Diversity profiles of medium and large-size mammals in an Atlantic Forest remnant: seasonal and spatial patterns

Abstract

ABSTRACT Mammal populations are declining due to habitat fragmentation and loss, but protected areas can maintain these populations at viable numbers and reduce their risk of extinction. This study assessed the mammal community composition, diversity profiles, seasonal variation, and habitat use in a protected area in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. With an effort of 5,023 camera trap days, we registered 1,889 independent records of 20 species, with an additional 13 species recorded through direct observation. There was no difference in the seasonal diversity profiles of mammal communities. The diversity in submontane areas was consistently larger than in lowland ones, but the number of records was higher in lowland areas. The diversity profiles decrease when more weight is given to the common species. The reserve is the protected area with the third highest mammal richness in the state of Rio de Janeiro and harbors 11 threatened mammals. This study shows the importance of small protected areas for the conservation of mammalian diversity in a fragmented anthropogenic landscape.