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Neotropical primates rarely exhibit active tuberculosis. A brown howler monkey was found injured in an urban area. Histopathology revealed granulomatous inflammation in the lungs, lymph nodes, and liver. Immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis confirmed the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. The findings highlight the importance of TB surveillance in nonhuman primates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba) is endemic to the Atlantic Forest of eastern Brazil and northeastern Argentina, threatened by extinction due to habitat loss and fragmentation, and hunting. Its reduced and isolated populations dramatically decreased and suffered local extinctions after recent yellow fever outbreaks, recommending the species risk uplist from Vulnerable to Endangered. In Brazil, the species occurs along eight states in sparse populations, including some large protected areas, and is being uplisted to Endangered. Following the National Action Plan for Conservation of the Atlantic Forest Primates and the Maned-sloth, and applying the Guidelines for Reintroductions and other Conservation Translocations (IUCN/CTSG), the Ex Situ Guidelines (IUCN/CPSG) and the One Plan Approach (IUCN/CPSG), a workshop was held on August 2021 to evaluate the need, requisites and roles of an integrated Population Management Program for A. guariba. Such program was developed in June 2022 defining the objectives of (i) restore in situ populations from ex situ populations, prioritizing populations in higher risk to prevent local extinctions, and (ii) establish an ex situ insurance population. This in situ - ex situ integrated management program was approved by ICMBio in February 2023, with actions recommended for all states along the species distribution. In Argentina, the species is Critically Endangered, with a remaining population of 20-50 individuals. Following the National Plan for Primate Conservation in Argentina, in a process similar to that in Brazil, two workshops were held in 2022/2023 to evaluate and define management actions for the long-term recovery of A. guariba. The priorities indicated were (i) reintroduction in ten potential areas in Misiones - due to a lower risk when compared to reinforcement of remaining populations, and (ii) establishing an ex situ management program in Argentina - still non-existent. The progressive collaboration between the initiatives of both countries is promoting the exchange of experiences and the integration of strategies. Here we summarize the planning and management carried out in Brazil and Argentina, highlighting the need for integrated measures. We debate on the progress and challenges, proposing next steps for developing and implementing a binational population management program for the conservation of the brown howler monkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habitat modification due to human activities threatens species survival. While some species can inhabit habitat patches in anthropogenic landscapes, their occurrence often depends on landscape structure. We assessed the effects of landscape structure on brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans) occurrence in an urban scenario. We conducted censuses in 59 forest patches from 2014 to 2016 in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. We evaluated patch occurrence (presence/absence) in response to landscape composition (forest cover, arboreal crops, urban areas, open areas, and water) and configuration (patch density), considering the scale of effect. Water, urban, and open areas were the most important predictors of howler presence. Their presence was notably higher in landscapes with more water, likely because these landscapes consist of rural areas with low urbanization, less farming, and relatively high forest cover. Presence of howlers was positively associated with forest cover and negatively related to urban areas, open areas, and arboreal crops. Resource scarcity and increased mortality risks from human pressures, such as domestic dog attacks, electrocution, and roadkill on these land covers may explain these relationships. We highlight the importance of conserving and increasing forest cover in anthropogenic landscapes to protect species reliant on forested habitats, like howler monkeys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Primates are facing an impending extinction crisis. Here, we examine the set of conservation challenges faced by the 100 primate species that inhabit the Brazilian Amazon, the largest remaining area of primary tropical rainforest in the world. The vast majority (86%) of Brazil's Amazonian primate species have declining populations. Primate population decline in Amazonia has been driven principally by deforestation related to the production of forest‐risk commodities including soy and cattle ranching, the illegal logging and setting of fires, dam building, road and rail construction, hunting, mining, and the confiscation and conversion of Indigenous Peoples' traditional lands. In a spatial analysis of the Brazilian Amazon, we found that 75% of Indigenous Peoples' lands (IPLs) remained forested compared with 64% of Conservation Units (CUs) and 56% of other lands (OLs). In addition, primate species richness was significantly higher on IPLs than on CUs and OLs. Thus, safeguarding Indigenous Peoples' land rights, systems of knowledge, and human rights is one of the most effective ways to protect Amazonian primates and the conservation value of the ecosystems they inhabit. Intense public and political pressure is required and a global call‐to‐action is needed to encourage all Amazonian countries, especially Brazil, as well as citizens of consumer nations, to actively commit to changing business as usual, living more sustainably, and doing all they can to protect the Amazon. We end with a set of actions one can take to promote primate conservation in the Brazilian Amazon. Research Highlights: 86% of the 100 species of primates in the Brazilian Amazon have declining populations. 98% of these species range onto Indigenous People's lands. A call‐to‐action is needed to protect Indigenous People's land rights, Amazonian ecosystems, and primates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports for the first time the infestation of Cebidicola armatus in Brachyteles hypoxanthus. In total, 14 lice were recovered of an individual in Minas Gerais, Brazil. These were subjected to a microscopic analysis and the identification of C. armatus was carried out through its very characteristic morphology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the evident socioecological importance, knowledge of olfactory communication in Neotropical primates is in its infancy. Thus, to aid our understanding, we report on and describe olfactory communication behavior in Endangered Coimbra-Filho's titi monkey (Callicebus coimbrai) in two Atlantic Forest fragments in northeastern Brazil. We discuss our data using intragroup (communication and sexual attraction) and intergroup (territoriality) contexts. We systematically observed two titi monkey groups, one at Fazenda Trapsa (21 mo: 1513 h) and another at Mata do Junco (11 mo: 683 h). We recorded data on olfactory signals via all-occurrence sampling. We registered 14 olfaction-linked events in which the titi monkey pressed the right hand against the gular and sternal body regions and then wiped the palm repeatedly on the nearby branch. Adult males performed 11 events, whereas adult females performed the remaining 3. Most events associated with intragroup encounters had a sexual context. The events related to intergroup encounters appeared to be related to territorial defense. Our study provides the first evidence that Coimbra-Filho's titi monkey uses olfactory communication for both intragroup and intergroup communication. Dominance, mate attraction, and territorial defense functions shown by Coimbra-Filho titi monkeys in their olfactory behaviors provide new insights into the socioecology of Callicebusand potential themes for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The goal of this study is to provide a taphonomic analysis of bone fragments found in harpy eagle nests in the Brazilian Amazonia, utilizing the largest sample of prey remains collected to date. Harpy eagle kill samples were collected from nine nests, between June 2016 and December 2020 in Mato Grosso, Brazil. We identified the specimens, calculated the number of identified specimens (NISP) and minimum number of individuals (MNI). These metrics were used to estimate bone survivability and fragmentation. A total of 1661 specimens (NISP) were collected, representing a minimum number of 234 individuals (MNI). We identified at least nine species of primates, which represent 63.8% of the individuals in the kill sample. Harpy eagles preyed mostly on the medium‐sized capuchin and bearded saki monkeys (28.2% of the MNI), and two‐toed sloths (17.7% of the MNI). The large woolly monkeys also represented a significant portion of the sample (11.5% of the MNI). Three distinct patterns of bone survivability were found, one characterizing two‐toed sloths, another characterizing medium‐sized monkeys, and a third typical of woolly monkeys. We conclude that harpy eagle predation leaves an identifiable signature on the prey with a bone survivability pattern specific to each taxon. The intertaxon variations observed in the taphonomic signatures of harpy eagle kills should be taken into account when evaluating the potential influence of these raptors as accumulators of bone material in both paleontological and neontological assemblages. Research highlights: Harpy eagles are major accumulators of primate bones.Harpy eagle prey remains can be distinguished from those of other accumulators.Bone survivability shows three distinct patterns depending on the prey species.Taphonomic signature of harpy eagle prey remains are similar to other large raptors that consume primates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yellow fever virus (YFV) is the agent of yellow fever (YF), which affects both humans and non-human primates (NHP). Neotropical NHP are highly susceptible to YFV and considered sentinels for YFV circulation. Brazil faced a significant YF outbreak in 2017–2018, with over 2000 human cases and 2000 epizootics cases, mainly in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. This study aimed to investigate whether YFV circulation persisted in NHP after the human outbreak had subsided. To this end, NHP carcass samples collected in Minas Gerais from 2021 to 2023 were screened for YFV. RNA was extracted from tissue fragments and used in RT-qPCR targeting the YFV 5'UTR. Liver and lung samples from 166 animals were tested, and the detection of the β-actin mRNA was used to ensure adequacy of RNA isolation. YFV RNA was detected in the liver of 18 NHP carcasses collected mainly from urban areas in 2021 and 2022. YFV positive NHP were mostly represented by Callithrix, from 5 out of the 12 grouped municipalities (mesoregions) in Minas Gerais state. These findings reveal the continued YFV circulation in NHP in urban areas of Minas Gerais during 2021 and 2022, with the attendant risk of re-establishing the urban YFV cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Environmental changes may expose primates to new pathogens. We investigated two zoonotic protozoa, Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania infantum, to which free-living primates may be exposed in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. We evaluated risk factors associated with species, sex, age group, and biome in howler monkeys and assessed whether eight landscape metrics of forest fragments influence the monkeys' exposure to the pathogens. To do this, we tested serum from 96 howler monkeys (61 Alouatta caraya and 35 Alouatta guariba clamitans) by using an indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) for T. cruzi and an indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) for L. infantum. In the IHA for T. cruzi, 51% (49/96) were seropositive, with titers from 1:16 to 1:256. We found that A. caraya in the Pampa biome is more susceptible to exposure to T. cruzi than A. g. clamitans in the Atlantic Forest biome, but none of the landscape metrics, sex, or age were significantly related to exposure. No samples were positive for L. infantum. This may suggest that the conditions of the Pampa biome, where A. caraya occurs, are more conducive to the presence of Trypanosoma cruzi vectors, exposing the howler monkeys to infection. However, further serological tests are needed confirm our results. We hope our findings encourage future studies focused on identifying and isolating T. cruzi in primates and understanding the eco-epidemiological role that wildlife plays in transmitting and maintaining protozoa in the wild environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toxoplasmosis is an important zoonotic disease caused by the parasite Toxoplasma gondii and is especially fatal for neotropical primates. In Brazil, the Ministry of Health is responsible for national epizootic surveillance, but some diseases are still neglected. Here, we present an integrated investigation of an outbreak that occurred during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic among eleven neotropical primates housed at a primatology center in Brazil. After presenting non-specific clinical signs, all animals died within four days. A wide range of pathogens were evaluated, and we successfully identified T. gondii as the causative agent within four days after necropsies. The liver was the most affected organ, presenting hemorrhage and hepatocellular necrosis. Tachyzoites and bradyzoite cysts were observed in histological examinations and immunohistochemistry in different organs; in addition, parasitic DNA was detected through PCR in blood samples from all specimens evaluated. A high prevalence of Escherichia coli was also observed, indicating sepsis. This case highlights some of the obstacles faced by the current Brazilian surveillance system. A diagnosis was obtained through the integrated action of researchers since investigation for toxoplasmosis is currently absent in national guidelines. An interdisciplinary investigation could be a possible model for future epizootic investigations in animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 1973, the National Rabies Program was created in Brazil through an agreement between the Ministry of Health and Agriculture. Since its beginning, it developed integrated action through access to free post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for people at risk, dog vaccination campaigns, a joint surveillance system, and awareness. This study aims to describe human rabies in Brazil under the One Health perspective in recent decades, including achievements in the control of dog-mediated cases and challenges in human cases transmitted by wild animals. This paper also explores possible drivers of human rabies in the Northeast Region with half of the cases. The first part of this study was descriptive, presenting data and examples by periods. Statistical analysis was performed in the last period (2010–2022) to explore possible drivers. Dog-mediated human cases decreased from 147 to 0, and dog cases decreased from 4500 to 7. A major challenge is now human cases transmitted by wild animals (bats, non-human primates, and wild canids). Most current human cases occur in municipalities with a tropical and subtropical moist broadleaf forest biome and a Gini index higher than 0.5. In the multivariable analysis, an association with temperature was estimated (OR = 1.739; CI95% = 1.181–2.744), and primary healthcare coverage (OR = 0.947; CI95% = 0.915–0.987) was identified as a protector. It is possible to significantly reduce the number of dog-mediated human rabies cases through the efforts presented. However, Brazil has wildlife variants of the rabies virus circulating. The association of human cases with higher temperatures in the Northeast is a concern with climate change. To reduce human cases transmitted by wild animals, it is important to continue distributing free PEP, especially in remote at-risk areas in the Amazon Region, and to increase awareness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predation of capuchin monkeys (Sapajus spp.) and other primates by cougars (Puma concolor) is reported by some studies, but empirical evidence is limited to cougar's scats. This note presents the video record evidence of predation of a black capuchin monkey (Sapajus nigritus) by a cougar in a large Atlantic forest area of southeastern Brazil, probably in the context of food providing for young. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environments in which neotropical primates live have been undergoing an intense fragmentation process, constituting a major threat to the species' survival and causing resource scarcity, social isolation, and difficulty in dispersal, leaving populations increasingly vulnerable. Moreover, the proximity of wild environments to anthropized landscapes can change the dynamics of pathogens and the parasite‐host‐environment relationship, creating conditions that favor exposure to different pathogens. To investigate the previous exposure of free‐living primates in Rio Grande do Sul State (RS), southern Brazil, to the bacterial agents Leptospira spp. and Brucella abortus, we investigated agglutinating antibodies against 23 serovars of Leptospira spp. using the microscopic agglutination test and B. abortus acidified antigen test in primate serum samples; 101 samples from primates captured between 2002 and 2016 in different forest fragments were used: 63 Alouatta caraya, 36 Alouatta guariba clamitans, and 02 Sapajus nigritus cucullatus. In addition, the forest remnants where the primates were sampled were characterized in a multiscale approach in radii ranging from 200 to 1400 m to investigate the potential relationship of previous exposure to the agent with the elements that make up the landscape structure. The serological investigation indicated the presence of antibodies for at least one of the 23 serovars of Leptospira spp. in 36.6% (37/101) of the samples analyzed, with titers ranging from 100 to 1600. The most observed serovars were Panama (17.8%), Ballum (5.9%), Butembo (5.9%), Canicola (5.9%), Hardjo (4.9%), and Tarassovi (3.9%); no samples were seropositive for Brucella abortus. Decreased forest cover and edge density were the landscape factors that had a significant relationship with Leptospira spp. exposure, indicating that habitat fragmentation may influence contact with the pathogen. The data generated in this study demonstrate the importance of understanding how changes in landscape structure affect exposure to pathogenic microorganisms of zoonotic relevance. Hence, improving epidemiological research and understanding primates' ecological role in these settings can help improve environmental surveillance and conservation strategies for primate populations in different landscapes. Highlights: Free‐living primates in Rio Grande do Sul showed agglutinating antibodies to different Leptospira spp. serovars in the microscopic agglutination testDecreased forest cover in the landscape within a 200 m radius of the forest fragment was associated with primate exposure to Leptospira spp.Increased edge density in the landscape within a 1400 m radius of the forest fragment was associated with lower primate exposure to Leptospira spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the study undertaken by Souza et al. [Primates 64(1):153–159, 2022; https://doi.org/10.1007/s10329-022-01038-5], published in the most recent volume of this journal, the blood samples of two Alouatta guariba clamitans (Primates, Atelidae) from two municipalities in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil were reported to be positive for Mansonella perstans. This is the first reported finding of M. perstans in A. guariba clamitans, as well as the first time that M. perstans has been recorded in Brazil outside the Amazon region. We would like to express our concern about this finding, specifically with respect to the geographical distribution of M. perstans in Brazil, as, up until this study, this filaria had only been found in the upper Rio Negro region in São Gabriel da Cachoeira, Amazonas, Brazil. Moreover, species identification was performed using partial sequences of three gene fragments, namely internal transcribed spacer 2, 12S, and 18S, yet neither the phylogenetic trees nor the BLAST alignments of these sequences provided supporting evidence that they belong to M. perstans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has emerged as a public health concern in Brazil. From the first identification and characterization of porcine and human HEV-3 strains in the 2000s, new HEV subtypes have been identified from animal, human, and environmental isolates. As new potential animal reservoirs have emerged, there is a need to compile evidence on the zoonotic dissemination of the virus in animal hosts and the environment. The increasing amount of seroprevalence data on sampled and randomly selected populations must be systematically retrieved, interpreted, and considered under the One Health concept. This review focused on HEV seroprevalence data in distinct animal reservoirs and human populations reported in the last two decades. Furthermore, the expertise with experimental infection models using non-human primates may provide new insights into HEV pathogenesis, prevention, and environmental surveillance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Communication is one way that animals use to obtain and defend resources, escape predators and attract sexual partners. However, this process can be disrupted by anthropogenic noise, which often differs from natural sounds in frequency, duration and intensity. This study aimed to understand whether, and how, calls emitted by black-tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) are affected by mining noise. We compared ambient noise and the acoustic parameters of the contact calls of these animals in two study areas, one near and one far from the Brucutu Mine, Minas Gerais, Brazil. We found background noise to be higher in the area near the mine, and marmoset vocalizations more frequent, compared to the far area. Calls emitted in the near area also differed in spectral parameters from the far area, which suggests an effort by the animals to adapt their vocal activity to a noisier environment. Our results indicate that mining noise may affect the acoustic communication of black-tufted marmosets. These results may be taken as a starting point for establishing public policies to promote preventive and/or mitigative measures to protect wildlife around sites of mining activity. Moreover, measures to regulate any noisy activities in relation to wild animals are pressing since these are lacking in Brazil. All habitats have noise, but anthropogenic sounds often differ from natural sounds in terms of frequency, duration and intensity, and therefore may disrupt animal vocal communication. This study aimed to investigate whether vocalizations emitted by black-tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) were affected by the noise produced by mining activity. Through passive acoustic monitoring, we compared the noise levels and acoustic parameters of the contact calls of marmosets living in two study areas (with two sampling points within each area)—one near and one far from an opencast mine in Brazil. The near area had higher anthropogenic background noise levels and the marmosets showed greater calling activity compared to the far area. Calls in the near area had significantly lower minimum, maximum and peak frequencies and higher average power density and bandwidth than those in the far area. Our results indicate that the mining noise affected marmoset vocal communication and may be causing the animals to adjust their acoustic communication patterns to increase the efficiency of signal propagation. Given that vocalizations are an important part of social interactions in this species, concerns arise about the potential negative impact of mining noise on marmosets exposed to this human activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mansonellosis is a neglected and emerging tropical disease. Among all zoonotic filarial diseases, it is probably the most prevalent and least studied, with approximately 114 million people infected. The parasites of Mansonella spp. are among the most common blood parasitemias and are widely found in Africa and Latin America. Through molecular analysis of blood samples from free-ranging primates Sapajus nigritus (n 33) and Alouatta guariba clamitans (n 5) in the southern states of Brazil (Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul), we identified samples positive for Mansonella perstans in two specimens of A. guariba clamitans. A fragment of 578 bp from the ITS intergenic region (5.8S-ITS2-28S) was targeted for an initial PCR screening. Subsequently, positive samples were subjected to other PCR assays targeting a fragment of the 12S and the 18S genes. This is the first record of molecular detection of the agent in this host in the Pampa Biome. With a wide distribution across Brazil and Argentina, these primates may represent a potential wild reservoir for the zoonotic agent of mansonellosis. Entomological and transmission studies are essential to avoid the urbanization of mansonellosis and to understand the cycles of agents in different environmental scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the species–area relationship is well known, it may interact with and be augmented or cancelled out by other factors, such as local human disturbance. We used data on site occupancy of the Endangered blonde capuchin monkey (Sapajus flavius) based primarily on a standardized program of local interviews to model the influence of past human disturbance on the occurrence of this species across remaining forest patches of northeastern Brazil within the Atlantic Forest and Caatinga biomes. To do so, we assessed environmental covariates that best represent the history of human impacts. We then used single‐species occupancy models to assess site occupancy, while controlling for detection error during sampling. Surprisingly, we obtained a higher occupancy rate in the more arid Caatinga remnants than in the more mesic Atlantic Forest. Habitat patch size, history of site protection, and annual precipitation were the best predictors of local occupancy. Historical human disturbance, including subsistence hunting, has exerted considerable impact on the modern distribution of the blonde capuchin, whose geographic range largely spans a region historically lacking any wildlife protection. Matrix vegetation structure across the Caatinga, which so far has averted large‐scale mechanized agriculture, also creates a benign landscape that likely benefits contemporary capuchin occupancy. Local extinctions of this endangered primate will most likely continue unabated unless a ban on hunting in remaining Atlantic Forest and Caatinga fragments can be enforced. Highlights: The dry forest Caatinga had more fragments with this blonde capuchin monkey than the humid tropical Atlantic Forest.The landscape that averted large‐scale mechanized agriculture benefits contemporary capuchin occupancy.Larger patches with a positive historical of protection are more capable to shelter this endangered primate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Habitat fragmentation is the main threat to primate survival in the world. Additionally, changes in the environments in which they live can also contribute to exposure to pathogens. To investigate some pathogens that free-living primates may be exposed to in Rio Grande do Sul State (RS; southern Brazil) and characterize the forest remnants in which they live, we investigated anti-Neospora caninum, Toxoplasma gondii, and Sarcocystis spp. antibodies in the serum of the animals. Methods: We analyzed 105 serum samples from 63 black howler monkeys (Alouatta caraya), 39 southern brown howler monkeys (Alouatta guariba clamitans), and 03 capuchin monkeys (Sapajus nigritus cucullatus), which were captured in forest fragments of RS. Indirect fluorescence antibody test (IFAT) and indirect hemagglutination assay (IHA) were used to detect antibodies to the agents. We then characterized the landscapes in a multiscale approach in radii from 200 to 1400 m to investigate the relationship of the presence of the agents with landscape elements. Results: In the IFAT-IgG, 13.3% (14/105) of the samples were seropositive for N. caninum, 4.8% (5/105) for T. gondii, and 5.7% (6/105) for Sarcocystis spp. In the IHA-IgM/IgG, 24.8% (26/105) were seropositive for T. gondii. The metrics that best explained exposure to agents were edge and patch density, forest cover, urban cover, and average Euclidean distance to the nearest patch. Conclusions: This study indicated that the primates were exposed to the agents studied, demonstrating that some landscape features are associated with exposures to the investigated pathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The evolution of stone tool technology marks a significant milestone in hominin development, enabling early humans to manipulate their environments. The oldest known evidence, dating to 3.3 Ma, indicates a combination of percussive and flake production activities. Studying the archaeological signature of percussive stone tool use in living primate provides a potential analog to the origin of stone flake technology in the hominin lineage. Here, we present a yellow-breasted capuchin ( Sapajus xanthosternos ) stone tool assemblage from Fazenda Matos, Brazil, to explore the variability of the material signatures associated with percussive tool use. Our analysis of this record demonstrates many archaeological features previously associated with intentional flake production. This includes hammerstones with substantial percussive damage and a range of flaked and detached pieces. Comparative analyses with other flaked primate and hominin assemblages reveals that, unintentional flake production is a universal component of stone hammer and anvil percussive behaviors, suggesting that similar behaviors by early hominins may have led to stone flake technology and that this record may have been highly variable. To fully understand the origins of hominin stone technology, a broad spectrum of material records including both hominin and primate must be considered., Competing Interests: Competing interests statement:The authors declare no competing interest.

Helminthic infections, particularly those caused by trematodes, pose a significant health risk to both animals and humans. This study investigates hepatobiliary platynosomosis (HP) caused by Platynosomum illiciens in black-tufted marmosets (Callithrix penicillata) in Central Brazil. Data were retrospectively collected from autopsy records at the Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology and Forensics, University of Brasília, from January 2006 to July 2021. Epidemiological, clinical, and pathological information was analyzed, including comparisons between free-ranging and captive marmosets. A total of 1596 nonhuman primate (NHP) death records were examined, with black-tufted marmosets accounting for 75.6% (1206/1595) of autopsies. HP was identified in 10.8% (131/1206) of these cases. Captive marmosets showed a higher prevalence of HP (49.6%) than free-ranging ones (6.5%). This study revealed a significant seasonal trend, with higher HP prevalence observed during the wet season until the onset of the dry season. Pathological examinations revealed severe liver and bile duct damage in fatal HP cases, including fibrosis, bile duct thickening, and the presence of flukes. Captive marmosets exhibited pronounced clinical signs, such as weight loss and apathy. Morphological and molecular analysis of sampled flukes confirmed P. illiciens infecting the marmosets. These findings underscore the substantial impact of HP on marmoset populations, particularly in captive settings. The high lethality (58% overall; 81.6% in captivity) highlights the need for improved management and preventive measures in captive environments. This study contributes to understanding HP epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and pathological outcomes, underscoring the disease's significance for the health of both free-ranging and captive NHP populations. Our findings also support the need to develop targeted strategies to mitigate the impact of HP on primate species populations., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Non-human primates (NHPs) are reported as exclusive hosts of Trypanosoma minasense, whose transmission cycle remains unknown. We investigated trypanosomatid infections in 194 NHPs of nine species from the Brazilian Southeast region. We evaluated the impact of landscape composition and forest fragmentation on T. minasense infection. In the Atlantic Forest areas, Sapajus nigritus presented a higher positivity for T. minasense on the blood slides (60.9%) compared to Callithrix spp. (24.6%) and Alouatta guariba clamitans (20.7%); molecular analysis revealed higher infection prevalences in S. nigritus (87.0%) and A. g. clamitans (78.8%) than Callithrix spp. (50.8%). Callithrix spp. from the Cerrado and bordering areas showed higher infection prevalences by T. minasense on the blood slides (51.8%) and molecular diagnosis (77.6%). Eight (7.8%) positive hemocultures were obtained, but in only one (from A. g. clamitans) parasites were isolated and characterized as Crithidia mellificae. Trypanosoma cruzi TcII and T. rangeli lineage A were identified in Leontopithecus rosalia and C. penicillata, respectively. The results indicate that Alouatta, Callithrix, and Sapajus genera are highly exposed to T. minasense in the study area and landscape analysis revealed that these infections were inversely correlated with the proportion of forest and directly correlated with the forest fragmentation., Competing Interests: Declarations. Competing interests: The authors declare no competing interests. Ethical approval: All procedures carried out during the animal captures, as well as the collecting and handling of samples, were conducted in compliance with Brazilian law (11.794 of July 8, 2008) regarding the use of animals in scientific research, as well as with the guidelines established by the Brazilian Ministry of Health39. Prior approval of the procedures was obtained from the institutional Ethics Committee for Animal Experimentation from the Instituto Oswaldo Cruz (protocol CEUA/IOC-004/2014, license L-004/2015 and protocol CEUA/IOC-029/2016, license L-037/2016), as well as from the Instituto Federal do Norte de Minas Gerais (protocol CEUA/IFNMG-14/2019). Additionally, approval was granted by the Brazilian Ministry of the Environment (SISBIO 41837-3, 54707-6 and 71714-6) and the Rio de Janeiro’s Environment Agency (INEA 019/2018). This study complied with ARRIVE guidelines ( https://arriveguidelines.org )., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Objective: to present a comprehensive analysis of YF occurrence of in the state of São Paulo since its reemergence, and the ongoing process of structuring the surveillance of epizootics in non-human primates in a one health approach., Methods: descriptive study of human cases and epizootics in non-human primates, structuring actions and the one health approach used in the state of São Paulo for yellow fever surveillance from 2000 to 2023., Results: from 2000 to 2023, 679 human cases and 857 epizootics in NHPs confirmed for yellow fever were recorded. There was an intensification of epizootic surveillance actions in non-human primates from 2017, when the virus circulated in areas without vaccine recommendations in the state., Conclusion: Five outbreaks were registered during the evaluated period, and the surveillance of epizootics in non-human primates played a fundamental role in implementing disease prevention and control measures in areas without vaccination recommendation, guiding vaccination actions, and serving as an example of how a one health approach can be adopted within epidemiological surveillance, making it more resilient to emerging threats.

This is the first reported case of Bertiella mucronata infection in a black-and-gold howler monkey (Alouatta caraya) in Brazil. The present study confirms the widespread of B. mucronata in South America and suggest that black-and-gold howler monkeys may serve as viable reservoirs for B. mucronata., (© 2024 John Wiley & Sons A/S. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)

Neotropical primates are susceptible to several parasitic diseases, the most relevant of which is toxoplasmosis. The black-faced lion tamarin is one of the most endangered callitrichid, with no more than 400 individuals in the wild. A young specimen of black-faced lion tamarin died acutely after being rescued and sent to the Sorocaba Zoological Park. This is the first report of acute fatal toxoplasmosis in L. caissara in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beside humans, thousands of non-human primates (NHPs) died during the recent outbreak caused by the yellow fever virus (YFV) in Brazil. Vaccination of NHPs against YFV with the YF 17DD attenuated virus has emerged as a public health strategy, as it would reduce sylvatic transmission while also preserving endangered susceptible species. The hypothesis of establishing an uncontrolled transmission of this attenuated virus in nature was raised. We assessed vector competence of four sylvatic mosquito species, Haemagogus leucocelaenus, Haemagogus janthinomys/capricornii, Sabethes albiprivus, and Sabethes identicus, as well as the urban vector Aedes aegypti for YF 17DD attenuated vaccine virus when fed directly on eleven viremic lion tamarins or artificially challenged with the same virus. No infection was detected in 689 mosquitoes engorged on viremic lion tamarins whose viremia ranged from 1.05 × 103 to 6.61 × 103 FFU/mL, nor in those artificially taking ≤ 1 × 103 PFU/mL. Low viremia presented by YF 17DD-vaccinated New World NHPs combined with the low capacity and null dissemination ability in sylvatic and domestic mosquitoes of this attenuated virus suggest no risk of its transmission in nature. Thus, vaccination of captive and free-living NHPs against YFV is a safe public health strategy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both anthropogenic actions and abiotic parameters, such as rainfall, temperature and photoperiod, can affect fruit and flower availability for animals, which consequently affects nutritional status and thus animals' health. Herein, we investigated whether abiotic factors are related to changes in fruit availability that can lead to changes in feeding behavior and, consequently, in endoparasite load and general health status in two groups of golden-headed lion tamarins (Leontopithecus chrysomelas) living in degraded fragments of Atlantic forest in Southern Bahia, Brazil. We detected that there was a high variation in availability of ripe fruits throughout the year, with lower availability occurring at the end of spring and beginning of summer. Despite this, there was no difference in tamarins' general health status, body mass and blood counts between seasons. This is probably because during native fruit scarcity, the tamarins eat cultivated species, such as banana (Musa spp.) and jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus). Temperature and daylength were negatively correlated with golden-headed lion tamarin endoparasite loads. Contrary to our expectations, endoparasite loads are not linked to fruit scarcity and consequent changes in feeding behavior. Nevertheless, we found higher parasite diversity in the group of golden-headed lion tamarins that occupied the smallest home range. The smaller the area available, the greater the contact with parasites the animal will have, as they are forced to travel constantly along the same routes in the forest, increasing infection risk and re-infection rates. Our results highlight how animals' health is associated with environmental health as well as the need for constant monitoring to ensure the effective conservation of endangered species, such as the golden-headed lion tamarin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Orthopoxvirus (OPXV) of the family Poxviridae comprises several viruses that are capable of infecting a wide range of hosts. One of the most widespread OPXVs is the Vaccinia virus (VACV), which circulates in zoonotic cycles in South America, especially in Brazil, infecting domestic and wild animals and humans and causing economic losses as well as impacting public health. Despite this, little is known about the presence and/or exposure of neotropical primates to orthopoxviruses in the country. In this study, we report the results of a search for evidence of OPVX infections in neotropical free-living primates in the state of Minas Gerais, southeast Brazil. The sera or liver tissues of 63 neotropical primates were examined through plaque reduction neutralization tests (PRNT) and real-time PCR. OPXV-specific neutralizing antibodies were detected in two sera (4.5%) from Callithrix penicillata, showing 55% and 85% reduction in plaque counts, evidencing their previous exposure to the virus. Both individuals were collected in urban areas. All real-time PCR assays were negative. This is the first time that evidence of OPXV exposure has been detected in C. penicillata, a species that usually lives at the interface between cities and forests, increasing risks of zoonotic transmissions through spillover/spillback events. In this way, studies on the circulation of OPXV in neotropical free-living primates are necessary, especially now, with the monkeypox virus being detected in new regions of the planet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We expanded the geographical distribution of Ateles marginatus and Chiropotes albinasus to the Amazonia-Cerrado ecotone region. Visual records were made while surveying through linear transections in a forest area associated with two important rivers that form the Xingu River in the central region of Mato Grosso State, Brazil. Females were observed with infants in the dry and rainy seasons. Other primate species locally recorded are Alouatta caraya, Mico emiliae, Plecturocebus vieirai, and Sapajus libidinosus. Our records demonstrate the importance of continuous forest areas in maintaining the primate community in landscapes modified by agribusiness activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections in primates are potentially fatal and directly impact the conservation of these animals and public health. Materials and methods: A total of 38 blood/clot samples collected from free‐living and captive neotropical primates undergoing clinical care or found dead by environmental authorities in the Mato Grosso State, Brazil, were analyzed by PCR for DNA detection of T. gondii and N. caninum. Furthermore, eight animals were submitted to immunohistochemistry for the detection of T. gondii. Results: DNA of T. gondii and N. caninum was amplified in 11 (28.95%) 10 (26.32%) of samples analyzed, respectively. Coinfection was observed in three individuals. One animal returned a positive result in the immunohistochemistry for the detection of T. gondii. Conclusion: These findings reflect a concern for the conservation of these animals, as the pathogen–host interaction is unpredictable and infections by these protozoa can lead to animal mortality, which has a substantial impact on endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wild nonhuman primates (NHP) are considered natural hosts of a protozoan parasite from the genus Leishmania, the etiological agent of leishmaniasis. It is important to study the population of this infectious agent in zoo animals to establish surveillance and control mechanisms in Sorocaba through the application of a One Health approach, this is where human–animal–environment health and disease interface and can aid in the protection of endangered species. This study aimed to identify Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis in NHP living in a city where leishmaniasis is endemic. DNA was extracted from 48 NHP and analyzed using polymerase chain reaction primers that are specific for the species L. infantum and L. braziliensis. The results of our research revealed the first report of L. infantum and L. braziliensis naturally infecting primates at Sorocaba zoo. One primate from the species Plecturocebus vieirai was positive for L. infantum and five primates (four Alouatta caraya and one Ateles chamek) were positive for L. braziliensis. This indicates a possible role of these animals on the maintenance of these parasites. Highlights: Natural infection of Leishmania infantum and Leishmania braziliensis in captive nonhuman primates (NHPs) from Brazilian savanna.NHP can participate in the maintenance of Leishmania spp. and contribute to the transmission of this parasite in other animals, including humans, potentially impacting One Health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From 2016 to 2019, Southeastern Brazil faced an outbreak of yellow fever (YF) affecting both humans and New World primates (NWP). The outbreak was associated with a marked increase in traumatic lesions in NWP in the affected regions. Non-thrombotic pulmonary embolization (NTPE) can be a consequence of massive traumatic events, and it is rarely reported in human and veterinary medicine. Here, we describe NTPE of the brain, liver, and bone marrow in free-ranging NWP, highlighting the epidemiological aspects of these findings and the lesions associated with this condition, including data on traumatic injuries in wild NWP populations during the course of a recent YF outbreak. A total of 1078 NWP were necropsied from January 2017 to July 2019. Gross traumatic injuries were observed in 444 marmosets (44.3%), 10 howler monkeys (23.2%), 9 capuchins (31.0%), 1 titi-monkey (50.0%), and 1 golden lion tamarin (33.3%). NTPE was observed in 10 animals, including 9 marmosets (2.0%) and 1 howler monkey (10.0%). NTPE was identified in the lung and comprised hepatic tissue in 1 case, brain tissue in 1 case, and bone marrow tissue in 8 cases. Although uncommon, it is important to consider NTPE with pulmonary vascular occlusion during the critical care of traumatized NWP. In addition, this study highlights the importance of conservational strategies and environmental education focusing on One Health, not only to protect these free-ranging NWP populations but also to maintain the efficacy of epidemiological surveillance programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anthropogenic disturbances are the main threats to nonhuman primates conservation, and infectious diseases may also play a key role in primate population decline. This study aimed to determine the main causes of death in neotropical primates. Methods: A retrospective study of post‐mortem examinations was conducted on 146 neotropical primates between January 2000 and December 2018. Results: Conclusive diagnoses were obtained in 68.5% of the cases, of which 59 corresponded to non‐infectious causes and 41 to infectious diseases. Trauma was the main cause of death (54/100), with anthropogenic stressors caused by blunt force trauma injuries (collision with vehicles) and puncture wound injuries associated with interspecific aggression (dog predation) were the most common factors. Other causes of death included bacterial diseases (27%), followed by parasitic diseases (12%), neoplasms (2%), and viral diseases (2%). Conclusions: Free‐ranging primates were mostly affected by non‐infectious causes, while captive primates were by infectious conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the beginning of the XXI Century, the yellow fever virus (YFV) has been cyclically spreading from the Amazon basin to Brazil's South and Southeast regions, culminating in an unprecedented outbreak that started in 2016. In this work, we studied four YFV isolated from non-human primates obtained during outbreaks in the states of Rio Grande do Sul in 2008 (PR4408), Goiás (GO05), and Espírito Santo (ES-504) in 2017, and Rio de Janeiro (RJ 155) in 2019. These isolates have genomic differences mainly distributed in non-structural proteins. We compared the isolates' rates of infection in mammal and mosquito cells and neurovirulence in adult mice. RJ 155 and PR4408 YFV isolates exhibited higher infectivity in mammalian cells and neurovirulence in mice. In mosquito Aag2 cells, GO05 and PR4408 displayed the lowest proliferation rates. These results suggest that RJ 155 and PR4408 YFV isolates carry some genomic markers that increase infectivity in mammal hosts. From this characterization, it is possible to contribute to discovering new molecular markers for the virulence of YFV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately 65% of primate species are facing extinction, with threats including the impacts of linear infrastructures such as roads, railways, and power lines, associated with habitat loss and fragmentation, direct and indirect mortality, and changes in animal behavioral patterns. Nevertheless, this is an often-overlooked topic in primatology, and there is limited information on which regions and species are most affected by linear infrastructures. Here, we provide a global assessment of priority areas and primate species for conservation by integrating information from global-scale open-access data sets on the distributional ranges, traits, and threats to primate species and linear infrastructures, together with a systematic literature review and a questionnaire sent to primatological societies. We produced a bivariate map that reflects the patterns of co-occurrence of the Conservation Value and Infrastructure Density. From this map we highlight Primate Mitigation Areas (regions with high Primate Conservation Value and Infrastructure Density), which are areas where infrastructure mitigation should be prioritized; and the Primate Preservation Areas (regions with high Primate Conservation Value and low Infrastructure Density), which represent areas that should be preserved from further infrastructure development. Primate Mitigation Areas primarily include the Atlantic forest of Brazil, the Guinean forests of West Africa, and most of Southeastern Asia, whereas Primate Preservation Areas are found principally in the Amazon and Congo River basins. Our assessment also produced a list of priority species affected by infrastructures, with the great apes and gibbons ranking highest. Global infrastructure projects, especially the Belt and Road Initiative, can seriously affect both priority areas (particularly preservation areas) and the most vulnerable species, due to the massive sprawl of linear infrastructures and associated human activity. Thus, we call for dedicated strategic environmental and social assessments throughout these different economic corridors within the Belt and Road Initiative planning process, prior to developing the different projects. Our assessment can serve as a tool to coordinate management actions and legislation around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although lion tamarins (Leontopithecus spp.) are known to prey upon frogs, no study has attempted to document the frequency and seasonal patterns of such events. In this study, we compiled data on frog predation by black lion tamarins, Leontopithecus chrysopygus, in south-eastern Brazil between 2014 and 2020. We investigated the effects of seasonality on predation rate and described the behaviour of the lion tamarins. In 1972 observation hours, we recorded 49 frog predation events. Predation was more intense in the beginning (April and May) and the end (August and September) of the dry season, suggesting seasonal variation. The observed pattern may be related to a combination of increased fruit availability in the rainy season and decreased frog activity in the height of the dry season. Compared to Saguinus mystax, the only other tamarin species for which there is available data, predation rate of anurans by black lion tamarins is five times higher. We suggest that frogs are an important item in the diet of black lion tamarins and reinforce the idea that vertebrate predation in some primates is seasonal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Non‐human primates can present oral diseases. However, differences among the dentition of the various species make it difficult to understand their dental features and associated diseases. This research hypothesizes that the prevalence of dental disorders varies in the species studied according to distinct types of diet. Methods: Forty‐five syncraniums of the species Alouatta caraya, Alouatta guariba clamitans, Sapajus nigritus, Callithrix jacchus, and Callithrix penicillata were evaluated by visual inspection, magnifying glasses, and on cone‐beam computed tomography. Results: Disorders identified consisted of missing teeth before death, agenesis, dental calculus, dental wear, dental staining, dental fracture, exposure of pulp chamber, alveolar bone resorption, tooth discoloration, and persistence of deciduous teeth. Alouatta guariba clamitans presented the most disorders. Conclusions: The results suggest that neotropical primates have a high prevalence of dental changes, even in free‐living conditions, and that the differences observed among them may be associated with different diet patterns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

City life is harsh and inhospitable for many animal species, particularly for non-volant mammals that face increased mortality risks in urban settings. Yet, studies on non-volant city mammals are limited and mostly restricted to temperate regions. Here, I evaluated the density and adaptability of the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus), a species with a series of advantageous pre-adaptations that could facilitate city life, in highly built up urban environments of a tropical city Joao Pessoa (>800,000 people), in NE Brazil. I surveyed a total of 56 streets from seven randomly chosen districts within the city. I used multiple linear regression to determine the factors that could influence marmoset abundance. I found a total of 53 tree species of which half could be used as food resources. To reach food resources marmosets moved along and crossed streets using insulated power lines and phone cables. Marmoset density (66.9 ind/km2) was significantly low compared to populations inhabiting forest remnants. Nevertheless, along streets with high canopy cover, their density was similar to that reported for forest fragments. Canopy cover and trees providing food resources were key predictors of marmoset abundance. The presence of an exotic tree species (Terminalia catappa) that provides gum, showed to be key for groups persisting in extremely urbanized areas. Planting more of this species and increasing connectivity between forested areas are management strategies that might help long term persistence of marmosets in highly built up areas. Marmosets are common in Brazilian cities and could provide opportunities for contact with nature and increased well-being of human urban dwellers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Techniques of environmental enrichment are used to ameliorate stress that captivity imposes on animals. They consist of modifications to the captive environment aiming to benefit the animals there present, providing for activities that are closer to their natural behavior, minimizing the occurrence of abnormal behaviors, expanding the behavioral repertoire, increasing positive exploration, and increasing their capacity to deal with the challenges the environment imposes. This study applied a sensory enrichment technique as a resource for improving conditions of captivity, verifying the influence of sound enrichment with classical music on the behavioral display of yellow-breasted capuchins, Sapajus xanthosternos, being kept in the Wild Animal Screening Center in Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, Brazil. We recorded their behavior at three stages--preenrichment, enrichment and post-enrichment--using all occurrences and focal animals. Behavioral displacement, interaction with ordinary items, feeding, threatening, escape, standing idle, stereotypical movement, and tail manipulation were most commonly recorded in the pre-enrichment stage, decreasing progressively during the enrichment and post-enrichment stages. The behaviors of running away, standing idle and stereotypic movements showed significant differences. The use of sound enrichment was correlated with a reduction in behaviors of rest, escape and stereotyped behaviors, suggesting that they spent more time in other activities such as foraging, and also in an increased behavioral repertoire, including sexual behavior. The application of new techniques of sensory enrichment, such as auditory stimulation is indicated as an alternative environmental enrichment. The present study showed that classical music had an anxiolytic effect, reducing behaviors associated with stress, and as such measurably improving behavioral conditions in captivity. This form of enrichment is easily combined with other enrichment techniques to improve the behavioral and social environment of captive primates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Platyrrhini are highly vulnerable to the yellow fever (YF) virus. From 2016 to 2018, the Atlantic Forest of southeast Brazil faced its worst sylvatic YF outbreak in about a century, thought to have killed thousands of primates. It is essential to assess the impact of this epidemic on threatened primate assemblages to design effective conservation strategies. In this study, we assessed the impact of the 2016–2018 YF outbreak on a geographically isolated population of Near Threatened black‐fronted titi monkeys (Callicebus nigrifrons) in two Atlantic Forest patches of the Santuário do Caraça, MG, Brazil. Extensive preoutbreak monitoring, conducted between 2008 and 2016, revealed that the home range and group sizes of the population remained stable. In 2016, the population size was estimated at 53–57 individuals in 11–12 groups. We conducted monitoring and playback surveys in 2019 and found that the population had decreased by 68% in one forest patch and completely vanished in the other, resulting in a combined decline of 80%. We discuss this severe loss of a previously stable population and conclude that it was highly likely caused by the YF outbreak. The remaining population is at risk of disappearing completely because of its small size and geographic isolation. A systematic population surveys of C. nigrifrons, along other sensible Platyrrhini species, is needed to re‐evaluate their current conservation status. Research highlights: Brazil faced one of its worst yellow fever (YF) outbreaks from 2016 to 2018, but systematic data on the impact on local primate populations are lacking.We show that a geographically isolated and partially habituated population of black‐fronted titi monkeys Callicebus nigrifrons have declined by about 80% after the outbreak.Natural demographic fluctuations or ecological changes do not appear to account for the decline, making the YF outbreak the most likely cause.A systematic Platyrrhini survey is needed to re‐evaluate the species' current conservation statuses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2019, a new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was detected in China. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) was capable to infect domestic and captive mammals like cats, tigers and minks. Due to genetic similarities, concern about the infection of non-human primates (NHPs) and the establishment of a sylvatic cycle has grown in the Americas. In this study, neotropical primates (NP) were sampled in different areas from Brazil to investigate whether they were infected by SARS-CoV-2. A total of 89 samples from 51 NP of four species were examined. No positive samples were detected via RT-qPCR, regardless of the NHP species, tissue or habitat tested. This work provides the first report on the lack of evidence of the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 in NP. The expansion of wild animals sampling is necessary to understand their role in the epidemiology of SARS-CoV-2 and other potentially zoonotic pathogens in natural environments shared by humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Blastocystis species are widely distributed micro-eukaryote parasites found in both human and nonhuman primates. Despite having a global distribution, descriptions of Blastocystis subtype diversity in neotropical primates is largely limited to captive animals. The aim of this study was to molecularly characterize the presence of Blastocystis in free-ranging black-headed night monkeys, Aotus nigriceps, and to analyze Blastocystis heterogeneity in primates of the Parvorder Platyrrhini. Methods: We analyzed Blastocystis small sub-unit ribosomal DNA (SSUrDNA) from both A. nigriceps and Azara's night monkey, A. azarae boliviensis, in Southeastern Peru. We also included additional Blastocystis sequence from other neotropical primate studies to explore the distribution and host specificity of Blastocystis subtypes (ST) throughout the neotropics. Results: Thirteen percent of A. nigriceps samples were Blastocystis positive. Only ST8 was amplified in A. nigriceps and this partial DNA sequence was highly similar to ST8 sequence previously obtained from a human in Brazil. In our analysis of all available Blastocystis SSU sequences from primates of the Parvorder Platyrrhini, we found 15 monophyletic lineages corresponding to previously described subtypes ST1–ST10, ST12–15, and ST17. Conclusions: Blastocystis SSU sequences amplified from A. nigriceps fecal samples shared high sequence similarity to isolates found in several other neotropical primates, Alouatta palliata, A. caraya, Ateles fusciceps, and Lagothrix. Similar subtypes have been found in human and captive primates which supports the possibility of transmission when in close contact. Expanded sampling of sympatric neotropical primates in the wild will establish whether subtypes and clades are limited to taxonomic group or whether transmission occurs between overlapping species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia) is an endangered Platyrrhine primate endemic to the Atlantic coastal forests of Brazil. Despite ongoing conservation efforts, genetic data on this species remains scarce. Complicating factors include limitations on sample collection and a lack of high-quality reference sequences. Here, we used nanopore adaptive sampling to resequence the L. rosalia mitogenome from feces, a sample which can be collected non-invasively. Results: Adaptive sampling doubled the fraction of both host-derived and mitochondrial sequences compared to sequencing without enrichment. 258x coverage of the L. rosalia mitogenome was achieved in a single flow cell by targeting the unfinished genome of the distantly related emperor tamarin (Saguinus imperator) and the mitogenome of the closely related black lion tamarin (Leontopithecus chrysopygus). The L. rosalia mitogenome has a length of 16,597 bp, sharing 99.68% sequence identity with the L. chrysopygus mitogenome. A total of 38 SNPs between them were identified, with the majority being found in the non-coding D-loop region. DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation were directly detected using a neural network model applied to the raw signal from the MinION sequencer. In contrast to prior reports, DNA methylation was negligible in mitochondria in both CpG and non-CpG contexts. Surprisingly, a quarter of the 642 CpG sites exhibited DNA hydroxymethylation greater than 1% and 44 sites were above 5%, with concentration in the 3′ side of several coding regions. Conclusions: Overall, we report a robust new mitogenome assembly for L. rosalia and direct detection of cytosine base modifications in all contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humans have used non-human primates (hereafter referred to as primates) as food source, medicine, parts of rituals, pets, and models for various studies worldwide. Here we investigated the extent of the use of primates by humans in three areas in northeastern Brazil, the country's most impoverished region. We carried out our study in three biomes (Caatinga, Cerrado, and Atlantic Forest). The results showed that humans exploited all five primate species occurring in the study sites: Callithrix jacchus, Sapajus flavius, Sapajus libidinosus, Alouatta belzebul, and Alouatta ululata. They used the primates as a food source, as pets and medicines, and for leisure. Despite socioeconomic differences in the study areas, we found similarities in the use of primates. Larger primates were targeted for meat, whereas the small common marmosets were targeted as pets. We found conflicting interactions between humans and bearded capuchins due to crop raiding, but no such conflict was found between humans and blonde capuchins, reflecting the differences in crop type, pattern, and tradition in the sites. A. ululata was used as medicine. We suggest that environmental education actions in the study areas should focus on (i) raising awareness among local people of the ecological importance of primates, (ii) providing alternative activities to hunting whenever possible, and (iii) minimising conflicts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Community-based tourism is a participatory approach implemented to support the economic and social development of local communities. Here, we present the preliminary results of an initiative of primate tourism in the Mamirauá Reserve for Sustainable Development (Mamirauá SDR), Amazon rainforest, Brazil. Between January and December 2019, we monitored the sighting rate of bald uakaris (Cacajao calvus calvus) by Uakari lodge tourists aiming to identify the main variables influencing the records of this primate that could be used as a baseline for a primate-watching program. During 334 days, tourist guides provided data on 602 tourist outings, with 190 sightings of uakari groups (109 in the morning and 81 in the afternoon). These values correspond to a mean of 0.57 sightings/day and 0.32 sightings/outing while the mean number of uakaris sighted per outing was 6 individuals (± 6.6 SD; min = 1; max = 30). Uakaris were mostly traveling (55%) or feeding (35%), and less frequently resting (9%). Uakari sightings varied monthly, with 73.4% of the tourists reporting seeing uakaris at least once during their stay, while 26.6% did not. The marked seasonal variation in the water level, food availability, and the socioecological strategies of uakaris are parameters that may have facilitated the detectability of these primates by tourists in Mamirauá SDR. We concluded that primate tourism in Mamirauá SDR has a high potential to strengthen the synergism between traditional and scientific knowledge and promote social and economic benefits for local communities and new conservation actions for primates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Yellow fever virus (YFV) is a zoonotic arbovirus affecting both humans and non-human primates (NHP's) in Africa and South America. Previous descriptions of YF's seasonality have relied purely on climatic explanations, despite the high proportion of cases occurring in people involved in agriculture. We use a series of random forest classification models to predict the monthly occurrence of YF in humans and NHP's across Brazil, by fitting four classes of covariates related to the seasonality of climate and agriculture (planting and harvesting), crop output and host demography. We find that models captured seasonal YF reporting in humans and NHPs when they considered seasonality of agriculture rather than climate, particularly for monthly aggregated reports. These findings illustrate the seasonality of exposure, through agriculture, as a component of zoonotic spillover. Additionally, by highlighting crop types and anthropogenic seasonality, these results could directly identify areas at highest risk of zoonotic spillover. Yellow fever virus (YFV) is an arbovirus affecting humans and non-human primates (NHPs) with seasonal transmission. Here Hamlet et al. model the monthly occurrence of YF in humans and NHPs across Brazil and show that seasonality of agriculture is an important predictor of seasonal YF transmission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Callithrix marmosets are a relatively young primate radiation, whose phylogeny is not yet fully resolved. These primates are naturally para- and allopatric, but three species with highly invasive potential have been introduced into the southeastern Brazilian Atlantic Forest by the pet trade. There, these species hybridize with each other and endangered, native congeners. We aimed here to reconstruct a robust Callithrix phylogeny and divergence time estimates, and identify the biogeographic origins of autochthonous and allochthonous Callithrix mitogenome lineages. We sequenced 49 mitogenomes from four species (C. aurita, C. geoffroyi, C. jacchus, C. penicillata) and anthropogenic hybrids (C. aurita x Callithrix sp., C. penicillata x C. jacchus, Callithrix sp. x Callithrix sp., C. penicillata x C. geoffroyi) via Sanger and whole genome sequencing. We combined these data with previously published Callithrix mitogenomes to analyze five Callithrix species in total. Results: We report the complete sequence and organization of the C. aurita mitogenome. Phylogenetic analyses showed that C. aurita was the first to diverge within Callithrix 3.54 million years ago (Ma), while C. jacchus and C. penicillata lineages diverged most recently 0.5 Ma as sister clades. MtDNA clades of C. aurita, C. geoffroyi, and C. penicillata show intraspecific geographic structure, but C. penicillata clades appear polyphyletic. Hybrids, which were identified by phenotype, possessed mainly C. penicillata or C. jacchus mtDNA haplotypes. The biogeographic origins of mtDNA haplotypes from hybrid and allochthonous Callithrix were broadly distributed across natural Callithrix ranges. Our phylogenetic results also evidence introgression of C. jacchus mtDNA into C. aurita. Conclusion: Our robust Callithrix mitogenome phylogeny shows C. aurita lineages as basal and C. jacchus lineages among the most recent within Callithrix. We provide the first evidence that parental mtDNA lineages of anthropogenic hybrid and allochthonous marmosets are broadly distributed inside and outside of the Atlantic Forest. We also show evidence of cryptic hybridization between allochthonous Callithrix and autochthonous C. aurita. Our results encouragingly show that further development of genomic resources will allow to more clearly elucidate Callithrix evolutionary relationships and understand the dynamics of Callithrix anthropogenic introductions into the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the approximately 40 species of mammals described in Historia naturalis Brasiliae by Willem Piso and Georg Marcgrave, the identity of the monkey "cagui major" has been one of the most controversial. Authors have identified Marcgrave's "cagui major" as a tamarin, a saki monkey, a squirrel monkey, a titi monkey and even as an Old-World monkey. Based on a watercolour, probably related to the original illustration that served as basis for the "cagui major" woodcut, we confirm that it depicts a titi monkey (Callicebus). By comparing the pelage characteristics shown in the drawing and some measurements and pelage characteristics described in Historia naturalis Brasiliae, we confirm that the species depicted was Callicebus melanochir that occurs today in southern Bahia and northeastern Minas Gerais states, outside the range of the Dutch possessions in Brazil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Brazil concentrates the largest number of primate species in the world. In the present study, an extensive literature review of ticks on New World wild monkeys has been carried out, demonstrating that between the years 1912 to 2018, 182 larvae, 137 nymphs and 31 adult ticks (10 males and 21 females) were collected on 78 primates (from 12 different species) in 28 distinct localities in the Brazilian territory. Additionally, examination of allotments of 11 tick collections of Brazil revealed that from 1919 to 2019, 93 larvae, 91 nymphs and 175 adult ticks (62 males and 113 females) were collected from 100 monkeys (among 20 different species) from 43 localities in distinct Brazilian biomes. Overall, 19 tick species were identified on wild primates in the country: Amblyomma aureolatum (Pallas, 1772), Amblyomma cajennense (Fabricius, 1787) sensu stricto, Amblyomma coelebs Neumann, 1899, Amblyomma dubitatum Neumann, 1899, Amblyomma geayi Neumann, 1899, Amblyomma incisum Neumann, 1906, Amblyomma longirostre (Koch, 1844), Amblyomma naponense (Packard, 1869), Amblyomma nodosum Neumann, 1899, Amblyomma ovale Koch, 1844, Amblyomma parkeri Fonseca & Aragão, 1952, Amblyomma romarioi Martins, Luz & Labruna, 2019, Amblyomma rotundatum Koch, 1844, Amblyomma sculptum Berlese, 1888, Haemaphysalis juxtakochi Cooley, 1946, Ixodes fuscipes Koch, 1844, Rhipicephalus microplus (Canestrini, 1888), Rhipicephalus sanguineus (Latreille, 1806) sensu lato,and Ornithodoros rostratus Aragão, 1911. The presence of A. incisum, A. naponense, A. nodosum, A. rotundatum and I. fuscipes on monkeys is recorded for the first time. Thisresearch is therefore a significant contribution to the knowledge of tick speciesassociated with non-human primates in the Neotropical region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The black-horned capuchin (Sapajus nigritus) is a neotropical primate with wide distribution from southeastern Brazil to northeastern Argentina. Although this species has been described with coat pattern variation, even with intrapopulational differences, and characterized as having the greatest genetic diversity among Sapajus species, there are still few studies on natural populations that contribute to the knowledge of this intraspecific variability. We examined individuals from an as yet unstudied population of Ilha da Marambaia, Rio de Janeiro (RJ) state, Brazil, compared with published data for S. nigritus. We sought to confirm the species through phenotypic and genetic characterization using C-banding and fluorescence in situ hybridization with #11qHe+/21WCP probes for chromosomal constitutive heterochromatin (He+) patterns, and cytochrome c oxidase I and II gene sequences for phylogenetic analysis. The coat presented two color patterns, varying from brown to blackish on the body, yellow to brown on the chest, and white to yellow on the face, besides the presence and shape of the tufts on the head, corresponding to S. nigritus. He+ was identified in pairs 4, 12, 13 and 17, and less consistently in pairs 6, 19 and 21, already described for this species. While most Sapajus species have a large He+ block, here pair 11 was identified without extracentromeric He+, the same as reported for S. nigritus from Argentina. Molecular analysis showed divergence of this population from other S. nigritus sequences, reinforcing a trend already demonstrated when samples from RJ are compared with the rest of the distribution, which may represent an evolutionary deviation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]