Vulnerable areas to accidents with scorpions in Brazil

Abstract

objective To identify areas that present a higher risk of exposure to accidents with scorpions in Brazil.methods We used techniques of spatial prioritisation to determine the most vulnerable localities to envenomation by four scorpion species. Our prioritisation integrated ecological niche models with health investment, antivenin availability, access to health care facilities and metrics of human impact data.results The ecological niche models indicated that three scorpion species (Tityus bahiensis, Tityus serrulatus, and Tityus stigmurus) are more associated with human population density, while T. obscurus demonstrated a strong association with temperature variations during the year. Spatial prioritisation indicated that the areas with higher risk exposure to accidents with scorpions are in northern and northeastern Brazil. Alternatively, more isolated but densely populated areas in the southeastern and central regions also emerged as a priority.conclusion Mapping areas where humans are more likely to interact with scorpions can assist in the design of efficient public health policies.

Venomous animals in a changing world

“…Blue circles show the occurrence points (n = 18) used to perform the ENM. The methodological approach (selection of bioclimatic variables from www.world clim.org, adjustment of parameters, and evaluation of the model) was implemented according to Amado et al (2021). Graphic design: Christian Martinez (https://www.insta gram.com/nadqu a77/) [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com] also a significant demand for research time and facilities, given that these regions have a biodiversity that is largely unknown and found in places of difficult access, which poses a logistical challenge (Taheri et al, 2021).…”

“…Along with environmental degradation, an increase in human density (urban and rural) is also expected throughout the planet. Some venomous species are well adapted to altered rural environments and agroecosystems and others to urban environments (e.g., the South American scorpion Tityus serrulatus ) (Amado et al, 2021). Thus, it is expected that new and unpredicted interactions between venomous species and humans will emerge both in urban and rural settings.…”

“…Along with changes in human population density and in ecosystems, drastic climatic changes are underway. Animal species are closely adapted to the climate in which they inhabit (Amado et al, 2021). Physiological thermal limits (minimum and maximum temperatures tolerated by the species) and geographic barriers largely determine species distributions (Bennett et al, 2021).…”

“…Given the high level of unawareness about species and venoms, ecological predictions become fundamental tools to determine priorities for action. Being able to predict the distribution of certain venomous species can help to identify regions with a high risk of accidents (Amado et al, 2021). Alternatively, predicting areas vulnerable to the loss of venomous species with unique ecological and biochemical features is fundamental for identifying conservation priorities based on biodiversity preservation and pharmacological potential.…”

“…Blue circles show the occurrence points ( n = 18) used to perform the ENM. The methodological approach (selection of bioclimatic variables from www.worldclim.org, adjustment of parameters, and evaluation of the model) was implemented according to Amado et al (2021). Graphic design: Christian Martinez ( https://www.instagram.com/nadqua77/)…”