If you are looking for a good adventure, then Yucatan is definitely the place to be. The Yucatan Peninsula is filled with many wondrous places and sights to see, which include vast tropical jungles rich with diverse wildlife, tropical and migratory bird species, and ancient stone ruins of the Mayan civilization.

The wildlife in Yucatan is highly varied because of the abundant ecosystem in the entire peninsula. In places the natural habitats of the animals and birds are well preserved in form of sanctuaries, biospheres, reserves, and national parks. In Yucatan you will see all kinds of interesting creatures from beautiful birds to fearsome-looking crocodiles.

Geography and Wildlife

The Yucatan Peninsula sits atop a low, constantly-moving undersea platform of limestone. The peninsula itself is gradually moving upwards and emerging above sea level. In fact, the northernmost tip of the peninsula, Merida, was submerged until it surfaced one million years ago. Parts of Tikal also used to be underwater. Since the inlands of northern Yucatan are characteristically low and flat, there are no streams or rivers.

In the inner part of the peninsula, the nature is in abundance and the wildlife is diverse. There are well-over 125 species of mammals, 546 species of birds grouped in 74 families, 180 species of reptiles, and countless more amphibians, fishes, and insects.

Some species of mammals in the peninsula, such as the Yucatan Squirrel, are half-endemic. Felines like the Jaguar, Puma, and Margay prowl the deeper jungles and hunt in their vast territories. Their elusive beauty is considered a special attraction for tourists visiting the inlands of Yucatan. You might also come across other mammals like the Opossum, Agouti, and Coatimundi.

Tropical Bird Species

Yucatan houses 546 avian species, divided into 74 different families. Of those species, 18 can be found only in the jungles of Yucatan. Because of the teeming avian wildlife, birding is a very popular activity in the peninsula and can be done practically anywhere. The birds flock together in shorelines, deep jungles, mangrove lagoons, swamps, and even the stone cities of the ancient Mayan ruins. Two of the most famous birding sites are Coba and the Chichen Itza. The surrounding areas of Cancun are also good birding destinations.

Some of the common birds you'll see are the Ruddy Ground-Dove, White-winged Dove, Turquoise-browed Motmot, Groove-billed Ani, Golden-fronted Woodpecker, and Social Flycatcher. The Cozumel Emerald, Thrasher, and Vimeo are three endemic species in Yucatan. The Thrasher, however, has been last sighted in 2006 after a strong hurricane struck the peninsula. Among other more widely seen species are the Yellow-lored or Yucatan Parrot, Yucatan Nightjar, Black Catbird, Rose-throated Tanager, Orange Oriole, and Ocellated Turkey.

Crocodilian Species

Yucatan also has several crocodile parks, wherein two of the most famous attractions are the Morelet's crocodile and the American crocodile. Both are freshwater crocodilian species that can be found nearly anywhere in the peninsula.

Have a Yucatan Wildlife Adventure

If you are looking for a good adventure in the wilderness, wanting to visit ancient sites, or simply planning to go bird watching, then touring Yucatan could be perfect for you.

Duende Tours Adventure Travel offers active tours through the Yucatan Peninsula: Mexico, Guatemala and Belize. Read more about Birding Tours, and Yucatan Adventures.