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.