Distribution patterns of South American mustelids (Carnivora: Mustelidae)

Abstract

AbstractClimate has long been recognized as one of the main determinants of the geographical distribution of species. Variations associated with primary productivity in temperature, rainfall, and photoperiod can affect survival and reproduction, affecting the peripheries of geographical distributions. The importance of graphical visualization of these distributions lies in conservation, management, and environmental research. With respect to the South American species of mustelids, 37% are threatened according to the IUCN Red List, and the limits of distributions and their determinants are poorly known for the majority of species. Here, complete and updated databases and maps of geographical and temporal distribution are presented for the 12 species of mustelids inhabiting South America. Museum specimens and recorded localities were gathered based on an online search. Geographic limits of distributions were assessed, as were environmental values for all localities. Comparison with IUCN maps was undertaken to determine the need for updating. Finally, sympatry and syntopy among species analyzed were examined using Geographic Information Systems. The most complete and updated database of geographic distributions of South American mustelids to date was assembled for all species, encompassing 9,826 localities. New areas with recorded localities not present in IUCN maps were documented in many species, indicating the need to update current maps for conservation efforts. Areas of sympatry and syntopy were found among many species, indicating that patterns of coexistence between them are not well known. This study will serve as a framework for ensuing efforts in species distribution modeling, conservation decisions, and field studies, among others.