Avaliação da efetividade da reserva biológica do Gurupi na conservação de vertebrados terrestres de médio e grande porte

Abstract

The TEAM camera trap protocol to monitor medim- to large-sized terrestrial vertebrates, allow estimates of biodiversity parameters that inform protected area managers about threats to biodiversity or the impact of management actions. In this study, we present results of four years of camera trap monitoring at Gurupi Biological Reserve to evaluate its effectiveness in conserving medium- to large-sized terrestrial vertebrates from the Amazon region of Maranhão Brazilian State. We evaluate trends in species richness, community composition, species occupancy rates, and Wildlife Picture Index to assess biodiversity status and trends. We recorded 36 species of medium- to largesized vertebrates, representing 72% of the birds and 96% of the mammals of Amazon region of Maranhão. The monitored populations, including endemic and endangered species, remained stable over 4 years monitoring. Occupancy rates for most species increased as well as the Wildlife Picture Index. Possibly these trends are related to wildlife recovery after a wildfire that hit Gurupi Biological Reserve in 2015, and indicates the resilience of the protected area after a severe impact. The results show the Gurupi Biological Reserve has been effective in its goal of conserving medium-to large-sized terrestrial vertebrates.