Larval Duration, Settlement, and Larval Growth Rates of the Endangered Tidewater Goby (Eucyclogobius newberryi) and the Arrow Goby (Clevelandia ios) (Pisces, Teleostei)

The early life history of the federally endangered tidewater goby (Eucyclogobius newberryi) and its sister species the arrow goby (Clevelandia ios) has been poorly documented to date. Both are endemic to estuarine habitats throughout the California coast, however, habitat use differs between these two species. The arrow goby is commonly found in fully marine tidal bays and mudflats. The tidewater goby, however, prefers lagoons with some degree of seasonal isolation from the sea. Here, we used otoliths to examine the larval duration, size at settlement, and growth rates of newly settled gobies collected from 18 estuaries in California. The tidewater goby had a larval duration that was ~2 days shorter than the arrow goby (23.95 vs. 26.11 days, respectively), but a larger size at settlement based on back-calculated size (12.38 vs. 10.00 mm SL) due to a faster larval growth rate (2.86 vs. 2.60 μm/day-1). There are several reasons that could explain these differences in larval traits, such as differences in temperature or food resources between the two estuary types, or the faster, annual life cycle of the tidewater goby relative to the arrow goby

Multifunctionality in maize production systems in the Mixteca Alta region of Oaxaca

Objective: To infer the role of multifunctionality in the milpa systems of the Mixteca Alta region of Oaxaca, Mexico.Design/Methodology/Approach: The methodological framework of the Multifunctionality Index of Agricultural Production Systems (IMSPA) was used, applying semi-structured interviews to producers.Results: The multifunctionality level of each evaluated systems was determined and the Milpa Intercropped with Fruit Trees (MIAF) showed the greatest multifunctionality and potential attributes for local development.Study Limitations/Implications: The resistance among producers to make changes in their plots usually leads to a refusal to participate and to mistrust this type of research.Findings/Conclusions: It is necessary to follow up on multifunctionality evaluations, since some systems are at a point where their functions can advance or regress

Enzyme biomarker response in Zenaida asiatica from an agricultural area of Campeche, Mexico

Objective: To evaluate the response of CAT, AChE, and GST enzyme biomarkers in Zenaida asiatica from an agricultural area of the municipality of Champotón, Campeche.Design/methodology/approach: The biomarkers AChE, CAT, and GST were analyzed in tissues of 24 birds from backyards and agricultural areas of Champotón, Campeche. The enzymatic activities in the tissues were compared by means of a t test and comparison of means (Tukey p0.05), with the Statistica v. 7 software.Results: The highest AChE activity occurred in the brain (p0.00001), CAT activity in liver (p0.00001), and GST activity in liver and brain (p0.001).Study limitations/implications: To evaluate the effect of pesticides on wild birds, a larger number of individuals is required in different agricultural areas.Findings/conclusions: In the tissues of Z. asiatica from agricultural areas, greater activity of the biomarkers AChE, CAT, and GST was found, ref lecting the excessive use of pesticides

ACTIVITY PATTERNS OF JAGUAR, PUMA AND THEIR POTENTIAL PREY IN SAN LUIS POTOSI, MEXICO

Jaguars (Panthera onca) and pumas (Puma concolor) are sympatric species in Mexico and have ecological similarities. The understanding of interespecific interactions between these species are important for effective conservation strategies. We studied activity patterns of jaguars, pumas and their potential prey species through camera-trapping photographs obtained by during four seasonsin the Abra-Tanchipa Biosphere Reserve , San Luis Potosí, Mexico. We described activity patterns of 12 terrestrial vertebrate species, the degree of overlap of jaguar and puma activity; and the prey – predator relationship. Both felids showed cathemeral activity and overlapping between their activities. Jaguar activity showed a significant correlation with eight prey species activity. Puma activity was no related with any prey species activity. Activity peaks of both felids suggest that temporal segregation is a strategy which minimizes interspecific encounters allowing the coexistence of several individuals in this small reserve.El jaguar (Panthera onca) y el puma (Puma concolor) en México son especies simpátricas y presentan similitud ecológica. El entendimiento de las interacciones interespecíficas entre estas especies es importante para la elaboración de estrategias efectivas de conservación. Se estudiaron los patrones de actividad del jaguar, el puma y sus presas potenciales, a través del análisis de las fotografías obtenidas en cuatro temporadas de foto-trampeo en la Reserva de la Biosfera Sierra del Abra-Tanchipa (RBSAT), San Luis Potosí, México. Se describieron los patrones de actividad de 12 especies de fauna, el grado de sobreposición en la actividad del jaguar y el puma; y su relación con la actividad de sus presas. Ambos felinos presentaron actividad catemeral con traslape en sus patrones de actividad. La actividad del jaguar está relacionada significativamente con la actividad de ocho especies de presas; la actividad del puma no se relacionó con la actividad de ninguna presa. Los picos de actividad de ambos felinos sugieren que la separación temporal es una estrategia para minimizar los de encuentros interespecíficos que permite la coexistencia de varios individuos en reservas pequeñas

Conectividad entre las poblaciones de jaguar en la Sierra Madre Oriental, México

"Introduction: The jaguar (Panthera onca) is an apex carnivore that is vulnerable to habitat fragmentation, and some of its populations are believed to be isolated in México where it is classed as endangered. The main the objective of our study was to evaluate connectivity of available jaguar habitat from the Sierra Madre Oriental of México (SMO) towards southern México. Methods: We determined least-cost pathways for jaguar movements among habitat patches in the SMO and identified potential corridors from the SMO. We used recent jaguar presence data and maximum entropy modeling to identify habitat patches in the SMO. We then used the Analytical Hierarchy Process to generate input values for a resistance (landscape permeability) matrix for jaguar movements that we generated using Multi-Criteria-Evaluation with a weighted linear combination. We then modeled least-cost pathways for both dispersal and local movements of jaguars. Results: We identified 581 potential highly suitable habitat patches for the jaguar. Of these, three were > 100 km2 and thus met the criteria for fundamental (i. e. capable of supporting a viable jaguar population) patches. The resistance matrix contained 3 % of low cost and 49 % intermediate cost areas for jaguar movements. Least-cost pathways analysis showed 61 dispersal routes totaling > 2,000 km and > 200 travel routes, with the largest number of both route types in Hidalgo. We also identified potentially five significant corridors for jaguar movement within the SMO and south towards southern México populations. Discussion and implications: We determined that the SMO contains significant jaguar habitat with multiple biological corridors for connectivity with more southern populations of jaguar in México. Based on this, we recommend development of management strategies to facilitate exchange of individuals from the SMO with other known jaguar populations in southern states (i. e. Oaxaca, Tabasco, Guerrero). Principal strategies may focus on habitat management of fundamental patches and habitat restoration between or around stepping-stones. Promoting connectivity among patches and populations which inhabit the SMO will increase its potential as a biodiversity conservation area.

Wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo mexicana) monitoring: Innovation in sampling and estimator of population density

Objective: To estimate the population of wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo, mexicana) and its density in ecosystems of its distribution. Design / methodology / approach: A method based on random sampling with a population density estimator was designed. The design was based on the observation of wild turkeys that go to attraction sites (feedlots) of 2,500 m2 (50 X 50 m) counted in 12 hours a day, three consecutive days. For the total of random sites, the criterion of one site for every 300 ha of surface under study was used. The study was carried out on March 1, 2 and 3, 2019 in 3,000 hectares of pine-oak forest, in Monte Escobedo, Zacatecas, Mexico. Observations were made from a fixed point 25 m from each site, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The attraction sites were located at a random distance within 10 systematically fixed transects in the study area. Results: The results showed a population of 66 turkeys in 3,000 ha, with a density of 0.022 turkeys ha-1. Limitations / implications: The application of the method was useful for the monitoring of wild turkey in the pine-oak forest, showing that it is a method that does not impact the population, that does not require long sampling times, is reliable, low-cost, and easy to carry out. The method is not reliable in ecosystems that do not allow the location of high visibility sites. Findings / conclusions: Considering the distribution of wild turkey in Mexico, the method is a new alternative applicable to population studies of wild turkey.Objective: To estimate the population of wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo, mexicana) and its density in ecosystems of its distribution.Design / methodology / approach: A method based on random sampling with a population density estimator was designed. The design was based on the observation of wild turkeys that go to attraction sites (feedlots) of 2,500 m 2 (50 X 50 m) counted in 12 h a day, three consecutive days. For the total of random sites, the criterion of one site for every 300 ha of surface under study was used. The study was carried out on March 1, 2 and 3, 2019 in 3,000 ha of pine-oak forest, in Monte Escobedo, Zacatecas, Mexico. Observations were made from a fixed point 25 m from each site, from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The attraction sites were located at a random distance within 10 systematically fixed transects in the study area.Results: The results showed a population of 66 turkeys in 3,000 ha, with a density of 0.022 turkeys ha -1 . Limitations / implications: The application of the method was useful for the monitoring of wild turkey in the pine-oak forest, showing that it is a method that does not affect the population, which does not require long sampling times, is reliable, low-cost, and easy to carry out. The method is not reliable in ecosystemsthat do not allow the location of high visibility sites.Findings / conclusions: Considering the distribution of wild turkey in Mexico, the method is a new alternative applicable to population studies of wild turkey

Adaptability of the threatened jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi Schereber, 1777) to human-altered environments in San Luis Potosí, Mexico

La persistencia y recuperación de especies raras en regiones en desarrollo con áreas protegidas limitadas depende de su adaptabilidad a los hábitats alterados por el hombre. El jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) está clasificado como amenazado en México, y el conocimiento de su distribución y su correlación con el ambiente es necesario para los esfuerzos de recuperación informados. Sin embargo, poco se sabe sobre el hábitat o la distribución de jaguarundi en el interior de México, incluido el estado de San Luis Potosí (SLP). Realizamos 96 entrevistas semiestructuradas en comunidades, ejidos y ranchos a lo largo de SLP para obtener registros de la presencia de jaguarundi e identificar correlaciones ambientales y atributos de sitios asociados con su ocurrencia. Evaluamos las entrevistas utilizando criterios analíticos de credibilidad y recopilamos información sobre hábitats de 50 eventos confiables de tres de las cuatro regiones geográficas de SLP. En comparación con el paisaje de SLP, las ocurrencias de jaguarundi se ubicaron más cerca del agua, más cerca de las carreteras, a bajas elevaciones, marginalmente más cerca de las comunidades, y en áreas con mayor borde total, densidad de bordes y número de parches de paisaje. El jaguarundi mostró preferencia por los mosaicos de bosques tropicales, agrícolas, de pastizales y urbanos (es decir, cualquier comunidad). Coberturas de escondite relativamente denso o de emboscada generalmente estaban presentes en los sitios de ocurrencia. Colectivamente, el modelo de máxima entropía y el modelo de regresión logística predijeron una probabilidad similar y alta de presencia de jaguarundi en regiones caracterizadas por mosaicos de bosques tropicales, agricultura, pastizales o tipos de cobertura urbana <500 m en elevación y <2 km desde carreteras. Estos paisajes de mosaicos tendían a estar relativamente cerca de comunidades de densidades moderadas de población y agua, y generalmente soportan densidades de presas pequeñas más altas que las áreas menos fragmentadas. Los jaguarundi se adaptaron al menos a las perturbaciones ligeras y moderadas relacionadas con los seres humanos, y pueden verse beneficiados por el aumento de los mosaicos de borde y hábitat.Persistence and recovery of rare species in developing regions with limited protected areas depends upon their adaptability to human-altered habitats. The jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi) is classed as threatened in Mexico, and knowledge of its distribution and environmental correlates is necessary for informed recovery efforts. However, little is known of jaguarundi habitat or distribution in interior Mexico, including the state of San Luis Potosí (SLP). We conducted 96 semi-structured interviews around communities, ejidos, and ranches throughout SLP to obtain records of jaguarundi presence and identify environmental correlates and site attributes associated with its occurrence. We evaluated interviews using analytical criteria of credibility, and collected habitat information from 50 reliable occurrences from three of the four geographic regions of SLP. Compared to the SLP landscape, jaguarundi occurrences were located closer to water, closer to roads, at lower elevation, marginally closer to communities, and in areas with greater total edge, edge density, and number of landscape patches. Jaguarundi showed preference for mosaics of tropical forest, agricultural, grassland, and urban (i.e., any community) cover types. Relatively dense hiding or ambush cover was usually present at occurrence sites. Collectively, maximum entropy modeling and logistic regression modeling predicted similar and high likelihood of jaguarundi presence in regions characterized by mosaics of tropical forest, agriculture, grassland, or urban cover types <500 m in elevation and <2 km from roads. These mosaic landscapes tended to be relatively close to communities of moderate population densities and water, and typically support higher small prey densities than less fragmented areas. Jaguarundi were adaptable to at least light–moderate human-related disturbance, and may be benefitted by it because of increased edge and habitat mosaics

Uso y aprovechamiento de fauna silvestre en zonas rurales de Campeche, Mexico

In México, the local knowledge and exploitation of wild fauna has represented a fundamental activity for societies in rural areas, because it constitutes the main source of subsistence. However, studies under this approach are scarce in the state of Campeche. The use and exploitation of wild fauna was characterized in 13 rural localities that belong to nine municipalities of Campeche, México, located within the federal program of Cruzada contra el hambre. The field work was carried out during June to September 2015, applying methods for participant assessment and applying semi-structured questionnaires to a total of 184 people. Thirty-two species of wild fauna were recorded, 50 % mammals, 34 % birds, and 16 % reptiles. Among the most exploited mammals there are O. virginianus yucatanensis, P. tajacu, I. iguana, T. scripta and D. novemcinctus, which are obtained primarily through hunting and buying. The main uses for the species are food, medicinal use, pets and mythical. These results allow observing the degree of dependence of residents towards the fauna resources without concern for their protection statuses

Riesgo de transmisión de mycobacterium avium subespecie paratuberculosis (map) en especies domésticas y silvestres

The microorganism Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (Map) is the cause of severe gastroenteritis gra-nulomatous in ruminants. It is known as Johne’s disease and is characterized by persistent diarrhea and progressive emaciation, which eventually causes death in animals, particularly young ones since they are more susceptible to being infected through oral-fecal transmission through the consumption of contaminated grass, colostrum, milk and via trans-placentary conduction. Its control and prevention is based on reliable diagnoses that detect the agent before the begin-ning of clinical signs, and thus avoid its dissemination in the flock. This disease is distributed worldwide and is responsible for important economic losses in the industry of cattle and sheep production, and in wild animal breeding centers. A revision about the risks of transmission between domestic and wild animals is done

Hábitat y densidad de nidos de la hormiga escamolera (liometopum apiculatum mayr) en una uma de Zacatecas, Mexico

In order to determine the habitat variables that explain the presence of nesting sites of Liometopum apiculatum Mayr, as well as the density of nests in an Environmental Management Unit (Unidad de Manejo Ambiental, UMA), 80 circular plots of 20 m diameter (ant nests) were evaluated with Canfield Lines. The density was estimated using five transects of 700100 m, and analyzed through Poisson Regression (PRA) and Principal Components Analysis (PCA), in addition to the Simple Correspondence Analysis (SCA). The PRA showed that nine variables of the habitat have a greater effect on the nesting sites. The PCA explained 70.5 % of the variability present between the habitat variables and nesting sites. The SCA showed the association between the nesting sites and habitat variables evaluated in the UMA, recording a nest density of 3.8 nests ha1 with a minimum of 2.7 and a maximum of 5.5 (0.05) and variation coefficient of 16.3%. The results suggest that the conditions are adequate for nesting of the escamolera ant in degraded sites of the area studied, and that it is necessary to carry out actions for livestock management (respecting load capacity) and habitat improvement