Implications for Conservation of the Species Diversity and Population Dynamics of Small Mammals in an Isolated Reserve in Mexico City
Por:
Chavez, C, Ceballos, G
Publicada:
1 ene 2009
Resumen:
We studied the influence of habitat loss and fragmentation in species diversity, population dynamics, and habitat use in a small mammal community in xeric palo loco (Senecio praecox) thickets at Reserva Ecologica del Pedregal de San Angel, a completely isolated nature reserve in Mexico City, Distrito Federal, from 1989 through 1990. It is a heterogeneous region, dominated by an old lava flow, with many boulders and crevices. Small mammals were captured using Sherman live traps in two0.81-ha grids; each grid contained 10 rows and 10 columns, separated by 10 m. Nine species have disappeared since 1957 as a result of the loss of particular habitat such as grasslands, habitat fragmentation, and other causes. In our study, we recorded nine species; five species were exclusively recorded in the continuous native scrub of the reserve. Therefore, they are good indicators of the sites in the reserve that maintain the less perturbed habitats. Interestingly, no introduced rodents (i.e., roof rat
Filiaciones:
Chavez, C:
Univ Nacl Autonoma Mexico, Inst Ecol, Mexico City 04510, DF, Mexico
Ceballos, G:
Univ Nacl Autonoma Mexico, Inst Ecol, Mexico City 04510, DF, Mexico
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