Insurgente Jose Maria Morelos Y Pavon National Park

Insurgente Jose Maria Morelos Y Pavon Overview

Insurgente José María Morelos y Pavón National Park, locally known as Parque Nacional Insurgente José María Morelos y Pavón, is a protected natural area located in the state of Michoacán, Mexico.

Established on February 22, 1939, the park spans approximately 71.92 square kilometers (27.77 square miles) within the municipalities of Charo and Tzitzio. Situated about 23 kilometers east of Morelia, the state capital, the park is nestled in a region of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt known as the Sierra de Mil Cumbres or Sierra de Otzumatlán.

The park’s terrain is characterized by a diverse landscape of hills, mountains, and stream valleys, with elevations ranging from 1,340 to 2,640 meters above sea level. This varied topography supports a rich array of vegetation, including oak forests, pine-oak forests, and riparian forests.

Notable water features within the park include springs such as El Puerto de la Conveniencia, Ojo de Agua La Laja, and Ojo de Agua de Los Tepetates, which contribute to the El Salto stream and waterfall.

The park is home to a wide variety of wildlife. Bird enthusiasts can observe species such as the banded quail (Philortyx fasciatus), buff-collared nightjar (Antrostomus ridgwayi), dusky hummingbird (Phaeoptila sordida), gray-barred wren (Campylorhynchus megalopterus), and red-headed tanager (Piranga erythrocephala). In total, 172 bird species have been recorded within the park.

Mammalian inhabitants include the Mexican cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus cunicularius), white-nosed coati (Nasua narica), gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), coyote (Canis latrans), and white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Additionally, the park supports 38 species of mammals, 18 species of reptiles, and nine species of amphibians, including four salamander species and five frog species.

Visitors to the park can engage in various recreational activities. The area offers opportunities for camping, hiking, and horseback riding, with several rustic eco-tourism sites and cabins available for lodging. The park’s diverse trails cater to different skill levels, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty and observe its rich biodiversity.

Despite its natural splendor, the park faces conservation challenges. Unauthorized logging on privately owned lands within the park poses a significant threat to its ecosystems. Additionally, water pollution affects the quality of the park’s aquatic habitats.

Efforts by the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP) and local communities aim to address these issues through sustainable management practices and environmental education programs.

Insurgente José María Morelos y Pavón National Park offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and cultural significance, making it a valuable destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Park Map

Insurgente Jose Maria Morelos Y Pavon National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

The towering peaks, pine forests, and open meadows of Insurgente José María Morelos y Pavón National Park provide an ideal habitat for a variety of bird species, including raptors, songbirds, and woodpeckers.

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
One of the most majestic birds in the park, the golden eagle soars over cliffs and open landscapes, hunting small mammals and birds.

Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
A high-speed predator, the peregrine falcon is often seen diving at incredible speeds to catch its prey in mid-air.

Mexican Spotted Owl (Strix occidentalis lucida)
A rare and nocturnal bird of prey, the Mexican spotted owl thrives in the park’s dense pine forests, preying on small mammals and birds.

Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus)
A social bird that stores acorns in tree trunks, the acorn woodpecker is an important species in the park’s forests.

Steller’s Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri)
This striking blue-and-black bird is known for its intelligence and loud calls. It is commonly seen scavenging and foraging in the park’s forests.

Mountain Trogon (Trogon mexicanus)
With its emerald green back and red belly, the mountain trogon prefers the park’s dense forests, where it feeds on fruits and insects.

Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)
A vital scavenger in the park, the turkey vulture soars high on thermal currents, using its keen sense of smell to locate carrion.

White-throated Swift (Aeronautes saxatalis)
Often seen darting around cliffs and rocky outcrops, this fast-flying bird catches insects in mid-air with precision.

Western Bluebird (Sialia mexicana)
A small but striking bird, the western bluebird features bright blue plumage and a rusty-red chest. It thrives in the park’s open meadows and forest edges.

Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus)
A migratory raptor, the broad-winged hawk is seen soaring above the park during seasonal migrations, hunting small mammals, reptiles, and birds.

Insurgente José María Morelos y Pavón National Park, located in Michoacán, Mexico, is a mountainous protected area characterized by dense pine-oak forests, open meadows, and freshwater streams. This cool, high-altitude ecosystem provides a habitat for a wide variety of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians that thrive in temperate conditions.

Mexican Gray Wolf (Canis lupus baileyi)
Once native to the region, the Mexican gray wolf is the focus of conservation efforts. Although rarely seen, it plays a crucial role as an apex predator in the ecosystem.

Cougar (Puma concolor)
A stealthy and powerful predator, the cougar roams the park’s forests and rocky slopes in search of deer and smaller mammals.

Coyote (Canis latrans)
Highly adaptable, the coyote thrives in the park’s diverse habitats, hunting small mammals and birds while also scavenging when necessary.

White-tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus)
A common herbivore in the park, white-tailed deer graze on grasses, shrubs, and tree leaves, contributing to the ecological balance.

Collared Peccary (Pecari tajacu)
A pig-like mammal that moves in small groups, the collared peccary forages for roots, fruits, and small invertebrates, playing an important role in seed dispersal.

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

Rock Squirrel (Otospermophilus variegatus)
A common sight among the park’s cliffs and forested slopes, this large ground squirrel plays a role in seed dispersal and serves as prey for many predators.

Mexican Pine Snake (Pituophis deppei)
A large, non-venomous constrictor, the Mexican pine snake helps control rodent populations and is often found in forested and rocky habitats.

Black-tailed Rattlesnake (Crotalus molossus)
A venomous snake well adapted to the park’s rugged terrain, the black-tailed rattlesnake preys on small mammals and birds.

Ajolote del Altiplano (Ambystoma altamirani)
A rare, high-altitude amphibian that inhabits the park’s cool, moist streams, this salamander is an important indicator of environmental health.