Western Gulf coastal grasslands

The Western Gulf coastal grasslands is a tropical and subtropical grasslands, savannas and shrublands ecoregion located in the Nearctic biogeographic realm, covering North America north of the tropics, including Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico, spanning approximately 90,735 km². Classified under the WWF ecoregion code NA0701, 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 year-round with seasonal rainfall and a distinct dry period. The dominant vegetation consists of grasses interspersed with scattered trees and shrubs. These conditions create the foundation for the ecological communities found within the Western Gulf coastal grasslands.

Ecological Significance

Savannas support some of the most iconic large mammal assemblages on Earth, including herds of grazers and their predators. Fire and herbivory maintain the open grassland structure. The Western Gulf coastal grasslands contributes to the broader biodiversity patterns of the Nearctic realm.

Geographic Distribution

The Western Gulf coastal grasslands extends entirely within Mexico. This geographic range places it within the Nearctic realm, one of the eight major biogeographic divisions of the world.

Notable Species

The Western Gulf coastal grasslands 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 grasslands, savannas and shrublands ecosystems, the Western Gulf coastal grasslands faces threats from overgrazing, agricultural conversion, fire suppression, and desertification. Conservation efforts in this ecoregion focus on habitat preservation, sustainable land management, and protecting corridors that connect fragmented habitat patches.