The effectiveness of flagship species as a conservation tool is controversial, and amphibians are not usually regarded as meeting the strategic criteria that flagships demand. Capitalizing on the historical, cultural and economic importance of the Axolotl Ambystoma mexicanum at Lake Xochimilco, Mexico, a conservation programme for this species and its habitat was developed using the Axolotl as a flagship. The threats to the lake are complex and stem from the unsustainable use of its resources. The needs and livelihoods of local stakeholders must therefore be taken into account before attempting to address the threats. The programme therefore focused on developing nature tourism by training local boatmen (remeros) in environmental interpretation. Surveys showed that the boatmen increased their incomes and job satisfaction after training, and that the environmental interpretation programme improved relevant knowledge and awareness of visitors. Although ongoing threats mean that reintroduction of captive‐bred Axolotls is not appropriate, zoos with captive populations of Axolotls supported the programme regionally and internationally by providing publicity, funds, staff expertise, training support and themed educational activities. By raising both funds and awareness for the wider conservation of Lake Xochimilco, the Axolotl is probably the first amphibian flagship to be launched successfully.
The Monk Parakeet (Myiopsitta monachus) is native to South America and has been introduced by the pet market to several countries around the world. In this note, we compiled records for this species in Mexico and report the first sight-recording of this species in the state of Michoacán and several nesting localities within the Metropolitan area of México City. Most records are of individuals escaped or released from captivity. Also, we review the negative effects that this species has had in invaded areas from around the world. Our analysis suggests the possible beginning of an invasion in Mexico that could have dramatic negative ecological and economic effects throughout this biodiverse country.
Catch size, sex ratio, structure and dynamics, as well as mortality, of a population of the secondary burrower crayfish Procambarus acanthophorus Villalobos, 1948, from tropical wetland La Mixtequilla, Veracruz, Mexico, were examined. Monthly samples were taken from artisanal commercial captures. A total of 2141 individuals were caught. Although the total female:male ratio was 0.86, variation in sex ratios have also been found in monthly catches. Monthly polymodal frequency distributions of cephalothorax length (CL) were analyzed by the Bhattacharya method. Population catches consisted of six CL classes. The CL-class dynamic may show adaptations to the flood period. Growth parameters were estimated using the von Bertalanffy model. For females, K = 0.39 year−1, CL∞ = 57.30 mm, [Formula: see text] = 3.11, and tmax = 6.73 years were found; it is appropriate that for males, K = 0.40 year−1, CL∞ = 59.00 mm, [Formula: see text] = 3.14, and tmax = 6.59 years were found. We also examined whether water temperature influences the catches or sex ratio.
We present a list of noteworthy distribution records for 12 bird species in the state of Guerrero, Mexico, which were observed and captured during field work from 2006-2013 in different environments. One of the records (Setophaga citrina) is new to the state, and observations of an additional five species (e.g., Pelecanus erythrorynchos, Mycteria americana, Setophaga dominica) have expanded their geographical distribution to biotic provinces where their presence was previously unrecorded. The presence of another six species (e.g., Elanus leucurus, Setophaga palmarum) with scarce distributional information was confirmed. Records presented in this scientific note highlight the importance of continuing inventory work in unexplored environments, and even in areas that are apparently well-surveyed. Coupled with biogeography, taxonomy and ecology studies, such studies will help to improve the understanding of the natural history of birds and their means of conservation.Keywords: Biotic provinces, distributional areas, conservation, Neotropics, human activities. ResumenPresentamos una lista de registros de distribución notable para 12 especies de aves en el estado de Guerrero, México, las cuáles observamos y colectamos durante el trabajo de campo llevado a cabo de 2006-2013 en diferentes ambientes del estado. Uno de los registros (Setophaga citrina) es nuevo para el estado, y otras cinco especies (e.g., Pelecanus erythrorynchos, Mycteria americana, Setophaga dominica) ampliaron su distribución geográfica a una provincia biótica donde su presencia no había sido previamente registrada. Confirmamos la presencia de otras seis especies (e.g., Elanus leucurus, Setophaga palmarum) con escasa información distribucional. Los registros presentados en esta nota científica muestran la importancia de continuar el trabajo de inventario en ambientes inexplorados e incluso en áreas que aparentemente están bien documentadas. Este tipo de información junto con estudios sobre la biogeografía, taxonomía y ecología, ayudarán a comprender mejor la historia natural de las aves y su conservación.
Presentamos información de nuevos registros de presencia y distribución sobresaliente de 14 especies de aves en el estado de Guerrero, México. Dos especies son nuevos registros (Rallus obsoletus, Dumetella carolinensis) para el estado. Siete especies son poco comunes debido a que su presencia ha sido poco evidenciada en la entidad (Nyctibius jamaicensis, Lophornis brachylophus, Campylopterus hemileucurus, Aramus guarauna, Sarcoramphus papa, Helmitheros vermivorum, Piranga leucoptera), y cinco especies amplían su distribución a otras provincias bióticas del estado de Guerrero donde no había evidencias de su presencia (Amazilia rutila, Aramides cajaneus, Thryomanes bewickii, Euphagus cyanocephalus, Thraupis episcopus). Nuestros registros confirman que los estudios locales son de importancia para comprender de forma detallada la distribución geográfica y ecológica de la biodiversidad de las aves.
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