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Study on the Jaguar Population (Panthera onca) in the Northeast of the Yucatan Peninsula   The objectives of this project are: a) Obtain an estimate of the number of jaguar individuals in the Private Reserve of El Zapotal and its influence zone, b) Estimate the density of jaguars in the northeast of the Yucatan Peninsula, and c) Obtain inputs for the elaboration and application of a program destined to protect the jaguars in the region. The Private Reserve El Zapotal is located in the northeast of the Yucatan Peninsula, in the municipality of Tizimin, Yucatan, close to the localities of Colonia Yucatan and El Cuyo (the latter stands in the Biosphere Reserve of Ria Lagartos). The jaguar (Panthera onca) is an endangered species in Mexico. As the highest land predator in the food chain, its existence constitutes the ultimate natural control of fauna populations, so the health of the forests depends on the natural population of this species, which is now gravely threatened in the American Continent due to the destruction of its habitat, especially in the northern part of the Yucatan Peninsula. The medium and low forests that the jaguar depends on to survive have been reduced in the Biosphere Reserve of Ria Lagartos (BRRL) to 20% of their original extension, mostly to be substituted for grass to grow cattle. This project is the first study on the jaguar population (with camera equipment installed) in the north of the Yucatan Peninsula, being the first initiative to generate information about the current state of the species in coastal wetlands and their zone of influence. Today, deforestation continues to be a growing problem in the northeast region of the Yucatan Peninsula. The main causes are the development of extensive cattle growing, as well as touristic growth in the neighboring wing of Cancun. If the current tendencies continue as they have, the jaguar could disappear within the next 30 to 40 years. Up to this date, our cameras have captured more than 23 species of fauna, including the jaguar (Panthera onca) and the puma (Puma concolor). The generated information will provide a base that will facilitate the making of better decisions concerning management of these felines and their habitat. The analysis of the preliminary results proves presence of 6 individuals in 20,000 ha. These results have awoken the interest of experts and the general public, who are now more aware of the importance that the presence of the jaguar and the puma have in this area. During the development of this project, identification sheets have been made to register jaguar sightings, and a scientific publication is now in process. The next step will be to design and develop a permanent feline monitoring strategy, so as to extend this initiative to other protected areas of the region. This project is supported by the Ecological Institute of the UNAM, the Forth Worth Texas Zoo (FWZ, Texas) as part of the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA), and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). For further information, please contact: Juan Carlos Faller (jcfaller@pronatura-ppy.org.mx).           Related Galleries Related Projects Fauna El Zapotal 15 file(s)( Imagen )   Environmental Education and Qualification of Field Assistants for a “Jaguar Route” Management and Protection of Biodiversity in the Private Reserve of El Zapotal

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