Species richness and endemicity of carnivorans in protected areas of the Yucatan Peninsula

Only 9.48% of critical habitats for carnivoran species richness and endemicity in the Yucatán Peninsula are currently protected, despite these areas being vital for conservation. The study identified that southern Quintana Roo, southeastern Campeche, the Tabasco-Chiapas border, and northern Belize-Guatemala exhibit peak species richness, while Cozumel Island and south-central Tabasco show high endemicity. Using ecological niche modeling and diversity range analysis, researchers mapped these patterns to assess representation within existing protected areas (PAs). Key PAs partially covering priority zones include Sierra del Lacandón, Laguna del Tigre, Tikal, Yaxhá-Nakum-Naranjo National Parks in Guatemala; Rio Bravo Conservation Area in Belize; and Calakmul Biosphere Reserve in Mexico. The findings emphasize the urgent need to expand PA coverage to safeguard the region's unique carnivoran assemblages and their ecosystem functions.

Contreras-Díaz, R. G., Osorio-Olvera, L., Nori, J., Soberón, J., Martín, G., Gaona, O., & Chiappa-Carrara, X. (2026). Species richness and endemicity of carnivorans in protected areas of the Yucatan Peninsula. Perspectives in Ecology and Conservation, 24(3), 323–331. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pecon.2026.04.002