Abstract

MARTINEZ-CECENAS, Yuriana; HENAUT, Yann; NARANJO, Eduardo J.  and  CARRILLO-REYES, Arturo. Feeding behavior of lowland paca (Cuniculus paca) in two sites with different land use in the Lancandona Rainforest, Chiapas, Mexico. Rev. Mex. Biodiv. [online]. 2020, vol.91, e912971.  Epub Dec 22, 2020. ISSN 2007-8706.  https://doi.org/10.22201/ib.20078706e.2020.91.2971.

Habitat transformation may influence the feeding habits of mammals such as the lowland paca, Cuniculus paca. The objectives of this study were: 1) to evaluate the effect of human activity on paca foraging habits, 2) to document the foraging habits of this rodent, and 3) to analyze potential differences in the foraging behavior among paca individuals in the study area. From January to June 2016, feeding sites (feeders) of pacas under Pouteria sapota, Brosimum alicastrum, and Attalea butyracea trees were characterized and monitored in disturbed and conserved sites. The frequency of visits, foraging schedule and feeding behavior of pacas were recorded, and the effect of individual pacas and feeder characteristics on food consumption were evaluated. We obtained 1,743 records of paca visits and described its neutral, evasive, agonistic and sexual behaviors. We found that human activity and food types affect food consumption. Therefore, this rodent shows diverse foraging behaviors allowing it to take advantage of available resources, coexist with competitors, and avoid predation.

Keywords : Feeding habits; Frugivore; Opportunistic.

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