Yucatan Home to 50% of All Bird Species in Mexico Raul Ponce de Leon Curmina - The Yucatan Times | |
go to original December 4, 2012 |
The Yucatan Peninsula is the home to 50% of the birds species recorded in Mexico, it is a privileged region with great potential in the world for scientists and birdwatchers.
According to a study by the Organizing Committee of the Tho Bird Festival, 226 species that can be seen in the region are considered Nearctic-Neotropical migratory, coming from northern latitudes to spend the winter in warmer habitats and with higher food availability. Even, some of them use the Yucatan Peninsula as a rest area to continue their journey to southern latitudes.
In Yucatan, 465 species have been identified, including 20 orders, 70 families and 272 species, according to monitoring works performed in the state by national and foreign specialists, and yet, there is evidence of new species.
Out of the total, 236 species are considered local residents, where 213 are 100% Yucatecans, they breed and spend their entire life in the state, while the remaining 23 are permanent residents, but have small migratory populations.
This natural richness has made the “nature tourism” a major economic activity in Yucatan, where for more than a decade, efforts have been made to consolidate it as a serious offer for the domestic and international tourism.
One of these efforts is the Toh Bird Festival, which just concluded last November 24, to promote Yucatan as nature tourism destination based on the observation of birds.
Also, various activities have been implemented like photography and drawing contests, conferences and workshops on topics related to birds given by local and foreign experts, photographic exhibitions, bird watching workshops and the Marathon of the bird xoc chich.
This marathon is considered the pinnacle event and the main thermometer to measuring the success of the Festival, which has shown a participants average of 108 people in all its editions of the marathon.
The organization of workshops and conferences that aim to promote awareness about the ecological importance of birds and their economic potential for nature tourism and to foster a love of bird watching in the urban public, are some of the efforts made.
The programs also seeks to contribute to the formation and creation of opportunities for local people as nature guides, as they are a fundamental part of the ecotourism activities in terms of the quality of their services and as environmental educators.
In addition, there is an annual competition to promote the participation of children, youth, general public and photographers. The works awarded are on display in an exhibition called “United for the birds” that will be open until December 10 in the central building of the Autonomous University of Yucatán.
Around Merida there are several places located less than 30 minutes drive away from the city, where people can enjoy the sounds of singing birds while watching them.
One of many good options to appreciate several species of birds is the recently remodeled Hacienda Kankirixche that has more than 4 kilometers of walking trails that gives to its visitors the opportunity to develop this love for birds and enjoy the nature of the area. The Hacienda Kankirixche is located in the municipality of Acanceh, 35 minutes south of Merida, visit its website at www.haciendakankirixche.com.
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