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

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

Migratory Seasonality and Phenology by Birds in a Temperate Forest with Two Disturbance Conditions

Objective: The objective was to infer the effect of the variables phenology (migration-non-migration), seasonal (rainfall-dry season), sex and forest condition on the abundances of birds (resident-migratory) in a semi-preserved and disturbed oak pine forest. Design/methodology/approach: It was carried out in Monte Tlaloc, State of Mexico, under two conditions of apparent disturbance, semi-preserved oak pine forest and disturbed oak pine forest. Ten bird samplings were carried out with "count on point" with a fixed radius of 25 m, covering the 4 seasons of the year and migratory periods. With the previous data, the Relative Abundance Index (RAI) was estimated. To infer the effect of the variables phenology, seasonality, sex and forest condition on the abundances of birds, generalized linear models were elaborated. Results: The IAR of the birds registered in the semi-considered pine forest indicates that the species with the lowest presence was Aphelocoma ultramarina (0.002) and with the highest frequency Empidonax sp. (0.13), unlike to that found in the disturbed pine forest where the lowest IAR corresponded to Colaptes auratus (0.003) and with the highest appearance was Ptiliogonys cinereus (0.23). The Generalized Linear Model suggested that forest condition and phenology are significantly related to the frequency of species. Limitations on study/implications: In this study it was found that the abundance of birds was affected by the condition of the forest and that the phenology (migration-non-migration), seasonal (rain-dry season), sex and condition of the forest were related to the abundance of birds. Four species classified as under Special Protection and two Threatened according to NOM-059 were registered as well as the presence of four endemic species which highlights the importance of conserving these ecosystems. Findings/conclusions: The fauna communities present in Monte Tláloc highlight the importance of conserving the pine-oak forests since this site is part of the Eje Neovolcanico Transversal

Habitat characteristics of the Montezuma quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae Vigors 1830) in Durango, México

Objective. To characterize the habitat of the Montezuma quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae) in Rancho Chapultepec, Durango, Mexico.Design/Methodology/Approach. From February to October 2020, fieldwork was carried out to search for Montezuma quail sites using transects and sounds. Subsequently each site-of-use was characterized; for each of them three random sites were located. Intercept lines (or Canfield), embedded frames, and nearest neighbour techniques were used. Recorded data were analysed using Principal component analysis (PCA); Frequency ofobservation (FO); Kruskal-Wallis; and Poisson regression (PR).Results. The PCA showed values for sites of use= 48, non-use= 43, and both= 36 of the present variability in vegetation-habitat variables. FO showed values per site of use = 6.25%; non-use = 2.08% and both = 1.56%; and per species in sites of use = 3.57, non- use = 3.85 and both = 3.33%. Kruskal-Wallis exhibited significant differences in richness and abundance and similarity in diversity. Poisson regression (PR) showed the effect of some vegetation-habitat variables on the Montezuma quail.Limitations /Implications of the study. The monitoring period evaluated only comprised a short space of time. It is suggested to extend the sampling time, allowing to visualize the population fluctuation regarding this variable.Findings/Conclusions: It was possible to determine that there is an association between the variables of the vegetation-habitat with the presence of C. montezumae. Vegetation type is the variable that determines the incidence of this species

Importancia de las áreas naturales protegidas para la conservación de mamíferos terrestres en el sur de la sierra Madre oriental, San Luis Potosí, México

Objective: to determine the population status of land mammals in two natural protected areas of the Sierra Madre Oriental Ecological Corridor in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: the field work was carried out in two sampling periods (from August 2014 to January 2015 and from August 2015 to February 2016) in which two non-invasive techniques were used (photo-traps and tracks identification). The Relative Abundance Index was obtained for each technique. The Mann-Whitney U nonparametric test was performed. Results: the most abundant species via photo-trapping were Sylvilagus floridanus and Sciurus aureogaster, and with tracks were Odocoileus virginianus and Mazama temama in the RBSAT and RFX, respectively. There were significant differences in the abundance of species between sites, being lower in the RBSAT by photo-trapping and higher by tracks. Twenty species were recorded by photo-trapping and 17 by tracks. Limitations on study/implications: the results of this study can be used in natural protected areas and their influence areas, however, the methodology can be applicable elsewhere.   Findings/conclusions: based on the information generated, it is suggested that carnivore abundance decreases southward, and that RFX eventually could not sustain a carnivore population in the long term. Species listed in some risk category were found in both areas, so these areas must be conserved to avoid the disappearance of these wildlife species.Objetivo. determinar el estado poblacional de los mamíferos terrestres en dos áreas naturales protegidas del Corredor Ecológico de la Sierra Madre Oriental en San Luis Potosí, México. Diseño/metodología/aproximación. el estudio de campo se realizó en dos temporadas de muestreo (agosto de 2014 a enero de 2015 y de agosto 2015 a febrero 2016) en las que se utilizaron dos técnicas no invasivas (foto trampas e identificación de rastros). Se obtuvo el Índice de Abundancia Relativa para cada método. Se realizó la prueba no paramétrica U de Mann-Whitney. Resultados. las especies más abundantes vía foto trampeo fueron Sylvilagus floridanus y Sciurus aureogaster y con rastros Odocoileus virginianus y Mazama temama en la RBSAT y la RFX, respectivamente. Hubo diferencias significativas en la abundancia de especies entre sitios, siendo menor en la RBSAT por foto trampeo y mayor por rastros. Se registraron 20 especies por foto trampeo y 17 con rastros. Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones. los resultados de este estudio pueden usarse en áreas naturales protegidas y sus áreas de influencia, así como, en otros lugares. Hallazgos/conclusiones. con base a la información generada se sugiere que la abundancia de carnívoros decrece hacia el sur, y que la RFX eventualmente pudiese no sostener una población de carnívoros a largo plazo. En ambas áreas se encontraron especies listadas en alguna categoría de riesgo, por lo que estas áreas deben ser conservadas para evitar su desaparició

Insects an alternative for sustainable production in Mexico

Objective: To analyze the sociocultural, economic and environmental aspects of insects in Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: From October 2021 to January 2022, a bibliographic review was carried out searching for literature available in Google academic, Sciencedirect, SpringerLink, Google patent, EBSCO, Semantic Scholar databases and content available through remote access from CONRICyT. The bibliographic systematization of the consulted articles was developed from the Excel 2016 program and the Mendeley Desktop software, version 1.19.4. Results: Entomology has a high ecological, economic and social value, directed towards the horizons of food security, care for the environment and as an alternative for productive diversification. The economic importance of edible insects for Mexico was highlighted, visualizing commercial alternatives to small producers. Limitations/implications: The results only present data referring to Mexico, it is recommended to expand the search effort to know the current state of this topic worldwide. Findings/Conclusions: It was possible to demonstrate the importance of sustainability that insects present in Mexico. Awareness practices are suggested to mitigate neophobia and strengthen the adoption and consumption of this resource in the different social strata of Mexican society.&nbsp

Migratory Seasonality and Phenology by Birds in a Temperate Forest with Two Disturbance Conditions

Objective: The objective was to infer the effect of the variables phenology (migration-non-migration), seasonality (rainfall-dry season), sex and forest condition on the abundances of birds (resident-migratory) in a semi-preserved and disturbed oak pine forest. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study was carried out in Monte Tlaloc, Estado de México, in two conditions of apparent disturbance, semi-preserved oak pine forest and disturbed oak pine forest. Ten bird samplings were carried out with “count on point” with a fixed radius of 25 m, covering the 4 seasons of the year and migratory periods. With this data, the Relative Abundance Index (RAI) was estimated. Generalized linear models were elaborated to infer the effect of the variables phenology, seasonality, sex, and forest condition on the abundances of birds .Results: The RAI of the birds registered in the semi-considered pine forest indicates that the species with the lowest presence was Aphelocoma ultramarina (0.002) and with the highest frequency Empidonax sp. (0.13), unlike to that found in the disturbed pine forest where the lowest RAI corresponded to Colaptes auratus(0.003) and Ptiliogonys cinereus (0.23) had the highest appearance. The Generalized Linear Model suggested that forest condition and phenology are significantly related to the frequency of species. Study Limitations/Implications: In this study it was found that the abundance of birds was affected by the condition of the forest and that the phenology (migration-non-migration), seasonality (rain-dry season), sex and condition of the forest were related to the abundance of birds. Four species classified as under Special Protection and two Threatened according to NOM-059 were registered as well as the presence of four endemic species which highlights the importance of conserving these ecosystems. Findings/Conclusions: The fauna communities present in Monte Tláloc highlight the importance of conserving the pine-oak forests since this site is part of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Bel

Multifunctionality in maize production systems in the Mixteca Alta region of Oaxaca: Multifunctionality in corn production systems in the mixteca alta region Oaxaca

ABSTRACT Objective: Infer the role of multifunctionality of milpa systems in the high Mixtec region of Oaxaca, Mexico. Design/methodology/approach: the methodological framework of the Index of Multifunctionality of Agricultural Production Systems (IMSPA) was used, applying semi-structured interviews to producers. Results: the level of multifunctionality of each of the corn systems evaluated was determined, highlighting the Milpa Interspersed with Fruit Trees as the system with the highest multifunctionality and potential attributes for local development. Limitations on study/implications: The paradigm of some producers to the change in their plots, usually leads to a negativity in participation and mistrust in this type of research. Findings/conclusions: It is necessary to follow up on multifunctionality evaluations, there are systems that are in a line where they can advance or regress in terms of their functions.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

Conocimiento, uso y valor cultural de seis presas del jaguar (Panthera onca) y su relación con éste, en San Nicolás de los Montes, San Luis Potosí, Mexico Knowledge, use and cultural value of six prey of jaguar (Panthera onca) and their relationship with this species in San Nicolás de los Montes, San Luis Potosí, Mexico

Durante 2007 se obtuvo información del conocimiento y la percepción que los pobladores del ejido tienen sobre el jaguar, sus presas y los factores que afectan la distribución y su conservación. Mediante el índice de importancia cultural (IIC) se determinó el conocimiento que los ejidatarios tienen de las presas, y el uso y valor que les otorgan. Las presas que reconocieron importantes fueron venado cola blanca (Odocoileus virginianus), temazate (Mazama temama), pecarí (Tayassu pecari), tejón (Nasua narica), armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) y tepezcuintle (Cuniculus paca); 72% de los encuestados también identificaron especies domésticas como presas del jaguar. Según su percepción, las más abundantes son pecarí, tejón y armadillo. El valor de uso más importante es el alimenticio, puesto que 82% de los encuestados ha consumido alguna especie silvestre. El valor más alto del IIC fue para el venado (27.17). En el ejido se considera perjudicial el jaguar por alimentarse del ganado. Los pobladores y los jaguares utilizan las mismas especies para obtener beneficio. El presente estudio constituye una base para el desarrollo de trabajos tendientes a manejar y conservar los recursos naturales que existen en el ejido considerando las necesidades de la población humana, de su fauna silvestre y la relación entre éstas.During 2007, we obtained information about the knowledge, perception of rural people regarding jaguar, its preys and the factors that affect its distribution and conservation. Additionally, we determined with the Index of Cultural Importance the knowledge, use and value that rural people assign to preys of the jaguar. They recognized as important prey species of the jaguar to white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), brocket (Mazama temama), pecari (Tayassu peccari), coati (Nasua narica), armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus) and paca (Cuniculus paca). Most of the villagers (72%) identified also domestic species as preys of the jaguar. According to villager´s perception, the more abundant species were pecari, coati and armadillo. Wildlife use for food was the most important since 82% of the interviewed people have consumed some species. The highest value of Cultural Importance was for white tailed deer (27.17). Jaguars in the ejido are considered harmful animals since they prey on livestock. Rural people and jaguars benefit from same wildlife species. The present study is the framework to develop future projects focused on managing and conserving natural resources that exist in the ejido San Nicolás de los Montes, San Luis Potosí