Mexican Army Protects Wildlife Along Maya Train Route

Mexico — The Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena) has announced a revised strategy for managing wildlife near the Maya Train route, aiming to ensure dignified and respectful treatment of species inhabiting the region. The plan includes protection, rescue, and relocation efforts, as well as the distribution of educational materials to communities adjacent to the railway.

The new protocol seeks to mitigate impacts on animals such as jaguars, howler monkeys, white-tailed deer, toucans, and snakes, which are integral to the ecosystem of southeastern Mexico. Sedena stated that specialized personnel will receive training in safe wildlife handling to reduce risks for both animals and humans.

Environmental Education and Constant Monitoring

The agency reported that monitoring stations will be installed in areas with frequent wildlife sightings and crossings to detect animal presence and take preventive action. Additionally, environmental education campaigns will target passengers, workers, and local residents, emphasizing biodiversity conservation and protective measures.

The Maya Train, one of the Mexican government’s flagship projects, spans over 1,554 kilometers across the states of Chiapas, Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán, and Quintana Roo, traversing regions with high biological diversity. Environmental groups have warned of risks to critical habitats, prompting the new strategy to minimize disruption and ensure safe wildlife movement.

Sedena also confirmed coordination with the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa), the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (Conanp), and local authorities to address citizen reports of at-risk wildlife.