Bala'an K'aax. 02/02/04; Quintana Roo; 131,610 ha; 19°19'N 089°03'W. Reserva Estatal. Flooded low everlasting forests, with an endemic vegetation type from the Yucatán peninsula. They are a shelter for the great majority of animal species in the region, enhanced by the site's inaccessibility. The importance of the area's vegetation lies in the great quantity of endemic species, but also because it supplies water for the region and other, more coastal wetlands. Because of the karstic nature of the ground, a complex subterranean system is present, including an associated unique and unknown biodiversity. The area contains around 601 vertebrate species, of which 27% are threatened, under special protection or endangered according to international or national lists. Changes in land property and planning are the main threat to this area. Ramsar site no. 1332. Most recent RIS information: 2004.