FAUNA
A Look at Terrestrial Mammals in Baja California Text by Héctor Sánchez (UABC), Yael Schoeppe (UDLAP), Leticia Marisol Talavera (UNAM) and Iamania Vergara (UDLAP) Photos by Alan Harper, Antonieta Valenzuela and Terra Peninsular This article was translated by Antonieta Valenzuela
M
ammals are vertebrate animals that,due to their adaptations, have been able to establish in the most diverse ecosystems in the world (Sánchez-Cordero et al., 2014). In addition to this, mammals are a fundamental link in the food chain, both human and animal, and therefore, are elementary to maintain the balance of ecosystems (IUCN, 2009). Mexico ranks third worldwide for mammal diversity, behind countries such as Indonesia and Brazil. Of the 535 species described in Mexico, 488 are terrestrial, of which 164 are endemic and 47 are marine species (CONABIO, 2009). Particularly in Baja California there are 84 species of mammals (Guevara et al., 2016). Due to the above, it is considered important to have a broad knowledge of mammals, and based on this knowledge find the best schemes for its management and conservation. With the aim of knowing a little more about
Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus). Photo: Terra Peninsular
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