Women Lead Bird Monitoring in Quintana Roo

Quintana Roo, Mexico — The conservation of the Uaymil Flora and Fauna Protection Area (APFF) is gaining new momentum through the work of the all-female "Sonidos de la Selva Uaymil" brigade. The group is comprised of María Antonia Alvarado Domínguez, Rosa Isela López González, and Gelmi Daniela Rivera Díaz, women from the local community who conduct bird monitoring using new technologies for the precise recording of sightings.

The brigade is dedicated to observing and registering endemic, migratory, or resident bird species in Mahahual and the area of influence of the APFF Uaymil using the citizen science applications iNaturalist and Merlin. The project, whose name alludes to the recorded sounds of birds, is notable for its rigor and use of technology, aligning with the national protocol for monitoring biodiversity of birds in forests and jungles.

“The routes we take are along the Mahahual-Cafetal and Mahahual-Pulticub highways and the side roads found there, where we register the observed species, their behavior, and the habitat in order to protect the species found in our community,” said Gelmi Rivera Díaz.

She mentioned that so far, the brigade has managed to identify a rich diversity of birdlife across different ecosystems, including aquatic, jungle, and coastal species. In mangroves, herons, kingfishers, snail kites, and mangrove swallows have been recorded; while in the jungle, chachalacas, pygmy owls, chipis, and common black hawks have been spotted. On the beach, there are ospreys and pelicans.

A notable record is that of the tiger heron, a species listed under the special protection category according to SEMARNAT's NOM-059, underscoring the importance of the territory as a refuge for wildlife.

The brigade's work transcends the scientific, generating significant social and community benefits through environmental education, which is also part of the group's activities. The members have assumed leadership roles in a field traditionally dominated by men, strengthening their confidence and visibility as key figures in conservation.

“We help in the conservation of the environment, we promote environmental education in the community, and in addition, the women who participate in the project have assumed leadership roles and have strengthened our confidence, since before, these projects generally considered men, and in this case, we are given an opportunity to have greater visibility,” emphasized Rosa Isela López.

The data collected by the brigade feeds directly into conservation reports, facilitating management by the authorities. The brigade members have acquired new skills in ornithology and the use of digital tools, in addition to fostering friendship and mutual support within the team.