Mamíferos de médio e grande porte em fragmentos de Cerrado na Fazenda Experimental do Glória (Uberlândia, MG)

Abstract

Considered a biodiversity hotspot, the Brazilian Cerrado contains a rich mammalian fauna, despite the high level of degradation in this area. The loss of habitat is major in the Triângulo Mineiro region, where few studies evaluated mammal diversity. In this way, the aim of this study was threefold: 1) evaluate the species richness and composition of medium and large-sized mammals in the Fazenda Experimental do Glória, 2) investigate the patterns of spatial distribution of these animals and 3) determine seasonal variations in this distribution patterns. The Fazenda Experimental do Glória (685 ha), hereafter called FEG, is located in the municipality of Uberlândia, Triângulo Mineiro region. Data were collected from august 2008 to October 2009, in a total of 116 field trips. Four fragments were studied, by walking in pre-existent trails. Medium and large-sized mammals were recorded in those trails through direct (visualizations) and indirect (observation of tracks, faeces, bones, vocalizations and interviews with local population) methods. Distribution of species in the physiognomies was obtained using presence/absence data, and this result was evaluated in order to suggest possible associations between habitat characteristics and species habitat use. Twenty-one medium and large-sized mammals were recorded in the study site, including three species considered vulnerable, three endangered and one critically endangered. Procyon cancrivorus, Dasypus novemcinctus, Mazama sp., Myrmecophaga tridactyla e Chrysocyon brachyurus presented the higher relative frequency. Gallery forest contained a high number of species (n =14) than the other physiognomies. Although a few species seemed restricted to certain habitats, most species explored several physiognomies, indicating a generalist pattern of habitat use. Regarding the frequency of use of different physiognomies, our results suggest that species use in a higher frequency those areas that present food and other important resources. Spatial distribution of species was similar between seasons, except for Lontra longicaudis, which presented a higher frequency in the dry season. This study point out the importance of FEG for mammal conservation; however, in the long-term, the small size and isolation of fragments in this area will not be able to maintain viable populations of the studied mammals. In this way, management decisions, such as connecting FEG fragments with each other and with the surrounding areas, are crucial for conservation of these populations.