Tehuantepec-El Manchon mangroves

The Tehuantepec-El Manchon mangroves ecoregion (WWF ID:NT1435) covers a series of mangrove woodlands along the Pacific Ocean coast of the state of Chiapas, Mexico. The ecoregion is relatively large and continuous, with trees up to 25 meters in height. The region supports stands of a type of yellow mangrove (Rhizophora harrisonnii) that normally only grown further south. The coast of Mexico here is wet - over 2,500 mm/year of rain. Four RAMSAR wetlands of international important are found in the zone, and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (the La Encrucijada Biosphere Reserve). Of particular importance are the wide variety of permanent and migratory birds in the area.[1][2][3]

Tehuantepec-El Manchon mangroves
Mangroves near Tonalá, Chiapas, Mexico
Ecoregion territory (in purple)
Ecology
RealmNeotropic
BiomeMangroves
Geography
Area2,590 km2 (1,000 sq mi)
CountryMexico
Coordinates15.93°N 93.68°W / 15.93; -93.68

Location and description

The mangrove sites of this ecoregion run almost continually along a 260 km stretch of the Pacific Coastal Plain, along the length of the state of Chaipas. This plain is at the foot of the Sierra Madre de Chiapas mountains and is mostly flat. For the western-most 50 km, the ecoregion immediately inland is the Southern Pacific dry forests. Further east and south the interior ecoregion is the Central American dry forests ecoregion.

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.[4][5] Precipitation averages 2,500-3,000 mm/year.[1]

Flora and fauna

The characteristic mangrove tree species of the region are Red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle), white mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa), yellow mangrove (Rhizophora harrisonii), black mangrove (Conocarpus erectus), and water zapotón (Pachira aquatica).[1]

Protected areas

Officially protected areas in this ecoregion include:

  • Sistema Estuarino Puerto Arista, a RAMSAR wetland of international importance.[6]
  • La Encrucijada Biosphere Reserve, UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
  • Zona Sujeta a Conservación Ecológica Cabildo-Amatal, a RAMSAR wetland of international importance.[7]
  • Sistema Estuarino Boca del Cielo. A Marine Turtle Reserve, and RAMSAR wetland of international importance.[8]
  • Zona Sujeta a Conservación Ecológica El Gancho - Murillo. A RAMSAR wetland of international importance.[9]

References
  1. "Tehuantepec-El Manchon mangroves". World Wildlife Federation. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  2. "Map of Ecoregions 2017". Resolve, using WWF data. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  3. "Tehuantepec-El Manchon mangroves". The Encyclopedia of Earth. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  4. 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.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. "Dataset - Koppen climate classifications". World Bank. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
  6. "Sistema Estuarino Puerto Arista". RAMSAR Sites Information Service. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  7. "Zona Sujeta a Conservación Ecológica Cabildo - Amatal". RAMSAR Sites Information Service. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  8. "Sistema Estuarino Boca del Cielo". RAMSAR Sites Information Service. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
  9. "Zona Sujeta a Conservación Ecológica El Gancho - Murillo". RAMSAR Sites Information Service. Retrieved November 20, 2020.
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