Since 2022, Pronatura Noroeste has focused its efforts in Cuenca de Los Planes on expanding scientific knowledge and improving biodiversity conservation in this crucial region of northwestern Mexico.
The Cuenca de Los Planes research project has brought together an outstanding multidisciplinary team of national and international scientists with the goal of understanding the region’s rich biological diversity and the impact that human activity has on local flora and fauna.
Throughout 2024, 17 field visits were conducted, during which the activities of 35 researchers were coordinated. It was a collaborative effort that included scientists from various institutions, such as the San Diego Natural History Museum, the Northwest Biological Research Center (CIBNOR), Fauna del Noroeste AC, and University of Toronto.
Sampling and analyses were carried out during periodic visits. These efforts have enabled progress in documenting species and evaluating their geographic distribution, behaviors, and interactions with other organisms across various groups such as mammals, herpetofauna, birds, insects, and plants, among others.
Preliminary results include the documentation of 2 amphibian species, 25 reptile species, 259 plant species belonging to 188 genera and 63 families. Notably, 22 of these species are non-native, but have become naturalized in the area, while 70 are endemic to Baja California Sur, 12 to the Baja California region, and 9 are endemic to both states along the peninsula.
Regarding mammal documentation, nine different species were identified—five of which were captured, and the remaining four were observed using motion activated cameras.
Captured mammals:
- Spiny pocket mouse (Chaetodipus spinatus)
- Dalquest’s pocket mouse (Chaetodipus ammophilus)
- Little desert pocket mouse (Chaetodipus arenarius)
- Eva’s desert mouse (Peromyscus eva)
- Bryant’s woodrat (Neotoma bryanti)
Mammals observed with motion-activated cameras:
- White-tailed antelope squirrel (Ammospermophilus leucurus). ● Gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus).
- Coyote (Canis latrans).
- Raccoon (Procyon lotor)
The research also focused on studying the availability of resources, such as water and vegetation cover, which are essential for the species inhabiting the area and their well-being. These studies are fundamental to understanding the impact of various natural resource management systems, including soil retention projects and livestock rotation.
A noteworthy aspect of the work carried out is the identification of certain species, some of which are emblematic and of great ecological importance. Among them are:
- Cassin’s vireo (Vireo cassinii)
- Baja California rattlesnake (Crotalus enyo)
- Spiny pocket mouse (Chaetodipus spinatus)
- Sierra Cacachilas wandering spider (Califorctenus cacachilensis) ● California leaf-nosed bat (Macrotus californicus)
- Hummingbird plant (Justicia insolita ssp. tastensis)
All of these are representative of the endemic fauna of the Baja California and Baja California Sur region.
Work Process for Biodiversity Conservation in Cuenca de Los Planes
The work is a collaborative effort between 35 researchers supported by 10 volunteers from the community of La Ventana and other partners, such as the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California Sur (UABCS) and Rancho Cacachilas, who contributed to fieldwork and monitoring activities.
The project was led by Dr. Sula Vanderplank and marine biologist Gerardo Marrón, experts from Pronatura Noroeste, along with Dr. Lori Hargrove, a specialist in bird monitoring and ecological analysis from the San Diego Natural History Museum. Together, they coordinated several teams of internationally renowned specialists.
The team includes experts in birds, reptiles, mammals, insects, flora, and water, such as Philip Unit, Dr. Laura M. Norman, Dr. Jon Rebman, Dr. Shahan Derkarabetian, Dr. Natalia Rodríguez Revelo, Dr. María Luisa Jiménez, Dr. Blanca R. López, Dr. Alfonso Medel Narváez, Dr. Bradford Hollingsworth, Dr. Adam Clause, Scott Tremor, M.Sc. Jonathan Villarreal Fletes, among others.
This project plans not only to document biodiversity, but also to generate a solid knowledge base that supports the implementation of sustainable management practices to conserve the watershed’s natural resources. This research’s results can be used to promote environmental protection policies that benefit both local wildlife and the communities that depend on the region’s natural resources.
Through projects such as the Cuenca de Los Planes Research Project, Pronatura Noroeste reaffirms its commitment to the conservation and restoration of critical ecosystems in northwestern Mexico, showing the importance of collaboration among scientists, local authorities, and communities to achieve responsible and sustainable environmental management.
Learn more at: www.cuencalosplanes.com
Translated by: Mayela Navarrete & Hannah Peralta
Reviewed and edited by: César Egüez
