Guide to Wildlife in Mexico

When it comes to Mexico, most people generally think of elaborate hotels and a vacation away from home. Mexico has much more to offer those on vacation than great hotels or canteens, however: Those who enjoy nature or animals are sure to love a Mexican vacation just as much as those looking for a relaxing spa getaway. Mexico is home to a huge species of diverse animals and wildlife. In fact, it is one of only 18 mega-diverse areas in the entire world. Within this mega-diverse country, there are around 200,000 varying species of animals. Of these diverse Mexican species, animals are grouped into several categories. From mammals to birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects, Mexico is an excellent place for animal- and nature-lovers to explore. While many of Mexico’s animals are endangered, there are a multitude of species that can be easily located by vacationers exploring the country through hiking or simply walking down a Mexican street. The animals and wildlife that can be witnessed by those on vacation are unforgettable.

Mammals

Of the 200,000 species found in Mexico, more than 400 of these animals are mammals. Some of these mammals are familiar ones that can be found in the United States and other parts of the world, too, but some are only native to Mexico. Several mammal species in Mexico are endangered, with some so endangered that they are largely considered to be extinct. Because of these endangered species, Mexico has strict laws in place to protect the animals in its country. Some of the most popular mammals that one would encounter in Mexico include wolves, anteaters, sloths, porcupines, flying squirrels, prairie dogs, black-tailed jackrabbits, bats, jaguars, bears, and elephant seals.

Birds

Birds in Mexico are similar to many birds that are found in the southern parts of the United States. Other varieties, however, are native to the southernmost regions of Mexico. The types of birds that one may encounter while in Mexico are numerous. Some of the most popular types of birds in the country include various types of sparrows, bluebirds, orioles, spotted owls, mottled ducks, hummingbirds, and woodpeckers.

Reptiles

Reptiles also play a large part in the biodiversity of Mexico. A lot of the reptiles found in Mexico can also be found in other areas such as Arizona or California, although there are some that cannot be found elsewhere in the world. Some of these reptiles are near extinction and are protected by the government in hopes of repopulating the species. Common Mexican reptiles that people may encounter while vacationing in the country include sea turtles, box turtles, crocodiles, geckos, iguanas, lizards, anoles, whiptails, corn snakes, and rattlesnakes.

Amphibians

Of all of the animal species in Mexico, nearly 300 of them are amphibians. Mexico’s climate makes it an excellent place for amphibians to call home. Unfortunately, like many other animals in Mexico, a lot of these species are protected or at risk of extinction. Some of the most commonly found and notable amphibians in Mexico include tree frogs, green toads, salamanders, bullfrogs, and axolotls.

Insects

Insects are another large part of the biodiversity found in Mexico. As part of Mexican culture, some of these insects may even make their way onto menus at fine dining establishments. Maguey worms and ant eggs are some of the most common insects on menus in expensive restaurants, and in fact, some of these restaurants give poor villages cash in exchange for the collection of these insects. Some of the most popular “bugs” in the area include tarantulas, wolf spiders, black and brown widow spiders, orb-weavers, ants, grasshoppers, and worms. Not all of these insects and spiders are consumed in Mexico, however: Some of the insects and spiders found in the region are considered to be very poisonous and are only found in remote areas of the country.

• Wildlife Conservation and Management in Mexico (PDF)
• Mexican Grey Wolf
• Mexican Deforestation
• Mexican Axolotls
• Mexico and New Mexico Mammals Field Guide
• The Mexican Hog
• Mexican Amphibians
• The Gulf of Mexico’s Marine Mammals
• The Mexican Animal Identification System: Current Situation, Problems, and Potential (PDF)
• Gulf of Mexico Oil Spill and Marine Animals
• Dive and Discover Expedition 13: Gulf of Mexico
• Mexico Has High Number of Threatened, Endangered Species
• Mexican Salamanders and Amphibians around the World
• The Mexican Spotted Owl
• Mexican Bearded Lizard
• Mexican Free Tailed Bat
• All About Mexican Prairie Dogs
• Sonoran Desert Animals
• Animal Fact Sheet: Jaguars (PDF)