| The Bird Conservation
Alliance (BCA) launched its Mexican Grasslands Appeal
to help a vital bird conservation project in the Saltillo
region of northern Mexico. BCA member organizations
will help in the purchase of over 1,000 acres of prime
grassland habitat for the conservation of the Long-billed
Curlew, Worthen's Sparrow, and other key species such
as the Burrowing Owl, Mountain Plover, Sprague's Pipit,
and Ferruginous Hawk.
The complex of grassland sites to be purchased is strategically positioned around a 7,000 acre land easement for the endemic Mexican prairie dog, whose grazing helps maintain the habitat. The greatest threat facing these grasslands is the extremely rapid conversion of land to irrigated agriculture. The degradation of the land following several years of agriculture is so severe that it is virtually impossible to restore these areas to healthy grassland habitat again.
In total BCA is seeking to raise $100,000 to protect
and safeguard some of North America's most endangered
species and save this last Great North American Grassland.
Funds will also be used to manage the area to maximize
its potential for the migrant birds. For example, a
much-needed small open lagoon will be created as a drinking
area for birds to compensate for a fall in the water
table due to agricultural pressure.
We urgently need support for Saving the Saltillo Savanna.
For more information contact the Bird Conservation Alliance Director, Alicia Craig, at American Bird Conservancy, acraig@abcbirds.org.
Please view the printer friendly version of Saving the Saltillo Savanna.
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