The border between the United States and Mexico, stretching 3,152 km from Tijuana to the Gulf of Mexico, not only represents a political dividing line but also a significant barrier for the biodiversity living on both sides of the border wall. This wall, equipped with motion detectors, intense lighting, electronic sensors, and constant surveillance, has fragmented ecosystems and severely affected wildlife.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution demonstrates the impact of the wall on wildlife. Based on over four years of camera trap records along 163.5 km between Sonora, Mexico, and Arizona, United States, the data shows that only 9% of animal interactions with the wall resulted in successful crossings. For large species like jaguars, pumas, and black bears, the barriers have reduced their crossing chances to almost zero.
This region, known as the “Sky Islands,” is a biodiversity hotspot and home to threatened species such as the jaguar (Panthera onca) and the Mexican wolf (Canis lupus baileyi). However, the wall disrupts the natural migration corridors these species need to find food, water, and shelter, exposing them to greater risks.
The border wall and its biodiversity
The cameras documented poignant cases, like that of a black bear that spent hours trying to cross the barrier unsuccessfully. The openings designed for wildlife passage are minimal and, in most cases, inadequate. While small animals like foxes and raccoons managed to cross, large mammals like deer and wild turkeys could not. Even mountain lions, despite their agility, faced increasing difficulties trying to cross the barriers.
The study highlights that the wall not only affects individuals but also has consequences at a population level. The disruption of natural movements can lead to loss of species resilience and genetic changes in future generations.
Mitigation and solutions
Experts suggest urgent measures to reduce the negative impacts of the wall, including installing more wildlife crossings, designed for various species and strategically located every 5 or 10 meters. A more in-depth research on mitigating the wall’s effects is also needed, including the use of technologies like GPS to track animal movements.
Additionally, they propose that any future border infrastructure considers variables such as the impact of lighting and other security devices on birds, bats, and insects, which are also essential parts of ecosystems.
Border walls, specialists conclude, have proven ineffective in controlling human migration but devastating for biodiversity. “We need solutions to complex social problems, not destructive physical barriers that symbolize fear and division,” says Myles Traphagen, coordinator of the Borderlands program. Protecting wildlife in these critical areas is essential not only to preserve biodiversity but also to ensure long-term ecosystem balance.
What species inhabit this border?
The border between Mexico and the United States is home to jaguars, ocelots, American opossums, bears, mountain lions, deer, big horn sheep, coatis, chulas, and migratory birds.
However, the biodiversity of the border between Mexico and the United States is threatened by the border wall, putting their survival at risk.
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