文摘
Oaxaca is one of the most biologically and culturally diverse states in Mexico, which is in turn a world region of megadiversity. We document the rich avifauna of two indigenous Zapotec communities, San Miguel Tiltepec of the Sierra Norte and San Juan Mixtepec of the Sierra Sur. During several years of periodic ethnobiological field research in these communities, we have recorded a total of 313 species: 208 in San Miguel and 191 in San Juan (just 26.5 % of the total for both communities are shared), a list that includes approximately 40 % of endemic species and approximately 29 % of species of special concern known from the state of Oaxaca. The two communities contrast notably in their habitats but share deep roots in their local landscapes and traditions of conservative management of biological resources within their municipal boundaries. We also recorded data on Zapotec names and cultural beliefs and practices regarding birds and noted community attitudes and administrative practices that for centuries have sustained a rich mosaic of critical avian habitats. We suggest that indigenous communities in Mexico and elsewhere, given certain preconditions, may provide critical human resources for biodiversity conservation in the future.