Mexico is a country in North America that occupies more than 1,964 m2 of surface and has a population of over 127.5 million people. Something that also draws attention is the immense biodiversity that exists, both on its lands and in its waters. However, as happens all over the planet, the evolution of the species and some human actions cause there to be endangered species in Mexico and its population decreases year after year. Today there are more than 2,500 species protected by Mexican law, yet many others are already on the way to extinction.
At Ecologista Verde we want to raise awareness about the importance of caring for biodiversity around the world, but in this article we detail one list of 25 endangered animals in Mexico that should be known in order to contribute to its protection. Keep reading and you will be able to know which animals are in danger of extinction in Mexico, as well as discover the main causes and consequences of this problem.
Red macaw
To begin with this list of animals in danger of extinction in Mexico we will talk about scarlet macaw or scarlet macaw. This species of parrot, scientifically named Ara chloropterus, lives in more areas of America, especially the south, and counting its world population is not in danger. But nevertheless, in Mexico it is at risk and it is on the way to extinction, especially if we look at the free specimens and not the captives. In this country it is also very important at a cultural level, since it is a representation of a Mayan god: Vucub-Caquix. It can usually be found in areas such as Veracruz, Oaxaca, Tamaulipas, Campeche and Tabasco, but currently these areas are reduced and there are only between 20,000 and 30,000 copies.
Discover in this other Green Ecologist article all about Parrots in serious danger of extinction.
Amazon or yellow-headed parrot
Another of the Mexican species of animals in danger of extinction is he yellow-headed parrot. It is one of the species of Amazon parrot that lives in the American continent and its name is due to the fact that its head feathers are yellow (those of other Amazon species are of other colors, such as red or blue) and the rest its body is green, also showing some blue and red feathers.
The species Amazona oratrix It is one of the parrots that has the best ability to imitate different sounds with ease. The yellow-headed amazon It is disappearing because they are hunted for sale as pets around the world, as well as because of the destruction of their habitat. According to the IUCN, the trend of its population is currently decreasing.
Axolotl, one of the most seriously endangered Mexican animals
The Mexican axolotl or Ambystoma mexicanum, its scientific name, is found in serious danger of extinction since 2006. Its common name means "water monster", since its appearance is really peculiar. It is an amphibian with a tail and gills, which can be white, brown or black. Due to its unusual appearance, reminiscent of a large, legged tadpole, it has become a very popular animal. However, there are only a few few specimens in freedom in Xochimilco, Mexico.
Learn more about why the axolotl is in danger of extinction in this other Green Ecologist article.
Mexican prairie dog
The mexican prairie dog, scientifically called Cynomys mexicanus, is a small rodent that lives in burrows in the prairies of Mexico, hence its common name. Specifically, originally they were in Saltillo and Coahuila, but according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, for years we have not known the exact number of individuals in freedom and in which areas are the few that remain, as well as what is the trend of its population really.
One of the main Causes of the endangered Mexican prairie dog is that the farmers in the area got rid of them, setting traps and hunting them, because they damaged their crops and orchards. Another cause is the destruction of their habitat, as it is increasingly polluted and we build more in it.
Jaguar
East big cat It is found in part of North, Central and South America, but in North and Central America the number of specimens decreases year by year and there are currently only a few 15,000 free individuals in MexicoTherefore, it is considered that this country is in danger, although its world population indicates that it is threatened. Panthera onca It is its scientific name and it is one of the most important symbols of Mexican culture before the arrival of the Hispanics, that is, the pre-Hispanic culture, where it was given the role of spiritual protector. The jaguar it lives in jungle and swampy areas, which are being destroyed faster and faster.
Learn more about why the jaguar is in danger of extinction here.
Ocelot
The ocelot o Leopardus pardalis It is another species at risk in this country, although at the moment it is registered at the lowest level of danger within this scale of risk of survival for the species. The alert is due to the fact that the number of free individuals has been constantly decreasing in recent years and currently between 800,000 and 1,000,000 individuals can be found in the Chiapas area.
Here we reveal more information about why the ocelot is in danger of extinction.
Black bear
It's about the last species of bear left in Mexico. The Ursus americanus it is mainly spread over North America, but in the central part of this continent its population decreases significantly. Thus, although its world population is not a concern since the figures indicate that their number is rising, in this country with a tropical climate it may disappear in a few years, either due to poaching or due to the displacement that it suffers due to change. of their surroundings in this place.
Vaquita marina, another animal species in danger of extinction in Mexico
The species Phocoena sinus It is one of the endangered animal species in Mexico that urgently needs humans to react to save it, since in the last year so many have been recorded only 30 copies of vaquita marina. This cetacean, which is in a critical state of danger of extinction, and which could disappear in the near future, is only found in the Gulf of California.
West Indian manatee
The Caribbean manatee, West Indian manatee or Trichechus manatus It is a species that lives from the Gulf of Mexico to the mouth of the Amazon. Its world population status is vulnerable and specifically in Mexico it is already considered as near threatened and its population is decreasing. This means that, if it continues like this, in a short time you will be totally threatened and at risk in this country.
Mexican gray wolf
This species of wolf is another of the Mexican animals in danger of extinction, is originally from this North American country and scientifically called Canis lupus baileyi. Also a symbol of pre-Hispanic culture, as it symbolized strength and courage and was related to Chantico, the goddess of fire, and Xólotl, a deity with the image of a wolf. The mexican gray wolf It is small in size, as it is usually the size of a medium dog. Sadly, this curious and unique canid in this part of the planet is going extinct, as only about 520 copies remain between those who are in captivity and in freedom, between Mexico and the United States.
In this other Green Ecologist article you can learn more about why the Mexican gray wolf is in danger of extinction.
Central American tapir
Also called Baird's or northern tapir, the species Tapirus bairdii It lives mainly in the jungles of southern Mexico and northern Ecuador. Due to deforestation and new diseases, its population is decreasing rapidly, especially in Mexico. Currently an estimated number of 1,500 specimens in the wild. In addition, because this animal travels long distances throughout the jungles of this part of the planet and helps in the propagation and reproduction of plant species, scientists believe that many of these could disappear if the Central American tapir becomes extinct. .
Learn more about their situation in this other article on Why the tapir is in danger of extinction.
Teporingo or volcano bunny
The species Romerolagus diazi It is commonly known as the volcano bunny, teporingo or Zacatuche and is currently in danger of extinction. As its name suggests, it is a rabbit that lives in high-altitude volcanic areas, specifically between the areas of four Mexican volcanoes Popocatepetl, Iztaccihuatl, El Pelado and Tlaloc. In these areas there are forests with a lot of vegetation and mainly pine trees.
According to the IUCN, its population is very fragmented, with few individuals remaining in different parts of the aforementioned areas and the populations being separated, which makes their reproduction difficult. Furthermore, we are destroying their habitat through deforestation and pollution.
Loggerhead or loggerhead turtle
It is scientifically known as Caretta caretta and inhabits the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian oceans. Although it lives in such a wide area of the Earth, this sea turtle is in a state of vulnerability and, in the gulf of mexico, less and less are seen. Today it is estimated that there are only a few 60,000 females of nesting age on the beaches of subtropical climate. They are exposed to many risks from humans, such as waste in seawater and poaching for their shells and eggs, but they are also a species that has various predators from the egg and, above all, at the time of being born on the way to the water.
Quetzal
The quetzal bird or Pharomachrus mocinno is another of the endangered animals in Mexico, because although it is one of the most emblematic of the area, do not save yourself from various dangers. Among the main causes that the quetzal is at risk of extinction are the reduction and destruction of its habitat, mainly due to forest fires and logging for urbanization, and illegal hunting and trafficking of this species.
If you want to learn more about this species and its situation, we recommend this other article about Why the quetzal is in danger of extinction in Mexico.
Other animal species in danger of extinction in Mexico
Here you can see a list with more names of Mexican animals in danger of extinction or in a vulnerable state.
- Bolson Tortoise, Mexican Tortoise, Large Tortoise, Mapimí Tortoise, Llanero Tortoise or Mole Tortoise (Gopherus flavomarginatus).
- Greater Snooping FrogEleutherodactylus grandis).
- Shrew of the Tuxtlas (Cryptotis nelsoni).
- Xuchil or woolly gopher (Orthogeomys lanius).
- Shrub rabbit from Isla San José (Sylvilagus mansuetus).
- Pygmy or Cozumel raccoon (Procyon pygmaeus).
- Transvolcanic mask (Geothlypis speciosa).
- Imperial Woodpecker, Imperial Woodpecker or Cuauhtotomomi (Campephilus imperialis).
- Warrior Flirt (Lophornis brachylophus).
- Townsend's Shearwater or Revillagigedo's Shearwater (Puffinus auricularis).
- Picote tequila (Zoogoneticus tequila).
Animals in danger of extinction in Mexico: causes and consequences
To expand this information on animals in danger of extinction in Mexico, below we comment some of the main causes of extinction risk in these Mexican species:
- The natural course of the evolution of the species.
- Appearance of new diseases for these species.
- Deforestation of land for construction or to use wood.
- Deforestation due to natural causes such as acid rain or forest fires.
- Climate change.
- Poaching for illegal trafficking purposes as pets, hunting trophies, and even for display in zoos.
- Irresponsible tourism with nature.
- Direct problems and conflicts with humans due to property damage and livestock predation.
Between the consequences of the extinction of these Mexican species We can find changes in the environment, some vegetables will lose their expansion capacity and others will gain it, and there will also be changes in other species that fed on these or were hunted by them. There will also be the loss of cultural references that will become part of history through the biodiversity loss. Ultimately, there will be the consequences that always exist when there is a loss of both terrestrial and aquatic species.
How to help endangered animals in Mexico
For help protect endangered animals in Mexico you can keep these points in mind:
- Collaborate with associations that are dedicated to the protection of these animals, as well as that of nature in general, whether at a local, regional, national or global level. You can do this by becoming an active volunteer and / or through donations.
- Contribute to reducing pollution. To do this, you can focus on a Zero Waste life, that is, not just recycling.
- Respect protected natural areas.
- If you detect any indication of illegal hunting or trafficking of animals, do not hesitate to report it to the authorities.
These have been some tips, but if you want to learn more we leave you here information on How to save endangered animals and Why it is important to protect endangered animals.
If you want to read more articles similar to 25 animals in danger of extinction in MexicoWe recommend that you enter our category of Endangered Animals.
