Differential utilization of surface and arboreal water bodies by birds and mammals in a seasonally dry Neotropical forest in southern Mexico

Research at the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve reveals that birds and mammals utilize different water sources—surface water bodies (waterholes, rock pools) and arboreal tree holes—differentially, with surface water being more diverse for both groups. While bird diversity remained consistent across water types, terrestrial mammals preferred surface water, while arboreal species favored tree holes. This segregation suggests that varied water body characteristics may promote species coexistence and resilience to environmental fluctuations. The study used camera traps to document animal behavior at 64 sites during dry and rainy seasons, offering insights into how human water demand and climate change could impact wildlife viability in seasonally dry tropical forests.

Delgado‐Martínez, C. M., Kolb, M., Pascual‐Ramírez, F., & Mendoza, E. (2023). Differential utilization of surface and arboreal water bodies by birds and mammals in a seasonally dry Neotropical forest in southern Mexico. Ecology and Evolution, 13(11). Portico. https://doi.org/10.1002/ece3.10781