Ecoregions of Mexico

Central American Dry Forests: Navigating the Diversity Amidst the Dry Seasons

The Central American dry forests ecoregion, spanning Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica, is a crucial transitional zone between the lush tropical rainforests and the arid deserts. This unique region along the Pacific Coast, from southern Chiapas to Guanacaste, exhibits a delicate balance of life in the face of a prolonged dry season.

Central American Montane Forests: Guardians of Biodiversity in the High Elevations

The Central American montane forests ecoregion is a collection of forest patches scattered across Central America's highest mountains. This region is ecologically significant and exhibits unique adaptations. It stretches from southern Mexico through Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua and showcases diverse vegetation and wildlife on the elevated canvas of the region.

Central American Pine–Oak Forests: A Haven of Biodiversity and Conservation Challenges

Nestled between the highland cloud forests and the lowland rainforests of northern Central America, the Central American pine–oak forests ecoregion unfolds as a diverse tapestry supporting a rich assortment of conifer species. Spanning across the mid-elevations of Mexico's Chiapas, southern Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and small portions of west-central Nicaragua, this region is a vital habitat for various flora and fauna.

Ecological Riches of the Sierra Madre Oriental Pine–Oak Forests

The Sierra Madre Oriental Pine–Oak Forests represent a critical component of Mexico’s diverse ecological landscape. Stretching along the eastern side of the Sierra Madre Oriental mountain range, these forests are known for their rich biodiversity and unique environmental characteristics. The varied altitudes, climate conditions, and soil types foster a complex and dynamic ecosystem.

Mangrove Ecosystem of Marismas Nacionales–San Blas: Biodiversity and Conservation

The Marismas Nacionales–San Blas Mangroves stretch across the Mexican states of Sinaloa and Nayarit, forming the most extensive mangrove area on Mexico's Pacific coast. This ecoregion, which includes the Marismas Nacionales Lagoon System, is celebrated for its rich biodiversity and ecological significance. The vast mangrove forests play a crucial role in stabilizing the coastline, supporting diverse species, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

Marismas Nacionales: Mexico's Coastal Wetland Haven

The Marismas Nacionales Lagoon System is one of the most extensive and ecologically critical coastal wetlands along the Pacific coast in northwest Mexico. This unique ecosystem is a vital natural resource, distinguished by its dynamic wetland habitats, including estuaries, marshes, mangroves, and coastal lagoons. It is recognized as one of Mexico's most crucial mangrove systems, playing a critical role in sustaining biodiversity, protecting coastal areas, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.

The Baja California Desert: Nurturing Life in Aridity

The Baja California Desert is located within the Mexican states of Baja California Sur and Baja California Norte, on the western side of the Peninsular Ranges in the northern and central Baja California Peninsula. Situated between the Pacific Ocean to the west and cradled by the Peninsular Ranges to the east, the Baja California Desert is a geographical mosaic and a dynamic display of biodiversity and resilience.

The Lush Heart of Mexico: The Sierra Madre Evergreen Forests

The Sierra Madre evergreen forests, spanning the rugged mountainous terrain of western Mexico, are a lush and vibrant ecosystem characterized by year-round greenery and diverse flora and fauna. This ecosystem, which encompasses a range of altitudes, climates, and habitats, thrives on the slopes of the Sierra Madre Occidental and Sierra Madre Oriental mountain ranges and supports a remarkable array of plant and animal species, many of which are endemic to the region.

The Pantanos de Centla: A Vital Biological Corridor in Southern Mexico

The Pantanos de Centla, situated in the heart of southern Mexico, is more than just a biosphere reserve—it represents a unique and expansive tropical wetland ecoregion. Stretching across the states of Tabasco and Campeche, this area is a vibrant mosaic of seasonally flooded forests, freshwater swamp systems, and rich estuarine environments. Its position at the confluence of the Grijalva and Usumacinta rivers makes it a linchpin in maintaining regional biodiversity and ecological balance.

The Petenes Mangrove Ecoregion: A Unique Wetland Ecosystem

Mangrove ecosystems are among Earth's most productive and biologically diverse habitats, providing vital ecological services and supporting a rich array of plant and animal life. The Petenes mangrove ecoregion in the western Yucatán Peninsula of Mexico is a unique and extraordinary example of these coastal wetlands. The Petenes mangroves are a biodiversity hotspot, harboring endemic and migratory species.