scholarly journals Hunter-gatherers in context: Mammal community composition in a northern Tanzania landscape used by Hadza foragers and Datoga pastoralists

Author(s):  
Brian Wood ◽  
Riccardo S. Millar ◽  
Nicholas Wright ◽  
Joshua Baumgartner ◽  
Hannah Holmquist ◽  
...  

In many regions of sub Saharan Africa large mammals occur in human-dominated areas, yet their community composition and species-specific densities have rarely been described in areas occupied by traditional hunter-gatherers and pastoralists. Surveys of mammal populations in such areas provide important measures of biodiversity and provide ecological context for understanding hunting practices. Using a sampling grid centered on a Hadza hunter-gatherer camp and covering 36 km² of semi-arid savannah in northern Tanzania, we assessed mammals using camera traps (n = 19 stations) for c. 5 months (2,182 trap nights). In the study area (Tli’ika in the Hadza language), we recorded 36 wild mammal species, resembling a near complete mammal community. Rarefaction curves suggest that sampling effort was sufficient to capture mammal species richness. Species-specific densities were estimated using a random encounter model and site- and species’ body mass- specific estimates of the area sampled at each camera; confidence intervals were estimated using bootstrapping. Point estimates of densities varied by c. four orders of magnitude, from 0.003 ind./km² (African wild dog) to 27.5 ind./km² (Kirk’s dik dik). Densities of livestock (cattle, donkey, sheep and goat) were high, particularly when estimated using directly observed herd sizes. Cumulative biomass density of herbivorous livestock species exceeded that of all wild mammals by a factor of 3.3-38.7. We compare our study’s data to camera trap rates recorded in a fully protected area of northern Tanzania with similar precipitation (Lake Manyara National Park), revealing that abundance indices of most wildlife species in Tli’ika were much lower. We discuss how these data inform studies of Hadza hunting and models of hunter-gatherer foraging ecology and diet.

Oryx ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 290-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marcelo Mazzolli ◽  
Taiana Haag ◽  
Beatriz G. Lippert ◽  
Eduardo Eizirik ◽  
Matthias L.A. Hammer ◽  
...  

AbstractWe compared the effectiveness of various methods for surveying medium and large wild mammals in southern Oman. Working with volunteers recruited by Biosphere Expeditions, wildlife professionals and local rangers, we used direct observation, camera traps, sign surveys (tracks and/or dung) and molecular scatology to study 66 sampling units of 2 × 2 km (grid cells) in an area of 32 × 36 km during a 4-week period in February–March 2011. Sixteen mammal species were recorded, and the largest numbers of species were recorded by sign surveys and camera traps (both n = 9); sign surveys, direct sightings and DNA scatology recorded species across the largest number of grid cells. For species with a sample size large enough for comparison (i.e. detected in ≥ 8 grid cells), DNA scatology proved most effective for detecting caracal Caracal caracal, signs for hyaena Hyaena hyaena, ibex Capra nubiana, porcupine Hystrix indica and hyrax Procavia capensis, and signs and direct sightings for mountain gazelle Gazella gazella. Clustering, in which records from multiple methods are either adjacent or overlapping, was highest (≥ 76%) for the wolf Canis lupus, porcupine, ibex and gazelle. Our results indicate the best methods to detect and record the distributions of individual species in the study area, and demonstrate the advantage of using multiple methods to reduce the risk of false absences or partial detections. Our findings also highlight the potential of clustering as a means of cross-checking results of observations that are skill-dependent, which is particularly useful when employing a large workforce.


2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (3) ◽  
pp. 683-700
Author(s):  
Michelle Pinto Mercês ◽  
Kleiton Rodolfo Alves-Silva ◽  
Wlainer Silva De Paula

The state of Tocantins is located in Central Brazil. The northern extreme of this state corresponds to the southeastern portion of the Amazon biome, while it is covered primarily by Cerrado savanna, as well as the transition area between these two biomes. We provide a checklist of large- and medium-bodied mammals from four localities in Tocantins, update the list of species for the state, and compile the available information on their geographic distribution. We surveyed mammals at four sites during different periods (between 2010 and 2018), using camera traps and opportunistic observations. In spite of the differences in the sampling effort among the sites, we recorded 42 mammal species belonging to eight orders and 20 families. Our list includes rare and threatened species, such as the jaguar (Panthera onca), the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), and the lowland tapir (Tapirus terrestris). One species (Galictis cuja) was recorded in the state for the first time and the known range distribution of two others (Speothos venaticus and Alouatta caraya) was updated.  


2021 ◽  
Vol 25 (03) ◽  
pp. 722-737
Author(s):  
Marcelo Hübel ◽  
◽  
Izar Aximoff ◽  
Antonio Carlos de Freitas ◽  
Clarissa Rosa ◽  
...  

MEDIUM AND LARGE MAMMALS IN RIO VERMELHO MUNICIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AREA, SANTA CATARINA, SOUTHERN BRAZIL: Most studies on medium and large mammals in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest are carried out in areas under full protection (as parks and biological reserves). Considering the continuing threats that the forest remnants are suffering, it is essential to carry out mammal surveys in protected areas for sustainable use. In order to evaluate the species richness and the relative frequency of medium and large mammals in the área de proteção ambiental municipal do Rio Vermelho – APARV (northern Santa Catarina state), methodologies of direct visualization and camera traps were used. The study was conducted from the beginning of 2015 to the end of 2019. In Santa Catarina state, there is only one study which sampling effort is comparable to the present one (7300 night-trap). Thirty-three native mammal species and two alien species (Canis familiaris and Lepus europaeus) were found. The species accumulation curve tended to stabilize at the beginning of the third year. Three species were responsible for more than half of the photographic records (Cerdocyon thous, Eira barbara and Procyon cancrivorus). In total, 33.3% of the species are classified in some category of threat, and three of these species are among the less recorded in Santa Catarina state (Tayassu pecari, Tapirus terrestris and Mazama nana). Our survey added 18 new occurrences to the APARV management plan. Only two of the 18 mammal surveys carried out previously in the Santa Catarina state recorded more species than our study. This is the second survey which was carried out in protected areas for sustainable use in Santa Catarina state. Our study contributes to the important knowledge that can be used in conservation measures. In this way, the APARV plays a fundamental role for the conservation of the Atlantic Forest mammals, constituting an important area favoring the population movements of mammals.


2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 29
Author(s):  
Fátima Carolina Medina-Gutiérrez ◽  
Juan Pablo Ramírez-Silva

ResumenEl objetivo del presente trabajo fue analizar la percepción y usos de los mamíferos silvestres en un área cafetalera de la comunidad Cumbres de Huicicila, municipio de Compostela, Nayarit. Se utilizaron técnicas etnozoológicas tales como aplicación de encuesta sobre el usos y costumbres que tienen en relación con los mamíferos. Adicionalmente, se usaron cámaras-trampa con un esfuerzo de muestreo de 1,260 días/trampas. En total se obtuvieron 531 videos y 373 registros válidos de mamíferos silvestres de 10 especies pertenecientes a cinco órdenes y siete familias, tres de ellas enlistadas en la NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 y la lista roja de la UICN (Panthera onca, Leopardus pardalis y Herpailurus yagouaroundi). A través de las herramientas etnozoológicas se identificaron 15 especies de mamíferos y cinco órdenes. Las personas de la comunidad afirmaron darle algún tipo de uso a los mamíferos que conocen, entre los que destacan el alimenticio, medicinal, tráfico ilegal (venta de especies), cacería e inclusive se mencionaron algunos conflictos de relación depredador-humano. A pesar de lo mencionado, la participación de la comunidad fue positiva. Trabajos de este tipo pueden favorecer la sensibilización hacia la vida silvestre y así, la ejecución de programas de manejo, uso y conservación de mamíferos podría tener éxito y ayudar a la subsistencia de la comunidad.Palabras clave: Cafetales, etnomastozoología, jaguar, mesomamíferos, uso de fauna silvestre.AbstractIn this paper we analyzed the perception and uses of the wild mammals by the population that inhabited in Cumbres de Huicicila community, municipality of Compostela, Nayarit, the information was complemented by the use of camera traps, from which we obtained 531 videos with 373 valid records of wild mammals, with 1,260 days/traps sampling effort . We recorded 10 species belonging to five orders and seven families, three of such (Panthera onca, Leopardus pardalis and Herpailurus yagouaroundi) are listed in NOM-059-2010 and the IUCN red list. The inhabitants of the Cumbres de Huicicila community identify 20 species of mammals, including the 10 species registered by the camera traps, the people of the community know the mammals and are used, they mentioned as food, medicine, illegal trafficking, hunting for leisure and ornaments and even some predatory-human relationship conflicts.Despite them, community participation was positive, we believe that this works can aid to create the awareness of wildlife and thus, the implementation of mammalian management, use and conservation programs could be successful and help the community to increase quality live.Key words: Coffee plantations, ethnozoology, jaguar, medium-sized mammals, use of wildlife.


2017 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 9
Author(s):  
Germán Jiménez ◽  
Natalia López-Cepeda ◽  
Andrea Delgado ◽  
Ana María Guevara ◽  
Laura Lozano

<p>Between the second semester of 2009 and the first semester of 2011, camera traps were set up in conserved and disturbed habitats in the Otún Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary. From a sampling effort of 2,066 camera-days, 673 photographs of 157 independent events were obtained for eight species of wild mammals and a domestic one. Their activity patterns were mainly nocturnal even for those species reported as diurnal. The impact of human interference and exotic species was evident for two species: <em>Tapirus pinchaque</em> and <em>Cerdocyon thous</em>. The former was observed below its altitudinal range with activity patterns mainly crepuscular and nocturnal. The second was observed in the same habitats where domestic dogs were found, with activity patterns mainly crepuscular and nocturnal. These findings suggest that both species have altered their activity patterns. Actions must be focused on decreasing the interaction of these mammals with humans and domestic dogs.</p>


Oryx ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (6) ◽  
pp. 901-908 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruthmery Pillco Huarcaya ◽  
Christopher Beirne ◽  
Shirley Jennifer Serrano Rojas ◽  
Andrew Whitworth

AbstractThe Cerros del Sira in Peru is known to hold a diverse composition of endemic birds, amphibians and plants as a result of its geographical isolation, yet its mammalian community remains poorly known. There is increasing awareness of the threats to high-elevation species but studying them is often hindered by rugged terrain. We present the first camera-trap study of the mammal community of the Cerros del Sira. We used 45 camera traps placed at regular elevational intervals over 800–1,920 m, detecting 34 medium-sized and large mammal species. Eight are listed as threatened on the IUCN Red List, three are categorized as Data Deficient and one is yet to be assessed. Although other authors have reported that the upper elevations of the Cerros del Sira are free from hunting, we found evidence of hunting activity occurring above 1,400 m, and inside the core protected area. In addition to this direct evidence of hunting, recent information has identified significant amounts of canopy loss in the northern reaches of the core zone. Despite widespread ecological degradation in the surrounding lowlands, the high-elevation areas of the Cerros del Sira still maintain a unique assemblage of lowland and highland tropical rainforest mammals. It has been assumed that the Cerros del Sira and other similar remote locations are safe from disturbance and protected by their isolation but we suggest this is an increasingly dangerous assumption to make, and secure protection strategies need to be developed.


Author(s):  
M. L. Allen ◽  
M. C. Sibarani ◽  
L. Utoyo ◽  
M. Krofel

Rapid and widespread biodiversity losses around the world make it important to survey and monitor endangered species, especially in biodiversity hotspots. Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (BBSNP) is one of the largest conserved areas on the island of Sumatra, and is important for the conservation of many threatened species. Sumatran tigers (Panthera tigris sumatrae) are critically endangered and serve as an umbrella species for conservation, but may also affect the activity and distribution of other carnivores. We deployed camera traps for 8 years in an area of Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park (BBSNP) with little human activity to document the local terrestrial mammal community and investigate tiger spatial and temporal overlap with other carnivore species. We detected 39 mammal species including Sumatran tiger and several other threatened mammals. Annual species richness averaged 21.5 (range 19–24) mammals, and remained stable over time. The mammal order significantly affected annual detection of species and the number of cameras where a species was detected, while species conservation status did not. Tigers exhibited a diurnal activity pattern, and had the highest temporal overlap with marbled cats (Pardofelis marmorata), dholes (Cuon alpinus), and Malayan sun bears (Helarctos malayanus), but little overlap with other carnivores. These findings suggest that some smaller carnivores might be adjusting temporal activity to avoid tigers or mesocarnivores. The stable trends in richness of terrestrial mammal species show that BBSNP remains an important hotspot for the conservation of biodiversity.


Check List ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (5) ◽  
pp. 785-799
Author(s):  
Alan Deivid Pereira ◽  
Sergio Bazilio ◽  
Mário Luís Orsi

Campos Gerais National Park lies within the Brazilian Atlantic Rainforest, a biodiversity hotspot and a priority for conservation. Current analysis, featuring a list of large and medium-sized mammal species in the park, was conducted between July 2013 and July 2014 and between May 2016 and April 2017. With a 780-hour sampling effort in active research and 157,516 hours in camera traps, 31 species of 17 families and 8 orders were recorded. Furthermore, 42% of recorded mammals in the park proved to be endangered species at state, national, or international levels. Two exotic and 1 domestic species were reported in the park. Results contribute towards an in-depth knowledge of the fauna in south Brazil and may help in further research work and management, complying with conservation proposals in the biodiversity of the Campos Gerais region in the state of Paraná, Brazil.


2021 ◽  
Vol 61 ◽  
pp. e20216133
Author(s):  
Alexander Roldán Arévalo-Sandi ◽  
André Luis Sousa Gonçalves ◽  
Kota Onizawa ◽  
Tsuneaki Yabe ◽  
Wilson Roberto Spironello

Mammal groups have a vast variety of habitats, which include aquatic, aerial, arboreal, and terrestrial. For terrestrial habitats, camera traps are used as a common technique to record mammals and other vertebrates and have been recently utilized to observe arboreal animals as well. Here, we compare the difference in mammal diversity between floor and canopy strata and evaluate the use of camera trapping in a lowland forest in central Amazon. We installed nine paired camera traps, one in the canopy stratum and other in the floor stratum, in the Alto Cuieiras Biological Reserve (Brazilian Amazon). With a sampling effort of 720 camera-days, we recorded 30 mammal species: nine in canopy strata, 14 in floor strata, and seven in scansorial strata (sharing both strata). On the forest floor, the species with the greatest abundance was Myoprocta acouchy; in the canopy, Isothrix paguros had the greatest abundance; and among the scansorial species, Proechymis sp. was the most abundant. Our results show the differences in mammal diversity between floor and canopy strata; canopy strata contained more small and frugivorous mammals. Although we obtained a relatively low sampling effort with the camera-trap method compared with other studies utilizing different techniques, our results were especially similar to those of previous studies that worked with canopy and floor strata. Thus, camera trap can be very effective for recording short periods of time, and this method is less physically exhaustive and expensive for researchers to study vertical strata.


2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 39
Author(s):  
Alejandra Buenrostro-Silva ◽  
Daniela Sigüenza Pérez ◽  
Jesús García-Grajales

RESUMENLos mamíferos carnívoros desempeñan un rol importante en la estructura de las comunidades; sin embargo, los estudios sobre este grupo son complicados debido a sus estilos de vida, por lo que aún existen vacíos de información biológica. En este estudio se utilizaron trampas cámara en cuatro localidades de la costa central de Oaxaca, México. El trabajo se efectuó de septiembre de 2009 a agosto de 2010, con un esfuerzo total de 1012 días/trampa. Se obtuvieron 160 registros fotográficos independientes de ochos especies de mamíferos carnívoros y respecto a las presas potenciales se registraron cinco especies de mamíferos, dos especies de reptiles y dos grupos (aves y ratones). De acuerdo al Índice de Abundancia Relativa obtenido, los carnívoros más abundantes fueron Spilogale pygmaea, Urocyon cinereoargenteus y Nasua narica, mientras que las presas potenciales más abundantes fueron Didelphis virginiana, Dasypus novemcinctus y el grupo de los ratones. El patrón de actividad de las especies registradas mostró que el 73.8% son de hábitos nocturnos. El ganado vacuno de libre pastoreo mostró una abundancia que podría tener impactos en el ambiente natural y el nivel de recursos disponibles para la fauna silvestre de la región.Palabras clave: Cámaras-trampa, Carnívora, Oaxaca, patrón de actividad, Tututepec.ABSTRACTCarnivorous mammals play an important role on the community structure, however information gaps exist on their current situation debt to their nocturnal habits, evasive behavior and low population densities. In this study, we used camera traps to obtain records of mammal carnivores and their potential prey in four localities in the coastal central of Oaxaca, Mexico. The study was conducted from September 2009 to August 2010, with a total sampling effort of 1,012 trap/days. We obtained 160 independent photographs records of eights carnivorous mammal species and regarding potential prey we obtained five mammals species, two reptile species and two groups (birds and mice). According with the two Relative Abundance Index obtained Spilogale pygmaea, Urocyon cinereoargenteus y Nasua narica were the most abundant carnivorous mammals while that Didelphis virginiana, Dasypus novemcinctus and the mice group were the most abundant potential prey. The activity patterns of the species showed that 73.8% of them are nocturnal. The free range cattle showed an abundance that could have impacts in the natural environment and the level of resources available for the wildlife in the region.Key words: Camera-traps, Carnivora, Oaxaca, activity patterns, Tututepec.


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