El Vizcaino Biosphere Reserve

UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, inscribed 1993, in Mexico. El Vizcaino is in the central part of the Baja California peninsula, in the Sebastian Volcano region between the Gulf of California and the Pacific Ocean. It contains a great abundance and variety of wild fauna and flora, including numerous species endemic to the Mesoamerican region and species that are endangered elsewhere. Protection of the site is justified by the exceptional value of its desert, mountain and coastal and marine ecosystems, which link the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of California. The reserve is also important for its fossil beds and numerous marine birds, including some under threat of extinction. The grey whale (Eschrichtius robustus) frequents the bay. The peninsula holds more than 400 prehistoric sites of importance, as well as petroglyphs, wall paintings and ancient ruined structures.