The species and their native, endemic, exotic, and invasive distribution

How to take care of and protect nature in Mexico? 

The species in Mexico

Do you know what are the species in Mexico? Do you like to travel to places to get in touch with nature? Then, perhaps you have asked yourself: How is it that the flora and fauna that you admire so much are formed?

Each of the ecosystems we have in Mexico is home to different species that interact with each other through many processes such as competition, predation and symbiosis, just to name a few of them.

This balance is very delicate, so each of these species has a crucial role in this great cycle. One species cannot survive without the other, but they might also be in danger if we introduce new species.

In this blog, we will help you understand how the species we have in Mexico are distributed. These species are classified as native, endemic, exotic, and invasive.

Native

These species are within their natural distribution area, in other words; they were not introduced by men.

A great example of native fauna in Mexico is the jaguar. This feline lives in the Yucatan Peninsula and other states in the south of Mexico. Just like the tapir, which is one of the mammals with which the jaguar coexists in the jungles of our country.

These two species are only an example of the enormous fauna that our country has.

READ MORE: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ANIMAL WELFARE AT GRUPO XCARET

Endemic

These kind of species are distributed in a specific area; that means you will not be able to find them outside that area.

For example, the Teporingo or volcano rabbit can only be found in the Iztacihuatl-Popocatepetl Park or on the slopes of the volcanoes of the Valley of Mexico.

Another endemic species of Mexico, which you may have already seen, is the famous axolotl. A species that has surprised the world of science because its genome is ten times larger than a human. This genome gives it the ability to regenerate its limbs and even its spinal cord.

Exotic

These species are those that have been introduced by humans intentionally or accidentally outside their natural distribution area.

Among some of the exotic species that live in Mexico, we can find cows, and of course, cats. This last species comes from Europe and Asia, so it can be considered an exotic species in Mexico.

Invasive

These are the exotic species capable of surviving and reproducing in the environment where they were introduced. These species can cause ecological, economic, and health damage.

A clear example of this is the lionfish in the Mexican Caribbean. This fish is native to the Indian Ocean, as well as the South Pacific. It came to Florida as an exotic pet but was thrown into the ocean by its owners during the 1980’s.

They spread rapidly in the warm waters of Mexico, disrupting reef systems and damaging their food chains.

Another example of invasive exotic wildlife in the flora of Mexico is the water lily. It is considered one of the invaders of freshwater due to the ease of its reproduction caused by water currents, the wind, and the introduction by man for ornamental purposes.

This plant is native to the Amazon basin, as well as the lakes and swamps of western Brazil. It came to Mexico during the 19th century, where it spread rapidly through the center of the country, affecting rivers such as Lerma-Chapala, Panuco, and Bravo.

Were you surprised to learn that cats are an exotic species in Mexico? This is a good example of how delicate the balance of all ecosystems is, not only in Mexico but in the world.

That’s why it’s crucial to learn how to take care of it. In addition, this does not require great sacrifices, but small changes in our way of interacting with nature.

If you travel to exotic places, avoid bringing flora or fauna even if it is something common for many travelers, it can cause serious consequences to the local ecosystem.

Another advice is to respect everything that surrounds you in nature, and this applies both at home; and if you are on a trip, so you will avoid altering this delicate balance.

If you would like to read more posts like this, leave me your comments.