Luis-Bernardo Vazquez | El Colegio de la Frontera Sur (original) (raw)

Papers by Luis-Bernardo Vazquez

Ecosystems and People, 2021

Sustainability requires a combination of meaningful co-production of locally relevant solutions, ... more Sustainability requires a combination of meaningful co-production of locally relevant solutions, synthesis of insights gained across regions, and increased cooperation between science, policy and practice. The Programme for Ecosystem Change and Society (PECS) has been coordinating Place-Based Social-Ecological Sustainability Research (PBSESR) across the globe and emphasizes the need for regional scientific nodes from diverse biocultural regions to inform sustainability science and action. In this paper, we assess the strengths of the PBSESR communities in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). We provide an overview of PBSESR literature associated with this region and highlight the achievements of two prominent regional networks: The Social-Ecological Systems and Sustainability Research Network from Mexico (SocioEcoS) and the South American Institute for Resilience and Sustainability Studies from Uruguay (SARAS Institute). Finally, we identify the potential in these nodes to constitute a regional PECS node in Latin America and discuss the capacity needed to ensure such function. The results of the literature review show that while still loosely interconnected across the region, networks play key roles in connecting otherwise cloistered teams and we illustrate how the SocioEcoS network (focusing on transdisciplinary co-production of knowledge towards sustainability) and the SARAS Institute (focusing on innovative approaches for looking at complex social-ecological problems, rooted in slow science and arts) operate as key connectors in the region. We conclude that these organizations combined can embody a Latin American node for PECS, and would thereby not only contribute to regional but also global capacities to advance the sustainability agenda.

Journal of Urban Ecology, 2020

Huitzil, Oct 25, 2022

Todos los autores revisaron y acordaron la versión publicada del manuscrito.

Écoscience, 2021

ABSTRACT Caribbean islands are important hotspots for endemic species, concentrating high biodive... more ABSTRACT Caribbean islands are important hotspots for endemic species, concentrating high biodiversity on exceptionally small areas. Cozumel Island is not an exception, yet little published information exists on its bird diversity. In this study, we assessed the contribution of each major ecosystem of Cozumel Island (i.e., tropical forest, mangrove, palm thicket, and urban setting) to the island's avian diversity. Avian richness was highest in tropical forests, followed by mangroves, palm thickets, and urban setting. Bird densities were highest in urban settings, followed by tropical forests, mangroves, and palm thickets. Species composition similarity among ecosystems was low, with the most dissimilar ecosystem being the urban setting. Interestingly, we recorded the highest number of unique species in mangroves, followed by tropical forests, urban settings, and palm thickets. Tropical forests and mangroves of Cozumel Island are the main ecosystems harboring high avian diversity, with tropical forests housing high avian densities and endemics and mangroves including the most unique species. As expected, the contribution of urban settings to the avian diversity of Cozumel Island is limited and includes some highly abundant invasive species, of which the Eurasian Collared-Dove could represent a major ecological threat.

For being a relatively small island, of approximately 480 km2, Cozumel receives particular nation... more For being a relatively small island, of approximately 480 km2, Cozumel receives particular national and international attention for the coral reefs to which it is related, which are part of the Great Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Due to its ecological importance, in 1996 the Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park was decreed in order to protect these unique and invaluable natural resources. However, tourism takes advantage of its spectacular underwater attractions, being considered one of the most important sites for diving worldwide. The island's urban center, San Miguel de Cozumel, is currently home to more than 70,000 inhabitants and has grown significantly in recent years. Particularly in the case of birds, a great diversity of species can be found on the island, many of which are migratory, that is, they spend only one season of the year (generally winter) on the island. Over the years, more than 230 species have been recorded, which have been compiled at: www.avesdecozumel.org. H...

Springer Protocols Handbooks, 2018

Animal Conservation, 2021

Islands have unique biotas, often including a large proportion of endemic species. They are also ... more Islands have unique biotas, often including a large proportion of endemic species. They are also extremely vulnerable to the introduction of non-native species, as evidenced by the majority of mammalian extinctions in the last five centuries occurring on islands. Many examples exist of domestic (feral) cats (Felis catus) becoming invasive, negatively affecting native fauna (V azquez-Dom ınguez et al. 2004). However, regarding introduced wild felid species, there is only one example that we know of, the jaguarundi (Herpailurus yagouaroundi), which is considered to have been introduced into Florida on the early 20th century. No other wild felid species are known to have been introduced into a non-native region with the potential of becoming invasive. The margay (Leopardus wiedii) is a small size (<4 kg) Neotropical cat, with a broad geographical distribution extending from the coastal plains of Mexico into South America, from east of the Andes to southern Paraguay, northern Argentina and Uruguay. It is predominantly uncommon to rare throughout its range, and strongly associated with relatively conserved tropical forests (de Oliveira et al. 2015). The species is classified as ‘Endangered’ in Mexico (Semarnat, 2010), and ‘Near threatened’ by the IUCN (de Oliveira et al. 2015), mainly due to habitat destruction, hunting, human-related conflicts and the pet trade. Cozumel Island, approximately 478 km, lying in the Mexican Caribbean, is located 17.5 km off the Yucatan peninsula, with no land bridge connecting it with the Mexican mainland (Cuar on, 2009). The island was formed between the Oligocene and the Pleistocene, separated from the continental mainland by the Cozumel channel, more than 400-m deep, with predominant strong currents. Importantly, no previous records exist of the margay living on Cozumel; numerous explorers and collectors visited the island during the 19th and 20th centuries, and no one indicated the presence of the species on Cozumel. A thorough zooarcheological study, with detailed records of faunal specimens found in archaeological remains confirmed the historical absence of margays on Cozumel (Hambling, 1984). As part of our long-term research on the native and introduced biota on Cozumel (e.g. Mart ınez-Morales & Cuar on, 1999; Cuar on et al. 2004), our research group conducted intensive Tomahawk and camera-trapping programs, starting in 2001 and 2013, respectively, across 20 areas throughout the island. On 20 February 2006, we captured one margay (Fig. 1a; juvenile female, 2.7 kg, 850 mm total length; north-western side of the island; 20.548°N, 86.915°W), the first record ever on the island. On 24 and 26 January 2014, we recorded another individual (Fig. 1b, c) on two camera traps separated by 2.85 km, in the south of the island (20.275°N, 86.992°W; 20.298°N, 86.003°W), and on 8 April 2014, a different individual (Fig. 1d) was recorded in the northeastern coast (20.458°N, 86.805°W). In the following years (2015–2018), at least 30 different individuals were camera-trapped (Fig. 1e,f). Therefore, we can confirm the margay is well established and widespread across the island. Human-mediated introduction is the most plausible cause for the margay being present on Cozumel; indeed, this felid is amongst the most common species kept as a pet in southern Mexico. The next step of our research is to perform population and ecological assessments, density and occupancy models, as well as ecological niche modeling, to have the complete assessment of the margay population’s current status. This information is crucial to design the most appropriate management strategies, particularly the urgent need to remove the margay from Cozumel, and to evaluate if, and how, the Cozumel individuals can be used in reintroductions, repopulations or other conservation programs. No major predators inhabit Cozumel Island. The largest native vertebrate predators are the endemic pygmy raccoon

Science of The Total Environment, Nov 1, 2020

'Rural' is widely referred to across an array of disciplines. Often used to broadly descr... more 'Rural' is widely referred to across an array of disciplines. Often used to broadly describe study groups or areas, the definition of 'rural' has been subject to discussion and debate, triggering a diverse set of conceptual and practical meanings of the term. This has resulted in important ambiguity related to the concept of 'rural' and the pressing need to build an integral framework that allows its standardization. Here we assess the current conception from the academic arena through a global survey of researchers. Our results show that 'rural' is widely defined with no clear consensus even about the central components of its definition. We found marked variation in the conception of 'rural' among respondents, but area of expertise showed less influence than region of origin. We suggest a hierarchical, context-dependent, and integrative framework that considers an urban-non-urban dichotomy followed by a trichotomy based on human presence and activities, encompassing all social and ecological systems on Earth.

Science of The Total Environment, 2021

Land use conflict is a major contributor to unsustainable deforestation rates, with agriculture b... more Land use conflict is a major contributor to unsustainable deforestation rates, with agriculture being the primary driver. Demand for agricultural output is forecast to increase for years to come and the associated deforestation is a key driver in global declines of biodiversity. Moreover, deforestation is contributing to instability of agricultural production systems and reduces our ability to mitigate anthropogenically driven climate change. There is urgency in reducing this land use conflict and the cultivation of ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) may provide a partial solution. As an example, here we focus on Lactarius indigo, an edible and historically appreciated species with distribution in the Neotropics and Nearctic. Exploring the geographic spread and associated climate preferences, we describe how cultivation of this species can be combined with forest-based biodiversity and conservation goals. Detailing a full methodology, including mycelium production and how to create trees that may produce the fungus, we explore potential benefits. Combing data from the emerging field of EMF cultivation with nutritional studies, we show that a protein production of 7.31 kg per hectare should be possible, exceeding that of extensive pastoral beef production. In contrast to commercial agriculture, L. indigo cultivation may enhance biodiversity, contribute to conservational goals and create a net sink of greenhouse gases whilst at the same time producing a similar or higher level of protein per unit area than the most common agriculture use of deforested land. With such startling and clear benefits, we call for urgent action to further the development of such novel food production systems.

Ecofronteras, May 1, 2016

Animal Biodiversity and Conservation, 2009

Three sets of priority cells for mammal conservation in Mexico were identified using distribution... more Three sets of priority cells for mammal conservation in Mexico were identified using distributional data. A complementarity approach was implemented through linear integer programming. The minimum set of sites required for the representation of each mammal species varied between 38 (5.4%) grid cells for at least one occurrence, 110 (15.6%) grid cells for at least three occurrences, and 173 (24.5%) grid cells for at least five occurrences. The complementary analyses mainly highlighted three regions of particular concern for mammal conservation in Mexico: (i) the trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt and natural provinces of the Pacific Coast, (ii) Sierra Madre del Sur and the Highlands of Chiapas, and (iii) the northern portion of the Sierra Madre Occidental. The results reported here did not indicate absolute priority locations for conservation activities, but rather identified locations warranting further investigation at finer resolutions more appropriate to such activity

The identiWcation of priority areas for conservation tends to take place over two fundamentally d... more The identiWcation of priority areas for conservation tends to take place over two fundamentally diVerent spatial extents. First, there are analyses conducted at global or large biogeographic extents. Second, there are those conducted within geopolitical units. In this paper we show, using data for North American mammals, that spatial extent can have a profound eVect both on the number and locations of the priority areas identiWed to attain a particular conservation goal. For example, applying the same selection target to obtaining just a single representation of each species, the numbers of areas required increased by approximately an order of magnitude between treating North America as a single unit and treating the provinces separately. Although this scenario is undoubtedly extremely simplis-tic, such large diVerences are maintained with greater occurrence targets. Balancing the beneWts and disadvantages of conservation planning at diVerent spatial extents is not straightforward. ...

Revista Mexicana de Biodiversidad, 2009

¿Qué tan bien representados están los mamíferos mexicanos en la red federal de áreas naturales pr... more ¿Qué tan bien representados están los mamíferos mexicanos en la red federal de áreas naturales protegidas del país?

Ethnobiology and Conservation, 2019

Systematic reviews and meta-analytical approach are a tool used in different social and biologica... more Systematic reviews and meta-analytical approach are a tool used in different social and biological disciplines, but its application in evaluating ethnobiological information is scarce. Thus, through this analytical approach, we seek to answer if there are any patterns in the mexican ethnozoological scientific production. We searched for studies published between 2005 and 2015 in catalogues, repositories and databases. For evaluating significative differences among seven variable datasets, we first used non parametric Kruskal-Wallis tests and then Tukey multiple comparison tests. We also determined the link between researchers and institutions with a multidimensional non-metric scaling analysis. We found 295 published studies, book chapters were the most representative (27%), diffusion articles (20%), impact factor articles (15%) and indexed articles (14%). There are significant differences in the number of publications among the evaluated years, among thematic areas, study focus (qualitative/quantitative), ethnographic and biological methods. Regarding academic linking, we identified 94 author adscription institutions, however, no research networks were identified. Our results suggest that the amount, diffusion and reach of mexican ethnozoological production show a tendency to non-periodic publishing, predilection for qualitative approach, a low use of statistical and ethnobiological analysis, as well as an inadequate selection of biological methods. We suggest this data analysis approach will allow a better standardization for information taking and processing, aiding the discipline in its growth and consolidation.

Urban Ecosystems, 2016

Activity and species-specific responses of insectivorous bats in different urban-forest condition... more Activity and species-specific responses of insectivorous bats in different urban-forest conditions provides a general perspective on the adaptability and vulnerability of bat species towards urbanization intensity. Here we evaluated species richness and activity patterns of aerial insectivorous bats across an urbanized landscape in the highlands of Chiapas, in Mexico. Acoustic monitoring of echolocation calls was conducted for 27 nights over a period of four months. Species richness and relative activity of insectivorous bats were estimated in a landscape with different conditions of urbanization intensity: urban areas, non-urban and forest areas. We identified a total of 14 bat species and three phonotypes. Bat species richness and relative activity was similar (X2 = 0.568, gl = 2, p > 0.05), but species composition differed among conditions. We observed a significant higher occurrence of Bauerus dubiaquercus, Eptesicus brasiliensis and Myotis californicus in forest sites. Urban sites presented higher occurrence of Molossus rufus and phonotype Molossidae 2, while non-urban sites presented a higher occurrence of Eptesicus furinalis and phonotype Molossidae 2. We were able to identify bat species according to their relative activity in relation todifferent landscape conditions. Species of the Molossidae family presented the highest activity in urban sites, which was positively affected by the number of streetlights, while species of the Vespertilionidae presented the highest activity in forest sites, which was positively related totree density. While urbanization tends to diminish native biodiversity and alter faunal communities, our results show a similar richness and relative activity of aerial insectivorous bats along the urban ecosystem. The effect of urbanization intensity becomes more apparent in species-specific bat activity; the response of species towards particular habitat conditions depends on local habitat quality and characteristics (i.e., presence of streetlights, vegetation cover and tree density).

Therya, 2016

Influencia de la composición y estructura de paisajes modificados en la abundancia de dos marsupi... more Influencia de la composición y estructura de paisajes modificados en la abundancia de dos marsupiales durante el periodo de estiaje

Journal for Nature Conservation, 2016

We evaluated the influence of six human activities (related variables) on the richness and abunda... more We evaluated the influence of six human activities (related variables) on the richness and abundance of large and medium-sized mammals in the southern portion of the Lacandon Rainforest, including protected and non-protected areas. The human activities measured have different influences on mammal richness and abundance. Our results show that some human activities (human density and anthropogenic land cover, and agriculture/cattle ranching) had no effect on large and medium-sized mammal populations, but communitybased protection, such as medium levels of tourism and hunting, had a negative influence 2 on richness and abundance. Those variables negatively influencing the mammal community were reported in one of the study sites. Data indicate both an opportunity for applied integral conservation actions that involve people and their activities, as well as an opportunity to support biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes by integrating human activities with protected areas and conservation.

Journal of Tropical Ecology, 2016

The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is considered highly adaptable to anthropogenic distu... more The Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana) is considered highly adaptable to anthropogenic disturbances; however, the genetic effects of disturbance on this marsupial have not been studied in wild populations in Mexico. Here we evaluated the genetic diversity of D. virginiana at sites with different levels of disturbance within the Highlands and Central Depression regions of Chiapas in southern Mexico. Twelve microsatellite loci were used and the results demonstrated moderate mean heterozygosity (H e = 0.60; H o = 0.50). No significant differences in heterozygosity were found among sites with different levels of disturbance in both regions (range H o = 0.42-0.57). We observed low but significant levels of genetic differentiation according to disturbance level. The inbreeding coefficient did not differ significantly from zero, suggesting that low genetic differentiation in these environments may be associated with sufficient random mating and gene flow, a result associated with the high dispersal and tolerance characteristics of this marsupial. Our results for D. virginiana in this particular area of Mexico provide a foundation for exploring the impact of human disturbance on the genetic diversity of a common and generalist species.