Los estanques urbanos como un riesgo potencial en la transmisión de parásitos

We studied freshwater snails inhabiting an urban pond in an enclosed private community from the northern Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina for a year and monitored individuals in order to observe parasite emergence. Specimens of the predominant snail species were measured and analyzed histologically to examine possible larval effects on the gonadal tissue causing alterations in the developmental stages of the gonads and the degree of parasite prevalence per age, sex, and host size calculated. Four species of snails were registered: Pomacea canaliculata, Physa acuta, Biomphalaria peregrina and Heleobia parchappii. The last of these was the most abundant, whose breeding season was in the spring. The parasitized snails exhibited a greater average length than those free of parasites. The larval prevalence increased with host length, becoming the highest in post-reproductive stage, but was not different between the sexes. Among the emerged cercariae, we noted a marked predominance of the family Notocotylidae.Se estudiaron durante un año los gasterópodos de agua dulce que habitan en un estanque urbano en una comunidad privada cerrada del nordeste de la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Se monitorearon individuos para observar la emergencia de parásitos. Los especímenes de las especies de caracoles predominantes se midieron y se analizaron histológicamente para examinar los posibles efectos de larvas en el tejido gonadal, provocando alteraciones en las etapas de desarrollo de las gónadas y el grado de prevalencia de parásitos por edad, sexo, y el tamaño del hospedador calculado. Se registraron cuatro especies de gasterópodos: Pomacea canaliculata, Physa acuta, Biomphalaria peregrina y Heleobia parchappii. La última de estas fue más abundante, cuya época de oviposición fue en primavera. Los caracoles parasitados exhibieron una longitud promedio mayor que aquellos libres de parásitos. La prevalencia de larvas aumentó con la longitud del hospedador, llegando a ser la más alta en individuos en etapa postreproductiva, pero no fue diferente entre los sexos. Entre las cercarias emergentes, notamos un marcado predominio de la familia Notocotylidae.Fil: Martín, Stella Maris. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. División Zoología Invertebrados; Argentina. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas; ArgentinaFil: Núñez, Verónica. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. División Zoología Invertebrados; Argentina. Provincia de Buenos Aires. Gobernación. Comisión de Investigaciones Científicas; ArgentinaFil: Gutierrez Gregoric, Diego Eduardo. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. División Zoología Invertebrados; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; ArgentinaFil: Rumi Macchi Z., Alejandra. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Museo. División Zoología Invertebrados; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - La Plata; Argentin

Primera mención del caracol invasor Melanoides tuberculatus (Müller) (Gastropoda: Prosobranchia: Thiaridae) para la Cuenca del Río Iguazú, Argentina – Brasil

In this work is reported the first record of Melanoides tuberculatus in the Iguazú River basin (Argentina-Brazil). This species is native to southern Asia and was anthropogenically introduced to America in the 1960s decade. Sixteen specimens (one adult and 15 juvenile) of M. tuberculatus were recorded at only one site, the rapids of Iguazú River at Isla San Martín, Iguazú National Park, Argentina, in June 2005. This finding of M. tuberculatus specimens suggests the presence of a stable population that would represent a threat to the native mollusk fauna, given that this species promotes replacement and impoverishment of mollusk diversity.En este trabajo se reporta el primer registro de Melanoides tuberculatus en la cuenca del río Iguazú (Argentina-Brasil). Esta especie es nativa del sudeste asiático y fue introducida por el hombre en el continente americano en la década de 1960. Dieciséis ejemplares (un adulto y 15 juveniles) de M. tuberculatus fueron colectados en junio de 2005 en un solo sitio del Parque Nacional Iguazú (Argentina), correspondiente a los rápidos de la Isla San Martín. Este hallazgo sugiere la presencia de una población estable que podría representar una amenaza a la fauna de moluscos nativa, dado que esta especie provoca un reemplazo y empobrecimiento de la diversidad de moluscos.Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Muse

Primera mención del caracol invasor Melanoides tuberculatus (Müller) (Gastropoda: Prosobranchia: Thiaridae) para la Cuenca del Río Iguazú, Argentina – Brasil

In this work is reported the first record of Melanoides tuberculatus in the Iguazú River basin (Argentina-Brazil). This species is native to southern Asia and was anthropogenically introduced to America in the 1960s decade. Sixteen specimens (one adult and 15 juvenile) of M. tuberculatus were recorded at only one site, the rapids of Iguazú River at Isla San Martín, Iguazú National Park, Argentina, in June 2005. This finding of M. tuberculatus specimens suggests the presence of a stable population that would represent a threat to the native mollusk fauna, given that this species promotes replacement and impoverishment of mollusk diversity.En este trabajo se reporta el primer registro de Melanoides tuberculatus en la cuenca del río Iguazú (Argentina-Brasil). Esta especie es nativa del sudeste asiático y fue introducida por el hombre en el continente americano en la década de 1960. Dieciséis ejemplares (un adulto y 15 juveniles) de M. tuberculatus fueron colectados en junio de 2005 en un solo sitio del Parque Nacional Iguazú (Argentina), correspondiente a los rápidos de la Isla San Martín. Este hallazgo sugiere la presencia de una población estable que podría representar una amenaza a la fauna de moluscos nativa, dado que esta especie provoca un reemplazo y empobrecimiento de la diversidad de moluscos.Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Muse

Freshwater gastropods from del Plata basin, Argentina : Checklist and new locality records

The greatest floral and faunal biodiversity estimated from Argentina -not including molluscs - is found in three subtropical forests belonging to the del Plata Basin, two of them at the northeastern part of Argentina (NEA). The aim of this study is to show new records as well as an update of the distribution of the freshwater Gastropoda species in the main NEA rivers: Iguazú, Paraná, Paraguay, and Uruguay. At NEA, 66 species belonging to 9 families are known from literature records. According to the preferences of habitats in this area littoral and bottom species, could be recognized. The former includes 33 species belonging to Ampullariidae, Ancylidae, Lymnaeidae, Physidae, and Planorbidae, and the latter with 33 species of Lithoglyphidae, Cochliopidae, Thiaridae, and Chilinidae. In this paper, 30 species of 8 families were recorded, 25 of them are littoral whereas only 5 species inhabiting the bottom were found, because of the high level of the rivers. Two new records were registered for the country, both belonging to Ancylidae: Gundlachia ticaga and the genus Laevapex. Thus, now there are 68 species at NEA. Twenty-three species increase the number of localities. Planorbidae was the family with more collected species (13). No Thiaridae species were found.Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Muse

Gasterópodos continentales de importancia sanitaria en el noreste argentino

Respecto a los moluscos, muchas especies poseen importancia biomédica, ya que actúan como vectores (hospedadores intermediarios: HI) de parásitos que se transmiten al hombre y constituyen uno de los principales agentes vectores de zoonosis. Entre las acciones necesarias de abordar, es imprescindible inicialmente desarrollar una base de datos que permita establecer programas de monitoreo locales, determinar los grupos de especies de importancia biomédica (humana y veterinaria) y que contribuya al conocimiento de la biodiversidad, del estatus de la fauna regional y permita identificar hábitats y especies amenazadas. La información generada es fundamental al momento de planificar y desarrollar estrategias de control epidemiológico de endemias establecidas a nivel local o de prevenir el asentamiento de otras, movilizadas desde diferentes regiones de Latinoamérica o desde otros continentes. Particularmente en el NEA se encuentran áreas de alta diversidad y riqueza de especies de moluscos, producto de condiciones climáticas y geográficas favorables, con gran diversidad de ambientes acuáticos y alta humedad ambiente.Trabajos presentados en el taller “Moluscos de interés sanitario en la Argentina” Instituto Nacional de Medicina Tropical (Misiones, 1 de agosto de 2012)Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Muse

The giant African snail, <i>Achatina fulica</i> (Gastropoda: Achatinidae): Using bioclimatic models to identify South American areas susceptible to invasion

The best way to reduce problems related to invasive species is by preventing introductions into potentially susceptible areas. The purpose of this study was to create distribution models for the invasive gastropod Achatina fulica Bowdich, 1822 in South America in order to evaluate its potential geographic distribution and identify areas at potential risk. This mollusc, considered one of the 100 world's worst invasive alien species, is the focus of intense concern due to its impact on agriculture, human health, and native fauna. We tested two commonly used ecological niche modeling methods: Genetic Algorithm for Rule-Set Prediction (GARP) and Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt). Models were run with occurrence points obtained from several sources, including the scientific literature, international databases, governmental reports and newspapers, WorldClim bioclimatic variables, and altitude. Models were evaluated with the threshold-independent Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) and Area Under the Curve (AUC). Both models had consistent performances with similar areas predicted as susceptible, including areas already affected and new potentially susceptible areas in both tropical and temperate regions of South America.Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Muse

Latin American Malacology. Freshwater Mollusks from Argentina

Latin American Malacology. Freshwater Mollusks from Argentina. A report and an updated list with comments on the species of freshwater molluscs of Argentina which covers an area of 2 777 815 km 2 is presented. Distributions of Gastropoda and Bivalvia families, endemic, exotic, invasive as well as entities of sanitary importance are also studied and recommendations on their conservation are provided. Molluscs related to the Del Plata Basin have been thoroughly studied in comparison to others areas of the country. This fauna exhibits relatively the biggest specific richness and keeps its affinity with the fauna of other regions of the basin in areas of Paraguay and Brasil. The 4 500 records of molluscs considered in this paper arise from the study of the collections of Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia", Buenos Aires; Museo de La Plata, La Plata and Fundacion "Miguel Lillo", Tucuman. These institutions keep very important collections of molluscs in southern South America. Field information has recently been obtained and localities cited by other authors are also included in the data base. Until today, 166 species have been described, 101 belonging to 10 families of Gastropoda and 65 to 7 of Bivalvia. Families with highest specific richness are Lithoglyphidae (22) and Sphaeriidae (25), respectively. The number of endemic species (those present only in Argentina) by family is: Gastropoda: Ampullariidae (1), Cochliopidae (10), Lithoglyphidae (11), Thiariidae (3), Chilinidae (11), Lymnaeidae (2) and Physidae (2?); Bivalvia: Hyriidae (1?); Etheriidae (1?) and Sphaeriidae (10). Families with a distribution that comprise almost the whole country are: the Sphaeriidae and the gastropods Cochliopidae, Chilinidae and Lymnaeidae. Families Erodonidae and Solecurtidae (Bivalvia) were registered in mixohaline environments from Buenos Aires province. Gastropod families Thiaridae and Glacidorbiidae show a very restricted distribution. The rest of the families are present mainly in the center and north of the country. Species of sanitary interest are the propagators of: schistosomiasis -Biomphalaria peregrina, B. straminea y B. tenagophila, Planorbidae-, fasciolasis -Lymnaea viatrix and L. columnella, Lymnaeidae- and dermatitis -Chilina gibbosa and C. fluminea, Chilinidae. Invasive species are: Corbicula fluminea (Corbiculidae) and Limnoperna fortunei (Mytilidae). The construction of new areas for the protection and conservation of the high risk endemic species of freshwater molluscs is a priority. It is necessary to give special attention to the species of the patagonic mountain range and of the mesopotamic area of the Del Plata Basin.Se presenta un estado de situación y una lista actualizada y comentada sobre las especies de moluscos de agua dulce de la República Argentina. Se aborda en Gastropoda y Bivalvia la distribución a nivel de familias; las entidades endémicas, exóticas, invasoras y de importancia sanitaria. Los moluscos relacionados a la cuenca del Plata presentan la mayor riqueza específica. Base de datos: 4 500 registros relevados de las tres colecciones más importantes de la Argentina: MLP, MACN y FML. Además, se incluye información de recolecciones actuales y localidades citadas por otros autores. Hasta el presente han sido descritas 166 especies. De ellas 101 pertenecen a 10 familias de Gastropoda y 65 a 7 de Bivalvia. Las familias que presentan mayor riqueza específica son Lithoglyphidae (22) y Sphaeriidae (25), respectivamente. Sphaeriidae, Cochliopidae, Chilinidae y Lymnaeidae se distribuyen prácticamente en todo el país. Erodonidae y Solecurtidae se registran en ambientes mixohalinos de la provincia de Buenos Aires. Thiaridae y Glacidorbiidae presentan una distribución muy restringida. Especies endémicas de la Argentina: Gastropoda: Ampullariidae (1), Cochliopidae (10), Lithoglyphidae (11), Thiariidae (3), Chilinidae (11), Lymnaeidae (2) y Physidae (2?); Bivalvia: Hyriidae (1?); Etheriidae (1?) y Sphaeriidae (10). Especies de interés sanitario: propagadoras de: Esquistosomiasis, Biomphalaria peregrina, B. straminea y B. tenagophila (Planorbidae); Fasciolasis, Lymnaea viatrix y L. columnella (Lymnaeidae); y dermatitis esquistosómicas, Chilina gibbosa y C. fluminea (Chilinidae). Especies de origen asiático: Corbicula fluminea (Corbiculidae) y Limnoperna fortunei (Mytilidae). Es prioritaria la formación de áreas protegidas para la conservación de especies endémicas, especialmente de la Mesopotamia Argentina.Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Muse

Latin American Malacology. Freshwater Mollusks from Argentina

Latin American Malacology. Freshwater Mollusks from Argentina. A report and an updated list with comments on the species of freshwater molluscs of Argentina which covers an area of 2 777 815 km 2 is presented. Distributions of Gastropoda and Bivalvia families, endemic, exotic, invasive as well as entities of sanitary importance are also studied and recommendations on their conservation are provided. Molluscs related to the Del Plata Basin have been thoroughly studied in comparison to others areas of the country. This fauna exhibits relatively the biggest specific richness and keeps its affinity with the fauna of other regions of the basin in areas of Paraguay and Brasil. The 4 500 records of molluscs considered in this paper arise from the study of the collections of Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia", Buenos Aires; Museo de La Plata, La Plata and Fundacion "Miguel Lillo", Tucuman. These institutions keep very important collections of molluscs in southern South America. Field information has recently been obtained and localities cited by other authors are also included in the data base. Until today, 166 species have been described, 101 belonging to 10 families of Gastropoda and 65 to 7 of Bivalvia. Families with highest specific richness are Lithoglyphidae (22) and Sphaeriidae (25), respectively. The number of endemic species (those present only in Argentina) by family is: Gastropoda: Ampullariidae (1), Cochliopidae (10), Lithoglyphidae (11), Thiariidae (3), Chilinidae (11), Lymnaeidae (2) and Physidae (2?); Bivalvia: Hyriidae (1?); Etheriidae (1?) and Sphaeriidae (10). Families with a distribution that comprise almost the whole country are: the Sphaeriidae and the gastropods Cochliopidae, Chilinidae and Lymnaeidae. Families Erodonidae and Solecurtidae (Bivalvia) were registered in mixohaline environments from Buenos Aires province. Gastropod families Thiaridae and Glacidorbiidae show a very restricted distribution. The rest of the families are present mainly in the center and north of the country. Species of sanitary interest are the propagators of: schistosomiasis -Biomphalaria peregrina, B. straminea y B. tenagophila, Planorbidae-, fasciolasis -Lymnaea viatrix and L. columnella, Lymnaeidae- and dermatitis -Chilina gibbosa and C. fluminea, Chilinidae. Invasive species are: Corbicula fluminea (Corbiculidae) and Limnoperna fortunei (Mytilidae). The construction of new areas for the protection and conservation of the high risk endemic species of freshwater molluscs is a priority. It is necessary to give special attention to the species of the patagonic mountain range and of the mesopotamic area of the Del Plata Basin.Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Muse

Freshwater gastropods from del Plata basin, Argentina : Checklist and new locality records

The greatest floral and faunal biodiversity estimated from Argentina -not including molluscs - is found in three subtropical forests belonging to the del Plata Basin, two of them at the northeastern part of Argentina (NEA). The aim of this study is to show new records as well as an update of the distribution of the freshwater Gastropoda species in the main NEA rivers: Iguazú, Paraná, Paraguay, and Uruguay. At NEA, 66 species belonging to 9 families are known from literature records. According to the preferences of habitats in this area littoral and bottom species, could be recognized. The former includes 33 species belonging to Ampullariidae, Ancylidae, Lymnaeidae, Physidae, and Planorbidae, and the latter with 33 species of Lithoglyphidae, Cochliopidae, Thiaridae, and Chilinidae. In this paper, 30 species of 8 families were recorded, 25 of them are littoral whereas only 5 species inhabiting the bottom were found, because of the high level of the rivers. Two new records were registered for the country, both belonging to Ancylidae: Gundlachia ticaga and the genus Laevapex. Thus, now there are 68 species at NEA. Twenty-three species increase the number of localities. Planorbidae was the family with more collected species (13). No Thiaridae species were found.Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Muse

Terrestrial gastropods from Misiones Province, Argentina

Terrestrial gastropods from Misiones Province, Argentina. The Atlantic Forest represents one of the global priority eco-regions for biodiversity conservation. In Argentina, this is represented by the Paranense Forest, which occupies much of the Misiones Province. In this paper, an updated list of land mollusks from Misiones Province is presented, and its species richness was evaluated comparing protected and unprotected areas. For this, we reviewed La Plata Museum Mollusk Collection, updated the literature review, and developed some field work between 2009 and 2010. For the areographic work, a grid (50x50km) was applied to a Misiones province map. In this region, large areas of native vegetation constituting the Paranaense Forest still persist, and include protected areas such as the Iguazú National Park and Puerto Península Provincial Park. These areas have been the most explored at the malacological level (both terrestrial and aquatic environments), a fact that is consistent with the greater number of records found, which may also be the explanation for the highest number of species recorded in the region. A database containing 497 records was compiled. The number of species occurring in this Province was increased from 28 to 56; 11 of which were exotic species. A total of 38 of the species occurred in protected areas and 53 in unprotected areas; and 25 species were micro-mollusks. Orthalicidae was the family with the highest species number (10) and the widest distribution, occupying 16/20 sampling units. Megalobulimus was the genus found in a greater number of sampling units (14/20). The highest values of specific richness of land gastropods were found in Northern Misiones (R=32). This richness was similar to that previously reported for the Tucumán Province, although species occurring in both provinces were mostly different. The richness in Misiones Province border areas, as the Republic of Paraguay and the state of Santa Catarina (Brazil), was about twice that found in the province. The present study showed the existence of poorly explored areas at malacological level, especially in Central and Eastern Misiones. Data presented here will allow focus future sampling efforts on such areas, so patterns of species distribution can be better defined.Facultad de Ciencias Naturales y Muse