LEÓN – The presence of a new feline species in Guanajuato was detected by researchers from the State University of Guanajuato and the National Commission for Protected Areas (Comisión Nacional de Áreas Protegidas).
Previously, the academics had already registered the ocelot, lynx and puma, but surprinsingly, they have recently detected jaguars.
Israel Cabrera Barrón, Federal delegate of the Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources (Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales, Semarnat), announced this information on Wednesday January 25, and pointed out that this would be a very important biological discovery, because this species is only found in more tropical environments throughout the country.
Israel Cabrera Barrón, Federal delegate of Secretariat of Environment and Natural Resources announced the discovery of a new feline species to the Guanajuato region (Photo: Periódico Correo)
Cabrera Barrón explained: “A group of specialists decided to conduct a study using trap cameras, which is a technique used to monitor populations of vertebrates, through the installation of hidden cameras that are activated with movement”.
“Recently, feline excrement found in the mountains of Guanajuato was analyzed, and it was determined that it belonged to a big cat native of the old biological corridor that extends to the south of Mexico, specifically jaguars”, the officer continued.
Jaguars photoraphed with trap cameras in Campeche (Photo: TYT)
The SEMARNAT’s delegate declared: “All this information was merely an assumption, therefore we decided to sponsor a project that helped to detect three felines, but now we presume the presence of a fourth one, according to the excreta”.
Barrón declared during the last meeting with researchers, that he was stunned but also concerned about the fourth feline that was photographed, and so far this information has not been announced or published for prevention, as it may be attractive to local hunters.
“The study results will be determinant to establish protection measures for this endangered species, starting in March or April 2017”, informed the official.
“At the moment we know that pumas, ocelots and wildcats, or lynx live in the mountains of Guanajuato, but now that we have discovered the existence of a forth feline, we are requesting help from scientists and academics, because it is very important to have certainty of what animals are out there, in order to be able to study and protect them” he concluded.
Source: http://periodicocorreo.com.mx/
