Fuentes Brotantes de Tlalpan National Park

Fuentes Brotantes de Tlalpan Overview

Fuentes Brotantes de Tlalpan National Park, or Parque Nacional Fuentes Brotantes de Tlalpan in Spanish, is a small but ecologically significant protected area located in the southern part of Mexico City, Mexico.

Covering approximately 0.53 square miles (1.38 square kilometers), this park is a natural oasis within the urban sprawl, offering a refreshing escape for city residents. The park is named after the natural springs, or “fuentes brotantes,” that emerge from the ground, forming small streams and contributing to the lush environment. Its location at the foothills of the Sierra del Ajusco provides a gentle yet diverse terrain with forested areas, grasslands, and waterways that support a variety of flora and fauna.

The park’s landscape is characterized by its rich vegetation, including oak and pine forests, along with a mix of shrubs and grasslands. The natural springs create a cool and humid microclimate, fostering the growth of mosses and ferns that add to the park’s serene atmosphere.

Though small in size, Fuentes Brotantes de Tlalpan is home to several scenic spots, including small waterfalls and shaded trails that wind through the trees. The presence of water bodies enhances the biodiversity, making it a haven for plants and animals that thrive in riparian environments.

Wildlife in the park includes a mix of mammals, birds, and amphibians. Visitors might spot squirrels, rabbits, and even the occasional opossum among the trees and underbrush. The park is also an important refuge for bird species, with frequent sightings of woodpeckers, hummingbirds, and warblers.

The presence of natural water sources attracts various amphibians, making the park an essential habitat for species that rely on wetland environments. Despite being located within a bustling metropolis, Fuentes Brotantes de Tlalpan maintains a surprisingly diverse ecosystem that supports urban biodiversity.

One of the park’s most popular features is its network of walking trails that allow visitors to immerse themselves in nature without leaving the city. These trails offer shaded paths perfect for jogging, hiking, and leisurely strolls. The park also has picnic areas, making it a popular spot for families and groups looking to enjoy a day outdoors.

A small market near the entrance offers traditional Mexican snacks, allowing visitors to experience local flavors while surrounded by nature. Additionally, the park’s natural springs and small streams provide a peaceful setting for relaxation and contemplation.

Visitors can engage with the park in multiple ways, from taking guided nature walks to enjoying its open spaces for exercise and meditation. The park is frequently used by runners and yoga enthusiasts, who appreciate the fresh air and natural surroundings.

Educational programs and workshops occasionally take place, aimed at raising awareness about conservation and urban ecology. Given its proximity to urban neighborhoods, the park is an essential green space for local residents, serving as a natural refuge from the city’s fast-paced environment.

Conservation challenges include pollution and the encroachment of urban development, which threaten the park’s water sources and wildlife habitats. However, local environmental organizations and community initiatives work to maintain and restore the park’s ecosystems.

Reforestation projects and water conservation efforts have been successful in preserving the park’s natural beauty. The park’s status as a protected area helps ensure its continued existence as an essential ecological and recreational space for future generations.

Park Map

Fuentes Brotantes de Tlalpan National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Fuentes Brotantes de Tlalpan National Park’s mix of riparian habitats, woodlands, and open meadows provides an essential refuge for numerous bird species, particularly those adapted to urban green spaces.

Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
A large and powerful raptor, the red-tailed hawk is often seen soaring over the park, hunting for rodents, reptiles, and small birds.

American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
The smallest falcon in North America, the American kestrel is frequently seen perching on trees and utility poles, hunting insects and small vertebrates.

Curve-billed Thrasher (Toxostoma curvirostre)
A medium-sized songbird with a long, curved beak, the curve-billed thrasher forages in the park’s dry landscapes for insects and seeds.

White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica)
A large dove species commonly seen in trees and open spaces, the white-winged dove feeds on seeds and fruits.

House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)
A small reddish songbird frequently found in urban parks, the house finch forages for seeds and berries.

Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
A nocturnal predator that hunts rodents, rabbits, and small birds, this owl has adapted well to large green spaces in cities.

Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria)
A small finch with bright yellow plumage, the lesser goldfinch is often seen feeding on seeds in the park’s trees and shrubs.

Inca Dove (Columbina inca)
A small, ground-dwelling dove with scaly-patterned feathers, the Inca dove is commonly seen foraging for seeds along pathways and open spaces.

Blue Grosbeak (Passerina caerulea)
A striking blue songbird, the blue grosbeak is often found near shrubs and woodland edges, where it feeds on seeds and insects.

Rufous-backed Robin (Turdus rufopalliatus)
A common thrush in urban parks, the rufous-backed robin has a beautiful song and is often seen foraging on the ground for insects and berries.

Fuentes Brotantes de Tlalpan National Park, located in southern Mexico City, is a small but ecologically important protected area known for its natural springs, riparian habitats, and temperate forests. Despite its urban surroundings, the park supports a variety of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians that have adapted to the semi-humid environment.

Mexican Gray Fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus)
A small, nocturnal predator, the Mexican gray fox is an expert climber and forager, feeding on fruits, insects, and small vertebrates in the park’s wooded areas.

Coyote (Canis latrans)
Occasionally spotted in the park’s less frequented areas, the coyote is an adaptable predator that preys on small mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Nine-banded Armadillo (Dasypus novemcinctus)
A burrowing mammal with tough armor, the nine-banded armadillo is nocturnal and uses its strong claws to dig for insects and larvae in the soil.

Eastern Cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus)
A common sight in the park’s grassy clearings, this rabbit is an essential prey species for predators such as hawks and foxes.

Ring-tailed Cat (Bassariscus astutus)
A nocturnal and highly agile climber, the ring-tailed cat hunts for insects, rodents, and fruit in the park’s rocky areas and forests.

Mexican Plateau Garter Snake (Thamnophis eques megalops)
A non-venomous snake often found near the park’s water sources, this species preys on amphibians and small fish.

Spiny Softshell Turtle (Apalone spinifera emoryi)
This freshwater turtle, known for its leathery shell, is found in the park’s natural springs and ponds, where it feeds on fish, insects, and crustaceans.

Black Spiny-tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura pectinata)
A fast-moving lizard that thrives in the park’s sunny, rocky areas, this species feeds on plants, flowers, and small insects.

Ajolote del Altiplano (Ambystoma altamirani)
A unique salamander that remains in its larval stage throughout its life, the ajolote is an important indicator of the park’s water quality.

Common Toad (Rhinella horribilis)
A widespread amphibian, the common toad is found near water sources, where it plays a key role in controlling insect populations.