Perceptions of human-carnivore conflicts in the High Andes of Argentina

LUCHERINI, M.; MERINO, M.J. 2008. Perceptions of human-carnivore conflicts in the High Andes of Argentina. Mountain Research and Development 28(1):81-85. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1659/mrd.0903

Abstract. The Andean cat (Leopardus jacobitus), one of the world’s most threatened felids, forms part of the little known carnivore guild occurring in the dry areas of the High Andes. Although human–carnivore conflicts are among the major causes of carnivore population decline, no data are available on this issue for the High Andes. We report here the results of the first survey of human perceptions of, and attitudes towards, carnivores in the high-altitude Andes of Argentina. Interviews with 50 adults and 226 schoolchildren revealed that pumas (Puma concolor) and foxes (Lycalopex culpaeus) are considered pests for preying upon livestock and are actively hunted by adults. Although perceptions of the Andean cat and the Pampas cat (Leopardus colocolo) were more positive, especially among schoolchildren, they are also frequently killed by local people. We suggest that, contrary to what was previously thought, hunting might be affecting the conservation status of the Andean cat and of some puma populations in the High Andes of Argentina, and that education strategies may help to improve human attitudes, particularly in the case of the endangered Andean cat.

Niche separation between the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), the crab-eating fox (Dusicyon thous) and the hoary fox (Dusicyon vetulus) in central Brazil

JÁCOMO, A.T.A.; SILVEIRA, L.; DINIZ-FILHO, J.A.F. 2004. Niche separation between the maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus), the crab-eating fox (Dusicyon thous) and the hoary fox (Dusicyon vetulus) in central Brazil. Journal of Zoology, London 262:99-106. DOI:10.1017/S0952836903004473

Abstract. Four species of canids occur in the Cerrado of central Brazil. Three of them, the maned wolf Chrysocyon brachyurus, the crab-eating fox Dusicyon thous and the hoary fox Dusicyon vetulus, were studied in Emas National Park between 1996 and 1999 to investigate niche separation. The diet of the three species was studied to understand niche breadth and degree of overlap. Habitat and activity patterns were used as second and third ecological parameters to define niche dimensions, and were estimated using camera-trap data. The maned wolf is the largest species, weighing c. 21 kg, and is about three times larger than the crab-eating fox and six times larger than the hoary fox. The major ecological differences between the three species were found in their food niche and habitat use, where crab-eating fox presented higher differences from the hoary fox (Pianka’s index of niche overlap (O) = 0.405). Despite differences in niche breadth, habitat use between the hoary fox and the maned wolf were more similar, explaining their larger overlap, in comparison with habitat use by the crab-eating fox. Activity patterns among the species showed less divergence. The three species presented two activity peaks, one in the dusk–night period and another in the morning period. These data permit a better understanding of the ecological separation of the three Cerrado canids that enables their coexistence.

Journals: Journal of Biogeography

Journal of Biogeography

- Abreviatura: J. Biogeogr.

- Home Page: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1365-2699

- Qualis CAPES: A1 (Biodiversidade e Ciências Biológicas I), A2 (Ciências Biológicas III).

- Taxa de Publicação: Nenhuma.

- Idiomas: Inglês.

- Disponibilidade: Restrito. A maioria dos artigos é de acesso restrito e pago.

- Submissão: Online, pelo sistema ScholarOne Manuscripts, com acesso na home page.

Artigos que tratem de todos os aspectos da biogeografia espacial, ecológica e histórica são considerados para publicação no Journal of Biogeography. A missão do periódico é contribuir para o crescimento e relevância social da disciplina da biogeografia através da disseminação de pesquisas biogeográficas. Para este fim, a política editorial é de que o periódico busca ser representativo da disciplina de biogeografia, ter âmbito global, e incluir as principais opiniões e pontos de vista dentro da disciplina. Autores são particularmente encorajados a submeter artigos concisos, claramente escritos e focados em questões precisamente emolduradas ou hipóteses de amplo interesse para o vasto público internacional do periódico.

Medium and large-sized mammals of the Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçú, Cachoeira de Macacu, RJ

CARVALHO, I.D.; OLIVEIRA, R.; PIRES, A.S. 2014. Medium and large-sized mammals of the Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçú, Cachoeira de Macacu, RJ. Biota Neotropica 14(3):1-9.

Abstract: Medium and large-sized terrestrial mammals develop important functions in ecosystems maintenance. However, this group is the most vulnerable to local extinctions, through habitat loss or hunting. This study inventoried the community of medium and large mammals in the Reserva Ecológica de Guapiaçú (REGUA), Cachoeiras de Macacu, RJ, providing data on species composition, richness and abundance. Species were registered through the use of camera traps, sign survey and visual encounters on pre-existing trails and roads. The study was conducted from January to October 2012, with each month considered as a sample unit. An effort of 1568 cameras-day and 120 km traveled, resulted on 302 records of 22 species of medium and large-sized mammals, belonging to eight orders. This value corresponds to more than three-quarters of the richness described from this group in the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro state. Five species are under some level of regional, national or global threat. Three game species, Pecari tajacu, Cuniculus paca and Dasyprocta leporina were abundant in the area. The observed richness was comparable to that found in other studies conducted in rain forests. Thus, for its high number of species, including those under some degree of threat, we conclude that REGUA is an important area to mammal conservation, especially in the Atlantic Forest of Rio de Janeiro state.

Abundance and community composition of small mammals in different habitats in Hugumburda forest, northern Ethiopia

ADAM, M.; WELEGERIMA, K.; MEHERETU, Y. 2015. Abundance and community composition of small mammals in different habitats in Hugumburda forest, northern Ethiopia. International Journal fo Biodiversity and Conservation 7(2):119-125. doi: 10.5897/IJBC2014.0787

Abstract. Tropical forest ecosystems harbor several species of small mammals. Diversity and abundance of small mammals in these forests reflect the quality and diversity of the ecosystems. The corrent study was carried out to assess abundance and species composition of small mammals (rodents and shrews) in three habitat types (Pterolobium, Juniperus and Cadia habitats) in Hugumburda forest, a dry afromontane forest in the Tigray region of North Ethiopia. The habitat types were selected based on the floristic compositions (plant species diversity) and level of human disturbance. All together, 179 individual small mammals belonging to seven rodent and one insectivore species were captured in 4,320 trap nights. The rodent species, with their relative abundance, were Stenocephalemys albipes, 55 (30.7%); Mastomys awashensis, 53 (29.6%); Arvicanthis dembeensis, 26 (14.5%); Lophuromys flavopunctatus, 22 (12.3%); Mus (Nannomys) setulosus, 14 (7.8%); Arvicanthis abysinicus 4 (2.2%); Dendromus mystacalis, 3 (1.7%) and the insectivore Crocidura olivieri, 2 (1.1%). There was significant variation in the small mammal abundance among the habitat types (X²= 29.45, P= 0.009), with more individuals caught in Pterolobium habitat, which has relatively highest plant species composition and lowest human disturbance than the other two habitats. The highest small mammal species diversity was also recorded in this habitat (H'= 1.76). Vegetation diversity and level of human interference are likely the major factors affecting small mammal abundance and composition in Hugumburda forest.

7th European Congress of Mammalogy 17-21 August - Abstract submission open

Divulgação de Evento:

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Dear everyone,

We would like to welcome you to take part in the 7th European Congress of Mammalogy in Stockholm, Sweden (to be held 17-21 August 2015).

Registration and abstract submission are now open. Please visit the conference website to find out more about the conference, as well as to register and submit an abstract: www.zoologi.su.se/ecm7

Early Registration is open until the 15th of April, and Late Registration will be between 16th of April and 16th of June. The deadline for abstract submission is 15th of May.

The aim of the European Congresses of Mammalogy is to foster communication between researchers working on issues of mammalian biology in the European arena, as well as providing a venue for the broad dissemination of European mammal research. The relaxed and friendly atmosphere of these congresses provides an excellent opportunity to hear the latest developments in various fields of mammalogy, to share research experience and expertise, and to develop new and closer contacts with colleagues from different countries.

The conference will cover a broad range of topics in mammal biology, including Species Interactions, Population Genetics, Conservation Biology and Ecology & Landscapes.

Preliminary list of Plenary & Keynote speakers:

·         David MacDonald, University of Oxford

·         Heikki Henttonen, Finnish Forest Research Institute

·         Anjali Goswami, University College London

·         Xavier Lambin, University of Aberdeen

·         Jennifer Leonard, Doñana Biological Station

·         Tim Clutton-Brock, University of Cambridge

·         Henrik Andrén, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

·         Mike Bruford, Cardiff University

·         Ian Barnes, Natural History Museum London

·         Bodil Elmhagen, Stockholm University

·         Kjell Danell, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences

·         Nigel Yoccoz, Tromso University

·         Greger Larson, Oxford University

·         Urs Breitenmoser, Bern University

·         Selina Brace, Natural History Museum London

·         Arild Landa, Norwegian Institute for Nature Research