Mexico Nature and Wildlife
As a result of Mexico’s geography and different climate zones, there is a great deal of diverse flora and fauna found throughout the country, many of which are endemic. Mexico’s coasts are home to seals, sea turtles and sea lions while the waters host dolphins. Grey whales are often spotted during winter and spring as they travel from Alaska to warmer waters to birth their calves.
In Mexico’s mountains, one can find species like pumas, lynxes, coyotes and armadillos. The drier areas of the country host many reptile species, rattlesnakes and more. In the tropical and subtropical regions, there are various monkey species, lizards and birds including toucans, parrots, butterflies and flamingos.
In order to protect such diversity, there are 93 protected areas in Mexico that makeup around 6% of the country. There are nine different types of natural protected areas that include Biosphere Reserves, National Parks, National Marine Parks, and Ecological Conservation Zones among others. Many of Mexico’s national parks were created during the 1930s, and popular parks include Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park, Canyon del Sumidero National Park and Basaseachic Falls National Park.
Grutas de Cacahuamilpa National Park was established in 1936 in southern Mexico. It was created to protect the Grutas de Cacahuamilpa Caverns. These caverns make up one of the largest cave systems in the world as well as two underground rivers, the Chontalcoatlán and the San Jeronimo. This national park is very popular with tourists as it is a haven for extreme sports like rock climbing.
Canyon del Sumidero National Park was created in 1980, in the central part of the state of Chiapas. The park was named for the Sumidero Canyon. In 1981, a hydroelectric dam was built that made the canyon navigable by boat, making it more accessible to the public. An Ecological Park was opened in 2003 and hosts both an animal and bird sanctuary. Visitors to the park have the opportunity to take part in many fun activities such as kayaking, abseiling, mountain biking and more.
Basaseachic Falls National Park, located in northern Mexico was established in February 1981. The park is named for the falls within the park, which are the second tallest in Mexico. In addition to these impressive falls, the park also hosts thick forests, making it an amazing place to spot birds and animals in their natural habitats.
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