Landscape variables that influence the presence of brocket deer (Mazama sp.) in the Campeche State, México

Brocket deer (Mazama sp.) presence in the Campeche State, Mexico, is strongly influenced by landscape variables such as the percentage of preserved forest and livestock density. The study found that brocket deer are more likely to be present in areas with higher forest conservation and lower cattle density, indicating that these species thrive in pristine habitats but are negatively impacted by agricultural activities. Notably, flooded zones were rarely associated with brocket deer presence, suggesting these ecosystems may not support the species despite their inclusion in known distributional ranges. The research used a combination of track surveys along transects, principal component analysis, and logistic regression to analyze data from six study regions, revealing critical insights for the long-term conservation of brocket deer, particularly in areas where sport hunting is authorized.

Contreras-Moreno, F. M., de la Cruz-Félix, K., Bello-Gutiérrez, J., & Hidalgo-Mihart, M. G. (2016). Landscape variables that influence the presence of brocket deer (Mazama sp.) in the Campeche State, México. Therya, 7(1), 3–19. https://doi.org/10.12933/therya-16-343