MEDIUM AND LARGE-BODIED MAMMALS OF THE PRIVATE RESERVE OF NATURAL HERITAGE RECANTO DAS ANTAS, IN ESPÍRITO SANTO, BRAZIL

Abstract

In Brazil, Private Reserves of Natural Heritage (RPPN) support protection of important forest patches that are essential habitats for endemic and endangered species. We present the first list of the medium and large-bodied mammals of RPPN Recanto das Antas from a heterogeneous landscape of Atlantic Forest in Espírito Santo, Brazil. We conducted camera trapping surveys in 2015 in RPPN Recanto das Antas and adjacent areas in different habitats. We also made opportunistic records from direct observations during fieldwork. We recorded at least 21 wild mammals and two domestic species, comprising nine orders. In total, eight of these species are threatened with extinction according to State, National or Global (IUCN) red lists. RPPN Recanto das Antas is an important area for threatened large-bodied mammals and, along with the protected areas, it can help maintaining the biodiversity of the region, connecting the native forested areas of the landscape.