Status and trends on the investigation of a wetland in western Mexico

Abstract

The medium and long-term assessment of ecosystems is essential for their management and restoration, being particularly important for those that provide key ecosystem services such as wetlands. The results and trends of the investigation of one of the most important wetlands for the state of Michoacán, the Mintzita spring, which among other ecosystem functions contributes about 40% of Morelia's water, for the period 1995-2022, were reviewed. Data was collected from 66 documents. The results revealed that there are five themes into which the found documents can be divided: fauna, vegetation, hydrology, social aspects and official normative documents. The most documented aspects are related to the vegetation and fauna, particularly the ichthyofauna, while other animal groups have received little evaluation. Being able to establish how research has been carried out in this ecosystem makes it possible to identify areas of opportunity, as well as needs for better management of ecosystems that are of great socio-environmental importance.