Minimum viable population and conservation status of the Atlantic Forest spiny rat Trinomys eliasi |
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| Authors: | Daniel Brito Marcos de Souza Lima Figueiredo |
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| Institution: | a Laboratório de Mastozoologia e Manejo de Fauna, Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Avenida Antônio Carlos 6627, Pampulha, Belo Horizonte, 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazilb Departamento de Zoologia, Instituto de Biologia, CCS, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, CxP 68044, Ilha do Fundão, Rio de Janeiro, 21941-590, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
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| Abstract: | A population viability analysis (PVA) was conducted to assess the minimum viable population (MVP) of the Atlantic Forest spiny rat Trinomys eliasi, a species threatened by habitat loss and restricted geographical distribution. Objectives were to suggest quasi-extinction thresholds, estimate minimum areas of suitable habitat (MASH) and MVPs, and compare results with the species’ current status. The computer package VORTEX was used. The model predicted sizes of 200 animals to achieve demographic stability, but buffering declines in genetic variability required populations of 2000 animals. Estimated MASHs were approximately 250 and 2500 ha for demographic and genetic stability, respectively. Mortality rate and mean litter size were the most sensitive parameters to changes in model assumptions. The protection of known populations and the search for extant populations are the first steps in conservation. T. eliasi's issue could help protecting the coastal shrubland ecosystem of Rio de Janeiro state. Observing IUCN's criteria for listing threatened species, it is suggested that T. eliasi should be ranked as vulnerable in red lists. |
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| Keywords: | Atlantic Forest Coastal shrubland Management Minimum viable population (MVP) Population viability analysis (PVA) Quasi-extinction Status Trinomys VORTEX |
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