The Incredible Bio-Diversity of Wildlife in Mexico

Mexico has major differences in climate and landscape, which causes a wide variety of flora and fauna. From mountains and jungles to distinct ocean waters not to mention coral reefs, there is lots for the tourist to experience. See Bird Watching Tours here.

The range of wildlife in Mexico is wonderful; about thirty thousand flowering plants grow there, like bougainvillea, magnolia, orchids, frangipani and many others.

The plant that's largely linked to Mexico is, evidently, the cactus. There can be over 89 species of Cacti family growing in the country. An intriguing fact is that the old name of Mexico City was Tenochtitlan, which suggests 'place of the sacred cactus' in the language of the ancient Aztecs who lived in it.

Thousands of species of insect live in Mexico, with the butterfly together with moth species alone numbering over 2,000. Some of the most interesting butterfly species which can be observed in this place are the Giant Sickle-wing, Two-Barred Flasher, Tropical Buckeye and so much more.

More than one thousand species of birds nest, raise their chicks, and live year-round in Mexico. Most of the most typical and well-known bird species which can be present in Mexico are parrots, toucans, flamingos, ibis, humming birds and macaws. See the list of Bird Watching Tours here.

Among the most prized as well as most stunning birds whose feathers Maya, Aztec and other Mesoamerican civilizations put to use as decorations and in ceremonies is the quetzal. In these days this bird is very rare and is in danger of extinction. They even imagined a few of their deities wearing a decoration created from its feathers.

The underwater life is incredibly diverse. Many vacation goers visit Mexico yearly to get the opportunity to swim with the sea lions, whale sharks, and giant sea turtles. The diversity of underwater life doesn't stop there - many creatures like giant mantas, barracuda, sardines, swordfish and mackerel are merely a small part of the local marine life.

Through the winter season, many migrating gray whales can be viewed on their path from the Bering Sea to their feeding and breeding grounds. These giants may become up to 52 feet long and can weigh approximately 36 tons. A group of these animals swimming together to their feeding grounds is one thing that is certainly worth watching.

Almost never, whenever they are fortunate, a traveler could see the West Indian Manatee in the lagoons of Sian Ka'an, nevertheless these large sea mammals are very rare, hence seeing them is indeed determined by luck. These are huge, gray mammal animals which could grow up to 14 feet in length. They have very interesting paddle-like limbs and tail.

When you're thinking of land wildlife in Mexico, the diversity is amazing as well. Several kinds of reptiles such as turtles, crocodiles and spine-tailed iguana dwell in the lakes, rivers and also forests of the Yucatan Peninsula.

All the other land animals that a number of vacationers want to see incorporate puma, lynx, wolves, jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, bears and monkeys. Coming across most of these creatures in the wilds tend to be unsafe, thus the very best way to see them is by sticking to the marked paths and also having with you a guide who's familiar with the terrain plus is able to protect you from an angry animal if the situation needs it.

The diversity of wildlife in Mexico is spectacular; though the industrialization, urbanization as well as pollution took their toll. Numerous land and sea areas in Mexico at the moment are preserved to sustain and take care of the species which inhabit this magical country, consequently generations to come can enjoy the same wonderful environment we are able to see in these days.