Resumen

SANCHEZ-LALINDE, Catalina  y  PEREZ-TORRES, Jairo. Habitat use by sympatric carnivores in a tropical dry forest area of Colombia. Mastozool. neotrop. [online]. 2008, vol.15, n.1, pp.67-74. ISSN 0327-9383.

The objective of this study was to make an estimation of how three species of carnivores use the habitat in an area of Tropical Dry Forest located in the Tolemaida Military Base (Colombia, South America). Track traps with olfactory stations were used on different vegetation covers such as forest, shrubs and high grasses. For the statistical analysis we used the Bonferroni´s Z Test with a 95% confidence interval for habitat use establishment. After the study, we were able to conclude that Cerdocyon thous and Leopardus pardalis preferred the shrub habitat, while Puma yagouaroundi preferred the shrub and forest zones. There is still a possibility that the shrub is used as a foraging zone or as a passing area between forests. Additionally, we were able to associate these three species to water, roads and housing areas. Traces of these three species were found in the forest as well as in the shrubs, showing the importance of both types of vegetation covers for their presence in the Military base. Considering the restricted access and level of protection inside the base, our suggestion is to regard these areas for conservation and planning programs.

Palabras clave : Canidae; Felidae; Habitat use; Military Fort; Tropical dry forest.

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