Área de Protección de Flora y Fauna Yum Balam. 02/02/04; Quintana Roo; 154,052 ha; 21°28'N 087°19'W. Wildlife Sanctuary. A coastal lagoon and a mosaique of low and medium forests on the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, home to a rich fauna., including the jaguar, Baird's Tapir Tapirus bairdii, Crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus and C. moreletii), sea turtles, American Manatees Trichechus manatus, Spiny Lobsters Panulirus argus, and the near -threatened Ocellated Turkey Agriocharis ocellata. Besides the well preserved forests, noteworthy vegetation communities are those of Everglades palms (Acoelorreaphe wrightii), mangroves and petenes. Fishing is the main income source for locals yet the main problem for the area as well, as fishing intensity has increased and stocks diminished. Tourism, forestry, cattle ranching and agriculture are of low intensity today, yet their impact could grow in the next years. Ramsar site no. 1360. Most recent RIS information: 2004.

Quintana Roo