Conservation implications for jaguars and other neotropical mammals using highway underpasses

Area of Science:

• Conservation Biology
• Wildlife Ecology
• Road Ecology

Background:

• The Nuevo Xcan-Playa del Carmen highway fragments critical habitat for jaguars.
• Connectivity between the Yum Balaam and Sian Ka´an Jaguar Conservation Units is bisected by this highway.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the differential use of crossing structures by mammals along the highway.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of underpasses and culverts for wildlife passage.

Main Methods:

• 28 camera traps deployed along a 54km highway stretch.
• Monitoring covered wildlife underpasses, box culverts, and pipe culverts from Sept 2016 to March 2017.
• Analysis of mammal species usage and diversity across different structure types.

Main Results:

• 24 jaguar crossings recorded exclusively in wildlife underpasses.
• 18 additional mammal species, including 5 protected by Mexican law, were documented.
• Wildlife underpasses showed higher species diversity compared to culverts, accommodating larger species.

Conclusions:

• Wildlife underpasses are vital for maintaining functional connectivity for jaguars and other mammals.
• Mitigation measures, including underpasses and retrofitted culverts, are recommended for highways in jaguar distribution areas.
• Enhancing wildlife connectivity positively impacts neotropical mammalian fauna and species conservation.