wildlife density among three forest successional stages by species, taxonomic group, and game or 

 nongame status generally were not observed. The average garden size was 2.1 ha in 1989 and 2.7 ha 

 in 1990 (maximum size was 18.0 ha). Sixteen crops were planted by Maya gardeners, of which six 

 crops were consumed by game species. Com, kidney beans, and squash were most frequently planted. 

 Com was the most frequently eaten aop (25.4% of 284 stomach samples). Four game species were 

 the primary consumers of crops: paca (Agouti paca), agouti (Dasyprocta punctata), coati, and collared 

 peccary {Tayassu tajacu). These game species were among the most frequently taken taxa by number 

 of individuals and total body weight. Given that wildlife populations generally were not greater in the 

 vicinity of gardens, these results generally do not support the premises of garden hunting. These 

 results also suggest that an effective wildlife management program should be implemented in order to 

 ensure the survival of these wildlife species and the cultural traditions of the Maya hunters. 



xvu 



