Density, habitat use, and activity patterns of a vulnerable population of the Solitary Tinamou (Tinamus solitarius) in a Brazilian Atlantic Forest fragment

Abstract

We present the first estimates of density of the Solitary Tinamou (Tinamus solitarius (Vieillot, 1819)) in the Reserva Natural Vale (RNV), one of the two largest remnants of the Atlantic Rainforest in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil. We also modeled the spatial distribution and habitat use of the species using occupancy and detectability modeling. We used a line-transect survey to estimate density and abundance and camera traps to estimate habitat use and activity pattern. We conducted the survey within a 13 month period (April 2013 to May 2014). Estimated density was 9 ± 2 individuals/km2 and estimated population size for the entire RNV was 2115 ± 470 individuals. Occupancy was best described by distance to forest edge, distance between trees, poaching intensity, and understory cover. Detectability was affected by distance between trees and poaching intensity. We conclude that in the RNV, the Near Threatened T. solitarius is a diurnal species preferring intact closed-canopy forest but tending to avoid areas near to forest edges or areas under comparatively high intensity of poaching. These results reinforce the importance of RNV as a resource source for T. solitarius reproduction at Brazilian Atlantic forest remnants.