Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve

Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve
Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve
National Commission of Natural Protected Areas

Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve is a protected natural area in Chiapas state of southern Mexico. The reserve protects 3312 km² of the Lacandon Jungle, a lowland tropical rainforest.

Geography

Montes Azules Biosphere reserve adjoins

Lacantun River, a tributary of the Usumacinta

, on the south.

Flora and fauna

The reserve contains 500 species of trees.[2]

More than 390 species of birds have been recorded in the reserve, almost half of all known species in Mexico. There are 116 species of mammals present, including the white-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) and northern tamandua (Tamandua mexicana). Native reptiles include Morelet's crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii).^[2]

Conservation

Historically the forest was exploited for chicle and mahogany. The reserve is currently threatened by timber cutting and people setting fire to the forest to clear areas for cattle raising and farming.^[2]

References

^ UNEP-WCMC (2021). Protected Area Profile for Montes Azules from the World Database of Protected Areas. Accessed 23 October 2021. [1]
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d "Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve, Mexico". UNESCO, October 2018. Accessed 23 October 2021. [2]

[1] UNEP-WCMC (2021). Protected Area Profile for Montes Azules from the World Database of Protected Areas. Accessed 23 October 2021. [1]

[unesco-2] "Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve, Mexico". UNESCO, October 2018. Accessed 23 October 2021. [2]

[2]