Dieta e área de vida do gato doméstico (Felis silvestris catus Linnaeus -1758) (carnívora, felidae) em ambiente natural de Mata Atlântica na Ilha Comprida, estado de São Paulo

Abstract

Free access for cats (Felis silvestris catus) to areas outside the residence of its owners (called semi-resident), when in natural environments may cause predation on wildlife, food competition with native carnivores and more, increase the zoonoses placement. Information about the behavior of these animals in the Atlantic forest fragments are rare, thus this study aimed to assess: a) the items found on diet and its seasonal variation by analyzing fecal samples; b) the home range and patterns of activity by radio telemetry; c) individual differences in diet and feces disposal in the territories by the method of marking bait semidomiciled cats found in an Atlantic forest fragment located south of the city of Ilha Comprida – SP. The results collected between September 2009 and September 2010 show that even getting food from the owners, the species had a generalist and opportunistic diet, with little seasonal variation (X2 = 6,754, p = 0,4549). The most consumed preys were insects (21,26%), followed by mammals (14,24%) and poultry (4,11%). Males residing in properties absent from females had larger home ranges and overlap the areas of other cats, which showed similar values. The time of greatest activity occurred in the evening twilight period, mainly during 20-22h and 02-04h, while the period between 14-16h showed the lowest record. Major activities recorded during the dry season, however, males showed greater nocturnal activity in both seasons, while females more daytime activities, especially during the dry season. The fecal samples found near the center of activity usually were buried, and as much as they distanced from the center they could be buried or not. There were few variations in diet between the sexes. However, younger females preyed on smaller animals (insects); older females also ate higher vertebrates, whereas for males the opposite was observed. The diversity of prey items found in the native diet demonstrates the adaptiveness in innate behavior and predation of the species. The small difference found between the seasons reflected in the low seasonal variation found in the sample period. The results indicate that the availability and abundance of resources (food and shelter) were the most important factors in determining the home range of females, while the availability and access to them, and are the determinants for males. It is suggested that the activity pattern is influenced by seasonal variations. How feces are found in the environment are related to the hierarchical status or behavioral and ecological issues of its producer. Thus, important information about diet and individual hunting behavior were obtained through individual identification of feces. The results of this study contribute to research aimed at the preservation of species vulnerable to

influences caused by the presence of this species in natural environments, or even seek clarification about the health and wellness of these animals, native species and their owners.