The gray brockets in Brazil (Mammalia; Cervidae; Mazama): detection of the genetic, morphologic and ecologic variants to explain the complex evolution in this group

Abstract

Many taxonomic problems have been found in the brocket deer (Mazama Genus). Recent work have suggested that gray brockets do not belong to the Mazama genus, and M. nemorivaga (Amazonian gray brocket deer) and M. gouazoubira (Brown brocket deer) also integrate different genera. Meanwhile, M. nemorivaga is not accepted by some researchers as valid species. The present project aims to contribute with this discussion, reviewing the taxonomy of these species using traditional methods, as morphology, and to elucidate the evolution processes of this group through modern methods as cytogenetics and molecular genetics. The project also plans to evaluate the ecological differences between these species. To accomplish these objectives, it will be necessary to develop methodologies for ecological studies using fecal DNA, radiotelemetry and camera traps for these animals. We are planning to obtain a broad sample in Brazilian gray brockets (M. gouazoubira and M. nemorivaga), and some of them will be conducted to the Deer Research and Conservation Center (NUPECCE) captive facilities for reproductive studies. A taxonomic review will be conducted in South American museums analyzing skulls and skins. It will be collected material, in live animals, for cytogenetic and molecular analysis. Cytogenetically, we will compare the banding patterns, C, G, NOR, telomeric FISH and chromosome painting. It will be evaluated two mitochondrial markers (Citochrome b, D-loop or Citochrome Oxidase) and two nuclear markers (to be defined in the future) to show the molecular differences between individuals that will be compared with the Neotropical deer sequences placed in the Genbank. The captive animals will be crossed to produce pure (M. gouazoubira x M. gouazoubira and M. nemorivaga x M. nemorivaga) and hybrid (M. gouazoubira x M. nemorivaga) lineages. The animals produced will be evaluated to access their fertility and define the existence of reproductive isolation factor between these species, and to confirm definitively the validity of the species. Five M. gouazoubira will be captured in the Nhecolandia’s Pantanal. These animals will receive GPS tracking collars to establish home range and habitat use pattern. In the region of the captured animals, itwill be used camera traps and fecal DNA to test these methods as valid tools to estimate animal home range. The animals with GPS tracking collar will be used as control. Since the capture of M. nemorivaga is impossible, we will use the fecal DNA and camera traps to evaluate the home range and activity pattern of this species in the Amazonia (Jamari National Forest. We hope to contribute to solve taxonomic problems and consolidate the biologic knowledge of the gray brockets, generating technology for future work with these and similar species. (AU)