Distribution limits, natural history and conservation status of the poorly known Peruvian gracile mouse opossum (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae)

Author(s)

Semedo, Thiago Borges Fernandes ; Saldanha, Juliane ; de Mendonca, Ravena Fernanda Braga ; Lima-Silva, Luan Gabriel ; Gutierrez, Eliecer Eduardo ; Rossi, Rogerio Vieira ; Dalapicolla, Jeronymo ; Brandao, Marcus Vinicius

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Studies on Neotropical Fauna and Environment; v. N/A, p. 17-pg., 2022-02-04.

Abstract

The Peruvian gracile mouse opossum (Gracilinanus peruanus) is known from scattered localities. Very little information is available on its natural history, habitat requirements and geographic distribution. Also, its conservation status has never been evaluated. We provide a new hypothesis on its distribution limits using species distribution models (SDM), and evaluate for the first time the conservation status of the species. The SDM suggested high suitability for G. peruanus in the Brazilian Shield, indicating continuous suitable areas for the species between the disjunct areas of western Brazil and Bolivia/Peru. Voucher records show that Teles Pires River is not a geographic barrier and the eastern limits still need to be delimited. To the south, the species appears to be limited by the Pantanal wetlands and the Chaco biome, and to the west by the Andes mountains. We suggest that G. peruanus should be globally classified as 'Least Concern.' Nevertheless, the species may be considered as Near Threatened in a near future in Brazil, mainly because it occurs in an area with high rates of deforestation and habitat loss in the Cerrado of western Brazil, thus reinforcing the importance of protecting gallery forests to forest dweller species. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 10/03969-4 - Small mammals (Didelphimorphia, Rodentia) from the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil
• Grantee: Marcus Vinicius Brandão de Oliveira
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master