Cumbres del Ajusco National Park
Encyclopedia
Cumbres del Ajusco National Park is one of many national parks near Mexico City
, DF. The Ajusco
is known for its high elevations reaching 3,900 meters (12,795 ft) above sea level and is visible from any part of Mexico city. The park is characterized by pine-oak forests and high mountain grassland. Cumbres del Ajusco means "watered grove peaks", an appropriate name for this mountainous region covered with lush green forest with many flowers due to a fair amount of precipitation. The Balsas and Lerma rivers begin in the heart of the Cumbres del Ajusco.
This range accounts for approximately half of the area of the Mexican Federal District, the rest of which is occupied by Mexico City. The area is key to the conservation of the ecosystem important to endemic species. Urbanization of Mexico city has posed several environmental concerns over the preservation of the habitats and ecosystems of the park.
was inhabited by natives known as Tepanecas along the San Buenaventura River.
During the 17th century, the Viceroyalty of New Spain made it a state policy to find all rural indigenous populations living in the mountainous areas of the Cumbres del Ajusco., and resettle them in a smaller area so that they could be converted to Christianity. Today there still remains many old Spanish missions and churches along the edge of the Cumbres del Ajusco.
Cumbres del Ajusco National Park was created by decree on September 23, 1936 by the Mexican federal government. The park was later expanded to its current state of 920 hectares (3.6 sq mi) on May 19, 1947.
Cumbres del Ajusco National Park is one of many national parks near Mexico City
, DF. The park is known for its high elevations reaching 3,900 meters (12,795 ft) above sea level which are part of the Sierra de Ajusco-Chichinauhtzin mountain range. All of the mountain systems in the area are part of the Cordillera Neovolcanica that crosses the center part of Mexico. Cerro La Cruz del Marqués
towers 1,400 meters (4,600 ft) above Mexico City and is the highest peak within the park reaching 3,930 meters above sea level.
The Highest Peaks in the Cumbres del Ajusco National Park
The park also includes part of the Valley of Mexico
bordering the Tlalpan
borough of Mexico City
. The park is characterized by pine-oak forests and high mountain grassland. Cumbres del Ajusco means "watered grove peaks", an appropriate name for this mountainous region covered with lush green forest with many flowers due to a fair amount of precipitation. The Balsas River
and Lerma River
begin in the heart of the Cumbres del Ajusco.
The mountains are constituted of perforated volcanic rock inhibiting surface rivers to form, but there are many subterranean rivers that feed fresh water springs in the lower areas of the park and in the surrounding valleys. The best known springs are Xochimilco
Springs, Nativitas Springs, and Las Fuentes Brotantes. Xochimilco Springs are important water source for Mexico City. The Sierra de Ajusco-Chichinauhtzin is part a mountainous forest area known as the Gran Bosque de Agua (Great Water Forest) because it meets the demands of one of the largest population centers in the world located in Central Mexico.
: Cfb subtropical highland with a summer wet season and a winter dry season occurring at elevations under , Cfc subtropical highland all year wet season, and ET polar tundra. Cfb subtropical highland occurs in elevations under 2,000 meters (6,560 ft). Cfc subtropical highland occurs at elevations between 2,000 meters and 3,000 meters (6,650-9,850 ft). ET Polar Tundra is found at elevations of 3,000 meters (9,850 ft) or higher. ET Polar Tundra continues to increase in area due to deforestation. Average annual temperature of the Ajusco is 13 °C (55 °F) with extreme temperatures rising to 26 °C (78 °F) in lower elevations and falling to -3 °C (26 °F) in elevations higher than 3, 000 metros (9,850 ft).
Even though the park is considered an area in jeopardy of being negatively affected by urban expansion, the Cumbres del Ajusco has a great diversity of flora and fauna endemic to Cordillera Neovolcanica that goes through the center of Mexico. The park consists primarily of various species of trees from the following families: pinus, abies, quercus, juniperus, and arbutus
. Throughout the park the fauna changes due to various physical geographic features like: elevation, steep slopes (with differences in facing direction), canyons, and valleys.
Abies religiosa, locally known as Oyamel from náhuatl
origin, is one of the many abies species located in the park. At altitudes between 2,700 and 3,500 meters (8,850-11,480 ft) above sea level, abies are the most abundant; abies grow most proficiently in rich organic soils with abundant moisture all year. The pine forests are most common at elevations between 2,350 to 4,000 meters (7,700 to 12,700 ft); the most common pinus species are: pinus leiophylla, pinus montezumae
, pinus rudis, pinus teocote
, and pinus hartwegii. Pinus hartwegii is one of the pinus species that have become endangered.
The following oak species are the most common in the park: quercus rugosa
, quercus laeta, quercus laurina, quercus deserticola, and quercus crassipes. Junipers can be found in open species in gentle slopes and lower elevations like in some valleys.
The park's fauna consists of many mammals like: Bat
s, Shrew
, Opossum, Volcano Rabbit
, Squirrel
, Least Weasel
, Skunk
, Coyote
, and Bobcat
. There are three common snake species in the park: Milk Snake
, Rattlesnake
, and Plain-bellied Water Snake
.
The bird species in the park sometimes have been known to feed in the Mexico City metropolitan area due to its proximity to the park. The main bird species observed in the park are: House Sparrow
, Barn Swallow
, Lark
, Chalk-browed Mockingbird
, Woodpecker
, Goldcrest
, Blue Jay
, Black Vulture
, and Golden Eagle
.
Mexico City
Mexico City is the Federal District , capital of Mexico and seat of the federal powers of the Mexican Union. It is a federal entity within Mexico which is not part of any one of the 31 Mexican states but belongs to the federation as a whole...
, DF. The Ajusco
Ajusco
Ajusco is a lava dome volcano located just south of Mexico City, Mexico, in the Tlalpan borough of the city. It is the highest point in the Mexican Federal District, which contains Mexico City.-Etymology:...
is known for its high elevations reaching 3,900 meters (12,795 ft) above sea level and is visible from any part of Mexico city. The park is characterized by pine-oak forests and high mountain grassland. Cumbres del Ajusco means "watered grove peaks", an appropriate name for this mountainous region covered with lush green forest with many flowers due to a fair amount of precipitation. The Balsas and Lerma rivers begin in the heart of the Cumbres del Ajusco.
This range accounts for approximately half of the area of the Mexican Federal District, the rest of which is occupied by Mexico City. The area is key to the conservation of the ecosystem important to endemic species. Urbanization of Mexico city has posed several environmental concerns over the preservation of the habitats and ecosystems of the park.
History
The Cumbres del Ajusco has attracted humans since approximately 1200 BC; Otomíes are thought to have been the first to inhabit the Ajusco area. During the pre-Columbian Era, an area now known as TlalpanTlalpan
Tlalpan is one of the sixteen administrative boroughs of the Federal District of Mexico City. It is the largest borough, with over eighty percent under conservation as forest and other ecologically sensitive area. The rest, almost all of it on the northern edge, has been urban since the mid 20th...
was inhabited by natives known as Tepanecas along the San Buenaventura River.
During the 17th century, the Viceroyalty of New Spain made it a state policy to find all rural indigenous populations living in the mountainous areas of the Cumbres del Ajusco., and resettle them in a smaller area so that they could be converted to Christianity. Today there still remains many old Spanish missions and churches along the edge of the Cumbres del Ajusco.
Cumbres del Ajusco National Park was created by decree on September 23, 1936 by the Mexican federal government. The park was later expanded to its current state of 920 hectares (3.6 sq mi) on May 19, 1947.
Geography
Mexico City
Mexico City is the Federal District , capital of Mexico and seat of the federal powers of the Mexican Union. It is a federal entity within Mexico which is not part of any one of the 31 Mexican states but belongs to the federation as a whole...
, DF. The park is known for its high elevations reaching 3,900 meters (12,795 ft) above sea level which are part of the Sierra de Ajusco-Chichinauhtzin mountain range. All of the mountain systems in the area are part of the Cordillera Neovolcanica that crosses the center part of Mexico. Cerro La Cruz del Marqués
Cerro La Cruz del Marqúes
Cerro de la Cruz del Marqués is a peak of the Mountain range called Ajusco. It is located in Cumbres del Ajusco National Park at the outskirts of Mexico City specifically at the coordinates N19 12 27.2 W99 15 29.4 - is the actual highpoint of the Ajusco....
towers 1,400 meters (4,600 ft) above Mexico City and is the highest peak within the park reaching 3,930 meters above sea level.
The Highest Peaks in the Cumbres del Ajusco National Park
- Cruz del MarquésCerro La Cruz del MarqúesCerro de la Cruz del Marqués is a peak of the Mountain range called Ajusco. It is located in Cumbres del Ajusco National Park at the outskirts of Mexico City specifically at the coordinates N19 12 27.2 W99 15 29.4 - is the actual highpoint of the Ajusco....
: 3,930 m (12,795 ft) above sea level - Pico del ÁguilaPico del ÁguilaPico del Águila is a peak of the mountain range called Ajusco, located in Cumbres del Ajusco National Park at the southern outskirts of Mexico City, specifically at the coordinates N19 12 46.8 W99 15 25.2 – 12776 ft in the borough of Tlalpan. It is a popular Sunday hike, and can be climbed in...
: 3,880 m (12,730 ft) above sea level - Santo TomásSanto TomasSanto Tomás, Spanish for Saint Thomas, describes numerous locations.- Places in the world :*Argentina**Santo Tomás, Buenos Aires, Carlos Casares Partido, Buenos Aires Province*El Salvador**Santo Tomás, El Salvador*Guatemala...
: 3,710 m (12,172 ft) above sea level - Mezontepec: 3,480 m (11,417 ft) above sea level
The park also includes part of the Valley of Mexico
Valley of Mexico
The Valley of Mexico is a highlands plateau in central Mexico roughly coterminous with the present-day Distrito Federal and the eastern half of the State of Mexico. Surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, the Valley of Mexico was a centre for several pre-Columbian civilizations, including...
bordering the Tlalpan
Tlalpan
Tlalpan is one of the sixteen administrative boroughs of the Federal District of Mexico City. It is the largest borough, with over eighty percent under conservation as forest and other ecologically sensitive area. The rest, almost all of it on the northern edge, has been urban since the mid 20th...
borough of Mexico City
Mexico City
Mexico City is the Federal District , capital of Mexico and seat of the federal powers of the Mexican Union. It is a federal entity within Mexico which is not part of any one of the 31 Mexican states but belongs to the federation as a whole...
. The park is characterized by pine-oak forests and high mountain grassland. Cumbres del Ajusco means "watered grove peaks", an appropriate name for this mountainous region covered with lush green forest with many flowers due to a fair amount of precipitation. The Balsas River
Balsas River
The Balsas River is a major river of south-central Mexico. The basin flows through the states of Puebla, Morelos, Guerrero, and Mexico. The river empties into the Pacific Ocean at Mangrove Point, adjacent to the city of Lázaro Cárdenas, Michoacán...
and Lerma River
Lerma River
The Lerma Santiago River is Mexico's second longest river. It is a river in west-central Mexico that begins in Mexican Plateau at an altitude over above sea level, and ends where it empties into Lake Chapala, Mexico's largest lake, near Guadalajara, Jalisco...
begin in the heart of the Cumbres del Ajusco.
The mountains are constituted of perforated volcanic rock inhibiting surface rivers to form, but there are many subterranean rivers that feed fresh water springs in the lower areas of the park and in the surrounding valleys. The best known springs are Xochimilco
Xochimilco
Xochimilco is one of the sixteen delegaciones or boroughs within Mexican Federal District. The borough is centered on the formerly independent city of Xochimilco, which was established on what was the southern shore of Lake Xochimilco in the pre-Hispanic period...
Springs, Nativitas Springs, and Las Fuentes Brotantes. Xochimilco Springs are important water source for Mexico City. The Sierra de Ajusco-Chichinauhtzin is part a mountainous forest area known as the Gran Bosque de Agua (Great Water Forest) because it meets the demands of one of the largest population centers in the world located in Central Mexico.
Climate
There are three different climate zones in the park according to Köppen climate classificationKöppen climate classification
The Köppen climate classification is one of the most widely used climate classification systems. It was first published by Crimea German climatologist Wladimir Köppen in 1884, with several later modifications by Köppen himself, notably in 1918 and 1936...
: Cfb subtropical highland with a summer wet season and a winter dry season occurring at elevations under , Cfc subtropical highland all year wet season, and ET polar tundra. Cfb subtropical highland occurs in elevations under 2,000 meters (6,560 ft). Cfc subtropical highland occurs at elevations between 2,000 meters and 3,000 meters (6,650-9,850 ft). ET Polar Tundra is found at elevations of 3,000 meters (9,850 ft) or higher. ET Polar Tundra continues to increase in area due to deforestation. Average annual temperature of the Ajusco is 13 °C (55 °F) with extreme temperatures rising to 26 °C (78 °F) in lower elevations and falling to -3 °C (26 °F) in elevations higher than 3, 000 metros (9,850 ft).
Flora and fauna
Arbutus
Arbutus is a genus of at least 14 species of flowering plants in the family Ericaceae, native to warm temperate regions of the Mediterranean, western Europe, and North America.-Description:...
. Throughout the park the fauna changes due to various physical geographic features like: elevation, steep slopes (with differences in facing direction), canyons, and valleys.
Abies religiosa, locally known as Oyamel from náhuatl
Nahuatl
Nahuatl is thought to mean "a good, clear sound" This language name has several spellings, among them náhuatl , Naoatl, Nauatl, Nahuatl, Nawatl. In a back formation from the name of the language, the ethnic group of Nahuatl speakers are called Nahua...
origin, is one of the many abies species located in the park. At altitudes between 2,700 and 3,500 meters (8,850-11,480 ft) above sea level, abies are the most abundant; abies grow most proficiently in rich organic soils with abundant moisture all year. The pine forests are most common at elevations between 2,350 to 4,000 meters (7,700 to 12,700 ft); the most common pinus species are: pinus leiophylla, pinus montezumae
Pinus montezumae
Pinus montezumae, known as the Montezuma Pine, is a species of conifer in the Pinaceae family.It is native to Mexico and Central America, where it is known as Ocote. The tree grows about 35 m high and 80 cm in diameter; occasionally it may reach a height of 40 m and diameter of...
, pinus rudis, pinus teocote
Pinus teocote
Pinus teocote is a species of conifer in the Pinaceae family.It is found only in Mexico. 20-30 m tall and 75 cm diameter. Straight trunk and dense top. It grows at 1500-3200 mm...
, and pinus hartwegii. Pinus hartwegii is one of the pinus species that have become endangered.
The following oak species are the most common in the park: quercus rugosa
Quercus rugosa
Quercus rugosa is a species of oak tree which is found in Mexico and the southwestern United States.-Source:...
, quercus laeta, quercus laurina, quercus deserticola, and quercus crassipes. Junipers can be found in open species in gentle slopes and lower elevations like in some valleys.
The park's fauna consists of many mammals like: Bat
Bat
Bats are mammals of the order Chiroptera "hand" and pteron "wing") whose forelimbs form webbed wings, making them the only mammals naturally capable of true and sustained flight. By contrast, other mammals said to fly, such as flying squirrels, gliding possums, and colugos, glide rather than fly,...
s, Shrew
Shrew
A shrew or shrew mouse is a small molelike mammal classified in the order Soricomorpha. True shrews are also not to be confused with West Indies shrews, treeshrews, otter shrews, or elephant shrews, which belong to different families or orders.Although its external appearance is generally that of...
, Opossum, Volcano Rabbit
Volcano Rabbit
The Volcano Rabbit also known as teporingo or zacatuche is a small rabbit that resides in the mountains of Mexico. It is the world's second smallest rabbit, second only to the Pygmy Rabbit. It has small rounded ears, short legs, and short, thick fur. The Volcano Rabbit lives in groups of 2 to 5...
, Squirrel
Squirrel
Squirrels belong to a large family of small or medium-sized rodents called the Sciuridae. The family includes tree squirrels, ground squirrels, chipmunks, marmots , flying squirrels, and prairie dogs. Squirrels are indigenous to the Americas, Eurasia, and Africa and have been introduced to Australia...
, Least Weasel
Least Weasel
The least weasel is the smallest member of the Mustelidae , native to Eurasia, North America and North Africa, though it has been introduced elsewhere. It is classed as Least Concern by the IUCN, due to its wide distribution and presumably large population...
, Skunk
Skunk
Skunks are mammals best known for their ability to secrete a liquid with a strong, foul odor. General appearance varies from species to species, from black-and-white to brown or cream colored. Skunks belong to the family Mephitidae and to the order Carnivora...
, Coyote
Coyote
The coyote , also known as the American jackal or the prairie wolf, is a species of canine found throughout North and Central America, ranging from Panama in the south, north through Mexico, the United States and Canada...
, and Bobcat
Bobcat
The bobcat is a North American mammal of the cat family Felidae, appearing during the Irvingtonian stage of around 1.8 million years ago . With twelve recognized subspecies, it ranges from southern Canada to northern Mexico, including most of the continental United States...
. There are three common snake species in the park: Milk Snake
Milk Snake
The milk snake or milksnake is a species of king snake. There are 25 subspecies among the milk snakes, including the commonly named scarlet kingsnake...
, Rattlesnake
Rattlesnake
Rattlesnakes are a group of venomous snakes of the genera Crotalus and Sistrurus of the subfamily Crotalinae . There are 32 known species of rattlesnake, with between 65-70 subspecies, all native to the Americas, ranging from southern Alberta and southern British Columbia in Canada to Central...
, and Plain-bellied Water Snake
Nerodia erythrogaster
The plain-bellied water snake or plainbelly water snake is a common species of mostly aquatic, nonvenomous, colubrid snake found in the United States.- Range and habitat:...
.
The bird species in the park sometimes have been known to feed in the Mexico City metropolitan area due to its proximity to the park. The main bird species observed in the park are: House Sparrow
House Sparrow
The House Sparrow is a bird of the sparrow family Passeridae, found in most parts of the world. One of about 25 species in the genus Passer, the House Sparrow occurs naturally in most of Europe, the Mediterranean region, and much of Asia...
, Barn Swallow
Barn Swallow
The Barn Swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. It is a distinctive passerine bird with blue upperparts, a long, deeply forked tail and curved, pointed wings. It is found in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas...
, Lark
Lark
Larks are passerine birds of the family Alaudidae. All species occur in the Old World, and in northern and eastern Australia; only one, the Shore Lark, has spread to North America, where it is called the Horned Lark...
, Chalk-browed Mockingbird
Chalk-browed Mockingbird
The Chalk-browed Mockingbird, Mimus saturninus, is a bird found in most of Brazil, and parts of Bolivia, Uruguay, Paraguay, Argentina, and Suriname. It's a bird of open wooded areas, including urban and suburban gardens...
, Woodpecker
Woodpecker
Woodpeckers are near passerine birds of the order Piciformes. They are one subfamily in the family Picidae, which also includes the piculets and wrynecks. They are found worldwide and include about 180 species....
, Goldcrest
Goldcrest
The Goldcrest, Regulus regulus, is a very small passerine bird in the kinglet family. Its colourful golden crest feathers gives rise to its English and scientific names, and possibly to it being called the "king of the birds" in European folklore. Several subspecies are recognised across the very...
, Blue Jay
Blue Jay
The Blue Jay is a passerine bird in the family Corvidae, native to North America. It is resident through most of eastern and central United States and southern Canada, although western populations may be migratory. It breeds in both deciduous and coniferous forests, and is common near and in...
, Black Vulture
Black vulture
Black vulture may refer to:* American Black Vulture* Eurasian Black Vulture...
, and Golden Eagle
Golden Eagle
The Golden Eagle is one of the best known birds of prey in the Northern Hemisphere. Like all eagles, it belongs to the family Accipitridae. Once widespread across the Holarctic, it has disappeared from many of the more heavily populated areas...
.
External links
- Revista Chapingo. Ecología de la fauna silvestre de la Sierra Nevada y la Sierra del Ajusco.. Consultado el 18 de agosto de 2008.
- Reseña, descrioción y estado del parque por la acividad humana en la página de Planeta.com. Consultado el 18 de agosto de 2008.
- Ficha técnica del parque en la red escolar ILCE. Consultado el 20 de agosto de 2008.
- Reportaje en la página de Internet la revista México Desconocido sobre la práctica del descenso en bicicleta de montaña. Consultado el 20 de agosto de 2008.