Impact of H urricane D ean (2007) on Game Species of the S elva M aya, M exico

We assessed the effects of a high‐intensity hurricane on the abundance of nine game species in the Y ucatan P eninsula, M exico. We sampled 370 km of linear transects in the 3 yr before the hurricane ( i.e ., 2003–2005), and 315 km in 3 yr after the hurricane (2008–2010). Relative track abundances of all species declined by two‐thirds of their prehurricane values. Abundances of C entral A merican agouti D asyprocta punctata , white‐tailed deer O docoileus virginianus , paca C uniculus paca , and G reat C urassow C rax rubra declined significantly after the hurricane swept the area. Relative track abundances showed a negative, but nonsignificant trend for O cellated T urkey M eleagris ocellata , white‐nosed coati N asua narica , brocket deer M azama sp., and collared peccary P ecari tajacu . Only nine‐banded armadillo D asypus novemcinctus showed a significant increase in abundance. Strictly frugivore and habitat specialist species were more affected than omnivores and habitat generalist species. These latter characteristics, or their combination, seemed advantageous to withstand the stress of habitat disturbance. The trend of posthurricane recovery was incipient for affected species, and it was significant for five species after the impact. Overall, most frugivores and habitat specialists did not reach their prehurricane relative track abundances, and G reat C urassow showed no recovery trend. The future expectation of increased frequency and intensity of hurricanes might have severe effects on such species.