Natural factors but not anthropogenic factors affect native and non–native mammal distribution in a Brazilian National Park

R A Duarte Silveira,R D Zenni,H H Marques Da Rosa,A A Pereira,M Passamani

doi:10.32800/abc.2021.44.0241

Abstract

Protected areas, designed for biodiversity conservation, are currently affected by invasive species as most of them have documented biological invasions. This study aimed to test whether non–native mammal species richness influences the local distribution of native mammals and how distance from human settlement, elevation and vegetation characteristics influence native and non–native mammal richness in a national park in Brazil.We recorded 20 mammal species in the park, 17 native species and three non–native species. Native mammal richness was higher at intermediate elevations and in forests with lower tree densities and tree basal area. Non–native mammal richness was greater at higher elevations and in forests with low tree densities. Non–native mammals did not influence native mammal presence. In conclusion, the distribution of both native and non–native mammal species was affected by elevation and vegetation but not by distance from human settlements or non–native mammal presence.

Highlights

The introduction of non–native species is a cause of great concern among conservation biologists (Bellard et al, 2016; Seebens et al, 2017)
The aim of this study was to test whether distance from human settlements, elevation, absolute tree density, absolute tree coverage, mean tree basal area, mean tree height, and mean tree canopy cover affected the richness of native and non–native mammals in a protected area in Brazil, the Itatiaia National Park
We conducted the study in the Itatiaia National Park (22o 22' 31'' S 44o 39' 44'' W, fig. 1), a strict protection conservation area, meaning only the indirect use of its natural resources is allowed and it cannot be inhabited by humans (Brasil, 2011)

Summary

Introduction

The introduction of non–native species is a cause of great concern among conservation biologists (Bellard et al, 2016; Seebens et al, 2017). Cats, horses and cattle, wild boar, primates, opossums and hares (Long, 2003) have been introduced into new countries around the world for a number of reasons, such as for hunting game, for biological control, and for domestication and commercialization as livestock or pets (Long, 2003) Their high impact capacity, such as competition with native species, disease and pathogen transmission, hybridization, genetic changes, and damage to crops, may be the result of their high ecological plasticity and great capacity for habitat modification (i.e. ecosystem engineers) (Jones et al, 1994; Long, 2003)

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