Temporal patterns of visitation of birds and mammals at mineral licks in the Peruvian Amazon

Mineral licks are key ecological resources for many species of birds and
mammals in Amazonia, providing essential dietary nutrients and clays, yet
little is known about which species visit and their behaviors at the
mineral licks. Studying visitation and behavior at mineral licks can
provide insight into the lives of otherwise secretive and elusive species.
We assessed which species visited mineral licks, when they visited, and
whether visits and the probability of recording groups at mineral licks
were seasonal or related to the lunar cycle. We camera trapped at 52
mineral licks in the northeastern Peruvian Amazon and detected 20 mammal
and 13 bird species over 6,255 camera nights. Generalized linear models
assessed visitation patterns and records of groups in association with
seasonality and the lunar cycle. We report nocturnal curassows (Nothocrax
urumutum) visiting mineral licks for the first time. We found seasonal
trends in visitation for the black agouti (Dasyprocta fuliginosa), red
howler monkey (Alouatta seniculus), blue-throated piping guan (Pipile
cumanensis), red brocket deer (Mazama americana), collared peccary (Pecari
tajacu) and tapir (Tapirus terrestris). Lunar trends in visitation
occurred for the paca (Cuniculus paca), Brazilian porcupine (Coendou
prehensilis) and red brocket deer. The probability of recording groups
(>1 individual) at mineral licks was seasonal and related to lunar
brightness for tapir. Overall, our results provide important context for
how elusive species of birds and mammals interact with these key
ecological resources on a landscape scale. The ecological importance of
mineral licks for these species can provide context to seasonal changes in
species occupancy and movement.