FLORA AND FAUNA OF DURANGO: MOST IMPORTANT CHARACTERISTICS - BIOLOGY - 2025

The flora and fauna of Durango varies from one end of the state to another due to its diverse climate. In arid areas, small plants such as sabaneta and ocotillo predominate, and the fauna is comprised of rodents, scorpions and rattlesnakes.

In somewhat cooler climates there is greater biological diversity. Plants such as yucca, blood and candelilla are typical of the slopes of the hills. The fauna is made up of foxes and coyotes.

On the other hand, in the wooded area there are oak and pine trees coexisting with pumas, eagles and deer.

The 4 most representative plants in Durango

1- Candelilla

It is a plant belonging to the arid areas of Durango. It grows in the form of a scrub and is highly appreciated by the locals, since a wax is obtained from this plant that is used by the pharmaceutical and electronics industries.

2- Chacaleño

The chacaleño is the name given to the agave from the Durango area. It is used to prepare a typical Mexican drink called mezcal.

This plant is found in desert areas. The flavor of this agave is different from that of the others existing in Mexico; This is mainly due to the minerals that the volcanic soil of the area has.

3- Strawberry tree

It is a tree found in the Durango mountain range, it is cultivated mainly for decoration and grows around 10 or 20 meters high.

Although the wood of this plant is used to make small items, it is also known in traditional medicine for being an astringent in cases of diarrhea.

4- Peyote

This cactus-shaped plant is characteristic of semi-desert areas.

For the natives it has been considered since ancient times as a plant with medicinal powers and is commonly used in rituals and ceremonies.

The 4 most representative animals of Durango

1- Tlalcoyote

It is a carnivorous species that feeds on small animals such as squirrels and moles, among others.

They are found in grassland areas and can weigh up to 12 kilograms at maturity.

2- Pronghorn

They are mammals native to desert areas, especially in the area called El Bolsón de Mapimí.

It is approximately 1 meter long and its fur is reddish brown, contrasting with the white belly. It is considered the second fastest animal on the planet after the cheetah.

3- Wild turkey

This bird also receives the name of a cone and is native to the forested areas of Durango.

It basically feeds on flowers and fruits, as well as small insects. It sleeps in the treetops and its meat is highly valued, so in the state of Durango hunting seasons are established for this specimen.

4- Desert tortoise

It is located in the Bolson de Mapimí (desert area). This land tortoise can weigh up to 12 kilograms.

They can reach 100 years of age and have the peculiarity of digging their burrows in sandy areas, to protect themselves from high temperatures and predators.

References

1. Canales, E., V. Canales Martínez and EM Zamarrón. (2006). Candelilla, from the Mexican desert to the world. Biodiversitas 69: 1-5. Taken from biodiversity.gob.mx
2. Fauna & Flora International (2017) Taken from fauna-flora.org
3. Morales, A; Garza, A.; Sotomayor, J. (1997). Diet of the wild turkey in Durango, Mexico. Chilean Journal of Natural History 70: 403-414. Taken from rchn.biologiachile.cl
4. Encyclopedia of the States and Municipalities of Mexico. Durango. Taken from inafed.gob.mx
5. UNESCO (2017). Ecological Sciences for Sustainable Development. Taken from unesco.org