Project Proposals Southern Wings Projects

Project Proposals 2014-2015 1 2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects Restoration of migratory grassland bird habitat on private and communal lands in t...
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Project Proposals 2014-2015

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2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects

Restoration of migratory grassland bird habitat on private and communal lands in the Valles Centrales Grassland Priority Conservation Area Partners – Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory, Pronatura Noreste, American Bird Conservancy, USFWS Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act, Commission for Environmental Cooperation. States that have participated to date – Arizona Game and Fish Department

Overview -- Grassland birds are declining more rapidly than any other group of North American birds. Habitat loss and degradation on the wintering grounds is a common factor among declining migratory species. The Chihuahuan Desert of northern Mexico is a continentally important wintering area, supporting significant populations of more than 90% of migratory grassland bird species breeding in western North America, including some, like Baird’s Sparrow, that winter nowhere else. Although people in the Chihuahuan Desert have been ranching for centuries, a large portion of the grasslands once found here has been lost to cropland conversion, shrub encroachment and desertification. To reduce the threat of habitat degradation and conversion, partners aim to engage private and communal landowners in range improvement and habitat restoration projects on their lands through development of bird-friendly management plans and technical and financial assistance in implementing rotational grazing systems, protection of sensitive habitat, shrub-removal, reseeding, and other techniques. Management plans will utilize winter habitat prescriptions developed for priority grassland bird species to set grazing levels, evaluate success and adjust management. We aim to improve at least 12,000 acres of Chihuahuan Desert grassland in this way over the next two years and secure mid-term (15 years) management agreements on these lands. Threats -- Intensive cropland agriculture is rapidly expanding in the Mexican Chihuahuan Desert, threatening to severely reduce the remaining low-slope native grassland habitat needed by nearly 30 high-priority grasslands bird species. Nowhere has the recent agricultural expansion been so rapid as in the Valles Centrales of Chihuahua, the largest of 12 Grassland Priority Conservation Areas (GPCAs) identified in Mexico. Between 2006 and 2011, croplands in the Valles Centrales increased by 34%, destroying roughly 170,000 acres of grasslands and habitat for an estimated 466,000 wintering grassland birds, including 171,000 Chestnut-collared Longspurs. Croplands now occupy 63% of the former low-slope grasslands in this GPCA. The Valles Centrales support the only remaining native population of Chihuahuan Desert Aplomado Falcons, but since 2005, 23 of 25 known falcon territories have been destroyed by agriculture. Pronghorn and other grassland species are also at risk. Long-term inappropriate grazing and a

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prolonged drought have reduced rangeland productivity and increased financial strain on ranchers, forcing many to sell their land. Birds – The Valles Centrales support a diverse community of grassland birds. Species found here include (in descending order of abundance): Chestnut-collared Longspur, Vesper Sparrow, Brewer’s Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, Horned Lark, Grasshopper Sparrow, Lark Bunting, Chipping Sparrow, Mourning Dove, Clay-colored Sparrow, Baird’s Sparrow, Eastern Meadowlark, Scaled Quail, Cassin’s Sparrow, Sprague’s Pipit, Loggerhead Shrike, Say’s Phoebe, Short-eared Owl, North Harrier, Chihuahuan Raven, Western Meadowlark, Red-tailed Hawk, American Kestrel, Mountain Bluebird, Burrowing Owl, Long-billed curlew, Aplomado Falcon, White-tailed Kite, Ferruginous Hawk, Prairie Falcon and Golden Eagle. Previous successes achieved: Pronatura Noreste has been improving wildlife habitat on rangelands in Chihuahua since 2009 and has implemented more than 12 similar projects. RMBO and partners have been monitoring bird in the region since 2007 and have contacts with many of the landowners in the area. This project builds off the scientific and strategic foundation established by these organizations to target some of the most valuable and vulnerable priority sites for grassland conservation in northern Mexico with the management prescriptions designed specifically to generate the most optimal response by priority grassland bird species. Specific Activities supported: Funding from Southern Wings will provide support to landowners for incorporating bird and wildlife considerations into resource planning and implement habitat improvements through a combination of habitat restoration and enhancement techniques including rotational grazing, deferment, exclusion, reseeding and shrub-removal. These funds will be part of a “Habitat Fund” that is being developed with to help offset the costs of implementing conservation activities on private lands in Valles Centrales. We aim to improve at least 12,000 acres of grasslands in the Valles Centrales over the next 2 years. The actual amount of habitat improved could be substantially greater depending on implementation costs and funding available. Although protecting grasslands through acquisition or easement is also desirable and may occur in the future, keeping ranchers on the land by helping them improve their management and profitability, while simultaneously improving wildlife habitat, is currently the most immediate and cost-effective way to prevent further loss of grasslands and slow the spread of cropland agriculture across the region. Additional funds are being invested in this project from various sources including (Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act (NMBCA), and private donors. With these counterpart funds the project will; deploy a wildlife biologist and range ecologist to engage landowners in the Valles Centrales and implement grassland improvement and conservation projects on private and communal lands, conduct outreach to build a foundation of knowledge and trust among landowners that will help engage them as active participants in on-the-ground projects, identify 3

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and recruit new projects and landowners, and will provide support to landowners for incorporating bird and wildlife considerations into resource planning, design conservation plans to ensure biological considerations are addressed, and provide biological training and technical support to landowners in implementing management plans. Success will be evaluated by monitoring grassland bird response, among other metrics. Some specific project activities and budget for 2012-2013 include: Partner

Grassland Restoration

Personnel

Travel

AZ G&F / Southern Wings

$5,000

RMBO/NMBCA/CEC

$45,000

$75,000

$25,000

ABC/Pronatura

$50,000

$75,000

$25,000

Matching Funds: The project will leverage significant additional resources (up to 7:1) from Mexican federal assistance programs (e.g., from SAGARPA, CONAFOR) and other sources, including the Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act, American Bird Conservancy, and Commission for Environmental Cooperation, among others. Reporting: Typical Southern Wings reporting (in the format developed by Southern Wings) is done in February and August. These are interim reports. A final report is submitted once the money is spent. However, interim reports may not be necessary depending on how long it takes to spend the funds.

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Project Name: Protecting migratory bird habitat in the Yucatan Peninsula Partners - Yucatan Peninsula Environmental Alliance (AAPY by its Spanish acronym), Amigos de Sian Ka’an (ASK),Reserva Ecológica del Edén, Niños y Crías, Pronatura - Yucatan, TNC- Mexico, Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP). States that have participated to date – Missouri, Tennessee Overview - The Yucatan Peninsula is one of the most important areas for migratory birds in the Neotropics. Each spring, the Peninsula is filled with millions of migrant birds that rely on the habitat to nearly double their body weight before attempting the 12 to 18 hour, trans-gulf migration to the gulf coast of the United States. Two biological corridors are proposed for the Yucatan Peninsula as part of the Mesoamerican Biological Corridor. One is the Yum-balam – Sian Ka’an Biological Corridor in northern Quintana Roo State. The other connects the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve with Calakmul Biosphere. The Yucatan Peninsula Environmental Alliance (AAPY) is a partnership of six conservation institutions in the region: Reserva Ecológica del Edén, Niños y Crías, Pronatura Peninsula de Yucatan, The Nature Conservancy, the National Commission for Protected Areas (CONANP), and Amigos de Sian Ka’an. This Alliance and its member organizations have taken up efforts to develop stable, long-term regional bird and habitat conservation projects. Amigos de Sian Ka’an (ASK) is the lead organization of AAPY and is implementing forest and water conservation programs in the Peninsula. In recent years this has led to the establishment of new public protected areas, the acquisition of private lands for protection, and improved management of existing reserves. The Alliance has developed an environmental service payment program to ensure the protection of forests and water resources within the Yum Balam – Sian Ka’an Corridor. Amigos de Sian Ka’an has secured a 1 to 1 match from government sources for this program. All funds raised will be invested in conservation payments to secure the protection of fresh water and important habitat for migratory birds and biodiversity on private lands in the Yucatan Peninsula. Threats – Rapid development for mass tourism and urban sprawl, especially west and south of Cancun, significantly threatens the habitat that remains in the northern portion of the Yucatan Peninsula. Fire is a major threat on the Peninsula. Both legally or illegally set fires often turn into uncontrolled wild fires that burn wildlife habitat. Birds - Some of the priority species of Neotropical migrants that winter in the northern Yucatan Peninsula include WatchList 2007 species such as: Wood Thrush, Blue-winged Warbler, Swainson’s Warbler, and Kentucky Warbler. Non-WatchList species include Yellow-throated Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, and Hooded Warbler. Enormous numbers of migrants pass through the area in spring and fall, including WatchList species such as Canada Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler, Cerulean Warbler, along with dozens of other species.

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Project goals – Amigos de Sian Ka’an has identified multiple properties where conservation agreements and environmental service payments can secure habitat for migratory birds. These properties fall within the Yum Balam – Sian Ka’an Corrdior. Due to the high costs of acquisition and reserve management, developing conservation agreements and providing landowners financial support for protecting habitat on their properties is an economically viable option for securing protection of wildlife habitat and water resources. Also, the funds received by landowners for protection are often invested in further protecting the habitat through infrastructure improvements. To further conservation in the region as a whole, ASK is also seeking to create a new public protected area in the northeast corner of the peninsula. This is a key site that remains unprotected. Political support and management plans need to be generated for a protected area to be declared. Previous Southern Wings Successes - The Yucatan Peninsula Environmental Alliance purchased a 1,620 acre property called San Mateo Ake. The property, which neighbors the El Eden Reserve, creates a protected area of over 5,400 acres. Southern Wings has also helped support a guard and patrolling equipment for this protected area. Patrolling has deterred illegal hunting and helped rapidly identify fires in the region. 2014 - 2015 project activities –Additional needs include continued support for protection/management at the San Mateo Ake and El Eden reserves, as well as support to develop a wintering migrant monitoring program to better understand the importance of specific sites for migratory birds and how migratory birds are moving through the peninsula. The Universities of Illinois and Eastern Illinois have begun a migratory pathway connectivity monitoring project that helps track birds with radio transmitters that are departing from the coast of Alabama heading south to Yucatan. A series of radio towers is able to pick up tagged birds that fly past. Currently all the radio towers are along the coast. ASK and El Edén Association would like to partner with the universities to install equipment at El Eden to better understand bird use of inland sites by migratory birds. ASK has been successful in developing an environmental service payment program in association with local water authorities, some hotels and, the national forestry agency. The program provides one to one matching dollars for dollars raised by ASK. The money is used to pay landowners to protect forests, soil and water sources west of Cancun. The payment to landowners helps secure safe water for Cancun and habitat for migratory birds. Payments to landowners are approximately $46 per acre per year. At this rate approximately 42 acres would be protected for one year per $1000 of funds raised; this includes the 1:1 match from the federal government. This funding for an environmental service payment program would allow for expanded protection within the Yum Balam – Sian Ka’an Corridor, as would the development of a new protected area in northeastern Quintana Roo state.

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Total Budget = $101,500 Matching Funds - Amigos de Sian Ka’an has secured 1:1 match for all dollars raised for the environmental service payment program. It recently invested $150,000 in conservation agreements. El Eden will also provide in-kind match of salaries for additional property guards.

Figure 1: Possible properties to secure protection through environmental service payments and conservation agreements

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Migratory Bird Corridor in Izabal, Guatemala 2014-2015 Partners: Fundacion para el EcoDesarollo y La Conservación (FUNDAECO), Global Wildlife Conservation, American Bird Conservancy, Rainforest Trust States that have participated to date: Missouri, Tennessee, Arkansas, Iowa, Texas Overview: The coastal Caribbean region of Guatemala lies between Belize and Honduras, in the province of Izabal. This region includes a number of unique and isolated massifs rising from sea level up to 1,200 meters, low-land rainforest, large mangrove and natural beach systems and a Ramsar Wetland. That region is exposed to moisture-laden Caribbean trade winds and supports a unique transitional ecosystem from the shoreline to wet rainforests and pine-oak forests on south-facing rain-shadow slopes. The unique combination of topographical and climatic conditions creates important stop over and wintering habitat for at least 153 species of neotropical migrants. FUNDAECO, a Guatemalan organization, is ensuring the conservation of these sites by purchasing and managing core habitat in areas identified for national protection by the Guatemalan government, who themselves lack the funds to purchase or manage. In the early 2000s, FUNDAECO began a region-wide program for the protection of migratory and resident birds. They identified conservation gaps and high priority sites that required urgent protection. Threats: Cattle ranching, logging, and slash and burn and industrial agriculture in the area continue to threaten the forest resources of the area. Birds: At least 153 neotropical migrants have been identified in the Izabal region of Guatemala. This includes the forested massifs of Sierra Caral, Cerro San Gil and the lowland peninsula of Manabique. Wood Thrush, Kentucky Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler and Painted Bunting are present here in winter in large numbers. The area also includes site specific habitat for priority conservation species such as Golden-cheeked Warbler, and stop over sites for Cerulean Warbler and Canada Warbler. The coastline of Punta de Manabique is used by Buff-breasted Sandpiper, Sanderling, Stilt Sandpiper, Western Sandpiper, Red Knot and Wilson’s Plover during the winter migration. Other migrants in the region include Swainson’s hawk, Tennessee Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, Catbird, Baltimore Oriole and Indigo Bunting. Project goal: Secure the protection of core migratory bird habitat through land acquisition, management and monitoring in the Izabal Province of Guatemala. Through the protection of these sites, this project will advance the long-term, integrated conservation efforts for the Caribbean region of Guatemala. This includes facilitating long-term protection through the development of sustainable livelihoods in areas around the reserves, working on health and human service issues for communities to reduce their impact on the land, and supporting policies and programs such as environmental service payment programs.

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Previous Southern Wings Successes: In Phase I of this project FUNDAECO acquired two properties, totaling 5,682 acres, in the Sierra Caral Mountains of Guatemala. Paperwork has been submitted to the government for designation as a National Protected Area. In Phase II, funds contributed to the purchase of 1,668 acres to create a new reserve at Punta Manabique, protecting mangroves and reducing access to some of the most critical habitats on this peninsula that juts out into the Bay of Honduras. Southern Wings has also provided funding for the management of these properties including park guard salary support. Phase III of the project is to expand the Cerro San Gil Reserve. In 2013 Southern Wings participating states provided funding for this acquisition. To date two payments have been made toward this property. Final fundraising to complete the purchase is continuing until the fall of 2014. Specific 2014 – 2015 project activities: FUNDAECO will purchase 2,090 acres for conservation purposes to expand the core protected zone of the Cerro San Gil Reserve. This acquisition will expand thisReserve and secure additional migratory bird wintering ground habitat. FUNDAECO will continue to manage Sierra Caral and Manabique Reserves; develop and conduct communications and outreach with local communities to reduce threats to migratory bird habitat in the buffer zones of Sierra Caral and Manabique Reserves; and monitor migratory birds. FUNDAECO has a trained team of bird banders in the Izabal region and have been conducting banding operations at the nearby Cerro San Gil since 1992. However, with the creation of the new reserves at Sierra Caral and Punta Manabique, additional banding efforts should be conducted to monitor the impact of conservation efforts on migratory birds on the property. Total Budget = $97,040 Match funds: FUNDAECO has secured $110,000 from IUCN and approximately $75,000 from NMBCA has also been secured toward the purchase of the Cerro San Gil expansion. FUNDAECO

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is continuing to raise funds to complete this acquisition. Conservation service payment funds from the Government of Guatemala are in hand as match as well.

Protection of Migratory Bird Habitat of Desert Grasslands in the El Tokio Grassland Priority Conservation Area (near Saltillo, Mexico)

Partners – Pronatura Noreste A.C., Universidad Autonomo de Nuevo Leon, National Forestry Commission (CONAFOR), American Bird Conservancy States that have participated to date: Oklahoma, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa Overview: The desert grasslands, located south of the town of Saltillo in northern Mexico, are fairly high elevation (6,000 to 7,000 feet ) grasslands important to numerous wintering birds as well as threatened resident species and a threatened mammal, the Mexican prairie dog. The goal of this project is the protection, management, and restoration of grasslands on properties within the El Tokio Grassland Priority Conservation Area (GPCA) for priority migrant birds. Within the GPCA, Pronatura Noreste (PNE) and ABC are currently working with La Hediondilla Ejido to create a new Ejido Reserve to restore heavily degraded habitat. The reserve would be located near the El Cercado Reserve on the Lomas del Gorrion and Cuatro Gorriones properties, which ABC helped Pronatura purchase in 2007. In total, Pronatura improved more than 150,000 acres of habitat in and around the El Tokio GPCA through the creation of private reserves, ejido reserves and conservation agreements that restrict cattle ranching and agriculture practices; and through the installation of erosion control measures and ranching best management practices. A wildlife habitat corridor linking ejido reserves and private protected areas has been proposed within El Tokio. Funding is needed to expand conservation action on new properties in the region and to conduct habitat improvement activities on these properties. Activities include erosion control systems to help restore grasslands, water source restoration, and fencing to control cattle impacts. Erosion control has proven to be a more cost effective restoration method than attempting to develop seed banks and replanting seed. 2

At the La Hediondilla Ejido a 15,400 m pond, critical for both the ejido and Long-billed Curlews, further research is required to guide conservation actions. A strategy for how the pond can be used most effectively by the ejido and wildlife will be developed in cooperation with the ejido, and incorporated into the ejido management plan. On a larger scale, PNE has created a multi-organizational Grassland Vital Signs Committee. This committee– which includes PNE, the Autonomous University of Nuevo Leon, the Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands Museum, CONAFOR and various other research and conservation institutions–is attempting to more fully understand the ecosystems of El Tokio including determining current vegetation and soil conditions, precipitation trends, and wildlife and plant populations. This committee is investigating and monitoring the impacts of conservation management activities to better determine best management practices and how to achieve desired habitat conditions and wildlife outcomes through restoration. Funding is needed to help with these studies that will guide restoration and enable us to better understand the impacts of management on focal bird species.

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Threats - A significant threat is overgrazing of these naturally arid lands. Overgrazing by goats, sheep, and cattle has caused serious erosion of already-thin soils and loss of vegetative cover, upon which the native and migrant bird species depend. There has also been more rapid conversion of the land to agriculture across the Chihuahuan Desert Grasslands. Increased agriculture requires more wells which further exacerbate the drought conditions in the region. Birds – More than 250 bird species are found in El Tokio, and high concentrations of grassland wintering birds occur, including significant numbers of Long-billed Curlews (seen in flocks of 100, to as many as 2,000 have been seen in a single flock at nearby ponds). Mountain Plovers winter in the area, and it is the part of the wintering range for important grassland birds such as Loggerhead Shrike, Sprague’s Pipit, Lark Bunting, Brewer’s Sparrow and Ferruginous Hawk. Also wintering in the area are Grasshopper, Lark, and Vesper sparrows. Passage migrants include the Upland Sandpiper and Swainson’s Hawk. Resident birds of significance include the Burrowing Owl and Worthen’s Sparrow, an IUCN Endangered and Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE) species. Project goals – The project goals are large-scale grassland restoration through improved grassland management and erosion controlto combat poor land use practices and drought conditions that have decimated grassland conditions resulting in precipitous declines of grassland bird populations. Previous Southern Wings Successes – In 2013, ProNatura Noreste conducted significant restoration work at the Lomas del Gorrion property. This included creation of erosion control rock walls and gabion dams, as well as berms across 50% of the property that help keep water in the soil and allow for regeneration of new plants. Reforestation with native junipers was conducted on a portion of the property. A guard has been hired to watch over this property as well as Cuatro Gorriones. His work to keep goats out and repair fences has been crucial to allow rapid regeneration of habitat. PNE has also worked with La Hediondilla, Tanque Nuevo and Matehuapil ejidos to establish a 15 year conservation agreements on over 70,000 acres. In addition, PNE wrote management plans for these properties and implemented conservation actions to improve growth of native grasses, reduce erosion and keep cattle of out sensitive areas. Specific 2014 – 2015 project activities: Support for grassland restoration activities on multiple properties is needed to expedite and expand the efforts currently underway. This includes developing a management plan for a pond at La Hediondilla, additional restoration at Loma de Gorriones, and new restoration and erosion control measures at the Puerto Mexico ejido. A management plan for goat herders at El Cercado could help support restoration on a larger portion of this ejido. Finally, support for the Vital Signs initiative is a priority to better understand impacts and what conservation actions are needed to achieve the goal. Total Budget = $70,750 Matching Funds – American Bird Conservancy and Pronatura Noreste have secured an NMBCA grant for work at La Hediondilla. Additionally, PNE has funding from government sources to begin work with the Puerto Mexico ejido. Multiple organizations as part of the Vital Signs Committee are providing in-kind investment in to this project.

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Map – El Tokio and location of key reserves where work is needed or has been conducted.

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Protecting stopover and wintering habitat for key priority species of shorebirds and waterbirds at Laguna Madre, Mexico Partner – Pronatura Noreste, National Commission of Protected Areas (CONANP), National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Rio Grande Joint Venture States that have participated to date: Texas Overview - Laguna Madre, in northeastern Mexico in the state of Tamaulipas, is just south of the border with Texas. The lagoon is formed by a barrier island, enclosing a lagoon more than 100 miles long and as much as 15 miles wide, although it is on average much narrower. The lagoon is often hyper-saline, with some bays at times reaching salinity levels that are 150% of sea water. There are many bays and inlets where arroyos enter the lagoon, and many, typically very low, sand islands. Large numbers of shorebirds and ducks winter in the lagoon and on its shores and the barrier island. These include hundreds of thousands of Redheads, more than two-thirds of the total population. The lagoon and its islands also serve as important breeding, stopover and wintering areas for key priority bird species including Piping Plover, American Oystercatcher, Red Knot, Long-billed Curlew, Reddish Egret, Snowy and Wilson’s plovers, Gull-billed Tern, and Black Skimmer. Conservation action at Laguna Madre has been identified as priority in the Rio Grande Joint Venture implementation plan, and supports priorities identified in the United States Shorebird Conservation Plan (Brown et al, 2001) and The North American Waterbird Conservation Plan, Version 1 (Kushlan et al, 2002). Pronatura Noreste (PNE) has maintained a presence in the region conducting different types of projects here for the last 13 years. Working closely with the National Commission of Protected Areas (CONANP), they continue to work on projects involving habitat restoration, biological monitoring, community engagement and land protection. ABC and PNE are engaged in protection of habitat through creation of conservation agreements on private lands and fencing, wetland and riparian area restoration, mangrove restoration, feral species removal from islands, and focal species monitoring. Pronatura Noreste has regional watershed projects to restore streams and fresh water ponds from the Texas border to Laguna San Andres south of Laguna Madre. Pronatura is also interested in developing best management practices for ranching in Tamaulipas, a different ecosystem from the Chihuahuan desert grasslands where they also work on ranching practices. Threats – Climate change and drought conditions significantly impact Laguna Madre and its wetlands by reducing available habitat. This is exacerbated by overuse and poor management of water resources for agriculture and ranching activities. Cattle and feral animals such as dogs, cats, and goats and threaten habitat and individual birds. Fishermen often leave many of the islands littered with dangerous fishing gear and camp debris, and abandon dogs on islands where they must fend for themselves—often eating whatever they may be able to catch. Mangrove loss leads to easier access to important bird areas by predators, and also leads to degradation of the islands themselves. Birds – The top focal species identified for Laguna Madre by PNEand local government authorities include: Piping Plover, Reddish Egret, Red Knot, Long-billed Curlew, Redhead and American Oystercatcher. Secondary focal species include: Wilson’s Plover, Snowy Plover, Sanderling, Least Tern,

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Black Skimmer, Western Sandpiper, and Semipalmated Sandpiper. Terrestrial birds of importance include Swainson’s Hawk, Peregrine Falcon, Bell’s Vireo, Painted Bunting, and MacGillivary’s Warbler. Project goals – A multi-faceted project is proposed to identify, restore and protect key wintering, stopover and breeding areas for focal species through habitat restoration and protection. This includes the restoration of 50 hectares of wetlands, reforestation of mangroves, support for community monitoring and island clean-up programs, and fencing of key areas to prevent feral animals from disturbing bird areas. Previous Southern Wings Successes. In 2013, Southern Wings invested in the Laguna Madre project for the first time, funding mangrove reforestation that is currently underway. Prior to this funding, ABC and PNE created two new conservation agreements on private lands totaling over 10,000 acres, began a program to control feral animals on islands, improved fencing to reduce cattle and other agricultural animals from entering sensitive areas of Laguna Madre, conducted focal species monitoring, began mangrove restoration, and protected key nesting and wintering sites. Total Budget = $89,000 Matching Funds – Currently PNE has funding from NMBCA for Reddish Egret site protection and migration monitoring. PNE also has monitoring funding from Disney for this project. Map – Focal locations for conservation work in Laguna Madre

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Conservation of high priority land birds at Reserva El Jaguar, Nicaragua 2014 – 2015 Partners – El Jaguar Private Wildlife Refuge, American Bird Conservancy, Indiana University of Pennsylvania States that have participated to date: Pennsylvania, Missouri Overview - The highlands of Jinotega in northern Nicaragua are becoming increasingly fragmented as agriculture, including sun-coffee production, is creeping up the mountain sides. Coffee can be grown as a full-sun crop or as a shade crop that can serve as useful habitat for many species of Neotropical migrants. The highlands have been historically important wintering areas for many species of migratory birds. Creating increased connectivity in this region is a high priority need for migratory bird conservation. Adding shade to coffee plantations and using native species reforestation to create habitat corridors and protect water sources can help restore habitat for migratory birds. Threats - Land use conversion from primary forest to agriculture, including sun coffee and potatoes, is reducing habitat available for migratory bird species, and reduces the number of individuals that the area can support due to decreased food and cover. Logging and cattle production further limit wildlife habitat. Birds –More than 25 neotropical migrants winter in the area, including the following species that are present on the El Jaguar Reserve and its buffer zones: Olive-sided Flycatcher, Golden-winged Warbler, Golden-cheeked Warbler, Dickcissel, Summer Tanager, Yellow-breasted Chat, Wilson’s Warbler, Hooded Warbler, MacGillivray’s Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, Louisiana Waterthrush, Northern Waterthrush, Ovenbird, Worm-eating Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Cedar Waxwing, Wood Thrush, Blue-headed Vireo, Alder Flycatcher, Acadian Flycatcher, Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Rubythroated Hummingbird, and Broad-winged Hawk. More than 15 other species also use this area as a stop-over on their annual migratory cycle. Most of these birds are listed on state agencies Species of Greatest Conservation Concern lists, are USFWS Birds of Conservation Concern, and/or are on a watch list for Partners in Flight, National Audubon and others. Overall Project goals –The long-term goal of this project is to create a conservation corridor between El Jaguar Private Reserve and the Reserva Natural Volcán de Yalí, approximately six miles to the northwest of El Jaguar. To achieve this goal, the project will support farmers by providing training to increase sustainability of agricultural practices, planting native tree seedlings in reforestation efforts, and conducting education programs about natural resource management and conservation. By doing this, we can restore lost habitat, help decrease the rate of conversion of habitat to agricultural lands, promote reduced pesticide use which pose health risks for migratory birds, and support more migratory bird-friendly methods of production for crops such as coffee. Previous Southern Wings Successes - El Jaguar, with support from Southern Wings, is expanding habitat restoration efforts around the El Jaguar Reserve and in the proposed El Jaguar – Volcán de Yalí Corridor. Southern Wings funds have helped to create three tree nurseries in local communities and maintain a fourth at El Jaguar. To date over 40,000 seedlings have been grown at these nurseries. 17

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These trees have been planted on nearly 100 acres across 14 properties in the vicinity of El Jaguar and at El Jaguar itself. In 2013 an El Jaguar- Volcan Yali Corridor Plan was drafted to identify priority areas for protection and restoration within the corridor. More than a dozen workshops have now been conducted with neighboring landowners and government authorities. The workshops have led to an expanded number of landowners participating in reforestation activities, shade coffee and improved management of their forested areas. The workshops have helped landowners determine where to conduct reforestation and identify the trees of species. They have also created a sense of community about conservation and resulted in buy-in from locals. Specific 2014 - 2015 project activities - The staff of El Jaguar has been highly successful at recruiting new landowners to engage in conservation and restoration of habitat around the El Jaguar Reserve. In 2014 and 2015 our objectives are to continue to conduct outreach and training programs for local landowners to increase participation in conservation, and to protect and manage an additional 800 acres of migratory bird habitat within the El Jaguar – Volcan Yali Corridor. As part of this work we are seeking to incorporate four new properties in the Nicaragua Private Reserve Program which is accredited and supervised by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources and results in reserves being a part of the National System of Protected Areas. Additionally we will conduct avian monitoring on 13 farms within the corridor. Part of this monitoring will be to collect base line data on presence and abundance of birds at newly participating farms. The farms that were surveyed two years ago will be monitored to determine changes in species presence or abundance. In the coming years we will seek to use the experiences learned at El Jaguar to other areas of Nicaragua as well as to other countries such as Costa Rica and Honduras. To expand the scope of the project, as proposed, additional resources including staffing is required. Total Budget = $52,550 Matching Funds – Matching funds are available via the acquisition of a 13.7 hectare property to expand the El Jaguar Reserve as well as in-kind investment from El Jaguar and local landowners. Maps – Location of El Jaguar in Nicaragua and landownership map of El Jaguar- Volcan Yali Corrdior

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2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects

Conservation of Cerulean Warbler Wintering Grounds 2014-2015

In Country Partners - Fundación ProAves Fundación Jocotoco, and Aves y Conservación States that have participated to date (in Colombia only): Northeast Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (NEAFWA) - $12,500; Missouri - $35,000; and Indiana DNR - $10,000. Overview - Until recently, a lack of information on the non-breeding distribution and habits of the Cerulean Warbler (CERW) impeded conservation efforts. In recent years, distribution models of this species’ range have identified key wintering areas in subtropical forests of Colombia at altitudes of 2,000 to 6,300 feet and on the eastern slope of the Andean foothill humid forest of northern Ecuador. ABC is working with multiple partners on the wintering grounds to develop landscape level conservation programs in Colombia and Ecuador at locations identified as key wintering areas for the Cerulean Warbler. Beginning in 2008, American Bird Conservancy and Fundación ProAves began developing a Cerulean Warbler Conservation Corridor in Colombia, utilizing conservation easements in the matrix of agricultural lands to connect the Cerulean Warbler Reserve and the Pauxi Pauxi Reserve, which are separated by a distance of about seven miles in the San Vicente de Chucurí area. In addition to these easements, the project includes promotion of bird-friendly practices such as growing coffee or cacao under shade of native trees, a practice that has been shown to provide habitat for some species of neotropical migratory birds in an otherwise agricultural landscape. To date, over 300,000 trees have been planted to provide additional forested habitat along the corridor in public and private lands, involving hundreds of farmers. In Ecuador, ABC has been working since 2006 with Fundación Jocotoco in the northern Andes to protect the wintering grounds of the Cerulean Warbler, focusing primarily on the eastern slope, the most important wintering area for the species in Ecuador. The Narupa Reserve and the Wildsumaco Wildlife Sanctuary are both located on the eastern Andes and surrounded by large intact forests found in national parks, Antisana and Sumaco-Galeras. This area was identified as a priority area in the Conservation Plan for the Cerulean Warbler on its Nonbreeding Range (ProAves, 2010), and our aim is to create a corridor linking the national parks and surrounding buffer areas with communities and agricultural lands. ABC has assisted in expanding and protecting the reserves, most recently (December 2013) through the acquisition of the 36 hectare Delia Quizhpilema property to expand the Narupa Reserve. Construction of a guard house and camping platforms has further strengthened protection there. Another local partner, Aves y Conservación has been doing monitoring in the surrounding areas as well as inside the Narupa Reserve and are training bird monitors, including the Narupa guard and EcoMinga staff, to conduct surveys in the areas of interest. Aves y Conservación is currently processing their results and preparing their report to NMBCA, who funded this work. Threats - The Cerulean Warbler is the most threatened neotropical migrant land bird in South America. Over 90 percent of the Cerulean Warbler’s preferred wintering habitat has been lost. Therefore it is

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2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects

critical to protect remaining habitat, restore degraded habitat, and ensure the local community has the information and incentives to conserve the habitats in perpetuity. Birds –25 Neotropical migrants winter in the area, including the following species that are present on the properties targeted by this project: Cerulean Warbler, Golden-winged Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Mourning Warbler, Canada Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Blackthroated Blue Warbler, American Redstart, Northern Waterthrush, and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Most of these birds are listed on state agencies Species of Greatest Conservation Concern lists, are USFWS Birds of Conservation Concern and/or are on a watch list for Partners in Flight, National Audubon and others. Three critically-endangered endemic birds also rely on the sites as well as numerous other threatened species. Project goals for Colombia and Ecuador – 1) Manage the reserves in the two corridors for the benefit of neotropical migratory birds and work with local municipalities to create opportunities for increased habitat protection (e.g., new regional protected areas), 2) work with farmers and landowners in the corridor area to promote shade coffee and a coffee certification program to create sustainable revenue streams for the ongoing management and protection of the reserves, 3) reforest degraded land within and on private lands surrounding the reserves, 4) support local capacity building and training to monitor protected areas, easements, and reforestation plots for use by migratory birds to assess the project’s effectiveness for migratory birds, and help guide future, scaled-up conservation efforts, 5) engage communities through outreach activities including Migratory Bird Festivals to promote awareness and support for migratory bird conservation. Southern Wings Successes to Date: In 2011, ABC assisted ProAves with the purchase of 299 acres in the Cerulean Warbler Corridor to expand the Pauxi Pauxi Reserve in Colombia. About 90% of these acres are covered with tropical humid forest, and 10% with coffee, cacao, and other small scale agricultural fields. State funds went directly to reforestation efforts; a nursery was constructed on the new properties to begin reforestation at Pauxi Pauxi in 2013. Currently, the nursery contains 3,000 seedlings of native tree species, 300 of which have been planted to date. On private farms in the Cerulean Warbler Conservation Corridor, ProAves and ABC produced over 30,000 saplings from nine native tree species and planted a total of 23,893 seedlings covering 294 acres. Reserve management (guard salary), and infrastructure improvements to the guard station have been funded. In addition, a five-mile trail has been completed between the two main installations in the Pauxi Pauxi reserve that serve as headquarters/ranger stations, which will facilitate new recreational and research opportunities within the reserve for visitors, as well as to strengthen the monitoring capabilities of park rangers. Migratory bird monitoring on reforested coffee farms is confirming benefits of shade coffee surrounding forested protected areas, and a paper is in publishication in a Colombian scientific journal by ProAves with the results of their initial data collection efforts. Nearly one thousand local children participated in a successful Migratory Bird Day Festival in 2012 and 2013, which involved parades, radio broadcasts and school programs. In fact, the posters that were created were used across the country with over 10,000 participants.

21

2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects

Total budget = $70,000 Matching Funds Secured - Current NMBCA grant for reforestation ending in June 2014: $52,277. ABC has $16,000 through August 2014 from Amos Butler and Elisha Mitchell Audubon Societies, and $18,000 from private donors for land acquisitions at Narupa Reserve and Wildsumaco Wildlife Sanctuary. Pending NMBCA funds for reforestation (June 2014-June 2015): $34,500.

The above map depicts the eastern slope of the Ecuadorian Andes. Two large public protected areas, Antisana and Sumaco National Parks border the Narupa Reserve, a private reserve specifically created for the Cerulean Warbler. This project would create a corridor in the buffer areas of the national parks and Narupa Reserve to protect ideal habitat for Cerulean Warbler.

22

2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects

Above map depicts the corridor (in red) between the Pauxi Pauxi Reserve to the north (purple) and the Cerulean Warbler Reserve to the south (‘RNA Reinita Cielo Azul’ in purple). The yellow dots depict private lands where ABC and ProAves are planting shade trees on coffee and cacao farms and cattle pastures.

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2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects

Protecting the Piping Plover and other Shorebirds in the Bahamas Partners: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission; Virginia Game and Inland Fisheries; Northeaster Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies; Bahamas National Trust (BNT); National Audubon Society (Audubon) Birds: Piping Plover (target species, 20% of Atlantic breeding population), Red Knot (124), Reddish Egret (abundant and nesting), Short-billed Dowitchers (2726), Sanderling (600), the Caribbean Flamingo, and countless other shorebirds and terns. Overview: With an estimated global population of 8,024 individuals (Smith et al. 2009), the Piping Plover is listed under the U.S. Endangered Species Act, considered “Near Threatened” by IUCN, and listed as “Highly Imperiled” by the U.S. Shorebird Conservation Plan. The rarity and tenuous existence of this species has triggered widespread, intensive conservation action throughout its breeding habitats in the U.S. However, very little is being done to improve the species’ survival on its winter grounds. According to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Piping Plover’s “population growth gained through high productivity on the breeding grounds will be quickly reversed if survival rates or breeding fitness decline due to stressors experienced during the two-thirds of the annual cycle spent in migration and wintering” (USFWS Piping Plover Five-Year Review, 2009). In 2010, Environment Canada made the important discovery that birds that winter in the Bahamas breed on the Atlantic Coast of the US and Canada. Band recovery data from 57 Piping Plovers tagged in the Bahamas put 41 on the Atlantic coast (from Virginia to Nova Scotia) during breeding season and 12 on the beaches of NY. Further, the subsequent 2011 winter International Piping Plover census in the Bahamas, coordinated by Audubon, U.S. Geological Survey, and Bahamas National Trust (BNT), recorded 1,066 birds in flocks of 100 to 250 birds across 15 islands, and additional Audubon surveys in 2012 identified more than 700 Piping Plovers on just three islands: Andros, Joulter Cays and the Berry island, suggesting that there may be even higher numbers wintering in the Bahamas than discovered to date. These findings all point to the critical importance of Bahamas habitat for the endangered Piping Plover. 2020 Project Goals 1. Establish an integrated, well-managed system of sites that support migratory bird conservation at the scale necessary to maintain and increase survivorship for priority shorebird species. 2. Build community engagement in conservation of important migratory and endemic bird species on all major islands of the Bahamas. Project objectives over the next 3 years to reach the project goal include:

24

2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects

1. Enhance the capacity of our partner, the Bahamas National Trust, to support improved management of the protected areas throughout the Bahamas for the National Protected Area System. 2. Conduct a new winter survival and connectivity study for Piping Plover to better understand the limiting factors for their survival on the wintering grounds and to determine connections between the Bahamas and the United States and Canada. 3. Expand our education programs to introduce more communities and schools to the importance of the Bahamas for the Piping Plover and other shorebirds that breed in the U.S.; foster awareness and stewardship through cross-cultural connections between the Bahamas and classrooms in the U.S. 4. Conduct community meetings and gather information necessary to support nomination of the protection of the Berry Island as an IBA for Piping Plovers. 5. Develop a management/conservation plan for the Joulter Cays for implementation when it becomes a new National Park. 6. Conduct more extensive shorebird research at known high priority shorebird sites and survey unexplored areas on Maguana Island, and the Exuma and Ragged Island chains. 7. Coordinate and support the 2016 International Plover census across the Bahamas. 8. Continue to grow a Citizen Science network, enlisting Bahamian students to collect data and engage other members of their communities. 9. Develop bird-based tourism on the Island of Andros and Inagua to create sustainable economic opportunities that build support for conservation. Project Achievements: Some of the project successes to date include the following:  October 2013—March 2014, Audubon Biologists from six Audubon state offices and colleagues from BNT surveyed shorebird populations on new islands, cays and other sites across the Bahamas. Data gathered will be used to support designation of a new Important Bird Area and proposals for creation of new National Parks on East Grand Bahama and Abaco Island. www.audubon.org/Bahamas2014  March 2014—Audubon and BNT produced a Public Service Announcement promoting National Park designation of the Joulter Cays. - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Grp1hqWx-Ek  March 2014 — Audubon implemented a new online GIS platform to support Piping Plover research efforts for across The Bahamas - http://bit.ly/1huHKFl  February 2014—BNT and Audubon submitted a proposal to the Bahamian Government for establishment of a new 92,000-acres Joulter Cays National Park. This step would secure habitat for 10% of the Atlantic breeding piping plover and 2 % of the global population of Short-billed Dowitcher, among other important shorebirds, waterbirds and other wildlife. http://www.bnt.bs/_m1893/Proposed-parks/Joulter-Cays-National-Park  February 2014 —Audubon and BNT launched a pilot project to remove invasive Casuarina Pine from the shoreline and turn it into charcoal for local consumption  2013—Audubon and BNT consulted with every community on Central and Northern Andros, with the goal of building awareness and support for the Protection of the Joulter Cays. We also led field trips to the Joulter Cays for the Bahamas Minister of Environment and local government officials. 25

2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects

 February 2012—Audubon and BNT conducted 2 follow-up surveys and discovered what we believe to be 20 percent of the Atlantic population of Piping Plover, or 708 birds, across only three islands: Andros, the Joulter Cays and the Berry Islands. Education and Outreach  2013 - 2014—Audubon and BNT are working with all nine schools on Andros Island, educating students about the island’s birds and ecosystem.  March 2014 —Audubon sponsored BNT’s 2nd Bahamas Natural History Conference, which attracted 74 scientists from across the Bahamas and a total of 270 attendees.  March 2014 —Audubon and BNT hosted a three day shorebird identification and monitoring workshop on Andros Island attended by eight students from the College of the Bahamas. Budget Item

2014/15

2015/16

2016/17

Community Education and Outreach - including Citizen Science Staff time, BNT

$

10,000.00

$

15,000.00

$

20,000.00

Staff time, NAS

$

2,000.00

$

4,000.00

$

6,000.00

Travel

$

2,000.00

$

3,000.00

$

4,000.00

Equipment & Materials

$

3,500.00

$

3,500.00

$

3,500.00

Facilities and food

$

1,500.00

$

2,000.00

$

2,500.00

Telecommunications

$

300.00

$

350.00

$

400.00

$

19,300.00

$

27,850.00

$

36,400.00

Training of Bird Guides and improving infrastructure

$

40,510.71

$

85,180.28

$

10,663.64

Subtotal

$

40,510.71

$

85,180.28

$

10,663.64

Subtotal Bird-Based Tourism

Scientific Research and Capacity Development - 2016 International Census Staff time, BNT

$

20,000.00

$

37,000.00

$

45,000.00

Staff time, NAS

$

11,700.00

$

15,000.00

$

20,000.00

Travel & Accommodations Capture and band 60 Piping Plover on the wintering grounds (consultant and equipment) 3 winter resight surveys at each banding location Development of GIS Map and Story Board Species plan and materials

$ $

8,000.00 26,000.00

$

20,000.00

$

8,000.00

$ $

8,000.00 2,000.00

$ $ $

3,000.00 8,000.00 12,000.00

$ $ $

8,000.00 8,000.00 1,000.00

Subtotal Management Plan- and implementation for Jouter Cays

$

75,700.00

$

95,000.00

$ 116,000.00

26

2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects

Staff time, BNT

$

13,000.00

37,000.00

$

37,000.00

Staff time, NAS

$

5,000.00

2,000.00

$

1,000.00

Travel

$

9,440.00

$

3,000.00

$

3,000.00

Equipment & Office Expenses (boat and running - yr 2)

$

1,500.00

$

60,000.00

$

7,200.00

Community outreach workshops

$

2,100.00

$

2,100.00

$

2,100.00

Publicity

$

4,000.00

$

2,000.00

$

3,000.00

$

35,040.00

$

106,100.00

$

53,300.00

Staff time, BNT

$

17,000.00

$

5,000.00

$

37,000.00

Staff time, NAS

$

5,000.00

$

3,000.00

$

1,000.00

Travel

$

9,440.00

$

2,500.00

$

3,000.00

Equipment & Office Expenses

$

2,000.00

$

500.00

$

10,000.00

Consultants & Government Relations

$

8,000.00

$

2,000.00

$

2,000.00

Community outreach workshops

$

2,100.00

$

1,000.00

$

1,000.00

Publicity

$

8,000.00

$

1,000.00

$

1,000.00

Subtotal

$

51,540.00

$

15,000.00

$

55,000.00

Total

$ $

27,237.00 249,327.71

$ $

36,592.50 365,722.78

Subtotal

$ $

Proposal Development for Berry Island National Park

Indirect Costs (15%)

$ 39,105.00 $ 310,468.64

Matching funds: $50,000 match has been secured for the protection of the Joulter Cays for the first year. Additional match will be acquired from foundations (E.g., Disney), private donors, Audubon, and in-kind contributions from Bahamas National Trust and other conservation partners.

27

2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects

Conserving Thick-billed Parrots and Neotropical Migrants in old-growth forests of the Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico – Phase II Partners: Pronatura Noroeste A.C (PNO)., Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM), Ejidos (local communities), Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP), Comisión Nacional Forestal (CONAFOR), Fondo Mexicano Forestal (FMF), Arizona Game and Fish Department (AGFD), San Diego Zoo Global (SDZG). Overview: The Sierra Madre Occidental (SMO) is the longest mountain range in México, spanning >1200 km from the international border with the U.S. in a southeast direction. Ecosystems in these mountains range from subtropical deciduous forest to mixed conifer forests in its highest altitudes, and they also provide habitat or act as corridors for rare and endangered species. In northern Chihuahua, high elevation mixed conifer forests provide habitat for the endemic Thick-billed Parrot (Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha) and a suite of other resident and Neotropical migrant species of concern to Arizona. The thick-billed parrot (TBPA) is listed as endangered throughout its range, including Mexico and the US. Historically the species range in the U.S. extended as far north as the mountains of southeastern Arizona and possibly southwestern New Mexico. The last confirmed sighting of a naturally occurring flock in the U.S. was in 1938 in the Chiricahua Mountains of Arizona. The parrot’s current range is limited to high elevations of the SMO, migrating seasonally from their primary breeding (summering) grounds in Chihuahua to wintering areas farther south. The species has experienced significant historical declines. Estimates vary on the number of thick-billed parrots. A 2012 survey of 6 breeding areas counted 2097 individuals. This number may be a conservative estimate because not all known breeding areas are surveyed annually and other more remote or potential breeding areas have not yet been inventoried. As part of a comprehensive conservation program ongoing since the mid-1990s, several old-growth forest areas in Chihuahua have been designated as protected areas. The level of protection afforded to a given area depends on the type of official designation (Biosphere Reserve, Protected Area of Flora and Fauna, or Priority Region for Conservation) and whether core areas have been established. Concerns persist for long-term conservation in these designated areas with inadequate protection. Threats - Old-growth forests in the SMO have been almost completely eliminated. Estimates indicate there remains less than 1% of their original distribution. The disappearance of this type of forest has occurred mainly due to the unrestricted logging that has been taking place in the SMO for more than 100 years and also due to the increase in frequency of forest fires. Birds - Numerous populations of migratory and resident birds depend on these old-growth forests.. The diversity of bird fauna for the SMO is quite notable with the region registering more than 250 bird species, 35% being neotropical migrants (at least 10 species which are included in Arizona’s SGCN list: Grace’s Warbler, Virginia’s Warbler, Red-faced Warbler, Cordilleran Flycatcher, Whip-poor-Will,

28

2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects

Elegant Trogon, and Band-tailed Pigeon). Another 50 species also are listed in the Sonoran Joint Venture Conservation Plan, including 20 of high continental priority. Project Goals and Objectives: The goal is to increase protection and maintain a network of protected areas for AZ Neotropical migratory birds of concern, resident species, and the endangered TBPA. The project will reduce threat impacts on 5 protected areas: Tutuaca, Papigochic, Campo Verde, Madera and Mesa de Guacamayas by increasing the effective conservation of these areas and restoring oldgrowth forest patches. One species specific objective is to conserve the TBPA populations occupying these mix conifer forests through active management. Previous Southern Wings Success (2013)-Pronatura/ITESM conducted erosion control activities (construction of 47 gabion dams) in coordination with CONANP. Staff trained nursery technicians to increase seedlings production in the Ejido Tutuaca community nursery, and produced more than 50,000 plants for use in 2014 reforestation efforts. A Payment for Environmental Services scheme was established for 649 hectares for the Conoachi, Tutuaca and Heredia ejidos (CONAFOR/PRONATURA funds). Progress was also made in negotiations with these 3 communities to sign a conservation easement for 20 years for a total of 13,640 hectares. Pronatura/ITESM staff also trained 20 community technicians to monitor TBPAs, and also conducted 1 environmental education workshop. Management of TPBAs continued with nest monitoring at 6 breeding areas, evaluation of nest success (including 50 artificial nest boxes), home range study (8 radio-tracked birds), and nestlings diet analysis. Specific Activities 2014- Production of 12,000 plants in the Ejido Tutuaca Nursery that will be used for restoration activities on 50 hectares on the Ejido Tutuaca. Provide maintenance to an additional 50 hectares that were restored during the 2008-2012 period. Monitor 649 hectares (included in a Payment for Environmental Services scheme) for wildfires, diseased trees, and illegal cattle grazing. Conduct 3 capacity workshops on topics related to Payment for Environmental Services and environmental education to participating ejidos. Continue the TBPA Monitoring Program (reproductive success, home range, and habitat use), as well as monitoring of Neotropical migrants. AGFD (year 2/2014) will provide $USD 7,500 for the completion of the projects activities as follow: Activity AZGFD PNO CONANP* CONAFOR* TOTAL Habitat Protection/Restoration Community Plant Nursery/12,000 plants/yearX5 years 12,000 Plants 12,000 14,200 26,200 Restoration and maintenance 100 Ha 15,000 10,000 25,000 Environmental Services Payments (Ejido Tutuaca, Conoachi and Heredia y Anexas)* 649 Ha 10,022 10,022 20,044 29

2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects

Environmental Education 1 Year 1000 6,000 7,000 Neotropical Migrants Monitoring (and other groups) 1 Year 12,000 12,000 Thick-billed Parrot Management/Conservation Home Range (including most northerly population) 1 Year 2,000 20,000 6,000 28,000 Reproductive Success (nest management) 1 Year 2,500 3,500 3,000 9,000 Ectoparasite and diseases 1 Year 850 850 Artificial nest boxes 100 nests 2,000 2,500 10,000 14,500 Total 7,500 81,872 19,000 34,222 142,594 * $USD 20,044 each year, by CONAFOR (50%) and Pronatura (50%) as payments for environmental services across 5 years to support habitat protection.

Designated Protected Areas in the Mexican state of Chihuahua, within the Sierra Madre Occidental. High elevation mixed conifer forest patches with confirmed or potential Thick-billed Parrot breeding habitat are also noted.

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2014-2015 Southern Wings Projects