Protected Natural Area of Cuatro Ciénegas

In Cuatro Ciénegas, the fish, turtles and reptiles still have the same characteristics as they did thousands of years ago. Their presence has been and continues to be important, which is why today it forms a part of the Protected Natural Area, located just over 5 miles away from the town. Its importance is such that scientists come from all around the world to this region in order to study its flora and fauna, as well as its strange ecological phenomena.  

 The valley of Cuatro Ciénegas (326 square miles of territory) is surrounded by tall mountains, which has resulted in it evolving at a different rate to the rest of the world. Wetlands, streams, and many natural pools, as well as 70 endemic species of bacteria –such as the famous stromatolites–, reptiles, fish, mollusks, insects and cactus plants can all be found here. These peculiarities have created a kind of ancient ecosystem that fascinates all types of scientists, which is why it was declared a Protected Natural Area in 1994.