Researching the Key to Survival for Yucatan Mammals EPOnline.com
go to original August 22, 2014

In the jungle of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico there are no rivers or streams, yet the jungle is teeming with wildlife. Jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, monkeys and marsupials all inhabit the region and use, as their sole source of fresh water, ancient subterranean sinkholes called ‘cenotes.’ Associate Professor Karl Vernes from the University of New England, Australia, is undertaking research into these mysterious water sources and the habits of the animals that use them in a bid to conserve the unique ecosystems of a region which is facing the strains of mass development and tourism.

Associate Professor Vernes has been on location in Mexico, where he has installed infrared sensor video cameras to capture footage of mammals as they enter caves to access the water pools. The footage recorded by these cameras will allow Vernes to document how the cenotes are used by different species.

Vernes’ research is being done in partnership with the Mexican grass-roots conservation organisation El Centro Investigador del Sistema Aquífero de Quintana Roo (CINDAQ), whose mission is to facilitate research, promote education, and support conservation of the natural and cultural resources associated with the cenotes and underground rivers of the region.

“We know that the cenotes are used primarily as a water source, but we have also early indications that certain animals may also be hunting within the cave systems,” Vernes said.

“Our primary aim is to learn more about them in order to raise awareness of their importance to mammal species and the environment as a whole. We hope that by seeing footage of fascinating animals such as jaguars using the cenotes, people may change their views on development of hotels and roads.

Read the rest at EPOnline.com

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