Rare Manta Ray Found in Bacalar Lagoon

BACALAR — The tranquility of the Bacalar Lagoon was disrupted on Monday morning when a group of people discovered a specimen of a manta ray at a dock on the Costera avenue.

The find drew attention not only for the rarity of the animal, which still showed signs of being in a formative stage, but also because this species is not common in the waters of the so-called Laguna de los Siete Colores (Lagoon of Seven Colors).

According to witnesses, the manta ray was located at the edge of the dock, generating curiosity among residents and visitors. Although the specimen did not show visible damage, locals point out that its presence in this ecosystem is atypical, as the lagoon lacks the saline conditions typical of the habitats where these marine species are usually found.

The discovery led those present to question the environmental changes that could be altering the dynamics of the Bacalar Lagoon, considered one of the most emblematic and fragile bodies of water in the south of Quintana Roo. The presence of unusual fauna can be an indicator of modifications in the ecosystem, derived from factors such as pollution, species mobility, or the impact of human activity.

It is necessary for authorities and research centers to conduct constant monitoring to determine the origin of this phenomenon and prevent damage to local biodiversity. The surprise of this discovery is a reminder that the Bacalar Lagoon requires both touristic and scientific protection, in the face of an environment increasingly vulnerable to ecological changes.