Abstract

MEZA-JOYA, Fabio Leonardo et al. Predicted distributions of two poorly known small carnivores in Colombia: the greater grison and striped hog-nosed skunk. Mastozool. neotrop. [online]. 2018, vol.25, n.1, pp.89-105. ISSN 0327-9383.

Recent contributions have increased our knowledge of the distribution of small carnivores in Colombia, however, geographic ranges of many species remain poorly understood. Species distribution modeling represents a useful tool for predicting the geographic distributions of poorly known species. This paper focuses on updating and modeling the distribution of two small carnivores in Colombia, Galictis vittata and Conepatus semistriatus, based on reliable historical and new locality records. We used MaxEnt to model the species' potential distributions using presence localities, along with climate variables and elevation. Our results provided strong support for the predictive power of the models, suggesting a broad distribution for these species in Colombia, with 265 063 km² and 224 238 km² of suitable habitat for G. vittata and C. semistriatus, respectively. Our models suggest that a greater proportion of the predicted distribution of these species is currently outside protected areas. Based on these results, we highlight the need to increase studies in poorly surveyed regions where these species are predicted to occur and no confirmed records currently exist. Further studies are required to better understand the taxonomic limits, geographic distribution, threats, and conservation status of these and other small carnivores in Colombia.

Keywords : Conepatus semistriatus; Extent of occurrence; Galictis vittata; Species distribution models.

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