Sierra del Merendón facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sierra del Merendón |
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Sierra del Merendón
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| Highest point | |
| Peak | (Honduras) |
| Elevation | 2,400 m (7,900 ft) |
| Geography | |
| Countries | Guatemala and Honduras |
The Sierra del Merendón is a mountain range found in Central America. It forms part of the border between two countries: Guatemala and Honduras. This mountain range is a very important natural area. It has many different types of environments and homes for plants and animals.
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Where are the Merendón Mountains?
The Sierra del Merendón stretches across the eastern part of Guatemala and Honduras. To its southwest, you'll find the valley of the Lempa River. To the north, the Motagua River valley marks its edge. These rivers help define where the mountains begin and end.
Amazing Nature: Cusuco National Park
One of the most special places in the Sierra del Merendón is the Cusuco National Park. This park is located on the Honduran side of the mountains. It protects a large area of temperate forest, covering about 23,440 hectares. That's a huge space!
The highest parts of the park are between 1,800 and 2,242 meters above sea level. This high altitude helps create unique forest types.
Different Forest Habitats
Cusuco National Park is home to several kinds of forests:
- Cloud Forests: These forests are found at higher altitudes, from 1,500 to 2,242 meters. They are often covered in mist and clouds, which makes them very wet. This moisture helps many special plants and animals grow.
- Pine Forests: On the slopes that face south, you can find semi-arid pine forests. These are a bit drier and are located between 800 and 1,500 meters high.
- Deciduous Forests: On the north-facing slopes, there are wet deciduous forests. These are also found between 500 and 1,500 meters. Deciduous trees are those that lose their leaves in certain seasons.
These different habitats mean that the Sierra del Merendón, especially within Cusuco National Park, is a home for a wide variety of wildlife. Many unique species of plants and animals live here, making it a very important place for nature.
See also
In Spanish: Sierra del Merendón para niños
