Mammalian diets and human-modified landscapes

A study examines differences in mammalian diets based on landscape composition. Agriculture is a primary driver of habitat loss, which affects species diversity. Nevertheless, human-modified landscapes (HMLs) offer essential resources to some species. Marcelo Magioli and colleagues used stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes to compare mammalian feeding patterns and habitat use in HMLs versus large forest blocks located in the Brazilian region of the Atlantic Forest. The authors collected hair samples, which came from fecal matter and hair snares, from 29 mammalian species, with 194 samples coming from individuals inhabiting HMLs and 126 samples coming from individuals inhabiting large forest blocks. Whereas 34.5% of HLM-based individuals fed exclusively on agricultural products, 67.5% of individuals inhabiting large forest blocks fed primarily on forest-based resources. Compared with frugivores and insectivores, which primarily consumed the same resources regardless of where they lived, herbivores and omnivores inhabiting HLMs were more likely to consume agricultural products, whereas carnivores inhabiting HLMs primarily consumed prey that fed on agricultural products. The findings suggest that agricultural regions provide habitat and food resources for some mammals. However, the rapid conversion of forests to agricultural areas may counteract conservation goals, according to the authors.

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Article #19-04384: "Human-modified landscapes alter mammal resource and habitat use and trophic structure," by Marcelo Magioli et al.

MEDIA CONTACT: Marcelo Magioli, National Research Center for Carnivores Conservation, Atibaia, BRAZIL; tel: +55-19998421013; email: marcelo.magioli@gmail.com; Marcelo Zacharias Moreira, University of São Paulo; BRAZIL; mmoreira@cena.usp.br; Katia Maria Paschoaletto Micchi de Barros Ferraz, University of São Paulo; BRAZIL; katia.ferraz@usp.br

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