Non-flying mammals and attacks by domestic dogs in Morro Branco, Vargem Alta, ES

• Main Authors: Rabello, Helimar, Bissa, Luan Gonçalves, Silva, Gabriel Permanhane da, Silva Filho, Gilson, Teixeira, Cíntia Cristina Lima, Pin, Tatiana Gorone Fávero, Tavares, Leticia Rigo
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: Sustenere Publishing 2020
• Subjects: Mamíferos; Canis lupus familiaris; Mata Atlântica; Conservação; Espécies exóticas invasoras; Mammals; Atlantic forest; Conservation; Invasive alien species; Alta; Morro; Canis lupus
• Online Access: http://www.sustenere.inf.br/index.php/nature/article/view/CBPC2318-2881.2021.001.0005

The reduction in the population of mammals is caused mostly by the loss and habitat fragmentation, especially in the context of the Atlantic Forest, in addition to hunting and the introduction of exotic species in natural environments, as the domestic dogs. The objective of this study was to accomplish a survey of non-flying mammals and to evaluate the predatory impact of Canis lupus familiaris on this community, in an area selected for the implementation of the future Environmental Protection Area (APAs) 'Morro Branco', at Sítio Morro Branco, Vargem Alta, Espírito Santo State, from february of 2015 to february of 2016. The survey occurred by active search for traces (footprints, feces, and carcasses), and using cage traps and camera traps. Eighteen taxa were registered, distributed in 6 orders and 10 families, totaling 84 individuals. Three taxa were classified as abundant (CTA): Nasua nasua (26%), Canis lupus familiaris (15%), and Didelphis aurita (14%). Four species are threatened with extinction: Puma yagouaroundi, Puma concolor, Mazama Bororo, and Callithrix flaviceps. The technique that registered the highest number of taxa was the record of carcasses of predated animals with 9 species, followed by the visual record with 8 species, and the use of camera trap, registering 7 species. The registration of carcasses of animals predated by Canis lupus familiaris was the method with the largest number of exclusive registrations, as Puma yagouaroundi, Galisctis cuja, and Mazama bororo, registered only in this way. Thirteen animals were found slaughtered, with evident bite marks, corresponding to 18% of the total. The most predated species were Didelphis aurita, Dasypus novemcinctus, and Mazama americana. Canis lupus familiaris presented a high Relative Abundance (15,48%) in the area, becoming a risk factor for the conservation of endangered species as Puma yagouaroundi, and Puma concolor, which besides attacks, can suffer by competition. It is urgent to take conservationist actions, and to elaborate a management ...