LACANDON RAIN FOREST REGION
Southern Mexico
- Location:
- In eastern Chiapas between 16°05'-17°45'N and 90°25'-91°45'W, between the Usumacinta River and the Perlas and Lacantún rivers.
- Area:
- Region c. 6000 km²; reserves 4122 km².
- Altitude:
- Region 80-1750 m; reserves 80-1400 m.
- Vegetation:
- Tropical and montane rain forests, cloud forest, semi-deciduous tropical forest, savanna, pine-oak forest, seasonally flooded forest, gallery forest, open wetlands.
- Flora:
- High diversity: c. 4000 species of vascular plants, some endemism; threatened species.
- Useful plants:
- Reserve for timber, fruit and gum trees; heavy use of palm leaves for local roofing or export as ornamentals.
- Other values:
- Watershed protection, Amerindians lands, archaeological sites, high biodiversity, large fauna refuge, potential tourism.
- Threats:
- Road construction, logging, colonization, fire, agriculture, cattle-raising, oil exploration.
- Conservation:
- One UNESCO-MAB biosphere reserve, one national-level biosphere reserve, two natural monuments, one flora and fauna reserve, one protection forest.