What Reserva de la Biosfera El Vizcaíno is known for

The Reserva de la Biosfera El Vizcaíno Destination is located in Baja California Sur and stretches across the width of the peninsula. Towns such as El Tavo, San Ignacio, San Juanico, Santa Rosalía, and Mulegé—among others—comprise the region, though many of these communities have fewer than 1,000 year-round residents. Acting as the namesake of the destination, the Reserva de la Biosfera El Vizcaíno (or "El Vizcaíno Biosphere Reserve") is Mexico's largest wildlife refuge. Its geographic area spans approximately 25,000 square kilometers, bordering parts of the Valle de los Cirios Protected Area of Flora and Fauna.[1]

A number of activities are possible in the territory, with the majority of them taking place outdoors. The biosphere reserve is known for its whale-watching sites, given that the Baja California lagoons act as essential wintering habitats for grey whales in the process of breeding. That being said, numerous other species are located in the region, drawing in bird watchers and other outdoor enthusiasts each year. Apart from spotting local wildlife, tourists participate in ventures such as canoeing, cycling, viewing cave paintings, and camping.[2]

One of the largest cities within the Reserva de la Biosfera El Vizcaíno Destination is Santa Rosalía. Containing a population of roughly 14,000 inhabitants (as of 2015), the city first gained traction through a series of local copper mines—most notably the Boleo Mine. Though the mine was closed down in the 1980s, modern efforts have been made to re-establish the premises in some form or another. Regardless of its potential future, the mine stands as a prominent historical feature in Santa Rosalía, and the town's touristic popularity now provides economic support for the area.[5]

A smaller city some 61 kilometers to the south of Santa Rosalía is Mulegé. Its population is just under 3,800 people according to a 2010 census, though numerous tourists from various parts of the world visit Mulegé each year. The village has been described as "one of the prettiest towns in Baja California Sur," perhaps in part because it is situated in a valley with abundant greenery. A stream runs through the valley, eventually flowing into the sea. Additionally, orchards are spread across the landscape. Many of the visitors to Mulegé participate in bird watching, big game fishing, kayaking, taking tours of local caves, and deep sea fishing.[7]

Geography

Geographically speaking, the Reserva de la Biosfera El Vizcaíno Destination is primarily a desert environment. As such, the Desierto de Vizcaíno is one of "the least populated parts of the [Baja California Sur] peninsula." Though the region is not home to a relatively large amount of year-round residents, thousands of tourists visit each year to participate in one of the many wildlife attractions that are possible nearby. In Guerrero Negro—located near the mouth of the Laguna de Ojo de Liebre—people are able to view the grey whales that migrate into the lagoon each winter. This can be done from the shore or by chartering a boat into the Laguna San Ignacio. Additionally, the area is home to numerous manmade saltworks and salt pans, many of which are exhibited in the Exportadora de Sal.[4]

The entirety of the Reserva de la Biosfera El Vizcaíno Destination can be found in Baja California Sur, a peninsula that comprises a relatively small portion of Mexico. The destination stretches from coast to coast on the peninsula, with the North Pacific Ocean being located on its western edge and the Gulf of California to the east. A handful of inlets are situated in the Vizcaíno area, such as the San Ignacio Lagoon.

Given the fact that the destination is named after a sprawling wildlife refuge, it is not surprising that a wide variety of species can be found within its borders. Regarding the local flora, representative species include red mangrove, cirio, cascabelito, seagrass, chaffwood, white palm, and yucca. Desert reptiles have adapted to the dry environment, with the pine tree toad, Baja California rattlesnake, and Baja California stone lizard acting as a few prominent examples.[3]

The aforementioned grey whales are some of the area's most unique forms of wildlife. Researchers from around the world have undertaken whale censuses over the years to understand the population of these mammals, and viewing their migration habits is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Reserva de la Biosfera El Vizcaíno Destination. Numerous efforts on the part of lagoon guards are taken to improve the protection and well-being of the whales.[4] 

Acting as a representation of the weather in the destination, Santa Rosalía often sees temperatures that vary from 68 to 92 degrees Fahrenheit. It is rare for temperatures to exceed 97 degrees or fall below 63. Though there are temperature differences from season to season, these changes are relatively minimal. During the winter, visitors can expect roughly the same type of weather as in the summer, though in the winter, it is slightly milder. Rain is most often experienced in September, with an average of 13.3 inches.[6]

History

It is estimated that the first native groups to inhabit the El Vizcaíno area did so approximately eleven thousand years ago. Not much is known of these early peoples, though one possible explanation for their presence in the area is that they were following the coastline during some form of exploration. One of the modern-day attractions in the Reserva de la Biosfera El Vizcaíno Destination is to view cave art—a remnant of these ancient natives.[1]

Spanish explorers arrived in the territory during the 16th century. Two main expeditions were conducted, with a man named Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo taking to the coastlines and a second person—Sebastián Vizcaíno—heading inland. Sebastián Vizcaíno's efforts led to the region being called El Vizcaíno.[1]

The history specifically surrounding the biosphere reserve is substantially more modern, with the first events taking place in the early 1900s. International agreements were set into place in 1932 and 1949 to protect the migratory birds and other animals that were being hunted for game. Later, in 1971, the Laguna Ojo de Liebre was proclaimed to be a marine refuge zone for the whales that migrate there annually. Other regions were designated as refuge zones during the 1970s as well, though the last one took place in 1980. Finally, in 1988, the zone was classified as the Reserva de la Biosfera El Vizcaíno stretching from the Pacific coast to that of the Gulf of California.[4]