Viva Natura

There are more than 170 countries in the World. Out of these 12 alone harbor in between 60 and 70% of the total biodiversity of the planet and thus earn the privilege to be called megadiverse.
Mexico is one of them.

Amphibians
Frogs, toads and caecilians. Many species endemic to Mexico included. Sound library in progress.
Reptiles
Crocodiles, turtles, lizards and snakes, including endemic iguanas, lizards, geckoes and snakes.
Birds
Birds of the forests, freshwater and the ocean. Including endemic parrots and jays.
Mammals
Mammals of the forest and the ocean. Cat-like, dog-like, racoon-like mammals, cetaceans and many more.

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CLICK TO SEE HOW BIODIVERSE MEXICAN FAUNA IS

7.55

Amphibians

372 species of frogs, toads and caecilians live in Mexico. About 8 % of world's diversity.

9.76

Reptiles

864 species of reptiles live in Mexico. This is almost 10 % of world's reptilian diversity.

11.82

Birds

1,096 species of birds live in Mexico. This is about 12 % of world's avian diversity.

12.21

Mammals

535 species of mammals live in Mexico. About 12 % of world's mamalian diversity.

Why is Mexico Megadiverse?

Location

Most megadiverse countries lie in tropical regions. Tropical regions are more biodiverse. With exception of the northern part of the country, Mexico lies in the tropics extending from 32° North above the Tropic of Cancer (Baja California Norte) south to 14° Norte (Chiapas).

Biogeographical history

When the landmasses of North and South America first made contact roughly 3 million years ago, and became joined by the Isthmus of Panama, a transition zone with a rich mixture of fauna and flora originated. This unique zone is a belt stretching from coast to coast over today’s Mexico. Central and western flyways of North American bird migrations pass through Mexico, enriching its avifauna during the winter months.

Geographical diversity

Complex geography always translates into diversity of habitats, soils and climates. Mexico is an extremely varied country with oceans on both sides and great altitudinal range.

Size

Larger countries have bigger diversity of habitats, which means more species. Mexico is 14th largest country on the planet with 1,972,550 km2.

Glaciation and Island Effect

There are dozens of islands on Mexican territory. These are often home to unique species of animals and plants. Unique species can also be found in so called glacial refugia – geographic regions which made possible the survival of flora and fauna in times of ice ages.

viva_natura_mexico

A Blacknosed butterflyfish (Johnrandallia nigriros

The beauty of Astropyga never disappoints. . . .

A PRICKLY PARTY (Backlog: September 3rd, 2019) Ta $A PRICKLY PARTY (Backlog: September 3rd, 2019) Taking an advantage of blue and warm summer water, we are back at Los Arcos National Marine park. After a quick survey of the conditions we decide to dive Las Lajas first. I am the first one in and with the aid of an anchor rope descend quickly to the bottom at about 15m (45 ft). I want to prep my camera and strobes before the rest of the group arrives. As I reach the bottom I find a beautiful group of 10 Crown sea urchins (Astropyga pulvinata) clumped together only a few feet from our anchor. I circle around and park myself flat on a patch of sand immediately next to the urchins. They are mercifully stationary, but at the same time quite busy. Their quills move rapidly back and forth, giving the group an appearance of an agitated hedgehog. Suddenly, out of the corner of my eye I spot a movement and a fraction of a second later two Beaubrummels (Stegastes flavilatus) swirl around the sea urchins. They are not in the least afraid of me. On the contrary, they seem to assume a role of self appointed urchin body guards. I am enjoying the spectacle in front of me and manage to take a shot of the action with my wide angle dome almost touching the closest urchin quills. The two damsel fish keep on patrolling the perimeter and I wonder about their true motivations. I know that just as other damsel fish, Beaubrummels are quite aggressive and territorial, especially during the mating season. But no matter how hard I look I cannot find anything worth defending around here. No egg patch or a cleared nesting site. I know that some smaller fish species often take refuge among the spiny backs of Astropyga, but the two Beaubrummels are too big to hide here effectively. Perhaps their egg patch is somewhere close and they came to make sure I am not a threat. But these are of course just my own speculations. The Astropyga congregation itself is also not without interest... (Full story link in bio)$

The Master of camo. Stone scorpionfish (Scorpaena

Tiny brittle stars swarming the fingers of Leptogo

Perfect micro gardens on shallow reefs of Majahuit

A throwback to diving in British Columbia ... Not

Large fans of Black coral (Myriopathes panamensis)

Diomedes’ nudibranch (Elysia diomedea) roving th

What hides under the Arches. Los Arcos, Banderas B

Los Arcos, Banderas Bay. . . . #lovenature #vivana