43 Bird Species Surviving in Chacmuchuch Lagoon

Cancún, Mexico — Through a community initiative, environmental organizations are conducting sighting and monitoring tours of 43 registered bird species inhabiting the Chacmuchuch lagoon system and the Rancho Viejo area in northern Quintana Roo. The effort aims to showcase the biodiversity of this natural area with a goal of conservation.

After two years of work, the initiative has succeeded in bringing together over 800 locals, researchers from the University of Chapingo, and other participants to document the species that are "surviving" pollution and real estate development in this natural reserve.

In the northern zone of Quintana Roo, 56 registered bird species have been documented—43 in the lagoon and Rancho Viejo, while a total of 48 have been recorded in Isla Blanca. Eight of these species are listed in Mexico's official protection standard, NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010, under some category of protection.

Claudia Hernández Canul, a member of Silvicultores de Terrenos Nacionales de Isla Mujeres A.C.—a group that has carried out conservation work in the area for 30 years—explained that during the tours by boat or on land, between 25 to 35 birds can be observed per outing, including both jungle and aquatic species. This information is registered on the eBird platform.

She added that after decades of caring for the area, they decided to undertake different activities inviting the community to see for themselves that there is life in this reserve and that, as humans, they must contribute to its conservation.

"Our activity is mainly carried out in the Chacmuchuch lagoon on the continental zone of Isla Mujeres. In Rancho Viejo, we have a natural reserve that we have designated for conservation. We organize four events: birdwatching outings by land, boat tours within the lagoon, camps, and guided visits to the mangrove," emphasized Hernández Canul.

The young environmentalist stated that the purpose of their activities is precisely to publicize its natural value so that other people learn of the importance and the contribution of the biodiversity of this place, which has been threatened by various situations.

"We have faced threats such as leachates from the old landfill that was closed in 2005, real estate development, and garbage dumps. That is why the objective is for people to know that this is the habitat of a large number of species," she highlighted.

The so-called "Pajareadas" (birdwatching outings) are conducted in conjunction with the group "Pajareando al Norte de Quintana Roo." They also organize camps that include a morning walk in the area and a communal breakfast, as well as annual campaigns to protect blue crab populations and prevent poaching.

Protected Species Inhabiting Chacmuchuch

• Mexican Tiger Heron
• American Wood Stork
• American Flamingo
• Least Tern
• Roseate Tern
• Savanna Vulture
• Brown-breasted Parakeet
• Mangrove Vireo