Mammalian fauna of medium and large sized in the RPPN of UNISC, RS, Brazil

Abstract

The aim of this study was to conduct an inventory on the mammal fauna present at UNISC's private natural reserve (RPPN), in order to better contribute with data on the occurrence and distribution of mid and large-sized mammal species at Rio Grande do Sul's Serra Geral region. Field samplings were conducted from November 2008 to April 2009. Additional previously collected data were also used. Methods used were live visual searching and camera-traps. Records of 16 mammal species were obtained, belonging to 12 families and six Orders: two Didelphimorphia, one Xenarthra, two Primates, six Carnivora, one Artiodactyla and four Rodentia. Two other species were not recorded according to our survey protocols and, consequently, were not considered in the analysis of occurrence consistency and spatial occupation. Six species were considered as occasional, seven were accessory, and only one, Cerdocyon thous, was constant. Nine species (64%) were considered as specialists regarding the habitats they occupied, and five (36%) were generalists. Diet categories analysis indicated seven omnivorous species (43.75%), four frugivorous (25%), three carnivores (18.75%) and two herbivorous (12.5%). Among the 16 species recorded, seven are classified as under any level of threat of extinction for the State of Rio Grande do Sul, one is nationally threatened, and two other are considered globally "near threatened". The fact that 44% of the species are experiencing any level of extinction threat reinforces the importance of the RPPN for the conservation of the regional mammal fauna.