How Many Jaguars Remain and What Is Their Future?
TULUM, México – Mexico leads the way in jaguar conservation with the launch of the third National Jaguar Census by the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat), through the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp). This nationwide effort, running from March to June 2024, marks a pioneering initiative to gauge the population of this emblematic predator within Mexico’s protected areas and biological corridors.
The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the National Alliance for Jaguar Conservation (ANCJ) collaborate closely, extending fieldwork across 19 protected areas and an additional ten sites. This census is not merely a count; it’s a testament to the success of conservation efforts and public policies aimed at reducing threats to the jaguar, with numbers increasing from about 4,000 in 2010 to approximately 4,800 in 2018.
However, the ongoing construction of the Maya Train, particularly along Section 5 South, presents a contrasting scenario. Originally planned along highway 307, the route was shifted into the jungle following hoteliers’ protests. The adjustment has led to significant environmental impacts, including the felling of over 10 million trees, alterations to local temperature, and disruption of cave and cenote ecosystems.
Dr. Gloria Fermina Tavera Alonso from Conanp highlights the proactive measures undertaken by the current administration, which include expanding jaguar habitat protection by 1.6 million hectares in the Great Calakmul Region. This area is vital for jaguars and represents the second-largest protected tropical rainforest on the continent.
Despite these efforts, the Maya Train’s construction has been detrimental to the jaguar’s natural habitat. Documented instances include the tragic case of a female jaguar, identified as Naku, who was killed while crossing the area to give birth. This incident contradicts initial environmental impact assessments, which claimed no jaguars were present. Environmental activist José Urbina Bravo from “Save Me from the Train” points out that these assessments failed to reflect reality, evidenced by video footage and direct observations of jaguars in the area.
To mitigate these impacts, Fonatur has initiated the construction of wildlife crossings, including underpasses and overpasses with native vegetation, aiming to preserve animal mobility and prevent local extinctions. Yet, environmentalists have criticized these measures as insufficient and poorly implemented, often endangering the animals they are meant to protect.
The government has also declared several new protected areas specifically for jaguar conservation in response to these challenges. These include the Jaguar Flora and Fauna Protection Area in Quintana Roo, the Sierra Tecuani Biosphere Reserve in Guerrero, and several other reserves across Mexico. Moreover, the Zoque people have certified over 400,000 hectares of jungle as Voluntarily Designated Conservation Areas in the Chimalapas region, further supporting the habitat needs of the jaguar population.
The jaguar, a symbol of magnificence and power, is integral to Mexico’s ecosystems and cultural heritage. Known locally as onza, jaguar, Balam, or tecuán, this magnificent creature has been immortalized in temples and cities such as Calakmul, Balam Kú, Monte Albán, and Cacaxtla. As the largest feline in the Americas and the third largest globally, its conservation is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and ensuring the health of entire ecosystems.
This comprehensive census highlights the complex interplay between conservation initiatives and modern development challenges, underscoring the need for sustained and practical strategies to protect these majestic animals and their habitats.
