Conservation of mammals in central Mexico is vital, because of their complex functional roles in ... more Conservation of mammals in central Mexico is vital, because of their complex functional roles in ecosystems locally. The aim of this study is to determine the richness and abundance of medium and large size mammals in the different vegetation types in the municipality of Victoria, Guanajuato. Between 2007 and 2013 five localities of the municipality were surveyed by placing camera traps along random sites on wildlife trails. With a sampling effort of 9803 trap-days we recorded 18 species of mammals of six orders, highlighting three wild felidae (bobcat, cougar and jaguarundi). The pine-oak forest contained the highest richness with 17 species, whereas in the submontane scrub 16 species were registered. These results increase our understanding of the regional patterns of mammal richness and distribution for areas of central Mexico, and are particularly relevant for the design of management plans for the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve.
Se documentó la presencia de águila real (Aquila chrysaetos) mediante el fotorregistro más sureño... more Se documentó la presencia de águila real (Aquila chrysaetos) mediante el fotorregistro más sureño del estado de Puebla en la Reserva de la Biosfera Tehuacán-Cuicatlán. La selva baja caducifolia y el matorral xerófilo de la reserva son tipos de vegetación con condiciones ambientales favorables para la presencia del águila real y se propone que se considere a la Reserva de la Biosfera Tehuacán-Cuicatlán como área de distribución de la rapaz. Se sugiere que se capacite a los comités de vigilancia de las comunidades rurales para reconocer y registrar avistamientos, lo que permitiría obtener la información para determinar si las águilas habitan en la reserva durante todo el año o durante su migración. We report Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) presence by means of the southernmost photographic record in the state of Puebla within the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve. Tropical dry forest and xerophilous scrub in the reserve are vegetation types with favorable environmental conditions for the presence of Golden Eagle; therefore, it is proposed that the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve should be considered as part of the distribution area of this bird of prey. It is suggested also that training of rural communities for sighting recognition and registration would allow obtaining information to determine if eagles are present in the reserve throughout the year or during their migration.
Se presentan los primeros registros de margay (Leopardus wiedii), gato montés (Lynx rufus), puma ... more Se presentan los primeros registros de margay (Leopardus wiedii), gato montés (Lynx rufus), puma (Puma concolor) y jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi) en el sur del estado de Puebla. El trabajo de campo fue parte de una monitorización participativa que incluyó a las autoridades civiles del ejido. Se colocaron 11 estaciones de cámaras-trampa digitales que funcionaron del 18 de diciembre de 2012 al 18 de febrero de 2014. Con un esfuerzo de muestreo de 2,669 días-trampa y dentro del conjunto de registros obtenidos, se pudieron registrar por primera vez para la región 4 especies de felinos mediante 3 registros de L. wiedii, 26 de L. rufus, 7 de P. concolor y 4 de P. yagouaroundi. Fue posible con estos registros documentar la presencia de una hembra adulta de P. concolor con sus 2 crías. Los rangos de distribución conocidos de L. wiedii y P. yagouaroundi aumentaron en el centro de México. Las especies identificadas coexisten en la selva baja caducifolia del territorio ejidal de San José Axuxco, Puebla, dentro de los límites de la Reserva de la Biosfera Tehuacán-Cuicatlán. La localidad debe de considerarse prioritaria para la conservación de las poblaciones de las especies de felinos amenazados en la región.
Introduction: Tamandua mexicana is the only species of anteater present throughout Mexico. Wherea... more Introduction: Tamandua mexicana is the only species of anteater present throughout Mexico. Whereas Galictis vittata and Eira barbara are two species of endangered mustelids according to the mexican’s laws. We present records for the three species mentioned, located within the area of influence of the Biosphere Reserve Tehuacan-Cuicatlan (RBTC), in the state of Oaxaca. Methodology: Over five years, a strong link to various human communities located within the RBTC has consolidadted, conforming to date 19 participatory monitoring groups, each represented by a different municipality. Each of the groups are familiar with the use of camera traps, and their correct location in the field. Results: The noteworthy records of Tamandua mexicana, Galictis vittata and Eira barbara for the zone of influence of the RBTC were obtained. The record of T. mexicana was obtained in the town of Concepcion Papalo in pine-oak forest. The records of mustelids were obtained in the town of Santa Maria Papalo, in cloud forest. Discussion and conclusions: These records obtained for the area of influence of the RBTC provides new information for the three species and increases the list of mammals adjacent to the reserve. The record of the anteater increases its altitudinal range reported approximately 500 m. Whereas for mustelids our information is relevant because of their critical situation and the limited information which has been marked as priority for the Mustelidae Family.
The State of Guerrero is ranked fourth in terms of biodiversity in Mexico, including 930 vertebra... more The State of Guerrero is ranked fourth in terms of biodiversity in Mexico, including 930 vertebrate species in its territory. However, Guerrero shows significant loss of its original natural habitats. It is evident the need to generate information on the processes involved in loss of natural habitats and to identify the impact on the distribution of species. We modeled the potential distribution of suitable habitat for 47 species of mammals using MaxEnt, and those were further refined to produce models of the current distribution of suitable habitats. The relationship between the amplitude of the potential distribution of suitable habitats and the proportion of remaining natural habitat for each species were examined, both at the state (Guerrero) and nationwide levels (Mexico), and there were identified areas of Guerrero needed to achieve fixed conservation goals. The results showed no significant correlation between the amplitude of species potential distribution of suitable habitats and species distributions of remaining areas of original habitat, neither at the state or national scales. In fact, there are significant differences in the proportions of remaining habitat between the 2 scales, suggesting that scale is an important factor in establishing conservation strategies for the same species at local, regional or national scales.
Mexico is considered a country of biological megadiversity because of its exceptional species ric... more Mexico is considered a country of biological megadiversity because of its exceptional species richness and endemism. However, much of Mexico’s biodiversity is under threat due to a variety of factors, in particular, habitat loss. The Mexican legal standard (Norma Oficial Mexicana; NOM-ECOL-059-2010) uses four criteria to analyze specieś extinction risk at a national scale. However, when prioritizing areas for biodiversity conservation it is also important to incorporate knowledge of the conservation status of species at a more localized scale (regional, state, or municipal levels) for identifying possible risks associated with population declines. This paper focuses on Guerrero, which is the fourth most biologically diverse state in Mexico. The total extent of the conservation areas in Guerrero is low, amounting to 0.09% of its total area. We analyzed data for 582 terrestrial vertebrate species in Guerrero (53 amphibians, 115 reptiles, 334 birds and 80 mammals), modeling their potential distribution using a maximum entropy algorithm, and 114,555 occurrence records, and 23 predictive environmental (19 climatic and four topographical) variables. The portion of the potential distribution for each species including only remnant natural habitat was designated as its predicted distribution. The area of the predicted distribution was used to compute the fraction of natural habitat remaining for each species overlapping within decreed protected areas at the state and national levels, that is, for Guerrero and all of Mexico. Results show significant differences in the fraction of species’ predicted distribution and species’ potential distribution at different scales (state and national) and differences between the vertebrate groups analyzed. Because quantitative conservation targets are typically set for individual species, this exercise enables an analysis of the impact of the habitat lost on each species’ distribution by assessing the fraction of its predicted distribution that coincides with protected areas. We conclude that this must be part of systematic conservation planning to prioritize areas for potential conservation in Guerrero.
The Central American tapir (Tapirus bairdii), is the largest mammalian species of neotropical aff... more The Central American tapir (Tapirus bairdii), is the largest mammalian species of neotropical affinity known today. It plays a very important role in tropical forest ecology in terms of herbivory, predation and seed dispersal. However, due to habitat loss and hunting pressure, the species is endangered. Using camera-traps and with the informed participation of the people from the locality, we documented the presence of several individuals of this species in Totontepec, Villa de Morelos, Sierra Mixe, Oaxaca. Evidence suggests the existence of a breeding population and confirms earlier work that suggested its presence in the area.
We recorded the presence of an adult male ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) with a camera-trap in Lagun... more We recorded the presence of an adult male ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) with a camera-trap in Lagunas de Zempoala National Park (LZNP), in the states of Mexico and Morelos, Mexico. This is an outstanding record for the species because it is the first report for the LZNP, the closest location of the species to three of the largest cities in the country, namely Mexico, Toluca and Cuernavaca; also, is the record at the highest altitude in Mexico (3 150 m), and is the first record of the species in fir forest.
Con el financiamiento del Fondo Mexicano para la Conservación de la Naturaleza, A. C., en 2013 Co... more Con el financiamiento del Fondo Mexicano para la Conservación de la Naturaleza, A. C., en 2013 Conservación Biológica y Desarrollo Social, A. C y la Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas, a través de la Dirección del Corredor Biológico Chichinautzin, trabajamos en un proyecto de restauración y operación del Centro de Cultura para la Conservación del Parque Nacional Lagunas de Zempoala (CCC LZ), cuyo objetivo principal es fomentar la conservación de los recursos naturales y mejorar la calidad de vida de las comunidades humanas vinculadas a ésta Área Natural Protegida.
Para llevar a cabo el objetivo principal del Centro se requiere del fortalecimiento de las capacidades y conocimientos de los actores que están en contacto con el visitante del Parque Nacional y lograr la sustentabilidad de las actividades que se realizan en el mismo. Como base para lograr lo anterior se realizaron una serie de talleres con los prestadores de servicios y guarda parques que laboran en ésta ANP, los cuáles se llevaron a cabo durante el primer semestre de 2014.
Con ésta guía que aborda los temas trabajados en los talleres mencionados, buscamos proporcionar a los actores involucrados una herramienta de apoyo que fortalezca las capacidades adquiridas y que sirva como referencia para que tanto guarda parques como prestadores de servicios tengan un impacto positivo en la educación ambiental de las miles de personas que visitan este Parque Nacional cada año.
Mammals constitute one of the most conspicuous groups of terrestrial vertebrates showing internal... more Mammals constitute one of the most conspicuous groups of terrestrial vertebrates showing internal and external characteristics that have allowed them to be successful in virtually all ecosystems worldwide. The objective of this revision is to update the current knowledge of mammals occurring in Mexico. In Mexico mammals constitute a highly diverse group, ranking third worldwide with 564 species, representing close to 10% of the total mammal fauna. The description of mammals in Mexico has been uneven through time; a significant increase occurred from 1700 to 1950. Mammals are distributed nationwide; a total of 77% of species are less than 5 kg, belonging to the Orders Rodentia, Chiroptera and Soricomorpha. Population trends are poorly documented in most species, but it is likely that populations have been negatively affected by human activities. We conclude that despite mammals are a well-studied group compared with other vertebrates, they continue to offer interesting theoretical insights and challenges for their conservation and sustainable use.
We report information on the distribution, abundance and food habits of the Neotropical river ott... more We report information on the distribution, abundance and food habits of the Neotropical river otter Lontra longicaudis annectens, based on 386 collected scats (281 in the dry season, and 105 in the rainy season). The distribution along a 39.5 km transect was similar in both rainy and dry seasons. The estimates of relative abundance using two models varied according to rates: Gallo-Reynoso (0.508 scats/ km), and Eberhardt-Van Etten, modified for this study (0.016 scats/ km). We obtained a record of L. longicaudis with a collecting effort of 18 nights / camera confirming the presence of the species. Food habits analyzing 161 scats revealed presence of seven species of fish (89.62%) of the families Cichlidae, Heptapteridae and Poeciliidae, four reptiles (4.32%) of the families Corythophanidae, Iguanidae and Phrynosomatidae, an unidentified bird (1.77 %), insects of the family Megaloptera (4.13%), and unidentifiable organic matter (0.17%). We recommend continuing studying the natural history of this species for conservation purposes.
"The aim of this work was to characterize the habitat of white tailed deer at two locations in no... more "The aim of this work was to characterize the habitat of white tailed deer at two locations in northern temperate forest in the state of Morelos, Mexico and model the potential distribution of herbaceous and shrub species with importance for food and cover to determine sites most likely to occur and areas of importance for this species within the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. Evaluated habitat characteristics are suitable for
white-tailed deer, as the area has forest structure and floristic composition that provides nourishment and appropriate protection coverage, plus favorable topographic conditions for movement and escape. The modeling includes the species on shrub and herbaceous strata comprising the structure and composition that may be taking advantage of the white-tailed deer in the study area. The results suggest that most of the modeled species are distributed along the Natural Protected Area “Chichinautzin Biological Corridor” and the center of the country, reducing its presence as it approaches the coast of the Pacific Ocean, which match distribution in temperate forests. The information generated in this work about the structure and composition of the forest and its relationship to white-tailed deer can be used to support management decisions of the species locally and regionally."
ABSTRACT—In May 2010, we documented the presence of jaguars (Panthera onca) in the state of Micho... more ABSTRACT—In May 2010, we documented the presence of jaguars (Panthera onca) in the state of Michoacán, Mexico, by means of six photographs obtained with camera traps and a skull collected in the field. The photographs show an adult female and a subadult cub. These records were from tropical semi-deciduous forest in a transitional area between the Sierra Madre del Sur and the Pacific Coast. These records constitute the first evidence of the jaguar in Michoacán. Additional research is needed to confirm whether the records correspond to a resident population of jaguar rather than to wandering individuals.
As result of a project of participatory monitoring of mammals in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere... more As result of a project of participatory monitoring of mammals in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve (RBTC), the first jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi) and spotted skunk (Spilogale angustifrons) records for the protected area. These records are evidence of the presence of 4 of the 6 cats in the RBTC and the 3 species of skunks that might be expected for its general distribution in the reserve.
Conservation of mammals in central Mexico is vital, because of their complex functional roles in ... more Conservation of mammals in central Mexico is vital, because of their complex functional roles in ecosystems locally. The aim of this study is to determine the richness and abundance of medium and large size mammals in the different vegetation types in the municipality of Victoria, Guanajuato. Between 2007 and 2013 five localities of the municipality were surveyed by placing camera traps along random sites on wildlife trails. With a sampling effort of 9803 trap-days we recorded 18 species of mammals of six orders, highlighting three wild felidae (bobcat, cougar and jaguarundi). The pine-oak forest contained the highest richness with 17 species, whereas in the submontane scrub 16 species were registered. These results increase our understanding of the regional patterns of mammal richness and distribution for areas of central Mexico, and are particularly relevant for the design of management plans for the Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve.
Se documentó la presencia de águila real (Aquila chrysaetos) mediante el fotorregistro más sureño... more Se documentó la presencia de águila real (Aquila chrysaetos) mediante el fotorregistro más sureño del estado de Puebla en la Reserva de la Biosfera Tehuacán-Cuicatlán. La selva baja caducifolia y el matorral xerófilo de la reserva son tipos de vegetación con condiciones ambientales favorables para la presencia del águila real y se propone que se considere a la Reserva de la Biosfera Tehuacán-Cuicatlán como área de distribución de la rapaz. Se sugiere que se capacite a los comités de vigilancia de las comunidades rurales para reconocer y registrar avistamientos, lo que permitiría obtener la información para determinar si las águilas habitan en la reserva durante todo el año o durante su migración. We report Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) presence by means of the southernmost photographic record in the state of Puebla within the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve. Tropical dry forest and xerophilous scrub in the reserve are vegetation types with favorable environmental conditions for the presence of Golden Eagle; therefore, it is proposed that the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve should be considered as part of the distribution area of this bird of prey. It is suggested also that training of rural communities for sighting recognition and registration would allow obtaining information to determine if eagles are present in the reserve throughout the year or during their migration.
Se presentan los primeros registros de margay (Leopardus wiedii), gato montés (Lynx rufus), puma ... more Se presentan los primeros registros de margay (Leopardus wiedii), gato montés (Lynx rufus), puma (Puma concolor) y jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi) en el sur del estado de Puebla. El trabajo de campo fue parte de una monitorización participativa que incluyó a las autoridades civiles del ejido. Se colocaron 11 estaciones de cámaras-trampa digitales que funcionaron del 18 de diciembre de 2012 al 18 de febrero de 2014. Con un esfuerzo de muestreo de 2,669 días-trampa y dentro del conjunto de registros obtenidos, se pudieron registrar por primera vez para la región 4 especies de felinos mediante 3 registros de L. wiedii, 26 de L. rufus, 7 de P. concolor y 4 de P. yagouaroundi. Fue posible con estos registros documentar la presencia de una hembra adulta de P. concolor con sus 2 crías. Los rangos de distribución conocidos de L. wiedii y P. yagouaroundi aumentaron en el centro de México. Las especies identificadas coexisten en la selva baja caducifolia del territorio ejidal de San José Axuxco, Puebla, dentro de los límites de la Reserva de la Biosfera Tehuacán-Cuicatlán. La localidad debe de considerarse prioritaria para la conservación de las poblaciones de las especies de felinos amenazados en la región.
Introduction: Tamandua mexicana is the only species of anteater present throughout Mexico. Wherea... more Introduction: Tamandua mexicana is the only species of anteater present throughout Mexico. Whereas Galictis vittata and Eira barbara are two species of endangered mustelids according to the mexican’s laws. We present records for the three species mentioned, located within the area of influence of the Biosphere Reserve Tehuacan-Cuicatlan (RBTC), in the state of Oaxaca. Methodology: Over five years, a strong link to various human communities located within the RBTC has consolidadted, conforming to date 19 participatory monitoring groups, each represented by a different municipality. Each of the groups are familiar with the use of camera traps, and their correct location in the field. Results: The noteworthy records of Tamandua mexicana, Galictis vittata and Eira barbara for the zone of influence of the RBTC were obtained. The record of T. mexicana was obtained in the town of Concepcion Papalo in pine-oak forest. The records of mustelids were obtained in the town of Santa Maria Papalo, in cloud forest. Discussion and conclusions: These records obtained for the area of influence of the RBTC provides new information for the three species and increases the list of mammals adjacent to the reserve. The record of the anteater increases its altitudinal range reported approximately 500 m. Whereas for mustelids our information is relevant because of their critical situation and the limited information which has been marked as priority for the Mustelidae Family.
The State of Guerrero is ranked fourth in terms of biodiversity in Mexico, including 930 vertebra... more The State of Guerrero is ranked fourth in terms of biodiversity in Mexico, including 930 vertebrate species in its territory. However, Guerrero shows significant loss of its original natural habitats. It is evident the need to generate information on the processes involved in loss of natural habitats and to identify the impact on the distribution of species. We modeled the potential distribution of suitable habitat for 47 species of mammals using MaxEnt, and those were further refined to produce models of the current distribution of suitable habitats. The relationship between the amplitude of the potential distribution of suitable habitats and the proportion of remaining natural habitat for each species were examined, both at the state (Guerrero) and nationwide levels (Mexico), and there were identified areas of Guerrero needed to achieve fixed conservation goals. The results showed no significant correlation between the amplitude of species potential distribution of suitable habitats and species distributions of remaining areas of original habitat, neither at the state or national scales. In fact, there are significant differences in the proportions of remaining habitat between the 2 scales, suggesting that scale is an important factor in establishing conservation strategies for the same species at local, regional or national scales.
Mexico is considered a country of biological megadiversity because of its exceptional species ric... more Mexico is considered a country of biological megadiversity because of its exceptional species richness and endemism. However, much of Mexico’s biodiversity is under threat due to a variety of factors, in particular, habitat loss. The Mexican legal standard (Norma Oficial Mexicana; NOM-ECOL-059-2010) uses four criteria to analyze specieś extinction risk at a national scale. However, when prioritizing areas for biodiversity conservation it is also important to incorporate knowledge of the conservation status of species at a more localized scale (regional, state, or municipal levels) for identifying possible risks associated with population declines. This paper focuses on Guerrero, which is the fourth most biologically diverse state in Mexico. The total extent of the conservation areas in Guerrero is low, amounting to 0.09% of its total area. We analyzed data for 582 terrestrial vertebrate species in Guerrero (53 amphibians, 115 reptiles, 334 birds and 80 mammals), modeling their potential distribution using a maximum entropy algorithm, and 114,555 occurrence records, and 23 predictive environmental (19 climatic and four topographical) variables. The portion of the potential distribution for each species including only remnant natural habitat was designated as its predicted distribution. The area of the predicted distribution was used to compute the fraction of natural habitat remaining for each species overlapping within decreed protected areas at the state and national levels, that is, for Guerrero and all of Mexico. Results show significant differences in the fraction of species’ predicted distribution and species’ potential distribution at different scales (state and national) and differences between the vertebrate groups analyzed. Because quantitative conservation targets are typically set for individual species, this exercise enables an analysis of the impact of the habitat lost on each species’ distribution by assessing the fraction of its predicted distribution that coincides with protected areas. We conclude that this must be part of systematic conservation planning to prioritize areas for potential conservation in Guerrero.
The Central American tapir (Tapirus bairdii), is the largest mammalian species of neotropical aff... more The Central American tapir (Tapirus bairdii), is the largest mammalian species of neotropical affinity known today. It plays a very important role in tropical forest ecology in terms of herbivory, predation and seed dispersal. However, due to habitat loss and hunting pressure, the species is endangered. Using camera-traps and with the informed participation of the people from the locality, we documented the presence of several individuals of this species in Totontepec, Villa de Morelos, Sierra Mixe, Oaxaca. Evidence suggests the existence of a breeding population and confirms earlier work that suggested its presence in the area.
We recorded the presence of an adult male ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) with a camera-trap in Lagun... more We recorded the presence of an adult male ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) with a camera-trap in Lagunas de Zempoala National Park (LZNP), in the states of Mexico and Morelos, Mexico. This is an outstanding record for the species because it is the first report for the LZNP, the closest location of the species to three of the largest cities in the country, namely Mexico, Toluca and Cuernavaca; also, is the record at the highest altitude in Mexico (3 150 m), and is the first record of the species in fir forest.
Con el financiamiento del Fondo Mexicano para la Conservación de la Naturaleza, A. C., en 2013 Co... more Con el financiamiento del Fondo Mexicano para la Conservación de la Naturaleza, A. C., en 2013 Conservación Biológica y Desarrollo Social, A. C y la Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas, a través de la Dirección del Corredor Biológico Chichinautzin, trabajamos en un proyecto de restauración y operación del Centro de Cultura para la Conservación del Parque Nacional Lagunas de Zempoala (CCC LZ), cuyo objetivo principal es fomentar la conservación de los recursos naturales y mejorar la calidad de vida de las comunidades humanas vinculadas a ésta Área Natural Protegida.
Para llevar a cabo el objetivo principal del Centro se requiere del fortalecimiento de las capacidades y conocimientos de los actores que están en contacto con el visitante del Parque Nacional y lograr la sustentabilidad de las actividades que se realizan en el mismo. Como base para lograr lo anterior se realizaron una serie de talleres con los prestadores de servicios y guarda parques que laboran en ésta ANP, los cuáles se llevaron a cabo durante el primer semestre de 2014.
Con ésta guía que aborda los temas trabajados en los talleres mencionados, buscamos proporcionar a los actores involucrados una herramienta de apoyo que fortalezca las capacidades adquiridas y que sirva como referencia para que tanto guarda parques como prestadores de servicios tengan un impacto positivo en la educación ambiental de las miles de personas que visitan este Parque Nacional cada año.
Mammals constitute one of the most conspicuous groups of terrestrial vertebrates showing internal... more Mammals constitute one of the most conspicuous groups of terrestrial vertebrates showing internal and external characteristics that have allowed them to be successful in virtually all ecosystems worldwide. The objective of this revision is to update the current knowledge of mammals occurring in Mexico. In Mexico mammals constitute a highly diverse group, ranking third worldwide with 564 species, representing close to 10% of the total mammal fauna. The description of mammals in Mexico has been uneven through time; a significant increase occurred from 1700 to 1950. Mammals are distributed nationwide; a total of 77% of species are less than 5 kg, belonging to the Orders Rodentia, Chiroptera and Soricomorpha. Population trends are poorly documented in most species, but it is likely that populations have been negatively affected by human activities. We conclude that despite mammals are a well-studied group compared with other vertebrates, they continue to offer interesting theoretical insights and challenges for their conservation and sustainable use.
We report information on the distribution, abundance and food habits of the Neotropical river ott... more We report information on the distribution, abundance and food habits of the Neotropical river otter Lontra longicaudis annectens, based on 386 collected scats (281 in the dry season, and 105 in the rainy season). The distribution along a 39.5 km transect was similar in both rainy and dry seasons. The estimates of relative abundance using two models varied according to rates: Gallo-Reynoso (0.508 scats/ km), and Eberhardt-Van Etten, modified for this study (0.016 scats/ km). We obtained a record of L. longicaudis with a collecting effort of 18 nights / camera confirming the presence of the species. Food habits analyzing 161 scats revealed presence of seven species of fish (89.62%) of the families Cichlidae, Heptapteridae and Poeciliidae, four reptiles (4.32%) of the families Corythophanidae, Iguanidae and Phrynosomatidae, an unidentified bird (1.77 %), insects of the family Megaloptera (4.13%), and unidentifiable organic matter (0.17%). We recommend continuing studying the natural history of this species for conservation purposes.
"The aim of this work was to characterize the habitat of white tailed deer at two locations in no... more "The aim of this work was to characterize the habitat of white tailed deer at two locations in northern temperate forest in the state of Morelos, Mexico and model the potential distribution of herbaceous and shrub species with importance for food and cover to determine sites most likely to occur and areas of importance for this species within the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. Evaluated habitat characteristics are suitable for
white-tailed deer, as the area has forest structure and floristic composition that provides nourishment and appropriate protection coverage, plus favorable topographic conditions for movement and escape. The modeling includes the species on shrub and herbaceous strata comprising the structure and composition that may be taking advantage of the white-tailed deer in the study area. The results suggest that most of the modeled species are distributed along the Natural Protected Area “Chichinautzin Biological Corridor” and the center of the country, reducing its presence as it approaches the coast of the Pacific Ocean, which match distribution in temperate forests. The information generated in this work about the structure and composition of the forest and its relationship to white-tailed deer can be used to support management decisions of the species locally and regionally."
ABSTRACT—In May 2010, we documented the presence of jaguars (Panthera onca) in the state of Micho... more ABSTRACT—In May 2010, we documented the presence of jaguars (Panthera onca) in the state of Michoacán, Mexico, by means of six photographs obtained with camera traps and a skull collected in the field. The photographs show an adult female and a subadult cub. These records were from tropical semi-deciduous forest in a transitional area between the Sierra Madre del Sur and the Pacific Coast. These records constitute the first evidence of the jaguar in Michoacán. Additional research is needed to confirm whether the records correspond to a resident population of jaguar rather than to wandering individuals.
As result of a project of participatory monitoring of mammals in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere... more As result of a project of participatory monitoring of mammals in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve (RBTC), the first jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi) and spotted skunk (Spilogale angustifrons) records for the protected area. These records are evidence of the presence of 4 of the 6 cats in the RBTC and the 3 species of skunks that might be expected for its general distribution in the reserve.
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Papers by Paco Botello
Methodology: Over five years, a strong link to various human communities located within the RBTC has consolidadted, conforming to date 19 participatory monitoring groups, each represented by a different municipality. Each of the groups are familiar with the use of camera traps, and their correct location in the field.
Results: The noteworthy records of Tamandua mexicana, Galictis vittata and Eira barbara for the zone of influence of the RBTC were obtained. The record of T. mexicana was obtained in the town of Concepcion Papalo in pine-oak forest. The records of mustelids were obtained in the town of Santa Maria Papalo, in cloud forest.
Discussion and conclusions: These records obtained for the area of influence of the RBTC provides new information for the three species and increases the list of mammals adjacent to the reserve. The record of the anteater increases its altitudinal range reported approximately 500 m. Whereas for mustelids our information is relevant because of their critical situation and the limited information which has been marked as priority for the Mustelidae Family.
today. It plays a very important role in tropical forest ecology in terms of herbivory, predation and seed dispersal.
However, due to habitat loss and hunting pressure, the species is endangered. Using camera-traps and with the informed
participation of the people from the locality, we documented the presence of several individuals of this species in
Totontepec, Villa de Morelos, Sierra Mixe, Oaxaca. Evidence suggests the existence of a breeding population and
confirms earlier work that suggested its presence in the area.
Para llevar a cabo el objetivo principal del Centro se requiere del fortalecimiento de las capacidades y conocimientos de los actores que están en contacto con el visitante del Parque Nacional y lograr la sustentabilidad de las actividades que se realizan en el mismo. Como base para lograr lo anterior se realizaron una serie de talleres con los prestadores de servicios y guarda parques que laboran en ésta ANP, los cuáles se llevaron a cabo durante el primer semestre de 2014.
Con ésta guía que aborda los temas trabajados en los talleres mencionados, buscamos proporcionar a los actores involucrados una herramienta de apoyo que fortalezca las capacidades adquiridas y que sirva como referencia para que tanto guarda parques como prestadores de servicios tengan un impacto positivo en la educación ambiental de las miles de personas que visitan este Parque Nacional cada año.
white-tailed deer, as the area has forest structure and floristic composition that provides nourishment and appropriate protection coverage, plus favorable topographic conditions for movement and escape. The modeling includes the species on shrub and herbaceous strata comprising the structure and composition that may be taking advantage of the white-tailed deer in the study area. The results suggest that most of the modeled species are distributed along the Natural Protected Area “Chichinautzin Biological Corridor” and the center of the country, reducing its presence as it approaches the coast of the Pacific Ocean, which match distribution in temperate forests. The information generated in this work about the structure and composition of the forest and its relationship to white-tailed deer can be used to support management decisions of the species locally and regionally."
Methodology: Over five years, a strong link to various human communities located within the RBTC has consolidadted, conforming to date 19 participatory monitoring groups, each represented by a different municipality. Each of the groups are familiar with the use of camera traps, and their correct location in the field.
Results: The noteworthy records of Tamandua mexicana, Galictis vittata and Eira barbara for the zone of influence of the RBTC were obtained. The record of T. mexicana was obtained in the town of Concepcion Papalo in pine-oak forest. The records of mustelids were obtained in the town of Santa Maria Papalo, in cloud forest.
Discussion and conclusions: These records obtained for the area of influence of the RBTC provides new information for the three species and increases the list of mammals adjacent to the reserve. The record of the anteater increases its altitudinal range reported approximately 500 m. Whereas for mustelids our information is relevant because of their critical situation and the limited information which has been marked as priority for the Mustelidae Family.
today. It plays a very important role in tropical forest ecology in terms of herbivory, predation and seed dispersal.
However, due to habitat loss and hunting pressure, the species is endangered. Using camera-traps and with the informed
participation of the people from the locality, we documented the presence of several individuals of this species in
Totontepec, Villa de Morelos, Sierra Mixe, Oaxaca. Evidence suggests the existence of a breeding population and
confirms earlier work that suggested its presence in the area.
Para llevar a cabo el objetivo principal del Centro se requiere del fortalecimiento de las capacidades y conocimientos de los actores que están en contacto con el visitante del Parque Nacional y lograr la sustentabilidad de las actividades que se realizan en el mismo. Como base para lograr lo anterior se realizaron una serie de talleres con los prestadores de servicios y guarda parques que laboran en ésta ANP, los cuáles se llevaron a cabo durante el primer semestre de 2014.
Con ésta guía que aborda los temas trabajados en los talleres mencionados, buscamos proporcionar a los actores involucrados una herramienta de apoyo que fortalezca las capacidades adquiridas y que sirva como referencia para que tanto guarda parques como prestadores de servicios tengan un impacto positivo en la educación ambiental de las miles de personas que visitan este Parque Nacional cada año.
white-tailed deer, as the area has forest structure and floristic composition that provides nourishment and appropriate protection coverage, plus favorable topographic conditions for movement and escape. The modeling includes the species on shrub and herbaceous strata comprising the structure and composition that may be taking advantage of the white-tailed deer in the study area. The results suggest that most of the modeled species are distributed along the Natural Protected Area “Chichinautzin Biological Corridor” and the center of the country, reducing its presence as it approaches the coast of the Pacific Ocean, which match distribution in temperate forests. The information generated in this work about the structure and composition of the forest and its relationship to white-tailed deer can be used to support management decisions of the species locally and regionally."