Hunting and water scarcity affect habitat occupancy by peccaries (Tayassu pecari and Pecari tajacu) in Calakmul, Mexico

Hunting and water scarcity significantly impact the habitat occupancy of white-lipped peccaries (Tayassu pecari) and collared peccaries (Pecari tajacu) in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, Mexico. Research found that white-lipped peccary occupancy is influenced by habitat type and predators during the rainy season but is more vulnerable to hunting and water availability during the dry season. Conversely, collared peccaries are affected by water scarcity and hunting in the rainy season, while habitat type and predator presence influence their occupancy in the dry season. The study used stratified sampling with camera traps and 20 m² plots to detect feces or footprints across 28 points during both seasons, analyzing data via PRESENCE software to model habitat occupancy. These findings highlight the critical role of water availability and hunting pressure on peccary populations, particularly in drought-prone periods, underscoring the need for conservation strategies that address these threats.

Briceño-Méndez, M., Naranjo, E. J., Altrichter, M., & Contreras-Perera, Y. (2022). Hunting and water scarcity affect habitat occupancy by peccaries (Tayassu pecari and Pecari tajacu) in Calakmul, Mexico. Mammalia, 86(6), 543–550. https://doi.org/10.1515/mammalia-2021-0029