Distribution of a scansorial mesopredator due forest cover and interspecific interactions

• Grant number: 24/05321-4
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: April 01, 2025
• End date: December 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology - Applied Ecology
• Principal Investigator: Rita de Cassia Bianchi
• Grantee: Isabele Aparecida Manzo
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias (FCAV). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de Jaboticabal. Jaboticabal , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/10195-0 - Contribution of payment for ecosystem services on multi-dimensions within Atlantic Forest, AP.TEM

Abstract

The landscape structure, composition, and matrix heterogeneity can be essential characteristics determining the distribution of a species. Even though some species tolerate agricultural areas, forest cover may reach a minimum threshold value to ensure species survival in a landscape. This threshold may be lower for species requiring greater forest complexity, such as those utilizing the canopy.In addition to environmental structure, interactions with other species delimit occupancy, and to avoid agonistic encounters, spatial or temporal avoidance strategies can be employed. Faced with this scenario, scansorial species may employ strategies, such as using the canopy, to obtain resources and reduce the negative effects of interspecific interactions. These avoidance behavior responses can be so intense that may even be observed in simulated effects of the presence of large predators.Thus, the objective is to investigate the factors determining the distribution of the scansorial species tayra (Eira barbara) on two scales: a) at the landscape scale, evaluating its occupancy based on the structure and composition of the matrix, patch permeability, and connectivity, determining survival thresholds in the face of forest loss; and b) at the local scale, assessing the vertical use of space as a tool to avoid interspecific interactions with predators and domestic dogs. Additionally, behavioral responses of the tayra to simulated sound stimuli from potential predators/competitors will be investigated, evaluating immediate reactions and increased use of the arboreal stratum to escape agonistic encounters.To test this, camera traps will be installed on a landscape scale in the Cantareira-Mantiqueira corridor, distributed across 20 landscapes, and on a local scale in the Furnas do Bom Jesus State Park, containing both ground-level and arboreal traps. Additionally, systems for monitoring behavioral responses will be installed. Modeling will be conducted using the Poisson process modulated by Markov, segmented regression models, and ANOVA. For each analysis, models will be ranked and selected based on the Akaike selection criterion, observing which variables influence the distribution of iraras.The combination of limited studies on tayras, landscape-scale sampling, exploration of vertical space use, the use of camera traps for rare records, the incorporation of innovative technologies, and the application of advanced models reinforce the importance and originality of this project.