Community-based conservation of two Critically Endangered (CR) tree species of Jalisco, Mexico

Community-based conservation of two Critically Endangered (CR) tree species of Los Horcones River Basin, Jalisco, Mexico

Partner: Vallarta Botanical Gardens A. C.
Years: 2025-2028

This project aims to safeguard two Critically Endangered (CR) species from Los Horcones River Basin, Jalisco, Mexico, through community cultivation, in situ conservation and environmental education. Led by the Vallarta Botanical Garden (VBG) in collaboration with partner institutions and community leaders, this three-year initiative actively involves local stakeholders in conservation efforts.

M. vallartensis

Los Horcones River Basin is home to unique biodiversity like the Military Macaw (Ara militaris), the Jaguar (Panthera onca) and the Neotropical River Otter (Lontra longicaudis). Also, micro-endemic Podostemaceae plants further highlight the basin’s ecological significance. This project focuses on the conservation of two threatened trees endemic to this watershed and named after the city of Puerto Vallarta: Magnolia vallartensis and Pinus vallartensis.
The project includes three main components: (i) Local nursery-based community propagation of M. vallartensis, P. vallartensis, and associated native trees; (ii) in situ conservation involving vegetation characterization, threat mitigation, habitat reintroduction evaluation and population monitoring; (iii) Environmental Education, promoting awareness through school workshops and technical training for local producers.
With a legacy of conservation excellence and by integrating local communities and scientific research, this VBG initiative should ensure long-term ecological resilience and sustainability for endemic tree species in one of Mexico’s last free-flowing rivers basin.
Target species safeguarded by this project include: Bourreria rubra (EN), Bourreria superba (EN), Brongniartia pacifica (EN), Bursera vazquezyanesii (EN), Cnidoscolus tepiquensis (VU), Cymbopetalum hintonii (EN), Dalbergia congestiflora (EN), Dioon Tomaselli (VU), Jatropha standleyi (VU), Magnolia vallartensis (CR), Ouratea madrensis (EN), Pinus vallartensis (CR), Podocarpus matudae ssp. Jaliscanus (VU), Populus guzmanantlensis (EN), Quercus cualensis (EN), Quercus tuitensis (VU), Swietenia humilis (EN).