Papers by Alina Gabriela Monroy Gamboa
Biological Journal of the Linnean Society/Biological journal of the Linnean Society, Mar 21, 2024
Species of the Thomomys subgenera of pocket gophers dig tunnels differentially; Thomomys are main... more Species of the Thomomys subgenera of pocket gophers dig tunnels differentially; Thomomys are mainly claw-diggers while Megascapheus are tooth-diggers. Specific skull analyses could help in differentiating species in the bottae–umbrinus complex. This study revealed that Megascapheus shows similarity in cranium morphometry but that rostrum shape should show modifications associated with tooth-digging habits. We analysed cranium variation between Megascapheus species to identify interspecific variation. The variation in cranial morphometry within and between eight Megascapheus species was quantified through a two-dimensional geometric morphometry analysis based on 19 dorsal and 19 lateral reference points of 1172 specimens from different localities. Sample shape diversity and discrimination were analysed using principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical variable analysis (CVA). Sexual dimorphism tests were performed on cranium shape and size. A Student’s t-test was performed to explore differences between groups previously evaluated by CVA. PCA revealed considerable overlap across species in terms of view and sexes, with significant differences in Procrustes distances (shape) and centroid distances (size). The analyses showed that species in the subgenus Megascapheus have two main cranium morphotypes associated with the ecosystem that they inhabit. The analyses contribute to confirm the species level for T. fulvus and T. nigricans.
Conservation science and practice, Feb 26, 2024
Anthropogenic loss of biodiversity continues to increase worldwide, and existing conservation are... more Anthropogenic loss of biodiversity continues to increase worldwide, and existing conservation area networks (CANs) are inadequate for its adequate representation and persistence. To identify a set of new nominal conservation areas in Oaxaca, a Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot in Mexico, for terrestrial vertebrate species, we used a multi-criteria systematic conservation planning approach. Besides minimizing the area incorporated into the nominal CAN, we incorporated 25 socioeconomic variables using multi-attribute value theory. We constructed a portfolio of nominal CAN solutions for four different scenarios all of which satisfied a 10% representation target for the modeled suitable habitat of each vertebrate species: (1) existing protected area-based (PA) solution; (2) voluntary conservation area-based (VCA) solution; (3) PAVCA solution; and (4) R-C solution (rarity-complementary algorithm). The PA-VCA and PA solutions were the most expensive in terms of area that had to be included in the nominal CANs (13,352 km2 and 12,587 km2, respectively). In all our multi-criteria analyses, highest costs were associated with maximizing the number of airports, amount of tourism, and length of available highways in a nominal CAN. We have thus established a portfolio of multicriteria solutions to the problem of creating an adequate CAN for the representation of terrestrial vertebrate species.
DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), May 31, 2022
Population density and daily activity patterns of bobcat in its southernmost continental distribu... more Population density and daily activity patterns of bobcat in its southernmost continental distribution. Estimating density and activity patterns is useful for management and conservation of species. Data for Mexican bobcat (Lynx rufus) populations are scarce. Here we estimated the density of a bobcat population in Oaxaca, southern Mexico, and evaluated its daily activity patterns. We also evaluated macroecological patterns of bobcat density across its distribution range to determine any geographical (latitudinal, longitudinal, elevation, or range centroid) or climatic effects on the population density. Camera-trap data were divided into four 60-day periods (two in the dry season and two in the rainy season). Density was calculated using the random encounter model and daily activity patterns were analyzed fitting a kernel density function. The mean estimated density for the four periods was 17.3 bobcats/100 km 2 , with the highest densities occurring during the dry periods. Bobcat daily activity pattern presented two peaks, one after midnight and the other after dawn, with very slight changes between seasons. In the study area, density and activity patterns were associated with anthropogenic perturbation and prey availability. Bobcats increased their population density in the dry season, and showed a preference for activity at night and early morning hours when it is cooler and there are likely fewer competitors but more prey. Across its range, bobcat density was mainly related to annual precipitation and mean temperature of the driest quarter at 100 km radius buffers, and between annual precipitation and longitude on a smaller scale (50 km radius buffers). These findings support their preference for the arid or mesic environments that enabled them to reach southern areas of the Neartic region.
Caldasia
Skunks are important for the ecosystems as consumers of fruits, seeds, and insects. The hooded sk... more Skunks are important for the ecosystems as consumers of fruits, seeds, and insects. The hooded skunk (Mephitis macroura) is a medium-sized mammal common in North America, but its abundance is poorly known throughout its range. In a semiarid location in southern Mexico, we deployed a camera traps array to study the populations of meso-carnivores in three seasons. With 2520 camera days of sampling effort, we obtained 41 photographs of the hooded skunk, an average of 6.2 photographs per station, meaning a capture rate of 1.63 photographs/camera day per 100. Based on pelage color patterns and specific characteristics, we identified 25 individuals (seven to twelve skunks per season). Single camera-trap stations recorded up to seven different skunk individuals (an average of 3.6 individuals). The maximum number of capture-recaptures was four for three skunk individuals, and the average capture-recapture record was 1.4 per skunk. Although the survey area was appropriate for mesocarnivores,...
Therya Ixmana, Jan 10, 2024
Diatomeas registradas en oasis, 1. Cocconeis placentula var. placentula, 2. Rhopalodia gibberula,... more Diatomeas registradas en oasis, 1. Cocconeis placentula var. placentula, 2. Rhopalodia gibberula, 3. Nitzschia dissipata. Fotografías: Yuriko J. Martínez.
Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2024
Species of the Thomomys subgenera of pocket gophers dig tunnels differentially; Thomomys are main... more Species of the Thomomys subgenera of pocket gophers dig tunnels differentially; Thomomys are mainly claw-diggers while Megascapheus are tooth-diggers. Specific skull analyses could help in differentiating species in the bottae–umbrinus complex. This study revealed that Megascapheus shows similarity in cranium morphometry but that rostrum shape should show modifications associated with tooth-digging habits. We analysed cranium variation between Megascapheus species to identify interspecific variation. The variation in cranial morphometry within and between eight Megascapheus species was quantified through a two-dimensional geometric morphometry analysis based on 19 dorsal and 19 lateral reference points of 1172 specimens from different localities. Sample shape diversity and discrimination were analysed using principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical variable analysis (CVA). Sexual dimorphism tests were performed on cranium shape and size. A Student’s t-test was performed to explore differences between groups previously evaluated by CVA. PCA revealed considerable overlap across species in terms of view and sexes, with significant differences in Procrustes distances (shape) and centroid distances (size). The analyses showed that species in the subgenus Megascapheus have two main cranium morphotypes associated with the ecosystem that they inhabit. The analyses contribute to confirm the species level for T. fulvus and T. nigricans.
Conservation Science and Practice, 2024
Anthropogenic loss of biodiversity continues to increase worldwide, and existing conservation are... more Anthropogenic loss of biodiversity continues to increase worldwide, and existing conservation area networks (CANs) are inadequate for its adequate representation and persistence. To identify a set of new nominal conservation areas in Oaxaca, a Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot in Mexico, for terrestrial vertebrate species, we used a multi-criteria systematic conservation planning approach. Besides minimizing the area incorporated into the nominal CAN, we incorporated 25 socioeconomic variables using multi-attribute value theory. We constructed a portfolio of nominal CAN solutions for four different scenarios all of which satisfied a 10% representation target for the modeled suitable habitat of each vertebrate species: (1) existing protected area-based (PA) solution; (2) voluntary conservation area-based (VCA) solution; (3) PAVCA solution; and (4) R-C solution (rarity-complementary algorithm). The PA-VCA and PA solutions were the most expensive in terms of area that had to be included in the nominal CANs (13,352 km2 and 12,587 km2, respectively).
In all our multi-criteria analyses, highest costs were associated with
maximizing the number of airports, amount of tourism, and length of available highways in a nominal CAN. We have thus established a portfolio of multicriteria solutions to the problem of creating an adequate CAN for the representation of terrestrial vertebrate species.
Therya ixmana, 2024
En ecosistemas áridos, los escasos cuerpos de agua son esenciales para hidratar a muchas especies... more En ecosistemas áridos, los escasos cuerpos de agua son esenciales para hidratar a muchas especies, entre ellas los mamíferos. Te has preguntado alguna vez ¿qué organismos microscópicos se encuentran en el agua que beben?
Therya ixmana, 2023
El nombre de esta especie de mamífero nos hace imaginar un alebrije, un oso que a la vez es cabal... more El nombre de esta especie de mamífero nos hace imaginar un alebrije, un oso que a la vez es caballo y que además es un animal que come hormigas. ¿Existe en realidad algo semejante? Debido a su extraña apariencia este mamífero fue objeto de muchas historias que causaron su extinción local.
Therya ixmana, 2023
Hay diversas maneras de diferenciar a las especies, sin embargo, algunas son muy parecidas a simp... more Hay diversas maneras de diferenciar a las especies, sin embargo, algunas son muy parecidas a simple vista y en ocasiones las podemos confundir, sobre todo si modifican su apariencia a lo largo del año, como los cánidos que mudan su pelaje como adaptación a las modificaciones del clima.
Frontiers in Environmental Science, 2023
Animal Biodiversity and Conservation
Estimating density and activity patterns is useful for management and conservation of species. Da... more Estimating density and activity patterns is useful for management and conservation of species. Data for Mexican bobcat (Lynx rufus) populations are scarce. Here we estimated the density of a bobcat population in Oaxaca, southern Mexico, and evaluated its daily activity patterns. We also evaluated macroecological patterns of bobcat density across its distribution range to determine any geographical (latitudinal, longitudinal, elevation, or range centroid) or climatic effects on the population density. Camera–trap data were divided into four 60–day periods (two in the dry season and two in the rainy season). Density was calculated using the random encounter model and daily activity patterns were analyzed fitting a kernel density function. The mean estimated density for the four periods was 17.3 bobcats/100 km2, with the highest densities occurring during the dry periods. Bobcat daily activity pattern presented two peaks, one after midnight and the other after dawn, with very slight ch...
Therya ixmana, 2023
Los carnívoros silvestres son propensos a infectarse de enfermedades altamente virulentas y m... more Los carnívoros silvestres son propensos a infectarse de enfermedades altamente virulentas y mortales que pueden extinguir poblaciones completas. ¿Podrían herramientas como los biosensores con nanopartículas, ayudar a detectar las enfermedades de este grupo de manera rápida y en campo?
Therya, 2022
La enfermedad causada por el virus del distemper canino (CDV) se presenta comúnmente en carnívoro... more La enfermedad causada por el virus del distemper canino (CDV) se presenta comúnmente en carnívoros con consecuencias mortales y ha causado la extinción local de algunas especies. Monitorear y diagnosticar la propagación del CDV de forma rápida y eficaz, es indispensable, ya que puede contribuir a contener y planificar estrategias de control en etapas tempranas. El uso de biosensores basados en nanopartículas (NPs) puede ser una novedosa alternativa. Sin embargo, un análisis sistemático del diseño, uso y alcance de estos dispositivos puede vislumbrar su potencial aplicación en el diagnóstico y control de la enfermedad. En este sentido, el presente trabajo compila los resultados más actuales del uso de biosensores para el diagnóstico de la enfermedad por el virus del distemper canino. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica del uso de biosensores para el diagnóstico de diferentes virus de importancia humana y zoonótica. Después se buscaron y analizaron los biosensores diseñados para el diagnóstico y control del CDV. Las búsquedas se realizaron en bases de datos científicas con el conjunto de palabras "Canine Distemper Virus", "nanoparticles" and "biosensors". No se encontraron estudios con fauna silvestre. Se encontraron 50 estudios que muestran el desarrollo y aplicación de biosensores para virus en animales domésticos y en condiciones de laboratorio. Se encontró que el uso de NPs metálicas con propiedades ópticas, por ejemplo, las NPs de oro y puntos cuánticos; han sido los principales sistemas para el diseño de biosensores usados en el diagnóstico y control del CDV. Las perspectivas a futuro es que el uso de esta tecnología pueda trasladarse a la vida silvestre, en una especie de amplia distribución como el coyote, por medio del desarrollo de un dispositivo con un biosensor específico para CDV, para la detección in situ sin necesidad de capturar los individuos. El detectar a las poblaciones contagiadas con CDV en tiempo real, contribuirá a un mejor manejo y contención de la enfermedad para mantener la inocuidad de los ecosistemas.
Ecosistemas y Recursos Agropecuarios, 2016
Oaxaca es el estado con mayor diversidad biológica de México, ocupa el primer lugar en riqueza de... more Oaxaca es el estado con mayor diversidad biológica de México, ocupa el primer lugar en riqueza de especies de anfibios, reptiles, aves y mamíferos. Sin embargo, la pérdida y fragmentación del hábitat así como la cacería excesiva son las principales amenazas en la conservación de estas especies. Para conocer el estado de conservación de la fauna de Oaxaca, se actualizaron las listas de especies de vertebrados terrestres y se consultaron la Norma Oficial Mexicana 059 (NOM-059), la lista roja de la Unión Internacional para la Conservación de la Naturaleza (IUCN) y los apéndices del Convención sobre el Comercio Internacional de Especies Amenazadas de Fauna y Flora Silvestres (CITES). De un total de 1 363 especies de vertebrados conocidos en Oaxaca, 567 (41.59 %) se encuentran en alguna de las listas. En la NOM-059, se encuentran 453 especies (79.90 %), en la lista de la IUCN 165 (29.46 %) y en los apéndices CITES 157 (28.03 %). Del total de especies enlistadas 96 son anfibios (16.93 %),...
Western North American Naturalist
The coyote (Canis latrans) has a wide distribution range, spanning boreal forests from the north ... more The coyote (Canis latrans) has a wide distribution range, spanning boreal forests from the north of the continent to tropical environments in Central America, showing great adaptation and plasticity. Bergmann’s rule states that individuals inhabiting colder climates are larger than those in warmer climates. It is suggested that in carnivore species, litter size is influenced by allometric constraints such as maternal body size. The aim of this study is to analyze the relations using correlation between female coyote mass, latitude, and litter size. Using data compiled from the literature, I carried out statistical analyses to correlate female body size, litter size, and latitude for coyotes across their distribution range. The results indicated a soft significant correlation between female body size and latitude, confirming Bergmann’s rule. However, no significant correlation was found between litter size and latitude or between litter size and female body size; litter size in coyotes remains roughly uniform across their distribution range. El coyote (Canis latrans) tiene un amplio rango de distribución, que abarca desde bosques boreales en el norte del continente hasta ambientes tropicales en Centroamérica, mostrando una gran adaptación y plasticidad. La regla de Bergmann establece que los individuos en climas más fríos son más grandes que los que habitan en los climas más cálidos. Se sugiere que en las especies el tamaño de la camada está influenciada por restricciones alométricas como el tamaño del cuerpo materno. El objetivo de este estudio es analizar la relación entre el peso de las hembras de coyote, la latitud y el tamaño de la camada. Utilizando datos recopilados de la literatura, llevé a cabo análisis estadísticos para correlacionar el tamaño del cuerpo de la hembra de coyote con el tamaño de la camada y la latitud en su rango de distribución. Los resultados indicaron una correlación ligeramente significativa entre el tamaño del cuerpo de las hembras y la latitud, lo que confirma la regla de Bergmann. Sin embargo, no se encontró una correlación significativa entre el tamaño de la camada y la latitud o el tamaño de la camada y el tamaño del cuerpo de las hembras. Ya que, se encontró que el tamaño de la camada en los coyotes es similar a lo largo de todo su rango de distribución.
Therya ixmana, 2022
Las relaciones entre los carnívoros no siempre son peleas por competencia, pueden interactuar de ... more Las relaciones entre los carnívoros no siempre son peleas por competencia, pueden interactuar de manera mutualista, donde ambas especies se beneficiarán y quizá hasta disfruten de su compañía.
Animal Biodiversity and Conservation, 2022
Population density and daily activity patterns of bobcat in its southernmost continental distribu... more Population density and daily activity patterns of bobcat in its southernmost continental distribution. Estimating density and activity patterns is useful for management and conservation of species. Data for Mexican bobcat (Lynx rufus) populations are scarce. Here we estimated the density of a bobcat population in Oaxaca, southern Mexico, and evaluated its daily activity patterns. We also evaluated macroecological patterns of bobcat density across its distribution range to determine any geographical (latitudinal, longitudinal, elevation, or range centroid) or climatic effects on the population density. Camera-trap data were divided into four 60-day periods (two in the dry season and two in the rainy season). Density was calculated using the random encounter model and daily activity patterns were analyzed fitting a kernel density function. The mean estimated density for the four periods was 17.3 bobcats/100 km 2 , with the highest densities occurring during the dry periods. Bobcat daily activity pattern presented two peaks, one after midnight and the other after dawn, with very slight changes between seasons. In the study area, density and activity patterns were associated with anthropogenic perturbation and prey availability. Bobcats increased their population density in the dry season, and showed a preference for activity at night and early morning hours when it is cooler and there are likely fewer competitors but more prey. Across its range, bobcat density was mainly related to annual precipitation and mean temperature of the driest quarter at 100 km radius buffers, and between annual precipitation and longitude on a smaller scale (50 km radius buffers). These findings support their preference for the arid or mesic environments that enabled them to reach southern areas of the Neartic region.
Therya, 2022
Global climate change occurs from both natural and anthropic causes. Anthropic climate change ha... more Global climate change occurs from both natural and anthropic causes. Anthropic climate change has effects at various scales and occurs faster than the adaptation of species to these changes. Protected natural areas have been created to preserve species from the different threats facing them. Sierra La Laguna is a sky island with almost no anthropic pressure given its natural isolation; it is home to several endemic taxa, including Peromyscus truei lagunae and Sorex ornatus lagunae. This study aims to assess the possible impact of climate change on species endemic to a sky island exposed to virtually no local anthropic pressure. The Sierra La Laguna sky island, located in the southern region of the Baja California peninsula, harbors different vegetation types, including an oak-pine forest at the highest elevations and xeric vegetation at lower ones. Ecological niche models were developed under three climate change scenarios contemplating temperature rises of 1.5 °C and 4.4 °C. ...
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Papers by Alina Gabriela Monroy Gamboa
In all our multi-criteria analyses, highest costs were associated with
maximizing the number of airports, amount of tourism, and length of available highways in a nominal CAN. We have thus established a portfolio of multicriteria solutions to the problem of creating an adequate CAN for the representation of terrestrial vertebrate species.
In all our multi-criteria analyses, highest costs were associated with
maximizing the number of airports, amount of tourism, and length of available highways in a nominal CAN. We have thus established a portfolio of multicriteria solutions to the problem of creating an adequate CAN for the representation of terrestrial vertebrate species.
Este libro se realizó gracias al financiamiento de la Secretaría de Ciencia, Tecnología e Innovación de la Ciudad de México (SECITI).