|
|
Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve
Sian Ka'an (translated
of the Mayan it is "Where the sky" or "Gift is born of the sky") is
located 24 km south of Tulúm, Sian Ka'an, which means "where the sky
is born" in ancient Maya, was decreed a nature reserve on January
20, 1986; with additions made in 1994 and 1998, it currently
stretches over a total area of 650,000 hectares –10% of the state of
Quintana Roo.
The reserve encompasses all the main ecosystems in the Central
America and the Caribbean and its flora boasts 800 classified
vegetable species. A total of 2,161 different animal species have
been registered to date, including 339 types of birds, 103 mammal
types. Reptiles in the area include the green, loggerhead and
hawksbill sea turtles.
Its coast boasts 120 km of coral-reef barrier, which belongs to the
second most important reef system in the world, the Great Mayan Reef.
The fresh, clear waters offer an unparalleled coral formations 84
types of coral, more than 450 fish species and countless other life
forms.
Within the boundaries of the Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve is
Bocapaila on a 20-meter-wide peninsula, which then stretches for
another 25 km towards Punta Allen at Ascension Bay.
There are five entrances to the reserve, located in Pulticub, Santa
Teresa, Chumpon, Chunyaxche and Chac Mool. Guard parks, working
by
governmental organization SEMARNAT, are in each one of the entrances
to make sure the fulfillment of the regulations within the reserve.
|