Effect of land use on the community of medium and large mammals in the canal Candelaria stream, Santa Fe, Argentina

Medium and large mammals play a key ecological role in terrestrial ecosystems as top predators, seed dispersers, scavengers, and habitat modifiers. In the highly anthropized landscapes of southeastern Santa Fe province, Argentina, these species face increasing pressure due to habitat fragmentation caused by agricultural, urban, and livestock expansion. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of land use on the richness, relative abundance, and diversity of medium and large mammals along the Canal Candelaria stream. Fieldwork was conducted seasonally between July 2024 and June 2025 in three sections of the stream with varying levels of human disturbance: a preserved riparian zone (lower basin), an urban section (middle basin), and an agriculturally dominated area (upper basin). Data were collected using transects, footprint tracking, direct observation, camera trapping, and interviews with local residents. Statistical analyses included diversity indices (Shannon, Simpson, Pielou), Kruskal-Wallis tests, ANOVA, hierarchical clustering, and principal component analysis. Results showed a significant decline in species richness and diversity in more disturbed sections. The lower basin harbored the highest richness (9 species) and more balanced community structure, while the urban section supported only two generalist species. These findings highlight the role of riparian remnants as biodiversity refuges and stress the urgent need for integrated conservation strategies in heavily modified agricultural-urban landscapes.