Papers by Ricardo Moratelli
Zoologia (Curitiba), 2014
Biodiversity Data Journal, 2020
Biological collections are central in understanding and preserving life on Earth. In Brazil, the ... more Biological collections are central in understanding and preserving life on Earth. In Brazil, the most representative collections are kept by natural history museums, whose primary focus is in invertebrates, vertebrates and vascular plants. Only a few institutions keep repositories in different kingdoms. The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (Fiocruz), established in 1900, is a strategic public health institution of the Ministry of Health of Brazil. As such, Fiocruz is responsible for a wide range of activities, from basic research to the development and production of vaccines, drugs, reagents and diagnostic kits. Its biological collections were soon established in the expeditions made by naturalists and physicians seeking integrated knowledge of the fauna, flora and tropical diseases. Since then, they have been part of the institutional policy. In a few decades, those collections were already in the forefront of basic and applied research on tropical parasitic and infectious diseases. Currently, they comprise thirty-three repositories representing part of the Brazilian diversity of bacteria, fungi, protozoa, helminths, arthropods, molluscs and plants of medical and environmental importance. Different methods of long-term preservation are applied for the conservation of this wide range of organisms represented by about 6 million specimens. Herein, we describe this range of collections and discuss their complementary role as repositories of groups not represented in other biological collections in Brazil. These valuable biological materials have been used in public health and medical research, as well as for technological development and innovation in Brazil. Parallel to this specific usage, Fiocruz biological collections have played and continue to play a unique and important role in understanding and conserving part of Brazil’s biodiversity that is currently under-represented in other biological and natural history collections in Brazil and South America.
Background: The role of bats as reservoirs of zoonotic agents, especially pathogenic bacteria suc... more Background: The role of bats as reservoirs of zoonotic agents, especially pathogenic bacteria such as Bartonella and Coxiella, has been discussed around the world. Recent studies have identified bats as potential hosts of species from the proteobacteria phylum. In Brazil, however, the role of bats in the natural cycle of these agents is poorly investigated and generally neglected. In order to analyze the participation of bats in the epidemiology of diseases caused by Bartonella, Coxiella, Rickettsia, Anaplasma and Ehrlichia, we conducted a descriptive epidemiological study in three biogeographic regions of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest.
Bats play key ecological roles, also hosting many zoonotic pathogens. Neotropical bat microbiota ... more Bats play key ecological roles, also hosting many zoonotic pathogens. Neotropical bat microbiota is still poorly known. We speculate that their dietary habits strongly influence their microbiota richness and antibiotic-resistance patterns, which represent growing and serious public health and environmental issue. Here we describe the aerobic microbiota richness of bats from an Atlantic Forest remnant in Southeastern Brazil, and the antibiotic-resistance patterns of bacteria of clinical importance. Oral and rectal cavities of 113 bats from Carlos Botelho State Park were swabbed. Samples were plated on 5% sheep blood and MacConkey agar and identified by the MALDI-TOF technique. Antibiotic susceptibility tests were performed using Kirby-Bauer's antibiotic disc diffusion technique.We identified 596 isolates at the genus level and tentatively to the species level. Proteobacteria was the most abundant phylum in all the dietary guilds, representing 87% of the total identified samples. The most common bacteria within bat individuals were Escherichia coli, Klebsiella oxy-toca and Serratia marcescens, and within bat species were Serratia marcescens, Pseudomonas sp. and Staphylococcus sp. Frugivores presented the most diverse micro-biota. In general, the antibiogram results indicated a low occurrence of resistance on eigth potentially pathogenic bacteria species. The resistance to antibiotics found on our samples was related mostly to the intrinsic resistance of the tested species.The low occurrence of resistant bacteria in our samples could be related to the well preserved environment where bats were caught. Once the major causes of resistance-acquiring are related to anthropic activites, the controlled access of tourists on certain regions of the Park seems to be effectively protecting the environment.
Lonchophylla bokermanni is known from three localities in the southern portion of the Serra do Es... more Lonchophylla bokermanni is known from three localities in the southern portion of the Serra do Espinhaço, all located in the Cerrado of Minas Gerais. Based on recent material from two localities in the Caatinga of Bahia, northeastern Brazil, we report the species occurrence in the northern portion of Serra do Espinhaço. These new records extend the species distribution by more than 840 km and represent the first records of L. bokermanni in the Caatinga biome. The localities we report here are under severe anthropic pressure , and this distribution extension should not inhibit conservation efforts for the species. RESUMO. Primeiro registro de Lonchophylla bokermanni (Chiroptera, Phyllostomidae) para o bioma Caatinga. Lonchophylla bokermanni é conhecida para três localidades na porção sul da cadeia de montanhas da Serra do Espinhaço, com todos os registros no Cerrado de Minas Gerais. Com base em registros recentes provenientes de duas localidades na Caatinga da Bahia, nordeste do Brasil, registramos a espécie na porção norte da Serra do Espinhaço. Os novos registros ampliam a distribuição da espécie em mais de 840 km, representando o primeiro registro de L. bokermanni para a Caatinga. As novas localidades reportadas estão sob grande pressão antrópica. Assim, a ampliação da distribuição não deve inibir estratégias de conservação para a espécie.
Given consistency with its proper basis, classification should be as stable as possible, changed ... more Given consistency with its proper basis, classification should be as stable as possible, changed only when changing knowledge tends to make it definitely less useful or reveals inconsistency"
We describe a new species of Myotis (Vespertilionidae, Myotinae) from the Republic of Trinidad an... more We describe a new species of Myotis (Vespertilionidae, Myotinae) from the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, Tobago Island. The new species (Myotis attenboroughi sp. nov.) can be distinguished from all other Neotropical congeners by cranial features and cytochrome-b gene sequences. Myotis attenboroughi sp. nov. is allied morphologically with species in the albescens group (like M. nigricans), and is sister to a clade including M. cf. handleyi, M. nesopolus, and 3 possibly undescribed species from Central and South America. A review of Myotis collections from the Caribbean confirms M. nyctor for Barbados and Grenada; M. dominicensis for Dominica and Guadeloupe; M. martiniquensis for Martinique; M. pilosatibialis and M. riparius for Trinidad; and M. attenboroughi for Tobago. The occurrence of M. attenboroughi on Trinidad is still an open question.
The genus Myotis is unique among mammals in its high taxonomic diversity and global distribution.... more The genus Myotis is unique among mammals in its high taxonomic diversity and global distribution. Their phylogenetic relationships reflect biogeographic affinities rather than phenotypes. Myotis diverged from other bats in the early Miocene, with a subsequent split between Old and New World lineages about 19 million years ago. Similar ecomorphs (‘Leuconoe’ [near-water hunters], ‘Myotis’ [gleaners], ‘Selysius’ [aerial hawkers]) emerged independently in different lineages of Myotis. We retrieved the probable ancestral ecomorph for each lineage. Phenetic diversity was estimated from the analysis of body and skull traits. It seems that evolution of Myotis fluctuated between ‘Leuconoe’, ‘Selysius’, and larger ‘Myotis’.
Lonchophylla peracchii was recently described from Rio de Janeiro Atlantic Forest samples previou... more Lonchophylla peracchii was recently described from Rio de Janeiro Atlantic Forest samples previously assigned to either L. bokermanni Sazima, Vizotto & Taddei, 1978 or L. mordax Thomas, 1903. The species is currently restricted to the Atlantic Forest of Southeastern Brazil. Based on museum specimens, we extend the species distribution to the Atlantic Forest of Northeastern Brazil. The specimens reported here were collected in Ilhéus, Bahia state, representing a range extension of ca. 500 km northward.
Despite recent advances in description of species and phylogenies of Myotis, our understanding of... more Despite recent advances in description of species and phylogenies of Myotis, our understanding of the systematics and biogeography of this genus in the New Worldparticularly the Neotropics-is limited. Especially, species boundaries are unclear given the wide distribution of some species, and sometimes absence of reliable diagnostic character. Here, we conducted an exploratory analysis of published cytochrome b sequences together with new sequences generated from Ecuadorian specimens. We used a poison-distribution process (PTP) for species delimitation, and estimated the timing and biogeographic history of the Myotis of the New World. The most robust PTP delimitation resulted in 55 species of New World Myotis: North America (19 species), Central America (4 species), Caribbean (5 species), and South America (27 species). The biogeographic analyses also reveal interesting results with regard to several dispersal events in the New World. These preliminary results shows that the diversity of this elusive vespertilionid is underestimated and there is a need to continue with inventories and systematic studies oriented to reveal the cryptic diversity of the genus in the New World.
El descubrimiento de una nueva especie de murciélago nectarívoro del Bosque Atlántico de Brasil revela la existencia de otra especie del Cerrado brasileño En Peligro Crítico
Em decorrência de sua visão adaptada apenas à luz do dia, os humanos primitivos desenvolveram um ... more Em decorrência de sua visão adaptada apenas à luz do dia, os humanos primitivos desenvolveram um temor e um respeito atávicos pelas trevas noturnas, extensivos aos seres que são ativos nelas. Assim, se desenvolveram mitos e fantasias sobre a coruja, o sapo, as grandes mariposas (também conhecidas como bruxas) e o morcego, entre outros tipos de animais. Tais fantasias atravessaram os tempos e, na Europa, por exemplo, deram origem a lendas sobre seres meio humanos meio demônios como as bruxas, o lobisomem e o vampiro. Tratados no singular, como se fossem espécies únicas, esses animais passaram a ser temidos porque, além de serem "feios", seriam "nocivos": a coruja por seu mau agouro, o sapo por ter verrugas e espirrar leite venenoso nos olhos das pessoas, as mariposas por seu pó capaz de cegar e os morcegos por serem todos capazes de sugar o sangue dos humanos. Já no século XVII, o naturalista Guilherme Piso, tratando da flora e fauna brasileiras, relatava que a mordida do "andirá" (morcego) era da mesma natureza que a peçonha do cão raivoso. Felizmente, por seus hábitos crípticos e por serem ativos em período do dia diferente daquele da maioria dos humanos, esses animais, que não são formas únicas (só de morcegos voam no Brasil ao menos 167 espécies distintas), estão relativamente protegidos de sua extinção. Os quirópteros, se por um lado algumas entre suas espécies frutívoras são capazes de provocar danos em pomares e as hematófagas de disseminar o vírus da raiva, por outro, e a balança pende significativamente a seu favor, são importantíssimos no controle dos insetos, que as formas insetívoras consomem às toneladas em cada noite, na polinização de inúmeras espécies de plantas florestais, que desapareceriam sem o concurso das formas nectarívoras, e na disseminação de sementes pelas frutívoras, tanto pelo abandono das sementes maiores após devorarem a polpa, como pela eliminação das menores junto com as suas fezes. Só o papel de conservadores das nossas florestas justificaria o empenho que muitos pesquisadores atualmente demonstram no sentido de melhor conhecê-los, tanto no aspecto taxonômico, como em sua distribuição, ecologia e hábitos reprodutivos.
Morcegos (Mammalia, Chiroptera) do Parque Nacional da Serra dos Órgãos
Subfamília Phyllostominae
The genus Myotis (Vespertilionidae, Myotinae) comprises a diverse group of small to large-sized v... more The genus Myotis (Vespertilionidae, Myotinae) comprises a diverse group of small to large-sized vespertilionid bats that present a worldwide distribution. Twelve South American species are currently recognized. In this paper we evaluate the morphological and morphometric variation observed in South American populations of the most widespread species, Myotis nigricans. Against this background, two forms can be morphologically distinguished from M. nigricans and other known South American species. We describe these new species, documenting their diagnostic external and cranial characters by comparing them to other sympatric and cryptic species of South American Myotis. In addition, we provide an emended diagnosis of Myotis nigricans.
Background
Myotis occurs from tropical to temperate regions throughout the globe, and it is the ... more Background
Myotis occurs from tropical to temperate regions throughout the globe, and it is the largest bat genus with more than 100 species. Most species are insect-eaters, but a few also feed on other invertebrates and fishes; there is no confirmed evidence of a plant item in their diet.
New information
During fieldwork in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, small seeds were retrieved from the feces of one adult female of the Black Myotis, Myotis nigricans—one of the most common Neotropical bats. In a germination experiment, 40% of those seeds grew into seedlings. Our findings are the first evidence of fruit consumption for any Myotis species. We reject a possible contamination because the cotton bag was never used before for bats. This study is the first evidence of frugivory in the genus Myotis.
Biodiversity Data Journal, Aug 18, 2015
Myotis midastactus Moratelli and Wilson, 2014 (Vespertilionidae, Myotinae) was described from the... more Myotis midastactus Moratelli and Wilson, 2014 (Vespertilionidae, Myotinae) was described from the Myotis simus Thomas, 1901 complex based on collections from the Bolivian Savannah.
Four vouchers previously assigned to M. simus from the Alto Chaco in Paraguay (West of the Paraguay River) are reassigned here to M. midastactus. These specimens extend the geographic distribution of M. midastactus 1200 km southward, and constitute the first evidence of the species in the country. Based on other material from the Brazilian Pantanal and Cerrado, Central Paraguay and north-eastern Argentina, we also discuss the identity of simus-like populations south of the Amazon Basin. The status of these populations is still unclear, but the little evidence we have at hand indicates that these populations may represent another taxon—M. guaycuru Proença, 1943; whereas M. simus seems to be restricted to the Amazon basin. This hypothesis is still very speculative and requires further investigation. With the assignment of material from Alto Chaco to M. midastactus, seven species of Myotis are confirmed for Paraguay: M. albescens, M. lavali, M. levis, M. midastactus, M. nigricans, M. riparius, and M. ruber.
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Papers by Ricardo Moratelli
Myotis occurs from tropical to temperate regions throughout the globe, and it is the largest bat genus with more than 100 species. Most species are insect-eaters, but a few also feed on other invertebrates and fishes; there is no confirmed evidence of a plant item in their diet.
New information
During fieldwork in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, small seeds were retrieved from the feces of one adult female of the Black Myotis, Myotis nigricans—one of the most common Neotropical bats. In a germination experiment, 40% of those seeds grew into seedlings. Our findings are the first evidence of fruit consumption for any Myotis species. We reject a possible contamination because the cotton bag was never used before for bats. This study is the first evidence of frugivory in the genus Myotis.
Four vouchers previously assigned to M. simus from the Alto Chaco in Paraguay (West of the Paraguay River) are reassigned here to M. midastactus. These specimens extend the geographic distribution of M. midastactus 1200 km southward, and constitute the first evidence of the species in the country. Based on other material from the Brazilian Pantanal and Cerrado, Central Paraguay and north-eastern Argentina, we also discuss the identity of simus-like populations south of the Amazon Basin. The status of these populations is still unclear, but the little evidence we have at hand indicates that these populations may represent another taxon—M. guaycuru Proença, 1943; whereas M. simus seems to be restricted to the Amazon basin. This hypothesis is still very speculative and requires further investigation. With the assignment of material from Alto Chaco to M. midastactus, seven species of Myotis are confirmed for Paraguay: M. albescens, M. lavali, M. levis, M. midastactus, M. nigricans, M. riparius, and M. ruber.