Breeding and reproductive behaviour of the neo-tropical opossum, Didelphis marsupialis insularis, Allen 1902 under captive conditions / Reprodução e comportamento reprodutivo do gambá neotropical, Didelphis marsupialis insularis, Allen 1902, em condições de cativeiro

Developing a captive breeding system for the widely hunted Caribbean species of opossum Didelphis marsupialis insularis can greatly aide in the management and conservation of this species in the neo-tropics. Although this species possesses ideal traits for captive breeding in this region (tolerance to high heat and humidity, high reproductive rate, and resistance to disease), challenges due to its aggressive behaviour and limited information on its breeding behaviour have prevented a system from being developed for this species. The present study describes a breeding system, and the reproductive behaviour of this species under captive conditions. Six (1 male; 5 females) adult opossums were maintained and managed for breeding over a ten (10) month period. Pouch litter sizes averaged 5±2.5 with a range of 2 to 8. Gestation length was found to be 13.25±0.96 days and 4 litters (n=23) were successfully weaned at 11-13 weeks. It was found that the male D. m. insularis exhibits behaviours of interest that can serve as indicators for receptivity of the female, and overall, that this species can be successfully reared and bred under captive conditions in the neo-tropics.

O desenvolvimento de um sistema de criação em cativeiro para as espécies de gambá do Caribe amplamente caçadas, Didelphis marsupialis insularis, pode auxiliar bastante no manejo e conservação dessa espécie nos neotrópicos. Embora essa espécie possua características ideais para a criação em cativeiro nessa região (tolerância a altas temperaturas e umidade, alta taxa de reprodução e resistência a doenças), alguns fatores, como o seu comportamento agressivo e informações limitadas sobre seu comportamento reprodutivo, impediram o desenvolvimento de um sistema para D. m. insularis. O presente estudo descreve um sistema de criação e o comportamento reprodutivo dessa espécie em condições de cativeiro. Seis gambás adultos (1 macho e 5 fêmeas) foram mantidos para reprodução durante um período de 10 meses. O tamanho da ninhada em bolsa foi em média de 5 ± 2,5 com um intervalo de 2 a 8. A duração da gestação foi de 13,25 ± 0,96 dias, e 4 ninhadas (n = 23) foram desmamadas com sucesso de 11 a 13 semanas. Verificou-se que o macho D. m. insularis exibe comportamentos de interesse que podem servir como indicadores de receptividade da fêmea, e, em geral, essa espécie pode ser criada com sucesso em condições de cativeiro nos neotrópicos.

Breeding and reproductive behaviour of the neo-tropical opossum, Didelphis marsupialis insularis, Allen 1902 under captive conditions

Abstract Developing a captive breeding system for the widely hunted Caribbean species of opossum Didelphis marsupialis insularis can greatly aide in the management and conservation of this species in the neo-tropics. Although this species possesses ideal traits for captive breeding in this region (tolerance to high heat and humidity, high reproductive rate, and resistance to disease), challenges due to its aggressive behaviour and limited information on its breeding behaviour have prevented a system from being developed for this species. The present study describes a breeding system, and the reproductive behaviour of this species under captive conditions. Six (1 male; 5 females) adult opossums were maintained and managed for breeding over a ten (10) month period. Pouch litter sizes averaged 5±2.5 with a range of 2 to 8. Gestation length was found to be 13.25±0.96 days and 4 litters (n=23) were successfully weaned at 11-13 weeks. It was found that the male D. m. insularis exhibits behaviours of interest that can serve as indicators for receptivity of the female, and overall, that this species can be successfully reared and bred under captive conditions in the neo-tropics.

Resumo O desenvolvimento de um sistema de criação em cativeiro para as espécies de gambá do Caribe amplamente caçadas, Didelphis marsupialis insularis, pode auxiliar bastante no manejo e conservação dessa espécie nos neotrópicos. Embora essa espécie possua características ideais para a criação em cativeiro nessa região (tolerância a altas temperaturas e umidade, alta taxa de reprodução e resistência a doenças), alguns fatores, como o seu comportamento agressivo e informações limitadas sobre seu comportamento reprodutivo, impediram o desenvolvimento de um sistema para D. m. insularis. O presente estudo descreve um sistema de criação e o comportamento reprodutivo dessa espécie em condições de cativeiro. Seis gambás adultos (1 macho e 5 fêmeas) foram mantidos para reprodução durante um período de 10 meses. O tamanho da ninhada em bolsa foi em média de 5 ± 2,5 com um intervalo de 2 a 8. A duração da gestação foi de 13,25 ± 0,96 dias, e 4 ninhadas (n = 23) foram desmamadas com sucesso de 11 a 13 semanas. Verificou-se que o macho D. m. insularis exibe comportamentos de interesse que podem servir como indicadores de receptividade da fêmea, e, em geral, essa espécie pode ser criada com sucesso em condições de cativeiro nos neotrópicos.

Breeding and reproductive behaviour of the neo-tropical opossum, Didelphis marsupialis insularis, Allen 1902 under captive conditions / Reprodução e comportamento reprodutivo do gambá neotropical, Didelphis marsupialis insularis, Allen 1902, em condições de cativeiro

Developing a captive breeding system for the widely hunted Caribbean species of opossum Didelphis marsupialis insularis can greatly aide in the management and conservation of this species in the neo-tropics. Although this species possesses ideal traits for captive breeding in this region (tolerance to high heat and humidity, high reproductive rate, and resistance to disease), challenges due to its aggressive behaviour and limited information on its breeding behaviour have prevented a system from being developed for this species. The present study describes a breeding system, and the reproductive behaviour of this species under captive conditions. Six (1 male; 5 females) adult opossums were maintained and managed for breeding over a ten (10) month period. Pouch litter sizes averaged 5±2.5 with a range of 2 to 8. Gestation length was found to be 13.25±0.96 days and 4 litters (n=23) were successfully weaned at 11-13 weeks. It was found that the male D. m. insularis exhibits behaviours of interest that can serve as indicators for receptivity of the female, and overall, that this species can be successfully reared and bred under captive conditions in the neo-tropics.

O desenvolvimento de um sistema de criação em cativeiro para as espécies de gambá do Caribe amplamente caçadas, Didelphis marsupialis insularis, pode auxiliar bastante no manejo e conservação dessa espécie nos neotrópicos. Embora essa espécie possua características ideais para a criação em cativeiro nessa região (tolerância a altas temperaturas e umidade, alta taxa de reprodução e resistência a doenças), alguns fatores, como o seu comportamento agressivo e informações limitadas sobre seu comportamento reprodutivo, impediram o desenvolvimento de um sistema para D. m. insularis. O presente estudo descreve um sistema de criação e o comportamento reprodutivo dessa espécie em condições de cativeiro. Seis gambás adultos (1 macho e 5 fêmeas) foram mantidos para reprodução durante um período de 10 meses. O tamanho da ninhada em bolsa foi em média de 5 ± 2,5 com um intervalo de 2 a 8. A duração da gestação foi de 13,25 ± 0,96 dias, e 4 ninhadas (n = 23) foram desmamadas com sucesso de 11 a 13 semanas. Verificou-se que o macho D. m. insularis exibe comportamentos de interesse que podem servir como indicadores de receptividade da fêmea, e, em geral, essa espécie pode ser criada com sucesso em condições de cativeiro nos neotrópicos.

Anatomical characteristics of the bones of the thoracic limb of white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris) / Características anatómicas de los huesos del miembro torácico de la zarigüeya oreja blanca (Didelphis albiventris)

SUMMARY: The skeleton of the thoracic limb is one of the key aspects for the understanding of the habits and movement of different mammalian species. Considering the gap about studies related to marsupial osteology, this work proposes to study the aspects inherent to the skeleton of opossums, with emphasis on the detailed anatomical description of the bones that form the thoracic limb. For this purpose, the bones of six specimens of possums of the species Didelphis albiventris were used. These small to medium sized marsupials inhabit a wide range of South America, living in several types of habitats, being commonly described as arboreal omnivores and have anthropic habits. For the execution of this study, the bone accidents perceptible in the specimens were identified by superficial palpation, which were then radiographed. The thoracic limb bones were prepared by boiling and drying in the sun. Finally, from the radiographic images and the prepared bones, a detailed description of the anatomy of the bone components of the thoracic limb of Didelphis albiventris was made, joining the previously obtained data of surface anatomy. These data were compared with data from the literature, discussing the functional significance of the osteological findings of the thoracic limb of Didelphis albiventris.

RESUMEN: El esqueleto del miembro torácico es uno de los aspectos clave para el conocimiento de los hábitos y movimientos de las diferentes especies de mamíferos. Considerando los escasos estudios relacionados con la osteología marsupial, este trabajo se propusoestudiar los aspectos inherentes al esqueleto de la zarigüeya, con énfasis en la descripción anatómica detallada de los huesos que forman el miembro torácico. Para ello se utilizaron los huesos de seis ejemplares de zarigüeyas de la especie Didelphis albiventris. Estos marsupiales de pequeño a mediano tamaño habitan una zona amplia de América del Sur, viven en varios tipos de hábitats, se describen comúnmente como omnívoros arbóreos y tienen hábitos antrópicos. Para este estudio se identificaron mediante palpación superficial los accidentes óseos perceptibles en los especímenes, y posteriormente se tomaron imágens radiológicas. Los huesos de los miembros torácicos se prepararon hirviéndolos y secándolos al sol. Finalmente, a partir de las imágenes radiográficas y de los huesos preparados, se realizó una descripción detallada de la anatomía de los componentes óseos del miembro torácico de Didelphis albiventris, uniendo los datos de anatomía superficial obtenidos previamente. Estos datos se compararon con datos de la literatura, discutiendo la importancia funcional de los hallazgos osteológicos del miembro torácico de Didelphis albiventris.

Sarcocystis neurona and related Sarcocystis spp. shed by opossums (Didelphis spp.) in South America / Sarcocystis neurona e Sarcocystis spp. relacionados, excretados por gambás (Didelphis spp.) na América do Sul

Abstract Protozoan parasites of the genus Sarcocystis are obligatory heteroxenous cyst-forming coccidia that infect a wide variety of animals and encompass approximately 200 described species. At least four Sarcocystis spp. (S. falcatula, S. neurona, S. lindsayi and S. speeri) use opossums (Didelphis spp.) as definitive hosts, and two of them, S. neurona and S. falcatula, are known to cause disease in horses and birds, respectively. Opossums are restricted to the Americas, but their distribution in the Americas is heterogeneous. Five Didelphis spp. are distributed in South America (D. aurita, D. albiventris, D. marsupialis, D. imperfecta and D. pernigra) whereas just one opossum species (D. virginiana) is found in North America. Studies conducted in the last decades show that Sarcocystis spp., derived from South American Didelphis spp., have biological and genetic differences in relation to Sarcocystis spp. shed by the North American opossum D. virginiana. The aim of this review was to address the peculiar scenario of Sarcocystis species shed by South American opossums, with a special focus on diagnosis, epidemiology, and animal infections, as well as the genetic characteristics of these parasites.

Resumo Parasitos protozoários do gênero Sarcocystis são coccídios heteroxenos formadores de cistos, que infectam variadas espécies animais e compreendem cerca de 200 espécies descritas. Pelo menos quatro Sarcocystis spp. (S. falcatula, S. neurona, S. lindsayi e S. speeri) utilizam gambás (Didelphis spp.) como hospedeiros definitivos; e duas delas, S. neurona and S. falcatula são conhecidas por causarem doença em equinos e aves, respectivamente. Gambás didelfídeos são restritos ao continente americano, contudo são distribuídos de forma heterogênea nas Américas. Cinco Didelphis spp. são distribuídos na América do Sul (D. aurita, D. albiventris, D. marsupialis, D. imperfecta e D. pernigra), enquanto somente uma espécie (D. virginiana) é encontrada na América do Norte. Trabalhos conduzidos, nas últimas décadas, mostram que Sarcocystis spp. derivados de Didelphis spp. sul-americanos possuem diferenças biológicas e genéticas, quando comparados a Sarcocystis spp. excretados pelo gambá norte-americano D. virginiana. O objetivo desta revisão é discutir a situação peculiar das espécies de Sarcocystis na América do Sul com um foco especial em diagnóstico, epidemiologia e infecções animais, assim como nas características genéticas desses parasitos.

Revisión taxonómica de la rana marsupial Gastrotheca peruana (Amphibia: Hemiphractidae) en base al gen mitocondrial 16S / Taxonomic evaluation of the marsupial frog Gastrotheca peruana (Amphibia: Hemiphractidae) based on mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene

Se revisa el estado taxonómico de Gastrotheca peruana usando métodos filogenéticos en base a secuencias de 16S rRNA. Los árboles de máxima verosimilitud y Bayesiano mostraron que las variantes génicas de G. peruana forman dos clados que no son hermanos. Uno de estos clados se distribuye en el norte de Perú, incluyendo un individuo procedente de la localidad típica de G. peruana dissimilis. El segundo clado está restringido al centro de Perú y contiene individuos de las localidades tipo de dos formas nominales, G. p. peruana y G. p. junensis, y es hermano de G. aratia. De esta forma, reconocemos dos especies dentro de lo que actualmente se conoce como G. peruana. Restringimos Gastrotheca peruana a las poblaciones del centro de Perú (departamentos de Ancash, Lima, Pasco y Junín) y asignamos Gastrotheca dissimilis a las poblaciones de los departamentos de La Libertad y Cajamarca.

The taxonomic status of Gastrotheca peruana is evaluated using phylogenetic methods and 16S gene sequences. The maximum likelihood and Bayesian trees showed that the genetic variants of G. peruana form two clades that are not sister to each other. One of these clades is present in northern Perú and includes a specimen collected at the type locality of G. peruana dissimilis. The other clade is restricted to central Peru and contains individuals from type localities of two nominal forms, G. p. peruana and G. p. junensis, and is sister to G. aratia. Our results suggest that G. peruana sensu lato currently encompass two species. We restrict Gastrotheca peruana to populations from central Perú (departments of Ancash, Lima, Pasco and Junín) and assign populations from departments of La Libertad and Cajamarca to Gastrotheca dissimilis.

Microestructura cuticular y medular del pelo de guardia de mamíferos pequeños terrestres en la región de Arequipa, Perú / Cuticular and medullar microstructure of the guard hair of small land mammals in the region of Arequipa, Peru

Actualmente, el estudio de pelos de guardia está siendo utilizado en diversas áreas de las ciencias básicas y aplicadas (taxonomía, ecología, genética, paleontología, criminalística, entre otras), debido a su resistencia a factores físicos, químicos, mecánicos y biológicos, conservando su estructura cuticular y medular. Dichas estructuras forman patrones que permiten la identificación de especímenes a nivel de géneros y familias. Sin embargo, a pesar de la importancia, no hay estudios sobre este tema en Perú. Por ello, con el fin de llenar este vacío de información, se examinaron muestras de 30 especies de mamíferos de la región de Arequipa, correspondientes a los órdenes Didelphimorphia y Rodentia, donde encontramos 5 patrones medulares y 8 cuticulares. Los marsupiales didélfidos presentan un patrón medular uniseriado escaleriforme con un patrón cuticular foliáceo. En los roedores, los cricétidos tienen un patrón medular multiseriado alveolar y un patrón cuticular foliáceo, los chinchílidos un patrón medular reticular con patrón cuticular pétalo diamante tipo D, los cávidos un patrón medular reticular con patrón cuticular ondeado transversal, los abrocómidos un patrón medular listrado con patrón cuticular ondeado oblicuo simple, y los múridos un patrón medular reticular y alveolar con patrón cuticular pétalo diamante (tipo B y C) y foliáceo. Presentamos por primera vez la descripción detallada de la cutícula y médula de los pelos de guardia de 24 especies de roedores y 2 marsupiales.

Currently, the study of guard hairs is used in various areas of basic and applied sciences (taxonomy, ecology, genetics, paleontology, criminology, among others), due to its resistance to physical, chemical, mechanical and biological factors, conserving its cuticular and medullar structure. These structures form patterns that allow the identification of specimens at the level of genera and families. However, despite the importance, there are no studies on this subject in Peru. Therefore, samples from 30 mammalian species of Didelphimorphia and Rodentia were examined to fill this information gap. Among the species studied, we differentiated 5 medullary and 8 cuticular patterns. The didelphid marsupials have a medial uniseriate scaleriform pattern with a foliaceous cuticular pattern; the cricetid rodents have an alveolar multiseriate medullary pattern and a foliate cuticular pattern, the chinchillids a reticular medullary pattern with a cuticular pattern of diamond petal type D, the caviids a reticular medullary pattern with a transverse cuticular pattern, the abrocomids a medullary pattern listrade with simple oblique wave cuticular pattern, and the murids a reticular and alveolar medullary pattern with cuticular pattern petal diamond (type B and C) or foliaceous. We present for the first time the detailed description of the cuticle and marrow of the guard hairs of 24 species of rodents and 2 marsupials.

Drug Metabolism and Disposition in Australian Marsupial Koala (Phascolarctos cinereus)

Aims: Koalas are unique obligated eucalyptus feeding Australian marsupials that often require medical treatments after wildlife rehabilitation across Australia. At present, little is known about the pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of drugs commonly used in koalas and how koalas handle and detoxify toxic chemicals from both environmental exposure and their unique eucalyptus diet. The aim of this study is to summarise and critically evaluate the current literature on what is known about the pharmacokinetics (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion ADME) of drugs frequently used in koalas, including antibiotics fluoroquinolones, fluconazole, chloramphenicol and analgesics. Methodology: Literature regarding drug disposition and pharmacokinetic studies of therapeutic agents commonly used in koalas over the last decade has been critically reviewed. Some older sources from the primary literature search have also been included to determine the background information leading to current rationale behind drug indication, dosage, and route of administration in marsupial koalas and related species. Results: Most studies reported a much lower bioavailability of orally administered drugs in koalas compared to that in humans and other species. Current dosing regimens do not prove to be effective or optimal in order to achieve the best treatment outcomes. It seems likely that oral administration of many drugs in koalas exhibited poor bioavailability due to poor absorption and might be extensive metabolism via hepatic and intestinal enzymes. Conclusion: Collectively, the findings suggest the need for further pharmacokinetic studies to investigate alternative routes of administration for many commonly used drugs in marsupial koalas, including antibiotics, anaesthetics, and analgesic medicines.

Comparative analysis of retinal ganglion cell topography and behavioral ecology in Australian marsupials / Análisis comparativo de la topografía de las células ganglionares de la retina y ecología del comportamiento en marsupiales australianos

SUMMARY: The retina of vertebrates shows adaptations to the visual environment in which they evolve. Thus, there exists a relationship between the topographic distribution of retinal cells, the adaptive strategies employed, and habitat, so that, analyses of retinal ganglion cell topography provide information about the behavioral ecology of a species. Although these relationships are well documented in many vertebrates, including mammals, for species within the marsupial order, they are not well understood. However, marsupials represent an ideal group for comparative analyses of interspecific variations in the mammalian visual system because they contain species that vary in both lifestyle and habitat preference. In this paper the interspecific variation in retinal ganglion cell topography in 13 species of Australian marsupials is reviewed. The species that live in open habitats have well-defined elongated visual streaks. In contrast, forest-dwelling marsupials have poorly defined visual streaks and a more radially symmetrical arrangement of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) isodensity contours. However, the organization and degree of elongation of the visual streak varies considerably among species. The results indicate that the apparent interspecific variation is associated with activity pattern and habitat as opposed to the phylogenetic relationships among species.

RESUMEN: La retina de los vertebrados muestra adaptaciones al entorno visual en el que evolucionan. Por lo tanto, existe una relación entre la distribución topográfica de las células de la retina, las estrategias de adaptación empleadas y el hábitat, por lo que los análisis de la topografía de las células ganglionares de la retina proporcionan información sobre la ecología del comportamiento de una especie. Aunque estas relaciones están bien documentadas en muchos vertebrados, incluidos los mamíferos, para especies dentro del orden marsupiales, no se conocen bien. Sin embargo, los marsupiales representan un grupo ideal para análisis comparativos de variaciones interespecíficas en el sistema visual de mamíferos porque contienen especies que varían tanto en el estilo de vida como en la preferencia del hábitat. En este trabajo se revisa la variación interespecífica en la topografía de células ganglionares de la retina en 13 especies de marsupiales australianos. Las especies que viven en hábitats abiertos tienen bandas visuales alargadas bien definidas. Por el contrario, los marsupiales que habitan en el bosque tienen rayas visuales mal definidas y una disposición más simétrica radialmente de los contornos de isodensidad de los CGR. Sin embargo, la organización y el grado de elongación de la banda visual varía considerablemente entre las especies. Los resultados indican que la aparente variación interespecífica está asociada con el patrón de actividad y el hábitat en oposición a las relaciones filogenéticas entre las especies.

Endozoochory by Didelphis albiventris Lund, 1840 (Mammalia, Didelphimorphia) in a Semideciduous Seasonal Forest remnant in the South of Brazil / Endozoocoria por Didelphis albiventris Lund, 1840 (Mammalia, Didelphimorphia) em remanescente de Floresta Estacional Semidecidual no sul do Brasil

Abstract Seed dispersal is a process that is fundamental to maintenance of forest ecosystems, enabling plants to successfully germinate in sites that are favorable to their growth, minimizing risks of competition, the action of pathogens and predation by herbivores. Intraspecific and seasonal variations in fruit consumption by Didelphis albiventris, and its contribution to dispersal and germination of endozoochorous seeds were analyzed in a Semideciduous seasonal forest. The study was conducted at Morro do Coco, which is a hilly area in the municipal district of Viamão, RS, Brazil, bordering the shore of Guaíba lake (30º16'15"S, 51º02'54"W), between June 2013 and May 2014, with a total sampling effort of 2992 trap-nights. A total of 18 individuals were captured and 24 fecal samples were collected. Fruits were identified in 96% of the samples, corresponding to 18 plant species, belonging to 10 families. The most common species were Ficus cestrifolia and Syagrus romanzoffiana, which occurred in 66% of the samples, followed by Banara parviflora and Cecropia pachystachya, both with a 25% rate of occurrence. There were no differences between the richness of fruit consumed by males and females (t = 0.083; DF = 32; p = 0.934) and there were no seasonal variations (H = 3.165; p = 0.367). The greatest breadth of dietary niche occurred during the summer, when twice as many fruit species were recorded in the diet than during the autumn, which was the season with the smallest breadth. Both germination percentage and germination velocity of Ficus cestrifolia and Psidium sp. seeds increased after passage through the animals' digestive tracts (percentage germination increased more than 40% and velocity was up to 7 times highest). Didelphis albiventris can be considered a frugivorous-omnivorous species, since fruit are an important item of its diet, and it contributes to dispersal of a large quantity of small endozoochorous seeds, increasing both germination percentage and germination velocity of some species.

Resumo A dispersão de sementes é um processo fundamental à manutenção de ecossistemas florestais, favorecendo o sucesso germinativo de plantas em locais adequados ao seu crescimento, minimizando a competição, a ação de patógenos e a predação por herbívoros. Variações intra-específicas e sazonais no consumo de frutos por Didelphis albiventris, bem como sua contribuição à dispersão e germinação de sementes endozoocóricas foram avaliados em Floresta Estacional Semidecidual. O estudo foi realizado no Morro do Coco, localizado no município de Viamão, RS às margens do Lago Guaíba (30º16'15"S, 51º02'54"W), entre junho de 2013 a maio de 2014, resultando em um esforço amostral de 2992 armadilhas-noite. Foram capturados 18 indivíduos e coletadas 24 amostras fecais. Frutos estiveram presentes em 96% das amostras e corresponderam a 18 espécies vegetais, pertencentes a 10 famílias. As espécies mais frequentes foram Ficus cestrifolia e Syagrus romanzoffiana, que ocorreram em 66% das amostras, seguidas de Banara parviflora e Cecropia pachystachya, ambas com 25% de ocorrência. Machos e fêmeas não diferiram quanto à riqueza de frutos consumidos (t = 0.083; DF = 32; p = 0.934), o que também não variou sazonalmente (H = 3.165; p = 0.367). A maior amplitude de nicho trófico ocorreu no verão, registrando-se duas vezes mais frutos na dieta do que no outono, estação com a menor amplitude. Tanto a porcentagem quanto a velocidade de germinação das sementes de Ficus cestrifolia e Psidium sp. aumentaram após a passagem pelo trato digestório do animal (a porcentagem de germinação aumentou mais de 40% e a velocidade foi até 7 vezes maior). Didelphis albiventris pode ser considerada uma espécie frugívora-onívora, uma vez que frutos representam um item importante na dieta, e contribui para a dispersão de grande quantidade de sementes endozoocóricas pequenas, aumentando tanto o percentual quanto a velocidade de germinação de algumas espécies.

Nesting behavior of Didelphis aurita: twenty days of continuous recording of a female in a coati nest / Comportamento de nidificação de Didelphis aurita: vinte dias de gravação contínua de uma fêmea em um ninho de quati

Abstract: Choosing the nest site to raise a litter has consequences on female fitness in mammalian species with no male participation in the parental care. We accidentally video recorded a coati's nest appropriation by a female opossum Didelphis aurita, at Parque Ecológico do Tietê, State of São Paulo, Brazil. For 29 days, from December 22, 2011, to January 19th, 2012, the activity of the female was video recorded 24h/day with a camera trap installed close to the nest. At her first appearance, she had infants in her pouch. After taking leaves to the nest twice on the first night, she kept a routine of going out after sunset and returning to the nest before dawn, carrying leaves on the tail on seven occasions. During the last days of recording, infants were seen attached to the female's body. Another episode of a female opossum with infants using a nest previously constructed by a coati was registered in 2013. To our knowledge, this is the first continuous description of the daily activity of opossums during the nesting phase.

Resumo: A escolha de um ninho para criar uma ninhada tem consequências sobre o sucesso reprodutivo de fêmeas mamíferos que não compartilham com o macho o cuidado parental. Nós gravamos acidentalmente a apropriação de um ninho de quati por uma fêmea gambá Didelphis aurita, no Parque Ecológico do Tietê, São Paulo, Brasil. Durante 29 dias, de 22 de dezembro de 2011 a 19 de janeiro de 2012, a atividade da fêmea no ninho foi registrada 24h/dia. Em sua primeira aparição, ela tinha os filhotes ainda no marsúpio, e preparou o ninho, trazendo folhas para forração duas vezes na primeira noite. Depois, ela manteve uma rotina de sair após o pôr-do-sol e retornar ao ninho antes do amanhecer. Em sete dessas vezes ela trouxe folhas largas na cauda. Nos últimos dias, três filhotes foram vistos agarrados ao corpo da fêmea. Outra fêmea de gambá foi observada no PET usando um outro ninho de quati, em 2013. Esta é a primeira descrição contínua conhecida da rotina diária do comportamento de nidificação de gambás.

Methods and values of suction drainage following secondary total ear reconstruction with an expanded post-auricular marsupial flap / 中华医学美学美容杂志

Objective To discuss continuous negative pressure suction and different negative pressure monitoring after the external ear reconstruction operation stage Ⅱ,aiming to improve the security of the plastic surgery.Methods A lot of 87 microtia patients aged 6-15 years were randomly selected as control group from Feb.2010 to Mar.2012,and other 87 cases of microtia were also randomed as experimental group from Apr.2012 to Apr.2014.The experimental group adopted the continuous negative pressure suction and the pressure value was set as 3.99-5.32 kPa (30-40 mmHg);the control group adopted the method of traditional intermittent negative pressure drainage and the suction pressure was set as 3.99-7.98 kPa (30 60 mmHg).After the operation,the two groups were observed and compared under continuous negative pressure suction.The capacity,color changes,length of time,and pressure value of the drain were monitored and observed,finding out their correlation with the operation effectiveness.Results For the experimental group,the incidence of subcutaneous hydrops and skin flap necrosis was lower (P＜0.05),and the primary healing rate was higher than the control group (P＜0.01).The capacity of drain was relevant to the type of the plastic surgery,different from 5 to 20 ml;the color changed gradually from blood color to faint yellow;the extubation time was generally from 7 to 10 days.The optimal pressure value was 3.99-5.32 kPa (30-40 mmHg);there was proportional relation between the effectiveness of monitoring drainage and the operation effectiveness.Conclusions Continuous negative pressure suction monitoring after operation contributes to improve the plastic surgery effectiveness,and the patients are satisfied with the result.

Anatomical and radiographic study of the white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris) skull / Estudo anatômico e radiográfico do crânio no gambá-de-orelha-branca (Didelphis albiventris)

This study was made to investigate the anatomical features of the white-eared opossum skull, by osteology and radiographic anatomy. For this, five animals were used without sexual distinction. The skull was examined by radiographic and macroscopic characteristics. The skulls were then subjected to maceration. The skull was described macroscopically according to standard views, i.e. dorsal and caudal, lateral, ventral, and midsagittal. The skull can be divided into facial (viscerocranium) and cranial (neurocranium) regions. The facial region was elongated and more developed than neurocranium. The supraorbital foramen was absent. The tympanic bulla is not well developed. The zygomatic arch was formed by zygomatic process of the temporal bone, zygomatic process of the maxilla, and temporal process of the zygomatic bone. There was no significant difference between bones found in this study when compared with those described for others mammals. These findings may contribute to the better understanding of the anatomy and biology of the white-eared opossum.(AU)

Este estudo objetivou investigar as características anatômicas do crânio do gambá-de-orelha-branca, através da anatomia óssea e radiográfica. Para tanto, cinco animais foram usados sem distinção sexual. O crânio foi estudado através de análises radiográficas e macroscópicas. Para esta última, os crânios foram macerados. O crânio foi descrito macroscopicamente de acordo com as vistas ou normas rotineiras, isto é, dorsal e caudal, lateral, ventral e sagital. O crânio pode ser dividido em regiões facial (viscerocrânio) e cranial (neurocrânio). A região facial se mostrou alongada e mais desenvolvida que o neurocrânio. O forame supraorbital estava ausente. A bula timpânica não era bem desenvolvida. O arco zigomático era formado pelo processo zigomático do osso temporal, processo zigomático da maxila, e pelo processo temporal do osso zigomático. Não houve diferenças significativas entre os ossos estudados quando comparados com os já descritos para outros mamíferos. Estes resultados podem contribuir com um melhor entendimento da anatomia e biologia deste animal.(AU)

Branching pattern of aortic arch in the white-eared opossum (Didelphis albiventris) / Ramescência do arco aortico no gambá-de-orelha-branca (Didelphis albiventris)

Knowledge of the aortic arch main and collateral branches is important because these arteries supply vital organs found in the head, neck, thoracic cavity and forelimbs of domestic and wild animals. This study aimed to contribute to the anatomical knowledge in opossums and collaborate with veterinary medical and surgical clinics. Thus, the anatomy of aortic arch was described in eighteen opossums. The results indicated that the aortic arch gives off the brachiocephalic trunk and the left subclavian artery in all animals studied. The branching pattern of the aortic arch is similar to that reported in the guinea pig, chinchilla, paca, raccoon, nutria, red squirrel, and ocelot. The brachiocephalic trunk showed as collateral branches, the right subclavian artery and the bicarotid trunk, that originated in the right and left common carotid arteries (77.7%). Bicarotid trunk was absent in four animals (22.2%). The right and left subclavian arteries originated in the vertebral artery, costocervical trunk, internal thoracic artery, and superficial cervical artery. Collateral branches of the subclavian artery showed similarities to that observed in other wild animals such as paca, ocelot and rock cavy.(AU)

O conhecimento do comportamento das artérias que emergem do arco aórtico é importante, pois estas artérias irrigam órgãos vitais encontrados na cabeça, pescoço, cavidade torácica e membros torácicos de animais domésticos e selvagens. Com o objetivo de contribuir com o conhecimento anatômico em gambás e colaborar com a clínica médica e cirúrgica de animais selvagens, descreveu-se neste estudo, a ramescência do arco aórtico em dezoito gambás. Os resultados indicaram que o tronco braquiocefálico e a artéria subclávia esquerda se originaram do arco aórtico em todos os animais estudados. Este padrão de ramescência do arco aórtico é similar ao descrito para a cobaia, chinchila, paca, mão-pelada, nutria, esquilo-vermelho e jaguatirica. O tronco braquiocefálico apresentou como ramos colaterais, a artéria subclávia direita e o tronco bicarotídeo, o qual se bifurcou nas artérias carótidas comuns direita e esquerda (77,7%). O tronco bicarotídeo não apareceu em quatro animais (22,2%). As artérias subclávias direita e esquerda originaram a artéria vertebral, o tronco costocervical e, as artérias torácica interna e cervical superficial. A ramescência encontrada nas artérias subclávias do gambá mostrou similaridades quando comparada com a descrita para outros animais selvagens como a paca, jaguatirica e o mocó.(AU)

Morfologia das glândulas salivares de glironia venusta Thomas, 1912 (didelphimorphia) / Morphology of salivary glands of the glironia venusta Thomas, 1912 (didelphimorphia)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever a morfologia das glândulas salivares de Glironia venusta. Foi utilizado um exemplar coletado no resgate de fauna da Usina Hidroeletrica Teles Pires. Este foi fixado com solução de formaldeído a 10%. Para a análise macroscópica, as glândulas foram dissecadas e fotografadas in situ e para a microscopia foram retirados fragmentos das glândulas. Estes foram desidratados em concentrações crescentes de álcool, diafanizados em xilol, inclusos em parafina e corados com HE. G. venusta apresentou as glândulas mandibulares, parótidas, sublinguais, labiais e zigomáticas. As mandibulares se mostraram como estruturas alongadas, constituídas por lobos não septados e localizadas na porção anterior da região cervical. De formato triangular, a parótida estava localizada na depressão do masseter, ventral à cartilagem auricular. As sublinguais encontravam-se ventrais ao ramo da mandíbula, caudais ao digástrico. Foi observado na porção dorsoposterior à comissura labial, dorsal ao músculo orbicular da boca, as glândulas labiais, que apresentaram formato de "U". Já as glândulas zigomáticas acompanhavam a forma da porção anterior do arco zigomático, na margem infraorbital. As glândulas mandibulares e sublinguais apresentaram ácinos do tipo mucosos, com alguns ácinos serosos. A parótida era constituída por ácinos puramente serosos. Na glândula labial foi observado ácinos do tipo mistos ou seromucosos. Para a glândula zigomática não foi possível a realização da análise microscópica devido problemas de procedimento histológico. As características das glândulas salivares observadas em G. venusta se assemelham a de outros mamíferos onívoros, entretanto, apresentaram pequenas diferenças no que se refere à sua localização e forma.

The aim of this study was to describe the morphology of the salivary glands of Glironia venusta. A sample of G. venusta was collected in fauna rescue of hidroelectric usine of Teles Pires was used. This exemplar was fixed with formaldehyde solution 10%. For macroscopic analysis, the glands were dissected and photographed in situ and for the microscopy fragments of the glands were removed, that were dehydrated in increasing alcohol concentrations, diaphanizated in xylene, included in paraffin and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. G. venusta presented the mandibular, parotid, sublingual, labial and zygomatic glands. The mandible is shown as elongated structures, composed of non-septated lobes and located in the anterior cervical region. With a triangular format, the parotid was located in the depression of the masseter, ventral an auricular cartilage. The sublingual were located ventral to the mandible, caudal to the digastric muscle. In the posterior dorsal portion, until the labial commissure, dorsal to the orbicularis muscle of mouth was observed the labial glands, which showed a "U" shape. The zygomatic glands was accompanied the shape of the anterior portion of the zygomatic arch at the infraorbital margin. The mandibulars and sublinguals glands showed acini of mucous type, with some serous acini. The parotid one was made up purely by serous acini. In the labial gland was observed acini of mixed types mixed or seromucosous. Related the zygomatic gland was not possible to perform the microscopic analysis because of histological proceeding problems. Characteristics of the salivary glands observed in G. venusta resemble other omnivores mammals, but showed small differences as regards their location and shape.

Arquitetura e estrutura dos rins de Gracilinanus microtarsus (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) (Wagner, 1842) / Architecture and structure of the kidneys of Gracilinanus microtarsus (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) (Wagner, 1842)

A cuíca Gracilinanus microtarsus é um marsupial sul-americano, pertencente à ordem Didelphimorphia e família Didelphidae. Foi estudada a anatomia macroscópica e microscópica dos rins de G. microtarsus. A espécie possui um par de rins localizados na região sublombar da cavidade abdominal adjacente à coluna vertebral, sendo o rim direito mais cranial que o esquerdo. Os rins possuem formato de feijão e ao corte longitudinal possuem áreas bem de nidas como córtex e medula renal, papila, cálice e pelve renal. Em G. microtarsus, o rim é unilobado, apresentando uma superfície lisa e estrutura microscópica similar à de cães e gatos.

Gracilinanus microtarsus is a South American marsupial that belongs to Didelphimorphia order and Didelphidae family. e gross and microscopic anatomy of the kidneys of G. microtarsus was studied. e species has a pair of kidneys located in the sublumbar region of the abdominal cavity, close to the spine. e right kidney is cranial to the le kidney, and both have a bean shape. In a longitudinal cut, the kidney has de ned areas, such as the renal cortex and medulla, as well as the renal papilla, calices and renal pelvis. e kidney of Gracilinanus microtarsus is classi ed as unilobed with a smooth surface and showing microscopic aspect similar to the kidneys of dogs and cats.

Influence of pitfall designs and use of baits on the capture of small mammals in Southern Minas Gerais State, Brazil / Influência da disposição dos pitfalls e uso de isca na captura de pequenos mamíferos no Sul do estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil

Each kind of trap tends to be selective on species sampled, in a way that each one only reveals part of the abundance and species richness of the community sampled. In this way, in order to know the factors that affect the success of sampling methods is crucial for a better planning of experiments and data analysis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the factors that affect the success of pitfall traps in capturing small mammals, such as trap size, designs and use of bait. The study was carried out in two reserves inside the campus of the Universidade Federal de Lavras (UFLA), in South Minas Gerais State, Brazil. In total, 65 specimens belonging to 8 species were caught. Different types of trap design (Y-shaped and I-shaped) have not influenced the capture success of pitfalls. The same result was obtained for the different size of buckets, in exception for Oligoryzomys flavescens, in which larger buckets were more efficient. The use of baits was considered not necessary.

Cada tipo de armadilha exerce uma seleção quanto às espécies capturadas, de forma que cada uma revela uma fração da riqueza e abundância da comunidade amostrada. Conhecer os fatores que afetam no sucesso dos métodos de captura é de fundamental importância para o planejamento de experimentos e análise de dados. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar fatores que podem afetar o sucesso de captura dos pitfalls (armadilhas de interceptação e queda), tais como forma da estação de captura, tamanho do balde e presença de isca. As coletas foram realizadas em duas Reservas Florestais localizados no campus da Universidade Federal de Lavras, UFLA, na cidade de Lavras, Estado de Minas Gerais. Ao todo foram capturados 65 indivíduos de oito espécies. A forma das estações (Y ou linha) não influenciou no sucesso de captura dos pitfalls. Os diferentes tamanhos de balde não apresentaram sucessos de captura diferentes significativamente, exceto para a espécie Oligoryzomys flavescens, em que os baldes maiores foram mais eficientes. O uso de isca se mostrou dispensável.

Quantification of argyrophillic, argentaffin and insulin immunoreactive cells in the small intestine in the opossum Didelphis aurita (Wied-Neuwied, 1826) - doi: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v33i4.8644 / Quantification of argyrophillic, argentaffin and insulin immunoreactive cells in the small intestine in the opossum Didelphis aurita (Wied-Neuwied, 1826) - doi: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v33i4.8644

The objective of this study was to quantify argyrophillic, argentaffin and insulin immunoreactive endocrine cells in the different segments of the small intestine of Didelphis aurita and measure probable differences in the number of these cells between adult and post-pubertal animals. Biological material consisted of ten male and female opossums specimen, divided in two groups according to weigh. The utilized staining techniques were Grimelius, modified Masson-Fontana and direct immunoperoxidase. Results indicated a predominance of argyrophillic cells in the small intestine of opossums from class 1 and 2, with an average of 52.58 and 56.15 cells mm-2, respectively; of which, the average number of total endocrine cells, argyrophillic and argentaffin cells decreased distally in the intestinal segments of opossums from classes 1 and 2. No significant difference was observed for the insulin immunoreactive cells between the intestinal segments of animals from class 2. A greater number of insulin immunoreactive cells was encountered in the jejunum and ileum of animals from class 2 when compared to the same segment in animals from class 1.

The objective of this study was to quantify argyrophillic, argentaffin and insulin immunoreactive endocrine cells in the different segments of the small intestine of Didelphis aurita and measure probable differences in the number of these cells between adult and post-pubertal animals. Biological material consisted of ten male and female opossums specimen, divided in two groups according to weigh. The utilized staining techniques were Grimelius, modified Masson-Fontana and direct immunoperoxidase. Results indicated a predominance of argyrophillic cells in the small intestine of opossums from class 1 and 2, with an average of 52.58 and 56.15 cells mm-2, respectively; of which, the average number of total endocrine cells, argyrophillic and argentaffin cells decreased distally in the intestinal segments of opossums from classes 1 and 2. No significant difference was observed for the insulin immunoreactive cells between the intestinal segments of animals from class 2. A greater number of insulin immunoreactive cells was encountered in the jejunum and ileum of animals from class 2 when compared to the same segment in animals from class 1.

Quantification of argyrophillic, argentaffin and insulin immunoreactive cells in the small intestine in the opossum Didelphis aurita (Wied-Neuwied, 1826) / Quantificação das células argirófilas, argentafins e imunorreativas à insulina nos diferentes segmentos do intestino delgado do gambá Didelphis aurita (Wied-Neuwied, 1826)

The objective of this study was to quantify argyrophillic, argentaffin and insulin immunoreactive endocrine cells in the different segments of the small intestine of Didelphis aurita and measure probable differences in the number of these cells between adult and post-pubertal animals. Biological material consisted of ten male and female opossums specimen, divided in two groups according to weigh. The utilized staining techniques were Grimelius, modified Masson-Fontana and direct immunoperoxidase. Results indicated a predominance of argyrophillic cells in the small intestine of opossums from class 1 and 2, with an average of 52.58 and 56.15 cells mm-2, respectively; of which, the average number of total endocrine cells, argyrophillic and argentaffin cells decreased distally in the intestinal segments of opossums from classes 1 and 2. No significant difference was observed for the insulin immunoreactive cells between the intestinal segments of animals from class 2. A greater number of insulin immunoreactive cells was encountered in the jejunum and ileum of animals from class 2 when compared to the same segment in animals from class 1.

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram quantificar as células endócrinas argirófilas, argentafins e imunorreativas à insulina nos diferentes segmentos do intestino delgado de gambás Didelphis aurita e mensurar prováveis diferenças no número destas células entre animais adultos e pós-púberes. Dez exemplares de gambás D. aurita machos e fêmeas foram divididos em dois grupos de acordo com o peso. As técnicas de coloração utilizadas foram Grimelius, Masson-Fontana modificado e Imunoperoxidase direta. Os resultados indicaram um predomínio das células argirófilas no intestino delgado de gambás da classe 1 e 2, com uma média de 52,58 e 56,15 células mm-2, respectivamente. O número médio de células endócrinas totais, células argirófilas e argentafins decresceu distalmente nos segmentos intestinais dos gambás das classes 1 e 2. Nenhuma diferença significativa foi observada para as células imunorreativas à insulina entre os segmentos intestinais dos animais da classe 2. Foi encontrado maior número de células imunorreativas à insulina no jejuno e íleo de animais da classe 2 quando comparado ao mesmo segmento em animais da classe 1.

Predação oportunista de Artibeus planirostris (Spix, 1823) e Carollia perspicillata (Linnaeus, 1758) (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) por marsupiais e anuro na APA do Rio Curiaú, Amapá, Brasil / Opportunistic predation of Artibeus planirostris (Spix, 1823) and Carollia perspicillata (Linnaeus, 1758) (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) by marsupials and anuran in the APA do Rio Curiaú, Amapá State, Brazil

Durante estudos com morcegos em floresta de várzea na APA do Rio Curiaú, Amapá, Brasil, observamos três casos de predações oportunistas de morcegos frugívoros capturados em redes de neblina. Duas destas predações ocorreram por marsupiais e uma por anuro. Artibeus planirostris (Spix, 1823) (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) foi predado por Didelphis marsupialis Linnaeus, 1758 e Philander opossum (Linnaeus, 1758) (Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae). Carollia perspicillata (Linnaeus, 1758) (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) foi predado por Leptodactylus pentadactylus (Laurenti, 1768) (Anura, Leptodactylidae). A vocalização dos morcegos provavelmente atraiu os marsupiais para a rede, onde estes os predaram aproveitando que estavam presos. Este tipo de interação pode ocorrer naturalmente, no entanto, com maior dificuldade de registro.

We observed three occasional predations of bats captured in mist nets by marsupials and a frog during studies in a várzea forest in the Amapá state. Artibeus planirostris (Spix, 1823) (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) was preyed upon by Didelphis marsupialis Linnaeus, 1758 and Philander opossum (Linnaeus, 1758) (Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae). Carollia perspicillata (Linnaeus, 1758) (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) was preyed on by Leptodactylus pentadactylus (Laurenti, 1768) (Anura, Leptodactylidae). The bats vocalizations probably attracted the marsupials and a frog to the mist nets where they preyed. This interaction form can occur naturally, however, are more difficult to observed.