Elitieri B. Santos-Neto

Rio de Janeiro State University | UERJ · Faculdade de Oceanografia (FAOC)

Organochlorine compounds are highly persistent in the environment, causing bioaccumulation and bio-magnification through the marine food chain. To verify the bioaccumulation pattern of DDT and its metabolites, as well as PCBs, Mirex, HCHs and HCB, samples of subcutaneous adipose tissue from 25 Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis), two Fraser's dolp...

Since the 1980s, cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) has caused mass mortality events worldwide. However, no epizootics had been recorded in the South Atlantic, until an unusual mortality event (UME) linked to Guiana dolphin cetacean morbillivirus (GD-CeMV) began in Ilha Grande Bay, south eastern Brazil, in November 2017. In a five-month period, the UME...

At present, there are still populations of different balaenopterids that have never been acoustically recorded and observed simultaneously. In an opportunistic sighting of dwarf minke whales during winter in southeastern Brazil, we have registered six individuals and recorded over 200 acoustic signals. Signals were quantified and had their acoustic...

Organic contaminants with toxic effects, like the conventional brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and BFRs of emergent concern, and their synergistic effects with other micropollutants, can be an additional threat to delphinids. Rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) populations strongly associated with coastal environments already face a poten...

A global movement towards decreases in elasmobranch overfishing has been noted in the last decades. However, discussion concerning the effects of POP contamination on the health and survival of these organisms is still recent. These compounds can affect the immune and endocrine systems of both sharks and batoids, impairing reproduction and impactin...

On November 5th, 2015, the Fundão dam collapsed in Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, releasing millions of cubic meters of mud containing mining residue into the Doce River. Two weeks later, the mud arrived to the marine environment, triggering changes in franciscana dolphin habitat, Pontoporia blainvillei, from Franciscana Management Area Ia. Thi...

Sea turtles face several threats and pollution has become a major concern for their conservation worldwide. We analyzed samples of the liver, muscles, and kidneys of 38 Chelonia mydas stranded along the Potiguar Basin, northeastern Brazil, between 2015 and 2018 to determine the total Hg concentration (THg), as well as the concentrations of Cu, Cd,...

Chemical pollution is, currently, one of the main threats for aquatic mammals. The long-term exposure to micropollutants that may disrupt the homeostasis of an already vulnerable species, like the franciscana dolphin, Pontoporia blainvillei, is of increasingly concern for conservation purposes. Several micropollutants of variate sources and from di...

O objetivo foi reunir resultados importantes de pesquisas realizadas no Brasil, que contribuíram de forma significativa para aumentar o conhecimento sobre sua biologia e seu grau de ameaça, auxiliando na identificação de medidas que possam diminuir sua mortalidade, seja em Planos de Ação, ou nas ações institucionais das diversas universidades e ONG...

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were determined in Gymnura altavela liver samples from one of the most impacted estuarine environments in the Atlantic Ocean (Guanabara Bay, Brazil). PCBs were the predominant compounds (91.2%) averaging 6773 ± 4659 ng.g−1 lipid weight (lw). DDT, Mirex, HCH and HCB concentrations were 633 ± 715, 6.2 ± 9.3, 3.4 ±...

The coastal habit and site fidelity reported for Sotalia guianensis make this species especially vulnerable to human activities. Thus, ecological studies focusing on the habitat use of the populations are essential for S. guianensis protection, as it helps to identify critical areas for conservation. The present study aims to analyze the habitat us...

Este livro teve o objetivo de reunir resultados importantes de pesquisas realizadas no Brasil, que contribuíram de forma significativa para aumentar o conhecimento sobre sua biologia e seu grau de ameaça, auxiliando na identificação de medidas que possam diminuir sua mortalidade, seja em Planos de Ação, ou nas ações institucionais das diversas univ...

Atlantic spotted dolphins were recorded on the coastal area of Rio de Janeiro with equipment of 192 kHz sampling rate. The animals produced an average of 33 whistles/min. The repertoire was balanced among four contour categories, with the occurrence of a stereotyped whistle. Frequency parameters were measured between 1.3 and 29 kHz, which represent...

No PDF available ABSTRACT Overlap between dolphin distribution and fishing activities can lead to accidental by-catch. Assessing the nocturnal distribution of a resident population of dolphins can help highlight sensitive areas where by-catch occurs. The goal of this study was to use passive acoustics equipment deployed by local fisherman in differ...

No PDF available ABSTRACT A lone adult individual of rough-toothed-dolphin had its acoustic behavior recorded with a calibrated system (Fostex FR22: 192 kHz sampling rate; C54 hydrophone: -165.0 dBV, 0.009 Hz–100 kHz). Moments when the animal approached and faced the hydrophone were noted. Whistles were counted in Raven 1.6 (Hann window, 512, 50% o...

Cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV; Paramyxoviridae) is the most significant pathogen in cetaceans worldwide. The novel ‘multi-host’ Guiana dolphin (Sotalia guianensis; GD)-CeMV strain is reported in South American waters and infects Guiana dolphins and southern right whales (Eubalaena australis). This study aimed to describe the pathologic findings, GD-...

An unusual mortality event (UME) attributed to morbillivirus infection was identified in two Guiana dolphin populations from the Southeastern Brazilian coast. The aim of this study was to characterize total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg) and selenium (Se) bioaccumulation and body burden in Guiana dolphins from Sepetiba Bay (RJ) collected befor...

An unusual mortality event (UME) attributed to morbillivirus infection was identified in two Guiana dolphin populations from the Southeastern Brazilian coast. The aim of this study was to characterize total mercury (THg), methylmercury (MeHg) and selenium (Se) bioaccumulation and body burden in Guiana dolphins from Sepetiba Bay (RJ) collected befor...

Main microscopic findings in prescapular, pulmonary, mediastinal and mesenteric lymph nodes of striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from Canary Islands (Spain) and Italy, and Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) from Brazil. (DOCX)

Main microscopic findings in the respiratory system of striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from the Canary Islands (Spain) and Italy, and Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) from Brazil. (DOCX)

Template for recording histopathological findings in the central nervous system, including prosencephalon, mesencephalon and rhombencephalon. (DOCX)

Template for recording histopathological findings in the respiratory system. (DOCX)

Gross and microscopic pathologic findings, and most probable cause(s) of stranding and/or death (COD) in Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis), striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) included in this study. (DOCX)

Main microscopic findings in central nervous system of striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from Canary Islands (Spain) and Italy, and Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) from Brazil. (DOCX)

Main microscopic findings in spleen of striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) and bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) from Canary Islands (Spain) and Italy, and Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) from Brazil. (DOCX)

Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) brain; Mediosagittal aspect. A) Areas for neuroanatomical sampling (indicated as black rectangles) in striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) and bottlenose dolphins from the Canary Islands (Spain). AcL, anterior cerebellar lobe; H, hypothalamus; Hy, hypophysis; Met, metencephalon; My, myelencephalon; OrL, o...

Template for recording histopathological findings in the lymphoid system (lymph nodes, spleen). (DOCX)

Cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV; Paramyxoviridae) causes epizootic and interepizootic fatalities in odontocetes and mysticetes worldwide. Studies suggest there is different species-specific susceptibility to CeMV infection, with striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba), bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus), and Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis)...

Cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) is a major natural cause of morbidity and mortality in cetaceans worldwide and results in epidemic and endemic fatalities. The pathogenesis of CeMV has not been fully elucidated, and questions remain regarding tissue tropism and the mechanisms of immunosuppression. We compared the histopathologic and viral immunohistoc...

The poxviruses identified in cetaceans are associated with characteristic tattoo or ring skin lesions. However, little is known regarding the prevalence and progression of these lesions and the molecular characterization of cetacean poxviruses in the Southern Hemisphere. This manuscript describes the progression of poxvirus-like skin lesions in 5 f...

Between November and December 2017, a mass die-off of Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis) began in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Molecular and pathologic investigations on 20 animals indicated that cetacean morbillivirus played a major role. Our findings increase the knowledge on health and disease aspects of this endangered species.

Poxviruses are emerging pathogens in cetaceans, temporarily named 'Cetaceanpoxvirus' (CePV, family Poxviridae), classified into two main lineages: CePV-1 in odontocetes and CePV-2 in mysticetes. Only a few studies performed the molecular detection of CePVs, based on DNA-polymerase gene and/or DNA-topoisomerase I gene amplification. Herein we descri...

Panel of nutritional status (NS) categories in humpback whales stranded in Brazil. A) Good NS, juvenile (animal no. 3). Epaxial musculature development is appropriate for the age class and fat depots are abundant (not visible), giving a convex dorsal profile. Additionally, this animal has disseminated cutaneous blisters and severe extensive ulcerat...

Tissues evaluated histologically in each case. (DOCX)

Different degrees of umbilical cord regression in humpback whales. For both images, cranial direction is to the right. A) Umbilical cord (animal no. 12). Presence of irregular, pedunculated and reddened remnants of the umbilical cord. B) Umbilical cord (animal no. 7). The umbilical cord is completely and homogeneously healed. (TIF)

Organs tested via immunohistochemistry for morbillivirus and Toxoplasma gondii antigens. (DOCX)

Main gross and histologic findings in juvenile and adult humpback whales stranded in Brazil (2004–2016). (DOCX)

Panel of antemortem shark bites in a humpback whale (animal no. 5) stranded in Brazil. All pictures were taken while the animal was still alive. A) and B) Cutaneous coockiecutter shark (Isistius spp.) with exposure of hyperemic and inflamed dermis and blubber. Bar: 1 cm. C) Cutaneous coockiecutter shark bite with exposed dermis and blubber. This pi...

Main gross and histologic findings in calf humpback whales stranded in Brazil (2004–2016). (DOCX)

This study describes the pathologic findings of 24 humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) found stranded along the Brazilian coast from 2004 to 2016. Eighteen (75%) animals evaluated were found stranded alive. From these, 13 died naturally on shore and five were euthanized. Six died at sea and were washed ashore. Of the 24, 19 (79.2%) were calves...

Using opportunistic platforms to study humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) during their breeding season, from July to November, we analyzed the distribution of dolphin sightings in a poorly studied area, the north coast of Bahia State, Brazil. Between 2001 and 2006, more than 500 days of surveys were performed (2360 h of effort), in which 93 g...

Organic compounds, in particular organochlorines, are highly persistent compounds which accumulate in biotic and abiotic substrates. Marine mammals bioaccumulate and biomagnify persistent organic pollutants (POPs) through diet. ∑PCB (26 PCB congeners), ∑DDT (pp-DDT, pp-DDD, pp-DDE), ∑HCH (α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH, δ-HCH), HCB and mirex were analyzed fro...

The skeleton is often the only remaining structure of the Guiana dolphin, Sotalia guianensis, after decomposition of carcasses. This study investigates the bone development of Guiana dolphins beached on the coastline of the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. External measurements of 43 thoracic limbs were obtained. Internal structures (radius, ulna,...

Organochlorine compounds are highly persistent in the environment, causing bioaccumulation and biomagnification through the marine food chain. To verify the bioaccumulation pattern of DDT and its metabolites, as well as PCBs, Mirex, HCHs and HCB, samples of subcutaneous adipose tissue from 25 Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis), two Fraser's dolph...

Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae) migrate between their feeding grounds, located in high latitudes, and their breeding grounds, located in low latitudes, exhibiting certain levels of site fidelity to their migratory destinations. The residence time, also known as occupancy rate, can be defined as the minimum number of days that those individ...

The large majority of cetacean interspecific studies report only on dolphin interactions, while studies on interactions between odontocete and mysticete are less common. The present work aims to report on sightings of cetacean interactions, during the breeding season of humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae), along 370 km of the Bahia State, nort...

The Abrolhos Bank off Brazil is considered the main breeding ground for the humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) in the Southwest Atlantic. However, owing to an increase in the occurrence of the species along the north coast of the State of Bahia, it has been suggested that the species is reoccupying that region, which was probably utilized by t...

Pygmy killer whales, Feresa attenuata were sighted for the first time off the Brazilian coast, SW Atlantic Ocean.

We report the occurrence of a lone humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) calf inside Baía de Todos os Santos, north-eastern Brazil, encountered swimming near the shore at a busy beach of the city of Salvador. The calf was monitored for over six hours during which time it was photographed performing an unusual behaviour, interpreted by the authors...

Influência do peso de juvenis de matrinxã (Brycon cephalus) e tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) à ação anestésica do eugenol RESUMO Foi avaliada a influência do peso de juvenis de matrinxã e tambaqui sob a ação do anestésico eugenol. Para isso, foram utilizados 69 matrinxãs e 49 tambaquis. Os animais foram individualmente anestesiados, pesados e obse...