Tlachinoltepetl Protected Natural Resource Area Joins the Conservation of the Cloud Forest
On January 8, 2024, the site known as Tlachinoltepetl, located in the municipalities of Chocamán and Coscomatepec in the state of Veracruz, was declared a Protected Natural Resources Area (PNRA). This site covers 1,185 hectares, with 71% in Chocamán and 29% in Coscomatepec. Both municipalities are situated in the central region of Veracruz’s high mountains, between 1360 and 2300 meters above sea level.
Ecological Importance of Tlachinoltepetl
The original vegetation cover of Veracruz was primarily composed of tropical and temperate forests extending into southern Mexico, allowing for a wide distribution of species. Currently, the remaining areas of these ecosystems host many threatened and endangered species, according to NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 and the IUCN Red List. Although endemism is not very high, the state has 131 endemic species, meaning species that are naturally found nowhere else in the world. Many of these species are concentrated in the Temperate and Tropical Forests. The PNRA Tlachinoltepetl is a crucial water source, as it generates runoff that eventually feeds into the Jamapa and Atoyac rivers.
This small fragment of Temperate or Cloud Forest, with its impressive trees and abundant vegetation such as the Alamo (Platanus mexicana), Walnut (Juglans spp.), Oaks (Quercus spp.), and Tree Fern (Alsophila firma), along with epiphytes, piperaceae, and orchids, captures water and nourishes the Jamapa River basin throughout its course. It also captures carbon, provides protection against natural phenomena, and serves as a resource for rural communities. The declaration of this PNRA is essential for the conservation of species at risk of disappearing.
iNaturalist. Mauricio Sánchez Eugenio
Regarding fauna, the Cloud Forest harbors a great diversity of animals, including amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. The PNRA Tlachinoltepetl has recorded 687 species. According to the preliminary study justifying the establishment of this NPA, 256 invertebrate species have been identified at this site. However, it is important to verify where these records are kept, whether in CONABIO, iNaturalist, scientific publications, among others. Additionally, for a mountain of nearly 1,200 hectares, it is likely that many more endemic insect, arachnid, and other invertebrate species have yet to be recorded. Identifying them is crucial to further highlight Tlachinoltepetl’s ecological importance.
It is important to remember that insects occupy different trophic levels in the food chain, such as herbivores, carnivores, decomposers, among others. Some predatory insects help regulate the populations of other insects, while 40% of pollinators are insects. Additionally, certain specific insect species are used to measure soil and water quality, such as those belonging to the order Plecoptera.
iNaturalist. Paul Molina Salinas
iNaturalist. Eduardo de la Cruz
iNaturalist. Meg_ivette
iNaturalist. Omar Morgado
Threats to Tlachinoltepetl
Despite its status as a Natural Protected Area, Tlachinoltepetl faces several threats. Agricultural expansion and illegal logging have reduced forest cover, severely affecting local biodiversity. These activities not only endanger unique species but also increase the vulnerability of nearby communities to natural disasters, such as landslides and floods. Agricultural expansion in the region has necessitated the clearing of forests for various crops, exacerbating the loss of biodiversity. It is crucial to find a balance between agricultural production and ecosystem conservation to preserve the services provided by forests. Notably, during the rains of July 2024, the PNRA Tlachinoltepetl experienced five landslides; fortunately, they did not advance further, and the vegetation managed to stop the flow of mud, highlighting the importance of redoubling efforts for its care and protection.
How You Can Help Protect Tlachinoltepetl?
You can also be part of this cause. From donations to volunteering in conservation activities, there are many ways to contribute to the protection of Tlachinoltepetl. By choosing local and sustainable products, such as Chalum coffee, you also support conservation efforts in the region.
Conclusion
Tlachinoltepetl is not only an impressive landscape but also a crucial source of life and ecological balance for the entire region. Its preservation acts as a biological corridor between areas with vegetation that have resisted environmental, climatic, or human changes that have altered the rest of the environment. This corridor facilitates the movement of wildlife species and, along with other Natural Protected Areas (NPAs), maintains the connectivity necessary for the free movement of species inhabiting the area. Connected NPAs include the Río Blanco Canyon, National Park Pico de Orizaba, and the Ecological Reserve Metlac-Rio Blanco. Tlachinoltepetl is essential not only for Veracruz’s biodiversity but also for the well-being of human communities that depend on its environmental services. At Micratena, A.C., we are committed to protecting Tlachinoltepetl and the other mentioned areas. Together, we can make a significant difference.
