Richness and trophic guilds of carnivorous mammals in ejido Nuevo Becal, Calakmul, Campeche, Mexico

A study adjacent to the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, Mexico, revealed 11 species of carnivorous mammals, representing 26% of the national and 64% of Campeche's Carnivora diversity. The research identified four trophic guilds—carnivores (5 species), omnivores (4), insectivores (1), and frugivores (1)—with notable presence of large predators like Panthera onca (jaguar) and Puma concolor (cougar). Camera traps recorded 76 photographic instances over a year, with P. concolor and Leopardus wiedii showing rapid detection, indicating high activity or abundance. The findings underscore the region's significance for Carnivora conservation, particularly as 55% of the species are threatened under Mexican law. This study highlights the importance of evaluating wildlife populations in areas bordering large reserves like Calakmul to inform conservation strategies.

Briceño Méndez, M., Naranjo Piñera, E., Pérez-Irineo, G., Contreras Perera, Y., Sandoval Serés, E., & Hidalgo Mihart, M. G. (2017). Richness and trophic guilds of carnivorous mammals in ejido Nuevo Becal, Calakmul, Campeche, Mexico. Therya, 8(2), 145–150. https://doi.org/10.12933/therya-17-472