PRIORITY REGIONS FOR THE CONSERVATION OF TROPICAL MONTANE CLOUD FOREST

Abstract

Cloud forests (CFs) shelter an extraordinary biodiversity, play a key role in the regulation of water and nutrient cycles, and are the most threatened terrestrial ecosystems in México. Although all CFs are important, it is necessary to identify the areas where the actions directed at their sustainable management, conservation and restoration are more urgent. An initiative by the National Commission for the Knowledge and Use of Biodiversity is presented, to develop a diagnosis of the CFs in México in terms of their quality, main threats to their permanence and quality, as well as the opportunities present for their maintenance, recovery and social characteristics of their owners and users. Fifteen sub regions of critical priority were identified, 17 of high, nine of medium and four were pending due to the lack of information. The main recommendations to contribute to the conservation of this very valuable ecosystem are presented.