Biodiversity

Endemic species are found in almost all of the families that make up Baja California Sur’s flora. The families of cactae, agave, and tree and bush mimosas (e.g. Willard’s acacia, Desert Ironwood, Cat’s Claw, tabardillo) are eye-catching because of their variety and high degree of endemism.  Almost 75% of cactus species are endemic.[1]  Other less diverse groups also have numerous endemic species such as the Burseras (Red Elephant Tree), palms, flowering plants, figs, and several other species associated with the oases.[2]

Among the terrestrial mammals, the Peninsular Bighorn Sheep (Ovis canadiensis) and the Pronghorn Antelope (Antilocarpa Americana) are the emblem species in the terrestrial ecosystem. Other terrestrial and flying mammals[3] as well as the herpetofauna and insects have been the recent focus of population studies, bringing to light new facts about endemism, geographic range, or special limits.[4]

The islands in the Gulf of California are particularly high in endemism and biodiversity.   Isla Espíritu Santo has been a focus for conservation because of its proximity to La Paz and its tourism potential.  The owners, Ejido Alfredo Bonfil, decided to begin residential development there in 2000, sparking a fundraising effort to purchase the island.  In 2002, the island was purchased and immediately expropriated by the federal government for the national park system. [5]   An endowment for conservation management was established at the Fondo Mexicano para la Conservación de la Naturaleza in Mexico City and additional funds were raised by ICF and the United Nations Foundation for early infrastructure needs, eradication of non-native species, and the pursuit of UNESCO World Heritage status for the island.  In July 2005, all 244 islands in the Gulf of California were declared as UNESCO World Heritage sites – a designation that was 25% terrestrial and 75% marine, the first formal recognition of the importance of the islands’ adjacent marine areas.  In October 2005, Sociedad de Historia Natural de Niparajá delivered a justification study to SEMARNAT formally requesting a marine extension of the protected area at Isla Espíritu Santo, as well as upgrading that site to a national park.