Kinosternon scorpioides scorpioides Linnaeus, 1766: range extension and first records in the upper Paraguay River basin and Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

The Scorpion mud turtle (Kinosternon scorpioides) is the chelonian species with the largest distribution range in the Neotropics. The species is reportedly distributed as two disjunct populations in South America: the Amazonian and the Chacoan populations. We present new records of K. s. scorpioides which represent an expansion of the species distribution, with the first records for the Upper Paraguay River basin, the first records for the Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil, as well as an evidence that the two previously documented populations area not disjunct

The end of an entire biome? World's largest wetland, the Pantanal, is menaced by the Hidrovia project which is uncertain to sustainably support large-scale navigation

The resurgent navigation project known as the Hidrovia Paraguay-Paraná threatens the integrity of the Pantanal, the world's largest wetland, which is considered a biome of its own. Intensive barge navigation is intended to transport crops (soybean, sugar, corn) and cement, iron and manganese from areas of production in Brazil, Paraguay and Bolivia to the oceanic ports of the Plata River. This short communication assembles the information available on the potential impacts of the planned deepening of the natural channel of the Paraguay River in its ~700 km-long upper section. These river channel alterations would disconnect the river from its floodplain, shorten the inundation period, and shrink the wetland area, resulting in severe degradation of the globally outstanding biological and cultural diversity of the Pantanal. The river sediments are mostly sandy and would require perpetual dredging. The reaches needing the most intensive dredging are those of the highest ecological value, protected as a National Park, UNESCO World Heritage and Biosphere Reserves, and various Indigenous reserves and Ramsar sites. Climate change is projected to increase the occurrence of low water periods. Between 2019 and 2021, navigation was impossible even in the already-deepened reaches of the Paraguay River between Corumbá and Asuncion during long periods of the year. Thus, despite considerable financial and technical efforts, the success of the navigation project is doubtful, whereas enormous environmental, cultural, and social impacts can be anticipated. For these reasons, the Brazilian government had already turned down the project in 2000. We suggest alternative, less impactful modes of transport of commodities, e.g., via railway

Results of seropositivity to CHIKV antibodies, according with anti-CHIKV IgG by ELISA assay and neutralizing antibody titers (PRNT₈₀) for the participant paired samples from Vila Toninho during the study (FB = Baseline 2015/2016, A01 = Follow-up 2016/2017, A02 = Follow-up 2017/2018 and A03 = Follow-up 2018/2019).

Results of seropositivity to CHIKV antibodies, according with anti-CHIKV IgG by ELISA assay and neutralizing antibody titers (PRNT80) for the participant paired samples from Vila Toninho during the study (FB = Baseline 2015/2016, A01 = Follow-up 2016/2017, A02 = Follow-up 2017/2018 and A03 = Follow-up 2018/2019).</p

Primers used in the sequencing of the structural genes (E1/6k/E2) of CHIKV.

Primers used in the sequencing of the structural genes (E1/6k/E2) of CHIKV.</p

Anti-CHIKV IgG/IgM and anti-MAYV IgG in Panel Samples According to Sociodemographic Characteristics.

Anti-CHIKV IgG/IgM and anti-MAYV IgG in Panel Samples According to Sociodemographic Characteristics.</p

Anti-CHIKV IgG by ELISA Seroprevalence in the Population Study between 2015 and 2019 According to Age and Sex.

Anti-CHIKV IgG by ELISA Seroprevalence in the Population Study between 2015 and 2019 According to Age and Sex.</p

Chikungunya-confirmed cases in São José do Rio Preto (SJRP), SP, between 2015 and 2019, according with epidemiological bulletins.

Chikungunya-confirmed cases in São José do Rio Preto (SJRP), SP, between 2015 and 2019, according with epidemiological bulletins.</p

Area of Study.

(A) Geopolitical map of South America, showing Brazil (dark green), and São Paulo state (with the latter highlighted in green, São José do Rio Preto (black point), (B) São José do Rio Preto located in the northeastern region of São Paulo State, and (C) the Vila Toninho neighborhood located in the Southeastern part of the city. Shapefile downloaded from https://portaldemapas.ibge.gov.br/portal.php#homepage.</p

Information of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) sequences included in the dataset.

Information of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) sequences included in the dataset.</p

Serological outcome of the anti-CHIKV IgG/IgM (ELISA) and neutralizing antibody titers (PRNT₈₀) in samples from dengue-suspected patients in the 2019 outbreak.

Serological outcome of the anti-CHIKV IgG/IgM (ELISA) and neutralizing antibody titers (PRNT80) in samples from dengue-suspected patients in the 2019 outbreak.</p