Cancun, Q.R. — Environmental authorities in Cancun say cuts in the fence surrounding the Tajamar area will be made for wildlife. Adjustments in the wire fence are being made after local video captured, on several occasions, crocodiles unable to return to the mangrove.
Juárez Fernando Haro Salinas, the Director of Ecology, says after monitoring the area they have determined where openings need to be made to allow the crocodiles passage.
He said the openings in the perimeter fence that surrounds the Tajamar boardwalk are being made in coordination with the Secretariat of Ecology and Environment (Sema). The fence was initially put up to keep the crocodiles in, however, some have managed to get out but were unable to return to the mangrove.
Haro Salina explained that based on videos circulating a few weeks ago showing crocodiles trying to return to the mangrove, the area was monitored that same day to develop a strategy.
“We are looking into making some cuts in the mesh at the bottom so the crocodiles can move freely around its habitat,” he said.
“We reviewed, together with the Ministry of Ecology, the 7,000 linear meters of the Malecón to verify which areas have fences. Of these, 1,900 are delimited, that is, 27 percent with fences. We are already working on the plan with Sema,” he said.
He said they are also contacting owners of the private properties in the area to gain authorization to cut the fence while working on the best option to ensure the crocodiles maintain their space given the large number of people who visit the Tajamar boardwalk daily.
