Detecting the presence of non-flying mammals in The Detecting the presence of non-flying mammals in The Jamari National Forest, Jamari National Forest, Rondônia, BrazilRondônia, Brazil

Katrina DeBaun (SUNY Oswego) and Marcelo Mazzolli (UNIPLAC)

Results

The detectability of large non-flying mammals was simplest by identifying tracks; therefore it was easiest to record those of which left visual prints. Tracks were found in muddy and moist areas.. Although these species were most commonly recorded in the sampled area, it cannot be assumed that they are more abundant than the other species that were recorded less or other unrecorded species that exist in the Jamari forest.The presence of certain mammals close to the village area suggest the concept of coexistence and the abiltiy to occupy the same area peacefully. It is possible that some species choose to facilitate the trails for their own use while others avoid them. Surveying stuck strictly to roads and trails exempting the examination whole areas deep in the forest away from the possibility of human contact.

SamplingThe area of study took place in The Jamari National Forest in Rondônia, Brazil.Six trails and connecting roads that spread accros different land use types were walked repeatedly between the 15th and 28th of July 2013. Surveying took place both during the day and night. A grid containing 2x2 km coded cells was used for data collection purposes. Large non-flying mammals that were detected by various methods (ex. visualization, vocalization, track identification, and camera trapping) were recorded by their coordinates with a GPS, and their location placed in a corresponding cell.  Track traps were distributed every 200 m along main trails for at least one km. At least one camera trap was set in each trail.

AnalysisEach cell in which a specific species was detected was shaded in to produce a visual representation of the distribution of large non-flying mammals. One way to analyze the data was to identify the most commonly recorded species.  For a species to be considered most common in this study, it had to have been recorded in 5 or more different cells.

Track Maker was used to identify cell codes used by species, and Photoshop used to shade the cells occupied.

While the ability to detect wildlife is crucial for researchers, it is not always an easy task. Understanding which species may be located in certain areas is an important component of estimating occupency. The use of various sampling methods can maximize the total possible identified species. With knowledge of which species are found and recorded in a specific area, researchers then can have an idea of the distribution and abundance of these different species, and plan more specific research accordingly. This study served as a survey of detecting and recording the existence of primates and large non-flying mammals located in the Jamari National Forest to establish an overview of which species can be expected in this area to assist future research. Of the total number of species recorded during the expedition, the most commonly identified species are listed in this chapter.

During the expedition, 20 different species were recorded. Of those 20, 6 were detected in 5 or more cells and therefore considered most common. The top two most commonly recorded species were tapir and brown capuchin monkey respectively occupying 11 and 7 separate cells. Two species were recorded in 6 different cells;agouti and puma. Finally with 5 occupied cells were ocelot and titi monkey Some species were centralized in one area while others were widespread. For example, puma were recorded in the top center of the sampled area, but titi monkeys and tapir were found to be more widespread (Fig. 3). The main method of recording puma and tapir was mainly by tracks while the primates were either visually sighted or heard from a distance. Records of agouti and ocelot both came from identifiable tracks as well as being captured by the camera traps.

Ecosystems are biologically complex making methods of understanding and measuring challenging (Andreason et al., 2001).Knowledge of species location aid developing research projects. A variety in detectability methods offer the ability to record different species that may be more easily detected one way than another. The use of combined techniques maximizes data retrieval and gives better rounded and complete data.

To the SUNY Oswego Possibility Scholarship which provided Katrina DeBaun the funds and ability to engage in Projeto Puma. To Projeto Puma for the field and data analysis experience.

Andreason, J.K.; O’Neill, R.V.; Noss, R.; Slosser, N.C. 2001. Considerations for the development of a terrestrial index of ecological integrity.Ecol. Indicat., 1: pp. 21–35

Mackenzie, D.I.; Nicholds, J.D.; Lachman, G.B.; Droege, S.; Royle, J.A.; Langtimm, C.A. 2002. Estimating site occupancy rates when detection rprobabilites are less than one: Ecology, 83(8): pp. 2248-2255 

Discussion References AcknowledgementsConclusion

Introduction Methods

Figure 3. Cells in which tapir, capuchin monkey, agouti, puma,ocelot, and titi monkey were recorded in the Jamari National forest. The outline represents the forest boundaries.

Figure 1. Photo taken of a Rondônia marmoset.

Figure 2. Methods of sampling which include recording tracks ()puma), creating track taps and the use of camera traps.

Tapir / Anta Capuchin Monkey / Macaco-prego Agouti / Cutia Puma Ocelot / Jaguatirica Titi Monkey / Uapuça