| Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve | |
|---|---|
IUCN category VI (protected area with sustainable use of natural resources)[1] | |
 Laguna Miramar in Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve | |
  Location of Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve in Mexico | |
| Location | Chiapas,Mexico |
| Coordinates | 16°40′N91°00′W / 16.667°N 91.000°W /16.667; -91.000[2] |
| Area | 3,312 km2 (1,279 sq mi) |
| Designation | UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve (international)biosphere reserve (national) |
| Designated | 1979 (international) 2000 (national) |
| Administrator | National Commission of Natural Protected Areas |
Montes Azules Biosphere Reserve is aprotected natural area inChiapas state of southernMexico. The reserve protects 3312 km2 of theLacandon Jungle, a lowland tropical rainforest.
Montes Azules Biosphere reserve adjoinsLacan-Tun Biosphere Reserve on the east, and is bounded by theLacantun River, a tributary of theUsumacinta, on the south.
The reserve contains 500 species of trees.[2]
More than 390 species of birds have been recorded in the reserve, almost half of all known species in Mexico. There are 116 species of mammals present, including thewhite-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) andnorthern tamandua (Tamandua mexicana). Native reptiles includeMorelet's crocodile (Crocodylus moreletii).[2]
Historically the forest was exploited forchicle andmahogany. The reserve is currently threatened by timber cutting and people setting fire to the forest to clear areas for cattle raising and farming.[2]
