Traditional shaded coffee farms in Mexico crucial for biodiversity conservation.
Coffee fields in Mexico are home to a variety of plants and animals, especially in traditional shaded systems managed by small-scale growers. These systems help conserve biodiversity by providing habitats for many species, including trees, mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Around 60-70% of coffee areas in Mexico are managed traditionally, and many of these areas overlap with regions known for high species diversity and endemism. This shows that traditional coffee cultivation plays a crucial role in preserving the rich biodiversity of Mexico's ecosystems.