On April 22nd, during Earth Day, the book Amphibians and Reptiles of Mexico at Risk of Extinction (Porrúa, 2024) was presented, led by Dr. Gerardo Ceballos from the National Autonomous University of Mexico’s Institute of Ecology. The study reveals alarming figures about biodiversity in Mexico:
- 40% of amphibians worldwide are at risk.
- In Mexico, 53% of the 390 species of amphibians are facing danger.
- 50% of the 864 species of reptiles in the country are threatened.
Snakes: Ancient Presence and Current Risk
Rattlesnakes, with their distinctive rattles, are icons of the Mexican biota, but conservation efforts have been insufficient.
The global temperature change affects their reproduction, as the animal’s sex is determined by temperature, reducing the population.
Habitat Destruction and Illegal Trafficking
Among the main causes of biodiversity loss are:
- Fragmentation of ecosystems, with an annual loss of 180,000 hectares of forests and jungles.
- Impact of large projects such as the Mayan Train in southeastern Mexico.
- Black market of species, where specimens can be sold for up to $50,000.
One of the most notorious cases is the Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum), a key predator in deserts that has also been used in pharmaceutical research to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Medical Importance of Amphibians and Reptiles
Many species have proteins-rich venoms that have been used to develop innovative medications.
An example of this is the Mexican axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum), whose amazing regenerative potential is being studied in the field of biomedicine.
Conservation: Investment, Not Expenditure
Dr. Ceballos emphasizes that environmental protection is not an expense, but an investment. He proposes:
- Strengthening the protection of natural areas.
- Combatting species trafficking.
- Developing strategies that integrate conservation and social well-being.
The publication of Amphibians and Reptiles of Mexico at Risk of Extinction seeks to raise awareness about the biodiversity crisis, promoting scientifically-based solutions to preserve the planet’s key species.
Cover Photo: UNAM
*With information from eluniversal.com.mx
