Chiapas Depression with Low Tropical Deciduous and Medium-high Semi-Deciduous Forest is a subregion in central Chiapas that corresponds physiographically to the Central American Mountains and Sierras of Chiapas and Guatemala regions, characterized by warm sub-humid and semi-warm humid climates, a predominance of tropical deciduous forest, and includes the Grijalva River and important cities like Tuxtla Gutiérrez.
Zone
Forest
Common Name
Chiapas Depression with Low Deciduous and Medium Semi-Deciduous Tropical Forest
CEC Level III Code
14.4.2
CEC Level II Code
14.4 Tropical Dry Forests
Overview
Region facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Aliases | Chiapas Depression with Low Deciduous and Medium Semi-Deciduous Tropical Forest, Chiapas Depression tropical dry forest |
| Geographic Range | This subregion, also known as the Chiapas Highlands or Central Depression, is located in central Chiapas and corresponds physiographically to the Central American Mountains and Sierras of Chiapas and Guatemala. |
| Climate Snapshot | The climate is predominantly warm sub-humid, occasionally semi-warm humid on mountain slopes, characterized by a long dry season (4 to 6 months), the "Dog Days" phenomenon, and abundant summer rains due to orographic factors, with annual precipitation sometimes less than 800 mm. |
| Terrain Profile | The elevation gradient of this subregion ranges from 200 to 2,300 masl, featuring irregular land surfaces including hills, plateaus, canyons (like the Sumidero Canyon), and valleys. |
| Vegetation Cover | The subregion is predominantly characterized by tropical deciduous forest, with semi-deciduous and semi-evergreen forest stands in moister areas, and conifer, oak, and mountain cloud forests at higher elevations, though much of the original vegetation has been altered or converted. |
| Wildlife Habitat | Isolated sierras and canyons in the Chiapas Depression are home to surviving mammals like the gray fox and skunks, along with snakes such as the boa constrictor and neotropical rattlesnake, and characteristic birds including the plain chachalaca and white-throated magpie-jay. |
Eco snapshot
The subregion is predominantly characterized by tropical deciduous forest, with semi-deciduous and semi-evergreen forest stands in moister areas, and conifer, oak, and mountain cloud forests at higher elevations, though much of the original vegetation has been altered or converted.
Isolated sierras and canyons in the Chiapas Depression are home to surviving mammals like the gray fox and skunks, along with snakes such as the boa constrictor and neotropical rattlesnake, and characteristic birds including the plain chachalaca and white-throated magpie-jay.
Seasonal timing
Yearly needs
What pollinators need throughout the year, and what to do about it.
| Season | What pollinators need most | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Late winter/early spring | Early nectar/pollen; safe shelter as temperatures and moisture shift | Add early-blooming natives; keep some leaf litter and hollow stems; provide a shallow water dish with stones |
| Spring | Steady bloom; nesting materials and undisturbed soil | Plant a mix of flowers/shrubs; leave a small patch of bare, well-drained soil; avoid all pesticide use |
| Summer | Heat/drought support; continuous flowers; water access | Prioritize drought-tolerant native blooms; mulch to protect soil; offer shallow water and some midday shade |
| Late summer/fall | “Finish strong” blooms; energy for the next season; shelter | Add late-blooming plants; reduce deadheading on some plants so they can set seed; keep stems standing where safe |
| Winter or Dry Season | Survival resources: shelter, micro-habitat, and any available blooms | Don’t over-tidy; protect leaf litter; keep a few hardy bloomers; avoid burning/clearing habitat where possible |
Seed mix concept
Spring starter: fast, early bloomers that respond quickly when moisture returns.
Summer bridge: long-blooming, heat-tolerant plants that keep nectar/pollen available through hot spells.
Fall finisher (or late-season bridge): plants that bloom later or hold up into the dry season, plus shrubs/trees that provide seasonal pulses of flowers.
What You Can Do
Turn this knowledge into action. Whether you plant a single pot or a whole garden, you are building a vital bridge for local biodiversity.
Join the movement to restore our shared habitats.
Native plants
Agaves are bold, sculptural succulents that store water in thick leaves and thrive in bright, dry spots. Their flowers can be a big seasonal draw for pollinators when plants are mature and in bloom.
Erythrinas (coral trees) are showy flowering trees in the genus Erythrina, known for bold, nectar-rich blooms that can be a seasonal food stop for pollinators in warm gardens.
Inga is a group of tropical trees (genus Inga) known for fluffy, brush-like flowers and long pods. In warm climates, it can be a shade tree that also offers nectar and pollen for a variety of insects.
Milkweeds from tropical Mexico (genus Asclepias) are nectar-rich wildflowers that can add bright blooms and pollinator activity to sunny gardens and containers.
Passionflowers (genus Passiflora) are climbing vines known for their intricate, otherworldly blooms and their ability to add vertical color to fences, trellises, and sunny walls.
Salvias are a big, colorful group of flowering plants in the genus Salvia, with especially rich diversity in Mexico. Many are easy, pollinator-friendly garden plants that bloom over a long season when given sun and well-drained soil.
Wild lilacs (genus Calliandra) are warm-climate shrubs known for fluffy “powderpuff” blooms that can add color and pollinator activity to sunny gardens and patios.
Pollinators
Adults visit flowers for nectar and pollen, and many species’ larvae help keep plant-eating pests in check.
They can move pollen between flowers while feeding on nectar, especially for blooms that open or scent up in the evening.
They move pollen between flowers while feeding, helping many plants reproduce.
They move pollen between flowers over long distances, helping some plants set fruit and seed.
They move pollen between flowers over long distances and help many plants set fruit and seed.
They move pollen between flowers while feeding on nectar, supporting seed and fruit production in many plants.
They help pollinate many wild and cultivated plants in tropical and subtropical regions, supporting food webs and biodiversity.
