Diversity of medium-sized and large mammals of Las Margaritas Experimental Station, Northeastern Sierra of Puebla

Abstract

Tropical ecosystems are home to a wide diversity of medium-sized and large mammals. The objective of this research was to estimate the species diversity of medium-sized and large mammals by photo-trapping in the high grass and Evergreen tropical rain forest of the Las Margaritas Experimental Site, located in the Northeastern Sierra of Puebla. Two vegetation areas with different degrees of recovery were sampled: secondary vegetation (high grass) and Evergreen tropical rain forest. The richness, abundance, and alpha and beta diversity of medium-sized and large mammals were estimated. Nineteen species of wild mammals belonging to six orders and 10 families were recorded; the most abundant species were Nasua narica, Didelphis marsupialis, and Dasypus novemcinctus; Herpailurus yagouaroundi, Potos flavus, Puma concolor, Leopardus wiedii, Urocyon cinereoargenteus, and Conepatus leuconotus were the least abundant. The high grass and the Evergreen tropical rain forest presented a proportional richness and alpha diversity with values of H´=2.04 and 2.11, the Pielou index was J’=0.94 y 0.89, Simpson's index had values of =0.14 y 0.16, respectively; the complementarity rate was 32 %, which represents a low differentiation of the equity of the species communities existing in the two areas. The beta diversity corresponded to 68 % similarity, this indicates an intermediate complementarity between habitats. The ecosystems of the Las Margaritas Experimental Site serve as a refuge for a remarkable diversity of medium-sized and large mammals, including four species listed in the norm NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010.