TOLUCA – Investigators from the Autonomous University of the State of Mexico (UAEM) identified seven zones that are of great importance to the reproduction and conservation of jaguars in Mexico. This information came from Octavio Monroy Vilchis, the coordinator of the Investigation Center for Applied Biological Sciences (CICBA).
He detailed that these zones, or wildlife crossings, are found in the Pacific (3), the Oriental Sierra (2) and in Yucatan’s Peninsula (2). These crossings are greatly important because they allow for the flow of the species, in which they get paired up.
If the zone is very limited, it can unleash a slew of problems, such as inbreeding, loss of biological diversity, deterioration of the species and eventually extinction.
Monroy Vilchis said that this job isn’t new and that ever since 2011, and in accordance with other investigators from the other educational institutions, they had already started to identify important areas for jaguars conservation.
Monroy Vilchis said that currently they already have each of these areas accounted for. Thanks to the evidence regarding the jaguar’s path, it is necessary to create strategies so that certain zones are considered protected areas for the species.
He talked about the cultural and biological importance that the jaguar represents.
The zones have allowed people to observe the state of deterioration in these areas. This is primarily a consequence of deforestation, growth of areas dedicated to agriculture and livestock and the construction of roads.
Monroy Vilchis said that it is necessary for the government to support academic activities which investigate the conservation jaguars.
Monroy Vilchis said that primary support should be granted to inhabitants in conservation zones and growth alternatives should be offered that don’t affect the jaguar’s living space.
