INTRODUCTION:

The most important wetlands of Mexico are located in the lowlands of the Usumacinta basin. However, its biodiversity remains poorly studied. The purpose of this study was to carry out the first inventory of mammal species around the lagoon system of Chaschoc-Seja in the municipality of Emiliano Zapata, Tabasco, Mexico. This site is considered as an important zone for biodiversity conservation.

METHODS:

Direct sample methods were used to elaborate the inventory. Sixteen camera traps were installed; each of them distanced by 1 km and were active from February to August 2014. Bats were captured using six mist nets. They were opened at sunset for six hours for three consecutive nights, every month (February to August). Records also include sightings and mammal's presence signs.

RESULTS:

A total of 462 individuals were registered, belonging to 10 Orders, 21 Families, 38 genera and 48 species. Order Chiroptera was the most diversified including 23 species (46 % of records), followed by Carnivora and Rodentia (8 and 6 species, respectively). Nine species are listed in the NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:

It is the first study to provide data about the mammals of this area. The taxonomic list can increase as long as more surveys are performed, particularly on the small mammal's sampling. This lagoon system, a very dynamic wetland, represents an important conservation area with a high diversity of mammal species in that region. However, it faces strong pressures such as fragmentation and habitat loss, land-use change and hunting.