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 and were specially located at sites where wild animals were likely to pass. Track slicks were prepared 

 by spading the soil, removing all rocks and roots, and raking the soil to produce a smooth surface. 

 The slicks were surveyed about once a month during 7/90-1/91, usually on the same date as crop 

 phenology was monitored in the corresponding garden. For each track set observed, species and 

 comments about the soil humidity of the slick as it related to clarity and duration of track sets were 

 recorded. Track slicks were maintained, as necessary, by supplemental raking and weeding, but the 

 area around the track slick was not disturbed. 



Track slicks were surveyed by two local Maya men who also were experienced hunters. 

 Tracks were identified on the basis of their size and shape, as well as associated hairs, feathers, feces, 

 game trails, or feeding sign. When unknown tracks were encountered, the track readers consulted with 

 other knowledgeable hunters at X-Hazil Sur to determine the species that made the tracks. 



Track slicks were located along the edges of the seven selected gardens (one track slick per 

 garden) and were used to measure wildlife use of gardens. Seven additional track slicks were located 

 in the adjacent forest along the transects extending from the seven selected gardens (one transect per 

 garden and one track slick per transect). The purpose of these track slicks was to determine if there 

 were any differences between wildlife use of gardens and the adjacent forest. Transects were about 

 2000 m in length and were used during wildlife censuses to determine wildlife densities (see Chapter 

 4). A single track slick was located on each transect at about 40-220 m from the edge of the garden 

 for comparative purposes. Track slicks along transects were prepared and read in the same manner as 

 the garden track slicks. 



Four additional track slicks were located in forests on four transects (transects number 2, 3, 4, 

 and 12) that did not extend from gardens. These track slicks were prepared and read as described 

 above, and were used as a control to compare wildlife use of gardens in Early Secondary Forest versus 

 Late Secondary Forest with Gardens. 



Wildlife species were identified on the basis of descriptions provided by gardeners, 

 consultation with reference books (Leopold, 1977; Peterson and Chalif, 1973), and by comparison with 



