Pico de Tancítaro facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pico de Tancítaro |
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 3,840 m (12,600 ft) |
| Prominence | 1,663 m (5,456 ft) |
| Parent peak | Pico de Orizaba |
| Geography | |
 Pico de Tancítaro
Location in Mexico
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| Location | Tancítaro, Michoacán, Mexico |
| Geology | |
| Mountain type | Stratovolcano |
| Volcanic arc/belt | Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt |
Pico de Tancítaro, also known as Volcán Tancítaro, is a large volcanic mountain in Mexico. It is located in the state of Michoacán. This mountain is the highest point in all of Michoacán.
Contents
The Mountain's Story: Geology
Pico de Tancítaro is a type of volcano called a stratovolcano. These volcanoes are tall and cone-shaped. They are built up over time by many layers of hardened lava, ash, and rocks.
Scientists believe Pico de Tancítaro was active between 800,000 and 237,000 years ago. Today, it is thought to be an extinct volcano. This means it is no longer expected to erupt.
Pico de Tancítaro is part of a much larger area called the Michoacán–Guanajuato volcanic field. Some parts of this big volcanic area are still active. For example, Parícutin is a younger volcano. It is located about 11 kilometers (7 miles) northeast of Pico de Tancítaro. Parícutin first erupted in 1943 and grew in size until 1952.
Nature on the Mountain: Ecology
Pico de Tancítaro is home to many different types of plants and animals. The plant life changes as you go higher up the mountain. You can find different kinds of forests and even grasslands near the top.
Forests of Pico de Tancítaro
The most common type of forest on the mountain is the pine-oak forest. This forest covers the lower parts of the mountain up to about 3,450 meters (11,320 feet) high. Here, you will see many types of pine trees. Some common ones include Pinus pseudostrobus and Pinus montezumae.
Oak trees are also found between 2,100 and 2,800 meters (6,900 and 9,200 feet). They often grow alongside the pine trees. Other broadleaf trees and shrubs also grow in these forests.
Higher up, between 2,450 and 3,400 meters (8,000 and 11,150 feet), you might find forests of oyamel fir trees. These trees grow in areas that get a lot of water. Even higher, around 3,400 meters (11,150 feet), a type of pine called Pinus hartwegii becomes very common.
Cloud Forests
Some parts of the mountain have mountain mesophilic forests, also known as cloud forests. These forests are found on slopes between 2,000 and 2,600 meters (6,560 and 8,530 feet). They are special because they have high humidity all year round. Fog is also very common here.
Cloud forests are often found in ravines. These areas offer water all year and protection from strong winds and sun. Many different trees grow here, like Quercus calophylla and Carpinus tropicalis. You can also find many epiphytes. These are plants that grow on other plants, like trees, but do not harm them. Examples include ferns, orchids, and bromeliads.
High-Altitude Grasslands
At higher elevations, you will find subalpine grasslands, also known as Zacatonal or zacatal. These grasslands can start as low as 3,000 meters (9,840 feet). They become the main type of plant life above 3,400 meters (11,150 feet).
Around 3,500 meters (11,500 feet), you might see woodlands of Juniperus monticola trees. These trees have a grassland under them. Many types of grasses grow here, such as Festuca amplissima. You can also find various herbs and small shrubs.
Animal Life
Pico de Tancítaro is home to about 207 different kinds of animals. This includes many interesting species. You might see birds like the Cooper's hawk (Accipiter cooperii). Another bird is the Brown-backed solitaire (Myadestes occidentalis).
The mountain also has amphibians like the blunt-headed salamander (Ambystoma amblycephalum). Frogs like the Pátzcuaro peeping frog (Eleutherodactylus angustidigitorum) also live here. Reptiles include mud turtles (Kinosternon species) and the Popocatepetl alligator lizard (Barisia imbricata).
Pico de Tancítaro Flora and Fauna Protection Area
A special area on the mountain is called the Pico de Tancítaro Flora and Fauna Protection Area. It covers a large space of 23,405 hectares (about 57,835 acres). This protected area ranges from 2,200 to 3,840 meters (7,200 to 12,600 feet) in elevation.
This area was first made a national park on July 27, 1940. Later, on August 19, 2009, it was changed to a flora and fauna protection area. Even with the change, many people still call it Pico de Tancítaro National Park. This protected area includes both Pico de Tancítaro and the younger Parícutin volcano.
See also
In Spanish: Pico de Tancítaro para niños
