Publications
Beyond the Final Say: Social Coordination Shapes Success in Howler Monkey (Alouatta pigra) Vocal Duels
Research on black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) in Palenque National Park, Mexico, reveals that social coordination and strategic vocal behavior significantly influence the outcomes of intergroup contests. The study found that groups were more likely to succeed when they ended a vocal bout, especially if adult males terminated simultaneously or at least one female contributed. Longer sequences and initiating with a roar also increased success rates. These findings suggest that howler monkeys use coordinated vocal displays as reliable indicators of motivation and group cohesion, reducing the need for physical conflicts. The research highlights the importance of collective behavior in shaping intergroup competition dynamics among primates.
Developing an interoperable cloud-based visualization workflow for 3D archaeological heritage data: The Palenque 3D Archaeological Atlas
A novel cloud-based workflow enables interoperable visualization, analysis, and sharing of high-resolution 3D archaeological data from the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Palenque. The Palenque 3D Archaeological Atlas leverages open-source WebGL technology to integrate and contextualize giga-scale datasets—captured through photogrammetry and LiDAR—allowing researchers to measure, annotate, and compare complex structures directly via web browsers. This approach breaks down computational barriers that previously hindered data accessibility, fostering collaboration and archiving without requiring specialized software. The system supports multi-modal data integration, enhancing archaeological research at unprecedented scales.
Phenotypic and Genomic Characterization of Streptomyces pakalii sp. nov., a Novel Species with Anti-Biofilm and Anti-Quorum Sensing Activity in ESKAPE Bacteria
Researchers have identified Streptomyces pakalii sp. nov., a novel species from the Streptomycetaceae family, isolated from jungle soil in Palenque National Park, Mexico. This bacterium demonstrates significant anti-biofilm and anti-quorum sensing activity against ESKAPE bacteria, including Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae, offering potential for developing new antimicrobial strategies. Genomic analysis revealed a 7.6 Mb genome with high G+C content (71.6%), encoding putative proteins involved in antibiotic biosynthesis, carbon metabolism, and DNA modification. Phylogenetic studies confirmed its distinct status as a new species, closely related to Streptomyces badius and Streptomyces globisporus, supported by average nucleotide identity (ANI) and virtual DNA-DNA hybridization data. The discovery highlights the biotechnological potential of microbial diversity in UNESCO World Heritage Sites for combating multi-resistant infections.
The relationships between dung beetles and monkeys in the Neotropical region
Research at the Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque, Mexico, reveals that dung beetles—particularly small species of Canthon—form strong mutualistic relationships with arboreal monkeys in Neotropical forests. These beetles are highly mobile and rely on monkey dung for reproduction, playing a crucial role in nutrient cycling within tree canopies. While similar associations exist globally (e.g., with African monkeys, Indian primates, or Australian marsupials), Palenque’s ecosystem is dominated by Canthon euryscelis, C. angustatus, and other species that thrive in tropical forests. The study highlights the need for standardized methodologies to better understand dung beetle behavior, including foraging strategies, brood ball formation, and mating patterns—critical insights as tropical deforestation threatens these delicate ecological interactions.
Aprovechamiento del Paisaje y Manejo de la Fauna en Palenque, Chiapas
A recent zooarchaeological study at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Palenque, Mexico, reveals sophisticated Mayan practices for managing animal populations during the Late Classic period. Researchers from the Proyecto Regional Palenque (PREP) analyzed sediment samples from an elite residential complex, uncovering diverse faunal remains—primarily freshwater fish—as well as plant material. This approach allowed them to reconstruct paleolandscapes and identify evidence of selective hunting, domestication, or captivity strategies, providing new insights into the ecological and social dimensions of Mayan urban life. Unlike previous studies focused solely on species identification, this research integrates biological and anthropological perspectives to deepen our understanding of human-animal interactions in ancient Mesoamerica.
Black howler monkeys adapt mental maps like humans
Black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) demonstrate advanced cognitive navigation skills, adapting mental maps similar to humans by integrating route-based knowledge with spatial awareness. Researchers tracked five groups of these endangered primates for a year in Palenque National Park, Mexico, observing their movements across 91.5 km over 250 days. Unlike simulated random movement models, the monkeys consistently revisited specific routes and fruit trees from select directions, suggesting they use mental maps that incorporate both familiar paths and knowledge of distances and directions to navigate efficiently. This study highlights the complex cognitive abilities of black howler monkeys in their natural habitat, offering insights into their foraging strategies and spatial memory.
Cognitive maps in the wild: revealing the use of metric information in black howler monkey route navigation
Research reveals that black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) at Palenque National Park, Mexico, incorporate metric information—such as distances and angles between locations—into their route-based cognitive maps, a strategy previously undocumented in non-human animals. The study, which analyzed 3104 hours of ranging data from five monkey groups over a year, found that while movement was constrained along habitual routes, the observed route networks were more complex and efficient than simulated ones without metric information. This suggests that these primates use cognitively demanding navigation strategies to optimize their movements, challenging the notion that non-human animals rely solely on simple route-based navigation.
Dispersal patterns in black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra): Integrating multiyear demographic and molecular data
A 15-year study of black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) in Palenque National Park, Mexico, reveals complex and sex-biased dispersal patterns. Using a combination of demographic data from six groups and genetic sampling from 20 groups (169 individuals), researchers found that males disperse more frequently but over shorter distances compared to females, who disperse farther. Both sexes can immigrate into established groups or form new ones, either singly or in pairs, indicating multiple dispersal trajectories. The study highlights the importance of long-term research to understand the demographic, ecological, and social factors influencing these decisions.
Fiesta y ritual en el Grupo IV de Palenque
A ritual deposit behind the J3 Structure of Group IV, Palenque, reveals hierarchical collective ceremonies characteristic of Classic Mayan societies. These ceremonies, often culminating in festivals and communal meals, show varied archaeological signatures, complicating their interpretation. The study focuses on a specific deposit linked to an elite residential space occupied by a distinguished noble lineage, providing insights into the practices of officiants and assistants during such events. Through careful excavation and analysis, researchers uncover evidence of food and beverage consumption, offering a rare glimpse into the ceremonial and social dynamics of this ancient Mayan city.
Demographic population structure of black howler monkeys in fragmented and continuous forest in Chiapas, Mexico: Implications for conservation
Black howler monkeys (Alouatta pigra) in fragmented forests around Palenque National Park, Mexico, exhibit higher population density and a significantly lower proportion of multimale groups compared to their counterparts in continuous, protected forest. This demographic shift suggests potential population growth over time but raises concerns about long-term genetic diversity due to the scarcity of adult males, possibly caused by increased mortality during dispersal in fragmented landscapes. Researchers analyzed 62 groups (407 individuals) in unprotected fragments and 21 groups (134 individuals) in Palenque National Park's primary forest using χ² and Mann–Whitney U tests, comparing current data with previous studies spanning 17 years. The study highlights the ecological and behavioral impacts of habitat fragmentation on primate populations, offering critical insights for conservation strategies.
Effects of variation in forest fragment habitat on black howler monkey demography in the unprotected landscape around Palenque National Park, Mexico
Black howler monkey populations around Palenque National Park, Mexico, show differential demographic responses to forest fragmentation based on sex. Larger, more connected fragments with abundant secondary growth and diverse vegetation tend to have higher proportions of adult females per group and in the population, while more isolated fragments favor adult males. This suggests that females prefer to remain in or near natal groups and fragments, whereas males are more likely to disperse over longer distances through fragmented landscapes. The study used redundancy analysis on 15 fragment variables—including area, connectivity, forest composition, and structure—to explain variance in population size, density, and sex ratios across 34 fragments (N = 393 monkeys). It found that maintaining both landscape connectivity and larger fragment areas is critical for conserving this primate species, as these factors disproportionately benefit female-dominated populations. The research highlights the importance of understanding sex-specific responses to habitat fragmentation in conservation strategies.
Expanding the Applicability of Non-Market Valuation: Examinations of Deliberative Valuation, Contingent Valuation, and Attribute-Based Pricing
A significant portion of landholders in southeastern Mexico showed willingness to accept lower payments for participating in Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) programs, with 45.5% accepting a 45% reduction and an aggregated median willingness to pay (WTP) of US$35.22 to preserve communal forest benefits. The study employed a minimalist deliberative valuation framework, which increased participant confidence by 31.2% and willingness to participate in PES programs by 13.8%. Additionally, the research found that visitors to Mexican protected sites, including Palenque National Park, were willing to pay up to 9.8 times current entrance fees (US$15.70–US$25.83), with demand being relatively inelastic. An attribute-based pricing model for African safari tourism-oriented protected areas suggested potential entrance fee increases of 240%-348%, with Botswanan, Namibian, and Zambian sites showing the greatest room for revenue growth. These findings highlight the effectiveness of cost-efficient non-market valuation methodologies in guiding policy decisions for sustainable resource management.
Lakamha: the place of “Big Waters”
Recent archaeological research at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Palenque has shed new light on the political and economic dynamics that sustained one of the Maya civilization's most significant cities. By integrating the last decade of urban core excavations with systematic regional studies, researchers have uncovered detailed narratives from ancient inscriptions, offering a deeper understanding of Palenque's long-term development. This approach reveals how the city thrived over centuries, contributing significantly to broader knowledge of Pre-Hispanic Maya society.
The tourism and local development in world heritage context. The case of the Mayan site of Palenque, Mexico
A shift from traditional management models to participatory approaches could reduce social tensions, foster local development through tourism, and improve quality of life for Indigenous communities at UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This study examines the case of Palenque, Mexico, analyzing how tourism impacts local development while considering the role of Indigenous peoples in archaeology and UNESCO policies. The research highlights the empowerment processes of modern Mayan people and their reactions to governmental investments in tourism infrastructure. Fieldwork data collected in 2014 and 2016 reveal that effective implementation of World Heritage policies by both government and local stakeholders is crucial for sustainable development.
You are here:
World Heritage Explorer > World Heritage Research > World Heritage Sites > Pre-Hispanic City and National Park of Palenque