| 
November/December 2011
En Español
Sierra Madre Sparrow Conservation Study
By Carlos Aguirre and Miguel Angel Cruz
Sierra Madre Sparrow (Xenospiza baileyi) is an endemic species found only in high elevation temperate grasslands of western and central Mexico. It is listed as in danger of extinction (Birdlife 2011; IUCN 2011, and NOM-SEMARNAT-059-2010). Historic observations exist from at least seven sites in Mexico: two in Durango, one in Jalisco, and four in the south of the Valley of Mexico. Nevertheless, basic information about this species is practically unknown. Our research aims to generate baseline information for the conservation of this species in the Sierra de Durango.
The main objective of our research is to undertake an ecological study of Sierra Madre Sparrow to fill basic information gaps. The proposal is to identify potential habitat through remote sensing techniques and geographic information systems, characterize habitat based on measurements of the principle vegetative attributes, evaluate population size, determine reproductive success, and analyze genetic variation in order to understand population structure.
To date we have identified four potential sites for Sierra Madre Sparrow: Bajía de Aguinaldos, Navíos, La Herradura, and Paraíso de la Sierra. We began weekly monitoring efforts at the first three sites in June 2011, while at Paraíso de la Sierra we began in September 2011. The habitat structure at each location includes large patches of Muhlenbergia macroura-dominated grasslands (a species that has been identified as an essential component for the presence of Sierra Madre Sparrow) interspersed amidst pine-oak forests. The only site in which Sierra Madre Sparrow has actually been detected is Paraíso de la Sierra, where we observed three individuals in September 2011. In addition to the four sites described above, since June 2010 we have also conducted weekly monitoring transects at Bajía Largo, part of Ejido Ojo de Agua del Cazador, where Sierra Madre Sparrow has been observed since 2004. During these counts we observed a maximum of 18 individuals (23 June 2011) and 16 individuals (29 June 2011).
We have found that the population of Sierra Madre Sparrow decreases with decreasing temperature. Accordingly, we have not detected any individuals between October 2010 and February 2011. Numbers begin to increase in March and we found the maximum number of individuals in the month of June.
Of the five sites where we have undertaken monitoring efforts, we have only detected Sierra Madre Sparrow in two and in very low densities. This supports prior statements that the long-term survival of this species is an issue of concern and requires a plan for conservation and restoration of habitat, with the ultimate goal of conserving and increasing the population of Sierra Madre Sparrow in the region.
Contact Miguel Angel Cruz, Pronatura Noroeste’s Director of Bird Conservation, to learn more about this research.
Addressing climate change adaptation in the SJV region
The Sonoran Joint Venture, PRBO Conservation Science, and the Mexican National Protected Areas Commission (CONANP) are collaborating on a new effort aimed and better understanding the predicted impacts of climate change to birds and habitats within the SJV region and beyond. This project aims to develop a foundation for monitoring environmental change in the SJV region by better understanding and detecting climate change effects, identifying areas and species at greatest risk, and increasing the capacity for making conservation decisions for bird populations and habitats. Ultimately, we hope to determine how to best focus monitoring and habitat protection and restoration activities to adapt to these projected changes.
The project will combine climate models and bird observation data to create an interactive, web-based tool that will allow biologists and land managers to visualize predicted changes to birds and habitats. Ultimately, these tools are envisioned to help inform decisions about monitoring, restoration, and habitat protection in the SJV region and beyond.
PRBO, with support from the California Landscape Conservation Cooperative, has already developed a similar tool for California (www.prbo.org/cadc). Based on this previous successful undertaking, we are creating a similar model for the SJV region, with the goal of eventually expanding it to the Desert LCC region and all of Mexico. In addition to the interactive website, we are planning a series of workshops to determine priority species and locations for undertaking long-term bird monitoring, select standardized monitoring protocols, and develop a standardized mechanism for entering, storing, and sharing monitoring data. The final step will be to train protected areas managers and monitoring biologists in these techniques.
To learn more about this project, including how to incorporate your bird observation data or become a partner, please contact Jennie Duberstein.
Policy brief examines state strategies to plan for and adapt to climate change
 Researchers at Duke University’s Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions recently published a policy brief that looks at emerging state-level adaptation planning strategies for climate change. Climate change is expected to pose a number of risks to communities, such as sea-level rise and an increase in storm surges. States are beginning to develop adaptation plans to reduce climate risks and vulnerabilities within the larger context of economic growth. While the process and structure of the planning efforts vary, the resulting recommendations reveal similarities.
The plans include a mix of broad strategies that address the state’s objectives and goals and identify supporting policies. To ensure complementary and coordinated responses to climate change, many strategies are cross-sectoral and entail integration and collaboration among multiple government agencies and economic sectors. The policy brief provides an overview of cross-sectoral strategies and policy measures from climate change adaptation plans developed by Maryland, Pennsylvania, and California. |
 |
Webinar series highlights collaboration efforts between Joint Ventures and State Agencies
In October, the Sonoran Joint Venture (SJV) and the Arizona Game and Fish Departmentparticipated in a national webinar series aimed at illustrating how state fish and wildlife agencies and Joint Ventures work collaboratively for better bird conservation. In the webinar, SJV Science Coordinator Carol Beardmore and Arizona Game and Fish’s Arizona Bird Conservation Initiative Coordinator Edwin Juarez shared their experiences developing and implementing a State-based Coordinated Bird Monitoring program.
The Arizona Coordinated Bird Monitoring (CBM) Program provides a framework for the design and implementation of the long-term monitoring of Arizona's birds. The presentation shared Arizona's experiences in developing a CBM program in conjunction with the Sonoran Joint Venture and gave suggestions for selecting priority species, developing protocols, securing funding, and implementation. Beardmore and Juarez also shared lessons learned and tips for successful Joint Venture-State Agency partnerships.
Sponsored by the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies, the webinar series provides a platform for “state agency staff an opportunity to learn about and discuss priority bird conservation topics without travel costs.” Other presentations include:
- A DSS for Targeting Lesser Prairie-Chicken Conservation by the Playa Lakes Joint Venture and Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks, and Tourism.
- Accomplishing On-the-ground Conservation through Farm Bill Programs and Conservation Delivery Networks by Lower Mississippi Valley and Intermountain West Joint Ventures with State Agency Partners.
A recording of the Developing a State-based Coordinated Bird Monitoring Program webinar is now available. For more information about upcoming webinars, contact Allison Vogt or Ashley Dayer.
SJV tech committee, PIF Western Working Group meet in Mazatlan, Sinaloa
In early October 2011 the Sonoran Joint Venture Technical Committee and the Western Working Group of Partners in Flight held a joint meeting in conjunction with the XI Congreso para el Estudio y Conservación de las Aves en México (CECAM). CECAM is an annual conference that brings together researchers, students, and those working in bird conservation to exchange information and ideas about birds and their habitats in Mexico.
The focus of the joint SJV/PIF WWG meeting was implantation of the recommendations in Saving Our Shared Birds: A Tri-national Vision for Landbird Conservation. The day and a half meeting included presentations from SJV/WWG members who are currently engaged in bi- or tri-national bird conservation work, including climate change modeling, Chihuahuan Desert grassland conservation, MoSi monitoring, and more. The session culminated with break-out discussions which focused on the next steps for implementing the recommendations of SOS Birds for different conservation issues and ecosystems.
The joint WWG/SJV meeting paved the way for a special Partners In Flight symposium during the CECAM conference that included presentations about various international efforts and a summary of the next steps for implementing SOS Birds in Mexico. To learn more, or to be added to the mailing list, please contact Michael Green.
Upcoming grant deadlines
We have recently added information about a number of new funding opportunities for those doing work in the SJV region. Please take the time to browse through the complete list of funding opportunities.
- Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act
Deadline: 30 November 2011
Description: The Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act establishes a matching grants program to fund projects that promote the conservation of these birds in the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Projects may include activities to benefit bird populations and their habitats, research and monitoring, law enforcement, and outreach and education. All grant requests must be matched by partner funds at least 3:1. Partner funds from a U.S. federal source may be involved in the project, but are not eligible as match.
Upcoming meetings and workshops
See complete details about upcoming meetings and workshops.
|
