Inside UNAM’s Specialized Cuautitlán Izcalli Conservation Hub
The Museo de Fauna Silvestre at FES Cuautitlán operates as a dedicated academic and conservation facility. Situated in Cuautitlán Izcalli under the umbrella of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), the institution centers its mission on the study, management, and sustainable use of wildlife. It functions as a resource for professional training, public outreach, and the exploration of both regional and exotic fauna.
Advanced Veterinary Training for Exotic Mammals
The facility functions as more than a static exhibition space. Event records from FES Cuautitlán show that the museum runs professional development courses geared toward veterinary students and animal care specialists.
On December 6, 2024, the hub hosted a specialized session dedicated to the clinical integration and medical management of exotic mammals and new companion animals. The program featured lectures delivered by Dr. Alejandro Sánchez and Dr. Daniel Orozco.
Combating Wildlife Myths Through Digital Outreach
Public education forms a core pillar of the institution’s mandate. Through digital platforms and on-site programs documented by FES Cuautitlán, staff work to debunk common wildlife myths and improve overall biological literacy.
Staff campaigns frequently address misconceptions, such as clarifying that bats possess functional eyesight adapted for low-light conditions and rely on echolocation. Outreach efforts also mark international conservation dates, including International Gibbon Day, which draws public attention to critically endangered primate species like the white-handed gibbon.
Global Marsupial Research and Habitat Challenges
The curatorial and educational focus at the museum reaches far beyond domestic borders, encompassing diverse mammalian species including native and exotic marsupials.
Outreach materials published by FES Cuautitlán explore the biology of burrowing herbivores native to Australia. These profiles detail the common wombat (Vombatus ursinus), the northern wombat (Lasiorhinus krefftii), and the southern wombat (Lasiorhinus latifrons), while highlighting the conservation challenges—such as habitat loss and hunting pressures—that threaten these populations.
Worth a look