Premium
The influence of environmental variables on capybara ( Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris : Rodentia, Hydrochoeridae) detectability in anthropogenic environments of southeastern Brazil
Author(s) -
Ferraz Katia Maria Paschoaletto Micchi de Barros,
Manly Bryan,
Verdade Luciano Martins
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
population ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.819
H-Index - 59
eISSN - 1438-390X
pISSN - 1438-3896
DOI - 10.1007/s10144-009-0181-1
Subject(s) - environment variable , ecology , precipitation , environmental data , biology , seasonality , abundance (ecology) , environmental science , geography , meteorology
Capybaras were monitored weekly from 1998 to 2006 by counting individuals in three anthropogenic environments (mixed agricultural fields, forest and open areas) of southeastern Brazil in order to examine the possible influence of environmental variables (temperature, humidity, wind speed, precipitation and global radiation) on the detectability of this species. There was consistent seasonality in the number of capybaras in the study area, with a specific seasonal pattern in each area. Log‐linear models were fitted to the sample counts of adult capybaras separately for each sampled area, with an allowance for monthly effects, time trends and the effects of environmental variables. Log‐linear models containing effects for the months of the year and a quartic time trend were highly significant. The effects of environmental variables on sample counts were different in each type of environment. As environmental variables affect capybara detectability, they should be considered in future species survey/monitoring programs.