Mexico declares five new Ramsar Sites

20th June 2012

American White Pelican. Photography: Manjith KainckaraThe Government of Mexico has declared five new Ramsar Sites bringing their total to an impressive 138 sites, covering a surface area of 8,826,429 hectares.

The newest five are the Anillo de Cenotes in Yucatán, Ecosistema Ajos-Bavispe, zona de influencia Cuenca Río San Pedro in Sonora, Humedales de Montaña María Eugenia in Chiapas, Laguna de Santiaguillo in Durango, and Río San Pedro-Meoqui in Chihuahua

Anillo de Cenotes is a resting ground for waterbrids during their migration to the South and as well as home endemic species of reptiles, amphibians, birds and a number of endangered or threatened species of fish.

Ecosistema Ajos-Bavispe, zona de influencia Cuenca Río San Pedro is a wildlife corridor, providing shelter, food and resting zone for aquatic birds and for the American Bear (Ursus americanus).

Humedales de Montaña María Eugenia supports large populations of fish, birds, and amphibians and is an important resting place for migratory birds.

Laguna de Santiaguillo is located along one of the most important routes for birds that nest in Alaska and Canada, the site has become the most important site for aquatic bird hibernation in Durango, and this semi-desert region, it has a major hydrological influence of climate regulation. It provides habitat to a variety of IUCN Red-Listed mammals, at least 31 species of endemic herpetofauna, and 292 birds, of which 29 are considered to be endangered. The site is considered one of the 30 Most Important Wetlands in North America, and is listed as an Important Area for Bird Conservation by Mexican authorities.

Río San Pedro-Meoqui is a representative wetland of the Chihuahua desert, and one of the richest and most diverse ecoregions in the world. Bird populations also depend on the river during their migratory route. During winter, the site hosts large groups of American White Pelicans (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos) and Great Egret (Ardea alba).

More detailed information is available through the Ramsar website