San Pedro Mezquital River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Río San Pedro Mezquital |
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 Location of mouth
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| Other name(s) | Río San Pedro |
| Country | Mexico |
| State | Nayarit, Durango |
| Physical characteristics | |
| River mouth | Pacific Ocean 21°56′22″N 105°21′01″W / 21.939417°N 105.350269°W |
| Length | 540 km |
| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 27,674 km2 |
The San Pedro Mezquital River (which is Río San Pedro Mezquital in Spanish) is an important river in Nayarit, Mexico. It starts high up in the mountains and flows a long way before reaching the ocean.
This river begins its journey in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range. It then travels through two Mexican states: Durango and Nayarit. Finally, it empties into the Pacific Ocean. The place where it meets the ocean is special, as it's part of the Marismas Nacionales Biosphere Reserve. This reserve is a protected area, important for nature.
River's Journey
The San Pedro Mezquital River is quite long, stretching for about 540 kilometers (335 miles). Its path takes it through different landscapes, from mountain areas to flatter lands. The area that collects water for the river, called its basin, covers a huge space of 27,674 square kilometers (10,685 square miles).
Fish and Wildlife
The San Pedro Mezquital River is home to several types of fish. Some of these fish are found only in this river, meaning they are native to it.
- Two special kinds of fish called Characodon splitfins live here. These fish are very rare and are in danger of disappearing forever.
- Another fish, the Durango shiner (Notropis aulidion), used to live in the Rio Tunal. This river is one of the main sources of the San Pedro Mezquital. Sadly, the Durango shiner is now extinct, meaning it no longer exists. It was last seen in the 1950s and 1960s.
The river's mouth, where it meets the Pacific Ocean, is part of the Marismas Nacionales Biosphere Reserve. This reserve is a vital wetland area. It provides a home for many different animals, including birds, fish, and other wildlife. Protecting this area helps keep the river and its creatures healthy.
See also
In Spanish: Río San Pedro Mezquital para niños
