Illegal Logging Ravages Yucatán’s Biocultural Reserve

Santa Elena, Yucatán — A severe case of ecocide has been reported in the Biocultural Reserve of Puuc in Yucatán, where heavy machinery has been used for the illegal clearing of Maya jungle, damaging habitats of species such as jaguars, deer, and birds. The devastation is occurring in the Santa Elena area, with no intervention from authorities thus far.

Illegal Logging and Unauthorized Land Use Damage Jungle and Heritage

Patricia Tejera, owner of the nearby Rancho Uxmal, shared images with Uno TV that document the destruction caused by excavators and bulldozers. She alleges that the logging is being carried out under irregular permits and that pre-Hispanic archaeological remains have also been destroyed.

The images provided by affected parties show deforestation in protected areas that form part of the habitat for more than 20 species of flora and fauna, some of which are endangered. The Intermunicipal Biocultural Board of Puuc confirmed in an official letter dated April 29 that unauthorized land-use changes led to the environmental destruction.

In addition to biodiversity damage, reports indicate the destruction of archaeological mounds belonging to Maya culture. The area, designated as a state reserve since 2011, spans more than 135,000 hectares and serves as a vital water and natural resource reserve.

Calls for Urgent Intervention

Asael Ramos, one of the affected individuals, described the situation as an “ecocide” and urgently called on environmental authorities, including Semarnat, PROFEPA, INAH, and the National Guard, to halt the devastation.

The case highlights ongoing challenges in enforcing environmental protections in ecologically sensitive regions of Mexico. Authorities have yet to issue a formal response.