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Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave, known simply as Veracruz, is a Mexican state that is located towards the south-east of the country. Although it is not one of the largest states in Mexico, its surface is enough to include a large number of reliefs: plains, hills, valleys, sedimentary ranges and mountains. As for the climate of Veracruz, it is very varied and ranges from tropical humid to semi-dry and semi-cold in some areas. The great diversity of reliefs and climates that the state presents, result in the 7 natural regions of Veracruz, all of them with different hydrological, climatic, geographical and flora and fauna characteristics. These regions are: towards the north the regions of Huasteca Veracruzana and Sierra de Huayacocotla; in the center of the state the regions of Totonacapan, Sotavento Plains and Great Mountains and to the south the regions of Tuxtlas and Isthmus of Tehuantepec. With regard to the economy, the main economic activity carried out is livestock, it is even one of the main livestock states in the country, since 45% of its surface is used for this activity.
Now that you have read this brief introduction about this Mexican state, from Ecologista Verde we will emphasize the natural resources of Veracruz.
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Thanks to the soil we can cultivate numerous plant species, which constitute our food. In particular, the soils of Veracruz are highly varied, but most of them are fertile and conducive to the cultivation of agricultural species. The main agricultural crops are:
- Corn.
- Sugar cane.
- Coffee.
- Tobacco.
- Beans.
However, as we mentioned in the introduction, the main economic activity is livestock.
Flora and fauna
The large number of reliefs and landscapes in this region constitute a varied refuge that houses the flora and fauna of Veracruz. The biodiversity of Veracruz depends precisely on the relief. In short, the most emblematic animal species are:
- Common bale (Cuniculus paca)
- Tapir (Tapirus bairdii)
- Jaguarundí or Moorish cat (Herpailurus yagouaroundi)
- Caribbean manatee (Trichechus manatus)
- Tacuaches or possums (Didelphis marsupialis)
In addition, the most characteristic plant species are:
- Maguey (Agave wendtii)
- Tencho (Tillandsia botterii)
- Biznaguita (Mammillaria eriacantha)
- Real goat legBauhinia jucunda)
- Lily (Alophia Veracruzana)
Here you can discover more Flora and fauna of Mexico.
Fishing resources
The fishing resources of Veracruz They are diverse, there are more than 621 species of freshwater and saltwater fish. The artisanal fishing It is an important economic activity in the region that provides sustenance for the socio-cultural development of many families. On the other hand, the fishing industry is incipient and is beginning to develop.
Here you can learn more about Marine Resources: what they are, types and examples.
Forest resources
A large part of the state of Veracruz is made up of forests, palm groves and mangroves which are the source of numerous timber and non-timber forest resources, such as resins, gum, edible mushrooms and medicinal plants. The most representative forest species in the state are mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), firs (genus Abies) and táscate (Juniperus deppeana).
Learn more about them in this other post about Forest Resources: what they are, types and examples.
Water resources
The state of Veracruz has numerous water bodies that are the sustenance of the Veracruz populations. Among the most important rivers we can mention: towards the north the Pánuco, Tuxpan, Cazones, Tecolutla and Nautla rivers, in the center of the state the Actopan, Antigua and Jamapa rivers and on the south the Papaloapan and Coatzacoalcos rivers. It also has lagoons of considerable extension such as the Tamiahua Lagoon. All these water resources are essential for the consumption of the population, agriculture, livestock and industries.
Oil resources
Mexico has two regions with high hydrocarbon productivity, one of them is located in the northern part of the state of Veracruz. In fact, the fields in the north of Veracruz have been exploited since the beginning of the last century and the country's oil boom began there. Today, due to many years of exploitation of these oil deposits, only 5% of the national hydrocarbon production is obtained.
To learn more about this natural resource, we advise you to take a look at these other articles about What are fossil fuels and how they were formed and the environmental impact of fossil fuels.
Mineral resources
Another of the natural resources of Mexico which is present in Veracruz. The Veracruz mining production it constitutes 6.01% of the national production. Among the most exploited minerals are: manganese, clay, sulfur, sand, basalt, silica, limestone and more.
We recommend you read this other post about Mineral Resources: what they are, classification, examples and importance.
Protected areas
Veracruz presents more than 25 protected areas and all can be considered as potential natural resource. These areas aim to preserve and conserve the great biodiversity of flora and fauna, soils, bodies of water and more elements, which are, after all, the natural resources of the State. In this way, if resources were to run out, protected areas could be used to meet the needs of the next generations. However, we must not go to that point and, therefore, we have the obligation to make a rational use of natural resources.
Some of the most extensive protected areas in Veracruz are: Archipelago of Forests and Forests of the Capital Region of the State of Veracruz, Archipelago of Interdunary Lagoons of the metropolitan area of the Municipalities of Veracruz and Antigua, Ciénagas, Dunas de San Isidro and Arroyo Moreno .
Learn more about The importance of nature reserves and protected areas with this other post.
If you want to read more articles similar to Veracruz natural resources, we recommend that you enter our category of Other environment.
Bibliography- Pérez, A. L. A., Villagómez Cortés, J. A., Mendoza Briceño, M. A. & Rebolledo Martínez, A. Valuation of natural resources and livestock in the central zone of Veracruz, Mexico. Wood forests [on-line]. 2006, vol.12, n.2, pp.29-48. ISSN 2448-7597. https://doi.org/10.21829/myb.2006.1221241
- Mexican Geological Service. (2022). Mining Panorama of the State of Veracruz. Recovered from: http://www.sgm.gob.mx/pdfs/VERACRUZ.pdf
