Validation of the Calakmul–Laguna de Terminos corridor for jaguarsPanthera oncain south-eastern Mexico

Abstract

The fragmentation of jaguarPanthera oncapopulations as a result of habitat loss is considered to be one of the main challenges for the conservation of the species. Corridors have been proposed as a means of maintaining connectivity and the long-term viability of jaguar populations. The corridor that connects the jaguar conservation units of Calakmul and Laguna de Terminos in Mexico has been considered to be a link for the movement of individuals between these units but its functionality had yet to be verified. During 2012–2014 we divided the corridor into four sections, where we used camera traps to verify the corridor's functionality. We obtained 106 photographs of jaguars, proving the presence of jaguars (including resident jaguars and females) in three of the corridor sections. We did not record any individuals in more than one section of the corridor. The presence of several resident jaguars and females throughout the corridor suggests that portions of the corridor should be incorporated into the Calakmul and Laguna de Terminos jaguar conservation units. Nevertheless, to confirm that the corridor is fully functional it is necessary to obtain evidence of movement of jaguars among the various sections of the corridor. Our results suggest that the area should be included in regional conservation strategies.

Conservation implications for jaguars and other neotropical mammals using highway underpasses

“…Second, roads can cause significant habitat fragmentation [ 23 ]. Similar fragmentation effects have been reported on both JCUs [ 24 ] and their linking corridors in Mexico [ 25 ]. The jaguar’s status and vulnerability from negative road effects suggests an increasing necessity to facilitate connectivity between jaguar populations and reduce mortality from wildlife vehicle collisions [ 26 ].…”

Comparative landscape genetics of two frugivorous bats in a biological corridor undergoing agricultural intensification

“…However, little is known about whether biological corridors in the tropics are similarly successful (Brodie et al., ). Despite the fact that the tropics contain more than 50% of the world's biodiversity (Mace, Masundire, & Baillie, ) and tropical landscapes have disproportionately high rates of forest conversion and species loss (Hansen et al., ), to date there have been very few empirical tests of corridor effectiveness in tropical regions (but see Gilbert‐Norton et al., ; Hidalgo‐Mihart, Contreras‐Moreno, Jesús de la Cruz, & Juárez‐López, ; Khazan, ).…”

Análisis de ADN fecal para identificar especies de felinos en los Ocotones Chiapas, México

“…Los felinos son considerados especies indicadoras del estado de la biodiversidad y de conservación de los ecosistemas naturales (Ordiz et al 2013, Ripple et al 2014. Además, especies icónicas como el jaguar han sido utilizadas como especie clave en iniciativas de conservación (Manterola et al 2011), y para el diseño de corredores biológicos (Salom-Pérez et al 2010, Hidalgo-Mihart et al 2018. Bajo este contexto, y por las características de hábitat que presenta la zona de manejo forestal LOSOCO se identificaron especies de felinos relevantes, de las que el jaguar, el leoncillo, el ocelote y el tigrillo tienen estatus de especies en peligro de extinción y amenazadas; mientras que el puma, es una especie que requiere de protección especial en la NOM-059 (SE-MARNAT 2010).…”