Diversity of medium and large native mammals in the River basin Carcarañá, province of Santa Fe (Argentina)

Abstract

The region in the south of Santa Fe province shows a level of subdivision and use of the soil that modified its original appearance, now mainly a plain with grain and oleaginous farming. Our study was designed to present the mammal diversity of a little-known area through the analysis of Alpha, Beta and Gamma diversity. The methodology for the data collection was based on standardized paths of lineal transects in different areas of the basin in search of signs of activity.The results showed the existence of 12 native medium-sized and large mammals. With respect to the analysis of diversity, the halophilic communities of the esparto grassland type are the most bio diverse environmental units. Gamma diversity is mainly determined by Alpha diversity, specifically by the contribution of the environmental units of largest specific richness: halophilic communities and xerophilic forests. The contribution of Beta diversity between the environmental units and Gamma diversity is minor. This study shows the importance that these natural relicts have for the native mastofauna in a purely agricultural area.