Extinction Risk Assessment for the Conservation of Five Endemic Mexican Oak Species

Maribel Arenas Navarro, Jhenifer Reyes Gálvez, Javier Piña Torres, Gabriel López Segoviano, Guillermo Huerta Ramos, and César Andrés Torres Miranda

Published May 2026 in International Oaks No. 37: 285–294

Abstract

Oaks (Quercus, Fagaceae) are woody plants that occupy diverse ecosystems and are widely recognized as keystone species. Oaks underwent an extraordinary diversification across the Mexican mountain chains and represent a high proportion of the above-ground live biomass and biodiversity in Mexican forests. This high diversity of species makes it essential to evaluate their habitat status and the current and future threats they face. Quercus centenaria, Q. cualensis, Q. tuitensis, Q. mexiae, and Q. nixoniana, distributed in the Sierra Madre del Sur biogeographic province, were described in the last decade, but still present significant information gaps. In this project, we conducted fieldwork between 2023 and 2024 to assess local aspects of each species (such as distribution threats, phenology, and size), and we examined whether they are adequately classified in any risk category in the IUCN Red List and in Mexican law. We found that these oaks face different threats, including reductions in the distribution of suitable habitat under climate-change scenarios, illegal logging, and land-use change. Therefore, knowing the specific threats facing each of these and establishing action strategies within the legal framework to protect them is essential. Finally, to support conservation efforts, we visited two elementary schools in the Ejido El Cuale, the Escuela Primaria Consuelo Briseño Lara and the Telesecundaria Juan Escutia, to conduct environmental education activities and share our experience in their forests.

Keywords

climate change, IUCN Red List, Jalisco

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