Despite their economic, strategic and environmental importance, Mexico’s 1,644 islands are neglected and little studied, according to a group of specialized agencies. Alfonso Aguirre, director of the non-governmental Island Ecology and Conservation Group, told Tierramérica that because of their unique character, islands “hold great importance for understanding the origin of life. They are microcosms for carrying out environmental tests that deserve more research and public policies.”

Aguirre is one of the seven authors of a soon to be published book, “Islas de México, un recurso estratégico” (Islands of Mexico, a Strategic Resource), jointly prepared by the Mexican National Institute of Ecology and the U.S.-based organization The Nature Conservancy. Mexico’s islands are home to hundreds of animal and plant species, including a number of endemic and endangered animal species like the yellow-headed parrot and elephant seal. Over 300 different species live on the more than 600 islands of northwestern Mexico.