Comparison of the assemblage of medium and large mammals in two sites with differences in human access and environmental conditions in the south of the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Abstract Mammal studies in the South of the Yucatan Peninsula often focus on local diversity, abundance, or subsistence hunting impacts. Our study uniquely examines the effects of water availability and human disturbance on medium- and large-sized terrestrial mammal diversity. Using 109 camera traps across two areas, Silvituc and Centenario, with differing human influence and water availability, we recorded 4,105 independent events representing 23 species. Silvituc, with higher water availability and lower hunting pressure, exhibited slightly greater species diversity (D1) than Centenario. Rank-abundance curves and NDMS analysis highlighted differences in mammal community structure between the two areas. Our findings suggest that water availability and hunting pressure may influence the presence of certain species, with potential impacts on habitat-dependent mammals. These results underscore the need for tailored management strategies in the Natural Protected Area, particularly to address anthropogenic effects in the Centenario area.