Yum Balam, Protected natural area in Quintana Roo, Mexico.
The Yum Balam reserve spans 154,052 hectares, containing coastal wetlands, barrier islands, mangrove forests, and marine environments along the northern Yucatan Peninsula.
Local communities initiated the protection of this area following Hurricane Gilbert's destruction in the late 1980s, leading to its official designation in June 1994.
The name derives from Yucatec Maya language, where Yum Balam translates to Lord Jaguar, representing the sacred feline in regional traditions.
The National Commission of Protected Natural Areas maintains entry points throughout the reserve, requiring visitors to obtain permits and follow conservation guidelines.
The protected area serves as a gathering point for whale sharks during their annual migration, making it a primary location for marine wildlife observation.
Location: Quintana Roo
Inception: June 6, 1994
GPS coordinates: 21.40361,-87.11278
Latest update: March 6, 2025 22:01
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