ecológicas Medium and large-sized mammals of the oak forest in the Altas Cumbres PNA, Tamaulipas, Mexico: species richness, relative abundance and ecological adaptations

Abstract

The Altas Cumbres Protected Natural Area shows increased anthropogenic disturbances, particularly in the southern zone. However, its effect on communities of medium and large-size mammals has been little explored. This study aims to analyze its community structure by estimating the species richness, relative abundance, and ecological adaptations. Between September 2020 and November 2021, mammal sampling was carried out in the oak forest of the Altas Cumbres PNA using two techniques: search for physical evidence and camera trapping. Through 60 km traveled (capture effort) and an effort of 2 270 d/trap. 23 species of mammals were recorded, of which 16 correspond to taxa of native origin and 7 introduced mammals (domestic). Six orders were recognized, of which Carnivora presented the highest number of species (10 natives and 2 domestics), followed by Artiodactyla (3 natives and 3 domestics), Perissodactyla (2 domestic species), and finally Cingulata, Didelphimorphia and Lagomorpha, with 1 species each. A high richness of medium and large-sized mammals was recorded, indicating good conservation management. However, the high relative abundance of domestic species, such as Canis familiaris (which can become feral) show the first warning signs, since they put some native species at risk. It is important to continue long-term monitoring of medium and large-size mammals in the oak forest vegetation, and even expand it to the entire Altas Cumbres PNA.