Jaguars at Risk as Deforestation Looms in Playa del Carmen

Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo — Jaguars have been sighted in ejidal lands where a company has requested federal permits to clear vegetation for the construction of warehouses storing construction materials. Environmental advocates are urging authorities to deny the land-use change due to the area’s rich biodiversity.

Conservationists Raise Alarm

Raúl Padilla Borja, president of the civil association Jaguar Wildlife Center, called on officials to reject the proposed land-use modification, citing the presence of numerous flora and fauna species, as well as natural features such as freshwater-flooded caves.

“Jaguars continue to move through the area, and we have recent photographic evidence from camera traps over the past two weeks. A male jaguar was even captured in the site,” Padilla Borja stated.

He explained that systematic monitoring in recent years has documented frequent jaguar activity, along with sightings of ocelots, pumas, and the most recent records of Panthera onca (jaguars) from just two weeks prior.

Industrial Project Threatens Habitat

Last week, Zacatecas-based company Global Construmining & Energy Projects initiated a request to change the land-use designation for 59 hectares of jungle within the Playa del Carmen ejido, adjacent to the Río Secreto natural park. According to documents submitted to the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Semarnat), the project aims to clear the jungle for industrial platforms storing construction materials.

“We are deeply concerned about this company’s plans to deforest an area home to critical species such as spider monkeys, jaguars, crested guans, and great curassows—all priority species for conservation,” Padilla Borja emphasized.

The request also allegedly omitted mention of the recently decreed Flora and Fauna Conservation Area Felipe Carrillo Puerto, which includes land owned by the U.S.-based company Calica.

Jaguars Under Threat

Padilla Borja noted that threats to jaguars in Mexico vary but are primarily linked to land-use changes, habitat fragmentation, and agricultural and livestock activities. The proposed deforestation could further endanger these protected animals.

The environmental group continues to monitor the situation, urging authorities to prioritize conservation over industrial development.