Does human influence on coastal grasslands habitats affect predation pressure on snakes?

Biota Neotropica

Mauricio Beux Dos Santos²  Mauro Cesar Lamim Martins De Oliveira¹  Tatiane Penteado Gonçalves¹  Francis De Mattos Almeida¹  Daniel Loebmann¹  Alexandro Marques Tozetti¹ 

[1],Universidade Federal de Santa Maria Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas Programa de Pós-graduação em Biodiversidade AnimalSanta Maria RS ,Brasil

关键词: reptiles;    coastal dunes;    human impact;    predation;    Brazil;    répteis;    dunas costeiras;    impacto humano;    predação;    Brasil;   

DOI  :  10.1590/S1676-06032013000100039

来源: SciELO

【 摘 要 】

The loss and modification of habitats by humans have been considered key factors in the decline of diversity of species worldwide. However, the real effect caused by these disturbances on the biota is still poorly understood. The assessment of the changes in the network of interspecific interactions, such as predation rates on the native fauna, can be an important tool to diagnose the functionality of disturbed ecosystems. In this study we evaluate the predation rate on snakes in coastal grasslands in South America under human influence. Predation rate of artificial snakes, unlike that obtained in other studies, was lower in human-altered areas than preserved ones. Our findings may be due to a reduction in the abundance and/or richness of species of native predators in more disturbed areas.

【 授权许可】

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