Recursos alimentares nos estratos verticais e sua relação com pequenos mamíferos em uma Floresta de Araucária do sul do Brasil

ABREU, M.S.L.; SCHMITZ, G.W.; OLIVEIRA, L.R. 2015. Recursos alimentares nos estratos verticais e sua relação com pequenos mamíferos em uma Floresta de Araucária do sul do Brasil. Revista de Ciências Ambientais 9(2):131-144. doi: 10.18316/1981-8858.16

Abstract. Food resources on the vertical strata and their relationship with small mammals in an Araucaria forest of southern Brazil. This study presents the relationship between the use of different layers by non-volant small mammals and the food resources availability in an Araucaria Forest area from southern Brazil. In this sense, 150 live traps were placed on the ground, understory and canopy. The availability of resources in the layers was evaluated by counting fruits, seeds and captured invertebrates. As a result, 10 species were recorded of non-volant small mammals. An inverse relationship was found between captures of: Akodon montensis and availability of fruits and seeds on the ground (R = -0.95, P = 0.05); Juliomys sp. and invertebrates abundance in the canopy (R = -0.96, P = 0.04); and Gracilinanus microtarsus and total food availability in the canopy (R = -0.99, P = 0.008). The results suggest that in times of food scarcity, small mammals in the Araucaria Forest may need more time searching for food, increasing catch rates in the strata where they live.

Seed survival and dispersal of an endemic Atlantic forest palm: the combined effects of defaunation and forest fragmentation

GALETTI, M. DONATTI, C.I.; PIRES, A.S.; GUIMARÃES JR., P.R.; JORDANO, P. 2006. Seed survival and dispersal of an endemic Atlantic forest palm: the combined effects of defaunation and forest fragmentation. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society 151:141-149. 

Abstract. About 45 palm species occur in the Atlantic forest of Brazil, and most of them are affected by loss of seed dispersers resulting from forest fragmentation and hunting. Here we report the effects of habitat loss and defaunation on the seed dispersal system of an endemic palm, Astrocaryum aculeatissimum. We evaluated seed removal, insect and rodent seed predation, and scatter-hoarding in nine sites, ranging from 19 ha to 79 000 ha. We report the seedling, juvenile and adult palm densities in this range of sites. Endocarps remaining beneath the parent palm had a higher probability of being preyed upon by insects in small, mostly fragmented and more defaunated sites. The frequency of successful seed removal, scatter-hoarding and consumption by rodents increased in the larger, less defaunated sites. Successful removal and dispersal collapsed in small (< 1000 ha), highly defaunated sites and frequently resulted in low densities of both seedlings and juveniles. Our results indicate that a large fraction of Atlantic forest palms that rely on scatter-hoarding rodents may become regionally extinct due to forest fragmentation and defaunation. Current management practices including palm extraction and hunting pressure have a lasting effect on Atlantic forest palm regeneration by severely limiting successful recruitment of prereproductive individuals.

Seed predation by rodents and safe sites for large-seeded trees in a fragment of the Brazilian Atlantic forest

PINTO, S.R.R.; SANTOS, A.M.M.; TABARELLI, M. 2009. Seed predation by rodents and safe sites for large-seeded trees in a fragment of the Brazilian Atlantic forest. Brazilian Journal of Biology 69(3):763-771. 

Abstract. Seed predation by small rodents is an emerging theme in the ecology of modified landscapes. Here we investigate the role played by the small rodent Oryzomys oniscus as a seed predator of large-seeded trees in a large remnant of the Atlantic forest - the Coimbra forest (3,500 ha), Alagoas state, northeastern Brazil. O. oniscus was captured and identified by setting twenty 500 m long transects, each one composed of 25 traps 20 m apart. This procedure resulted in 483 trap-nights set during a 20-mo period. We used 692 seeds (>15 mm length) from ten local large-seeded tree species for the seed predation trials that basically consisted of three treatments: one seed on the ground freely accessed by vertebrates (unprotected seed), one seed totally protected by an exclosure, and one partially-protected seed (exclosure just for medium-sized and large vertebrates). O. oniscus was captured throughout the Coimbra forest including forest edges (76 captures) and interior areas (67), and this small rodent was responsible for all seed predation visually documented inside exclosures. A 24 hours period of seed exposition permitted elevated rates of seed removal and predation. Seeds were much more removed/predated beneath fruiting trees, but rates varied according to the level of seed protection — 26.3% of predation among partially-protected versus 19.2% among unprotected seeds. Seeds suffered higher levels of seed predation/removal at the forest edge as well (up to 90%). In both habitats, most seeds (>84%) remained intact beneath trees without fruits, regardless of the level of seed protection. Our results suggest that O. oniscus may operate as an effective large-seed predator in forest fragments, in which adult trees without fruits constitute low resource spots and thereby provide, at least temporarily, safe sites for large seeds.

Mastofauna do Planalto das Araucárias, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

MARQUES, R.V.; CADEMARTORI, C.V.; PACHECO, S.M. 2011. Mastofauna do Planalto das Araucárias, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Revista Brasileira de Biociências 9(3):278-288. 

Abstract. Mammals from Araucaria’s Plateau, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Wild small (including flying), medium and large mammals long term surveys were carried out in Protected areas in Araucarias Plateau in state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Studies were done in native pine forests (Araucaria angustifolia), Araucaria plantation, recuperation stage of native vegetation after deforestation and around urban areas. Study methods included the use of Tomahawk traps, pitffal traps, mist nets, camera traps, footprints, direct observations of animals and dead animals in roads. Sixty six species of native mammals and one exotic species (hare – Lepus europaeus) were detected. Araucaria’s Plateau is important for conservation of mammals because has natural environments that support endangered species.

Barn Owl pellets (Aves: Tyto furcata) reveal a higher mammalian richness in the Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park, Southeastern Brazil

LEMOS, H.M.; SILVA, C.A.O.; PATIU, F.M.; GONÇALVES, P.R. 2015. Barn Owl pellets (Aves: Tyto furcata) reveal a higher mammalian richness in the Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park, Southeastern Brazil. Biota Neotropica 15(2):1-9. http://dx.doi.org/10.1590/1676-06032015012114

Abstract. The northern coast of the state of Rio de Janeiro harbors the largest coastal sandy plains (restingas) of southeastern Brazil, severely threatened due to recent human occupation. In this context, mammal inventories becomes urgent to support biodiversity conservation and management policies. This paper aims to update the knowledge on the mammalian species richness of Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park by analyzing pellets of the Barn owl Tyto furcata. The analyses of 4745 mammalian bone fragments (1739 individuals) revealed the occurrence of 17 species belonging to the orders Rodentia (9 spp.), Didelphimorphia (2 spp.) and Chiroptera (6 spp.). The rodents Mus musculus and Cerradomys goytaca accounted for 77.2% of the total individuals preyed, suggesting that the Barn owl hunts in both disturbed and natural open shrub formations. A compilation of previous records, together with those provided in the present study, indicates the occurrence of 44 species of mammals in the Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park, of which six (13.6%) were exclusively detected in pellets. These new records include species adapted to open formations of the interior of Brazil that were not previously reported in restingas on the basis of voucher-specimens, such as the rodents Necromys lasiurus and Calomys tener, the latter being recorded for the first time in the littoral of Rio de Janeiro state. This study underscores the importance of owl pellet analysis as a complementary and indispensable method for inventorying mammals. The results highlight the Restinga de Jurubatiba National Park as one of the restingas in Southeastern Brazil with the highest number of mammal species.

O gênero Holochilus (Mammalia: Cricetidae) no Rio Grande do Sul: taxonomia e distribuição

MARQUES, R.V. 1988. O gênero Holochilus (Mammalia: Cricetidae) no Rio Grande do Sul: taxonomia e distribuição. Revista Brasileira de Zoologia 4(4):347-360.

Abstract. The genus Holochilus Brandt, 1835 is represented in Rio Grande do Sul, Southem Brazil, by two forms: H. brasiliensis vulpinus (Brants, 1827) e H. magnus Hershkovitz, 1955. They are myomorph rodents with semi-aquatic habits. Species of Holochilus range from Northern South America to Central Argentina. In this paper, I present an analysis ofstandard measurements of specimens collected in Southem Brazil and deposited in the collections of FZB, PUC and UFRGS and a distribution map with collecting localities.

Primeiro registro documentado de Holochilus brasiliensis (Desmarest, 1819) e Calomys laucha (G. Fischer, 1814) no estado de Santa Catarina, sul do Brasil

PETERS, F.B.; ROTH, P.R.O.; CHRISTOFF, A.U. 2013. Primeiro registro documentado de Holochilus brasiliensis (Desmarest, 1819) e Calomys laucha (G. Fischer, 1814) no estado de Santa Catarina, sul do Brasil. Biotemas 26(3):177-184.  http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/2175-7925.2013v26n3p177

Abstract. First documented record of Holochilus brasiliensis (Desmarest, 1819) and Calomys laucha (G. Fischer, 1814) in the state of Santa Catarina, south Brazil. Studies on the richness of small mammals in the Brazilian South Region are recent and point out the need for using varied methods. This way, this paper contributes to knowledge on the fauna of small sigmodontinae rodents in Santa Catarina, including Holochilus brasiliensis and Calomys laucha in the list of species with confirmed occurrence in this state. The records of H. brasiliensis refer to Laguna (n = 2) and Timbe do Sul (n = 1). In turn, C. laucha presents 23 records from Capinzal. The entire material is represented by skull fragments from owl pellets samples collected from nests and feeding perches of the Tyto alba.

On the presence of Holochilus brasiliensis (Desmarest, 1819) (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae) in the late Pleistocene of southern Brazil

KERBER, L.; LOPES, R.P.; OLIVEIRA, E.V.; RIBEIRO, A.M.; PEREIRA, J. 2012. On the presence of Holochilus brasiliensis (Desmarest, 1819) (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae) in the late Pleistocene of southern Brazil. GAEA, Journal of Geoscience 8(2):47-54. doi: 10.4013/gaea.2012.82.02.

Abstract. Fossil remains of the sigmodontine rodent Holochilus brasiliensis (Desmarest, 1819) from two geographic areas from the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil are reviewed and described here. The specimens came from two localities: Quaraí River in the western region, which has yielded a dentary with an incisor and molars, and Chuí Creek in the eastern region, where a fragmented right dentary and a maxillary fragment with molars were collected. The presence of this taxon in the late Pleistocene of meridional Brazil suggests the existence of perennial water bodies.

The taxonomic history of the south and central american akodont rodent genera: Thalpomys, Deltamys, Thaptomys, Hypsimys, Bolomys, Chroeomys, Abrothrix, Scotinomys, Akodon (Chalcomys and Akodon), Microxus, Podoxymys, Lenoxus, Oxymycterus, Notiomys, and Blarinomys

TATE, G.H.H. 1932. The taxonomic history of the south and central american akodont rodent genera: Thalpomys, Deltamys, Thaptomys, Hypsimys, Bolomys, Chroeomys, Abrothrix, Scotinomys, Akodon (Chalcomys and Akodon), Microxus, Podoxymys, Lenoxus, Oxymycterus, Notiomys, and Blarinomys. American Museum Novitates 582:1:32.

Abstract. In this paper, the sixth of my series, I have continued the treatment given in earlier papers. Since neither the several new akodont genera proposed by Thomas not his "groups" of the subgenus Akodon (sensu stricto) appear to be sharply defined, geographic arrangement of the species has been particularly difficult and may prove unsatisfactory. Though wishing to preserve, as much as possible, the arrangement of genera made by Thomas (1916), I have felt that certain changes were desirable: Zygodontomys has been treated in my fifth paper, and the akodont genera are rearranged so as to include Scotinomys and the new genera Deltamys and Hypsimys and to place Akodon (Akodon) next to Microxus.

Origin of the lumbosacral plexus in Galea spixii (Wagler, 1831) (Rodentia, Caviidae)

OLIVEIRA, G.B.; RODRIGUES, M.N.; SOUSA, R.S.; MOURA, C.E.B.; MIGLINO, M.A.; OLIVEIRA, M.F. 2014. Origin of the lumbosacral plexus in Galea spixii (Wagler, 1831) (Rodentia, Caviidae). Biotemas 27(4):107-115. http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/2175-7925.2014v27n4p107

Abstract. The yellow-toothed cavy is a rodent belonging to the Caviidae family that inhabits the semiarid region of northeastern Brazil. We used 20 cavies that had died of natural causes, obtained from the Reproduction Center of Wild Animals (CEMAS) of the Federal Rural University of the Semi-Arid (UFERSA). The animals were ixed in aqueous solution of 10% formaldehyde and, after 48 hours, they were dissected to visualize plexus. The topographic relations of the lumbosacral plexus were grouped into tables and then they underwent statistical analysis (chi-square test with Yates’ correction). The lumbosacral plexus stemmed from the ventral roots of the last 3 lumbar nerves and the irst 3 sacral nerves, corresponding to 65% of the animals under study (L5L6L7S1S2S3). These nerves stemmed from plexus: femoral, obturator, ischiatic, cranial gluteal, caudal gluteal, and pudendal.

Key words: Anatomy; Nerves; Nervous system; Rodent; Yellow-toothed cavy.

Echinococcus vogelu Rausch and Bernstein, 1972, from the paca, Cuniculus paca L. (Rodentia: Dasyproctidae), in the Departamento de Santa Cruz, Bolivia

GARDNER, S.L.; RAUSCH, R.L.; CAMACHO, O.C.J. 1988. Echinococcus vogelu Rausch and Bernstein, 1972, from the paca, Cuniculus paca L. (Rodentia: Dasyproctidae), in the Departamento de Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Journal of Parasitology 74 (3):399-402. 

Abstract. Among approximately 2,000 mammals examined for helminths in various regions of Bolivia during 1983-1987, cysts of Echinococcus vogeli Rausch and Bernstein, 1972, were found in a single paca, Cuniculus paca L., collected at La Laguna, Departamento de Santa Cruz (lat. 16'36''W; long. 62'42''S). This record, the first from Bolivia, represents a considerable extension of the known geographic range of this species in South America. Upon analysis of the morphologic characteristics of the protoscoleces derived from the cysts, the sizes of rostellar hooks from the material from the paca were found to be well within the ranges reported in previous studies. Statistical analysis of frequency distributions of hook characteristics revealed some deviations from normality. These results indicate that parametric statistics should be applied with caution in analyses of interand intraspecific variation of morphologic characteristics of hooks of metacestodes of the genus Echinococcus.

Napoleon Bonaparte and the fate of an Amazonian rat: new data on the taxonomy of Mesomys hispidus (Rodentia: Echimyidae)

ORLANDO, L.; MAUFFREY, J.-F.; CUISIN, J.; PATTON, J.L.; HÄNNI, C.; CATZEFLIS, F. 2003. Napoleon Bonaparte and the fate of an Amazonian rat: new data on the taxonomy of Mesomys hispidus (Rodentia: Echimyidae). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 27:113-120.

Abstract. The spiny rat Mesomys hispidus is one of many South American rodents that lack adequate taxonomic definition. The few sampled populations of this broadly distribuuted trans-Amazonian arboreal rat have come from widely separated regions and are typically highly divergent. The holotype was described in 1817 by A.-G. Desmarest, after Napoleon's army brought it to Paris following the plunder of Lisbon in 1808; however, the locality of origin has remained unknown. Here we examine the taxonomic status of this species by direct comparison of 50 extant individuals with the holotype at the morphometric and genetic levels, the latter based on 331 bp of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene retrieved from a small skin fragment of the holotype with ancient DNA technology. Extensive sequence divergence is present among samples of M. hispidus collected from throughout its range, from French Guiana across Amazonia to Bolivia and Peru, with at least seven mitochondrial clades recognized (average divergence of 7.7% Kimura 2-parameter distance). Sequence from the holotype is, however, only weakly divergent from those of recent samples from French Guiana. Moreover, the holotype clusters with greater that 99% posterior probability with samples from this part of Amazonia in a discriminant analysis based on 22 cranial and dental measurements. Thus, we suggest that the holotype was originally obtained in eastern Amazonia north of the Amazon River, most likely in the Brazilian state of Amapá. Despite the high level of sequence diversity and marked morphological differences in size across the range of M. hispidus, we continue to regard this assemblage as a single species until additional samples and analyses suggest otherwise.

The molecular phylogenetics of tuco-tucos (genus Ctenomys, Rodentia: Octodontidae) suggests an early burst of speciation

LESSA, E.P.; COOK, J.A. 1998. The molecular phylogenetics of tuco-tucos (genus Ctenomys, Rodentia: Octodontidae) suggests an early burst of speciation. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 9(1):88-99.

Abstract. Variation in the nucleotide sequence of the entire mitochondrial cytochrome b gene (1140 bp) was examined for 27 individuals representing 13 species of South American rodents of the genera Ctenomys, Octodontomys, Tympanoctomys, and Spalacopus. Representatives of the family Echimyidae, Euryzygomatomys and Mesomys, were used as outgroups to test the monophyly of the Octodontinae and Ctenomyinae. Relationships among species of tuco-tucos (genus Ctenomys) were also exmined including representatives of the three described subgenera and the two sperm morphs. Reciprocal monophyly of the Octodontinae and Ctenomyinae is strongly supported. Several basal relationships among species of the genus Ctenomys are poorly resolved, suggesting the possibility of a hard polytomy due to a rapid and potentially simultaneous radiation early in the history of the genus. In other cases, clades within the Ctenomyinae previously identified on the basis of allozymes, chromosomes, parasites, or skull morphology were supported. Calibrations based on the fossil record suggest that the mitochondrial cytochrome b of these caviomorphs has evolved at a rapid rate, comparable to those proposed for Mus-Rattus, and three to four times higher than ungulate rates.

A new species of Leaf-eared Mouse, genus Phyllotis Waterhouse, 1837 (Rodentia: Cricetidae) from northern Peru

PACHECO, V.; RENGIFO, E.M.; VIVAS, D. 2014. A new species of Leaf-eared Mouse, genus Phyllotis Waterhouse, 1837 (Rodentia: Cricetidae) from northern Peru. THERYA 5(2):481-508. doi: 10.12933/therya-14-185

Abstract.
Introduction: Leaf-eared mice, Phyllotis comprise a highly species-rich genus distributed in the Andes of South America from sea level to 5,500 m. This genus includes 15 species in three groups: andium/amicus, osilae, and darwini groups (sensu Steppan et al. 2007). We describe a new species of rodent of the genus Phyllotis from the northern Peruvian Andes, which has been mentioned in the literature as Phyllotis sp. nov. 1 or Phyllotis sp. and placed, in the context of a molecular phylogeny of Phyllotis, as member of the P. andium/amicus group (Steppan et al. 2007). We also report the standard karyotype of this species and comment on its natural history. We further identify an area of endemism in the northwestern Andes of Peru, where the new species and other sigmodontines coincide in patterns of distribution.
Methodology: The new species was in detail compared with other species of Phyllotis, mainly those of the andium/amicus group. Four external and 20 cranial and dental measurements from adult specimens were employed in descriptive statistics. Sexual dimorphism was evaluated in Phyllotis nov. sp. and P. andium using the t test. Then, to compare the new species with P. andium, all cranial and dental measurements were used in principal component analyses (PCA) of the covariance matrix of log-transformed measurements. Chromosome preparations were obtained from bone marrow, following Ford and Hamerton (1956).
Results: Phyllotis nov. sp. is distinguished from all other congeneric species by the combination of a relatively short tail and distinctive cranial morphology, including an comparatively long incisive foramen, a long palate that extends posteriorly beyond M3, mesopterygoid fossa without medial process, squamosal ridge relatively pronounced, ectotympanic large and easily visible from dorsal view, and capsular process inconspicuous or absent. The biplots of PCA show two clearly separated groups, one shaped by specimens of the new species and the other by P. andium; the new species is located mainly on the positive side of the first axis whereas P. andium on the negative side. The diploid number (2n) is 48 and the autosomal fundamental number (FN) is 72.
Discussion and conclusions: The new species of Phyllotis is endemic to the Puna ecoregion of northern Peru. This discovery supports the hypothesis of a generalized biogeographical subdivision in the Puna of northwestern Peru where the ranges of several sigmodontine species coincide in an area limited by the Río Santa, the Río Marañón, and the Huancabamba depression. Based on the presence of numerous crocentric chromosomes and the available molecular data we propose a restricted andium group to include P. andium, P. definitus, and the new species. We also summarize available data on natural history, habitat preferences, reproduction, and the systematic position of this species. The species may be threatened due to its restricted distribution, the relatively high anthropic activity in the region, and its absence in any protected area.

Calomys tener (Winge, 1887) (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae): filling gaps

QUINTELA, F.M.; SILVEIRA, E.C.; DELLAGNESE, D.G.; CADEMARTORI, C.V. 2014. Calomys tener (Winge, 1887) (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae): filling gaps. Check List 10(3):650-654. doi: 10.15560/10.3.650

Abstract. Calomys tener is a widely distributed species in Brazil. Herein we report the second record of C. tener in state of Rio Grande do Sul about 80 km northwestwards from the previous southernmost known limit in Brazil.

Small mammals in the diet of Barn owls, Tyto alba (Aves: Strigiformes) along the mid-Araguaia River in central Brazil

ROCHA, R.G.; FERREIRA, E.; LEITE, Y.L.R.; FONSECA, C.; COSTA, L.P. 2011. Small mammals in the diet of Barn owls, Tyto alba (Aves: Strigiformes) along the mid-Araguaia River in central Brazil. Zoologia 282(6):709-716. doi: 10.1590/S1984-46702011000600003

Abstract. We collected and analyzed 286 Barn owl, Tyto alba (Scopoli, 1769), pellets from two nests in different environments along the mid-Araguaia River in central Brazil. Our analyses revealed that these owls feed mainly on small mammals, especially rodents. Owls from the riverbanks at Fazenda Santa Fé had a more diverse diet, preying mainly on rodents that typically inhabit riparian grasslands – Holochilus sciureus Wagner, 1842 – and forests – Hylaeamys megacephalus (Fischer, 1814) and Oecomys spp., which probably also occur in forest borders or clearings. On the other hand, owls from an agroecosystem at Fazenda Lago Verde preyed mostly on rodent species common in these agrarian fields, Calomys tocantinsi Bonvicino, Lima & Almeida, 2003. Additionally, we compared small mammal richness estimates based on the analysis of owl pellets with estimates from live-trapping in the same areas. Owl pellets revealed two rodent species undetected by live traps – Euryoryzomys sp. and Rattus rattus (Linnaeus, 1758) – and four rodent species were trapped, but not found in owl pellets – Oecomys roberti Thomas, 1904, Pseudoryzomys simplex (Winge, 1887), Rhipidomys ipukensis Rocha, B.M.A. Costa & L.P. Costa, 2011, and Makalata didelphoides (Desmarest, 1817). Traps yielded higher species richness, but these two methods complement each other for surveying small rodents

Cariotipo de Peromyscus grandis (Rodentia: Cricetidae)

ORDÓÑEZ-GARZA, N.; SWIER, V.J.; HANSON, J.D.; SOTERO-CAIO, C.G.; BRADLEY, R.D. 2013. Cariotipo de Peromyscus grandis (Rodentia: Cricetidae). Therya 4(3):575-580. doi: 10.12933/therya-13-122

Abstract. Peromyscus grandis is a rodent whose distribution is restricted to the mountain ranges of central Guatemala. This note represents the first report of karyotypic data for this species. The karyotype (fundamental number = 58) closely resembles karyotypes of other species of Peromyscus.

New distribution records of Serra do Mar Grass Mouse Akodon serrensis Thomas, 1902 (Mammalia: Rodentia: Sigmodontinae) in the southernmost Brazil

ABREU, M.S.L.; CHRISTOFF, A.U.; VALIATI, V.H.; OLIVEIRA, L.R. 2014. New distribution records of Serra do Mar Grass Mouse Akodon serrensis Thomas, 1902 (Mammalia: Rodentia: Sigmodontinae) in the southernmost Brazil. Check List 10(3):655-659. doi: 10.15560/10.3.655

Abstract. Geographic distribution is critical information for conservation of the species. In this note we report the southernmost record of Akodon serrensis, a Neotropical terrestrial rodent endemic of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, but yet with undefined distribution limits. Two specimens surveyed in Rio Grande do Sul state were identified as A. serrensis, one by DNA analysis and other by external and cranial morphology. These records represent an expansion of nearly 177 km from the previous known limit of its southern distribution. Moreover, these new records demonstrated the importance of sampling effort in order to establish the real distribution limits of a species.

Morphometric variations of laelapine mite (Acari: Mesostigmata) populations infesting small mammals (Mammalia) in Brazil

MARTINS-HATANO, F.; GETTINGER, D.; MANHÃES, M.L.; BERGALLO, H.G. 2012. Morphometric variations of laelapine mite (Acari: Mesostigmata) populations infesting small mammals (Mammalia) in Brazil. Brazilian Journal of Biology 72(3):595-603.

Abstract. The goal of this study was to evaluate the morphometric variation of laelapine populations (Acari, Mesostigmata) associated with neotropical oryzomyine rodents at different geographic localities in Brazil. Three nominal mite species were selected for study, all infesting the pelage of small mammals at different localities in Rio de Janeiro, Espírito Santo, Bahia, and the Federal District, Brazil. To analyse morphometric characteristics, thirty-seven morphological characters distributed across the whole body of each specimen were measured. We use the Analysis of Principal Components, extracting the three first axes and projecting each mite in these axes. Major species level changes in the taxonomy of the host mammals allows an independent examination of morphometric variation of mites infesting a set of distinctly different host species at different geographic localities. Gigantolaelaps vitzthumi and Laelaps differens are associated with oryzomyine rodents of the genus Cerradomys, and consistently showed a tendency to cluster by host phylogeny. Laelaps manguinhosi associated with Nectomys rattus in central Brazil is morphometrically distinct from mites infesting N. squamipes in the coastal restingas of Rio de Janeiro and Espírito Santo. The results obtained here indicate that laelapine mite populations can vary among geographic areas and among phylogenetically related host species. Clearly, the study of these mites at the population level can be an important tool for clarifying the taxonomy of both mites and hosts.

Tafonomía de restos de micromamíferos recuperados del sitio arqueológico Agua de La Mula (Mendoza, Argentina) y su implicancia en la subsistencia humana

FERNÁNDEZ, F.J.; DE SANTIS, L.J.M. 2013. Tafonomía de restos de micromamíferos recuperados del sitio arqueológico Agua de La Mula (Mendoza, Argentina) y su implicancia en la subsistencia humana. Cuadernos del Instituto Nacional de Antropología y Pensamiento Latinoamericano - Series Especiales 1(1):181-195.

Abstract. Micromammal remains from the archaeological sequence of Agua de La Mula (35º22'24,9''S, 68º15'04,2''W, south-central Mendoza, Argentina) are taphonomically studied. The remains (NISP=1026, MNE=1,026, MNI=491) were recovered from the Late Holocene layers (1,600-1,000 years C14 BP). The micromammal assemblages are composed by 10 taxa of rodents, one chiropteran and two marsupials, associated to transitional mosaic of Patagonian steppe and Monte desert environments. The absence of cut marks and the presence of few burned remains recovered from the site would indicate no human consumption. Moreover, the presence of pellets preserved in stratigraphy and light digestive corrosion on some teeth, indicate that the main accumulator agents were probably avian strigiforms. The absence of weathering, rodent marks, hydraulic transport, root action, and diagenesis, suggest a good preservation and a rapid incorporation of the material in the stratigraphic context. However, trampling, sedimentary corrosion and manganese oxide evidences were seen on the micromammal remains, indicating some episodes of humidity inside the cave. Finally, this information provided here would help us to explain the scope of the resource intensification process, proposed for the region in previous researches. In this sense, possibly this process could not have been so pronounced for that hunter-gatherers exploit the micromammals.