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| Sanchez Alonso, M.C. | |
| Analysis of fragmentation effect on deer population density in relation to quality habitat for large carnivores in the biosphere reserve of Calakmul, southeast Mexico | |
| 2005 Full Book | |
In this study we analyze the effect of fragmentation occurring in a large remaining tropical area in the state of Campeche, Southeast Mexico. The possible consequences to the population of large carnivores such as the jaguar (Panthera onca) and the puma (Puma concolor) which co-exist in this area are analyzed by assessing and comparing the population of one of their common prey: deer. The relative population density of the three different species of cervids found in this neotropical region is used to estimate habitat quality for the existing jaguar and puma populations. Two independent sites in the Mayan Jungle, southeast Mexico were surveyed: one outside the Biosphere Reserve of Calakmul and the other within the nucleus zone of the reserve. The existence of legal protection and the level of human disturbance are the main characteristics, which differentiate the two sites. Throughout our study it was found that the cervid population was significantly lower in the non-protected site. This can decrease the populations of jaguars and pumas, as prey availability is the main density dependant factor affecting their population. |
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