Before us stands a testament to Mexico City’s vibrant Museum of Natural History. This museum began as a collection by Agustin de Iturbide in 1822. It was based on the Natural History Cabinet and the Antiquities Conservatory.
Later, Maximiliano of Habsburg created a Public Museum of Natural History. It also included Archeology and History.
The Benito Juarez administration recreated the Mexican National Museum. Over time the National Museum grew. It was divided into History Archeology and National History areas.
In 1909 the National Museum of Archeology History and Ethnography opened. The National Museum of Natural History also opened. Both were located within the Palacio de Cristal. Today it is the Museo del Chopo.
In 1929 the two national museums were taken over by the National Autonomous University of Mexico. They declined and were temporarily closed. Some of the collection moved to the UNAM Museum of Geology. It remained “the Mexico City museum” for nearly 30 years.
In 1964 the National Museum of Natural History was inaugurated. Construction began on the Chapultepec facility in 1999.
The Chapultepec Center for Environmental Culture opened in 2022. It became an independent cultural center. This was part of an initiative to restore the park’s diversity. It also educated the public on protecting Mexico City’s natural resources.
With the opening of the Environmental Culture Center the Museum of Natural History refocused. It concentrated on protecting and researching its specimens. The National Insect Collection contains 55000 species. It is available to visit by appointment.
The Historia Natural – Fauna en el Cielo Relief reminds us of El Cielo Biosphere Reserve. This reserve is a natural wonder recognized by UNESCO. It covers 144530 hectares. The reserve has an astonishing diversity of flora and wildlife.
El Cielo combines the Neotropical and the Nearctic eco-regions. Within the reserve one can find warm and cold climate vegetation. Admire tropical rainforests deserts humid temperate forests and dry temperate forests.
Its formation dates back 65 million years. It was covered in water then gradually emerged. This shaped a region with caves crevices and mountain walls. Marine fossil remains have been found here.
El Cielo boasts 92 species of mammals. It has 430 species of birds 25 species of amphibians and 60 species of reptiles. The reserve also contains 1128 species of plants. It includes 72 species of orchids 924 species of insects and 481 species of fungi.
San Jose is one of the most visited places in El Cielo Reserve. On the journey from Gomez Farias to San Jose admire the landscape. Exotic plants and hundreds of birds populate this area. Take a 20-kilometer hike to the Cueva del Agua. There you will find troglobitic fauna lacking eyes and pigmentation.
Recommended places include Casa de Piedra La Gloria and El Elefante. Also visit Joya de Manantiales and the various caves and caverns.
It is a paradise for nature lovers and ecotourism enthusiasts. Explore climates landscapes flora and fauna.
The reserve offers comfortable cabins. Explore caves hike trails and enjoy waterfalls. Streams pools camping birdwatching butterfly watching and horseback riding are also available.
The main access to the biosphere reserve is through Gomez Farias. It is 112 km from Ciudad Victoria and 42 km from Cd Mante.
As you gaze upon the Historia Natural – Fauna en el Cielo Relief remember the commitment. The Museum of Natural History preserves and showcases. It protects the incredible natural world around us.