Mexico’s Biocultural Diversity in Peril

Abstract

Introduction: Places with high species diversity have high linguistic diversity, whereas areas with low species diversity tend to have low linguistic diversity. Objective: To characterize the intriguing relationship between biological and cultural diversity, a correlation that has been discussed at a global scale, but here tested for the first time in Mexico. Methods: We compiled exhaustive databases on both endangered species and endangered languages, and reviewed available literature on Mexico’s biocultural diversity with a focus on endangered and critically endangered species and languages. Results: With 364 living languages, Mexico is the world’s fifth most linguistically diverse country, but 64 of these languages are facing a very high risk of disappearance and 13 have already disappeared. Mexico is also the fourth most biologically diverse country, but 1 213 species of its flora and fauna are threatened with extinction and at least 127 species were recently extinct. Conclusions: Indigenous peoples are custodians of much of the world’s biocultural diversity. As the world grows less linguistically and culturally diverse, it is also becoming less biologically diverse. Mexico’s biological and linguistic diversity show strong geographic overlap, with the states of Oaxaca, Chiapas, Veracruz, Guerrero, and Michoacán harboring most species and most languages. Similarly, Mexico’s biodiversity hotspots mirror language hotspots, and areas with the highest number of endangered species overlap with areas where the endangerment of languages is also the highest.

The Mitochondrial DNA Landscape of Modern Mexico

“…The Viceroyalty of New Spain achieved independence from Spain as Mexico in 1821. Today, its population is estimated to be well over 130 million [ 7 ], presenting one of the richest ethnic and linguistic diversities of the world [ 10 , 19 ]. The majority of the Mexican population is largely formed by descendants of Indigenous Americans, Spanish (European) immigrants, and African slaves [ 20 ].…”

Stingless bee keeping: Biocultural conservation and agroecological education

“…We considered it urgent to promote critical dialogue and learning among beekeepers at both ends of this spectrum. The biocultural diversity theoretical framework (Maffi, 2001(Maffi, , 2005Mathez-Stiefel et al, 2007;Pretty et al, 2009;Maffi and Woodley, 2012;Gavin et al, 2015;Rotherham, 2015;Vidal and Brusca, 2020) could help build bridges for this necessary dialogue. The biocultural focus is a powerful tool for diminishing the societynature dichotomy and confronting the idea of the supremacy of humans over other living beings that threatens the conservation of the biological diversity and that compromises its existence for future generations, hence seriously affecting the planet's health.…”

“…This agenda is particularly relevant in Mexico, as it is considered to be among the countries with the highest levels of biocultural diversity (Toledo, 2003;Loh and Harmon, 2005). Sadly, this biocultural diversity is in peril, as many areas confront a downward spiral of erosion of species diversity, coupled with loss of cultural diversity as evidenced by endangered languages (Vidal and Brusca, 2020). Stingless bee breeding in particular is considered to be endangered biocultural heritage in different regions of Mexico (Quezada-Euán et al, 2001;González-Acereto et al, 2006;Reyes-González et al, 2020).…”

Bird conservation status and cultural values in Indigenous Mexican communities: towards a bioculturally informed conservation policy

“…A complex and deep historical relationship between the diversity of cultural expression and the diversity of life forms is particularly apparent in Mexico [ 10 – 12 ]. A good example is the diversity of Mexican languages and the diversity of Mexican birds—over 1100 species documented to date in Mexico [ 13 ].…”