Diet of two marsupials , in a coastal Atlantic Forest island of Brazil

Abstract

As little is known of the feeding ecology of Neotropical marsupials, we studied the food habits and the role in seed dispersal of two sympatric didelphid marsupials, Lutreolina crassicaudata and Micoureus demerarae in Southern Brazil. The study area is on Santa Catarina Island, in secondary Atlantic Forest. As a part of a two-year (1998-2000) study, animals were trapped and their feces collected on the ground and in the understory for a six months period (March to August 1998) on a grid of 127 traps. L. crassicaudata was trapped only on the ground, mainly near a creek, and M. demerarae, mainly in the understory. Thirteen fecal samples of L. crassicaudata were collected, and 30 for M. demerarae. L. crassicaudata consumed mainly crabs and beetles, whilst M. demerarae consumed mainly beetles and ants. Invertebrate diversity was high in the diet of both species, particularly that of L. crassicaudata. Conversely, fruit diversity eaten was low, but highest for M. demerarae. L. crassicaudata ate more seeds (e.g. Cecropia) than did M. demerarae. The dietary overlap between these two marsupials was high (96 %), and both species are thought to be seed dispersers in their respective habitats.