Notable records of Galictis vittata and Eira barbara (Carnivora: Musteliade) in the Northeastern Sierra of Puebla, Mexico

Abstract

Introduction: Eira barbara and Galictis vitatta are carnivorous mammals belonging to the family Mustelidae, which in Mexico are classified as threatened and endangered, respectively. There are few records and information on different aspects of their ecology for both species. The objective of this note is to report additional records of the E. barbara and G. vitatta in the northeastern Sierra of Puebla.

Methods: From January 2023 to December 2022, 20 photo-trapping stations were installed in natural water bodies and sites where traces of wild mammals were detected. Additionally, records of individuals were obtained from international databases, books and published articles and a map was made that includes the potential distribution of Eira barbara and Galictis vitatta.

Results: With a sampling effort of 90 trap-days, 2 independent records of Eira barbara were obtained in remnants of mountain mesophyll forest. In addition, a record of Galictis vittata was obtained inside a stream in a fragment of a shade coffee plantation in the town of Zapotitlán de Méndez, in the northeastern Sierra of Puebla.

Discussion and conclusions: There are few documented reports of the presence of these species in much of the territory of the state of Puebla. The records were obtained in remnants of mesophyll forest with shade coffee plantations, considered to be an agricultural activity with less impact on biodiversity, which has probably allowed the presence of species such as E. barbara and G. vittata. Their record in the north of the state could indicate that this region functions as a biological corridor for these species.