This is the barking moment a social media star dangles from a slender tree branch over a 24,000-foot drop into a canyon in a desperate bid to get likes.

The blogger, known as Morenos en Moto, was filmed clinging to the ancient tree growing over the edge of the Sumidero Canyon, one of Mexico's best loved environmental treasures.

As he grins gormlessly for the camera he first sits back on a branch while a sniggering pal films him.

Then he throws his legs over to swing from the branch by his hands with nothing beneath him but sheer drop into the canyon below.

But the stunt on 9th May outraged environmental watchdogs so they complained to federal prosecutors who are preparing a case that could see the YouTuber jailed for nine years.

Mexico's National Commission of Natural Protected Areas said his behaviour violated the national park's code of conduct and could have done irreversible damage to the environment.

Local wildlife protection laws ban any filming for commercial purposes using support technicians and cameramen.

The maximum sentence if convicted is up to nine years behind bars and a fine of nearly MXN 5 million (GBP 190,000).

In an exclusive interview with Newsflash, the influencer insisted he did not understand the rules properly and claimed others had done worse.

He said: "Well, actually I'm a bit confused. I didn’t really know all the guidelines.

"And when it comes to recording content, many others have done and still do the same, even using tools that are banned.

"I’ve always said no one should do what isn't necessary. My case was a spontaneous and a very unique moment that I wouldn't repeat."

The Canyon, in Chiapas state, is a UNESCO-recognised site of ecological and geological importance, carved out over millennia by the Grijalva River.

The region is home to crocodiles, spider monkeys, and endangered bird species.

(MJ Leidig/newsX)