Bird Ecology and Conservation on the Northern Jaguar Reserve: Recent Lessons

The Northern Jaguar Reserve is in the western foothills of the Sierra Madre Occidental and in a broad transition zone between Nearctic and Neotropical faunal realms. We have assessed the distribution and abundance of birds across all four seasons in foothills thornscrub, oak woodland, and adjacent riparian areas, and discuss issues relevant to conservation and management. Since 2007, we have observed 205 species of birds including 131 that are Neotropical migrants, 104 that likely breed on the reserve, and 35 species of binational conservation concern. Observations suggest this 20,140 -ha reserve has signi cant conservation value to migratory birds that traverse an inland migratory flyway that includes the Sky Islands; breeding species that use foothills thornscrub, oak woodland, and riparian woodlands along the Rio Aros and its tributaries; and numerous species and populations of significant conservation value. Existing conservation efforts include land purchase, cattle exclusion, invasive plant removal, and habitat restoration on both neighboring private ranches and the reserve.

(Conference Proceedings: Merging science and management in a rapidly hanging world: biodiversity and management of the Madrean Archipelago III, RMRS-P-67.)