146 

 the early 1500s, following the Spanish conquest (Redfield and Villa Rojas, 1962; Villa Rojas, 1987). 

 In order to protect these animals, the Maya likely killed the large predators, venomous snakes, and 

 other noxious animals in the vicinity of their villages. The accumulated effects of these attempts to 

 eradicate certain kinds of dangerous wild animals in the area over 450 y are unknown, but likely have 

 affected the population densities of many game birds and mammals. 



In conclusion, in this assessment of wildlife populations at Ejido X-Hazil y Anexos, I have 

 shown that densities are very low, compared with other Neotropical forested sites. This was true for 

 birds as well as mammals, especially game species. While the reasons for these low densities are 

 unknown, it is possible that low soil nutrient levels due to increasingly shorter fallow periods have 

 negatively affected the vegetation of the area. It is also quite possible that the occurrence of jaguars 

 and pumas in the area (Navarro L. et al., 1990) and the occurrence of Maya hunters during 2,000- 

 3,000 y are also responsible in part for low animal abundance levels. Most likely low animal densities 

 are a result of the combination of many of these factors. 



With respect to garden hunting, the results obtained during this study generally did not detect 

 differences in population densities of game species between areas with and without gardens. This could 

 mean either that differences did not occur or that differences did not exist. Local hunters reported that 

 wildlife populations were denser in areas with gardens than in areas without gardens, but could not 

 quantify the magnitude of these differences. Density differences were indirectly confirmed by the 

 relatively large proportion of game taken in areas categorized as Plots & Gardens (see Chapter 3). 

 However, given the small size of the study area, close proximity of census transects, and large home 

 ranges of many game species, it may not have been possible to detect differences in population 

 densities of game species. 



