Availability and characterization of cavities used by pacas (Cuniculus paca) in the Lacandon Rainforest, Chiapas, Mexico

The studies of cavities used as refuges are necessary to develop effective management and conservation plans for native wildlife species and their habitats. There are no previous studies about the variables that influence the use of cavities by pacas (Cuniculus paca) in the Lacandon Rainforest of Chiapas, Mexico. The aims of this study were to identify distinctive characteristics of cavities used by pacas and to verify if these rodents used the cavities in proportion to their availability. We studied 3 sites with different land use where 42 cavities potentially used by pacas were detected and characterized, the presence of pacas was confirmed in 24 cavities using camera traps. The differences between cavities with and without paca presence were analyzed. In the study area, pacas used cavities underneath roots and inside fallen logs in secondary and riparian vegetation that were within 100 m from water bodies. Pacas are considerably tolerant to anthropogenic disturbances such as land use change, thereby easily adapting to fragmented landscapes.