Project
Proposals
2014-2015
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2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects
Restoration of migratory grassland bird habitat on private and communal lands in the Valles
Centrales Grassland Priority Conservation Area
Partners – Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, Pronatura Noreste, American Bird
Conservancy, USFWS Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act, Commission for
Environmental Cooperation.
States that have participated to date – Arizona Game and Fish Department
Overview -- Grassland birds are declining more rapidly than any other group of North American
birds. Habitat loss and degradation on the wintering grounds is a common factor among
declining migratory species. The Chihuahuan Desert of northern Mexico is a continentally
important wintering area, supporting significant populations of more than 90% of migratory
grassland bird species breeding in western North America, including some, like Baird’s Sparrow,
that winter nowhere else. Although people in the Chihuahuan Desert have been ranching for
centuries, a large portion of the grasslands once found here has been lost to cropland
conversion, shrub encroachment and desertification. To reduce the threat of habitat
degradation and conversion, partners aim to engage private and communal landowners in
range improvement and habitat restoration projects on their lands through development of
bird-friendly management plans and technical and financial assistance in implementing
rotational grazing systems, protection of sensitive habitat, shrub-removal, reseeding, and other
techniques. Management plans will utilize winter habitat prescriptions developed for priority
grassland bird species to set grazing levels, evaluate success and adjust management. We aim
to improve at least 12,000 acres of Chihuahuan Desert grassland in this way over the next two
years and secure mid-term (15 years) management agreements on these lands.
Threats -- Intensive cropland agriculture is rapidly expanding in the Mexican Chihuahuan
Desert, threatening to severely reduce the remaining low-slope native grassland habitat needed
by nearly 30 high-priority grasslands bird species. Nowhere has the recent agricultural
expansion been so rapid as in the Valles Centrales of Chihuahua, the largest of 12 Grassland
Priority Conservation Areas (GPCAs) identified in Mexico. Between 2006 and 2011, croplands in
the Valles Centrales increased by 34%, destroying roughly 170,000 acres of grasslands and
habitat for an estimated 466,000 wintering grassland birds, including 171,000 Chestnut-collared
Longspurs. Croplands now occupy 63% of the former low-slope grasslands in this GPCA. The
Valles Centrales support the only remaining native population of Chihuahuan Desert Aplomado
Falcons, but since 2005, 23 of 25 known falcon territories have been destroyed by agriculture.
Pronghorn and other grassland species are also at risk. Long-term inappropriate grazing and a
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2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects
prolonged drought have reduced rangeland productivity and increased financial strain on
ranchers, forcing many to sell their land.
Birds – The Valles Centrales support a diverse community of grassland birds. Species found
here include (in descending order of abundance): Chestnut-collared Longspur, Vesper Sparrow,
Brewer’s Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Horned Lark, Grasshopper Sparrow, Lark Bunting,
Chipping Sparrow, Mourning Dove, Clay-colored Sparrow, Baird’s Sparrow, Eastern
Meadowlark, Scaled Quail, Cassin’s Sparrow, Sprague’s Pipit, Loggerhead Shrike, Say’s Phoebe,
Short-eared Owl, North Harrier, Chihuahuan Raven, Western Meadowlark, Red-tailed Hawk,
American Kestrel, Mountain Bluebird, Burrowing Owl, Long-billed curlew, Aplomado Falcon,
White-tailed Kite, Ferruginous Hawk, Prairie Falcon and Golden Eagle.
Previous successes achieved: Pronatura Noreste has been improving wildlife habitat on
rangelands in Chihuahua since 2009 and has implemented more than 12 similar projects. RMBO
and partners have been monitoring bird in the region since 2007 and have contacts with many
of the landowners in the area. This project builds off the scientific and strategic foundation
established by these organizations to target some of the most valuable and vulnerable priority
sites for grassland conservation in northern Mexico with the management prescriptions
designed specifically to generate the most optimal response by priority grassland bird species.
Specific Activities supported: Funding from Southern Wings will provide support to
landowners for incorporating bird and wildlife considerations into resource planning and
implement habitat improvements through a combination of habitat restoration and
enhancement techniques including rotational grazing, deferment, exclusion, reseeding and
shrub-removal. These funds will be part of a “Habitat Fund” that is being developed with to
help offset the costs of implementing conservation activities on private lands in Valles
Centrales. We aim to improve at least 12,000 acres of grasslands in the Valles Centrales over
the next 2 years. The actual amount of habitat improved could be substantially greater
depending on implementation costs and funding available. Although protecting grasslands
through acquisition or easement is also desirable and may occur in the future, keeping ranchers
on the land by helping them improve their management and profitability, while simultaneously
improving wildlife habitat, is currently the most immediate and cost-effective way to prevent
further loss of grasslands and slow the spread of cropland agriculture across the region.
Additional funds are being invested in this project from various sources including (Neotropical
Migratory Bird Conservation Act (NMBCA), and private donors. With these counterpart funds
the project will; deploy a wildlife biologist and range ecologist to engage landowners in the
Valles Centrales and implement grassland improvement and conservation projects on private
and communal lands, conduct outreach to build a foundation of knowledge and trust among
landowners that will help engage them as active participants in on-the-ground projects, identify
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2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects
and recruit new projects and landowners, and will provide support to landowners for
incorporating bird and wildlife considerations into resource planning, design conservation plans
to ensure biological considerations are addressed, and provide biological training and technical
support to landowners in implementing management plans. Success will be evaluated by
monitoring grassland bird response, among other metrics.
Some specific project activities and budget for 2012-2013 include:
Partner
Grassland Restoration
Personnel
Travel
AZ G&F / Southern Wings
$5,000
RMBO/NMBCA/CEC
$45,000
$75,000
$25,000
ABC/Pronatura
$50,000
$75,000
$25,000
Matching Funds: The project will leverage significant additional resources (up to 7:1) from
Mexican federal assistance programs (e.g., from SAGARPA, CONAFOR) and other sources,
including the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act, American Bird Conservancy, and
Commission for Environmental Cooperation, among others.
Reporting: Typical Southern Wings reporting (in the format developed by Southern Wings) is
done in February and August. These are interim reports. A final report is submitted once the
money is spent. However, interim reports may not be necessary depending on how long it takes
to spend the funds.
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2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects
Project Name: Protecting migratory bird habitat in the Yucatan Peninsula
Partners - Yucatan Peninsula Environmental Alliance (AAPY by its Spanish acronym), Amigos de
Sian Ka’an (ASK),Reserva Ecológica del Edén, Niños y Crías, Pronatura - Yucatan, TNC- Mexico,
Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP).
States that have participated to date – Missouri, Tennessee
Overview - The Yucatan Peninsula is one of the most important areas for migratory birds in
the Neotropics. Each spring, the Peninsula is filled with millions of migrant birds that rely on the
habitat to nearly double their body weight before attempting the 12 to 18 hour, trans-gulf
migration to the gulf coast of the United States. Two biological corridors are proposed for the
Yucatan Peninsula as part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. One is the Yum-balam –
Sian Ka’an Biological Corridor in northern Quintana Roo State. The other connects the Sian
Ka’an Biosphere Reserve with Calakmul Biosphere.
The Yucatan Peninsula Environmental Alliance (AAPY) is a partnership of six conservation
institutions in the region: Reserva Ecológica del Edén, Niños y Crías, Pronatura Peninsula de
Yucatan, The Nature Conservancy, the National Commission for Protected Areas (CONANP), and
Amigos de Sian Ka’an. This Alliance and its member organizations have taken up efforts to
develop stable, long-term regional bird and habitat conservation projects.
Amigos de Sian Ka’an (ASK) is the lead organization of AAPY and is implementing forest and
water conservation programs in the Peninsula. In recent years this has led to the establishment
of new public protected areas, the acquisition of private lands for protection, and improved
management of existing reserves. The Alliance has developed an environmental service
payment program to ensure the protection of forests and water resources within the Yum
Balam – Sian Ka’an Corridor. Amigos de Sian Ka’an has secured a 1 to 1 match from government
sources for this program. All funds raised will be invested in conservation payments to secure
the protection of fresh water and important habitat for migratory birds and biodiversity on
private lands in the Yucatan Peninsula.
Threats – Rapid development for mass tourism and urban sprawl, especially west and south of
Cancun, significantly threatens the habitat that remains in the northern portion of the Yucatan
Peninsula. Fire is a major threat on the Peninsula. Both legally or illegally set fires often turn
into uncontrolled wild fires that burn wildlife habitat.
Birds - Some of the priority species of Neotropical migrants that winter in the northern Yucatan
Peninsula include WatchList 2007 species such as: Wood Thrush, Blue-winged Warbler,
Swainson’s Warbler, and Kentucky Warbler. Non-WatchList species include Yellow-throated
Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, and Hooded Warbler. Enormous numbers of migrants pass
through the area in spring and fall, including WatchList species such as Canada Warbler,
Golden-winged Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, along with dozens of other species.
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2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects
Project goals – Amigos de Sian Ka’an has identified multiple properties where conservation
agreements and environmental service payments can secure habitat for migratory birds. These
properties fall within the Yum Balam – Sian Ka’an Corrdior. Due to the high costs of acquisition
and reserve management, developing conservation agreements and providing landowners
financial support for protecting habitat on their properties is an economically viable option for
securing protection of wildlife habitat and water resources. Also, the funds received by
landowners for protection are often invested in further protecting the habitat through
infrastructure improvements. To further conservation in the region as a whole, ASK is also
seeking to create a new public protected area in the northeast corner of the peninsula. This is a
key site that remains unprotected. Political support and management plans need to be
generated for a protected area to be declared.
Previous Southern Wings Successes - The Yucatan Peninsula Environmental Alliance purchased
a 1,620 acre property called San Mateo Ake. The property, which neighbors the El Eden
Reserve, creates a protected area of over 5,400 acres. Southern Wings has also helped support
a guard and patrolling equipment for this protected area. Patrolling has deterred illegal hunting
and helped rapidly identify fires in the region.
2014 - 2015 project activities –Additional needs include continued support for
protection/management at the San Mateo Ake and El Eden reserves, as well as support to
develop a wintering migrant monitoring program to better understand the importance of
specific sites for migratory birds and how migratory birds are moving through the peninsula.
The Universities of Illinois and Eastern Illinois have begun a migratory pathway connectivity
monitoring project that helps track birds with radio transmitters that are departing from the
coast of Alabama heading south to Yucatan. A series of radio towers is able to pick up tagged
birds that fly past. Currently all the radio towers are along the coast. ASK and El Edén
Association would like to partner with the universities to install equipment at El Eden to better
understand bird use of inland sites by migratory birds.
ASK has been successful in developing an environmental service payment program in
association with local water authorities, some hotels and, the national forestry agency. The
program provides one to one matching dollars for dollars raised by ASK. The money is used to
pay landowners to protect forests, soil and water sources west of Cancun. The payment to
landowners helps secure safe water for Cancun and habitat for migratory birds. Payments to
landowners are approximately $46 per acre per year. At this rate approximately 42 acres would
be protected for one year per $1000 of funds raised; this includes the 1:1 match from the
federal government. This funding for an environmental service payment program would allow
for expanded protection within the Yum Balam – Sian Ka’an Corridor, as would the
development of a new protected area in northeastern Quintana Roo state.
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2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects
Total Budget = $101,500
Matching Funds - Amigos de Sian Ka’an has secured 1:1 match for all dollars raised for the
environmental service payment program. It recently invested $150,000 in conservation
agreements. El Eden will also provide in-kind match of salaries for additional property guards.
Figure 1: Possible properties to secure protection through environmental service payments and
conservation agreements
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2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects
Migratory Bird Corridor in Izabal, Guatemala 2014-2015
Partners: Fundacion para el EcoDesarollo y La Conservación (FUNDAECO), Global Wildlife
Conservation, American Bird Conservancy, Rainforest Trust
States that have participated to date: Missouri, Tennessee, Arkansas, Iowa, Texas
Overview: The coastal Caribbean region of Guatemala lies between Belize and Honduras, in the
province of Izabal. This region includes a number of unique and isolated massifs rising from sea
level up to 1,200 meters, low-land rainforest, large mangrove and natural beach systems and a
Ramsar Wetland. That region is exposed to moisture-laden Caribbean trade winds and
supports a unique transitional ecosystem from the shoreline to wet rainforests and pine-oak
forests on south-facing rain-shadow slopes. The unique combination of topographical and
climatic conditions creates important stop over and wintering habitat for at least 153 species of
neotropical migrants. FUNDAECO, a Guatemalan organization, is ensuring the conservation of
these sites by purchasing and managing core habitat in areas identified for national protection
by the Guatemalan government, who themselves lack the funds to purchase or manage. In the
early 2000s, FUNDAECO began a region-wide program for the protection of migratory and
resident birds. They identified conservation gaps and high priority sites that required urgent
protection.
Threats: Cattle ranching, logging, and slash and burn and industrial agriculture in the area
continue to threaten the forest resources of the area.
Birds: At least 153 neotropical migrants have been identified in the Izabal region of Guatemala.
This includes the forested massifs of Sierra Caral, Cerro San Gil and the lowland peninsula of
Manabique. Wood Thrush, Kentucky Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, Black-throated Green
Warbler and Painted Bunting are present here in winter in large numbers. The area also
includes site specific habitat for priority conservation species such as Golden-cheeked Warbler,
and stop over sites for Cerulean Warbler and Canada Warbler. The coastline of Punta de
Manabique is used by Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Sanderling, Stilt Sandpiper, Western Sandpiper,
Red Knot and Wilson’s Plover during the winter migration. Other migrants in the region include
Swainson’s hawk, Tennessee Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, Catbird,
Baltimore Oriole and Indigo Bunting.
Project goal: Secure the protection of core migratory bird habitat through land acquisition,
management and monitoring in the Izabal Province of Guatemala. Through the protection of
these sites, this project will advance the long-term, integrated conservation efforts for the
Caribbean region of Guatemala. This includes facilitating long-term protection through the
development of sustainable livelihoods in areas around the reserves, working on health and
human service issues for communities to reduce their impact on the land, and supporting
policies and programs such as environmental service payment programs.
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2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects
Previous Southern Wings Successes: In Phase I of this project FUNDAECO acquired two
properties, totaling 5,682 acres, in the Sierra Caral Mountains of Guatemala. Paperwork has
been submitted to the government for designation as a National Protected Area. In Phase II,
funds contributed to the purchase of 1,668 acres to create a new reserve at Punta Manabique,
protecting mangroves and reducing access to some of the most critical habitats on this
peninsula that juts out into the Bay of Honduras. Southern Wings has also provided funding for
the management of these properties including park guard salary support. Phase III of the
project is to expand the Cerro San Gil Reserve. In 2013 Southern Wings participating states
provided funding for this acquisition. To date two payments have been made toward this
property. Final fundraising to complete the purchase is continuing until the fall of 2014.
Specific 2014 – 2015 project activities: FUNDAECO will purchase 2,090 acres for conservation
purposes to expand the core protected zone of the Cerro San Gil Reserve. This acquisition will
expand thisReserve and secure additional migratory bird wintering ground habitat. FUNDAECO
will continue to manage Sierra Caral and Manabique Reserves; develop and conduct
communications and outreach with local communities to reduce threats to migratory bird
habitat in the buffer zones of Sierra Caral and Manabique Reserves; and monitor migratory
birds. FUNDAECO has a trained team of bird banders in the Izabal region and have been
conducting banding operations at the nearby Cerro San Gil since 1992. However, with the
creation of the new reserves at Sierra Caral and Punta Manabique, additional banding efforts
should be conducted to monitor the impact of conservation efforts on migratory birds on the
property.
Total Budget = $97,040
Match funds: FUNDAECO has secured $110,000 from IUCN and approximately $75,000 from
NMBCA has also been secured toward the purchase of the Cerro San Gil expansion. FUNDAECO
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2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects
is continuing to raise funds to complete this acquisition. Conservation service payment funds from the
Government of Guatemala are in hand as match as well.
Protection of Migratory Bird Habitat of Desert Grasslands in the El Tokio Grassland Priority Conservation Area
(near Saltillo, Mexico)
Partners – Pronatura Noreste A.C., Universidad Autonomo de Nuevo Leon, National Forestry Commission
(CONAFOR), American Bird Conservancy
States that have participated to date: Oklahoma, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa
Overview: The desert grasslands, located south of the town of Saltillo in northern Mexico, are fairly high
elevation (6,000 to 7,000 feet ) grasslands important to numerous wintering birds as well as threatened resident
species and a threatened mammal, the Mexican prairie dog. The goal of this project is the protection,
management, and restoration of grasslands on properties within the El Tokio Grassland Priority Conservation
Area (GPCA) for priority migrant birds.
Within the GPCA, Pronatura Noreste (PNE) and ABC are currently working with La Hediondilla Ejido to create a
new Ejido Reserve to restore heavily degraded habitat. The reserve would be located near the El Cercado
Reserve on the Lomas del Gorrion and Cuatro Gorriones properties, which ABC helped Pronatura purchase in
2007. In total, Pronatura improved more than 150,000 acres of habitat in and around the El Tokio GPCA
through the creation of private reserves, ejido reserves and conservation agreements that restrict cattle
ranching and agriculture practices; and through the installation of erosion control measures and ranching best
management practices. A wildlife habitat corridor linking ejido reserves and private protected areas has been
proposed within El Tokio. Funding is needed to expand conservation action on new properties in the region and
to conduct habitat improvement activities on these properties. Activities include erosion control systems to help
restore grasslands, water source restoration, and fencing to control cattle impacts. Erosion control has proven to
be a more cost effective restoration method than attempting to develop seed banks and replanting seed.
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At the La Hediondilla Ejido a 15,400 m pond, critical for both the ejido and Long-billed Curlews, further
research is required to guide conservation actions. A strategy for how the pond can be used most effectively by
the ejido and wildlife will be developed in cooperation with the ejido, and incorporated into the ejido
management plan.
On a larger scale, PNE has created a multi-organizational Grassland Vital Signs Committee. This committee–
which includes PNE, the Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, the Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands Museum,
CONAFOR and various other research and conservation institutions–is attempting to more fully understand the
ecosystems of El Tokio including determining current vegetation and soil conditions, precipitation trends, and
wildlife and plant populations. This committee is investigating and monitoring the impacts of conservation
management activities to better determine best management practices and how to achieve desired habitat
conditions and wildlife outcomes through restoration. Funding is needed to help with these studies that will
guide restoration and enable us to better understand the impacts of management on focal bird species.
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2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects
Threats - A significant threat is overgrazing of these naturally arid lands. Overgrazing by goats, sheep, and cattle
has caused serious erosion of already-thin soils and loss of vegetative cover, upon which the native and migrant
bird species depend. There has also been more rapid conversion of the land to agriculture across the
Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands. Increased agriculture requires more wells which further exacerbate the drought
conditions in the region.
Birds – More than 250 bird species are found in El Tokio, and high concentrations of grassland wintering birds
occur, including significant numbers of Long-billed Curlews (seen in flocks of 100, to as many as 2,000 have
been seen in a single flock at nearby ponds). Mountain Plovers winter in the area, and it is the part of the
wintering range for important grassland birds such as Loggerhead Shrike, Sprague’s Pipit, Lark Bunting, Brewer’s
Sparrow and Ferruginous Hawk. Also wintering in the area are Grasshopper, Lark, and Vesper sparrows. Passage
migrants include the Upland Sandpiper and Swainson’s Hawk. Resident birds of significance include the
Burrowing Owl and Worthen’s Sparrow, an IUCN Endangered and Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE) species.
Project goals – The project goals are large-scale grassland restoration through improved grassland management
and erosion controlto combat poor land use practices and drought conditions that have decimated grassland
conditions resulting in precipitous declines of grassland bird populations.
Previous Southern Wings Successes – In 2013, ProNatura Noreste conducted significant restoration work at the
Lomas del Gorrion property. This included creation of erosion control rock walls and gabion dams, as well as
berms across 50% of the property that help keep water in the soil and allow for regeneration of new plants.
Reforestation with native junipers was conducted on a portion of the property. A guard has been hired to watch
over this property as well as Cuatro Gorriones. His work to keep goats out and repair fences has been crucial to
allow rapid regeneration of habitat.
PNE has also worked with La Hediondilla, Tanque Nuevo and Matehuapil ejidos to establish a 15 year
conservation agreements on over 70,000 acres. In addition, PNE wrote management plans for these properties
and implemented conservation actions to improve growth of native grasses, reduce erosion and keep cattle of
out sensitive areas.
Specific 2014 – 2015 project activities: Support for grassland restoration activities on multiple properties is
needed to expedite and expand the efforts currently underway. This includes developing a management plan for
a pond at La Hediondilla, additional restoration at Loma de Gorriones, and new restoration and erosion control
measures at the Puerto Mexico ejido. A management plan for goat herders at El Cercado could help support
restoration on a larger portion of this ejido. Finally, support for the Vital Signs initiative is a priority to better
understand impacts and what conservation actions are needed to achieve the goal.
Total Budget = $70,750
Matching Funds – American Bird Conservancy and Pronatura Noreste have secured an NMBCA grant for work at
La Hediondilla. Additionally, PNE has funding from government sources to begin work with the Puerto Mexico
ejido. Multiple organizations as part of the Vital Signs Committee are providing in-kind investment in to this
project.
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2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects
Map – El Tokio and location of key reserves where work is needed or has been conducted.
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2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects
Protecting stopover and wintering habitat for key priority species of shorebirds and waterbirds at
Laguna Madre, Mexico
Partner – Pronatura Noreste, National Commission of Protected Areas (CONANP), National Fish and
Wildlife Foundation, Rio Grande Joint Venture
States that have participated to date: Texas
Overview - Laguna Madre, in northeastern Mexico in the state of Tamaulipas, is just south of the
border with Texas. The lagoon is formed by a barrier island, enclosing a lagoon more than 100 miles
long and as much as 15 miles wide, although it is on average much narrower. The lagoon is often
hyper-saline, with some bays at times reaching salinity levels that are 150% of sea water. There are
many bays and inlets where arroyos enter the lagoon, and many, typically very low, sand islands. Large
numbers of shorebirds and ducks winter in the lagoon and on its shores and the barrier island. These
include hundreds of thousands of Redheads, more than two-thirds of the total population. The lagoon
and its islands also serve as important breeding, stopover and wintering areas for key priority bird
species including Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Red Knot, Long-billed Curlew, Reddish Egret,
Snowy and Wilson’s plovers, Gull-billed Tern, and Black Skimmer. Conservation action at Laguna Madre
has been identified as priority in the Rio Grande Joint Venture implementation plan, and supports
priorities identified in the United States Shorebird Conservation Plan (Brown et al, 2001) and The North
American Waterbird Conservation Plan, Version 1 (Kushlan et al, 2002).
Pronatura Noreste (PNE) has maintained a presence in the region conducting different types of
projects here for the last 13 years. Working closely with the National Commission of Protected Areas
(CONANP), they continue to work on projects involving habitat restoration, biological monitoring,
community engagement and land protection. ABC and PNE are engaged in protection of habitat
through creation of conservation agreements on private lands and fencing, wetland and riparian area
restoration, mangrove restoration, feral species removal from islands, and focal species monitoring.
Pronatura Noreste has regional watershed projects to restore streams and fresh water ponds from the
Texas border to Laguna San Andres south of Laguna Madre. Pronatura is also interested in developing
best management practices for ranching in Tamaulipas, a different ecosystem from the Chihuahuan
desert grasslands where they also work on ranching practices.
Threats – Climate change and drought conditions significantly impact Laguna Madre and its wetlands
by reducing available habitat. This is exacerbated by overuse and poor management of water resources
for agriculture and ranching activities. Cattle and feral animals such as dogs, cats, and goats and
threaten habitat and individual birds. Fishermen often leave many of the islands littered with
dangerous fishing gear and camp debris, and abandon dogs on islands where they must fend for
themselves—often eating whatever they may be able to catch. Mangrove loss leads to easier access to
important bird areas by predators, and also leads to degradation of the islands themselves.
Birds – The top focal species identified for Laguna Madre by PNEand local government authorities
include: Piping Plover, Reddish Egret, Red Knot, Long-billed Curlew, Redhead and American
Oystercatcher. Secondary focal species include: Wilson’s Plover, Snowy Plover, Sanderling, Least Tern,
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2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects
Black Skimmer, Western Sandpiper, and Semipalmated Sandpiper. Terrestrial birds of importance
include Swainson’s Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Bell’s Vireo, Painted Bunting, and MacGillivary’s Warbler.
Project goals – A multi-faceted project is proposed to identify, restore and protect key wintering,
stopover and breeding areas for focal species through habitat restoration and protection. This includes
the restoration of 50 hectares of wetlands, reforestation of mangroves, support for community
monitoring and island clean-up programs, and fencing of key areas to prevent feral animals from
disturbing bird areas.
Previous Southern Wings Successes. In 2013, Southern Wings invested in the Laguna Madre project
for the first time, funding mangrove reforestation that is currently underway. Prior to this funding,
ABC and PNE created two new conservation agreements on private lands totaling over 10,000 acres,
began a program to control feral animals on islands, improved fencing to reduce cattle and other
agricultural animals from entering sensitive areas of Laguna Madre, conducted focal species
monitoring, began mangrove restoration, and protected key nesting and wintering sites.
Total Budget = $89,000
Matching Funds – Currently PNE has funding from NMBCA for Reddish Egret site protection and
migration monitoring. PNE also has monitoring funding from Disney for this project.
Map – Focal locations for conservation work in Laguna Madre
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2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects
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2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects
Conservation of high priority land birds at Reserva El Jaguar, Nicaragua
2014 – 2015
Partners – El Jaguar Private Wildlife Refuge, American Bird Conservancy, Indiana University of
Pennsylvania
States that have participated to date: Pennsylvania, Missouri
Overview - The highlands of Jinotega in northern Nicaragua are becoming increasingly fragmented as
agriculture, including sun-coffee production, is creeping up the mountain sides. Coffee can be grown as
a full-sun crop or as a shade crop that can serve as useful habitat for many species of Neotropical
migrants. The highlands have been historically important wintering areas for many species of
migratory birds. Creating increased connectivity in this region is a high priority need for migratory bird
conservation. Adding shade to coffee plantations and using native species reforestation to create
habitat corridors and protect water sources can help restore habitat for migratory birds.
Threats - Land use conversion from primary forest to agriculture, including sun coffee and potatoes, is
reducing habitat available for migratory bird species, and reduces the number of individuals that the
area can support due to decreased food and cover. Logging and cattle production further limit wildlife
habitat.
Birds –More than 25 neotropical migrants winter in the area, including the following species that are
present on the El Jaguar Reserve and its buffer zones: Olive-sided Flycatcher, Golden-winged Warbler,
Golden-cheeked Warbler, Dickcissel, Summer Tanager, Yellow-breasted Chat, Wilson’s Warbler,
Hooded Warbler, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, Louisiana
Waterthrush, Northern Waterthrush, Ovenbird, Worm-eating Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler,
Black-throated Green Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Cedar Waxwing, Wood Thrush, Blue-headed
Vireo, Alder Flycatcher, Acadian Flycatcher, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Rubythroated Hummingbird, and Broad-winged Hawk. More than 15 other species also use this area as a
stop-over on their annual migratory cycle. Most of these birds are listed on state agencies Species of
Greatest Conservation Concern lists, are USFWS Birds of Conservation Concern, and/or are on a watch
list for Partners in Flight, National Audubon and others.
Overall Project goals –The long-term goal of this project is to create a conservation corridor between
El Jaguar Private Reserve and the Reserva Natural Volcán de Yalí, approximately six miles to the
northwest of El Jaguar. To achieve this goal, the project will support farmers by providing training to
increase sustainability of agricultural practices, planting native tree seedlings in reforestation efforts,
and conducting education programs about natural resource management and conservation. By doing
this, we can restore lost habitat, help decrease the rate of conversion of habitat to agricultural lands,
promote reduced pesticide use which pose health risks for migratory birds, and support more
migratory bird-friendly methods of production for crops such as coffee.
Previous Southern Wings Successes - El Jaguar, with support from Southern Wings, is expanding
habitat restoration efforts around the El Jaguar Reserve and in the proposed El Jaguar – Volcán de Yalí
Corridor. Southern Wings funds have helped to create three tree nurseries in local communities and
maintain a fourth at El Jaguar. To date over 40,000 seedlings have been grown at these nurseries.
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2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects
These trees have been planted on nearly 100 acres across 14 properties in the vicinity of El Jaguar and
at El Jaguar itself. In 2013 an El Jaguar- Volcan Yali Corridor Plan was drafted to identify priority areas
for protection and restoration within the corridor. More than a dozen workshops have now been
conducted with neighboring landowners and government authorities. The workshops have led to an
expanded number of landowners participating in reforestation activities, shade coffee and improved
management of their forested areas. The workshops have helped landowners determine where to
conduct reforestation and identify the trees of species. They have also created a sense of community
about conservation and resulted in buy-in from locals.
Specific 2014 - 2015 project activities - The staff of El Jaguar has been highly successful at recruiting
new landowners to engage in conservation and restoration of habitat around the El Jaguar Reserve. In
2014 and 2015 our objectives are to continue to conduct outreach and training programs for local
landowners to increase participation in conservation, and to protect and manage an additional 800
acres of migratory bird habitat within the El Jaguar – Volcan Yali Corridor. As part of this work we are
seeking to incorporate four new properties in the Nicaragua Private Reserve Program which is
accredited and supervised by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and results in
reserves being a part of the National System of Protected Areas. Additionally we will conduct avian
monitoring on 13 farms within the corridor. Part of this monitoring will be to collect base line data on
presence and abundance of birds at newly participating farms. The farms that were surveyed two years
ago will be monitored to determine changes in species presence or abundance. In the coming years we
will seek to use the experiences learned at El Jaguar to other areas of Nicaragua as well as to other
countries such as Costa Rica and Honduras. To expand the scope of the project, as proposed, additional
resources including staffing is required.
Total Budget = $52,550
Matching Funds – Matching funds are available via the acquisition of a 13.7 hectare property to
expand the El Jaguar Reserve as well as in-kind investment from El Jaguar and local landowners.
Maps – Location of El Jaguar in Nicaragua and landownership map of El Jaguar- Volcan Yali Corrdior
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2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects
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2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects
Conservation of Cerulean Warbler Wintering Grounds
2014-2015
In Country Partners - Fundación ProAves Fundación Jocotoco, and Aves y Conservación
States that have participated to date (in Colombia only): Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife
Agencies (NEAFWA) - $12,500; Missouri - $35,000; and Indiana DNR - $10,000.
Overview - Until recently, a lack of information on the non-breeding distribution and habits of the
Cerulean Warbler (CERW) impeded conservation efforts. In recent years, distribution models of this
species’ range have identified key wintering areas in subtropical forests of Colombia at altitudes of
2,000 to 6,300 feet and on the eastern slope of the Andean foothill humid forest of northern Ecuador.
ABC is working with multiple partners on the wintering grounds to develop landscape level
conservation programs in Colombia and Ecuador at locations identified as key wintering areas for the
Cerulean Warbler.
Beginning in 2008, American Bird Conservancy and Fundación ProAves began developing a Cerulean
Warbler Conservation Corridor in Colombia, utilizing conservation easements in the matrix of
agricultural lands to connect the Cerulean Warbler Reserve and the Pauxi Pauxi Reserve, which are
separated by a distance of about seven miles in the San Vicente de Chucurí area. In addition to these
easements, the project includes promotion of bird-friendly practices such as growing coffee or cacao
under shade of native trees, a practice that has been shown to provide habitat for some species of
neotropical migratory birds in an otherwise agricultural landscape. To date, over 300,000 trees have
been planted to provide additional forested habitat along the corridor in public and private lands,
involving hundreds of farmers.
In Ecuador, ABC has been working since 2006 with Fundación Jocotoco in the northern Andes to
protect the wintering grounds of the Cerulean Warbler, focusing primarily on the eastern slope, the
most important wintering area for the species in Ecuador. The Narupa Reserve and the Wildsumaco
Wildlife Sanctuary are both located on the eastern Andes and surrounded by large intact forests found
in national parks, Antisana and Sumaco-Galeras. This area was identified as a priority area in the
Conservation Plan for the Cerulean Warbler on its Nonbreeding Range (ProAves, 2010), and our aim is
to create a corridor linking the national parks and surrounding buffer areas with communities and
agricultural lands. ABC has assisted in expanding and protecting the reserves, most recently (December
2013) through the acquisition of the 36 hectare Delia Quizhpilema property to expand the Narupa
Reserve. Construction of a guard house and camping platforms has further strengthened protection
there. Another local partner, Aves y Conservación has been doing monitoring in the surrounding areas
as well as inside the Narupa Reserve and are training bird monitors, including the Narupa guard and
EcoMinga staff, to conduct surveys in the areas of interest. Aves y Conservación is currently processing
their results and preparing their report to NMBCA, who funded this work.
Threats - The Cerulean Warbler is the most threatened neotropical migrant land bird in South America.
Over 90 percent of the Cerulean Warbler’s preferred wintering habitat has been lost. Therefore it is
20
2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects
critical to protect remaining habitat, restore degraded habitat, and ensure the local community has the
information and incentives to conserve the habitats in perpetuity.
Birds –25 Neotropical migrants winter in the area, including the following species that are present on
the properties targeted by this project: Cerulean Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler, Tennessee
Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Canada Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Blackthroated Blue Warbler, American Redstart, Northern Waterthrush, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Most
of these birds are listed on state agencies Species of Greatest Conservation Concern lists, are USFWS
Birds of Conservation Concern and/or are on a watch list for Partners in Flight, National Audubon and
others. Three critically-endangered endemic birds also rely on the sites as well as numerous other
threatened species.
Project goals for Colombia and Ecuador – 1) Manage the reserves in the two corridors for the benefit
of neotropical migratory birds and work with local municipalities to create opportunities for increased
habitat protection (e.g., new regional protected areas), 2) work with farmers and landowners in the
corridor area to promote shade coffee and a coffee certification program to create sustainable revenue
streams for the ongoing management and protection of the reserves, 3) reforest degraded land within
and on private lands surrounding the reserves, 4) support local capacity building and training to
monitor protected areas, easements, and reforestation plots for use by migratory birds to assess the
project’s effectiveness for migratory birds, and help guide future, scaled-up conservation efforts, 5)
engage communities through outreach activities including Migratory Bird Festivals to promote
awareness and support for migratory bird conservation.
Southern Wings Successes to Date: In 2011, ABC assisted ProAves with the purchase of 299 acres in
the Cerulean Warbler Corridor to expand the Pauxi Pauxi Reserve in Colombia. About 90% of these
acres are covered with tropical humid forest, and 10% with coffee, cacao, and other small scale
agricultural fields. State funds went directly to reforestation efforts; a nursery was constructed on the
new properties to begin reforestation at Pauxi Pauxi in 2013. Currently, the nursery contains 3,000
seedlings of native tree species, 300 of which have been planted to date. On private farms in the
Cerulean Warbler Conservation Corridor, ProAves and ABC produced over 30,000 saplings from nine
native tree species and planted a total of 23,893 seedlings covering 294 acres. Reserve management
(guard salary), and infrastructure improvements to the guard station have been funded. In addition, a
five-mile trail has been completed between the two main installations in the Pauxi Pauxi reserve that
serve as headquarters/ranger stations, which will facilitate new recreational and research
opportunities within the reserve for visitors, as well as to strengthen the monitoring capabilities of
park rangers. Migratory bird monitoring on reforested coffee farms is confirming benefits of shade
coffee surrounding forested protected areas, and a paper is in publishication in a Colombian scientific
journal by ProAves with the results of their initial data collection efforts. Nearly one thousand local
children participated in a successful Migratory Bird Day Festival in 2012 and 2013, which involved
parades, radio broadcasts and school programs. In fact, the posters that were created were used
across the country with over 10,000 participants.
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2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects
Total budget = $70,000
Matching Funds Secured - Current NMBCA grant for reforestation ending in June 2014: $52,277. ABC
has $16,000 through August 2014 from Amos Butler and Elisha Mitchell Audubon Societies, and
$18,000 from private donors for land acquisitions at Narupa Reserve and Wildsumaco Wildlife
Sanctuary. Pending NMBCA funds for reforestation (June 2014-June 2015): $34,500.
The
above map depicts the eastern slope of the Ecuadorian Andes. Two large public protected areas, Antisana and
Sumaco National Parks border the Narupa Reserve, a private reserve specifically created for the Cerulean
Warbler. This project would create a corridor in the buffer areas of the national parks and Narupa Reserve to
protect ideal habitat for Cerulean Warbler.
22
2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects
Above map depicts the corridor (in red) between the Pauxi Pauxi Reserve to the north (purple) and the Cerulean
Warbler Reserve to the south (‘RNA Reinita Cielo Azul’ in purple). The yellow dots depict private lands where
ABC and ProAves are planting shade trees on coffee and cacao farms and cattle pastures.
23
2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects
Protecting the Piping Plover and other Shorebirds in the Bahamas
Partners: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission; Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries;
Northeaster Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies; Bahamas National Trust (BNT); National
Audubon Society (Audubon)
Birds: Piping Plover (target species, 20% of Atlantic breeding population), Red Knot (124), Reddish
Egret (abundant and nesting), Short-billed Dowitchers (2726), Sanderling (600), the Caribbean
Flamingo, and countless other shorebirds and terns.
Overview: With an estimated global population of 8,024 individuals (Smith et al. 2009), the Piping
Plover is listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, considered “Near Threatened” by IUCN, and
listed as “Highly Imperiled” by the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan. The rarity and tenuous existence
of this species has triggered widespread, intensive conservation action throughout its breeding
habitats in the U.S.
However, very little is being done to improve the species’ survival on its winter grounds. According to
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Piping Plover’s “population growth gained through high
productivity on the breeding grounds will be quickly reversed if survival rates or breeding fitness
decline due to stressors experienced during the two-thirds of the annual cycle spent in migration and
wintering” (USFWS Piping Plover Five-Year Review, 2009).
In 2010, Environment Canada made the important discovery that birds that winter in the Bahamas
breed on the Atlantic Coast of the US and Canada. Band recovery data from 57 Piping Plovers tagged in
the Bahamas put 41 on the Atlantic coast (from Virginia to Nova Scotia) during breeding season and 12
on the beaches of NY. Further, the subsequent 2011 winter International Piping Plover census in the
Bahamas, coordinated by Audubon, U.S. Geological Survey, and Bahamas National Trust (BNT),
recorded 1,066 birds in flocks of 100 to 250 birds across 15 islands, and additional Audubon surveys in
2012 identified more than 700 Piping Plovers on just three islands: Andros, Joulter Cays and the Berry
island, suggesting that there may be even higher numbers wintering in the Bahamas than discovered to
date. These findings all point to the critical importance of Bahamas habitat for the endangered
Piping Plover.
2020 Project Goals
1. Establish an integrated, well-managed system of sites that support migratory bird conservation
at the scale necessary to maintain and increase survivorship for priority shorebird species.
2. Build community engagement in conservation of important migratory and endemic bird species
on all major islands of the Bahamas.
Project objectives over the next 3 years to reach the project goal include:
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2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects
1. Enhance the capacity of our partner, the Bahamas National Trust, to support improved
management of the protected areas throughout the Bahamas for the National Protected Area
System.
2. Conduct a new winter survival and connectivity study for Piping Plover to better understand the
limiting factors for their survival on the wintering grounds and to determine connections
between the Bahamas and the United States and Canada.
3. Expand our education programs to introduce more communities and schools to the importance
of the Bahamas for the Piping Plover and other shorebirds that breed in the U.S.; foster
awareness and stewardship through cross-cultural connections between the Bahamas and
classrooms in the U.S.
4. Conduct community meetings and gather information necessary to support nomination of the
protection of the Berry Island as an IBA for Piping Plovers.
5. Develop a management/conservation plan for the Joulter Cays for implementation when it
becomes a new National Park.
6. Conduct more extensive shorebird research at known high priority shorebird sites and survey
unexplored areas on Maguana Island, and the Exuma and Ragged Island chains.
7. Coordinate and support the 2016 International Plover census across the Bahamas.
8. Continue to grow a Citizen Science network, enlisting Bahamian students to collect data and
engage other members of their communities.
9. Develop bird-based tourism on the Island of Andros and Inagua to create sustainable economic
opportunities that build support for conservation.
Project Achievements: Some of the project successes to date include the following:
 October 2013—March 2014, Audubon Biologists from six Audubon state offices and colleagues
from BNT surveyed shorebird populations on new islands, cays and other sites across the
Bahamas. Data gathered will be used to support designation of a new Important Bird Area and
proposals for creation of new National Parks on East Grand Bahama and Abaco Island.
www.audubon.org/Bahamas2014
 March 2014—Audubon and BNT produced a Public Service Announcement promoting National
Park designation of the Joulter Cays. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Grp1hqWx-Ek
 March 2014 — Audubon implemented a new online GIS platform to support Piping Plover
research efforts for across The Bahamas - http://bit.ly/1huHKFl
 February 2014—BNT and Audubon submitted a proposal to the Bahamian Government for
establishment of a new 92,000-acres Joulter Cays National Park. This step would secure habitat
for 10% of the Atlantic breeding piping plover and 2 % of the global population of Short-billed
Dowitcher, among other important shorebirds, waterbirds and other wildlife.
http://www.bnt.bs/_m1893/Proposed-parks/Joulter-Cays-National-Park
 February 2014 —Audubon and BNT launched a pilot project to remove invasive Casuarina Pine
from the shoreline and turn it into charcoal for local consumption
 2013—Audubon and BNT consulted with every community on Central and Northern Andros,
with the goal of building awareness and support for the Protection of the Joulter Cays. We also
led field trips to the Joulter Cays for the Bahamas Minister of Environment and local
government officials.
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2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects
 February 2012—Audubon and BNT conducted 2 follow-up surveys and discovered what we
believe to be 20 percent of the Atlantic population of Piping Plover, or 708 birds, across only
three islands: Andros, the Joulter Cays and the Berry Islands.
Education and Outreach
 2013 - 2014—Audubon and BNT are working with all nine schools on Andros Island, educating
students about the island’s birds and ecosystem.
 March 2014 —Audubon sponsored BNT’s 2nd Bahamas Natural History Conference, which
attracted 74 scientists from across the Bahamas and a total of 270 attendees.
 March 2014 —Audubon and BNT hosted a three day shorebird identification and monitoring
workshop on Andros Island attended by eight students from the College of the Bahamas.
Budget
Item
2014/15
2015/16
2016/17
Community Education and Outreach - including Citizen Science
Staff time, BNT
$
10,000.00
$
15,000.00
$
20,000.00
Staff time, NAS
$
2,000.00
$
4,000.00
$
6,000.00
Travel
$
2,000.00
$
3,000.00
$
4,000.00
Equipment & Materials
$
3,500.00
$
3,500.00
$
3,500.00
Facilities and food
$
1,500.00
$
2,000.00
$
2,500.00
Telecommunications
$
300.00
$
350.00
$
400.00
$
19,300.00
$
27,850.00
$
36,400.00
Training of Bird Guides and improving infrastructure
$
40,510.71
$
85,180.28
$
10,663.64
Subtotal
$
40,510.71
$
85,180.28
$
10,663.64
Subtotal
Bird-Based Tourism
Scientific Research and Capacity Development - 2016 International Census
Staff time, BNT
$
20,000.00
$
37,000.00
$
45,000.00
Staff time, NAS
$
11,700.00
$
15,000.00
$
20,000.00
Travel & Accommodations
Capture and band 60 Piping Plover on the wintering grounds
(consultant and equipment)
3 winter resight surveys at each banding location
Development of GIS Map and Story Board
Species plan and materials
$
$
8,000.00
26,000.00
$
20,000.00
$
8,000.00
$
$
8,000.00
2,000.00
$
$
$
3,000.00
8,000.00
12,000.00
$
$
$
8,000.00
8,000.00
1,000.00
Subtotal
Management Plan- and implementation for Jouter Cays
$
75,700.00
$
95,000.00
$ 116,000.00
26
2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects
Staff time, BNT
$
13,000.00
37,000.00
$
37,000.00
Staff time, NAS
$
5,000.00
2,000.00
$
1,000.00
Travel
$
9,440.00
$
3,000.00
$
3,000.00
Equipment & Office Expenses (boat and running - yr 2)
$
1,500.00
$
60,000.00
$
7,200.00
Community outreach workshops
$
2,100.00
$
2,100.00
$
2,100.00
Publicity
$
4,000.00
$
2,000.00
$
3,000.00
$
35,040.00
$
106,100.00
$
53,300.00
Staff time, BNT
$
17,000.00
$
5,000.00
$
37,000.00
Staff time, NAS
$
5,000.00
$
3,000.00
$
1,000.00
Travel
$
9,440.00
$
2,500.00
$
3,000.00
Equipment & Office Expenses
$
2,000.00
$
500.00
$
10,000.00
Consultants & Government Relations
$
8,000.00
$
2,000.00
$
2,000.00
Community outreach workshops
$
2,100.00
$
1,000.00
$
1,000.00
Publicity
$
8,000.00
$
1,000.00
$
1,000.00
Subtotal
$
51,540.00
$
15,000.00
$
55,000.00
Total
$
$
27,237.00
249,327.71
$
$
36,592.50
365,722.78
Subtotal
$
$
Proposal Development for Berry Island National Park
Indirect Costs (15%)
$ 39,105.00
$ 310,468.64
Matching funds: $50,000 match has been secured for the protection of the Joulter Cays for the first
year. Additional match will be acquired from foundations (E.g., Disney), private donors, Audubon, and
in-kind contributions from Bahamas National Trust and other conservation partners.
27
2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects
Conserving Thick-billed Parrots and Neotropical Migrants in old-growth forests of the Sierra Madre
Occidental, Mexico – Phase II
Partners: Pronatura Noroeste A.C (PNO)., Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey
(ITESM), Ejidos (local communities), Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP),
Comisión Nacional Forestal (CONAFOR), Fondo Mexicano Forestal (FMF), Arizona Game and Fish
Department (AGFD), San Diego Zoo Global (SDZG).
Overview: The Sierra Madre Occidental (SMO) is the longest mountain range in México, spanning
>1200 km from the international border with the U.S. in a southeast direction. Ecosystems in these
mountains range from subtropical deciduous forest to mixed conifer forests in its highest altitudes, and
they also provide habitat or act as corridors for rare and endangered species. In northern Chihuahua,
high elevation mixed conifer forests provide habitat for the endemic Thick-billed Parrot (Rhynchopsitta
pachyrhyncha) and a suite of other resident and Neotropical migrant species of concern to Arizona.
The thick-billed parrot (TBPA) is listed as endangered throughout its range, including Mexico and the
US. Historically the species range in the U.S. extended as far north as the mountains of southeastern
Arizona and possibly southwestern New Mexico. The last confirmed sighting of a naturally occurring
flock in the U.S. was in 1938 in the Chiricahua Mountains of Arizona. The parrot’s current range is
limited to high elevations of the SMO, migrating seasonally from their primary breeding (summering)
grounds in Chihuahua to wintering areas farther south. The species has experienced significant
historical declines. Estimates vary on the number of thick-billed parrots. A 2012 survey of 6 breeding
areas counted 2097 individuals. This number may be a conservative estimate because not all known
breeding areas are surveyed annually and other more remote or potential breeding areas have not yet
been inventoried.
As part of a comprehensive conservation program ongoing since the mid-1990s, several old-growth
forest areas in Chihuahua have been designated as protected areas. The level of protection afforded
to a given area depends on the type of official designation (Biosphere Reserve, Protected Area of Flora
and Fauna, or Priority Region for Conservation) and whether core areas have been established.
Concerns persist for long-term conservation in these designated areas with inadequate protection.
Threats - Old-growth forests in the SMO have been almost completely eliminated. Estimates indicate
there remains less than 1% of their original distribution. The disappearance of this type of forest has
occurred mainly due to the unrestricted logging that has been taking place in the SMO for more than
100 years and also due to the increase in frequency of forest fires.
Birds - Numerous populations of migratory and resident birds depend on these old-growth forests..
The diversity of bird fauna for the SMO is quite notable with the region registering more than 250 bird
species, 35% being neotropical migrants (at least 10 species which are included in Arizona’s SGCN list:
Grace’s Warbler, Virginia’s Warbler, Red-faced Warbler, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Whip-poor-Will,
28
2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects
Elegant Trogon, and Band-tailed Pigeon). Another 50 species also are listed in the Sonoran Joint
Venture Conservation Plan, including 20 of high continental priority.
Project Goals and Objectives: The goal is to increase protection and maintain a network of protected
areas for AZ Neotropical migratory birds of concern, resident species, and the endangered TBPA. The
project will reduce threat impacts on 5 protected areas: Tutuaca, Papigochic, Campo Verde, Madera
and Mesa de Guacamayas by increasing the effective conservation of these areas and restoring oldgrowth forest patches. One species specific objective is to conserve the TBPA populations occupying
these mix conifer forests through active management.
Previous Southern Wings Success (2013)-Pronatura/ITESM conducted erosion control activities
(construction of 47 gabion dams) in coordination with CONANP. Staff trained nursery technicians to
increase seedlings production in the Ejido Tutuaca community nursery, and produced more than
50,000 plants for use in 2014 reforestation efforts. A Payment for Environmental Services scheme was
established for 649 hectares for the Conoachi, Tutuaca and Heredia ejidos (CONAFOR/PRONATURA
funds). Progress was also made in negotiations with these 3 communities to sign a conservation
easement for 20 years for a total of 13,640 hectares. Pronatura/ITESM staff also trained 20 community
technicians to monitor TBPAs, and also conducted 1 environmental education workshop. Management
of TPBAs continued with nest monitoring at 6 breeding areas, evaluation of nest success (including 50
artificial nest boxes), home range study (8 radio-tracked birds), and nestlings diet analysis.
Specific Activities 2014- Production of 12,000 plants in the Ejido Tutuaca Nursery that will be used for
restoration activities on 50 hectares on the Ejido Tutuaca. Provide maintenance to an additional 50
hectares that were restored during the 2008-2012 period. Monitor 649 hectares (included in a
Payment for Environmental Services scheme) for wildfires, diseased trees, and illegal cattle grazing.
Conduct 3 capacity workshops on topics related to Payment for Environmental Services and
environmental education to participating ejidos. Continue the TBPA Monitoring Program (reproductive
success, home range, and habitat use), as well as monitoring of Neotropical migrants.
AGFD (year 2/2014) will provide $USD 7,500 for the completion of the projects activities as follow:
Activity
AZGFD PNO CONANP* CONAFOR* TOTAL
Habitat
Protection/Restoration
Community Plant
Nursery/12,000
plants/yearX5 years 12,000 Plants
12,000
14,200
26,200
Restoration and
maintenance
100 Ha
15,000
10,000
25,000
Environmental Services
Payments (Ejido Tutuaca,
Conoachi and Heredia y
Anexas)*
649 Ha
10,022
10,022
20,044
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2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects
Environmental Education
1 Year
1000 6,000
7,000
Neotropical Migrants
Monitoring (and other
groups)
1 Year
12,000
12,000
Thick-billed Parrot
Management/Conservation
Home Range (including
most northerly population)
1 Year 2,000 20,000 6,000
28,000
Reproductive Success (nest
management)
1 Year 2,500 3,500
3,000
9,000
Ectoparasite and diseases
1 Year
850
850
Artificial nest boxes
100 nests 2,000 2,500 10,000
14,500
Total
7,500 81,872 19,000
34,222
142,594
* $USD 20,044 each year, by CONAFOR (50%) and Pronatura (50%) as payments for environmental
services across 5 years to support habitat protection.
Designated Protected Areas in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, within the Sierra Madre Occidental. High
elevation mixed conifer forest patches with confirmed or potential Thick-billed Parrot breeding habitat are also
noted.
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2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects