New ecological aspects of the pacarana (Dinomys branickii) in southeastern Peru

Pottie S.; Basto A.; Whitworth A.; Beirne C.; Pillco Huarcaya R.; Forsyth A. · Mammalia (2025) · DOI: 10.1515/mammalia-2024-0127

Resumen

This study provides new insights into the behavioral ecology of Dinomys branickii based on long-term camera trap surveys conducted at three sites along an altitudinal gradient in southeastern Peru. Notably, we document the first known cases of geophagy in this species, which suggests a highly herbivorous diet. Moreover, in contrast to previous reports that described D. branickii as a group-living species, our data indicate that it is primarily solitary, with group formations likely limited to reproductive activities. Additionally, we confirm the species' predominantly nocturnal and crepuscular activity patterns, with most activity occurring between 02:00 and 05:00h. By calculating and comparing camera trap detection rates, used as an index of relative abundance (RAI), for D. branickii across different surveys, we highlight the species' ecological rarity, evidenced by consistently low detection rates (0.163; 0.173 and 0.011 events per 1,000 trap-days) across diverse habitats and survey designs.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional de San Antonio Abad del Cusco