IUCN / SSC Cat Specialist Group - Digital Cat Library |
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| Zarza, H.; Chavez, C.; Ceballos, G. | |
| Jaguar habitat use in a human dominated landscape in the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico | |
| 2011 Book Chapter | |
Habitat encroachment by human activities has extensively modified large extensions of tropical rainforest, reducing wildlife habitat availability. Jaguar populations have been steadily declining due to changes in land use and poaching. The largest jaguar population in Mexico is found in the Selva Maya region, in the Yucatan Peninsula. Conservation of jaguar in the Selva Maya requires a careful management of its habitat. So, the aim of this study was to determine jaguar habitat requirements and the effects of human perturbation e.g. roads and towns) on habitat use. Habitat preferences were analyzed using data on jaguar movements across habitat types, land use, distance to human settlements and roads using a GIS. Data on jaguar movements were obtained with GPS radio-collars. Results indicate that jaguars extensively use forested habitats such as tropical semi green forests. They use more frequently than expected by chance areas located more that 6.5 km from human settlements and 4.5. km from roads. Around 68% of the land in the regional protected areas is the preferred jaguar habitat. Outside protected areas there are still extensive areas with jaguar preferred habitat; those areas are essential to maintain connectivity among reserves, environmental processes, and the long term conservation of jaguars and many other species. |
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