Measuring Landscape Connectivity for Baird’s Tapir Conservation in Fragmented Areas of Calakmul, Mexico

Research reveals that despite significant forest fragmentation in the Calakmul region, Baird’s tapirs can still navigate through mosaics of forests and agricultural areas. However, landscape connectivity between community territories and the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve has declined, hindering tapir movement outside continuous forests. The study used graphic theory and CONEFOR SENSINODE 2.2 to analyze vegetation cover and land use, identifying critical nodes for connectivity and limited dispersal routes. Findings suggest that while habitats are suboptimal, they remain functional for tapirs. Encouraging farming practices over mechanized agriculture is recommended to mitigate deforestation and habitat loss.

Carrillo, N., Naranjo, E. J., Cortina-Villar, S., Reyna-Hurtado, R., & Mendoza, E. (2019). Measuring Landscape Connectivity for Baird’s Tapir Conservation in Fragmented Areas of Calakmul, Mexico. Tropical Conservation Science, 12. https://doi.org/10.1177/1940082919834148