Habitat preferences of red brocket deer (Mazama temama) in a mountain region of central Mexico

Resumen

Introduction: Red brocket deer (Mazama temama) is a cervid distributed along Mexico and Central America, and an important element for subsistence hunters. However, the availability of information of this species is very limited, especially in the mountainous ranges of its geographical distribution. The aim of this study was analyzing the habitat preferences of the red brocket deer in the highlands located in the Mexican states of Puebla, Oaxaca, and Veracruz. Methods: We evaluated the habitat use-availability of the brocket deer in relation to four habitat variables (vegetation type, vegetation cover, plant species richness, and slope). We considered the presence of deer signs and tracks as an indicator of use, while the availability was evaluated by random points. We use chi-squared tests in combination with Bonferroni confidence intervals to determine if the red brocket deer preferred or avoided the selected habitat variables. Results: Results showed that brocket deer selected coffee agroecosystems and avoided areas covered by secondary growth vegetation. Likewise, we observed that the species selects high vegetation cover sites and intermediate plant species richness.Discussion and conclusions: It has been reported that this species are commonly found in areas with slight human influence, our results suggest that the red brocket deer can also use sites with low-level disturbance, such as coffee agroecosystems. However, the use of these sites is associated with the proximity of patches of vegetation in good condition. In Mexico, the red brocket deer is an important species for management and conservation of Management Units for Wildlife Conservation (Unidades de Manejo y Aprovechamiento Sustentable de Vida Silvestre; UMAs for their Spanish initials), so our study results help to understand how the species respond to the habitat characteristics of their environment. This information will help to develop the relevant conservation and management measures that help to maintain healthy populations of the species.