Levantamento e estimativas populacionais de mamíferos de médio e grande porte num fragmento urbano de Mata Atlântica no sudeste do Brasil

Abstract

This study was carried out in an Atlantic Forest fragment on the periphery of Juiz de Fora City, state of Minas Gerais, including the Biological Municipal Reserve Poço D’Anta and private areas, with about 930 ha. The study aimed to assess the mammalian fauna status in the fragment, through species survey and population estimates. Moreover, the efficiency of baits for mammals’ surveys was evaluated. The samplings were based on camera-traps, diurnal line-transect sampling and casual records of feces, footprints and sighting. Twenty-two species were recorded, including threatened species (Leopardus pardalis and Chrysocyon brachyurus), and exotic species (C. brachyurus, Callithrix penicillata, Callithrix jacchus, Canis familiaris and Equus caballus). Amongst the recorded species by camera-traps, the commonest were Didelphis aurita, Philander frenatus, Marmosops sp., Dasypus novemcinctus and Agouti paca. Baits were efficient to record more species at the sampling points, and to record species in less time than traps with no baits. Density estimates were high to Cebus nigritus and Alouatta guariba clamitans, and low to C. penicillata and Sciurus aestuans. Density of Callicebus nigrifrons must have been underestimated, but it was within the range reported for other Atlantic Forest fragments. However, hypothetical population sizes for all species suggest that long-term survivorship is unviable. Recommended strategies for species conservation are species monitoring programs, exotic species control and establishment of wildlife corridors.