Reproduction ofDidelphis marsupialis (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) in the Venezuelan Andes

Cabello, Daniel R

doi:10.1007/bf03195189

Cited by 12 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 19 publications

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“…According to inhabitants, these periods are known as “vagrancy times - vadiação ”. This information is consistent with results of studies on population density and reproductive activity of this species conducted in Venezuela [ 28 ] and Colombia [ 47 ], where authors indicated that D. marsupialis reproduces throughout the year.…”

Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 91%

“…According to registered accounts, its strong odor (in Brazil, it is named “catinga” [nauseating odor] or “pitiú” [fish-like odor]) and the habit of preying upon eggs and poultry are the main factors that contribute to this kind of reaction. Some of the previous studies reported food and medicinal uses of this species [ 12 , 13 , 17 , 23 – 28 ], and it is also present in myths and beliefs of some indigenous and traditional peoples [ 28 – 30 ]. Another important element of this species is that it is a reservoir for various parasites, which can cause health problems for human beings [ 31 , 32 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Common opossum (Didelphis marsupialisLinnaeus, 1758): food and medicine for people in the Amazon

Barros

Azevedo

2014

J Ethnobiology Ethnomedicine

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BackgroundIn the Amazon rainforest, biodiversity is a significant resource for traditional communities, as it can be used as a relevant source of protein and it has a promising zootherapeutic potential. Studies on knowledge and ways how local peoples use the fauna are still incipient. This paper presents both the knowledge on and food and medicinal uses of common opossum (Didelphis marsupialis) by riverine communities in an Amazon floodplain region.MethodsThe study was conducted with riverine communities in the municipality of Abaetetuba, Pará, Brazil. The main methods used were structured and semi-structured interviews, the “snowball” technique, and participant observation.ResultsThe study showed that D. marsupialis has an undeniable cultural significance for the local community, both in terms of food and medicine. Its meat is prized by inhabitants as it is classified as tasty, soft and, in some cases, it is designated as the best bushmeat in the region. The interviewees have demonstrated a thorough knowledge on various aspects of the animal’s biology, such as its diet, behavior, and places of occurrence. The hunting activity is practiced by men, but the preparation of meat and medicinal oil are tasks mainly performed by women. In medical terms, common opossum is used in the treatment of various diseases, such as rheumatism, asthma, sore throat, and inflammation. Given the importance of this species, its meat or live individuals are often sold in the city fair at prices that can reach R$ 40.00 (U$D 18,00) per individual.ConclusionsD. marsupialis is an important source of protein for riverine communities in the region studied. Its fat is used as a traditional medicine and it is indicated for many types of diseases. Although the species concerned is treated with hostility in various Brazilian regions, in the case of Abaetetuba this animal is strongly prized due to the good quality of its meat. However, despite the value assigned to the species, its consumption should be the subject of further studies, as this marsupial species has been described as a reservoir for parasites that cause severe diseases.

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Section: Resultssupporting

confidence: 91%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Common opossum (Didelphis marsupialisLinnaeus, 1758): food and medicine for people in the Amazon

Barros

Azevedo

2014

J Ethnobiology Ethnomedicine

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“…Ecological and behavioural attributes of the Virginia opossum allow this species to disperse long distances and survive in environments affected by anthropogenic activities, which likely reduced levels of genetic differentiation among the studied disturbance levels (Beatty et al . 2012, Cabello 2006, Markovchick-Nicholls et al . 2007, Orjuela & Jiménez 2004).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Genetic diversity ofDidelphis virginianarelated to different levels of disturbance in the Highlands and the Central Depression regions of Chiapas, Mexico

et al. 2016

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Abstract:The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is considered highly adaptable to anthropogenic disturbances; however, the genetic effects of disturbance on this marsupial have not been studied in wild populations in Mexico. Here we evaluated the genetic diversity of D. virginiana at sites with different levels of disturbance within the Highlands and Central Depression regions of Chiapas in southern Mexico. Twelve microsatellite loci were used and the results demonstrated moderate mean heterozygosity (He = 0.60; Ho = 0.50). No significant differences in heterozygosity were found among sites with different levels of disturbance in both regions (range Ho = 0.42–0.57). We observed low but significant levels of genetic differentiation according to disturbance level. The inbreeding coefficient did not differ significantly from zero, suggesting that low genetic differentiation in these environments may be associated with sufficient random mating and gene flow, a result associated with the high dispersal and tolerance characteristics of this marsupial. Our results for D. virginiana in this particular area of Mexico provide a foundation for exploring the impact of human disturbance on the genetic diversity of a common and generalist species.

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“…Based on this data, at least two defined breeding seasons, February to March and August to October were identified for D. marsupialis insularis and both the mean litter size and range were found to be fairly similar to other South American Didelphis spp. (Tyndale-Biscoe and Mackenzie, 1976;Cabello, 2006). Over the study period the causes of admission were due to anthropogenic activities and varied from hunting to car accidents to dog attacks.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Wildlife rehabilitation: A case study of the neo-tropical, opossum Didelphis marsupialis insularis, Allen 1902.

Tardieu

Rollock²,

Garcia

2020

Braz. J. Biol.

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Wildlife rehabilitation facilities in the Caribbean region are limited, yet they can provide relevant information on wild populations. Didelphis marsupialis insularis is a popularly hunted, under-studied, neo-tropical marsupial species that is increasingly being admitted for rehabilitation. The aim of this study was 1. To record the experiences of rehabilitating D. marsupialis insularis in the neo-tropical island of Trinidad and Tobago and 2. To extract and highlight information on the biology of this opossum sub-species. Using admission records, obtained over a roughly four year period, two breeding periods (February to March and August to October) were illustrated. Litter sizes averaged five individuals, with a range of 1 to 8 young. This species was found to be common in urban areas of the country, with dog attacks reported as the major cause for admission. Thus the information recorded by this wildlife rehabilitation facility has provided great insight on the sparsely studied opossum, D. marsupialis insularis.

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Reproduction ofDidelphis marsupialis (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae) in the Venezuelan Andes

Cited by 12 publications

References 19 publications

Common opossum (Didelphis marsupialisLinnaeus, 1758): food and medicine for people in the Amazon

Common opossum (Didelphis marsupialisLinnaeus, 1758): food and medicine for people in the Amazon

Genetic diversity ofDidelphis virginianarelated to different levels of disturbance in the Highlands and the Central Depression regions of Chiapas, Mexico

Wildlife rehabilitation: A case study of the neo-tropical, opossum Didelphis marsupialis insularis, Allen 1902.

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