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

Damage caused by capybaras in a corn Field

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Author(s):
Katia Maria Paschoaletto Michi de Barros Ferraz [1] ; Marrie-Anne Lechevalier [2] ; Hilton Thadeu Zarate do Couto [3] ; Luciano Martins Verdade [4]
Total Authors: 4
Affiliation:
[1] USP. ESALQ. Depto. de Produção Animal - Brasil
[2] USP. ESALQ. Depto. de Produção Animal
[3] USP. ESALQ. Depto. de Ciências Florestais
[4] USP. ESALQ. Depto. de Produção Animal - Brasil
Total Affiliations: 4
Document type: Journal article
Source: Scientia Agricola; v. 60, n. 1, p. 191-194, 2003-02-00.
Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Ecology
Abstract

Damage caused by capybaras in agroecossystems in Brazil has been frequently observed. The objective of this study was to describe and quantify the actual damage caused by capybaras in a corn field, aiming to get basic information on how, how much, and where these damage occur. Systematic sampling indicated that 26% of the planted area were damaged by capybaras, and the highest percentage of damage occurred on the border of the corn field (t=4.5698, p=0.0001). Damage in areas adjacent to a forest fragment was significantly higher (t=13.6198, p=0.0001), suggesting that the strategy of area utilization for feeding was related to the proximity of the resources "forest" and "water". Avoiding corn plantation in areas adjacent to forest fragments used by capybaras and, when possible, controlling capybara population may lead to a reduction of damage occurrence in agroecossystems. (AU)