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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Tyto furcata (Tytonidae: Strigiformes) pellets: tools to access the richness of small mammals of a poorly known Caatinga area in northeast Brazil

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Author(s):
Mancini, Matheus C. S. [1] ; Roth, Paulo Ricardo O. [2] ; Brennand, Pamela G. G. [2] ; Ruiz-Esparza Aguilar, Juan M. [3] ; Rocha, Patricio A. [4]
Total Authors: 5
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Lavras, Programa Posgrad Ecol Aplicada, Dept Biol, Caixa Postal 3037, Ave Dr Sylvio Menicucci 1001, BR-37200000 Lavras, MG - Brazil
[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Lab Mamiferos, Dept Ciencias Biol, Escola Super Agr Luiz de Queiroz, Caixa Postal 9, Ave Padua Dias 11, BR-13418900 Piracicaba - Brazil
[3] Univ Fed Sergipe, Nucleo Grad Educ Ciencias Agr & Terra, Campus Sertao, Rodovia Engenheiro Jorge Neto, Km 3, BR-49680000 Nossa Senhora Da Gloria, Sergipe - Brazil
[4] Univ Fed Paraiba, Lab Mamiferos, Ctr Ciencias Exatas & Nat, Campus 1, Caixa Postal 5045, Cidade Univ S-N, BR-58051900 Joao Pessoa, Paraiba - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: MAMMALIA; v. 83, n. 4, p. 390-398, JUL 2019.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Owls are efficient predators and are widely distributed around the globe. Remains of undigested prey is regurgitated by these birds in the form of pellets, and these are a valuable source of information about prey communities and the diet of owls. In this study, the composition of mammals present in the diet of owls that inhabit different caves was evaluated through the analysis of their pellets. We found 373 pellets from seven caves, and small mammals composed at least 80% of the diet of these birds in all caves. The mammal composition found in the pellets showed a richness of 26 distinct taxa including 12 rodents, three marsupials and 11 bats. In this work, we highlight the richness of small mammals in a poorly known Caatinga area. We also highlight the importance of morphology and taxonomy in supporting this kind of research, which relies upon vertebrate parts as its source of information for identification. Finally, we reiterate the efficiency of the study of owl pellets as a rapid approach for assessing local mammal richness and as a complementary method in studies of diversity and conservation. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 09/16009-1 - Systematics, evolution and diversification of the subfamily Sigmodontinae in South America: the tribe Oryzomyini
Grantee:Alexandre Reis Percequillo
Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
FAPESP's process: 14/19126-7 - Holocene small rodents in Northeastern Rio Grande do Sul: describing communities and their responses to environmental changes
Grantee:Paulo Ricardo de Oliveira Roth
Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)