Volatile organic compounds in the habitat of the escamolera ant (Liometopum apiculatum Mayr) in Zacatecas, Mexico

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) take part in the biological processes of insects; however, these compounds have not been determined for genus Liometopum. The objective of this study was to identify the variability of the VOCs found in the Liometopum apiculatum habitat during the exploitation season. During the 2017 preseason and season, 35 air samples were collected from the nests of five L. apiculatum colonies established in crassicaule scrub vegetation; additionally, another 35 samples were taken from their foraging sites. Using a gas chromatograph with an electronic nose detector, the VOCs were identified with the Kovats index. In addition, a principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out to evaluate the intensity variability per season. Fourty-eight VOCs were identified in the L. apiculatum habitat. The most significant VOCs included: saturated hydrocarbon (17%), aldehydes (17%), alcohols (15%), and esters (10%). PCA accounted for 79.5% (PC1=53.8 and PC2=25.7) of the intensity variability of the VOCs in the habitat between seasons. The escamol season was characterized by the 3-methyl-3-sulfonyl butan-1-ol, 2-Methylbutanoic acid, and trimethylamine. This profile of the VOCs in the L. apiculatum habitat is a pioneer work and has future implications for the conservation and sustainable exploitation of the escamolera ant

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.

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

Avances científicos del búho manchado mexicano (Strix occidentalis lucida Nelson 1903)

Objective: Evaluate quantitatively the research trends of the Mexican Spotted Owl. Design/methodology/approach: Scientific articles published between 2012 and February 2020 for the Mexican spotted owl were analyzed. The content of each article was classified into nine categorical variables: 1) biological description, 2) habitat, 3) distribution and abundance, 4) dispersion and movement, 5) diet and prey, 6) genetics and reproduction, 7) threats, 8) predictive models and 9) others. The published information was classified into similar groups by means of a hierarchical cluster analysis. Subsequently, were calculated and graphed the frequency and proportional representation of each attribute generated by country. Results: Of the 23 scientific articles analyzed, the most studied attribute was habitat. The hierarchical cluster analysis grouped all the published information into five representative topics: a) habitat relationships, b) threats, c) distribution, d) bibliographic review and e) population relationship. The United States was the country with the highest scientific contribution. However, in the last three years of the period studied, publications in Mexico increased. Limitations on study/implications: This study analyzes the research trends of the Mexican spotted owl and provides an overview for future research. Findings/conclusions: There is little published information for this spotted owl subspecies. Although the characteristics of the habitat are widely described; it is necessary to venture into more complex ecological phenomena.Objetivo: Evaluar cuantitativamente las tendencias de la investigación del Búho Manchado Mexicano. Diseño/metodología/aproximación: Se analizaron los artículos científicos publicados entre 2012 y febrero de 2020 para el búho manchado mexicano. El contenido de cada artículo se clasificó en nueve variables categóricas: 1) descripción biológica, 2) hábitat, 3) distribución y abundancia, 4) dispersión y movimiento, 5) dieta y presas, 6) genética y reproducción, 7) amenazas, 8) modelos predictivos y 9) otros. La información publicada, se clasificó en grupos similares mediante un análisis de conglomerado jerárquico. Posteriormente, se calcularon y graficaron la frecuencia y representación proporcional de cada atributo generado por país. Resultados: De los 23 artículos científicos analizados, el atributo más estudiado fue el hábitat. El análisis de conglomerados jerárquicos agrupó toda la información publicada en cinco temas representativos:  a) relaciones del hábitat, b) amenazas, c) distribución, d) revisión bibliográfica y e) relación de las poblaciones. Estados Unidos fue el país con mayor contribución científica. Sin embargo, en los últimos tres años del periodo estudiado, las publicaciones en México incrementaron. Limitaciones del estudio/implicaciones: Este estudio analiza las tendencias de investigación del búho manchado mexicano y permite establecer un panorama para investigaciones futuras. Hallazgos/conclusiones: Existe poca información publicada para esa subespecie de búho manchado. Aunque las características del hábitat son ampliamente descritas; es necesario incursionar en fenómenos ecológicos más complejos

Valor de uso, importancia cultural y percepciones sobre mamíferos silvestres medianos y grandes en la Mixteca Poblana

At the Mixteca Poblana wild mammals are subject to a strong anthropic pressure. The type of research that has been conducted in this region had focused on important game species. That leads to a bias in ecological valuations of the rest of the mammal species in the region, in addition to not considering, in any valuation, the traditional knowledge and needs of the people who take advantage of wildlife. Therefore, it is necessary to know the uses, local knowledge, attitudes and actions about the wild mammals that the population have, through determination of the cultural value and the people willing towards the sustainable use of wild mammals in the study area. The food is the most important use value in the Mixteca with a 49.2% of mention, followed by medicine use (23.7%), trophy (13.7%), amulet (8.2%), decoration (2%), trade (1.1%) and hunting, ritual, clothing, taxidermy and pet (<1%). The most important species for the Mixteca habitants are the white-tailed deer with 9 kinds of uses, the coati with 8, the coyote with 6 and the skunk with 3, but it counts with more number of mentions than the coyote. The species with a higher index of cultural importance (IIC) were the deer, coati, coyote, armadillo, skunk, gray fox and leoncillo. As for the perception that the habitants have about the 12 species of research interest, the coyote and opossum are displeasing, this, despite the coyote being culturally important and widely used. At the Mixteca Poblana, the species that have no use as food obtained low magnitudes of IIC and use value; carnivores (order Carnivora) are considered harmful and are killed to avoid damage at the productive systems. Coyote is a carnivore with the most demand due to the multiple uses that represents and, although it has a high IIC, the negative perception of it coming from myths and fear, forbids it to be a priority species for management and conservation.la mixteca poblana los mamíferos silvestres son un grupo sujeto a constante presión antrópica. El tipo de investigaciones que se han hecho en la zona se enfocan a especies con importancia cinegética, esto conlleva a un sesgo en la valoración ecológica del resto de especies de mamíferos en la región, además de no tomar en cuenta el conocimiento tradicional y las necesidades de las personas que aprovechan la fauna silvestre. Ante esto, se hace necesario conocer el uso, los saberes locales, actitudes y acciones hacia los mamíferos silvestres que tienen los habitantes, mediante la determinación de su importancia cultural, y la posible inclinación hacia la conservación y el uso sustentable de los mamíferos silvestres en la zona de estudio. El valor de uso más importante en la Mixteca es el de alimento con un 49.2% de mención, seguido del uso medicinal (23.7%), trofeo (13.7%), amuleto (8.2%), decoración (2%), comercio (1.1%) y aprovechamiento cinegético, ritual, vestimenta, taxidermia y mascota (<1%). Las especies con más usos son el venado cola blanca con 9 usos, el tejón con 8, el coyote con 6 y el zorrillo el cual solo tiene 3 diferentes usos, pero con mayor número de menciones que el coyote. Las especies con un mayor índice de importancia cultural (IIC) fueron: venado cola blanca, tejón, coyote, armadillo, zorrillo, zorra gris y leoncillo. En cuanto a la percepción que los habitantes tienen de las 12 especies de interés en el estudio, el coyote y el tlacuache son de desagrado, esto a pesar, de que el coyote culturalmente es importante y de gran utilización. En la mixteca poblana, las especies que no tienen un uso como alimento obtuvieron un IIC y valor de uso bajo; los carnívoros (orden Carnivora) son considerados como perjudiciales y son eliminados para evitar daños en los sistemas productivos. El coyote es de los carnívoros con mayor demanda por los múltiples usos que representa y aunque tiene un IIC alto, la percepción negativa que se tiene por las creencias, mitos y el miedo que infunde en la gente, impiden que sea una especie con prioridad de manejo y conservación por parte de las comunidades estudiadas

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

Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo mexicana L.) 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 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 (5050 m) counted in 12 h a day, three consecutive days. For all the 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 away 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 wild turkeys in 3,000 ha, with a density of 0.022 wild turkeys ha1. Study Limitations/Implications: The application of the method was useful for monitoring 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 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

Estimation of nutritional carrying capacity for Cyrtonyx montezumae

Se estimó la capacidad nutricional de carga para la codorniz montezuma (Cyrtonyx montezumae) en las estaciones de invierno y primavera en el municipio Aculco, estado de México. Se evaluó la disponibilidad de biomasa de bulbos de Oxalis en zonas de transición entre pastizal y bosque, determinando la cantidad de bulbos a una profundidad de 5 cm. El consumo se estimó con base al requerimiento energético y el contenido dietario de energía metabolizable, obteniendo un consumo de 17 g/día de Oxalis por codorniz adulta. La disponibilidad de materia seca (MS) de bulbos de Oxalis tuvo una gran variación entre localidades y estaciones. No se detectó interacción sitio por estación (P>0,05). Se encontró una mayor disponibilidad en la primavera (3,02) que en invierno (1,29 g MS/m²). La capacidad nutricional de carga por hectárea de hábitat fue de 8,14 y 19,06 codornices en invierno y primavera, respectivamente.27 - 32BimestralThe nutritional carrying capacity for Montezuma quail (Cyrtonyx montezumae) was estimated during winter and spring. The biomasa availability of bulbs of Oxalis in Aculco municipality, Mexico state was measured in transitional zones of pine forested areas and rangelands by quantification of Oxalis bulbs (5 cm). Intake was estimated using energy requirements and dietary metabolizable energy, obtaining an intake of 17 g/day of Oxalis in adult quail. Dry matter (DM) availability of bulbs of Oxalis showed high variation among sites and seasons. Site interaction was not detected (P>0.05). There was higher bulb biomass availability during spring (3.02) than in winter (1.29 g DM/m²). Nutritional carrying capacity was 8.14 and 19.06 quails per hectare of habitat, during winter and spring, respectively