Mayan land management, biodiversity, and ecosystem restoration near the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve

Agroforestry for production and ecosystem health is a centuries-old form of ecological engineering used in many indigenous villages in Mesoamerica. This study evaluates management differences in agroforestry systems of Southern Mexico and investigates if differences in forest management have an impact on forest biodiversity. Agroforestry systems were studied in villages surrounding the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve in Campeche, Mexico. Interviews and surveys of tree and bird diversity were conducted in each agroforestry stage. Results were analyzed using ANOVA, and suggest that differences in community management may have significant influence on forest diversity and composition in mature agroforestry stages. Findings show that plant and bird species diversity were higher in communities using a greater diversity of forest products and using restoration trees. This study contributes to ecosystem management understanding in areas surrounding natural reserves, where inhabitants depend on natural resources for survival.;Key Words: Biodiversity, agroforestry, ecological engineering, plant communities, subsistence agriculture, conservation, Calakmul Biosphere Reserve, Meso-American Biological Corridor...