Density and Distribution of Agouti at Las Cruces Wilson Botanical Garden

The objective of my study was to evaluate the density and distribution of the agouti (Dasyprocta punctata) at Las Cruces Biological Research Station. I evaluated the relative abundance and density of the agouti at Wilson Botanical Garden compared to other studies in Central America (Enzo 2004, Jorge and Perez 2005).  WBG is a unique area because of the diversity of palms, shrubs and trees that produce many fruits.  A compost pit for kitchen refuse is also present which provides an important source of food for the agoutis at WBG.  The data from my study demonstrated that agouti is aggregated in the vicinity of the compost at WBG.  We observed an overall density estimate of 2.57 agoutis per hectare. Additionally, they demonstrate two peaks of activity in the morning and afternoon with the highest activity level occurring in the morning hours between 5:30am-8:00am.