SAN PEDRO RIVER

Background
Ecological significance
Mission
Objectives
Main actions in the San Pedro River Basin (SPRB)
Partners for conservation

Background

The San Pedro River basin is located in Northeastern Sonora, in the municipalities of Cananea, Naco, and Santa Cruz. It has a total area of 2,934 mi2, of which 695 mi2 belong to Mexico and the rest to the United States of America. It is a river that begins in the heights of the “Islas del cielo” (Sky Islands) and flows from South to North before emptying into the Gila River in the southwest of Phoenix, Arizona. In this region, the mountains capture most of the water and they are: the Sierra San José to the north; the Sierra de Los Ajos to the east; the Sierra La Elenita and La Mariquita to the west; and near the international border between Mexico and the United States of America, a small part of the Sierra Huachuca in Arizona.

The main streams that feed the San Pedro River are the water sources of: Tejano, Nogalar, Pedregon, Coja, San Rafael, Barrilito, El Sauz, Claro, Chirrión, Los Fresnos and Piojo.

Naturalia AC, with the support of The Nature Conservancy, acquired in 2005 the Los Fresnos Ranch, now considered a private reserve that has an approximate area of 9,390 acres within the San Pedro River basin. This commitment to the conservation of the native grasslands, has led us, along with our partner BIDA, AC, to develop conservation strategies and actions for the preservation of the biodiversity of this important region.


Ecological significance

In this region, where the deserts of Sonora and Chihuahua converge, the San Pedro River basin is immersed and it is considered a center of megadiversity with international concern for its conservation.


Mission

To contribute to the conservation of the river’s basin for its importance to wildlife, riparian habitat, and humans settled there.


Objectives

  1. To place “Los Fresnos Ranch” as a model of management and good practices for neighboring farms in a grassland ecosystem.
  2. To participate in national and international strategies for the conservation of areas of global concern.
  3. To use “Los Fresnos Ranch” as a training and research center.
  4. To implement conservation and restoration actions for the grasslands in the San Pedro River basin.
  5. To monitor key native species such as: prairie dogs, jaguars, black bears, beavers, migratory and resident birds, amphibians, bats, and even invasive species.


Main actions in the San Pedro River Basin (SPRB)

  • Conservation and monitoring of beavers
  • Monitoring of the prairie dogs’ colonies
  • Monitoring of the bald and golden eagles
  • Courses and training in monitoring techniques
  • Monitoring wildlife with camera traps
  • Communication and broadcast of the SPRB
  • Restoration and conservation of the soil.


Partners for conservation

  • TNC
  • BIDA, AC
  • FMCN
  • Su Casita
  • RFN y Ajos-Bavispe
  • CONANP
  • USFWS
  • AGF
  • NJP
Contact: conservacion@naturalia.org.mx