Biodiversity relative to habitat suitability for black bears and mountain lions in the Trans-Pecos region of Texas

Concern for loss of biodiversity has caused an increase in studies reviewing methods used to conserve and protect biodiversity in different ecosystems. In the past, management plans have applied only to small reserves or one specific species, such as endangered species. More recently, greater importance has been placed on developing management plans that apply to multiple species or ecosystems. One multi-species approach includes using one or two species, typically large mammals, as umbrella species for conservation and management of all other species that fall within its distribution. This study used the presence of biodiversity hotspots within black bear (Ursus americanus) and mountain lion (Puma concolor) habitat to determine if these species would make good umbrella species for conservation in the Chihuahuan Desert ecosystem of the Trans-Pecos region of Texas. I hypothesized that there would be greater biodiversity in areas of higher suitability habitat for black bear and mountain lions. The Rapid Ecological Assessment method was used to survey species richness and biodiversity at Big Bend National Park, Elephant Mountain Wildlife Management Area, and the Davis Mountains Preserve. To determine biodiversity I conducted small mammal trapping, bird surveys, herpetofauna, and large mammal surveys. Contrary to my predictions, the strata of lowest suitability had the highest species richness when study sites were combined. However, species diversity was significantly higher in high black bear habitat at Big Bend National Park and Elephant Mountain Wildlife Management Area. Species diversity was also higher in high mountain lion habitat at Big Bend National Park. Further research is needed to expand our surveys of biodiversity of flora and fauna in these areas. The results of this study could help establish a long-term monitoring program of biodiversity in each of the study sites.