Birds & Science > Bird Conservation > International Alliances Program
Our Progams
Veracruz, Mexico
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| Photo courtesy of Pronatura Veracruz |
The coastal plains and mountains of central
Veracruz, Mexico are home to one of the most important sites
for raptor migration in the world. The dramatic topography
and unique thermal wind currents of this region funnel birds
migrating from both eastern and western regions of the United
States into a single flight path, thus creating a steady stream
of migrants, or a “River of Raptors” over central
Veracruz. While millions of raptors and other migratory birds
pass through Veracruz during their annual flights, current
threats to their stopover habitats are posing potentially
irreversible damage to the landscape. Land conversion for
cattle ranching and monocrop production are fueling rapid
deforestation in central Veracruz, which is destroying the
resources that migrating raptors rely on for feeding and roosting
during their annual flights. IAP and Pronatura Veracruz are
currently addressing these challenges by working with existing
landowners to develop best management practices for the region
that will balance the need for productive land use and conservation
of critically important bird habitat.
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| Photo courtesy of Pronatura Veracruz |
Veracruz is one of the richest states
in Mexico in terms of biodiversity—it hosts over two-thirds
of the ecosystems found in Mexico and over one-third of the
country’s surface water and river systems. The varying
terrain and wide range of ecosystems in central Veracruz provide
habitat for over 220 species of migrating birds from the US
and 731 avian species in total—over two-thirds of all
of known bird species found in Mexico. Of the 23 species of
raptors monitored at the site, the more common species include:
Cooper’s Hawk, Sharp-shinned Hawk, Swainson’s
Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, Broad-winged Hawk, Peregrine Falcon,
Swallow-tailed Kite, and Mississippi Kite. Counts during the
fall migration generally number around 4,500,000 individuals
each year—the largest concentration of raptors in the
world.
IAP and Pronatura are focusing their conservation
efforts in this diverse region in one of central Veracruz’s
Globally Important Bird Areas. Nearly three-quarters of the
natural habitat within our project area has been converted
from forest into agricultural land, while less than 10% of
the area’s natural vegetation remains. The resulting
agricultural land use, which is dominated by large-scale sugar
cane plantations and cattle farms, leaves little cover, food
or roosting sites for migratory birds. Urban pollution and
sprawl, as well as agricultural runoff and wetland filling,
all pose significant threats to the central Veracruz region’s
ability to support its high levels of biodiversity.
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| Photos courtesy of
Pronatura Veracruz |
IAP is currently working with Pronatura
and Rare on a campaign in central Veracruz, which is promoting
conservation by showing local residents the negative effects
that land use changes have on the region’s future viability
as a healthy and productive landscape. The campaign is focusing
on developing and implementing best management practices for
farmers, whose actions directly determine the fate of these
landscapes. IAP and Pronatura are completing re-vegetation
projects in roosting and wintering habitats for raptors and
other migratory species and are also developing mechanisms
to protect the forest habitat that remains. One facet of this
strategy is securing conservation easements for landowners
with priority forest lands in tracts of over 1,200 acres.
Going forward, the IAP-Pronatura partnership
will expand its efforts in several arenas. In an effort to
foster future stewards of sustainable agriculture, IAP and
Pronatura are increasing educational outreach in local schools
and developing a regional nature center with programs designed
to engage children and young adults. Audubon is also working
with Pronatura staff to broaden scientific capabilities so
as to better inform future conservation actions. Current plans
include the development of forest bird research projects,
forest stewardship initiatives, and the implementation of
a shorebird monitoring and shoreline restoration program.
Additionally, Audubon is advising Pronatura on methods to
expand their ecotourism program.
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| Photo courtesy of Pronatura Veracruz |
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