Ahuisculco Mountain Range: An Example of Holistic Conservation

Abstract

The urban growth of Guadalajara has increased the challenges involved in preserving the ecological connectivity between La Primavera Forest and the Sierra de Ahuisculco, its main biological corridor. Since 2010, the Selva Negra Foundation has worked alongside the Ahuisculco community to protect this area, which unfortunately lacks official protected status. Problems such as land-use change, pollution, habitat fragmentation, and agricultural expansion threaten biodiversity conservation. Despite these conditions, the presence of pumas in La Primavera Forest demonstrates that connectivity between both ecosystems still exists. In response to these challenges, a holistic conservation strategy has been implemented, combining ecological and community-based projects while prioritising local needs without relying on government intervention. After thirteen years of work, this model has produced significant results and has helped identify both challenges and opportunities to strengthen conservation efforts and ensure the future protection of the Sierra de Ahuisculco and its wildlife.