Sierra de Huautla Biosphere Reserve
Sierra de Huautla Biosphere Reserve is a protected natural area in the state of Morelos in Central Mexico. The reserve protects a mountainous area that includes river basin of the Rio Balsas, an area with several ecosystems and a diversity of vegetation and animal life.
Understand
The reserve covers an area of 164,324 hectares.
History
The reserve was created by the Mexican government in 1999. It became part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves in 2006.
Landscape
The reserve is a mountainous area along the Balsas River. Altitudes vary from 700 to 2,240 meters above sea level. Ecosystems vary by location and elevation and range from low deciduous forest to pine-oak forests. At lower elevations, the dominant ecosystem is tropical dry forest. At upper elevations it is pine-oak forest.
Flora and fauna
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The varied ecosystems and terrain provide habitat for a large number of plant and animal species including a large number of endemic species found nowhere else. 939 plant species have been identified in the reserve, representing 1/3 of the total number of known species in Morelos. 44 species of butterfly reproduce here. There are also 71 mammal species, 208 bird species, 53 reptiles, and 18 amphibians.
Birdwatchers might be able to spot the Military Macaw, Rfus-backed Robin, Balsas Screech Owl, and Pileated Flycatcher.
The mammals include several species of wild cat, including apex predators like the Puma and the Jaguar, as well as Margays, Ocelots, and Bobcats. There are also several species of bats inhabiting caves.
Climate
The climate is tropical and warm with low humidity.
Get in
The reserve is 50 km south of Cuernavaca. The drive will take about 40 minutes.
By car
Drive south of Morelos on federal highway 95-D (tolls).