Identification of Wildlife Biodiversity in a Protected Area with Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum) Agroecosystem Using Camera Traps in Huehuetán, Chiapas, México

The relative abundance of mammals serves as indicator of population status, highlighting spatial and temporal variations. Photo-trapping offers a reliable study, non-invasive and efficient method for biodiversity population studies. Our research focused on the shaded rambutan management system in Huehuetán, Chiapas, México. Characterized by complex vegetation structure and high habitats heterogeneity. Sampling occurred from January 5 to November 5, 2023, using twelve camera traps across four sectors, covering an area of 2500 m2 of rambutan agroecosystem. Each photo-trapping sector had 3 camera traps which operated 24 hours a day. Our study revealed the presence of eleven species, including White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus Zimmermann), Gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus Schreber), Virginia Opossum (Didelphis virginiana Allen), Raccoons (Procyon lotor Linnaeus), American hog-nosed skunk (Conepatus leuconotus. Lichtenstein), Nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus), White-winged Doves (Zenaida asiatica), Lowland paca (cuniculus paca) and Tricolored heron (Egretta tricolor). The rambutan provides habitats feeding, shelter and breeding sites for local wildlife. However, population growth threatens biodiversity, forcing species migration and altering local wildlife dynamics.