Diversidad y patrones de actividad de mamíferos medianos y grandes, mediante fototrampeo en la Reserva Ecológica Comuna Loma Alta, provincia de Santa Elena

Abstract

The Loma Alta Communal Ecological Reserve, located in the province of Santa Elena, Ecuador, is an ecosystem that encompasses tropical dry forests and hosts a high biodiversity of flora and fauna. This study aimed to evaluate the diversity, relative abundance, and activity patterns of medium and large mammals using camera trap technology. Ten camera traps were deployed in different areas of the forest and programmed for continuous monitoring from December 2023 to February 2024, yielding an estimated effort of 700 trap days and 345 independent records. Thirteen mammal species were recorded, categorized as Endangered (EN), Near Threatened (NT), and Least Concern (LC). The Relative Abundance Index (RAI) showed that Dasyprocta punctata and Dicotyles tajacu were the most abundant species, while Leopardus wiedii was the least recorded. Activity pattern analysis revealed that most species were diurnal. Only Dasyprocta punctata exhibited a significant relationship between activity and the lunar cycle. The species accumulation curve indicated an expected richness of 13 species. The Shannon-Weaver diversity index and Pielou’s evenness index demonstrated high species diversity and equitable distribution. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the ecology and behavior of mammals in the area and support the development of management and conservation strategies.