Quintana Roo - Nature Reserve

In 1986 an area of more than 485,000 ha (1198,435 acres) was declared the Sian Ka'an (Maya: "beginning of the sky"; Reservaciónde la Biósfera Sian Ka'an) Nature Reserve. This almost undisturbed and unpopulated region of lagoons, tropical forest, mangrove swamps, palm groves, marsh and coral reefs is bordered on the north by Tulum, on the west by Felipe Carillo Puerto, on the south by Punta Herrero and on the east by a coral reef. The reserve is not only intended to protect flora and fauna but should also guarantee a balanced use of nature in harmony with its inhabitants. Countless fish, crustaceans and bivalves live in the reserve, as do crocodiles, turtles, manatees, tapirs, monkeys, small deer, jaguars, ocelots, pumas and many species of birds, including parrots, pelicans and flamingos.