Controversial Maya Train Fence Disrupts Wildlife!

The organization, Sélvame del Tren, has raised concerns about a fence installed around the southern section of the Maya Train project. The fence, which spans more than two kilometers in some areas, is disrupting wildlife movement in the jungle where the federal project is located.

Jose Urbina Bravo, a cave diver and member of Sélvame del Tren, voiced concerns that the fence is obstructing wildlife corridors, particularly in the southern section. He stated, "The fence forces wildlife to follow it until they reach the next wildlife passage. The focus seems to be on larger animals that can walk along the fence, like the puma we observed crossing the train tracks. However, other species, such as primates, are not equipped to descend to the jungle floor and walk."

Over the past weekend, environmentalist Elías Siebenborn highlighted the issue with the fence, arguing that it was not part of the original Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) used to gain project approval. Environmentalists argue that the fence acts as a barrier, particularly affecting mammals traveling between Playa del Carmen and Tulum as they attempt to cross from east to west or vice versa.

Siebenborn added, "This demonstrates a lack of understanding and an attempt to push the project forward with deception. Animals do not behave like humans. When they are isolated, it alters the dynamics of wildlife, affecting both predators and prey."

Currently, there is a court-ordered suspension of work on the southern section due to an ongoing lawsuit. Despite this, the Federal Government has reportedly refused to comply, and the fence was installed during this suspension. Critics argue that the fence will negatively impact the wildlife of the Yucatan Peninsula.

The southern section spans approximately 64 kilometers and crosses the Sac Actún system, one of the longest underground river systems in the world.