Mazama Temama Research Articles

Comparison of three models of population density estimation for Central American red brocket deer (Mazama temama)

The deer Mazama temama has a wide range in the tropical rain forest of Mexico, but the IUCN classifies it as Data Deficient, and information is urgently need for management and conservation. Here we assess which population density estimation model is more appropriate among those by Tyson (1959), Mandujano and Jones (2005) and Crego and Macri (2009). We compare them with field data from Tepetla (Puebla, Mexico), from 2015 to 2017, with three replicates in the wet season and three in dry season. An ANOVA indicated that the three methods produce equivalent results.

Ecology of Puma concolor (Carnivora: Felidae) in a mexican tropical forest: adaptation to environmental disturbances

Worldwide big cats are at risk of extinction, and anthropogenic factors and natural habitat disturbances represent the biggest threats for their survival. It is essential to know the natural resources use by these predators and the way these big felids adapt to changes. It is unknown how the puma (Puma concolor) selects and uses resources, and what environmental factors determine its presence and how this species is affected by natural disturbances in Mexican tropical forests. This study was performed in the El Eden ecological reserve and surroundings, in the North of Quintana Roo, Mexico, an area dominated by tropical semideciduous (medium forest) and secondary forest (acahual). Camera samplings were carried out during 2008, and from 2010 to 2012. Habitat variables, activity patterns and species associations were also spatially and temporally analyzed using a chi-squared test and overlapping coefficients. General Linear Models (GLM) were used in order to determine which variables influence the presence of cougars in the study area. Cougars used vegetation and paths in different proportions as the availability of these resources. The years with more changes (P < 0.05) were 2008 and 2011. This predator was active throughout the day, but changed its activity patterns over the years. The cougar was spatio-temporally associated with six mammals and two big terrestrial birds: Pecari tajacu (∆ = 0.52), Meleagris ocellata (∆ = 0.55), Crax rubra (∆ = 0.58), Didelphis sp. (∆ = 0.64), Mazama temama (∆ = 0.66), Leopardus pardalis (∆ = 0.68), Dasypus novemcinctus (∆ = 0.73) and Panthera onca (∆ = 0.87). After testing 90 GLM models, the model with a lower AIC value described the activity patterns of prey and co-predators. The vegetation and water in the reserve were important variables for the cougar. However the variables that determined and modified the presence of the species were activity patterns of co-predators and the potential preys. The factors that negatively affected the presence of the species were fire, human presence, and habitat displacement to less favorable habitats to avoid jaguar.

A gene-tree test of the traditional taxonomy of American deer: the importance of voucher specimens, geographic data, and dense sampling.

The taxonomy of American deer has been established almost entirely on the basis of morphological data and without the use of explicit phylogenetic methods; hence, phylogenetic analyses including data for all of the currently recognized species, even if based on a single gene, might improve current understanding of their taxonomy. We tested the monophyly of the morphology-defined genera and species of New World deer (Odocoileini) with phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA sequences. This is the first such test conducted using extensive geographic and taxonomic sampling. Our results do not support the monophyly of Mazama, Odocoileus, Pudu, M. americana, M. nemorivaga, Od. hemionus, and Od. virginianus. Mazama contains species that belong to other genera. We found a novel sister-taxon relationship between “Mazama” pandora and a clade formed by Od. hemionus columbianus and Od. h. sitkensis, and transfer pandora to Odocoileus. The clade formed by Od. h. columbianus and Od. h. sitkensis may represent a valid species, whereas the remaining subspecies of Od. hemionus appear closer to Od. virginianus. Pudu (Pudu) puda was not found sister to Pudu (Pudella) mephistophiles. If confirmed, this result will prompt the recognition of the monotypic Pudella as a distinct genus. We provide evidence for the existence of an undescribed species now confused with Mazama americana, and identify other instances of cryptic, taxonomically unrecognized species-level diversity among populations here regarded as Mazama temama, “Mazama” nemorivaga, and Hippocamelus antisensis. Noteworthy records that substantially extend the known distributions of M. temama and “M.” gouazoubira are provided, and we unveil a surprising ambiguity regarding the distribution of “M.” nemorivaga, as it is described in the literature. The study of deer of the tribe Odocoileini has been hampered by the paucity of information regarding voucher specimens and the provenance of sequences deposited in GenBank. We pinpoint priorities for future systematic research on the tribe Odocoileini.

Distribución y Densidad Poblacional del venado temazate rojo (Mazama temama; mammalia: cervidae) en la Sierra Negra, Puebla, México.

Se conoció la distribución regional y se estimó la densidad poblacional (DP) del venado temazate rojo (Mazama temama: Kerr, 1792) en la Sierra Negra del estado de Puebla, México. La distribución del cérvido en la región abarca una superficie de 27.303,02 ha., con tipos vegetativos de bosque mesófilo de montaña y bosque tropical perennifolio en cuatro municipios, a una altitud entre 150 y 1650 msnm, siendo la zona núcleo el volcán Tzintzintépetl (3250 msnm). La DP se estimó entre 5,5 y 4,2 individuos/km2, lo que resulta semejante a las DP obtenidas en otras regiones de México, además de que este cérvido es simpátrico en la región con el venado cola blanca (Odocoileus virginianus:Zimmermann,1780). Se concluye que el venado se encuentra en estado de fragilidad en la Sierra Negra, por lo que se recomienda crear un área natural protegida (ANP) en el volcán Tzintzintépetl, continuar con los estudios de DP en los sitios muestreados y otras áreas de la sierra, con la finalidad de crear un Sistema de Unidades de Manejo para la Conservación de la Vida Silvestre o SUMA, orientadas al turismo de naturaleza.

Abundancia relativa y patrones de actividad de las especies de mamíferos terrestres en el Refugio Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Barra del Colorado, Costa Rica.

Poca información ha sido generada sobre la biodiversidad del Refugio Nacional de Vida Silvestre Barra del Colorado, Costa Rica. En el presente estudio determinamos la abundancia relativa y el patrón de actividad de ciertas especies de mamíferos terrestres. Durante el periodo 2014 se empleamos diez cámaras trampa, las cuales fueron distribuidas dentro del refugio. Después de un total de 1 611 noches de muestreo, se identificaron 15 especies de mamíferos distribuidos en siete órdenes y 11 familias. Las especies más abundantes fueron Dasyprocta punctata, Leopardus pardalis, Tayassu pecari,Mazama temama, Pecari tajacu y Tapirus bairdii, mientras que Tamandua mexicana reportó la menor abundancia. Se estimaron los patrones de actividad para ocho especies, los cuales fueron similares a lo previamente descrito en la literatura. Estudios adicionales son necesarios con el fin de incrementar nuestro conocimiento sobre la biodiversidad del refugio, información que será esencial para el adecuado manejo del área.

El jaguar Panthera onca (Carnivora: Felidae) en la Reserva de la Biosfera “El Cielo”, Tamaulipas, México

Information on the ecology of jaguars (Panthera onca) in “El Cielo” Biosphere Reserve in Tamaulipas, Mexico is scant and limited to anecdotic records in a handful of publications. The objectives of our study were to: a) determine population density and structure of jaguars, b) compare their activity patterns with that of pumas (Puma concolor), c) ascertain potential prey relative abundance, and d) evaluate local resident’s perception on loss of domestic animals due to jaguar predation. Between April 2013 and April 2014 we conducted camera trapping in Gomez Farias Township with a total sampling effort of 8 580 camera trap days. Besides, we completed 136 semi-structured interviews among local residents of Gomez Farias and Llera Townships to gather information on domestic animal losses attributed to jaguars and other carnivores. We identified eight different jaguar individuals during a complete year of camera-trapping, composed of four adult females, one juvenile female, two adult males and one juvenile male. We estimated a jaguar density of 5.9 ± 1.3 jaguars/100 km². Activity patterns for jaguars and pumas were similar as both were nocturnal and crepuscular in nature. The most abundant potential prey species for jaguars in the study site were Crax rubra, Cuniculus paca, Mazama temama, Odocoileus virginianus and Didelphis virginiana; while the rarest were Mephitis macroura and Procyon lotor. Interview results suggested that chickens, dogs, and house cats were the most consumed domestic animals from all reported losses by local residents (n= 107). This study represents the first attempt to describe jaguar ecology in “El Cielo” Biosphere Reserve; however, there is a need of additional monitoring efforts to determine the current status of jaguars in a larger area in order to establish conservation strategies. Finally, this jaguar population may have an important role in maintaining the species in the Sierra Madre Oriental biological corridor connecting populations in Nuevo Leon and San Luis states in Northeastern Mexico.

Distributional patterns of living ungulates (Mammalia: Cetartiodactyla and Perissodactyla) of the Neotropical region, the South American transition zone and Andean region

To recognize the distributional patterns of living ungulates in the Neotropical region, the South American transition zone, and Andean region using the panbiogeographical method of track analysis, and to attempt to correlate these patterns with geological history. The distribution of 24 species of living ungulates (in the families Camelidae, Cervidae, Tapiridae and Tayassuidae) was studied by the panbiogeographical method of track analysis. It was performed using distributional data acquired from literature and databases of scientific institutions. Individual tracks were obtained for each species by plotting locality records on maps and connecting them by minimum-spanning trees. Generalized tracks were determined from the spatial overlap between individual tracks, indicating a common history. The intersection between generalized tracks defined a biogeographic node, implying that these locations are biogeographic composites resulting from different ancestral biotas coming into spatial contact, possibly at different geologic times. The superposition of the 24 individual tracks resulted in five generalized tracks (GTs): GT1, Mesoamerican/Choco (composed of Mazama pandora, Mazama temama, Odoicoileus virginianus and Tapirus bairdii); GT2, Northern Andes (Mazama rufina, Pudu mephistophiles and Tapirus pinchaque); GT3, Central Andes (Hippocamelus antisensis, Lama guanicoe, Mazama chunyi and Vicugna vicugna); GT4, Chilean Patagonia (Hippocamelus bisulcus and Pudu puda); and GT5, Chaco/Central west Brazil (Blastocerus dichotomus, Catagonus wagneri and Ozotocerus bezoarticus). The biogeographic node was found in the Northwestern Colombia. The geological events such as tectonism and volcanism that occurred through the Neogene and mainly in the Pleistocene caused fragmentation, diversification and endemism of biota. The biogeographic node in Colombia occurred within a zone of convergence. This node emphasized the complexity of the area and it contains biotic elements with different origins, which represent a special condition for the establishment of priority conservation areas.

First phylogenetic analysis of Mesoamerican brocket deer Mazama pandora and Mazama temama (Cetartiodactyla: Cervidae) based on mitochondrial sequences: Implications for Neotropical deer evolution

Several recent studies have tried to unravel the complex evolutionary history of Neotropical cervids. However, the two Mesoamerican brocket deer Mazama pandora and M. temama have not been included in these studies and their relationship to other Neotropical cervids remains unclear. Here, we present analyses that included concatenated sequences from the mitochondrial genes ND2, Cytb, and tRNA-Pro-Control region. Our results suggest that both Mesoamerican brocket deer fall within the “red” clade, more closely related to genus Odocoileus and red brocket deer species, such as South American Mazama americana, M. bororo, M. nana, and M. rufina. We estimated that M. temama diverged from other red brocket deer ca. two MYA. Two hypothesis emerge regarding the relationship of the Yucatan brocket deer M. pandora with respect to the other Neotropical deer. The first one, based on analyses of concatenated sequences from all three genes, implies an early split from a larger clade that includes Odocoileus and other red Mazama species, with an estimated divergence time dating back to 2.7 MYA. This would suggest isolation on the Yucatan peninsula, limiting the crossing of this species into South America. The second one, based only on Cytb, places M. pandora more closely related to Odocoileus and with an estimated divergence time of ca. 1.9 MYA. This would suggest that the humid tropical forests of Mexico and Central America could have been the most likely place of origin of members of the red brocket deer clade. Deer colonization into South America occurred after the complete formation of the Panamanian land bridge in the late Pliocene, more than one ancestor of the gray brocket deer clade crossed into South America, as well as a red brocket deer ancestor and Odocoileus dispersed southward. A posterior event probably occurred when divergent ancestors of M. temama and M. pandora respectively moved northward after the split with South American red brocket deer. Our results add to the growing body of evidence calling for an extensive taxonomic revision of this group, and we concur with previous recommendations that the generic taxonomic designation of Mazama should be applied not only to the red brocket deer but also to all of the species currently recognized under the genus Odocoileus.

Preliminary study of habitat preferences of red brocket deer (Mazama temama) in a mountainous region of central Mexico

Introduction: Red brocket deer ( Mazama temama ) is a cervid distributed along Mexico and Central America, and an important element for subsistence hunters. However, the availability of information of this species is very limited, especially in the mountainous ranges of its geographical distribution. The aim of this study was analyzing the habitat preferences of the red brocket deer in the highlands located in the Mexican states of Puebla, Oaxaca, and Veracruz. Methods: We evaluated the habitat use-availability of the brocket deer in relation to four habitat variables (vegetation type, vegetation cover, plant species richness, and slope). We considered the presence of deer signs and tracks as an indicator of use, while the availability was evaluated by random points. We use chi-squared tests in combination with Bonferroni confidence intervals to determine if the red brocket deer preferred or avoided the selected habitat variables. Results: Results showed that brocket deer selected coffee agroecosystems and avoided areas covered by secondary growth vegetation. Likewise, we observed that the species selects high vegetation cover sites and intermediate plant species richness. Discussion and conclusions: It has been reported that this species are commonly found in areas with slight human influence, our results suggest that the red brocket deer can also use sites with low-level disturbance, such as coffee agroecosystems. However, the use of these sites is associated with the proximity of patches of vegetation in good condition. In Mexico, the red brocket deer is an important species for management and conservation of Management Units for Wildlife Conservation (Unidades de Manejo y Aprovechamiento Sustentable de Vida Silvestre; UMAs for their Spanish initials), so our study results help to understand how the species respond to the habitat characteristics of their environment. This information will help to develop the relevant conservation and management measures that help to maintain healthy populations of the species.

Landscape variables that influence the presence of brocket deer (Mazama sp.) in the Campeche State, México

The brocket deer (Mazama temama and M. pandora) are two of the Mexican tropical deer with great importance for subsistence and sport hunters. Brocket deer are considered species with preference for pristine habitats conserved, however at the landscape level, factors such as hunting pressure could influence the presence and abundance of these species. Campeche, is the only Mexican state where it has been authorized the exploitation of the brocket deer for sport hunting. This hunting pressure along with the intense subsistence hunting that occurs in Campeche, could have important effects on the conservation of the species. Establishing what factors determine the presence of the species at the landscape level is essential to elaborate comprehensive management plans of these species to allow their long-term conservation. The aim of this study was to determine the habitat variables at the landscape level that influence the brocket deer presence in the central-western area of Campeche State in Mexico. The study area in the state of Campeche (19° 15’ N, -91o 20´ W) was divided into six study regions (Chekubul-Cristalina; Chenkan; Chicbul-Km 74; Pixtun-Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Miguel Colorado; Centenario-La Riguena) following the main paved road of the area and according to the conservation level of the natural ecosystems, presence of flooded areas, and intensity of the human activities where we determine the presence of brocket deer. We searched for brocket deer tracks along 263 transects of 500 m each. The tracks were identified to genus only. The presence/absence of brocket deer in the transects was combined with variables of human and natural origin of the study area in a geographical information system. We use principal component analysis and a logistic regression to determine the relationship between variables and the presence/absence of the brocket deer. We were not able to distinguish by their tracks the two potentially distributed species of brocket deer in the area. Due to this constraint, we did not perform a distinction between both species and all the observed tracks were classified as brocket deer. We found that brocket deer were present only in three of the six studied regions: Miguel Colorado (21.3 % transect had brocket deer presence), Centenario-La Riguena (20.4 %) and Chenkan (1.7 %). The principal component analysis indicated that the variables determining the presence of brocket deer were, the percentage of preserved forest and distance to pastures, positively associated, while livestock density was negative. The best model obtained by the logistic regression showed that the presence of brocket deer increased when the percentage of preserved forests around transect is increased, while decreasing with increasing livestock density. The presence of conserved forests favors the presence of brocket deer in the study area, while a higher density of cattle decreases the probability of detection. The few records of brocket deer in flooded zones in this study and the lack of detection of the species in previous studies, suggests that these flooded ecosystems may not be suitable for brocket deer, which would have a strong impact on their known distributional range. Finding that brocket deer are present mainly in preserved sites indicates the species could be subject to an intense population reduction in the study area due to the continued habitat loss. The results suggest that before granting authorizations for sport hunting in this region, it is necessary to make accurate estimates of the population distribution and abundance of the species in the region.

Influence of habitat fragmentation on bundance of Mazama temama at different scales in the cloud forest

Brocket deer inhabit two of the most threatened ecosystems in Mexico: the cloud forest and tropical evergreen forest, due to the lack of studies little is known about their current condition. However it is believed that it is threatened by various factors among them hunting, loss and fragmentation of habitat. In this paper we established a conceptual model a priori about the relationships between deer and their habitat where we included elements of microhabitat and landscape to determine how it affects the abundance and distribution of brocket deer in the mountains of the state of Hidalgo, Mexico. We selected 14 different forested sites, in each we established two transects 250 m long where the relative abundance of tracks was estimated. During April 2011 to March 2012 three sampling visit were made in each transect. In the transects we measured: forest structure, protective cover, low tree and shrub layer. For each site we considered the size and shape of the fragments and their matrix. To determine which variables influenced the abundance of tracks we used general linear regression models. 352 brocket deer tracks were recorded in 21 km of linear transects. The average relative abundance was 16.76 tracks/km. More tracks were found in sites with higher tree density 0.4 trees / m2, 60 % canopy cover, 70 % protection cover for fawns and 50 % for adults, higher linear density 0.5 ind / 25m and shrub richness of more than four species. The abundance of deer had a positive linear relationship with the density of tree coverage to protect adults and brocket deer importance value of edible trees (P < 0.001). The estimated abundance of tracks was higher than the reported in other sites. Our data suggest that the sites C2, C4 and C7 were better suited for deer use and possibly their movements to other sites attracted by some crops, but more specific studies would be necessary like radio-telemetry to test this assumption. This research indicated that brocket deer behaves like a forest specialist, as their abundance and welfare depends on food availability, habitat quality in terms of forest cover and the remoteness of settlements, which are generally the best preserved and most inaccessible fragments.

Abundance, herd size, activity pattern and occupancy of ungulates in Southeastern Mexico

This study provides information about relative abundance, herd size, activity pattern, and occupancy of ungulates at Los Chimalapas, southeastern Mexico, one of the last refuges inhabited by two conservation priority ungulate species:Tapirus bairdiiandTayassu pecari. For three years, four species of ungulates were recorded using camera traps:T. bairdii,T. pecari,Mazama temama, andTayassu tajacu, involving an effort of 8529 trap-days and 839 records.T. pecariwas found to be highest in relative abundance, whileT. tajacu’s abundance was lowest. Populations were composed principally of adults, but there were records of offspring for all four species. The herd size was smaller compared to other populations ofT. tajacuandT. pecari. Occupancy models were used to analyze the presence of the species in the region and showed thatM. temamaandT. bairdiihad a high occupancy probability. In comparison, the occupancy probability ofT. pecariwas low. This study shows that ungulate populations are still breeding, and have higher possibility of permanence, in Los Chimalapas, Southeastern Mexico. The region is an important area for the conservation ofT. bairdiiandT. pecari, both disappeared from some other areas of the southeast.

Landscape composition influences abundance patterns and habitat use of three ungulate species in fragmented secondary deciduous tropical forests, Mexico

Secondary forests are extensive in the tropics. Currently, these plant communities are the available habitats for wildlife and in the future they will possibly be some of the most wide-spread ecosystems world-wide. To understand the potential role of secondary forests for wildlife conservation, three ungulate species were studied: Mazama temama, Odocoileus virginianus and Pecari tajacu. We analyzed their relative abundance and habitat use at two spatial scales: (1) Local, where three different successional stages of tropical deciduous forest were compared, and (2) Landscape, where available habitats were compared in terms of landscape composition (proportion of forests, pastures and croplands within 113 ha). To determine the most important habitat-related environmental factors influencing the Sign Encounter Rate (SER) of the three ungulate species, 11 physical, anthropogenic and vegetation variables were simultaneously analyzed through model selection using Akaike’s Information Criterion. We found, that P. tajacu and O. virginianus mainly used early successional stages, while M. temama used all successional stages in similar proportions. The latter species, however, used early vegetation stages only when they were located in landscapes mainly covered by forest (97%). P. tajacu and O. virginianus also selected landscapes covered essentially by forests, although they required smaller percentages of forest (86%). All ungulate species avoided landscape fragments covered by pastures. For all three species, landscape composition and human activities were the variables that best explained SER. We concluded that landscape is the fundamental scale for ungulate management, and that secondary forests are potentially important landscape elements for ungulate conservation.

DISTRIBUCIÓN REGIONAL DEL VENADO TEMAZATE ROJO (Mazama temama) EN EL ESTADO DE PUEBLA, MÉXICO

El objetivo de este trabajo fue conocer la distribución del venado temazate rojo (Mazama temama) en Puebla, a través de un muestreo en campo, fundamentado en referencias bibliográficas y entrevistas a personas relacionadas con la especie. El muestreo se realizó mediante el recorrido de cuadrantes lineales con longitud variable y anchura fija, para determinar la presencia del venado por medio de la observación directa (animales observados) e indirecta (huellas, excretas, talladeros o animales cautivos). La distribución regional se obtuvo a partir de la información generada en los sitios donde se corroboró la presencia de temazate, con ayuda de un Sistema de Información Geográfica (SIG), empleando el programa Arc View 3.2. Los resultados del SIG sugieren que el venado se distribuye en el Totonacapan y la zona poniente de la Sierra Norte y en la zona oriental de la Sierra Negra, en una superficie total de 99,410.96 ha. El índice de similitud (95.2) entre sierras, por evidencia directa o por rastros, indica presencia y distribución similar de temazate rojo, concordando con los resultados del SIG. Se concluye que la distribución regional de temazate rojo en Puebla se concentra en 42 municipios pertenecientes a la Sierra Norte y zona oriental de la Sierra Negra.

Potential Distributional Patterns of Three Wild Ungulate Species in a Fragmented Tropical Region of Northeastern Mexico

In the northernmost American tropical forests of eastern Mexico, we analyzed the potential distribution of three ungulate species, Odocoileus virginianus, Mazama temama and Pecari tajacu, in response to several physical, climatic, biological, and anthropogenic variables, in order to identify environmental factors affecting distribution and potential key areas for ungulate conservation. Current presence records for these species were gathered, and potential distribution models were built using Maximum Entropy niche modeling (MaxEnt). Model suitability surfaces were used to calculate remaining potential habitat areas in the region, as well as the potential sympatric area and representation of these areas in Natural Protected Areas. Biological and anthropogenic variables were the best species distribution predictors. Landscape composition (the proportion of different land-use and land-cover classes: forest, agriculture, and pasture) within approximately 120 ha, was the most important variable for all models, influencing each species differently with respect to their tolerance of altered habitats. The remaining potential area of all three species is fragmented and has apparently been nearly lost in plains (&lt;14% remaining). Distribution models allowed us to detect an important location in the western portion of our study area which may function as a large biological corridor in the Sierra Madre Oriental mastogeographic province, a region heavily transformed by land use change. In the context of habitat transformation, management promoting quality matrix at the landscape level promises to be a viable alternative for ungulate conservation in tropical regions of Mexico.

Densidad Poblacional Del Venado Temazate Rojo (Mazama Temama) En Dos Sierras Del Estado De Puebla, México

Se estimó la densidad poblacional (DP) del venado temazate rojo (Mazama temama) en la Sierra Norte-Nororiental (SNNO) y Sierra Negra (SN) de estado de Puebla, México. La metodología utilizada fue de tipo indirecto, mediante el conteo de huellas en transectos de un kilómetro de largo; seis transectos en tres localidades de la SNNO, y cinco en dos localidades de la SN. Los resultados obtenidos varían entre 8,3 y 3,7 venados/Km2, correspondientes a 12,1 y 27 ha/individuo respectivamente. La prueba estadística de Ji-cuadrada indicó que entre ambas sierras, no hay diferencias estadísticas significativas en la DP. Si se compara la DP del venado temazate rojo en el estado de Puebla, con los resultados obtenidos en diferentes sitios de México, que varían desde 0,1 hasta 6,6 venados/Km2, se deduce que la DP del venado temazate en Puebla es similar a otras zonas del país. Sin embargo, el tamaño poblacional mínimo viable (TPMV), considerado en 500 individuos, no se cumple, por lo que se recomienda manejar el cérvido a nivel de microrregión o en conjuntos prediales, para incrementar la superficie de manejo. Mientras tanto, es recomendable continuar los estudios de DP en otras localidades de ambas sierras, para determinar a futuro su posible uso racional mediante la caza deportiva. Se concluye que al estar sujeto actualmente a la caza ilegal, su población se encuentra en estado de vulnerabilidad.

Distribución potencial de los ungulados silvestres en la Reserva de Biosfera de Tehuacán-Cuicatlán, México

The Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Biosphere Reserve (TCBR), located between the states of Oaxaca and Puebla, is characterized by its high biological, geological and cultural diversity, as well as a high percentage of endemic species. In this site is inhabit by the collared peccary Pecari tajacu , red brocket deer Mazama temama and white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus , which are widely used by rural communities. However, more information is required for their sustainable management. The aim of this study was to estimate the potential distribution of these species in the TCBR. Data of species presence and 28 layers of environmental information were used to model the potential distribution through the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) algorithm. Considering a total area of 4, 906 km2 for TCBR, the potential distribution of collared peccary, red brocket deer and white-tailed deer, were estimated at 78%, 3% and 92% respectively. Seven variables explained the distribution of the three species. The results suggest that the environmental characteristics of the TCRB offer better conditions for the presence of white-tailed deer and collared peccary, while for the red brocket, the conditions are marginal. We discuss some possible implications for the management of these ungulates according to ecological, social and cultural needs of the region.

Nuevos registros del temazate rojo (mammalia: Artiodactyla: cervidae: Mazama temama) en el estado de Puebla, México

In Puebla, the distribution of Central American red brocket deer (Mazama temama) is unknown due lack of studies. With interviews and field work, we got 30 new records for the Sierra Madre Oriental and Sierra Negra. Our results give information about its distribution, including areas where it was considered extinct. This confirms the necessity to generate a strategy for its conservation in the state.

Mammals of Cabo Blanco: History, diversity, and conservation after 45 years of regrowth of a Costa Rican dry forest

Reserva Natural Absoluta Cabo Blanco, a strongly seasonal deciduous forest located at the southernmost tip of northwestern Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula, was established in 1963 and is the country's oldest nationally protected reserve. The peninsula has been occupied for millennia and is a heavily impacted landscape, and, unfortunately, its biotic diversity is among the most poorly studied in Central America. As part of multiyear studies of the flora and fauna of the region, we assess the changes in vegetation and the terrestrial mammal community from earlier times to the present day. Through historical records, interviews with long-term residents of the area, and our studies over the past decade, we document changes in forest cover, settlement, and land use, and assess the changes in species diversity and in mammal species’ abundance. We then discuss the ecology of the mammal species on the peninsula, emphasizing the role that humans have played in influencing population levels. After 45 years of protection, the forest structure of the 3100 ha reserve differs markedly from that observed in the early 20th Century and it is quite heterogeneous. Species diversity of both the native vegetation and the mammals is substantial in the regenerating forest. The known mammal fauna included at least 37 species of non-flying mammals and 39 species of bats. Six species (Geoffroy's Spider Monkey, Giant Anteater, White-lipped Peccary, Central American Red Brocket Deer, Baird's Tapir, and Jaguar) have been extirpated from the reserve. Poaching of game species continues and will be difficult to eliminate completely. Nevertheless, with regenerating habitats, coupled with protection of wildlife, reestablishment of the reserve's native species has been dramatic both in terms of species diversity and abundance. The reserve is not in a defaunated condition. Many mammalian frugivores, seed dispersers, and/or seed predators are common and most top mammalian predators are present. We present several testable hypotheses regarding the significance of this mammalian community in the context of other Neotropical forest mammal and plant communities. Rapid expansion of tourism in this region has the potential to affect the reserve adversely. In recent years, the reserve has served as an important site for teaching tropical biology courses. Small reserves, such as Cabo Blanco, even if not connected to larger protected areas through corridors, provide critical habitat for native flora and fauna, a source of genetic stock, and valuable regional teaching and research sites.

COMPETITIVE RELEASE IN DIETS OF OCELOT (LEOPARDUS PARDALIS) AND PUMA (PUMA CONCOLOR) AFTER JAGUAR (PANTHERA ONCA) DECLINE

We used fecal analyses to document the diet of ocelots (Leopardus pardalis) and puma (Puma concolor) at 2 sites in central Panama. We detected puma on Barro Colorado Island (BCI) nearly every month during the study but never found evidence of jaguars (Panthera onca) at either site. Both ocelots and puma fed predominantly on mammalian prey, but consumed a diversity of species. Collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu) and Central American red brocket (Mazama temama) were the most important food items for puma, whereas Central American agoutis (Dasyprocta punctata) and sloths (Choloepus hoffmanni and Bradypus variegatus) were the most important for ocelots. Considerable overlap in diet was found between populations and species, but the diet of puma on BCI was significantly different from the 2 ocelot populations in containing more large prey, suggesting that dietary differences between these predator species are chiefly related to their relative body size. Comparing across larger scales, both populations of ocelots in our study ate larger prey than elsewhere in their range, suggesting that their fundamental niche includes more medium-sized prey than their realized niche in other sites. Puma on BCI ate proportionally more peccaries and deer than in most other populations. These unusual diets in the wake of a recent decline or local extinction of jaguars are consistent with a prey shift in response to competitive release.