UNESCO/Toson-Khulstai Biosphere Reserve
Selva El Ocote
General information
It is one of the two regions in the country with a considerably large stretch of highland and medium altitude forest, characteristic of the Mexican humid tropics (because of its size, biological diversity and great ecological and geological relevance).
Detailed information
Key data
Year of nomination
2006
Country
Mexico
Total population
16290
Area
Surface
225,820.00 ha
Total terresterial area
225,820.00 ha
Location
Latitiude: 16.98 - Longitude: -93.64
Ecological Characteristics
It is one of the two regions in the country with a considerably large stretch of highland and medium altitude forest, characteristic of the Mexican humid tropics (because of its size, biological diversity and great ecological and geological relevance).It has a complex and varied cave system of karstic origin. Its karstic aquifers are considered to be the reserve for the Third Millennium with a very good quality area located in the Canyon of the La Venta River due to its isolation and the scant pressure of human settlements. Seven hundred and twelve species of flora have been described, with numerous species of economic importance: timber trees and medicinal, edible and ornamental plants.Among the trees, mention may be made of Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), Mexican Cedar (Cedrela odorata), Sapodilla (Manilkara zapota) and Mexican Yam (Dioscorea composita). A total of 584 species of terrestrial vertebrates have been reported, distributed as follows: 24 species of amphibians, 58 species of reptiles, 395 species of birds and 107 species of mammals, representing 48.5 % of the vertebrates of Chiapas and 23.23 % of the country’s vertebrates.
Socio-Economics Characteristics
Organic coffee growing, animal husbandry, agriculture, tapping of non-woody natural resources and ecotourism are the Biosphere Reserve's main economic activities.The region's strategy for sustainable development include diversifying economic activities. Hence, projects are aimed atthe promotion ofsustainable activities, like organic coffee production, beekeeping,and sustainable agriculture and forestry. Although there is a great potential for tourism, it is not well-developed.
