Near Laguna Yuriria, Mexico Photograph by J. van der Woude   Southern North America: Southern Mexico Tropical and Subtropical Dry Broadleaf Forests   14,400 square miles (37,400 square kilometers) -- about twice the size of New Jersey Critical/Endangered

· Subtropical Scrub and Dwarf Vireos
· Special Features
· Did You Know?
· Wild Side
· Cause for Concern
More Photos

Subtropical Scrub and Dwarf Vireos

The few remaining pockets of Bajío dry forest grow in the shallow soils of the mountains in the Mexican Trans-volcanic Belt. Located in the west central section of the country, the landscape is one of steep slopes, canyons, and valleys. The long dry season may last up to eight months. Dominant tree species that survive include several copals, pajaro bobo, ceiba, quiebracha, and casahuate. Some of the herbaceous plants include grasses such as gama grass, curly mesquite, and purple muhly. Dwarf vireos are occasionally seen flitting through these forests.

Special Features

Tree species of Bursera, Ipomoea, and Ceiba are representative of these forests. The dry forests of this ecoregion are interspersed with areas of dry scrub. A feature that stands out in the ecoregion is Chapala Lake, the largest lake in Mexico, which used to support a rich fish community that is now in danger of extinction.

	Vireos and yellowthroats are in a family of tiny birds that flit through trees, shrubs, and thickets in search of insects. Although they are usually colorful, beautiful birds, their small size and high-speed flight make them difficult to identify, even for experienced birdwatchers.

Wild Side

The dwarf vireo and the black-polled yellowthroat are typical birds of this ecoregion. Many other birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals used to roam these forests, but few survive today. Animals that still occur here include white pelicans, common mustached bats, coyotes, grey foxes, and Mexican grey squirrels.

Cause for Concern

Industry and agriculture decimated the Bajío Dry Forests long ago. By the end of the seventeenth century, large-scale farms, cattle ranches, and the textile industry had replaced these forests. Mining also played a role in the demise of the forests, especially in previous centuries. It is estimated that only 5 percent of the forests remain, spread in small patches that cannot support significant numbers of plants and animals. Many endemic plant species face extinction. One protected area exists around Chapala Lake and includes nearby dry forests. Several other areas have been proposed for special protection.

For more information on this ecoregion, go to the World Wildlife Fund Scientific Report.