By Fernanda Noriega
El Charco del Ingenio is a Botanical Garden and an important Natural Reserve located a few minutes away from San Miguel de Allende. The park has an extensive assemblage of flora and fauna species, many of them in danger of extinction. This Garden represents a natural jewel whose objective is to record the biodiversity that exists in this region. In total, 445 different species have been recorded, and below you will see a list of the 15 most frequently seen:
1. Cardinal Flycatcher (bird)
2. Northern Shoveler (bird)
3. Curve-billed Curlew (bird)
4. Chiblú Tyrant (bird)
5. «Asiento de Suegra» (mother-in-law’s seat) (cactus)
6. Monjita Americana (bird)
7. Broad-billed Hummingbird (bird)
8. Blue-gray Perlita (bird)
9. Luis Bienteveo (bird)
10. Mexican Spiny Lizard (reptile)
11. Mariposa Pasionaria Motas Blancas (butterfly)
12. Viejita Scraper (bird)
13. Tepalcate Duck (bird)
14. Ring-billed Duck (bird)
15. Desert Screech-owl (bird)
*In 2010 there were a total of 2606 protected species in the country. Source: PROFEPA.
* Currently in Mexico there are 1183 species subject to special protection.
