AN ELEVATIONAL GRADIENT STUDY OF SMALL MAMMALS AT CAPARAO NATIONAL-PARK, SOUTH EASTERN BRAZIL

Elevational distribution and diversity of small mammals along a west-e ast transect crossing the mountains in Caparao National Park was studi ed. Mountain field, mountain scrub, humid montane forest and five type s of submontane forest were sampled at altitudes from 1,000 to 2,700 m . Fourteen sigmodontine, two echimyid, one caviid and four didelphid s pecies were collected. The vertical distribution of species is influen ced by elevation and physiognomy. Species richness is influenced by fa ctors related to vegetation. Small mammals distribution also seems to be influenced by the ecological categories to which belong each specie s.