Expanding native trout conservation from the Conchos headwaters to the northern Sierra Madre Occidental in México

Authors: Citlali Cortés Montaño, Mauro Ramos Gómez, James E. Brooks, Nick Smith, Jenny Zapata-López

Year: 2008 (xl)

Abstract

Recent native trout conservation efforts in northwest México are truly interdisciplinary, bringing together practitioners from different fields in biology, management and policy making as well as local communities and authorities. This presentation will summarize the lessons learned from the Conchos aparique conservation program implemented by a partnership involving the World Wildlife Fund, Trout Unlimited, Truchas Mexicanas, the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas and other government agencies, local people and authorities of ejido Panalachi. We will proceed to present threats to trout populations in the Sierra Madre Occidental, as well as proposals to reduce or minimize them. We will also provide an update of current native trout conservation actions in the state of Chihuahua and recommendations on priorities and lines of work for conservation of native trout species from Northwest México. Our experience with the Conchos aparique conservation program shows that partnerships involving local communities, all levels of government and non-governmental organizations are a successful model for conservation efforts in the short term. However, we are convinced that it is also urgent to create a policy framework that includes legal mechanisms that will guarantee the long term survival of these endangered fishes.