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And [Music] Mexico is one of the 16 megadiverse countries, which means that although its surface represents 10 percent, it harbors 70 percent of all Earth's biodiversity. Thanks to this, in the territory we find more than two hundred thousand species, 2500 of them legally protected. Nevertheless, some are in danger of extinction, such as those we are going to show you in this new video from Animal Expert. [Music]
1 Ocelot. Less than 2 million specimens of Leopardus pardalis survive. Although the population is larger than that of other endangered species, there are fewer and fewer ocelots in the world due to the trafficking of their skin, in addition to the destruction of the ecosystems where they inhabit.
2 American Black Bear. The black bear is another of the most recent Mexican animals in danger of extinction. Illegal hunting and habitat destruction are the main causes. In addition to Mexico, the black bear is found in Canada and Alaska, making it the most common bear in North America. It is estimated that there are currently between 500,000 and 750,000 specimens. [Music]
3 Pygmy Raccoon. Also known as the Cozumel Raccoon, it is considered critically endangered internationally, not just in Mexico, due to its tiny distribution area, which has led it in a very short time to suffer from island dwarfism, that is, an evolutionary process that species living in closed environments undergo to survive and adapt to resource scarcity. [Music]
4 Bolson Tortoise. It is native to Mexico, more specifically to Chihuahua, Coahuila, and Durango, and is critically endangered. The causes are mainly climate change, seismic activities, and human hunting for its meat. Today, it is estimated that there are only about 2,500 specimens of the Bolson tortoise in Mexico.
5 Quetzal. Although it is not a species that lives exclusively in Mexico, it is the Mexican Quetzal that is the most threatened of all. It is in danger of extinction for various reasons, mainly deforestation and climate change in Mexico. Furthermore, for some years there were cases of illegal poaching of the Quetzal, although today this activity has considerably decreased. They also live in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and western Panama. Before continuing, don't forget to subscribe to our channel to stay up to date on all about domestic and wild animals. [Music] [Music]
6 Mexican Axolotl. It is possible to find it in the canals of Xochimilco, but there are fewer and fewer specimens in the wild, so most live in aquariums across the globe. The most striking thing about the axolotl is not only its appearance and the variety of colors it can dye its body, but the fact that it is capable of regenerating its own cellular tissues. Water pollution and the use of the animal's body for medicinal purposes seem to be counting down the days for this small amphibian.
7 Scarlet Macaw. It is a species of macaw with vivid colors, predominantly red on the body and blue, green, and yellow on the wings. The illegal sale of birds has depleted this species, leaving only about 30,000 specimens worldwide, and in Mexico, they can only be seen in Chiapas. This macaw has been associated with the Mayan deity Puuc A Kix, but not even that has been able to stop those who seek to profit from the beauty of this exotic animal.
8 Mexican Gray Wolf. It is estimated that less than 300 specimens of this species survive. Its smaller size compared to any other wolf can be compared to that of a medium-sized dog. It inhabits Mexico and certain areas of North America, but currently only exists in captivity. Its greatest threat was humans, as ranchers in the areas from which it originated were responsible for practically exterminating it.
9 Vaquita Marina. Also known as the cochito, it is a cetacean that only inhabits Mexican waters. It is estimated that less than 100 specimens of this species exist, whose main threat is the negligence of the fishing industry, leading to its death trapped in fishing nets. It receives its name because both its eyes and mouth are surrounded by black spots. It is a calm species that communicates with its relatives through sound waves. [Music]
10 Caribbean or Antillean Manatee. It is thought that less than 2,000 specimens survive, as it has been hunted for its meat since the times of the colonization of America, after the Spaniards discovered that it was not a mermaid as they initially believed. Habitat destruction and the negligence of fishermen also threaten it, as they frequently collide with the engines of boats and small vessels. It does not only exist in the waters around Mexico, but its presence extends to Brazil, where it can be found in the Amazon River. [Music]
Do you know of other endangered animals in Mexico? Leave us your comments and don't miss the video above, in which we explain why it is estimated that climate change will kill 50 percent of the planet's species. Until next time, experts. [Music]