Hemoparasites biodiversity from amphibians and reptiles of Brasil

Abstract

Brazil is considered a country rich in wildlife, being the third placed in the ranking of reptile biodiversity and the first placed in the ranking of amphibiam biodiversity. However, there are a few studies on hemoparasites in these animals in the Neotropical region. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify and characterize the biodiversity of hemoparasite species associated with reptiles and amphibians from the Central-West and Southeast Brazilian Regions, covering Cerrado, Atlantic and Pantanal Biomes, the main ones in diversity of herpetofauna. In the states of São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Goiás, Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul, blood and tissue samples (liver, spleen, kidney, heart and lungs) of reptiles and amphibians will be collected for morphological, morphometric and molecular hemoparasites diagnosis. In addition, these animals are going to be inspected for the presence of ectoparasites, which will be identified and their diversity of parasites analyzed. Therefore, with a correct identification of hemoparasite species that affect Brazilian reptiles and amphibians, future studies can be developed with the purpose of knowing the complete cycle of each hemoparasite, as well as its influence on the health, behavior, ecology and reproduction of these animals in nature. (AU)