Images obtained through camera traps do more than simply record wildlife: they provide evidence of species dynamics and forest integrity. Based on these records, the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) team in Guatemala, Honduras, and Belize evaluates activity patterns, habitat use, and spatial distribution, generating information that supports conservation decision-making.
Among the recent records obtained in Honduras in the Moskitia region is the white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari), known locally as “chancho de monte” or “jagüilla.” This species is characterized by its highly social behavior, moving in herds that require large expanses of continuous forest. Globally, it is classified as Vulnerable (VU) by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), mainly due to habitat loss and hunting.
Another record is the Central American tapir (Tapirus bairdii), classified as Endangered (EN) by the IUCN. Its presence provides key information about habitat quality and resource availability across the landscape.
The tayra was also documented, known locally in Honduras as “cadejo” or “gato de monte” (Eira barbara), a medium-sized carnivore widely distributed in the region. In Guatemala it is known as “perico ligero,” “sanjo,” or “cabeza de viejo,” while in the Yucatán Peninsula (Mexico) it is called “viejo de monte.” Although globally classified as Least Concern (LC), at the local level it may be affected by habitat loss and conflicts with human activities.
The installation of camera traps follows a previously established sampling design, which defines their location, distance between stations, and operational period. They are also programmed according to monitoring objectives to standardize effort and ensure comparable data over time.
These actions are carried out with support from the Biodiverse Landscapes Fund (BLF), which seeks to strengthen the conservation of key landscapes through scientific information, regional cooperation, and the strengthening of local capacities.