126 

 marked at 20-m intervals with nylon flagging tape; and, except for a single transect (# 9; due to 

 unexpected changes in the vegetation), all were oriented at a bearing of 124° (parallel to the Pemex oil 

 exploration roads) with only minor deviations (e.g., around a fallen tree trunk). Eight of the transects 

 extended from gardens, while four transects did not. Transects were recleared as necessary during the 

 study. Ejido residents were requested not to use the transects as trails or hunting areas, but such use 

 was noted. 



Transects were categorized according to the successional stage of the forest. This designation 

 was based on the presence ("with") or absence of gardens ("without") and vegetation type (Late 

 Secondary Forest or Combined/Early Secondary Forest; see Chapter 6 for additional information about 

 gardens and Chapters 2 and 3 for additional information about vegetation types). There were three 

 categories: 



One, "Late Secondary Forest without Gardens" (Transects # 2, 3, 4, and 12). These 

 transects were located in Late Secondary Forest, an area characterized by relatively 

 large trees and not subject to shifting cultivation for at least 75 y. Transects were 

 located in the forest and did not extend from gardens. Wildlife population estimates 

 based on these transects were assumed to be least affected by human disturbances or 

 habitat alteration. 



Two, "Late Secondary Forest with Gardens" (Transects # 1, 6, 7, and 8). These 

 transects were located in Late Secondary Forest, as above, and extended from 

 isolated, small (e.g., 1-2 ha) gardens. Transects were contiguous with gardens with 

 the starting point of each transect located at about the midpoint of either the west or 

 the east side of the garden. Wildlife population estimates based on these transects 

 were assumed to be moderately affected by human disturbances or habitat alteration. 



