Influência da Altitude na Distribuição de Pequenos Mamíferos Não-Voadores

Abstract

Mountainous regions show a remarkable diversity ofnonn-volant small mammals, with the altitude associated with mountains playing a key role, and a Humboldtian multidisciplinary approach is ideal for understanding these factors. In the Atlantic Forest, diversity is more pronounced at intermediate altitudes, a pattern known as the mid-domain effect in biogeography. Didelphiomorpha and Rodentia occupy distinct elevational ranges, reflecting species replacement and overlap along the elevational gradient. Genera such as Akodon and Delomys show distinct responses to elevation. Akodon shows species variation related to competition, while Delomys altimontanus is restricted to elevation peaks, suggesting specific refugia in mountainous regions. Tectonic and climatic changes at the end of the Neogene influenced the speciation of Trinomys. In particular, the Serra do Caparaó stands out as a center of diversity in the Atlantic Forest, with 27 species of non-volant small mammals. Richness and abundance vary with altitude, showing different patterns. Landscapes such as montane dense ombrophilous forest, altitudinal dense ombrophilous forest and high altitude grasslands contribute to this diversity. Anthropogenic pressures affect the richness and diversity of protected areas such as Parque Estadual Mata das Flores (PEMF) and Parque Estadual Forno Grande (PEFG). PEMF, with greater human influence, has lower diversity. In contrast, PEFG, which is more isolated, has significant biodiversity, including endangered species. Santa Teresa, in Espírito Santo, stands out as a strategic location, with a richness of 33 species of non-volant small mammals and a rich diversity at intermediate altitudes and in preserved environments. In general, altitude influences the distribution of these mammals in the Atlantic Forest, responding to abiotic factors such as area, temperature and relief, and biotic factors such as human occupation at different elevations. This study highlights the importance of biogeography and wild areas in understanding biodiversity in mountainous regions.