Research
We promote and develop research projects on species that may face conservation challenges, with a focus on those that are less charismatic and for which limited information is available. Most of these projects are carried out in collaboration with various national and international institutions and non-governmental organizations.
Least Tern (Sternula antillarum browni) protecting its chick.
Photo: Proesteros, A.C.
African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis) in Baja California.
Photo: Jorge H. Valdez
1
Amphibian and reptile richness at Rancho El Ancón, Baja California Sur.
The aim of this study is to document the diversity of species in this semi-arid region of northwestern Mexico. Through field sampling, we seek to identify the present species, assess their abundance, and analyze the influence of environmental factors on their distribution.
2
Evaluation of known and historical sites of the Pond Turtle (Actinemys pallida) in Baja California.
Through fieldwork, review of historical records, and analysis of environmental conditions, we aim to evaluate the conservation status of A. pallida populations and identify potential threats that may impact their habitat.
3
Current habitat status and reproductive success of Least Terns in historic colonies in Baja California.​
This project aims to determine the current status of the five historic colonies of this seabird on the Pacific coast of Baja California by evaluating their habitat and reproductive success in order to promote conservation actions. It is carried out in collaboration with Pro Esteros, Terra Peninsular and CICESE.
4
Distribution of exotic freshwater species in the Mediterranean region of Baja California.
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Through our sampling efforts, we have documented the presence of exotic freshwater species in the Mediterranean region of Baja California, including red shrimp and mosquitofish. So far, we have recorded 11 exotic species, four of which are new to this region. Additionally, we have identified 14 previously unrecorded localities where these species are present.
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We have also updated the list of exotic species records for shrimp, fish, amphibians, and aquatic reptiles, identifying a total of 14 species in the Mediterranean region. These findings highlight the importance of environmental education in raising awareness about the negative impacts of invasive species on native ecosystems. By informing the public, we can help prevent future introductions and support efforts to control non-native species.
Current habitat status and breeding success of Least Terns at historic colonies in Baja California
CortesÃa de JazmÃn Reyes
CortesÃa de JazmÃn Reyes
CortesÃa de JazmÃn Reyes
CortesÃa de JazmÃn Reyes
Distribution of exotic freshwater species in the Mediterranean region of Baja California
CortesÃa de Jorge H. Valdez
CortesÃa de Jorge H. Valdez
CortesÃa de Jorge H. Valdez
CortesÃa de Jorge H. Valdez
Past research studies
Conservation status of the Isla Todos Santos King Snake
Because this endemic snake has been subject to illegal looting, and very little is known about its natural history. The projects' goal was to understand the current status and possible threats it faces on the island. This project helped provide information that will allow the development of a conservation plan for this endemic species. It was carried out in collaboration with Conservación de Islas, and Biol. Judith Pampa, as part of her Master's thesis.
King snake of Todos Santos Island (Lampropeltis herrerae). Photo: Jorge H. Valdez
Diversity of amphibians and reptiles of the Estero de Punta Banda, Ensenada, Baja California.
This project aimed to assess the amphibian and reptile diversity of Estero de Punta Banda, a Ramsar site important for biodiversity conservation, which is currently facing various threats. The amphibians and reptiles of this wetland have not been formally studied, so this research helped identify the species present and determine their conservation needs. This project was carried out in collaboration with Pro Esteros and the UABC Herpetology Club.
Review of fall traps in the Estero de Punta Banda. Photo: Jorge H. Valdez
Conservation plan for the Tricolor Thrush in Baja California
This project sought to identify the current nesting sites of the Tricolored Thrush (Agelaius tricolor) in northwestern Baja California, understand its threats, and develop a conservation plan for the species. It was carried out in collaboration with Richard Erickson and CICESE.
Tricolored Thrush (Agelaius tricolor). Photo: Maggie Smith
Digitalization of the UABC Herpetological Collection
The UABC Herpetological Collection has served as support for research and thesis projects and has received several visits from national and international herpetologists to consult specimens since 1989. In 2018, Fauna del Noroeste began collaborating with the San Diego Natural History Museum and Dr. Gorgonio Ruiz Campos to digitize specimens using high-resolution photographs. These photographs, along with their database, will be part of the Atlas of Amphibians and Reptiles of Peninsular California, providing free access to the scientific community, students, and the general public, while also supporting research and conservation projects.
Digitization of the UABC Herpetological collection.
Photo: Bradford D. Hollingsworth.
Effect of climate change on reptiles in northwestern Mexico.
The objective of this project was to learn about the thermal ecology of different species of lizards in different environments in northwestern Mexico, to evaluate their vulnerability to climate change and to look for management strategies to help conserve these species and their habitats. This was a project led by CIBNOR, in collaboration with UNAM, Fauna del Noroeste and students from different academic degrees.
Obtaining temperatures of lizards in the laboratory. Photo: Jorge H. Valdez
Ocurrence of chytridiomycosis in amphibians of northwestern Baja California.
At the end of 2015 we initiated this project in collaboration with the Autonomous University of Baja California and the University of California, Santa Barbara. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the dynamics of chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis) infection in three communities of anurans (frogs and toads) in northwestern Baja California. This fungus, which causes the disease known as chytridiomycosis, has been the cause of declines and extinctions of amphibian species worldwide, and in the case of Baja California until now it was unknown if it was present in the region.
Metamorphic of Rana draytonii at La Grulla, Sierra de San Pedro Mártir.
Photo: Jorge Valdez.
Exotic bullfrog distribution in the Mediterranean region of Baja California
The bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) is considered an invasive exotic species and is one of the most aggressive species, as well as one of the 100 most harmful species worldwide. This is why since 2013 the Fauna del Noroeste team has been documenting the presence of the bullfrog in northwestern Baja California. With the information gathered so far, a Bullfrog Control Program has been launched, and it seeks long-term restoration of wetlands in the Mediterranean region of Baja California. This project is being carried out in collaboration with The Wildlife Project.
Bullfrog in the town of San Carlos. Photo: J. A. Soriano
Current distribution of the California Vole in Baja California
This project began in late 2016 and ended in 2018, in collaboration with Dr. Alan Harper, Dr. Chris Conroy (UC Berkeley) and Biol. Scott Tremor (SDNHM) with the purpose of identifying current populations and threats to the California Vole (Microtus californicus), a little known rodent in Mexico. With this project, we determined the current distribution, which is largely reduced, and the few remaining populations present strong threats, which need to be addressed to help the conservation of this little known rodent in Mexico.
If you would like to learn more about the results of this project, you can consult the most recent publication on the distribution of the species by Alan Harper and collaborators.
California Vole in the Baja California region. Photo: K. Schneider
Distribution and conservation of the Western Pond Turtle in Baja California
In 2013, we initiated this project as part of surveys aimed at determining the status of the Red-legged Frog in streams in northwestern Baja California. Since then, we have continued sampling to assess the current status of this species, the only native freshwater turtle in Baja California. This species is confined to the wetlands and watersheds of the Mediterranean zone. In California, it has experienced significant population declines, and the conservation status of the Baja California populations was previously unknown.
Western pond turtle (Emys pallida) in Baja California.
Photo: Jorge H. Valdez
Amphibian and reptile richness of the Sierra las Cacachilas, Baja California Sur
At the end of 2013, we began a collaboration with the Department of Herpetology at the San Diego Natural History Museum and CIBNOR to study the diversity of amphibians and reptiles in the Sierra Las Cacachilas, Baja California Sur. This project started as part of a multidisciplinary expedition to document the biodiversity of this relatively unexplored mountain range. In 2014, we initiated bimonthly monitoring of the herpetofauna to assess the diversity, abundance, and ecological aspects of the amphibian and reptile species inhabiting the area. The study concluded in November 2016.
Sandpipers (Callisaurus draconoides) from Sierra las Cacachilas, Baja California Sur. Photo: Jorge Valdez