The effect of free ranging cattle on mammalian diversity: An Austral Yungas case study

GONZÁLEZ BAFFA TRASCI, N. V.; CUYCKENS, G. A. E.; MALIZIA, L. R.; PEROVIC, P. G.

ORYX

CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESS

Lugar: Cambridge; Año: 2022 vol. 56 p. 877 - 887

0030-6053

Extensive cattle ranging is the most widespread economic use of mountains, with diverse effects on native mammal communities. Cattle Bos taurus can affect negatively, positively, or neutral, mostly depending on the stocking rate and the variables measured. We tested for the cattle effect on the diversity and abundance of native mammalian species in the Austral Yungas region of Argentina, considering environmental variables, land protection status, and human influence. We used 12512 trap-nights from 167 camera stations over ten years (2009-2019). The camera events were used as a proxy for relative abundance and analysed with generalised linear models to estimate the effect of cattle on small mammals, big herbivores, species of conservation concern and felids. We evaluated the potential of cattle Bos taurus to inhabit the Yungas. Cattle had different effects on the native mammalian community. We observed a decrease in large native herbivore abundance and the absence of small mammals in areas with high cattle abundance. Tapir Tapirus terrestris, Jaguar Panthera onca and white-lipped peccary Tayassu pecari were extremely rare in the Yungas and therefore their conservation is at jeopardy. Small felid conservation and low cattle abundance would be compatible, but felids are threatened by other human influences. Land protection status was related to native mammalian diversity and richness. Cattle found suitable habitat in the entire ecoregion, indicating future possible threats, and should be excluded from strictly protected areas. We recommend moderately stocked well-managed cattle to make it compatible with wildlife conservation in areas where exclusion is not possible.