Biological linkages within the Sky Islands that cross the international border are essential if viability of many species in the region is to be maintained. However, because of differences in land status and management and availability of data in Mexico, a sister wildlands network to the Sky Islands Wildlands Network could not be proposed simultaneously.

Therefore, a separate wildlands network is being developed and implemented for the Northern Sierra Madre Occidental. Through identification of biologically important areas in the northern Sierra Madre that serve as crucial breeding and dispersal areas for thick-billed parrots, jaguars, and other focal species, a general planning area for a wildlands network has been identified in the Northern Sierra Madre Occidental in Chihuahua and Sonora, Mexico.

Through the expertise of Naturalia, A.C., one of Mexico's most prominent conservation organizations, ecological restoration, endangered species protection, and public education efforts are laying the foundation for future wildlands network implementation. They are also working with the Northern Jaguar Project to protect the northernmost breeding grounds of the jaguar. This work is recognized as fundamental to the integrity and success of a new wildlands network design for the Northern Sierra Madre.