Riccardo Liguori The increase in demand for crustaceans has led to an exponential growth in aquaculture in Mexico, with consequences for the environment and local fauna, putting at risk the survival of the cats, already threatened by habitat loss and poaching
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The mangroves of Western Mexico, crucial ecosystems for coastal protection, climate regulation, and biodiversity, are now the battleground between two animal species: the jaguar (Panthera onca) and the white-legged shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei).
The intensive farming of shrimp is decimating the habitat of the iconic Latin American predator, endangering its survival. Let’s explore why this is happening.
Unchecked expansion of shrimp farming
Mexico is the world’s second-largest shrimp producer, following Ecuador. The majority of shrimp are farmed through aquaculture, with less than a quarter caught along the coast. The area dedicated to shrimp farming has skyrocketed by 1,100% between 1993 and 2021, now covering over 114,000 hectares, often operating illegally. This expansion has led to a significant reduction in Mexican mangrove forests, which have decreased from 35% to 26% in recent years.
The silent victim: jaguars
Jaguars, apex predators in mangrove ecosystems, are suffering greatly from this habitat loss. Poaching and habitat destruction have reduced the jaguar population in Mexico by 54%, leaving only 4,000-5,000 individuals. The loss of mangrove forests directly impacts their ability to hunt and find shelter.
La Papalota: an oasis of hope
In this challenging scenario, a small reserve in the Mexican state of Nayarit, called La Papalota, offers a glimmer of hope. Established in 2008 as a conservation area, La Papalota has become a sanctuary for at least six jaguars, providing them with food, shelter, and the opportunity to reproduce. However, with an area of only 910 acres, the reserve is too small to ensure the long-term survival of the species, which requires thousands of acres to thrive.
The crucial role of biological corridors
La Papalota exemplifies how small protected areas can serve as “stepping stones,” linking larger reserves and allowing jaguars to move safely. However, these biological corridors are increasingly threatened by urban expansion and shrimp farming, even within protected areas like the Marismas Nacionales Biosphere Reserve.
The dark side of the shrimp industry
The rise of shrimp farming in Mexico has brought with it concerning issues: over 40% of shrimp farms do not comply with federal regulations, and many are linked to drug cartels, who use them for money laundering. This situation complicates the protection of mangroves and jaguars, and puts environmental activists who oppose the industry at risk.
A hope for the future
Despite the challenges, efforts to save Mexico’s mangroves and jaguars continue. NGOs and environmental groups, such as Mangrove Action Project and Pronatura Noroeste, are calling for stricter regulations and greater cooperation between local and federal authorities. The recent appointment of Alicia Bárcena, a biologist who has vowed to prioritize mangrove protection, as Minister of Environment, could be a positive step. However, the journey ahead is long, and time is running out.
