Mammals, Volta Grande Environmental Unity, Triângulo Mineiro, states of Minas Gerais and São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil

The Volta Grande Environmental Unity represents one of the few remnants of Cerrado protected by a reserve in the Triângulo Mineiro region, municipalities of Conceição das Alagoas (19°55' S, 48°23' W) and Miguelópolis (20°12' S, 48°03' W), in the states of Minas Gerais and São Paulo, respectively. The mammalian fauna of this reserve was inventoried between 2003 and 2004 to generate estimates about taxonomic composition, richness, and abundance of species. A sampling effort of 832 trapping-nights resulted in 24 species recorded. Cumulative curves suggest that the overall inventory is not complete and that more species are likely to be registered. The majority of species recorded is widespread along the Cerrado, but include some noteworthy records of endangered species, such as the Giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) and the Manned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus). The record of the arboreal cricetid rodent Oecomys bicolor represents a slight extension of the southeastern limit of its distribution

Frugivoría de murciélagos en una región semiárida amenazada en el sureste de Brasil

Fruit bats have a high seed dispersal capacity contributing to the establishment of numerous plant species. In this work we examined the frugivorous diet of phyllostomid bats in the Cavernas do Peruaçu National Park, north of Minas Gerais, Brazil, an ecotone region of Caatinga and Cerrado biomes. Four expeditions were carried out between December 2008 and November 2009, totalling 80 nights of sampling, to collect data and feces from captured bats. The highest number of fecal samples were provided by Artibeus planirostris and Carollia perspicillata. Four plant families were registered, the largest number for Cecropiaceae, followed by Solanaceae; Piperaceae, and Moraceae.Los murciélagos frugívoros tienen una alta capacidad de dispersión de semillas contribuyendo al establecimiento de numerosas especies vegetales. Aquí, examinamos la dieta frugívora de los murciélagos filostómidos en el Parque Nacional Cavernas do Peruaçu, al norte de Minas Gerais, Brazil, una región de ecotonos de los biomas de Caatinga y Cerrado. Realizamos cuatro expediciones entre diciembre de 2008 y noviembre de 2009, totalizando 80 noches de muestreo, para recolectar datos y heces de murciélagos capturados. Artibeus planirostris y Carollia perspicillata proporcionaron el mayor número de muestras fecales. Se registraron cuatro familias de plantas, el mayor número para Cecropiaceae, seguida de Solanaceae; Piperaceae y Moraceae

Environment, interactions between Trypanosoma cruzi and its host, and health Meio-ambiente, interações entre Trypanosoma cruzi e seu hospedeiro e saúde humana

An epidemiological chain involving Trypanosoma cruzi is discussed at the environmental level, and in terms of fine molecular interactions in invertebrate and vertebrate hosts dwelling in different ecosystems. This protozoan has a complex, genetically controlled plasticity, which confers adaptation to approximately 40 blood-sucking triatomine species and to over 1,000 mammalian species, fulfilling diverse metabolic requirements in its complex life-cycle. The Tr. cruzi infections are deeply embedded in countless ecotypes, where they are difficult to defeat using the control methods that are currently available. Many more field and laboratory studies are required to obtain data and information that may be used for the control and prevention of Tr. cruzi infections and their various disease manifestations. Emphasis should be placed on those sensitive interactions at cellular and environmental levels that could become selected targets for disease prevention. In the short term, new technologies for social mobilization should be used by people and organizations working for justice and equality through health information and promotion. A mass media directed program could deliver education, information and communication to protect the inhabitants at risk of contracting Tr. cruzi infections.<br>Uma rede epidemiológica envolvendo o Trypanosoma cruzi foi discutida nos níveis ambientais e de interações moleculares nos hospedeiros que habitam em 19 diferentes ecossistemas. O protozoário tem uma enorme plasticidade controlada geneticamente que confere sua adaptação a cerca de quarenta espécies de triatomíneos e mais de mil espécies de mamíferos. Essas infecções estão profundamente embutidas em inúmeros ecótopos, onde elas estão inacessíveis aos métodos de controle utilizados. Muito mais estudos de campo e de laboratório são necessários à obtenção de dados e informação pertinentes ao controle e prevenção das infecções pelo Tr. cruzi e as várias manifestações da doença. Ênfase deve ser dada àquelas interações que ocorrem nos níveis celulares e ambientais que se poderiam tomar como alvos seletivos para prevenção da doença. Novas tecnologias para mobilização social devem ser disponibilizadas para os que trabalham pela justiça e pela igualdade, mediante informação para a promoção da saúde. Um programa direcionado de educação de massa pode prover informação e comunicação necessárias para proteger os habitantes atualmente expostos ao risco de contrair as infecções pelo Tr. cruzi