The Sierra de Otontepec is located in the Huasteca region, in the northern part of Veracruz, a Mexican state. Also called Sierra de Tantima because of its proximity to a town of that name, it is a mountainous formation in the coastal area of the state.
With a privileged geographical location, the Sierra de Otontepec ranks as one of the best places for the development of biodiversity.
This biodiversity is the result of the plurality of climates that favor the growth of native species of the region and the cultivation of varied plants.
The flora is of great wealth and provides the state with food resources of importance for the human settlements present there.
The fauna, typical of the tropical forest, has a large number of species, some more surprising than others.
The great biological wealth, the natural sources of water, the diverse climate and the present topography make this region an exceptional site for environmentalists.
For all these reasons, in 2005 it was declared a protection zone and ecological reserve by the state.
Geographic characteristics
The Otontepec mountain range is 26 km long and 10 km wide. It is located within the Huasteca area, so the climate is temperate.
However, in parts of the sierra there are rainy areas due to the proximity to the Sierra Madre Oriental, which favors the appearance of tropical forests.
On the other hand, its proximity to the coast of the Gulf of Mexico and the continuous rains promote the appearance of streams, streams and waterfalls, which are the source of water for the irrigation systems of the abundant vegetation.
Its formation presents certain peculiarities. The sierra is isolated; in other words, it is surrounded by grasslands and plant species that make access difficult. This has contributed to the absence of human predation or excessive deforestation.
Human settlements
The first settlers were the Mayans and later they gave rise to the Huastecas, who are currently in charge of the protection of the mountains.
As it is a protected natural area, the settlers were forming communities dedicated to the protection of the natural elements of the place, which is classified as an ecological reserve.
Economic activity
The economic activity is limited to the agricultural production of products such as corn, beans and chili, a kind of hot pepper.
Livestock is also favored by the existence of extensive areas of pasture and the presence of natural water courses that favor cattle breeding.
The decree of protected natural area has served to restrict the areas in which livestock activity and deforestation can take place for cultivation purposes.
Ecological Reserve
The Sierra de Ontotepec is a privileged place on the planet; With its topographic and climatic diversity, it has favored the existence of animal and plant species of great ecological value.
The predominant fauna includes felines such as pumas, tigers and a variety of leopards; some species of wildlife are in danger of extinction. There are also birds of great beauty, such as the toucan.
Plant species include a variety of more than 365 types of plants; there are important forests and crops that have traditionally fed the population.
Additionally, the Sierra is one of the most important water catchments. Many streams, springs and streams flow into larger rivers, collaborating with the water irrigation of the area.
The Sierra de Otontepec is a place of great beauty, with surprising landscapes, striking animals, lush forests, among other attractions, which make it a place of special attraction.
However, it cannot be touristy until humans learn to visit without damaging nature.
References
- Sierra-madre-oriental.blogspot (July, 2015). "The Sierra de Otontepec, Huasteca Veracruzana" on the way to the Sierra Madre Oriental. Retrieved on December 16, 2017 from sierra-madre-oriental.blogspot.com.
- Sinacver. "The Sierra de Otontepec" in Microsite. Retrieved on December 16, 2017 from sinacver.mx
- Escobar, A (1998). "From the coast to the mountains: the Huastecas, 1750-1900" Retrieved on December 16, 2017 from books.google.co.ve
- Sustentur. (July, 2015) "The enigmatic biodiversity of the Sierra de Otontepec" Retrieved on December 16, 2017 from sustentur.com.mx
- Wikimexic. "Sierra de Otontepec or Tantima" Retrieved on December 16, 2017 from wikimexico.com