Rescuing threatened trees in the Highlands of Chiapas, Mexico

Rescuing threatened trees that are key to biodiversity and forest landscape restoration in the Highlands of Chiapas, Mexico

Partner: Pronatura Sur
Years: 2025-2028

This project implements in situ actions for the rescue and conservation of six threatened tree species in the Highlands of Chiapas, Mexico. The predominant landscape consists of pine-oak forests and cloud forests, the latter being a very vulnerable ecosystem in Mesoamerica. One distinctive characteristic of these forests is their high number of endemic species, many of which belong to highly threatened groups such as amphibians and bromeliads.

Quercus insignis

Tree propagation and forest landscape restoration is implemented with active participation of indigenous communities, as well as voluntary protected areas owners, focusing on six globally threatened tree species – Abies guatemalensis (EN), Quercus acutifolia (VU), Quercus insignis (EN), Magnolia sharpii (EN), Magnolia faustinomirandae (CR), Pinus strobus var. chiapensis (EN). The diversity of native species to be propagated will be expanded to contribute to the rescue of the natural composition of forest landscape.
All these target species have a high cultural, traditional, and spiritual value for indigenous communities. Pronatura Sur promotes understanding of the threats that these trees and their biodiversity face, seeking to increase the appreciation and commitment of local inhabitants to the forests and ecosystem services.