Waves of genomic hitchhikers shed light on the evolution of gamebirds (Aves: Galliformes) : research article

Background The phylogenetic tree of Galliformes (gamebirds, including megapodes, currassows, guinea fowl, New and Old World quails, chicken, pheasants, grouse, and turkeys) has been considerably remodeled over the last decades as new data and analytical methods became available. Analyzing presence/absence patterns of retroposed elements avoids the problems of homoplastic characters inherent in other methodologies. In gamebirds, chicken repeats 1 (CR1) are the most prevalent retroposed elements, but little is known about the activity of their various subtypes over time. Ascertaining the fixation patterns of CR1 elements would help unravel the phylogeny of gamebirds and other poorly resolved avian clades. Results We analyzed 1,978 nested CR1 elements and developed a multidimensional approach taking advantage of their transposition in transposition character (TinT) to characterize the fixation patterns of all 22 known chicken CR1 subtypes. The presence/absence patterns of those elements that were active at different periods of gamebird evolution provided evidence for a clade (Cracidae + (Numididae + (Odontophoridae + Phasianidae))) not including Megapodiidae; and for Rollulus as the sister taxon of the other analyzed Phasianidae. Genomic trace sequences of the turkey genome further demonstrated that the endangered African Congo Peafowl (Afropavo congensis) is the sister taxon of the Asian Peafowl (Pavo), rejecting other predominantly morphology-based groupings, and that phasianids are monophyletic, including the sister taxa Tetraoninae and Meleagridinae. Conclusions The TinT information concerning relative fixation times of CR1 subtypes enabled us to efficiently investigate gamebird phylogeny and to reconstruct an unambiguous tree topology. This method should provide a useful tool for investigations in other taxonomic groups as well

Assessment of habitat quality and landscape connectivity for forest-dependent cracids in the Sierra Madre del Sur Mesoamerican biological corridor, Mexico

Assessing landscape connectivity allows us to identify critical areas that impede or facilitate the movement of organisms and their genes and to plan their conservation and management. In this article, we assessed landscape connectivity and ecological condition of the habitat patches of a highly biodiverse region in Chiapas, Mexico. We employed data of three cracid species with different characteristics in habitat use and mobility. The habitat map of each species was derived from a spatial intersection of the models of potential distribution and a high-resolution map of current land cover and land use. The ecological condition of vegetation types was evaluated using 75 field plots. Structure of landscape was estimated by fragmentation metrics, while functional connectivity was assessed using spatially explicit graph analysis. The extent of suitable habitat for Oreophasis derbianus, Penelopina nigra, and Penelope purpurascens correspond to 25%, 46%, and 55% of the study area (5,185.6 km2), respectively. Although the pine-oak forests were the most fragmented vegetation type, habitats of the three species were well connected, and only 4% to 9% of the fragments located on the periphery of the corridor had low connectivity. Landscape connectivity depends mainly on land uses with an intermediate and lower ecological condition (secondary forests and coffee agroforestry systems). Therefore, we suggest that in addition to promoting the improvement in connectivity in fragmented forests, conservation efforts should be aimed at preventing the conversion of mature forests into agricultural uses and maintaining agroforestry systems

Parasitological Survey On Birds At Some Selected Brazilian Zoos

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)A parasitological survey was conducted at some zoos in the states of Sao Paulo and Parana, Brazil, from 2009 to 2011. Several groups of birds were surveyed for fecal samples, but the most important was Psittacidae. Among the parasites, Eimeria (coccidian) and Capillaria, Ascaridia and Heterakis (nematodes) were observed in almost one third of the samples. Presence of a rich parasite fauna associated with captive birds seems to be an effect of captivity, since data on free-ranging birds indicate few or virtually no parasites at all. The discovery of new coccidian species during this survey reveals the need of more research on the subject as even well-known bird species have unknown parasites, but caution must be exercised in order to avoid descriptions of pseudoparasites.2418791Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES

Presión de caza sobre crácidos (Cracidae: Aves) en concesiones forestales en Perú

The impact of timber exploitation on biodiversity is usually increased by hunting in the exploited area. Proper forest management practices on areas under commercial exploitation minimize hunting and damage to the forest. Large species of Cracidae, the most endangered family of birds in the Neotropics, are among the first to be affected in a Neotropical forest damaged by timber-extraction activities, and where at least moderate hunting occurs. Herein an assessment of cracids is carried out in three areas with selective logging in Peru in 2004 and 2005, is used to evaluate hunting pressure. Tree inventory trails were used as transects, and density was calculated using the line transect methodology. Four species of cracids were evaluated, and density was calculated for three of them. The area with lower hunting pressure, Maderyja, showed higher cracid diversity and was the only with the presence of razor-billed curassows (Mitu tuberosum) and blue-throated pining-guans (Pipile cumanensis), two sought-after prey species. Areas where hunting intensity is higher had lower cracid diversity. The density of the M. tuberosum was high in Maderyja: 11.3 ind/km2 (95% CI: 7.4 – 17.3 ind/km2). In contrast, Spix’s guan (Penelope jacquacu) did not show a marked difference among areas, unless compared to heavily hunted sites. The higher diversity of cracids and the density found for razor-billed curassows suggests Maderyja had low hunting pressure in the past and is properly managed towards wildlife. Currently, the Peruvian Amazon is being opened for forestry concessions and hydrocarbons exploitation and proper management towards wildlife is necessary to guarantee the conservation of susceptible taxa such as cracids.Prácticas adecuadas de manejo forestal en áreas bajo explotación comercial reducen la caza y los daños al bosque. Las especies de aves de gran tamaño como los Cracidae, la familia más amenazada de aves en el Neotrópico, se encuentran entre las primeras afectadas por la extracción madedera y con la actividad de caza aunque sea moderada. En el presente trabajo, como una forma de evaluar la presión de caza, entre 2004 y 2005, se estudiaron las poblaciones de crácidos en tres zonas donde se realiza tala selectiva en el Perú. Senderos para inventario de árboles fueron utilizados como transectos, y la densidad se calculo utilizando la metodología de transecto lineal. Cuatro especies de crácidos fueron evaluados, y la densidad fue calculada para tres de ellos. El área con menor presión de la caza, Maderyja, mostro una mayor diversidad de crácidos y fue la única con la presencia del Paujil Común (Mitu tuberosum) y la Pava de Garganta Azul (Pipile cumanensis), dos codiciadas presas. La diversidad de crácidos fue menor en áreas con intensidad de la caza mayor. La densidad de M. tuberosum fue mayor en Maderyja: 11,3 ind/km2 (95% CI: 7,4 – 17,3 ind/km2). Por el contrario, la Pava de Spix (Penelope jacquacu) no mostró diferencia significativa entre las áreas, salvo comparada con sitios con intensa actividad de caza. La mayor diversidad de crácidos y la densidad encontrada para M. tuberosum sugiere que Maderyja tuvo baja presión de la caza en el pasado y tiene un adecuado manejo de la biodiversidad. En la actualidad, la Amazonía peruana se abre para las concesiones forestales y la explotación de hidrocarburos y el manejo adecuado a la vida silvestre es necesario para garantizar la conservación de los taxones sensibles como crácidos

The complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic position of the critically endangered Trinidad Piping Guan, Pipile pipile synonym Aburria pipile (Aves: Galliformes).

This is an Author's Accepted Manuscript of an article published in Mitochondrial DNA Part B on 04/09/2016, copyright of Taylor & Francis, available online at: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/23802359.2016.1219622The complete mitochondrial genome of the Critically Endangered Trinidad Piping Guan, Pipile pipile (Jacquin 1784) synonym Aburria pipile was sequenced for the first time in this study. The genome is 16,665 bp in length with overall base compositions of 30.1, 23.7, 32.3 and 13.9% for A, T, C, and G, respectively. Structurally, the P. pipile mitogenome is comparable to that of other Galliformes, thereby demonstrating typical avian gene organization. The mitogenome was subsequently used to produce a revised phylogenetic placement of P. pipile within the Galliforme order, positioning the Pipile genus basal within the Cracidae family. It is further envisaged that this novel genomic data will contribute to a wider understanding of genetic relationships within the genus Pipile and the analysis of the evolutionary relationships of the Galliforme order in a wider avian context

Morphology and vocalization support specific status of the Chestnut-headed Chachalaca, Ortalis motmot ruficeps (Wagler, 1830) (Aves; Galliformes; Cracidae)

The Little Chachalaca (Ortalis motmot) is a widely distributed species in the Amazon basin, typically found in riverine habitats. There are two disjunct populations: the northern O. m. motmot and the southern O. m. ruficeps (known as Chestnut-headed Chachalaca). Here we performed a vocal, morphological and plumage comparison between these two taxa. Birds present differences in tail coloration but are otherwise undiagnosable in terms of plumage. Ortalis m. ruficeps is, however, markedly smaller and lighter than O. m. motmot, with no overlap in size or weight. We also found vocal differences between O. m. motmot and O. m. ruficeps, no overlap in geographic distributions and no signs of hybridization across its range. Based on the available data, Ortalis m. ruficeps thus must be considered a valid species, endemic to Brazil

ABERRANT PLUMAGE IN THE WHITE‐THROATED PIPING‐GUAN (PIPILE GRAYI PELZELN, 1870, CRACIDAE)

ABSTRACT ∙ There is limited information regarding cases of aberrant plumage in Cracidae. Here we present the first record of aberrant plumage in the White‐throated Piping‐guan (Pipile grayi). The individual with aberrant plumage was predominantly white‐colored, but with pale cream underparts. Unfeathered body parts like the fleshy wattle, bill, and tarsus had pink color. Based on these characteristics we conclude that it likely constitutes a case of “Ino‐light” mutation.RESUMO ∙ Plumagem aberrante em Jacutinga‐de‐barbela‐branca (Pipile grayi Pelzeln, 1870, Cracidae) Informações referentes a aberrações na coloração de plumagem são limitadas. Nesta comunicação breve apresenta‐ mos o primeiro registro de coloração aberrante de plumagem de Jacutinga‐de‐barbela‐branca (Pipile grayi). O indi‐ víduo apresentou plumagem com coloração predominantemente branca, com as partes inferiores com coloração creme. Outras partes do corpo, como barbela, bico e tarso apresentaram coloração rosada. Através destas caracterís‐ ticas fenotípicas e utilizando‐se de chaves de identificação para mutação de plumagem em aves disponíveis na litera‐ tura é suscetível que esta aberração se trate de um caso de mutação “Ino‐light

Molecular Data Confirm the Presence of Multiple Landfowl Kinds

Undergraduate Basi

Colonización de la Mesopotamia Argentina por la Charata (Ortalis Canicollis)

We report information from museum specimens, online databases, bibliographic records and field data that show colonization of the Argentinean provinces of Entre Ríos and Corrientes (Argentinean Mesopotamia) by Chaco Chachalacas (Ortalis canicollis). This colonization probably started during the first decades of the 20th Century, and this cracid is currently expanding its range towards the Uruguay River basin.Reportamos información bibliográfica, de especímenes de museo, de bases de datos en línea e información a campo que muestran la colonización reciente de las provincias de Entre Ríos y Corrientes (Mesopotamia argentina) por parte de la Charata (Ortalis canicollis). Esta colonización comenzó probablemente durante las primeras décadas del siglo 20, y este crácido está actualmente expandiendo su distribución hacia la cuenca del río Uruguay.Fil: Fraga, Rosendo Manuel. Provincia de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Universidad Autónoma de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción; ArgentinaFil: Jordan, Emilio Ariel. Provincia de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Universidad Autónoma de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción; ArgentinaFil: Dardanelli, Sebastián. Provincia de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Universidad Autónoma de Entre Ríos. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Santa Fe. Centro de Investigaciones Científicas y Transferencia de Tecnología a la Producción; Argentina. Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria. Centro Regional Entre Ríos. Estación Experimental Agropecuaria Paraná; ArgentinaFil: Figuerero, Carlos. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste; Argentin