ABSTRACT Felids biogeographic patterns in Uruguay are poorly understood despite the importance of fringe populations of species in conservation. We determined suitability areas, analyzed species richness and assessed the role of Uruguayan protected areas in the conservation of small felids: margay, pampas cat, and Geoffroy’s cat. We applied umbrella-species approach to select conservation areas based on habitat suitability for these species. Habitat suitability models were developed with Maxent, 218 presence records and 21 bioclimatic and topographic variables. Maps show margay in the east, pampas cat in the entire country except the north and Geoffroy’s cat in the entire country. Highest richness was found in the east and the lowest in the north. Protected areas cover 1% of each species distribution range and although most of them provide suitable habitat for at least one species, none of them has adequate surface alone to sustain viable populations. This is the first study that addresses Uruguayan felid distribution based on objective methodologies and a broad set of presence records. Based on information generated, we selected six zones to focus efforts in research and biodiversity conservation. The approach proved useful to guide management plans and conservation decisions and can be extrapolated to other species and countries.

中文翻译：

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乌拉圭以小猫科动物 (Leopardus spp.) 作为保护伞物种的保护规划

摘要 尽管边缘物种种群在保护中很重要，但人们对乌拉圭的猫科动物生物地理模式知之甚少。我们确定了适宜区域，分析了物种丰富度，并评估了乌拉圭保护区在保护小猫科动物中的作用：玛格猫、潘帕斯猫和杰佛罗猫。我们应用伞形物种方法根据这些物种的栖息地适宜性来选择保护区。栖息地适宜性模型是使用 Maxent、218 个存在记录和 21 个生物气候和地形变量开发的。地图显示了东部的玛格丽猫、除北部以外的整个国家的潘帕斯猫和整个国家的 Geoffroy 的猫。在东部发现了最高的丰富度，在北部发现了最低的丰富度。保护区覆盖每个物种分布范围的 1%，尽管其中大多数为至少一个物种提供了合适的栖息地，但没有一个单独有足够的表面来维持可行的种群。这是第一项基于客观方法和广泛的存在记录解决乌拉圭猫科动物分布的研究。根据产生的信息，我们选择了六个区域来集中精力进行研究和生物多样性保护。事实证明，该方法可用于指导管理计划和保护决策，并可推广到其他物种和国家。根据产生的信息，我们选择了六个区域来集中精力进行研究和生物多样性保护。事实证明，该方法可用于指导管理计划和保护决策，并可推广到其他物种和国家。根据产生的信息，我们选择了六个区域来集中精力进行研究和生物多样性保护。事实证明，该方法可用于指导管理计划和保护决策，并可推广到其他物种和国家。