Humedal de Importancia Especialmente para la Conservación de Aves Acuáticas Ría Lagartos. 04/07/86; Yucatán; 60,348 ha; 21°30'N 088°00'W. Added to the Montreux Record, 4 July 1990, removed from the Record, 7 August 1996. Biosphere Reserve. An extensive complex of small estuaries and hypersaline coastal lagoons separated from the Gulf of Mexico by a dune cordon. Certain parts receive fresh water from subterranean aquifers. Eight specific vegetation zones are present, providing habitat for several notable or endangered species of plants. The vegetative diversity gives rise to an abundant fauna, representing a high percentage of species known in the Yucatan, including numerous threatened or endangered species. Several villages and archaeological areas are located within the site. Human activities include, fishing, tourism, agriculture, livestock rearing, and salt extraction. Special research and educational efforts are devoted to the protection and conservation of marine turtles. Subject of Ramsar Advisory Missions in 1989 and 1991. Area significantly extended in September 2002. Ramsar site no. 332. Most recent RIS information: 2001.