CIPAD-Centre for Research and Projects in Environment and Development is an independent organisation based in Jalisco Mexico. It is focused on contributing to conservation and sustainable management of natural capital that results fromsocially equitable sustainable development.
This project will conserve the last wildlife corridor for larger mammals around the Biosphere Reserve “Bosque La Primavera” (BLP) in Jalisco, Mexico, which covers 30,500 ha of oak-pine and tropical deciduous forest. The area hosts many species, including pumas, however, cannot provide a viable habitat area for them if connections to other forests are not conserved. Moreover, nearby Guadalajara means forest fires and land-use change drive biodiversity loss. The Centre for Research and Projects in Environment and Development (CIPAD) has partnered with local organisations and communities to conserve the last active wildlife corridor towards the Ahuisculco mountains since 2010, and now needs to restore 10 ha of critical habitat using 10,000 native tree species. This will link the mountains to the reserve, enabling wildlife to travel between both. The project will monitor biodiversity in the area with camera traps, and run a communication and awareness campaign.
The Update
The project achieved the original objectives and implemented additional activities.
In addition to the original 10 hectares committed for restoration and reforestation, 2 additional hectares were reforested with 2,000 seedlings in another section of the wildlife corridor. These 2,000 seedlings were not required in the original 10ha due to the presence of small patches of existing trees in the 10ha area. Unfortunately, volunteers could not be involved in the replanting due to COVID restrictions, despite much interest. The planting was therefore carried out by members of the community brigade from Ahuisculco. Following planting in 2021, seedlings were monitored for survival in 2022 and some maintenance and replanting took place in 2022.
Biodiversity monitoring activities have continued in the area to date (i.e. +3 years) and data is being continuously generated. The 5 camera traps are still operating and additional species have been identified in the area, including puma, raccoons, coyote and peccary, clearly demonstrating the biological richness in the area. Indeed, for the first time in more than 10 years, the presence of jaguarundi was documented in the wildlife corridor. This species is protected by national legislation in Mexico.
Activities for the awareness and education around la Primavera Forest and the conservation of the wildlife corridor in the Ahuisculco mountain range continue to be implemented particularly through social media increasing the outreach of the project. A workshop was held to exchange information between livestock producers in 2 natural protected areas in North Mexico and in the project area, on how to carry out livestock farming in a way that protects local biodiversity in particularly pumas. There is ongoing collaboration with other organizations and researchers monitoring wildlife in the region to strengthen these initiatives. Information and key messages were also published on CIPADs social networks. Ten videos and 20 posts were created and posted during spring 2024 on social media to raise awareness about the importance of the ecosystem and promoting actions for its protection – including posts addressing the issue of preventing forest fires, as well as detailing actions taken as part of this project.
Reforest Team in action
Camera trap installation
Reforestation Team
