CHETUMAL — A sperm whale approximately eight meters in length has stranded on the beaches of Xahuayxol, a community belonging to Xcalak in southern Quintana Roo, activating response protocols by environmental authorities and marine specialists.
The specimen was first detected on the reef barrier and was later washed ashore, where it was located on Monday. The situation was confirmed by the Xcalak Reefs National Park and the civil association Proyecto Aak Mahahual, which disseminated images of the mammal and issued a call to the public to avoid approaching or touching the animal due to the associated health and safety risks.
"For your safety and to avoid public health risks, it is recommended not to approach or touch the specimen," stated the National Park in an official communication. Authorities reminded the public that these types of situations require trained personnel and specialized handling.
In response to the discovery, the Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (PROFEPA), the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP), the Navy Secretariat (SEMAR), and specialists from the Southern Quintana Roo Marine Mammal Stranding Response Network are now coordinating actions in the area to address the incident and determine the causes of the stranding.
Technical teams are working on evaluating the animal's condition and planning the protocol for its removal.
The sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), considered the largest odontocete on the planet, is an uncommon species in the Mexican Caribbean region, making its presence and subsequent stranding a cause for concern among specialists.
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