Endangered Jabiru Stork Spotted for First Time in Cozumel

Cozumel, Mexico — The Foundation of Parks and Museums of Cozumel (FPMC), through its Conservation and Environmental Education Center (CCEA), has documented the first recorded sighting of the Jabiru Stork (Jabiru mycteria) on the island of Cozumel, marking a significant milestone for local avian conservation efforts.

A Landmark Discovery

The discovery was made possible after community members alerted FPMC personnel, enabling biologists to confirm the presence of this majestic bird, classified as an endangered species under Mexico’s Official Norm NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010. Rafael Chacón Díaz, a biologist and director of the CCEA, emphasized the rarity of the sighting.

According to the specialized platform eBird, only two other Jabiru sightings have been reported in Quintana Roo this year: one near Tulum in January and another in Mahahual in April. This marks the first historical record of the species in Cozumel, underscoring the island’s ecological significance as a potential refuge for threatened wildlife.

Ecological Importance of the Jabiru

Paulina Sabido Villanueva, a natural resource manager, described the Jabiru as one of the largest aquatic birds in the Americas, reaching up to 140 centimeters in height. Distinguished by its striking white plumage, black head and beak, and a reddish band at the base of its neck, the species primarily inhabits wetlands, swamps, and flooded fields, often nesting in tall trees alongside other wading birds.

The Jabiru plays a critical role in aquatic ecosystems, feeding on vertebrates and invertebrates such as fish, reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods. Its range extends from the southeastern United States to Argentina, with populations in Mexico concentrated in the Yucatán Peninsula, as well as Veracruz, Oaxaca, Tabasco, and Chiapas.

Community Involvement and Conservation

The sighting not only enhances scientific understanding of the species’ distribution but also highlights Cozumel’s strategic role in biodiversity protection. It further demonstrates the value of community participation in wildlife monitoring and conservation initiatives.

Juanita Alonso Marrufo, FPMC’s general director, thanked local residents for their collaboration and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to preserving the island’s ecosystems. These efforts align with the New Agreement for Well-Being and Development of Quintana Roo, promoted by Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa, which prioritizes safeguarding the state’s natural heritage for future generations.