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| Biosphere Reserve Information | ||||
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SIERRA GORDA |
 © Photo: Sierra Gorda BR |
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| General Description | The Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve is located in the State of Queretaro in northern Mexico. Its strategic biogeographical position between the Arctic Neotropical and the Mesoamerican Mountain regions makes Sierra Gorda one of the most ecologically rich and diverse places in Mexico. It comprises 14 vegetation types, dominated by the tropical sclerophyllous forest. The conservation of the ecosystems of Sierra Gorda is essential, they host a number of threatened species and serve as a refuge for migratory species. The local population of 98,846 (2002) inhabitants is mainly engaged in extensive cattle raising, seasonal agriculture and forestry. The region is influenced by the ‘huasteca’ culture, which is reflected in music and cooking. In 2000, the Management Plan was launched as a result of the joint effort between the Mexican Government, civil associations and the local communities to focus on the sustainability of the agricultural production and the restoration of degraded natural systems, with special attention to generating local benefits. A programme for environmental education has also been put in place where 162 schools will focus on ’education for sustainability‘. The biosphere reserve’s principal goal is to implement an economic development strategy with local communities and institutions, especially on commercial forest plantations in degraded areas. | |||
| Major ecosystem type | Mixed mountain and highland systems | |||
| Major habitats & land cover types | Tropical sub-sclerophyllous forest characterized by Cedrela odorata, Bursera simaruba, Adelia barbinervis, Brosimum alicastrum, Ceiba pentandra, Ficus insipida, etc.; tropical sclerophyllous forest incluiding Bursera simaruba, Capparis incana, Lysiloma microphylla, Phoebe tampicensis etc.; xerophyllous matorral with Echinocactus grandis, Myrtillocactus geometrizans, Fouquieria splendens, Yucca filifera, Larrea tridentata, Lophora diffussa, etc.; oak forest with Quercus mexicana, Q. castanea, Q. polymorpha, Q. crassifolia etc.; coniferous forest dominated by pine (Pinus), juniper (Juniperus), cypress (Cupressus) and fir (Abies pseudotsuga); mesophilous montane forest with Liquidambar styraciflua, Quercus laurina,Ulmus mexicana, Magnolia dealbata etc.; gallery vegetation along rivers dominated by Platanus mexicana, Taxodium mucronatum, Salix sp. and Carya illinoensis; agriculture; husbandry; forestry; mining | |||
| Location | 20°50' to 21°45'N; 98°50' to 100°10'W | |||
| Area (hectares) | ||||
| Total | 383,567 | |||
| Core area(s) | 24,803 (11 core areas) | |||
| Buffer zone(s) | 358,764 | |||
| Transition area(s) when given | Not defined | |||
| Altitude (metres above sea level) | +300 to +3,100 | |||
| Year designated | 2001 | |||
| Administrative authorities | Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (CONANP); Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales (SEMARNAT) Camino al Ajusco 200, 3er piso, Jardines en la Montaña, Tlalpan, C.P. 14210, México, D.F. Tel. (52 441) 296 0242 Fax: (52 441) 296 0229 E-mail: sierrago@ciateq.net.mx Procuraduría Federal de Protección al Ambiente (PROFEPA) | |||
| Last updated: 3/8/2011 |
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