CO-OCCURRENCE OF FOUR ENDANGERED MAMMALS IN THE MEXICO–UNITED STATES BORDERLANDS: JAGUAR (PANTHERA ONCA), OCELOT (LEOPARDUS PARDALIS), BEAVER (CASTOR CANADENSIS) AND BLACK BEAR (URSUS AMERICANUS)

Abstract

The unique biogeography of the Madrean Archipelago facilitates the cohabitation of species that otherwise rarely overlap in their spatial distributions. As part of a long-term study at Cuenca Los Ojos, Sonora, we deployed 25 cameras along washes within the property from October 2018 to April 2019, adding to the camera-trap information collected at the site since 2016. Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) was recorded once in 2018, twice in 2016 and 2020, but not during the 2018–2019 study period. Black bear (Ursus americanus) was recorded regularly throughout the season with several images including cubs. One picture and several signs of beaver (Castor canadensis) were discovered in 2018 and 2019. Lastly, the first record of jaguar (Panthera onca) in Cuenca Los Ojos was recorded in February and March 2019 at four different sites. All species are considered endangered in Mexico and species of conservation concern in the United States and were recorded within 5 km south of the USA–Mexico border wall. Our addition of the new ocelot sighting in this region marks the only known location with records of all four species overlapping in space and time despite historical distribution ranges of black bears, jaguars, and beavers overlapping. Given the current border wall construction and highway development, which both affect the natural connectivity of the region, it will be necessary to incorporate the presence of the four species in all future mitigation efforts.