New observations of Erithizon dorsatum, Taxidea taxus and Castor canadensis en un complejo de parques eólicos del norte de Mexico

Abstract

Northern Mexico, presents major gaps in knowledge regarding mammal dis- tribution, especially outside Protected Natural Areas. This study reports new records of three rarely documented species in the region: Erethizon dorsatum (Endangered), Taxidea taxus (Threatened), and Castor canadensis (Endange- red) all of them listed under the NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010 and considered at risk in several U.S. and Canadian states. Records were obtained during en- vironmental monitoring programs conducted at the Amistad II, III, and IV wind farms and surrounding areas in the municipality of Acuña, Coahuila. Intensive linear transect search survey, complemented by camera traps and scent sta- tions, yielded eight records of T. taxus, four of E. dorsatum, and one of Castor canadensis between 2024-2025. The presence of these species across mul- tiple months in each year highlights the behavioral plasticity and capacity to persist in semi-arid environments, which contrast with their typical associa- tion with forested habitats in northern latitudes. These findings confirm the presence of these species in a previously underexplored region and suggest that wind farms, due to restricted human access and controlled management, may function as important refuges for rare or specially protected species. They also emphasize the need for continued research in the arid and semi-arid ecosystems of northern Mexico, which are crucial for the conservation of the country’s mammalian fauna.