Wild dogs at stake: deforestation threatens the only Amazon endemic canid, the short-eared dog (Atelocynus microtis)

The persistent high deforestation rate and fragmentation of the Amazon forests are the main threats to their biodiversity. To anticipate and mitigate these threats, it is important to understand and predict how species respond to the rapidly changing landscape. The short-eared dog Atelocynus microtis is the only Amazon-endemic canid and one of the most understudied wild dogs worldwide. We investigated short-eared dog habitat associations on two spatial scales. First, we used the largest record database ever compiled for short-eared dogs in combination with species distribution models to map species habitat suitability, estimate its distribution range and predict shifts in species distribution in response to predicted deforestation across the entire Amazon (regional scale). Second, we used systematic camera trap surveys and occupancy models to investigate how forest cover and forest fragmentation affect the space use of this species in the Southern Brazilian Amazon (local scale). Species distribution models suggested that the short-eared dog potentially occurs over an extensive and continuous area, through most of the Amazon region south of the Amazon River. However, approximately 30% of the short-eared dog's current distribution is expected to be lost or suffer sharp declines in habitat suitability by 2027 (within three generations) due to forest loss. This proportion might reach 40% of the species distribution in unprotected areas and exceed 60% in some interfluves (i.e. portions of land separated by large rivers) of the Amazon basin. Our local-scale analysis indicated that the presence of forest positively affected short-eared dog space use, while the density of forest edges had a negative effect. Beyond shedding light on the ecology of the short-eared dog and refining its distribution range, our results stress that forest loss poses a serious threat to the conservation of the species in a short time frame. Hence, we propose a re-assessment of the short-eared dog's current IUCN Red List status (Near Threatened) based on findings presented here. Our study exemplifies how data can be integrated across sources and modelling procedures to improve our knowledge of relatively understudied species

Mortality from gastrointestinal congenital anomalies at 264 hospitals in 74 low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries: a multicentre, international, prospective cohort study

Summary Background Congenital anomalies are the fifth leading cause of mortality in children younger than 5 years globally. Many gastrointestinal congenital anomalies are fatal without timely access to neonatal surgical care, but few studies have been done on these conditions in low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs). We compared outcomes of the seven most common gastrointestinal congenital anomalies in low-income, middle-income, and high-income countries globally, and identified factors associated with mortality. Methods We did a multicentre, international prospective cohort study of patients younger than 16 years, presenting to hospital for the first time with oesophageal atresia, congenital diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal atresia, gastroschisis, exomphalos, anorectal malformation, and Hirschsprung’s disease. Recruitment was of consecutive patients for a minimum of 1 month between October, 2018, and April, 2019. We collected data on patient demographics, clinical status, interventions, and outcomes using the REDCap platform. Patients were followed up for 30 days after primary intervention, or 30 days after admission if they did not receive an intervention. The primary outcome was all-cause, in-hospital mortality for all conditions combined and each condition individually, stratified by country income status. We did a complete case analysis. Findings We included 3849 patients with 3975 study conditions (560 with oesophageal atresia, 448 with congenital diaphragmatic hernia, 681 with intestinal atresia, 453 with gastroschisis, 325 with exomphalos, 991 with anorectal malformation, and 517 with Hirschsprung’s disease) from 264 hospitals (89 in high-income countries, 166 in middleincome countries, and nine in low-income countries) in 74 countries. Of the 3849 patients, 2231 (58·0%) were male. Median gestational age at birth was 38 weeks (IQR 36–39) and median bodyweight at presentation was 2·8 kg (2·3–3·3). Mortality among all patients was 37 (39·8%) of 93 in low-income countries, 583 (20·4%) of 2860 in middle-income countries, and 50 (5·6%) of 896 in high-income countries (p<0·0001 between all country income groups). Gastroschisis had the greatest difference in mortality between country income strata (nine [90·0%] of ten in lowincome countries, 97 [31·9%] of 304 in middle-income countries, and two [1·4%] of 139 in high-income countries; p≤0·0001 between all country income groups). Factors significantly associated with higher mortality for all patients combined included country income status (low-income vs high-income countries, risk ratio 2·78 [95% CI 1·88–4·11], p<0·0001; middle-income vs high-income countries, 2·11 [1·59–2·79], p<0·0001), sepsis at presentation (1·20 [1·04–1·40], p=0·016), higher American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score at primary intervention (ASA 4–5 vs ASA 1–2, 1·82 [1·40–2·35], p<0·0001; ASA 3 vs ASA 1–2, 1·58, [1·30–1·92], p<0·0001]), surgical safety checklist not used (1·39 [1·02–1·90], p=0·035), and ventilation or parenteral nutrition unavailable when needed (ventilation 1·96, [1·41–2·71], p=0·0001; parenteral nutrition 1·35, [1·05–1·74], p=0·018). Administration of parenteral nutrition (0·61, [0·47–0·79], p=0·0002) and use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (0·65 [0·50–0·86], p=0·0024) or percutaneous central line (0·69 [0·48–1·00], p=0·049) were associated with lower mortality. Interpretation Unacceptable differences in mortality exist for gastrointestinal congenital anomalies between lowincome, middle-income, and high-income countries. Improving access to quality neonatal surgical care in LMICs will be vital to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3.2 of ending preventable deaths in neonates and children younger than 5 years by 2030

Distribuição e abundância de médios e grandes mamíferos na Amazônia central

Medium and large mammals are an important protein source for many human populations, and, depending on the species, their populations may suffer reductions related to hunting and consumption, habitat degradation or both. The distribution and abundance of these animals can vary with the quality and quantity of the surrounding forests (influence of natural and human factors). The study of this variation may help define public policies for the management and conservation of species and to analyze the effectiveness of protected areas. This study aimed at improving the knowledge of the medium and large mammal distribution patterns in order to evaluate a public policy for the western part of the Para State, which was the implementation of Sustainable Forest District of BR-163. In a study case, the geographical distribution of a species of primate, the white marmoset (Mico leucippe) was expanded based on new records for the region. The Maximum Entropy algorithm was used to predict the potential distribution of species based on its potential ecological niche and assist in defining the geographical boundaries for future surveys. The result of this study served as a parameter for reviewing the conservation status of the species, which had its status changed to the category of "Least Concern" in the national and the IUCN Red lists. In the second part of the study population surveys were conducted to identify the factors influencing the pattern of distribution and abundance of medium and large mammals. For this purpose, densities of species were estimated based on linear transects surveys and analyses of the relation between the density distribution and environmental variables, such as temperature, rainfall and altitude, and anthropogenic variables, as a percentage of deforestation, distance to cities and towns, and distance to roads. There was low variation in species abundance along the DFS of the BR-163, and variation in responses depending on the species, but in general there was influence of rainfall (average annual rainfall and rainfall in the dry season) and anthropogenic factors (proximity roads) on density variation. Increment in the sampling 11 effort was analyzed for the most abundant species and has led to increased precision in the density estimation but did not indicate substantial change in the estimate. The relationships found were not strong enough to allow a generalization about the area, but the results establish a parameter for future comparisons, given the good condition of the sampled areas. This was the first study of mammals in the region for that scale, which matched an actual public policy for the region.CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e TecnológicoMamíferos de médio e grande porte representam um recurso importante para muitas populações humanas, e, dependendo da espécie, suas populações podem sofrer reduções relacionadas à caça e ao consumo, à degradação do habitat ou ambos. A distribuição e a abundância desses animais podem variar com a qualidade e a quantidade dos ambientes florestais (influência de fatores naturais e antrópicos). O estudo dessa variação pode ajudar a definir políticas públicas para o manejo e conservação das espécies e analisar a efetividade de Unidades de Conservação. Neste estudo, buscou-se aprimorar os conhecimentos sobre os padrões de distribuição de mamíferos de médio e grande porte com o objetivo de avaliar uma política pública proposta para a região do Oeste Paraense, que foi a implantação do Distrito Florestal Sustentável da BR-163. Em um estudo de caso, a distribuição geográfica de uma espécie de primata, Mico leucippe foi ampliada com base em novos registros de ocorrência na região. O algoritmo de Máxima Entropia foi utilizado para prever a distribuição potencial da espécie baseado em seu nicho ecológico potencial e auxiliar na definição dos limites geográficos para levantamentos futuros. O resultado deste estudo serviu de parâmetro para revisão do estado de conservação da espécie, e norteou a mudança de categoria para “Menos Preocupante”, em ambas as listas, a nacional e a da IUCN. Na segunda parte do estudo, foram conduzidos levantamentos populacionais para identificar os fatores que influenciam a distribuição e a abundância das espécies de médios e grandes mamíferos. Para isso, foram feitas estimativas de densidade das espécies baseadas em levantamentos por transecções lineares e análises da relação entre a distribuição da densidade e variáveis ambientais, como temperatura, pluviosidade e altitude, e variáveis antrópicas, como porcentagem de desmatamento, distância de cidades e vilas, e proximidade de acesso. Houve baixa variação na abundância das espécies ao longo do DFS da BR-163, e variação nas respostas dependendo da espécie, mas de maneira geral houve influência da pluviosidade (mediana da pluviosidade anual e pluviosidade no período seco) e de fatores antrópicos (proximidade de estradas) na variação da densidade. O aumento do esforço amostral, analisado para uma espécie, levou a um aumento da precisão da estimativa de densidade, mas não indicou mudança substancial na estimativa. As relações encontradas não foram fortes o bastante para permitirem uma generalização sobre a área, mas os resultados obtidos estabelecem um parâmetro para comparações futuras, em vista do bom estado de conservação das áreas amostradas. Este é primeiro estudo de mamíferos na região realizado nessa escala, que coincide com a de uma política pública real para a área

O coatá-de-testa-branca (Ateles marginatus) do baixo Rio Tapajós, Pará: distribuição, abundância e conservação

The white-fronted spider monkey, Ateles marginatus, is an endangered species according to IUCN. Endemic to Brazilian Amazonia, its status is due to a combination of a relatively restricted geogaphic distribution and the growing human presence within this area. The present study focussed on the BR-163 (Santarém-Cuiabá) highway, on the right bank of the lower Rio Tapajós, a region of prolonged and intense human occupation. The principal aim of the present study was an evaluation of the distribution and abundance of A. marginatus within this area, and analysis of the factors determining these variables. Residents were interviewed informally at 16 sites in order to confirm the presence or absence of the species. Line transect population surveys were conducted at eight sites, representing differing degrees of habitat fragmentation, with a total transect length of 697.6 km. Groups of A. marginatus were monitored at two sites for the collection of data on their behaviour and ecology. The results indicate that the species is absent from some areas, including natural lacunae in its distribution as well as a zone of local extinction, that appears to extend as least as far as 60 km south of the city of Santarém. A total of 23 species of nonflying mammals were recorded in the population surveys, but the presence of A. marginatus was confirmed at only three sites. The study indicates that isolated fragments of forest of less than one hundred hectares are unable to support populations of A. marginatus. In the case of larger fragments, the presence and abundance of the species appears to be influenced more directly by human factors (hunting and logging). The species seems to be relatively rare even in continuous forest, which is similar to other populations of Ateles in Brazilian Amazonia. Two groups, one with eight members and the other with at least twenty, were identified during monitoring. As in other members of the genus, the formation of subgroups (fission-fusion), a relatively high proportion of females in the population and a frugivorous diet are also observed in A. marginatus. The study reveals the critical situation of the species in the region, in the face of human occupation, and the urgent need both to deter the process of habitat fragmentation and establish new protected areas.CNPq - Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e TecnológicoO coatá-de-testa-branca, Ateles marginatus, é uma espécie de primata ameaçada de extinção segundo a UICN. Endêmica da Amazônia brasileira, este status deve-se a uma combinação de uma distribuição geográfica relativamente restrita e às crescentes pressões antrópicas dentro desta área. O presente estudo compreendeu a margem direita do baixo Rio Tapajós, centrado na rodovia BR-163 (Santarém-Cuiabá), região de intensa e antiga ocupação humana. O objetivo principal do estudo foi uma avaliação da distribuição e abundância de A. marginatus dentro desta área, e a análise dos fatores determinantes destas variáveis. Foram visitados 16 sítios, onde moradores foram entrevistados informalmente para a confirmação da presença ou ausência da espécie. Levantamentos populacionais de transecção linear foram realizados em oito sítios, representativos de diferentes graus de fragmentação de hábitat, com um percurso total de 697,6 km. Em dois sítios, agrupamentos de A. marginatus foram monitorados para a obtenção de dados sobre seu comportamento e ecologia. Os resultados indicam que a espécie é ausente de algumas áreas, incluindo lacunas naturais em sua distribuição e uma zona de extinção local, que parece estender até pelo menos 60 km a sul da cidade de Santarém. Um total de 23 espécies de mamíferos não-voadores foram registradas nos levantamentos populacionais, mas a presença de A. marginatus foi confirmada em apenas três sítios. O estudo indica que fragmentos isolados de floresta com menos de cem hectares não suportam populações de A. marginatus. No caso de fragmentos maiores, a presença e abundância da espécie parecem ser influenciadas mais diretamente por fatores antrópicos (caça e extração de madeira). Mesmo em floresta contínua, a espécie parece ser relativamente pouco abundante, mas semelhante a outras populações de Ateles na Amazônia brasileira. Dois grupos, um com oito membros e o outro com pelo menos vinte, foram identificados durante o monitoramento. Como em outros membros do gênero, a formação de subagrupamentos (fissão-fusão), uma proporção relativamente alta de fêmeas na população e uma dieta frugívora são observadas também em A. marginatus. O estudo deixa clara a situação crítica da espécie na região, frente à ocupação humana, e a necessidade urgente tanto de deter o processo de fragmentação de hábitat como de implantar novas unidades de conservação

A new population of the white bellbird Procnias albus (Hermann, 1783) from lowland southern Brazilian amazonia, with comments on genetic variation in bellbirds

We report on a recently discovered population of the White Bellbird (Procnias albus) in southern Amazonia. Contrary to expectations based on geography and morphological analyses, a recently collected specimen from this new population is genetically closer to the northern subspecies, at the same time that it confirms the overall lack of genetic structure previously reported for the species. Our data reinforces the notion that the subspecies of P. albus may not be diagnosable by morphological and molecular characters. The discovery of a new Procnias albus population not far from the largest human settlement in Brazilian Amazonia underscores the need for more research to better understand avian distribution in this under-studied region

Analysis of atmospheric properties and surface radiation budget using radiative transfer code MOMO

International audienceExtension of radiative transfer code MOMO and validation. Application to IAOOS project combining ground-based and space observation

Primatas do Parque Nacional do Jamanxim/PA: riqueza, distribuição e ameaças / Primates of the Jamanxim National Park: richness, distribution and threats

O Parque Nacional do Jamanxim (PARNA do Jamanxim) está localizado no sudoeste do Pará, e propicia a conectividade entre as unidades de conservação (UCs) da Terra do Meio e da bacia do Rio Tapajós, no interflúvio Tapajós–Xingu, região que abriga considerável riqueza de primatas, inclusive espécies ameaçadas de extinção. Além da estrada BR-163 (Cuiabá–Santarém), que atravessa essa UC, ainda está prevista a construção de uma ferrovia e de complexos hidrelétricos no interior da unidade, tornando urgente a ampliação do conhecimento sobre a biota local. No entanto, ainda não existe um inventário dos primatas que ocorrem na UC. O presente estudo teve como objetivo realizar um levantamento da comunidade de primatas do PARNA do Jamanxim e caracterizar as principais ameaças à sobrevivência de suas populações. A riqueza de primatas foi determinada considerando informações resultantes de três inventários distintos: i) Projeto Integrado MCT–Embrapa (PIME) na Amazônia (2008–2010); ii) Avaliação Ecológica Rápida para o Diagnóstico Faunístico do Mosaico de UCs da Terra do Meio (2009); e iii) inventário realizado pelo Projeto Primatas em Unidades de Conservação da Amazônia (PUCA), do ICMBio (2012). Foram observadas, diretamente, sete das oito espécies esperadas na unidade: Mico leucippe, Sapajus apella, Aotus infulatus, Plecturocebus moloch, Chiropotes albinasus, Alouatta discolor e Ateles marginatus. As entrevistas confirmaram a presença do mão-de-ouro (Saimiri ustus), cuja ocorrência era esperada, mas não foi observada. Das espécies encontradas, as duas espécies de atelídeos encontram-se ameaçadas de extinção: o coatá-da-testabranca (Ateles marginatus), “Em Perigo” (EN), e o guariba-de-mãos-ruivas (Alouatta discolor), “Vulnerável” (VU). Esta última foi observada com bastante frequência nas margens do Rio Jamanxim. O Mico leucippe foi registrado nas duas margens do Rio Jamanxim. Os limites de distribuição entre Plecturocebus moloch e Plecturocebus vieirai precisam ser estabelecidos com mais precisão, bem como a possibilidade de ocorrência do Mico emiliae na área sul do PARNA. Além das ameaças existentes, a recente pavimentação da BR-163 e a previsão de construção de hidrelétricas de grande porte no Rio Jamanxim geram a perspectiva de aumento da pressão antrópica, constituindo as principais ameaças ao futuro dessa importante UC e de sua comunidade de primatas. ABSTRACT The Jamanxim National Park (Jamanxim NP), located in the southwest of Pará, was created in 2006 and extends over ca. 858,000 hectares. This Park has an important role for the conservation of the region’s biodiversity, because it provides connectivity between the protected areas in the Terra do Meio and those in the Tapajós river basin in the Tapajós–Xingu interfluvium, a region with considerable primate richness, including species that are threatened. Besides the road BR-163 (Cuiabá–Santarém) already traversing this park, there are plans for the construction of a railroad and hydroelectric dams inside the area, making urgent the need to know more about the local biota. The objective of this study was to survey the primate community of the Jamanxim National Park primate community and to describe the main threats to these populations. Primate richness was determined through three separate inventories: i) Integrated Project MCT–Embrapa (PIME) in the Amazon (2008–2010); ii) Rapid Ecological Assessment of the Terra do Meio protected areas (2009); and iii) an inventory conducted as part of the ICMBio’s project (2012) on the Primates in Protected Areas of the Amazon (PUCA). Seven of the eight species previously registered for the site were observed: Mico leucippe, Sapajus apella, Aotus infulatus, Plecturocebus moloch, Chiropotes albinasus, Alouatta discolor and Ateles marginatus. Local residents reported the presence of the goldenbacked squirrel monkey, Saimiri ustus. The two atelid species are threatened, the white-frontedspider monkey (Ateles marginatus) is “Endangered” (EN), and the howler (Alouatta discolor) is “Vulnerable” (VU). The latter species was quite often seen on the banks of the Rio Jamanxim. Mico leucippe was recorded on both sides of the Jamanxim. The limits of the ranges of Plecturocebus moloch and Plecturocebus vieirai need to be more precisely defined. The possible occurrence of Mico emiliae in the south of the area should also be investigated. In addition to the extant threats, the recent paving of the BR-163 highway and the projected building of large hydroelectric dams along the Rio Jamanxim are the main threats to the future of this important protected area and its primate community. RESUMEN Primates del Parque Nacional del Jamanxim: riqueza, distribución y amenazas. El Parque Nacional Jamanxim (PARNA del Jamanxim), situada en el suroeste de Pará, fue creado en el 2006 y tiene aproximadamente 858.000 hectáreas. Este Parque posee un importante papel en el contexto regional de conservación de la biodiversidad, pues favorece la conectividad entre las áreas protegidas de Terra do Meio y de la cuenca del rio Tapajós, en el interfluvio Tapajós–Xingu, región que abriga uma considerable riqueza de primates, incluso especies amenazadas de extinción. Además de la ruta BR-163 (Cuiabá–Santarém), que ya cruza esta área protegida, está prevista la construcción de un ferrocarril y de complejos hidroeléctricos dentro del Parque, tornando urgente la ampliación del conocimiento a respecto de la flora y fauna locales. El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo realizar un levantamento de la comunidad de primates del PARNA del Jamanxim y caracterizar las principales amenazas a la sobrevivencia de sus poblaciones. La riqueza de primates se determinó considerando informaciones resultantes de tres distintos inventarios: i) Proyecto Integrado MCT–Embrapa (PIME) en el Amazonas (2008–2010); ii) Evaluación Ecológica Rápida para el diagnóstico sobre la fauna del mosaico de áreas protegidas de la Terra do Meio (2009); y iii) inventario realizado por el proyecto Primates en Áreas Protegidas de la Amazonia (PUCA, de la sigla en portugués) del ICMBio (2012). Fueron observadas directamente siete de las ocho especies registradas para el sitio: Mico leucippe, Sapajus apella, Aotus infulatus, Plecturocebus moloch, Chiropotes albinasus, Alouatta discolor y Ateles marginatus. La presencia de Saimiri ustus fue reportada por residentes locales durante las entrevistas. De ese conjunto, las dos especies de atélidos están amenazadas de extinción, el coatá (Ateles marginatus), “En Peligro” (EN), y el aullador (Alouatta discolor), “Vulnerable” (VU). Esta última se encuentra muy frecuentemente en las orillas del Río Jamanxim. Mico leucippe fue registrado en ambos márgenes del Río Jamanxim. Los limites de la distribución entre Plecturocebus moloch y Plecturocebus vieirai necesitan ser definidos con mas precisión dentro y fuera del PARNA del Jamanxim, así como la posibilidad de ocurrencia de Mico emiliae en la zona sur del parque también debe ser investigada. Además de las amenazas ya existentes, la reciente pavimentación de la BR-163 y la previsión de construcción de represas hidroeléctricas de grande porte em el Río Jamanxim generan perspectiva de agravamiento de esos impactos, constituyendo la

New distribution limits of Bassaricyon alleni Thomas 1880 and insights on an overlooked species in the Western Brazilian Amazon

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Wild dogs at stake: deforestation threatens the only Amazon endemic canid, the short-eared dog (Atelocynus microtis).

The persistent high deforestation rate and fragmentation of the Amazon forests are the main threats to their biodiversity. To anticipate and mitigate these threats, it is important to understand and predict how species respond to the rapidly changing landscape. The short-eared dog Atelocynus microtis is the only Amazon-endemic canid and one of the most understudied wild dogs worldwide. We investigated short-eared dog habitat associations on two spatial scales. First, we used the largest record database ever compiled for short-eared dogs in combination with species distribution models to map species habitat suitability, estimate its distribution range and predict shifts in species distribution in response to predicted deforestation across the entire Amazon (regional scale). Second, we used systematic camera trap surveys and occupancy models to investigate how forest cover and forest fragmentation affect the space use of this species in the Southern Brazilian Amazon (local scale). Species distribution models suggested that the short-eared dog potentially occurs over an extensive and continuous area, through most of the Amazon region south of the Amazon River. However, approximately 30% of the short-eared dog's current distribution is expected to be lost or suffer sharp declines in habitat suitability by 2027 (within three generations) due to forest loss. This proportion might reach 40% of the species distribution in unprotected areas and exceed 60% in some interfluves (i.e. portions of land separated by large rivers) of the Amazon basin. Our local-scale analysis indicated that the presence of forest positively affected short-eared dog space use, while the density of forest edges had a negative effect. Beyond shedding light on the ecology of the short-eared dog and refining its distribution range, our results stress that forest loss poses a serious threat to the conservation of the species in a short time frame. Hence, we propose a re-assessment of the short-eared dog's current IUCN Red List status (Near Threatened) based on findings presented here. Our study exemplifies how data can be integrated across sources and modelling procedures to improve our knowledge of relatively understudied species