Mexican Biodiversity

There are more than 170 countries in the World. Out of these 17 alone harbor in between 60 and 70% of the total biodiversity of the planet and also posses a very high number of endemic species.  Such countries earn the privilege to be called megadiverse. Mexico is one of them.
You can find Mexico, together with Brazil, Colombia and Indonesia, on the very top of the list taking up the first place in reptile diversity, second in mammals, fourth in amphibians and vascular plants and tenth in birds. In general terms, it is estimated that more than 10% of all world’s species live in this country. Up to date around 108.000 species of animals and plants have been described in Mexico, and the list keeps growing…

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

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

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

Fish – 2,692 species live in Mexico. This is about 10 % of world’s fish 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.