Diversity of medium and large mammals in a submontane scrubland

Mammals of the submontane scrubland

Abstract

Studies on mammals are essential due to the rapid changes in land use, habitat fragmentation, and poaching that threaten their survival.  Significant changes in the composition of mammal communities due to the elimination or displacement of species have been documented.  In the face of accelerated environmental degradation, mammal inventories are vital for understanding the structure and composition of communities and facilitating conservation strategies.  In Tamaulipas, mammal studies have focused on protected areas, overlooking ecosystems such as submontane scrublands, which, despite being impacted by human activities, can serve as refuges and biological corridors.  Studying these ecosystems is crucial for describing ecological aspects and developing effective conservation and management strategies.  Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the diversity and richness of medium and large mammals in a submontane scrubland.  The study area is located southwest of Casas, Tamaulipas.  Ten single camera trap stations were set and remained active from July 2020 to June 2021.  Species richness was estimated with Chao 1 and Jacknife 1.  Diversity values of orders one and two were estimated, and the species composition and abundance were compared between dry and rainy seasons using PERMANOVA and SIMPER analyses.  A total of 457 records of 12 species were obtained, the most abundant being Odocoileus virginianus, Dicotyles tajacu, and Leopardus pardalis.  Significant differences in species composition between seasons were detected, with Dicotyles tajacu, Odocoileus virginianus, Nasua narica, and Leopardus pardalis accounting for 85.32 % of the differences in species composition between seasons.  Although the area is impacted by the introduction of free-grazing cattle, Leopardus pardalis is the third-most recorded species and is protected by NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010.  In addition, during the sampling, five of the six Mexican felids were reported and the family Felidae is listed in Appendix II of CITES, so the area should be considered for permanent monitoring to establish conservation strategies.