Conservation of neotropical migrant and resident birds of the Rancho Sandoval ecological reserve, Laguna de Terminos, Campeche, Mexico: Managing for birds and cattle

摘要

The Rancho Sandoval, Campeche, Mexico, harbors a diverse assemblage of bird species. Bird conservation must be integrated with sustainable cattle production. I conducted bird counts at randomly selected points in forest and pasture habitats, then used the data in conjunction with habitat data to model bird species occurrence throughout the area of management concern. I used the models to predict the effects of 7 alternative management scenarios for 100 bird species, including 27 Neotropical migrants. I evaluated the scenarios according to their probable effects on bird-habitat guilds and species of conservation concern. Forest specialists constituted the largest guild and included most species of conservation concern. While maintaining a large forest matrix is crucial, an agroecological system including cattle grazing could benefit many additional species utilizing successional habitats. Important features include 10--20% woody vegetation in active pastures, fallow periods of 5--15 years, and enhancement of secondary vegetation with key plant resources.