Biological diversity in the Tehuacán-Cuicatlán Valley, Mexico

Abstract

A general overview of the biological knowledge of the floristic province of the Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Valley in central-southern Mexico is presented. Floristic and faunistic richness and endemism, as well as uses of the flora are analyzed and discussed for this area, recently declared a biosphere reserve. The analysis shows that, in approximately 10 000 km2 the Tehuacan-Cuicatlan Valley contains between 10 and 11.4% of the Mexican flora. In addition, the valley possesses 365 endemic species that represent 13.9% of its flora. With respect to the fauna diversity, the available information is less comprehensive than for plants. Nevertheless, the study shows that the 11 species of amphibians, 48 species of reptiles, and 91 species of birds recorded for the valley surpasses the diversity found in other dry-lands of the world. In relationship to the mammals of the region, the available data are poor for most of the groups except for bats, for which 24 species have been reported. Regarding the use of the flora, the analysis revealed that 815 species are utilized by the people in the valley. A discussion related to future research activities is also included.