Wildlife of Mexico

Mexico is one of the most biologically diverse countries of the world with a wealth of ecosystems and species.

Biodiversity of Mexico (Wikipedia)

Mexico is one of the 18 megadiverse countries of the world. With over 200,000 different species, Mexico is home of 10–12% of the world’s biodiversity.[57] Mexico ranks first in biodiversity in reptiles with 707 known species, second in mammals with 438 species, fourth in amphibians with 290 species, and fourth in flora, with 26,000 different species.  Mexico is also considered the second country in the world in ecosystems and fourth in overall species.  Approximately 2,500 species are protected by Mexican legislations. The Mexican government created the National System of Information about Biodiversity, in order to study and promote the sustainable use of ecosystems.

In Mexico, 170,000 square kilometres are considered “Protected Natural Areas.” These include 34 reserve biospheres (unaltered ecosystems), 64 national parks, 4 natural monuments (protected in perpetuity for their aesthetic, scientific or historical value), 26 areas of protected flora and fauna, 4 areas for natural resource protection (conservation of soil, hydrological basins and forests) and 17 sanctuaries (zones rich in diverse species). See also Environmental issues in Mexico

The Nature Conservancy in Mexico

The Nature Conservancy works in partnership with Mexico’s conservationists to save its rich natural heritage - including the Chiapas cloud forests in southern Mexico with cycads, an ancient and rare tropical flowering plant that are estimated to be at least 2,500 years old.

Mexico - Nature Smithsonian Magazine

Mexico harbors a wealth of ecosystems and species that make it one of the richest countries in the world in terms of biological diversity. This wealth of natural resources is one of the greatest and most beautiful treasures of Mexico, one that attracts thousands of tourists as well as many scientists.

List of mammals of Mexico

List of the mammal species recorded in Mexico. There are 490 mammal species in Mexico, of which 12 are critically endangered, 36 are endangered, 26 are vulnerable, and 2 are near-threatened. 3 of the species listed for Mexico are considered to be extinct.

Birds and Wildlife in Mexico, Costa Maya and Yucatan

Excellent selection of links on birds and wildlife of Mexico, Yucatan, the Costa Maya.

Nature holidays in Mexico

Wildlife holidays in Mexico Birding, butterfly, mammal and whale watching holidays to Mexico with Naturetrek

Wildlife books about Mexico

A Field Guide to the Mammals of Central America and Southeast Mexico

“This is the first comprehensive field guide to the mammals of Central America, one of the most diverse and species-rich regions in the world. The book is generously illustrated with 48 full-colour plates and numerous line drawings. The colour plates illustrate about 85% of the 349 species in the region. All large mammals are illustrated in colour, and different forms are included when a species varies with sex, age or geographic location. Particularly impressive are the portrayals of small mammals such as bats, rodents, and marsupials, most of which were painted directly from life by the author. Designed for use both by amateur naturalists and professional biologists, this guide provides accounts for all mammals native to the land and surrounding waters of Central America and Southeast Mexico (east of the Isthmus of Tehuantapec).”–Ethology Ecology & Evolution

A Guide to the Birds of Mexico and Northern Central America

This is a completely new in-depth field guide to the 1,070 bird species, including North American migrants, found in Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, El Salvador, Honduras, and western Nicaragua. More than 180 species are endemic to this region and the book details their appearance, voice, habitat, behaviour (including nests and eggs) and distribution. Range maps are included with species accounts, and introductory essays give essential background information, with special appendices summarizing useful information on the avifaunas of various offshore Pacific and Caribbean islands. The Guide’s striking illustrations include 71 colour plates and 39 black-and-white drawings, based on the authors’ field experience and in many cases detailing plumages never before illustrated. Authoritative and up-to-date, this is an essential reference work for every birdwatchers’ collection.

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