Non-volant mammalian diversity in fragments in extreme eastern Amazonia

Abstract

Current deforestation practices are likely to result in fragmentation of much of Amazonia. Extreme eastern Amazonia (here referring to the region east of the Tocantins River) is the most populated area of the Brazilian Amazon and, unfortunately, represents the likely future scenario for remaining Amazonia. Although data are available on mammals in central Amazon fragments (the BDFFP project, http://pdbff.inpa.gov.br/), surprisingly little is known about mammalian distribution and responses to fragmentation in eastern Amazonia. As an initial step towards understanding these responses, we compiled available data on mammalian assemblage composition in four fragments east of the Tocantins River, in northeastern Pará, Brazil, between 2002 and 2006. These fragments are privately owned and embedded within a matrix of secondary forest, pasture, slash-and-burn agriculture, and roads. Survey methods included diurnal line transect censusing, nocturnal censusing, live trapping of small mammals, opportunistic observations, and interviews with local informants. Despite environmental stresses, nearly all of the expected large mammalian fauna was recorded at least once, providing reason for optimism. We documented 58 species of mammals in nine orders, and most species we failed to encounter were small nocturnal taxa for which our sampling effort likely was inadequate. Although preliminary in nature, this study highlights the need for comprehensive faunal surveys and complementary ecological research on the fauna of extreme eastern Amazonia. It also indicates that the terrestrial fauna of the region shows indications of resilience in spite of a long history of exploitation.