Biosphere ReserveBiosphere Reserve
Sierra Gorda
Sierra Madre Oriental (Querétaro)Designated in 19973,837 km²
The Mexican reserve with the greatest diversity of ecosystems, from semi-desert to rainforest and cloud forest
Area
3,837 km²
Designated in
1997
Region
Sierra Madre Oriental (Querétaro)
Declared in 1997 after years of pioneering community management led by the civil organisation Grupo Ecológico Sierra Gorda, it is reckoned the biosphere reserve with the greatest diversity of vegetation types in Mexico — from semi-desert to rainforest and cloud forest — thanks to its steep altitudinal gradient. Within its boundaries stand the Franciscan Missions of the Sierra Gorda, built in the 18th century by Fray Junípero Serra before he founded the celebrated missions of California, and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a cultural property in its own right, separate from the nature reserve.
Location
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Sierra Gorda: 66 documented species
Mammals21Birds27Reptiles4Amphibians
Flora and ecosystems
Ecosystems found in Mexico, where Sierra Gorda lies.
Tropical rainforestDesertMarine / coastal
Experiences in this park
Birdwatching
Wildlife you can see now
What is worth looking out for this month in Mexico?
Now is a good time: Veracruz River of Raptors (20 August to 20 November (peak in the first two weeks of October))
Now is a good time: Great white shark aggregation at Guadalupe Island (July to November (some years into January))
Similar parks
Which other parks are like this one?
Same country: Mexico
Same country: Mexico
Same country: Mexico
Same country: Mexico
Keep exploring
Based on what we already know about this park.
Comments
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