Cattle raising is a productive practice that, if poorly managed, affects significantly the natural environment of the area. Overgrazing results in drastic changes in the ecosystems, it causes impacts on the ecosystem services, the quantity and quality of the habitat, a reduction in natural grasslands and soil deterioration.
Poorly planned livestock management has affected the golden eagle habitat significantly. Particularly, poor cattle farming practices have caused a reduction in potential prays and habitat fragmentation, representing a threat for golden eagle survival. Thus, as a priority species for conservation in Mexico, it is currently classified as threatened in the wild.
Adequate livestock management practices are key to ensure the conservation of the golden eagle and their habitat. By joining this expedition, you will get involved with the protected area managers to analyze and understand the current livestock management techniques in the local communities and propose adjustments to improve practices. You will have the opportunity to know the rural life in this region and be able to live the customs of the local communities in this wild corner of Mexico. Your work will help to achieve an adequate balance between livestock productivity and biodiversity conservation.
The conservation of the golden eagle represents a significant challenge in areas where livestock is present due to the direct deterioration of the habitat used for grassing.
Current livestock management techniques used by local communities near protected areas and nesting territories are often not friendly with biodiversity conservation. The reduction in natural grasslands and soil deterioration are direct consequences of poor livestock management.
There are producers interested in changing their practices into sustainable livestock management, Indeed, many local farmers are in transition to better practices working with protected area managers. In this sense, it is important to know the opinions and priorities of the farmers regarding the livestock techniques currently used, their vision on biodiversity preservation, and their openness to change and transition to friendly practices for the habitat and the conservation of biodiversity.
Knowing the current priorities of local communities regarding livestock management and their perception of biodiversity conservation will allow us to promote the implementation of livestock practices that are more productive and are friendly to biodiversity. This project emphasizes the importance of protected area managers, experts and farmers working together to find solutions at the landscape level.
We seek to change the perception of farmers regarding the importance of biodiversity conservation in relation to more productive livestock management. Changing this paradigm will help informed planning and implement management decisions that contribute to the sustainability of their ranches, where social, environmental and financial factors are considered.
Through management schemes, such as holistic livestock and sustainable rangeland, we will aim to address the threats and promote an improvement in the habitat of the golden eagle.
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.
In the protected area Maderas del Carmen, you will enter the Sierra Madre Oriental through roughed roads and paths inaccessible to the public to work with local communities in the region. You will visit wide wild territories where livestock grazing is practiced. You will live the day-to-day life of the ranchers and dialogue with them to understand their priorities and current livestock techniques.
We will be seeking to raise awareness and support farmers to change their practices and achieve management that is sustainable for both ranch productivity and biodiversity conservation.
At the end of the day you will return to your camp and have dinner with your colleagues and share your daily adventure. Every night your roof is a spectacular starry sky.
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.
Biologist with relevant experience monitoring species such as black bear and golden eagle.
PhD in conservation management. He is an expert in range and habitat management, wildlife monitoring and rural development.
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
