Aim: To assess the representativeness values of Mesoamerican endemic birds within the current network of protected areas (PAs) to determine high‐priority and complementary conservation areas to maximize the long‐term protection of species.Location: From central Mexico to southern Panama.Methods: We selected 180 bird species that are geographically restricted to Mesoamerica and estimated their potential ranges using species distribution models. Then, using two different removal rules in ZONATION software, we assessed the species’ representativeness levels within the current PA network. We also defined forest remnants that could be used to strategically expand PAs (to reach Aichi biodiversity targets) and maximize the species protection, explicitly considering anthropic pressures.Results: Current PAs cover ~13% of the land area of Mesoamerica, representing an average of ~19% of the total potential distribution for the endemic bird species considered. We also observed that there is 35% for all species and >29% for threatened species. The consensus priority conservation areas identified were mainly distributed in Costa Rica (~48%), Mexico (~28%), and Panama (~10%).Main conclusions: Consistent with the global picture, Mesoamerican PAs showed low representativeness of their vulnerable endemic avifauna; therefore, well‐informed decisions to guide conservation strategies are imperative. We provide insights about where future conservation efforts should focus to accomplish a representative and well‐connected regional PA network.

Con el fin de comparar la composición de las comunidades de aves y su posible interrelación, se realizaron muestreos mensuales entre Enero-Diciembre de 2002 en la Reserva de la Biosfera Montes Azules (REBIMA) y áreas adyacentes, Chiapas, México. Los datos fueron generados durante 48 días de observaciones de campo en un área de 60 ha por sitio. Se registraron 133 especies que representan el 36% de las especies de aves reportadas para la REBIMA. La mayor riqueza de especies de aves fue registrada en el sitio 1 (sitio con selva intacta ubicado en la REBIMA, 113 spp). El sitio 1 mostró una mayor similitud con el sitio 4 (sitio con el 50% de vegetación original, IS = 0,89). El 80% de las especies fueron residentes y el gremio mejor representado fue el de las especies insectívoras (47 spp). Los sitios presentaron los mismos gremios alimenticios con diferencias en su riqueza y abundancia de especies. Algunas especies de aves parecen responder de forma diferente al grado de fragmentación y transformación del hábitat, por lo que se presenta una variación en la riqueza y en la composición de las comunidades de aves en los diferentes sitios. Sin embargo, a pesar del limitado esfuerzo de muestreo, la riqueza avifaunística registrada en este estudio demostró que los hábitats secundarios juegan un papel importante en la persistencia de las especies de aves en ecosistemas tropicales.

Enterolobium cyclocarpum and Piscidia piscipula are two important tree Fabaceae species distributed from the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico. Our aims were focused on the E. cyclocarpum and P. piscipula seeds for: (1) to examine the seed permeability and imbibition rate, (2) to evaluate the effect of seed pre-germinative treatments, and (3) to characterize the structures involved on the presence of physical dormancy (PY). We used fresh seeds to determine seed permeability and imbibition rate, seed viability by means of tetrazolium test, furthermore, we applied mechanical scarification and boiler shocks for 5 s, 10 s and 15 s treatments. Morphological characterization of the seed coat was by Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Seed viability in E. cyclocarpum and P. piscipula were 100% and 96%, respectively. Seed permeability and imbibition rate in E. cyclocarpum were low. The highest germination in E. cyclocarpum was in the mechanical scarification (92%), while in P. piscipula, this parameter was in the 10 s boiling water treatment (76.0%). The presence of PY was confirmed in both species because they showed low seed permeability, and imbibition rate; furthermore, exhibited macrosclereids cells. The present research seeks to promote the sustainable use of E. cyclocarpum and P. piscipula.