Mamíferos medianos y grandes en un fragmento de bosque subandino en Colombia

Abstract

Forest fragments that still persist within anthropized environments play a fundamental role in the conservation of different animal species.  Different organisms use forest fragments as permanent habitats or as passage corridors within agro-landscapes.  The objective of this study is to report medium and large mammals in a forest fragment in central Colombia.  This study was conducted in a forest fragment of 6 ha located in the farm El Billar, in the municipality of Pijao, Quindío, Colombia.  For the detection of mammals were used the methodology of photo-trapping, direct observations from walks (nocturnal and diurnal) and surveys conducted to local inhabitants about the perceived local mastofauna.  The sampling period was from August 2018 to June 2021.  We recorded 15 species of medium and large mammals, grouped into 12 families belonging to 6 orders, being Carnivora and Didelphimorphia the best represented ones, with 6 and 3 species, respectively.  Species of particular interest due to their threat status and ecological traits such as Aotus lemurinus and Leopardus tigrinus, persist in this forest fragment despite their small size.  These records highlight the role of small forest remnants in the conservation of species and the importance of generating connectivity strategies between highly anthropized ecosystems.