Estero El Chorro. 02/02/08; Jalisco; 267 ha; 19°54'N 105°24'W. An estuarine system located along Mexico's western central littoral. Its mouth is open only 6 months a year and most of the lagoon is surrounded by low and spiny forest vegetation, as well as some mangrove areas with the species Laguncularia racemosa and Conocarpus erectus. This vegetation allows the site to be an ideal habitat for a great variety of fish, molluscs, crustaceans, reptiles and resident and migratory birds. It is of great importance as resting and feeding grounds for Himantopus mexicanus, Calidris mauri, Catoptrophorus semipalmatus, Ardea alba, and Butorides virescens. Productive activities include artisanal fishing and guided tours through the site. Mangrove deforestation and agricultural expansion are the main threats. Ramsar site no. 1791. Most recent RIS information: 2008.