Use of artificial water sources by tapirs in the Maya Forest, Mexico

Abstract

The scarcity of available surface water affects ungulates inhabiting sites where the effects of climate change are more evident, especially for endangered species such as the Central American tapir (Tapirus bairdii). The objective of this study was to estimate tapir water use in artificial water troughs in the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve (CBR), Mexico. Between January 2019 and August 2021, 8 digital camera traps were placed in 8 artificial watering holes. The Photographic Index of Visits (PIV) was obtained, and occupancy (Psi), detectability (p), and activity patterns were calculated, and analyzed. A sampling effort of 4,672 nights/camera, and 289 grouped records of T. bairdii were obtained. The PIV, occupancy, and detectability obtained in the present study were similar to those reported in natural water bodies in the Maya Forest, which supports the idea that the water troughs could temporarily supply maintenance functions for tapirs during the dry season or in periods when water is scarce in the landscape, being this the only source of water available to satisfy their requirements for this resource in the CBR.

Keywords

• Climate change
• Photo-trapping
• Endangered
• Drought
• Ungulates