Flora and Fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula
The Yucatan Peninsula is the southeastern portion of land jutting into the sea, separating the Caribbean Sea from the Gulf of Mexico. The Mexican provinces of Yucatan, Campeche and Quintana Roo are located here, as well as portions of the nations Belize and Guatemala. Quintana Roo is most famous for its capitol city of Cancun, a luxurious resort destination with such facilities as the Sandos Playacar Resort and Secrets Capri.
From a geological and ecological point of view, the Yucatan Peninsula is very unique. Along the north, east and west sides, the land is isolated by the sea. On the south end, the peninsula is isolated simply by the dry, arid land. The convergence of these two characteristics combine to create the perfect canvas for unusual species to develop.
Where the conditions are favorable, mangroves can occur all over the world. A mangrove refers to a delicate community of plants and animals in tropical area that are regularly or permanently inundated with saltwater. Many people believe the mangrove refers only to the woody species living in the area, when in fact the term encompasses every living thing. The confusion comes when we learn that four species of trees growing in the mangrove are called Red Mangrove, Black Mangrove, White Mangrove and Button Mangrove. The trees create their ecological community through the harboring of small creatures, allowing them to flourish and evolve with little threat of predators. In fact, the only real threats to mangrove communities are human encroachment activities and tropical cyclones. One cannot be prevented, while the other is very preventable. When mangroves are cleared, the damage is not only to the species left homeless but also to the shoreline. The mangrove trees form a strong network of root systems which prevent erosion. Mass destruction of the mangrove trees invites a diminishing coast line, fewer beaches and the extinction of countless species of flora and fauna.
Some of the animal species that are associated with the coastal wetlands of the Yucatan Peninsula are incredible just for their mere existence. As previously explained, the ecosystem on the peninsula is unique, so what is found there is equally unique. The Yucatan Spiny Lizard is endemic to the region, as is the Yucatan Milk Snake, which is most recognizable by its bright orange, black and yellow stripes. The Yucatan Robber Frog and Black Catbird are both native to the peninsula and unfortunately rarely seen. The Ocellated Turkey is more commonly encountered, and unlike its North American relatives, is quite beautiful. Its feathers hold an effervescent quality, much like a Peacock.
The Whale Shark is a prestigious inhabitant of the waters off the Yucatan Peninsula. In fact, there is a festival held in its honor on Isla Mujeres each July. The whale shark is the largest living fish species found on earth today. Despite its name, it is a fish, not a mammalian whale. Also in spite of its name, it is not a predatory species, like the shark. They are filter feeders, meaning they feed on nothing but algae, plankton, krill and crab larvae. The whale shark is docile, gentle and will occasionally play with divers. The only danger in an encounter is their sheer size. The largest specimen ever caught was measured at 41.5 feet long and weighed a whopping 47,000 pounds. An experience with a creature even half that size could pose a danger to humans, no matter how gentle they are.
Many resorts like Sun Palace Cancun are located well away from mangrove communities so as not to interfere with the delicate ecosystem. Staff at the resort can arrange gentle snorkeling tours, in which you may encounter a whale shark or manta ray. These are safe activities if you follow the advice of your guide. If birdwatching is more your cup of tea, explore tours like Sian Ka’an Birdwatching or Birding in the Yucatan Peninsula. When you are booking your vacation, ask about ecotourism activities available in the Cancun area.
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