Natural factors but not anthropogenic factors affect native and non-native mammal distribution in a Brazilian National Park

Natural factors but not anthropogenic factors affect native and non-native mammal distribution in a Brazilian National Park. Protected areas, designed for biodiversity conservation, are currently affected by invasive species as most of them have documented biological invasions. This study aimed to test whether non-native mammal species richness influences the local distribution of native mammals and how distance from human settlement, elevation and vegetation characteristics influence native and non-native mammal richness in a national park in Brazil. We recorded 20 mammal species in the park, 17 native species and three non-native species. Native mammal richness was higher at intermediate elevations and in forests with lower tree densities and tree basal area. Non-native mammal richness was greater at higher elevations and in forests with low tree densities. Non-native mammals did not influence native mammal presence. In conclusion, the distribution of both native and non-native mammal species was affected by elevation and vegetation but not by distance from human settlements or non-native mammal presence.