Abstract. Measures of traits are the basis of functional biological diversity. Numerous works consider mean species-level measures of traits while ignoring individual variance within species. However, there is a large amount of variation within species and it is increasingly apparent that it is important to consider trait variation not only between species, but also within species. Mammals are an interesting group for investigating trait-based approaches because they play diverse and important ecological functions (e.g., pollination, seed dispersal, predation, grazing) that are correlated with functional traits. Here we compile a data set comprising morphological and life history information of 279 mammal species from 39,850 individuals of 388 populations ranging from À5.83 to À29.75 decimal degrees of latitude and À34.82 to À56.73 decimal degrees of longitude in the Atlantic forest of South America. We present trait information from 16,840 individuals of 181 species of non-volant mammals (Rodentia, Didelphimorphia, Carnivora, Primates, Cingulata, Artiodactyla, Pilosa, Lagomorpha, Perissodactyla) and from 23,010 individuals of 98 species of volant mammals (Chiroptera). The traits reported include body mass, age, sex, reproductive stage, as well as the geographic coordinates of sampling for all taxa. Moreover, we gathered information on forearm length for bats and body length and tail length for rodents and marsupials. No copyright restrictions are associated with the use of this data set. Please cite this data paper when the data are used in publications. We also request that researchers and teachers inform us of how they are using the data.

The ability of a population to evolve in a changing environment may be compromised by human-imposed barriers to gene flow. We investigated the population structure and the possible occurrence of a genetic bottleneck in two isolated populations of the black-faced lion tamarin (Leontopithecus caissara), a species with very reduced numbers (less than 400) in a very restricted range in the Atlantic Forest of southeast Brazil. We determined the genotypes of 52 individuals across 9 microsatellite loci. We found genetic divergence between the populations, each exhibiting low genetic diversity. Analysis revealed broad- and fine-scale population structuring. Both populations have evidently experienced population reduction and a genetic bottleneck without presenting any apparent detrimental effect. Anyway, measures should be taken to effectively protect the forests where L. caissara occurs in order to allow its populations to increase and counteract the eventual effects of genetic impoverishment.

The critically endangered black-faced lion tamarin, Leontopithecus caissara, has a restricted geographical distribution consisting of small mainland and island populations, each with distinct habitats in coastal southeastern Brazil. Necessary conservation management actions require an assessment of whether differences in habitats are reflected in use of space by the species. We studied two tamarin groups on the mainland at São Paulo state between August 2005 and March 2007, and compared the results with data from Superagui Island. Three home range estimators were used: minimum convex polygon (MCP), Kernel, and the new technique presented dissolved monthly polygons (DMP). These resulted, respectively, in home ranges of 345, 297, and 282 ha for the 12-month duration of the study. Spatial overlap of mainland groups was extensive, whereas temporal overlap was not, a pattern that indicates resource partitioning is an important strategy to avoid intraspecific competition. L. caissara large home ranges seem to be dynamic, with constant incorporation of new areas and abandonment of others through time. The main difference between mainland and island groups is the amount and variety of sleeping sites. A better understanding of the home range sizes, day range lengths, and territorial behavior of this species will aid in developing better management strategies for its protection. Additionally, the presented DMP protocol is a useful improvement over the MCP method as it results in more realistic home range sizes for wildlife species.

Uso do espaço e seleção de hábitat pelo Mico-Leão-da-Cara-Preta (Leontopithecus caissara)Alexandre Túlio Amaral Nascimento Ao Paulo Henrique Popó, Karla, Beto e Camila pela leitura crítica e construtiva dos primeiros manuscritos deste trabalho.À Fê Kilandra, por ter revisado meu texto e corrigido os erros do meu português.Ao Pedro PP pela tradução dos resumos.Ao IBAMA -nas pessoas da Guadalupe e Eliel -por apoiar as iniciativas do IPÊ na região do Superagui e Ariri, facilitando os aspectos burocráticos do nosso trabalho.A Maria Rodeano, do Parco Zoo Punta Verde -Itália, por ter se tornado ao longo dos anos mais que financiadora do nosso trabalho, dividindo não só as conquistas, mas também os desafios, e passando a sonhar e a realizar conosco.

The Critically Endangered black-faced lion tamarin Leontopithecus caissara has a restricted distribution consisting of small mainland and island populations each with distinct habitats in coastal south-eastern Brazil. The conservation action plan for the species recommends translocation to increase population size and promote genetic exchange among threatened isolated populations, measures that require an understanding of habitat and resource requirements. We investigated habitat selection by the black-faced lion tamarin, comparing habitats and examining frequency of use by two insular groups and two mainland groups. Using this understanding of habitat preferences we were able to refine current estimates of the carrying capacity (K) for this species. Habitats preferred by mainland groups were swamps and inundated areas and secondary forest. Submontane forest was avoided, as were hydromorphic lowland forest and urbanized areas. Island groups used mainly tall lowland forest and arboreal restinga (forest on sandy soil). The finding that L. caissara avoids montane forest sheds light on its restricted distribution to low elevation coastal plains. An estimate of K indicated c. 700 individuals, which could be increased to c. 1,500 with appropriate conservation management measures. Findings agree with the supposition that lion tamarins are typical of mature Atlantic forest, with little altitudinal variation but flexible in their use of successional stages. Future conservation management measures should account for differences in habitat use, selection and differences between island and mainland habitats.