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Conservation of Worthen's Sparrow and other Neotropical
Migrants on Saltillo grasslands, Mexico
Region: |
Located near
the city of Saltillo in northern Mexico |
Partner: |
Pronatura
Noreste |
Initiation: |
January 2006 |
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| Worthen’s Sparrow. Photo: Pronatura
Noreste |
Introduction: The
Saltillo grasslands abound with wildlife, and are the only places
where the Endangered Worthen's Sparrow (Spizella wortheni)
can be still be found, making this an Alliance
for Zero Extinction site. This extensive desert grassland
also forms a substantial part of the remaining range of the
Endangered Mexican prairie dog (Cynomys mexicanus).
The grazing of the prairie dog helps maintain the shortgrass
habitat preferred by species such as the Burrowing Owl (Athene
cunicularia), Ferruginous Hawk (Buteo regalis), and Long-billed
Curlew (Numenius americanus). Nearly 15% of the
world's Long-billed Curlews winter here alongside two other
WatchList
species, Sprague's
Pipit (Anthus spragueii) and Mountain
Plover (Charadrius montanus).
The Saltillo Grasslands provide key habitat
for these rare and declining birds. This habitat is being
destroyed (approximately 8,100 hectares or 20,000 acres annually)
through conversion to potato farms. Potato farms destroy native
grassland and place a severe strain on an already scarce water
supply, drawing down the water table and draining small wetlands.
Also, Worthen's Sparrow has extraordinary breeding failure
rate-bushes used for nesting are heavily browsed by goats
and cattle, and nests are exposed to predation.
Objective:
To establish a network of protected areas in the Saltillo
grasslands to protect threatened bird species such as Worthen's
Sparrow, Long-billed Curlew, and Mountain Plover, as well
as the Mexican prairie dog.
Actions:
1. Produce map of key requirements and habitat areas for priority
species.
2. Research optimal habitat requirements for birds in this
region.
3. Install boundary fencing and remove grazing livestock.
4. Create and publish a management plan for the protected
areas and buffer areas.
5. Develop a public outreach campaign to educate local citizens
on the significance of the Saltillo grasslands in the conservation
of species.
Accomplishments:
1. We acquired 237 hectares (586 acres) for the Worthen's
Sparrow Reserve at El Cercado.
2. Conservation easements on grasslands totaling about 6,100
hectares (more than 15,000 acres) have been obtained.
3. A visitor center has been established and is in operation.
4. The active phase of a public outreach campaign was completed
in December 2007.
For more information about this project,
please contact
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Mission and Vision 
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