Conservation and Wildlife: Bird and Fauna Watching
Imagine the flapping wings of an emerald-green quetzal amidst the dense vegetation, a jaguar stealthily making its way through the shadows of the rainforest or the sight of thousands of migratory birds flying through the Chiapas sky.
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This land calls out to explore the world of birds and animal life on a trip through Chiapas to connect the senses with the state’s natural beauty.
Among the routes you can take to discover these winged treasures are:
※ The Altos de Chiapas Route
Just minutes from the Magical Town of San Cristóbal de las Casas, this route awaits in all its splendor, with its breathtaking mountainous landscapes, forest and lakes. San Cristóbal de las Casas is ideal for anyone seeking experiences that put them in direct contact with spectacular natural surroundings. Birds often spotted include the pink-headed warbler, garnet throated hummingbird and collared trogon.
※ The Sumidero Canyon Scenic Overlook Route
The Canyon is a natural wonder with impressive rock walls of up to nearly 3,300 feet following flow of the Grijalva River. Hikers to its 5 overlooks get to soak in the magnificence of nature, as well as take stunning photographs.
※ The Ocote Biosphere Reserve Route
This ecological sanctuary, with its great variety of ecosystems, is home to an incredible diversity of flora and fauna, including species that are endemic and others in danger of extinction. Visitors get to walk the trails through the rainforest and explore its rich diversity.
※ The Sepultura Biosphere
Reserve Route
Located in the Sierra Madre of Chiapas, it boasts a great variety of rainforests, as well as pine forest and oak mesophilic mountain forest. It is a refuge for countless species of migratory birds and habitat of a genuine living fossil, the spiny palm. On this route you might even spot a lovely rose-bellied bunting.
※ Zoque Province Route
Located in the Tapalapa Ecological Reserve. The Tapalapa is a Zoque group living in the mountains in a cloud forest that is also the habitat of the stunning quetzal. Another bird to look out for on this route is the emerald toucanet.
※ How to Get There
The best recommendation is to contact the experts, so for bird watching, tour operators handling these routes are: RoyalFlycatcher Birding Tours & Nature Photography, Ecobiosfera Expediciones and VB Tours, all of which can take you on one of these adventures.
La Encrucijada Biosphere Reserve,
a Biodiversity Sanctuary
※ This protected area encompasses a wide variety of ecosystems, among which are mangroves, sapote forest and a lagoon system. It was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1995 and is in the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves.
No question, this coastal wetland is one of the best places to view local flora and fauna. It still has the four species of mangroves in Mexico, as well as kapok and palm trees. There is also amazing fauna to sight: aquatic birds, crocodiles, turtles, spider monkeys and ocelots.
Flora and Fauna to Be Found in La Encrucijada
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● Mangroves up to 115 ft high, the tallest in Latin America
● Sapote forest, the only one of its kind in Mexico
● 68 species of bats
● 73 species of mammals
● Over 300 species of birds
● 13 species of amphibians
● 20 species of invertebrates
● 42 species of reptiles
▌Its conservation is vital as a natural barrier, water filter and carbon sink, protecting threatened species. It does face challenges, however, like agriculture and development. To conserve the reserve, care must be taken not to throw away garbage or litter, remove wild flora or fauna or introduce exotic species.
La Encrucijada is important due to its eco-systemic services, its role in conservation and as a source of resources. Protecting it is crucial for biodiversity and future wellbeing. It is a priceless natural space that deserves to be known and preserved. What’s more, the reserve is an internationally important Ramsar wetland site for birds.
Activities at La Encrucijada
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● Boat rides along the canals and lagoons
● Observing sea turtle nesting
● Hiking to explore the area
● Observing some of the bird species found here
● Sighting crocodiles in their habitat
※ How to Get There
To get to the communities in the Encrucijada Ecotourism Network, you need to go to Embarcadero Las Garzas, a pier that is 60 mi from the city of Tapachula, on highway 200.
