Models of the Distribution of Zygodontomys Brevicauda (Allen & Chapman, 1893) (Mammalia: Muridae) in the Savannas of Roraima, Northern Brazil

Authors

  • José Luis Passos Cordeiro
  • Luiz Flamarion B. Oliveira

Keywords:

Zygodontomys brevicauda, Sigmodontinae, Lavrado, savanna, Roraima, GIS

Abstract

The present study describes the distribution of Zygodontomys brevicauda (Rodentia, Sigmodontinae) relating the presence/absence of the species to a digital database on the vegetation of savannas of the northeastern State of Roraima , Brazil. The study area is situated in the Surumu River region, between 03o58’- 04o27’N and 60o13’-61o16’W, and is composed mainly of savanna formations. In a total effort of 9479 trap days, the trap success for Z. brevicauda was 0.57%. The probability of capture of the species was calculated for each trap station through logistic regression, using structural characteristics of each habitat. The association of capture probabilities with different habitat classes using a LANDSAT-TM satellite image allowed a spatial view of the potential distribution of the species considering the habitat mosaic of the region. The species is at least partially dependent on the savanna-forest boundary. The models show a high frequency of apparently unsuitable areas, especially of open and closed savannas, which might suggest that habitat occupancy is far from saturated. Zygodontomys brevicauda appears to be a colonizing species, and was shown to be associated particularly with the edges of the gallery forests. This habitat type may act as source habitats for open savannas.

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Published

2021-12-13

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