This study examined three aspects: estimation of chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes) population size using nest density as a proxy, description of the plant community and assessment of human impacts to chimpanzee habitat in Kwitanga forest, western Tanzania. The overall estimated mean chimpanzee population density was 0.69(0.31–1.54) individuals per km2 and a mean population size of 15(7-34) weaned individual chimpanzees in the forest. The natural vegetation in Kwitanga consists mainly of miombo woodland, dominated by Brachystegia-Julbernadia tree species, poorly developed riverine forest, cultivated land and oil palm plantation. Assessment of the abundance of nesting trees in the landscape revealed that tree species composition along transects were significantly different to nesting sites (trees surrounding the actual tree that contains a nest) (Kolmogorov-Smirnov test: KSa = 2.0148; D = 0.3934: P < 0.05). Thirteen tree species were used for nests; the most used species were B. bussei, B. utilis, B. mirophylla, J. globiflora and P. tinctorius. The assessment on scarcity of nesting tree species in the landscape revealed that such species were abundant by proportion (KSa = 0.5883; D = 0.2308; P > 0.05), and species-specific density (Wilcoxon Z-test: Z = - 1.0265; U1= U2 = 13; p > 0.05). Trees in size classes between 10 cm and 40 cm diameter dominated the forest. The study on size suitability showed that there were significant differences (using ANOVA with Tukey’s HSD post hoc test) in tree diameter size among the three groups: transects, nesting sites, and nesting trees. Nesting trees were unique in size to the other two groups. The mean size of nesting trees was larger compared to both nesting sites and transects (27 ± 1.1 cm; 23 ± 0.7 cm and 18 ± 0.5 cm) respectively. Similar differences existed in tree densities between nesting sites and transects (Wilcoxon test: Z = 1.8104; U1 = 46, U2 = 61: P< 0.05), with nesting sites presenting higher tree density. These results indicated scarcity in trees of a size suitable for nesting, and nesting materials.. Nesting tree species occur in the landscape, though their sizes and higher tree species density at nesting sites determined nesting location choice and specific nesting tree selection. Tree felling indicated by stumps was the major threat to the availability of suitable nesting trees, with a higher encounter rate of seven (7) stumps per km and contributed 48 % of total human disturbance, followed by established fields in the forest. The analysis on the direction of the major threat to the habitat revealed that, the main road cutting through the forest is a key to tree felling. Encountered stumps declined with increased distance from the main road towards the forest edge, with more stumps in between 0 -100 m (P< 0.05; log (Y) = 1.7017 - 0.0007(X); R2 = 0.6705). Such findings implied that the prison inside the forest is a iii major cause of habitat decline. At least 30 tree species constituted the group of stumps. Julbernadia globiflora and Uapaca kirkiana were the most felled tree species. High human disturbances implied by higher human activities encounter rates, and overlapping tree size classes between felled and standing trees were the major threats to chimpanzee habitat in Kwitanga forest. High chimpanzee density and population size estimates in Kwitanga forest renders this area a potential for conservation in the Greater Gombe Ecosystem Program. Kwitanga being the largest remaining natural forest near Gombe National Park, it will increase habitat size to allow chimpanzee dispersal and feeding area. Such movements across heterogeneous landscapes would allow long-term survival through reduced competition, increased genetic diversity and ability to absorb minimal environmental shocks

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo estimar as populações canina e felina domiciliadas nos distritos administrativos do município de São Paulo, caracterizando-as demograficamente, bem como o oferecimento de cuidados veterinários e a forma de manutenção dos animais em domicílio. Para tal, utilizou-se amostragem complexa com seleção aleatória em dois estágios: setores censitários e domicílios. Em cada distrito administrativo, foram visitados seis setores censitários e 20 domicílios em cada setor sorteado. De setembro de 2006 a setembro de 2009, um total de 11.272 entrevistas foram feitas. A média de cão/domicílio com cão foi estimada em 1,60 e a média de gato/domicílio com gato, 1,69. A razão homem:cão foi estimada em 4,34 e a razão homem:gato, 19,33. A partir da população humana de 10.882.121 habitantes, no ano de 2007, estimou-se a população animal em 2.507.401 cães e 562.965 gatos. A população canina é composta de 52,7% de machos, enquanto a felina, de 45,1%. A proporção de felinos castrados (39,0%) foi superior a dos caninos (17,1%), considerando ambos os gêneros. As proporções de fêmeas esterilizadas (23,4% dentre os cães e 46,1% dentre os gatos) são superiores às de machos (11,4% dentre os cães e 31,5% dentre os gatos), em ambas as espécies. A idade média de cães foi estimada em 4,99 anos e a de gatos, 3,53 anos. A proporção de gatos não vacinados contra a raiva nos últimos 12 meses (6,8%) foi superior à proporção de cães (1,6%). A proporção de cães com restrição de acesso à rua (64,4%) foi superior à dos gatos (42,5%). A restrição e a esterilização dos animais são reflexos da posse responsável que deve ser incessantemente discutida e divulgada a fim de promover conscientização dos proprietários quanto aos modos de manutenção e oferecimento de cuidados veterinários. A caracterização das populações animais é a base da estruturação de progamas de controle populacional e de zoonoses. Estudos populacionais que respeitam a heterogeinedade dos aspectos administrativos e geográficos de um município, permitem medidas de ações em saúde mais direcionadas. / The present work aimed at estimate the owned dog and cat populations at the administrative districts of São Paulo city, in terms of its demography, but also the veterinary care and maintenance of animals. To achieve this goal, a complex sample with random selection in two stages (censitary sectors and households) was used. Six censitary sectors in each administrative district and 20 households in each sampled sector were visited. From September 2006 to September 2009, 11.272 interviews were made. The dog per household with dogs average was 1.60 and the cat per household with cats average was 1.69. The human:dog ratio was 4.34 and the human:cat ratio was 19.33. Since the human population was 10,882,121, in 2007, the dog population was estimated in 2,507,401 and the cat population in 562,965. The dog population was composted of 52.7% males, while among the cat population was 45.1%. The proportion of both male and female sterilized cats (39,0%) was higher than dogs (17.1%). The proportion of sterilized females (23.4% among dogs and 46.1% among cats) was higher than males (11.4% among dogs and 31.5% among cats) in both species. The mean age of dogs was 4.99 years as for cats, 3.53 years. The proportion of cats non-vaccinated against rabies (6.8%) was higher than dogs (1.6%) in the last 12 months. The proportion of restricted (access to the street) dogs (64.4%) was higher than restricted cats (42.5%). The animal restriction and sterilization are effects of responsible ownership and must be constantly discussed and disseminated to improve owners awareness about the way of maintaining and providing veterinary care to dogs and cats. The characterization of canine and feline populations is essential to structure an animal population management programme and zoonosis control. Population studies must respect the heterogeneity of administrative and geographical aspects of a municipality in order to provide more focused measures of public health.

Carcharias taurus is listed as Critically Endangered along the east coast of Australia and there is concern about their status globally. The use of traditional tag–recapture methods to monitor the east coast C. taurus population have been discontinued due to tag–biofouling and injuries that relate to tag attachment. In the current study, captive and wild C. taurus were used to assess whether spots present on their flanks were suitable natural tags for individual shark recognition. Photographic images of seven captive sharks taken at monthly intervals for 13 months and at three years after the start of the study indicated that their spot number, position and relative size did not change over this period. Similarly, eighty–nine wild sharks photographically re–identified at least 23 months after their initial identification (and in one case after 14 years) confirmed long–term spot–pattern retention. Photographic recaptures of individual C. taurus provided information about their temporal and spatial distribution and movement patterns along the Australian east coast in relation to maturity, sex and reproductive condition. A total of 930 sharks were photo–identified between 2004 and 2008 at 23 aggregation sites between Wolf Rock and Montague Island. Of these, 479 were females (271 mature, 208 immature) and 452 were males (288 mature, 60 sub–adults, 104 juveniles). The distribution of pregnant C. taurus was seasonally and temporally distinct from all other sharks. Visibly pregnant C. taurus were recorded at Wolf Rock (the most northern site) from February until October, although many sharks left during July. Pregnant C. taurus were also observed at North Moreton Island, Flat Rock and Fish Rock between June and November. Resting (mature, non–gravid) females and mature males were mostly observed at mid–southern sites from December to June, with northern counts increasing from June to November. The majority of immature sharks were recorded at mid–southern sites. Of 930 sharks identified between 2004 and 2008, 149 were identified at more than one site. On average, mature females moved 338 km (SD ± 465), mature males 340 km (SD ± 299), immature females 147 km (SD ± 98), sub–adult males 185 km (SD ± 216), and juvenile males 271 km (SD ± 237). The maximum rate of movement per day was 18.5 km for a mature female shark, 20.7 km for a mature male, 4.3 km for an immature female, 86 km for a sub–adult male and 4 km for a juvenile male. Mature males and mature non–pregnant females tended to move north from mid–winter and mate in late spring/early summer in warmer waters. From about mid–winter, pregnant females began to move from the warmer waters of their gestation areas to cooler southern waters to pup (probably from late spring to mid–summer). The movement patterns of immature sharks varied temporally, and were more limited spatially. Underwater censuses, photo–identification and acoustic tracking of individual C. taurus were used to investigate their reproductive periodicity, localised movements and behavioural segregation at Wolf Rock – the most northerly aggregation site on the east Australian seaboard. A biennial reproductive cycle was indicated for 18 of 28 females for which re–identifications spanned at least two mating and/or pregnancy events. Nine of the 28 sharks appeared to exhibit a triennial reproductive cycle. Male C. taurus were observed between July and January, but were absent between February and April. Scuba divers reported seeing some mating scars on individuals from mid–October, however fresh mating scars were predominately observed on photographs of individual C. taurus taken in November and December. Four acoustically–tagged mature female sharks remained within 500 m of the Wolf Rock aggregation site within a marine sanctuary zone for 78 – 90 % of the 11–15 day study period. A minimum population estimate of 930 individuals is provided from all sharks identified between 2004 and 2008. In addition, a Jolly–Seber (open model design) mark–recapture analysis on data obtained during four scheduled photo–identification surveys (conducted between July 2006 and February 2008 at 25 aggregation sites along the east coast of Australia) was used to estimate the size of this population. A maximum of 272 sharks (143 females and 129 males) were identified during any scheduled survey period. Model averaging across the highest rated JS models (Popan data formulation) resulted in an estimate of 756 males (95% CI = 590 – 922) and 1185 females (95% CI = 901 – 1469). The mark–recapture abundance estimate is considered preliminary and requires further model development to incorporate the heterogeneity in distribution and migration patterns within the C. taurus population. The occurrence of retained fishing gear and gear–related jaw injuries were quantified from the four scheduled photo–identification surveys along the east coast of Australia. A total of 673 sharks were identified with 119 occurrences of retained fishing gear or jaw injury recorded from 113 individual sharks. For sharks that were known by spot–patterns on both flanks, 29 % of females and 52 % of males were seen with retained fishing gear or a gear–related jaw injury. The largest numbers of identified sharks (222) during the surveys were seen at Fish Rock (off the New South Wales coast): 48 % of all sharks identified with retained fishing gear were first identified at this site. Fish Rock is a designated critical habitat for C. taurus, but most forms of line fishing, except fishing while anchored or moored with bait and/or wire trace line are permitted. Results from the surveys clearly demonstrated that C. taurus is susceptible to a large variety of fishing gear and fishing methods. Current protection measures for C. taurus appear insufficient at this site, particularly as large aggregations that include immature and mature sharks occur consistently throughout the year.

Bats are ecologically important around the world, partially because they eat insects. They are globally threatened by human activities. The extent of bat populations in South Asia has not been as well-monitored or researched as other parts of the world. Determining the size of a large colonial bat population is difficult, and can be aided through video footage or photographs. This study aimed to determine the population size of Tadarida plicata that inhabit the Gomantong Cave system in Borneo. Images of an evening emergence were used to determine the speed of flight, and then the number of bats to emerge from the cave through particle analysis in ImageJ. The counts, subsequent extrapolation, and comparison to previous estimates of flight speed indicated a population size approximately half the size of previous estimates, emphasizing the importance of continued monitoring. Using ImageJ particle analysis was deemed to be an effective way of estimating the number of bats in large populations.

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo estimar as populações canina e felina domiciliadas nos distritos administrativos do município de São Paulo, caracterizando-as demograficamente, bem como o oferecimento de cuidados veterinários e a forma de manutenção dos animais em domicílio. Para tal, utilizou-se amostragem complexa com seleção aleatória em dois estágios: setores censitários e domicílios. Em cada distrito administrativo, foram visitados seis setores censitários e 20 domicílios em cada setor sorteado. De setembro de 2006 a setembro de 2009, um total de 11.272 entrevistas foram feitas. A média de cão/domicílio com cão foi estimada em 1,60 e a média de gato/domicílio com gato, 1,69. A razão homem:cão foi estimada em 4,34 e a razão homem:gato, 19,33. A partir da população humana de 10.882.121 habitantes, no ano de 2007, estimou-se a população animal em 2.507.401 cães e 562.965 gatos. A população canina é composta de 52,7% de machos, enquanto a felina, de 45,1%. A proporção de felinos castrados (39,0%) foi superior a dos caninos (17,1%), considerando ambos os gêneros. As proporções de fêmeas esterilizadas (23,4% dentre os cães e 46,1% dentre os gatos) são superiores às de machos (11,4% dentre os cães e 31,5% dentre os gatos), em ambas as espécies. A idade média de cães foi estimada em 4,99 anos e a de gatos, 3,53 anos. A proporção de gatos não vacinados contra a raiva nos últimos 12 meses (6,8%) foi superior à proporção de cães (1,6%). A proporção de cães com restrição de acesso à rua (64,4%) foi superior à dos gatos (42,5%). A restrição e a esterilização dos animais são reflexos da posse responsável que deve ser incessantemente discutida e divulgada a fim de promover conscientização dos proprietários quanto aos modos de manutenção e oferecimento de cuidados veterinários. A caracterização das populações animais é a base da estruturação de progamas de controle populacional e de zoonoses. Estudos populacionais que respeitam a heterogeinedade dos aspectos administrativos e geográficos de um município, permitem medidas de ações em saúde mais direcionadas. / The present work aimed at estimate the owned dog and cat populations at the administrative districts of São Paulo city, in terms of its demography, but also the veterinary care and maintenance of animals. To achieve this goal, a complex sample with random selection in two stages (censitary sectors and households) was used. Six censitary sectors in each administrative district and 20 households in each sampled sector were visited. From September 2006 to September 2009, 11.272 interviews were made. The dog per household with dogs average was 1.60 and the cat per household with cats average was 1.69. The human:dog ratio was 4.34 and the human:cat ratio was 19.33. Since the human population was 10,882,121, in 2007, the dog population was estimated in 2,507,401 and the cat population in 562,965. The dog population was composted of 52.7% males, while among the cat population was 45.1%. The proportion of both male and female sterilized cats (39,0%) was higher than dogs (17.1%). The proportion of sterilized females (23.4% among dogs and 46.1% among cats) was higher than males (11.4% among dogs and 31.5% among cats) in both species. The mean age of dogs was 4.99 years as for cats, 3.53 years. The proportion of cats non-vaccinated against rabies (6.8%) was higher than dogs (1.6%) in the last 12 months. The proportion of restricted (access to the street) dogs (64.4%) was higher than restricted cats (42.5%). The animal restriction and sterilization are effects of responsible ownership and must be constantly discussed and disseminated to improve owners awareness about the way of maintaining and providing veterinary care to dogs and cats. The characterization of canine and feline populations is essential to structure an animal population management programme and zoonosis control. Population studies must respect the heterogeneity of administrative and geographical aspects of a municipality in order to provide more focused measures of public health.

Amphibians, because of their semi-permeable skin, sensitivity to changing microclimates, and important role in ecosystems, are often viewed as indicators of ecosystem health. They make excellent organisms for studies on the effects of silvicultural practices. My goal was to provide recommendations for forest management in the southern Appalachians so that harvesting operations are compatible with maintaining healthy populations of forest amphibians. I tested previously created habitat models that determined the most important habitat characteristics for salamanders. I counted salamanders in 240 10 x 10 m plots located in the MeadWestvaco Wildlife and Ecosystem Research Forest in north-central West Virginia. We also collected a variety of habitat data in these plots to predict salamander abundance with previously created models. These simple linear regression analyses of predicted versus observed values suggest for most models (7 out of 9) a weak relationship between predicted and observed values (R2 from 0.0033 to 0.2869, p from < 0.0001 to 0.7490). However, one of the models showed characteristics suggesting that it predicted new data as well or better than the original data, and therefore was the most accurate at predicting salamander abundance, and could be used for management purposes, although there was still much unexplained variation. This model included the variables woody stems (< 7.5 cm DBH), available rock, riparian status (i.e., within 15 m of a stream), percent overstory canopy cover, and available highly decomposed woody debris (decomposition classes 3 to 5). All of these relationships were positive except for woody stems, suggesting that in order to maintain healthy populations of salamanders, we should protect areas next to streams, with high amounts of rock, decomposed woody debris, overstory canopy cover, and few woody stems. I also examined the immediate effects of clearcuts on salamander movement and population estimates. I batch marked salamanders in plots at the edges of a clearcut, and in a control plot. Using the Schnabel estimator, I estimated population sizes in each plot. I then compared population estimates pre- and post-harvest on the interior (harvested) and exterior (unharvested) sides of the plots, taking into account the control plot. I also examined adult-juvenile ratios and movements from one side of the plot to the other. I found no significant changes (p > 0.05) following harvest in any of these measures, suggesting that salamanders do not move out of the harvested area post-harvest, at least over the short term (10 months of this study). This suggests that a longer period of time (> 1 year) is required to observe the population declines detected in most studies. / Master of Science

We initiated bait station surveys for black bears in southwestern Virginia in 1999. Bait station surveys are intended to be used as an index to follow bear population trend over time. We compared the bait station visitation (black bear visitation) to black bear harvest and mast surveys 1999 = 2002. The mean bait station visitation rate during 1999 - 2002 was 15.3% (SE = 2.89, n = 4). The number of bears harvested in the 3 counties that also had bait station surveys was 48 (31 males, 17 females), 59 (44 males, 15 females), 45 (32 males, 13 females), and 43 (26 males, 17 females) in 1999, 2000, 2001, and 2002, respectively. Harvest of males and females differed (n = 2, F = 19.44, df = 1, P = 0.0045). Bait station visitation and female harvest had a strong functional relationship with a negative slope (n = 4, r = -0.78, P = 0.22). The strongest relationship was between male harvest and total harvest (n = 4, r = 0.97, P = 0.03). Mean index to mast production for 1999 - 2002 was 2.3 (range 1.5 - 3.1), 2.7 (range 1.8 - 3.4), 2.3 (range 1.6 - 3.6), and 1.6 (range 1.2 - 2.4), respectively. The overall summary for mast production for the same years was described as fair, good, fair, and poor to fair. Mast production was significantly different between years (n = 4, F = 3.44, df = 3, P = 0.0326), and soft and hard mast production appeared to be above average in 2000. This corresponded with the lowest visitation (10.2%) of the 4 years. There was no correlation between bait station visitation and mast production (n = 4, r = 0.11, P = 0.87). Since 1998, the annual bear harvest in Virginia has exceeded 900 individuals (with the exception of 824 in 2001), and peaked in 2000 when 1,000 bears were harvested. Though harvest rates were high, a reliable population estimate did not exist for black bears in Virginia. We estimated population size, growth rate, and minimum viable population size using data collected between 1995-2000. We used Jolly-Seber, direct recovery, and minimum population size methods to estimate population size. The Jolly-Seber method estimate of adult female density was 0.23-0.64 bears/km2, and 0.01 bears/km2 for adult males. We estimated a density of 0.09-0.23 bears/km2 for all sex and age classes using direct recovery data. Using minimum population size, we found adult female density was higher than any other sex or age class (n = 6, t = 2.02, df = 40, P < 0.0001) with an average density of 0.055 adult females/km2. We used mark-recapture data collected from 148 individual bears (96 males:52 females) captured 270 times in program MARK to estimate survival using recapture, dead recovery, and Burnham's combined models. Adult females had the highest survival rate of 0.84-0.86, while yearling males had the lowest with 0.35. Using direct recovery data, adult females again had the highest survival rate with 0.93 (0.83-1.0) and 3-year old males had the lowest with 0.59 (0.35-0.83). We estimated growth rate using population estimates from Jolly-Seber, direct recoveries, and minimum population size methods. The lowest growth rate estimated was for all females (ages lumped) using minimum population size data (λ=0.82). Direct recovery data for all bears (sex and age lumped) during 1995 - 2000 showed the highest positive annual growth rate (λ = 1.24). We developed a population model using Mathcad 8 Professional to determine population growth rate, MVP, and harvest effects for an exploited black bear population in southwestern Virginia. We used data collected during the CABS study (1995 - 2000) in the model including population estimates derived from direct recovery data, age and sex specific survival rates, and cub sex ratios. When we used actual population values in the model, the bear population in southwestern Virginia did not go extinct in 100 years (l = 1.03, r = 0.03). When we reduced adult female survival from 0.94 to 0.89, the probability of extinction in 100 years was 3.0% and l = 0.99 (r = -0.01; Table 3.2). When the survival was reduced by an additional 0.01 to 0.88, the probability of extinction increased to 13.0% (l = 0.99, r = -0.01). Growth rate and extinction probabilities were very sensitive to adult female survival rates. Two-year old and 3-year old females did not impact extinction probabilities and growth rates as much as adult females. Their survival could be decreased by 44.0%, and still be less than the 5.0% extinction probability. / Master of Science

Estimou-se o tamanho e a distribuição espacial da população canina domiciliada no Município de Guarulhos, Estado de São Paulo, correlacionando-os com a população humana e composição sócio-econômica. Um Sistema de Informação Geográfica (SIG) foi elaborado para avaliar a localização espacial dos postos da Campanha de Vacinação Anti-rábica Canina em Guarulhos, no ano 2000. A população total de cães, no ano 2000, foi estimada com base em uma razão entre a população humana e a população canina, de acordo com uma amostra que considerou critérios sócio-econômicos. Observou-se que esta razão não está correlacionada com nível sócio-econômico, podendo-se considerar um valor único, ou seja, 5,30 (erro padrão de 0,27), para a Zona Urbana do município. Na Zona Rural, estimou-se a razão em 8,16 (erro padrão de 1,13). Foi determinada a densidade populacional canina para os setores censitários, com base na razão entre a população humana e a população canina. Baseado em uma lista de endereços, a localização geográfica dos 160 postos fixos de vacinação foi levantada, pelo uso de um aparelho de localização global por satélite (SPG). Estes pontos foram então plotados em um mapa georreferenciado do município de Guarulhos e suas 'áreas de influência' foram estabelecidas com base em uma distância média de deslocamento dos proprietários até os postos de vacinação. A população canina foi estimada em 193886 no ano 2000. A população felina foi estimada em 44070 no mesmo ano. Confrontando-se estes números com o total de animais vacinados na Campanha de Vacinação Anti-rábica do ano 2000, estimou-se que 61,77% dos cães domiciliados e 38,31% dos gatos domiciliados foram atendidos. Observou-se, através de mapas temáticos, que a cobertura espacial dos postos de vacinação é adequada, pois atende as áreas de maior densidade populacional animal. A proporção entre os gêneros da população canina foi estimada em 1,70, ou seja, 1,70 machos para cada fêmea. A mesma proporção, para a população felina, foi estimada em 1,44. / The size of supervised dog population and its distribution was estimated in Guarulhos, State of Sao Paulo, and correlated with human population and its socio-economic composition. A Geographic Information System (GIS) was built to evaluate spatial location of posts of anti-rabic vaccination campaign in Guarulhos, in the year 2,000. The total canine population in the year 2,000 was estimated by a human population:dog population ratio, obtained by a socio-economic criteria sampling. This ratio is not correlated with socio-economic levels, so that it may be considered a single value, or 5.30 (standard error in 0.27), to Guarulhos Urban Area. In Rural Area, this ratio is 8.16 (standard error in 1.13). Canine population density in censitary sectors was determinated based on human population:dog population ratio. Geographic location of 160 vaccination posts was found, based on an address list, by using a global positioning system (GPS) device. Those points were plotted in a map of Guarulhos, and its 'influence areas' were established by a mean walking distance, or the distance that a dog owner was prone to reach a vaccination post. Canine population was estimated in 193,886 for the year of 2,000. Feline population was estimated in 44,070 in the same year. Comparing these numbers with total vaccinated animals (dogs and cats) in Anti-rabic Vaccination Campaign of 2000, 61.77% of supervised dogs and 38.31% of cats were estimated to be attended. Through thematic maps, spatial coverage of vaccination posts was found to be adequate for Guarulhos, because it covers areas of high animal density. The proportion between genders of canine supervised population was estimated in 1.70, or 1.70 male for each female. The same proportion for feline supervised population, was estimated in 1.44.

Estimou-se o tamanho e a distribuição espacial da população canina domiciliada no Município de Guarulhos, Estado de São Paulo, correlacionando-os com a população humana e composição sócio-econômica. Um Sistema de Informação Geográfica (SIG) foi elaborado para avaliar a localização espacial dos postos da Campanha de Vacinação Anti-rábica Canina em Guarulhos, no ano 2000. A população total de cães, no ano 2000, foi estimada com base em uma razão entre a população humana e a população canina, de acordo com uma amostra que considerou critérios sócio-econômicos. Observou-se que esta razão não está correlacionada com nível sócio-econômico, podendo-se considerar um valor único, ou seja, 5,30 (erro padrão de 0,27), para a Zona Urbana do município. Na Zona Rural, estimou-se a razão em 8,16 (erro padrão de 1,13). Foi determinada a densidade populacional canina para os setores censitários, com base na razão entre a população humana e a população canina. Baseado em uma lista de endereços, a localização geográfica dos 160 postos fixos de vacinação foi levantada, pelo uso de um aparelho de localização global por satélite (SPG). Estes pontos foram então plotados em um mapa georreferenciado do município de Guarulhos e suas 'áreas de influência' foram estabelecidas com base em uma distância média de deslocamento dos proprietários até os postos de vacinação. A população canina foi estimada em 193886 no ano 2000. A população felina foi estimada em 44070 no mesmo ano. Confrontando-se estes números com o total de animais vacinados na Campanha de Vacinação Anti-rábica do ano 2000, estimou-se que 61,77% dos cães domiciliados e 38,31% dos gatos domiciliados foram atendidos. Observou-se, através de mapas temáticos, que a cobertura espacial dos postos de vacinação é adequada, pois atende as áreas de maior densidade populacional animal. A proporção entre os gêneros da população canina foi estimada em 1,70, ou seja, 1,70 machos para cada fêmea. A mesma proporção, para a população felina, foi estimada em 1,44. / The size of supervised dog population and its distribution was estimated in Guarulhos, State of Sao Paulo, and correlated with human population and its socio-economic composition. A Geographic Information System (GIS) was built to evaluate spatial location of posts of anti-rabic vaccination campaign in Guarulhos, in the year 2,000. The total canine population in the year 2,000 was estimated by a human population:dog population ratio, obtained by a socio-economic criteria sampling. This ratio is not correlated with socio-economic levels, so that it may be considered a single value, or 5.30 (standard error in 0.27), to Guarulhos Urban Area. In Rural Area, this ratio is 8.16 (standard error in 1.13). Canine population density in censitary sectors was determinated based on human population:dog population ratio. Geographic location of 160 vaccination posts was found, based on an address list, by using a global positioning system (GPS) device. Those points were plotted in a map of Guarulhos, and its 'influence areas' were established by a mean walking distance, or the distance that a dog owner was prone to reach a vaccination post. Canine population was estimated in 193,886 for the year of 2,000. Feline population was estimated in 44,070 in the same year. Comparing these numbers with total vaccinated animals (dogs and cats) in Anti-rabic Vaccination Campaign of 2000, 61.77% of supervised dogs and 38.31% of cats were estimated to be attended. Through thematic maps, spatial coverage of vaccination posts was found to be adequate for Guarulhos, because it covers areas of high animal density. The proportion between genders of canine supervised population was estimated in 1.70, or 1.70 male for each female. The same proportion for feline supervised population, was estimated in 1.44.

O lagostim Norte-Americano Procambarus clarkii está dentre as espécies exóticas estabelecidas no Brasil, registrada no estado de São Paulo. Este crustáceo de água doce apresenta grande potencial de invasão (ampla plasticidade ecológica, elevada agressividade, enorme poder de dispersão). Além disso, é portador do oomiceto Aphanomyces astaci, ao qual as espécies de crustáceos nativas do Brasil podem não ser imunes. Inúmeros impactos já foram associados à presença de P. clarkii em várias partes do mundo, desde danos ao ecossistema até impactos sobre a biota nativa. A fim de contribuir com informações relevantes para o desenvolvimento de estratégias de manejo e mitigação de impacto desta espécie no Brasil, esta pesquisa (1) levantou informações sobre a dinâmica populacional e o efeito da sazonalidade na sua abundância, (2) aperfeiçoou e propôs um método padronizado, rápido e acessível para o monitoramento das populações invasoras, (3) testou uma abordagem para controle populacional, (4) verificou a ecologia alimentar e as variações sazonais e intrapopulacionais na dieta, relacionando estes aspectos com o potencial de impacto, (5) analisou a diversidade genética de 9 populações estabelecidas no estado de São Paulo através da utilização de marcadores mitocondriais, (6) sumarizou o panorama legal sobre espécies invasoras, e (7) propoe ações para o manejo de invasão de P. clarkii. Foi definida uma metodologia padronizada para o acompanhamento das populações invasoras de P. clarkii, baseada no método de Schumacher e Eschmeyer para populações fechadas. As análises de dinâmica populacional demonstraram que não há efeito sazonal na abundância da população estudada e que a mesma segue crescendo com taxas consideráveis. Após testar um método de controle populacional baseado na remoção periódica de indivíduos ao longo de um ano, percebeu-se que a abundância populacional aumentou drasticamente e que o controle populacional através de remoção intensiva de indivíduos deve ser mais eficiente que a remoção extensiva. O estudo da dieta evidenciou a voracidade destes lagostins, que se alimentam continuamente de itens diversificados, tanto de origem animal quanto vegetal. Sua alta plasticidade trófica contribui para o alto potencial de estabelecimento em novos ambientes, uma vez que pode utilizar diferentes recursos alimentares dependendo da sua disponibilidade. Esta alta diversidade alimentar também está relacionada com o elevado poder de impacto, uma vez que fontes de diferentes níveis tróficos são utilizadas como recurso alimentar, podendo gerar um desequilíbrio trófico multidirecional, além de ameaçar a abundância e diversidade das espécies consumidas. Nas análises moleculares, foram encontradas apenas 7 haplótipos compartilhados por indivíduos de populações diferentes. Nenhum haplótipo é compartilhado entre populações brasileiras e indivíduos de populações autóctones, embora 3 haplótipos sejam observados entre populações nativas e outros 4 sejam encontrados em algumas populações brasileiras. As diferentes abordagens analíticas aplicadas ao longo deste estudo indicam que P. clarkii está adequadamente adaptado às situações bióticas e abióticas encontradas no Brasil, não havendo nenhuma estação em que os indivíduos encontrem barreiras importantes que pudessem dificultar sua sobrevivência e expansão, de forma que é indiferente a época do ano em que se fará maiores investimentos em manejo das populações invasoras. / Amongst the non-native species currently stablished in Brazil, the North-American freshwater crayfish Procambarus clarkii, is highlighted. This species has notable economic importance worldwide due to its value to aquaculture among aquarists. The occurrence of this species in Brazil seems to be restricted to the State of São Paulo. Procambarus clarkii shows a remarkable potential of invasion as a result of its wide ecological plasticity, elevated aggressiveness and high dispersion capacity. Additionally, it hosts the oomycete Aphanomyces astaci, which might infect and threat native crustaceans. Many impacts were associated to the establishment of this crayfish around the world, from ecosystem disturbances to the harm of native biota. In order to provide relevant information to the development of impact mitigation actions and management strategies related to P. clarkii’s invasion in Brazil, this research (1) evaluated the population dynamics and the effect of seasonality on abundance of one invasive population, (2) adapted and proposed a standardized method to monitor invasive populations which is easily executed and of low budget, (3) tested an approach for population control, (4) verified the trophic ecology of this freshwater crayfish, considering seasonal and intrapopulational variations, relating this aspect to invasive capacity and potential impact, (5) analyzed the genetic variability of 9 populations established in the State of São Paulo through molecular mitochondrial markers, (6) summarized the legal panorama about invasive species, and (7) proposes management actions to deal with P. clarkii invasion. After testing some traditional methods for abundance estimation, in search for the most easily replicated and performed, we defined a standardized methodology to monitor invasive populations of P. clarkii, based in the estimation method of Schumacher and Eschmeyer for closed populations. The population dynamic analysis demonstrated that seasonality does not play a role in abundance and that the population is in continuous growth. The test of population control, based on periodical removal of individuals for a year did not result in a decrease on abundance as we expected. Thus, we believe that intensive animal removal might be more promising than extensive removal. The diet evaluation evidenced the remarkable voracity of this crayfish, which continuously feeds on a variety of items as macrophytes, algae, insects, crustaceans, mollusks, fishes and amphibians. We also found a notable trophic plasticity that must contribute for the great establishment and potential impact offered by this species. The molecular analysis showed 7 haplotypes that are shared among individuals from different populations. No haplotype is shared between native and Brazilian populations however, some native populations share 3 haplotypes and some Brazilian share 4 haplotypes. The variable approaches used in this thesis indicate that P. clarkii is adequately adapted to biotic and abiotic conditions in Brazil and it seems that there is no season in which individuals are under important ecological pressure related to population abundance or food resources, which would difficult their survivorship or range expansion. Thus, according to our data, there is no specific season in which population are subjected to any notable pressure that could be favored for management.