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Ría Lagartos

General information
Located in the eastern end of the Yucatan peninsula, Mexico, the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve encompasses fundamental wetlands, recognized by the Ramsar Convention. It features a variety of mangroves, small estuaries, coastal lagoons, marshes and savannah that are home to a variety of species, and serve as nesting sites for some of them. In the past decade, the Biosphere Reserve has managed to stabilize the number of various endangered species.
Detailed information
Key data
Year of nomination
2004
Country
Mexico
Total population
10679
Area
Surface
227,120.00 ha
Total terresterial area
194,826.00 ha
Total Marine area
32,294.00 ha
Location
Latitiude: 21.4814 - Longitude: -87.9509
Contact
Ecological Characteristics
The area is fundamental for the conservation of a number of species. For instance, its marshes are the only nesting site for the Caribbean pink flamingo (Phoenicopterus ruber ruber) and an important nesting site for turtles like critically endangered Hawksbill sea turtle (Eretmochelys imbricate) and the green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas). In fact, the wetlands feature a substantial number of rare, vulnerable and endangered species, like the Rhyncholaelia digbyana.It is also an important resting place for migrating birds, like the black-necked stilt (Himantopus mexicanus), who spends the winters in the region.
Socio-Economics Characteristics
The area has long been an ecotourism destination, particularly related to the population of Caribbean flamingoes and sea turtle nesting. The last decade has seen a 300% increase in tourism services, including hotels, restaurants as well as handicraft production.On the other hand, it has traditional fishing and salt mining activities, which have been gradually adjusting to sustainable practices. It also has very limited agricultural activities, in which a pre-Hispanic technique called ‘milpa’, consisting of slash and burn, is still present. The ‘milpas’ produce mostly corn, beans, pumpkins and peppers.

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