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.

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.

Occurrence and mortality of Lasiurus ega (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) in monocultures of Pinus sp. in Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil

BARROS, M.A.S.; RUI, A.M. 2011. Occurrence and mortality of Lasiurus ega (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) in monocultures of Pinus sp. in Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Chiroptera Neotropical 17(2):997-1002.

Abstract. Lasiurus ega is a widespread, insectivorous bat, occurring in several types of natural and altered habitats. Individuals are solitary and roost among tree branches and leaves. The present work records the use of Pinus individuals as diurnal roosts by L. ega in monocultures, and discusses the possible impact of such behavior on bat’s population. The study area is located in a rural property dominated by grassy vegetation, monocultures and invasions of Pinus spp. near the city of Palmares do Sul, in the northern Coastal Plain of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Adults and offspring of L. ega were observed roosting in monocultures of Pinus trees. Some individuals do not leave their tree roosts during the cutting process, and are killed by crushing or by the workers themselves. Bat presence in felled trees is frequent, according to reports by the workers, and may involve different species. This paper represents the first record of the use of Pinus sp. as roost by a bat species in a region where Pinus has been introduced, and the first record of Pinus sp. occupation by L. ega. The monoculture management and removal of individuals of Pinus sp. induce L. ega mortality, including the loss of pregnant and lactating females, and offsprings. Considering the current scarcity of knowledge, it is recommended that Pinus sp. plantations do not be cut during spring and summer, in order to avoid the mortality of L. ega individuals during the critical reproductive period.

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.

Diet of racoon Procyon cancrivorus (Carnivora, Procyonidae) in a mangrove and restinga area in Espirito Santo state, Brazil

MARTINELLI, M.M.; VOLPI, T.A. 2010. Diet of racoon Procyon cancrivorus (Carnivora, Procyonidae) in a mangrove and restinga area in Espirito Santo state, Brazil. Natureza on-line 8(3):150-151. 

Abstract. Diet of Procyon cancrivorus was analised from fecal material. From 47 analyzed fecal samples, the most consumed items were Arthropods, found in 100% of scats, followed by Allagoptera arenaria (guriri-coconut), in 50.8% of scats, and small vertebrates and seeds, found in 4.3% of scats each. Among the arthropods, the most frequent crab family was the Ocypodidae, found in all samples.

Incidental catch of South American sea lion in a pair trawl off southern Brazil

MACHADO, R.; OLIVEIRA, L.R.; MONTEALEGRE-QUIJANO, S. 2015. Incidental catch of South American sea lion in a pair trawl off southern Brazil. Neotropical Biology and Conservation 10(1):43-47. doi: 10.4013/nbc.2015.101.06

Abstract. The population of the South American sea lion, Otaria flavescens (Shaw, 1800), in Uruguay is declining at an annual rate of 1.6 to 2.0%. Although the reasons are still unknown, interactions with fishing activities have been identified as a major cause. The individuals that arrive along the coast of Brazil come from the breeding colonies off Uruguay after their breeding period. We report here the first record of incidental catch of South American sea lions in Brazilian waters by a pair trawl. On July 17th, 2008 a young male of South American sea lion was incidentally caught during a commercial pair trawl fishing trip along the southern Brazilian coast (32º57’S, 52º31’W), in a depth ranging from 15 to 20 m. Despite being punctual, this record is an evidence of a potential major threat to South American sea lions in southern Brazil and Uruguay, since trawl industrial fishing is a very important economic activity in South Brazil.

Perceptions of human-carnivore conflicts in the High Andes of Argentina

LUCHERINI, M.; MERINO, M.J. 2008. Perceptions of human-carnivore conflicts in the High Andes of Argentina. Mountain Research and Development 28(1):81-85. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1659/mrd.0903

Abstract. The Andean cat (Leopardus jacobitus), one of the world’s most threatened felids, forms part of the little known carnivore guild occurring in the dry areas of the High Andes. Although human–carnivore conflicts are among the major causes of carnivore population decline, no data are available on this issue for the High Andes. We report here the results of the first survey of human perceptions of, and attitudes towards, carnivores in the high-altitude Andes of Argentina. Interviews with 50 adults and 226 schoolchildren revealed that pumas (Puma concolor) and foxes (Lycalopex culpaeus) are considered pests for preying upon livestock and are actively hunted by adults. Although perceptions of the Andean cat and the Pampas cat (Leopardus colocolo) were more positive, especially among schoolchildren, they are also frequently killed by local people. We suggest that, contrary to what was previously thought, hunting might be affecting the conservation status of the Andean cat and of some puma populations in the High Andes of Argentina, and that education strategies may help to improve human attitudes, particularly in the case of the endangered Andean cat.

Medium and large-sized mammals of the Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçú, Cachoeira de Macacu, RJ

CARVALHO, I.D.; OLIVEIRA, R.; PIRES, A.S. 2014. Medium and large-sized mammals of the Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçú, Cachoeira de Macacu, RJ. Biota Neotropica 14(3):1-9.

Abstract: Medium and large-sized terrestrial mammals develop important functions in ecosystems maintenance. However, this group is the most vulnerable to local extinctions, through habitat loss or hunting. This study inventoried the community of medium and large mammals in the Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçú (REGUA), Cachoeiras de Macacu, RJ, providing data on species composition, richness and abundance. Species were registered through the use of camera traps, sign survey and visual encounters on pre-existing trails and roads. The study was conducted from January to October 2012, with each month considered as a sample unit. An effort of 1568 cameras-day and 120 km traveled, resulted on 302 records of 22 species of medium and large-sized mammals, belonging to eight orders. This value corresponds to more than three-quarters of the richness described from this group in the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro state. Five species are under some level of regional, national or global threat. Three game species, Pecari tajacu, Cuniculus paca and Dasyprocta leporina were abundant in the area. The observed richness was comparable to that found in other studies conducted in rain forests. Thus, for its high number of species, including those under some degree of threat, we conclude that REGUA is an important area to mammal conservation, especially in the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro state.

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.

An opportunity for testing multiple paternity in a wild Jaguar (Panthera onca)

PINHO, G.M.; FONSECA, R.; FARIAS, I.P. 2014. An opportunity for testing multiple paternity in a wild Jaguar (Panthera onca). Biota Neotropica 14(3):1-5.

Abstract. We performed a paternity test for three cubs from one wild female jaguar (Panthera onca). The opportunity for this study was generated by an accident involving a vehicle collision with a pregnant jaguar in the central Amazon. The cubs are polyzygotic triplets and were found to have been sired by the same male. Here, we also provide an overview and discuss several aspects of jaguar reproduction.

Spatial variation of mammal road kills in a restinga area in Espírito Santo State, southeast Brazil

FERREIRA, C.M.M.; RIBAS, A.C.A.; CASELLA, J.; MENDES, S.L. 2014. Spatial variation of mammal road kills in a restinga area in Espírito Santo State, southeast Brazil. Neotropical Biology and Conservation 9(3):125-133. doi: 10.4013/nbc.2014.93.02

Abstract. Millions of wild animals die run over every year in Brazil. Various taxonomic groups are affected, including amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. However, few studies have quantified and identified which animals are the most vulnerable. This work aims to describe the abundance, the species composition and the richness of mammal road kills over a road stretch, in southeast Brazil. It was also assessed if there is any difference in the number of road kills between the rainy and the dry seasons, and the spatial distribution of collisions along the highway. The road kills were recorded over four years and 10 months. A total of 258 individuals belonging to 22 species, 13 families and 7 orders were recorded. The most recorded species were Didelphis aurita, Cerdocyon thous and Procyon cancrivorus. There was no significant difference in the mortality of mammals between the rainy and the dry seasons. Three stretches, with 86, 32 and 31 records, had the highest numbers of road kills. In these places the highway borders or crosses conservation units and forest fragments that are not legally protected. The high number of road kills between km 40 and 50 is probably due to the existence of concrete barriers that separate highway strips.

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.

Niche partitioning among white-lipped peccaries (Tayassu pecari), collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu), and feral pigs (Sus scrofa)

DESBIEZ, A.L.J.; SANTOS, S.A.; KEUROGHLIAN, A.; BODMER, R.E. 2009. Niche partitioning among white-lipped peccaries (Tayassu pecari), collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu), and feral pigs (Sus scrofa). Journal of Mammlogy 90(1):119-128.

Abstract. The introduction of a species into an ecosystem with species already occupying a similar trophic level is predicted to lead to a high degree of niche overlap. The feral pig (Sus scrofa), one of the world’s worst invasive species, was introduced to the Pantanal about 200 years ago and is thought to compete with the native whitelipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) and collared peccary (Pecari tajacu). Resource partitioning between the 3 species was examined, including analysis of fruit items and plants in fecal samples as well as encounter rates in different habitats, to help generate hypotheses about competitive interactions among the species. Overlaps in food resources and habitat use between feral pigs and peccaries were found to be lower than expected. In fact, niche overlap as highest between the native species. Results indicate that currently, feral pigs are not a direct threat to the native peccaries in the study area. Differences in morphology and behavior indicate possible mechanisms of niche partitioning between the species. Feral pigs may, nevertheless, impact the wildlife community in other ways as predators of eggs, by destruction of vegetation through rooting, or by functioning as disease reservoirs. Cattle-ranching activities may favor feral pigs and the current anthropogenic changes in the landscape could lead to changes in competitive dynamics between feral pigs and native species.

Genomic ancestry of the American puma

CULVER, M.; JOHNSON, W.E.; PECON-SLATTERY, J.; O'BRIEN, S.J. 2000. Genomic ancestry of the American puma (Puma concolor). The Journal of Heredity 91(3):186-197.

Abstract. Puma concolor, a large American cat species, occupies the most extensive range of any New World terrestrial mammal, spanning 110 degrees of latitude from the Canadian Yukon to the Straits of Magellan. Until the recent Holocene, pumas co-existed with a diverse array of carnivores including the American lion (Panthera atrox), the North American cheetah (Myracynonyx trumani), and the saber toothed tiger (Smilodon fatalis). Genomic DNA specimens from 135 pumas of specified geographic origin (261 contemporany and 54 museum specimens) were collected for molecular genetic and phylogenetic analyses of three mitochrondrial gene sequences (16S rRNA, ATPase-8, and NADH-5) plus composite microsatellite genotypes (10 feline loci). Six phylogeographic groupings or subspecies were resolved, and the entire North American population (186 individuals from 15 previously named subspecies) was genetically homogeneous in overall variation relative to central and South American populations. The marked uniformity of mtDNA and a reduction in microsatellite allele size expansion indicates that North American pumas derive from a recent (late Pleistocene circa 10,000 years ago) replacement and recolonization by a small number of founders who themselves originated from a centrum of puma genetic diversity in eastern South America 200,000-300,000 years ago. The recolonization of North American pumas was coincident with a massive late Pleistocene extinction event that eliminated 80% of large vertebrates in North America and may have extirpated pumas from that continent as well.

First record of complete albinism in Carollia perspicillata (Chiroptera; Phyllostomidae)

FALCÃO, F.C. 2014. First record of complete albinism in Carollia perspicillata (Chiroptera; Phyllostomidae). Chiroptera Neotropical 20(1):1234-1236.

Abstract. Albinism is a phenomenon present in many vertebrate species, and can be defined as the absence of normal pigmentation of an organism. In bats, complete albinism is considered a rare phenomenon, and its occurrence was recorded for less than 4% of all existing bat species. On 6 September 2012, an individual of Carollia perspicillata (Linnaeus, 1758) was captured in Igaporã, Bahia, and it had all characteristics of complete albinism, lacking normal pigmentation over the entire body surface, including the iris. The purpose of this paper is to report the first record of complete albinism in Carollia perspicillata and thereby increase the number of species recorded with such anomalies; in addition to contributing to the understanding of this pigmentation disorder.

Coexistence of jaguar (Panthera onca) and puma (Puma concolor) in a mosaic landscape in the Venezuelan llanos

SCOGNAMILLO, D.; MAXIT, I.E.; SUNQUIST, M.; POLISAR, J. 2003. Coexistence of jaguar (Panthera onca) and puma (Puma concolor) in a mosaic landscape in the Venezuelan llanos. Journal of Zoology, London 259:269-279.

Abstract. Jaguar Panthera onca and puma Puma concolor are sympatric throughout the jaguar’s distribution. Although several studies have focused on the interactions between these two predators, the ecological and behavioural factors that promote their coexistence remain unclear. The goal of this study was to identify those factors that facilitate the coexistence of these cats in a mosaic landscape in the Venezuelan llanos. The study was conducted from January 1996 until November 1998. Five jaguars and six pumas were captured and radio-collared. A high degree of spatial overlap was observed between jaguars and pumas, which may be related to the abundance and distribution of prey species. At a fine scale, there was little overlap of puma locations with jaguar locations. Both species were more active at night than during daytime, but seasonal differences were detected in the activity levels of these predators. Major segregation was found in food habits. Jaguars selected for large prey and pumas for medium-sized prey. Jaguars selected for capybara Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris and collared peccary Tayassu tajacu and consumed caiman Caiman crocodilus and white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus less than expected. Pumas selected just for collared peccary and also killed caiman less than expected. It is suggested that the abundance of medium-sized prey is an ecological factor that is facilitating the coexistence of jaguar and puma in the study area. Habitat heterogeneity may be another influential factor leading to the coexistence. Seasonal differences in activity levels probably reflect differences in the size and species of prey taken by these cats.

Diet of margay, Leopardus wiedii, and jaguarundi, Puma yagouaroundi, (Carnivora: Felidae) in Atlantic Rainforest, Brazil

BIANCHI, R.C.; ROSA, A.F.; GATTI, A.; MENDES, S.L. 2011. Diet of margay, Leopardus wiedii, and jaguarundi, Puma yagouaroundi, (Carnivora: Felidae) in Atlantic Rainforest, Brazil. Zoologia 28(1):127-132. doi: 10.1590/S1984-46702011000100018.

Abstract. This study identifies the food habits of the margay, Leopardus wiedii (Schinz, 1821), and the jaguarundi, Puma yagouaroundi (É. Geoffroy Saint-Hilare, 1803), in the Vale do Rio Doce Natural Reserve and in the Sooretama Biological Reserve, Espírito Santo, Brazil. We determined the diet of both species by the analysis of scats. Fecal samples were collected from April 1995 to September 2000 and identified based on the presence of hairs that were ingested during self-grooming. Scats were oven-dried and washed on a sieve, and the screened material was identified using a reference collection. Of the 59 fecal samples examined, 30 were confirmed to be from the margay and nine of them from the jaguarundi. Mammals were the most consumed items in the diet of the margay, occurring in 77% of the fecal samples, followed by birds (53%) and reptiles (20%). Among the mammals consumed, marsupials (Didelphimorphia) were the most common item (66%). In the diet of the jaguarundi, birds were the most consumed items and occurred in 55% of the fecal samples; mammals and reptiles occurred in 41% and in 17% of the fecal samples, respectively. From this work we conclude that the margay and jaguarundi fed mainly upon small vertebrates in the Vale do Rio Doce Natural Reserve and in the Sooretama Biological Reserve. Although sample sizes are therefore insufficient for quantitative comparisons, margays prey more frequently upon arboricolous mammals than jaguarundis, which in turn prey more frequently upon birds and reptiles than margays. This seems to reflect a larger pattern throughout their geographic range.

First record of leucism in Artibeus phaeotis (Miller, 1902) (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) from Guatemala

TRUJILLO, L.A.; BARAHONA, R. 2014. First record of leucism in Artibeus phaeotis (Miller, 1902) (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) from Guatemala. Chiroptera Neotropical 20(1):1252-1254.

Abstract. The aim of this communication is to report the first documented case of leucism in Artibeus phaeotis from Guatemala. The bat was captured in Laguna del Tigre National Park, Petén, in northern Guatemala, while we were conducting a bat sampling in the area. Leucism is a condition rarely observed in nature, which is characterized by the partial or total depigmentation of fur; in this case the specimen is distinguished by a depigmentation in the ventral side of the body.