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

Abstract

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.