as an elongated skull, tongue, styloid bones and mandible. In addition, based on the results of this study, it is possible to suggest that computed tomography is a pivotal tool for the veterinary routine of wild animals, since it allowed the identification of anatomical structures found in the head of the giant anteater. School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science Graduate Program in Wild Animals São Paulo State University (UNESP) School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology São Paulo State University (UNESP) Laboratory of Wildlife Anatomy São Paulo State University (UNESP) School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science Graduate Program in Wild Animals São Paulo State University (UNESP) School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science Department of Animal Reproduction and Veterinary Radiology São Paulo State University (UNESP) Laboratory of Wildlife Anatomy São Paulo State University (UNESP)

Background : The giant anteater ( Myrmecophaga tridactyla ) returned to the category of vulnerable by the 2014 IUCN / SSC, due to the population reduction, less than 30%. The main reasons are: environmental degradation and fragmentation, being run over, burning, attacks by hunting dogs, illegal trade and diseases. It is very common to find these fractured patients and the treatment is mostly surgical. Amputation is indicated when there are extensive lacerations and when reconstructive surgery is not possible. The objective is to report a viable treatment option in fractured wild patients, contributing to the preservation of the species. Case : It was received at the Veterinary Hospital Dr. Halim Atique - UNIRP an young female giant anteater ( M. tridactyla ) weighing 5.75 kg, brought by the Environmental Forestry Police of the municipality of Sao Jose do Rio Preto - SP, found in the region of Olimpia at a gas station. The animal was traumatized by an agricultural harvester, with partial traumatic amputation in the left pelvic limb and tail. In the preoperative period, the patient was admitted to hospital under assisted care, analgesia and all the necessary support for stabilization. High amputation was performed, with hip disarticulation and treatment of the tail wound, which was initially opted for healing in the first intention, where sutures were used to approach the edges of the wound, but presented dehiscence and was treated as a second intention. There were almost 2 months of care with specific food, cleaning of the enclosures, medications and dressings. After 57 days of hospitalization, the patient was transferred to the Municipal Zoo of Sao Jose do Rio Preto - SP, where it was moved to a larger and ideal enclosure for the species, with other giant anteaters also rescued. Discussion : The rate of complex fractures in accidents with wild animals is high. Amputations are indicated for patients with extensive lacerations without possible reconstructions, the patient in the present study had partial amputation of the limb, and reconstruction was impossible. The amputation technique of choice was disarticulation of the hip, as it is important that the patient does not try to support the limb, to avoid further trauma. The adaptation of animals to amputation is satisfactory, however, it should be noted that these individuals must remain under observation in the postoperative period, must remain confined to small rooms to avoid complications such as hemorrhage, seroma, dehiscence and infection of the surgical wound. The multidisciplinary team specialized in the required areas must be trained for this type of service. Adaptation to the new hospital environment, adaptation without an amputated limb, different food from that found in nature, daily handling for dressings and the movement of people in the sector are precautions that we must have for the success of the treatment. The great challenge for the recovery of traumatized wild patients is capture stress, transport to the operating room, lack of adaptation to the hospital environment and use of protocols that are unsuitable for the species, factors that can compromise the success of the treatment. Amputation can be a viable treatment alternative for fractured giant anteaters, when bone reconstruction is not possible. The amputation was performed successfully, providing another opportunity for this patient and contributing to the preservation of the species. Keywords: fracture, amputation, Myrmecophaga tridactyla , giant anteater.

The drastic reduction of the Brazilian Cerrado has transformed this savanna hotspot into vast swaths of commodity-based agriculture fields, mainly soybean, sugarcane, and beef-production pasturelands. The resulting habitat loss and fragmentation are the principal factors underlying population decline of native species inhabiting the Cerrado, particularly those with a high demand for space, low population density, and specialized diet, such as the endangered giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla). Although the species has been studied in protected areas, we know much less about its ability to endure in disturbed landscapes. Here, we analyzed camera-trapping data to estimate a proxy of habitat use (ψ^; occupancy) and detection probabilities of the giant anteater, identifying environmental covariates influencing these parameters in landscapes with intensive agriculture and commercial forestry. We found this species using about half of the study area (model average ψ^ = 0.51, CI = 0.40–0.62), with two predictors strongly influencing habitat use: protected areas and unpaved roads. In turn, detection probability correlates positively with area of open Cerrado and negatively with area of settlements. The species is more likely to use unpaved roads inside protected areas (ψ^ = 0.90, CI = 0.47–0.75), compared to off road sites in the surrounding areas (ψ^ = 0.19, CI = 0.10–0.34). Our findings indicate that giant anteaters are dependent on nature reserves and native vegetation areas existing on private properties, whose protection is regulated by the Brazilian Native Vegetation Protection Law. Given the relative paucity of state-owned protected areas in the Brazilian Cerrado, increasing the adherence of rural owners to this law is, therefore, key for the conservation of the giant anteater. The intense use of unpaved roads might reflect travelling and/or foraging optimization, a behavioral response that, nevertheless, may compound this species’ susceptibility to suffer mortality from roadkill.

Made available in DSpace on 2021-06-25T11:14:01Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2021-01-01 Mammals can show conspicuous behavioral responses to thermal variation, including changes in movement patterns. We used an integrative approach to understand how environmental temperature can drive the movement behavior of a mammal with low capacity for physiological thermoregulation, the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla). We tracked 52 giant anteaters in 7 areas throughout the Brazilian savannah. We estimated the distance moved, area used, use of forest areas, and mean environmental temperature for each monitoring day of each individual. We modeled these data with Mixed Structural Equations — considering the possible interactions between our variables and controlling for sex and body mass. Giant anteaters reduced displacement and increased forest use with decreasing environmental temperature, probably because of their low body heat production. It is possible that they reduce distance moved and area used by reducing the duration of activity. With decreasing temperature, forest habitats become warmer than open ones, besides buffer rain and chilly winds. Reducing displacement and using forests are important strategies to reduce body heat loss and the energetic costs of thermoregulation. However, decreasing movement can limit food access and, consequently, fitness. Therefore, we highlight the importance of forests as thermal shelters. With increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, we showed the need to preserve forest patches to offer suitable conditions for tropical mammals’ behavioral thermoregulation. In this context, policies favoring deforestation on Brazilian territory are especially worrisome. Finally, we emphasize the need of integrative approaches to understand the complex interactions between organisms and the environment. Ecology Department Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS) Post Graduate Program of Ecology and Evolution Federal University of Goiás (UFG) Institute of Research and Conservation of Anteaters in Brazil (PROJETO TAMANDUÁ) Institute for the Conservation of Wild Animals (ICAS) Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) Institute for Ecological Research (IPÊ) Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens The Houston Zoo National Institute of Criminalistics – Federal Police Embrapa Pantanal Natural Resources Graduate Program (PRONAT) – Federal University of Roraima (UFRR) Animal Biology Graduate Program Federal University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UFMS) Animal Biology Department São Paulo State University (UNESP) Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health School of Veterinary Medicine University of São Paulo (USP) Brazilian Institute for Conservation Medicine (TRÍADE) Animal Biology Department São Paulo State University (UNESP)

Giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is a wild mammal distributed in Central and South America; nowadays, it is classified as an endangered species. Research about the macroscopic and histomorphological aspects of its respiratory tract is scarce, and, sometimes, it limits the treatment provided to sick animals and impairs species preservation. Thus, the present study aims to describe the macroscopic and microscopic morphology of its lower respiratory tract, including trachea and lungs. To do so, 12 adult giant anteaters from “Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres de Goiânia” (CETAS-GO), Goiás State, Brazil, were used in the research after natural death or euthanasia. Three of these animals were used for macroscopic assessments; they were fixed in 10% buffered formalin and dissected. Trachea and lung tissue samples were collected from nine animals right after death and fixed in 10% buffered formalin for histomorphological analysis; they were processed, embedded in paraffin, and inked with hematoxylin-eosin (HE), periodic acid-Schiff (PAS), and Masson’s trichrome. The macroscopic analysis showed that the trachea in this species is proportionally short and presents from 19 to 27 tracheal cartilages. The right lung presents four lobes and the left one, two. The microscopic analysis evidenced respiratory epithelium of the ciliated cylindrical pseudostratified type, without evident goblet cells in the mucosa layer of the trachea and bronchi. The pulmonary visceral pleura is thick, similar to other large domestic mammals - complete septa extend from the pulmonary visceral pleura. In conclusion, the macroscopy and histomorphology of giant anteater’s lower respiratory tract, represented by trachea and lungs, are similar to that of other domestic and wild mammals. Pulmonary histomorphology is mainly similar to that of pigs and ruminants: it has thick visceral pleura that emits complete septa of conjunctive tissue, which enable lobular parenchymal architecture.

Submitted by Caroline De Cássia Gallo (caroline.gallo@unesp.br) on 2020-10-26T19:32:44Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Dissertacao_Caroline_gallo.pdf: 808865 bytes, checksum: 8dc99f6314bd4a59e828e62b490a9e20 (MD5) Approved for entry into archive by Ana Lucia de Grava Kempinas (algkempinas@fca.unesp.br) on 2020-10-26T23:35:30Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 gallo_cc_me_botfmvz.pdf: 808865 bytes, checksum: 8dc99f6314bd4a59e828e62b490a9e20 (MD5) Made available in DSpace on 2020-10-26T23:35:30Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 gallo_cc_me_botfmvz.pdf: 808865 bytes, checksum: 8dc99f6314bd4a59e828e62b490a9e20 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2020-08-28 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Embora o tamanduá-bandeira (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) e o tamanduá-mirim (Tamandua tetractyla) sejam exemplares bem conhecidos da fauna brasileira, atualmente existem poucas pesquisas na área de nutrição e alimentação destas espécies em cativeiro. Estes animais são exigentes, pois sua dieta é especializada, e o balanceamento e suplementação são aspectos importantes na sua formulação, para que os animais não apresentem nenhuma deficiência nutricional. Diante desta problemática, este estudo teve por objetivo unir os resultados de análise de solo do interior de cupinzeiros e a composição bromatológica (umidade, cinzas, proteína, lipídeos, calorimetria e perfil de ácidos graxos) de formigas Pheidole oxyops e Atta sexdens rubropilosa e da espécie de cupim Cornitermes cumulans, para auxílio na formulação de dieta para tamanduás. Foram encontrados valores de 29,78%, 26,53% e 11,82% para proteína, 4,33%, 1,87% e 19,58% para cinzas, para os insetos Pheidole oxyops, Atta sexdens rubropilosa e Cornitermes cumulans, respectivamente. Os ácidos graxos mais relevantes foram o ácido mirístico, ácido palmítico, ácido oleico e ácido linoléico, encontrados no total de 35 nas formigas e cupins. Os resultados demostraram uma grande importância de ingestão do solo pelos tamanduás devido à grande concentração de nutrientes e o balanceamento da dieta com a ingestão dos cupins e formigas. Although the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) and the southern tamandua (Tamandua tetractyla) are well-known examples of Brazilian fauna, there is currently little research in the area of nutrition and feeding of these in captivity. These animals are demanding, as their diet is specialized, and balance and supplementation are important aspects in their formulation, so that the animals do not have any nutritional deficiency. In view of this problem, this study aims to unite the results of soil analysis in the interior of termite mounds and the chemical composition (moisture, ash, protein, lipids, calorimetry and fatty acid profile) of ants Pheidole oxyops and Atta sexdens rubropilosa and the termite species Cornitermes cumulans, for aid in the formulation of a diet for anteaters. Values of 29,78%, 26,53% and 11,82% were found for protein, 4,33%, 1,87% and 19,58% for ash, for the insects Pheidole oxyops, Atta sexdens rubropilosa and Cornitermes cumulans, respectively. The most relevant fatty acids were myristic acid, palmitic acid, oleic acid and linoleic acid, was found in 35 numbers in ants and termites. The results showed a great importance of soil intake by anteaters due to the high concentration of nutrients and the balance of the diet with the ingestion of termites and ants.

An adult, female, 31kg body weight, free range Myrmecophaga tridactyla was referred for medical consultation due to apathy, dehydration, intense flatulence and fetid stools. The animal was submitted to chemical restraint and physical examination, blood count, fecal analysis, and vaginal cytology and abdominal ultrasonography were performed. Good nutritional status and clinical variables within the normal range were observed at physical examination. At vaginal cytology leukocytes, spermatozoa and a large proportion of cornified cells (superficial) were observed, indicating estrus and recent copula. At ultrasound examination it was possible to locate, identify, evaluate and measure the ovaries and the uterine structures, cervix, body, lumen, myometrium and endometrium, a fact never reported in the literature for this species. These data can be used as reference for clinical evaluation of the reproductive tract in Myrmecophaga tridactyla females considered vulnerable species, for the diagnosis of reproductive pathologies, biotechnologies application or estrous cycle evaluation. RESUMO Uma fêmea, com 31kg de peso corporal, de Myrmecophaga tridactyla, de vida livre, foi apresentada para consulta médica em razão de apatia, desidratação, flatulência intensa e fezes fétidas. O animal foi submetido à contenção química e foram realizados exame físico, hemograma, análise fecal, citologia vaginal e ultrassonografia abdominal. Ao exame físico, foi determinado bom estado nutricional e variáveis clínicas dentro da faixa de normalidade. Na citologia vaginal, foram observados leucócitos, espermatozoides e uma grande proporção de células cornificadas (superficiais), indicando estro e cópula recente. No exame ultrassonográfico, foi possível localizar, identificar, avaliar e mensurar os ovários e as estruturas uterinas, o colo do útero, o corpo do útero, o lúmen, o miométrio e o endométrio, fato nunca relatado na literatura para essa espécie. Esses dados podem ser utilizados como referência para avaliação clínica do trato reprodutivo de fêmeas de Myrmecophaga tridactyla considerada espécie vulnerável, para o diagnóstico de patologias reprodutivas, aplicação de biotecnologias ou avaliação do ciclo estral.

The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) can occur in both preserved and anthropogenic environments in Brazilian biomes. The Cerrado biome, where the samples were collected, is considered one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots; however, a large part of it has been converted to pasture and agricultural land. In this environment, animals may be exposed to contaminants, such as mercury (Hg). Despite its immense biodiversity, there are few studies investigating Hg contamination in terrestrial mammals in Brazil. This study aimed to create a baseline for Hg levels in giant anteater fur and establish which biotic and abiotic variables can influence its concentration. Total Hg (THg) concentrations were determined by cold vapor atomic absorption spectrometry in 141 individuals sampled on highways between January and October 2017, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. THg concentrations in fur ranged from 0.27 to 4.77 μg g −1. The decomposition stage of the carcasses and vehicular traffic volume on highways did not influence the THg concentrations. Juveniles presented lower THg concentrations than adults. A spatial pattern of higher concentrations in the eastern-southeastern region of the state was found, which could be related to anthropogenic impacts; however, no clear links have been established. The THg concentrations in giant anteaters’ fur seems higher than expected considering the trophic position of the species. Despite this, the range was in accordance with studies of other Brazilian terrestrial mammals and within safe threshold levels. This study indicates the potential of utilizing roadkilled fauna to monitor large-scale contamination in wildlife.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-12T02:24:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-04-01 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) The protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii can infect virtually all warm-blooded animals worldwide but little is known of its infection in the endangered giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla). The present study found antibodies to T. gondii in 13 of 23 free-living M. tridactyla from the northwest region of São Paulo state, Brazil, by the Modified Agglutination Test (MAT, cut-off titer 1:25). Unfrozen tissues of seven M. tridactyla were bioassayed in mice and viable T. gondii (strain designated TgMytrBrSP1) isolated from one seropositive giant anteater. To our knowledge, this is a new host record for T. gondii. Genotyping using PCR-RFLP revealed the Brazilian clonal Type BrIII genotype, and a unique non-archetypal genotype was revealed by microsatellite analysis. Laboratório de Doenças Parasitárias Departamento de Medicina Veterinária Preventiva e Saúde Animal (VPS) Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia Universidade de São Paulo, Av. Prof. Dr. Orlando Marques de Paiva, 87 Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita” Filho (UNESP) Instituto de Biociências Letras e Ciências Exatas (IBILCE), Campus de São José do Rio Preto FAMERP Toxoplasma Research Group Departamento de Biologia Molecular Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP) Centro Universitário de Rio Preto UNIRP Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory Beltsville Agricultural Research Center United States Department of Agriculture Departamento de Epidemiologia e Saúde Coletiva Faculdade de Medicina de São José do Rio Preto (FAMERP) Universidade Estadual Paulista “Júlio de Mesquita” Filho (UNESP) Instituto de Biociências Letras e Ciências Exatas (IBILCE), Campus de São José do Rio Preto CAPES: 001 FAPESP: 14/25872-3 FAPESP: 2014/05302-8

On the latest 60 years the degradation and fragmentation of native habitats have been modifying the landscape in the eastern Brazilian Amazon. The adaptive plasticity of an organism has been crucial for its long-term survival and success in these novel ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the response of four endangered species of large terrestrial mammals to the variations in the quality of their original habitats, in a context of high anthropogenic pressure. The distribution of the Myrmecophaga tridactyla (Giant anteater), Priodontes maximus (Giant armadillo), Tapirus terrestris (Lowland tapir) and Tayassu pecari (White-lipped peccary) in all sampled habitats suggests their tolerance to degradation. However, the survival ability of each species in the different habitats was not the same. Among the four species, T. pecari seems to be the one with the least ability to survive in more altered environments. The positive influence of the anthropogenically altered habitats on abundances of three of the four species studied, as observed at the regeneration areas, can be considered as a potential indication of the ecological trap phenomenon. This study reinforces the importance of the forest remnants for the survival of endangered mammal species, in regions of high anthropogenic pressure, as in the eastern Brazilian Amazon.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-10T20:04:36Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-07-06 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) Background: The acupuncture points are considered a point in the skin of sensitivity to stimulation. The acupuncture meridians represent the communication between acupuncture points and internal organs. The giant anteater (Mirmecophaga tridactyla) is routinely attended in veterinary centers, and is pivotal to know its morphology and therapies such as acupuncture that, probably, can be used in medical practice. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the morphological substrate in regions that correspond to the transposition of acupuncture points of the Bladder Meridian using radiography, ultrasonography, electrical impedance and histology in the giant anteater. Materials, Methods & Results: Seven giant anteaters (six males and one female) were used. The animals were from the Center of Medicine and Research in Wild Animals (CEMPAS), School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, UNESP, Botucatu, Sao Paulo. The acupoints of Bladder Meridian evaluated were Bladder 11 (B-11), Bladder 18 (B-18), Bladder 23 (B-23), Bladder 25 (B-25), and Bladder 28 (B-28). The locations of the acupoints were transposed based on the location of these acupuncture points in dogs. Four animals were live and were used for radiographic, ultrasonographic, and electrical impedance analysis. Three animals were died and the fragments of this acupoints were destined to histological routine with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson's Trichrome stains. The giant anteaters studied had fifteen thoracic vertebrae, three lumbar vertebrae, and five sacral vertebrae fused in a single bone. The acupuncture points were characterized by presence of abundant connective tissue at the superficial and intermuscular level, muscular fascia, and many neurovascular bundles in the dermal layer. These bundles consisted of nerves, arteries and veins of various calibers. The spaces between the nerves and blood vessels were filled by loose connective tissue containing adipose cells, capillaries, and sweat glands. Discussion: The network of acupuncture points can be seen as a representation of a network formed by interstitial connective tissue. This hypothesis is supported by ultrasound imaging that demonstrated plans for cleavage of connective tissue at acupuncture points in normal humans. It seems that the anatomical relationship of acupoints and meridians with connective tissue planes is relevant to the mechanism of action of acupuncture and suggests an important integrative role for interstitial connective tissue. The presence of connective tissue was observed in the transposition areas studied in the giant anteater using ultrasound. The main histological structures found in the transposition regions of the acupoints in the giant anteater were the nerve and connective tissue, similar to other studies, who claimed that the nerve is the main histological component of an acupoint. Therefore, there are reports suggesting that the network of acupoints and meridians can be seen as a representation of a network formed by interstitial connective tissue and that this relationship is important for the therapeutic mechanism of acupuncture. Based on the results of this study, it is possible to infer that the studied regions present a morphological substrate that is consistent with the characteristics of an acupuncture point. Thus, it is suggested that there are probably acupuncture points in these regions in the giant anteater, which makes possible the use of this alternative medical therapy for the treatment of these animals. Univ Estadual Paulista UNESP, Fac Med Vet & Zootecnia FMVZ, Programa Posgrad Anim Selvagens, Botucatu, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista UNESP, Dept Anat, Inst Biociecias Botucatu IBB, Botucatu, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista UNESP, Fac Med Vet & Zootecnia FMVZ, Programa Posgrad Anim Selvagens, Botucatu, SP, Brazil Univ Estadual Paulista UNESP, Dept Anat, Inst Biociecias Botucatu IBB, Botucatu, SP, Brazil CAPES: 001

Orientador: José Luiz da Costa Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas Resumo: No meio ambiente, os agrotóxicos podem contaminar a água e o solo, além de acumular-se na biota, através da cadeia alimentar, podendo causar desequilíbrio ecológico. A alimentação dos tamanduás-bandeira é constituída principalmente de formigas e cupins, e a captura destes se dá através da língua. O tamanduá-bandeira come até 30 mil formigas e cupins por dia e, portanto, precisa de variados habitats para encontrar esta quantidade necessária de alimento. Assim, acredita-se que estes animais estão expostos a agrotóxicos utilizados nos cultivos agrícolas na região do Cerrado brasileiro. Este trabalho tem por objetivo avaliar a exposição do tamanduá-bandeira a agrotóxicos utilizados no Cerrado. Foi avaliada a exposição a agrotóxicos através de análises toxicológicas realizadas em amostras de sangue post mortem de animais atropelados em rodovias do estado do Mato Grosso do Sul. Também foram analisadas amostras de sangue de animais vivos, capturados e monitorados por coletes de GPS como parte do Projeto Bandeiras e Rodovias. As amostras foram armazenadas sob congelamento (-20 ºC) desde a coleta até o momento da análise. O método foi validado seguindo as recomendações do Scientific Working Group for Forensic Toxicology para análises qualitativas e quantitativas (SWGTOX). Os agrotóxicos investigados são aqueles dos principais cultivos do Cerrado (grãos, eucalipto, cana-de-açúcar e pastagens). As amostras foram submetidas ao método de extração QuEChERS (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe). Trata-se de uma extração simples, utilizando acetonitrila seguida de uma etapa de limpeza do extrato. Dentre as vantagens deste método, destacam-se a sensibilidade na detecção de substâncias de diferentes classes químicas em um único método, a pouca quantidade de solvente utilizada e a rápida execução. Após a extração, as amostras foram analisadas em cromatógrafo líquido acoplado a espectrômetro de massas sequencial (LC-MS/MS) modelo LCMS8060 (Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japão). Oito agrotóxicos (2,4-D, aldicarbe, atrazina, carbofurano, clorpirifós, fentiona, mevinfós e fipronil) e o produto de transformação do aldicarbe (aldicarbe sulfona) foram analisados. O método foi otimizado em monitoramento de reações múltiplas (MRM). O método proposto foi validado e aplicado para as análises de sangue, a fim de se avaliar a exposição do tamanduá-bandeira aos agrotóxicos selecionados. A linearidade foi avaliada entre as concentrações de 5 ng/mL e 1000 ng/mL, exceto para o 2,4-D, que foi avaliada entre 25 ng/mL e 5000 ng/mL. Para cinco dias de análise, a curva analítica apresentou r² maior que 0,98 (1/x2), imprecisão e inexatidão menor que 20% para todos os compostos. A recuperação variou entre 10,2% e 31,9%, enquanto o efeito matriz foi melhor que 38,1%, excetuando-se o clorpirifós e a fentiona. Foram analisadas 64 amostras, sendo 27 amostras post mortem e 37 amostras de animais vivos monitorados por GPS. Os compostos selecionados não foram detectados nas amostras analisadas. Além disso, o método proposto foi avaliado quanto à correlação de concentração entre sangue total e plasma para ser utilizado em rotina no laboratório para confirmação de suspeitas de intoxicações por agrotóxicos de pacientes que são admitidos no Hospital de Clínicas da UNICAMP. O método mostrou correlação linear entre as duas matrizes testadas (r² maior que 0,99 (1/x²). A recuperação variou entre 13,9% e 24,8%, enquanto o efeito matriz foi melhor que 41,2%, excetuando-se o clorpirifós e a fentiona. Foram analisadas três amostras de casos de tentativa de suicídio, das quais duas confirmaram intoxicação por aldicarbe (aldicarbe e aldicarbe sulfona foram detectados) e a terceira confirmou intoxicação por carbofurano Abstract: In the environment, pesticides can contaminate water and soil, besides accumulating in biota, through the food chain, which can cause ecological imbalance. The feeding of giant anteaters consists mainly of ants and termites, and their capture is done through the tongue. The giant anteater eats up to 30,000 ants and termites a day and therefore needs a variety of habitats to find this necessary amount of food. Thus, it is believed that these animals are exposed to pesticides used in agricultural crops in the Brazilian Cerrado region. This work aims to evaluate the exposure of the giant anteater to pesticides used in the Cerrado. Exposure to pesticides was assessed through toxicological analyzes carried out on post mortem blood samples from animals found in highways in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Also blood samples from live animals, captured and monitored by GPS vests as part of the Flags and Highways Project were analyzed. The samples were stored under freezing (-20 ºC) from collection to the moment of analysis. The method was validated following the recommendations of the Scientific Working Group for Forensic Toxicology for qualitative and quantitative analyzes (SWGTOX). The investigated pesticides are those of the main Cerrado crops (grains, eucalyptus, sugar cane and pastures). The samples were submitted to the QuEChERS extraction method (quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe). It is a simple extraction, using acetonitrile followed by an extract cleaning step. Among the advantages of this method, stand out the sensitivity in detecting substances of different chemical classes in a single method, the small amount of solvent used and the fast execution. After extraction, the samples were analyzed in a liquid chromatograph tandem-mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) model LCMS8060 (Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan). The total of 8 pesticides (2,4-D, aldicarb, atrazine, carbofuran, chlorpyrifos, fentiona, mevinfós and fipronil) and the aldicarb transformation product (aldicarb sulfone) were analysed. The method was optimized in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM). The proposed method was validated and applied for blood tests, in order to assess the exposure of the giant anteater to the selected pesticides. Linearity was assessed between the concentrations of 5 ng/mL and 1000 ng/mL, except for 2,4-D, which was evaluated between 25 ng/mL and 5000 ng/mL. For five days of analysis, the analytical curve showed r² value greater than 0.98 (1/x2), imprecision and inaccuracy less than 20% for all compounds. The recovery varied between 10.2% and 31.9%, while the matrix effect was better than 38.1%, except for chlorpyrifos and fenthion. 64 samples were analyzed, being 27 post mortem samples and 37 samples of live animals monitored by GPS. The selected compounds were not detected in the analyzed samples. In addition, the proposed method was evaluated for concentration correlation between whole blood and plasma to be used routinely in the laboratory to confirm suspected pesticide poisoning in patients admitted in the Hospital de Clínicas of UNICAMP. The method showed a linear correlation between the two matrices tested (r² value greater than 0.99 (1/x²). Recovery varied between 13.9% and 24.8%, while the matrix effect was better than 41.2%, except for chlorpyrifos and fenthion. Three samples of suicide attempt cases were analyzed, which two of them confirmed intoxication by aldicarb (aldicarb and aldicarb sulfone were detected) and the third confirmed carbofuran intoxication Mestrado Ciências Farmacêuticas - Insumos Farmacêuticos Naturais, Biotecnológicos e Sintéticos Mestra em Ciências

Road networks can have serious ecological consequences for many species, mainly through habitat fragmentation and mortality due to collisions with vehicles. One example of a species impacted by roads is the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), currently listed as Vulnerable by IUCN. Here we analysed the relative effect of fragmentation and mortality due to roads on giant anteater populations and show the critical areas for their persistence in Brazil. We estimated minimum patch size and maximum road density to evaluate the impact of the road network and observed road-kills on this species. We explored different scenarios by varying values of dispersal capacity to estimate the minimum patch size, and also of population densities to estimate maximum road density for giant anteater persistence. Our findings indicated that the minimum patch size can be from 498 to 247 km2 and the maximum road density can vary between 0.21 and 0.55 km/km2 in pessimist and optimistic scenarios, respectively. In Brazil, habitat fragmentation seemed to have a major impact over giant anteater populations. Habitat fragmentation due to roads seemed to have a more negative effect than mortality due to collisions with vehicles. Critical areas for the species persistence can represent 32% of its range in the optimistic scenario with 18% of suitable patches below the minimum size and 0.1% above the maximum road density. This study provides insights and implications for road networks on giant anteater populations in Brazil and guidance on road density and patch size thresholds for land managers and road agencies charged with planning ecologically sustainable roads in Brazil.

Pelage patterns, colouration and other biometric traits are perceived to be uniform in the Neotropical giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), a conception precluding the identification of indivi...

The giant anteater Myrmecophaga tridactyla is in a vulnerable state of conservation due to alterations occurred in its habitat. Knowing its food sources, namely the ant species which are the most abundant component of its diet in the Chaco semiarid areas will help generate strategies for its conservation. This study aimed to prove the presence of the M. tridactyla in the north-west part of Santiago del Estero, determine food offer of ant in grassland and forest environments in addition to identify composition and abundance of the ants making up its diet. To attest the presence of the giant anteater, 22.4 km of transects were traversed in both environments by collecting evidences and feces. To determine ant rich- ness and abundance, samplings were done using pitfall tramps. Feces analysis showed that the diet comprised ten ant genres that equals 50% of the formicide richness in the area under study. From the total of the ants identified in feces, 95% belonged to Ectatomma sp. and Camponotus sp. According to the values of richness, abundance and similarity obtained, the ant offer for the M. tridactyla ?s diet is similar in both environments. All the above suggests that both the forest and the grasslands in the northest of Santiago del Estero are propitious for conserving the species. In general, the importance of these two environments should be considered by the policies protecting the conservation of the specie in this area.

Ibera Nature Reserve in the province of Corrientes, Argentina has suffered one of the worst defaunation processes in the country. After acquiring lands within the Reserve, The Conservation Land Trust started the Ibera Rewilding Program in 2007, with the aim of reintroducing all animal species that had been extirpated locally in historic times. Along with its ecological value, this program intended to improve local economies by positioning Ibera as an ecotourism destination. So far, two self-sustaining populations of two species (giant anteater and pampas deer) and five initial population nuclei of four species (giant anteater, pampas deer, tapir, peccary and green-winged macaw) have been established, as well as an ongoing jaguar breeding program. Major obstacles faced during the rewilding process included communication challenges (communicating the program results openly and clearly); bureaucratic challenges (overcoming initial resistance from authorities, academia, and other stakeholders by producing high quality recovery plans and communicating consistently) and species-specific challenges (recognizing each species’ requirements and learning from individual animals’ responses). This experience demonstrates that rewilding projects require abundant suitable habitat, long-term financial and organizational commitment, a solid interdisciplinary team and a high level of flexibility in order to adapt in a changing context. One of the first programs of this kind in the Americas, the Ibera Rewilding Program is being adopted by government authorities, private conservationists and the general public in Argentina, as a model for proactive conservation.

Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is a vulnerable species because of progressive habitat destruction, mostly affected by wildfires and car accidents. The increasing number of animals that are attended by wildlife rescue centres reinforces the need of knowledge about haematological parameters, especially for those that inhabit Brazilian cerrado biome. For this purpose and in order to establish reference values for this species and also to compare them with previous studies, haematological analysis of captive giant anteaters from Brazilian cerrado were performed. Moreover, the alterations of blood samples after 24 and 48 hours of storage at refrigeration temperatures (4oC) and preserved with two different EDTA concentrations (5% and 10%) were studied. Means and standard deviations of haematological parameters analysed immediately after collection were: RBC: 2,07 x106/μL ± 0,40; hematocrit: 38,08%± 5,93; haemoglobin: 11.33g/dL±2.15; MCV:186.52 fL±21.72; MCHC: 29.68g/dL±2.56; MCH: 55.08pcg±5,94; total leucocytes: 8.142/μL±2.441; neutrophils: 5.913/μL±2.168; lymphocytes: 1.460/μL±740; eosinophil: 522/μL±385; monocytes: 247/μL±176; thrombocytes: 123.458/μL±31.362 and total plasma protein: 6.23g/dL±0.49. This data shows evidence of the existence of important differences between these values and others from other areas, either from Brazil or from other South American countries. Those variations might be connected to environment, genetic, nutritional and/or management factors. Regarding the storage effect analysis, it can be concluded that in giant anteaters, haematological analysis can be performed until 24h after collection without any significant alterations on the haematological parameters, except for thrombocytes. Concerning the different EDTA concentrations, it can be concluded that there are no quantitative differences in haematological variables. Nevertheless, relevant morphologic alterations in blood cells can be observed after a 24h storage period, being most noticeable in the leucocytes. Those alterations can lead to misinterpretation of the results, interfering diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. RESUMO: O tamanduá-bandeira (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) é uma espécie vulnerável devido à destruição progressiva do seu habitat natural, sendo afetado por queimadas e atropelamentos. O aumento na casuística de atendimentos de animais silvestres reforça a necessidade de se ter conhecimento dos parâmetros hematológicos, em especial para os que vivem no bioma do cerrado. Por isso, este trabalho teve por objetivos realizar o hemograma de tamanduás-bandeiras de cativeiro localizados no cerrado brasileiro, a fim de estabelecer valores de referência para essa espécie e compará-los a estudos prévios. Além disso, verificar quais alterações podem ser encontradas em amostras armazenadas por 24 e 48 horas após a colheita, em temperatura de refrigeração (4oC) e tratadas com duas concentrações distintas de EDTA (5% e 10%). A média e o desvio padrão das variáveis hematológicas encontradas nas amostras processadas logo após a colheita foram: hemácias (2,07x106/μL±0,40); volume globular (38,08%± 5,93); hemoglobina (11,33g/dL±2,15); VCM (186,52 fL±21,72); CHCM (29,68g/dL±2,56); HCM (55,08pcg±5,94); leucócitos totais (8.142/μL±2.441); neutrófilos (5.913/μL±2.168); linfócitos (1.460/μL±740); eosinófilos (522/μL±385); monócitos (247/μL±176); plaquetas (123.458/μL±31.362) e proteínas plasmáticas totais (6,23g/dL±0,49). Tais dados permitem afirmar que existem importantes diferenças entre os valores hematológicos destes em relação aos animais provenientes de outras regiões, tanto do Brasil quanto de outros países da América do Sul. Provavelmente, tais divergências estão associadas a fatores ambientais, genéticos, nutricionais e/ou de manejo. Quanto à análise das amostras estocadas, conclui-se que, em tamanduás-bandeiras, as amostras para a realização de hemograma podem ser processadas até 24 horas após a colheita, sem alteração significativa das variáveis hematológicas, com exceção das plaquetas. Com relação às duas concentrações de EDTA, pode-se inferir que não há diferença quantitativa entre ambas para as variáveis hematológicas. Contudo, é possível constatar que o EDTA promove alterações morfológicas relevantes nas células sanguíneas após 24 horas de armazenamento, sendo os leucócitos os mais afetados. Tais alterações, quando relatadas, podem induzir interpretações equivocadas, interferindo no diagnóstico, prognóstico e tratamento.

The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), a species currently classified as vulnerable, is native to Central and South America. However, few studies have focused on the hematology of this animal, making its clinical evaluation difficult. With regard to reference values for laboratory parameters, existing data are scanty and show differences among most of the variables, even in animals from the same country. Such differences may be attributed to various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. This study therefore sought to determine whether there are similarities in the hematological profiles of giant anteaters from different Brazilian biomes living in captivity in various zoos, based on a statistical comparison of data collected in three studies conducted in Brazil. It was found that, even within the same country, most of the hematological variables of anteaters from different biomes differ from one another. This finding underscores the need to establish regional hematological parameters of reference, since these discrepancies may be generated by multiple factors.

The giant anteater (Mymercophaga tridactyla) is a highly specialized insectivore for which nutrient requirements are not clearly established, making diet formulation challenging for this species. Multiple clinical reports suggest anteaters have an obligate dietary taurine (TAU) requirement. Sulphur amino acid (SAA) metabolism in adult anteaters was evaluated using noninvasive methods to measure TAU synthesis potential from dietary methionine (MET) and a basal diet containing on a dry matter (DM) basis 1.7 mg TAU/kg DM and 6.9 g MET/kg DM. Urinary equilibrium times for TAU excretion were determined by feeding the basal diet with or without 1.5 g/kg DM supplemental TAU (crossover design; n = 4). Effects of supplemental dietary TAU (1.7, 2.0, 2.4, 2.7, 3.0, 3.3 g/kg DM) or MET (6.9, 9.0, 11.2 g/kg DM) on urinary TAU were evaluated (randomized block trials; n = 5 or 4 respectively). All urinary values (TAU, MET, unbound inorganic sulphate) were normalized to creatinine (CRT). Results indicate urinary TAU equilibrium in anteaters requires at least 2 weeks of feeding. Urinary ratio of TAU to CRT (TAU:CRT) increased as dietary TAU content increased from 1.7 to 3.0 g/kg DM, consistent with renal homoeostatic modulation of TAU excretion. Our data indicate that TAU needs were met by TAU in the basal diet or by de novo synthesis. Supplemental MET resulted in ~five- to eightfold increases in urinary TAU:CRT excretion, further supporting existence of mechanisms for TAU synthesis from dietary SAA in anteaters. Adult anteaters appear able to synthesize TAU when diets contain adequate SAA, but dietary TAU may be critical if protein intakes are low or of poor quality. This study may provide guidance on choice of domestic canids vs. felids as suitable physiologic models for improved nutrition in giant anteaters, and also outlines a noninvasive method for assessing TAU status/metabolism that may be useful across species.

The mastication system of the southern tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla) was examined by means of gross anatomy and three dimensional image analysis. Three-dimensional computed tomography image analysis revealed that the mandibles medio-laterally rotated during the mastication. The temporal muscle dorso-medially pull the dorsal part of the mandubular bones, and the masseter muscle latero-rostrally operates the ventro-lateral part of the mandibles. The two muscles may contribute to the opening of the mandibles to enlarge the oral cavity and to house the contractile tongue. In contrast the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles may act as a closer of the mandible to medially pulling the ventro-medial part of the mandibles. The extraordinarily specialized mastication mechanism is functionally similar to that of the giant anteater. Although the muscles of the giant anteater show a more complicated structure in the temporal and masseter muscles than those of the southern tamandua, the weight distributio...