El oso melero (Tamandua mexicana) en el Caribe colombiano: aportes sobre su ecología y amenazas

Abstract

The aim of this study was to provide information about the ecology and threats of the northern tamandua (Tamandua mexicana) in the Caribbean region of Colombia. Linear transects were performed to estimate the population density. Similarly, the frequency of road collisions was determined by monitoring a total of 1,356 km of the Vía Parque Nacional Natural Isla Salamanca road, Magdalena. Finally, reports of conflicts with domestic dogs were collected in four departments of the Caribbean region. The population density of the northern tamandua in the study area was 0.81 ind/km2 and the encounter rate 2.43 ind/100 km. The road kill rate in Isla Salamanca was estimated at 0.006 ind/km and a frequency of 0.6 ind/day. Four incidents with dogs were reported; one of them resulted in the death of a tamandua. These results may be used to design future conservation plans, taking into account natural ecosystem transformation processes in the Caribbean region of Colombia.