Fonda F, Vezzani L, Mena Aguilar LÁ, Venegas-Elizondo CA, Bolaños Brenes A, Lopez DM, Romeo G, Sonetti D, Dal Zotto M. · ZooKeys · 2025

Mammal diversity and tourism influence in an under-investigated region of Costa Rica.

Resumo em português

A Costa Rica é um dos países mais biodiversos do mundo, abrigando quase 4% de todos os mamíferos conhecidos. Embora os mamíferos locais tenham sido indubitavelmente mais investigados do que os de outros países da América Central, algumas regiões ainda parecem pouco conhecidas até hoje, como a Península de Nicoya, NO da Costa Rica. Nossa pesquisa foca no Refúgio de Vida Silvestre Karen Mogensen, um componente importante do Corredor Biológico da Península de Nicoya. Esta investigação representa o primeiro estudo abrangente dos mamíferos desta área, com o objetivo de fornecer informações básicas sobre a comunidade de mamíferos e a gestão do turismo. A investigação durante um período de 6 anos (2018-2023) revelou a presença de 60 espécies, pertencentes a 50 gêneros, 23 famílias e 8 ordens, indicando uma alta riqueza de espécies na área. Dentre elas, destacamos a ocorrência do vulnerável globalmente bugio-da-américa-central (Alouatta palliata) e do

Resumo original em inglês

Costa Rica is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, hosting almost 4% of all known mammals. Although the local mammals have undoubtedly been more investigated than those of other Central American countries, some regions still appear poorly known to date, such as the Nicoya Peninsula, NW Costa Rica. Our research focuses on the Karen Mogensen Wildlife Refuge, an important component of the Nicoya Peninsula Biological Corridor. This investigation represents the first comprehensive study of mammals of this area, with the aims to provide baseline information on the mammal community and tourism management. The investigation during a 6-year period (2018-2023) revealed the presence of 60 species, belonging to 50 genera, 23 families, and 8 orders, indicating a high species richness of the area. Among these, we highlight the occurrence of the globally Vulnerable Alouatta palliata and Cebus imitator and the Near Threatened Leopardus wiedii and Vampyrum spectrum , along with the recently recognised Lontra annectens , whose status is still Not Evaluated. The influence of tourism on activity patterns of mammals was also investigated. Using camera trapping, 13 species were detected in 537 trap-days and divided based on functional traits. No evidence of impacts caused by the presence of tourists was found on these species. This suggests that the current conservation policies of the Wildlife Refuge appear to be incorporating ecotourism in a wise and thoughtful manner. The information gathered will be a useful tool for the development and implementation of conservation strategies and actions at the local scale in the near future.