Habitat partition among cervids in the Iguaçu National Park / Partição de habitats entre os cervídeos do Parque Nacional do Iguaçu

AUTOR(ES)
DATA DE PUBLICAÇÃO

2009

RESUMO

This study evaluated the determinant patterns of spatial distribution among the sympatric species Mazama americana and Mazama nana in the Iguaçu National Park under the principles of competitive exclusion and coexistence of ecologically related species. Three potential models of habitat partition were proposed to evaluate the relations among the occurrence frequencies of the species and a set of seven biotic and abiotic variables measured near of each sample unit. Animal occurrences were determined by the location of fecal samples (sample units) found along the park. Samples were genetically identified by PCR/RFLP technique, using a species-specific cytochrome b gene marker of the mitochondrial DNA extracted from fecal samples. In the Parapatric Partition Model, frequencies of each species (dependant variable) were compared with respect to the altitude (m) above the sea level, used here as an index of the two forest types considered in this model. In the Niche Differential Selection Model, species were contrasted under its values of declivity (%), canopy height (m), canopy density (%), understory density (%) and the number of vegetal strata (1-5). In the Temporal Partition Model, the activity patterns obtained from a camera trap monitoring performed in both height extremes of the park were compared among the species. Significant results for differentiation of the species occurrence frequencies were observed for altitude, canopy and understory densities and number of vegetal strata, beyond a partial relation to declivity. An observed correlation between altitude and some of the niche variables (declivity, canopy and understory densities) suggests a more determinant role of the Parapatric Distribution Model to modulate the local distribution of both species, in detriment of the Niche Differential Selection one. The lack of significant differences between both daily activity patterns lead to the rejection of the Temporal Partition Model. An additional analysis of the fecal pellet dimensions (length and width) showed a high overlap of values from both species, refusing the validity of its use as secure identification tool for this species in the region.

ASSUNTO(S)

veados . parques nacionais habitat habitat spatial distribution parques nacionais veados. distribuição espacial

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