Río Lagartos facts for kids
Río Lagartos is a small, interesting town located in the state of Yucatán, Mexico. It's about 42 kilometers (26 miles) north of Tizimín, and the big city of Mérida is around 230 kilometers (143 miles) to the west.
Río Lagartos is special because it sits right next to a beautiful lagoon called the Ría Lagartos. This lagoon is part of a very important natural reserve.
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Exploring Río Lagartos
Río Lagartos is a fantastic place for anyone who loves nature, especially birdwatching. The lagoon is home to many different kinds of birds. It's part of a special area known for its mangrove forests, which are unique trees that grow in salty water.
A Home for Birds
The Ría Lagartos area is so important for birds that it has been named an "Important Bird Area" (IBA) by international groups. This means it's a key spot for birds to live, feed, and raise their young.
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
In 2004, a big organization called UNESCO recognized the area's importance. They named it the Ría Lagartos Biosphere Reserve. A biosphere reserve is a special place where people try to balance protecting nature with using its resources in a smart way.
A Bit of History
The name "Río Lagartos" has an interesting story. Back in 1517, a Spanish explorer named Francisco Hernandez and his team were looking for water. They found a creek nearby and called it "El Estero de los Lagartos." This was because they saw "many large alligators" there! Today, you might still see some crocodiles, which are similar to alligators, in the area.
Photo gallery
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A view over the town of Río Lagartos
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The port area of Río Lagartos
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Beautiful flamingoes at the lagoon
See also
In Spanish: Río Lagartos para niños
