Carrying capacity of Odocoileus virginianus in two vegetation types, Chiapas, Mexico

Studies on the carrying capacity (K) of the habitat are important to estimate the size of a population that can be spatially and temporally viable. Currently, the K of grassland and medium deciduous forest (MDF) for a population of Odocoileus virginianus in the state of Chiapas is not known as a base information for its sustainable use and the conservation of its habitat. The objective of the study was to determine the K of O. virginianus in two types of vegetation in the ejido Nueva Independencia, municipality of Frontera Comalapa, Chiapas, Mexico, using the technique of Transect to Steps by Direct and Indirect Points. Six transects of 500 m long were drawn, three in the grassland cover and three in the MDF; the pasture coefficient from the usable biomass per hectare per animal unit (ha∙UA-1) was estimated in each one. MDF and grassland have a K of 1.05 and 2.69 ha∙UA-1, respectively, although these are lower values than those pre-established by the Technical Committee on Pasture Coefficient for cattle (Comité Técnico de Coeficiente de Agostadero). This information is essential for making decisions focused on the conservation and sustainable use of O. virginianus in this region of the state of Chiapas.