Diversity of medium and large sized mammals in the Urucu basin, Amazonas, Brazil

Abstract

Between April 2008 and May 2009, studies on the species richness, composition and relative abundance of the medium and large sized mammals were carried out in the Urucu basin (Brazilian Amazon). The survey was conducted using line transect sampling method, active search for signs and camera-traps. A total of 41 species of 17 families and eight orders were recorded. Primates was the group with the highest species richness in sympatry (13 species), followed by carnivores (11 species). Primates, Perissodactyla, Artiodactyla and Rodentia were the most abundant groups. The high diversity of medium and large sized mammals presented here indicates the importance of the region for mammals conservation in Amazonia.