Quintana Roo State Research Articles

Second-growth forests of the Mexican tropics are reservoirs of timber species similar to old-growth forest: Perspectives for sustainable forest management

Second-growth forests represent the largest area of forest in southern Mexico and can provide relevant information on how their structural attributes in are linked to anthropogenic factors and for their forest management. However, a knowledge gap remains at national level with little scientific literature available. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate the structure and tree richness of second-growth forests in the south of Quintana Roo State, México. With stratified sampling through participatory mapping of local collaborators, secondary tropical forests of 7, 15, 27, 37, and ≥ 48 to 80 years (y) old-growth were identified. We categorized forests into three successional stage classes: 5-20 y (Class I; forests of 7 and 15 y); 25-40 y (Class II; forests of 27 and 37 y), and old-growth forest (Class III; forests 48-80 y). In each forest (7, 15, 27, 37, 48, and 80 y of time since abandonment [tSA]) three plots were randomly chosen and established within the forest. Each age class was composed of two forests and six sample plots. In total there were 18 plots of 500 m2 each. Subsequently, we: i) calculated the land use intensity (LUI) to which the sites were subjected, ii) described the following structural attributes: floristic similarity, true diversity (effective number of species), stem density, and basal area (AB), and iii) evaluated if tSA and LUI influence the aforementioned structural attributes. Tree diversity was characterized with Hill numbers associated with observed species richness (0D), richness of equally abundant species (1D), and dominant species (2D). Forest structure was analyzed by density (number of trees ha−1) and distribution of stems by diameter class ha−1 and basal area (BA, m2 ha−1). The second-growth forest was derived from the milpa agricultural system under moderate land use intensity (LUI index = 0.02 - 0.1). Floristic structure was at least similar between Class I and Class III. Forest age and LUI do not affect tree composition of the forests (p ≥ 0.1667). However, these two factors affected stem density and BA. Only the species richness (0D) of second-growth forest and old-growth forest was influenced by tSA (p = 0.0002). In second-growth forests, Classes I and II, 78 species (0D) were recorded, 8 and 8 exclusive species, 28 and 36 equally abundant species (1D), and 15 to 24 dominant species (2D). In the old-growth forest, Class III, 70 species were recorded, and 38 and 26 equally abundant (1D) and dominant species (2D), as well as 5 exclusive species. The density of stems decreased with increasing forest age and increasing BA. Second-growth forest and old-growth forest all showed a high density of small diameter stems. These results indicate that second-growth forests are important tree species reservoirs (including those for timber purposes), comparable to old-growth or mature forests, and therefore they are relevant not only as biodiversity conservation areas or carbon sinks, but also for planned sustainable forest management.

A new Mexican species of the Cryptopygus complex (Collembola, Isotomidae) associated with the hermit crab Coenobitaclypeatus (Crustacea, Coenobitidae).

A new species of Cryptopygus Willem, 1901 associated with hermit crabs living on seashores of Quintana Roo State, Mexico, is described and illustrated. It is blind, with 9-11 postlabial setae, unguis with a pair of lateral teeth, empodial appendix lanceolate and almost as long as unguis, tenaculum with 4 + 4 teeth and 3-4 setae on corpus, manubrium with 11-14 pairs of manubrial setae on anterior surface and 17-18 pairs on posterior surface, and mucro bidentate. An updated key for the identification of 29 American species of Cryptopygus complex is included.

Entomological Survey and Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana Prevalence in Sand Fly Species during an Outbreak of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Quintana Roo State, Mexico.

(1) Background: Localized cutaneous leishmaniasis is a neglected vector-borne disease that has become a serious public health problem in the Yucatan Peninsula. Although more than 60% of cases originate from the state of Quintana Roo, it is one of the least explored areas in terms of incriminating vectors of the Leishmania parasite. Additionally, cases of leishmaniasis have increased substantially in that region in recent years. For this reason, we explored and provided primary evidence of Leishmania DNA in sand fly species from four localities during outbreaks of leishmaniasis in Quintana Roo. We also contributed information on the regional genetic diversity of Leishmania parasites. (2) Methods: Sand flies were collected during several periods from November 2022 to April 2023 using Mosquito Light Circle and Shannon traps, as well as an active entomological search in refuges. For Leishmania detection, we amplified a fragment of 300-350 bp of the internal transcribed spacer subunit 1 (ITS-1). (3) Results: Of the 242 females collected, we detected Leishmania DNA in 25 specimens represented by Bichromomyia olmeca (1), Psathyromyia shannoni (17), Lutzomyia cruciata (4), Psathyromyia undulata (2), and Dampfomyia deleoni (1). The detection of Leishmania in these last two species represents new records for the Yucatan Peninsula and for Mexico. Leishmania (Leishmania) mexicana was the only species detected in the Phlebotominae species, with prevalence values that ranked between 7.41% and 33.33% from specimens collected in the sylvatic areas of Cozumel Island and Petcacab. (4) Conclusions: This study provides the first evidence of infection of Da. deleoni and Pa. undulata by L. (L.) Mexicana. In addition, the presence of three dominant haplotypes in all the evaluated localities was evidenced using the analysis of genetic diversity, and the locality of Petcacab was the one with the circulation of two new haplotypes not previously described in Mexico or neighboring countries. These results highlight the importance of intensive epidemiological surveillance due to the dynamics of transmission of Leishmania between different species.

Botanical characterization of Apis mellifera honeys in areas under different degrees of disturbance in the southern Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Apiculture is an important economic activity in Mexico, and deforestation, extensive agriculture, and other types of land use threaten sustainable honey production. This study aimed to determine the floral resources used by Apis mellifera for honey production, in vegetation types with different disturbance degrees in Southern Yucatan Peninsula, Quintana Roo state. A total of 24 honey samples, from eight apiaries, were collected during the months of the highest honey production in the region (February to May 2022). Standard acetolysis technique was applied for melissopalynological analysis. A total of 68 pollen types were identified. Our results suggest that the disturbance degree of the vegetation does not affect the pollen diversity and honey composition, mainly because the available floral resources remain similar. Viguiera dentata (Asteraceae) was the most abundant (>45%) herbaceous species in honey samples of February and March. Piscidia piscipula (Fabaceae) and Haematoxylum campechianum (Fabaceae) in samples of March (16%-45%), and P. piscipula in April (>45%). Spondias mombin (Anacardiaceae), Bursera simaruba (Burseraceae), and Metopium brownie (Anacardiaceae) were the most abundant (16%-45%) arboreal species found in samples of May. Although our results can be used to develop conservation strategies looking for sustainable honey production, further studies should focus on vegetation with a better conservation state, during longer time periods, and during periods with fewer resources available for honeybees.

Trophic behavior of inorganic elements in nesting sea turtles (Chelonia mydas, Eretmochelys imbricata, and Caretta caretta) in Quintana Roo: Biomagnification and biodilution effect in blood and scute tissues

The biomagnification and biodilution of inorganic pollutants, have a close correlation on the structure and function of trophic change behavior; sea turtles represent an excellent bioindicator model to identify their impact in marine ecosystems. To understand pollution effects on marine ecosystems, we quantified the bioconcentration of 50 inorganic elements in the blood and scute tissues of three nesting species of sea turtles (Chelonia mydas, Eretmochelys imbricata and Caretta caretta), collected in Quintana Roo State from July 2017 to August 2018. As a general trend, essential mineral elements with toxic potential showed the highest concentrations in both tissues; significant increase concentration of arsenic, mercury, and cerium levels was observed with increasing trophic levels indicating its biomagnification while a significant decrease in manganese and bismuth showed a biodilution effect. We expect that our findings can be used as baseline data in future biomonitoring and contamination risk assessment programs in the region.

Jaguar (Panthera onca) spatial ecology outside protected areas in the Selva Maya

Jaguars (Panthera onca) are endangered in several countries and a priority species for conservation action. Despite extensive research efforts in Mexico most studies have been associated with natural protected areas far from human habitation. Because protected areas are too few to conserve the jaguar population over the long–term, a landscape approach that includes both protected and unprotected lands is needed. This is the case in Quintana Roo State where an ecological corridor linking two protected areas (Yum Balam and Sian Ka'an) is at risk of disappearing due to tourism–driven activities. Between 2013 and 2015, four male jaguars were captured and monitored using satellite telemetry inside the corridor. The mean home range size (± SD) was 101.5 km2 (± 75.9 km2) for the dry season and 172 km2 (± 107.29 km2) for the rainy season. The mean core area size (± SD) was 17.54 km2 (± 16.21 km2) for the dry season and 29.07 km2 (± 16.19 km2) for the rainy season. No significant seasonal differences were found for home ranges or for core areas. As expected, we observed that jaguars preferred forest or young secondary growth over profusely disturbed areas, using whatever vegetation was available in their home ranges. Although it is not protected, a biological corridor linking Yum Balam and Sian Ka'an still holds its own jaguar population, a population that has learned to coexist with human presence. Conservation actions are recommended at landscape level to maintain what remains of tropical mature forest and to promote the development of long–term secondary growth into close tree canopy

Contribution to the lady beetle fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula and integrative taxonomy for species delimitation

Lady beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) are among the most familiar insects; many species are of economic importance, but their diversity in the tropics is poorly known. We aimed to contribute to the knowledge of the lady beetle fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula, particularly for Quintana Roo state. We used an integrative approach for species identification, comparing classical morphological identifications and quick automated methods for species delimitation using DNA barcode sequences. Through a literature review and a survey of lady beetles in gardens in Quintana Roo, we further provide an updated list of the species found on the Yucatan Peninsula. Out of the 40 species delimited in our study, 34 are new reports for the peninsula, and 36 are new for Quintana Roo state. Overall, 62 species of lady beetles are now recorded for the entire region, including three exotics: the invasive Harmonia axyridis, Chilocorus nigrita, and Delphastus catalinae. Our study also contributed to public reference libraries with 110 barcode sequences for the tropics belonging to 34 delineated species. We showed that cytochrome oxidase 1 (COI) sequences can be useful for lady beetle species delimitation and that the Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery algorithm (ABGD) was the best method, complementing the number of initially delineated morphospecies. The Barcode Index Number (BIN) approach overestimated seven putative species due to the splitting of conspecifics, while the ABGD method suggested two additional MOTUs at a prior intraspecific distance of 0.059. Combined molecular and morphological data in our study revealed one additional putative species of Diomus, initially considered a tentative colour variation. Our study exemplifies how molecular methods paired with classical taxonomy can efficiently assist in delineating species when descriptions and identification keys are unavailable and highlights the possible great richness of coccinellid species awaiting exploration and description on the Yucatan Peninsula.

Coyote recent expansion in Quintana Roo State, Northeast Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Coyote recent expansion in Quintana Roo State, Northeast Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Tasa de defecación del Temazate rojo (<i>Mazama temama</i>) en cautiverio

El temazate rojo (Mazama temama) es uno de los cérvidos más abundantes y con más amplia distribución en los bosques neotropicales. Un método para estimar densidades poblacionales es mediante el conteo de heces, para lo cual es necesario conocer la tasa de defecación. Para obtener dicha tasa en este ungulado, se realizaron conteos de los eventos de defecación, durante cuatro días, en tres individuos adultos: dos hembras y un macho; alojados en cautiverio en el parque Xcaret, ubicado en el estado de Quintana Roo, México. La tasa de defecación promedio obtenida fue de 10 ± 3,33 (DE) grupos de excrementos/individuo/día. Este dato permitirá realizar estimaciones de densidad poblacional de esta especie en vida libre.

New Records and Updated Checklist of Mosquito Species in Quintana Roo, Mexico, Using DNA-Barcoding.

Collections of mosquitoes were conducted as part of the entomological vector surveillance in Quintana Roo State, Mexico, during September 2015. Species collected included Anopheles gabaldoni, An. darlingi, Psorophora columbiae, Culex inflictus, Cx. trifidus, Cx. lactator, and Wyeomyia guatemala s.l. All the specimens were identified by morphological and molecular characters (DNA-barcoding). This is the 1st time these species are reported in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo. This research updates and increases the list of species of mosquitoes in Quintana Roo from 79 to 86.

New Distribution Record of Aedes albopictus in Quintana Roo, Mexico, and its Importance to Public Health.

Aedes albopictus is an important vector of several arboviruses that affect human health worldwide; thus, knowledge of its distribution is a key factor for the implementation of disease control strategies. In Mexico, Ae. albopictus was recorded for the first time in 1988 in Tamaulipas State (northeast), but currently it has been recorded in 14 of the 32 states in the country. In 2012, it was recorded for the first time in a single locality in Quintana Roo (Cancún). In this study, we provide new distribution information for Ae. albopictus in the center and south of Quintana Roo State and comment on its medical importance.

On the Marine Energy Resources of Mexico

The Atlantic and Pacific coasts of Mexico offer a variety of marine energy sources for exploitation. Although the Mexican government has made important efforts to reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, national participation in clean energies is still limited in terms of electricity production. This paper presents a practical theoretical assessment of marine energy sources around Mexico, with the aim of identifying potential zones for subsequent, more detailed, technical evaluations and project implementations. The energy sources considered are ocean currents, waves, salinity, and thermal gradients. Using global databases, the percentages of energy availability for the defined thresholds were computed to establish the prospective regions with the most persistent power availability. This approach proved to offer more meaningful information than simple averaged values. Moreover, some environmental and socio-economic factors to be considered for future ocean energy resource assessments in Mexico were also discussed. The results show that the wave energy potential is highest in the northwest of Mexico (~2–10 kW/m for more than 50% of the time), and that there is a constant source of ocean current energy off Quintana Roo state (~32–215 W/m2 for more than 50% of the time). The thermal gradient power is more persistent in the southwest and southeast of the country, where ~100–200 MW can be found 70% of the time. The salinity gradient energy is strongest in the southeast of Mexico. The practical approach presented here can be extended to perform preliminary resources assessments in regions where information is scarce.

Presence of Pesticides and Toxicity Assessment of Agricultural Soils in the Quintana Roo Mayan Zone, Mexico Using Biomarkers in Earthworms (Eisenia fetida)

Agriculture intensification and the use of pesticides have led to biodiversity loss due to soil toxic compounds. Thus, soil contamination studies are important to understand the negative effects in the physicochemical interactions. The use of biomarkers through bioindicators is a useful tool for assessing toxicity in agricultural environments complemented with the determination of pesticides. The objectives of this study were to determine the presence of organochlorine (OCPs) and organophosphate (OPPs) pesticides and the soil’s potential toxicity in agricultural fields with different crops from the center of Quintana Roo State, using a set of enzymatic biomarkers (BMs), such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE), glutathione-S-Transferase (GST), and catalase (CAT) on earthworms (Eisenia fetida). Earthworms were exposed for 96 h on nine different agricultural soils as well as on a reference soil from a conservation area. Within all samples of soils, only OCPs were detected in low concentrations (ranged from non-detected to 1.40 ppm). However, no correlation was observed between these pesticides and the BMs activity. AChE and CAT activity was significantly inhibited in at least one agricultural soil if compared to the conservation area, while no significant differences of GST were observed. The AChE activity observed suggests the presence of anticholinergic substances (that were neither detected nor determined analytically) in the sampled soils. The characterization of oxidative stress BMs was not correlated with the OCPs analyzed. Our results demonstrate that further studies of toxicity under field conditions are required, given the complexity of environmental conditions outside the laboratory.

Hydrochemistry and hydrodynamics of a Mexican Caribbean Lagoon: Nichupté Lagoon System

The study results describe the hydrogeochemical and the hydrodynamic characterization, and the evolution compounds in the water in the Nichupté Lagoon System (NLS). This is the most representative lagoon of Quintana Roo State and hosts the Natural Protected Area “Manglares de Nichupté” and borders the Punta Cancún-Punta Nizuc National Park. Sampling was performed during rainy and cold-front seasons to asses the distribution and variability of temperature, pH, dissolved axygen salinity, nutrients and major elements. Significant differences were detected for temperature and salinity but not for dissolved oxygen between the seasons. The dissolved oxygen values have considerably diminished in a decade. NOx and PO4 concentrations were high, and did not show significant differences between seasons. NH4+ concentration was an order of magnitude higher in the rainy season. Two types of water occur in the study area (Cl) and (Cl-SO4-Na-Ca-Mg). A strong predominance of Na-Cl, classifies the lagoon system as a brackish lake. Evaporation was the dominant process and the lagoon behaves like a salty lake, with an evolution in the chemical composition of the water, which became enriched in calcium during the cold-front season, and in sulfates during the rainy season. No precipitation of calcite or gypsum was identified, but this could occur during the cold fronts due to the geochemical evolution observed in the Spencer diagram. Nutrient concentrations have increased in ten years, but some are still below Mexican water quality criteria (CE-CCA-001/89). Some sites present high nutrients concentrations like Bojorquez lagoon sites. The results obtained underline: a) high temperature records vis-à-vis of previous studies measurements (historical records), b) decreasing dissolved oxygen concentrations, c) increasing NO3− and PO43− concentrations. These factors combination shows eutrophication signs that should already be taken as an alert. The circulation of the water in the two analyzed periods was qualitatively similar but the magnitudes of the currents were remarkably different between each other. The rainy season (August 2015) showed near-coastal mean currents of magnitude ∼2–3 cm s−1, while the cold-front season (March 2016) showed mean currents about twice stronger (∼5–6 cm s−1). The circulation pattern result in relatively short residence times of the water bodies of the Lagoon System, with values from 3 to 6 weeks in the rainy season; these values can be decreased by 30–50% in the cold-front season.

Pobreza extrema de mujeres indígenas en México. Estudio de caso para la Zona Maya de Quintana Roo

Esta investigación ha analizado la pobreza en la población indígena de la Zona Maya del Estado de Quintana Roo en México. En trabajo de campo se recopiló información sobre el ingreso corriente en los hogares de las localidades de estudio para posteriormente aislar a los individuos varones y centrar el análisis en la población femenina. Como método de contraste para cuantificar la pobreza extrema se utilizó la metodología propuesta por el Banco Mundial (línea de pobreza extrema) y del Consejo Nacional de Evaluación de la Política de Desarrollo Social (líneas de bienestar mínimo y de bienestar). Los resultados se presentan en gráficos donde se trazaron las líneas de pobreza tanto del Banco Mundial como del Consejo Nacional para la Evaluación para contrastarlos con el Ingreso Corriente de cada mujer de la muestra.

Confirmation of occurrence of Anopheles (Anopheles) veruslanei Vargas in Quintana Roo, Mexico using morphology and DNA barcodes

In Mexico, genus Anopheles includes 27 species divided into three subgenera: Anopheles, Kerteszia, and Nyssorhynchus. Some species occur in the Nearctic region (northern Mexico), whereas other species occur in the Neotropical region (south and southeast Mexico) and only a few species occur in both regions. In Quintana Roo State (southeast Mexico) 11 species have been recorded: An. apicimacula, An. atropos, An. bradleyi, An. crucians, An. franciscanus, An. neomaculipalpus, An. pseudopunctipennis, An. punctimacula, An. veruslanei, An. vestitipennis and An. albimanus. However, the occurrence and identity of An. veruslanei has been questioned in recent years, since its description 39 years ago, it has not been reported in recent studies. In October 2015, five females of An. veruslanei were collected and identified. To corroborate their occurrence and identity in Quintana Roo State, we used morphological and molecular evidence that confirms it, and the type material of this species was studied to compare with the specimens of our collections.

First Records of Psorophora cilipes and Culex theobaldi in Quintana Roo State, Mexico.

Collections of mosquitoes were conducted for the surveillance of species of medical importance in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico, in June of 2017. Species collected included Psorophora (Psorophora) cilipes and Culex (Melanoconion) theobaldi, both new records for the state. Psorophora cilipes was previously recorded in Mexico State and Cx. theobaldi in Chiapas State. With the addition of these species, the mosquito fauna of Quintana Roo State now includes 81 species. Quintana Roo and Tamaulipas State with 82 species are the most mosquito-rich states in Mexico, based on currently available records. The specimens collected in this study were deposited in the Culicidae collection of the Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro Unidad Laguna.

First Record of Invasive Mosquito Aedes albopictus in Tabasco and Yucatan, Mexico.

The invasive mosquito Aedes albopictus is currently distributed in most of the southern Mexican region. Since the species was first recorded in the state of Tamaulipas, in northeastern Mexico in 1988, it has expanded its distribution throughout the Sierra Madre Oriental and Gulf of Mexico to the Neotropical region of the country. Currently the species occurs in the states of Tamaulipas, Coahuila, Nuevo Leon, Veracruz, Chiapas, Morelos, Quintana Roo, Sinaloa, San Luis Potosi, and Hidalgo. This is the first report of the mosquito in the states of Tabasco and Yucatan and the confirmation of its presence in Quintana Roo state. Aedes albopictus has been incriminated as a secondary vector of diseases such as those caused by dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses, which have caused epidemic outbreaks in most tropical and subtropical regions of Mexico; therefore, surveillance for the detection of Ae. albopictus is paramount so that targeted control strategies can be implemented for its control throughout Mexico.

Doryphoribius chetumalensis sp. nov. (Eutardigrada: Isohypsibiidae) a new tardigrade species discovered in an unusual habitat of urban areas of Mexico.

A new species, Doryphoribius chetumalensis, is described from specimens collected in the city of Chetumal (Quintana Roo state, Mexico). The species was found in a new and unusual habitat for urban tardigrades, i.e. the soil sediment accumulated on the border of streets. This discovery shows that tardigrades can live in this habitat, demonstrating once again the wide capacity of this taxon to tolerate adverse habitats, and to survive in environments with high anthropogenic impact. Doryphoribius chetumalensis sp. nov. differs from all the other species of the genus in having enlarged and wide bulbous base of the claws. Within Doryphoribius, it belongs to the zappalai group, and differs from the species in this group, not only in the claw shape, but also by the orange body colour, the smooth cuticle, the absence of a tooth in the wall of the buccal ring, and the absence of lunules under the claws. This is the first record of tardigrades, identified to species level, in Quintana Roo state. A taxonomic key of the Doryphoribius genus is also presented.

Las playas arenosas de Quintana Roo, México: La diversidad de su fauna intermareal

Field research of macrofaunal communities of sandy beaches at 10 sites of the central and southern coast of Quintana Roo State, was performed in 2011. For each beach 3 transects were conducted perpendicular to the coast with a variable number of levels depending on the length of the beach. The slopes of the beaches were also variable; however, as a recurring pattern, the southern part of each beach was wider than the northern part. The best represented fauna were mollusks (18 species), but also other groups were recorded such as crustaceans (4), annelids (4), sipunculids (1), nemerteans (1), foraminifera (4) and insects (1). The numerical analysis divided the coast of the state in areas of the Maya Rivera, that were more diverse and richness in fauna, while the sites located in the Gran Costa Maya were the least diverse. The assemblage sites representing the major groups show affinities between nearby sites, but are able to detect differences between areas in the same region. Using a content analysis divisive second-order information, for different groups, the species responsible for most decrease of information was obtained; in mollusks, was Terebra tuberculosa , whereas annelids was Scoloplos latum and for foraminifera Bigenerina angulata. A long-term study is proposed for this ecosystem.