Abstract

LOPEZ, José A.; LORENZO, Consuelo; BARRAGAN, Felipe  and  BOLANOS, Jorge. Terrestrial mammals of the lagoon area from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, Mexico. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2009, vol.80, n.2, pp.491-505. ISSN 2007-8706.

The principal goal of this study was to prepare a taxonomic list of the mammals around the Laguna Inferior, in the southern Isthmus of Tehuantepec, Oaxaca, including data on mammal richness, abundance, similarity between geographical regions, and conservation status. We collected and observed bats and rodents in 4 different localities at the north of the Laguna Inferior. The vegetation was composed of diverse associations with pastures predominating. We considered additional records of other localities and records that were obtained by diverse types of evidence. We found 59 species, 47 genera, 18 families, and 8 orders. Geographical areas with similar vegetation, climate, and altitude showed the highest similarity in percentages of mammal species number, e.g. the Oaxaca coastal area (39%) and the northern region of the state (32%). Fourteen mammal species are included in some risk category. We propose the establishment of a natural protected area in the Tehuantepec Isthmus lagoon area for the conservation of the mammals species and their habitats.

Keywords : richness; distribution; Laguna Inferior; taxonomic list; mammals.

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