{"id":40,"date":"2016-04-26T15:28:42","date_gmt":"2016-04-26T19:28:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.stateofthebirds.org\/?page_id=40"},"modified":"2021-09-29T09:27:29","modified_gmt":"2021-09-29T13:27:29","slug":"tropical-forests","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.stateofthebirds.org\/2016\/habitats\/tropical-forests\/","title":{"rendered":"Tropical Forests"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"Tropica
Tropical rainforest. Credit: Roberto Gonz\u00e1lez.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The continent\u2019s cradle of bird diversity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Bird<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Mexico\u2019s tropical forests extend through Central America and support nearly 500 resident species of birds, as well as more than 120 bird species that migrate from Canada and the United States. Unfortunately, deforestation and fragmentation have reduced these continentally important habitats to precious small stands. Mexican tropical forests have suffered greater than 70% habitat loss since the 1970s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Status: Most species at risk of extinction<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The majority of resident species in Mexico\u2019s tropical forests are on the Watch List due to small and highly threatened populations. Birds that live in tropical cloud forests atop mountains are most at risk, with many resident species such as the Resplendent Quetzal federally listed in Mexico as endangered. Tropical dry forests are home to 48 endemic species found nowhere else. Tropical evergreen forests are important migratory bird habitat; 20% of boreal breeding birds spend winters there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Building on Success: Mexico\u2019s Protected Areas<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Mexican government, the Global Environment Facility, and other partners have invested US$174 million to conserve tropical forests through the Natural Protected Areas System. More than 300 people living near these protected areas have joined CONABIO\u2019s Community-Based Bird Monitoring Network to assess the benefits of protection. The volunteer birders provide citizen-science data that help to assess the status of migratory and resident birds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Bird
Bird watchers in Mexico. Credit: Rub\u00e9n Ortega.<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Take Action: Improve forests and livelihoods<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Conserving what’s left of Mexico\u2019s tropical forests requires active public involvement\u2014by both international partners and the Mexican people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n