El matorral micrófilo del Semidesierto Queretano: conocimiento actual, amenazas y propuestas de conservación

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Querétaro—one of the five smallest states in Mexico—has a great biodiversity expressed in multiple ecosystems and vegetation types. In this diversity of environments, the arid zones cover about 40% of the surface, and they are home to different types of xerophytic scrubs, among which the microphyllous scrub stands out for its high diversity of flora and fauna and high presence of endemic species, some of them under threat category in national and international lists. This paper analyzes the Querétaro microphyllous scrubland (MMQ, for its initials in Spanish) with a broad perspective, including its physical, biological, and social characteristics, to propose actions that favor its conservation. First, it describes the landscape in which it is located, the characteristics of its plant community, and the most relevant features of its biodiversity. Next, the article explains the relationship that nearby populations have established with the MMQ through the use of its resources and recounts how several of these practices have become threats to the permanence of the vegetation. Finally, it presents some proposals for the conservation of the MMQ, highlighting its declaration of natural reserve that, based on scientific research about its biological diversity, ecological processes, and the human-nature relationship, at least, as well as on environmental education and the incorporation of traditional practices, promotes the sustainable management of natural resources, the promotion of productive projects, and the valuation of the environment by local inhabitants and visitors. The combination of these actions will favor the permanence of this unique community in the Mexican arid zones.