Promoting Coexistence: Wildlife Vs. Pets Save Lives!

Efforts are being ramped up in Quintana Roo to promote peaceful cohabitation between wildlife and the domestic animals of communities nestled within the jungle. The initiative, known as the “Promoting Coexistence” program, is being championed by the International Fund for Animal Welfare, in collaboration with federal and state authorities.

The program aims to mitigate the risks faced by domestic animals living in rural areas, particularly those close to or within conservation reserves. These animals are often preyed upon by wildlife, including jaguars, which have been known to attack dogs. This not only endangers the domestic animals but also threatens the conservation of the wildlife species.

The program intervenes by improving the health of domestic animals in these communities. This includes sterilizing them to prevent diseases that could be transmitted to wildlife and to limit their range of movement. This reduces the likelihood of conflicts with wildlife.

The program also provides practical ways for people to protect their animals, especially at night when predators are most active. This includes providing reinforced shelters where dogs can be safely kept from dusk until dawn. This not only protects the dogs from jaguars but also prevents them from attacking turtle nests, which often occurs at night.

Currently, the program is particularly active in the Mahahual area and the entrance to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. The efforts have seen a significant decrease in reported attacks, from an average of 10 per year to just one. This is largely attributed to the provision of reinforced shelters and a greater emphasis on the maintenance of these shelters.

This initiative underscores the importance of responsible pet ownership and the need for harmonious coexistence with wildlife. It serves as a reminder that we must learn to live in harmony with the wildlife we share our environment with.