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Mountain ecosystems are typically hotspots of biodiversity and provide crucial ecosystems services to local communities (e.g., sources of fresh water). Their elevation gradients generally result in a high diversity of habitat types and, consequently of wildlife species. They are also systems that generate high rates of endemism due to their history of geographic isolation. However, these ecosystems are highly threatened due to fragmentation and strong pressures from human disturbance. Mountain ecosystems of Central America have been particularly overlooked by the scientific and conservation community and we know very little about the status and ecology of vertebrate species in this region. In light of increasing urbanization and development in the area, generating scientific evidence that can guide conservation efforts in these ecosystems is imperative. I work with local partners in the Central Volcanic Chain of Guatemala (CVCG), a series of volcanoes and mountain ranges that run parallel to this country's Pacific Coast. Our projects aim to contribute to our understanding of the factors that determine and/or threaten terrestrial vertebrate communities along the CVCG, with an emphasis on mammalian carnivores and game birds.
Biodiversity Inventories and Monitoring
In collaboration with local partners, we are conducting non-invasive wildlife surveys to document and better understand the vertebrate communities of the Central Volcanic Chain of Guatemala (CVCG). The CVCG is a biodiversity hotspot located in a human-dominated landscape. Few studies have been conducted to understand the patterns and drivers of terrestrial vertebrates in this ecosystem and we are trying to fill in gaps that will guide conservation and development efforts in the region. We conduct surveys with camera traps (terrestrial mammals and birds) and passive acoustic monitors (migratory and resident bird species). These studies are helping us identify sites that harbor intact vertebrate communities and species of conservation concern such as the puma (Puma concolor; Figure 1), highland guan (Penelopina nigra; Figure 2), and the golden cheeked warbler (Setophaga chrysoparia) among others. Additionally, we are also developing a better understanding of the major threats that impact these biological communities and gaining new insights into the natural history of terrestrial vertebrates in this ecosystem.
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Carnivore Community Ecology
Mammalian carnivores play important ecological roles in the ecosystems they inhabit. They may regulate prey distribution and population growth, help reduce carcass accumulation in the landscape, and act as indicators of ecosystem health. Results of recent camera trapping studies in the CVCG indicate that carnivores such as coyotes (Canis latrans), margays (Leopardus wiedii; Figure 1), jaguarundis (Herpailurus yagouaroundi; Figure 3 ), gray foxes (Urocyon cinereoargenteus; Figure 2), and pumas (Puma concolor) persist in this human-dominated and fragmented landscape. Our research is examining carnivore ecology to identify the ecological and anthropogenic factors that contribute to their persistence in this landscape and characterize potential human-carnivore interactions.
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