Tropical ungulates of venezuela

Abstract

Venezuela is a megadiverse country which harbors seven species of wild ungulates, belonging to five genera, three families, and two orders. However, knowledge on this mammalian group in Venezuela is disparate in all aspects of their biology. Here, we present a comprehensive assessment of the literature regarding Venezuelan ungulates, with emphasis on the scientific production of the last 10 years. Feral ungulates (donkeys, horses, domestic pigs, goats, cows, etc.), with well-known stabilized populations in regions of the country such as Paraguaná Peninsula or Llanos, were not included in this review. We compiled the information from specialized bibliographic sources, including Scholar Google, SciELO and the Science Citation Index expanded. Most studies are mainly focused on their systematics and taxonomy, their importance as food source in rural areas, and their potential role in zoonoses. All Venezuelan species of ungulates are threated in some extent, nationally or locally, with poaching and habitat loss as the main affecting factors. This compilation reflects that Venezuelan ungulates are disproportionately poorly known, and that research in both the wild and in captivity is urgently required.