Medium and large sized mammals and the effect of habitat heterogeneity from a Caatinga shrubby forest at Serra de Santa Catarina, Paraíba, Brazil

In xeric environments, such as Caatinga Biome, habitat characteristics such as phytophysiognomy type and presence of water bodies can represent higher resource availability. In this context, the present study investigated the effect of phytophysiognomies and presence of water bodies in the abundance and community structure of medium and large mammal species (MLM) in the Serra de Santa Catarina, Paraíba, Brazil. To evaluate these variables we conduct an effort of 373 camera-trap days, between August 2012 and November 2014. We recorded 12 MLM species, distributed in six orders and 11 families. From those, Kerodon rupestris is the only one listed in the Brazilian List of Threatened Fauna. Regarding the habitat, the Mann-Whitney showed a significant higher frequency to the Shrubby habitat and the ANOSIM showed no shifts in the community structure between Arboreal and Shrubby. Concerning the presence of water bodies, both the Mann-Whitney and the ANOSIM showed significant higher frequency to the habitat with water presence. We observed that both phytophysiognomy and water bodies are important variables which affect mainly the abundance of mammalian species from semiarid environments. Nonetheless, whereas the forest remnants get smaller the existence of water bodies becomes a preponderant factor to the MLM species and its community structure.(AU)

Reproduction phenology of a high conservation priority cracid - the Bare-faced Curassow (Crax fasciolata; Aves, Galliformes, Cracidae)

Knowledge of the reproductive biology of Bare-faced Curassows (BFC) from their natural habitats is very limited. Our study covers a two-and-a-half year breeding phenology on BFC in the northern Pantanal (Mato Grosso State, Brazil) with the main objective of collecting information on reproduction biology to contribute to future conservation management strategies of this cracid, which received a recent status of "High Conservation Priority". The study was conducted at the SESC Pantanal, Baía das Pedras, Mato Grosso, Brazil (16°29′55″S, 56°24′46″W), a private protected area of approximately 4,200 ha. Between July 2015 and December 2017, 37 sampling locations were monitored with camera traps placed in a regular grid with a spacing of 1 km. Offspring were detected at least once at 8 locations, namely, in March, April, and May 2016 and in June, July, October, and November 2017, always together with parent(s). Territorial overlap between different family groups was detected. The camera trap dataset was supplemented by data from Citizen Science Projects (i.e., eBird) and the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF). Based on feather developmental stages and body size, offspring were classified into different age classes. Age determination indicates that breeding occurs year-round in the northern Pantanal region, supported by eBird and GBIF data. The use of a grid-based design for future camera-trapping studies of BFCs is strongly recommended. Our study is of biological relevance for conservation management projects since data were collected in an area with low anthropogenic disturbance and intact ecosystem services.(AU)

Rise-Up mist-netting (RUM): a mobile protocol for trapping wary territorial birds

Many bird species avoid traditional traps such as mist nets, thus alternative trapping methods are often needed. The Rufous Hornero (Furnariidae: Furnarius rufus) is one such species that was captured so far using conventional mist netting in rural areas or using nest-targeted traps, which risk nest damage and abandonment. Here we describe the novel rise-up mist-netting (RUM) protocol and its catchability for the wary and territorial Rufous Hornero in an urban area. The RUM trap allowed us quickly capturing 40 Rufous Hornero individuals even in paved parking lots and streets during the bird’s breeding period. The RUM is an active and targeted protocol that demands a single and quickly trainable field assistant. Therefore, it should also enable the capture of many understudied territorial but wary species. Moreover, it has enough mobility to fit studies in urban areas, and whenever researchers may deal with limited space and, at the same time, should reduce negative visual impacts to the general public of birds’ capturing and banding procedures.

Rise-Up mist-netting (RUM): a mobile protocol for trapping wary territorial birds

Abstract Many bird species avoid traditional traps such as mist nets, thus alternative trapping methods are often needed. The Rufous Hornero (Furnariidae: Furnarius rufus) is one such species that was captured so far using conventional mist netting in rural areas or using nest-targeted traps, which risk nest damage and abandonment. Here we describe the novel rise-up mist-netting (RUM) protocol and its catchability for the wary and territorial Rufous Hornero in an urban area. The RUM trap allowed us quickly capturing 40 Rufous Hornero individuals even in paved parking lots and streets during the birds breeding period. The RUM is an active and targeted protocol that demands a single and quickly trainable field assistant. Therefore, it should also enable the capture of many understudied territorial but wary species. Moreover, it has enough mobility to fit studies in urban areas, and whenever researchers may deal with limited space and, at the same time, should reduce negative visual impacts to the general public of birds capturing and banding procedures.

Rise-Up mist-netting (RUM): a mobile protocol for trapping wary territorial birds

Many bird species avoid traditional traps such as mist nets, thus alternative trapping methods are often needed. The Rufous Hornero (Furnariidae: Furnarius rufus) is one such species that was captured so far using conventional mist netting in rural areas or using nest-targeted traps, which risk nest damage and abandonment. Here we describe the novel rise-up mist-netting (RUM) protocol and its catchability for the wary and territorial Rufous Hornero in an urban area. The RUM trap allowed us quickly capturing 40 Rufous Hornero individuals even in paved parking lots and streets during the birds breeding period. The RUM is an active and targeted protocol that demands a single and quickly trainable field assistant. Therefore, it should also enable the capture of many understudied territorial but wary species. Moreover, it has enough mobility to fit studies in urban areas, and whenever researchers may deal with limited space and, at the same time, should reduce negative visual impacts to the general public of birds capturing and banding procedures.(AU)

Species-rich but defaunated: the case of medium and large-bodied mammals in a sustainable use protected area in the Amazon / Rica em espécies, mas defaunada: o caso de mamíferos de médio e grandeporte de uma área protegida de uso sustentável na Amazônia

Neotropical medium and large-bodied mammals are key elements in forest ecosystems, and protected areas are essential for their conservation. In Brazil, sustainable use protected areas (SU-PAs) allow both the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources, especially in the Amazon region. However, SU-PAs usually suffer both internal and external pressures, and may be subject to variable degrees of defaunation. We sampled mammals using camera traps in two areas with different forest management and human occupation history in the Tapajós National Forest (TNF), in the western Amazon. Overall, we recorded a rich assemblage of medium and large-sized mammals, though both areas differed in species composition. The area with older and more intense human occupation and forest exploitation had more independent records of generalist species, while large species such as Tapirus terrestris and Panthera onca were recorded exclusively in the area with lower human occupation and no forest management. A comparison of our results with similar studies in other Amazonian sites suggests a reduction in the population size of large-bodied mammals, such as Tapirus terrestris and Tayassu pecari, likely in response to increased human activities. Local differences in human occupation within and between protected areas are common in the Amazon, demanding area-specific actions from public authorities to minimize impacts on wildlife caused by human activities. Specifically in TNF, we recommend long-term monitoring of the responses of mammals to human activities, to better subsidize conservation and management actions.

Mamíferos neotropicais de médio e grande porte são elementos chave em ecossistemas florestais, e unidades de conservação são essenciais para sua conservação. No Brasil, as unidades de conservação de uso sustentável (UC-US) permitem tanto a conservação da biodiversidade quanto a exploração sustentável dos recursos naturais, especialmente na Amazônia. Porém, as UC-US geralmente são afetadas por pressões internas e externas, e podem apresentar diferentes graus de defaunação. Amostramos mamíferos de médio e grande porte usando armadilhas fotográficas em duas áreas com distintos históricos de manejo e ocupação humana na Floresta Nacional do Tapajós (FNT), na Amazônia ocidental. Em geral, registramos uma rica assembleia de espécies de mamíferos de médio e grande porte, mas as duas áreas diferiram na composição de espécies. A área com ocupação humana mais intensa e antiga e exploração florestal apresentou mais registros independentes de espécies generalistas, enquanto espécies maiores, como Tapirus terrestris e Panthera onca, foram registradas exclusivamente na área com menor ocupação humana e sem manejo florestal. A comparação de nossos resultados com estudos similares em outros locais na Amazônia sugere uma redução no tamanho populacional de mamíferos de grande porte, como Tapirus terrestris e Tayassu pecari, provavelmente em resposta ao aumento das atividades humanas. Diferenças locais na ocupação humana dentro de e entre unidades de conservação são comuns na Amazônia, demandando ações específicas do poder público para minimizar impactos de atividades humanas sobre a fauna silvestre. Especificamente na FNT, recomendamos o monitoramento de longa duração das respostas de mamíferos às atividades humanas, para melhor embasar ações de conservação e manejo.ipt

Species-rich but defaunated: the case of medium and large-bodied mammals in a sustainable use protected area in the Amazon / Rica em espécies, mas defaunada: o caso de mamíferos de médio e grandeporte de uma área protegida de uso sustentável na Amazônia

Neotropical medium and large-bodied mammals are key elements in forest ecosystems, and protected areas are essential for their conservation. In Brazil, sustainable use protected areas (SU-PAs) allow both the conservation of biodiversity and the sustainable use of natural resources, especially in the Amazon region. However, SU-PAs usually suffer both internal and external pressures, and may be subject to variable degrees of defaunation. We sampled mammals using camera traps in two areas with different forest management and human occupation history in the Tapajós National Forest (TNF), in the western Amazon. Overall, we recorded a rich assemblage of medium and large-sized mammals, though both areas differed in species composition. The area with older and more intense human occupation and forest exploitation had more independent records of generalist species, while large species such as Tapirus terrestris and Panthera onca were recorded exclusively in the area with lower human occupation and no forest management. A comparison of our results with similar studies in other Amazonian sites suggests a reduction in the population size of large-bodied mammals, such as Tapirus terrestris and Tayassu pecari, likely in response to increased human activities. Local differences in human occupation within and between protected areas are common in the Amazon, demanding area-specific actions from public authorities to minimize impacts on wildlife caused by human activities. Specifically in TNF, we recommend long-term monitoring of the responses of mammals to human activities, to better subsidize conservation and management actions.(AU)

Mamíferos neotropicais de médio e grande porte são elementos chave em ecossistemas florestais, e unidades de conservação são essenciais para sua conservação. No Brasil, as unidades de conservação de uso sustentável (UC-US) permitem tanto a conservação da biodiversidade quanto a exploração sustentável dos recursos naturais, especialmente na Amazônia. Porém, as UC-US geralmente são afetadas por pressões internas e externas, e podem apresentar diferentes graus de defaunação. Amostramos mamíferos de médio e grande porte usando armadilhas fotográficas em duas áreas com distintos históricos de manejo e ocupação humana na Floresta Nacional do Tapajós (FNT), na Amazônia ocidental. Em geral, registramos uma rica assembleia de espécies de mamíferos de médio e grande porte, mas as duas áreas diferiram na composição de espécies. A área com ocupação humana mais intensa e antiga e exploração florestal apresentou mais registros independentes de espécies generalistas, enquanto espécies maiores, como Tapirus terrestris e Panthera onca, foram registradas exclusivamente na área com menor ocupação humana e sem manejo florestal. A comparação de nossos resultados com estudos similares em outros locais na Amazônia sugere uma redução no tamanho populacional de mamíferos de grande porte, como Tapirus terrestris e Tayassu pecari, provavelmente em resposta ao aumento das atividades humanas. Diferenças locais na ocupação humana dentro de e entre unidades de conservação são comuns na Amazônia, demandando ações específicas do poder público para minimizar impactos de atividades humanas sobre a fauna silvestre. Especificamente na FNT, recomendamos o monitoramento de longa duração das respostas de mamíferos às atividades humanas, para melhor embasar ações de conservação e manejo.(AU)ipt

Completeness of rapid assessments of medium and large mammal diversity in the northwestern Amazon in Colombia / Completitud de inventarios rápidos de diversidad de mamíferos medianos y grandes en la Amazonía noroccidental colombiana

Rapid assessments are the most common information source on biodiversity in the northwestern Amazon in Colombia due to limited resources and logistic constraints. These assessments are essential for decision-making on environmental policies in this region, that has been strongly impacted by the transformation of its natural ecosystems. Several local camera-trapping rapid assessments of medium and large-sized mammals (MLM) have been conducted in the Colombian Amazon, but they are difficult to compare. We analyzed information of 16 of these rapid assessments of MLM to provide the first list of MLM in the northwestern Amazon in Colombia. We also evaluated the accuracy of four estimators (ICE, Chao-2, Jackknife-1, and Jackknife-2), and the minimum sampling effort for the estimation of MLM richness in local surveys in the region. We report 26 species of MLM for the Colombian Amazon (between five and 13 species per locality), which is an underestimation of MLM richness in the region. The best estimator of MLM richness was the Jackknife-1, due to its precision and the lower influence of singletons. We recommend a minimum sampling effort of 350 camera trap-days. Although rapid assessments do not allow a robust estimation of MLM richness, they record the most common species (or core species) per locality and their abundance variation. The evaluation of the effect of habitat transformation on MLM and the estimation of population parameters of rare species require more intensive studies.(AU)

Las evaluaciones rápidas de biodiversidad son la fuente de información más común sobre biodiversidad en el noroccidente amazónico en Colombia debido a que los recursos y la logística son limitados. Estas evaluaciones son esenciales para tomar decisiones ambientales en esta área que ha sido impactada por la transformación de sus ecosistemas naturales. Diferentes evaluaciones locales rápidas con cámaras trampa de mamíferos medianos y grandes (MMG) se han realizado en el noroccidente Amazónico en Colombia, pero estas son difícilmente comparables. Nosotros recolectamos la información de 16 evaluaciones rápidas de MMG para proporcionar la primera lista de MMG del noroccidente amazónico en Colombia. Adicionalmente, evaluamos la precisión de cuatro estimadores (ICE, Chao 2, Jackknife 1 y Jackknife 2) y el esfuerzo mínimo de muestreo para la estimación de la riqueza de MMG en estudios locales en esa región. Reportamos 26 especies de MMG para la Amazonía colombiana (entre cinco y 13 especies por localidad), lo que es uns subestimación de la riqueza de MMG en la región. El mejor estimador para este tipo de estudios fue Jackknife 1, debido a su precisión y la baja influencia de singletons. Recomendamos un esfuerzo mínimo de muestreo de 350 cámaras trampa-día. Aunque las evaluaciones rápidas no proveen una estimación robusta de la riqueza de MMG, estas evaluaciones registran las especies más comunes (especies core) y la variación en su abundancia por localidad. Es necesario un mayor esfuerzo de muestreo para evaluar el efecto de la transformación del hábitat sobre los MMG, en especial sobre los parámetros poblacionales de las especies raras.(AU)

Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) population density and relative abundance at the buffer zone of the Chingaza National Natural Park, cordillera oriental of the Colombian andes

The Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) population density and relative abundance within the Chingaza Massif were assessed between September 2015 and May 2016. One hundred seventeen (117) camera traps were installed at 9 grids: 13 cameras per grid, each camera separated 750 m from the other; the sampling effort was 17,057 days-trap. Two thousand seven hundred eighty-four (2,784) native fauna records were obtained, 1,456 corresponding to mammals, 183 records for Andean bear specimens, 158 of them independent bear records (at least one hour between records), and 106 effective-independent bear records (also permitting individual recognition). Fifty-seven (57) Andean bear individuals were identified according to key external morphological features. Sixteen (16) adults were recaptured (12 males and 4 females), with a maximum mean distance of 27.22 km. Bears population density was 2.9 bears per 100 km². Based on this density and the buffer area of the sampling grids, we estimated an overall number of 122 bears in 4,215.15 km². The estimated density is the first for the species in Colombia and the lowest regarding previous reports from other countries. Thus, it is necessary to better understand how integral habitat quality and the anthropic impacts on habitat quality, availability, and connectivity may affect the Andean bear population densities in Colombia, as a useful tool for assessing populations` state and focus future conservation actions.

Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) population density and relative abundance at the buffer zone of the Chingaza National Natural Park, cordillera oriental of the colombian andes

Abstract The Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) population density and relative abundance within the Chingaza Massif were assessed between September 2015 and May 2016. One hundred seventeen (117) camera traps were installed at 9 grids: 13 cameras per grid, each camera separated 750 m from the other; the sampling effort was 17,057 days-trap. Two thousand seven hundred eighty-four (2,784) native fauna records were obtained, 1,456 corresponding to mammals, 183 records for Andean bear specimens, 158 of them independent bear records (at least one hour between records), and 106 effective-independent bear records (also permitting individual recognition). Fifty-seven (57) Andean bear individuals were identified according to key external morphological features. Sixteen (16) adults were recaptured (12 males and 4 females), with a maximum mean distance of 27.22 km. Bears population density was 2.9 bears per 100 km². Based on this density and the buffer area of the sampling grids, we estimated an overall number of 122 bears in 4,215.15 km². The estimated density is the first for the species in Colombia and the lowest regarding previous reports from other countries. Thus, it is necessary to better understand how integral habitat quality and the anthropic impacts on habitat quality, availability, and connectivity may affect the Andean bear population densities in Colombia, as a useful tool for assessing populations` state and focus future conservation actions.

First report of complete albinism in Mazama americana (Erxleben, 1777) in the Biological Reserve of Tapirapé, Oriental Amazon, Brazil

Albinism is a genetic condition that results in total hypopigmentation of the eyes, fur, skin, hair, scales, and feathers of an organism. Albinism might result in a selective disadvantage for affected animals. Cases of albinism have been previously recorded in Neotropical vertebrates, such as reptiles, mammals, birds, and fish. However, observing albinism in a wild population is still considered to be a rare event. This paper reports a unique case of complete albinism in a red-brocket deer (Mazama americana) living in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest. The individual was observed within the Biological Reserve of Pará State, one of the most deforested regions of the Brazilian Amazon. The survival of the albino red-brocket deer in the wild can be related to mechanisms of apostatic selection, which theorize the survival of individual prey animals whose mutations make them less likely to be attacked by predators. In other words, the more different a prey animal is from others, the less likely it will be targeted by predators. The high abundance prey animals within the Biological Reserve of Tapirapé seems to support this prediction. This report exemplifies the importance of monitoring the biodiversity and promoting the conservation of favorable habitats to support species multiplicity in highly fragmented regions, as in the Brazilian Amazon.

First report of complete albinism in Mazama americana (Erxleben, 1777) in the Biological Reserve of Tapirapé, Oriental Amazon, Brazil EN

Albinism is a genetic condition that results in total hypopigmentation of the eyes, fur, skin, hair, scales, and feathers of an organism. Albinism might result in a selective disadvantage for affected animals. Cases of albinism have been previously recorded in Neotropical vertebrates, such as reptiles, mammals, birds, and fish. However, observing albinism in a wild population is still considered to be a rare event. This paper reports a unique case of complete albinism in a red-brocket deer (Mazama americana) living in the Brazilian Amazon rainforest. The individual was observed within the Biological Reserve of Pará State, one of the most deforested regions of the Brazilian Amazon. The survival of the albino red-brocket deer in the wild can be related to mechanisms of apostatic selection, which theorize the survival of individual prey animals whose mutations make them less likely to be attacked by predators. In other words, the more different a prey animal is from others, the less likely it will be targeted by predators. The high abundance prey animals within the Biological Reserve of Tapirapé seems to support this prediction. This report exemplifies the importance of monitoring the biodiversity and promoting the conservation of favorable habitats to support species multiplicity in highly fragmented regions, as in the Brazilian Amazon.(AU)

Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) population density and relative abundance at the buffer zone of the Chingaza National Natural Park, cordillera oriental of the Colombian andes

The Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus) population density and relative abundance within the Chingaza Massif were assessed between September 2015 and May 2016. One hundred seventeen (117) camera traps were installed at 9 grids: 13 cameras per grid, each camera separated 750 m from the other; the sampling effort was 17,057 days-trap. Two thousand seven hundred eighty-four (2,784) native fauna records were obtained, 1,456 corresponding to mammals, 183 records for Andean bear specimens, 158 of them independent bear records (at least one hour between records), and 106 effective-independent bear records (also permitting individual recognition). Fifty-seven (57) Andean bear individuals were identified according to key external morphological features. Sixteen (16) adults were recaptured (12 males and 4 females), with a maximum mean distance of 27.22 km. Bears population density was 2.9 bears per 100 km². Based on this density and the buffer area of the sampling grids, we estimated an overall number of 122 bears in 4,215.15 km². The estimated density is the first for the species in Colombia and the lowest regarding previous reports from other countries. Thus, it is necessary to better understand how integral habitat quality and the anthropic impacts on habitat quality, availability, and connectivity may affect the Andean bear population densities in Colombia, as a useful tool for assessing populations` state and focus future conservation actions.(AU)

Structural differences in mammal assemblages between savanna ecosystems of the Colombian Llanos

The Colombian Orinoquia region is characterized by a high diversity of mammals, which is associated with complex ecosystems that include large extensions of Neotropical savannas (known locally as Llanos Orientales). Despite accelerated anthropogenic transformations in savanna ecosystems, the knowledge to design effective conservation strategies, such as the distribution of mammal assemblages, is still lacking for this region. In this paper, we evaluate if assemblages of medium and large mammals (i.e., species richness, relative abundance and the contribution of the different trophic guilds) are homogeneous across the Colombian Llanos by comparing three savanna ecosystems: floodplains savannas associated with an Andean river, aeolian floodplains savannas and highland savannas. After a sampling effort of 3,150 camera trap/days, we recorded 16 mammal species from the three savanna ecosystems. We compared the three assemblages and their constituent trophic guilds by ANOSIM and SIMPER non-parametric permutation tests. The three assemblages differed in composition, structure and trophic guilds. The floodplains savannas, associated to an Andean river, present the highest diversity, contrastingly, the high-plain associated with the Guyanese Shield presents the lowest diversity. This pattern could be explained due to the greatest floristic diversity, complex vegetation structure and more fertile soils present in the riparian forests of the floodplains savannas, despite being the most anthropogenically transformed. The carnivores were the most variable category and herbivores were the most abundant. Our results show that the diversity of medium and large mammals is heterogeneously distributed in the Colombian Llanos. Therefore, it is necessary to implement targeted conservation strategies according to the characteristics, local fragility of each ecosystem in the territory and each species response by local conditions.(AU)

Structural differences in mammal assemblages between savanna ecosystems of the Colombian Llanos

The Colombian Orinoquia region is characterized by a high diversity of mammals, which is associated with complex ecosystems that include large extensions of Neotropical savannas (known locally as Llanos Orientales). Despite accelerated anthropogenic transformations in savanna ecosystems, the knowledge to design effective conservation strategies, such as the distribution of mammal assemblages, is still lacking for this region. In this paper, we evaluate if assemblages of medium and large mammals (i.e., species richness, relative abundance and the contribution of the different trophic guilds) are homogeneous across the Colombian Llanos by comparing three savanna ecosystems: floodplains savannas associated with an Andean river, aeolian floodplains savannas and highland savannas. After a sampling effort of 3,150 camera trap/days, we recorded 16 mammal species from the three savanna ecosystems. We compared the three assemblages and their constituent trophic guilds by ANOSIM and SIMPER non-parametric permutation tests. The three assemblages differed in composition, structure and trophic guilds. The floodplains savannas, associated to an Andean river, present the highest diversity, contrastingly, the high-plain associated with the Guyanese Shield presents the lowest diversity. This pattern could be explained due to the greatest floristic diversity, complex vegetation structure and more fertile soils present in the riparian forests of the floodplains savannas, despite being the most anthropogenically transformed. The carnivores were the most variable category and herbivores were the most abundant. Our results show that the diversity of medium and large mammals is heterogeneously distributed in the Colombian Llanos. Therefore, it is necessary to implement targeted conservation strategies according to the characteristics, local fragility of each ecosystem in the territory and each species response by local conditions.

A new and simple method to capture small arboreal mammals: the suspended pitfall / Um método novo e simples para capturar pequenos mamíferos arborícolas: o pitfall suspenso

O pitfall suspenso é uma forma nova e simples para capturar pequenos mamíferos arborícolas e escansoriais. É uma versão arbórea dos pitfalls terrestres, tradicionalmente usados para capturar anfíbios e répteis. Baldes com isca no interior são erguidos por cordas até que atinjam um galho de árvore na altura desejada. O método foi testado na Mata Atlântica em três diferentes locais da foz do Rio Doce, em Linhares, sudeste do Brasil. Em um deles, os pitfalls suspensos foram colocados em galhos de cacaueiros no sub-bosque de uma plantação sombreada de cacau (cabrucas) a alturas entre 2 e 3 m. Na outra, eles foram instalados entre 5 e 15 metros de altura em uma floresta nativa. No terceiro local, no sub-bosque de outra cabruca, os pitfalls suspensos foram testados em conjunto com outras armadilhas usadas até então. Os marsupiais Didelphis aurita, Caluromys philander, Marmosa (Micoureus) paraguayana, Gracilinanus microtarsus, Marmosa murina e o roedor Rhipidomys mastacalis foram capturados pelos pitfalls suspensos. Essa armadilha foi capaz de capturar pequenos mamíferos de todos os tamanhos, inclusive indivíduos jovens. Esse método provou ser funcional para a captura de vários pequenos mamíferos arborícolas e escansoriais e pode ser uma alternativa complementar para amostragem em estratos altos de florestas.

The suspended pitfall demonstrates a new and simple mechanism to capture small arboreal and scansorial mammals. It is an arboreal version of the pitfalls traditionally used to capture terrestrial amphibians and reptiles. Buckets with bait inside are raised by a rope until they reach a tree branch at the desired height. Tests were performed in the Atlantic Forest at three different sites at the mouth of Doce River in Linhares, southeastern Brazil. In one of them suspended pitfalls were set up in the understory of a shaded cacao plantation (cabruca agroforest) in the branches of cacao trees between 2 and 3 m in height, and in the other they were placed in a native forest between 5 to 15 m in height. At the third site, suspended pitfalls were tested together with the other live traps used hitherto in the understory of other cabruca agroforest. The marsupials Didelphis aurita, Caluromys philander, Marmosa (Micoureus) paraguayana, Gracilinanus microtarsus, Marmosa murina and the rodent Rhipidomys mastacalis were captured by suspended pitfall. This live trap was capable of catching all sizes of small arboreal mammals, including juvenile individuals. This method proved to be functional for the capture of some small arboreal mammals and may be a complementary alternative for sampling in high forest strata.

A new and simple method to capture small arboreal mammals: the suspended pitfall / Um método novo e simples para capturar pequenos mamíferos arborícolas: o pitfall suspenso

O pitfall suspenso é uma forma nova e simples para capturar pequenos mamíferos arborícolas e escansoriais. É uma versão arbórea dos pitfalls terrestres, tradicionalmente usados para capturar anfíbios e répteis. Baldes com isca no interior são erguidos por cordas até que atinjam um galho de árvore na altura desejada. O método foi testado na Mata Atlântica em três diferentes locais da foz do Rio Doce, em Linhares, sudeste do Brasil. Em um deles, os pitfalls suspensos foram colocados em galhos de cacaueiros no sub-bosque de uma plantação sombreada de cacau (cabrucas) a alturas entre 2 e 3 m. Na outra, eles foram instalados entre 5 e 15 metros de altura em uma floresta nativa. No terceiro local, no sub-bosque de outra cabruca, os pitfalls suspensos foram testados em conjunto com outras armadilhas usadas até então. Os marsupiais Didelphis aurita, Caluromys philander, Marmosa (Micoureus) paraguayana, Gracilinanus microtarsus, Marmosa murina e o roedor Rhipidomys mastacalis foram capturados pelos pitfalls suspensos. Essa armadilha foi capaz de capturar pequenos mamíferos de todos os tamanhos, inclusive indivíduos jovens. Esse método provou ser funcional para a captura de vários pequenos mamíferos arborícolas e escansoriais e pode ser uma alternativa complementar para amostragem em estratos altos de florestas.(AU)

The suspended pitfall demonstrates a new and simple mechanism to capture small arboreal and scansorial mammals. It is an arboreal version of the pitfalls traditionally used to capture terrestrial amphibians and reptiles. Buckets with bait inside are raised by a rope until they reach a tree branch at the desired height. Tests were performed in the Atlantic Forest at three different sites at the mouth of Doce River in Linhares, southeastern Brazil. In one of them suspended pitfalls were set up in the understory of a shaded cacao plantation (cabruca agroforest) in the branches of cacao trees between 2 and 3 m in height, and in the other they were placed in a native forest between 5 to 15 m in height. At the third site, suspended pitfalls were tested together with the other live traps used hitherto in the understory of other cabruca agroforest. The marsupials Didelphis aurita, Caluromys philander, Marmosa (Micoureus) paraguayana, Gracilinanus microtarsus, Marmosa murina and the rodent Rhipidomys mastacalis were captured by suspended pitfall. This live trap was capable of catching all sizes of small arboreal mammals, including juvenile individuals. This method proved to be functional for the capture of some small arboreal mammals and may be a complementary alternative for sampling in high forest strata.(AU)

Medium- and large-sized mammals in a steppic savanna area of the Brazilian Pampa: survey and conservation issues of a poorly known fauna / Mamíferos de médio e grande porte em uma área de savana estépica do Pampa Brasileiro: levantamento e questões de conservação sobre uma fauna pouco conhecida

Abstract The wildlife of the Brazilian Pampa is threatened by large-scale habitat loss, due in particular to the expansion of soybean cultivation and the conversion of grasslands areas into extensive areas of silviculture. It is essential to study how the mammal fauna copes with the highly fragmented, human-influenced, non-protected landscape. Our study presents the results of a survey of the large- and medium-sized mammals of a typical human-influenced steppic savanna area of the Pampa biome. The survey was conducted exclusively with the use of camera traps over a period of 16 months. The relative frequencies of species in the area were evaluated. We recorded 18 species, some of them locally threatened (Tamandua tetradactyla, Alouatta caraya, Leopardus colocolo, Leopardus geoffroyi, Leopardus wiedii, Puma yagouaroundi, Mazama gouazoubira and Cuniculus paca). Several species were found to thrive in the area; however, many species were considered rare, and undoubtedly new species could be recorded if we continued the sampling. Our results contribute to the knowledge of faunal diversity in the Pampa biome and associated habitats, warn about threats and provide support for conservation measures.(AU)

Resumo A fauna do Pampa brasileiro está sendo ameaçada pela grande perda de habitat que vem sofrendo, em especial, devido à expansão do cultivo da soja e da conversão de áreas de pastagens em extensas áreas de silvicultura. É essencial estudar como a fauna de mamíferos lida com a paisagem altamente fragmenta e não protegida, pela influencia humana. Nosso estudo apresenta os resultados de um levantamento dos mamíferos de médio e grande porte em uma área típica do bioma Pampa com influência humana. O levantamento foi realizado exclusivamente com o uso de armadilhas fotográficas ao longo de um período de 16 meses. Foram avaliadas as frequências relativas das espécies na área. Foram registradas 18 espécies, algumas delas ameaçadas localmente (Tamandua tetradactyla, Alouatta caraya, Leopardus colocolo, Leopardus geoffroyi, Leopardus wiedii, Puma yagouaroundi, Mazama gouazoubira e Cuniculus paca). Várias espécies foram encontradas de forma abundante, no entanto, muitas espécies foram consideradas raras, sendo que novas espécies poderiam ser registradas se continuássemos a amostragem. Nossos resultados contribuem para o conhecimento da diversidade de mamíferos do bioma Pampa e habitats associados, alertam sobre ameaças e fornecem suporte para medidas de conservação.(AU)

Medium- and large-sized mammals in a steppic savanna area of the Brazilian Pampa: survey and conservation issues of a poorly known fauna

Abstract The wildlife of the Brazilian Pampa is threatened by large-scale habitat loss, due in particular to the expansion of soybean cultivation and the conversion of grasslands areas into extensive areas of silviculture. It is essential to study how the mammal fauna copes with the highly fragmented, human-influenced, non-protected landscape. Our study presents the results of a survey of the large- and medium-sized mammals of a typical human-influenced steppic savanna area of the Pampa biome. The survey was conducted exclusively with the use of camera traps over a period of 16 months. The relative frequencies of species in the area were evaluated. We recorded 18 species, some of them locally threatened (Tamandua tetradactyla, Alouatta caraya, Leopardus colocolo, Leopardus geoffroyi, Leopardus wiedii, Puma yagouaroundi, Mazama gouazoubira and Cuniculus paca). Several species were found to thrive in the area; however, many species were considered rare, and undoubtedly new species could be recorded if we continued the sampling. Our results contribute to the knowledge of faunal diversity in the Pampa biome and associated habitats, warn about threats and provide support for conservation measures.

Resumo A fauna do Pampa brasileiro está sendo ameaçada pela grande perda de habitat que vem sofrendo, em especial, devido à expansão do cultivo da soja e da conversão de áreas de pastagens em extensas áreas de silvicultura. É essencial estudar como a fauna de mamíferos lida com a paisagem altamente fragmenta e não protegida, pela influencia humana. Nosso estudo apresenta os resultados de um levantamento dos mamíferos de médio e grande porte em uma área típica do bioma Pampa com influência humana. O levantamento foi realizado exclusivamente com o uso de armadilhas fotográficas ao longo de um período de 16 meses. Foram avaliadas as frequências relativas das espécies na área. Foram registradas 18 espécies, algumas delas ameaçadas localmente (Tamandua tetradactyla, Alouatta caraya, Leopardus colocolo, Leopardus geoffroyi, Leopardus wiedii, Puma yagouaroundi, Mazama gouazoubira e Cuniculus paca). Várias espécies foram encontradas de forma abundante, no entanto, muitas espécies foram consideradas raras, sendo que novas espécies poderiam ser registradas se continuássemos a amostragem. Nossos resultados contribuem para o conhecimento da diversidade de mamíferos do bioma Pampa e habitats associados, alertam sobre ameaças e fornecem suporte para medidas de conservação.

Estimating the relative abundance of small mammals when there is no record of catching effort

Estimates of local population abundances, which require carefully designed sampling procedures, can provide valuable information on population size and density. Even though small mammals are one of the most widely studied vertebrate groups, many surveys have not recorded basic information to estimate local abundances, for instance catching effort. Here we suggest a simple comparative trapping frequency index that can be used as an alternative to the relative abundance index in data sets that only contain the number of species and individuals collected, thus lacking information on sampling effort. To compare trapping frequency and relative abundances we used capture records from more than four years, from seven species of rodents and two marsupial species collected by the Brazilian Plague Service. We calculated the trapping frequency index of each species as the proportion of trapped individuals per total of all individuals caught. We found that this trapping index was significantly correlated with a relative abundance index (number of captured individuals divided by number of trap nights). Our findings suggest that the proposed index may be useful for comparisons in situations where data on catching effort is lacking. The index may also provide a simple, though approximate quantification of relative local abundances, with possible applications in comparative studies (e.g. meta-analysis). We suggest that this index is used in studies that do not focus on obtaining accurate population parameter estimates, but which nonetheless contain data that can still offer a representative measure to compare local population abundances.