The Endangered Animals of Mexican Rainforest

Mexico houses 10% of the world’s total land species in the world. In fact, the country is considered to be one of the five most biologically diverse places in the world. But due to destructive human activities, most of these species are near to extinction. To be exact, thirty species of animals are already classified to be extinct.

MONKEYS

First among the extinct animals is the mantled howler monkey which is known for its loud roars in communicating with one another. It lives in the Southern part of the country. Second is the Guatemalan black howler, which lives in the lowland rainforests.

CATS

The endangered Mexican jaguar, their largest cat weighs up to 250 pounds. Rainforests in lowlands remain as its primary habitat where it hunts other prey animals. Another extinct cat is the Mexican bobcat. Apparently, their jaguar is also near threatened status. Hunting, though strictly prohibited is the major cause of its extinction.

BIRDS

Among the roster of large and powerful eagles in the world is Mexico’s Harpy Eagle which lives in tropical rainforests. It is now endangered due to destruction of their natural habitat and also because of hunting. The hummingbird known for its reddish-brown crown is also an extinct specie of birds in Mexico. Last on the list is the short-crested coquette, a tiny hummingbird.

AQUATIC

Extinct species under this group include the Coahuilan box turtle and Vaquita. Vaquita is a porpoise found in the gulf of Mexico and travels by groups. On the other hand, the box turtle lives in shallow marshes of Coahuila.

MEXICAN WOLF

This small subspecies of gray wolf is the most extinct animal in the planet. Having a sad history of habitat destruction and poaching, this animal had been declared endangered in 1973. At present, the government is doing efforts on its reintroduction campaign.

RODENTS

Large species of rodents comprise Mexico’s list of endangered animals. The coasts have been developed as tourist attractions that lead to deterioration of their natural habitat. A dozen endemic rodent species  are now to extinction. Among the group are San Quintin kangaroo rat, San Martin Island woodrat, and island jackrabbit species.

Animals of Mexican Rainforest

In the previous articles, I have mentioned about the wide array of animals you can see in the Rainforest of Mexico. This time, I will list some of these animals so you can have a checklist of sort  to look at when you decide to travel the beautiful Mexican rainforest.

The Rainforest in Mexico is teeming with mammals, both wild and tamed. You will see them walk around with no harm of hunting them by those hunters because it is a protected environment.

The gentle mammal, the White tail Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) can be seen in the area. The “Ceh” as commonly called by the locals are can be seen commonly at dawn and at twilight wherein they roaming around or resting on bushes, shrubs or places where there are water spots. 

An ant eater called the Northern tamandua (Tamandua Mexicana) can also be spotted. It can grow upto5 feet and can weigh more than 8 pounds. This animal has long snout with no teeth. The Northern tamandua is a nocturnal mammal that has light yellow graying white fur, long tail and big claws which helps them go branch to branch in search of termites, insects and ants for food. 

You can see a mammal that jumps from tree to tree in search of fruits as their food. This is the Kinkajou (Potos flavus). This mammal commonly called “mico” is a nocturnal animal, very likable and can be made as pet but it is better to see them in their natural habitat and have them multiply.

Long-tail weasel (Mustela frenata) also known as “Sabin” has a long and slim body , shinny  brown red fur and a pointed snout. A nocturnal ground dweller but also active at daytime catching prey on trees. This mammal eats reptiles and rodents.

Striped hog nosed skunk (Conepatus semiestriatus) or "Pai och" as what the locals call it is a skunk seen in rainforest and the grass area. This rare species of skunks are ground dwellers but can hardly be seen at daytime. They hunt for insects during the night but they can also fruits and lizards. 

“Uech“ as what the locals call it is a nine-banded armadillo (Dasypus novemcintus) is also a nocturnal animal. A small mammal with long ossified armor that covers its entire upper body. This armadillo can be found to be of brown or dark gray in color.

Some other mammals can be found around Mexico’s rainforest. It is an interesting and educational trip as you are enjoying the beauty of nature together with the range of animals living freely and roaming around the vast Mexican rainforest.