Uso y preferencias de hábitat por el berrendo sonorense (Antilocapra americana sonoriensis) en la Reserva de la Biósfera El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar

The Sonoran pronghorn (Antilocapra americana sonoriensis) demonstrates distinct habitat preferences within the El Pinacate and Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve, favoring plant associations such as Larrea-Encelia, Larrea-Ambrosia, and Cylindropuntia-Krameria more than their availability would suggest. This preference was identified through fecal sample analysis, with 182 confirmed pronghorn samples out of 234 extracted from 244 groups collected across nine observation sites during different seasons. The study used cytochrome b gene sequencing to distinguish pronghorn feces from those of the mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), confirming species-specific habitat use patterns. These findings provide critical insights for targeted conservation efforts, as the Sonoran pronghorn is a priority species under state, federal, and international agreements.

Barajas-González, D., Alcalá Galván, C. H., Cordova-Castillo, J. P., Barreras-Gutiérrez, I. R., Grageda-García, M. A., Varela-Romero, A., & Castillo-Gámez, R. A. (2025). Habitat use and preferences by the Sonoran pronghorn (Antilocapra americana sonoriensis) in the El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar Biosphere Reserve. Biotecnia, 27, e2492. https://doi.org/10.18633/biotecnia.v27.2492