The site comprises 244 islands, islets and coastal areas located in the Gulf of California in north-western Mexico. Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2005, the size of the protected area was modified in 2007 and in 2011.
The Gulf and its islands are the product of a movement of the Earth’s crust which caused the peninsula to start to detach itself from the mainland between 17 and 25 million years ago. This process of separation still continues today, and in the northern part of the Gulf, the fault-lines caused by tectonic movements have brought to light large numbers of fossilised plants, varieties of coral and animals dating from a past period of warmer climate.
The site has been called the “ocean oasis”, with 31 species of marine mammals and 34 species of marine cetaceans found there. Five of the world’s seven species of turtle can be found in the Gulf of California.
The site’s flora consists predominantly of numerous varieties of succulents and cacti, certain of which are the tallest cacti in the world, reaching heights of over 25 metres. A total of 695 species of vascular plant have been identified in this protected area, including 28 species or sub-species that are endemic. The marine flora includes 626 species of macro-algae, which form underwater forests protecting and nourishing large concentrations of species of invertebrates.
Jaeger-LeCoultre invites you to discover the photographic and video reports about the islands and protected areas of the Gulf of California available on The New York Times website starting from 11 May.