Quantificação e qualificação de espécies da fauna exótica doméstica no Parque Estadual do Turvo, RS.

Abstract

This study deals with the quantification and classification of exotic domestic fauna species in the Parque Estadual do Turvo (PET), a conservation unit in the northwest of Rio Grande do Sul. The PET, established in 1947, covers 17,491.4 hectares and is one of the first conservation units in the state. The data collection, carried out from January 2019 to October 2023, used camera traps, with park employees conducting the analysis until October 2021 and the researcher continuing from that point. Given PET's diverse topography and subtropical climate, which are conducive to the presence of exotic fauna, data collection included photographic records from strategically placed cameras. The results showed the significant presence of domestic animals, mainly dogs (563) compared to cats, with notable seasonal variations and a downward trend in the presence of dogs until October 2023, while the presence of cats remained relatively constant. As well as contributing to an understanding of the ecology of these species in the PET, the study highlights the urgency of specific management strategies, especially in the face of possible poaching. The research not only reveals the temporal and spatial dynamics of these species, but also provides crucial information for implementing effective management strategies aimed at preserving biodiversity and the sustainability of the ecosystem in Parque Estadual do Turvo.