Real Estate Expansion Threatens Jaguars in Yucatan

The jaguar, an endangered species, is facing a new threat from the rapidly expanding real estate industry. Developments are being built in Sisal and Celestun, areas close to the El Palmar state reserve and the Celestun biosphere reserve. These reserves are crucial breeding grounds for these big cats, according to research by Pronatura Yucatan. Urban expansion is leading to the loss of the jaguars' natural habitat, reducing their prey, and increasing the risk of road accidents. A recent incident involved a jaguar found dead on the side of the toll highway 180D, on the Playa del Carmen-Chichén Itzá stretch, raising questions about the handling of such incidents.

Anuar Hernandez, head researcher of the Feline Conservation Program at Pronatura Peninsula de Yucatan, pointed out that the problem extends beyond jaguars. Other large feline species are also at risk. "Large felines have been under threat for years due to changes in land use for agriculture, livestock, and now, real estate developments linked to the tourism sector, particularly in coastal areas," he explained. This shrinkage of their habitat may not completely deprive them of their living spaces, but it does degrade the quality of the habitat and reduces the number of animals that can be supported due to less water, food, and vegetation.

In Yucatan, the largest population of jaguars is believed to be in areas such as the Territorial Union Point (PUT), where the three peninsular states meet, in Sierrita de Ticul. Female jaguars with offspring have also been spotted near the El Zapotal reserve and in the municipality of Tizimín.

Evidence of reproduction has been found in the area known as Bocas de Dzilam, a network of channels surrounded by mangroves, located about 20 kilometers east of the port of Dzilam de Bravo. Jaguars have also been sighted in the Celestun ecological reserve and El Palmar, near the port of Sisal, where new real estate developments have been reported. In April, the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat) halted the Villas Maria project in Sisal due to local concerns about the ecological impact on the local flora and fauna. Other developments in the area, such as La Perla, Sunset Shores, Arrecife, Ocean View, and Maraqua, are being marketed without permits and are allegedly not complying with environmental protection regulations.

The situation is made more complex by a lack of reliable data on the jaguar population in Yucatan. The changes in their numbers, as well as the areas with the highest presence of females and offspring, are unknown. This information is crucial for making informed decisions to preserve this and other species. According to the Second National Jaguar Census carried out in 2018, Yucatan is home to 600 adult jaguars. This census, conducted in collaboration with several organizations, indicated a potential recovery of this population. However, several organizations…