Wildlife
Ecology and Conservation
Laboratory
RESEARCH LINES
Our work and research has had an important impact on the definition and implementation of environmental policies in natural protected areas, endangered species, national land management and environmental impact assessments.
Distribution of Mammals of the World: Implications for Conservation
Dr. Ceballos was the first to evaluate the relationship between the area and the number of species worldwide and published the first paper that synthesized the distribution of all (4800 spp.) species of mammals and their implications for conservation. He recently discovered that 10% of all mammals have been described in the last 15 years, indicating how little is known about biological diversity. This work appeared as one of the 100 most important scientific discoveries of the year.
Establishment of Natural Protected Areas
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This laboratory has done pioneering work in Mexico and the world on methods to determine the priority areas for conservation and the establishment of new natural protected areas. We have participated in the establishment of the following NPA’s:
1) Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve, Jalisco.
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2) Protected Area of Flora and Fauna-Chamela Bay Islands.
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3) Protected Area of Flora and Fauna- Ciénagas of Lerma, State of Mexico.
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4) Calakmul Biosphere Reserve.
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5) Protected Area of Flora and Fauna-Wetlands of Mexico’s Valley.
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6) Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve.
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7) Janos Biosphere Reserve, Chihuahua.
Conservation and Evaluation of Endangered Species
By demonstrating that over 25% of Mexico’s species were at risk of extinction, this work—together with other scientists—contributed to the creation of NOM-059, the country’s first ecological policy for the protection of threatened species, now a key conservation tool. The team also evaluated the status of nearly 20 vertebrate species at national and regional levels, including Cynomys mexicanus, C. ludovicianus, Romerolagus diazi, Panthera onca (in Janos, Calakmul, Campeche, and Quintana Roo), Geomys tropicalis, and freshwater fish such as Algansea barbata. Specific conservation mechanisms were proposed for each species to ensure their long-term survival.