MEDIUM AND LARGE MAMMALS IN A CAATINGA FRAGMENT IN THE STATE OF PIAUÍ, NORTHEAST BRAZIL

Abstract

The Caatinga in the state of Piauí, Brazil, is being continuously degraded even before we know its biodiversity. Mammals are among the most affected taxa by this degradation. In this sense, we evaluated the richness and composition of non-volant mammals between August 2021 and July 2022 in a Caatinga fragment (2000 ha). We used active search (96 hours) and camera traps (720 night-traps). We recorded 17 species, including three threatened ones. Carnivora was the most representative order (8 species), followed by Rodentia (4 species). The richness found represents 44.4% of the total number of species recorded for the Caatinga, which is considered superior to other fragments and similar to larger protected areas. The threatened rodent Kerodon rupestris, an endangered species, was responsible for 66% of the records, revealing the importance of this fragment for its conservation in the face of anthropogenic pressures, requiring short-term measures. We suggest the creation of a protected area on this locality and the development of actions focused on environmental education, in addition to participatory and sustainable management practices within the community.