Quintana Roo’s Reforestation Plan to Protect Wildlife

Cancún, Quintana Roo — The Institute of Biodiversity and Protected Natural Areas of Quintana Roo (Ibanqroo) is expanding its reforestation program in coordination with federal initiatives planned for the state. The effort aims to reduce wildlife roadkill incidents and restore natural connectivity in key ecological areas.

Restoring Connectivity and Mitigating Roadkill

Javier Carballar, director of Ibanqroo, outlined the project’s objectives, stating, “We are preparing an initiative for next year focused on restoring connectivity in critical areas. While the exact locations are still being determined, we already have a clear vision of what needs to be done.”

The reforestation efforts will align with the multimodal terminal project of the Tren Maya. Carballar emphasized the need to refine the plan, saying, “We must clarify the details to ensure these areas are included in the reforestation program.”

The increase in road construction and vehicle traffic has led to a rise in wildlife roadkill incidents, particularly in northern Quintana Roo, where Highway 307 sees the highest number of cases. “We won’t eliminate all roadkill—that’s not the goal—but we can target critical areas where genetically significant wildlife populations need long-term protection,” Carballar explained. “Strategies like wildlife crossings or reconnection corridors will be necessary in some locations.”

Tracking and Addressing Wildlife Collisions

Exact figures on wildlife roadkill remain unclear due to underreporting, though incidents occur consistently each year. To improve data collection, Ibanqroo is collaborating with municipalities and federal authorities to develop a standardized reporting protocol.

“As the state biodiversity institute, we are working closely with all 11 municipalities through a technical advisory body,” Carballar said. “The federal government holds primary responsibility for wildlife management, but we support their efforts. We are creating a protocol with emergency services (911) to document these cases systematically, moving beyond anecdotal reports to establish a formal methodology.”

The initiative reflects Quintana Roo’s broader commitment to balancing infrastructure development with ecological preservation, ensuring the protection of its rich biodiversity for future generations.