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RNR 4062 & 7029: Applied Estuarine Ecology of the YucatanJohn E. Walker Natural Resources and Training Center

Celestun, Yucatan, MexicoJanuary 3-11, 2020

Drs. Kevin Ringelman, Andy Nyman, & Luke LabordeLSU School of Renewable Natural Resources

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The class: 7 juniors and seniors, 1 graduate student, and 3 faculty from the LSU School of Renewable Natural Resources

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Jorges Ceron Gomez provided an overview of DUMAC, the Celestun Biosphere, and local mangrove restoration projects

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On our first day we encountered many American Flamingoes (Phoenicopterus ruber) at the Real de Salinas

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Meals prepared by Cindy Chim and the facilities staff were true works of art!

6Rooms were modern and comfortable

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A boat tour of Ria Celestun provided insights into hydrology, wading birds, and mangrove ecology

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For the moment we were ecotourists enjoying amazing views of AmericanFlamingoes!

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Truly amazing!

10Then into the mangroves!

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A Bare-throated Tiger-Heron was one of the many native birds encountered.

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Petines attracted a wide variety of wading birds and passerines attractedby the highly mineralized waters and accompanying schools of fish

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Volleyball provided healthy recreation before evening bird patrol

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We were poled by canoe throughthe Mangalares de Dzinintum, into Ria Celestun, and visited 2 age classesof mangrove projects restored by DUMAC

15We examined soil layers and checked salinity levels in the projects!

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Tigers sighted in Celestun!

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We had a busy daily schedule, but adequate time for evening recreation!

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We boated through the Ria and Gulf of Mexico to Isla Arena

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To tour a more recent DUMAC mangrove restoration project

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It is amazing – the miles of channels installed using manual labor to restore freshwater hydrology to the system

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And how much damage roads and dikes can do to mangrove ecosystems!

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We visited Mayan ruins at Uxmal

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And stopped for a dip at Cenote Kankirixche!

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We returned to Isla Arena for a dawn bird patrol – and briefly sighted an ocelot!

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We visited the recent restoration project at the south end of Isla Arena

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And learned of the importance of hummocks and their artesian wells aswildlife corridors and refuges

27Over 7 field days, we identified 123 different species of birds!

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Puma!

6 species of mammals! And 2 species of reptiles!

29The upstairs deck was both debriefing area and study hall…

30Since there was a final exam! All passed!

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Our great appreciation and gratitude go to the staff at DUMAC: JorgesCeron Gomez, Cesar Gonzales Martinez, David Canul, Cindy Chim, & Eduardo Carerra! Muchas gracias!

Class participants from the LSU School of Renewable Natural Resources

Kathryn Davis Senior Wildlife Ecology

Kaiser Franck Senior Wildlife Ecology

Scott Graham MS Student Wetland Science

Melanie Holton Senior Wildlife Ecology

Hayley Jackson Junior Wildlife Ecology

Ben McCullar Junior Wildlife Ecology

Ashlyn Sak Junior Wildlife Ecology

Cameron Toerner Senior Wildlife Habitat Management

Dr. Luke Laborde Instructor LSU SRNR

Dr. Andy Nyman Professor LSU SRNR

Dr. Kevin Ringelman Assistant Professor LSU SRNR

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