50 ANIMALS IN DANGER OF EXTINCTION IN MEXICO [WITH IMAGES] - BIOLOGY

Some of the animals in danger of extinction in Mexico are the manatee, the jaguar, the black bear, the Coahuila box turtle, the relief pigeon, the volcano rabbit, the tree frog, the Cozumel island raccoon, the short-crested coquette, harpy eagle, crocodile, antelope and tapir, among others (Network, 2014).

The biggest factor that affects all species is the destruction, modification, reduction and pollution of their habitat. Ecosystems are usually destroyed in search of a profit from the exploitation of the Earth.

Forests and jungles are deforested without subsequent reforestation, causing soil erosion and exposing organisms to predators and other environmental elements.

Mexico is home to one-tenth of all the world's species, according to the Mexico Natural Conservation Center. This country is one of the five most biologically diverse in the world. For this reason, it becomes essential to protect its endangered species in this country.

Main animals in danger of extinction in Mexico

1- Jaguar (

It is the largest feline in Mexico, weighing between 200 and 250 pounds, reaching a height of one meter. Its tail alone is up to 80 cm long. Most jaguars have tan skin with black rings and spots, however some jaguars can be all black.

Lowlands and rainforests are the jaguar's primary habitat, where it can hunt deer and other small mammals. Within its habitat, the jaguar is at the top of the food pyramid, however, this does not guarantee its survival in Mexico.

The jaguar plays an essential role in the balance of the ecosystem by hunting species that could endanger the environmental balance if its population grows excessively.

The main cause that endangers the jaguar is the destruction of its natural habitat. In this way, today there is only 20% of the original habitat of the jaguar, the rest has been taken by humans for the construction of grazing farms. The development of the tourism industry also affects the survival of the jaguar (Kincaid, 2015).

2- Wild cat (

This feline lives in the central part of the country and weighs between 13 and 30 pounds. Its color is slightly gray with reddish and brown overtones. Generally hunts in swamps, deserts and forests where small prey inhabit.

Currently this species is at critical risk of extinction not only in Mexico, but also in other territories. The main cause of their extinction is the massive destruction of their natural habitat (Creatures, 2018).

3- Howler monkey (

The howler monkey lives in the southern region of the country. It takes its name from its appearance and the sound it makes to communicate, it is frugivorous and herbivorous.

Currently, it is in danger of extinction due to the massive destruction of its habitat and the poaching of its species to be illegally traded as a pet.

4- Guatemalan howler monkey (

The Guatemalan howler monkey is another species of primate that inhabits southern Mexico and Guatemalan territory. Like its previously named relative, it is in danger of extinction for the same reasons.

5- Vaquita (

The vaquita or suckling pig is one of the smallest cetaceans in the world and is at critical risk of extinction. It is the only endemic marine mammal of Mexico, and can only be found in the upper part of the Gulf of California and in the delta of the Colorado River.

This species is difficult to monitor due to its swimming patterns, however it is widely threatened by net fishing. Thus, it is estimated that there are only 150 living specimens of this species and each year between 39 and 54 individuals die.

6- Short crest flirt (

The short-crested coquette is a species of small hummingbird that lives only in a small region of Guerrero, Mexico. There it feeds on nectar and insects. It is threatened by deforestation and destruction of its habitat for agricultural purposes.

7- Box turtle

This species is also threatened by the destruction of its habitat. The Coahuila box turtle lives in shallow grassy swamps in central Coahuila.

8- Golden Eagle (

The golden eagle is the national symbol of Mexico, yet it is on the brink of extinction in its native country. Being one of the main birds of prey in the world, the golden eagle can reach up to 2 meters in wingspan, being exceeded in size only by the bald eagle in the United States.

Some years ago it was common to see it fly in Mexico, however, this has changed and it is increasingly difficult to find the remaining specimens of this species. The cause of their disappearance is attributed to the destruction of their habitat and the elimination of their favorite prey.

Human activity in the form of poaching, capture and commercialization of this species, has also contributed to its disappearance.

9- Ocelot (

Ocelots are a species of small feline that inhabits different regions of the American continent. It is a relatively tolerant species to human presence, as long as it is not persecuted.

Historically, ocelots have been exploited in the wild to be sold as pets. The usual methods of capture include the murder of the mother in order to take the small cats and sell them. It is also in danger of extinction due to the destruction of its habitat.

10- Sea pan (Limulus polyphemus)

Sea pans are dark brown in color and move like army tanks. They are closely related to arachnids, such as spiders and scorpions. These animals are prehistoric - they haven't undergone significant evolutionary change in over 400 million years.

Shell and eel fishermen use them as bait. Additionally, your blood contains a substance called amebocyte limulus lysate, which clots in the presence of bacteria. For this reason, it is valuable in the pharmaceutical industry, and therefore it is also in danger of extinction in Mexico.

11- Axolotl (

The axolotl is a species of salamander endemic to Mexico City, located only around Lake Xochimilco.

Thanks to the urbanization of the area, pollution and the destruction of its habitat, it is estimated that today there are only 1,200 specimens of this species.

12- Puma or mountain lion (

The Mexican puma is also called "panther" or "mountain lion." Its size is similar to that of the jaguar, however, it is more agile and lighter. It is estimated that only about 100 specimens of this species remain in Mexico.

8- Harpy Eagle

The harpy eagle is a bird that is in danger of extinction. It mainly inhabits the forests to the south of Mexico and feeds on small mammals, monkeys, and sloths.

14- Gray whale (Eschrichtius robustus)

This huge cetacean can reach a length of up to 16 meters and a weight of up to 36 tons. Usually it has been killed for being considered an aggressive species towards humans, mainly fishermen.

The largest group of gray whales still surviving is in the Northeast Pacific region. Each year approximately 25,000 specimens of this species are said to migrate from the Bering Strait to Baja California and the coasts of Mexico.

Overhunting of this animal during the 19th century has brought it to the brink of extinction. It is one of the species that is protected by international animal protection commissions and the Mexican government since 1972.

15- Prairie Dog

This species is closely related to squirrels, marmots, and other species of small rodents. It is a species found in the northeast region of Mexico.

It has been listed as an endangered species since 1970, since approximately 98% of its habitat has been destroyed. Currently this species can be found in the south of Coahuila and north of San Luis Potosí, areas of less than 800 km2.

Despite being a species widely hunted by coyotes, wildcats, badgers and hawks, its main threat is humans, who have been in charge of destroying its habitat to grow agricultural territories within the country.

Mexican farmers have seen a plague in the prairie dog, so it is common for them to hunt and poison it.

16- Monarch butterfly (

Each year between the months of December and March, these adult-sized, orange-patterned butterflies congregate in groups of up to 250 million individuals in pine and oyamel trees in the forests of Michoacán., in the central region of Mexico.

These groups travel approximately 4,800 kilometers from the border between the northeast region of the United States and Calada and their meeting point in Mexico, where they settle to reproduce. This event is one of the most impressive in the natural world.

However, over the past 20 years, the forests in which this wonderful event takes place have been reduced by 40%, preventing the butterflies from meeting to reproduce once they migrate.

The illegal felling of trees, the increase in accidental fires that burn the forests and the high rates of poverty in the regions where the butterflies settle are some of the threats that place this species in danger of extinction.

If this continues, it is believed that monarch butterflies would disappear within 20 years (Devereux, 2008).

17- Acropora

It is a genus of anemones or jellyfish. Although within this genus, there are about 130 species and they are the most important that make up the reefs, there are also groups in a state of vulnerability. This is the case of those that inhabit the Gulf of Mexico.

18- Black grouper (

This fish can be found in southern Mexico. The main reason why it is in danger of extinction is due to its slowness when breeding.

19- Brown pelican

This bird off the coast of Mexico is also part of the red list of endangered species in this country. It is also known as the Pacific Brown Pelican, as it is found near this ocean. Specifically, the brown pelican is a subspecies of the brown pelican.

20- Olive ridley turtle (

The olive ridley turtle is in serious danger of extinction in Mexico. Their vulnerable situation stems from the fact that they nest in a very small number of places and, therefore, any disturbance in one nest can have enormous repercussions on the entire population.

This sea turtle can weigh up to 45 kg and be up to 75 cm (30 in) long. Their skin is olive-gray in color and the distinguishing feature between male and female tortoises is that the male's tail extends beyond the shell, while the female's does not.

21- Pink snail (

The queen conch has a large shell, with a relatively large needle, flared outer lip with posterior expansion that projects well beyond the length of the needle. The color of the inner shell is dark pink.

It is found in both the Mexican Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico. It is highly commercial (its meat and its shell - for its showiness - are highly valued). For this reason, their survival is threatened.

22- Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle (

This sea turtle that lives in the Gulf of Mexico and other areas of the Caribbean is also in a serious state of vulnerability. It belongs to the Cheloniidae family.

Other species in danger of extinction that can be found in Mexican territory are the atypical star coral, the Eskimo curlew, the red grouper, the red porgy and the sawfish.

23- Caribbean Manatee

The manatee population of the Caribbean is located near the coasts of North, Central and South America (from Florida to Brazil). It is an agile and sociable animal. It spends most of its time swimming and foraging for food.

It is currently in danger of extinction thanks to the poaching of members of its species, which are sold as food. In Mexico, efforts have been made to recover its population.

24- Scarlet Macaw

Of great importance to the Mayan culture, as it is considered the earthly representation of the god Vucub-Caquix, the scarlet macaw has been historically valued for its color and beauty.

It can be found in the states of Oaxaca, Veracruz, Tamaulipas, Campeche and Tabasco. However, most of the members of this species are found in the humid forests of Chiapas.

25- Central American tapir

It is a mammal adapted to different climates and circumstances. It is located mainly in the Mexican southeast. Despite its large size, it is capable of swimming, running and diving, characteristics that allow it to be “off-road”.

Currently, the Central American tapir is in danger of extinction due to deforestation, poaching, and the transmission of diseases typical of cattle.

26- Mexican gray wolf (

It is one of the most representative species of Mexico. It is characterized by being as small as a medium dog at birth. It was considered a magical animal during the pre-Hispanic period.

It is a symbol of strength and courage within Mexican culture, representing the deities Chantico and Xólotl. It is estimated that today there are only 300 specimens of this species.

27- Pronghorn

The pronghorn is a species of antelope that inhabits various semi-desert areas, plains and grasslands of North America. It is known to be the fastest mammal in North America.

It is in danger of extinction due to poaching in Mexico. The pronghorn has no natural predators, other than humans.

28- Loggerhead turtles (

They are a species of turtle highly valued by the Mayan culture. Today they can be found in both Mexico and Japan.

Like other species of sea turtles, it is highly affected by predators from the moment it hatches and heads out to sea. However, the human consumption of their eggs has caused their mass extinction (Ecoosfera, 2016).

29- The spider monkey

It is one of the species of monkeys usually sighted in the high jungles and tropical forests of Veracruz. They can also be found in the low jungles of Chiapas and in Yucatán.

It is an agile and intelligent primate, easily recognizable by having a tail that is approximately 85 cm long.

30- Bison

Bison

This mammal migrated from Eurasia to America, crossing the Bering Strait. In Mexico it can be found in the states of Chihuahua, Sonora, Durango, Zacatecas and Coahuila.

It is characterized by its large hump and short horns. Their diet is composed of grasses and herbs (Pontaza, 2017).

31- Volcano Rabbit (

The volcano rabbit or teporingo is a small rodent endemic to the southern slopes of the Valley of Mexico. It can also be found in the Nevado de Toluca and in some subalpine and alpine Zacatecas forests (at more than 3000 meters above sea level).

It is a species about which there is not much information available, however, it is believed that it is close to disappearing due to the destruction of its habitat.

32- Yellow-headed parrot (

This is a species of parrot easily recognizable by its colorful plumage, yellow, green and red. Its greatest characteristic is that it is the one that puts it in greatest danger: its ability to imitate sounds, such as a man's voice.

The biggest threats that this species must face are poaching and illegal commercialization of the species (Coello, 2017).

33- Mexican tamandua (

The tamandua is a variety of anteater. It is medium in size and its coat has a special color. It is an animal with nocturnal and solitary habits.

It is normally found in the treetops and feeds on termites and ants.

34- Naked-tailed armadillo

This species of armadillo is close to extinction if special measures are not taken for its conservation.

This species inhabits the evergreen tropical forests to the east of Chiapas. The greatest threat to this species is its hunting, since the inhabitants of the region believe that it is a dangerous animal (Corbin, 2017).

35- Totoaba (

This fish is endemic to the Gulf of Mexico and can measure up to 2 meters long, weighing up to 150 kilograms.

The biggest threat that this species must face is poaching and the illegal commercialization of its meat in the Chinese market, since a fish can be sold for 20 thousand dollars.

36- American crocodile (

This species of crocodile has been on the list of vulnerable species for more than 20 years. It inhabits the swampy areas of South Florida, Central America, South America and Mexico.

It is estimated that today there are approximately 3,000 living specimens of this species.

37- Blackfoot ferret (

The black-footed ferret is one of the few species that was listed as extinct in the wild, and later bred in captivity and reintroduced to its habitat. Currently, it is believed that only captive-bred individuals live in the wild.

It is one of the most vulnerable mammals on the American continent despite the multiple efforts that have been made over the last 20 years to recover its population.

38- Black bear (

The black bear is the last species of bears that inhabits the Mexican territory. It is located exclusively in the north of the country in the states of Chihuahua, Sonora, Nuevo León and Coahuila, and in certain parts of the territory of both the United States and Canada.

It usually inhabits forests of dense vegetation, rich in food sources. Currently, it is threatened by the massive destruction of its habitat, poaching and climate change.

39- Puma yaguarundí

The yaguarundí puma is another feline in danger of extinction in Mexico. It is one of the strangest cats, with slender, elongated bodies, small, flattened heads and long tails that are more reminiscent of an otter than a cat.

Like many other animals on the US-Mexico border, the jaguarundi is threatened by a large number of human border activities. Among others, these include police and military actions, border installations and fences and artificial lighting.

40- Pygmy anteater (

It is the smallest of the anteaters and is characterized by a dense, shiny, golden and yellow coat, with a thin dark line down the middle of the back. Its legs are modified to be prehensile, it has no teeth and its tongue is long and thin.

The habitat of the pygmy anteater extends from the south of the Mexican nation to Central and South America. Due to the high rates of transformation of their environment, they are considered in danger of extinction in Mexico.

41- Green Macaw (

Green macaws occupy an extensive, though highly fragmented range, from Mexico to Argentina in South America. They live in pairs, in families or in large flocks, sleeping on the highest outer branches of trees and feeding on fruits and nuts.

They are usually easily identified by their loud screeches and squawks. In the past, they were very common in Mexico, but now they are on the endangered species list due to the clearing of their habitat for agricultural activities or their capture as pets.

42- Tortola de Socorro (

The Socorro dove is a medium-sized pigeon, mainly terrestrial. It was endemic to Socorro Island in the Revillagigedo archipelago, approximately 400 miles southwest of the city of Puerto Vallarta in western Mexico. The last record of the species in its natural habitat dates from 1972.

Probably, the introduction of mammals in their environment caused their extinction. However, thanks to a captive breeding program, in recent times several specimens have returned to their native country.

43- Fin whale (

The fin whale is the second largest living animal, after the blue whale. Its appearance is very aerodynamic and it has a distinctive ridge along the back of the dorsal fin. This fin is about 60 cm high.

Before the invention of the steam engine, whalers could not match the speed of this whale, and were largely spared from commercial hunting. All of that changed in the early 1900s, and the world's fin whale population, including the population in the Gulf of Mexico, has dropped dramatically.

44- Gulf of Mexico sturgeon (

The Gulf of Mexico sturgeon is one of seven species of sturgeon found in North America. These are prehistoric species dating from the time of the dinosaurs. These are popular in the food industry as a source of caviar. But, their indiscriminate fishing threatens their survival.

In general, Gulf sturgeons have physical characteristics that separate them from other types of fish, such as a spiral-valved stomach and a cartilaginous skeleton (such as sharks and rays).

45- Black turtle (

Unlike other sea turtles, the black turtle (or green turtle) has only one pair of prefrontal scales. The shell of this tortoise ranges from pale green to very dark green and from smooth to very bright shades of yellow, brown and green with radiant stripes.

At present, it is in danger of extinction in Mexico as populations have decreased as a result of overexploitation of eggs and, to a lesser extent, incidental mortality related to marine fishing and the degradation of its marine and nesting habitats.

46- Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)

The hawksbill turtle is not as large as other sea turtles. While they are young, their shell is heart-shaped and, as they mature, it lengthens. It is brightly colored, serrated, and has overlapping shields or thick bone plates.

Due to great exploitation, its population is in sharp decline. In addition, nesting locations have been reduced due to beach development and disturbances. For this reason, it is on the list of animals in danger of extinction in Mexico.

47- Sierra Peine Fish

The comb sawfish bears a strong resemblance to sharks, albeit with wide pectoral fins and flatter bodies. It uses its serrated snout to stun and injure small fish before eating them. They prefer bays, estuaries, and rivers as habitat.

In Mexico, they can be found in the Gulf, being a threatened species. But, in general, it has been totally or partially extirpated from large areas of its former range in the Atlantic Ocean by fishing (trawl and inshore nets) and habitat modification.

48- Caribbean grouper (

These large, oblong fish can change both color and gender and live on the rocky bottom of reefs. They are usually a light beige to pink color with striking darker bars and spots, but can quickly change to very light or very dark.

Due to overfishing, the Caribbean groupers are in danger of extinction globally, and Mexico is no exception. Its range extends to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. They are considered a migratory species in the Gulf of Mexico, so they are rarely seen there.

49- Oceanic shark (

Oceanic sharks are medium-sized and plump with a flattened body and a hump. Its color is dark gray dorsally and the transition to white ventrally. They are highly migratory and, in Mexican waters, are found in all oceanic waters of both the Atlantic and the Pacific.

They were previously abundant, but have been subject to strong global fishing pressure throughout their range. These are sold fresh, frozen, smoked and dried, salted for human consumption and also processed into fish meal.

50- Mexican Striped Hummingbird (

The Mexican earwig hummingbird is endemic to Mexico and is a globally threatened species. Locally, it is threatened by habitat loss and degradation. It has two disparate populations: one in the center of Veracruz and the other in the extreme north of the Yucatan Peninsula.

The beak of this bird is long and slightly curved, and its wings are short. The back is between gray and green. The forked tail folds to a narrow point.

51- Greater Magueyero Bat (

The greater maguey bat is recognized by its prominent nasal leaf, short ears, long and relatively narrow wings, and the lack of a visible tail. It is medium in size, has a fairly long and smooth coat, which is dark brown or brown in color, with individual hairs with white bases and silver tips.

In recent years, its population has declined considerably in several caves in Mexico that once had large numbers. Its main threat is believed to be a decrease in the food supply, due to the elimination of habitat and the exploitation of agaves for the production of alcoholic beverages.

52- Sonoran Pronghorn (

The Sonoran Pronghorn has the characteristic artiodactyl body shape. This subspecies has a particularly light build, which contributes to its fast speed. Its tail is very short, barely perceptible and its ears are proportional to the body size and with narrow points.

In Mexico, it can be found in the state of Sonora, but it is on the list of endangered species. Their main threats are the destruction of habitat due to overgrazing and damming and diversion of rivers.

Articles of interest

Animals in danger of extinction in the world.

Animals in danger of extinction in Peru.

Animals in danger of extinction in Chile.

Animals in danger of extinction in Venezuela.

Animals in danger of extinction in Argentina.

Animals in danger of extinction in Spain.

References

Creatures, EE (2018). Retrieved from Endangered Species Search by Area Selection: earthsendangered.com.
Devereux, C. (March 25, 2008). Obtained from Six species under threat in Mexico: edition.cnn.com.
Herzl, R. (February 13, 2017). Mongbay. Obtained from Endangered Species and habitats threatened by us mexico border wall: news.mongabay.com.
Kincaid, E. (April 15, 2015). Business Insider. Obtained from Mexico has a shockingly high number of threatened and endangered species: businessinsider.com.
Network, MN (October 24, 2014). The Yucatan TIMES. Obtained from There are 2, 584 Endangered Species in Mexico: theyucatantimes.com.
Wagner, N. (2017). USA Today. Obtained from A List of Endangered Animals in Mexico: traveltips.usatoday.com.
Wall, A. (September 9, 2013). Obtained from Endangered and Threatened Animal Species of Mexico: mexidata.info.

50 ANIMALS IN DANGER OF EXTINCTION IN MEXICO [WITH IMAGES] - BIOLOGY - 2025