Yucatán’s amazing animals, from the solitary jaguar to the misunderstood opossum
Though the exact number of animal species on the Yucatán Peninsula is hard to nail down, even conservative estimates place the number in the thousands.
A plea to end Mérida’s days of unchecked growth
A new report titled “the costs of urban expansion in Mexico” has found that Mérida’s strategy for growth is alarmingly deficient.
Yucatán has lost over half of its jungle
Aside from Mérida, the worst affected municipalities include Tizimín, Tecax, and Tzucacab, all of which are known for ranching and agriculture.
Dolphin found beached on the shore of San Crisanto
Video of the rescue was captured by one of the fishermen who can be heard speaking to the dolphin and reassuring it with gentle gestures..
Beach erosion now creeping in on 100% of Yucatán beach homes
“We need a new set of standards to address the problem, as honestly efforts so far have not only been unsuccessful but have actually made the problem worse,” said Pedro Castro Borges, of the CInsvestav research institute.
New measures needed to protect Yucatán’s beaches from pollution
Worrying levels of pollution have been detected at four of Yucatán’s beaches.
Rare baby Lora turtles seen in Yucatán for the first time
Ecologists hope to learn more about this species, as well as what brought it to Yucatán in the first place.
Pemex downplays ‘eye of fire’ in the Gulf of Mexico
The accident is said to have been caused by a faulty duct that released and ignited highly combustible gas in the Gulf.
Spiders and howlers: Yucatán’s charming species of New World monkeys
Other than human beings, Yucatán is home to two species of primates, these being howler and spider monkeys.
New wave of sargassum hits Quintana Roo with a vengeance
The most affected areas include beaches on the state’s southern coast, but large patches of seaweed have extended all the way north to the tourist mecca of Cancun.
Baby turtles head to sea with help of international residents
The nest contained eleven live baby turtles and well over one hundred hatched eggs shells.
Lodging | Nature | Real Estate
Know your critters: A guide to insects and creatures in Yucatán
In Yucatán, bugs are abundant, varied, and a tad frightening. Yet they are not all dangerous and are sometimes even desirable house guests.
The Amazing Birds of Yucatán
The Yucatan peninsula is home to some of Mexico’s most beautiful and exuberants birds, 565 of them to be exact.
Mexico’s Isla Holbox struggles with piles of tourists’ garbage
Local officials feel that the tiny resort island has reached capacity and any further development would be catastrophic.
New pig farm threatens cenotes and indigenous communities in Yucatán
Environmentalists argue that the construction of a large industrial pig farm within Yucatán’s Cenote Ring could create disastrous levels of contaminants.
Is river pollution to blame for the explosion of sargassum growth?
Reaserchers point to pollution from rivers in South America and the United States as the likely cause of rapid sargassum growth. The sargasso sea was first observed by Christopher Columbus in 1492. However, since that time, that relatively small patch of seaweed has been transformed into a floating island of biomass spanning over 5,600 miles….
Climate change could put Yucatán’s water supply in jeopardy
Scientists in Yucatán warn that within a couple of decades, saltwater could contaminate the drinking water supply of the entire peninsula. Because the water basin in much of Yucatán is so close to the surface, rising sea levels would be disastrous. The problem has already begun to manifest in some areas of the Riviera Maya,…
Last vaquitas could suffer for fisherman’s fatal clash with environmentalists
Mexico is considering reducing the protected area for endangered vaquita porpoises after a fisherman’s death led to accusations that the government cares more about marine animals than its own citizens. An estimated 10 vaquitas are left in the world, residing in the northern Gulf of California or Sea or Cortez. The government’s most recent analysis…
Mexico’s tree-planting program actually results in less forest in Yucatán
An investigation into a program meant to preserve Mexico’s forests shows how good intentions can result in unintended consequences. Dozens of saplings grow scattered around charred tree stumps in the hills of Yucatán and Campeche, thanks to Mexico’s vast reforestation program, Sembrando Vida, or Sowing Life. But so too is the burned-out clearing. In this part…
Navy agrees to cancel shooting exercises on island sanctuary
Mexico’s Secretariat of the Navy has canceled shooting practice on a preserve north of Isla Mujeres amid rising opposition against the plan. The Fifth Naval Region had indicated that nearly two weeks of exercises were scheduled on Isla Contoy starting Tuesday. Ch’ooja Ajauil AC and fishing cooperatives in the area complained that shooting ammunition at…
New rules in Yucatán ban the use of polystyrene
Yucatán has announced a statewide polystyrene ban effective June 19. The news comes on the heels of similar measures taken in December, intended to eliminate the use of plastic straws and some types of plastic bags. Harry Rodríguez Botello Fierro, Yucatán’s ecology commissioner, highlighted the importance of the polystyrene ban and suggested that the state…
Over 10 tons of garbage removed from 35 cenotes
Some of Yucatán’s treasured cenotes continue to be a dumping ground, the divers and volunteers who clean them can attest. Cenotes are deep natural wells fed by groundwater, which make for popular swimming spots amongst locals and tourists. They are also easily accessible sources of water for remote communities. “We have been extremely active in…
Mérida looks to improve image with animal lovers by launching new website
Despite the city’s efforts, stray animals are visible all over Merida’s streets. Photo: File
Mérida leads way on an initiative to reduce food waste
Mérida is chosen — with Montreal and Washington State’s Olympic Peninsula — to spearhead a new initiative to reduce food waste. North America’s Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) estimates that every year the USA, Canada and Mexico waste a combined 168 million tons of food. The CEC campaign encourages education and offers materials through its…
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