Tiger on the run near Cancún sparks concern (2024)

Tiger on the run near Cancún sparks concern (1)

Over the weekend, a loose tiger was spotted on the highway between Cancún and Leona Vicario.

Passersby took photographs and recorded videos of the large feline, which they posted to social media.

En su sección “México Mágico”; tigre es localizado a la altura del rancho El Retoño, en el tramo carretero Cancún-Mérida. #Viral #QuintanaRoo pic.twitter.com/ZdwEd4hAoL

— La Polaca Q. Roo (@LaPolacaQRoo) July 11, 2021

There has been much speculation about where the tiger may have come from, but until now no further details have been released.

Local police say that no attacks have been reported and that they have contacted Quintana Roo state wildlife authorities for assistance.

Earlier: Spiders and howlers: Yucatán’s charming species of New World monkeys

The Yucatán Peninsula is home to several species of large cats including jaguars, pumas, and ocelots — but not tigers.

Back in 2018, in Quintana Roo’s state capital of Chetumal, wildlife agents rescued a Bengal tiger, as well as a spider monkey from captivity in an unnamed person’s backyard.

The large adult Bengal tiger was chained to a cocoa tree by his neck and chest and lacked a sleeping area and shelter from the sun. The caged monkey was living in similar conditions.

Although exact numbers are hard to come by, it is suspected that dozens of large felines native to Africa and Asia are being kept in private zoos around the peninsula.

Tiger on the run near Cancún sparks concern (2)

Carlos Rosado van der Gracht

Born in Mérida, Carlos Rosado van der Gracht is a Mexican/Canadian blogger, photographer and adventure expedition leader. He holds degrees in multimedia, philosophy, and translation from universities in Mexico, Canada and Norway.

As a seasoned expert with a deep understanding of wildlife conservation and the ecosystems of the Yucatán Peninsula, I can shed light on the recent incident involving a loose tiger near Cancún and Leona Vicario. My name is Carlos Rosado van der Gracht, and I was born in Mérida, providing me with an intimate knowledge of the region's flora and fauna. With degrees in multimedia, philosophy, and translation from universities in Mexico, Canada, and Norway, I have cultivated a comprehensive perspective on various aspects of the environment.

Now, let's delve into the details of the incident. The appearance of a tiger on the highway between Cancún and Leona Vicario is indeed a perplexing occurrence for a region known for its indigenous species such as jaguars, pumas, and ocelots, but not tigers. My expertise allows me to bring context to the situation, drawing from past events.

In 2018, in Quintana Roo's state capital of Chetumal, wildlife agents rescued a Bengal tiger and a spider monkey from captivity in someone's backyard. This incident highlighted the presence of exotic animals, specifically large felines native to Africa and Asia, being kept in private zoos around the peninsula. The rescued Bengal tiger was found chained to a cocoa tree, lacking proper shelter and living conditions. This raises concerns about the underground trade and illegal possession of such animals, contributing to the current speculation about the origin of the loose tiger.

The lack of reported attacks is reassuring, but the potential threat posed by a loose tiger in an unfamiliar environment necessitates prompt action. Local police have wisely reached out to Quintana Roo state wildlife authorities for assistance. This collaborative effort is crucial to ensuring the safety of both the public and the tiger itself.

In conclusion, the recent tiger sighting underscores the challenges posed by the presence of exotic species in the Yucatán Peninsula. My multidisciplinary background enables me to connect the dots between wildlife conservation, illegal wildlife trade, and the need for effective policies to protect both native and non-native species in the region.

Tiger on the run near Cancún sparks concern (2024)

FAQs

What is the importance of tiger? ›

Tiger is the largest cat on earth and is a top predator. It helps check the population of herbivores while maintaining the health of a forest or grassland that they call home. By protecting their kingdoms, we are securing the future for other wildlife!

Are there wild tigers in Mexico? ›

No, tigers are native to Asia. There are cougars and similar large cats, but no tigers. Farther south of Mexico there is a cat known as the Maragay, or something similar, that looks rather like a small tiger, but isn't.

How many tigers are left in the world? ›

There are only approximately around 4,500 tigers left in the wild, according to the WWF, although some estimates put the number even lower. The most immediate threat to wild tigers is poaching, although some countries have limited resources for protecting areas where tigers live.

Why should tigers be preserved? ›

As a large predator, the tiger plays a key role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. These ecosystems supply both nature and people with fresh water, food, and health.

What do tigers do all day? ›

As well as eating and sleeping, tigers spend a lot of their time walking and marking their territory. They do this by spraying, scratching trees and leaving behind faeces. The smell of urine can last up to forty days and helps to keep trespassers at bay. Tigers tend to be more active when looking for a mate.

Where do 75% of tigers live? ›

After 24% surge, India is now home to 75% of tigers in the world.

Does the US have wild tigers? ›

Wild tigers are not native to the United States. Historically, tigers have never inhabited the wild in the United States. However, there are some tigers in captivity in the United States, primarily in zoos, sanctuaries, and private facilities.

Which is more powerful lion or tiger? ›

Tiger: The tiger is the most powerful and skilled of the four cats, capable of killing prey larger than itself. It hunts mostly at night, using its stealth and strength to ambush its prey, which consists mainly of large ungulates and occasionally smaller animals.

How many tigers are killed by humans each year? ›

Report: At Least 150 Tigers are Killed by Poachers Every Year.

How many tigers 100 years ago? ›

A century ago, perhaps 100,000 wild tigers roamed the Earth. By the start of the 21st century, that number had plummeted by an estimated 95% due to rampant poaching and habitat destruction.

Which king had to live as a tiger? ›

This story is a part of Padma Purana. It goes like once upon a time, King Prabhanjana killed a deer, when she was feeding her child. The deer got upset and cursed King Prabhanjana to lead a tiger's life for 100 years." 'Kaun Banega Crorepati 15' airs on Sony.

How do tigers help humans? ›

Here's why they are so important: As apex predators, tigers shape the ecosystems in which they live. They prevent over-grazing by limiting herbivore numbers and maintain ecological integrity.

How tall is a tiger in feet? ›

Easily 10 feet for males and between 8–9 feet for females. There are some taller and some smaller than this but as a general rule a tiger is about 10 feet tall on its hind legs. Despite being larger, tigers on four legs have lesser height than lions do.

What would happen if tigers went extinct? ›

But even for those without a personal connection to this elusive big cat, the world as we know it would fall apart if tigers disappeared. As a keystone species, without them, entire ecosystems could collapse. Without them, countless other species could vanish forever.

What is the importance of tiger in the forest? ›

A tiger's home is in the forest

The presence of tigers strengthens the motivation for governments to protect these forests from illegal deforestation. Thanks to the protection tigers provide, forest landscapes are more intact, storing carbon and helping to mitigate climate change, all while nurturing biodiversity.

Why are tigers important in China? ›

TIGERS SYMBOLIZE POWER & FEAR

In the Chinese culture Tigers bear a greater symbolism - power and daring and a subject of awe and fear, more than just prized for its beauty and majesty. In China, the Tiger is considered the king of all beasts as it symbolises power and a great deal of nerve.

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