Conservation of mammalian biodiversity in coffee plantations of Central Veracruz, Mexico.
Gallina S., Mandujano S., Gonzalez-Romero A.
Author Affiliation: Instituto de Ecología, Apartado Postal 63, 91000 Xalapa, Veracruz, Mexico.
Agroforestry Systems 33 : 13-27
Abstract : The diversity and organization of the mammalian community is related to the vegetation structure of the coffee plantations in the area of Barranca Grande, in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. Four transects (each 200 m in length) were used to study the vegetation structure within 4 coffee plantations differing in their use of shade tree species; 178 night/Tomahawk traps, animal track registrations and information from local people were used in order to become familiar with the mammalian community present. The sample period was from October 1989 to February 1991. The 24 mammals of medium-size species in the area were classified using 2 measures of ecological diversity (locomotion and foraging) in order to understand the guild organization. The results suggest that if the complexity of the plantation is reduced, the number of guilds occupied could suffer a loss of 45 and 43% in ecological richness and diversity, respectively, and 24% in the equitability of the mammalian fauna. Maintenance of a high diversity in the tree stratum (shade species) is recommended, in this case, species such as Inga jinicuil, banana (Musa sapientum [M. paradisiaca]), Citrus spp., coyo avocado (Persea schiedeana) and mango (Mangifera indica) - all species which could provide food resources and protection for the mammals.