Mammals in the Mexican Official Norm NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010

Abstract

This paper describes the procedure for applying the Method to Assess the Risk of Extinction of Wild species in Mexico (MER, for its acronym in Spanish1) in order to contribute to modify the risk categories of taxa (species and subspecies) listed in the Mexican Official Norm NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 (NOM-059). Additionally, we analyzed the mammal taxa listed in NOM-059 as regards taxonomy and current biological knowledge status. We concluded the following: 1) the procedures to approve the collection of specimens of the species listed in NOM-059 through scientific collection licenses and in protected natural areas should be simplified; 2) the list of species in NOM-059 should be regularly updated to include any changes in the taxonomic classification of the different taxa included, with 51 accounted for to date; 3) updated information should be included on the conservation status of species and subspecies. In addition, it is necessary to conduct further systematic and long-term monitoring studies to obtain in-depth information on the biology, ecology, distribution and threats for endemic species and populations listed in any risk category in NOM-059; in this regard, the opinion of experts in mammal ecology, conservation and taxonomy is key. If the above is fulfilled, a larger number of taxa will be included in NOM-059 using MER, with a direct impact on the conservation policy of species listed in a risk category.