Mammals in atlantic forest remnants of Barbacena, Minas Gerais

Abstract

Habitat loss and fragmentation are the main causes of
biodiversity decline, since changes in environmental and
ecological conditions directly affect species richness,
abundance, and distribution. This study aimed to identify
medium- and large-sized mammals occurring in three
Atlantic Forest remnants located in the Barbacena campus of the Federal Institute of Southeast Minas Gerais (IFSudesteMG). The
species were recorded in track plots and through active search for
direct and indirect signs. 16 species distributed in six orders and 14
families were identified, including some vulnerable and threatened
species such as Lycalopex vetulus (meadow fox), Lontra longicaudis
(otter), and Callicebus nigrifrons (black-fronted titi monkey). Canis
familiaris (domestic dog) and Didelphis sp. (opossum) were the species
most frequently observed in the track plots. The largest fragment had
the greatest species richness, with 15 species, or 93.75% of the total.
The number of species shared among the three sampled areas was
31.2%. The similarities identified between the fragments indicate the
need for higher connectivity among them, through the creation of
ecological corridors to allow the movement and, consequently, gene
flux among the populations, favoring the maintenance of important
ecosystem services in the region. Although small, the study area
plays a major role in mammal conservation in the region, preserving
species from the Cerrado and the Atlantic Forest domains. To reduce
potential impacts on the local fauna, management and conservation
efforts should be put forward.
Keywords: Fragmentation; biodiversity; mammalian fauna