Western Mexico is probably the exclusive wintering location for the majority of
western North American-Neotropical migrant landbirds. The region supports the greatest
number of Partners in Flight Watch List species in winter, and is also the epicenter
of avian endemism in Mexico, supporting well over 100 of Mexico’s endemic and near-endemic
species. The incredible diversity and importance of the region reflects the intersection
of several major ecosystems and underscores the need for proactive conservation
to educate the public and protect habitats and landscapes in this region.
RMBO began work in western Mexico in the winter of 1991-1992, focusing on the five
Pacific coastal states of Jalisco, Colima, Michoacán, Guerrero, and Oaxaca. This
work resulted in a manuscript Status and Needs of Western Mexico Parks and Protected
Areas, which is a compilation of information regarding the protected natural areas
of seven states in western Mexico. Much of it was written by specialists from Mexico,
people who work towards conservation and understanding the biology of the areas
and their faunas and floras. We are convinced that these are the people who best
understand the situation at each site and across each state. Although the information
we present here is certainly incomplete, our hope is that it is sufficient to provide
an impulse toward gathering more information, and towards protecting natural habitats
across western Mexico.
In March 2009, in cooperation with the Manantlán Institute of Ecology and Biodiversity
Conservation (IMECBIO), RMBO will offer an exclusive bird-watching and educational
trip to two biosphere reserves in Jalisco, in the heart of West Mexico, to experience
first-hand the incredible diversity and abundance of endemic and migrant birds.
We’ll learn from local experts about biodiversity conservation in the region while
seeking out many of the more than 90 endemic and 430 other bird species found here!
To learn more about this opportunity, visit our Conservation Birding Tours page.
For More Information:
arvind.panjabi@rmbo.org
14500 Lark Bunting Lane
Brighton, CO 80603-8311
(303) 659-4348
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