PHOTO CREDIT: National Geographic
Veinte de Noviembre has 14,000 ha of forest and agricultural land. The vegetation is considered tropical, sub-deciduous forest and various tree species of ancient and present importance can be found including Mahogany, Cedar, Ramon, Chicozapote, Cobal, and Pucte.
Chicozapote Tree
Chicozapote: This tree is easy to find in the forest because its trunk will show diagonal slashes made by a machete. This is done to extract the latex, which later becomes bubble gum. This product is exported and is a major source of income for many families. The wood is durable and highly resistant to rotting. For this reason it was used by the ancient Maya for the thresholds of temples.
Ramon: The Mayas valued the fruit of this tree as a major food source for its flavor and high protein content. Many experts believe that the Ramon was prized against other plants because the tree produced fruit three times a year. The seeds are eaten by many birds and small mammals that live in the jungle and the leaves of the Ramon are used as pasture feed because of its high protein content.
Copal: It is believed that the smell of burning sap (as incense) pleased the Mayan gods and, in fact, was used during sacrifices and rituals. The resin of the Copal tree was also used during ceremonies to bless the planting and harvest seasons, to ask for rain, or simply to give thanks for curing the sick or for a successful hunt.
Ceiba:
The ceiba tree is the sacred tree of the Maya. Its roots represent the
underworld, the branches represent the gods of the heavens, and the trunk
represents humankind on earth. The Ceiba is also believed to be have
medicinal properties to cure Leprosy.
The Gumbolimbo Tree, called Chaca in Spanish, is used as an antidote for the sap of the Poisonwood Tree (CheChen) which causes blistering, swelling, and itching.
Gumbolimbo Tree
RUFOUS - TAILED HUMMINGBIRD
(PHOTO CREDIT: CARLY VOIGHT)
More than 1000 bird species are found in Mexico (around 257 spend winters here or migrate through) and most of them are in the tropical southern areas; 475 species alone are found in the Yucat�n Peninsula. Many families of birds, including the toucans, motmots, manakins, and cotingas are endemic to the Neotropics. Many migrating bird species that fly north to the U.S. and Canada during the spring months spend 7-8 months in these tropical forests and as their habitats are vanishing, so are the numbers that migrate.
Tropical
birds are famous for their bright, flashy colors and feather patterns and are
frequently seen and in large numbers. It�s not uncommon to be walking
along a trail seeing a few birds at various points here and there and then,
suddenly, a flock with up to 20 or more species flies into view, filling the
trees around you but then, before you realize it, they have flown away!
MONTEZUMA'S OROPENDOLA (PHOTO CREDIT : CARLY VOIGHT)
Animals
such as the Central American Spider Monkey, Yucatan Black Howlers, Northern
Raccoons, Ocelot, and Northern Tamanduas call this region home.
The Spider Monkey, hunted for meat and considered to be the best-tasting monkey, has severely reduced populations in Mexico. This is a concern because the monkey breeds slowly and hunted populations have little hope of recovery
The Calakmul region also provides habitat for the Ocellated Turkey, Yucatan and Deppe's Squirrel, White-nosed Coati, Gray Fox, Central American Agouti, the Mexican Mouse Opossum, and the morpho butterfly.
A Forest full of wildlife....but don't forget to bring your binoculars!
PHOTO CREDIT: National Geographic: Ocellated Turkey