Dire wolves are considered to be one of the most common and widespread large carnivores in Pleistocene America1, yet relatively little is known about their evolution or extinction. Here, to reconstruct the evolutionary history of dire wolves, we sequenced five genomes from sub-fossil remains dating from 13,000 to more than 50,000 years ago. Our results indicate that although they were similar morphologically to the extant grey wolf, dire wolves were a highly divergent lineage that split from living canids around 5.7 million years ago. In contrast to numerous examples of hybridization across Canidae2,3, there is no evidence for gene flow between dire wolves and either North American grey wolves or coyotes. This suggests that dire wolves evolved in isolation from the Pleistocene ancestors of these species. Our results also support an early New World origin of dire wolves, while the ancestors of grey wolves, coyotes and dholes evolved in Eurasia and colonized North America only relatively recently.

Water is essential to life. Three general forms of water exist: pre-formed water that is available in food, metabolic water that is created as a byproduct of life processes (e.g., metabolism of fat or breakdown of carbohydrates), and free water (i.e., water available for drinking). As humans settle arid environments, the addition of man-made free water sources (e.g., sewage ponds, catchment ponds) often occurs. In addition, a tool commonly used to increase the abundance or distribution of wildlife species in desert environments is the addition of water sources, usually specifically designed to benefit game species like bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis), mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), and chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar). In recent decades, some scientists have argued that adding water sources to deserts may have little to no effect on desert species because they are adapted to living in desert conditions, and have thus evolved to obtain their water needs in preformed and/or metabolic form. Scientists have also suggested that adding water sources to desert environments may actually harm some individual species and alter the arraignments of groups of similarly related species, known as communities. I conducted four studies at the U.S. Army Dugway Proving Ground to determine if man-made water sources have an influence on the rodent community, jackrabbits, and the canid community at the U.S. Army Dugway Proving Ground, Utah. I found that turning off water sources had no effect on abundance of rodent communities or jackrabbits. I found that a portion of coyotes used water sources and coyotes were only slightly less common near water sources once they were turned off. In addition, a portion of coyotes rarely or never drink from water sources and that coyotes did not leave their territories if water sources accessible to them were turned off. My final study revealed that turning off water sources did not influence kit fox survival or abundance, and that kit fox territories differed from areas associated with water sources in several key environmental characterizes, which may suggest that areas associated with water sources were not historically used by kit foxes. In summary, these findings suggest that water developments have little impact on the species that I studied.

Submitted by (edna.saturno@ufrpe.br) on 2016-07-25T12:25:18Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Maria Cecilia Oliveira do Nascimento.pdf: 813634 bytes, checksum: 60155b6979ad376baa44a24c47ff7804 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-25T12:25:18Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Maria Cecilia Oliveira do Nascimento.pdf: 813634 bytes, checksum: 60155b6979ad376baa44a24c47ff7804 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-02-19 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / The hoary fox (Pseudalopex vetulus), in the past called Dusicyon (Lycalopex) vetulus or just Lycalopex vetulus, is a wild canid native of Brazil and commonly found in the semiarid northeastern area living in contact with cattle. Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii are protozoa belonging to the phylum Apicomplexa, and despite phylogenetic differences, biological, structural, and antigenic, they are closely related to each other, and in the past considered a single species. Studies have demonstrated the occurrence of T. gondii and N. caninum in domestic and wild canids, showing that some of these animals as well as intermediate hosts stand as definitive hosts. In the present study, we used brain tissue samples from 49 hoary fox (Pseudalopex vetulus) found dead in the countryside roads of Paraíba. These samples were processed for extraction of genetic material and then subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using specific primers for T. gondii and N. caninum. Was observed in 14.3% and 12.2% of animals the presence of T. gondii and N. caninum respectively and the molecular identity of the amplified products was confirmed by sequencing. This work concluded that the hoary fox (P. vetulus) is an intermediate host of Neospora caninum and Toxoplasma gondii, but more studies are needed in this area to observe the involvement of this species in the wild and domestic cycle of these parasites. / A raposa-do-campo (Pseudalopex vetulus), no passado denominada Dusicyon (Lycalopex) vetulus ou apenas Lycalopex vetulus, é um canídeo selvagem nativo do Brasil e encontrado comumente no semiárido nordestino convivendo em contato com rebanhos. Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum são protozoários pertencentes ao filo Apicomplexa, e, apesar das diferenças filogenéticas, biológicas, estruturais e antigênicas são bastante relacionados um com o outro, sendo, no passado, considerados uma única espécie. Estudos têm demonstrado a ocorrência de T. gondii e N. caninum em canídeos domésticos e selvagens, demonstrando que algumas dessas espécies são consideradas hospedeiras intermediárias e definitivas desses protozoários. Objetivou-se neste estudo pesquisar a presença do DNA de Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum em amostras de tecido cerebral de 49 raposas-do-campo (Pseudalopex vetulus), encontradas mortas nas rodovias no sertão paraibano. As amostras foram processadas para a extração do material genético e em seguida submetidas à Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR), utilizando iniciadores específicos para T. gondii e N. caninum. Das amostras analisadas, 14,3% e 12,2% foram positivas para T. gondii e N. caninum, respectivamente e a identidade molecular dos produtos amplificados foi confirmada por sequenciamento. Com este trabalho concluiu-se que a raposa-do-campo (P. vetulus) é hospedeira intermediária de Neospora caninum e de Toxoplasma gondii, porém mais estudos nesta área são necessários para observar a participação desta espécie no ciclo selvagem e doméstico destes parasitos.

With the ever-increasing human population, more people reside in urban areas than ever before; this is having marked effects on the landscape and in turn, wildlife. This study uses automatically triggered wildlife cameras to assess the distribution of three carnivore species (coyotes, Canis latrans; red foxes, Vulpes vulpes; and gray foxes, Urocyon cinereoargenteus) around the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts in relation to a gradient of human development. Cameras were placed at 141 locations within the 320-km2 study area over the course of three field seasons (3,052 trap nights). Relative abundances for fourteen other species and site characteristics (e.g., elevation, forest cover type, distance to urban edge) for each camera location were determined to develop a generalized linear model for the distribution of each species across the study area. Coyote distribution was most affected by the relative abundances of their prey species and not by landscape characteristics or sympatric carnivore species. Coyotes are the top predator in the area and therefore their distribution is correlated with the relative abundances of their prey species, unlike other parts of their range where they are controlled by larger carnivores. Red and gray foxes both had negative relationships with the relative abundance of coyotes as coyotes have been shown to adversely impact fox distributions and access to resources. Both red and gray foxes were also negatively or uncorrelated with increased levels of urbanization, which is both supported and refuted by published literature and is likely system specific.

This observational study was conducted to evaluate the anatomic relationship between the proximocaudal femoral joint capsule insertion and the femoral caudolateral curvilinear osteophyte (CCO), across ancient and modern domestic and non-domestic canids. Museum specimens of proximal femora were screened for presence of remnant enthesophytes of the caudal joint capsule insertion (first inclusion criterion) and then for the CCO (second inclusion criterion). The initially screened population included 267 dry bone specimens: Six Canis species, hybrid coyote × domestic dog, and five vulpines (three Vulpes species, one Urocyon, and one Nyctereutes). Proximocaudal joint capsule insertion remnant enthesophytes were limiting at n = 19 specimens: Seven ancient domestic dogs, four modern coyotes, two ancient coyotes, two modern hybrid coyote × dog, two modern red foxes, and two modern raccoon dogs. The joint capsule enthesophytes are associated with inflammation, but are observed far less frequently than the CCO. The CCO is seen radiographically but is visible more frequently by direct inspection. The primary inclusion criterion necessarily was a visible caudal joint capsule insertion; spatial relationships of the CCO can be assigned with confidence only when a capsule insertion line can be recognized clearly. We demonstrate that the anatomic CCO associates with the joint capsule insertion being nonspecific and species-independent. A joint capsule insertion-CCO spatial relationship across species is an important new observation, strongly indicating that both are pathological features. Our data indicate need for new research to characterize the canid coxofemoral joint and its overt and incipient pathology in a phylogenetic context. Anat Rec, 302:2164–2170, 2019.

Canid predation poses a serious threat to the sheep industry in the United States. Llamas are becoming popular among livestock producers as part of their predation management programs but there is little information on the factors associated with llama guarding behavior. This study examined several physical and behavioral attributes of individual llamas to assess whether they might predict the aggressiveness llamas display coward canids. The study was conducted in three phases. The first involved determining some physical and behavioral traits of individual llamas. Twenty individuals were randomly assigned to one of four groups (n = 5/group) and frequencies with which animals initiated and responded to various behaviors, e.g., dominance, aggression, threats, subordination, leadership, and alertness, were documented using focal-group sampling. Individuals were then ranked according to the frequency with which they displayed each behavior. In the second phase, activity patterns of individual llamas with sheep were assessed. Lamas varied in how close to sheep they stayed (mean = 48.2 m I 3.5) as we 1 as in the way they distributed their activities. The third phase examined interactions among llamas, sheep, and a domestic sheep dog to assess their individual aggressiveness toward canids. Llamas varied in the degree of aggressiveness displayed toward the dog; some chased the dog, others ran from it, some stayed with the flock, and others did not. Llamas were ranked based on these responses. Llamas with top ranks were curious and chased the dog, but stayed close to the sheep. Bottom-ranked individuals ignored the sheep and ran from the dog. Physical and behavioral traits of llamas and their behavioral patterns with sheep were then compared with aggressiveness they displayed toward the dog. Leadership and alert behaviors were correlated with aggressiveness (r = 0.472, p = 0.064 and r = 0.607, p = 0.012, respectively) Weight of llamas was also correlated with aggressiveness (r = 0.475, p = 0.039). Llama coloration was associated with aggressiveness they displayed toward the dog (X2 = 6.003, df = 2, p = 0.049), however, color was also associated with the weight of llamas (X2 = 7.49, df = 2, p = 0.024). Traits correlated with llama aggressiveness are easily recognized and sheep producers interested in acquiring a llama should consider them when selecting livestock guardians.

Wild Canis species possess a unique suite of reproductive traits including social monogamy, copulatory lock/tie, and biparental care. Females are seasonally monestrous and experience an obligatory pseudopregnancy after spontaneous ovulation. While these characteristics have been ascribed to coyotes, an integrated profile of behavior and physiology has not yet been described. In this study, temporal correlations between steroid hormone levels and socio-sexual mating behaviors were documented, as were changes in vaginal epithelium. Pseudopregnancy was compared to pregnancy by contrasting hormone (progesterone, estradiol, prolactin and relaxin) profiles of unmated females to patterns obtained in alternate years when they bred. Meanwhile, social interactions between pseudopregnant females and their mates appeared similar to pregnant coyotes, suggesting a proximate role of pseudopregnancy in pair-bond enforcement. Finally, out-of-season stimulation of ovarian hormones and estrous behaviors suggested that reproductive seasonality of the coyote may possess some degree of plasticity, providing an adaptive response mechanism to environmental change.

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico / The respiratory viruses of dogs are associated with a disease called canine infectious respiratory disease (CIRD). The main etiological agents of CIRD are canine distemper virus (CDV), canine parainfluenza virus (cPIV), canine adenovirus type 2 and canid herpesvirus type 1 (CaHV-1), which may cause single or mixed infections. CIRD occurs most frequently in places with high animal density and constant movement. CDV, cPIV, CAdV-2 and CaHV-1 infections have been described worldwide, however, few reports of molecular identification of these viruses are available in Brazil. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of respiratory viruses in dogs in Santa Maria, RS, and in dog shelters in RS, trying to correlate their occurrence with the environmental conditions. Nasal secretions were collected from dogs with respiratory signs submitted to veterinary clinics in Santa Maria; and from dogs of three shelters of RS (Cachoeira do Sul [shelters #1 and #2] and Passo Fundo [shelter #3]). Viral detection/identification was performed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for CDV, cPIV, CAdV-2 and CaHV-1. Positive samples were sequenced and, for some viruses, phylogenetic analysis was performed, comparing with sequences deposited in GenBank. Samples of shelters #1 and #3 were obtained during the cold season. Shelter #1 presented poor sanitary and nutrition conditions, high animal density and constant direct contact among dogs. In this shelter 78% (58/74) of the respiratory samples were positive for at least one virus. The single infections were caused by cPIV in 30% (22/74) of the samples and CAdV-2 in 5% (4/74). Coinfections represented 23% (cPIV and CAdV-2); 13% cPIV, CDV and CAdV-2; 4% cPIV-2 and CDV; and 3% CDV and CAdV-2. Shelters #2 and #3 presented satisfactory sanitary and nutrition conditions, with large outdoors exercise areas (#2) and animal separation by groups (#3). In shelter #2, 8% (5/35) of the samples were positive to cPIV and 6% to CaHV-1; in shelter #3, 8% (7/77) of the samples were positive to CAdV-2 and 1% to CDV. Of samples obtained in Santa Maria, 40% (10/25) were positive for virus, being 28% (7/25) for cPIV, and 4% (1/25) to each of the other viruses. Thus, the results obtained demonstrate that infections and coinfections by respiratory viruses are common in shelter dogs in RS, and their occurrence is related to population density, health and nutritional conditions and season. These viruses are also circulating in domestic dogs in Santa Maria, associated with respiratory disease. This study reinforces the importance of preventive measures such as vaccination and good environmental conditions to prevent/reduce infections caused by respiratory viruses in dogs. / Os vírus respiratórios de cães estão associados com uma enfermidade denominada doença respiratória infecciosa canina (canine infectious respiratory disease - CIRD). Os principais agentes da CIRD são o vírus da cinomose (canine distemper virus - CDV), vírus da parainfluenza canina tipo 2 (canine parainfluenza virus - cPIV), adenovírus canino tipo 2 (canine adenovirus type 2 - CAdV-2) e herpesvírus canino tipo 1 (canid herpesvirus 1 - CaHV-1), que podem causar infecções simples ou mistas. A CIRD ocorre com maior frequência em locais com alta densidade populacional e constante fluxo de animais. Infecções pelo CDV, cPIV, CAdV-2 e CaHV-1 tem sido descritas em vários países, contudo, são escassos os relatos da identificação molecular desses agentes no Brasil. Além disso, há falta de estudos relacionados aos fatores que favorecem a ocorrência e disseminação desses agentes em cães de abrigos. Desta forma, o objetivo do presente estudo foi investigar a ocorrência de vírus respiratórios em cães do município de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, e em cães de abrigos, buscando-se associar a ocorrência das infecções com as condições ambientais. Para isso, foram coletadas secreções nasais de cães com sinais respiratórios em clínicas veterinárias de Santa Maria; e de cães de três abrigos do estado do RS (dois em Cachoeira do Sul [#1 e #2] e um em Passo Fundo [#3]). A identificação viral foi realizada por reação em cadeia de polimerase (PCR) para o CDV, cPIV, CAdV-2 e CaHV-1. As amostras positivas foram sequenciadas e, para alguns vírus, foi realizada a análise filogenética, comparando-se com sequências depositadas no GenBank. As amostras dos abrigos #1 e #3 foram obtidas durante épocas de baixas temperaturas. O abrigo #1 apresentava condições sanitárias e nutricionais precárias, além de alta densidade populacional e constante contato entre os cães. Neste abrigo, 78% (58/74) das amostras foram positivas para, pelo menos, um dos vírus investigados. As infecções simples foram causadas pelo cPIV em 30% (22/74) das amostras e CAdV-2 em 5% (4/74). As coinfecções totalizaram 23% (17/74) para o cPIV e CAdV-2; 13% (10/74) para o cPIV, CDV e CAdV-2; 4% (3/74) para o cPIV e CDV; e 3% (2/74) para o CDV e CAdV-2. Os abrigos #2 e #3 eram higienizados corretamente e os cães recebiam alimentação adequada, sendo que no abrigo #2 os animais possuíam amplo espaço para se exercitarem, e no abrigo #3 os animais eram separados em grupos e alojados em gaiolas. No abrigo #2 foram detectadas 8% de amostras positivas para o cPIV e 6% para o CaHV-1; e no abrigo #3, 8% de amostras positivas para o CAdV-2 e 1% para o CDV. Das amostras obtidas em clínicas de Santa Maria, 40% (10/25) foram positivas para um dos vírus pesquisados, sendo 28% (7/25) para o cPIV, e 4% (1/25) para cada um dos outros vírus. Assim, os resultados obtidos demonstram que infecções e coinfecções por vírus respiratórios são comuns em cães de abrigos no estado do RS, estando relacionadas com a densidade populacional, condições sanitárias e nutricionais e estação do ano. Estes vírus também circulam em cães domésticos em Santa Maria, estando associados com doença respiratória. Este estudo reforça a importância de medidas de prevenção, tendo em vista que a vacinação e boas condições ambientais podem reduzir e/ou prevenir as infecções causadas por vírus respiratórios em cães.