Patterns of genetic variation among populations can reveal the evolutionary history of species. Pinworm parasites are highly host specific and form strong co-evolutionary associations with their primate hosts. Here, we describe the genetic variation observed in four Trypanoxyuris species infecting different howler and spider monkey subspecies in Central America to determine if historical dispersal processes and speciation in the host could explain the genetic patterns observed in the parasites. Mitochondrial (cox1) and ribosomal (28S) DNA were analysed to assess genetic divergence and phylogenetic history of these parasites. Sequences of the 28S gene were identical within pinworms species regardless of host subspecies. However, phylogenetic analyses, haplotype relationships and genetic divergence with cox1 showed differentiation between pinworm populations according to host subspecies in three of the four Trypanoxyuris species analysed. Haplotype separation between host subspecies was not observed in Trypanoxyuris minutus, nor in Trypanoxyuris atelis from Ateles geoffoyi vellerosus and Ateles geoffoyi yucatanensis. Levels of genetic diversity and divergence in these parasites relate with such estimates reported for their hosts. This study shows how genetic patterns uncovered in parasitic organisms can reflect the host phylogenetic and biogeographic histories.
Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve (LTBR) in southeast Mexico is characterized by high rates of deforestation and habitat deterioration, containing two Mexican primate species, Alouatta palliata and Ateles geoffroyi. In this study, we integrate the analysis of landscape dynamics with primate population research covering a period of 21 years (1986-2007), assessing the impacts of habitat transformation on primate populations in a study area located in the southeast region of the LTBR. We found the higher deforestation rate (1.5%) from 1986 to 2000, compared to 2000-2007 (0.5%), but reduction in primate's habitat was of 62% from 1986-2007. Land cover changes have modified the landscape in such a way that current available habitat for primates is constituted by small forest patches, immersed in a pasture matrix. A total of 37 A. palliata and 68 A. geoffroyi individuals were counted; these data were compared with information available for the same primate populations in 1987 and 2000, revealing that despite habitat loss, primate population sizes have remained relatively stable. The analysis of occupation and colonization of forests fragments by primates suggests that fragment size and connectivity are key landscape features for the persistence of primates in the region. Our results imply that strong anthropogenic pressure against primate habitat is still taking place in this portion of LTBR; and that habitat availability, as well as primate population viability in this region, are linked to political and socioeconomic factors affecting land use and production systems adopted by locals, as well as to the management efforts of the LTBR.
Este análisis se basa en el censo de las poblaciones de primates realizado en la porción sureste de la Reserva de Biosfera Los Tuxtlas, México. Los datos demográficos obtenidos en 2008 son comparados con los reportados en 1985, con la finalidad de identificar las tendencias poblacionales de los primates en esta región. Se encontraron 12 fragmentos ocupados con un total de 37 individuos de Alouatta palliata mexicana y 68 individuos de Ateles geoffroyi vellerosus. El tamaño de la población total de primates en esta zona es muy similar al reportado para finales de la década de los 80s. Sin embargo, se encontró un aumento en la densidad ecológica y una disminución en la proporción de hembras y de inmaduros en los grupos de ambas especies de primates. Lo anterior puede considerarse como el inicio de procesos de declive demográfico en las poblaciones de primates en esta región, lo que puede ser consecuencia de una reducción en la calidad y cantidad de hábitat. Como medida conservacionista se sugiere aumentar la conectividad entre fragmentos de vegetación conservada, dentro de una estrategia que comprenda la compleja dinámica territorial de esta región.
La Taxonomía es la disciplina que se encarga de identificar, describir, nombrar y clasificar a los seres vivos; la Sistemática incorpora la información generada por los taxónomos para inferir las relaciones evolutivas entre los organismos; representan un marco de referencia para cualquier estudio biológico. El uso de marcadores moleculares en las últimas décadas revitalizó a la sistemática permitiendo desarrollar no solo hipótesis filogenéticas entre taxa, sino también criterios más precisos para delimitar especies. A través de estos marcadores se ha reconocido la existencia de las Especies Crípticas (aquellas morfológicamente indistinguibles, pero genéticamente distintas). El reconocimiento y delimitación de las especies crípticas representa un reto para el conocimiento de la biodiversidad, para la descripción de patrones macroecológicos, biogeográficos y evolutivos y para los estudios sobre la conservación de las especies.
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