Seed removal by the squirrel Notocitellus adocetus (Rodentia: Sciuridae) in Western México

Introduction: Seed dispersal and seed predation have important impacts on plant diversity and community structure. Rodents participate in both of these types of interactions. Objectives: To evaluate the removal of the seeds of Crescentia alata, Randia capitata, and Zea mays by the squirrel Notocitellus adocetus to determine how it affects these plant species, by dispersing or preying on their seeds. Methods: We studied 14 individuals for C. alata, 24 for R. capitata, and for Z. mays 35 individuals. We observed foraging and used camera traps to determine the part of the fruit (seed and/or pulp) consumed by the squirrels and the amount of fruit or seed consumed. We also placed fine sand traps (FST) to measure the percentage of seed removal. We quantified the fruits produced by the plant species studied and the percentage of damage caused by N. adocetus throughout the plots. Results: Notocitellus adocetus feeds on the seeds and pulp of C. alata and Z. mays. The species with the highest removal rate and the highest percentage of damage was C. alata. Zea mays was the plant species that had the highest percentage of removal from FST, the largest number of fruits, and the lowest percentage of damage. On FST, R. capitata had the lowest seed remotion. Conclusions: Notocitellus adocetus is considered a seed predator; however, due to its behavior and the characteristics of the fruits of C. alata and R. capitata, this rodent could make the seeds available to secondary seed dispersers.

Introducción: La dispersión y depredación de semillas tienen efectos importantes en la diversidad de plantas y estructura de las comunidades. Los roedores participan en estos tipos de interacciones. Objetivos: Evaluar la remoción de semillas de Crescentia alata, Randia capitata y Zea mays por la ardilla Notocitellus adocetus, para determinar su efecto en estas especies de plantas, dispersando o depredando semillas. Métodos: Estudiamos 14 individuos de C. alata, 24 para R. capitata y 35 individuos para Z. mays. Observamos el forrajeo y usamos cámaras trampas para determinar la parte del fruto (semilla y/o pulpa) consumida y la intensidad de consumo por las ardillas. También colocamos trampas de arena fina (FST) para medir el porcentaje de remoción de semillas. Cuantificamos los frutos producidos por las especies estudiadas y el porcentaje de daño ocasionado por N. adocetus, mediante parcelas. Resultados: Notocitellus adocetus se alimenta de las semillas y pulpa de C. alata y Z. mays. La especie que tuvo mayor tasa de remoción y mayor porcentaje de daño fue C. alata. La especie con mayor porcentaje de remoción, mayor número de frutos y menor daño en las FST fue Z. mays. En las trampas de arena fina, R. capitata tuvo la menor remoción de semillas. Conclusiones: Notocitellus adocetus es considerada depredadora de semillas, no obstante, por su comportamiento y las características de los frutos de C. alata y R. capitata, este roedor podría dejar disponibles las semillas a dispersores secundarios de semillas.

Pelvimetry in Squirrel Monkeys (Saimiri scireus Linnaeus, 1758) / Pelvimetria em macacos-de-cheiro (Saimiri scireus Linnaeus, 1758)

Saimiri sciureus is a neotropical primate widely used in research. However, there are still difficulties regarding their reproduction in vivaria due to the high incidence of dystocia. Dystocia in primates can be caused by cephalopelvic disproportion and in Squirrel Monkeys, pregnancy of large fetuses were reported. This paper describes pelvimetry data of adult females and subadults in specimens of Squirrel Monkeys, from a research colony of Para, Brazil. Pelvic radiographs were obtained in ventrodorsal projections and the following measurements were taken: superior bi-iliac diameter (SBID); inferior bi-iliac diameter (IBID); bi-iliac average diameter (BIAD); right diagonal diameter (RDD); left diagonal diameter (LDD); sacro-pubic diameter (SPD); Based on the obtained diameters, the entrance area of the pelvis (EAP) was also calculated. The average values of the pelvic diameters and EAP in adult females were SBID 1.714cm, BIAD 1.957cm, IBID 1.686cm, RDD 2.771cm, LDD 2.764cm, SPD 2.543cm and EAP 3.9056cm2; and subadult females: 1.588cm SBID, 1.850cm BIAD, 1.625cm IBID, 2.50cm RDD, LDD 2.474cm, 1.95cm SPD and 2.8293 cm2 EAP. Saimiri sciureus pelvis is characterized as dolichopelvic. There was statistical significance between the values for adult females and subadults to SBID, BIAD, RDD, LDD, SPD and EAP. The values of SBID and IBID were lower when compared to the published data for the same species. The result found on this paper will serve as a basis for future studies using pelvic measurements and dystocia prediction of neotropical primates and comparison between different vivaria.(AU)

Saimiri sciureus é uma espécie de primata neotropical muito utilizada como animal de pesquisa. No entanto ainda há dificuldades em biotérios quanto a sua reprodução devido à alta ocorrência de distocia. A distocia em primatas pode ter origem devido à desproporção cefalopélvica, sendo que em macacos-de-cheiro é relatada a gestação de fetos grandes. O presente trabalho descreve dados de pelvimetria em espécimes de macaco-de-cheiro, fêmeas adultas e subadultas provenientes de uma colônia de pesquisa do Pará, Brasil. Foram realizadas radiografias da pelve em projeção ventrodorsal e por meio destas mensurados os diâmetros biilíaco superior (DBIS); diâmetro biíliaco inferior (DBII); diâmetro biilíaco médio (DBIM); diâmetro diagonal direito (DDD); diâmetro diagonal esquerdo (DDE); diâmetro sacro-púbico (DSP); com base nos diâmetros obtidos também foi calculada a área de entrada da pelve (AEP). Os valores médios dos diâmetros pélvicos e da AEP em fêmeas adultas foram: DBIS 1,714cm, DBIM 1,957cm, DBII 1,686cm, DDD 2,771cm, DDE 2,764cm, DSP 2,543cm e AEP 3,9056cm2; e para fêmeas subadultas: 1,588cm DBIS, 1,850cm DBIM, 1,625cm DBII, 2,50cm DDD, 2,474cm DDE, 1,95cm DSP e 2,8293 cm2 AEP. Observou-se que a pelve de Saimiri sciureus é dolicopélvica. Houve diferença estatística significativa entre os valores para fêmeas adultas e subadultas para DBIS, DBIM, DDD, DDE, DSP e AEP. Em comparação com dados da literatura de pelvimetria para S. sciureus observaram-se menores valores de DBIS e DBII. O resultado deste trabalho servirá como base para futuros estudos utilizando-se mensurações pélvicas e predição de distocia em primatas neotropicais e referência para comparação entre S. sciureus de diferentes biotérios.(AU)

Catenotaenia dendritica (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae) and Three Ectoparasite Species in the Red Squirrel, Sciurus vulgaris, from Cheongju, Korea

Parasites are recorded from the red squirrel, Sciurus vulgaris, from Cheongju, the Republic of Korea. A total of 5 road-killed squirrels were thoroughly examined for internal and external parasites from November 2011 to May 2014. Total 4 parasite species, including 1 tapeworm and 3 ectoparasite species were recovered. They were morphologically identified as Catenotaenia dendritica (Cestoda: Catenotaeniidae), Hirstionyssus sciurinus, Leptotrombidium pallidum, and Ceratophyllus (Monopsyllus) indages. Among them, C. dendritica and H. sciurinus are recorded for the first time in the Korean parasite fauna. In addition, the possibility that the red squirrel could act as a reservoir host for a zoonotic disease like tsutsugamushi disease with L. pallidum as its vector has been raised.

Beach almond (Terminalia catappa, Combretaceae) seed production and predation by scarlet macaws (Ara macao) and variegated squirrels (Sciurus variegatoides) / Producción de semillas y depredación del almendro de playa (Terminalia catappa, Combretaceae) por lapas rojas (Ara macao) y ardillas chizas (Sciurus variegatoides)

Knowledge of ecological impacts of exotic beach almond (Terminalia catappa) in the central Pacific of Costa Rica are little known, but studies have found this species to be a potentially important food source for endangered scarlet macaws (Ara macao). In this study, reproductive phenology and seed predation by variegated squirrels (Sciurus variegatoides) and scarlet macaws were measured during March and April 2011 on beaches of central Pacific coastal Costa Rica. Seed productivity and predation levels were quantified on a weekly basis for 111 beach almond trees to assess the importance of beach almond as a food source for scarlet macaws and the extent of resource partitioning between seed predators. Seed production of the trees was great (about 194 272 seeds) and approximately 67% of seeds were predated by seed predators. Macaws consumed an estimated 49% of seeds while squirrels consumed 18%. Additionally, evidence of resource partitioning between squirrels and macaws was found. Scarlet macaws preferred to feed on the northern side and edge of the canopy while squirrels preferred to feed on the southern and inside parts of the canopy. Both species ate most seeds on the ocean side of the tree. Despite the status of this tree as an exotic species, the beach almond appears to be an important resource for scarlet macaw population recovery. The resource produced by this tree should be taken into account as reforestation efforts continue in Costa Rica. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (3): 929-938. Epub 2014 September 01.

El conocimiento de los impactos ecológicos del almendro de playa exótico (Terminalia catappa) en el Pacífico Central de Costa Rica son poco conocidos, pero los estudios han encontrado que esta especie es una fuente de alimento potencialmente importante para la lapa roja (Ara macao), en peligro de extinción. En este estudio, se midieron la fenología reproductiva y la depredación de semillas por las ardillas (Sciurus variegatoides) y lapas rojas durante marzo y abril 2011 en las playas de la costa Pacífica Central de Costa Rica. Los niveles de productividad y depredación de semillas se cuantificaron semanalmente para 111 almendros de playa, para evaluar la importancia del almendro de playa como fuente de alimento para la lapa roja y el grado de repartición de recursos entre los depredadores de semillas. La producción de semillas de los árboles fue alta (cerca de 194 272 semillas) y aproximadamente el 67% de las semillas fueron comidas por los depredadores, las lapas rojas consumen un estimado de 49% de las semillas, mientras que las ardillas consumen el 18%. Adicionalmente, se encontró evidencia de la repartición de recursos entre las ardillas y las lapas. Las lapas rojas prefieren alimentarse en el lado norte y el borde de la copa, mientras que las ardillas prefieren las regiones del sur y el interior de la copa. Ambas especies se comieron la mayoría de las semillas en la parte del árbol con lado al mar. A pesar de la situación de este árbol como una especie exótica, la playa de almendras parece ser un recurso importante para la recuperación de la población de lapas rojas. El recurso que produce este árbol debe tomarse en cuenta para continuar con los esfuerzos de reforestación en Costa Rica.

Avaliação ultrassonográfica e mensurações das glândulas adrenais em primatas não humanos neotropicais: mico-de-cheiro (Saimiri sciureus), macaco-da-noite (Aotus azarae infulatus) e bugio-ruivo (Alouatta guariba clamitans) / Adrenal glands measurements and ultrasound evaluation in nonhuman primates: squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus), owl monkey (Aotus azarae infulatus) and howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans)

As glândulas adrenais possuem funções endócrinas relacionadas a múltiplas funções vitais, estando intimamente relacionadas à capacidade do animal em se adaptar ao estresse. O exame ultrassonográfico é o método diagnóstico de escolha para avaliação das glândulas em diferentes espécies. Considerando a escassa literatura, questiona-se se as doenças adrenais em primatas não humanos são incomuns ou subdiagnosticadas, havendo a hipótese desse fato ser determinado pela falta de parâmetros. Objetivou-se descrever as características ultrassonográficas das glândulas adrenais para três espécies de primatas não humanos mantidas em cativeiro: Saimiri sciureus (mico-de-cheiro), Aotus azarae infulatus (macaco-da-noite) e Alouatta guariba clamitans (bugio-ruivo). Conclui-se que é possível a identificação das glândulas adrenais por meio de exame ultrassonográfico, sendo que os padrões de referência foram estabelecidos com sucesso para as espécies em questão. Ressalta-se que a adequação de animais em ambientes estressantes é frequentemente acompanhada por uma hipertrofia das glândulas adrenais, portanto deve-se levar em consideração que as mensurações realizadas nesse estudo foram estabelecidas em animais de cativeiro...

The adrenal glands have endocrine functions related to multiple vital functions and are closely related to the animal's ability to adapt to stress. The ultrasound is the diagnostic method of choice for evaluation of glands in different species. Considering the scarce literature, one may question whether the adrenal disorders in nonhuman primates are uncommon or underdiagnosed, and a hypothesis exists that this fact is determined by the lack of parameters. The goal is to describe the sonographic features of the adrenal glands for three species of nonhuman primates kept in captivity: squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus), owl monkey (Aotus azarae infulatus) and howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans). It is concluded that it is possible to identify the adrenal glands by ultrasound, and the reference standards have been established successfully for the species in question. It is noteworthy that the adaptation of animals in many stressful environments is often accompanied by a hypertrophy of the adrenal glands, so one should take into account that the measurements performed in this study were established in captive animals...

The liver micromorphology of the african palm squirrel epixerus ebii / Micromorfología del hígado de la ardilla de palma africana epixerus ebii

The normal liver histology of the African palm squirrel Epixerus ebii was investigated to fill the information gap on its micromorphology from available literature. The liver was covered by a capsule of dense connective tissue- the perivascular fibrous capsule. Beneath this capsule is the liver parenchyma were the hepatocyte were supported by reticular fibres. The hepatocytes in the lobules were hexagonal to polygonal in shape. Some hepatocytes were bi-nucleated. Clear spaces in the parenchyma must be storage sites for lipids in the liver. The classic hepatic lobules presented central vein surrounded by several liver cells. At the portal triad, hepatic vein, hepatic arteries and bile ducts were seen. While the hepatic arteries and veins were lined by endothelium, the bile ducts were lined by simple cuboidal cells. Nerve fibres were also seen in the region of the portal triad. Hepatic sinusoids lined by endothelium were seen in the liver parenchyma between liver lobules. The sinusoids contained macrophages. This report will aid wild life biologists in further investigative research and Veterinarians in diagnosing the hepatic diseases of the African palm squirrel.

Describimos la histología hepática normal de la ardilla de palma africana Epixerus ebii para llenar el vacío sobre su micromorfología en la literatura disponible. El hígado está cubierto por una cápsula de tejido conectivo denso, la cápsula fibrosa perivascular. Debajo de esta cápsula se encuentra el parénquima hepático en el cual fibras reticulares apoyan los hepatocitos. Los hepatocitos en los lóbulos son hexagonales de forma poligonal. Observamos algunos hepatocitos bi-nucleados. Evidentes espacios en el parénquima deben ser emplazamientos de almacenamiento de los lípidos en el hígado. Los lóbulos hepáticos clásicos presentan una vena central rodeada de varias células hepáticas. En la tríada portal, se observó la vena hepática, las arterias hepáticas y los conductos biliares, mientras que las arterias y venas hepáticas estaban revestidas por endotelio, los conductos biliares estaban alineados por células cuboides simples. También se observaron fibras nerviosas en la región de la tríada portal. Sinusoides hepáticos revestidos por endotelio fueron observados entre los lobulillos hepáticos en el parénquima hepático. Los sinusoides contenían macrófagos. El presente estudio ayudará a los biólogos de la fauna silvestre en una investigación más precisa, y a los médicos veterinarios en el diagnóstico de las enfermedades hepáticas en la ardilla de palma africana.

The peculiarities of the masticator muscles in rodents / Particularidades da masculatura mastigatória dos roedores

Comparative research concerning masticatory musculature in squirrel, muskrat and rabbit, take into account the emphasizing and morphofunctional interpretation of the osteomuscular particularities involved in the prehension and mastication processes. The development of the coronoid process on the muskrat and squirrel demonstrates the growing of the force when raising the mandible by increasing the action force attached to the temporal muscle, with insertion on the coronoid process. In comparison with that, in the case of rabbits, both the coronoid process and the temporal muscle are reduced. From a philogenetic point of view, it has been found that the species that have the articular condyle lowered at or under the level of the dental tables (carnivores) present a greater pressure force between the dental tables. Analyzing this aspect of the rodents taken into discussion, we noticed the lowering of the articular condyle up to the inferior molars' plane, in the case of squirrels and muskrats, but through obliquity, namely through cranial caudal and dorsoventral movement. This peculiarity is emphasized through the analysis of the angle formed by the axis of the mandible recurved branch (passing through the mandibular condyle) with the axis of the horizontal branch of the mandible, where it was noticed that along with the increase in the angle formed by the two axes, which becomes an obtuse 160 degree angle on the squirrel and 130 degrees on the muskrat, there is also a lowering of the articular condyle up to the molar level, while in the case of carnivores, the lowering of the condyle is done without the modification of the angle between the two axes, which measures approximately 90 degrees.

Investigações comparativas com respeito à musculatura mastigatória do esquilo, do rato-almiscarado e do coelho buscam o realçamento e a interpretação morfo-funcional das particularidades do sistema dos músculos esqueléticos envolvido no processo de agarramento e mastigação. O desenvolvimento do processo coronoide no rato-almiscarado e no esquilo demonstra o aumento da força no levantamento da mandíbula por meio do aumento do braço da força de ação do músculo temporal com inserção sobre o processo coronoide, em comparação com os leporídeos, que têm tanto o processo coronoide como o músculo temporal mais reduzidos. Do ponto de vista filogenético, observa-se que as espécies que apresentam o côndilo articular baixado igual ou inferior ao nível das placas dentárias (carnívoros) apresentam uma força de pressão maior entre as placas dentárias. Em relação aos roedores estudados, nota-se a descida do côndilo articular perto do plano dos molares inferiores no esquilo e no rato-almiscarado, mas por meio da obliquidade, isto é, por meio do movimento do côndilo articular da borda craniana e dorsoventral. Esta particularidade evidencia-se em virtude do ângulo formado pelo eixo do ramo dobrado da mandíbula (que atravessa o côndilo mandibular) junto ao eixo do ramo horizontal da mandíbula, resultando no aumento do valor do ângulo formado pelos dois eixos, que se tornam obtusos a 160º no esquilo e a 130º no rato-almiscarado, em função da descida do côndilo articular quase ao nível do plano dos molares, em comparação com os carnívoros, nos quais a descida do côndilo realiza-se sem a modificação do ângulo formado pelos dois eixos de, aproximadamente, 90 graus.

The topography and gross anatomy of the abdominal gastrointestinal tract of the Persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus) / La topografía y anatomía macroscópica del tracto gastrointestinal abdominal de la ardilla persa (Sciurus anomalus)

The persian squirrel (Sciurus anomalus) is the only member of the Sciuridae family found in the Middle East. It is herbivorous, feeding mostly on pine acorns and other seeds and fruits. It is a wild animal nesting in forest trees, although it is frequently found close to city gardens and parks. As Persian squirrels are also found in homes as "companion animals", veterinarian assistance may be sometimes required; this is a good reason to gain more specific knowledge of the anatomical features of this animal. Due to the scantiness of relevant literature, we carried out this study with the aim to provide further information on the topography and gross anatomy of its abdominal gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Seven animals of this species were utilized to measure the length, content weight and area surface of the relative segments of the abdominal GIT. The stomach is unilocular, lined with glandular epithelium; the small intestine is divided into duodenum, jejunum and ileum. The cecum is situated on the right side of the abdominal cavity and lacks the vermiform appendix observed in some rodents. The ascending colon is extensive, consisting of two loops and two straight parts forming a unique topographic arrangement, closely resembling the ascending colon of the horse. The transverse colon connects the ascending and the descending colon located on the left side of the abdominal cavity, and shows a distinct sigmoid flexure before entering the pelvic cavity. Overall, the in situ examination and the relative measurements of the various parts of the abdominal GIT suggest that the ascending colon is the main fermentation chamber in the Persian Squirrel.

La ardilla es el único miembro de la familia de los Sciuridae que se encuentra en el Medio Oriente. Es un herbívoro, come semillas, principalmente de pino, y fruta. Vive mayormente en el bosque en estado salvaje, aunque a veces se puede encontrar en las ciudades, en parques y jardines. Las ardillas persianas tambien se tienen en casas como mascotas y algunas veces es necesaria la atención del veterinario. Esta es una buena razón para conocer más profundamente sus características anatómicas. Teniendo en cuenta la escasa bibliografía existente a cerca de este animal, el objetivo de este estudio fue aportar nueva información sobre la anatomía topográfica y mascroscópica del tracto abdominal gastrointestinal (GIT) de la ardilla. Siete animales de esta especie han sido utilizados para medir el largo, el peso y el área de la superficie de los segmentos del GIT. El estómago es unilocular, alineado con epitelio glandular; el pequeño intestino está dividido en duodeno, jejuno e ileo. El ciego está localizado en la parte derecha de la cavidad abdominal y le falta el apéndice vermiforme que poseen los roedores. El colon ascendente es extenso, constituido de dos partes curvas y dos rectilíneas que forman una única dispoción topográfica cerrada como el colon ascendente en el caballo. El colon trasverso, que conecta el ascendente y el descendente, está localizado en el lado izquierdo de la cavidad abdominal y muestra una clara flexión sigmoide antes de entrar en la cavidad pélvica. En resumen, el examen in situ y las relativas medidas de las varias partes del GIT sugieren que el colon ascendente es la principal "cámara" de fermentación en la ardilla persiana.

PATRONES DE REPLICACIÓN Y BANDEO NO DIFERENCIAL EN ARDILLAS COLOMBIANAS DEL GÉNERO Sciurus (RODENTIA, SCIURIDAE) / Replication Patterns and no Differential Banding in Colombian Squirrels, Sciurus (Rodentia, Sciuridae)

Las ardillas colombianas muestran una gran variabilidad citogenética lo que ha despertado el interés en ahondar aspectos evolutivos en el grupo. Para esto, varias herramientas de bandeo cromosómico convencional como bandas diferenciales Q y R y bandas no diferenciales C y NOR fueron analizadas permitiendo, por primera vez en las ardillas colombianas, detectar señales de cromosómicas inusuales de replicación e inactivación de heterocromatina y cromosomas marcadores específicos. Se explica la utilidad de cada uno de estos complementos en el análisis citogenético de especies y las observaciones para los citotipos de las ardillas colombianas.

Colombian Squirrels cytogenetics showed a great variability which has renewed the interest in evolutionary aspects within the group. Many chromosome banding tools must be analyzed carefully in addition to the classical G-banding G technique. These techniques include other differential bands like Q and R banding and nondifferential banding (C and NOR). In this article the use of each of these supplements in the cytogenetic analysis of species and cytotypes observations for the Colombian squirrels is explained.

Patrón de comportamiento de monos ardilla (Saimiri sciureus macrodon) cautivos con diferentes enriquecimientos ambientales / Behavioral patterns of the squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus macrodon) captive with different environmental enrichment / Padrões de comportamento de macacos-de-chiero (Saimiri sciureus macrodon) em cativeiro com diferentes enriquecimentos ambientais

Las implicaciones del cautiverio sobre el comportamiento de los animales han sido muy bien documentadas, peropocos son los recursos existentes para la modificación de su efecto. Esta primer experiencia realizada en el Hogar dePaso de Fauna Silvestre (HPFS) de la Universidad de la Amazonía y Corpoamazonía, en Florencia- Caquetá, además de describir el patrón de comportamiento y de actividades expresadas por el mono ardilla en cautiverio (Saimirisciureus macrodon), en análisis comparativo con especímenes de la especie en vida silvestre, estableció mecanismosde modulación de la conducta, a partir del uso de enriquecimientos ambientales. La investigación realizada sobre un grupo conformado por doce especímenes en diferentes estadíos de desarrollo biológico, confinados en un encierro no mayor a los cuatro metros cuadrados, encontró, a través de la aplicación de etogramas, que los especímenes cautivos presentan grandes variaciones en sus actividades diarias y una gran cantidad de estereotipos que se hacíanevidentes en los horarios de alimentación (Horas de la mañana). Dichas conductas lograron ser moduladas con enriquecimientos ambientales (EA). Los resultados establecen la presencia de diferencias significativas del tipo decomportamiento y de actividad, entre los especímenes cautivos y los de vida libre, además de diferencias en rangosde peso, temperatura corporal y niveles de glucosa, siendo mayores en especímenes cautivos, lo que indica quefactores como cambios en la alimentación y el stress del cautiverio, son causantes del desequilibrio homeostático de S. sciureus.

The implications of captivity on animal behavior have been well documented, but few resources exist to alter its effect. This first experience, carried out at the Wildlife Foster Home of the Universidad de la Amazonía andCorpoamazonía, in Florencia, Caquetá, in addition to describing behavioral and activity patterns expressed bythe captive squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus macrodon) in comparison with specimens in the wild, establishedmechanisms for conduct modulation, based on the use of environmental enrichments. Research conducted on agroup of twelve specimens, in different stages of biological development and confined to an enclosure no largerthan four square meters, found through the application of ethograms that the captive specimens’ daily activitiesvary widely and that a great many stereotypes were evident at feeding times (morning hours). These behaviors were able to be modulated by environmental enrichments (EE). Results show the presence of significant differences in behavior and activity between captive specimens and those in the wild, as well as differences in weight ranges, body temperature and glucose levels, being higher in captive specimens, which indicate that factors such as changes in diet and the stress of captivity are causing homeostatic imbalance of S. sciureus.

As implicações de cativeiro sobre o comportamento dos animais têm sido bem documentadas, mas há poucosrecursos disponíveis para a modificação de seu efeito. Esta primeira experiência realizada no Lar Adotivo deFauna Silvestre da Universidad de la Amazonía e Corpoamazonía em Florencia – Caquetá, além de descrever o padrão de comportamento e atividades expressas pelo macaco-de-cheiro em cativeiro (Saimiri sciureus macrodon),em análise comparativa com espécimes da espécie na vida silvestre, estabeleceu mecanismos de modulação do comportamento, a partir do uso de enriquecimento ambiental. A pesquisa foi realizada em um grupo composto dedoze espécimes em diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento biológico, confinados em um recinto não maior quequatro metros quadrados, através de estudos de etogramas foi verificado que as atividades diárias dos espécimes emcativeiro variam muito e que um grande número de estereótipos eram evidentes às vezes na alimentação (horas damanhã). Esses comportamentos foram capazes de ser modulados por enriquecimento ambiental (EA). Os resultados estabelecem a presença de diferenças significativas no tipo de comportamento e de atividade, entre os espécimes em cativeiro e os de vida livre, além das diferenças em várias categorias de peso, temperatura corporal e níveis de glicose, sendo maior nos espécimes em cativeiro, o que indica que os fatores como mudanças na dieta e estresse docativeiro estão causando desequilíbrio homeostático de S. sciureus.

Toxoplasmosis en una colonia de monos ardilla (Saimiri sciureus) en cautiverio en Cuernavaca, Morelos, México / Toxoplasmosis outbreak in a private collection of squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) in Cuernavaca, Morelos Mexico

Toxoplasmosis is a disease of worldwide distribution that parasites the intestinal tract of wild and domestic cats. However, in New World monkeys it is considered an acute and fatal illness. The reason for its high susceptibiliy in this particular species is still unknown, but it has been theorized that their habitat and living conditions, in high trees, might be an important factor. Necropsy was performed on 5 squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus), three males (adult) and two females (one of them gravid), with a clinical history of eye redenning and presence of bloody serous foam in the nostrils. Gross examination of the lung showed non collapsed lobes, dark red parenchyma and irregular pale pink nodular areas. All five animals showed apparent hepatomegaly. Histological findings revealed an interstitial pneumonia with a prominent thickening of alveolar septae, and numerous foamy macrophages with intracytoplasmic basophilic structures 20- 25 urn long, covered by a refringent wall and housing PAS positive basophilic structures that were aproximately 8 urn long (bradyzoites), which were identified as protozoal cysts. The liver showed multiple foci of periportal inflammatory cells and numerous parasitic cysts that were also observed in spleen and brain tissue. Inmunohistochemical technique was performed on selected samples of brain, liver and lung tissue, which resulted positive for Toxoplasma gondii using antibodies of hyperimmune antiserum-caprine 6244 origin, in a 1:300 dilution. Samples of the same tissues were processed for transmission electron microscopy. Hepatocytes of the liver showed multiple intracytoplasmic vacuoles with parasitic structures consistent with tachyzoites, which were 3.6 μm long and measured 2.3 μm in diameter. They possesed a slightly wavy electrodense plasmatic membrane that exhibited a conoid in its anterior end, along with several electrodense micronemes. Ultraestructural features like the conoid and the location of micronemes allowed us to identify the parasite as Toxoplasma gondii. Clinical history, necropsy findings, microscopic examination, inmunohistochemical analysis and electron microscopy of all five squirrel monkeys were consistent with a diagnosis of systemic toxoplasmosis. This report shows the high suceptibiliity of New World monkeys to become infected with this parasite. Therefore, toxoplasmosis should be considered among the differential diagnosis for diseases with non specific clinical signs in this particular species.

La toxoplasmosis es una enfermedad de distribución mundial provocada por el protozoario Toxoplasma gondii cuyos huéspedes definitivos son los felinos y una gran diversidad de especies animales son los huéspedes intermediarios. En primates del Nuevo Mundo se caracteriza por ser una enfermedad aguda y de curso fatal. La razón de la alta susceptibilidad en estos animales hasta la fecha se desconoce y generalmente se ha asociado con sus hábitos arborícolas. Se realizó la necropsia de cinco monos ardilla (Saimiri sciureus), tres machos (adultos) y dos hembras (una de ellas gestante), con historia clínica de enrojecimiento de los ojos y salida de espuma serosanguinolenta por la nariz. Macroscópicamente, los cinco animales presentaron los lóbulos pulmonares no colapsados y el parénquima rojo oscuro con áreas rosa claro entremezclado que en ocasiones tenían aspecto nodular. El hígado de los cinco animales se apreció aumentado de tamaño y pálido en su totalidad. Microscópicamente se observó neumonía intersticial caracterizada por el engrosamiento de los septos alveolares y la presencia de numerosos macrófagos espumosos cuyo citoplasma contenía estructuras elongadas, basofílicas de 20-25 μm de diámetro con pared refringente que a su vez albergaban estructuras basofílicas de 8 um (bradizoítos) PAS positivas consistentes con quistes de protozoarios. El hígado presentó focos de infiltrado inflamatorio periportal, así como numerosos quistes de protozoarios, que también se apreciaron en bazo y cerebro. Se realizó inmunohistoquímica de secciones histológicas de pulmón, hígado y cerebro, las cuales fueron positivas para Toxoplasma gondii con el anticuerpo Hyperimmune antiserum-caprine, a una dilución de 1:300. Asimismo, muestras de estos mismos tejidos fueron procesadas para microscopía electrónica de transmisión, en las que el hígado exhibía en su citoplasma vacuolas parasitarias con estructuras correspondientes a taquizoítos que medían de 3.6 μm de largo por 2.3 μm de diámetro, con una membrana plasmática electrodensa, ligeramente ondulada, que en ocasiones exhibían en su extremo anterior el conoide, y por debajo de éste, escasos micronemas electrodensos. Las características ultraestructurales como el conoide, y la ubicación de los micronemas, son criterios primordiales que permiten identificar al parásito como Toxoplasma gondii. La historia clínica, los hallazgos a la necropsia, el estudio histopatológico, la inmunohistoquímica y microscopía electrónica de los cinco monos ardilla fueron consistentes con un cuadro de toxoplasmosis sistémica. Este informe demuestra la alta susceptibilidad que poseen los primates del Nuevo Mundo al ser infectados por este protozoario, por lo que se debe considerar entre los diagnósticos diferenciales para enfermedades de curso clínico no específico en estos animales.

VARIACIÓN CARIOLÓGICA EN DIFERENTES FENOTIPOS DE Sciurus granatensis (RODENTIA, SCIURIDAE) / Karyologic Variation in Different Phenotypes of Sciurus granatensis (Rodentia, Sciuridae)

Siete ejemplares de Sciurus granatensis (ardilla colombiana) de diferentes fenotipos según color, rescatadas del tráfico ilegal de fauna silvestre de Colombia fueron estudiadas. Mediante técnicas convencionales de bandeo cromosómico G, C, Q, R y NOR se estableció su cariotipo 2n=42. Se encontraron tres cariomorfos de acuerdo al Número Fundamental (NF) y características propias de cada uno de los complementos ocasionadas por distintos rearreglos cromosómicos, lo cual sugiere que S. granatensis es un complejo de especies. No se observó relación entre cariotipo y fenotipo. La variación en el color del pelaje se debe probablemente a las condiciones ambientales.

Seven specimens of Sciurus granatensis (redtailed squirrel) rescued from illegal fauna traffic in Colombia were studied; they had different phenotypes according to colour. G, C, Q, R and NOR chromosome banding was used, being found a 2n=42 diploid number for the Sciurus granatensis Colombian squirrels. There were 3 karyomorphs according to fundamental number (FN) and different chromosomal characteristics caused by rearregement, suggesting that S. granatensis represents a complex of species. Relationships between karyotype and phenotype were not observed. The variation in the colour of sqirrels’ fur was probably due to environmental conditions.

Toxoplasmosis in squirrel monkeys: histological and immunohistochemical analysis

Necropsy findings in three cases of naturally occurring toxoplasmosis in squirrel monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) obtained as wild catches from the Amazon region were described. Histopathological evaluation of the liver, spleen, kidneys and mesenteric lymph nodes showed multiple foci of inflammation and necrosis. Typical, well-defined morphologic Toxoplasma gondii cysts and free forms of the parasite were found by immunoperoxidase staining within inflammatory infiltrates. The presence of T. gondii in the studied colony could severely influence the results of experiments performed in the animals.

Achados de necropsia em três casos de toxoplasmose ocorridos naturalmente em macacos-de-cheiro (Saimiri sciureus) obtidos de capturas na região Amazônica foram descritos. A avaliação histopatológica do fígado, baço, rins e linfonodos mesentéricos mostrou múltiplos focos de inflamação e necrose. Cistos morfológicos típicos e bem definidos de Toxoplasma gondii e formas livres foram detectados pelo método da imunoperoxidase com infiltrados inflamatórios. A presença de T. gondii na colônia de primatas estudada pode influenciar severamente os resultados de experimentos realizados nos animais.

Hábitos alimenticios de la ardilla Sciurus variegatoides (Rodentia: Sciuridae) en la Península de Nicoya, Costa Rica / Feeding habits of the squirrel Sciurus variegatoides (Rodentia: Sciuridae) in the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica

Food items consumed by the squirrel Sciurus variegatoides atrirufus were determined in an agricultural setting in the Nicoya Peninsula (9 degrees 47' N, 84 degrees 56' W), Costa Rica, where two life zones (Premontane Moist Forest Basal Belt Transition, and Tropical Dry Forest) predominate. By analyzing the gut contents of 120 squirrels, from February 1987 through January 1988, it was determined that coconut (Cocos nucifera), indian almond (Terminalia catappa) and flamboyant (Delonix regia) were the most common dietary items. There were differences in food consumption according to age: adults preferred coconut, whereas young individuals preferred almond. This finding can be explained in terms of fruit characteristics, as well as tree architecture and accessibility for squirrels; almendro trees provide higher protection and a more accessible food resource, so that it was better used by young individuals.

Se determinaron los componentes de la dieta de la ardilla Sciurus variegatoides atrirufus en un área agrícola de la Península de Nicoya, Costa Rica (9º47’ N, 84º56’ W), correspondiente a las zonas de vida Bosque Húmedo Premontano Transición a Basal y Bosque Seco Tropical. Al analizar el contenido estomacal de 120 ardillas, entre febrero de 1987 y enero de 1988, se determinó que los alimentos más importantes fueron el coco (Cocos nucifera), el almendro (Terminalia catappa) y el malinche (Delonix regia). Hubo diferencias en el tipo de alimento según la edad. Los adultos consumieron más el coco y los jóvenes el almendro, lo cual se explica por las características del fruto, así como por la arquitectura y acceso al árbol; el almendro aporta mejores condiciones de protección y un recurso alimenticio más accesible, por lo que fue mejor aprovechado por los individuos jóvenes.