6 Endangered Species on Isla Contoy: A Call to Action for Conservation

Although Contoy is a government-protected area, it is home to endangered species. Read on and learn about the 6 endangered species that inhabit Isla Contoy.

In previous blogs, we saw that Isla Contoy is a bird sanctuary, turtle nesting area, and Ramsar site. In short, it is an area of great importance for the natural balance of the Mexican Caribbean. However, despite all the efforts made on the island, the number of many species of plants and animals is decreasing.

One of the most important actions to help preserve these species is to inform; that's why we will tell you about the six endangered species that inhabit Isla Contoy.

Table of contents:

• Risk categories
• The six endangered species that live in Contoy
• 14 threatened species
• How can we help?

Risk categories

Before introducing you to the six species, we would like to explain the categories of risk in which they are found. These categories are defined by the Official Mexican Standard: NOM-059-SEMARNAT-2010, which aims to identify the species or populations of flora and fauna at risk in the Mexican Republic.

4. Subject to special protection (PR)

These species could become endangered, and actions are being carried out to recover and conserve the populations.

An example in danger of extinction (PR) in Mexico is the sea cucumber (Holothuroide), an echinoderm prey to illegal trade for its supposed healing properties. Photo: Sopitas.com

3. Threatened (A)

Those that could be in danger of disappearing in the short or medium term if the factors that keep them under threat (such as pollution or habitat destruction, for example) continue to operate and their populations decrease.

The island coati, coatimundi, or Cozumel badger (Nasua narica) is an example of a threatened species (A) in Mexico. The urbanization of the island and the introduction of domestic dogs and cats represent a danger to the island coatis. Photo: NaturalistaCR

2. Endangered (P)

The distribution areas of these species have decreased drastically, putting their populations at risk in their habitat. Some causes of the decreasing numbers are the destruction of their natural habitat, unsustainable exploitation, diseases, and predation.

The Guadalupe fur seal (Arctocephalus townsendi) is an endangered species in Mexico. The main factor is the pollution of its natural habitat. Photo: Natusfera  

3. Probably extinct in the wild (E)

This species is native to Mexico, whose free-living specimens have disappeared as far as studies have shown, and of which there are known live exemplars in confinement or outside Mexican territory.

The Socorro dove (Zenaida graysoni) is an extinct species in Mexico. It was last seen in 1972. The main threat was the introduction of cats to Socorro Island, its natural habitat. Less than 200 specimens remain, located in zoos in the United States, Germany and England. Photo: Inecol

The endangered species that live in Isla Contoy

Now that you know the categories, here are the six endangered species that inhabit Contoy. 😢

Atlantic horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus)

The horseshoe crab is a species that has survived for more than 200 million years and, unfortunately, today is in danger of disappearing. It is distributed along the coast from the Yucatán Peninsula to the east coast of the United States. It frequents muddy and sandy areas, as well as lagoons and mangroves. The main reason why it is endangered is that its blood is used as medicine against cancer and HIV.

Piping plover (Charadrius Melodus)

Photo: Birds Cornell

The piping plover travels more than 2,500 kilometers to the Yucatán Peninsula to escape the South Dakota winter. It frequents the coastal areas of eastern North America, and it is estimated that there are only about 6,400 left in the world.

Loggerhead turtle (Caretta Caretta)

Loggerhead turtles face many dangers and predators:

• While still inside the egg, they must deal with worms, larvae, ants, crabs, snakes, snakes, seagulls, and rats, among many other predators.
• At hatching, the hatchlings must make a dangerous journey back to the sea and survive in the water to eels, parrot fish, crabs, and even city lighting.
• Upon reaching maturity, it is rare for adults to be attacked, but 40% of nesting females have been observed to have injuries caused by shark bites.
• When spawning, females are attacked by flies, mosquitoes, mammals such as foxes or raccoons, seabirds, and even humans.
• They must also survive parasites and diseases.
• They face obstacles such as fishing nets, garbage, and habitat destruction.

Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas)

For many years, the green turtle's meat, eggs, and fat were considered a delicacy. In ancient China, it was cooked in soup. In Hawaii, its skin was used to make handbags. In Indonesia and Bali, the meat is the main ingredient of culinary specialties.

Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)

In addition to their capture for human consumption, exploitation is one of the main causes of the loss of hawksbill turtles. Hawksbill plates from the shell of this species are used for decorative purposes and fetch very high prices on the market, as much as ivory or gold.

Rodeck's whiptail (Aspidoscelis rodecki)

Photo: Naturalista

This lizard, also known as the Quintana Roo huico, is a species endemic to Puerto Juarez and Isla Mujeres and has currently found protection on Isla Contoy. The main threat to this species is the loss of its habitat due to the expansion of human settlements.

As you will see, most of the endangered species on the list are the sea turtles of Isla Contoy; however, the authorities work tirelessly to keep the nests safe and eliminate all factors that threaten their natural habitat.

14 threatened species on Isla Contoy

After the endangered species come to the threatened species of Isla Contoy, you will find animals and some plant species here. Read on to find out: 👀

Fishes

Whale Shark (Rhincodon typus)
Yucatán molly (Poecilia velifera)

Birds

White-crowned pigeon (Patagioenas leucocephala)
Mangrove rail (Rallus longirostris)
Red-footed booby (Sula sula)
American flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber)

Reptiles

Black spiny-tailed iguana(Ctenosaura similis)
Boa constrictor (Boa constrictor)

Plants    

Black mangrove (Avicennia germinans)
Button mangrove (Conocarpus erectus)
White mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa)
Holywood lignum-vitae (Guaiacum sanctum)
Chit palm (Thrinax radiata)

*Most of the threatened plants are mangroves of Isla Contoy.

How can we help?

There are many actions we can do as civilians to mitigate species loss. Here are some ideas that you can start applying now:

• Do not buy products made from plants or animals. For example, decorations made with turtle shells, medicines made with marine species, taxidermy, and articles with skins or feathers of endangered animals.
• Respect nature. If you take a tour to Isla Contoy, pay attention to the guides and follow the park rules. You will be supporting local tourism and contributing resources for research and maintenance of the island.
• Join the beach cleanups. While cleaning the beaches will not solve the problem of trash from across the seas, we can help create a safer environment in the short term for the species that live there.
• Stop wearing of non-biodegradable sunscreen. The chemicals in sunscreens harm marine plant and animal species. You can switch to a biodegradable sunscreen or wear a long-sleeved swimsuit to protect yourself from the sun.
• Respect the closures. There are many other activities besides sport fishing, but if you still want to fish, respect closed seasons and protected species.
• Opt for tours or attractions with sustainability certifications that support the environment, such as Blue Flag, Green Globe, and Earth Check, among others.
• Carry out conservation actions at home, such as turning off lights, recycling garbage, not throwing pollutants, regulating the use of automobiles, and educating society, among others.

Talking about endangered species is not easy, but being advised of this topic is part of our actions to raise awareness and positively impact our environment.