Bone Anatomy of the Thoracic Limb in the Common Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) and White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum)

SUMMARY: Although megaherbivores do not belong to the Brazilian fauna, they can be found in national zoos, which makes it important to know the anatomy of the locomotor apparatus to contribute to the clinical routine of zoos and veterinary rehabilitation centers. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the anatomical structures of the thoracic limb bones in the common hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibius) and white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum) and to compare them with the bone structures described for other ungulates. The scapula had a triangular appearance in the common hippopotamus, whereas in the white rhinoceros it had a rectangular appearance. The acromion was observed only in the common hippopotamus scapula. The hippopotamus humerus did not have the intermediate tubercle, only the greater and lesser tubercles, unlike the rhinoceros which also has the intermediate tubercle. The two megamammals studied had an ulna not incorporated to the radius and seven carpal bones distributed in two bone rows. The common hippopotamus had four digits and four metacarpal bones, while the white rhino had three digits, hence three metacarpal bones. Although with some species-specific differences, the bone anatomy found in the studied megaherbivores was similar to that described for domestic ungulates, such as horses and cattle. The fact that the bones studied belong to articulated skeletons of the collection of the Museum of Anatomy made it difficult to identify some anatomical structures. This study can help veterinarians in bone health care, animal welfare and comfort of such species present in Brazilian zoological parks.

Aunque los megaherbívoros no pertenecen a la fauna brasileña, se pueden encontrar en zoológicos nacionales, lo que hace importante conocer la anatomía del aparato locomotor para contribuir a la rutina clínica de los zoológicos y de los centros de rehabilitación veterinaria. Por tanto, el objetivo de este estudio fue describir las estructuras anatómicas de los huesos de los miembros torácicos en el hipopótamo común (Hippopotamus amphibius) y el rinoceronte blanco (Ceratotherium simum) y compararlas con las estructuras óseas descritas para otros ungulados. La escápula tenía una apariencia triangular en el hipopótamo común, mientras que en el rinoceronte blanco tenía una apariencia rectangular. El acromion se observó sólo en la escápula del hipopótamo común. El húmero del hipopótamo no tenía el tubérculo intermedio, sólo los tubérculos mayor y menor, a diferencia del rinoceronte que también tiene el tubérculo intermedio. Los dos ejemplares de megamamíferos estudiados tenían una ulna no incorporada al radio y siete huesos del carpo distribuidos en dos filas óseas. En el hipopótamo común se observaron cuatro dedos y cuatro huesos metacarpianos, mientras que en el rinoceronte blanco se encontraron tres dedos, por lo tanto, tres huesos metacarpianos.A pesar de algunas diferencias específicas de cada especie, la anatomía ósea encontrada en los megaherbívoros estudiados fue similar a la descrita para los ungulados domésticos, tal como los caballos y el ganado. El hecho de que los huesos estudiados pertenezcan a esqueletos articulados de la colección del Museo de Anatomía dificultó la identificación de algunas estructuras anatómicas. Este estudio puede ayudar a los veterinarios en el cuidado de la salud ósea, el bienestar animal y el confort de las especies presentes en los parques zoológicos brasileños.

Detección de Leishmania (V) guyanensis en ejemplares de Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) recolectados en pecaríes de collar (Pecari tajacu) / Detection of Leishmania (V) guyanensis in Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae) collected from Pecari tajacu

Resumen Introducción. En estudios previos se detectó la presencia de Leishmania infantum en Rhipicephalus sanguineus, lo cual planteaba la posibilidad de que R. sanguineus transmitiera la leishmaniasis a una variedad de huéspedes. Objetivo. Identificar Leishmania (Viannia) spp. en garrapatas recolectadas en animales silvestres de una zona endémica para leishmaniasis. Materiales y métodos. Se hicieron 81 extracciones individuales de ADN en las garrapatas recogidas de tres tapires o dantas (Tapirus terrestres) y tres pecaríes de collar (Pecari tajacu) cazados en Madre de Dios, Perú. Las garrapatas recolectadas se identificaron taxonómicamente y se prepararon para la identificación del cinetoblasto (kDNA) de Leishmania (Viannia) spp. mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR), así como de la especie de Leishmania mediante PCR de fusión de alta resolución (High Resolution Melt, HRM). Resultados. Se detectó el kDNA de Leishmania (V) spp. en tres garrapatas silvestres de R. (Boophilus) microplus, Canestrini, 1888, recolectadas en un pecarí de collar cazado en la selva de Madre de Dios. El análisis mediante HRM-PCR evidenció que una de las muestras positivas de kDNA tenía una curva compatible con L. (V) guyanensis. Conclusión. Los resultados evidenciaron la presencia de ADN de L. (V) guyanensis en R. (Boophilus) microplus, probablemente adquirida después de picar al pecarí. Es importante hacer nuevos estudios para aclarar la participación de R. (Boophilus) microplus en la transmisión de la leishmaniasis.

Abstract Introduction: Previous studies identified the presence of Leishmania infantum in Rhipicephalus sanguineus and indicated the possibility that it could transmit leishmaniasis to a variety of hosts. Objective: To identify parasites of Leishmania (Viannia) spp. in ticks collected from wild animals in an endemic area for leishmaniasis. Materials and methods: We performed 81 individual DNA extractions from ticks collected from three Tapirus terrestris and three Pecari tajacu in Madre de Dios, Perú. Ticks were taxonomically identified and they were subsequently prepared to identify Leishmania (Viannia) spp. kDNA by PCR and the species of Leishmania by HRM-PCR. Results: Leishmania (Viannia) kDNA was detected in three wild ticks of the species R. microplus, collected from a collard peccary (P. tajacu) hunted in the forests of Madre de Dios. The HRM-PCR showed that one of the positive samples had a kDNA curve compatible with L. (V) guyanensis. Conclusion: The results showed the presence of L. (V) guyanensis DNA in R. microplus possibly acquired after biting a collarde peccary. Therefore, it is important to design future studies to clarify R. microplus involvement in the transmission of leishmaniasis.

Does Plan B work? Home range estimations from stored on board and transmitted data sets produced by GPS-telemetry in the Colombian Amazon / ¿Funciona el plan B? Estimación de rango de hogar a partir de datos almacenados en instrumentos a bordo de animales y los obtenidos a partir de telemetría satelital de GPS en el Amazonas colombiano

Abstract:Telemetry based on Global Positioning Systems (GPS) makes possible to gather large quantities of information in a very fine scale and work with species that were impossible to study in the past. When working with GPS telemetry, the option of storing data on board could be more desirable than the sole satellite transmitted data, due to the increase in the amount of locations available for analysis. Nonetheless, the uncertainty in the retrieving of the collar unit makes satellite-transmitted technologies something to take into account. Therefore, differences between store-on-board (SoB) and satellite-transmitted (IT) data sets need to be considered. Differences between SoB and IT data collected from two lowland tapirs (Tapirus terrestris), were explored by means of the calculation of home range areas by three different methods: the Minimum Convex Polygon (MCP), the Fixed Kernel Density Estimator (KDE) and the Brownian Bridges (BB). Results showed that SoB and IT data sets for the same individual were similar, with fix ranging from 63 % to 85 % respectively, and 16 m to 17 m horizontal errors. Depending on the total number of locations available for each individual, the home ranges estimated showed differences between 2.7 % and 79.3 %, for the 50 % probability contour and between 9.9 % and 61.8 % for the 95 % probability contour. These differences imply variations in the spatial coincidence of the estimated home ranges. We concluded that the use of IT data is not a good option for the estimation of home range areas if the collar settings have not been designed specifically for this use. Nonetheless, geographical representations of the IT based estimators could be of great help to identify areas of use, besides its assistance to locate the collar for its retrieval at the end of the field season and as a proximate backup when collars disappear. Rev. Biol. Trop. 64 (4): 1441-1450. Epub 2016 December 01.

Resumen:La telemetría basada en los sistemas de geopocisionamiento global (GPS) hace posible recopilar gran cantidad de información a escalas muy finas, y trabajar con especies imposibles de estudiar en el pasado. Al trabajar con telemetría de GPS, la opción de guardar información en la memoria interna del instrumento puede ser más deseable que sólo tener acceso a la información enviada vía satélite, debido a la mayor cantidad de localizaciones disponibles para analizar. No obstante, la incertidumbre de recuperar el collar hace que las tecnología de trasmisión vía satélite deba ser tenida en cuenta. Diferencias entre las bases de datos almacenadas en el collar (SoB) y las trasmitidas vía satélite (IT), recolectadas de dos individuos de Tapir de tierras bajas (Tapirus terrestris), son consideradas, en términos de las áreas de los rangos de hogar calculados con cada uno y mediante el uso de tres metodologías diferentes: Mínimo Polígono Convexo (MCP), Estimador de Densidad de Kernel Fijo (KDE) y los Puentes Brownianos (BB). Las bases de datos SoB e IT son similares, con tasas de acierto de localizaciones que oscilan entre 63 % to 85 % y errores horizontales de 16 m y 17 m respectivamente. Dependiendo del número total de localizaciones disponibles para cada individuo, los rangos de hogar estimados muestran diferencias entre 2.7 % y 79.3 %, para el contorno del 50 % de probabilidades, y entre 9.9 % y 61.8 % para el contorno del 95 % de probabilidades. Estas diferencias implican variaciones en la coincidencia espacial de los rangos de hogar estimados. Concluimos que el uso de la información trasmitida vía satélite no es una buena opción para la estimación de rangos de hogar, si la programción de los collares no ha sido diseñada específicamente para tal fin. Sin embargo, las representaciones geográficas de los estimados a partir de las bases de datos IT pueden ser de gran ayuda para la identificación de áreas de uso, además de su utilidad para la localización y recuperación de collares tras su liberación de los individuos monitoreados y como una base de datos de soporte en caso de pérdida del collar.

Gyrostigma rhinocerontis (Diptera: Oestridae, Gasterophilinae) in white rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum) imported from South Africa: occurrence in Itatiba, São Paulo, Brazil / Gyrostigma rhinocerontis (Diptera: Oestridae, Gasterophilinae) em rinocerontes-brancos (Ceratotherium simum) importados da África do Sul: ocorrência em Itatiba, São Paulo

Fly larvae from the Gasterophilinae subfamily of the Oestridae family are parasites of domestic (equine) and wild (rhinos and equine) odd-hoofed ungulates (Perissodactyla). The gastric parasite of African Rhinos is Gyrostigma rhinocerontis (formerly Gyrostigma pavesii), which in its larva phase can be found in the feces of their hosts and can reach 40mm length. The adult is the largest fly in Africa, reaching 41mm long, with 71-mm wingspan. The Gyrostigma genus does not occur naturally in Brazil. There is one previous report of the occurrence of its larvae in the feces of a white rhino brought from South Africa in the 1990's, which was housed in a zoo located in Rio Grande do Sul. The present paper furnishes data from a zoo of the city of Itatiba, São Paulo state, Brazil, where Gyrostigma rhinocerontis larvae were found in 2005 in the feces of a group of white rhinos (Ceratotherium simum) legally imported from South Africa. The rhinos were kept in a breeding and preservation farm. This paper also reports the measures taken to control the case and avoid the dissemination of the parasite, calling attention to the fact of globalization, which allows international and intercontinental transit of wild animals with potential risks of adaptation of exotic parasites to new ecosystems.(AU)

As larvas dos dípteros da subfamília Gasterophilinae da família Oestridae parasitam ungulados perissodáctilos, tanto domésticos (equídeos) quanto selvagens (rinocerontes e equídeos). O parasito gástrico dos rinocerontes africanos é Gyrostigma rhinocerontis (anteriormente Gyrostigma pavesii), que na fase larval pode ser encontrada nas fezes dos hospedeiros, e chega a medir 40mm de comprimento. O adulto é a maior mosca daquele continente, atingindo até 41mm de comprimento, e envergadura de 71 mm. O gênero Gyrostigma não ocorre naturalmente no Brasil, onde anteriormente existia somente um relato do achado de larvas, nas fezes de um rinoceronte-branco oriundo da África do Sul nos anos 90 do século XX, e albergado num zoológico localizado no Rio Grande do Sul. Este artigo apresenta dados sobre o achado, em um zoológico no município de Itatiba, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil, de larvas de Gyrostigma rhinocerontis nas fezes de um grupo de rinocerontes-brancos (Ceratotherium simum) importados legalmente da África do Sul, onde eram mantidos em uma fazenda de preservação com criação manejada, em 2005. São relatadas também as medidas tomadas para controle do caso e prevenção da disseminação do parasito, e se discutem os riscos da globalização, que viabiliza o trânsito internacional e intercontinental de animais selvagens, com riscos potenciais de adaptação de parasitos exóticos a novos ecossistemas.(AU)

Seed dispersal and predation of Buchenavia tomentosa Eichler (Combretaceae) in a Cerrado sensu stricto, midwest Brazil / Dispersão e predação de sementes de Buchenavia tomentosa Eichler (Combretaceae) em Cerrado sentido restrito, centro-oeste do Brasil

Abstract The ecology of seed dispersal is critical to understand the patterns of distribution and abundance of plant species. We investigated seed dispersal aspects associated with the high abundance of Buchenavia tomentosa in the Serra Azul State Park (PESA). We estimated fruit production and conducted fruit removal experiments. We carried out diurnal and nocturnal observations on frugivory as well as germination tests. Fruiting occurred in the dry season and totaled 1,365,015 ± 762,670 fruits.ha–1. B. tomentosa fruits were utilized by eight animal species. The lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris) was considered the main seed disperser. Leafcutter ants (Atta laevigata and Atta sexdens) participated in the seed cleaning and occasionally dispersed seeds. The beetle Amblycerus insuturatus, blue-and-yellow macaw (Ara ararauna) and red-and-green macaw (Ara chloropterus) were considered pre-dispersal seed predators. The seeds manually cleaned presented higher germination rate (100%) and speed index (4.2 seeds.d–1) than that of seeds with pulp. Germination of seeds found in tapirs’feces was 40%, while for the seeds without pulp it was 25%. The high abundance of B. tomentosa in the cerrado of PESA may be due to massive fruit production, low rates of seed predation, and efficient seed dispersal by tapirs, occurring before the rains which promote germination and recruitment of this species.

Resumo A ecologia da dispersão de sementes é importante para entender a distribuição e abundância das espécies vegetais. Investigamos os fatores relacionados à elevada abundância de B. tomentosa no Parque Estadual da Serra Azul (PESA) avaliando aspectos da dispersão de sementes. Estimamos a produção de frutos e realizamos experimentos de remoção de frutos. Fizemos observações diurnas e noturnas sobre a frugivoria e testamos a germinação de sementes. A frutificação ocorreu na estação seca totalizando 1.365.015 ± 762.670 frutos.ha–1. Oito espécies de animais utilizaram frutos de B. tomentosa. Anta (Tapirus terrestris) foi considerada o principal dispersor. Saúvas (Atta laevigata e Atta sexdens) participaram na limpeza das sementes e como dispersores ocasionais. O besouro Amblycerus insuturatus, arara-canindé (Ara ararauna) e arara-vermelha (Ara chloropterus) foram considerados predadores pré-dispersão. Sementes despolpadas manualmente tiveram maior percentual (100%) e velocidade de geminação (4,2 sementes.dia–1) que aquelas com polpa. Sementes encontradas nas fezes de antas apresentaram 40,0% de germinação e sementes sem polpa 25,0%. A massiva produção de frutos, baixa taxa de predação de sementes, além da eficiente dispersão por antas, antes da estação chuvosa, favorecem o recrutamento e são fatores que contribuem de forma decisiva para a elevada abundância de B. tomentosa observada no cerrado do PESA.

Abundancia relativa, estructura poblacional, preferencia de hábitat y patrones de actividad del tapir centroamericano Tapirus bairdii (Perissodactyla: Tapiridae), en la Selva de Los Chimalapas, Oaxaca, México / Relative abundance, population structure, habitat preferences and activity patterns of Tapirus bairdii (Perissodactyla: Tapiridae), in Chimalapas forest, Oaxaca, Mexico

Baird’s tapir (Tapirus bairdii) is endangered primarily because of habitat loss and fragmentation, and overhunting throughout its distribution range. One of the priority land areas for the conservation of this species is the Northern part of its range in the Chimalapas forest, Oaxaca. The aim of this research was to determine the relative abundance, population structure, habitat preferences and activity patterns of Baird´s tapir (Tapirus bairdii) in the Chimalapas forest, Oaxaca, Mexico, through the non-invasive technique of camera-trap sampling. A total of five sampling sessions were undertaken among 2009-2013, and used a total of 30 camera-traps in each period. The determinant factor of the sampling design was the hunting between two study areas. A total sampling effort of 9 000 trap-days allowed to estimate an index of relative abundance (IRA) of 6.77 tapir photographs/1 000 trap-days (n=61). IRA varied significantly between sampling stations (Mann-Whitney, p<0.01). The frequency of Baird´s tapir photos was higher in the dry season in tropical rain forest without hunting (x², p<0.5). In the rainy season, the tropical rain forest and secondary vegetation habitats showed higher photo frequency than expected from random (x², p<0.5). Considering population structure, a 95.08% of adult animals was obtained in photographic records (n=58). Three types of activity pattern were observed, with more nocturnal records (88.33%; Kruskal-Wallis, p<0.05). The Chimalapas forest appears to be the second most important terrestrial priority ecoregion, just after the Mayan Forest (Campeche, Chiapas, Quintana Roo), for the conservation of tapir populations, not only for Mexico but also for Central America. Rev. Biol. Trop. 62 (4): 1407-1419. Epub 2014 December 01.

El tapir centroamericano (Tapirus bairdii) está en peligro de extinción debido principalmente a la pérdida y fragmentación de su hábitat, y a la cacería sin control en toda su área de distribución. Una de las regiones terrestres prioritarias para la conservación de esta especie en la zona norte de su distribución se encuentra en la Selva de los Chimalapas, Oaxaca. Por lo que el objetivo de la presente investigación fue determinar la abundancia relativa, estructura poblacional, preferencia de hábitat y patrones de actividad del tapir centroamericano (Tapirus bairdii) en la Selva de los Chimalapas, Oaxaca, México, mediante el uso de cámaras trampa. Se realizaron cinco periodos de muestreo fotográfico entre 2009 y 2013 con un total de 30 cámaras trampa en cada periodo. El factor de diseño fue la intensidad de caza entre dos sitios. Con un esfuerzo total de muestreo de 9 000 días/trampa se estimó un índice de abundancia relativa (IAR) de 6.77/1 000 trampas-noche (n=61), variando significativamente entre estaciones de muestreo (Mann-Whitney, p<0.01). Durante la temporada de secas, los tapires fueron más abundantes y utilizaron con mayor intensidad el bosque tropical perennifolio sin cacería (x², p<0.5). Mientras que en la temporada de lluvia, el bosque tropical perennifolio con cacería y la vegetación secundaria con cacería fueron los hábitat significativamente más utilizados que lo esperado (x², p<0.5). Con respecto a la estructura poblacional se obtuvo un 95.08% de registros fotográficos de animales adultos (n=58). Se registraron tres tipos de patrones de actividad para la especie, siendo el patrón nocturno el que presentó mayor porcentaje de registros; 88.33% (Kruskal-Wallis, p<0.05). Finalmente, con base al número de registros fotográficos y a los resultados obtenidos es posible considerar a la Selva de los Chimalapas como la segunda eco-región terrestre prioritaria en importancia; después de la Selva Maya (Campeche, Chiapas, Quintana Roo), en la conservación de las poblaciones de tapir centroamericano, no sólo de México, sino de Centroamérica.

Blood meal analysis of tabanid fly after it biting the rare Sumatran rhinoceros

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To demonstrate a noninvasive large mammalian genetic sampling method using blood meal obtained from a tabanid fly.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Blood meal was recovered from the abdomen of an engorged tabanid fly (Haematopota sp.) which was captured immediately after biting a Sumatran rhino in captivity. The blood was applied on to a Whatman FTA(®) blood card. Subsequent laboratory work was conducted to extract, amplify and sequence the DNA from the sample. Validation was done by sampling the hair follicles and blood samples from the rhinoceros and subjecting it to the same laboratory process.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>BLAST search and constructed phylogenetic trees confirmed the blood meal samples were indeed from the rhino.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>This method could be used in the field application to noninvasively collect genetic samples. Collection of tabanids and other haematophagous arthropods (e.g. mosquitoes and ticks) and other blood-sucking parasites (e.g. leeches and worms) could also provide information on vector-borne diseases.</p>

Pan-biogeografia dos ungulados viventes (Mammalia: Eutheria) da região Neotropical, da Zona de Transição Sul-americana e região Andina: aspectos históricos e conservacionistas / Panbiogeography of living ungulates (Mammalia: Perissodactyla and Cetartiodactyla) of the Neotropical region, the South American Transition Zone and Andean region: historical and conservationist aspects

Os ungulados viventes (Cetartiodactyla e Perissodactyla), nas regiões estudadas, são representados por 11 gêneros e 24 espécies. O presente estudo propõe reconhecer os padrões de distribuição destas espécies, a partir da aplicação do método pan-biogeográfico de análise de traços. Este método auxilia no entendimento a priori dos padrões congruentes de distribuição e numa compreensão de padrões e processos de diferenciação geográfica no tempo e no espaço, reconstruindo a biogeografia de táxons. Em relação a aspectos conservacionistas, o método foi aplicado na identificação de áreas prioritárias para conservação. A aplicação do método consiste basicamente na marcação das localidades de ocorrência dos diferentes táxons em mapas, sendo estas localidades conectadas por intermédio de linhas seguindo um critério de mínima distância, resultando nos chamados traços individuais que foram plotados nos mapas de biomas da América Central e do Sul do programa ArcView GIS 3.2. A superposição destes traços individuais define um traço generalizado, sugerindo uma história comum, ou seja, a preexistência de uma biota ancestral subsequentemente fragmentada por eventos vicariantes. A interseção de dois ou mais traços generalizados corresponde a um nó biogeográfico, que representa áreas compostas e complexas, nas quais se agrupam distintas histórias biogeográficas. Para a análise pan-biogeográfica foi utilizado o software ArcView GIS 3.2 e a extensão Trazos 2004. A partir da superposição dos 24 traços individuais, foram reconhecidos cinco traços generalizados (TGs): TG1, Mesoamericano/Chocó, composto por Mazama pandora, M. temama e Tapirus bairdii; TG2, Andes do Norte (Mazama rufina, Pudu mephistophiles e Tapirus pinchaque); TG 3, Andes Centrais (Hippocamelus antisensis, Lama guanicoe, Mazama chunyi e Vicugna vicugna) ; TG4, Patagônia chilena (Hippocamelus bisulcus e Pudu puda).; TG5, Chaco/Centro oeste do Brasil (Blastocerus dichotomus, Catagonus wagneri e Ozotocerus bezoarticus ...

The living ungulates (Cetartiodactyla and Perissodactyla) are represented in the studied regions by 11 genera and 24 species. This study proposes to recognize the distribution patterns of these species, using the panbiogeographical method of track analysis. This method is a useful tool in a priori understanding of the congruent distribution patterns and in the knowledge of patterns and processes of geographical differentiation in time and space, reconstructing the biogeography of taxa. Regarding conservationist approaches, it was applied in order to identify priority conservation areas. The panbiogeographical method consists basically of plotting locality records of different taxa on maps and connecting them using lines following a criterion of minimum distance, resulting in the so-called individual tracks, which were plotted on maps of biomes of Central America and South America from the ArcView GIS 3.2. The individual tracks are superimposed and the coincidence of them corresponds to generalized tracks, indicating a common history, that is, the existence of an ancestral biota widespread in the past and later fragmented by vicariant events. The intersection of two or more generalized tracks corresponds to a biogeographic node, which represents composite and complex areas, implying that different ancestral biotas interrelated, possibly in different geologic times. The analysis was carried out with the aid of the software ArcView v3.2 and the Trazos2004 extension. From the overlapping of the 24 individual tracks, five generalized tracks (GTs) were recognized: GT1, Mesoamerican/Chocó, composed by Mazama pandora, M. temama and Tapirus bairdii; GT2, Northern Andes (Mazama rufina, Pudu mephistophiles and Tapirus pinchaque); GT 3, Central Andes (Hippocamelus antisensis, Lama guanicoe, Mazama chunyi and Vicugna vicugna); GT4, Chilean Patagonia (Hippocamelus bisulcus and Pudu puda); GT5, Chaco/Center-West Brazil (Blastocerus dichotomus, Catagonus wagneri ...

Distribución de las arterias coronarias en el rinoceronte blanco (Ceratotherium simum) / Distribution of coronary arteries in the white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum)

Nosotros disecamos un corazón de rinoceronte blanco con el objetivo de dar una descripción anatómica de la distribución de sus arterias coronarias. Se registró la longitud y el calibre de las ramas principales. Las arterias coronarias tenían el mismo calibre en su origen y la arteria coronaria derecha emitía la rama interventricular subsinusal, el rinoceronte correspondía al patrón de coronaria derecha. La arteria coronaria izquierda emitida en el seno izquierdo de la aorta se dividía en tres ramas (trifurcación), la rama interventricular paraconal, la rama circunfleja y la rama diagonal.

We dissected the heart of white rhino in order to give an anatomical description of the distribution of coronary arteries. We recorded the length and caliber of the main branches. The coronary arteries were the same caliber at its origin and the right coronary artery emitted subsinusal interventricular branch, rhinoceros corresponded to the pattern of the right coronary artery. The left coronary artery is released into the left breast of the aorta was divided into three branches (trifurcation) paraconal interventricular branch, circumflex branch and diagonal branch.

Parásitos del tapir centroamericano Tapirus bairdii (Perissodactyla: Tapiridae) en Chiapas, México / Parasites of the Central American tapir Tapirus bairdii (Perissodactyla: Tapiridae) in Chiapas, Mexico

We analyzed 19 samples of Baird's tapir feces from La Sepultura Biosphere Reserve, collected between March and July 1999. We also took samples directly from a male tapir captured at the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve. Both reserves are in Chiapas, Mexico. We used five techniques: flotation, MacMaster, micrometric, Ritchie's sedimentation and Ferreira's quantitative. In addition, we collected ectoparasites from animals captured in both reserves and from a captive couple from Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas. These nematodes and protozoans were found: Agriostomun sp., Lacandoria sp., Neomurshidia sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Strongylus sp., Brachylumus sp, and an unidentified species of ancilostomaide. We also found Eimeria sp. and Balantidium coli, as well as the mites Dermacentor halli, Dermacentor latus, Amblyomma cajannense, Amblyomma coelebs, Amblyomma ovale, Anocentor nitens and Ixodes bicornis.

Se recolectaron 19 muestras de excretas del tapir centroamericano (Tapirus bairdii) en la Reserva “La Sepultura” (marzo a julio de 1999), así como un muestreo directo a un tapir macho de la Reserva “Montes Azules” (Chiapas, México). Se analizaron con cinco técnicas (flotación, MacMaster, micrometría, sedimentación de Ritchie y cuantitativa de Ferreira). Además se recolectaron muestras en piel de animales capturados en en las dos reservas y en una pareja de zoológico proveniente de Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas. Se hallaron nematodos y protozoarios: Agriostomun sp., Lacandoria sp., Neomurshidia sp., Trichostrongylus sp., Strongylus sp., Brachylumus sp., y un ancilostomaideo aun por identificar. Además se informa la presencia de Eimeria sp., y Balantidium coli. Los ácaros hallados fueron; Dermacentor halli, Dermacentor latus, Amblyomma cajannense, Amblyomma coelebs, Amblyomma ovale, Anocentor nitens e Ixodes bicornis.

Fruit consumption and seed ispersal of Dimorphandra mollis Benth. (Leguminosae) by the lowland tapir in the Cerrado of Central Brazil

A frutificação de Dimorphandra mollis e o destino dos frutos foram analisados por 7 meses em uma área de cerrado stricto sensu no Distrito Federal. Analisamos 81 amostras de fezes de anta (Tapirus terrestris) coletadas em 6 áreas de cerrado no Brasil Central e oferecemos frutos a 5 antas no zoológico de Brasília. As fezes foram coletadas e as sementes usadas em testes de germinação. A anta é importante consumidor dos frutos e potencial dispersor das sementes. Contudo, o consumo de frutos no campo foi reduzido provavelmente em razão da palatabilidade dos frutos e da baixa densidade de frugívoros, especialmente antas. Discutimos a possibilidade de os dispersores originais pertencerem à megafauna extinta de mamíferos da América do Sul.

Morphological studies on the A pudenda interna in the mule [Equus Hinnus

In this work, the anatomical features of the A. pudenda interna in the mule was studied in details, concerning the origin, course, distribution as well as its termination. It can be concluded that the internal iliac artery in the mule follows the long pudendal type resembling those found in the horse. The internal pudendal artery of the mule has many characteristic features differentiating it from that of the latter animal, including that the Aa. vesicalis media, uretericus media as well as the R. articularis of the hip joint were recorded in the studied animal. However, these arteries were not mentioned in other domestic animals including the horse. On the contrary, the A. rectalis media of the other domestic animals was not recorded in the mule. Although the A. dorsalis penis in mule and horse originated from the internal A. pudenda in the mule, this origin took place within the pelvic cavity and in the horse extrapelvic

Morphological studies of the coronary arteries of the mule

The present study was carried out on the hearts of 6 adult mules. The specimens were injected by red latex through the right and left coronary arteries. The left and right coronary arteries arise from the left and right corresponding aortic sinus of the ascending aorta. The pattern of the coronary artery is bilateral coronary type. The left coronary artery supplies the auricular surface and most proximal caudal part of the atrial surface of the heart, while the remaining part was supplied by the right coronary artery. No anastomoses was observed between both left and right coronary arteries. The R. coni arteriosi and R. proximalis ventricularis dexter arise by a common stem of A. coronaria dextra. The M. papillaris magnus of the right ventricle was supplied by R. proximalis ventricularis dexter, while M. papillaris subarteriosus was supplied by R. collaterales of R. interventricularis paraconalis. In addition, R. septalis of the R. interventricularis subsinosus supplies mainly M. papillaris paravea of the right ventricle. In left ventricle, M. papillaris auricularis was supplied by R. collateralis proximalis sinister and R. proximalis ventricularis sinister. As well, M. papillaris subatrialis was supplied by R. collateralis ventricularis sinister of the R. interventricularis subsinosus

Substitution urethroplasty using a venous graft: experimental trial in donkeys

Substitution urethroplasty was performed in 9 donkeys. In each donkey a urethral segment was removed and a venous graft from the jugular or saphenous vein was exposed and harvested by ligation of both ends of the vein. In three animals [group I], a suitable sized multifenstrated Ryle tube was introduced to bypass the urethra and the venous graft to drain the urinary bladder. The cut ends of the urethra and those of the graft were approximated and spatulated anastomosis was performed on the tube. In six donkeys [group II] a perineal urethrotomy was done and Foley's catheter was introduced through it to drain the bladder, and the anastomosis was separately stented. In all animals continuous locked 4/0 catgut sutures were used. The animals were observed for 3 mouths and the outcome and complications were recorded. After follow up for 3 months, one animal had a fistula, 2 animals had urethral stricture and the rest of the animals [6 donkeys] had smooth patent pathway. The results indicated that venous graft is a worthy trial for substitution of urethral defects of variable lengths [2-5 cm long]. The anastomosis should be spatulated and stented with proximal urinary diversion

Some macromorphological observations on the venous drainage of the udder in the she-donkey

The mammary glands in the she-donkey was drained by the V. epigastrica caudalis and the V. epigastrica caudalis superficialis. The former arose from the V. profunda femoris and issued the V. mammaria profunda. On reaching the base of the mammary gland, the latter vessel gave off the rami medialis, media and lateralis. The V.epigastrica caudalis superficialis was detached from the V. mammaria superficialis which divided into ramus cranialis and ramus caudalis

Some anatomical studies on the innervation of the perineal region in the donkey [equus asinus]

The innervation of the perineal region in the donkey of both sexes was described and illustrated during the present investigation. The region was propably innervated via the N. pudendus, the N. rectalis caudalis and the ramus for the M. coccygeus and M. levator ani. The origin, course and distribution for each was fully studied. The possible sites for blockade of the N. rectal is caudalis and R. cutaneus distalis was also determined. Terminology for these nerves was applied according to N. A. V. [1983]

Comparative macromorphological study on the papillary muscles and septomarginal trabeculae of the heart in some mammals [donkey, buffalo and camel]

Ten isolated hearts for each species of animals were dissected. The papillary muscles were examined as regard their shape, size, site and way by which their chordae tendinae were attached to the leaflets of the tricuspid or mitral valves

contribution on the innervation of the teeth in donkey

Work was carried on the heads of ten adult donkeys, to persuade the various nerves supplying the teeth of the upper and lower jaws. It was found that the molar teeth of the upper jaw, except the first one, are innervated by the rami alveolares maxillares caudales, while all the molars of the lower jaw are supplied by the rami alveolares m and ibulares caudales. The premolar teeth are supplied by several branches detached from the rami alveolaris maxillaris [or m and ibularis] media. The canine and incisor teeth are innervated by the rami alveolares maxillares [or m and ibulars] rostrales which issued from the union established between the ramus alveolaris maxillaris [or m and ibularis] media of both sides. The obtained results have been discussed with the available literatures and illustrated by two diagrams

Radiographic visualization of the carpal and digital sheaths in equines

Radiographic visualization of the carpal and digital sheaths in normal and chronic tenosynovitis in horses and donkeys were studied. The sheaths of horses appeared longer than these of donkeys. Marked extension, adhesions, fibrosis and obliteration of the cavity in chronic disorders were recorded and discussed