Large and medium-sized mammals in Manglares Churute Ecological Reserve (Western Ecuador)

In this study, we evaluated the structure of the medium- and large-sized mammal assemblage to examine potential signs of defaunation in Reserva Ecológica Manglares Churute, located in the lowlands of western Ecuador. This reserve is characterized by its high diversity of ecosystems and fauna, although it is subject to significant anthropogenic pressure. Between November 2022 and June 2023, surveys were conducted with camera trap at five stations located in different terrestrial ecosystems, accumulating a total of 800 camera-days of monitoring. We recorded 14 native species belonging to 12 families and seven orders, in addition to cattle and the domestic dog. The most frequent species were Dasyprocta punctata and Nasua nasua; both showed diurnal habits and high ecological plasticity. In contrast, Leopardus pardalis exhibited nocturnal activity, while Sylvilagus daulensis displayed a catemeral pattern. Tamandua mexicana and Odocoileus virginianus, categorized as Endangered on the national Red List, were also recorded, along with N. nasua, Herpailurus yagouaroundi, L. pardalis, and Dicotyles tajacu, classified as Vulnerable. Additionally, we recorded one H. yagouaroundi individual with skin abnormality and kinked tail. The predominance of generalist species and the absence of large carnivores suggest defaunation and biotic homogenization processes within the reserve. Our findings highlight the dual nature of this reserve: as a refuge for resilient mammal species on the Ecuadorian coast and as a system subjected to considerable and increasing anthropogenic pressure. This underscores the need to strengthen management and monitoring strategies to ensure the persistence of these populations in highly modified coastal landscapes.