Species richness and diel activity patterns of terrestrial mammals in a protected Brazilian dry forest

Dry forests in Brazil and their biodiversity are experiencing increasing anthropogenic pressures, leading to habitat fragmentation and loss. Monitoring and understanding local biodiversity provide essential data to support conservation efforts. Medium- and large-sized terrestrial mammals in a protected area within the Caatinga biome, Brazil, were assessed using camera traps. Twelve species were documented, including the nationally threatened taxa Leopardus tigrinus and Kerodon rupestris. The persistence of Subulo gouazoubira and felids indicates a functional food web and the ecological health of the area. The unexpected detection of Dicotyles tajacu emphasizes the need for further ecological research. Data on diel activity patterns provided novel insights, as such information is limited for these species in this habitat. However, threats such as poaching and invasive domestic animals within the Monumento Natural do Rio São Francisco disrupt these ecological interactions. Our findings underscore that conserving these mammals is critical for ecosystem resilience, emphasizing the need for urgent anti-poaching measures and habitat restoration to protect this unique dry forest community.