Mexico is a country located in the central area of Latin America, especially known for its historical past, its delicious food and its celebration of the day of the dead, which have given the world picturesque images about its culture.The characteristics of the territory vary, predominantly the rocky areas, the arid soil and even the volcanic beaches, in which they live great variety of animals , many of them typical of Mexican lands.
This wealth of fauna, however, is being diminished by various threats that endanger the survival of Many species.Keep reading this article so you know the 12 endangered animals in Mexico .
1.Mexican Axolotl
Of scientific name Ambystoma mexicanum , it is a creature whose curious appearance earned him the name of water monster ( axolotl ) among the Nahuatl tribe.It is possible to find it in the canals of the city of Xochimilco, but there are fewer and fewer copies that exist in freedom, so most live in aquariums throughout the world.
The most striking thing about the axolotl is not only its appearance and the variety of colors that its body can have, but the fact that is able to regenerate its own cellular tissues .the waters and the use of the animal's body for medicinal purposes seem to have the days counted for this small amphibian.
2 marine vaquita
The cochito or vaquita marina, Phocoena sinus, is a cetacean that lives only in Mexican waters .It is estimated that there are less than one hundred specimens of This species, whose main threat is the negligence of the fishing industry, because it usually dies trapped in the fishing nets.
It receives its name because both the eyes and the mouth are surrounded by black spots.It is a quiet species that communicates with its relatives through sound waves.
Image of elimparcial.com
3.Mexican gray wolf
The Canis lupus baileyi is a species that is estimated to survive less than three hundred copies .Its size, smaller than any other wolf, can be compared to that of a medium-sized dog.He lived in Mexico and in certain areas of North America, but currently only exists in captivity.His greatest threat was the human being, since the cattlemen of the areas of which he was a native were practically responsible exterminate it.
Formerly the Mexican gray wolf was not considered a danger, and there is even evidence that was a reason for worship in Teotihuacan and related to the goddess Chantico, for being symbol of valentia.
4 red macaw
The Ara macao is a species of macaw of bright colors, predominantly red in the body and blue, green and yellow in the wings.The illegal sale of birds is the that has reduced this species, causing only about thirty thousand copies to remain around the world, and that in Mexico they can only be seen in Chiapas .
This macaw has been associated with the Mayan deity Vucub-Caquix , but not even that has been able to stop those who seek to profit from the beauty of this exotic animal.
5.Mexican prairie dog
The Cynomys mexicanus is a small rodent that looks funny and adorable, but is in danger of extinction due to the strong attacks it has received from farmers, who consider that ends with the crops feeding on them, while ignoring the important role it has in its ecosystem.
It is native to the Coahuila and Saltillo areas, but currently there are no records on the number of copies that left.
Image from greglasley.com
6.Caribbean or West Indies
It is thought that Trichechus manatus survive less than two thousand copies, since it is hunted to consume its meat since the time of the colonization of America, after the Spaniards discovered that it was not a mermaid, as they believed at the beginning.
They are also threatened by the destruction of their habitat and the negligence of the fishermen, because frequently they collide with the engines of boats and small boats.Not only does it exist in the waters around Mexico, but its presence extends to Brazil, where it is possible to find it in the Amazon River.
7.Jaguar
Of the Panthera onca it is believed that there are between ten thousand and fifteen thousand copies.It may seem that its risk is lower than that of the other species mentioned, but it is a feline, the eldest of the New Continent, who was worshiped by pre-Hispanic cultures and considered a symbol of power and protection .
There is evidence that he is lonely Feline inhabits the Earth for about 2 million years, so its extinction would be a great tragedy not only historical, but also for ecosystems.It is threatened so much by the destruction of its habitat , that it makes disappear the prey that feeds, as per the persecution of man, who kills him when he considers it a danger to the populations.
8.Tapir de Braid or Central American
The Tapirus bairdii is just one of several species of tapirs that exist, so, among others, it is related to the danta.It is thought that there are less than two thousand alive, even though it is an animal of a calm nature and that plays a vital role for the areas of Mexico and other Latin American countries where it lives.
Its curious appearance, so different from that of other mammals, they suggest that it is a prehistoric species that has survived and evolved over time.Threatened deforestation and indiscriminate hunting .
9 yellow head parrot
The Amazona oratrix is a kind of brightly colored parrot that mixes green, yellow and red in its plumage.Its main ability is also the reason why It is in danger of extinction: this parrot is capable of imitating different sounds, including the voice of man, so it is a victim of hunting and marketing.
10.Loggerhead turtle
The illegal hunting of this species and marketing with its eggs is what has led to the Caretta caretta has been in a vulnerable state.It was not enough, natural predators also threaten the existence of this species, because when breaking the shells they must run to the sea, and many are devoured before this.It is not typical of Mexico, but countless specimens arrive at its shores every year for spawning, coming from the Japanese waters.
Formerly, this turtle was part of the imaginary of several indigenous cultures, but today there are only about fifty thousand copies capable of reproducing.
11.Teporingo
Also called volcano bunny , the Romerolagus diazi is a small mammal that lives mainly in areas of great heights, or in forests with abundant vegetation There are no data on the amount that is conserved and the danger that it is imminent, because it is not yet in any captive breeding program.
The main causes that put it at risk are the deterioration of its habitat , reducing spaces suitable for survival, and deforestation .
Image of jaimerojo.photoshelter.com
12.Ocelot
Just under two million copies of the Leopardus pardalis survive, a feline that also took a place in the imaginary of pre-Hispanic civilizations, including the Maya, the Mexica and the Olmecs.Although the population is larger than that of other endangered species, there are fewer and fewer ocelots in the world, due to the traffic of their skin , in addition to the destruction of ecosystems where he lives.
If you want to read more articles similar to 12 animals in danger of extinction in Mexico , we recommend that you enter our section of Animals in danger of extinction.
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