Changes in activity patterns of wild mammals related to human disturbance in dry tropical forest of Mexico

Résumé fourni par la source

Abstract Mammalian circadian rhythms result from continuous interactions with environmental conditions, influenced by both natural and human factors that drive adjustments in temporal activity. These changes in daily activity occur at fine scales and require detailed analysis to detect species responses to human disturbance. Activity patterns, descriptions, and comparisons worldwide have been widely studied. However, research on the effects of human disturbance on temporal activity patterns in dry tropical forests is underrepresented. In our study, we employed camera-trapping to assess changes in activity between areas with low and high levels of anthropogenic impact in central Mexico. From March to December 2019, we recorded 3,542 independent records across 17 wild and 6 domestic species, and intra- and interspecific (wild-domestic) activity patterns were compared. Results showed intraspecific differences in activity patterns among three different species, depending on their response to conservation and protection measures against anthropogenic activities. Nocturnal domestic species, such as the domestic cat ( Felis catus ), and cathemeral species, such as cattle ( Bos taurus ), showed high overlap in patterns and average activity. Activity pattern adjustments have been discussed as a response to anthropogenic pressure and the presence of domestic species. Our results provide evidence that some mammals could exhibit changes in temporal activity selection in specific environments. It is recommended to promote long-term, large-scale extension studies in these dry forest ecosystems, which present constant changes in land use.

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