Cactus Sanctuary
Cactus Sanctuary
Cactus Sanctuary
In Baja, California's southern Central Desert, also known as the Cataviña Desert, in the Valley of the Cirios, is a Cactus Sanctuary that is unique in the world. It belongs to the municipality of Ensenada. The area is home to hundreds of cirios, which can grow up to 18 meters tall. Every 27 years they can grow one meter and survive for more than five years without rainfall. There are also 100-year-old specimens in this reserve. The Mexican giant cardon is the largest cactus in the world. Specimens growing in the Valley of the Cirios can reach heights of up to 15 meters, although the tallest are found in the Valley of the Giants in San Felipe, Baja California. They can reach a height of up to 19 meters and have 30-meter radius roots. They usually grow their first arm sprouts out at 75 years. They can live for more than 300 years, although some sources claim that millennial cardons have been recorded. In 1980, the valley was declared a Flora and Fauna Protected Area, as it is a biological corridor home to fascinating cactus species such as the Mexican giant cardoon, the Cirios and the Baja elephant trees. The valley is also a refuge for many endangered species, such as Bighorn Sheep and Pronghorn, as well as mountain lions, coyotes, owls, eagles and many species of snakes.
Cactus Sanctuary
Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptilia caerulea) at the Cactus Sanctuary near La Paz in Baja California in Mexico (2011)
Cactus Sanctuary
Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher (Polioptilia caerulea) at the Cactus Sanctuary near La Paz in Baja California in Mexico (2011)
Cactus Sanctuary
Organ Pipe Cactus (Stenocereus thurberi) at the Cactus Sanctuary near La Paz in Baja California in Mexico (2011)
Cactus Sanctuary
White-winged Dove (Zenaida asiatica) at the Cactus Sanctuary near La Paz in Baja California in Mexico (2011)
Cactus Sanctuary
Xantus's Hummingbird (Basilinna xantusii) female at the Cactus Sanctuary near La Paz in Baja California in Mexico (2011)
Cactus Sanctuary
Grey Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii) at the Cactus Sanctuary near La Paz in Baja California in Mexico (2011)
Cactus Sanctuary
California Towhee (Pipilo crissalis) at the Cactus Sanctuary near La Paz in Baja California in Mexico (2011)
Cactus Sanctuary
Wilson's Warbler (Wilsonia pusilla) at the Cactus Sanctuary near La Paz in Baja California in Mexico (2011)
Cactus Sanctuary
Ash-throated Flycatcher (Myiarchus cinerascens) at the Cactus Sanctuary near La Paz in Baja California in Mexico (2011)
Cactus Sanctuary
Grey Flycatcher (Empidonax wrightii) at the Cactus Sanctuary near La Paz in Baja California in Mexico (2011)
Cactus Sanctuary
Pacific-slope Flycatcher (Empidonax difficilis) at the Cactus Sanctuary near La Paz in Baja California in Mexico (2011)
Cactus Sanctuary
Organ Pipe Cactus (Stenocereus thurberi) at the Cactus Sanctuary in Baja California in Mexico (2011)
Cactus Sanctuary
Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus) at the Cactus Sanctuary near La Paz in Baja California in Mexico (2011)