Body condition evaluation, external biometrics measurements and morphology of digestive tube of red-cowled cardinals

Taxonomic Guerra R.R., Luna A.S.L., Siqueira R.A., Firmino M.O., Cleub C., Guerra M.V.S.F. and Cavalcanti T.A. 2016. [Body condition evaluation, external biometrics measurements and morphology of digestive tube of red-cowled cardinals (Paroaria dominicana Linnaeus, 1758) of wild life apprehended in Paraíba, Brazil: releasing projects subsidies.] Paroaria dominicana is a bird belonging to the Passeriforme order. Because of its song and color qualities is one of the main targets of wild animal trafficking in Brazil. This study aimed to evaluate the external and organ biometry of the digestive tube, as well as the histological aspects of this system and the body condition of specimens from apprehensions made by the Wild Animal Screening Center, in order to provide subsidies for taxonomic classification, clinical, nutritional and species preservation management, as well as for releasing projects. It were carried out body condition evaluation, external biometrics measurements and tube digestive morphological analysis of 20 P. dominicana apprehended in Paraíba, Brazil. The seized specimens presented unfavorable body conditions, which were related with loss of feathers; the visceral topography and histology of the digestive system was consistent with those of other birds, but the external and internal biometry presented differences. The results demonstrated that body condition analysis of seized animals is an important tool that should be considered in evaluations at Screening Centers, in order to achieve a better nutritional and/or clinical management before releasing projects, thus increasing the project success. The results will provide input for taxonomic classification, as well as corroborate further clinical, nutritional, preservationist and release project studies.