Diversity and structure of small mammal Assemblages in Sierra de las Quijadas National Park

OCHOA, A. C.; MARTINEZ RETTA, L.; MANGIONE, A.M; AILIN GATICA; PUEGHER, D. M.; CARRIZO, M. C.; KAJIN M.

Congreso; American Society of Mammalogy Congress; 2021

American Society of Mammalogy

Central Argentina encompasses a transition zone, where studies about alpha and beta diversity are crucial. Habitat factors and seasonality have been stated as determinants of small mammal community structure. We propose that vegetation cover (VC) and soil type (ST) structure small mammal assemblages in the Monte-Chaco ecotone. Four samplings were made in Sierra de las Quijadas National Park, using 260 Sherman traps (5200 trap-nights) and RAPELD methodology. Diversity analyses were done at Site and Parcel levels. Eight species were captured (four endemic). Interannual variation of abundance was greater than seasonal variation; and species composition varied seasonally at Site level. Complementarity was high between sites and variable between parcels. At Parcel level, PCoA1 explained 63% of variability and PCoA2, 39%. Parcels along the PCoA2 axis divided according to sites, while there was no visible pattern along the PCoA1 axis. The model proved significant relation of PCoA2 with VC (p