INDICATOR SPECIES
CAUSE.
OBJECTIVE AND ACTION
The Lacandona Rainforest represents less than 1% of the national territory and concentrates more than 20% of the country's biodiversity. In addition, it is the most important water catchment area in the Mexican portion of the Usumacinta basin. The Lacandona Rainforest is also the last refuge for many emblematic and endangered species such as the scarlet macaw, jaguar, tapir and the white-lipped peccary.
Our objective is to understand the condition of both ecosystems and populations of indicator species, both terrestrial and aquatic, in order to evaluate and, where appropriate, adjust the conservation actions that are implemented, as well as to identify threats in order to act in an informed and early manner.
Natura y Ecosistemas Mexicanos carries out monitoring activities on changes in forest cover and the conservation status of populations of indicator and endangered species.
Terrestrial mammals
Terrestrial mammals play essential roles in maintaining the balance of ecosystems. They are indicators of conservation status due to the wide variety of ecological requirements in this group. Additionally, terrestrial mammals are highly impacted by human activities such as habitat loss and hunting.
Mammal monitoring is conducted using camera traps together with community monitor groups, focusing on the diversity and abundance of terrestrial mammal species, as well as the status of populations of endangered species such like the jaguar (Panthera onca), the tapir (Tapirus bairdii), and the white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari).
ACHIEVEMENTS
The results obtained over 10 years show that:
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Habitat inside the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve is of good quality and maintains populations of endangered species, such as jaguar, tapir, white-lipped peccary and ocelot.
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In Marqués de Comillas, fragments preserved by ecotourism projects and by Payment for Environmental Services program maintain connectivity with the Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve and a high diversity of terrestrial mammal species.
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Threats to mammal populations have been identified, leading to recommendations for environmental and local authorities.
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Through the scarlet macaw conservation and recovery program upwards of 250 scarlet macaw individuals have been protected from the ilegal wildlife trade and are part of the wild population of this emblematic species.
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The population dynamics of the scarlet macaw in the south of the Lacandon Rainforest have been described.
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Through the Jabirú monitoring program, the description of the species' occupation in the area as well as its reproductive biology has been achieved.
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Some risks have been identified, such as the presence of invasive exotic species, as well as the presence of pollutants. Although they do not yet compromise human health or that of the ecosystems, continued monitoring to observe their behavior is needed and to implement timely actions in case any change were to occur.