Estabelecimento de métodos de identificação de insectivora e macroscelidea através de análises microscópicas de pêlos e elaboração de um atlas de pêlos e uma chave para a identificação usando estes Métodos

Abstract

The present work is a study that results from the microscopic analysis of hairs of four families of insectivora and Macroscelidea from southern Africa, Soricidae (shrews), Chrysochloridae (moles), Erinaceidae (hedgehog) and Macroscetididae (elephant shrews). Microscopic analysis of hairs is a method used in the inspection of the abravia fauna, in ecological and epidemiological studies, in criminology and to identify the origin of food contamination. For ecological studies, the analysis of hair present in birds of prey regurgitations and predator feces is a relatively simple method that provides information on the eating habits of predators and can provide a clue to the presence of mammals in an area. Mammalian skin is composed of different types of hair whose morphological characteristics differ from each other. Hair consists of keratinized and elongated cells, consisting of a cuticle with a layer of scales, cortex and medulla. Variations of these structures in shape, arrangement and types allow the identification of mammals through microscopic observations of fur. To study these structures, impressions of scales in varnish were made, the hairs were cross-sectioned and the samples were mounted on microscopic slides with glycerol. Observations were made using the phase-contrast microscope. The results obtained were used to compile a reference atlas and formulate a key to identify the species involved in this study. In formulating the key, characteristics such as the type of scales, the pith in the longitudinal view and in the cross-section, the profile of the cross-sections were considered. The key was tested for samples treated with acetic anhydride in order to approximate the conditions of hair from faeces and regurgitations.