Updating the distribution of the Sierra Madre Sparrow Xenospiza baileyi across central Mexico: historical records, new localities, and conservation perspectives

Abstract

The Sierra Madre Sparrow (Xenospiza baileyi) is an endangered species microendemic to subalpine grasslands of central and northwestern Mexico. Given that land use change is highly dynamic in central Mexico, there is a need for a continuous monitoring of the distribution and conservation status of the species across the region. We here update the distribution of the Sierra Madre Sparrow by surveying the historical sites where the species is known to occur, verifying records from a citizen science database, and identifying potential habitat in the region to find new localities for the species. We also highlight main local threats and discuss potential conservation activities for the sites where we recorded the species. We found that all historical sites are still inhabited by the species and we identified new localities for the Sierra Madre Sparrow. Each locality presents particular threats for the conservation of the species. Common threats to all sites include agriculture and land owners' unawareness about the presence of the species. Particular attention should be focused on providing management guidelines for agricultural practices in the area. Special efforts must be directed to engaging communities into conserving and monitoring subalpine grasslands. Much work should be done to define and apply conservation strategies in cooperation with local governments, institutions, and communities. The identification of new localities for the species reveals the need to expand research beyond traditional study and bird-watching sites.

Keywords

• agriculture
• cattle grazing
• endangered bird
• endemic species
• mexico city