Dwarf brocket deer (Mazama nana) distribution and population estimates with non-invasive sampling

Author(s)

Márcio Leite de Oliveira

• Document type: Doctoral Thesis
• Press: Piracicaba.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALA/BC)
• Defense date: 2015-09-08

Examining board members

Hilton Thadeu Zarate do Couto; Renata Alonso Miotto; Susana González Rodriguez; Luciano Martins Verdade; Alexandre Vogliotti

• Advisor: Hilton Thadeu Zarate do Couto

Abstract

The Brazilian dwarf brocket (Mazama nana) is a deer species that occupies the forests of southern Brazil, north of Argentina and east of Paraguay. It has been greatly affected by the drastic reduction of forested areas. It is also the less studied neotropical deer. Considering this situation, this project aimed to shed light on the species distribution along its range, to indicate conservation priority areas and estimate the density of two populations. Given the rarity and high elusiveness of the species, it is proposed the use of indirect methods to achieve this goal. Fecal samples collection based methodologies were used, followed by DNA extraction and subsequent molecular and genetic analysis. Fecal samples were tracked and collected in protected areas spread over south Brazil, with the help of a scat detection dog. After species identification by PCR/RFLP and samples spatialization, species distribution modeling was carried out using Maxent software suit. Two protected areas were chosen for a faecal sampling based on transects, in order to estimate the population density. Potential geographical distribution of M. nana in Brazil was stablished at states of Paraná, Santa Catarina, northern and center Rio Grande do Sul, extreme South of São Paulo and Mato Grosso do Sul. Also at Eastern Paraguay and Missiones province in Argentina. Species density at the northern area of Iguaçu National Park was 1.9 ind/km2 and at the State Park of Vila Rica do Espírito Santo was 5.5 ind/km2. The species potential population was 152,991 individuals, including 15,524 individuals inside protected areas. It is suggested to maintain species conservation status as vulnerable on the Brazilian and on the International red list of threatened species. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/01095-2 - Dwarf brocket deer (Mazama nana) distribution and population estimates using non-invasive genetics sampling and modeling
• Grantee: Márcio Leite de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate