Distribution and abundance of white-tailed deer at regional and landscape scales at tehuacán-cuicatlán biosphere reserve, Mexico

Abstract

In México, the white-tailed Odocoileus virginianus inhabits a wide type of habitats including the tropical dry forest. In particular, in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Biosphere Reserve (TCBR) this species has a wide distribution and it is important for hunting subsistence. In this chapter we analyzed the distribution and abundance of this cervid at regional and landscape scales in the TCBR and buffer zone (ca. 700, 000 ha). The subspecies best represented in the reserve would be O. v. mexicanus; O. v. oaxacensis and O. v. toltecus but it is need a specific genetics studies on this topic. Using ecological niche and habitat suitability modeling, it is suggested that 92% of the surface of this site presents favorable conditions for the presence of this deer. Mean population density estimation is 2.3 deer/km2, which is lower compared to other regions of the country dominated by tropical dry forests. However, considering the large surface of habitat, the total abundance it is significant. White-tailed deer mortality it is affect by natural predators as Felis concolor, Canis latrans and Lynx rufus, and illegal hunters and feral dogs. In TCBR, this deer species coexist with Pecari tajacu and Mazama temama, and with domestic such as Capra hircus, Bos taurus and Equus. This species it is not in danger situation in the TCBR and could be sustainably used in management wildlife units (UMAs), but it is urgent to diminish the illegal hunt.