Serranía de Zapalinamé facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Serranía de Zapalinamé |
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| Sierra de Zapalinamé | |
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Camino de Cuatro in the Sierra de Zapalinamé
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 Serranía de Zapalinamé
Location in Mexico
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| Location | Coahuila, Mexico |
| Nearest city | Saltillo |
| Area | 253.74 km2 (97.97 sq mi) |
| Designation | ecological conservation |
| Designated | 1996 |
The Serranía de Zapalinamé, also known as the Sierra de Zapalinamé, is a mountain range in northeastern Mexico. It is a very important natural area. The big city of Saltillo is right next to these mountains.
This mountain range is a part of a larger chain called the Sierra Madre Oriental. It stretches out towards the west from this bigger mountain system. The highest point in the Serranía de Zapalinamé is a peak named El Penitiente. It stands tall at about 3,140 meters (10,300 feet) above sea level.
Contents
Nature and Wildlife
The Serranía de Zapalinamé is home to different kinds of plants and animals. The types of plants change depending on how high up you go in the mountains.
Forests and Plants
At the higher parts of the mountains, you can find beautiful pine–oak forests. These forests are made up of tall pine trees and sturdy oak trees. They like the cooler, wetter conditions found at higher elevations.
As you go down the slopes, the land becomes drier. Here, the forests change into dry shrublands. These areas have smaller bushes and plants that can live with less water.
Water Importance
The Serranía de Zapalinamé plays a key role in the water supply for the region. It is located in the upper part of the San Juan River basin. The forests in these mountains act like a natural sponge. They help to protect the quality of the water that flows downstream. They also help to reduce the risk of floods in the areas below.
Protected Area Status
The Serranía de Zapalinamé is a special place because it is a protected area. This means the government has set it aside to keep its natural environment safe.
Why It's Protected
In 1996, the government of Coahuila, which is the state where the mountains are located, officially made the Serranía de Zapalinamé an ecological conservation area. This was done to protect its unique plants, animals, and important water sources. The protected area covers a large space of 253.74 square kilometers (about 98 square miles). This protection helps to make sure that this natural treasure will be around for many years to come.
See also
In Spanish: Sierra de Zapalinamé para niños
