The Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit-Sharing provide an international legal framework that aims to prevent misappropriation of the genetic resources of a country and ensure the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their use. The legislation was negotiated at the behest of lower-income, biodiverse countries to ensure that benefits derived from research and development of genetic resources from within their jurisdictions were equitably returned and could thereby incentivize conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Despite good intentions, however, rapid adoption of access and benefit-sharing measures at the national level, often without participatory strategic planning, has hampered noncommercial, international collaborative genetic research with counterproductive consequences for biodiversity conservation and sustainable use. We outline how current implementation of the Convention of Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol affect noncommercial research, such as that conducted in many disciplines in biology, including mammalogy. We use a case study from Brazil, an early adopter, to illustrate some current challenges and highlight downstream consequences for emerging pathogen research and public health. Most emerging pathogens colonize or jump to humans from nonhuman mammals, but noncommercial research in zoonotic diseases is complicated by potential commercial applications. Last, we identify proactive ways for the mammalogical community to engage with the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Nagoya Protocol, through sharing of nonmonetary benefits and working with local natural history collections. Leveraging international scientific societies to collectively communicate the needs of biodiversity science to policy makers will be critical to ensuring that appropriate accommodations are negotiated for noncommercial research.

El Convenio sobre la Diversidad Biológica y el Protocolo de Nagoya sobre Acceso y Distribución de Beneficios proporcionan un marco legal internacional que tiene como objetivo prevenir la apropiación indebida de los recursos genéticos de un país y promover la conservación de la biodiversidad asegurando una distribución justa y equitativa de los beneficios derivados de la utilización de estos recursos. El marco legal se negoció a instancias de países biodiversos y de bajos ingresos, para garantizar que los beneficios derivados de la investigación y el desarrollo a partir de los recursos genéticos por ellos provistos, se distribuyeran equitativamente y, por lo tanto, pudieran incentivar la conservación y el uso sostenible de la biodiversidad. Sin embargo, a pesar de las buenas intenciones, la rápida adopción de medidas de acceso y participación en los beneficios a nivel nacional, a menudo sin una planificación estratégica participativa, ha obstaculizado la investigación internacional sobre recursos genéticos de índole no commercial, con consecuencias contraproducentes para la conservación y el uso sostenible de la biodiversidad. Describimos cómo la implementación actual del Convenio sobre la Diversidad Biológica y el Protocolo de Nagoya afecta la investigación no comercial, tal como la que se lleva a cabo en muchas disciplinas de la biología, incluida la mastozoología. Usamos un estudio de caso de Brasil, uno de los primeros países en adoptar el régimen internacional de acceso y distribución de beneficios, para ilustrar algunos de los desafíos que el mismo supone para resaltar las consecuencias que el marco legal tiene para la investigación de patógenos emergentes y la salud pública, un ejemplo que resulta por demás relevante si consideramos que la mayoría de los patógenos emergentes se propagan a los humanos otros mamíferos no humanos. Por último, identificamos formas proactivas para que la comunidad mastozoológica se involucre con el Convenio sobre la Diversidad Biológica y el Protocolo de Nagoya mediante el intercambio proactivo de beneficios no monetarios y el trabajo con los museos locales de historia natural. El aprovechamiento de las sociedades científicas internacionales para comunicar a los formuladores de políticas las necesidades de la comunidad científica que trabaja en la investigación no comercial de la biodiversidad, será fundamental para garantizar que se negocien los ajustes necesarios para este tipo de investigación.

A Convenção sobre Diversidade Biológica e o Protocolo de Nagoya sobre Acesso e Repartição de Benefícios fornecem uma estrutura legal internacional que visa prevenir a apropriação indevida dos recursos genéticos de um país, e garantir a distribuição justa e equitativa dos benefícios decorrentes de seu uso. A legislação foi negociada por demanda de países de baixa renda e com rica biodiversidade para garantir que os benefícios derivados da pesquisa e desenvolvimento de recursos genéticos dentro de suas jurisdições fossem repartidos de forma equitativa e pudessem, assim, incentivar a conservação e o uso sustentável da biodiversidade. Apesar das boas intenções a rápida adoção de medidas de acesso e repartição de benefícios em nível nacional, muitas vezes sem planejamento estratégico participativo, tem dificultado a pesquisa genética não comercial colaborativa internacional, com consequências contraproducentes para a conservação da biodiversidade e uso sustentável. Descrevemos como a implementação atual da Convenção da Diversidade Biológica e do Protocolo de Nagoya afeta a pesquisa não comercial, como a conduzida em muitas disciplinas da biologia, incluindo a mastozoologia. Usamos um estudo de caso do Brasil, um dos primeiros a adotar legislação específica, para ilustrar alguns desafios atuais e destacar consequências para a pesquisa de patógenos emergentes e para a saúde pública. A maioria dos patógenos emergentes coloniza ou pula para humanos a partir de mamíferos não humanos, mas a pesquisa não comercial em doenças zoonóticas é complicada por potenciais aplicações comerciais. Por fim, sugerimos formas de ação proativas para que a comunidade mastozoológica possa se engajar com a Convenção sobre Diversidade Biológica e o Protocolo de Nagoya, por meio do compartilhamento de benefícios não monetários, e a partir do trabalho com coleções de história natural locais. Aproveitar as sociedades científicas internacionais para transmitir as necessidades da pesquisa básica em biodiversidade aos formuladores de políticas será fundamental para garantir que condições apropriadas sejam negociadas para estudos não comerciais.

Multiple factors affect seed predation, including seed traits, habitat type, seed predator community composition, predation risk, and seasonality. How all these factors and their interactions simultaneously influence seed predation has rarely been tested experimentally in situ. Here, we assessed the relative contribution of the factors driving seed predation in an African savanna rodent community, comprising six ecologically similar species. We first conducted seed preference tests under semicaptive conditions to determine which seed trait (size, shell hardness, nutritional content) influenced seed predation. Then we performed in situ experiments to establish whether rodent community composition (diversity and abundance), seed type, habitat type, seasonality, predation risk, and their interactions affected seed predation. Semicaptive experiments showed that rodents preferred smaller, lighter seeds, containing relatively high water content. In situ experiments showed that predation risk was an important factor influencing seed predation, with rodents removing considerably more seeds in areas where predation risk was lower. Habitat type also affected seed predation, but its effects were strongly linked to predation risk. In areas where predation risk was higher, rodents removed more seeds in more heterogeneous habitats, whereas in areas where predation risk was lower, rodents removed more seeds in less heterogeneous habitats. Seasonality was the least influential factor shaping seed predation. Rodents removed more seeds in winter compared to other seasons, but only in areas where predation risk was low. We provide experimental evidence for a multifaceted approach to understanding the relative contribution of the different factors driving variation in seed predation in natural communities and show that these factors are likely hierarchically arranged.

Pumas (Puma concolor) are solitary large carnivores that exhibit high energetic investments while hunting prey that often take multiple days to consume. Therefore, pumas should behave in a way to maximize their energetic gains, including using caching, which is a behavior used by many mammal species to preserve and store food or to conceal it from conspecifics and scavengers to limit their losses. Yet pumas do not always cache their kills. In order to understand caching behavior, we used variables associated with the kills such as prey mass, search time, climate, and habitat to test 20 ecological models (representing four a priori hypotheses: food perishability, resource pulse, consumption time, and kleptoparasitism deterrence) in an information-theoretic approach of model selection to explore factors related to the caching behavior. Models were run with information from tracked radio-collared pumas in California over a 2.5-year period and identified a total of 352 kills. Overall, we documented pumas caching 61.5% of their kills, including 71.6% of Black-tailed Deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus), their primary prey in the study area. The model with a quadratic effect of adjusted mass of prey on puma caching probability had all of the empirical support (w = 1.00). Specifically, pumas were most likely to cache intermediate-sized prey, such as yearling and adult female deer, and also fed from cached kills for longer periods of time. Larger prey may be too large to easily cache, making it less energetically efficient—while small prey can often be consumed quickly enough to not require caching. This suggests that intermediate-sized prey may be the optimal size for caching, allowing a puma to feed for multiple days while not greatly increasing energetic output. The hypotheses we tested were not mutually exclusive and pumas caching their prey may occur for several reasons; nevertheless, our study demonstrated that pumas use caching to extend their foraging time and maximize energetic gains when preying on intermediate-sized prey.

El esconder comida es un comportamiento utilizado por muchas especies, entre ellos los carnívoros, para conservar y almacenar alimentos u ocultarlos de congéneres y de carroñeros. Los pumas (Puma concolor) son grandes carnívoros solitarios que invierten gran cantidad de energía en cazar sus presas, que a menudo tardan varios días en consumir. Por lo tanto, los pumas deberían comportarse de manera que puedan maximizar sus ganancias energéticas, incluyendo el esconder su comida para reducir las pérdidas a manos de vertebrados carroñeros; sin embargo, los pumas no siempre esconden sus presas. En California rastreamos pumas con radio collares durante 2años y medio, e identificamos 352 presas cazadas. Usando variables asociadas a las cacerías, probamos 20 modelos, que representan 4 hipótesis a priori (alimento-caducidad, recurso-pulso, consumo-tiempo y cleptoparasitismo-disuasión), con un enfoque teórico de la información para explorar factores relacionados con el comportamiento de esconder el alimento. En general, documentamos que los pumas escondieron el 61,5% de sus presas, de las cuales 71,6% eran de ciervo de cola negra (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus), su principal presa en el área de estudio. El modelo con efecto cuadrático de la masa corporal de la presa ajustada (proporción de peso de presa:peso de puma) sobre la tasa de escondido de presa del puma tuvo todo el soporte (w = 1,00). Específicamente, era más probable que los pumas escondieran presas de tamaño intermedio, como ciervos jóvenes de un año y hembras adultas, y los pumas también se alimentaban de las presas escondidas durante períodos de tiempo más largos, lo que respalda la hipótesis de que este comportamiento incrementa la energía ganada. Las presas más grandes pueden ser demasiado grandes para esconderlas fácilmente, haciendo que la actividad sea menos eficiente desde el punto de vista energético, mientras que las presas pequeñas a menudo se pueden consumir lo suficientemente rápido como para no requerir ser escondidas. Esto sugiere que las presas de tamaño intermedio pueden ser el tamaño óptimo para ser escondidas, lo que permite que un puma se alimente durante varios días sin ser energéticamente costoso. Las hipótesis que probamos no son mutuamente excluyentes, por lo que el esconder las presas puede ocurrir por varias razones. nuestro estudio ilustra cómo los pumas suelen esconder su alimento para extender su tiempo de alimentación y maximizar las ganancias energéticas al consumir presas de tamaño intermedio.

South American subterranean rodents of the genus Ctenomys (Rodentia, Ctenomyidae, tuco-tuco) are one of the most diverse genera among mammals. Recently described species, new taxonomic revisions, and new distribution range delimitation made the revision of distribution areas and conservation status of these mammals mandatory. Implementing the first part of the DAMA protocol (document, assess, monitor, act), here we compile updated sets of species distribution range maps and use these and the number of collection localities to assess the conservation status of ctenomyids. We integrate potential for conservation in protected areas, and levels of habitat transformation to revise previous conservation status assessments and propose the first assessment for all Data Deficient or not evaluated species of tuco-tucos. Our results indicate that 53 (78%) of these species are threatened and that 47 (69%) have little or no overlap with protected areas, emphasizing the urgent need to conduct conservation efforts. Here, 18 of 22 species previously classified as Data Deficient resulted in them being put in an at-risk category (VU, EN, CR). In addition, nine species that have not been previously evaluated were classified as threatened, with these two groups comprising more than 47% of the known species. These results posit that the Ctenomyidae are the rodent family with the greatest number of species at risk of extinction. Finally, a total of 33 (49%) species have been reported from three or fewer localities; all considered threatened through the approach implemented in this study. These geographically restricted taxa should be given more attention in conservation programs since the richness of this genus relies on the survival of such species.

Los roedores subterráneos sudamericanos del género Ctenomys (Rodentia, Ctenomyidae, tuco-tuco) pertenecen a uno de los géneros más diversos de mamíferos. Especies descritas recientemente, nuevas revisiones taxonómicas y nuevas delimitaciones del rango de distribución hicieron obligatoria la revisión de las áreas de distribución del género y su estado de conservación. Implementando la primera parte del protocolo DAMA (documentar, evaluar, monitorear, actuar), compilamos una serie de mapas actualizados de los rangos de distribución de especies que, conjuntamente con el número de localidades de colecta, se utilizaron para evaluar el estado de conservación de los ctenómidos. También integramos el potencial de conservación en áreas protegidas, así como la transformación del hábitat para examinar las evaluaciones del estado de conservación anteriores y proponemos la primera evaluación para todas aquellas especies de tuco-tucos con datos deficientes o que no fueron evaluadas. Nuestros resultados indican que 53 (78%) de las especies se encuentran amenazadas y que 47 (69%), tienen solapamiento nulo o escaso con áreas protegidas, resaltando la necesidad de conservación. Dieciocho de las 22 especies anteriormente clasificadas como ‘Con datos insuficientes’ calificaron en alguna categoría de riesgo: vulnerable (VU), amenazada (EN), o en peligro crítico (CR). A su vez, nueve especies que no habían sido evaluadas previamente, también clasificaron como amenazadas, ambos grupos abarcando más del 47% del género. Estos resultados ubican a la familia Ctenomyidae como al grupo de roedores con el mayor número de especies en riesgo de extinción. Por último, un total de 33 (49%) especies ocurren en tres o menos localidades, que mediante el abordaje implementado en este estudio, todas ellas califican como amenazadas. Estos taxones restringidos geográficamente requieren una mayor atención en los programas de conservación, debido a que la riqueza del género depende de la supervivencia de tales especies.

For ungulates, it is not well understood how the interaction between habitat and reproduction affects movement behavior, space use, and habitat selection. We used known parturition (farrowing) data to validate First Passage Time (FPT) movement analysis to identify wild pig (Sus scrofa) parturition events from data collected with GPS collars. We examined home range and habitat selection during three physiologically distinct time periods in the reproductive cycle: late-gestation; farrowing; and neonate-care period. Sows exhibited a behavioral change 1-2 days prior to farrowing, suggesting FPT analysis can reliably identify parturition events for wide-ranging species that have a focused birthing area. Home range was smallest during the farrowing period, likely reflective of nest building, parturition, and protection of neonates. Home range size during the neonate-care period was intermediate between the late-gestation and farrowing periods, indicative of offspring care that may restrict maternal movement. Across all periods, sows avoided developed areas that have sparse canopy and ground cover and are associated with human activities. During late-gestation, sows avoided pine forests that have an open understory and less vegetative cover. During late-gestation and neonate-care, sows selected bottomland hardwood forests, habitat associated with ample food, cover, and water. During farrowing and neonate-care periods, sows selected upland hardwood forests, habitat with high quality food and cover for neonates. The physiological requirements of reproduction drive female habitat selection and spatial scale of movement patterns associated with parturition. Our study contributes to delineation of the appropriate scale at which to analyze movement data to provide insight about where individuals chose to place their home range, how much space to use, and how they use resources on the landscape to maximize reproductive success and fitness.

Para los ungulados, no se comprende bien cómo la interacción entre el hábitat y la reproducción afecta el comportamiento del movimiento, el uso del espacio y la selección del hábitat. Utilizamos datos conocidos del parto para validar el análisis de movimiento de First Passage Time (FPT) para identificar eventos de parición (por ejm., parto) de cerdos salvajes (Sus scrofa) a partir de datos recopilados con collares GPS. Examinamos el rango de hogar y la selección de hábitat durante tres períodos de tiempo fisiológicamente distintos en el ciclo reproductivo: gestación tardía, parto (como tal), y período de cuidado neonatal. Las hembras exhibieron un cambio de comportamiento 1 o 2 días antes del parto, lo que sugiere que el análisis FPT puede identificar confiablemente los eventos de parto para especies de amplia distribución que tienen un área de parto enfocada. El rango de hogar fue más pequeño durante el período de parto, lo que probablemente refleja la construcción del nido, el parto y la protección de los recién nacidos. El tamaño del rango de hogar durante el cuidado neonatal fue intermedio entre los periodos de gestación tardía y el parto, lo que indica que el cuidado de las crías puede restringir el movimiento materno. En todos los períodos, las hembras evitaron áreas desarrolladas que tienen un dosel y una cobertura del suelo escasos, y están asociadas con actividades humanas. Durante la gestación tardía, las hembras evitaron los bosques de pinos que tienen un sotobosque abierto y escasa cobertura vegetal. Durante la gestación tardía y el cuidado neonatal, las hembras seleccionaron bosques deciduos inundables, un hábitat asociado con abundante comida, cobertura y agua. Durante los períodos de parto y atención neonatal, las hembras seleccionaron bosques deciduos de tierras altas, un hábitat con alimento de alta calidad y cobertura para los recién nacidos. Los requisitos fisiológicos de la reproducción impulsan la selección del hábitat por las hembras, y la escala espacial de los patrones de movimiento asociados con el parto. Nuestro estudio contribuye a la delineación de la escala adecuada para analizar los datos de movimiento para proporcionar información sobre dónde los individuos eligieron ubicar su área de distribución, cuánto espacio usar, y cómo usan los recursos en el paisaje para maximizar el éxito y la aptitud reproductivas.

Smooth-coated otters (Lutrogale perspicillata) were transient in Singapore before one resident family group was observed in 1998, presumably having recolonized from Peninsular Malaysia. A population survey in 2017 revealed a minimum of 11 groups and 79 individuals. Since then, movements of otter groups within urban areas have led to increasing numbers of human–otter encounters, including conflicts. We determined the current abundance, population structure, and distribution of smooth-coated otters in Singapore. We assessed seven sampling zones nationwide through verified sighting records and social media. Mortality records from 2019 to 2021 were sourced from the Otter Working Group and Wildlife Reserves Singapore. In early 2021, there were a minimum of 17 groups and 170 individuals. Groups ranged from 2 to 24 individuals. Smooth-coated otters occupy coastal areas, waterways, reservoirs, and sites within the city center in urban gardens and ponds. Following territorial conflicts at waterways, smooth-coated otter groups moved into the urban matrix. Vehicle collisions are the main cause of mortality and are frequent at dams separating freshwater and coastal habitats. While there is a clear increase in smooth-coated otter numbers since 2017, there remain multiple natural and human-caused threats to otter persistence.

The study of animal space use is fundamental to effective conservation and management of wildlife populations and habitats in a rapidly changing world, yet many species remain poorly described. Such is the case for the spatial ecology of the Vicuña–a medium-sized wild camelid that plays a critical role, both as a consumer and as prey, in the high Andean food web. We studied patterns of space use of 24 adult female vicuñas from April 2014 to February 2017 at the southern edge of its range. Vicuñas showed strong fidelity to their home range locations across the study period and shared large portions of their home ranges with vicuñas from other family groups. Vicuña home ranges in our study were considerably larger than previous estimates across the range of the species. Variation in environmental and terrain factors and the associated risk of predation affected vicuña diel migration distance but not home range size or overlap. Our study offers new ecological insights into vicuña space use that can inform conservation and management efforts of vicuñas and other social ungulates.

El estudio del uso del espacio en animales es fundamental para la conservación y gestión eficaz de sus poblaciones y hábitats silvestres en un mundo que cambia rápidamente, sin embargo muchas especies siguen estando mal descritas. Tal es el caso del estudio de ecología espacial de la vicuña, un camélido silvestre de tamaño mediano que tiene un papel crítico en la red trófica altoandina. Estudiamos el uso del espacio de 24 hembras adultas de vicuñas desde abril de 2014 hasta febrero de 2017 en el extremo sur del área de distribución de la especie. Las vicuñas mostraron una gran fidelidad en la ubicación de sus áreas de acción durante el período de estudio y compartieron gran parte de sus áreas de acción con otros grupos familiars. Las áreas de acción de las vicuñas en nuestro estudio fueron considerablemente más grandes que las estimaciones previas en todo el rango de la especie. Variacíon en factores ambientales y topográficos, y el riesgo asociado de depredación afectaron las distancias de las migraciones diarias de las vicuñas, pero no afectaron el tamaño del área de acción. Nuestro estudio reporta nuevos datos ecológicos sobre el uso del espacio de vicuñas que pueden informar los esfuerzos de conservación y manejo de esta especie y otros ungulados sociales.

Understanding how changes in landscape properties influence common species is relevant as it allows us to identify patterns that could be shared with co-distributed species that occupy the same landscapes. The northeastern United States (NE-USA: New York state and the six states of New England) is heavily urbanized and affected by continuous and prolonged anthropogenic activities, leading to intensive landscape fragmentation and loss of natural forests. Here, we used a landscape genetics approach to explore the genetic diversity and structure of the Southern Flying Squirrel, Glaucomys volans, and how resulting patterns may be related to landscape fragmentation and forest loss in the NE-USA. To study G. volans genetic variation and population structure, we amplified and genotyped 10 microsatellites loci from DNA extracted from tissue samples stored in biological collections and natural history museums. To assess the influence of landscape on gene flow and connectivity, we used two genetic distances metrics–proportion of shared alleles and codominant marker, and tested two landscape cost models approaches–least cost path and isolation by resistance. We identified three genetic clusters, with low but significant genetic differentiation between them. We did not find correlation between geographic distance and genetic variation in these populations. According to landscape models, land cover and elevation were the best predictors of genetic connectivity of G. volans, although were poorly related to genetic distances. Our results suggest that gene flow occurs between G. volans populations across the NE-USA despite the changed landscape configuration, implying potential dispersal of individuals between patches. Nonetheless, individuals from the eastern periphery of the distribution may have been temporarily isolated in the past due to historical deforestation. The current regeneration of hardwood forests represents a positive outlook for the genetic integrity of G. volans populations in the NE-USA because more possibilities for corridors and patches of habitable forests emerge. These changes would improve the connectivity of the species in the region and avoid possible local extinction events.

Entender cómo los cambios en las propiedades del paisaje influyen a las especies comunes es relevante porque nos permite identificar patrones que pueden compartirse con especies co-distribuidas que ocupan el mismo paisaje. El Noreste de Estados Unidos de América (NE-EEUU: el estado de Nueva York y los seis estados de Nueva Inglaterra) es un área altamente urbanizada e impactada por actividades antropogénicas continuas y prolongadas, que han provocado una intensiva fragmentación del paisaje y pérdida de bosques naturales. Aquí, utilizamos el enfoque de la genética del paisaje para explorar la diversidad y estructura genética de la ardilla voladora del sur, Glaucomys volans, y cómo los patrones resultantes pueden estar relacionados con la fragmentación del paisaje y la pérdida de bosques en el NE-EEUU. Para estudiar la variación genética y la estructura poblacional de G. volans, amplificamos y genotipificamos 10 loci de microsatélites a partir de ADN extraído de muestras de tejido almacenado en colecciones biológicas y museos de historia natural. Para evaluar la influencia del paisaje en el flujo genético y la conectividad, utilizamos dos métricas de distancias genéticas, la proporción de alelos compartidos y marcadores codominantes, y evaluamos dos enfoques de modelos de costos del paisaje, la ruta del menor coste y el aislamiento por resistencia. Identificamos tres grupos genéticos, con diferenciación genética baja pero significativa entre ellos. No encontramos correlación entre las distancias geográficas y la variación genética en estas poblaciones. Según los modelos del paisaje, el uso del suelo y la elevación fueron los mejores predictores de la conectividad genética de G. volans, aunque estuvieron poco relacionados con las distancias genéticas. Nuestros resultados sugieren que hay flujo genético entre las poblaciones a lo largo del NE-EEUU a pesar de la configuración del paisaje, implicando una dispersión potencial de los individuos entre parches. No obstante, los individuos de la periferia oriental de la distribución pueden haber estado temporalmente aislados en el pasado debido a la deforestación histórica. La regeneración actual de los bosques de frondosas representa un panorama positivo para la integridad genética de las poblaciones de G. volans en el NE-EEUU porque brinda más posibilidades de corredores y parches de bosques habitables. Estos cambios podrían mejorar la conectividad de la especie en la región y evitar posibles eventos de extinción local.

Species in recent, rapid radiations can be difficult to distinguish from one another due to incomplete sorting of traits, insufficient time for novel morphologies to evolve, and elevated rates of hybridization and gene flow. The vole genus Microtus (58 spp.) is one such system where all three factors are likely at play. In the central United States, the prairie vole, Microtus ochrogaster, and the eastern meadow vole, M. pennsylvanicus, occur in sympatry and can be distinguished on the basis of molar cusp patterns but are known to be exceptionally difficult to distinguish using external morphological characters. Using a combination of morphometrics, pelage color analyses, and phylogenetics, we explored which traits are most effective for species identification and whether these same traits can be used to identify the subspecies M. o. ohionensis. While we were able to identify six traits that differed significantly between M. ochrogaster and M. pennsylvanicus, we also found substantial measurement overlap which limits the utility of these traits for species identification. The subspecies M. o. ohionensis was particularly difficult to distinguish from M. p. pennsylvanicus, and we did not find any evidence that this subspecies forms a distinct genetic clade. Furthermore, the full species M. ochrogaster and M. pennsylvanicus did not form reciprocal clades in phylogenetic analyses. We discuss several possible reasons for these patterns, including unrecognized variation in molar cusp patterns and/or localized hybridization. Overall, our results provide useful information that will aid in the identification of these species and subspecies in the future, and provides a case study of how genetics, morphometrics, and fur color analyses can be used to disentangle signatures of evolutionary history and hybridization.

The Cryptotis goodwini species group of small-eared shrews (Eulipotyphla, Soricidae) includes at least 12 species discontinuously distributed in the cloud forests from southern Mexico to Honduras. Its taxonomy is still under study, with several species described only in the last decade. Previous genetic studies have highlighted that a population from El Triunfo Biosphere Reserve in Chiapas, Mexico, previously assigned to C. goodwini, is evolutionarily divergent from the other known species. However, the available specimens from this region have not been examined rigorously. Herein, I use morphological and biogeographic analyses to evaluate the taxonomic status of this population. The results confirm that it is an independent lineage, which I describe here as a new species endemic to Mexico. Overall, this is the largest shrew within the C. goodwini group. Its morphological and genetic distinction is probably due to long-term geographic isolation in the mountains of El Triunfo. I present what is now the first and only record of C. goodwini (sensu stricto) for Mexico. Finally, I identify some priority regions to direct field surveys on the C. goodwini species group to better understand its richness and distribution.

El grupo de especies de musarañas de orejas pequeñas Cryptotis goodwini (Eulipotyphla, Soricidae) incluye al menos 12 especies distribuidas de forma discontinua en los bosques de niebla desde el sur de México hasta Honduras. Su taxonomía aún está bajo estudio, con varias especies descritas sólo en la última década. Estudios genéticos previos han elucidado que una población de la Reserva de la Biosfera El Triunfo en Chiapas, México, previamente asignada a C. goodwini, es divergente de las otras especies conocidas. Sin embargo, los especímenes disponibles de esta región no han sido examinados rigurosamente. Aquí utilizo análisis morfológicos y biogeográficos para evaluar el estado taxonómico de esta población. Los resultados confirman que se trata de un linaje independiente, que aquí describo como una nueva especie endémica de México. En general, esta es la musaraña más grande dentro del grupo C. goodwini. Su distinción morfológica y genética probablemente se deba al largo tiempo de aislamiento geográfico en las montañas de El Triunfo. Presento lo que ahora sería el primer y único registro de C. goodwini (sensu stricto) para México. Finalmente, señalo algunas regiones prioritarias para dirigir estudios de campo sobre el grupo de especies de C. goodwini para comprender mejor su riqueza y distribución.

The gray Wolf (Canis lupus) is viewed as one of the most diverse mammal species. In north America, the diversity of its forms is debated, with views conflicting on subspecies designation. The present study aimed to reinvestigate the skull morphometric variation among north American populations while attempting to unveil underlying causal factors. A large sample of vouchered museum skulls, collected from 12 ecogeographical populations spanning the north American range of the species, was examined and 21 craniodental characters were measured. Skull shape showed within-population variations but provided evidence for a high morphological affinity among populations. Allometric analyses also pointed to similar evolutionary paths among populations. However, significant size-related differentiation was revealed within and among populations. Skull size could be related to three insulin-like growth factor-1 gene (IGF-1) alleles. Ecological conditions that should determine prey type and availability accounted for most of the skull size variation. In contrast, no evidence of geographical isolation of populations was detected. The results support the existence of a single morphological pool of north American gray wolf populations that could be equated with one taxonomic unit. This study raises again the question of the diversity of forms in this species in north America and calls into question the validity of previously recognized species and subspecies based on genetics and morphology.

Ctenomys is one of the most speciose genera among South American rodents, whose systematics have not yet been fully elucidated. One of the difficulties for clarifying the identity of its species is the limited information available on some of them, erected more than a century ago and of which only the original descriptions are known, generally very poorly detailed. Our study provides new information about Ctenomys coludo Thomas 1920, based on the collection of topotype specimens that allowed us to perform more detailed morphological and molecular analyses, and to compare them with the available information referred to the holotype, with specimens deposited in museum collections, and other species of the genus that have been proposed as related to C. coludo. Our results allow us to place C. coludo as a member of the mendocinus group, proposing C. famosus Thomas, 1920 as a junior synonym for C. coludo. We also recognize Ctenomys johannis as a valid and full species, and provide unpublished information on it from the collection of specimens at the type locality. Thus, we add new areas for the distribution of these species and present their phylogenetic relationships.

Ctenomys es uno de los géneros más especiosos entre los roedores sudamericanos, cuya sistemática aún no ha sido completamente dilucidada. Una de las dificultades para esclarecer la identidad de sus especies es la escasa información disponible sobre algunas de ellas descritas hace más de un siglo y de las que sólo se conocen las descripciones originales, generalmente muy poco detalladas. Nuestro estudio aporta nueva información sobre Ctenomys coludo Thomas, 1920 basada en la recolecta de topotipos que permitieron realizar análisis morfológicos y moleculares más detallados y compararlos con la información disponible sobre el holotipo, con ejemplares depositados en colecciones de museos y con otras especies del género que han sido propuestas como emparentadas con C. coludo. Nuestros resultados nos permiten situar a C. coludo como miembro del grupo mendocinus, y proponer a C. famosus Thomas, 1920 como sinónimo junior de C. coludo. También reconocemos a Ctenomys johannis como una especie válida y plena, y proporcionamos información inédita sobre ella a partir de la colecta de ejemplares en la localidad tipo. Así, añadimos nuevas áreas para la distribución de estas especies y presentamos sus relaciones filogenéticas.

Burrowing rodents display diverse patterns of social organization, ranging from solitary to group living. Differences in social organization are often inferred from patterns of space use, particularly differences in the degree to which individual home ranges overlap. Here, we characterize patterns of space use in a poorly studied species of burrow-dwelling echimyid rodent, the Broad-headed Spiny Rat (Clyomys laticeps). Specifically, we use radiotelemetry studies of a free-living population in Parque Estadual da Serra de Caldas Novas (Goiás, Brazil) to evaluate previous, apparently contradictory reports suggesting that this species is both solitary and social. A total of 20 adult (12 females, 8 males) C. laticeps were monitored via telemetry during two consecutive cycles of annual wet and dry seasons. The resulting data indicate that although overlap of individual home ranges was common, co-occurrence of adults in time and space was rare and was limited to male–female pairs, a pattern that is most consistent with a solitary lifestyle in which individuals occupy distinct burrow systems. Neither sex nor season affected spatial overlap; this outcome is consistent with evidence suggesting that reproduction in this species occurs throughout the year. Although home ranges for males were larger than those for females, areas occupied by both males and females overlapped with multiple opposite-sex individuals, making it difficult to determine from spatial data whether the study population was polygynous or polygynandrous. While genetic data are needed to characterize fully the mating system of these animals, our analyses provide the first detailed information regarding spatial relationships in C. laticeps, thereby allowing more accurate placement of this species within a larger, comparative behavioral framework and facilitating efforts to identify factors contributing to social diversity among burrow-dwelling rodents.

Roedores escavadores apresentam uma gama de padrões de organização social, desde uma vida solitária até em grupo. As diferenças nas organizações sociais são frequentemente descritas através dos padrões de uso do espaço, especialmente nas diferenças no grau de sobreposição entre os indivíduos. Nesse estudo, nós caracterizamos padrões de uso do espaço da espécie semifossorial pouco estudada, Clyomys laticeps com o uso da radiotelemetria em uma população de vida livre no Parque Estadual da Serra de Caldas Novas (Goiás, Brasil) afim de avaliar as observações anteriores descrevendo essa espécie como solitária e social. Um total de 20 adultos (12 fêmeas, 8 machos) de C. laticeps foram monitorados por telemetria durante duas estações de seca e chuvosa. Os resultados indicaram que embora a sobreposição da área de vida dos indivíduos foi frequente, a co-ocorrência entre os adultos no tempo e espaço foi rara e limitada entre pares macho-fêmea, um padrão que é mais consistente com o hábito de vida solitário em que os indivíduos ocupam diferentes galerias subterrâneas. Sexo e estação não influenciaram nos padrões espaciais da população, reforçando a reprodução ao longo do ano todo em C. laticeps. Machos sobrepuseram espacialmente a várias fêmeas e vice versa, sugerindo um provável sistema de acasalamento poliginândrico. Esse estudo descreve pela primeira vez, de forma detalhada, as relações espaciais de C. laticeps, permitindo dessa forma, uma colocação mais precisa dessa espécie dentro de uma estrutura comportamental comparativa maior, facilitando os esforços de identificação dos fatores que contribuem para a diversidade social entre os roedores escavadores.

Human-mediated introductions and subsequent establishment and spread of nonnative species have the potential to create a founder effect in such populations, which typically results in low genetic diversity and potential for inbreeding. However, several exotic invasive species exhibit a “genetic paradox” in which they thrive and adapt to novel environments while also avoiding complications from low genetic diversity. Axis deer (Axis axis) were introduced into Texas, Hawaii, South America, Australia, and Croatia during the 19th and 20th centuries and successfully established large populations from a few founding individuals. Mitochondrial (Cytochrome-b, Cytb; displacement loop, D-loop) and nuclear (10 microsatellites) markers were used to assess genetic diversity within and between axis deer populations in Texas and Hawaii and then compared to other introduced (Australia and Croatia) and native (India) populations. Overall, mtDNA divergence was 0.54% (Cytb) and 1.55% (D-loop) indicating high mitochondrial similarity within the species. Further, each invasive population was composed of only one or two mtDNA haplotypes. Microsatellite allele diversity also was low within and between populations in Texas and Hawaii resulting in monomorphic loci and Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium violations in both populations. The low genetic diversity in native Indian axis deer and within and between invasive populations suggests that the introduced populations experienced founder effects following introduction, and yet overcame this potential handicap by undergoing successful establishment and expansion. Axis deer appear to be another successful invasive species characterized by the genetic paradox where they exhibit genetic profiles that suggest inbreeding effects should be imminent, yet display no signs of inbreeding and are highly successful adapting to novel environments.

Las introducciones de origen antropogénico de especies no nativas y su posterior establecimiento y propagación tienen la posibilidad de crear en dichas poblaciones el efecto fundador, que típicamente resulta en una baja diversidad genética y la posibilidad de consanguineidad. Sin embargo, muchas especies exóticas e invasivas exhiben una “paradoja genética” en la cual prosperan y se adaptan al ambiente nuevo evitando al mismo tiempo complicaciones que resulten de la baja diversidad genética. El venado chital o ciervo axis (Axis axis) fue introducido a Texas, Hawaii, América del Sur, Australia, y Croacia durante los siglos 19 y 20 estableciendo grandes poblaciones a partir de pocos individuos fundadores. Se utilizaron marcadores mitocondriales (Citocromo-b, Citb; bucle de desplazamiento, bucle D) y nucleares (diez microsatélites) para evaluar la diversidad genética intra y extra poblacional de las poblaciones de ciervos axis de Texas y Hawaii; para luego compararlas a otras poblaciones tanto introducidas (Australia y Croacia) como nativas (India). En general, la divergencia del ADNmt fue de 0.54% (Citb) y 1.55% (bucle D) lo que indica una alta similitud mitocondrial intraespecífica. Además, cada una de las poblaciones invasoras estaba compuesta de solo uno o dos haplotipos de ADNmt. La diversidad alélica microsatelital fue baja dentro y entre las poblaciones de Texas y Hawaii resultando en loci monomórficos y violaciones de la ley de Hardy–Weinberg para ambas poblaciones. La baja diversidad genética de la población nativa de ciervo axis comparada a las poblaciones invasoras sugiere que las poblaciones introducidas tuvieron un efecto fundador seguido a la introducción, y que superaron esta desventaja al establecerse y expandirse satisfactoriamente. El ciervo axis parece ser una especie invasora exitosa caracterizada por la paradoja genética donde exhibe perfiles genéticos que sugieren que los efectos de consanguineidad debieran de ser inevitables y sin embargo no muestran señas de consanguineidad, siendo una especie exitosa que se adapta a ambientes nuevos.

The gray brocket deer, Mazama gouazoubira G. Fischer, 1814, occurs in South America and presents an extensive degree of morphological and genetic variability. Previous phylogenetic research showed that the genus Mazama is polyphyletic and imposed the designation of a different genus-group name for M. gouazoubira. We aimed to review and clarify the taxonomy of M. gouazoubira through the proposal of updating the nomenclature for this taxon and by the characterization of specimens collected close to the original type locality (topotypes). The topotypes were characterized by morphological (general characterization and morphometry), cytogenetic (conventional staining, Ag-NOR, G- and C-banding, and fluorescence in situ hybridization), and phylogenetic (mitogenomes) approaches. We revealed chromosome homologies between cattle and M. gouazoubira using an entire set of cattle whole chromosome painting probes and propose an updated G-band idiogram for the species. The morphometric analysis did not discriminate the individuals of M. gouazoubira, including the topotypes, from other small brocket deer species. However, the phylogenetic analysis, based on a Bayesian inference tree of the mitogenomes, confirmed the polyphyly of the genus Mazama and supported the need to change the gray brocket deer genus-group name. Based on our revision, we validated the genus Subulo Smith, 1827, and fixed a type species for the genus. In the absence of the holotype, we denominated a neotype described by the collection of a male topotype in Paraguay. The nomenclature rearrangement presented here is a starting point that will assist in the taxonomic resolution of Neotropical deer.

O veado-catingueiro Mazama gouazoubira G.Fischer, 1814 ocorre na América do Sul e apresenta extenso grau de variabilidade morfológica e genética. Estudos filogenéticos anteriores demonstraram que o gênero Mazama é polifilético e impuseram a designação de um gênero diferente para M. gouazoubira. Nosso objetivo foi revisar e esclarecer a taxonomia de M. gouazoubira por meio da proposta de atualização da nomenclatura para este táxon e pela caracterização de espécimes coletados próximos à localidade tipo (topótipos). Os topótipos foram caracterizados por abordagens morfológicas (caracterização geral e morfometria), citogenéticas (coloração convencional, Ag-RON, banda C, banda G e hibridização in situ fluorescente) e genômica (filogenia mitogenômica). Nós revelamos homologias cromossômicas entre bovino e M. gouazoubira utilizando um conjunto completo de sondas de pintura cromossômica de bovino, além de propormos um idiograma atualizado da banda G para a espécie. A análise morfométrica não discriminou os indivíduos de M. gouazoubira, incluindo os topótipos, das outras espécies de Mazama de pequeno a médio porte. No entanto, a análise filogenética através da árvore de Inferência Bayesiana dos mitogenomas confirmou a polifilia do gênero Mazama reforçando a urgente necessidade de mudar o nome de gênero do veado-catingueiro. Com base em nossa revisão, validamos o gênero Subulo Smith, 1827 e fixamos uma espécie tipo. Na ausência do holótipo, designamos um neótipo descrito a partir de um topótipo macho coletado no Paraguai. Dessa forma, o rearranjo de nomenclaturas apresentado aqui poderá ajudar a resolver as incertezas taxonômicas para os cervídeos neotropicais.