Keywords
camera trap
cloud forest
distribution
relative abundance
How to Cite
Accepted 2023-08-20
Published 2023-10-18
Abstract
Porcupines (Coendou, Erethizontidae), are one of the least studied mammals because their arboreal and nocturnal habits. The presence of three species has been confirmed for Bolivia: Coendou longicaudatus boliviensis, C. bicolor and C. rufescens. Currently, there is little information on the ecology, natural history, and distribution of these species in the country; with only six records of short-tailed porcupines (C. rufescens) in the departments of Santa Cruz and Cochabamba. To continue contributing to the knowledge of the species, this work reports the presence and activity pattern of C. rufescens in the department of La Paz, in the Acero Marka Valley, Bolivia. Sixty-two camera trap stations were installed, accumulating a sampling effort of 3,696.81 traps per night, obtaining a total of 66 photographs and 10 independent events. This is the first study for the department of La Paz and expands the distribution of C. rufescens to west Bolivia, specifically to the banks of the Aceromarka river in the Yungas, at an altitude of 3,195 m. In addition, we report a predominantly nocturnal pattern of activity with records between 20:26 h and 02:24 h.
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