A Golden Eagle is stitched, prominently, into every Mexican flag; a symbol of the country’s nationality. It is only then, that the longevity of this large bird of prey is guaranteed; as in a sad case of irony, the Golden Eagle is one of the five species native to Mexico, teetering on the cusp of extinction. The culprit, as one could only assume, is the climate change and human interference—urban sprawl and illegal poaching.

There is a savior, however, an industry in Mexico that has seen a spike in popularity over the last 20 years known as Eco-tourism. National parks; reserves catering to the survival of specific species; and even tours that traverse the habitats indigenous to some of the worlds more elusive animals all contribute to their preservation. In fact, the trend intertwines this contemporary style of vacation with a regimen of luxury beach resorts, poolside lounging, and soaking in the laidback lifestyle of a traditional Cancun vacation.

In the example of the Golden Eagle, Pronatura, a non-profit conservation organization, has launched projects in the Cubres de Monterrey National Park and the Cuatro Cienegas Biosphere Reserve; both available for exploring and both within reasonable proximity to many Cancun Resorts.

Jaguars, the largest cats of the Western hemisphere, survive anywhere from the southern United States to as far south as northern Argentina. In Mexico, they stalk the jungles of the northeastern part of the Yucatan.

Pronatura suggests their extinction could evolve into a concerning state within 30 to 40 years.

With the potential to reach 16 meters in length and 26 tons in weight, the Gray Whale is undoubtedly the largest animal to rank among Cancun’s endangered list.

It is only by the excessive hunting of their species in the 19th century and sporadic cases of beaching that their number has plummeted.

Tours offered by many Cancun Resorts offer vacationers an opportunity to experience these mammoth sea-mammals closer than any commercial or photograph could ever provide.

Another species native to Cancun’s waters, the Vaquita, or “little cow”, was only relevant to the list 50 years ago. As soon as it was discovered, it was classified as endangered.

They are not directly hunted, but like the manatee, they are commonly bludgeoned by boat propellers or accidentally captured in fishing nets.

The Monarch Butterfly reserve caters to the endangered species of its namesake.

Deforestation, a common theme to animal extinction, is once again to blame for the rapid decline in  Monarch Butterfly populations. Pronatura estimates the forest populated by the butterflies to disappear within the next 20 years.

By making our Cancun vacations eco-vacations and feeding into the industry, we promote the survival of these animals and the conservation of what makes Cancun—the forestland and the animals that know it only as their home.