Abstract

RODRIGUEZ, Daniela; ALVAREZ, Leandro  and  DORADO, Jimena. Conveying research to management in the network of conservation areas of Mendoza, Argentina. Mastozool. neotrop. [online]. 2020, vol.27, n.1, pp.126-143.  Epub Jan 06, 2020. ISSN 0327-9383.

The knowledge of species diversity, the associated ecosystem functions, and the network of community structure are key for effective decision-making for conservation legislation. In Mendoza Province, the study of mammals has been relevant for the development of theoretical models, but such information is scattered and patchy. In this paper, we evaluate the pattern of organization and the conservation status of the diversity of mammals in the Monte desert of Mendoza, integrating these data into two Provincial Conservation Strategies (PCS): Protected Areas and Native Forest Management Law. We found that both specific and functional richness were equal inside and outside the PCS locations. However, these variables are more strongly correlated within the PCS. In addition, rarefied richness and species of outstanding value were higher in localities within the PCS. Finally, the modular structure of the regional system, together with the presence of a large number of locations forming connections within the PCS network, indicate that the PCS is currently effective in protecting not only mammalian biodiversity, but also the connectivity of the regional system. This large number of corridors strengthens the structural continuity of mammalian biodiversity throughout the environmental gradient of Monte, within Mendoza Province.

Keywords : mammals; metacommunity network; native woods; protected areas.

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