Bajío dry forests

The Bajío dry forests is a tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests ecoregion located in the Neotropic biogeographic realm, covering Central and South America, the Caribbean, and southern portions of Mexico, spanning approximately 37,384 km². Classified under the WWF ecoregion code NT0204, this region represents a distinct ecological community shaped by its unique combination of climate, geography, and evolutionary history.

Climate and Vegetation

This ecoregion experiences warm with a pronounced dry season lasting several months. The dominant vegetation consists of deciduous or semi-deciduous broadleaf trees that shed leaves during the dry season. These conditions create the foundation for the ecological communities found within the Bajío dry forests.

Ecological Significance

These forests support lower species density than their moist counterparts but harbour many endemic species adapted to seasonal drought. Fire plays an important ecological role in maintaining forest structure. The Bajío dry forests contributes to the broader biodiversity patterns of the Neotropic realm.

Geographic Distribution

The Bajío dry forests extends entirely within Mexico. This geographic range places it within the Neotropic realm, one of the eight major biogeographic divisions of the world.

Notable Species

The Bajío dry forests supports a range of wildlife, including Acultzingo Pigmy Salamander (Thorius dubitus), Adler’s Mountain Salamander (Pseudoeurycea kuautli), Admirable False Brook Salamander (Aquiloeurycea praecellens), Anderson's Salamander (Ambystoma andersoni), Anita's False Brook Salamander (Pseudoeurycea anitae), Aquatic Salamander (Pseudoeurycea aquatica), Aquatic Treefrog (Sarcohyla crassa), Arboreal Flat-footed Salamander (Chiropterotriton arboreus), and 42 more species. Among these, 20 species are classified as threatened on the IUCN Red List, underscoring the conservation importance of this ecoregion.

Conservation

Like many tropical and subtropical dry broadleaf forests ecosystems, the Bajío dry forests faces threats from conversion to agriculture, fire regime changes, and cattle ranching. Conservation efforts in this ecoregion focus on habitat preservation, sustainable land management, and protecting corridors that connect fragmented habitat patches.