[Mexico] Ranks First In Biodiversity In Reptiles

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. 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).

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 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.