Non-volant Mammals Research Articles

DESLOCAMENTO NA MATRIZ PARA ESPÉCIES DA MATA ATLÂNTICA E A DIFICULDADE DA CONSTRUÇÃO DE PERFIS ECOLÓGICOS

INTER-HABITAT MOVIMENT FOR ATLANTIC FOREST SPECIES AND THE DIFICULTY TO BUILD ECOPROFILES. Few studies have evaluated the animals' capacity of inter-patch movement, which contributed to the buildup over the years of approaches that use a target species to represent and protect the local biodiversity. Recently, the ‘ecoprofiles' approach, seeks to fill some gaps left by other approaches. The ecoprofiles taking into account three main characteristics (type of ecosystem, area requirements and capacity of inter-patch movement) of target species, which may serve as representatives of a range of species that do not possess such information and demanding ‘similar' ecological requirements. Here, we performed a scientometric study on the subject of inter-patch movement, focusing on Atlantic Forest species. We also evaluated the possible use of ecoprofiles approach for this biome. In a general view, Brazil contributed with 0.005% to the total of published articles worldwide on the subject, which permit to conclude that the Brazilian contribution on the subject is still recent and restricted. Focusing in the Atlantic Forest biome, we found 24 papers published until January 2010, 15 of which presented explicit results on inter-patch movement for Atlantic Forest species. Among these 15 papers, the most common objective was to evaluate the species' dispersal capacity (the capacity to cross the matrix from one remnant forest to another). The non-volant mammals were the most frequent group in the articles and the birds showed the highest number of species studied. Only birds and small mammals were studied, probably because they are easily found and captured in remnant forests. This fact resulted in low values of inter-patch movement found for Atlantic Forest species. Moreover, this contribution presents a strong regional bias, since the state of Rio de Janeiro contributed all information about the subject for non-volant mammals and Sao Paulo for birds. Considering all the studies analyzed, although several aspects of the issue have been addressed, it is clear that knowledge about the ability to shift in the matrix is still very restricted. This fact, coupled with the lack of information on area requirements of the species, makes it virtually impossible to apply the ecoprofiles approach for the Atlantic Forest, at least in the short term. Keywords: Functional connectivity; gap crossing; perceptual range; Landscape Ecology; scientometrics.

Climate, history and neutrality as drivers of mammal beta diversity in Europe: insights from multiscale deconstruction

1. Environmental sorting, historical factors and neutral dynamics may all drive beta diversity (change in species composition across space), but their relative importance remains unresolved. In the case of European mammals, key potential drivers of large-scale beta diversity include current climate, neutral dynamics and two historical factors: Pleistocene glaciations and peninsular dynamics (immigration from extra-regional eastern faunal source areas and inter-linked relictual survival and evolutionary differentiation in isolated areas). 2. We assessed the relative importance of these drivers using a novel analytical framework to deconstruct beta diversity of non-volant mammals in Europe (138 species) into its turnover (change in species composition because of species replacements) and nestedness components (change in species composition because of species richness differences) at continental and regional (250,000 km(2) ) scales. 3. We found continental-scale mammal beta diversity to be mainly caused by spatial turnover (99·9%), with only a small contribution (0·1%) from nestedness. 4. Current climate emerged as an important driver of beta diversity, given the strong continental-scale turnover, particularly in north-south direction, i.e., in line with the latitudinal climate gradient, and, more directly, the strong correlation of climate with spatial turnover at both continental and regional scales. 5. However, there was also evidence for the importance of non-climatic drivers. Notably, the compositional variation purely accounted for by space was greater than that purely accounted for by environment for both the turnover and the nestedness component of beta diversity. Furthermore, the strong longitudinal turnover within Southern Europe is in accordance with the region's long-term climatic stability having allowed multiple refugia and local evolutionary diversification. As expected from peninsular dynamics, there was increasing dissimilarity with geographic distance in an east-west direction because of nestedness, but only in Central and Northern Europe. 6. In conclusion, European mammal beta diversity mainly reflects spatial turnover and only to a limited extent nestedness and is driven by current climate in combination with historical - and perhaps, neutral - dynamics. These findings suggest that a key challenge for climate-change predictive studies will be taking the influence of non-climatic factors into account.

Beyond the Fragmentation Threshold Hypothesis: Regime Shifts in Biodiversity Across Fragmented Landscapes

Ecological systems are vulnerable to irreversible change when key system properties are pushed over thresholds, resulting in the loss of resilience and the precipitation of a regime shift. Perhaps the most important of such properties in human-modified landscapes is the total amount of remnant native vegetation. In a seminal study Andrén proposed the existence of a fragmentation threshold in the total amount of remnant vegetation, below which landscape-scale connectivity is eroded and local species richness and abundance become dependent on patch size. Despite the fact that species patch-area effects have been a mainstay of conservation science there has yet to be a robust empirical evaluation of this hypothesis. Here we present and test a new conceptual model describing the mechanisms and consequences of biodiversity change in fragmented landscapes, identifying the fragmentation threshold as a first step in a positive feedback mechanism that has the capacity to impair ecological resilience, and drive a regime shift in biodiversity. The model considers that local extinction risk is defined by patch size, and immigration rates by landscape vegetation cover, and that the recovery from local species losses depends upon the landscape species pool. Using a unique dataset on the distribution of non-volant small mammals across replicate landscapes in the Atlantic forest of Brazil, we found strong evidence for our model predictions - that patch-area effects are evident only at intermediate levels of total forest cover, where landscape diversity is still high and opportunities for enhancing biodiversity through local management are greatest. Furthermore, high levels of forest loss can push native biota through an extinction filter, and result in the abrupt, landscape-wide loss of forest-specialist taxa, ecological resilience and management effectiveness. The proposed model links hitherto distinct theoretical approaches within a single framework, providing a powerful tool for analysing the potential effectiveness of management interventions.

Refueling while flying: Foraging bats combust food rapidly and directly to power flight

Flying vertebrates, such as bats, face exceptionally high energy costs during active flapping flight. Once airborne, energy turnover may exceed basal metabolic rate by a factor of up to 15. Here, we asked whether fuel that powers flight originates from exogenous (dietary nutrients), endogenous sources (mostly body lipids or glycogen), or a combination of both. Since most insectivorous bats fly continuously over relatively long time periods during foraging, we assumed that slowly mobilized glycogen, although suitable for supporting brief sallying flights, is inadequate to power aerial insect-hunting of bats. We hypothesized that the insect-feeding Noctilio albiventris rapidly mobilizes and combusts nutrients from insects it has just eaten instead of utilizing endogenous lipids. We used the stable carbon isotope ratio in the bats' exhaled breath (delta13C(brth)) to assess the origin of metabolized substrates of resting and flying N. albiventris in two nutritional conditions: fasted and recently fed. The breath of fasted resting bats was depleted in 13C in relation to their insect diet (delta13C(diet)), indicating the combustion of 13C depleted body lipids. In contrast to this, delta13C(brth) of bats that had recently fed closely matched delta13C(diet) in both resting and flying bats, suggesting a quick mobilization of ingested nutrients for metabolism. In contrast to most non-volant mammals, bats have evolved the ability to fuel their high energy expenditure rates through the rapid combustion of exogenous nutrients, enabling them to conquer the nocturnal niche of aerial insectivory.

Non-volant tetrapods from Reserva Biológica de Duas Bocas, State of Espírito Santo, Southeastern Brazil

Reserva Biológica de Duas Bocas (2,910 ha) is one of the largest Atlantic forest remnants in the State of Espírito Santo, Southeastern Brazil. We recorded non-volant tetrapods in this area from May 2007 through April 2008, using pitfalls, live traps, camera traps, and diurnal and nocturnal opportunistic searches. In addition, we compiled available museum and literature records from this area. We documented 52 species of amphibians, 24 species of non-avian reptiles, and 39 species of non-volant mammals. Out of these 115 species, 47 are new records for this area and six other species had their geographic ranges expanded with the present study. Furthermore, we present the record of predation of the tree frog Hypsiboas faber by the snake Chironius bicarinatus. Out of the species listed, five species are listed as threatened with extinction in the State of Espírito Santo, and many others have uncertain conservation status. Reserva Biológica de Duas Bocas is an important wildlife refuge, especially considering the expansion of urban areas in its surroundings.

Mammals of the Macaronesian islands (the Azores, Madeira, the Canary and Cape Verde islands): redefinition of the ecological equilibrium

AbstractThe fossil and subfossil mammal scenario of the oceanic islands of Macaronesia – the Azores, Madeira, and the Savage Islands (Portugal), the Canary Islands (Spain) and Cape Verde – is disconcertingly scant, consisting almost exclusively of the same taxonomic groups characterised by a homogeneous composition of species. The very few endemites can be referred essentially to three species of chiroptera in addition to three murids, which became extinct on the Canaries in historical times, and one representative of the taxonomic group of the Soricomorpha, the Canarian shrew,Crocidura canariensisHutterer, Lopez-Hurado and Vogle 1987. It is the sole non-volant mammal still dispersed on the Canary Islands, where its occurrence is reported from Fuerteventura, La Graciosa, Lanzarote, and possibly from the two islets of Lobos and Montaña Clara. Owing to its vicinity to continental Africa, the Canary archipelago is the only one in the Eastern Atlantic islands to have been characterised by a non-volant mammalian fauna, whereas such elements do not appear to have been diffused in either the Azores or Cape Verde throughout the entire recent Quaternary. The current mammalian composition of these islands is characterised by the presence of species of almost entirely continental and anthropochorous origin. Evidence shows that the extant occurrence of non-volant mammals appears to be almost exclusively a result of human introduction during the late Holocene. The timing of such processes and the biological success of certain introductions (i.e., naturalisation) raise questions about the proper use of terms such as “natural” or “artificial” when dealing with expansions of anthropochorous range.

Small-mammal species richness and abundance along a tropical altitudinal gradient: an Australian example

Abstract:This study examined patterns in the species richness and abundance of small non-volant mammals along a tropical altitudinal gradient in north-eastern Australia. We investigated whether a mid-altitudinal peak in diversity was apparent, and if it occurred, whether it was determined by particular environmental conditions. We sampled a small-mammal assemblage at 17 sites distributed along an altitude-environmental gradient from savanna (350 m) to rain-forest vegetation (1000 m). Over four separate occasions (5100 trap-nights) we recorded 17 species of mammal with 416 captures. A positive non-linear relationship between altitude and mammal species richness and abundance was observed, peaking at the 800–900 m range. Many species were distributed across a range of altitudes, while others were strongly associated with particular habitat conditions. There was a distinct reduction in abundance and species richness at low altitudes associated with the less complex vegetation, lower productivity and possible anthropogenic effects. Key findings were: that small-mammal richness peaked towards the summit of the gradient and not at one-half the maximum altitude predicted by the mid-domain effect; contrasting conditions and greatest vegetation juxtaposition had the greatest influence on the patterns recorded; and that local idiosyncratic influences such as habitat factors, land management and historical biogeography are significant.

Natural Resource Management implications of the pre-European non-volant mammal fauna of the southern tip of Eyre Peninsula, South Australia

Sinkholes and coastal caves located in, around and between the Coffin Bay and Lincoln National Parks were surveyed for pre-European fossils, which were collected from or just below the sediment surface. Twenty-four pre-European fossil samples, including eight already in the collections of the South Australian Museum, were analysed and 25 native and five introduced species of non-volant mammal were identified. Native and introduced species were often found together, indicating that the sites have accumulated mammal remains in both pre- and post-European times. Only four of the non-volant native mammals recovered are known to be extant in the study area today: Lasiorhinus latifrons, Macropus fuliginosus, Cercartetus concinnus and Rattus fuscipes. In contrast, 20 native species recorded have been extirpated and one (Potorous platyops) is now extinct. C. concinnus was recorded from only one of the fossil assemblages but is known to be widespread in the study area today. This may indicate recent vegetation change related to European land management practices and have implications for natural resource management in the area.

Non-volant small mammals of the Western Ghats of Coorg District, southern India

A study to understand diversity and changes in non-volant small mammal composition in the Western Ghats of Coorg District, Karnataka was conducted from April 2004 to April 2008. A total of 11060 trap nights of sampling in various habitats such as forest fragments, coffee and cardamom plantations, open areas including grasslands, agricultural fields including paddy and ginger cultivations, bamboo and in and around human habitations across the two vegetation zones of the district. Totally, 14 species of non-volant small mammals were trapped as 412 unique individuals contributing to an overall trap success of 3.8%. Rattus wroughtoni was the most commonly caught taxon followed by Suncus murinus and S. niger although S. murinus was trapped in 10 habitats followed by Mus musculus in 9 of 11 habitats. The abundance of small mammals was the highest in bamboo (12.1%) and in forest fragments (7.2%); the plantations supported very low abundances (< 3.1%). Endemic mammals such as Rattus satarae, Vandeleuria nilagirica, Platacanthomys lasiurus, Funambulus tristriatus and Suncus niger were recorded in Coorg although P. lasiurus and V. nilagirica were trapped in only one habitat each. Changes in land use and rapid decline in quality of habitat is pushing the endemics into local extinctions while non-endemic commensals are displacing restricted endemics in disturbed habitats. This study underlines the need for more in-depth rapid assessments in the Western Ghats for the poorly understood small mammals and the initiation of conservation programmes for endemics.

Mammals from Ejido Ranchitos, Colima, Mexico

The state of Colima in western Mexico is part of the transition zone between the two biogeographic regions of America, the Nearctic and the Neotropical. The state has particularly high mammalian diversity (128 species) and is in the area with the greatest concentration of endemic species in Mexico (25%). As a result, there is intrinsic scientific interest in the study of mammals of Colima. However, the mammalian fauna has received only limited attention to date. There is no published comprehensive inventory of mammals of Colima and only a few detailed reports of the species that occur at any given location within the state have been published. As a contribution to the knowledge of mammals present in Colima, data were compiled on the mammals of Ejido Ranchitos, municipality of Minatitlán, and the species were characterized. We recorded 35 species, 9 monotypic and 26 polytypic, gathering information on natural history and reproductive condition for each. These represent 27.3% of species of mammals known from Colima and 7.4% of the total for Mexico. Eleven species were endemic, comprising 31.4% of species captured for Ejido Ranchitos and 6.5% of the endemic species for Mexico. Nonvolant mammals exhibited three reproductive patterns: continual polyestrous (10 species, 28.6%), seasonal polyestrous (4, 11.4%), and seasonal monoestrous (3, 8.6%). Reproductive patterns for bats were seasonal monoestrous (7 species, 20.0%), asynchronic continual polyestrous (7, 20.0%), bimodal polyestrous (2, 5.7%), continual polyestrous (1, 2.9%), and asynchronic monoestrous (1, 2.9%). Three of the species we examined (Heteromys spectabilis, Neotoma mexicana tenuicauda, and Peromyscus hylocetes) have not been reported previously for Colima. Overall, Ejido Ranchitos supports a diverse fauna of small-sized and medium-sized mammals.

Small mammal assemblages in a disturbed tropical landscape at Pozuzo, Peru

Deforestation in the Peruvian pre-montane forests has increased alarmingly in recent years. Particularly, fragmentation in these forests takes place against a background of very extensive continuous forest. Until now, no studies have detailed how Peruvian small mammals responded to forest fragmentation. In this paper, we report the results of an assessment of nonvolant small mammal fauna in forest remnants (one large fragment and one small fragment) and cattle pasture in a disturbed landscape at Pozuzo, formerly a pre-montane tropical forest in central Peru. In each forest remnant, we quantify habitat parameters and identified small mammals to know if there is a relationship between forest remnant size or microhabitat structure and small mammal assemblages. In addition, we investigated the influence of habitat structure on the presence of small mammal species. We did not find any evidence that habitat structure in large fragment was greater than small fragment. Actually, both forest remnants presented habitat features typical of forests subject to higher levels of disturbance. We found that abundance of small trees (10 - 19 cm DBH) was positively associated with the presence of Marmosops noctivagus, but negatively with the presence of Oecomys bicolor. Likewise, the presence of the arboreal Rhipidomys leucodactylus was associated with the abundance of larger trees (DBH > 50 cm). We recorded 12 small mammal species in large fragment, 9 in small fragment and 3 in cattle pasture. No significant differences were found in species richness between both fragments, but marsupial abundance in the small fragment was greater than large fragment. At Pozuzo, we recorded 9 species restricted to forest habitat and 3 to forest and cattle pastures. However, it is necessary to assess more fragments to improve our knowledge about species survival in this landscape.

Non-volant mammals, Reserva Particular do Patrimônio Natural (RPPN) Rio das Pedras, municipality of Mangaratiba, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The Atlantic Forest is recognized as a global hotspot for having one of the highest rates of endemism and biodiversity. Its portion in the state of Rio de Janeiro is extremely fragmented and reduced. The present study seeks to get information on the non-volant mammals of RPPN Rio das Pedras in municipality of Mangaratiba, state of Rio de Janeiro. The rapid mammal's survey was accomplished by the use of pitfalls, live traps, transects and camera traps. We recorded 23 non-volant species that represent 13.1 % of Rio de Janeiro’s terrestrial mammal species. Among the recorded species, five are endemic of the Atlantic Forest and three are in the state list of threatened or presumably threatened species. The area presents great mammal richness, but the hunting activity and the presence of exotic species may represent a threat to the local biodiversity and should be controlled.

Non-flying mammals of Chapada Diamantina (Bahia, Brazil)

Chapada Diamantina is located in central Bahia state, and has a large diversity of habitats, including important transitional areas, but has remained largely unstudied until now. In the present study we list the non-flying mammals of Chapada Diamantina National Park and surroundings. We captured only small non-volant mammals, medium and large mammals were assessed through indirect evidences (tracks and marks) and interviews. We recorded 58 species and 47 genera from seven Mammalian orders. Seven species are included in the list of endangered Brazilian species by IBAMA and IUCN; and other seven are classified as data-deficient. Species richness of small mammals was equivalent among sampled habitats, but species composition varied among habitats (10 in semi-deciduous forest, 9 in rocky savanna and 8 in cerrado sensu stricto), as some species are restricted by humidity to forest habitats. During four different samplings, eight species were collected only in open vegetation, four only in forests, and six in both habitats. Oligoryzomys rupestris and Gracilinanus microtarsus had its geographic range expanded. Faunal composition is similar to the one observed in the Atlantic Forest, including species from Cerrado and Caatinga. Besides, some species occupy different habitats from those previously ascribed to them.

Non-volant small mammal community responses to fragmentation of kerangas forests in Brunei Darussalam

This paper summarises the effects of kerangas forest fragmentation on the non-volant small mammal community resident in the fragments based on a long term study conducted in Brunei Darussalam. These effects are shown as eight responses—a significant reduction in the species richness and diversity in relation to size of fragments, the disappearance of species with large home ranges and specific habitat requirements, invasion of generalists/opportunists into the fragments from degraded habitats, absence of predators, a possible reduction in the activity space of generalists in fragments, erosion in the trophic structure of the small mammal community, changes in the small mammal abundance in relation to fragment size and dominance of one species over other co-occurring species in an isolated fragment. These responses are briefly explained and their significance discussed.

Environmental Assessment at the Bakhuis Bauxite Concession: Small- Sized Mammal Diversity and Abundance in the Lowland Humid Forests of Suriname

A small mammal survey was conducted in the Bakhuis Mountains of western Suriname in South America as part of a larger environmental and social impact assessment for a proposed bauxite mining concession. The objectives were to establish a baseline study of species diversity and relative abundance for comparison of seasonality, areas, and habitats to facilitate the identification and monitoring of potential impacts of mining to the environment. There were 83 species of small mammals documented comprising 68 species of bats, 8 species of rats and mice, and 7 species of opossums. The most abundant bat was the Seba’s short-tailed bat, Carollia perspicillata Linnaeus, which was recorded at all six study sites. The most abundant non-volant small mammal was the Guianan spiny rat, Proechimys guyannensis E. Geoffroy. Noteworthy discoveries during the survey include the documentation of four species of bats new to the fauna of Suriname (Cyttarops alecto Thomas, smoky sheath-tailed bat; Saccopteryx gymnura Thomas; least two-lined sac-winged bat; Diaemus youngi Jentink; bird-feeding vampire bat; and Lasiurus egregius Peters, greater red bat). There were no obvious differences between the dry and wet season samplings that were attributable directly to climatic conditions. In terms of spatial variation, the relative abundance of bats among the five study sites within the concession area was similar to each other, but significantly different from a sixth study site at a nearby ecotourism operation, which had large numbers of three species (C. perspicillata; Molossus molossus, common free-tailed bat; and Sturnira lilium, little yellowshouldered bat) that are better adapted to human modified surroundings. This suggests that the recent mining explorations in Bakhuis have had a relatively minor impact on bats and that the otherwise pristine forests within the concession can tolerate low levels of disturbance in proportionally small areas over a short duration. For specific habitats, the xeric forest on plateaus had a reduced subset of species of small mammals that were found in the mesic forest of the surrounding lowland regions, which was acting as a species reservoir for upland areas. Small mammals, in particular bats as primary seed dispersers and flower pollinators, are important components of the ecosystem for the successful reforestation of natural habitats, and factors related to community structure are good indicators of the health of the environment.

A Case Study on the Effects of Disturbance and Conversion of Tropical Lowland Rain Forest on the Non-Volant Small Mammals in North Borneo: Management Implications

The conversion and loss of primary rainforest in Southeast Asia is presumed to affect many animal assemblages in terms of their diversity and species composition. We studied the responses of non-volant small mammals to forest loss and degradation caused by logging and the establishment of large-scale oil palm plantations located in the north-eastern part of Borneo in Southeast Asia. We found that habitat types (forest versus plantation) were important determinant of species occurrences and assemblage compositions. However, within forest habitats irrespective of whether logged or unlogged, similarities in assemblage compositions of sites close to each other underline the importance of geographic distance in shaping small mammal assemblages. In terms of conservation management, it is imperative to incorporate the size and overall surrounding environment of a forest into forest management concepts, and although not equivalent to areas of primary forest, old regenerating secondary forest needs to be considered as an important component for the preservation of small mammal species diversity. In contrast, oil palm plantations are clearly of little or no importance for the conservation of the non-volant small mammal fauna and this habitat may also act as an effective barrier to the dispersal of the small mammals.

Metabolic, hygric and ventilatory physiology of a hypermetabolic marsupial, the honey possum (Tarsipes rostratus)

The honey possum is the only non-volant mammal to feed exclusively on a diet of nectar and pollen. Like other mammalian and avian nectarivores, previous studies indicated that the honey possum's basal metabolic rate was higher than predicted for a marsupial of equivalent body mass. However, these early measurements have been questioned. We re-examined the basal metabolic rate (2.52 +/- 0.222 ml O(2) g(-1) h(-1)) of the honey possum and confirm that it is indeed higher (162%) than predicted for other marsupials both before and after accounting for phylogenetic history. This, together with its small body mass (5.4 +/- 0.14 g; 1.3% of that predicted by phylogeny) may be attributed to its nectarivorous diet and mesic distribution. Its high-basal metabolic rate is associated with a high-standard body temperature (36.6 +/- 0.48 degrees C) and oxygen extraction (19.4%), but interestingly the honey possum has a high point of relative water economy (17.0 degrees C) and its standard evaporative water loss (4.33 +/- 0.394 mg H(2)O g(-1) h(-1)) is not elevated above that of other marsupials, despite its mesic habitat and high dietary water intake.

Microestruturas de pêlos de pequenos mamíferos não-voadores: chave para identificação de espécies de agroecossistemas do estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Características microestruturais dos pêlos vêm sendo usadas para identificação de espécies em pesquisas taxonômicas, ecológicas, paleontológicas, arqueológicas e forenses. Este estudo tem como objetivo a descrição da estrutura dos pêlos de algumas espécies de pequenos mamíferos não-voadores comumente encontrados em agroecossistemas do Estado de São Paulo. Os pêlos foram coletados do dorso de espécimes previamente identificados coletados em áreas de agricultura (canavial), pastagens, silvicultura (plantio de eucalipto) e fragmentos de vegetação nativa (floresta semidecídua e cerrado). O microscópio óptico apresentou limitações para a descrição do formato e borda das escamas, os quais foram descritos através do uso de microscópio eletrônico de varredura. Uma chave de identificação dicotômica é apresentada para 11 espécies de pequenos mamíferos não-voadores (sete roedores e quatro marsupiais).

Non-volant mammals, Reserva San Sebastián-La Castellana, Valle de Aburrá, Antioquia, Colombia

From 2000 to 2006 I conducted mammalogical inventory in Reserva San Sebastián-La Castellana, Valle de Aburrá, Antioquia, Colombia. Twenty eight species of non-volant mammals are listed. List includes notable records such as threatened (Leopardus tigrinus and Cabassous centralis), cryptic and rare species (Thomasomys popayanus, Cryptotis medellinia, and Olallamys albicauda).

Mamíferos do Parque Estadual do Desengano, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Mesmo após a devastação de grande parte das suas matas, o Estado do Rio de Janeiro ainda abriga uma grande riqueza de mamíferos terrestres. Contudo, informações sobre abundância e distribuição da mastofauna do Estado ainda são escassas. Este estudo tem como objetivo inventariar os mamíferos do Parque Estadual do Desengano, localizado na região norte do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, uma das regiões menos amostradas e mais alteradas do Estado. O inventário foi realizado utilizando armadilhas do tipo Sherman e Tomahawk, e armadilhas de queda para os pequenos mamíferos não-voadores, redes de neblina para os morcegos, armadilhas fotográficas, avistamentos e relatos de moradores e funcionários do Parque para os mamíferos de maior porte. Nós registramos 56 espécies de mamíferos, das quais 15 constam na lista da fauna ameaçada de extinção do Estado do Rio de Janeiro e 10 na lista da fauna brasileira ameaçada de extinção, incluindo Brachyteles arachnoides. As espécies mais abundantes foram o morcego Sturnira lilium e o roedor Akodon serrensis. Além disso, Thaptomys nigrita, roedor normalmente pouco capturado no Estado, foi relativamente abundante no Parque Estadual do Desengano. Nossos resultados indicam que o Parque abriga 33,7% das espécies de mamíferos com ocorrência conhecida para o Estado, destacando a importância da área para a conservação da fauna do Rio de Janeiro.