16 animals in danger of extinction in Mexico
Some of the rarest and most impressive species could disappear in a matter of years.
Mexico is a country with a great variety of ecosystems due to its geographic location, which favors the diversity of species, both flora and fauna. due to its geographical location, which favors the diversity of species, both flora and fauna. Thanks to this, it is among the 4 richest nations in the world in Biological terms. However, in the last decades, this country is suffering the massive loss of some of its most exotic or emblematic species.
The extinction of animals is a natural process of evolution, and throughout history there have been mass extinctions at certain times when environmental conditions changed. Today, however, many species are becoming extinct, many species are becoming extinct at a faster rate than they have in the past. Man, directly or indirectly, is largely responsible.
Animals and species in danger of extinction in Mexico.
Scientists warn that within the next 30 years half a million species may disappear around the planet.. Evidently, Mexico is one of the nations that may suffer more losses in this regard.
If you want to know which vertebrate animals are at greater risk, below you can find a list with 16 species of animals that may become extinct in Mexico..
Ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) and ocelot (Leopardus wiedii).
The ocelot and the ocelot are two very similar felines, with long, strong bodies and rounded, erect ears. They are distinguished by their size, as the ocelot is somewhat larger. The margay is characterized by having a tail that is quite long compared to its body. This animal is really curious and adorable, and is at serious risk of becoming extinct.
You can get a better idea of what it looks like with this video:.
2. Jaguar
The jaguar is one of the largest felines on the planet. In Mexico, it can be found mainly in the tropical forests of Chiapas and the Yucatan Peninsula.
Its anatomy is unique, characterized by having a large head and powerful teeth compared to other felines, which makes it have one of the most powerful and feared bites in the animal kingdom. This allows jaguars to take on crocodiles and caimans. The jaguar is an important symbol in Mexican culture, but today there are only a few jaguars left.The jaguar is an important symbol in Mexican culture, but there are currently around 4,000 species left in this country.
3. Prairie dog
The prairie dog is more closely related to squirrels and groundhogs.It is a species generally found in northeastern Mexico. It feeds on vegetation near its habitat and some small seeds, cacti and climbing plants, sometimes also on insects. It has been considered an endangered species since 1970.
4. Teporingo
The teporingo is the smallest rabbit in Mexico, and is located in the central part of the It is located in the central part of the neovolcanic axis of this country, in high areas, where there is a largeIt is found in the central part of the neovolcanic axis of this country, in high areas, where there is an abundance of pine forests and dense grasses. It is, together with the pikas, the only council that emits vocalizations as part of its habits.
5. Vaquita porpoise
It is one of the four most endangered marine species in the world. This species is endemic to Mexico, and stands out for being the smallest cetacean on the planet. At present, there are just under 50 specimens of this species..
The vaquita inhabits the Upper Gulf of California and Colorado River Delta, a nature reserve protected by the Mexican government that lies between the states of Baja California and Sonora.
6. Ajolote
It is a salamander with the unusual characteristic of retaining its childlike retaining its infantile features into adulthood, known as "neotropicalknown as "neoteny". It is found in the Xochimilco lake complex, near Mexico City. It lives permanently in the water, but in rare cases it decides to come out to the land surface. It can measure up to 30 cm.
7. Guerrero's coquette
The Guerrero Coquette (Lophornis brachylophus) is a minuscule and exotic hummingbirdIt is a kind of flying jewel, referring to its striking coloration. Males have a reddish crest with bronze-green upperparts, reddish underparts and a lustrous green throat. Females have no crest.
8. Mexican tamandua
The Mexican tamandua is a type of medium-sized anteater that stands out for its colorful that stands out for its colorfulness. It is a solitary animal, most active at night. It spends a lot of time in trees and feeds mainly on ants and termites. The Mexican tamandua is an endangered species.
9. Bare-tailed armadillo
The naked-tailed armadillo is an animal that is close to extinction. It is found only in the tropical evergreen forests of eastern Chiapas. It is not a species that suffers from hunting since its meat has a very pungent odor. However, the inhabitants of the area believe that it is a bad animal and kill it without regard. and they kill it without regard.
10. Tapir
The Central American tapir is also an endangered species and can be found mainly in southeastern Mexico. It is not an animal prone to move, due to its low agility and weight. Due to deforestation, its population has declined significantly.. There are about 1500 specimens left.
11. Antillean Manatee
A harmless animal that has a great history in Mexico. In ancient times, the Mayas predicted the weather depending on whether these animals swam or not. This species belongs to the sirenid family of mammals and is similar to the sea lion. and is similar to the sea lion. In recent times, the number of manatees has decreased considerably, largely because their meat has begun to be commercialized. According to the latest data, there are less than 2,000 specimens left.
12. Spider monkey
The spider monkey (Ateles geoffroyi) is in serious trouble, as it is in danger of extinction. This type of monkey is a primate species that belongs to the family_ Atelidae_, and it is possible to find it in Central America, southern Mexico and even in Colombia and Ecuador. It is a large monkey, which can weigh up to 9 kg..
13. Red Macaw
This beautiful species of macaws is currently very sought after due to its rarity and the richness because of its rarity and the richness of its colors.. In ancient times it represented the Mayan god Vucub-Caquix. The reason for its possible extinction is the high price that this bird has in the market, which sells for 1,000-2,000 dollars.
14. Golden eagle
The golden eagle is one of the historical symbols of Mexico. It is an animal of incomparable beauty, which stands out among the wildlife for its great speed when it flies. The cause of this bird's endangered status is, of course, man's invasion of its natural habitat. There are about 100 pairs left in the whole country..
15. Loggerhead Turtle
Loggerhead turtles do not nest in Mexican territory; however, it is possible to find them when they migrate from Japan. This precious turtle is in danger of extinction, as poaching of its eggs has caused poaching of their eggs has caused few living specimens to remain.. This has forced the government to deploy a strong control device to prevent the species from disappearing.
16. Mexican Gray Wolf
This species of wolf is smaller than the North American wolf.. As a curiosity, it is necessary to emphasize that at the moment of its birth it is blind and deaf, and remains so until 65 days after its birth. In 1976 it was declared an endangered species, and has remained so ever since. There are currently 300 specimens left.
(Updated at Apr 12 / 2024)