Large vertebrate responses to forest cover and hunting pressure in communal landholdings and protected areas of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

A study on the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, reveals that large vertebrate populations, particularly game species, are significantly impacted by hunting pressure, while old-growth specialists respond more to forest cover than hunting. Using line-transect surveys across eight sites—including Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and communal landholdings—the research found that species richness increased with landscape forest cover but was unaffected by hunting pressure for non-game species. Notably, Sian Ka'an's old-growth forests supported high encounter rates (ER) for most species, whereas open habitats showed lower ERs. The study underscores the need for integrated management across private, communal, and public reserves to protect biodiversity in this critical region.

Urquiza‐Haas, T., Peres, C. A., & Dolman, P. M. (2010). Large vertebrate responses to forest cover and hunting pressure in communal landholdings and protected areas of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Animal Conservation, 14(3), 271–282. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-1795.2010.00426.x