The project is focused on the conservation of two grassland priority conservation areas lagunas DEL este and alto conchos the grasslands here are characterized by high grass cover which provide…

The U.S. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service awarded a $595,825 Project Grant under the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation (NMBCA) program (CFDA 15.635) to Universidad Autonoma De Nuevo Leon, a non-profit university in Mexico. The grant supports a 2-year project focused on conserving two priority grassland areas in northern Mexico that provide critical habitat for over 30 species of migratory grassland birds. Key project objectives include:

1. Maintaining connectivity and pasture quality across 9,000 hectares through conservation agreements with local landowners.
2. Restoring pasture areas by implementing best agricultural and livestock practices, including native grass cultivation and grazing management, across 25,000 hectares.
3. Assessing land tenure, legal status, and pasture conditions to identify priority conservation areas.
4. Monitoring migratory grassland bird diversity and density within and outside the conservation areas.

Through this award, Universidad Autonoma De Nuevo Leon will deliver technical expertise, community engagement, and scientific research to support the long-term conservation of these important grassland habitats for migratory bird species.

The project is focused on the conservation of two grassland priority conservation areas lagunas DEL este and alto conchos the grasslands here are characterized by high grass cover which provide habitat for 30 priority species of high regional or continental conservation significance (with a density of over 850 grassland birds per square kilometer). This includes three focal species for the nmbca program the chestnut collared longspur thick billed longspur and spragues pipit. Additionally there are six species listed in the yellow watch list of the PIF (partners in flight) swainsons hawk mountain plover long billed curlew scaled quail bairds sparrow and LE contes sparrow. The project will work in two areas with the following OBJECTIVES1. Maintain connectivity and pasture quality in two gpcas in northern mexico through conservation agreements with key site owners covering 9000 hectares in the ejido venustiano carranza y martin lopez.2. Restore pasture areas by implementing best agricultural and livestock practices including the cultivation of native grasses and shrub control. This includes livestock management practices to reduce overgrazings impact in these bird important areas. This will be achieved through training local producers in 25 000 hectares. 3. Conduct a comprehensive assessment of land tenure legal status and analyze pasture conditions using desertification modeling to identify areas in urgent need of conservation and 4 monitor the diversity and density of migratory grassland birds both within and outside the areas subject to long term conservation efforts.