Diversity, Endemism, and Conservation Status of the Herpetofauna of the Sierra Madre Occidental in Mexico with Comparison to Neighboring Biogeographic Provinces
Por:
Smith, GR, Lemos-Espinal, JA
Publicada:
30 abr 2025
Resumen:
Simple Summary: The Sierra Madre Occidental (SMO) in Mexico is a biologically rich region, home to 57 amphibian species and 160 reptile species, many of which are unique to the area. These species are crucial to the region's biodiversity, with over half being endemic to Mexico. However, the SMO faces several threats, including habitat loss from logging, mining, and climate change, putting many species at risk. Five amphibians and three reptiles from the region are listed as vulnerable or endangered. The SMO also shares many species with neighboring provinces, underlining the importance of coordinated conservation efforts across these regions. The Mexican government has established protected areas within the SMO, but additional measures are needed to ensure the survival of these species. Protecting the unique wildlife of the SMO is essential for maintaining the region's ecological balance and contributing to global biodiversity conservation efforts. The Sierra Madre Occidental (SMO) is a biogeographic province of Mexico that serves as a corridor for the northward expansion of subtropical species, while also acting as a barrier for the movement of species between western and eastern Mexico. The SMO houses 57 species of amphibians and 160 species of reptiles, representing 19.4% of the total number of amphibian and reptile species found in Mexico. Ten amphibian and thirteen reptile species are endemic to the SMO, and >50% of amphibian and reptile species found in the SMO are endemic to Mexico. Five amphibian species and three reptile species are listed in a category of conservation concern in the IUCN Red List. Specific threats include habitat loss, logging, mining, pollution, and climate change. The SMO shares a significant percentage of its species with neighboring provinces. In the cluster analysis for amphibians, a group comprising the SMO, the Pacific Lowlands, and the Chihuahuan Desert is linked to the Transvolcanic Belt. For reptiles, two distinct groups emerge: one including the SMO and the Chihuahuan Desert and one including the Transvolcanic Belt and the Pacific Lowlands. In conclusion, the rich biodiversity of the SMO, along with its role as both a corridor and barrier for species distribution, highlights the importance of targeted conservation efforts to mitigate the various threats facing this biogeographically significant province.
Filiaciones:
Smith, GR:
Denison Univ, Dept Biol, Granville, OH 43023 USA
Lemos-Espinal, JA:
Univ Nacl Autonoma Mexico, Lab Ecol UBIPRO, Unidad Biomed, Fac Estudios Super Iztacala, Ave Barrios 1, Tlalnepantla 54090, Mexico
gold, All Open Access; Gold Open Access
|