The goal is to find out if the animal has already reached sexual maturity, key information to protect the species
The ICAS team (Wildlife Animal Conservation Institute) is located this week with a special mission: Recaptura Alvinho, Tamanduá-Tamando-monitored by the institution to adjust the tracking vest and carry out a reproductive assessment. The goal is to find out if the animal has already reached sexual maturity – key information to protect the species, considered to be susceptible to extinction.
Alvinho is the only Albino-Tandanda-Tandanduan monitored in the world and is considered one of the rarest animals of Brazilian Cerrado. The action is part of the research conducted by the Veterinary Carolina Lobo, Student Master of the UNEP (Paulista State University) from Botucat. She studied the reproduction of the two largest representatives of Xenarthra Superord: The Gage Mayater and Armadillo.
To examine the Alvinho reproductive development, the team introduces an ultrasonic device in this field, the necessary technique of visualization of the testicles of these animals. “In the case of Gage, testicles are found in the abdomen, which prevents them from observing them externally,” explains Carolina.
Studies are aimed at fulfilling an important gap in scientific knowledge: there is little data about the reproduction of ants in free life. Memory of testicles, in combination with body biometrics, allows you to better understand the growth of these animals and indicate when they reach sexual maturity yes, so called yes.
“Knowledge of the age at which the faces achieve this phase is a key data for the protection strategy. It helps us understand how to provide real long -term populations,” says the researcher.
Meritn Gage is mentioned as a sensitive species on both the domestic ICMBIO (Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation) list, as well as in the International Association of Nature Conservation). The loss of habitats, running and burning belong to the main threats.
Such activities are considered fundamental for science and effective protection of Brazilian biological diversity. “Every data we got in the field is a step further for the survival of these giants of our fauna,” said Carolina.
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