Abstract

KUFNER, Maura; TAMBURINI, Daniela; GIRAUDO, Liliana  and  BRIGUERA, Verónica. Study of mammal fauna in chacoan forest fragments of the Mar Chiquita region ( Córdoba, Argentina ) for conservation purposes. Ecol. apl. [online]. 2005, vol.4, n.1-2, pp.53-58. ISSN 1726-2216.

Bañados del Río Dulce Laguna Mar Chiquita is a provincial reserve with remnants of Chacoan Forest in its surroundings, that must be conserved. The study was carried out in the Río Seco Department, Córdoba Province, Argentina. Forest fragments were located inside ( La Cañada ) and outside ( Villa Candelaria ) the reserve. Habitat descriptors were distribution and cover of vegetation layers. Seasonal composition and richness of mammals in fragments were estimated by dead capture ( CM ) in 40 traps located along four 100m lines, in each location. Mammals directly observed ( OD ) along fixed transects, were also registered. Vegetation structure differed among localities but not among seasons. Main habitat features in inside fragments were: higher proportion of nude ground, abundant herbaceous covering and absence of strata superior to 7m. Outside the reserve, high shrub and arboreal cover and canopy over 7m high, portray a more typical Chacoan environment. Richness and abundance of mammals were smaller in the reserve ( 14 species, 2 exclusive; N = 81 ) than outside ( 20 species, 7 exclusive; N = 179 ) . Twelve common species, over 22, indicated fragment relationships. Similarity was low since outside the reserve, medium sized animals -most vulnerable at the provincial level- reached higher representation. Small mammal composition was different in both localities. Specific diversity of small mammals was higher in the reserve. Modification of habitat to "pampas" favored Murids colonization. Mammal composition denoted influence of human modifications on the habitat, more than that of Chacoan seasonality. Marginal forests collaborate to biological flow, exchanges and relationships that feedback and maintain the biological value of the protected area.

Keywords : mammals; Córdoba Chacoan forest; fragmentation; conservation.

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