Mammals of the Estação de Preservação e Desenvolvimento Ambiental de Peti (EPDA-Peti), São Gonçalo do Rio Abaixo, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract

This study presents the results of an inventory of the mammal fauna of the Estação de Preservação e Desenvolvimento Ambiental de Peti (EPDA-Peti) a reserve in the transition between the Atlantic Forest and the Cerrado. Eight field campaigns (including trapping for small mammals and mist-netting for bats) were conducted between May 2002 and July 2004. Forty-six mammals belonging to eight orders were recorded. Fifteen species not recorded in previous inventories at the Station were identified; on the other hand, 14 mammals listed in previous studies were not recorded now. The most abundant small mammals at the EPDAPeti were Oligorizomys flavescens, Akodon cursor, Trinomys setosus and Bolomys lasiurus. The small mammal community from the campo rupestre (high altitude, rocky grassland) habitat is distinct from that found in the forest. In spite of the reserve’s small size, mammal species’ richness is relatively high. Possible reasons for this are the diversity of habitats and the fact that EPDA-Peti is located in a transitional zone between the Atlantic Forest and the Cerrado.