Colombian Caribbean mammals: A dataset of the wild mammal assemblage in the Colombian Caribbean region.

The Colombian Caribbean region has suffered significant loss and fragmentation of natural ecosystems, especially tropical dry forests. Despite its rich mammal fauna and ecological importance, information on its diversity remains limited. This study compiles camera-trap records obtained between 2010 and 2024 to document the composition and structure of wild mammal assemblages in the region. Camera traps are an effective method for detecting a wide variety of species over large areas. The datasets obtained using this technique allow us to describe patterns and monitor the occupancy, abundance, and richness of wildlife, providing essential information for conservation in regions undergoing rapid habitat loss and fragmentation. We present a dataset of camera-trap surveys of wild mammals (>1 kg) in the Colombian Caribbean. We compiled information from 635 sampling stations, collected between 2010 and 2024, resulting in 17,273 records and 3108 occurrences of 41 species belonging to 35 genera, 22 families, and nine orders. Most of the records (64.60%) come from unpublished sources, supplemented with data from online databases, scientific articles, theses, and technical reports. When available, we included information on the brand and model of the cameras and the use of bait, variables relevant to detection, was included. Carnivora was the most diverse order (16 species), followed by Rodentia (6), with Dasyprocta punctata, Didelphis marsupialis, and Cuniculus paca as the most recorded species, based on the total number of camera-trap records. Dasyprocta punctata accounted for 25.43% of all records, while Didelphis marsupialis and Cuniculus paca contributed 11.54% and 8.13%, respectively, together representing 45.11% of the entire dataset. In terms of biomass, herbivores dominated (58.05%), followed by mesocarnivores (23.07%) and large carnivores (9.70%), while omnivores contributed the smallest proportion (2.01%). Of the species recorded, 21.95% are classified in threatened categories according to the IUCN Red List, specifically Vulnerable (VU), Endangered (EN), and Critically Endangered (CR). The sampling covered a variety of environmental conditions, with greater richness in tropical dry forest, heterogeneous agricultural areas, and scrubland. This dataset can be used for studies of occupancy, relative abundance, species richness, daily activity patterns, and interspecific interactions, as well as for analysis with environmental covariates such as human footprint or landscape metrics. In addition, it provides a baseline for planning and managing mammal conservation in one of Colombia's most degraded landscapes. The data are released under the Creative Commons Attribution license, and this article should be cited when using the data.