Large-sized Mammals Research Articles

Medium and large mammals from a locality in the Cerrado of northwest Minas Gerais, Brazil

The Brazilian Cerrado is the second largest biome in the country, covering around 200 million hectares. The combination of a high taxonomic richness, elevated species endemism, and high degree of threat makes the Cerrado one of the world's hotspots for biodiversity conservation. Cerrado is home to a high mammal species richness, with 251 species, of which 22 are considered endemic. However, the biome is at the center of the expansion of Brazilian agriculture, concentrating the largest portion of national grain production, which has led to high rates of deforestation due to the conversion of native habitats into pastures and agricultural land. In this context, I present data from monitoring medium and large-sized mammals on a private property formed by a mosaic of native vegetation and anthropogenic areas in the northwest of Minas Gerais, southeast of Brazil. Sampling was carried out between June 2021 and November 2022, totaling 42 days of sampling, using different non-invasive methodologies. A total of 24 species of mammals were recorded, including top predators, such as Puma concolor and Leopardus pardalis, which play critical roles in regulating ecosystems and food web dynamics. We have also recorded species vulnerable to extinction, such as Chrysocyon brachyurus and Tapirus terrestris. Moreover, no differences were found in the species composition recorded between the dry and rainy seasons. The study area covers a great diversity of natural and anthropogenic habitats that provide shelter and food for fauna, supporting a rich assemblage of medium and large-sized mammals.

The late Middle Pleistocene Zhongshan cave fauna from the Bubing Basin, southern China

The karstic caves in the Bubing Basin, Guangxi, southern China, contain abundant Quaternary mammalian fossils. These cave sites are located at varying altitudes that have been roughly correlated with chronological age (higher caves are older, lower caves are younger). A growing number of recent studies have established a regional biochronological sequence for these Bubing caves from the Early to the Late Pleistocene. Here, we describe a new mammalian assemblage from the Zhongshan Cave, that dates to the late Middle Pleistocene - Marine Isotope Stage 6 (191–130 ka). The age is supported by minimum ages derived from U-series dating of the deposits, and the ESR/U-series dating of one Rhinoceros tooth (∼184 ka). The Zhongshan mammalian assemblage, comprising 33 taxa of large-sized mammals, belongs to the Middle Pleistocene “Ailuropoda-Stegodon” faunal unit and, in this respect, most closely resembles the Ganxian fauna (362–168.9 ka). The high diversity and abundance of ruminant Artiodactyla (versus Perissodactyla) in the Zhongshan fauna suggest a diversity of forest to more open habitats in the Bubing Basin during this period.The Zhongshan fauna fills a gap in the biochronological framework of southern China, offering new insights into the evolutionary history of some mammalian lineages in the Bubing Basin. Overall, data indicate major changes in the Early to Late Pleistocene faunal sequence, particularly with more turnover during the Early-Middle Pleistocene transition compared to the Middle-Late Pleistocene transition.Comparison between faunas from the Bubing Basin with those from sites in the Chongzuo area, also in Guangxi, southern China, highlights two major phases in the general decline of large-sized mammals during the Middle to Late Pleistocene transitional period. In that respect, our results provide an updated biochronological background for further analyses of the region.

Exploring mammalian diversity in a human-modified landscape: insights from a small Cerrado fragment surrounded by silviculture

Abstract Natural environments have undergone significant alteration and devastation, often becoming immersed in a matrix of anthropogenic activities. Therefore, it is imperative to ascertain whether mammals inhabit these modified areas. We present the composition of medium and large-sized terrestrial mammal species in a Cerrado area surrounded by a eucalyptus matrix. Our study area comprises a 363 ha Cerrado fragment. Surveys were conducted using 10 camera traps from December 2015 to April 2017, totaling 125 sampling stations and a sampling effort of 3,018 trap-days. We identified 19 mammal species, seven of them regionally threatened (37 %), representing 61 % of the potential species pool in the region. Omnivores and insectivores accounted for most of the recorded species. Notably, records include the Priodontes maximus, Tapirus terrestris, and Ozotoceros bezoarticus, cubs and a predation record. Given that T. terrestris was recorded only in our study and P. maximus in a single other study in the region, our findings suggest that these species can inhabit small vegetation fragments. Additionally, we include O. bezoarticus in the list of mammals inhabiting the region. Our study underscores the capacity of Cerrado fragments surrounded by silviculture to harbor a rich diversity of medium and large-sized mammals, especially considering those threatened with extinction.

Diversity of mammalian species in the Kangchenjunga Landscape of eastern Nepal

The Himalayas, including Nepal, are a biodiversity hotspot. However, records on mammalian richness remain incomplete due to resource limitations, inadequate training, and the remote location of study areas. The unprotected forest area of the Panchthar-Ilam-Taplejung region in eastern Nepal is a vital corridor connecting India and Nepal. Using a structured methodology we aimed to increase our knowledge of mammalian diversity in this area. Camera traps were deployed throughout the Panchthar-Ilam-Taplejung area in 53 locations in winter and 54 in spring, accumulating 3014 camera trap days and generating 93,336 images, with a positive trigger rate of 29.8%. The survey revealed 17 species of medium to large-sized mammals and an additional six species of smaller unidentified mammals, including two melanic variations and two previously undocumented species. Activity patterns were calculated for species with more than five image records in both seasons. The findings contribute essential information about the Kangchenjunga Landscape, which can be used to further conservation efforts in this critical ecosystem corridor.

Medium and large-sized mammals in human-dominated landscape of the former Dhidhessa wildlife sanctuary, Western Ethiopia

Abstract Assessment of medium- and large-sized mammals’ species diversity, abundance, distribution, and habitat association is necessary to promote their conservation measures. The study was conducted in the former Dhidhessa wildlife sanctuary (FDWS), to assess the medium- and large-sized mammals’ composition, distribution, and diversity. Transect lines were used to collect the data. A total of 1,146 ± 91 individuals belonging to 25 species, seven orders, and 14 families were recorded. Among these, 607 ± 186.5 (52.97%) were recorded during the wet season, whereas 539 ± 144.5 (47.03%) during the dry season. The order Carnivora was the most diverse one, followed by Artiodactyla and Primates, respectively, while Rodentia, Hyracoidea, Tubulidentata, and Lagomorpha were the least diverse orders. Olive baboon (Papio anubis) was the most abundant species (19.2%), followed by Hippopotamus (Hippopotamus amphibious) (17.63%) and Vervet monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops) (13.18%). Species diversity was higher in the savanna-wooded than in the riverine forest during both the wet (H’ = 2.72, Fisher’s alpha = 6.33) and dry (H’= 2.79, Fisher’s alpha = 6.26) seasons. Species evenness was higher in the savanna-wooded habitat than in the riverine forest habitat during both the wet (J’ = 0.87 and J’ = 0.77, respectively) and dry (J’ = 0.9 and J’ = 0.80, respectively) seasons. The highest similarity in species composition was between the wet and dry seasons in the riverine forest habitat (SI = 85.58%). The lowest similarity was recorded between the dry and wet seasons of the riverine forest and the wet season of the savanna wooded habitat (SI = 45.46% and SI = 46.49%, respectively). The study suggests that mammals are at risk of anthropogenic factors in the area. So, an urgent conservation measure that involves the participation of the local community has paramount significance for the sustainable conservation of mammals in the former Dhidhessa wildlife sanctuary.

Large Protected Areas Safeguard Mammalian Functional Diversity in Human-Modified Landscapes

Habitat loss and fragmentation are pervasive processes driving the disappearance of populations and species in the Neotropical region. Since species loss may translate into functional loss, assessing changes in the composition of assemblages’ functional traits might improve our understanding of the ecological roles played by species and ecosystem functioning. Here, we investigate how landscape structure and composition impact the functional diversity of terrestrial mammals in 18 forest patches composing eight protected areas in Southern Brazil. We used functional diversity (FD) based on dietary, physical, and behavioral traits and species vulnerability to extinction. We determined which landscape variables (patch size, proportions of forest and sugarcane, and patch isolation) most influenced mammal FD values by using a both-direction stepwise model selection from a linear global model. Finally, we evaluated the role of trophic guilds in explaining the variation in the FD values using a Principal Component Analysis. Between 2012 and 2017, using camera traps, we recorded 26 native medium- and large-sized mammals throughout the protected areas, of which 6 are regionally threatened, and 5 domestic/exotic species. Richness among the forest patches varied from 4 to 24 species (9.05 ± 5.83), while the FD values varied from 1.29 to 6.59 (2.62 ± 1.51). FD variation was best explained by patch size, which exhibited a strong positive correlation (adjusted R2 = 0.55, slope = 0.67, p < 0.001). Insectivores and frugivores presented the highest correlation with patch size, explaining most of the variation in the FD values. Our findings strengthen the paramount role of large protected areas in maintaining mammal diversity and their ecological functions in human-modified landscapes.

Community of medium and large-sized mammals and functional diversity in a tropical rainforest of Southern México under different degrees of human pressure

Community of medium and large-sized mammals and functional diversity in a tropical rainforest of Southern México under different degrees of human pressure

Ensemble modeling to identify high conservation value areas for endemic and elusive large-sized mammals of the Philippines

Bubalus mindorensis (tamaraw) and Sus oliveri (Mindoro warty pig) are emblematic of Mindoro Island as a faunal biodiversity hotspot in the Philippines. However, these endemic, red-listed mammals are of socioecological concern due to pressures within their contracting home ranges. Conservation efforts are logistically hindered by their elusive yet aggressive behavior and coexistence with indigenous tribes. This study aims to identify high conservation value areas (HCVAs), sites where both species are highly suitable. Ensemble species distribution modeling (SDM) based on nine algorithms was performed. For each species, three ensemble SDMs were calibrated following three proposed approaches in decreasing hyperparameter-based model complexity: standard, tuned, and limited. Across ensemble SDMs, complexity and True Skill Statistics (TSS)-based accuracy are positively associated. Still, the limited ensemble SDM of tamaraw (TSS = 0.740) and Mindoro warty pig (TSS = 0.855) retain good discriminatory performance. These coincidingly predict that known occurrence sites are areas of high suitability, which are spatially fragmented into four patches across the Mindoro Mountain Range: Mt. Calavite Wildlife Sanctuary, Upper Amnay Watershed, Aruyan-Malati, and Mts. Iglit-Baco National Park. In total, these prospective HCVAs cover 405.17 km2 (3.83%) of Mindoro Island, which represent areas of priority for the ongoing Mindoro Island Biodiversity (BD) Corridor Project. This study substantiates the need for strategic management of these HCVAs. Despite overarching study-specific limitations and uncertainties, this study advocates the informed use of ensemble SDMs for reserve selection, conservation planning, and wildlife-related policymaking in Mindoro Island.

Factors affecting Asiatic caracal occupancy and activity in an arid landscape; vegetation, prey and predator presence are key

Predator populations persisting in desert landscapes may be especially vulnerable to habitat fragmentation and changing climates, but many are chronically understudied and at risk of extirpation. The Asiatic subspecies of caracal, Caracal caracal schmitzi, inhabit the mountainous landscapes of the western and southern Arabian Peninsula, but they are thought to be in decline across the region. In Saudi Arabia, a recent extensive study used camera traps and face-to-face questionnaires to survey Arabian leopards and other medium- to large-size mammals, simultaneously generating vast bycatch data on Asiatic caracal presence. We assessed interspecific temporal overlap and identified factors that influence caracal occupancy, and predict their potential distribution across their historical range in Saudi Arabia. From fourteen camera trap surveys, 497 independent captures of caracals were recorded at only the nine south-western sites. Occupancy modelling showed caracals occurred in areas with higher gross primary productivity and elevations, as well as with a higher relative abundance of free-roaming cats and dogs, striped hyaena, and wild prey. Higher abundances of large predators decreased detection of caracals. Caracals displayed a cathemeral activity pattern with peaks of activity around sunrise and sunset, and had a high diel overlap with free-roaming cats and dogs, and wild Arabian wolves. Predictive modelling identified the south western mountains as a stronghold for Asiatic caracals, with low occupancy or recent extirpation in the north and elsewhere, and was highly congruous with predictions from false-positive occupancy modelling from 843 questionnaires. The persistence of caracal populations is likely driven by the increased vegetation and wild prey associated with the southern regions, as well as a more frequent human presence that potentially increases availability of alternative prey, including free-roaming cats. Caracals persisting in dry and desert regions may be particularly vulnerable to climatic changes affecting vegetation and prey abundance, but may have the ability to adapt and benefit from limited human presence if conflict can be avoided.

A Preliminary Survey of Medium- and Large-Sized Mammals and Their Conservation Status in the Asimba Forest Priority Area, Semiarid Highlands of Northern Ethiopia

Mammal species provide vital environmental and economic functions although they globally face numerous threats. Knowledge of the composition and diversity of mammal species provide information for appropriate management interventions. We conducted this study from July 2019 to February 2020 to assess the species composition, diversity, and conservation of medium- and large-sized mammals in the Asimba Forest Priority Area, northern Ethiopia. Data were collected through direct and indirect evidence from three habitat types, namely, natural forest, bushland, and plantation forest. We analyzed the data using descriptive statistics and the Species Diversity Index. We also used χ2 to compare differences in the number of observations and species richness of the mammal species in different habitats between the dry and wet seasons. A total of 263 observations were compiled, and 15 medium- and large-sized mammalian species were recorded in the Asimba Forest Priority Area. The Species Diversity Index and Evenness of the area were H′ = 2.436 and J = 0.899, respectively. Hamadryas baboon (Papio hamadryas) was the most commonly observed species, with 20.7 and 19.2 relative frequencies in the dry and wet seasons, respectively, whereas striped polecat (Ictonyx striatus) was the rarest species, with 3.0 and 0.0 relative frequencies during the dry and wet seasons, respectively. The number of observations (χ2 = 2.298, df = 2, and p=0.316) and species richness (χ2 = 0.115, df = 2, and p=0.943) did not differ significantly in the three habitats. Anthropogenic factors, mainly habitat destruction and overgrazing, were widely observed in the Asimba forest as conservation threats to the mammal species. The current study helps to increase knowledge about the mammal species of the area and is essential for their future conservation strategies.

Community-based monitoring reveals low anthropogenic pressure on a game vertebrate population in a sustainable-use Amazonian protected area

SummaryBiodiversity systematic monitoring programmes have been expanding across the globe, especially in protected areas (PAs). Amongst sustainable-use PAs, medium- to large-sized mammals and birds comprise crucial groups to monitor, given their importance to forest functionality and subsistence for local residents. Here, we used 6 years of community-based monitoring data from a sustainable-use PA in the Brazilian Amazonia (Tapajós–Arapiuns Extractive Reserve) to examine the influence of anthropogenic stressors and time on the density and biomass of forest mammal and bird game species. We further assessed trends in population density of target groups over the period. A total of 1915 km of line-transect surveys were completed by trained local monitors along eight established transects, providing data from 12 medium-sized and five large-sized game genera. Generalized linear mixed models of all medium-sized species, all large species and four individual taxa (Tinamidae, Dasyproctidae, primates and Cervidae) showed that some species (e.g., Dasyprocta croconota) exhibited great density, whereas others (e.g., Tapirus terrestris and Tayassu pecari) were rarely detected. Anthropogenic variables did not affect the density and biomass of the overall medium-sized and large vertebrates. Dasyproctidae, Tinamidae and primates were the only taxa influenced by anthropogenic stressors, with negative influence occurring only for Tinamidae. Moreover, density of groups and taxa remained stable throughout the period in the Reserve, although the frequency of some species may indicate past population losses. Continuation of this monitoring programme is required to improve understanding of population fluctuations, but over the 6 years studied, game population density and biomass were not linked to anthropogenic stressors.

Identifying medium- and large-sized mammal species sensitive to anthropogenic impacts for monitoring in subtropical montane forests

SummaryMedium- and large-sized mammals play important roles in maintaining forest ecosystem functions, and these functions often diminish when mammal species are depleted by human activities. Understanding the sensitivity or tolerance of mammal species to human pressure and detecting species changes through monitoring programmes can inform appropriate management decisions. The objective of our study was to identify medium- and large-sized mammal species that can be included in a monitoring programme in the Southern Yungas of Argentina. We used occupancy modelling to estimate the probability of habitat use (ψ) of 13 of 25 mammal species detected by 165 camera traps placed in forests across a range of human footprint index (HFI) values. As defined by the HFI, 54% of the study area is wilderness. The probabilities of habitat use of two mammal species were significantly associated with the HFI: the lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris; ψ = 0.33, range = 0.22–0.50) was inversely associated with HFI values, whereas the grey brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira; ψ = 0.79, range = 0.67–0.87) was positively associated with the HFI. Monitoring the probability of habitat use of the sensitive species (lowland tapir) could help us to detect changes in areas experiencing anthropogenic impacts before they cause extirpation, whereas the high probability of the habitat use values of the tolerant species (grey brocket deer) might indicate that anthropogenic impacts are strongly influencing habitat, signalling that mitigation strategies might be warranted. The Southern Yungas retains an intact mammal fauna, and we showed that the HFI is useful for monitoring anthropogenic impacts on these mammals. There are still opportunities to develop conservation strategies to minimize threats to mammal species in the region by implementing a monitoring programme with the proposed species.

Three-dimensional surface motion capture of multiple freely moving pigs using MAMMAL

Understandings of the three-dimensional social behaviors of freely moving large-size mammals are valuable for both agriculture and life science, yet challenging due to occlusions in close interactions. Although existing animal pose estimation methods captured keypoint trajectories, they ignored deformable surfaces which contained geometric information essential for social interaction prediction and for dealing with the occlusions. In this study, we develop a Multi-Animal Mesh Model Alignment (MAMMAL) system based on an articulated surface mesh model. Our self-designed MAMMAL algorithms automatically enable us to align multi-view images into our mesh model and to capture 3D surface motions of multiple animals, which display better performance upon severe occlusions compared to traditional triangulation and allow complex social analysis. By utilizing MAMMAL, we are able to quantitatively analyze the locomotion, postures, animal-scene interactions, social interactions, as well as detailed tail motions of pigs. Furthermore, experiments on mouse and Beagle dogs demonstrate the generalizability of MAMMAL across different environments and mammal species.

Diversity, abundance, and habitat utilization of medium and large-sized mammals in Debre-Libanos Monastery Forest, central part of Ethiopia

Abstract The present study aimed to estimate the diversity, abundance, and habitat utilization patterns of medium and large-sized mammals in the Debre-libanos Monastery forest, Ethiopia. The survey was conducted from December 2019 to October 2020, considering the wet and dry seasons. A stratified sampling design was applied, dividing the study area into four habitat types based on the vegetation composition and cover (i.e., Natural forest, Plantation, Cliff/Rocky, and Settlement). Both direct and indirect observations were used along the transect lines to identify mammal species. Indirect evidence included tracks, dens, droppings, hair, and other signs. Nineteen transect lines of 0.5‒1 km in length were established. The distance between transects was 200 m to avoid double counting. A total of 11 medium and large-sized mammal species belonging to 6 orders and eight families were identified during the study period. Carnivores and primates were the dominant orders, accounting for 36.4% and 27.3% of the species, respectively. Among primates, the Gelada baboon (Theropithecus gelada) is endemic to Ethiopia. The highest diversity of medium and large-sized mammals was observed in the natural forest during the dry season (Hʹ = 1.44), and the lowest diversity was recorded in the settlement during the dry season (Hʹ = 0.77). The abundance of different mammal species varied significantly from an even distribution (χ2 = 7344.9, df = 10, p < 0.001) and was not consistent among the four habitat types (Species × Habitat type interaction; Fisher-Freeeman-Halton exact test; χ2 = 649.3, df = 30, p < 0.001). High similarity in species composition was observed between the natural forest and plantation (SI = 0.94), whereas low similarity occurred between the cliff/rocky and settlement habitat types (SI = 0.18). Gelada baboon abundance was high; therefore, communities and government bodies must pay attention and conserve this species in the area.

Differential response of three large mammal species to human recreation in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, USA

Outdoor recreation benefits local economies, environmental education, and public health and wellbeing, but it can also adversely affect local ecosystems. Human presence in natural areas alters feeding and reproductive behaviors, physiology, and population structure in many wildlife species, often resulting in cascading effects through entire ecological communities. As outdoor recreation gains popularity, existing trails are becoming overcrowded and new trails are being built to accommodate increasing use. Many recreation impact studies have investigated effects of the presence or absence of humans while few have investigated recreation effects on wildlife using a gradient of disturbance intensity. We used camera traps to quantify trail use by humans and mid- to large-sized mammals in an area of intense outdoor recreation–the Upper East River Valley, Colorado, USA. We selected five trails with different types and intensities of human use and deployed six cameras on each trail for five weeks during a COVID-enhanced 2020 summer tourism season. We used occupancy models to estimate detectability and habitat use of the three most common mammal species in the study area and determined which human activities affect the habitat use patterns of each species. Human activities affected each species differently. Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) tended to use areas with more vehicles, more predators, and greater distances from the trailhead, and they were more likely to be detected where there were more bikers. Coyotes (Canis latrans) and red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) were most likely to use areas where their prey species occurred, and foxes were more likely to be detected where the vegetation was shorter. Humans and their recreational activities differentially influence different species. More generally, these results reinforce that it is unlikely that a single management policy is suitable for all species and management should thus be tailored for each target species.

Diversity of medium and large-sized mammal species in Chilimo Forest, West Shoa Zone, Ethiopia

Abstract Investigating species distribution and diversity patterns is vital for conservation efforts in biodiversity-rich countries such as Ethiopia. The present study examined the diversity of medium and large-sized mammal species in the Chilimo forest, West Shoa Zone, Ethiopia. It was conducted from January 2022 to October 2022 by stratifying the study area into three habitat types: natural forest, plantation, and human-modified forest. A fixed-width line transect sampling method was used to collect the mammalian data. A total of 14 medium and large mammal species belonging to 11 families and six orders, were recorded in the forest during the study period. Of these, 11 were medium, and 3 were large-sized mammals. The Olive Baboon (Papio anubis) was the most abundant mammal species, accounting for 41.7 % of the total abundance. The abundance of medium and large-sized mammals varied significantly among the three habitat types (Species × Habitat; Chi-square test of independence; χ2 = 163.385, df = 26, p < 0.001) and between the wet and dry seasons (Species × Season; Chi-square test of independence; χ2 = 43.753, df = 13, p < 0.001). During the dry season, species diversity was the highest in the natural forest and plantation habitat (H’ = 1.76 in both). The natural forest also supported the highest species diversity during the wet season (H’ = 1.57), followed by the plantation and human-modified habitats (H’ = 1.54 in both). An 88% similarity in species composition was observed between the natural and human-modified forests. The occurrence of 14 species of medium and large-sized mammals in the study area calls for immediate conservation actions in collaboration with respective stakeholders to protect the area’s biodiversity.

Influence of forest type on the diversity, abundance, and naïve occupancy of the mammal assemblage in the southeastern Brazilian Atlantic Forest

The Brazilian Atlantic Forest has the highest rate of native vegetation destruction, which is one of the principal drivers of mammal extinctions. Therefore, reducing information gaps regarding diversity patterns, abundance, and habitat use is crucial to understand mammal persistence in fragmented landscapes. Our objective was to establish the γ diversity and to assess the extent to which the α, and β diversity, the relative abundance, and naïve occupation of medium and large-sized mammal communities differ between seasonal and ombrophilous forests. Between January 2019 and March 2020, we placed 22 camera traps in the Atlantic Forest of Minas Gerais. We calculate Hill's numbers using iNEXT.4steps package, the β-diversity with the Betapart package, as well as the relative abundance index (RAI), and naïve occupancy (PAO). We used Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney statistical tests to compare the RAIs between different species and forest types. Finally, we calculated the correlation between the RAIs and PAOs. We found 32 species, principally from the orders Carnivora and Artiodactyla. The alpha diversity and evenness profiles were not different between the two forest types (seasonal q0 = 0.91, q1 = 0.99, q2 = 1, J = 0.83; ombrophilous q0 = 0.96, q1 = 0.99, q2 = 1, J = 0.85). The beta diversity was low (βJAC = 0.37) which was mostly associated with species turnover (βJTU = 0.34), while nestedness was almost non-existent (βJNE = 0.02). The RAIs varied among mammalian species (H = 115.24, P = 0.000), with the highest values for Didelphis aurita (RAI = 4.55 ± 7.66) and Cuniculus paca (RAI = 2.35 ± 3.73) and the minor values for Speothos venaticus (RAI = 0.04 ± 0.24) and Galictis cuja (RAI = 0.06 ± 1.19). The RAIs of species was not significantly different between forests (U = 453.5; Z = 0.37; P = 0.70), and only Leopardus wiedii showed significant differences between forests (U = 84.5; P = 0.01). Most of the mammalian species had restricted occupancy to a few localities (< 50 %). The species Eira barbara and Didelphis aurita had the highest PAOs in both forests (> 50 %), and the species Tayassu pecari, Tamandua tetradactyla, and Speothos venaticus, the lowest values (5 %). We found a correlation of 75 % between the average RAI and naïve occupancy. The γ diversity was representative and consistent with the species found in the Atlantic Forest, and the relative abundance and naïve occupancy reflected the rarity of most species in the area. Additionally, the only difference between the two forests corresponds to species turnover. Therefore, we must conserve native remnants of both forests to ensure the existence of native mammals, mainly the most threatened species, to prevent more dramatic scenarios of local extinction in Minas Gerais.

Identifying breeding hosts of Ixodes ricinus ticks using stable isotope analysis of their larvae – Proof of concept

Ticks are important vectors of zoonotic pathogens. Ticks are parasites that are dependent on their hosts for blood meal to develop and reproduce. The abundance of ticks is dependent on the availability of suitable breeding hosts, often medium- and large-sized mammals. So far there has been a shortage of direct methods identifying the breeding hosts for the female ticks. In this study, we introduce a stable isotope analysis (SIA) method that enables us to identify the trophic group of the breeding host, i.e. the host on which the tick mother fed, by sampling larval ticks from the field. We established a reference database on the stable isotope (SI) values (δ13C and δ15N) of the blood of potential tick host species, and of larvae from Ixodes ricinus females, which have fed on known hosts. By comparing the SI values from field collected larval ticks to our reference data, we can determine their most likely host species group. Our results show that the isotopic signatures of I. ricinus tick larvae reflect the diet of the breeding host of the mother tick. SIA proved reliable in categorizing the breeding hosts of I. ricinus into two distinguishable trophic groups; herbivores and carni-omnivores. To our knowledge, this is the first time that stable isotope analyses have been applied to detect transovarial (i.e. over-generational) traces of a blood meal in ticks. The method provides an efficient, novel tool for directly identifying tick breeding hosts by sampling field collected larvae. Ixodes ricinus is the most important vector of TBPs (tick-borne pathogens) in Europe, and to predict and mitigate against the future risks that TBPs pose, it is crucial to have detailed knowledge on the hosts that support tick reproduction in nature.

Medium and large-sized mammals of the central region of Ceará, Northeastern Brazil.

Although it had been an important room for Mammalogy in the past, the state of Ceará (Northeastern Brazil) faces severe study gaps. Our goal is to fill part of this lack for the medium and large-sized mammals in the Central Region of Ceará and provide subsidies to effective conservation plans. Data were obtained between January 2017 to April 2021 through camera traps, visual records, tracks, records of roadkill, and voucher specimens from scientific collections. Human communities were interviewed in order to investigate non-recorded species and possible past occurrences. We documented 18 species belonging to 13 families and seven orders. Five species are documented as threatened in red lists and another five were cited by informants as locally extinct. Our results indicate that the Central Region of Ceará is a potential hotspot for mammals in the Caatinga biome and reveal an urgent need for further ecological research and conservation efforts.

Activity and overlap pattern of medium to large-sized mammals on Cachoeirinha Municipal Ecological Station in Southern Brazil

Activity and overlap pattern of medium to large-sized mammals on Cachoeirinha Municipal Ecological Station in Southern Brazil