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Garand E, Krauss C, Müller DWH, Davis LR, Codron D, Clauss M, Miranda F. Larger Than Life? Body Mass Records of Zoo-Managed Giant Anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla). Zoo Biol 2024. [PMID: 39239884 DOI: 10.1002/zoo.21865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
It has been suggested repeatedly that zoo-kept giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) have higher body masses than their free-ranging conspecifics. Here, we assess this hypothesis by comparing body mass data of 184 female and 173 male individuals kept in zoos to published and unpublished data of free-ranging animals (n = 215). In zoos, the average adult body mass of all individuals was 45.9 ± 9.6 kg (range 19.2-72.6 kg), whereas body mass for free-ranging specimens was 33.0 ± 2.3 kg (21-45.5 kg). Among those zoo animals in which a sufficient number of subsequent intra-annual measures had been taken, we assessed visually whether regular, annual fluctuations in body mass were evident. We observed regular, likely seasonal, cycles in body mass, which (i) may be plausibly attributed to ambient temperature changes that affect the body temperature of anteaters, and (ii) would likely not have occurred if the animals were affected by obesity. Additionally, we explain our hypothesis that in the case of giant anteaters, the discrepancy in body mass between natural habitats and zoos most likely is not indicative of a generally obese population in zoos, as is typically concluded in the case of similar comparisons in primates, but represents an unleashing of the full growth potential of the species by conditions of optimal energy and nutrient provision. Future recording of not only body mass but also body dimensions is recommended to better compare the body condition of free-ranging and zoo-managed individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Garand
- Clinic for Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets and Wildlife, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Christiane Krauss
- Clinic for Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets and Wildlife, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Daryl Codron
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein, South Africa
| | - Marcus Clauss
- Clinic for Zoo Animals, Exotic Pets and Wildlife, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Flávia Miranda
- Departamento de Ciências Agrárias e Ambientais, Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz-UESC, Ilhéus, BA, Brazil
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de Moura FBC, Lacerda ZA, Catão-Dias JL, Navas-Suárez PE, Werther K, Simões SRJS, Santos RDL, Murillo DFB, Watanabe TTN, Fonseca-Alves CE, Rocha NS. Background and common lesions in the female reproductive organs of giant anteaters ( Myrmecophaga tridactyla). Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1287872. [PMID: 38328261 PMCID: PMC10847298 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1287872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is a vulnerable species in South America and is considered endangered or near extinction in Central America. Therefore, studies describing the reproductive characteristics of this species are pivotal for its conservation. Thus, this study aimed to provide a morphological description of the female reproductive tissues of this species. We collected tissue samples from six female giant anteaters and performed gross, morphological, and histochemical analyses. Five adult subjects and one juvenile were included in the study. In the ovary, classifications were made according to the follicle and oocyte sizes: primordial, primary, secondary, early antral, or antral. Typical follicles with a single oocyte surrounded by a simple or stratified layer of cubic epithelium, atretic follicles, corpora lutea, corpora albicans, and ovarian cysts were also observed. No ovarian lesions were observed. By contrast, endometritis, metritis, mucometra, and endometrial cysts were identified in the uterus. Uterine alterations in these subjects were frequent and could affect reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zara Alves Lacerda
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - José Luiz Catão-Dias
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pedro Enrique Navas-Suárez
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
- Veterinary Medicine Program, University Center FAM, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Karin Werther
- School of Agricultural and Veterinarian Sciences, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Renato de Lima Santos
- Veterinary School, “Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais” (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Noeme Sousa Rocha
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São Paulo, Brazil
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Roch C, Rivière J, Schappert I, Arné P. DISEASES OF THE GIANT ANTEATER ( MYRMECOPHAGA TRIDACTYLA) IN CAPTIVITY: STUDY OF MEDICAL DATA FROM 99 INDIVIDUALS IN EUROPEAN ZOOS. J Zoo Wildl Med 2023; 54:520-528. [PMID: 37817617 DOI: 10.1638/2022-0099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) is one of the three species in the family Myrmecophagidae of the suborder Vermilingua. It is the only species of the genus Myrmecophaga. The species, subject to increasing threats in its natural environment, is classified as vulnerable on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species. European zoos are involved in the ex situ conservation of the giant anteater, which is essential for its long-term viability. However, the diseases encountered by European captive populations of giant anteaters are not well documented, and best practice guidelines are not yet available for the species. An online two-part survey was conducted among European institutions hosting or having housed anteaters over a 20-yr period concerning the current management of captive populations and the diseases encountered. Medical data were collected from 99 giant anteaters from 30 institutions. Among the study population, 4% of the individuals were born in the wild and 96% were born in captivity. Seventy animals (71%) were still alive at the time of data collection, with an average age of 8 yr. A predominance of digestive (20%), dermatologic (20%)-with mainly wounds-and internal parasitism (18%) disorders was observed, followed by behavioral (13%), musculoskeletal (12%), respiratory (11%), nutritional (10%), and ocular (9%) disorders. Mortality mainly concerns the most extreme age categories: very young individuals, mostly secondary to trauma, and older individuals with no main cause identified. This paper details all the medical conditions reported in the European captive giant anteaters included in the study. It allows us to formulate some medical and zootechnical recommendations for the species management and to envisage new research perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Roch
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France,
| | - Julie Rivière
- Unité de Maladies Réglementées, Zoonoses et Epidémiologie de l' Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, Anses, Laboratoire de Santé Animale USC EPIMAI, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Ilona Schappert
- Zoo Dortmund, Mergelteichstraße 80, 44225 Dortmund, Allemagne
| | - Pascal Arné
- Université Paris-Est, ENV Alfort, CHU Vétérinaire Faune Sauvage (Chuv-FS), Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d'Alfort, 94700 Maisons-Alfort, France and Equip Dynamyc, UPEC, ANSES, ENVA, 94010 Créteil, France
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Santana CH, Souza LDRD, Silva LAD, Oliveira AR, Paula NFD, Santos DOD, Pereira FMAM, Vieira AD, Ribeiro LN, Soares-Neto LL, Bicudo ALDC, Hippolito AG, Paixão TAD, Santos RL. Metastatic Sertoli cell tumour in a captive giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla). J Comp Pathol 2023; 204:17-22. [PMID: 37321133 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2023.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
There are a few studies on diseases of anteaters, but reports on reproductive lesions and neoplasms of these animals are scarce. This is the first report of a case of metastatic Sertoli cell tumour in a giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla). The animal had renal lesions associated with impaired renal function as indicated by serum biochemistry. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations provided a conclusive diagnosis of Sertoli cell tumour with metastasis to the liver, kidneys and lymph nodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa H Santana
- Escola de Veterinária, Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Lucas Dos R de Souza
- Escola de Veterinária, Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Laice A da Silva
- Escola de Veterinária, Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ayisa R Oliveira
- Escola de Veterinária, Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Nayara F de Paula
- Escola de Veterinária, Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Daniel O Dos Santos
- Escola de Veterinária, Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Fernanda M A M Pereira
- Parque Zoológico Municipal de Bauru, Rodovia Com. João Barros, km 232 s/n, Vargem Limpa, Bauru, SP, Brazil
| | - André D Vieira
- Escola de Veterinária, Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Letícia N Ribeiro
- Escola de Veterinária, Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Lauro L Soares-Neto
- Parque Zoológico Municipal de Bauru, Rodovia Com. João Barros, km 232 s/n, Vargem Limpa, Bauru, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Alícia G Hippolito
- Parque Zoológico Municipal de Bauru, Rodovia Com. João Barros, km 232 s/n, Vargem Limpa, Bauru, SP, Brazil
| | - Tatiane A da Paixão
- Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Departamento de Patologia Geral, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Renato L Santos
- Escola de Veterinária, Departamento de Clínica e Cirurgia Veterinárias, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Av. Antônio Carlos, 6627, 31270-901 Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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RABIES DIAGNOSIS AND RESPONSE TO VACCINATION IN SOUTHERN TAMANDUA ( TAMANDUA TETRADACTYLA). J Zoo Wildl Med 2023; 53:797-800. [PMID: 36640082 DOI: 10.1638/2022-0017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Rabies has rarely been described in Xenarthra, and rabies vaccine response has not been documented. A southern tamandua (Tamandua tetradactyla) presented with nonspecific clinical signs and was euthanatized. Subsequently, immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR confirmed a rabies diagnosis. Following these tests, a group of eight captive tamanduas were vaccinated with a killed rabies vaccine, and titers were measured at the time of vaccination and 23 d later. One animal had day 0 titers suggestive of previous vaccination or exposure. All animals had detectable neutralizing rabies virus antibody titers after vaccination, but one animal failed to meet the World Organization for Animal Health's definition for adequate vaccination (≥0.5 IU/ml), and two other animals had low antibody titers (0.56 and 0.6 IU/ml). Rabies should be considered as a possible cause of illness in tamanduas, and rabies vaccination may be a useful preventative measure when anthropic interaction through medical care or ambassador roles is occurring.
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Ovarian Filariasis in a Wild Southern Tamandua (Tamanduatetradactyla; Mammalia: Myrmecophagidae). Pathogens 2022; 11:pathogens11080918. [PMID: 36015039 PMCID: PMC9412453 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens11080918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of reproductive health in wild southern tamanduas (Tamandua tetradactyla; Mammalia: Myrmecophagidae) is fragmentary. During necropsies of roadkill xenarthran species in Brazil, a case of ovarian filariasis in an adult female southern tamandua was observed. Macroscopically, both ovaries were irregularly enlarged and had numerous smooth protuberances. Histologically, the affected ovarian parenchyma presented adult nematodes (including females with microfilaria) surrounded by pleocellular inflammatory infiltrates. The morphological characteristics of the nematodes were consistent with the superfamily Filarioidea (order Spirurida). The adjacent ovarian parenchyma had developing and atretic follicles at different stages of maturation. Filarial nematodes were not observed in other tissues. The cause of death of this tamandua was fatal acute polytrauma as a consequence of the motor vehicle collision. This case adds to a prior report of ovarian filariasis in two southern tamanduas in Nicaragua and Guatemala, dating back almost 100 years, and suggests filarial infections could potentially have an impact on reproductive success in southern tamanduas and possibly other xenarthrans. Several xenarthran species are under different levels of threat and knowledge of their basic reproductive health is crucial for conservation programs.
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Assessment of Feeding Behavior of the Zoo-Housed Lesser Anteater (Tamandua tetradactyla) and Nutritional Values of Natural Prey. JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGICAL AND BOTANICAL GARDENS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jzbg3010002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Very little information is available to zoo managers on the nutritional preferences of the lesser anteater, a highly specialized predator. By studying lesser anteater feeding behavior, we expect to contribute to improved management decisions and individual welfare experiences. We studied the response of zoo-housed lesser anteaters (n = 7) to feeders with live ants (Acromyrmex lundi) and termites (Cortaritermes fulviceps), and we also evaluated the nutritional values of these prey. We individually evaluated each lesser anteater (3 sessions), recording activities by camera. We ground insect samples into a coarse meal and evaluated in vitro biochemical parameters (humidity, lipids proteins, ash, and carbohydrates). Lesser anteaters spent more time with termites than with ants and consumed more termites. Ant meal presented a higher protein and lipid content than termite meal (35.28 ± 0.18% vs. 18.19 ± 0.34% and 16.95 ± 0.13% vs. 6.54 ± 0.31%, respectively), and carbohydrate digestibility was higher in termites. These findings indicate an association between the level of insect consumption and nutritional and digestibility values. This is the first exploration of lesser anteater responses to the presence of social insects in feeders and may serve to guide the study of food preferences in captivity.
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Vazquez JM, Pena MT, Muhammad B, Kraft M, Adams LB, Lynch VJ. Parallel evolution of reduced cancer risk and tumor suppressor duplications in Xenarthra. eLife 2022; 11:82558. [PMID: 36480266 PMCID: PMC9810328 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The risk of developing cancer is correlated with body size and lifespan within species, but there is no correlation between cancer and either body size or lifespan between species indicating that large, long-lived species have evolved enhanced cancer protection mechanisms. Previously we showed that several large bodied Afrotherian lineages evolved reduced intrinsic cancer risk, particularly elephants and their extinct relatives (Proboscideans), coincident with pervasive duplication of tumor suppressor genes (Vazquez and Lynch, 2021). Unexpectedly, we also found that Xenarthrans (sloths, armadillos, and anteaters) evolved very low intrinsic cancer risk. Here, we show that: (1) several Xenarthran lineages independently evolved large bodies, long lifespans, and reduced intrinsic cancer risk; (2) the reduced cancer risk in the stem lineages of Xenarthra and Pilosa coincided with bursts of tumor suppressor gene duplications; (3) cells from sloths proliferate extremely slowly while Xenarthran cells induce apoptosis at very low doses of DNA damaging agents; and (4) the prevalence of cancer is extremely low Xenarthrans, and cancer is nearly absent from armadillos. These data implicate the duplication of tumor suppressor genes in the evolution of remarkably large body sizes and decreased cancer risk in Xenarthrans and suggest they are a remarkably cancer-resistant group of mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Manuel Vazquez
- Department of Integrative Biology, Valley Life Sciences, University of California, BerkeleyBerkeleyUnited States
| | - Maria T Pena
- United States Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Health Systems Bureau, National Hansen's Disease ProgramBaton RougeUnited States
| | - Baaqeyah Muhammad
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, SUNYBuffaloUnited States
| | - Morgan Kraft
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, SUNYBuffaloUnited States
| | - Linda B Adams
- United States Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources and Services Administration, Health Systems Bureau, National Hansen's Disease ProgramBaton RougeUnited States
| | - Vincent J Lynch
- Department of Biological Sciences, University at Buffalo, SUNYBuffaloUnited States
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Zack EH, Smith SM, Angielczyk KD. Effect of captivity on the vertebral bone microstructure of xenarthran mammals. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2021; 305:1611-1628. [PMID: 34677912 DOI: 10.1002/ar.24817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Captive specimens in museum collections facilitate study of rare taxa, but the lifestyles, diets, and lifespans of captive animals differ from their wild counterparts. Trabecular bone architecture adapts to in vivo forces, and may reflect interspecific variation in ecology and behavior as well as intraspecific variation between captive and wild specimens. We compared trunk vertebrae bone microstructure in captive and wild xenarthran mammals to test the effects of ecology and captivity. We collected μCT scans of the last six presacral vertebrae in 13 fossorial, terrestrial, and suspensorial xenarthran species (body mass: 120 g to 35 kg). For each vertebra, we measured centrum length; bone volume fraction (BV.TV); trabecular number and mean thickness (Tb.Th); global compactness (GC); cross-sectional area; mean intercept length; star length distribution; and connectivity and connectivity density. Wild specimens have more robust trabeculae, but this varies with species, ecology, and pathology. Wild specimens of fossorial taxa (Dasypus) have more robust trabeculae than captives, but there is no clear difference in bone microstructure between wild and captive specimens of suspensorial taxa (Bradypus, Choloepus), suggesting that locomotor ecology influences the degree to which captivity affects bone microstructure. Captive Tamandua and Myrmecophaga have higher BV.TV, Tb.Th, and GC than their wild counterparts due to captivity-caused bone pathologies. Our results add to the understanding of variation in mammalian bone microstructure, suggest caution when including captive specimens in bone microstructure research, and indicate the need to better replicate the habitats, diets, and behavior of animals in captivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellianna H Zack
- Negaunee Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Stephanie M Smith
- Negaunee Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Kenneth D Angielczyk
- Negaunee Integrative Research Center, Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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