Cr. Bonvicino et al., AN ELEVATIONAL GRADIENT STUDY OF SMALL MAMMALS AT CAPARAO NATIONAL-PARK, SOUTH EASTERN BRAZIL, Mammalia, 61(4), 1997, pp. 547-560
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.