Community rallies to save Jaguars from Well

MAHAHUAL, QUINTANA ROO, Mexico, Dec 11, 2021 / PRNewswire / – A jaguar that fell into a well has been given a second chance at life after being rescued and released back into the jungle.

In the early morning hours December 4th, Authorities in Uvero, Quintana Roo received a report of a jaguar that fell into a well while attacking a dog. The dog named “Blackie” also fell into the well with the jaguar and survived the attack.

The dog was taken to a local veterinary clinic where Dr. Erika Flores, Veterinarian at the International Animal Welfare Fund (IFAW). He is in good shape and will be in the clinic for a few days while he recovers.

The rescue was a joint effort between the Participatory Environmental Surveillance Committee, federal agencies (PROFEPA and CONANP), state agencies (IBANQROO), the local organization Aak Mahahual and the IFAW. Help was also sought from the Mexican Navy, accompanying the teams for additional security and support.

“What I appreciate most is that while people could have dealt with this situation by killing the jaguar, they preferred to respect that jaguar and give it a chance at a life in the wild. The community called PROFEPA and me on before they were injured the jaguar. This is the result of the work we have all done with the community, “said Victor Rosales, President and Founder of Aak Mahahual.

Since 2019, IFAW has been working with local authorities and organizations to develop solutions as part of the “Promoting Coexistence” project, which shows ways in which people, community animals and jaguars can live together safely.

“Aak Mahahual and IFAW, with assistance from the authorities, have provided more than 40 corrals (reinforced houses) that have been distributed in the Mahahual area and protected more than 100 dogs in those communities. By securing community animals before dark, the risk of a jaguar attack increases and is almost completely reduced, “said Rosales.

“Providing safe shelter for pets is one way of building coexistence among community members, their animals, and wildlife. Jaguar attacks on dogs are likely due to the increase in the number of people living in the area, habitat destruction and fragmentation, and reduction. their natural prey due to the above causes and illegal hunting, “said Dr. Flores.

The incidence of jaguar attacks on dogs in this area has been studied since 2012 and a recently published scientific paper on the subject can be viewed at the links below:

– https://neotropical.pensoft.net/article/68973/
– https://www.newswise.com/articles/man-s-best-friend-could-be-a-jaguar-s-next-meal-a-case-study-from-the-mexican-caribbean

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About the International Animal Welfare Fund (IFAW)
The International Fund for Animal Welfare is a global non-profit organization that helps animals and people thrive together. We are experts and everyday people, working across seas, oceans and in more than 40 countries around the world. We rescue, rehabilitate and fire animals and restore and protect their natural habitats. The problems we face are urgent and complex. To solve them, we combine fresh thinking with courageous action. We work with local communities, governments, non-governmental organizations and businesses. Together we are exploring new and innovative ways to help all species thrive. See how at ifaw.org

SOURCE International Fund for Animal Welfare