Publications
Reproductive isolation in two strains of the marine rotifer Brachionus cf. ibericus (Rotifera, Monogononta) from Quintana Roo, México
Researchers have identified reproductive isolation between two distinct strains of the marine rotifer Brachionus cf. ibericus in Quintana Roo, Mexico, marking a significant discovery within the Yucatán Peninsula's biodiversity. The study, conducted by Marin-Chan et al., isolated and cultured 23 clones from the northwest (Cancún) and southeast (Sian Ka'an) regions, revealing differences in female production, male development, and resting egg hatching rates. Cross-mating experiments confirmed reproductive barriers between the strains, leading to the proposal of two distinct populations: Brachionus cf. ibericus 'Cancún' strain and 'Sian Ka'an' strain. This finding contributes to understanding the evolutionary dynamics of this ecologically and economically important species complex.
Evaluating Tour Boat Compliance With Dolphin‐Watching Guidelines in the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
A striking 98% of dolphin-watching tour boats in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve violated local guidelines, with proximity to dolphins being the most common infraction. The study, using boat observations and drone footage, also found that 95% of dolphin directional changes occurred away from boat trajectories, while 55% showed increased swimming speeds during interactions. These findings highlight the urgent need for stricter monitoring and enforcement of dolphin-watching guidelines to protect local bottlenose dolphin populations and ensure sustainable tourism practices.
Multi‐Scale Habitat Selection of Greater Caribbean Manatees in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, Mexico
Greater Caribbean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, Mexico, are more likely to inhabit areas near seafloor depressions and closer to land, with habitat preferences varying significantly across spatial scales. This study is the first to model manatee habitat selection at multiple scales—study area and 1-km buffer—using GPS data from 102 opportunistic encounters and a pseudo-absence approach. It found that proximity to seafloor depressions increased manatee presence at both scales, while land proximity was a significant factor only at the larger scale. The research underscores the ecological importance of seafloor features for manatees and highlights the necessity of multi-scale approaches in habitat selection studies.
Community engagement and human perception in crocodile conservation: preliminary steps in Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve
A study on community engagement and human perception in crocodile conservation within Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, Mexico, reveals that most local respondents (69%) dedicate 2–10 minutes to crocodile observation during wildlife tourism activities. The majority (97%) approach crocodiles at a safe distance of 5–10 meters without feeding them, while only 3% engage in potentially harmful practices like feeding. Despite this, 89% of respondents believe current observation practices are adequate, though workshops on crocodile biology and conservation were positively received, indicating a need for educational reinforcement. The research suggests that developing a communication program to educate both new and established tourism service providers could enhance conservation efforts and mitigate potential negative impacts on crocodile behavior.
The Yucatán mouse opossum (Tlacuatzin gaumeri) in Quintana Roo, México
Research confirms the presence of the Yucatán mouse opossum (Tlacuatzin gaumeri) in Quintana Roo, Mexico, extending its known geographic distribution by 139 km eastward from the Yucatán Peninsula. This discovery, derived from curatorial records and citizen science observations, marks the first documentation of this marsupial in Quintana Roo, reinforcing its endemicity to the region. The study utilized scientific literature, museum collections, GBIF data, and iNaturalistMX records, with spatial analysis conducted using QGIS 3.36.2. While the species' presence aligns with one protected area, its conservation status remains undetermined, yet this finding enriches the faunal inventory of the Yucatán Peninsula.
Tipologías de la gobernanza territorial en la pesca de langosta espinosa en las reservas de la biósfera de Sian Ka'an y Banco Chinchorro, Quintana Roo, México
A new framework categorizes governance dynamics of spiny lobster fisheries into three distinct typologies, revealing how trust and social networks shape conservation outcomes in Sian Ka'an and Banco Chinchorro biosphere reserves. The study identifies participatory governance—marked by equitable decision-making and strong institutions—as critical for sustainable resource management. In contrast, exclusionary and conflict-driven models lack cooperation, leading to weak conservation practices. A third typology highlights transitional phases where communities rebuild social cohesion toward responsible fishing cultures. This approach clarifies the diverse institutional pathways influencing local development trajectories in these UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Evaluación remota de la recuperación de la vegetación afectada por incendios forestales
A study on the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve revealed that while vegetation appears to recover after forest fires, the spectral signature indicates a shift toward different species. Researchers used satellite technology, including normalized indices like dNBR, NDVI, NBR, NBRT, and BAI, to assess fire severity and ecosystem recovery dynamics post-2019 wildfire. The analysis of reflectance changes showed vegetation restoration over time but highlighted that the recovered ecosystems differ in species composition from pre-fire conditions. This insight aids in defining priority areas for targeted restoration strategies, offering a spectral-based approach to understanding fire impacts on UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Extra‐pair paternity correlates with genetic diversity, but not breeding density, in a Neotropical passerine, the black catbird
Extra-pair paternity (EPP) in socially monogamous birds is influenced more by genetic diversity than breeding density, according to a study of the black catbird (Melanoptila glabrirostris) in Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve and Isla Cozumel. While EPP rates were moderate (9.5–35% of offspring), no correlation was found between breeding density—despite higher mainland densities—and EPP frequency. However, extra-pair offspring exhibited greater heterozygosity than within-pair offspring, suggesting genetic diversity plays a role in mating behavior. The study used single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to analyze parentage across two breeding seasons, challenging the notion that tropical songbirds universally exhibit low EPP rates.
Flooding of a carbonate platform: The Sian Kaʼan Wetlands, Yucatán, Mexico—A model for the formation and evolution of palustrine carbonate factories around the modern Caribbean Sea and in the depositional record
The Sian Ka'an Wetlands in Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula serve as a model for understanding the dynamic interactions between marine and freshwater carbonate depositional environments. This study reveals that rising sea levels during the Late Holocene transgression have caused the progressive reflooding of the Yucatán Platform, leading to the backstepping of the MesoAmerican Reef and the encroachment of coastal environments into the platform interior. The wetlands form a vast palustrine carbonate factory, directly linked with marine carbonate factories seaward, demonstrating sensitivity to subtle changes in water depth, climate, vegetation, hydrology, and tectonic activity. Modern analogues include the Florida Everglades and relict marsh environments in the Bahamas, while ancient examples reflect similar processes during marine transgression or basin fill onlap. The study suggests that freshwater palustrine carbonate factories are transient deposystems with potentially low preservation in coastal settings but greater potential inland or in subsident basins.
Jaguar (Panthera onca) spatial ecology outside protected areas in the Selva Maya
A jaguar population persists outside protected areas in the Selva Maya, Mexico, despite human presence. Research using satellite telemetry revealed that four male jaguars maintained home ranges of 101.5 km² (±75.9) in the dry season and 172 km² (±107.3) in the rainy season, with core areas of 17.54 km² (±16.2) and 29.07 km² (±16.2), respectively. No significant seasonal differences were found for home ranges or core areas. Jaguars preferred forest or young secondary growth over disturbed areas, indicating resilience in unprotected landscapes. The study highlights the importance of landscape-level conservation to protect remaining tropical mature forests and promote long-term secondary growth, ensuring jaguar survival amid tourism-driven threats.
Management effectiveness in marine protected areas for conservation of Antillean manatees on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Chetumal Bay Manatee Sanctuary demonstrates the highest management effectiveness (71%) for conserving Antillean manatees among three marine protected areas (MPAs) on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula, outperforming Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve (53%) and Yum-Balam Flora and Fauna Reserve (43%). This evaluation, based on 199 interviews across seven communities, assessed traditional knowledge, conservation actions, stakeholder engagement, and socio-economic impacts. While MPAs varied in governance and context, standardized criteria revealed that economic activities like fishing and tourism significantly influence management effectiveness. The study highlights Chetumal Bay's strong performance as a model for manatee conservation in similar regions.
Carbon Stocks of Tropical Coastal Wetlands within the Karstic Landscape of the Mexican Caribbean
Coastal wetlands within the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve (SKBR) in Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula store significant amounts of carbon, with tall mangroves holding the highest stocks at 987±338 Mg ha⁻¹. Soil carbon constitutes 78-99% of these stocks, indicating its critical role in ecosystem carbon storage. The study found that lower salinity and higher phosphorus levels in soils correlate with greater carbon sequestration potential, suggesting phosphorus limitation. Across the 172,176-ha reserve, coastal wetlands may store between 43.2 to 58.0 million Mg of carbon, underscoring their importance as a climate mitigation strategy. Researchers quantified ecosystem carbon stocks by measuring above and belowground biomass, downed wood, soil carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and interstitial salinity at nine sites within SKBR.
Estimates of exploitation rates of the spiny lobster fishery forPanulirus argusfrom tagging within the Bahía Espíritu Santo ‘Sian Ka'an’ Biosphere Reserve, Mexican Caribbean
A study of the Caribbean spiny lobster (Panulirus argus) fishery within Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve, Mexico, reveals high exploitation rates exceeding 0.94, driven by intensive fishing in shallow waters (≤20 m) due to gear restrictions. The research used a modified Brownie model to analyze tag recovery data from the 2010/2011 season, accounting for tag retention and reporting biases. Independent aquaria trials and fisher interviews refined estimates of mortality and catchability. Findings suggest that the 'casita/campo' system, which relies on fast-growing juveniles, sustains stable landings by enabling seasonal replenishment, despite high exploitation pressures.
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