Ecology and Conservation of Ungulates in the Lacandon Forest, Mexico

Abstract

This study presents an assessment of the variations and trends of ungulate populations presence, abundance, and uses over a decade (2001–2012) in Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve (MABR) and in a sample of neighboring communities of the Lacandon Forest, Mexico. During two periods of study (1998–2001 and 2010–2012), abundances (distance sampling and camera-trapping) and uses (interviews and participant observation) of five ungulate species (Baird’s tapir, Tapirus bairdii; white-lipped peccary, Tayassu pecari; collared peccary, Pecari tajacu; red-brocket deer, Mazama temama; and white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus) were assessed in four sites within MABR and in eight surrounding communities. Abundances based on direct sightings and camera-trapping were considerably higher in slightly hunted sites inside MABR than in the sorrounding communities for Baird’s tapir and the white-lipped peccary, but not for the other species. There were variations in the abundances (based on direct sightings) of all species between 2001 and 2012: Baird’s tapir declined (−59.7%), while the white-tailed deer (421%), white-lipped peccary (64%), collared peccary (37%), and red-brocket deer (22%) increased their abundances. These variations may be related to regional changes in the landscape in sinergy with social and cultural shifts in the communities of the Lacandon Forest. The collared peccary had the highest mean harvest rate (0.61 individuals/km2/year) in the study area, followed by the red-brocket deer (0.36), white-tailed deer (0.29), white-lipped peccary (0.07), and Baird’s tapir (0.02). Significantly higher harvest rates of ungulates were detected in 2012 compared to those estimated in 2001, probably due to a higher availability of access roads and firearms for hunters in 2012, combined with demographic growth and prevalent poverty of households in the communities of the study area.