Diversity and activity of medium- and large-sized mammals in agroforestry systems, Santander, Colombia

Abstract

The expansion of the agricultural frontier for food production is one of the main threats to biodiversity in Colombia. Agroforestry systems represent a productive strategy based on mixed cropping with timber, fruit, or native species that enhance production and can provide resources for diverse animal species. In Colombia, cacao is generally cultivated under agroforestry systems, with Santander being the main national producer. Because these systems harbor species sensitive to anthropogenic disturbance, such as mammals, the objective of this study was to evaluate the taxonomic diversity and activity patterns of medium- and large-sized mammals associated with cacao agroforestry systems. The study area included three cacao agroforestry systems located on different farms between San Vicente de Chucurí and Zapatoca, Santander, Colombia. Three Bushnell Essential E3 camera traps were installed on each farm and remained active from January 2022 to July 2023. Relative abundance indices, diversity based on Hill numbers, activity patterns, and overlap were estimated. Based on an effort of 1,529 camera-trap nights and 1,154 independent detections, 17 species of medium- and large-sized mammals were recorded, some of which were categorized as Near Threatened (NT) and Vulnerable (VU). The assemblage exhibited predominantly nocturnal–crepuscular activity. Possible shifts in activity patterns in response to human presence were identified, as observed in Dasyprocta punctata. Additionally, comparisons among potentially competing species revealed temporal segregation in rodents and overlap in marsupials and cingulates. These results highlight the potential of cacao agroforestry systems to provide resources such as water, food, and shelter for these mammals.