Conservation of the Pacific Red knot in Northwest Mexico

Due to habitat destruction, the populations of the Pacific Red knot (Calidris canutus roselaari) have been drastically reduced all over the continent to a total population of less than 20,000 individuals. There is scarce biological information and until recently their wintering sites were unknown. In recent dates, a large size group was recorded in Guerrero Negro (6,500 birds) and in the Upper Gulf of California; still, their migratory route remains unclear as well as the wintering sites for the remaining individuals.

Pronatura Noroeste, in coordination with the Universidad Autonoma de Baja California Sur, El Vizcaino and The Upper Gulf of California and Colorado River Delta Biosphere Reserves, and international partners have implemented a research and monitoring project of the Pacific Red knot with the purpose of determining the wintering sites and migratory routes of this species.

The information resulting from this project will be the basis for the implementation of conservation activities, which include public instruments (e.g. management within protected natural areas) and private mechanisms (e.g. conservation easements) to insure the habitat conservation of this species of international importance.