MAIN SCIENTIFIC CONTRIBUTION OF THE FMVZ-UADY TO THE KNOWLEDGE OF TERRESTIAL VERTEBRATES IN THE YUCATAN PENINSULA, MEXICO

Abstract

Background. Mexico is one of the megadiverse countries, harbouring 10% of total worldwide biodiversity. The Yucatan peninsula has 1,010 terrestrial vertebrate species, approximately, however, unfortunately most of them are threatened or in danger of extinction, resulted of degradation, fragmentation, and transformation of habitats. Information generation is a permanent process in the Autonomous University of Yucatan and the Zoology department, to contribute to the conservation and management strategies for wild terrestrial vertebrate species in the region. Objective. To review the most relevant scientific information published by the Department of Zoology during its first 30 years of creation, focused to biology, ecology, zoonosis, diversity, and conservation of vertebrates. Methodology. A compilation of scientific information generated and published by the Zoology department was made mainly focused to biology, ecology, zoonosis, diversity and conservation of terrestrial vertebrates of the Yucatan Peninsula. Main findings. Publications have shown the large amount of information generated mainly in areas of diversity, ecology, zoonosis, and ethnobiology, being the last two areas particularly relevant in the last few years. Scientific collections have contributed largely to the knowledge of the wildlife fauna in the region. Implications. Information is generated by research projects which main objective is to increase the knowledge for supporting the conservation strategies of vertebrates in the Peninsula. Conclusion. The Zoology department has generated relevant information at local, regional, and international level, supporting the present fauna conservation and management strategies in the region.