Usumacinta mangroves

The Usumacinta mangroves ecoregion (WWF ID: NT1437) covers the mangrove forests ont the Gulf Coast of Mexico, around the margins of the Laguna de Términos ("Lagoon of Ends"). The "Ends" in the name refer to the mouths of the rivers that empty into the lagoon, including the Usumacinta River. This region, which is due south of the mouth of the Mississippi River across the Gulf of Mexico, receives an estimated one-third of the wintering birds migrating on the Mississippi Flyway. It is estimated that the lagoon supports 90 endangered species.[1][2][3]

Usumacinta mangroves
Laguna de Terminos, Isla Aguada, Campeche, Mexico
Ecoregion territory (in purple)
Ecology
RealmNeotropic
BiomeMangroves
Geography
Area3,108 km2 (1,200 sq mi)
CountryMexico
Coordinates18.76°N 91.22°W / 18.76; -91.22

Location and description

The lagoon and surroundings are in Campeche State of Mexico. The mangroves cover the river deltas of the Usumacinta River and Grijalva River. They also cover the margins of the lagoon and inland for 5 km or so where the balance of saline and fresh water supports mangrove species. The lagoon is a RAMSAR wetland of international importance. The surrounding inland ecoregion is the Pantanos de Centla ecoregion.[4]

Climate

The climate of the ecoregion is Tropical savanna climate - dry winter (Köppen climate classification (Aw)). This climate is characterized by relatively even temperatures throughout the year, and a pronounced dry season. The driest month has less than 60 mm of precipitation, and is drier than the average month.[5][6] Precipitation in the ecoregion averages 1,600 mm/year.[1]

Flora and fauna

The characteristic mangrove tree species in the region are red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa), and black mangrove (Avicennia germinans). An associated species is the scrub Dalbergia brownii. Periodic flooding prevents the extensive growth of herbaceous species. The diversity of wetland types (marshes, swamps, coastal lagoon, riverine margins and others) supports a wide diversity of species. Scientists have recorded 374 species of vascular plants, 134 species of mammals, 26 of amphibians, 85 of reptiles, 279 of birds, and 60 species of fish.[1]

Protected areas

Officially protected areas in the ecoregion include:

References
  1. "Usumacinta mangroves". World Wildlife Federation. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  2. "Map of Ecoregions 2017". Resolve, using WWF data. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  3. "Usumacinta mangroves". The Encyclopedia of Earth. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  4. "Área de Protección de Flora y Fauna Laguna de Términos". RAMSAR Sites Information Service. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  5. Kottek, M., J. Grieser, C. Beck, B. Rudolf, and F. Rubel, 2006. "World Map of Koppen-Geiger Climate Classification Updated" (PDF). Gebrüder Borntraeger 2006. Retrieved September 14, 2019.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. "Dataset - Koppen climate classifications". World Bank. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
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