Large-sized Mammals Research Articles

Survey of medium- and large-sized mammals in Atlantic Forest remnants of Conceição dos Ouros, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Conceição dos Ouros is located in the Mantiqueira mountain range (elevation: 831‒1443 m a.s.l.), State of Minas Gerais, southeast Brazil. The largest two Atlantic Forest remnants of the Municipality of Conceição dos Ouros total more than 2,000 ha and the main vegetation type is seasonal semi-deciduous forest, isolated by a matrix of agricultural fields and pasture. The Municipality does not have any protected areas and is located in a highly fragmented region, albeit considered of special importance for the conservation of terrestrial vertebrates in the State of Minas Gerais. Due to a cooperation with the Municipality of Conceição dos Ouros to carry out a survey of the local biodiversity, in this study we present the results of the survey of medium- and large-sized terrestrial mammals from the two forest remnants in the region. Sampling was performed from July 2019 to August 2021 and comprised a camera trap survey, active searching including direct (e.g. carcass sightings) and indirect (e.g. footprints and faeces) evidence of species presence and interviews with residents. Twenty-nine native and two non-native species were documented. Ten species are in some category of threat of extinction at regional, national or global levels. This is the first survey of the terrestrial mammal fauna in the area of Conceição dos Ouros and results could be helpful in designing conservation strategies at the local scale.

Mammal and bird diversity in a system of protected areas in Argentina

ABSTRACT The main driver of biodiversity loss and subsequent decreases in ecosystem functionality is undeniably human interference, destruction and encroachment. The creation and establishment of protected areas serve as tools for guaranteeing biodiversity conservation. In this study, we examined the diversity of medium- and large-sized mammals and flightless walking birds that are supported by a protected area system, the Ischigualasto–Talampaya system, and its area of influence. We set up 106 camera traps and analysed all data with rank–abundance curves and Hill numbers as a measure of diversity. Species richness was lower in protected areas, unlike in the buffer zone, due to the absence of domestic species. Native species were present all over the area, but with variations in their abundances, showing that the presence of domestic species in low densities would not negatively affect the richness of native species, but would indeed affect their abundance.

MAMÍFEROS SILVESTRES DE MÉDIO E GRANDE PORTE DA RESERVA BIOLÓGICA MUNICIPAL MORENO FORTES, DOIS IRMÃOS DAS MISSÕES, RIO GRANDE DO SUL, BRASIL

Medium- and large-sized wild mammals (MLSWM) are little known in protected areas. I carried a survey of MLSWM at the Reserva Biológica Municipal Moreno Fortes (REBIO-MF) in Dois Irmãos das Missões, Rio Grande do Sul state (RS), Brazil, using active search, footprint traps and interviews with residents. This work provided a list of 26 species of MLSWM. This number represent 60% of MLSWM species of Rio Grande do Sul state and 70% of those found in the region. Among them, 54% are included in the list fauna of endangered species at the state level, 19% at the national level, and 23% globally. The Crab-eating Fox (Cerdocyon thous) was the most registered and common species. The interviewees reported 24 species, 12 of which were not registered using active search and footprint traps methods. Such informations indicates REBIO-MF as an important place for MLSWM at RS.

MEDIUM- AND LARGE-SIZED MAMMALS AT THE URUCUM MASSIF IN THE BRAZILIAN PANTANAL: CAMERA TRAP AS AN EFFECTIVE SAMPLING METHOD TO ESTIMATE SPECIES RICHNESS, RELATIVE ABUNDANCE, AND ACTIVITY PATTERNS

The Urucum Massif (UM) is recognized as a region of flora and fauna endemism, and it is one of the few mountain ranges found in the western edge of the Brazilian Pantanal, in Mato Grosso do Sul state. Despite the lack of knowledge on mammalian species occurrence, several mining companies established in this region has rapidly changed its landscape. Therefore, this study aims to carry out an inventory of medium- to large-sized mammals in the UM to estimate their relative abundance and activity patterns using data provided by camera trapping surveys. Two main camera-trapping surveys were carried between October 2014 and July 2015, in addition to a small survey in July 2016. Results showed 25 species from medium- to large-sized mammals. Dicotyles tajacu, Dasyprocta azarae and Dasypus novemcinctus presented the highest relative abundance indices. Overall, D. azarae, Nasua nasua and Euphractus sexcinctus were diurnal, while Tamandua tetradactyla, D. novemcinctus, Tapirus terrestris and Sylvilagus paraguensis were nocturnal, in turn, D. tajacu and Cerdocyon thous were associated with the crepuscular period. Overall, 28 % (N = 7) and 12 % (N = 3) of the recorded species are threatened nationally and globally, respectively. Due to the scarcity of protected areas in the UM, we recommend long term monitoring of mammals and ecological studies to support conservation actions for this group in the region

DISTRIBUIÇÃO ESPACIAL DA ICTIOFAUNA E SUA RELAÇÃO COM AS CARACTERÍSTICAS AMBIENTAIS NA MICROBACIA DO CÓRREGO TARUMÃ (ALTO RIO PARANÁ, BRASIL)

The Urucum Massif (UM) is recognized as a region of flora and fauna endemism, and it is one of the few mountain ranges found in the western edge of the Brazilian Pantanal, in Mato Grosso do Sul state. Despite the lack of knowledge on mammalian species occurrence, several mining companies established in this region has rapidly changed its landscape. Therefore, this study aims to carry out an inventory of medium- to large-sized mammals in the UM to estimate their relative abundance and activity patterns using data provided by camera trapping surveys. Two main camera-trapping surveys were carried between October 2014 and July 2015, in addition to a small survey in July 2016. Results showed 25 species from medium- to large-sized mammals. Dicotyles tajacu, Dasyprocta azarae and Dasypus novemcinctus presented the highest relative abundance indices. Overall, D. azarae, Nasua nasua and Euphractus sexcinctus were diurnal, while Tamandua tetradactyla, D. novemcinctus, Tapirus terrestris and Sylvilagus paraguensis were nocturnal, in turn, D. tajacu and Cerdocyon thous were associated with the crepuscular period. Overall, 28 % (N = 7) and 12 % (N = 3) of the recorded species are threatened nationally and globally, respectively. Due to the scarcity of protected areas in the UM, we recommend long term monitoring of mammals and ecological studies to support conservation actions for this group in the region

Assessment of medium and large-sized mammals and their behavioral response toward anthropogenic activities in Jorgo-Wato Protected Forest, Western Ethiopia.

Medium and large‐sized mammals of Jorgo‐Wato Protected Forest have not yet been documented though the forest established before four decades. Hence, this study aims to document medium and large mammals and the behavioral responses of selected mammals toward anthropogenic activities in the study area. The study was conducted from February 2015 to June 2016, encompassing the wet and dry seasons. Data were collected mainly through camera traps, indirect and direct evidence. The study revealed about 23 medium and large‐sized mammals that belong to seven orders namely Bovidae, Carnivora, Primates, Rodentia, Tubulidentata, Lagomorpha, and Hyracoidea. Papio anubis, C. guereza, and C. aethiops were the most abundant large mammals in JWPF. Because of high anthropogenic activities, African buffalo shifted its activity period from diurnal into crepuscular and nocturnal. African buffalo traveled longer distances during the wet season (mean = 14.33 km, SD = 1.25 km) than during the dry season (mean = 9.00 km, SD = 2.16 km). This could be due to the fact that the local people were less likely to go to the forest for resource exploitation during the wet season as they are fully engaged in agricultural activities. However, low agricultural activities during the dry season allow the local people to extract resources and involve in bushmeat hunting which could limit the movement of mammals to their refugia. African buffalo preferred to rest on and adjacent to a gravel road (22.1%) in the forest, followed by on open rocky hilltops (14.7%) at night time, but rest in the bottomland thicket vegetation during the dry daytime. Regardless of high human pressure in the area, this study has revealed a good number of medium and large‐sized mammals that could be used as baseline information to design a sound conservation and management action plan of large mammals and their habitat in Jorgo‐Wato Protected Forest.

Temporal Partitioning between Forest-Dwelling Small Rodents in a Mediterranean Deciduous Woodland.

Simple SummaryCamera-trapping has been widely used to assess activity rhythms and temporal overlap of different medium- and large-sized mammal species sharing the same habitats. Conversely, this method has been poorly applied to small mammals, which are often difficult to identify at the species level through photos. In our work, we assessed the temporal overlap between two coexisting small rodents in forest environments, Apodemus flavicollis and Clethrionomys glareolus. We collected 124 independent records of A. flavicollis and 67 records of C. glareolus over three years. The former was mostly nocturnal, with activity peaking after midnight, whereas the latter was mostly active at dawn and dusk. In other words, we recorded a limited temporal overlap, thus suggesting a potential for interspecific competition. Intraguild interference competition between A. flavicollis and C. glareolus may play a pivotal role, forcing C. glareolus to be more active in daylight hours, when the more strictly nocturnal A. flavicollis is present. Nocturnal activity of C. glareolus was limited and not influenced by moon phases, whereas A. flavicollis was mostly active in the darkest nights, avoiding bright moonlight nights.Temporal partitioning is reported as one of the main strategies adopted by coexisting mammal species to limit interspecific competition and behavioural interference. In the last decades, camera-trapping surveys have provided valuable insights in assessing temporal niche and activity rhythms of medium and large-sized mammalian species. Conversely, this method has been poorly applied to small rodents. In this work we aimed at assessing temporal niche partitioning between two species of forest-dwelling small rodents—Apodemus flavicollis and Clethrionomys glareolus—by means of intensive camera-trapping. Camera traps were placed in areas where previous genetic analyses have confirmed the only presence of A. flavicollis amongst wood mice species, to prevent misinterpretation of records. We collected 124 independent records of A. flavicollis and 67 records of C. glareolus over three years. The former was mostly nocturnal, with activity peaking after midnight, whereas the latter was mostly active at dawn and dusk. Therefore, a limited temporal overlap was observed, confirming the potential for interspecific competition. Intraguild interference competition between A. flavicollis and C. glareolus may play a pivotal role forcing C. glareolus to be more active in daylight hours where, the more strictly nocturnal A. flavicollis is present. Nocturnal activity of C. glareolus was limited and not influenced by moon phases, whereas A. flavicollis was mostly active in the darkest nights, avoiding bright moonlight nights.

Comparing the effectiveness of camera trapping, driven transects and ad hoc records for surveying nocturnal mammals against a known species assemblage

Management and conservation rely on surveys to determine which species are present but some species, such as nocturnal mammals, can be very difficult to detect. Camera trapping, driven transects, and ad hoc records are well-established nocturnal survey methods, but their detection effectiveness has not been tested against known species presence. We tested the effectiveness of these methods with a known assemblage of nocturnal African mammals. We compared camera traps placed at targeted and random locations, driven transects, and informal ad hoc records against one another and the 20 predominately nocturnal medium- and large-sized mammals known to be on site. Species-specific detection patterns, detection curves for each method, and detection effort required per species, were compared to determine the effectiveness of each method. Each of the methods detected at least 60% of known nocturnal mammal species over a 20-month period: driven transects and ad hoc records were the most successful (16/20 80%), followed by targeted camera traps (15/20 75%) and random camera traps (12/20 60%). Jaccard’s Coefficients of Community Similarity peaked at 0.78, showing notable differences in the communities sampled with different methods. There was considerable variation in effort required to detect each species for each method, and the number of species detected with specific levels of effort was also highly variable between methods. We suggest that mixing methods, using different camera placement including use of random locations, and incorporating cost-neutral ad hoc records into formal survey efforts can all greatly increase the overall effectiveness and efficiency of species detection.

Taxonomy as the first step towards conservation: an appraisal on the taxonomy of medium- and large-sized Neotropical mammals in the 21st century

The Anthropocene brought an accelerated risk of extinction for species across the globe. However, extinction proneness is not even across groups. Past and current events show large-sized mammals at greater extinction risk than smaller ones. For practical reasons, conservation actions tend to focus on the species level; therefore, well-founded species limits are pivotal. Since 2005, the number of known mammal species is about 20% higher but largely due to taxonomic discoveries in small-sized taxa. Here we review the recent taxonomic advances on medium- and large-sized mammals (MLM) from the Neotropics, and discuss misperceptions concerning the taxonomy stability in this group and how this may hinder proper conservation actions. We advocate that apparent taxonomic inertia toward large-sized mammals is partly related to limited systematic inquiry rather than representing an accurate knowledge of their diversity. Fortunately, this scenario has slowly changed in recent years. Linked to integrative analyses that took place during the 21st century, the Neotropical region represents a major example of recent growth in MLM diversity. Taxonomic novelties were found in eight orders of MLM and occurred across taxonomic ranks, from family to subspecies. Most changes comprise subspecies or synonyms elevated to full species, but new taxa of Artiodactyla, Carnivora, Lagomorpha, Pilosa, Primates, Perissodactyla, and large rodents have also been discovered. Recent reshuffles in MLM classification clearly illustrate the risk that bias in taxonomy studies can bring to conservation. Considering the new findings, some species previously labeled as “least concern” for conservation, stand now in some level of threat. This appraisal challenges the misperception of MLM as well-known and shows that taxonomy is a conservation issue.

Wildlife–Human Survey: a rapid appraisal tool to assess mammal diversity and human–wildlife interactions in rural settings

Context Scarcity of standardised data is one of the main obstacles in understanding the responses of wildlife to anthropogenic pressures. By assessing local people’s knowledge, it is possible to generate valuable social-ecological data to fill this gap cost-effectively. Aims We present the Wildlife–Human Survey (WHS), a protocol for rapidly assessing information on medium and large-sized mammals, rural people, and the latter’s interactions with these species. In a pilot study, we investigate the effectiveness of our tool to generate valuable information for wildlife research and management. Methods The survey consists of a structured interview protocol that can be used as a tool to generate information on (i) the occurrence and assemblage composition of medium and large mammalian species, (ii) the socioeconomic profile of rural populations and farming activities in the area, and (iii) people’s perception of human–wildlife interactions (e.g. benefits, economic losses). To test the effectiveness of our tool, we conducted a total of 300 face-to-face interviews using this protocol in 30 rural landscapes (1250 ha each) in the Paraiba Valley region, São Paulo State, Brazil. We analysed the resulting data using descriptive statistics, random curves of species accumulation and maps of species distribution and richness. Key results We generated data on the occurrence and distribution of 32 species of medium and large mammals and on socioeconomic profile of the 300 surveyed households. We found that 95% of the species could be determined to occur in the region, with an effort ranging from 66 to 266 h; up to 611 h were necessary to find evidence of all species. Conclusions Our protocol can be an effective, fast and low-cost tool for appraising the occurrence of medium and large-sized mammals, the socioeconomic profile of people sharing rural landscapes with them and their interactions. Implications The WHS can generate information for mammal management by highlighting hotspot areas of human–wildlife interactions. This protocol can be especially useful when and where other methods are inadequate/unviable, and create the opportunity for rural people to contribute to wildlife management by allowing them to share their knowledge and concerns about their interactions with the local fauna.

Certified Forest Management and Conservation of Medium- and Large-Sized Mammals: Biodiversity, Trampling, Browsing and Seed Removal in the Argentine Austral Yungas

Certified Forest Management and Conservation of Medium- and Large-Sized Mammals: Biodiversity, Trampling, Browsing and Seed Removal in the Argentine Austral Yungas

Mammals of Cajuru State Forest and surroundings: a neglected but important Protected Area for the Cerrado conservation in the São Paulo state, Brazil

Abstract: The Cerrado has been severely impacted by anthropogenic disturbances, with a tiny proportion of its original extent remaining in its southern portions. In the state of São Paulo, only 7% of this vegetation remains and relatively little is known about the biodiversity of these fragments. To fill this knowledge gap, we inventoried medium and large-sized terrestrial mammals of a neglected region, including a sustainable use protected area, Cajuru State Forest (CSF), adjacent native vegetation remnants protected by the Native Vegetation Protection Law and owned by a paper and cellulose company (Dois Córregos Farm; DCF), and their surroundings. We recorded 20 native mammal species, five of which are endangered with extinction, including the giant anteater, puma, and maned wolf. We found no significant differences in species richness between CSF and DCF but we found higher estimated species richness for the surrounding areas. Besides encompassing a larger and more heterogeneous area, the surrounding area still has a relatively high proportion (>30%) of native vegetation, providing habitat and resources for many species. The estimated mammal species richness for the entire study area was similar to that found in the largest protected area of the Cerrado in São Paulo State, the Jataí Ecological Station and its surroundings. We conclude that our study area still harbors a relatively rich community of large mammals and is important for the conservation of endangered species. This finding is particularly timing since the current State administration is considering to transfer the economic exploitation of CSF to the private sector. We therefore endorse an existing proposal to uplist this protected area, which still lacks a management plan, to a more restricted management category. Besides actions regarding this governmental PA, we argue that it is also important to involve the private sector in a conservation plan for the region.

A Preliminary Survey on Diversity and Conservation Status of Medium and Large‐Sized Mammals in Weyngus Forest, West Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Mammalian surveys are vital tools for effective managements and conservation strategies. A survey was conducted to investigate the species composition, relative abundance and to determine their major threats in Weyngus Forest, West Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia. The data were collected from April 2020 to June 2020. Transect method and subjective interviews were used to collect data for the study. A total of 11 species of medium and large sized mammals belonging to six orders and eight families were recorded by direct and indirect evidences. Porcupine (Hystrix cristata), Vervet monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops), and Coloubus monkey (Colobus guereza) were among the medium-sized mammals while, Spotted hyena (Crocuta crocuta), Bushbuck (Tragelaphus scriptus) and Common duiker (Sylvicapra grimmia) were among the large-sized mammals recorded in the study area. Vervet monkey has been the most frequently observed species, whereas spotted hyena was observed less often. Simpson’s Similarity Index (SI) showed a significant overlap of mammalian species composition between scrubland and natural forest (SI = 0.62). Illegal logging of trees for fuel wood, agricultural land expansion, illegal hunting and land degradation were the main threats of mammals in the study area. Community participation and awareness creation are highly recommended to limit the impact of anthropogenic activities threatening wildlife.

What factors affect species richness and distribution dynamics within two Afromontane protected areas?

Context Biodiversity monitoring programs provide information on the status and trends in wildlife populations. These trends are unknown for most mammals within African montane forests, which harbour many endemic and threatened species. Camera traps are useful for assessing mammal populations, because they allow for the estimation of species richness, occupancy, and activity patterns. Aims We sought to explore the richness and distribution of small- to large-sized mammals by using occupancy models while accounting for imperfect detection in Volcanoes and Mgahinga Gorilla National Parks, in Rwanda and Uganda. Methods We used camera-trap data collected from 2014 to 2017 by the Tropical Ecology Assessment and Monitoring (TEAM) network and multi-season occupancy models with multispecies data to assess the dynamics of species richness and distribution in the Virunga Massif and the influence of site covariates on species detection probability, occupancy, colonisation and extinction. Key results We identified 17 species from 7047 trap-days, with most of them showing an uneven distributional pattern throughout the park. We found that average species richness per site increased from five to seven species in 2017. Average local colonisation was estimated at 0.13 (s.e. 0.014), but the probability of local extinction was 0.17 (s.e. 0.028) and negatively influenced by distance from the park boundary. Detection probability was highest for medium-sized species. For species distribution, we found that black-fronted duiker, Cephalophus nigrifrons, and bushbuck, Tragelaphus scriptus, declined in distribution but remained widespread in our study area, while all other species showed an increase in distribution over the study period. Conclusions Our approach allowed us to draw inferences on rare species, such as African golden cat, Caracal aurata, by estimating detection probability on the basis of shared covariate information with more common, widespread species. As such, we were able to estimate all occupancy parameters across the terrestrial mammal community. Implications The results of this study on the distribution of terrestrial mammal species can be used by park management to inform optimal ranger patrolling efforts for mitigating threats in areas of high species presence. Additionally, the results can highlight locations of potential human–wildlife conflicts on the basis of species commonly found along the park boundary.

Mammal Collection of the Universidade Estadual do Norte Fluminense Darcy Ribeiro (UENFMZ):

The Mammal Collection of UENF was created in 2013 to document the biodiversity of northern Rio de Janeiro, and house voucher specimens collected during field research held by professors from the university and collaborating institutions. The collection currently holds 440 physical vouchers, mostly bats, and includes noteworthy records, such as the first Promops nasutus reported for the state of Rio de Janeiro. To these physical vouchers, we recently added a digital bioacoustics collection (343 files of bat distress calls) and a camera-trap multimedia collection (2683 videos or photographs of small to large-sized mammals). In this paper, we provide an overview of these holdings, and highlight and discuss the importance of regional scientific collections, along with the fundamental role of publishing their records in online databases in order to increase their visibility and scientific use. Finally, we discuss the importance of natural history collections to society, emphasizing that improving the awareness of the general public on the role of these collections to scientific development will be crucial for their conservation over the next centuries.

Monitoring of small rock pools reveals differential effects of chronic anthropogenic disturbance on birds and mammals in the Calakmul region, southern Mexico

AbstractGreat attention has been drawn to the impacts of habitat deforestation and fragmentation on wildlife species richness. In contrast, much less attention has been paid to assessing the impacts of chronic anthropogenic disturbance on wildlife species composition and behaviour. We focused on natural small rock pools (sartenejas), which concentrate vertebrate activity due to habitat’s water limitation, to assess the impact of chronic anthropogenic disturbance on the species richness, diversity, composition, and behaviour of medium and large-sized birds and mammals in the highly biodiverse forests of Calakmul, southern Mexico. Camera trapping records of fauna using sartenejas within and outside the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve (CBR) showed that there were no effects on species richness, but contrasts emerged when comparing species diversity, composition, and behaviour. These effects differed between birds and mammals and between species: (1) bird diversity was greater outside the CBR, but mammal diversity was greater within and (2) the daily activity patterns of birds differed slightly within and outside the CBR but strongly contrasted in mammals. Our study highlights that even in areas supporting extensive forest cover, small-scale chronic anthropogenic disturbances can have pervasive negative effects on wildlife and that these effects contrast between animal groups.

TERRESTRIAL VERTEBRATE FAUNA OF ASSIS’ STATE FOREST: A CERRADO REMNANT IN THE STATE OF SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL

In the current scenario of environmental changes, anthropic pressures on biodiversity are in constant increase, stressing the importance of assessing the distribution and occurrence of organisms in natural regions, especially in protected areas. Here we surveyed the terrestrial vertebrate fauna of Assis State Forest and updated the existing species list. Reptiles were sampled using pitfall traps and active search, birds by transects and listening points, while terrestrial mammals were sampled using camera traps, linear transect census, active search, pitfall and live traps. Four samplings were conducted, totaling 28 days of sampling effort. We recorded a total richness of 230 terrestrial vertebrate species: 21 amphibians, 17 reptiles, 164 birds, 23 medium and large-sized mammals and 25 small mammals. Of these, seven species are considered endangered at the state and / or federal level. Our results led to the inclusion of 78 bird species and six medium- and large-sized mammals to the species list of ASF’s Management Plan, in addition to three new species of herpetofauna that were not reported by other fauna surveys carried out in the region. Our data shows that the area is highly diverse, with some differences in species composition between sampled phytophysiognomies. These data can also be used to update the management plan for the area, as well as for the zoning of the unit.

Species-rich but defaunated: the case of medium and large-bodied mammals in a sustainable use protected area in the Amazon

ABSTRACT 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.

Encounter rates and density of medium and large-sized mammals with nocturnal habits in southern Amazon, Brazil

Encounter rates and density of medium and large-sized mammals with nocturnal habits in southern Amazon, Brazil

Species Composition, Diversity, and Habitat Association of Medium- and Large-Sized Mammals in Chimit-Kolla, Abay Gorge, Ethiopia

Identifying the species distribution, diversity, and habitat association provides input to launch proper conservation interventions. A survey of medium- and large-sized mammal species was conducted in Chimit-Kolla area to assess their distribution, diversity, and relative abundance in November 2019 to September 2020. Line transect sampling and focus group discussions were used for data collection. Shannon diversity index and Sorenson’s coefficient were used to compute the diversity and habitat utilization of species. The association of species among habitats was tested using the chi-squared test. In the survey, 18 species of medium- and large-sized mammals belonging to the order Artiodactyla (7 species), Carnivora (6 species), Rodentia (1 species), Primates (3 species) and Tubulidentata (1 species) were recorded. The association of mammalian species among the three habitats was not significant ( p > 0.05 ). However, the abundance of mammal species was significantly associated with forest habitats ( p < 0.05 ). There was a significant variation in abundance of medium- and large-sized mammal species observed in the dry season (157, 57.5%) as compared to the wet season (116, 42.5%) (χ2 = 6.17, df = 1, and p = 0.013 ). The most abundant species was olive baboon (Papio anubis), followed by grivet monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops) and crested porcupine (Hystrix cristata). While leopard (Panthera pardus), white-tailed mongoose (Ichneumia albicauda), and aardvark (Orycteropus afer) were the rarest mammalian species recorded. Forest habitat has the highest species diversity (H’ = 2.276) than riverine vegetation and wooded grassland. Mammal species showed a considerable similarity among habitats, and the highest similarity was recorded between forest and wooded grassland (S = 0.8). The study area relatively has considerable numbers of medium- and large-sized mammal species, and urgent conservation action is required to reduce the emerging threats (hunting, charcoal production, agriculture, and investment expansion) and ensure survival of mammal species.