The Ungulates of Honduras

Abstract

The distribution and ecology of the five species of ungulates that occur in Honduras, Tapirus bairdii (Danto or Tapir) of the Tapiridae family, Pecari tajacu (Quequeo, Chancho de Monte) and Tayassu pecari (Jaguilla) of the Tayassuidae family, and Odocoileus virginianus (White-tailed Deer) and Mazama temama (Tilopo, Guisisil) from the Cervidae family, are presented. The history of the registration and monitoring of terrestrial mammals in Honduras is briefly narrated. Registration maps and potential distribution of the species, generated by the MaxEnt Program using presence records as a database for the analysis are presented. Spatial analysis is done through the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) that allow for the digitalization and measurement of distribution polygons. The analysis is complemented by the use of several layers that allow for ecological relationships, distribution percentages and threats. The distribution and ecology of the ungulates in Honduras is wide with particular characteristics of each species; they are found in buffer zones and core areas of protected areas and within private protected areas. The region of the Honduran Moskitia in the eastern part of Honduras records the presence of the five species indicating that ungulates share the same territories especially in areas of low human presence; this territory is considered as the genetic bank for these and other wild species. The threats faced by ungulates in general are the same, loss of vegetation, poaching, change of land use, and traffic. Genetic constitution is unknown, except for Tapirus bairdii where there is some phylogeny work. The future of ungulates in Honduras is uncertain, so it is recommended that governments and private organizations pay adequate attention by promoting conservation programs, scientific research, and laws that protect species and their areas of occurrence.