In 1979, it was declared the protection of Río Lagartos Biosphere Reserve in the state of Yucatán. The reserve protects nearly 60,000 hectares of forests, mangroves, and beaches. This is where the Mexican flamingo lives and reproduces, as well as another 250 species of seabirds.
This reserve is located on the eastern end of the Yucatan coast. Its great diversity of flora and fauna is due to the different ecosystems found there, which include low jungle, savannah, and mangroves.
Of the latter, it is worth mentioning that Ría Lagartos has one of the most essential and extensive mangroves in Yucatán, whose waters harbor a variety of mollusks, crustaceans, and fish. For these reasons, it is considered one of the most important wetlands since it is, among other things, the first habitat stop for migratory birds.
In this natural reserve, you can detect roseate spoonbills, ibis, herons, storks, ospreys, and seagulls, among many others. It is also a meeting point for flamingos during nesting times, with more than 43,000 specimens during the mating season.
The freshwater ponds are a bustling meeting point for a diverse range of wildlife, including spider monkeys, deer, and even jaguars.
Each year, the sea turtles come back and build up to 1500 nests along a 22 km stretch of coastline between the main turtles: green Turtles, Hawksbill Turtles, Loggerhead Turtles, and Leatherback Turtles.
This and much more you can find in Rio Lagartos!
