Conservation of Endangered Forests in the Sierra de Zapalinamé State Natural Reserve, Mexico

Conservation of Endangered Forests in Influence Zone of Sierra de Zapalinamé State Natural Reserve

Partner: Protección de la Fauna Mexicana A.C. (Profauna)
Years: 2025-2028

This project builds on Profauna’s work for over 28 years to conserve the biodiversity of the Sierra de Zapalinamé Nature Reserve and its surrounding areas. Since conservation efforts began in the Reserve 28 years ago, Profauna has seen some threats diminish, such as uncontrolled grazing and the extraction of forest products. However, other threats such as urban growth, human-made forest fires, and pollution, although controlled, remain concerning and ongoing efforts are essential to prevent harm to the ecosystem.

Through this project, Profauna strives to mitigate threats and enhance conservation efforts for five threatened tree species and their habitats: Juniperus saltillensis (EN), Picea engelmannii subsp. Mexicana (EN), Pinus culminicola (EN), Pinus greggii (VU), Quercus hintoniorum (VU). To achieve this, they are taking actions to prohibit high-impact activities by fencing off and managing the sites where these species occur. They will also focus on increasing their populations through reforestation, particularly in deteriorated areas, while promoting natural regeneration.
To facilitate these efforts, Profauna installs new infrastructure and maintains the existing structures dedicated to protecting these species, preserving seeds, and optimizing plant production. Additionally, to inform the population and raise awareness, the organisation has created a program for environmental education and developed communication materials highlighting these species’ importance.
We anticipate a more extensive area occupied by the target species, with a significant population of individuals across different age ranges, and have also witnessed the remarkable resilience of the species and ecosystems in the reserve, which respond very positively to conservation initiatives.