Cuixmala Ecological Foundation

The Cuixmala Ecological Foundation (FECx) is a non-governmental organization established on May 25th, 1988, to promote activities related to environmental conservation and restoration in Mexico. A particular aim of the Foundation was to promote the creation of the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve on the coast of Jalisco, given the ecological importance of the area and the variety of environmental services which it offers.

Jointly with the National Autonomous University of Mexico and the National Commission for Protected Areas, the Cuixmala Ecological Foundation attained by Presidential Decree on December 30th, 1993, the creation in Mexico of the first biosphere reserve set aside to protect tropical dry forest, one of the most threatened ecosystems as a result of deforestation and inadequate use of resources.

Since its inception, we in the Cuixmala Ecological Foundation have supported a variety of projects, ranging from habitat conservation (forests and wetlands), threatened species (marine turtles, crocodiles, jaguars, pumas, parrots), through to the application of organic agriculture and forestry plantations as alternatives for sustainable use. Likewise we have implemented diverse activities of environmental education and outreach with local communities and governmental bodies.

We continue to be motivated in supporting actions which influence the conservation of this important region on the Pacific coast of Mexico.

Our Mission

The Cuixmala Ecological Foundation is committed to the conservation of nature. It is of the utmost importance for us to contribute to the conservation and restoration of biodiversity in the region. Of particular concern is the conservation of species, ecosystems, and ecological processes which occur in the Chamela-Cuixmala Reserve, as well as promoting the rational and sustainable use of natural resources through effective medium and long-term strategies.

Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve Species Count

1200
Plants
270
Birds
70
Mammals
68
Reptiles
19
Amphibians

Our Activities

In order to carry out our mission, we have developed a structure of five basic areas of activity

Research

The promotion and development of basic and applied research is the central pillar which sustains the work of the Cuixmala Ecological Foundation. These research results provide the basis for important decision on the application of conservation actions.

We have supported in a variety of ways more than 80 research projects on topics directly linked with ecological conservation and management of natural resources. A by-product of the research is the training and formation of young Mexican professionals who apply their knowledge to resolve environmental problems.

Within the scope of supporting research we seek to:

Stimulate basic research on the composition, structure and function of different ecosystems, both in a natural state and when transformed by human activities.
Promote applied research to find alternative sustainable products for local communities and resources users.
Support monitoring programs for: threatened and endangered species, climate and hydrology, as well as changes in vegetation cover and land use, which permit us to better understand how to reverse the processes of habitat degradation associated with human activities.

Lines of research

Species Ecology and Conservation

Jaguars and Pumas

Parrots

Least Tern

Coatis

Peccaries

Rehabilitation of Threatened Populations

Marine Turtles

American Crocodile

Ecology and Monitoring of Vertebrate Groups

Birds

Mammals

Ecology and Monitoring of Vegetable Groups

Monitoring Abiotic Variables

Meteorological stations

Hydrological stations

Restoration Ecology

Restoration of degraded areas

Restoration of hydrological function

Deforestation

Coast of Jalisco

Region of Chamela-Cuixmala-Tenacatita

Habitat fragmentation

Spatial and temporal patterns

Effects on mammals

Effects on birds

Effects on Herpetofauna

Protection of Fragile and Sensitive Ecosystems

Semi-deciduous forest

Wetlands

Management of Sustainable Products

Useful flora

Jamaica flower

Organic agriculture

Forestry plantations

Formation and Training of Personnel

In addition to the research and conservation activities, we offer opportunities for the formation and training of personnel through four different schemes:

Volunteer program
Degree thesis
Social service
Guard personnel

Courses and Workshops

As part of our conservation strategy, we support courses and workshops on themes such as:

Management and administration of protected areas
Field ecology
Conservation Biology
Restoration Ecology

Environmental Education

In the Cuixmala Ecological Foundation we realize that environmental education is fundamental to achieving the attitude change, which would enable us to guarantee the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of resources.

We have agreed a common strategy in coordination with the National University of Mexico, on activities of environmental education and diffusion, which are compatible with the socioeconomic and cultural profile of local communities near the reserve.

We have financed the production of posters, leaflets, books, and games aimed at environmental education and diffusion. In addition, we have implemented a permanent program of talks, slide shows, and video presentations on environmental themes, directed at local inhabitants of the region, especially school children.

Strategy for information, communication, and environmental education

We have promoted a strategy for information, communication, and environmental education elaborated by specialists, with the aim of unifying efforts and channeling support towards those activities offering the best opportunities for success.

Schools program

We maintain a permanent program of talks, slide shows, and video presentations in local primary and secondary schools, on themes relevant to conservation, management, and alternative use of natural resources.

Program for workers at Cuixmala

We maintain a program of talks, conferences, and video presentations on environmental themes, directed at workers employed in activities of agriculture, construction, and maintenance in Cuixmala.

Web page

We frequently update our web page to provide information on the work and activities of the Cuixmala Foundation and the Biosphere Reserve.

Attention to the public

We have a program to provide information for members of the public which visit us. For organized groups which make a prior request, we offer a guided visit, including an introductory talk, visit to our interpretive gallery, and walk along the interpretive trail.

Documentaries

We constantly collaborate, without financial gain, with different production teams in the elaboration of documentary programs for various wildlife and environmental series.

Interpretive gallery

Our interpretive gallery exhibits graphic material and natural elements which illustrate the outstanding characteristics of the natural environment which exists in the region.

Educational Trail

The educational trail is 1.5 km, and offers the opportunity to enter and appreciate different types of natural habitats, the uses they provide, as well as the impact of human activities.

Temporary exhibitions

Complementary to our program of talks we apply a program of temporary exhibitions, using posters which reach schools and work centers neighboring the reserve.

Editorial Program

The Cuixmala Ecological Foundation has financed the production of a variety of informative materials. Those which are currently available include:

Mammals of the Coast of Jalisco

Ceballos, G. & A. Miranda. 2000. Guía de Campo de Los Mamíferos de la Costa de Jalisco, México. A Field Guide to the Mammals of the Jalisco Coast, Mexico. 2000. Fundación Ecológica de Cuixmala, A.C., Instituto de Biología/Instituto de Ecología UNAM, México. 550 pages. 16×21.5 cm , 15 color plates. Interior photographs in color and black-and-white. Paperback.

This is a field guide written in both English and Spanish, which provides information on the natural history, ecology, and conservation of more than 80 species of mammals which inhabit the coast of Jalisco. The field guide contains 15 color plates which illustrate 80 species of native terrestrial mammals.

Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of the Jalisco Coast, Mexico.

García, A & G. Ceballos. Field Guide to the Reptiles and Amphibians of the Jalisco Coast, Mexico Fundación Ecológica de Cuixmala, A.C., Instituto de Biología/Instituto de Ecología UNAM, México. 184 pages. 16×21.5 cm , 10 color plates. Interior photographs in color and black-and-white. Paperback.

This is a field guide written in both English and Spanish, which provides information on the natural history, ecology, and conservation of more than 85 species of reptiles and amphibians which inhabit the coast of Jalisco. The field guide contains 10 color plates which illustrate 85 species of native terrestrial reptiles and amphibians.

Poster of the Chamela-Cuixmala Biosphere Reserve

Color poster (length 72 x width 51 cm), which illustrates the main habitats present in the reserve, and more than 100 species of vertebrate fauna which inhabit the region. Accompanying the poster is an information sheet about the reserve and its habitats, as well as a list of the species illustrated and their location in the poster.

Ecological Lottery Game of Tropical Dry Forest

Card game, with 10 boards and 50 cards in color, each with beautiful illustrations of the native flora and fauna of the region. Each card also contains information on the natural history of the particular species, with the aim of learning while playing. The game was developed for the Chamela Biological Station as part of their environmental education program, with financial support from the Cuixmala Ecological Foundation for its printing and production.

“All human beings need spiritual commitment. Otherwise they become counting machines and believe that every aspect of nature is no more than an instrument that can be operated, mended or replaced. That is why the seminal requirement for progress is that religions understand the relationship of man to nature and teach, not so much humility towards other men, but humility towards other life, not least the life of the biosphere itself.”

– Sir James Goldsmith, Schumacher Memorial Lecture, Bristol, October 1992.

Spotted By Our Wildlife Cameras

Motion activated cameras are positioned throughout the reserve to help monitor animal movements, particularly in hopes of documenting the most elusive of its inhabitants – Jaguar, Ocelot and Puma.