The promise to build a monolithic wall on the 2000 mile long border between US and Mexico, was a much talked about aspect of current US President Donald Trump’s election campaign. It wouldn’t be going too far to say that ‘the wall’ was one of the main reasons Trump swept the majority of the voters. The idea met with mixed reactions from people all over the world. Some people praised it, calling it appropriate as it would keep Mexicans and drugs on the other side of the wall, others called it absolutely diabolical as it would not be economical and would affect ties with Mexico. However, what everyone seemed to forget about, is how it would be an ecological turmoil for the region.
The region between US and Mexico is a haven for wildlife with an estimation of 134 mammal, 178 reptile, and 57 amphibian species living around 30 miles of the borderline. 53 of these species are endangered. A 654 miles long fence situated on the border is already disrupting the natural habitat of many species. The unfenced area between the two countries which is home to armadillos and Bobcats will also come under the border wall.
Not only animals, but many plant species are also under threat. The region is located between two biomes and a number of animals, birds and insects migrate between the two countries on a regular basis. The building of the wall will not only block migration but will also destroy their natural habitat.
The region between US and Mexico is devoid of much human activity which is a blessing for the natural wildlife and plants growing there. In fact, it consists of 35 million acres of protected lands including six wildlife refuges, six national parks, and other conservation areas.
The desert is a home to various exotic species. Sonoran pronghorn, a type of desert antelope migrate back and forth around the border. The west region of the border has some 400 species of migrating birds whereas the west is home to many colorful butterflies and animals.
The Coronado National Forest, on which sky islands (a mountain range) are located, is one of the most ecologically diverse forests of the world. These mountains extend from Arizona to Mexico and shelters a large number of endangered and threatened species like spotted owls, barred tiger salamanders, jaguars etc.
Monarch butterfly, which is responsible for zap pollination, migrate across the border. With the erection of the wall, it would be difficult for the butterflies to survive and in turn, will affect pollination of many plant species. Bats and birds would also face difficulty due to the tall concrete wall.
On top of migration, inbreeding would also be disturbed by the wall. Endangered species with specialized habitat are highly dependent on inbreeding and gene flow for survival. The nearly extinct Mexican gray wolf’s population recovery will be affected due to the slicing of the land. The mating between genetically different cousins is very important in reviving a declining population.
US Administration is planning to build the wall in the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge in Texas. It could lead to habitat loss of 400 species of birds, plants, and the ocelots.
The US has been building fences since 1994 to keep the immigrants away. Fences not only destroy the habitats and inhibit migration, they also lead to water scarcity for animals. Building levee walls pose a threat of flooding.
The Building of the wall will come with road constructions, heavy machinery, human abundance, waste which will highly impact the yet human isolated natural habitat.
In the name of border laws and security, the officials deny environmentalists, conservationists, and researchers the right to study the habitat along the border. The little evidence that researchers have is already alarming and the future looks bleak too.
The history with the fences should serve as a lesson for all. Yet there are talks of building a wall. The animals know no countries, no boundaries, no fences and no walls and let’s just keep it that way.
Image credits- Pixabay, Flickr, Wikimedia Commons