Population Studies of Pecari tajacu Collared Peccary (Artiodactyla:Tayassuidae) in Tzucacab, Yucatán, México

Abstract

Aims: To estimate the population density of Pecari tajacu, determine the distribution pattern of this population in the sampling sites, determine habitat preference and evaluate the sustainability of the harvest in the three-year period. Study Design: Population study of collared peccaries in the wild, descriptive, and vertical in the municipality of Tzucacab, Yucatan, Mexico, during the years 2003-2004, 2007-2008 and 2008-2009. Methodology: Seven linear transects of 5 km each were installed randomly in the municipality in 2003-2004 and 18 in each year from 2007 to 2009. The population estimate was made by direct sighting and counting of footprints in the same transects. The comparison of densities with the footprints’ counting method was by analysis of variance and t-student for samples paired with the sighting method. The distribution pattern was analyzed by the standardized Morisita index; habitat preference was analyzed by Bonferroni intervals and the harvest model was applied to evaluate sustainability. Results: Population densities decreased significantly (P < 0.01) by the footprints´ counting method from 2003-04 to 2007-09, from 1.16 to 0.26 animals/km2 respectively, with the sighting method was 1.87 and 1.78 animals/km2, the years 2003-04 and 2007-08 respectively, without significant difference (P = 0.05); In 2008-09 there was only one record. Local populations are distributed by clusters and prefer the acahual habitat between 2008-09. The sighting records and footprints are distributed mainly in the limits of the municipality of Tzucacab with the surroundings and the state of Quintana Roo. Harvest indices are within sustainability values but show a tendency to increase as the years progress. Conclusion: Local populations of collared peccaries show vulnerability, if the trend of the harvest index increases progressively.