Mexico has huge differences in climate and landscape, which results in a wide variety of flora and fauna. From mountains and jungles to crystal clear ocean waters and coral reefs, there is a lot for the traveler to see.

The variety of wildlife in Mexico is breathtaking; over thirty thousand flowering plants grow there, including magnolia, orchids, frangipani, bougainvillea and many more.

The plant that is mostly associated with Mexico is, of course, the cactus. There are over 89 species of Cacti family growing in the country. An interesting fact is that the old name of Mexico City was Tenochtitlan, meaning 'place of the sacred cactus' in the language of the ancient Aztecs who inhabited it.

Several thousand species of insect inhabit Mexico, with the butterfly and moth species alone numbering over two thousand. Some of the most interesting butterfly species that can be seen in this area are the Giant Sickle-wing, Two-Barred Flasher, Tropical Buckeye and many more.

Over one thousand species of birds nest, raise their chicks, and live all year round in Mexico. Some of the most common and well-known species of birds that are found in Mexico are parrots, toucans, flamingos, ibis, humming birds and macaws.

One of the most prized and most beautiful birds whose feathers Maya, Aztec and other Mesoamerican civilizations used as decorations and in ceremonies is the quetzal. Today this bird is very rare and is in danger of extinction. They even envisioned some of their deities wearing a decoration made of its feathers.

The marine life is also very varied. Many tourists come to Mexico every year to get a chance to swim with the whale sharks, sea lions and giant sea turtles. The diversity of marine life does not stop there – many creatures such as swordfish, barracuda, giant mantas, sardines and mackerel are only a small part of the local marine life.

During the winter, thousands of migrating gray whales can be seen on their path from the Bering Sea to their feeding and breeding grounds. These giants can become up to 52 feet long and can weigh as much as 36 tons. A group of these animals swimming together to their feeding grounds is something that is worth seeing.

Very rarely, if they are lucky, a traveler can see the West Indian Manatee in the lagoons of Sian Ka'an, but these large sea mammals are very rare, so seeing them is indeed based on luck. These are very large, gray mammal animals that can grow up to 14 feet in length. They have very interesting paddle-like limbs and tail.

When it comes to land wildlife in Mexico, the diversity is amazing as well. Several types of reptiles such as crocodiles, turtles and spine-tailed iguana inhabit the lakes, rivers and forests of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Other land animals that most tourists would like to see include jaguars, puma, lynx, wolves, bears, monkeys, ocelots and tapirs. Encountering some of these animals in the wilderness can be dangerous, so the best way to see them is by sticking to the marked paths and having with you a guide who is familiar with the terrain and knows how to protect you from an angry animal if the situation requires it.

The diversity of wildlife in Mexico is amazing; however the industrialization, urbanization and pollution have taken their toll. Many land and sea areas in Mexico are now protected to preserve and take care of the species that inhabit this magical country, so future generations can experience the same magnificent natural environment we are able to see today.