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Sian Ka'an
Sian Ka'an (Mayan for "where the sky is born") encompasses tropical rain forest, drier areas of tree speckled savanna, coastal mangrove flats and some 70 miles of offshore coral reefs all protected from encroachment or commercial development. This vast wilderness is a haven for a variety of wildlife including some endangered species such as jaguars, ocelots, tapirs, peccaries (wild pig), howler monkeys, crocodiles, manatees, and sea turtles.
Bird life is equally rich and diverse and the 350 species inhabiting the reserve range from cormorants, storks, egrets and herons to neon colored toucan parrots and frigate birds.
Areas of virgin jungle contain about 1200 varieties of plants and sea life is equally as abundant. |
The Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve occupies 1.3 Million acres along the Caribbean Coast that includes the Boca Paila Peninsula and the road into Punta Allen. It was created in 1986 as a protected wildlife area and designated a World heritage Site in 1987 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The reserve, like others on the Yucatan Peninsula, was established to preserve the native environment.