Layers of Progreso (geography)

What kinds of impacts might human activities have in the habitats of animal species?

What features of the landscapes are affected by plants and animals in the area?

What natural landscape features and ecosystems are found?

How long does the map has looked like in the actuallity?

How densely populated is this area?

What are the major landscapes you see in this area?

The layers of progreso

on the biologit's p.o.v.

TEAM: Acsa Arellano, Monserrat Baas, Valentina Conde, Alessandra Erosa, Samantha Rodriguez, Alma Presuel, Lili Quintal, Karen Valenzuela.

Higher in the coastal city due to tourism, fishing, and industrial activities around the port; and in Iower in nland areas. In 2020, the population of Progreso was 66,008 habitants. (Progreso: Economía, Empleo, Equidad, Calidad De Vida, Educación, Salud Y Seguridad Pública | Data México, n.d.).

• Urban Coastal Area: covering 30-40% of the area, with population density increasing during tourist seasons. (Sánchez-Cordero & Martínez-Meyer, 2000).
• Rural and Inland Areas: used for agriculture and livestock which covers about 15-25% of the area. (FAO, 2020).
• Natural and Semi-Natural Areas: cover the remaining 35-55% of the study quadrant, they are still affected by human activities such as agriculture, tourism, and pollution. (SEMARNAT, 2018).

We damge this land by introducing species and livestock, and by bringing invasive species (non-native plants and animals outcompete native species for resources, leading to a reduction in biodiversity).

How densely populated is this area by humans an their activities?

• Beaches: wide, sandy beaches along the Gulf of Mexico (TripAdvisor September 7, 2024).

• Gulf of Mexico: the coastline of Progreso runs along it; sea influences the local economy and lifestyle (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2024).
• El Malecón (The Pier): boardwalk that stretches out into the sea. Featuring restaurants, shops, and view to the sea (Visit Mexico, 2024).

• Mangroves: Progreso is surrounded by mangroves forests that are rich ecosystems that support diverse wildlife, especially bird species (National Commission of Natural Protected Areas, 2024).

• Salt Flats: outside of Progreso, you find extensive salt flats, where salt is harvested (Yucatán Travel, 2024).
• Dunes: natural sand dunes along parts of the coast, that help protect the inland areas from erosion and provide a natural buffer between the beach and urban development (Encyclopædia Britannica, september, 2024).

What are the major landscapes in this area?

Human activities in Progreso have significantly impacted local animal habitats, leading to:

• Habitat destruction from urban, industrial, and tourism development.
• Deforestation of mangroves and coastal ecosystem modifications due to infrastructure and road construction.
• Barriers to animal movement, disrupting species reproduction.
• Pollution from plastics and wastewater, threatening marine life like turtles and fish. (Herrera-Silveira, J.A., Ramírez-Ramírez J., Medina-Gómez, I., Pérez-Martínez, O. J. y Osorio, M.I. ,2019).

What kinds of impacts human activities and populations have in the habitats of animals in the area?

In Progreso, Yucatán, the landscape is shaped by coastal ecosystems like mangroves, seagrass beds, and coastal dunes.Mangroves play a crucial role in stabilizing the shoreline, preventing erosion, and serving as habitats for a variety of species including fish and birds. Seagrass beds support marine life such as sea turtles, while coastal dunes protect the land from erosion with their resilient vegetation. However, human activities, especially tourism and urban development, have led to habitat degradation. Efforts to restore these ecosystems, including replanting mangroves, aim to preserve biodiversity and strengthen coastal resilience. (Gutierrez, s.f.).

What features of the landscapes are affected by plants and animals in the area?

Although the Yucatán Peninsula's geological features are millions of years old, Progreso's landscape has changed significantly in the past 150 years due to natural processes. (Times & Times, 2022).

How old is this landscape, and its recent changes:

Since its founding in 1871, Progreso has undergone significant changes due to human activities. The construction of the port and urban development have notably altered its coastline and local ecosystems. (12 DATOS ACERCA DE PROGRESO, YUCATÁN., 2019).

The flat terrain and coastal dynamics cause rapid changes in the landscape due to erosion, sediment deposition, and sea-level rise. («Progreso, Yucatán: La Historia del Puerto Más Importante de la Península», 2021)

Cenote Corchito: Swamp area with rich wildlife, including birds and flamingos.Manglares de San Crisanto: Fishing village with mangrove channels and cenotes.

What natural landscapes are evident and what kind of ecosystems they hold?

Ecosystems:

• Coastal and Marine Ecosystems: Support marine life and local fisheries.
• Wetland Ecosystems: Host diverse species and feed migratory birds.
• Tropical Dry Forests: Provide habitat for drought-adapted wildlife.

(Islebe, León Cortes, Schmook, & Calmé, 2015)

Parque Nacional Arrecife de los Alacranes: Largest coral structure in the Gulf of Mexico, with white sand beaches and a nesting area for seabirds. (Programa Destinos México, 2024)