Resumen

PEREZ-CORTEZ, Sadao et al. Influence of water availability in the presence and abundance of Tapirus bairdii in the Calakmul forest, Campeche, Mexico. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2012, vol.83, n.3, pp.753-761. ISSN 2007-8706.  https://doi.org/10.7550/rmb.25095.

In 15 waterholes (aguadas) grouped in 3 micro-regions (North, Central and South) and surrounding areas, we evaluated the environmental characteristics that could determine presence and abundance of the tapir (Tapirus bairdii) in Calakmul Biosphere Reserve (CBR), Campeche. Tapirs presence were recorded in 14 watering holes between 2008 and 2010, with a sample effort of 3 470 days/camera-trap. The abundance was of 37.57-individuals/1 000 nights traps. Tapirs showed a nocturnal activity pattern and the age structure was dominated by adults with a sex ratio of 1:1. The southern micro-region and the waterhole 6 (central micro-region) had highest abundance. Abundance, food and water availability showed spatial and temporal variations. Water presence in waterholes was crucial to the presence of tapirs; the environmental variables more related to tapir's abundance were water percentage in waterholes and vegetation dominance such as secondary forest and rain forest. Waterholes must be part of conservation priorities in Calakmul region.

Palabras llave : tapir; distribution; habitat; water; food; vegetation cover; availability.

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