The Golden Eagle is a priority species for conservation in Mexico, currently classified as a threatened species. There are only a little over 100 breeding pairs with their nesting territory identified, compared to the more than 10,000 couples identified in the USA. This demonstrated the need for systematic monitoring of the species.
The reduction and elimination of threats caused by the presence of humans around nesting territories would ensure the conservation of the golden eagle and its habitat.
A cornerstone in establishing appropriate conservation strategies is to implement an efficient monitoring system. As part of the conservation team for this expedition you will help researchers and practitioners identify the nesting territories and thus help conserve the species. In the same way you will contribute that implemented efforts have progress and are sustainable in the long term.
The species presents several threats, although the main ones are land use change to give place to livestock ranching, agriculture and mining. This produces fragmentation and loss of their habitat, generating site abandonment and a significant reduction in the abundance of the preys. The nesting areas of the golden eagle become scarce due to the presence of humans, affecting their survival and reproductive success. There are other threats such as looting of nests, hunting and deaths from electrocution.
Monitoring the species allows us to obtain reliable information to determine appropriate management strategies for its conservation at the landscape level.
The data obtained will allow us to know more precisely the golden eagle population size in the country. In Mexico there are few reproductive pairs identified causing us to have little information about the species; therefore, it is determined that the species is threatened. Systematic monitoring allows us to implement clear conservation strategies, to have adequate record of the identified breeding pairs, and to determine more precisely the real status of the species.
To address the threats faced by the golden eagle a monitoring program has been running in Protected Area APFF Maderas del Carmen to identify and fill knowledge gaps about the key threats faced by the species, and helps us better understand its current distribution and habitat needs.
With further research we hope to identify new nesting territories, identification of reproductive couples, reduce known threats and improve management. This will allow us to conserve the species and work towards recovery across its range.
By working towards the conservation of the golden eagle, as an umbrella species, we support the conservation of the habitat and other species. Similarly, the golden eagle is a predator that is found in the upper part of the food chain; as such, it regulates the populations of mammals from which it feeds, such as rabbits, hares, weasels and skunks. This is why systematic monitoring is of utmost importance and will allow us to have greater knowledge of the local ecosystems on which the golden eagle depends.
The information from the monitoring will support improved management of the Protected Area, and will allow us to determine the type of collaborations we need to produce with the local community and the other stakeholders (eg. mining, livestock farming, etc.) present in the Protected Area and its surroundings. We will contribute to strengthening the conservation of the species by reducing the threats and contributing to the scientific knowledge of the species nationally.
On arrival, you will get to know the team and will receive orientation and training to do the field work and the action research activities.
By participating in the golden eagle monitoring, you will enter the mountains and canyons of the Sierra Madre Oriental by passing through rugged roads and paths inaccessible to the public. Together with the reserve team and the experts of the species, you will hike or ride a horse for several kilometers per day to monitor and register the powerful and sublime golden eagle flying in the blue sky of the Chihuahua desert or in the majestic canyons.
During the field work you will georeference and do photographic documentation of the sightings. You will characterize the nesting territories and nests, identify the type of vegetation, hunting areas, prays, and the main threats facing the territories.
At the end of the day you will return to the camp and have dinner with other colleagues and share the day work. You will enjoy one of the most spectacular starry skies you have ever seen.
NOTE: Field conditions and research needs can lead to changes in the itinerary and activities. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.
Departure from Protected Area
The Protected Area APFF Maderas del Carmen is located in northern Mexico in Coahuila, border with Texas. It is a region in the country with one of the most significant populations of the golden eagle.
The region has become a significant example of conservation since it is a biological corridor consisting of 5 Protected Areas in Mexico and 3 in the USA, all united by the Monumento Natural Rio Bravo del Norte. In México we have the APFF Maderas del Carmen, APFF Cañon de Santa Elena, APFF Ocampo, and APRN Don Martín; in USA there is the Big Bend National Park, Big Bend Ranch State Park and Black Gap Wildlife Management Area.
PhD in conservation management. He is an expert in range and habitat management, wildlife monitoring and rural development.
He has more than 20 years of experience as a Protected Area director working for the National Commission of Protected Areas.
He is the national leader and reference for the golden eagle conservation in Mexico with more than 20 years of experience working with the species.
Upon arrival and before departure you will stay in a local hotel/apartment in the village where the park headquarters are located.
While conducting the fieldwork, you will stay in the field station in a shared bunker, a tent or just your sleeping bag with the sky as your roof. When it is required to reach deeper in the mountains you will sleep in your tent.
Fly to Monterrey, Mexico (MTY)
Fly to Houston (IAH) cross the border to Piedras Negras
