Small but important: assessing the conservation value of a Brazilian Cerrado remnant based on observed versus expected regional mammal diversity

Abstract

The Brazilian Cerrado is a biodiversity hotspot undergoing intense habitat fragmentation. In southeastern Goiás, data on medium and large-sized mammals remain limited. We conducted a camera-trap survey in a 90 ha Cerrado remnant near an urban area to assess species composition, relative frequency, and conservation value. Over 1,798 trap-nights, we recorded 19 native species, representing 45 % of the 42 species expected for the region. Overall, 83 % of expected species have been documented regionally. Despite its small size, the remnant supports richness comparable to less disturbed areas, highlighting the importance of small habitat patches for biodiversity conservation in human-modified landscapes.