Dissimilar responses of the Gray brocket deer (Mazama gouazoubira), Crab-eating fox (Cerdocyon thous) and Pampas fox (Lycalopex gymnocercus) to livestock frequency in subtropical forests of NW Argentina

Abstract

This study represents the first analysis of livestock influence over individual mammal species in NW Argentina forests. Through camera-trapping, I found a negative correlation between frequencies of occurrence of livestock (sheep, goats and cattle) and Gray brocket deer Mazama gouazoubira, and a modification of the daily activities patterns of the latter according to changes in density of the former. However, no evident associations between Crab-eating fox Cerdocyon thous and Pampas fox Lycalopex gymnocercus frequencies and livestock were found. This study provides insights on the effects of extensive ranching over mammal species in NW forests of Argentina, where this activity is of major importance among forests inhabitants.