Spatial-temporal dynamics of successional tropical forests and mammal diversity in the Huasteca, lowlands, Mexico

Resumen

Abstract Successional forests, commonly referred as “secondary vegetation”, are vegetation communities at different stages of ecological succession. These forests can connect scattered and isolated forest fragments across transformed landscapes, facilitating the natural recolonization of wildlife. This study analyzes land use and cover change dynamics in Mexico´s Huasteca lowlands. The study also evaluates the capacity of successional forests to serve as habitats for medium- and large-sized terrestrial mammals and their contribution to enhancing ecological connectivity. A GIS-based spatiotemporal analysis was conducted to assess these changes. Mammal surveys were conducted using camera traps installed in a successional forest patch over 18 months. The study was complemented by a Least-Cost Path analysis to stablish potential connectivity corridors. Cycles of deforestation and natural forest regeneration were observed in the lowlands, while land cover within a protected area remained stable. Successional forest hosts all six of felids species (jaguar, puma, jaguarundi, lynx, ocelot, and margay) reported in Mexico as well as abundant herbivores. These regenerated forests provide favorable habitat conditions for a wide range of fauna. Incorporating successional forests patches into the ecological corridor network increased the total length of the corridors by nearly threefold compared to scenarios considering only undisturbed forests. A better understanding of the critical role of successional forests was enabled by integrating spatial analysis, connectivity modeling, and field data.