A monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework is proposed for evaluating the effectiveness and results of recovery programs for threatened species. The proposal is based on an analysis of a Mexican governmental program that implemented 14 recovery plans over a period of 10 years, a revision of 11 recovery plans pertaining to a subsequent program, and participatory observation and analysis of similar programs in other countries. The proposed framework is suitable for addressing the M&E needs of the current threatened species recovery plans in Mexico. Criteria and indicators proposed address ecological, management, and socioeconomic aspects explicitly within the conservation and management actions prescribed in the recovery plans. M&E activities involve the participation of several social sectors that collaborate in conservation initiatives. Indicators were standardized in order that the information obtained, analyzed, and compared can be integrated into an environmental information system for the management of threatened species.