Publications
New queen? Evidence of a long-living Jaguar Panthera onca (Mammalia: Carnivora: Felidae) in Tikal National Park, Guatemala
Researchers have identified evidence suggesting the presence of a long-living jaguar (Panthera onca) within Tikal National Park, Guatemala. This individual, likely a female, was recorded during a 2018 camera trapping study and traced back to 2009, indicating potential long-term residency in one of the largest conserved forests in the Neotropics, the Selva Maya. The findings highlight the need for systematic, long-term studies to evaluate jaguar populations and assess the effectiveness of protected areas in ensuring species conservation. This discovery contributes to the limited understanding of jaguar longevity and residency patterns in wild environments.
Modelling the ancient maize agriculture potential of landforms in Tikal National Park, Guatemala
A predictive model of ancient maize agriculture in Tikal National Park reveals that bajo margins were likely used for sustained farming, while upland Rendolls soils showed long-term C3 vegetation signatures, suggesting diverse food production systems. The study combined non-parametric regression, stable carbon isotopes, soil properties, and remote-sensing data to identify areas with strong C4 isotopic enrichment indicative of maize cultivation. Upland regions lacked clear C4 signals, implying alternative land-use practices such as silviculture or forest gardens. This approach provides a cost-effective method for reconstructing subsistence strategies in ancient polities.
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