info:eu-repo/semantics/article
Habitat suitability and anthropogenic correlates of Neotropical river otter (Lontra longicaudis) distribution
Fecha
2014-08Registro en:
Gomez, Jonatan José; Tunez, Juan Ignacio; Fracassi, Natalia; Cassini, Marcelo Hernan; Habitat suitability and anthropogenic correlates of Neotropical river otter (Lontra longicaudis) distribution; Oxford University Press; Journal of Mammalogy; 95; 4; 8-2014; 824-833
0022-2372
CONICET Digital
CONICET
Autor
Gomez, Jonatan José
Tunez, Juan Ignacio
Fracassi, Natalia
Cassini, Marcelo Hernan
Resumen
The Neotropical river otter Lontra longicaudis is a top predator in many South and Central American aquatic freshwater systems. Its current category in the International Union for Conservation of Nature is "data deficient," which makes it imperative to determine the appropriate conservation status. We applied species distribution models to build a map of habitat suitabilities, and to identify possible anthropogenic factors that affect the presence of L. longicaudis in the Lower Delta of the Paraná River in the Southern Cone of South America. Presence/absence of L. longicaudis was obtained using 3 methodologies (sign surveys, camera traps, and interviews) and 15 environmental predictors. Habitat suitability was higher in areas with polders built for forestry, and lower in areas with human settlements and boat traffic. At present, geographic isolation and control of access on private land and reserves appear to be effective at protecting wildlife in the Paraná Delta. Our study demonstrates that species distribution models can be used for rapidly evaluating potential threats to wildlife.