Diversity and threats to mammals in the Río Plátano Man and the Biosphere Reserve, Honduras: a camera-trap study in three core-zone stations

Abstract

We assessed the diversity of medium and large mammals in the southern core zone of the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve (RHBRP), Honduras, using camera traps. Twenty-two devices were deployed for two months in three sampling stations: Guarasca, Limones, and Brisas de la Biosfera. A total of 434 photo-captures were recorded, corresponding to 17 species across 7 orders and 12 families. Key species included Panthera onca and Tapirus bairdii, listed by the IUCN as Near Threatened and Endangered, respectively; the jaguar is also listed as Endangered in Honduras' national list of species of special concern. Guarasca showed the highest species richness, and notable differences in circadian activity and faunal composition were observed among stations, linked to proximity to disturbed areas. The trophic structure documented was ecologically robust, with the presence of omnivores and apex predators, such as Tayassu pecari and Panthera onca, indicating a relatively intact mammalian food web. Main threats identified were poaching, deforestation, and livestock-carnivore conflicts. The findings highlight the urgent need for integrated monitoring, ecological restoration, and environmental education strategies in the RHBRP.