Density, habitat use, and daily activity patterns of the Red-rumped Agouti (Dasyprocta leporina) in the Atlantic Forest, Brazil

Abstract

ABSTRACTThe Red-rumped Agouti (Dasyprocta leporina, Linnaeus, 1758) is considered common in areas where it occurs, and it is listed as Least Concern status in the IUCN red list; however, in recent decades it has been negatively affected by habitat loss and hunting. The conservation status needs to be updated since no recent studies have been conducted in the Atlantic Forest. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the density, occupancy and detectability of D. leporina in one of the larger Atlantic Forest remnants in Espírito Santo, Brazil, the Vale Natural Reserve (VNR). We surveyed four line transects between April 2013 and May 2014 to estimate density and abundance. To model occupancy probability, as well as to document activity pattern, we selected 39 sampling sites with one camera-trap each. Estimated density was 21 ± 3 individuals km–2 and estimated population size was 4935 ± 368 individuals. Occupancy increases with palm density, distance from forest edge, and canopy cover. Occupancy and detectability decreases with distance from water resources. Detectability increases with palm density. The results presented herein can be a starting point to support future action plans for the species, making predictions regarding the ecosystem and management and conservation of D. leporina.