Effect of landscape attributes on the occurrence of the endangered golden-headed lion tamarin in southern Bahia, Brazil.

The golden-headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) is an endangered primate that occurs exclusively in the Atlantic Forest of southern Bahia, Brazil. Its geographic range has been severely reduced by deforestation and its populations are restricted to a human-modified landscape consisting primarily of Atlantic forest fragments and shade cacao (Theobroma cacao) agroforestry, locally known as cabrucas. In the last 30 years, there has been a 42% reduction in the geographic range and a 60% reduction in the population size of L. chrysomelas, with only 8% of its habitat represented by protected areas. Thus, we investigated the occurrence of L. chrysomelas in forest fragments and cabrucas based on interviews and using playback census, and evaluated the influence of landscape attributes on its occurrence. The occurrence was measured using a Generalized Linear Model using a set of 12 predictor variables, including fragment size and elevation. L. chrysomelas inhabited 186 (38%) of the 495 forest fragments and cabrucas. Most inhabited habitat patches (n = 169, 91%) are in the eastern portion (ca. 70 km wide region from the Atlantic coast to inland) of its geographic range. The remaining (n = 17, 9%) are in the western portion of the distribution, between 70 and 150 km from the Atlantic coast. Our models indicate a higher occurrence of L. chrysomelas in the eastern portion of its geographic range, where the landscape exhibits lower land cover diversity, greater functional connectivity, lower altitudes (<400 m), and is primarily composed of forest fragments and cabrucas with a higher core percentage. In contrast, we observed a lower occurrence of L. chrysomelas in the western portion, where the landscape is more diverse and heterogeneous due to anthropogenic activities, such as agriculture and livestock. We urge the establishment of ecological corridors via reforestation of degraded areas in the western portion of the range. This increase in habitat availability and suitability in the west together with the protection of the forests and cabrucas in the east would increase our chances of saving L. chrysomelas from extinction.

Malassezia japonica is part of the cutaneous microbiome of free-ranging golden-headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas - Kuhl, 1820).

We investigated Malassezia spp. in external ear canal and haircoat of free-ranging golden-headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas). A total of 199 animals were restrained, and 597 clinical samples were collected. After the amplification of the 26S ribosomal gene by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), the RFLP technique was performed. Two additional PCR protocols were performed in 10 randomly selected strains. Malassezia sp. was isolated in 38.2% (76/199) of the animals and 14.6% (87/597) of the samples; all strains were lipodependent. The 10 sequenced strains showed a high identity with Malassezia japonica, species described in man, but not in animals, so far.

Occurrence of Prosthenorchis elegans in Free-living Primates from the Atlantic Forest of Southern Bahia, Brazil.

Parasite prevalence and abundance are important factors affecting species' conservation. During necropsies on a free-living golden-headed lion tamarin ( Leontopithecus chrysomelas ) and two Wied's marmosets ( Callithrix kuhlii ) in the Atlantic Forest of southern Bahia, Brazil, we collected a large number of adult intestinal parasites that we identified as Prosthenorchis elegans. This parasite is pathogenic for neotropical primates. Prosthenorchis spp. infestation is influenced by diet with increased risk of exposure from ingesting invertebrate intermediate hosts. The biological similarities and sympatric nature of these two nonhuman primates support that they may harbor similar infectious and parasitic agents.

Pneumonia and bacteremia in a golden-headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae during a translocation program of free-ranging animals in Brazil.

Klebsiella pneumoniae is an important emerging pathogen in humans, particularly the invasive hypermucoviscosity (HMV) phenotype. In addition, the organism is an important public health concern because of nosocomial infections and antimicrobial resistance. Nonhuman primates in captivity are susceptible to Klebsiella, particularly when a stress factor is involved. Infections vary depending on the species but can cause significant morbidity and mortality in these animals. The objective of this study was to describe a case of bronchopneumonia and bacteremia caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae in a free-ranging golden-headed lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) caught and maintained in quarantine during a translocation program for conservation purposes. An adult male, that had showed emaciation and apathy, was clinically examined and, despite being provided supportive therapy, died 2 days after onset of clinical signs. At postmortem examination, generalized bilateral pneumonia and pericarditis were observed. Tissue samples were fixed in 10% formalin for histology, and pulmonary tissues and cardiac blood were collected for microbiologic diagnostic procedures. Bacteria that were shown to be HMV K. pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae strains were isolated from the pulmonary fluids and cardiac blood in pure cultures. Severe bronchopneumonia was the main pathological finding. The consequences of the confirmed presence of the HMV phenotype of K. pneumoniae subsp. pneumoniae in this wildlife species for human, animal, and ecosystem health should be determined. These results demonstrate the importance of quarantine and potential pathogen screening during wildlife translocation procedures.

Diurnal frugivores on the Bromeliaceae Aechmea depressa L.B. Sm. from Northeastern Brazil: the prominent role taken by a small forest primate / Frugívoros diurnos de Aechmea depressa L.B. Sm. (Bromeliaceae) do Nordeste do Brasil e o papel proeminente de um pequeno primata florestal

Little is known about frugivory of epiphytes. We investigated diurnal frugivores consuming Aechmea depressa, an endemic species from Southern Bahia, Brazil, through 67 hours of observation on three fruiting individuals. Infructescences were visited for 2 percent of the time and only by golden-headed lion tamarins (GHLTs; Leontopithecus chrysomelas). Aechmea depressa invests on physical defense to retain fruits for prolonged periods, however, GHLTs used their small size and dexterity to remove rigid bracts and extract fruits from the infructescence. Prior studies indicate GHLTs disperse Aechmea seeds. Given the low visitation rates and probability that few frugivores successfully manipulate A. depressa fruits, we suggest that GHLTs are extremely important to maintaining the populations of this bromeliad species.

Pouco se sabe sobre a frugivoria em plantas epífitas. Nós investigamos os frugívoros diurnos de Aechmea depressa, uma espécie endêmica do Sul da Bahia através de 67 horas de observação dos frutos de três indivíduos. As infrutescências foram visitadas em 2 por cento do tempo somente por micos-leão-da-cara-dourada (MLCD; Leontopithecus chrysomelas). Aechmea depressa investe na defesa física para reter seus frutos por períodos prolongados entretanto, o MLCD utiliza seu pequeno tamanho e extrema destreza para remover as brácteas rígidas e extrair os frutos da infrutescência. Estudos prévios indicam que os MLCDs dispersam sementes de espécies de Aechmea. Baseando-se na baixa taxa de visitação e na probabilidade de que poucos frugívoros manipulem adequadamente os frutos de A. depressa, nós sugerimos que os MLCD sejam extremamente importantes para manter as populações desta espécie de Bromeliaceae.

Coleta de sêmen em mico-leão-de-cara-dourada (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) (Kuhl, 1820) através da eletroejaculação Callitrichidae primates

O desenvolvimento de tecnologias capazes de aumentar a eficiência reprodutiva tem crescido nos últimos anos, mas nogênero Leontopithecus existem poucos relatos sobre suas características reprodutivas. A eletroejaculação tem sido empregadacom sucesso na colheita de sêmen de animais ameaçados, incluindo primatas não-humanos. O objetivo deste trabalho foiestabelecer um protocolo para a colheita de sêmen em Leontopithecus chrysomelas e verificar as características do sêmenem animais mantidos em cativeiro. Neste estudo foram utilizados dez machos adultos do Centro de Primatologia do Rio deJaneiro (CPRJ-FEEMA). Após a sedação, os animais foram estimulados após a introdução de um transdutor via retal para aeletroejaculação, segundo a técnica descrita por Gould et al. (1978), com algumas modificações. Os sagüis foram submetidosa 10 estímulos de cada voltagem, de forma crescente (2, 3, 4 e 6 Volts), até que se obtivesse o ejaculado. Os primatasejacularam em média após 29 ± 12,3 estimulações, em uma voltagem média de 4 Volts. Foram obtidos ejaculados em todosos animais, porém, alguns deles (17,5%) não apresentaram ereção peniana. O sêmen obtido apresentou aspecto leitoso,ligeiramente amarelado, consistindo de uma porção que rapidamente coagulava. O volume médio foi de 11,9ml ± 4,73ml everificou-se uma média de 32,71% de patologia espermática. Das alterações morfológicas do sêmen, as mais