| Barranca de Metztitlán Biosphere Reserve | |
|---|---|
 Peña del Aire nearHuasca de Ocampo,Hidalgo | |
   | |
| Location | Hidalgo,Mexico |
| Coordinates | 20°40′N98°52′W / 20.667°N 98.867°W /20.667; -98.867[1] |
| Area | 960.43 km2 (370.82 sq mi) |
| Designation | UNESCO-MAB Biosphere Reserve |
| Designated | 2006 |
| Administrator | National Commission of Natural Protected Areas |
| Website | https://simec.conanp.gob.mx/ficha.php?anp=9®=7 |
| Official name | Laguna de Metztitlán |
| Designated | 2 February 2004 |
| Reference no. | 1934[1] |
Barranca de Metztitlán is abiosphere reserve in the Mexican state ofHidalgo. It is protected for its dramatic scenery of steep cliffs and deep winding canyons, and its distinctive flora and fauna.
The reserve includes the deep and narrow barranca, or canyon, of the Metztitlán River, also known as the Venados River. The barranca is located on a semi-arid plateau which lies between theSierra Madre Oriental to the east and theSierra de Pachuca to the west. The Metztitlán River flows generally north–northwest. It is part of thePanuco River system, which drains into theGulf of Mexico.[2]
The reserve has an area of 960.43 km2.[3] It lies in the municipalities ofAcatlán,Atotonilco El Grande,Eloxochitlán,Huasca de Ocampo,Metztitlán,San Agustín Metzquititlán,Metepec,Zacualtipán, andCardonal.[2]
The canyon floor is 1200 to 1300 meters elevation, while the Sierra Madre Oriental to the east and northeast reaches 1800 to 2600 meters elevation.[4]
The Laguna de Metztitlán is a lake formed when a large landslide blocked the course of the Metztitlán River, creating a natural dam. The lake covers 700 ha and has an average depth of 9 to 10 meters. The area of the lake can increase to 5000 ha during periods of heavy rainfall.[1]
The reserve has a variety of plant communities, including xerophilous scrub, submontane scrub, tropical dry deciduous forest,pine–oak forest, pine forest, and juniper woodland. The reserve is rich in biodiversity, and many endemic plants and animals.[2]
The Barranca de Metztitlán was designated a national biosphere reserve on 27 November 2000 by presidential decree.[2] It was declared aninternational biosphere reserve in 2009 byUNESCO.[4] Laguna de Metztitlán was declared aRamsar Site in 2004.[1]