The chevron skink (Oligosoma homalonotum) is one of the largest, yet least observed skink species in New Zealand. The species was thought to have once been widespread in Northern New Zealand, however currently it is only found on Great Barrier and Little Barrier Islands. Great Barrier Island is the apparent stronghold for the species although it appears to be in decline there, despite a net increase in habitat. Recent studies have increased the understanding of the general ecology of the species, however little is known about the threats to the survival of this species. This study had two main objectives; the first was to establish if rats are a threat to chevron skinks, and the second was to increase current knowledge of the species ecology. The research was undertaken in an area of extensive rodent control (Glenfern Sanctuary) and an adjacent unmanaged reserve in Port Fitzroy, on Great Barrier Island in 2008. The first objective of this study involved confirming that rat densities in the treatment (Glenfern Sanctuary) were sufficiently different to allow meaningful comparisons of chevron skink population characteristics between sites. This was achieved by determining absolute rat densities using Zippin’s removal method at four sites, and correlating these with a relative abundance measure (tracking rates) to give confidence in the observed trends. Rat densities were high (1.94 - 3.00 rats ha-1) in the control, and low (0.00 and 0.06 rats ha-1) in the treatment sites, and these correlated well with tracking rates. In light of these clear differences between the treatment and control, the population structure and condition of chevron skinks were compared between sites. The population structure showed erosion of juvenile and sub-adult size categories, which indicated differences in vulnerabilities between size categories. Physical evidence of failed rat predation was also observed in adult skinks in the unmanaged control, which confirmed that rats were interacting with chevron skinks. Although the adults survived the attacks they suffered injuries including eye damage, punctures, cuts and tail loss. Smaller skinks would be unlikely to survive such attacks due to the severity and scale of the injuries, supporting the assertions of the population structure that smaller skinks may be more vulnerable than adults. The extent of tail loss was converted to a condition index to determine if failed rat predation was more widespread in the population, than was observed by conspicuous injuries. This condition index (body-tail condition index) was stable through all size categories in the treatment, but significantly reduced in adults in the unmanaged sites. That there was no reduction in the condition of smaller skinks in the unmanaged control sites despite high rat densities suggests that interactions between rats and smaller skinks are fatal, and thus not represented in the data. Nine chevron skinks were radio-tracked to determine habitat use, home range and ranging behaviour. Habitat use of chevron skinks was similar to a previous study and demonstrated that trees, crevices and logs were important refuge sites. Chevron skinks were more likely to be found at sites with trees, crevices and debris dams. Chevron skink home ranges indicated that adults moved further away from streams than previously anticipated at this time of year, and skinks demonstrated site fidelity. There was also overlap in home ranges between individuals, and skinks with overlapping home ranges shared common refuges. During flooding events, chevron skinks exhibited an arboreal response that appears to be a behaviour specific to stream associated animals, which allows them to avoid being taken by floodwaters.

This thesis fills a research gap in our knowledge of kokako song by looking at how song evolves in multi-dialect areas. Kokako only exist in small remnant populations separated by large tracts of unsuitable land. Kokako are very poor flyers, only able to fly for approximately 100 metres at a time. In order to prevent inbreeding and a loss of genetic diversity in the remaining kokako populations, managers are carrying out translocations to establish new populations, maintain gene flow and prevent inbreeding. However, these translocations have the potential to be unsuccessful because kokako exhibit macrogeographic variation in their dialects, and tend not to breed with individuals who do not share the same dialect as them. If the purpose of the translocation is to enhance genetic diversity by having kokako from different areas breed then song is an important factor that must be dealt with. Song is extremely important to kokako for a number of reasons. Chiefly, it is hypothesised that song is their primary means of territory defence. A kokako gains all its resources from its territory, so it is imperative that they successfully defend it. Their duet song functions in territory defence, but also acts to form and maintain pair bonds. In order to try and address the problem that song causes in translocations I studied if and how song evolves in a multiple dialect area. I conducted research at Pukaha Mount Bruce, where there is a population of kokako originating from two different source populations, and thus two different dialects, Northern Mapara and Mangatutu. I looked at the Northern Mapara dialect, and recorded kokako belonging to three groups; kokako currently living in the source population, kokako that were translocated to Pukaha and kokako that were born at Pukaha. In order to determine how the song may be changing I looked at element repertoires, the levels of sharing between groups, the number of unique elements in repertoires and the syntactical and temporal characteristics of phrases. This study shows that translocation into multiple dialect areas can affect kokako song. Translocation did not affect the size of the kokako repertoire, but it seemed to affect the amount of sharing within and between different groups of kokako. Currently the level of sharing within the groups at Pukaha is lower than the level of sharing within the source Mapara population, indicating that the song may be diverging. There also seem to be more unique elements found at Pukaha, which in part explains the lack of sharing. There appears to be microgeographic variation at Pukaha, with birds clustered around the second (Mangatutu) dialect sharing less with the source population than do those kokako whose territories are lower down in the reserve. The phrases which are used are also evolving, with only one phrase truly shared among all groups. There are other phrases which show additions or deletions of elements, and so are evolving. The main change found in the phrases is the timing between elements, with six out of seven phrases examined showing changes. These results have repercussions for future kokako translocations, and the future of the Pukaha kokako. A low amount of phrase and element type sharing combined with changes of intra-phrase timing could lead to the Pukaha kokako’s inability to successfully defend their territories. This research shows how kokako song can give conservation managers information on the status of their populations in regards to interbreeding and raises questions which can be answered by further research, both at Pukaha and in other mixeddialect kokako populations.

In the matrix of land uses beyond protected areas, people protect nature in a myriad of ways, and have, in some cases, for millennia. With the growth of global databases of Indigenous and Community Conserved Areas and Territories (ICCAs) and registries of sacred natural sites, opportunities are emerging for conservationists to engage custodians of sacred forests beyond protected areas. As conservation expands beyond protected areas, successful engagement emerges from unities in the perspectives of conservationists and custodians of sacred forests. This thesis aims to identify unities for conservationists' engagement with custodians of sacred forests on a landscape scale. The thesis geolocates sacred forests and assesses the implications for conservation in four diverse landscapes in the Gambia, Ethiopia, Malaysia and Japan. The scale of inquiry varies across the papers, from the sub-district level to a national scale. This research indicates that while sacred forests may be overlooked by conservationists due to their small size and autonomous management, when they are considered in concert on a landscape scale, opportunities for conservation engagement become apparent. This thesis demonstrates that sacred forests can be prevalent in diverse landscapes, persist over time, and provide ecosystem services due to their spatial distribution.

Para avaliar a conservação das populações de bugio-ruivo no Distrito de Itapuã, Viamão/RS, entorno do Parque Estadual de Itapuã, foram realizados um levantamento de ocorrência da espécie, um levantamento dos conflitos existentes entre a população humana e os bugios, e um estudo de percepção ambiental para investigar o modo como a comunidade se relaciona com a espécie. Essas informações são relevantes para garantir a viabilidade futura das populações existentes no Parque. Constatou-se que o bugio-ruivo ainda está presente em 96,4% das quadrículas amostradas, sendo a cobertura florestal o principal fator responsável pela ocorrência da espécie. Ainda há uma relativa conectividade entre as áreas de mata, que possibilita a dispersão de indivíduos. Aparentemente, há uma metapopulação do tipo “população em manchas” no Distrito de Itapuã. O alto valor de ocorrência encontrado, pode estar indicando que o hábitat está sendo um recurso limitado. Apesar desse cenário positivo, ocorrem conflitos entre os bugios e a população humana que afetam a conservação da espécie, através de um aumento na mortalidade. Os principais tipos de conflito são “eletrocussão”, “ataque de cães” e “atropelamento”. São sugeridas ações visando minimizar esses conflitos e, possibilitar a convivência harmônica entre bugios e humanos. A população humana do Distrito de Itapuã possui uma visão bastante positiva sobre o bugio, sendo bastante tolerante à presença dessa espécie. Isso certamente afeta a conservação da espécie de uma maneira positiva. Também existe uma visão favorável, mas em menor intensidade, com relação ao Parque Estadual de Itapuã. Apesar de um certo desconhecimento, a importância da área é reconhecida pela comunidade. / To evaluate the conservation of the brown howler monkey in buffer zone of the Itapuã State Park were performed in the District of Itapuã, Viamão/RS, a survey of occurrence, a survey of the existing conflicts between humans and howler monkeys, and a study of environmental perception to investigate how the community relates to the species. This information is relevant to ensure the future viability of populations in Itapuã State Park. It was found that the brown howler monkey is still present in 96.4% of the quadrats sampled, and that the forest cover is the main factor for the occurrence of the species. There is still a relative connectivity between forested areas, which allows the dispersion of individuals. Apparently there is a metapopulation type "population patch" in the District of Itapuã. The high value of occurrence found in this study may be indicating that the habitat may be being a limited resource. Despite this positive scenario, conflicts occur between the howlers and the human population, and these conflicts may affect the conservation of the species through an increase in mortality. The main types of conflict are electrocution, attack dogs and road kill. Actions are suggested to minimize these conflicts and allow for peaceful coexistence between humans and apes. The human population of the District of Itapuã has a rather positive view on the monkey, and is quite tolerant to the presence of this species. This certainly affects the conservation of the species in a positive way. There is also a favorable view, but to a lesser degree, with respect to Itapuã State Park. Despite a certain unknown, the area's importance is recognized by the community.

Para avaliar a conservação das populações de bugio-ruivo no Distrito de Itapuã, Viamão/RS, entorno do Parque Estadual de Itapuã, foram realizados um levantamento de ocorrência da espécie, um levantamento dos conflitos existentes entre a população humana e os bugios, e um estudo de percepção ambiental para investigar o modo como a comunidade se relaciona com a espécie. Essas informações são relevantes para garantir a viabilidade futura das populações existentes no Parque. Constatou-se que o bugio-ruivo ainda está presente em 96,4% das quadrículas amostradas, sendo a cobertura florestal o principal fator responsável pela ocorrência da espécie. Ainda há uma relativa conectividade entre as áreas de mata, que possibilita a dispersão de indivíduos. Aparentemente, há uma metapopulação do tipo “população em manchas” no Distrito de Itapuã. O alto valor de ocorrência encontrado, pode estar indicando que o hábitat está sendo um recurso limitado. Apesar desse cenário positivo, ocorrem conflitos entre os bugios e a população humana que afetam a conservação da espécie, através de um aumento na mortalidade. Os principais tipos de conflito são “eletrocussão”, “ataque de cães” e “atropelamento”. São sugeridas ações visando minimizar esses conflitos e, possibilitar a convivência harmônica entre bugios e humanos. A população humana do Distrito de Itapuã possui uma visão bastante positiva sobre o bugio, sendo bastante tolerante à presença dessa espécie. Isso certamente afeta a conservação da espécie de uma maneira positiva. Também existe uma visão favorável, mas em menor intensidade, com relação ao Parque Estadual de Itapuã. Apesar de um certo desconhecimento, a importância da área é reconhecida pela comunidade. / To evaluate the conservation of the brown howler monkey in buffer zone of the Itapuã State Park were performed in the District of Itapuã, Viamão/RS, a survey of occurrence, a survey of the existing conflicts between humans and howler monkeys, and a study of environmental perception to investigate how the community relates to the species. This information is relevant to ensure the future viability of populations in Itapuã State Park. It was found that the brown howler monkey is still present in 96.4% of the quadrats sampled, and that the forest cover is the main factor for the occurrence of the species. There is still a relative connectivity between forested areas, which allows the dispersion of individuals. Apparently there is a metapopulation type "population patch" in the District of Itapuã. The high value of occurrence found in this study may be indicating that the habitat may be being a limited resource. Despite this positive scenario, conflicts occur between the howlers and the human population, and these conflicts may affect the conservation of the species through an increase in mortality. The main types of conflict are electrocution, attack dogs and road kill. Actions are suggested to minimize these conflicts and allow for peaceful coexistence between humans and apes. The human population of the District of Itapuã has a rather positive view on the monkey, and is quite tolerant to the presence of this species. This certainly affects the conservation of the species in a positive way. There is also a favorable view, but to a lesser degree, with respect to Itapuã State Park. Despite a certain unknown, the area's importance is recognized by the community.

abstract: A mule deer herd exists on the northern rim of the Grand Canyon, located on the North Kaibab Plateau. Historical references to this indigenous mule deer herd presented reports of periodic population irruption and collapse. Partially funded by the Arizona Game and Fish Department and the Arizona Deer Association, examination of herd nutritional and metabolic status from the Fall 2005 - Spring 2008 was completed at the request of AzGFD and ADA. Habitat analysis included forage micro-histological, protein, and caloric content plus whole blood and plasma assays gauging herd metabolic response. Modelling was completed using best management practices wildlife energy demand calculations and principal component analysis. Forage quality analysis and modelling suggest a sufficient amount of nitrogen (N) available (DPI) to the deer for protein synthesis. Energy analysis (MEI) of forage suggest caloric deficiencies are widely prevalent on the north Kaibab plateau. Principal component analysis integrates forage and metabolic results providing a linear regression model describing the dynamics of forage utilization, energy availability, and forage nitrogen supply with metabolic demand and response of the mule deer herd. Most of the plasma and blood metabolic indicators suggest baseline values for the North Kaibab mule deer. Albumin values are in agreement with albumin values for mule deer in the Southwest. I suggest that the agreed values become a standard for mule deer in the Southwestern U.S. As excess dietary N is converted to a caloric resource, a continual state of under-nutrition exists for the deer upon entering the N. Kaibab winter range. The population is exceeding the nutritional resource plane that the winter habitat provides. Management recommendations include implementation of multiple small-scale habitat rehabilitation efforts over time, including invasive juniper (Juniperous osteosperma) and piñon (Pinus edulis) management, prescribed burning to control big sage (Artemesia tridentata) populations, and reseeding treated areas with a seed mix of native shrubs, grasses and forbs. I recommended that the population size of the North Kaibab deer herd is maintained at the current size with natural selection controlling growth, or the population be artificially reduced through increased hunting opportunities. / Dissertation/Thesis / Ph.D. Environmental Design and Planning 2014

Novos marcadores genéticos foram caracterizados para jacaré-de-papo-amarelo (Caiman latirostris) pela construção de bibliotecas enriquecidas de DNA microssatélite. Um microssatélite foi desenvolvido a partir de uma biblioteca enriquecida de DNA microssatélite (ACC/TGG)n e 12 a partir de uma biblioteca enriquecida de DNA microssatélite (AC/TG)n. Esses marcadores foram testados em indivíduos da espécie Caiman latirostris e resultaram em sete novos microssatélites polimórficos. Adicionalmente quatro marcadores microssatélites de Alligator mississipiensis previamente transferidos para Caiman latirostris foram utilizados. Amostras de sangue jacarés-de-papo-amarelo originárias de várzeas associadas ao Rio Piracicaba e alguns de seus tributários no estado de São Paulo, Brasil, foram avaliadas quanto à variação genética entre populações e o parentesco entre indivíduos. Foi detectada variabilidade entre indivíduos originários de sitos diferentes, mesmo entre aqueles com pequena distância geográfica. Os resultados sugerem que os grupos amostrados em cada sítio são compostos predominantemente por indivíduos aparentados. Uma possível combinação de alta taxa de mortalidade e baixa taxa de natalidade pode ser a explicação do baixo número de indivíduos dispersos com sucesso por geração entre os sítios estudados. Esses marcadores podem auxiliar na compreensão dos processos metapopulacionais que aparentemente ocorrem na espécie. / New genetic markers were characterized for the broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris) by constructing libraries enriched for microsatellite DNA. One microsatellite was developed from a (ACC/TGG)n enriched microsatellite DNA library and 12 from a (AC/TG)n enriched microsatellite DNA library. These markers were tested in Caiman latirostris individuals and resulted in seven new polymorphic microsatellites for the specie. Additionally four Alligator mississipiensis microsatellite markers previously transferred for Caiman latirostris were used. Samples from broad-snouted caimans from small wetlands associated with the Piracicaba River and some of its tributaries in the state of São Paulo, Brazil were used to study the genetic variation between populations and parentage between individuals. Genetic variability was detected among individuals from different sites, even those within a small geographic distance. The results suggest that the groups sampled at each site are composed predominantly of related individuals. A possible combination of high mortality and low natality rates in the fragmented Caiman latirostris populations may explain the low number of successfully dispersed individuals per generation observed between the sites studied. These markers might help to understand the metapopulation processes that are occurring within this species.

Comprometida com a compreensão da relação entre hábitat e uso do espaço pelo mico-leão-da-cara-preta (Leontopithecus caissara), esta dissertação se norteia por três perguntas: Diferenças de hábitat entre ilha e continente influenciam o tamanho da área de vida? Há predileção da espécie por alguma classe de vegetação dentro da área de uso? Qual a capacidade suporte em sua área de ocorrência continental, bem como nas áreas potenciais para seu manejo conservacionista? Na tentativa de elucidar essas questões esta dissertação se divide em três capítulos. O primeiro contextualiza o trabalho e a apresenta o estado atual de conhecimento de L. caissara. Os capítulos segundo e terceiro concernem às questões centrais do trabalho - uso e seleção do hábitat pelo mico-leão-da-cara-preta. No capítulo dois apresentamos o uso do espaço pela espécie em sua região continental de ocorrência e comparamos os resultados obtidos com as informações disponíveis para a Ilha do Superagui. No capítulo três tratamos da seleção do hábitat por grupos insulares e continentais de L. caissara e estimamos a capacidade suporte para a espécie considerando seus limites de ocorrência e as áreas passíveis de receber animais em situação de manejo. Ao final desses capítulos apresentamos algumas considerações e recomendações para pesquisa e conservação do mico-leão-da-cara-preta. A preocupação com uma postura crítica e construtiva acerca das metodologias de estudos e análises sobre uso do espaço por espécies animais é transversal aos assuntos tratados ao longo de todo o trabalho. Os resultados apresentados confirmam as grandes áreas de vida de L. caissara, as quais parecem ser compensadas energeticamente pela incorporação de novas áreas e abandono de outras ao longo do tempo. Os tipos de hábitats mais intensamente utilizadas pelos mico-leão-da-cara-preta intercalaram áreas de floresta madura e em clímax edáfico com áreas antropizadas em sucessão, ambos hábitats sobre pouco desnível altimétrico. A capacidade suporte estimada é aparentemente incapaz de sustentar uma população viável e ressalta a urgência de pesquisas genéticas que colaborem para a compreensão do histórico ecológico/evolutivo de L. caissara. Potenciais translocações com vistas ao aumento populacional devem considerar as amplas áreas de diva, a espacialidade dinâmica, a relação uso/disponibilidade do hábitat e as diferenças entre ilha e continente. / This dissertation focuses on the interaction between habitat and space use by the black-faced lion tamarin (Leontopithecus caissara). We seek to answer three questions: 1) Do differences in vegetation between insular and continental habitats influence how the species use the space? 2) Does the species prefer a specific type of vegetation within its home-range? 3) What is the carrying capacity of the continental distribution and which are areas for potential conservation management? The first chapter of this dissertation relates the subjects discussed and introduces what is known about L. caissara. The second and third chapters develop the central questions of the research: the use and selection of habitat by the black-faced lion tamarin. In Chapter Two, we introduce space use by the species in its continental distribution and compare the results with data from Superagui Island. In Chapter Three, we address habitat selection by insular and continental groups of L. caissara and estimate the carrying capacity for the species given its distribution and areas potentially able to receive animals in a management context. The conclusion of each chapter presents considerations and recommendations for research and conservation. The study methods and analyses of space use aim to be critical and constructive and are relevant to the topics addressed throughout the text. The results presented confirm that the large home-ranges of L. caissara undergo dynamic turnovers, with some areas being abandoned and others incorporated throughout the year. The habitat types most intensively used by tamarins include areas of mature and forest mixed with areas of anthropic succession, both occurring at low altitudes. The estimated carrying capacity is apparently insufficient to maintain a viable population and highlights the importance of genetic studies that incorporate the ecological/evolutionary history of the species. Potential translocations meant to increase population size should consider the large home-ranges, dynamic spatial structure, relation of habitat use/availability and the differences between island and continent.

A predação de bovinos (Bos sp.) por onças-pardas (Puma concolor) e onçaspintadas (Panthera onca) foi registrada durante seis anos em uma propriedade rural no Norte do Estado de Goiás, Centro-Oeste do Brasil. A pesquisa teve os objetivos de verificar: (1) quanto bovinos são predados por onças; (2) qual a faixa etária mais predada; (3) se existe sazonalidade na ocorrência da predação e (4) qual sua distribuição espacial em relação aos elementos constituintes da paisagem. A predação foi registrada e quantificada com auxílio dos retireiros e responsáveis pelo manejo dos bovinos, que forneceram em uma ficha o nome do observador, data, retiro, número do pasto, causa da morte, idade e sexo. A predação representou 21,7% (n=309) da mortalidade total de bovinos. Os bovinos predados representaram uma biomassa média anual de 63,8 kg/km², que foi equivalente a 0,4% do estoque médio anual de bovinos. A categoria mais predada foi o bezerro. A predação se associou fortemente à idade dos animais predados, ocorrendo mais com bezerros de até 2 meses e diminuindo gradativamente com o aumento da idade. A predação foi influenciada pela categoria de bovinos (idade e sexo), local e período de nascimentos. Ficou evidente que a predação foi diferente espacial e temporalmente. Dessa forma, um conjunto de medidas preventivas foi sugerido para reduzir a predação de bovinos e garantir a conservação das onças. / Data on cattle predation by pumas (Puma concolor) and jaguars (Panthera onca) has been recorded for six years in a farm in Northern Goiás, Mid-Western Brazil. This research’s main objectives were to determine: (1) the actual proportion of cattle killed by big cats; (2) whether there was a certain age class targeted by those predators; (3) whether the predation fluctuated along the year and (4) the spatial distribution of cattle predation. Data were recorded by employees and cattle managers using forms with the following information (observer’s name, date, id numbers, cause of mortality, age and sex). Predation represented 21,7% (n=309) of the overall cattle mortality. In biomass, kills represented 0,4 % of the farm’ annual stock with 63,8 kg/km². Predation was strongly correlated with cattle’s age with most attacks occurring on calves younger than 2 months old then gradually decreasing the animals get older. Predation was mainly associated with cattle’s age class and location along with the time of the births it occurred. It clearly appeared that cattle predation varied spatially and temporally. We recommended several preventive techniques to be used in order to limit cattle predation in rural farming contexts so as to reduce the conflict between villagers and large felids and thus enhance the last big cats’ conservation.

A perda de habitats é, atualmente, a grande ameaça à diversidade de vertebrados terrestres (Crooks, 2002). Muito pouco resta da vegetação nativa no estado de São Paulo, uma vez que é o estado mais desenvolvido do Brasil. Embora sua porção litorânea ainda possua uma grande faixa de Floresta Atlântica, o que restou da vegetação de cerrado em seu interior são pequenos fragmentos, cercados de agricultura e silvicultura. Entretanto, este mosaico de vegetação ainda abriga espécies de médios e grandes mamíferos. Este estudo foi desenvolvido numa área com fragmentos de cerradão, cerrado sensu stricto, floresta semidecídua, além de cultivos de eucalipto e cana-de-açúcar, nos municípios de Santa Rita do Passa-Quatro e Luiz Antônio. Registraram-se 22 espécies de mamíferos de médio e grande porte por meio de armadilhamento fotográfico, canteiro de pegadas, identificação de fezes, vestígios e avistamentos diretos. Dessas 22 espécies, dez eram carnívoros os quais exploravam o ambiente independentemente de sua cobertura vegetal. Numa abordagem mais espacializada notou-se alguma diferença no uso dos habitats da área de estudo, inclusive do eucaliptal, que se mostrou um habitat importante na dinâmica das populações de carnívoros do local. Dessa forma concluiu-se que ambientes modificados pelas culturas humanas podem representar habitats efetivamente utilizados pela mastofauna de uma região antropizada. Diferentes métodos podem ser usados para monitorar populações ou comunidades faunísticas. O armadilhamento fotográfico e o registro em canteiro de pegadas são bastante utilizados para médios e grandes mamíferos. Os dois métodos possuem viéses na sua amostragem, além de custos e eficiências bem distintos, no entanto o uso conjunto desses dois métodos parece registrar de forma adeqüada a riqueza da mastofauna de uma determinada região. / Habitat\'s loss is the great jeopardy to the diversity of terrestrial vertebrates nowadays (Crooks, 2002). There\'s too little left from the native vegetation in São Paulo State, since it\'s the most developed state in Brazil. Although its coastal area still has a large tract of the Atlantic Forest, just small patches of Brazilian savanna (cerrado) vegetation are found in it, surrounded by agriculture and silviculture. However this vegetation mosaic still shelters both medium and large mammals\' species. This study was held in an area with remnant fragments of woodland savanna (cerradão), cerrado sensu stricto, semideciduous forest as well the cultivation of eucalyptus and sugar-cane in Santa Rita do Passa-Quatro e Luiz Antônio - Brazil. Twenty-two species of large and medium sized mammals were reported by the use of camera trapping, track plots recording, identification of dungs, vestiges and sights. Among these 22 species, ten were carnivore which exploit the environment regardless its vegetation coverage. During a more spatial approach, some difference in the use of the habitats was noted, concerning the study area, including the eucalyptus plantation, which turned out to be an important habitat on the dynamics of the carnivore population of the region. Thus one realizes that environments which were altered by human cultures can represent habitats actually used by mammals from an anthropogenic region. Different procedures can be applied to observe faunal populations or communities. The camera trapping and the track plot recording are often used for medium and large-sized mammals. Both methods present bias in their showing, besides these 2 methods seem to be suitable to the register the wealth of the mammals of a specific region.