In Aguascalientes, Mexico, the ongoing legal battle over the ecological zoning program has brought attention to the endangered High Lands Burrowing Frog. Despite a proposed reduction of 3,500 hectares of conservation land, officials assert that the program remains intact, with no immediate threat of development in critical habitats.
Local authorities confirmed that the ecological zoning plan has not been updated since 2016. The recent lawsuit, initiated by civil organizations, highlights the potential risks to the frog's habitat, which has seen a drastic decline in population due to urbanization and pollution.
However, conservation strategies implemented by the Autonomous University of Aguascalientes have shown promising results. These include the construction of wildlife tunnels, measures to prevent roadkill, and public awareness campaigns. Last year, natural reproduction of the High Lands Burrowing Frog was achieved, with hundreds of juvenile frogs successfully released into their natural habitat.
While the frog's situation remains critical, ongoing conservation efforts provide hope for its survival, demonstrating the importance of protecting vulnerable species amid increasing urban pressures.