Conserving the threatened tree species of Zapalinamé Reserve

Conserving the threatened tree species of Zapalinamé Reserve

Conservation of endangered forests in Sierra de Zapalinamé state natural reserve in Mexico

Partner: Protección de la Fauna Mexicana A.C.
Years: 2022-2024

This project aims to reduce the threats to and reinforce in situ the populations of at least four threatened tree species in their natural habitat in the Sierra de Zapalinamé state natural reserve in Mexico through fencing to prevent grazing, invasive species management, forest restoration, reinforcement planting of the target species and awareness raising among the local communities.

Picea engelmanii

The project takes place in the Sierra de Zapalinamé State Natural Reserve managed by Profauna since 1997 to sustain ecosystem services for three cities located into the Saltillo Valley in Coahuila state in Mexico. It aims to reduce the threats to and reinforce in situ the populations of at least four threatened tree species in their natural habitat: Juniperus saltillensis (EN), Picea engelmannii subsp. mexicana (EN), Abies vejarii var. mexicana (VU) and Quercus hintoniorum (VU).

In a first stage Profauna will target high negative impact activities such as cattle grazing and invasive species competition through fencing and invasive species management.

And in a second stage they will implement follow-up restoration and reinforcement planting efforts. Profauna will also upgrade their seed bank and their existing nurseries to ensure sufficient supply of seedlings for their restoration efforts and in parallel, raise awareness about their importance and value through social media campaigns and field signs for the general public within the Reserve.