Determination of the main agricultural crops for the Metropolitan Puebla-Tlaxcala area using the Papadakis Methodology

Objective: The objective of this study is the application of methods to identify areas with potential for agricultural   Design/methodology/approach: The process was through calculations using monthly data, applying the Papadakis Methodology that was obtained in April 2022 from the database of the Mexican Institute of Water Technology (IMTA); Results: Potential areas were identified within the study area, through the Papadakis classification that contemplated five categories for crops such as: Optimal, very adequate, adequate, acceptable and unacceptable areas.   Limitations on study/implications:   It is desirable that the technological tools applied to agriculture can be easily exploited to achieve better results, proposing potential areas for peri-urban urban areas.   Findings/conclusions:   One of the major concerns for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is the loss of soils suitable for agricultural production. Peri-urban urban agriculture (UPA) takes relevance in the production of available food as an irreplaceable tool in the context of food and sustainability in urban areas. According to the present, this type of UPA is seeking to be recognized by political agendas and that the production obtained by this type of agricultural system can have a market where it can be offered. In addition to being considered as an alternative for the food security of the most unprotected localities in urban areas.agricultural crops in the Puebla-Tlaxcala Metropolitan Area (ZMPT). Design/methodology/approach: From April to June 2022, the classification process for identifying the main crops in the ZMPT was conducted. This process utilized monthly climatic data from the Mexican Institute of Water Technology (IMTA), analyzed through the Papadakis methodology (1970). Subsequently, the results were mapped using the Weighted Overlay (WO) tool in ArcGIS v.10.2. Results: The Papadakis methodology identified 10 seasonal crop types, particularly for summer and winter. The WO tool categorized potential areas into five classes: optimal, highly suitable, acceptable, and unacceptable for the establishment of several crops. Limitations on study/implications: This study has limitations due to incomplete and scarce databases and the complexity and cost associated with the software used. However, the implications for agriculture include the potential to enhance and diversify agricultural production by identifying optimal areas for establishment, especially in urban-peri-urban agricultural areas (UPAs). Findings/conclusions: This study successfully identified the main crops cultivated in the ZMPT and highlighted potential areas for their establishment. The generated cartographic information enables the strategic distribution of productive agricultural systems, particularly in UPAs, to adapt to regional climate fluctuations in the short, medium, and long term. Besides, an adequate distribution in the implementation of productive agricultural systems, particularly in UPAs, depending on fluctuations in the climatic conditions of the region

Defecation rates of white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) based on fiber content in feces

Objective: Developing three models to estimate the defecation rate of white-tailed deer according to the year season, content of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) in feces. Design / methodology / approach: Nine captive adult deer were assigned to three levels of dietary fiber. Fecal groups (defecation rate) were counted, forage consumption was estimated, and feces were analyzed for NDF and ADF content. A randomized block design was used, where the effect of the treatments was blocked by season, and a multiple regression analysis was used to define the prediction models of the defecation rates. Results: The rates were different for dietary fiber levels (p <0.0001), and for the year season (p = 0.0007). For spring, the defecation rate model (TDp) was TDp = -4.84696- [0.02159 (FDN)] + [0.58397 (FDA)]; for summer TDv = -51.0272 + [0.26868 (FDN)] + [1.61121 (FDA)]; and for winter TDi = 7.82939- [0.02667 (FDN)] + [0.17309 (FDA)]. Findings / conclusions: The defecation rate varies depending on the year season and the fiber content in the diet.Objective: To develop three models in order to estimate the defecation rate ofwhite-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) according to the season of the year,content of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) in feces.Design / methodology / approach: Nine captive adult deer were assigned tothree levels of dietary fiber. Fecal groups (defecation rate) were counted, forageconsumption was estimated, and feces were analyzed for NDF and ADF content. Arandomized block design was used, where the effect of the treatments was blockedby season, and a multiple regression analysis was used to define the predictionmodels of the defecation rates.Results: The rates were different for dietary fiber levels (p<0.0001), and for theyear season (p = 0.0007). For spring, the defecation rate model (DR) was DR = -4.84696 - [0.02159 (NDF)] + [0.58397 (ADF)]; for summer DR = -51.0272 +[0.26868 (NDF)] + [1.61121 (ADF)]; and for winter DR = 7.82939- [0.02667 (NDF)]+ [0.17309 (ADF)].Limitations / implications: Defecation rate or fecal group counting is a useful toolto estimate deer populations. Nevertheless, the definition of an adequatedefecation rate represents a hard task, since it depends on various factors such asthe environmental conditions, and the components of the diet the deer consumes.Findings / conclusions: The defecation rate varies depending on the year seasonand the fiber content in the diet

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

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

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

Microhistological References of Plants Available for Ungulates in Sonora, Mexico

The microhistological technique is the most popular methodology used to determine the wild and domestic ungulates diet; its success depends on the development of a reliable reference catalog. Objective: To describe and analyze the epidermal structures of the plants available for wild and domestic ungulates in Sonora, Mexico, using the microhistological technique. Methodology: A comprehensive collection of the plants available for wild and domestic ungulates was carried out at UMA Rancho Noche Buena, in order to subsequently identify their genus and species. Plant structures were analyzed with the modified microhistological technique, scraping the beam and underside cuticle of leaf plants. In addition, at least one photograph was taken to characterize them. Results and Discussion: The epidermal structures of 95.95% of the analyzed plants were observed with the microhistological technique and its modification. The distinctive structures of 74 plant species were identified, in order to describe the main characteristics of each species. A catalog of microhistological references was developed from the data collected; it included information about the morphology and arrangement of structures such as: epidermal cells, stomata and trichrome. A difference was found between the beam and underside of the leaves in 23% of the species. Conclusion: A reliable microhistological reference catalog should consider possible differences between the beam and underside of the leaves of plants

Productive Characteristics, Nesting Substrates, and Colonies of the Escamolera Ant (Liometopum apiculatum M.) in Zacatecas, Mexico

Objective: The objective of this study was to connect measurements, weights, and production of escamoles with nesting substrates, foraging paths, nest types, and colony sizes of the escamolera ant. Design/Methodology/Approach: The data about nests, colonies, and larvae were gathered during morning and evening field walks, with the support of escamoles harvesters. The basic statistics of the data were estimated (N = 59 nests/colonies) and analyzed with the Kruskal-Wallis H test. In addition, the Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine the differences per nest type. Results: The highest production of escamoles was recorded in the Prosopis laevigata substrate (x=551.08 g/N=1), while the lowest production was recorded in the Echinocereus stramineus substrate (x=228.31 g/N=4). The length and width of the larvae (N=1,100 larvae) were similar in all the substrates. The weight of the larvae varied from 0.09 g, in the Prosopis levigata substrate, to 0.16 g, in the dry palm (Yucca spp.) substrate; therefore, 11,111 and 6,250 larvae are required, respectively, to obtain 1 kg of escamoles. Study Limitations/Implications: The information of this study is limited to a single harvesting region. Findings/Conclusions: The low escamoles production indicates that its harvesting must comply with a regulatory framework and a better organization, in order to guarantee the continuous presence of Liometopum apiculatum colonies

Patrón temporal de vocalizaciones y territorios de descanso del tecolote moteado mexicano (Strix occidentalis lucida Nelson 1903; Strigiformes: Strigidae) en el centro-norte de la Sierra Madre Occidental, México

The vocalizations of the Mexican spotted owl (TMM, Strix occidentalis lucida) are essential to maintain an effective and long-distance communication with your partner and neighboring owls, these vary depending on the season and the weather conditions that occur. In addition, their resting territories provide protection from predators and adverse climates. Studying vocalizations, resting places and territories are essential to know the biology of this subspecies with conservation risk. Strix occidentalis lucida is a threatened subspecies due to the loss and fragmentation of its habitats. In Mexico, studies on this subspecies refer mostly to the characterization of their habitat and composition of their diet. Therefore, the objectives of this investigation were: a) to monitor the emission of songs, b) to determine the size of the territories of daytime rest and c) to identify and describe the caves selected by Strix occidentalis lucida to rest. The samplings were conducted seasonally from October 2016 to October 2017 and consisted of monitoring nine pairs of TMM in three regions of the Sierra Madre Occidental. The TMM sang and used caves to rest throughout the year. The average size of its daytime resting territory was 0.81 ± 0.77 ha. This subspecies used the caves more frequently in winter (38.9%) and spring (33.3%). The results of this study are useful to understand the diurnal behavior of the TMM and to design management and conservation plans for the Mexican spotted owl habitat in Mexico.El tecolote moteado mexicano (TMM; Strix occidentalis lucida), para mantener comunicación con su pareja y tecolotes vecinos, emite vocalizaciones, las cuales varían con el sexo, la estación del año y condiciones climáticas. El TMM, para protegerse de depredadores y condiciones climáticas adversas, selecciona sitios específicos y establece territorios de descanso. Strix occidentalis lucida es una subespecie amenazada debido a la pérdida y fragmentación de sus hábitats. En México, los estudios sobre esta subespecie se refieren en su mayoría a la caracterización de su hábitat y composición de su dieta. Por ello, los objetivos de esta investigación fueron: a) monitorear la emisión de vocalizaciones, b) determinar el tamaño de los territorios de descanso diurno y c) identificar y describir las cuevas seleccionadas por Strix occidentalis lucida para perchar. Para ello, nueve parejas de TMM de tres regiones de la Sierra Madre Occidental se estudiaron de octubre de 2016 a octubre de 2017. El TMM emitió vocalizaciones durante todo el año, su territorio de descanso diurno promedio fue de 0.81 ± 0.77 ha y utilizó cuevas para descansar con mayor frecuencia en invierno (38.9%) y primavera (33.3%). Los resultados de este estudio son de utilidad para entender el comportamiento diurno del TMM y diseñar planes de manejo y conservación del hábitat del tecolote moteado mexicano en México

Micro minerales en hígado de Ovis canadensis mexicana Merriam, y Odocoileus hemionus eremicus Mearns en Sonora, México

Introduction: The bighorn sheep (BC) and mule deer (VB) are the most important hunting species in northwestern Mexico and their populations may be affected by micro-minerals deficiencies. Objective: Was to determine concentrations of micro-minerals Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Mn, Co and Cr in the liver as indicators of deficiencies/excesses in BC and BV. Materials and methods: The study was carried out at the UMA "Rancho Noche Buena", located in Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico. Liver samples were taken from three BC and five BV. The micro-minerals were determined on an inductively coupled quadrupole plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) and the analyzes were validated using a reference sample. Results: In BC the average contents of Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Mn, and Cr were 114.8, 60.9, 63.8, 1.1, 2.6, and 0.15 mgkg-1 and in VB were of 183.9, 28.9, 44.6, 1.2, 2.6, and 0.17 mgkg-1, respectively, and are within the ranges considered as suitable for healthy animals. However, one BC and two BV had Cu deficiencies and 60% of the Zn BV. The Co contents in BC and VB were 14.6 and 12.3% lower as the adequate level. Conclusions: In BC (n=3) the Fe, Zn, Se and Mn contents were adequate and the Cu was partially adequate, in a BC was deficient. In VB, the Fe, Se and Mn contents indicate that there are no deficiencies. The Cu and Zn contents were partially adequate since 40 and 60% of the VB showed deficiencies. The Co was deficient in both species. Key words: Diagnosis; microelements; deficiencies, bighorn sheep, mule deer.Introducción: El borrego cimarrón (BC) y venado bura (VB) son las especies cinegéticas más importantes en el noroeste de México, sus poblaciones pueden ser afectadas por deficiencias de micro-minerales. Objetivo: Determinar la concentración de los micro-minerales Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Mn, Co y Cr en hígado como indicadoras de deficiencias/excesos en BC y VB. Materiales y métodos: El estudio se realizó en la UMA “Rancho Noche Buena”, Hermosillo, Sonora, México. A tres BC y cinco VB se les tomaron muestras de hígado. Los micro-minerales se determinaron en espectrómetro de masas con plasma acoplado inductivamente cuadrupolo (ICP-MS) y los análisis se validaron utilizando una muestra de referencia. Resultados: En BC los contenidos promedio de Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Mn, y Cr fueron de 114.8, 60.9, 63.8, 1.1, 2.6, y 0.15 mgkg-1, y en VB de 183.9, 28.9, 44.6, 1.2, 2.6, y 0.17 mgkg-1, respectivamente, los cuales son adecuados para animales sanos. Sin embargo, una muestra de BC y dos de VB presentaron deficiencias de Cu, y 60% de los VB de Zn. Asimismo, los contenidos de Co en BC y VB fueron 14.6 y 12.3% inferiores al nivel adecuado. Conclusiones: En BC (n=3) los contenidos de Fe, Zn, Se y Mn fueron adecuados y el Cu fue parcialmente adecuado, en una muestra fue deficiente. En VB, los contenidos de Fe, Se y Mn fueron adecuados. Los contenidos de Cu y Zn fueron parcialmente adecuados en el 40 y 60% de los VB, donde estuvieron en nivel de deficiencia. El Co fue deficiente en ambas especies. Palabras clave: Diagnóstico; microelementos; deficiencias, borrego cimarrón, venado bura

Traslape espacial de la comunidad de peces dulceacuícolas diurnos en el sistema de humedal Media Luna, Rioverde, S.L.P., México

The Media Luna wetland is the most representative and most affected by tourism and management actions in the Llanura de Rioverde, S.L.P. It contains 13 fish species, two of them are nocturnal and eleven diurnal. This study considers only the diurnal species. From these, the most relevant are five local endemic, one native widely distributed and five introduced species. In order to determine the degree of spatial overlap, 54 sub-aquatic transects per sampling session were conducted from 1998 and 1999. The fish population distribution per age class (adult, juvenile and larvae) and the similitude between species pairs were analyzed and estimated for the habitat variables: sector, depth, and vegetation. Adult and juvenile fish tended to overlap for all the variables, whereas the larvae segregated for sector but overlap for depth and vegetation. There was a high overlap between native and introduced species for at least one their life stages. The endemic species that showed the highest spatial overlap with the introduced species was Ataeniobius toweri, whereas Oreochromis sp. was the introduced one with the highest overlap with the native species. All of the endemic species are endangered; was thus, the possible affectation caused by the spatial overlap between endemic and introduced species has a special interest.El humedal de la Media Luna es el más representativo y el más presionado por uso turístico y acciones de manejo en la Llanura de Rioverde, S.L.P. Contiene 13 especies de peces, dos nocturnas y 11 diurnas. Estas últimas fueron consideradas en este estudio, entre las que destacan cinco especies endémicas de la zona, una especie nativa de amplia distribución y cinco introducidas. Con la finalidad de determinar el grado de traslape espacial entre las especies, se tomaron los datos de cinco momentos de muestreo efectuados entre 1998 y 1999, con n = 54 transectos subacuáticos en cada muestreo. Se analizó tanto la distribución poblacional de los peces por clase de edad (adultos, juveniles y crías), como la similitud entre pares de especies para las variables del hábitat: sector, profundidad y vegetación. Los peces adultos y juveniles tendieron a traslaparse; las crías se segregaron en sector y se traslaparon en profundidad y vegetación. Hubo traslape considerable entre especies nativas e introducidas en al menos un estadio de vida; la especie endémica con mayor grado de superposición espacial con los introducidos fue Ataeniobius toweri, mientras que la especie introducida que mayor traslape con las nativas fue Oreochromis sp. Todas las especies endemícos se encontraron en riesgo de extinción, por lo que se considera de especial interés la posible afectación por el traslape espacial con las especies introducidas