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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.)

The influence of environmental variables on capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris: Rodentia, Hydrochoeridae) detectability in anthropogenic environments of southeastern Brazil

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Author(s):
Micchi de Barros Ferraz, Katia Maria Paschoaletto [1] ; Manly, Bryan [2] ; Verdade, Luciano Martins [3]
Total Authors: 3
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Sao Paulo, Luiz de Queiroz Coll Agr ESALQ, Dept Forest Sci, Quantitat Methods Lab, Piracicaba - Brazil
[2] Western EcoSyst Technol Inc, Cheyenne, WY - USA
[3] Univ Sao Paulo, Luiz de Queiroz Coll Agr ESALQ, Dept Biol Sci, Anim Ecol Lab, Piracicaba - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: POPULATION ECOLOGY; v. 52, n. 2, p. 263-270, APR 2010.
Web of Science Citations: 4
Abstract

Capybaras were monitored weekly from 1998 to 2006 by counting individuals in three anthropogenic environments (mixed agricultural fields, forest and open areas) of southeastern Brazil in order to examine the possible influence of environmental variables (temperature, humidity, wind speed, precipitation and global radiation) on the detectability of this species. There was consistent seasonality in the number of capybaras in the study area, with a specific seasonal pattern in each area. Log-linear models were fitted to the sample counts of adult capybaras separately for each sampled area, with an allowance for monthly effects, time trends and the effects of environmental variables. Log-linear models containing effects for the months of the year and a quartic time trend were highly significant. The effects of environmental variables on sample counts were different in each type of environment. As environmental variables affect capybara detectability, they should be considered in future species survey/monitoring programs. (AU)