Date of Graduation
12-2019
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences
Degree Level
Undergraduate
Department
Animal Science
Advisor/Mentor
Apple, Jason
Committee Member/Reader
Rosenkrans, Charles
Committee Member/Second Reader
Willson, John David
Committee Member/Third Reader
Smith, Kimberly
Committee Member/Fourth Reader
Hill, Jacques
Abstract
Belize is a small country, but it is extremely ecologically diverse. Based on the few studies conducted in Belize, the abundance of mammals is low but diversity is high. Particular findings note the number and identity of species differed between four sites in the Maya Mountains of Belize, indicating that a data set from a single site is not representative of the Neotropical region. Insufficient data is available to estimate current species richness of many areas in Belize, including Billy Barquedier National Park (BBNP). The objective of this study was to explore trapping and documentation methods of terrestrial mammals in BBNP, particularly in Zone 4, and to provide a baseline study of the present species. To accomplish the objectives, four methods were used: 1) direct visual observation; 2) observation of animal tracks; 3) live traps; and 4) game cameras. As expected based on previous studies, endangered species were present amongst the 16 mammal species documented. The various documentation methods presented unique biases towards species, with game cameras capturing the greatest mammal diversity. Further monitoring of animals in BBNP is needed for more accurate information regarding species richness and biodiversity. A controlled, consistent, long-term assessment of the number and composition of mammal species within BBNP could potentially improve management practices and conservation efforts.
Keywords
mammal, mammalia, rainforest, neotropical, jungle, ecology, population, inventory, survey, central america, terrestrial, arboreal, game camera, trapping, live trap, environment, food chain, herbivores, carnivores, rodents, national park, belize, animal, biodiversity, species richness, biology, zoology, service learning
Citation
Redding, M. (2019). Mammal species inventory using various trapping methods in Zone 4 of Billy Barquedier National Park, Belize during rainy season. Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/anscuht/33
Included in
Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology Commons, Biodiversity Commons, Biology Commons, Population Biology Commons, Service Learning Commons, Sustainability Commons, Terrestrial and Aquatic Ecology Commons, Zoology Commons