Widely applicable, quantitative field methods are needed to gather wildlife data for conservation and management initiatives in Turkey. In order to evaluate the use of camera traps in forest habitats of Turkey, we conducted a 5 phase camera trap survey by using 16 passive infrared-triggered cameras with a total sampling effort of 1200 camera trap days in Yaylacik Research Forest, a 50 km2 forest patch of Yenice Forest in Karab&uuml / k during January-May 2006. The camera trap survey confirmed the presence of grey wolf (Canis lupus), brown bear (Ursus arctos), wildcat (Felis silvestris), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), badger (Meles meles), pine marten (Martes martes), roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and wild boar (Sus scrofa) in the study area. The camera trap survey also revealed the presence of jackal (Canis aureus) and brown hare (Lepus europaeus), whose presence were not known by people living and working in the area. Contrary to the local belief, neither camera trapping survey nor ground survey confirmed the presence of lynx (Lynx lynx) in Yaylacik Research Forest. The wolf was observed to be crepuscular and the wildcat showed a diurnal activity pattern. Wildcat seemed to avoid other carnivores spatially and temporally. Simulation studies suggested that camera trap surveys should last 14 days for wolf, 13 days for wildcat, 10 days for pine marten, and 11 days for roe deer, while it is advisable to conduct longer surveys, probably 15-20 days, for wild boar, red fox and brown bears. The estimated population size for wildcat was 9 (SE=2.28227) with 95% confidence interval of 9 to 25 in the study area. A minimum of 6 brown bears were present in the study area. Our study indicated that the local knowledge about the presence of wildlife should be considered by researchers, but it cannot replace scientific surveys conducted by field biologists. This study was the first attempt to assess the presence, relative abundance, activity patterns and diversity of multiple mammal species by the use of camera trapping methodology in Turkey. The results suggest that camera trap surveys have the potential for gathering wildlife data at larger scales in Turkey, where information gap on large mammals is an obstacle for effective management and conservation of mammals.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:23:47Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2009-01-20Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:30:25Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 metzger_b_me_botfmvz.pdf: 819148 bytes, checksum: 26a92a8f8879a45e826beca01ff7b6a5 (MD5) / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / O trabalho teve como objetivo investigar a ocorrência de Hepatozoon spp., piroplasmas e hemoplasmas em felídeos neotropicais nascidos em vida livre. Amostras sanguíneas foram colhidas de 11 Leopardus pardalis, 10 Leopardus tigrinus, oito Puma yagouaroundi, um Leopardus wiedii e um Puma concolor, provenientes dos Estados do Pará, Maranhão, Piauí, Ceará e Minas Gerais. Esfregaços sangüíneos foram realizados para observação dos hemoparasitas e a extração de DNA foi feita para utilização em técnicas moleculares. Hepatozoon spp. e piroplasmas foram diagnosticados pela Reação em Cadeia de Polimerase (PCR) e hemoplasmas felinos foram pesquisados pela PCR- RFLP e “Nested”-PCR. A caracterização molecular dos isolados obtidos foi feita após o sequenciamento e a análise filogenética. A ocorrência de pelo menos um hemoparasita diagnosticado pela técnica do esfregaço sanguíneo foi de 6,45% (2/31) e pela PCR foi de 45,16% (14/31), sendo observadas, 16,12% (5/31), 3,22% (1/31) e 38,70% (12/31) de infecções por Hepatozoon sp., Cytauxzoon felis e hemoplasmas (das espécies Mycoplasma haemofelis e/ou Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum), respectivamente. Foram encontradas infecções únicas e mistas nos felídeos. O diagnóstico positivo foi maior nos adultos (92,85%) (p=0,007) e na espécie L. pardalis (57,14% - 8/14). A detecção de C. felis em exemplar juvenil de P. concolor, recém capturado na natureza, indica sua presença na população de felídeos neotropicais de vida livre no Brasil. A caracterização molecular de Hepatozoon sp. em felídeos neotropicais e os relatos das infecções por este hemoparasita em L. tigrinus e por M. haemofelis e Candidatus M. haemominutum em P. yagouaroundi são inéditos no mundo. / The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of Hepatozoon spp., piroplasms and hemoplasms in wild caught neotropical felids. Blood samples were drawn from 11 Leopardus pardalis, 10 Leopardus tigrinus, eight Puma yagouaroundi, one Leopardus wiedii and one Puma concolor coming from the States of Para, Maranhão, Piauí, Ceará and Minas Gerais. Blood smears were evaluated for parasites and DNA was extracted for molecular techniques. Hepatozoon spp. and piroplasms were diagnosed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and feline hemoplasms were examined by both RFLP-PCR and Nested- PCR. Molecular characterization of the isolates obtained was performed after sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. The occurrence of at least one hemoparasite diagnosed by blood smear technique was 6.45% (2/31) and by PCR was 45.16% (14/31). Infections of Hepatozoon sp., Cytauxzoon felis and feline hemoplasms (from species Mycoplasma haemofelis and/or Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum) were observed, respectively, in 16.12% (5/31), 3.22% (1/31) and 38.70% (12/31) from the total of animals studied. Infections and co-infections were found among felids. The positive diagnosis were higher in adults (92.85%) (p= 0,007) and in L. pardalis (57.14% - 8/14). The detection of C. felis in a juvenile, recently wild caught P. concolor, indicates the presence of this piroplasm in the wild felid population of Brazil. The molecular characterization of Hepatozoon sp. in neotropical felids and the report of this hemoparasite infection in L. tigrinus as well as the report of M. haemofelis and Candidatus M. haemominutum in P. yagouaroundi are novelties in the world.

Submitted by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2017-04-07T10:48:47Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Leda Margarita Castaño Barrios - 2017.pdf: 980812 bytes, checksum: db3c4dca26b1b3bed20b822e4b839e3e (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2017-04-07T10:49:06Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Leda Margarita Castaño Barrios - 2017.pdf: 980812 bytes, checksum: db3c4dca26b1b3bed20b822e4b839e3e (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-04-07T10:49:06Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Leda Margarita Castaño Barrios - 2017.pdf: 980812 bytes, checksum: db3c4dca26b1b3bed20b822e4b839e3e (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-03-03 / Outro / The purpose of this study was to detect the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. by the nested PCR in 95 samples of cat feces collected in four localities in Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil. In positive samples, we determined: (i) the frequency of Cryptosporidium spp., (ii) the species present, through BLAST sequences analysis, and (iii) risk factors (age, sex, and lifestyle of cats) using logistic regression and odds ratio (OR). We identified 17.9% (17/95) of samples were positive for Cryptosporidium spp. infection and, of these, 8,4% (8/95) were from males and 9,5% (9/95) from females. Among total samples, 7.4% (7/95) were from free-living animals and 10,5% (10/95) from non-free; 13,7% (13/95) were under six months of age and 4,2% (4/95) over six months of age. Regarding their origins, 7,4% (7/95) were from NGOs, 6,3% (6/95) from the University Veterinary Hospital, and 4,2 (4/95) from the premises of “Campus Samambaia”. Was detected circulating of C. felis 88,2 % (15/17), C. muris 5,9% (1/17) and Cryptosporidium sp. 5,9% (1/17) in the sampled animals. The only risk factor was age, for cats younger than six months (χ2 = 4,3, p= 0.04, OR = 3,4). This study demonstrated the existence of positive animals for Cryptosporidium spp. At least two species of Cryptosporidium circulate among the cats studied, affecting mainly cats under the age of six months. / Os objetivos do presente estudo foram detectar a presença de Cryptosporidium spp. por meio da técnica de nested-PCR em 95 amostras de fezes de gatos coletados em quatro localidades de Goiânia, Goiás (Brasil) e determinar (i) a frequência de Cryptosporidium spp., (ii) as espécies presentes, por meio de análise de sequencias no BLAST e (iii) avaliar os fatores de risco: sexo, idade e estilo de vida dos gatos, por meio de regressão logística e OR (odds ratio). Detectou-se 17,9% (17/95) de infecção por Cryptosporidiums sp., sendo 8,4% (8/95) em machos e 9,5% (9/95) em fêmeas. Do total dos animais amostrados, 7,4% (7/95) eram de vida livre e 10,5% (10/95) não livre. Dentre os positivos, 13,7% (13/95) tinham idade inferior a seis meses e 4,2% (4/95) idade igual ou superior a seis meses. Quanto à origem, 7,4 % (7/95) eram oriundos de Organização Não Governamental, 6,3% (6/95) do Hospital Veterinário da Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade Federal de Goiás e 4,2 (4/95) do Campus Samambaia da Universidade Federal de Goiás. Foi detectada a circulação nos animais amostrados de Cryptosporidium felis, 88,2 % (15/17), C. muris, 5,9 % (1/17) e Cryptosporidium sp., 5,9 % (1/17). O único fator de risco identificado foi a idade inferior a seis meses (χ2 = 4,3, p= 0.04, OR = 3,4). Conclui-se que, nas condições em que o estudo foi realizado, há animais positivos para Cryptosporidium spp. Pelo menos duas espécies de Cryptosporidium circulam entre os gatos amostrados e afetam principalmente aqueles animais com idade inferior aos seis meses.

Baseline data on a species' distribution and abundance are essential for developing practical conservation management plans. Such data are difficult to obtain for many low density cryptic carnivores. The Scottish wildcat, Felis silvestris silvestris, is no exception with <400 individuals thought to remain. Its conservation has been further complicated by extensive hybridisation and introgression with the domestic cat (F.s.catus). Hybridisation has also resulted in difficulties in discriminating between wildcats, wildcat x domestic hybrids (hybrids) and tabby coloured feral domestic cats. This has inhibited survey efforts, leading to a lack of general ecological information. Using the most recent identification tools available, extensive surveys using various methods including camera trapping were carried out across Northern Scotland in order to examine the current status of the Scottish wildcat. Current distribution indicates a more restricted range than recent studies. Wildcats are at risk of hybridisation from feral domestic cats and in particular, hybrids, throughout their current probable range. The distribution of hybrids overlaps with both feral domestic cats and wildcats, pointing to a significant threat from hybrids acting as a bridge between wildcats and feral cats. Mean density estimates of 3.5 (SD=0.7) wildcats/100 km² were comparable with those from other studies in Scotland using different survey methods. Total population size estimates ranged between 115-314 individuals depending on local densities and home range size. Population viability analysis (PVA) indicated the current population is not viable unless management actions are undertaken in the near future (Mean time to extinction = 48.2 years (SD = 9.39), probability of extinction=1, SE = 0), and that reducing mortality rates and/or supplementing populations from captive bred cats are likely to be necessary to achieve viability. Based on these data, the Scottish wildcat may be more endangered than many other species classified as Endangered and the current status of the Scottish wildcat should be reviewed.

This study presents mitochondrial genome sequences from 22 Egyptian house cats with the aim of resolving the uncertain origin of the contemporary world-wide population of Domestic cats. Together with data from earlier studies it has been possible to confirm some of the previously suggested haplotype identifications and phylogeny of the Domestic cat lineage. Moreover, by applying a molecular clock, it is proposed that the Domestic cat lineage has experienced several expansions representing domestication and/or breeding in pre-historical and historical times, seemingly in concordance with theories of a domestication origin in the Neolithic Middle East and in Pharaonic Egypt. In addition, the present study also demonstrates the possibility of retrieving long polynucleotide sequences from hair shafts and a time-efficient way to amplify a complete feline mitochondrial genome.

Submitted by Cássio da Cruz Nogueira (cassionogueirakk@gmail.com) on 2017-01-26T13:46:03Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Tese_VitrificacaoTecidoOvariano.pdf: 4015963 bytes, checksum: 40c8ba45cdbfd05b51e3296153b718d1 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Edisangela Bastos (edisangela@ufpa.br) on 2017-01-27T13:24:34Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Tese_VitrificacaoTecidoOvariano.pdf: 4015963 bytes, checksum: 40c8ba45cdbfd05b51e3296153b718d1 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-01-27T13:24:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Tese_VitrificacaoTecidoOvariano.pdf: 4015963 bytes, checksum: 40c8ba45cdbfd05b51e3296153b718d1 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2016-09-06 / CAPES - Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Esta tese tem como principal objetivo desenvolver um protocolo eficiente de vitrificação de tecido ovariano de gata doméstica (Felis catus). O estudo foi dividido em: Fase I: Efeito de diferentes tipos de meios-base durante a vitrificação de tecido ovariano de gata; Fase II: Efeito de diferentes crioprotetores extracelulares e técnicas de vitrificação em tecido ovariano de gata; Na fase I, a morfologia de folículos pré-antrais foi similar ao controle fresco (p > 0,05), quando o RPMI-1640 foi utilizado como meio-base. RPMI-1640 não contém vermelho fenol que, adicionado ao meio, intensificou a toxicidade do crioprotetor etileno glicol durante a vitrificação. Na fase II, a percentagem de folículos morfologicamente normais foi similar ao controle, apenas quando o meio de vitrificação foi suplementado com 0,1 M ou 0,5 M de trealose (p > 0,05). Além disso, através dos parâmetros como a morfologia, proliferação celular e espessura de fibras colágenas pode-se dizer que a combinação de trealose com etilenoglicol (EG) sozinho ou adicionado de dimetilsufóxido (DMSO), aplicando os métodos Solid-surface vitrification (SSV) ou Ovarian Tissue cryosystem (OTC), apresentaram sucesso na preservação do tecido ovariano vitrificado. Apesar do OTC com EG não apresentar diferença significativa dos demais tratamentos, uma vez que este protocolo apresentou o maior percentual de folículos morfologicamente normais (56%), sendo similar ao controle (64%). Adicionalmente, nenhum efeito sobre a regulação de expressão gênica foi observada nos grupos testados, quando foram avaliados marcadores de apoptose (BAX - proteína X associada ao Bcl-2), de estresse do retículo endoplasmático (ERP29 – proteína do retículo endoplasmático 29), de canais de água como as aquaporinas 3 e 9 (AQP3 e AQP9), e os transportadores de membrana ABC (ABCB1 e ABCG2), com exceção do método SSV com EG que apresentaram, após 7 dias de cultivo in vitro, um aumento da expressão da ERP29 (indica estresse no reticulo endoplasmático) e a diminuição da expressão da AQP9 (afeta canais de transporte de agua). Com isso, para a manutenção da preservação do tecido ovariano de gata é necessário o uso de um protocolo de vitrificação contendo meio-base livre de vermelho fenol, suplementado com trealose, como crioprotetor extracelular, e EG sozinho ou associado com DMSO, como crioprotetores intracelulares. Ambos os sistemas abertos (SSV) e fechados (OTC) são equivalentes na eficiencia em manter a sobrevivência folicular durante o processo de vitrificacao. / The aim o the present thesis was to develop an efficient vitrification protocol of the ovarian tissue from domestic cat (Felis catus). This study was divided: Phase I: Effect of different basis media during the vitrification of cat ovarian tissue; Phase II: Effect of different sugars (extracellular cryoprotectants) and the vitrification technique for the vitrification of feline ovarian tissue. In phase I, the morphology of preantral follicles was similar (p > 0.05) to fresh control when RPMI-1640 was used as basis medium for vitrification. RPMI-1640 does not contain phenol red, which was found to enhance ethylene glycol (EG) toxicity during vitrification. In phase 2, the percentage of morphologically normal preantral follicles was similar (p > 0.05) to fresh control only when the vitrification medium contained 0.1 or 0.5 M trehalose, instead of sucrose or raffinose at same concentrations. Furthermore, based on parameters such as morphology, cell proliferation and thickness of collagen fibers, it is possibe to assume that efficient vitrification of feline ovarian tissue can be performed by combining trehalose with EG, with or without dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), applying the solid-surface vitrification (SSV) or ovarian tissue cryosystem (OTC) method. Although vitrification with OTC in the presence of EG did not differ from the other treatments, this protocol presented the highest percentages of preserved preantral follicles (56%), being similar to control (64%). Additionally, no effect on gene regulation was observed after vitrification when apoptosis markers (BAX – protein X associated to Bcl-2), endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (ER protein 29 – ERP29), water channels proteins like aquaporins 3 and 9 (AQP3 and AQP9), the membrane ABC transporters ABCB1 and ABCG2, except when the SSV method was applied using only EG as cryoprotectant followed by seven days in vitro culture, where ERP29 up-regulation (ER stress) and AQP9 down-regulation (impaired water transport) were observed. Based on this, it can be concluded that to efficiently preserve feline ovarian tissue, is is necessary the use of a vitrification protocol free of phenol red, supplemented with trehalose, as extracellular cryoprotectant, and EG alone or in combination with DMSO, as intracellular cryoprotectants. Both open (SSV) and closed (OTC) systems are equaly efficient to maintain follicular survival during the vitrification procedure.

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of retrobulbar anesthesia in cats with levobupivacaine chloride 0.5% and lidocaine chloride 2% without vasoconstrictor. Fourteen cats were divided into two groups and underwent preanesthetic medication with acepromazine maleate and propofol. Retrobulbar block was performed in the medial corner of the eyelids of the right eyeball with levobupivacaine hydrochloride (Group I) and lidocaine (Group II) without vasoconstrictor. We evaluated the M0 moments i.e. six hours prior to PAM, M1:15 minutes after PAM, when it was taken the anesthetic, as well as the periods M2: 15, M3: 30, M4: M5: 45 and M6: 60 minutes after the anesthetic block. The duration of block with lidocaine was 50 minutes, and 65 minutes with levobupivacaine without change in systolic blood pressure. Anesthetic promoted block of the corneal and the oculocephalic reflexes, being that the loss of sensibility and return of the corneal reflexes were faster with the levobupivacaine than with the lidocaine. No changes in the coloration of the eyelid and bulbar conjunctivae and decentralization of the globe were noted. Anesthetics caused retrobulbar anesthesia in cats, being that 0.5% levobupivacaine promotes appearance of rash in the bulbar and the eyelid conjunctivae, greater reduction in tear production and increased intraocular pressure. Anesthetics are not able to restrict the palpebral reflexes, but they may be used for intraocular surgery. / Objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar os efeitos da anestesia retrobulbar em gatos com cloridrato de levobupivacaína 0,5% e cloridrato de lidocaína 2%, sem vasoconstritor. Quatorze gatos foram separados em dois grupos e submetidos à medicação pré-anestésica com maleato de acepromazina e posterior anestesia com propofol. Realizou-se bloqueio retrobulbar no canto medial das pálpebras do bulbo ocular direito com cloridrato de levobupivacaína 0,5% (Grupo I) e lidocaína 2% (Grupo II), sem vasoconstritor. Avaliou-se os momentos M0: seis horas antes da MPA, M1: 15 minutos após a MPA, quando foi feita a administração do anestésico. Assim como nos períodos M2: 15, M3: 30, M4: 45 e M5: 60 minutos após bloqueio anestésico. A duração do bloqueio com lidocaína foi de 50 minutos, e de 65 com a levobupivacaína, sem variação da pressão arterial sistólica. Os anestésicos promoveram bloqueio dos reflexos corneano e oculocefálico, sendo que com a levobupivacaína ocorreu perda da sensibilidade e retorno dos reflexos corneanos mais rápidos que a lidocaína. Não foram notadas alterações na coloração da conjuntiva palpebral e bulbar e descentralização do bulbo ocular. Os anestésicos ocasionaram anestesia retrobulbar em gatos, sendo que levobupivacaína promove aparecimento de prurido na conjuntiva bulbar e palpebral, maior redução na produção de lágrima e aumento da pressão intraocular. Os anestésicos no bloqueio retrobulbar não são capazes de restringir os reflexos palpebrais, porém podem ser indicados para cirurgias intra-oculares. / Mestre em Ciências Veterinárias

Orientador: Lucia Helena O'Dwyer de Oliveira / Banca: Katia Denise Saraiva Bresciani / Banca: Alessandro Francisco Talamini do Amarante / Resumo: O trabalho teve como objetivo investigar a ocorrência de Hepatozoon spp., piroplasmas e hemoplasmas em felídeos neotropicais nascidos em vida livre. Amostras sanguíneas foram colhidas de 11 Leopardus pardalis, 10 Leopardus tigrinus, oito Puma yagouaroundi, um Leopardus wiedii e um Puma concolor, provenientes dos Estados do Pará, Maranhão, Piauí, Ceará e Minas Gerais. Esfregaços sangüíneos foram realizados para observação dos hemoparasitas e a extração de DNA foi feita para utilização em técnicas moleculares. Hepatozoon spp. e piroplasmas foram diagnosticados pela Reação em Cadeia de Polimerase (PCR) e hemoplasmas felinos foram pesquisados pela PCR- RFLP e "Nested"-PCR. A caracterização molecular dos isolados obtidos foi feita após o sequenciamento e a análise filogenética. A ocorrência de pelo menos um hemoparasita diagnosticado pela técnica do esfregaço sanguíneo foi de 6,45% (2/31) e pela PCR foi de 45,16% (14/31), sendo observadas, 16,12% (5/31), 3,22% (1/31) e 38,70% (12/31) de infecções por Hepatozoon sp., Cytauxzoon felis e hemoplasmas (das espécies Mycoplasma haemofelis e/ou "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum"), respectivamente. Foram encontradas infecções únicas e mistas nos felídeos. O diagnóstico positivo foi maior nos adultos (92,85%) (p=0,007) e na espécie L. pardalis (57,14% - 8/14). A detecção de C. felis em exemplar juvenil de P. concolor, recém capturado na natureza, indica sua presença na população de felídeos neotropicais de vida livre no Brasil. A caracterização molecular de Hepatozoon sp. em felídeos neotropicais e os relatos das infecções por este hemoparasita em L. tigrinus e por M. haemofelis e "Candidatus M. haemominutum" em P. yagouaroundi são inéditos no mundo. / Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the occurrence of Hepatozoon spp., piroplasms and hemoplasms in wild caught neotropical felids. Blood samples were drawn from 11 Leopardus pardalis, 10 Leopardus tigrinus, eight Puma yagouaroundi, one Leopardus wiedii and one Puma concolor coming from the States of Para, Maranhão, Piauí, Ceará and Minas Gerais. Blood smears were evaluated for parasites and DNA was extracted for molecular techniques. Hepatozoon spp. and piroplasms were diagnosed by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and feline hemoplasms were examined by both RFLP-PCR and Nested- PCR. Molecular characterization of the isolates obtained was performed after sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. The occurrence of at least one hemoparasite diagnosed by blood smear technique was 6.45% (2/31) and by PCR was 45.16% (14/31). Infections of Hepatozoon sp., Cytauxzoon felis and feline hemoplasms (from species Mycoplasma haemofelis and/or "Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum") were observed, respectively, in 16.12% (5/31), 3.22% (1/31) and 38.70% (12/31) from the total of animals studied. Infections and co-infections were found among felids. The positive diagnosis were higher in adults (92.85%) (p= 0,007) and in L. pardalis (57.14% - 8/14). The detection of C. felis in a juvenile, recently wild caught P. concolor, indicates the presence of this piroplasm in the wild felid population of Brazil. The molecular characterization of Hepatozoon sp. in neotropical felids and the report of this hemoparasite infection in L. tigrinus as well as the report of M. haemofelis and "Candidatus M. haemominutum" in P. yagouaroundi are novelties in the world. / Mestre

No description available.

Les prédateurs introduits, tels que les chats (Felis silvestris catus) et les rats (Rattus spp), constituent la principale cause de raréfaction et d'extinction d'oiseaux insulaires. L'impact de la prédation sur les populations d'oiseaux est généralement quantifié grâce à l'identification morphologique des restes d'oiseaux dans les échantillons alimentaires de prédateurs. Une synthèse bibliographique réalisée dans cette thèse soulève les biais qualitatifs et quantitatifs liés à la difficulté d'identification des restes d'oiseaux. Les méthodes moléculaires permettent aujourd'hui de détecter et d'identifier avec précision l'ADN de proies cibles dans le régime alimentaire des prédateurs. Une part importante de cette thèse a consisté à optimiser le protocole moléculaire et en particulier les étapes de sélection des amorces taxon-spécifiques et de l'extraction de l'ADN des proies. La comparaison des performances des méthodes morphologique et moléculaire a mis en évidence la puissance de cette dernière dans la détection et l'identification des espèces d'oiseaux consommées par les chats et rats de l'île de Niau (Polynésie Française). L'étude des interactions trophiques directes (prédation) et indirectes (compétition alimentaire) entre trois prédateurs invasifs (R. exulans, R. rattus et F. s. catus) et un oiseau menacé d'extinction, le Martin-chasseur des Gambier (Todiramphus gambieiri) a montré un très faible impact sur cet oiseau par prédation, mais un fort potentiel de compétition alimentaire avec les 2 Rattus sp., en particulier pour les lézards Scincidae et certains arthropodes terrestres. Des perspectives de conservation du Martin-chasseur sont proposées et discutées. / Introduced predators, particularly cats (Felis silvestris catus) and rats (Rattus spp) are recognized as a major factor of rarefaction and extinction of island bird species. The impact of predation on bird populations is usually assessed through the morphological identification of bird remains in predator diet samples. A review conducted in this thesis highlighted the qualitative and quantitative biases related to the difficulty of detecting and identifying the consumed bird species in predator diet samples. Molecular methods allow the accurate detection and identification of targeted prey DNA in the diet of predators. A large part of the work entailed here has been to optimize the molecular protocol and particularly the key steps of the selection of.taxon-specific primer pairs and the extraction of prey DNA. A comparative study of the performances of both morphological and molecular methods highlighted the strength of the latter in the detection and identification of the bird species preyed by cats and rats on Niau island (French Polynesia). The study of the direct (predation) and indirect (competition for food) trophic interactions between three invasive predators (R. exulans, R. rattus and F. s. catus) and a critically endangered bird, the Tuamotu Kingfisher (Todiramphus gambieiri), demonstrated a very low impact of cats and rats on the population of Tuamotu Kingfisher through predation, but a high potential for food competition between this bird and the two species of rats, particularly for lizards (Scincidae) and some terrestrial arthropods. Finally, management perspectives regarding the conservation of Kingfisher Gambier are proposed and discussed.