Influence of landscape structure in movement patterns and population density of the Crab-Eating Fox (Cerdocyon thous)

Abstract

The landscape structure can influence in the spatial organization of population by modifying the availability and accessibility to resources. Movement of individual is the feature of the spatial organization of a population and can be influenced by the heterogeneous distribution of habitat and the population density. This proposal aims to understand how landscape structure affects space use and population density of a generalist carnivore. Thus, we are monitoring individuals of Crab-Eating Fox (Cerdocyon thous) by GPS collars and estimating its population density by camera trap in diferent landscape contexts regarding to configuration and composition. Although the Crab-Eating Fox is considered a generalist specie of habitat, several studies indicate the importance of forest vegetation for the survival of this specie. The project is composed of three chapters and we will evaluate: i) activity pattern and habitat selection throughout the hours of day in different landscapes; ii) home range and home range overlap of females and males in different landscapes and; iii) the influence of the landscape structure on the Crab-Eating Fox population density and on the movement patterns of space use. In this study we will used data of 32 individuals monitored by GPS collars, with 23 individuals already monitored. Studies that contribute to understanding the ecology of generalist species can enhance the conservations strategies, because this species occur in different habitats and thus are responsible for the maintenance of essential ecological process in diverse ecosystems. In this context, the Crab-Eating Fox is a potential seed disperser and can control the populations of small species in different context of landscape preservation. In addition, the result of this study can help in predictive models of movement, allowing future evaluation of the specie to the ecological functions maintenance by spatially explicit models. This project is part of the international project FAPESP & Finlândia (process 2013/50421-2) and part already fundade by this Project FAPESP. In addition, this doctoral project was contemplated by the universal CNPq with R$ 60.000 for its execution. (AU)