The ancient Mayan city of Calakmul and the Calakmul Biosphere Reserve in southern Campeche have now been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the mixed natural/cultural category. The Calakmul forest forms part of the Mesoamerican biodiversity hotspot, the third largest in the world, extending from Mexico to the Panama Canal, and is a vital habitat for endangered species such as the jaguar, tapir and king vulture.
One of the largest and most important archaeological sites in the Maya World, Calakmul already had World Heritage Site status. By moving it to the mixed natural/cultural category, its ancient temples and the surrounding jungle, a total of 331,397 hectares, will have enhanced protection.
