First-Ever Nesting of Coastal Rail Recorded at Punta Sur in Cozumel

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — Biologists have recorded the first-ever nesting of coastal rail birds at Punta Sur on Cozumel Island, marking a significant ecological discovery for the region. The observation, made by the Conservation and Environmental Education Directorate (CEA) of the Cozumel Parks and Museums Foundation (FPMC), documented adults accompanied by their chicks, confirming successful reproduction during the spring season.

Rafael Chacón Díaz, a biologist and director of CEA, explained, “The chicks remain under adult care and stay protected within dense vegetation, highlighting the need to conserve these ecosystems with minimal disturbance.” The coastal rail, a species associated with coastal wetlands, selects areas with thick plant cover for shelter, feeding, and reproduction, and this record underscores the importance of Laguna Colombia as a critical habitat.

Juanita Alonso Marrufo, general director of FPMC, emphasized the value of sharing these findings to raise community awareness about the island’s natural richness and encourage active participation in conservation efforts. This discovery reinforces Punta Sur as a priority area for biodiversity preservation in Cozumel and supports the ongoing biological monitoring conducted by FPMC.