PAST SUCCESSES

Conservation of Oak (Quercus) forests in Mexico
Project Dates: 2000-2002

Mexico has the greatest number and diversity of oak (Quercus) species of any country in the world - with 160 species, 36 of which are listed as globally threatened. These threatened oaks have great ecological, economic and cultural importance to the people of Mexico and their conservation is an urgent priority.

This project was carried out in collaboration with local experts from the University of Puebla, Mexico and staff from the Sir Harold Hillier Gardens & Arboretum in the UK with the aim of supporting the development and implementation of conservation strategies for the most threatened species. Detailed field research, development of education materials and the involvement of local people helped to form conservation action plans

Outcomes

• The development of a conservation strategy for Quercus hintonii, classified as Endangered, including the production of an educational guide to the conservation of the species. Increased vigilance for the tree within areas designated for conservation was also agreed.

• Map of the Mexican distribution of Quercus insignis, classified as Near Threatened, a magnificent tree with egg-sized acorns. Propagation of the species was encouraged through the partial funding of a greenhouse at the University of Puebla Botanic Garden.

To download an article on this project from 'Fauna & Flora', FFI's quarterly magazine, click here. (86k)


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