An ecogeographic analysis of the herpetofauna of the Yucatan Peninsula ecogeographicana00leej Year: 1980 YUCATAN HERPETOFAUNA apas and Tabasco, producing a more varied topography. To the south and southwest these ridges give way to high- lands, the 600 m contour of which, for purposes of this work, is taken as the southern boundary of the peninsula. Commencing in northeastern El Peten and continuing through northern Belize and into southern Quintana Roo is a series of major faults which produce low limestone ridges and intervening swampy areas (West, 1964). The most conspicuous topographic f
An ecogeographic analysis of the herpetofauna of the Yucatan Peninsula ecogeographicana00leej Year: 1980 YUCATAN HERPETOFAUNA apas and Tabasco, producing a more varied topography. To the south and southwest these ridges give way to high- lands, the 600 m contour of which, for purposes of this work, is taken as the southern boundary of the peninsula. Commencing in northeastern El Peten and continuing through northern Belize and into southern Quintana Roo is a series of major faults which produce low limestone ridges and intervening swampy areas (West, 1964). The most conspicuous topographic feature of the peninsula is the uplifted south-central portion of Belize, termed variously the Cockscomb or Maya Moun- tains. These reach a maximum elevation of 1158 m (Wadell, 1938). The surface of much of the peninsula consists of eroded and thoroughly karsted limestone. Caves, caverns, and subterranean waterways abound, espe- cially in the north. The porosity of the limestone precludes much accumulation of surface water; lakes are uncommon, and rivers are virtually absent from the northern third of the peninsula. Through- out much of this area natural wells {cenotes—from the Mayan dzonot), which result from collapse of the lime- FiG. 1.—Map of the Yucatan Peninsula show- ing political subdivisions and major topographic features. stone roofing of subterranian chambers, are important sources of fresh water and support a mesophilic biota. These caves and cenotes have been studied in detail by Cole (1910), Hatt et al. (1953), Mercer (1896), Pearse (1938), and Thompson (1897). Scattered throughout the peninsula are depressions (aquadas) which fill with water during the rainy months, but are frequently dry at other times. A belt of lakes extends across southern Campeche and through south- ern Quintana Roo. From west to east these are: Laguna Silvituc, Zoh Laguna, Laguna Chacanbacab, Laguna Om, and Lago Bacalar. Further south, at approxi- mately 17°N, a chain of lakes lies i
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