18 

 usually last only a few days at a time. Rainfall and temperature vary along a north-south gradient in 

 the state, with more rainfall and lower temperatures in the south and less rainfall and higher 

 temperatures in the north (Wilson, 1980; Escobar Nava, 1986). 



Hurricanes frequently occur in the Caribbean Sea and strike the Yucatan Peninsula (Walker et 

 al., 1991). The impact of these storms on the people, plants, and wildlife depends greatly on the force, 

 duration, time of year, and the path the storm takes. During 1952-1978, 46 hurricanes traversed 

 Quintana Roo (about two per year), including Janet (striking Chetumal in 1955) and Carmen (striking 

 Chetumal in 1974; Escobar Nava, 1986). 



Hurricane Gilbert, the last major hurricane to strike Quintana Roo, raged over the Yucatan 

 Peninsula during 14-15 September 1988 and affected the human residents as well as the wildlife and 

 associated habitats (Anonymous, 1988; Wilder, 1988). Between Canciin and Tulum Ruins, the rains, 

 waves (about 6 m high), and winds (reaching 320 km/h) damaged roads, boats, buildings, beaches, 

 power lines, and water pipes. Throughout the northern half of the state, lowlands were flooded, leaves 

 were stripped from branches, and many trees were uprooted. This destruction was especially critical to 

 Maya farmers throughout the region because their gardens were destroyed, but many species of wildlife 

 that were crop predators also suffered due to the loss of crops. 



Throughout the northern half of the Yucatin Peninsula, immediate as well as delayed impacts 

 of Hurricane Gilbert became apparent. In the days following the storm, biologists in Canctin noted 

 large numbers of dead and dying bats in the streets. They attributed this to the disappearance of 

 insects, the bats' main food (J. Jucirez G., pers. comm.). During the following dry season, in 1989, 

 forest and grass fires raged across the Yucatan Peninsula and burned about 135,000 ha during four 

 months (L6pez-Portillo et al., 1990). The impact of Hurricane Gilbert on the local people, plants, and 

 wildlife in Quintana Roo has yet to be quantified, but it is considered to be one of the most severe 

 storms ever (Lynch, 1991; Whigham et al., 1991). 



