Sierra de Morones facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sierra de Morones |
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|---|---|
| Sierra Morones | |
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| Geography | |
| Country | Mexico |
| State | Zacatecas |
| terrestrial ecoregion | Sierra Madre Occidental pine–oak forests |
| Parent range | Sierra Madre Occidental |
The Sierra de Morones is a mountain range in the middle-west part of Mexico. It is a long chain of mountains. It stretches through the state of Zacatecas. This area is known for its beautiful forests and unique plants.
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Exploring the Sierra de Morones
The Sierra de Morones mountains run from north to south. They are located in the state of Zacatecas. These mountains are part of a larger system. This system is called the Sierra Madre Occidental. The Sierra de Morones forms the southern end of this big mountain chain. It connects with the Sierra Fría to the east. It also connects with the Sierra los Huicholes to the west.
Rivers of the Sierra
Many rivers flow from the Sierra de Morones. These rivers are important for the land around them.
- The Juchipila River flows from the eastern side. It runs south and joins the Río Grande de Santiago.
- The Bolaños River flows from the western side. It is also a branch of the Río Grande de Santiago.
- The Río Grande de Santiago borders the mountains. It runs along the south and southeast parts of the range.
Plants and Animals of the Sierra
The Sierra de Morones is home to many different plants and animals. The type of forest changes with how high you go.
Forests of the Mountains
Above 800 meters (about 2,600 feet), you will find Sierra Madre Occidental pine–oak forests. These forests are full of trees.
- Oak trees are very common here.
- Pine trees grow more often at higher elevations.
Below 800 meters, the forest changes. It becomes a tropical dry forest. This type of forest has plants that can handle dry weather.
Unique Pine Trees
One special tree lives only in the Sierra de Morones. It is called Pinus maximartinezii. This is a type of pine tree. You can find it growing between 1,600 and 2,000 meters (about 5,200 to 6,500 feet) high. It is a rare and important tree species.
Protecting the Sierra
A part of the Sierra de Morones is a protected area. It is called Cuenca Alimentadora del Distrito Nacional de Riego 043 Estado de Nayarit. This is a national natural resources protection area.
Why is it Protected?
This area was first protected in 1949. The main goal was to keep the forests healthy. It also protected the watersheds. Watersheds are areas of land that drain water into a river or lake. Protecting these areas helps farmers downstream. They rely on the water for their crops. The area was re-designated as a national resources protection area in 2002. This means it is still very important to protect its nature.
See also
In Spanish: Sierra Morones para niños
