Population Trends of Peccaries and Deer, Hunting, and Socioeconomic Factors in Rural Communities of Southern Yucatan, Mexico
Rubén C. Montes-Pérez *
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechnics - Autonomous University of Yucatan, Mexico. Carretera Mérida-Xmatkuil Km 15.5, Mérida. Yucatán, CP. 97315, Mexico.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The objective of this chapter is to analyse estimates of the population density of collared peccary (Pecari tajacu), white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus), and temazate deer (Mazama americana) during 2003–2004, 2007–2008, and 2008–2009 in the municipality of Tzucacab, Yucatán, in relation to hunting pressure on these populations and socioeconomic factors in rural communities. Seven 5-km linear transects were randomly established in the municipality in 2003–2004, and 18 were established between 2007 and 2009. Population estimates were obtained through direct sightings, track counts, and counts of deer pellets in plots located along the same transects. The results showed that population densities differed according to the method used. However, densities decreased significantly when the peccary track-count method was used from 2003–2004 to 2008–2009, with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of [1.7, 0.08] animals/km², respectively. Deer population densities also decreased from 2003–2004 to 2007–2009, with 95% CI values of [7.194, 0.217] deer/km², respectively, using the plot-based deer-pellet count method. The working hypothesis is that hunting intensity makes these populations vulnerable, based on reports from these periods. The study also discusses socioeconomic and political factors, including poverty, low educational attainment, chronic diseases, and a shortage of formal, permanent employment among the rural population, as conditions underlying the patterns described in this paper.
Keywords: Collared peccary, deer, hunting, population density, socioeconomic factors, sub-humid tropics