Conserving the Pines of Guadalupe and Cedros Islands, Mexico: An International Collaboration

Abstract

Monterey pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) is an enigmatic species. Native to only Mexico and USA, it is restricted to three populations along the central coast of California and one on each of two Mexican islands off Baja California— Guadalupe and Cedros Islands. Commercially, it is grown in exotic plantations worldwide on over 4 million hectares with high economic value, yet there is little value in its countries of origin. Overall, the species has lost perhaps 50% of its natural habitat and is threatened by various human-related influences. The two insular pine populations are well differentiated genetically and have different ecological associations both from each other and the mainland populations Although Guadalupe Island has protected status under the Mexican Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT), the pine population may be headed towards extinction because of grazing pressure from introduced goats. On neither island are the pines protected from current threats or do they have dedicated funding or a specific conservation plan. Effective longterm conservation of the pines requires a consistent, institutionalized strategy and dedicated funding. International interest in the insular pine populations can contribute to their conservation through research, providing information to support conservation plans and public education materials, providing the technical justification and a proposal to include the island populations of Monterey pine on the threatened and endangered species list in Mexico, maintaining a backup seed collection for restoration, publicizing the value and vulnerability of these populations, and providing funds, as possible. A multinational expedition to both islands in 2001 to collect seeds and information for conservation purposes is an example of the feasibility and value of international collaboration in protecting the Mexican island pines.