Habitat use and activity patterns of ungulates in a tropical rainforest of southern México

Baird’s tapir (Tapirella bairdii), white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari), and collared (Dicotyles tajacu) sympatrically occur in the Lacandon Forest of Chiapas, México. These species contribute to maintain ecosystem dynamics through herbivory, seed dispersal, predation, constituting important prey for large carnivores hunters. We analyzed activity patterns habitat use three focal assess degree temporal spatial segregation among them Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve (REBIMA) surrounding communities. Between February October 2015 we deployed camera-traps during 8,463 camera-trap days estimate presence tapirs peccaries two types: “conserved” (REBIMA), “transformed” (community forests; AFC). Habitat were assessed logistic regression models. found that was almost exclusively nocturnal with a trend towards crepuscular activity, while both diurnal, therefore showing high daily from tapir. Both similarly active study sites, more continuous forest within protected area. The occurrence depended on proximity water sources roads. Our results suggest allows coexistence AFC have potential maintaining populations Forest. Conserving these forests by local communities is essential ensure persistence mammals.