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Papers by Mariella Superina

Edentata: The Newsletter of the IUCN/SSC Anteater, Sloth and Armadillo Specialist Group

Oryx

Successful conservation actions require strategies that combine research, policy formulation and ... more Successful conservation actions require strategies that combine research, policy formulation and enforcement, practical interventions and education. Here we review the Armadillo Conservation Programme, which was initiated in 2012 as a pioneering multidisciplinary programme for the conservation and management of five armadillo species in the Orinoco Llanos of Colombia. It is led by a multi-institutional alliance that ensures active participation of stakeholders during all stages of the programme. Six main threats affecting armadillo populations in the Llanos were identified, and these were addressed in the first joint action plan of two Colombian environmental authorities. Scientific research facilitated an increase in the knowledge available about the armadillos of the Llanos, and the recategorization of the northern long-nosed armadillo Dasypus sabanicola on the IUCN Red List. Threat evaluation and mitigation included the assessment of illegal bushmeat trade and consumption in loca...

Journal of Mammalogy, 2015

Hairy armadillos constitute an ecologically homogeneous and morphologically similar group with cu... more Hairy armadillos constitute an ecologically homogeneous and morphologically similar group with currently 5 species classified in the subfamily Euphractinae. Among them, the Andean hairy armadillo Chaetophractus nationi (Xenarthra, Cingulata, Dasypodidae) is a small, endangered armadillo that has long been suspected to represent a high-altitude variant of Chaetophractus vellerosus. Here, we report the 1st phylogenetic systematics assessment of hairy armadillos using morphological and molecular analyses of all described species with focus on the status of the Andean hairy armadillo. Multivariate analyses of shape variation based on 3-dimensional landmark coordinates of skulls allowed a clear differentiation of each species with the exception of C. vellerosus and C. nationi, within which only a latitudinal and/or altitudinal gradient in size was apparent. Moreover, analyses of mitochondrial DNA control region (D-loop) revealed a single C. nationi haplotype that appeared to be identical with a C. vellerosus haplotype from Argentina. Identical sequences in C. vellerosus and C. nationi were also observed for 3 of the 5 non-coding nuclear markers investigated. Based on these data, we propose that C. nationi should be considered as a synonym of C. vellerosus. However, this taxonomic change should not preclude the protection of the high-altitude Bolivian populations that are steadily declining because of their overexploitation for traditional purposes. Finally, phylogenetic analyses of euphractine armadillos based on a combination of 6 non-coding nuclear markers and 2 nuclear exons suggest the paraphyly of the genus Chaetophractus, with C. vellerosus being more closely related to Zaedyus pichiy than to C. villosus. Los armadillos peludos constituyen un grupo ecológicamente homogéneo y morfológicamente similar que actualmente consiste de 5 especies clasificadas en la subfamilia Euphractinae. Una de ellas, el quirquincho Andino Chaetophractus nationi (Xenarthra, Cingulata, Dasypodidae), es un pequeño armadillo amenazado de extinción del cual se ha sospechado durante mucho tiempo que representa una variedad de altitud de Chaetophractus vellerosus. Aquí reportamos la primera evaluación sistemática filogenética de armadillos peludos utilizando análisis morfológicos y moleculares de todas las especies descritas, poniendo un especial enfoque en el estado del quirquincho Andino. Los análisis multivariados de la forma basados en landmarks tridimensionales de cráneos, permitieron distinguir claramente las especies, con la excepción de C. vellerosus y C. nationi en los cuales sólo se halló un gradiente latitudinal y/o altitudinal en el tamaño. Además, los análisis de la región control del ADN mitocondrial (D-loop) mostraron un solo haplotipo de C. nationi, que fue idéntico a un haplotipo de C. vellerosus de Argentina. También se observaron secuencias idénticas para C. vellerosus y C. nationi en 3 de los 5 marcadores nucleares no codificantes analizados. A partir de estos resultados proponemos que C. nationi sea considerado sinónimo de C. vellerosus. Sin embargo, este cambio taxonómico no debe excluir la protección de

Journal of Mammalogy, 2015

Xenarthrans possess a suite of characteristics that make them among the most unusual of mammals. ... more Xenarthrans possess a suite of characteristics that make them among the most unusual of mammals. Understanding the functional significance of these traits is one prominent reason why xenarthrans matter. In addition, Xenarthra is currently considered one of the basal clades of placental mammals, and the only one to originate in South America. Consequently, studies of xenarthrans can provide important insights into the evolution of early placentals. The fossil record contains hundreds of recognized species of xenarthrans but this rich evolutionary history is currently distilled into just 31 extant species. Preserving this heritage through various conservation initiatives is yet another reason why xenarthrans matter. This Special Feature on xenarthrans provides an overview of current work and identifies many areas requiring further study. It is our hope that this Special Feature will raise the profile of xenarthrans among mammalogists and perhaps entice some to consider addressing one or more of the many lingering questions that remain about this enigmatic group. ¿Por qué importan los xenartros? Los xenartros poseen una serie de características que los convierten en algunos de los mamíferos más inusuales. La comprensión del significado funcional de estos rasgos es una de las razones sobresalientes de por qué los xenartros importan. Adicionalmente, los xenartros son actualmente considerados uno de los clados basales de los mamíferos placentarios, y el único que tuvo su origen en América del Sur. Como consecuencia, el estudio de los xenartros puede brindar información importante sobre la evolución de los primeros placentarios. El registro fósil incluye cientos de especies reconocidas de xenartros, pero esta rica historia evolutiva está actualmente concentrada en tan sólo 31 especies existentes. Salvar esta herencia a través de varias iniciativas de conservación es otra razón de por qué los xenartros importan. Esta sección especial sobre xenartros brinda una visión general del trabajo actual e identifica muchas áreas que requieren de estudios adicionales. Esperamos que esta sección especial incremente el perfil de los xenartros entre los mastozoólogos y tal vez atraiga a algunos de ellos para que consideren abordar una o más de las muchas preguntas pendientes sobre este grupo enigmático.

Mastozoologia Neotropical, Dec 1, 2010

Zoo Biology, 2016

Enrichment is a powerful tool to improve the welfare of animals under human care. Stress-related ... more Enrichment is a powerful tool to improve the welfare of animals under human care. Stress-related health and behavioral problems, as well as reproductive failure, are frequent in armadillos (Xenarthra, Cingulata, Dasypodidae) under human care, which hinders the development of successful ex situ conservation programs. Nevertheless, scientific studies on the effect of enrichment programs on armadillos are virtually non-existent. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of an enrichment program on the behavior of armadillos under human care. The behavior of 12 individuals of three species (Dasypus novemcinctus, D. sabanicola, and Cabassous unicinctus) maintained at Finca El Turpial, Villavicencio, Colombia, was recorded using scan sampling during three daily time blocks of 2 hr each before (4 weeks) and after (4 weeks) implementing an enrichment program. Enrichment did not stimulate the armadillos to change or extend their activity period. In general, activity levels were low during the entire study, and virtually no activity was recorded in the morning in any species, neither without nor with enrichment. The latter did, however, improve welfare by reducing abnormal and increasing natural foraging behaviors. All species were attracted by artificial termite mounds. Dasypus spp. showed special interest in cardboard boxes with food, while Cabassous was mainly attracted to hollow plastic balls filled with food. Our results suggest that separate enrichment programs need to be developed for different armadillo species, and that they should be applied during the time of day at which they are most active. Zoo Biol. 35:304-312, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Mastozoologia Neotropical, Dec 1, 2010

... 2011 SAREM PIDBA, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo Miguel Lillo 205 - ... more ... 2011 SAREM PIDBA, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo Miguel Lillo 205 - Piso 4 - Sección de mamíferos (T4000JFE) - San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán República Argentina Tel.: (+54 381) 433-1339 pidba@arnet.com.ar.

This work would not have been possible without the support and assistance of many friends, collea... more This work would not have been possible without the support and assistance of many friends, colleagues, family members, and locals from Mendoza Province. Above all, I would like to thank Aelita Pinter for her constant encouragement and friendship. I greatly enjoyed each of our brainstorming sessions and meetings filled with laughter and enlightening discussions. Her contagious energy and enthusiasm saved my day more than once. Roberto Aguilar introduced me to the fascinating area of conservation biology and convinced me to apply to the Ph.D. program at University of New Orleans. His endless patience and continuous encouragement helped me overcome many difficult moments during the process of developing the project, doing my research, and writing the dissertation. He is a true friend. I would especially like to thank my first advisor, Patrice Boily, for his guidance, commitment, and support. Pat relocated to Connecticut after Hurricane Katrina devastated the New Orleans area. I was very happy and honored that Barry Bavister immediately accepted to take over the job as my major professor for the remaining year. I thank him for believing in me and for his constant encouragement. I would also like to express my thanks to Nicola Anthony for her input and fruitful discussions, and to Liliane Bavister for proofreading the dissertation. Guillermo Ferraris played a fundamental role in the completion of this dissertation, and I am grateful for his patience, encouragement, and sacrifice. He not only supported my idea of building enclosures for an armadillo colony in our backyard, but also helped taking care of the animals. Thanks to his amazing knowledge of Mendoza I was able to get to know every single corner of this wonderful Province, which not only allowed me to sample pichis in the remotest areas, but also converted each field trip into a fascinating expedition that motivated me to continue with my research. I very much appreciated the constant support I received from Ramón Martínez and Virgilio Roig while doing my field research in Argentina, and special thanks are extended to the staff at the Dirección de Recursos Naturales Renovables of Mendoza Province, and especially everyone at the Departamento de Fauna, for their help and interest in my research. It is extremely rewarding to see that my efforts are contributing to the conservation of these strange little creatures. Many rangers and inspectors, especially Leonardo Orozco,

Mastozoologia Neotropical, Jun 1, 2014

Molecular biology and evolution, Jan 9, 2015

Xenarthra (armadillos, sloths, and anteaters) constitutes one of the four major clades of placent... more Xenarthra (armadillos, sloths, and anteaters) constitutes one of the four major clades of placental mammals. Despite their phylogenetic distinctiveness in mammals, a reference phylogeny is still lacking for the 31 described species. Here we used Illumina shotgun sequencing to assemble 33 new complete mitochondrial genomes, establishing Xenarthra as the first major placental clade to be fully sequenced at the species level for mitogenomes. The resulting data set allowed the reconstruction of a robust phylogenetic framework and timescale that are consistent with previous studies conducted at the genus level using nuclear genes. Incorporating the full species diversity of extant xenarthrans points to a number of inconsistencies in xenarthran systematics and species definition. We propose to split armadillos in two distinct families Dasypodidae (dasypodines) and Chlamyphoridae (euphractines, chlamyphorines, and tolypeutines) to better reflect their ancient divergence, estimated around 4...

Edentata: The Newsletter of the IUCN/SSC Anteater, Sloth and Armadillo Specialist Group

Oryx

Successful conservation actions require strategies that combine research, policy formulation and ... more Successful conservation actions require strategies that combine research, policy formulation and enforcement, practical interventions and education. Here we review the Armadillo Conservation Programme, which was initiated in 2012 as a pioneering multidisciplinary programme for the conservation and management of five armadillo species in the Orinoco Llanos of Colombia. It is led by a multi-institutional alliance that ensures active participation of stakeholders during all stages of the programme. Six main threats affecting armadillo populations in the Llanos were identified, and these were addressed in the first joint action plan of two Colombian environmental authorities. Scientific research facilitated an increase in the knowledge available about the armadillos of the Llanos, and the recategorization of the northern long-nosed armadillo Dasypus sabanicola on the IUCN Red List. Threat evaluation and mitigation included the assessment of illegal bushmeat trade and consumption in loca...

Journal of Mammalogy, 2015

Hairy armadillos constitute an ecologically homogeneous and morphologically similar group with cu... more Hairy armadillos constitute an ecologically homogeneous and morphologically similar group with currently 5 species classified in the subfamily Euphractinae. Among them, the Andean hairy armadillo Chaetophractus nationi (Xenarthra, Cingulata, Dasypodidae) is a small, endangered armadillo that has long been suspected to represent a high-altitude variant of Chaetophractus vellerosus. Here, we report the 1st phylogenetic systematics assessment of hairy armadillos using morphological and molecular analyses of all described species with focus on the status of the Andean hairy armadillo. Multivariate analyses of shape variation based on 3-dimensional landmark coordinates of skulls allowed a clear differentiation of each species with the exception of C. vellerosus and C. nationi, within which only a latitudinal and/or altitudinal gradient in size was apparent. Moreover, analyses of mitochondrial DNA control region (D-loop) revealed a single C. nationi haplotype that appeared to be identical with a C. vellerosus haplotype from Argentina. Identical sequences in C. vellerosus and C. nationi were also observed for 3 of the 5 non-coding nuclear markers investigated. Based on these data, we propose that C. nationi should be considered as a synonym of C. vellerosus. However, this taxonomic change should not preclude the protection of the high-altitude Bolivian populations that are steadily declining because of their overexploitation for traditional purposes. Finally, phylogenetic analyses of euphractine armadillos based on a combination of 6 non-coding nuclear markers and 2 nuclear exons suggest the paraphyly of the genus Chaetophractus, with C. vellerosus being more closely related to Zaedyus pichiy than to C. villosus. Los armadillos peludos constituyen un grupo ecológicamente homogéneo y morfológicamente similar que actualmente consiste de 5 especies clasificadas en la subfamilia Euphractinae. Una de ellas, el quirquincho Andino Chaetophractus nationi (Xenarthra, Cingulata, Dasypodidae), es un pequeño armadillo amenazado de extinción del cual se ha sospechado durante mucho tiempo que representa una variedad de altitud de Chaetophractus vellerosus. Aquí reportamos la primera evaluación sistemática filogenética de armadillos peludos utilizando análisis morfológicos y moleculares de todas las especies descritas, poniendo un especial enfoque en el estado del quirquincho Andino. Los análisis multivariados de la forma basados en landmarks tridimensionales de cráneos, permitieron distinguir claramente las especies, con la excepción de C. vellerosus y C. nationi en los cuales sólo se halló un gradiente latitudinal y/o altitudinal en el tamaño. Además, los análisis de la región control del ADN mitocondrial (D-loop) mostraron un solo haplotipo de C. nationi, que fue idéntico a un haplotipo de C. vellerosus de Argentina. También se observaron secuencias idénticas para C. vellerosus y C. nationi en 3 de los 5 marcadores nucleares no codificantes analizados. A partir de estos resultados proponemos que C. nationi sea considerado sinónimo de C. vellerosus. Sin embargo, este cambio taxonómico no debe excluir la protección de

Journal of Mammalogy, 2015

Xenarthrans possess a suite of characteristics that make them among the most unusual of mammals. ... more Xenarthrans possess a suite of characteristics that make them among the most unusual of mammals. Understanding the functional significance of these traits is one prominent reason why xenarthrans matter. In addition, Xenarthra is currently considered one of the basal clades of placental mammals, and the only one to originate in South America. Consequently, studies of xenarthrans can provide important insights into the evolution of early placentals. The fossil record contains hundreds of recognized species of xenarthrans but this rich evolutionary history is currently distilled into just 31 extant species. Preserving this heritage through various conservation initiatives is yet another reason why xenarthrans matter. This Special Feature on xenarthrans provides an overview of current work and identifies many areas requiring further study. It is our hope that this Special Feature will raise the profile of xenarthrans among mammalogists and perhaps entice some to consider addressing one or more of the many lingering questions that remain about this enigmatic group. ¿Por qué importan los xenartros? Los xenartros poseen una serie de características que los convierten en algunos de los mamíferos más inusuales. La comprensión del significado funcional de estos rasgos es una de las razones sobresalientes de por qué los xenartros importan. Adicionalmente, los xenartros son actualmente considerados uno de los clados basales de los mamíferos placentarios, y el único que tuvo su origen en América del Sur. Como consecuencia, el estudio de los xenartros puede brindar información importante sobre la evolución de los primeros placentarios. El registro fósil incluye cientos de especies reconocidas de xenartros, pero esta rica historia evolutiva está actualmente concentrada en tan sólo 31 especies existentes. Salvar esta herencia a través de varias iniciativas de conservación es otra razón de por qué los xenartros importan. Esta sección especial sobre xenartros brinda una visión general del trabajo actual e identifica muchas áreas que requieren de estudios adicionales. Esperamos que esta sección especial incremente el perfil de los xenartros entre los mastozoólogos y tal vez atraiga a algunos de ellos para que consideren abordar una o más de las muchas preguntas pendientes sobre este grupo enigmático.

Mastozoologia Neotropical, Dec 1, 2010

Zoo Biology, 2016

Enrichment is a powerful tool to improve the welfare of animals under human care. Stress-related ... more Enrichment is a powerful tool to improve the welfare of animals under human care. Stress-related health and behavioral problems, as well as reproductive failure, are frequent in armadillos (Xenarthra, Cingulata, Dasypodidae) under human care, which hinders the development of successful ex situ conservation programs. Nevertheless, scientific studies on the effect of enrichment programs on armadillos are virtually non-existent. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of an enrichment program on the behavior of armadillos under human care. The behavior of 12 individuals of three species (Dasypus novemcinctus, D. sabanicola, and Cabassous unicinctus) maintained at Finca El Turpial, Villavicencio, Colombia, was recorded using scan sampling during three daily time blocks of 2 hr each before (4 weeks) and after (4 weeks) implementing an enrichment program. Enrichment did not stimulate the armadillos to change or extend their activity period. In general, activity levels were low during the entire study, and virtually no activity was recorded in the morning in any species, neither without nor with enrichment. The latter did, however, improve welfare by reducing abnormal and increasing natural foraging behaviors. All species were attracted by artificial termite mounds. Dasypus spp. showed special interest in cardboard boxes with food, while Cabassous was mainly attracted to hollow plastic balls filled with food. Our results suggest that separate enrichment programs need to be developed for different armadillo species, and that they should be applied during the time of day at which they are most active. Zoo Biol. 35:304-312, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Mastozoologia Neotropical, Dec 1, 2010

... 2011 SAREM PIDBA, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo Miguel Lillo 205 - ... more ... 2011 SAREM PIDBA, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo Miguel Lillo 205 - Piso 4 - Sección de mamíferos (T4000JFE) - San Miguel de Tucumán, Tucumán República Argentina Tel.: (+54 381) 433-1339 pidba@arnet.com.ar.

This work would not have been possible without the support and assistance of many friends, collea... more This work would not have been possible without the support and assistance of many friends, colleagues, family members, and locals from Mendoza Province. Above all, I would like to thank Aelita Pinter for her constant encouragement and friendship. I greatly enjoyed each of our brainstorming sessions and meetings filled with laughter and enlightening discussions. Her contagious energy and enthusiasm saved my day more than once. Roberto Aguilar introduced me to the fascinating area of conservation biology and convinced me to apply to the Ph.D. program at University of New Orleans. His endless patience and continuous encouragement helped me overcome many difficult moments during the process of developing the project, doing my research, and writing the dissertation. He is a true friend. I would especially like to thank my first advisor, Patrice Boily, for his guidance, commitment, and support. Pat relocated to Connecticut after Hurricane Katrina devastated the New Orleans area. I was very happy and honored that Barry Bavister immediately accepted to take over the job as my major professor for the remaining year. I thank him for believing in me and for his constant encouragement. I would also like to express my thanks to Nicola Anthony for her input and fruitful discussions, and to Liliane Bavister for proofreading the dissertation. Guillermo Ferraris played a fundamental role in the completion of this dissertation, and I am grateful for his patience, encouragement, and sacrifice. He not only supported my idea of building enclosures for an armadillo colony in our backyard, but also helped taking care of the animals. Thanks to his amazing knowledge of Mendoza I was able to get to know every single corner of this wonderful Province, which not only allowed me to sample pichis in the remotest areas, but also converted each field trip into a fascinating expedition that motivated me to continue with my research. I very much appreciated the constant support I received from Ramón Martínez and Virgilio Roig while doing my field research in Argentina, and special thanks are extended to the staff at the Dirección de Recursos Naturales Renovables of Mendoza Province, and especially everyone at the Departamento de Fauna, for their help and interest in my research. It is extremely rewarding to see that my efforts are contributing to the conservation of these strange little creatures. Many rangers and inspectors, especially Leonardo Orozco,

Mastozoologia Neotropical, Jun 1, 2014

Molecular biology and evolution, Jan 9, 2015

Xenarthra (armadillos, sloths, and anteaters) constitutes one of the four major clades of placent... more Xenarthra (armadillos, sloths, and anteaters) constitutes one of the four major clades of placental mammals. Despite their phylogenetic distinctiveness in mammals, a reference phylogeny is still lacking for the 31 described species. Here we used Illumina shotgun sequencing to assemble 33 new complete mitochondrial genomes, establishing Xenarthra as the first major placental clade to be fully sequenced at the species level for mitogenomes. The resulting data set allowed the reconstruction of a robust phylogenetic framework and timescale that are consistent with previous studies conducted at the genus level using nuclear genes. Incorporating the full species diversity of extant xenarthrans points to a number of inconsistencies in xenarthran systematics and species definition. We propose to split armadillos in two distinct families Dasypodidae (dasypodines) and Chlamyphoridae (euphractines, chlamyphorines, and tolypeutines) to better reflect their ancient divergence, estimated around 4...