{"title":"Ecology of Arboreal Mammals of Neotropical Forests: A Review of the State of Knowledge","authors":"Erika García-Casimiro, Antonio Santos-Moreno","doi":"10.1111/aec.70213","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div>\n \n <p>Monitoring neotropical arboreal mammals is essential for understanding their biology, their ecological roles in forest ecosystems and for guiding effective conservation efforts. However, despite their diversity and ecological importance, research on this taxon remains limited. A systematic literature review was conducted to assess the state of knowledge on arboreal and semi-arboreal mammals in neotropical forests. The review aimed to identify research trends, specifically study methods used, publication trends, geographic distribution of research, protected areas research, target species, main topics addressed, knowledge gaps and future research challenges. A total of 312 studies were identified with most research conducted in Brazil (<i>n</i> = 151, 49%), followed by Mexico (<i>n</i> = 34, 11%), Peru (<i>n</i> = 29, 9%) and Costa Rica (<i>n</i> = 28, 9%). Most research was conducted in protected areas (<i>n</i> = 209, 67%). Small mammals have mainly been studied using live-capture traps (<i>n</i> = 74, 69%), while larger mammals have predominantly been studied with direct observations on transects (<i>n</i> = 108, 52%). The order with the highest number of studies was Primates (39%), followed by Rodentia (38%), Didelphimorphia (15%), Carnivora (4%), Pilosa (3%) and Microbiotheria (1%). The main research topics deal with behaviour (26%), species assessment (19%) and the effect of human activities (16%). There was limited research on conservation (4%) and activity patterns (2%). Research on neotropical arboreal mammals is still scarce, particularly for nocturnal and cryptic species. Out of 592 species, only 240 (40%) have been the focus of scientific studies. The lack of research on many species can be attributed to factors such as limited accessibility, challenges in studying them due to their geographic distribution, small population sizes or elusive behaviours. It is necessary to increase efforts for their evaluation to support the development and planning of better conservation strategies.</p>\n </div>","PeriodicalId":8663,"journal":{"name":"Austral Ecology","volume":"51 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.6000,"publicationDate":"2026-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Austral Ecology","FirstCategoryId":"93","ListUrlMain":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/aec.70213","RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"环境科学与生态学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q3","JCRName":"ECOLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Monitoring neotropical arboreal mammals is essential for understanding their biology, their ecological roles in forest ecosystems and for guiding effective conservation efforts. However, despite their diversity and ecological importance, research on this taxon remains limited. A systematic literature review was conducted to assess the state of knowledge on arboreal and semi-arboreal mammals in neotropical forests. The review aimed to identify research trends, specifically study methods used, publication trends, geographic distribution of research, protected areas research, target species, main topics addressed, knowledge gaps and future research challenges. A total of 312 studies were identified with most research conducted in Brazil (n = 151, 49%), followed by Mexico (n = 34, 11%), Peru (n = 29, 9%) and Costa Rica (n = 28, 9%). Most research was conducted in protected areas (n = 209, 67%). Small mammals have mainly been studied using live-capture traps (n = 74, 69%), while larger mammals have predominantly been studied with direct observations on transects (n = 108, 52%). The order with the highest number of studies was Primates (39%), followed by Rodentia (38%), Didelphimorphia (15%), Carnivora (4%), Pilosa (3%) and Microbiotheria (1%). The main research topics deal with behaviour (26%), species assessment (19%) and the effect of human activities (16%). There was limited research on conservation (4%) and activity patterns (2%). Research on neotropical arboreal mammals is still scarce, particularly for nocturnal and cryptic species. Out of 592 species, only 240 (40%) have been the focus of scientific studies. The lack of research on many species can be attributed to factors such as limited accessibility, challenges in studying them due to their geographic distribution, small population sizes or elusive behaviours. It is necessary to increase efforts for their evaluation to support the development and planning of better conservation strategies.
期刊介绍：
Austral Ecology is the premier journal for basic and applied ecology in the Southern Hemisphere. As the official Journal of The Ecological Society of Australia (ESA), Austral Ecology addresses the commonality between ecosystems in Australia and many parts of southern Africa, South America, New Zealand and Oceania. For example many species in the unique biotas of these regions share common Gondwana ancestors. ESA''s aim is to publish innovative research to encourage the sharing of information and experiences that enrich the understanding of the ecology of the Southern Hemisphere.
Austral Ecology involves an editorial board with representatives from Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, Brazil and Argentina. These representatives provide expert opinions, access to qualified reviewers and act as a focus for attracting a wide range of contributions from countries across the region.
Austral Ecology publishes original papers describing experimental, observational or theoretical studies on terrestrial, marine or freshwater systems, which are considered without taxonomic bias. Special thematic issues are published regularly, including symposia on the ecology of estuaries and soft sediment habitats, freshwater systems and coral reef fish.
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