Isla Desolación Island, also known as Isla de la Muerte, is located in the Gulf of California, about 410 kilometres off the coast of mainland Mexico. The island is a remnant of the Late Cretaceous period and is made up of two parts; the larger, northwestern part is about 9 square kilometres in size, while the smaller, southeastern part is about 2.5 square kilometres. The island is surrounded by coral reefs and is home to a wide variety of marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins, and sharks.
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All About Of Isla Desolación Island
History
Isla Desolación island was first discovered by Europeans in 1542, when a group of Spanish explorers led by Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo sighted it while sailing along the coast of California. The island was not named until 1770, when French explorer Stanislaus de Guillaume gave it the name Isla de la Muerte (Island of Death).
The island remained largely unknown to outsiders until 1825, when American shipwreck survivor William Henry Tegg arrived onshore and reported his discovery to the US government. In 1903, Mexican Navy Captain Ram ón Valdes Fuenmayor surveyed the island, and in the early 20th century, fishermen from Coahuila named it “Isla de las Máscaras” (Mask Island). In 1918, a group of Mexican trappers claimed rights to fish around Isla Desolación for one year. The island was officially annexed by Mexico when marine border designations were implemented at that time.
Its total land area is about 2.5 square kilometres (1 sq mi) which makes it somewhat larger than Arrecifes Archipelago but smaller than the Catalina Islands together .
Geography and ecosystems of the island make up a unique ecoregion, as well its wildlife. The island is separated into two regions, Cernera Island to the north, and Desolación Island (Spanish for “desolation island”) to the south. Isla Verde runs along most of Cernera’s coast; southern part of this Ecological Reserve was declared a marine park in 1975.
Climate
The island’s climate is tropical, with strong trade winds and a generally warm and humid climate year-round. The average annual temperature is 20 °C (68 °F). Annual rainfall ranges from less than 100 mm (4 in) on the drier north coast to over 1,000 mm (40 in) on the south coast.
Isla Desolación experiences a Wet Season between November and February, when heavy rains cause flooding, while the Dry Season extends from March to May.
The island has no natural sources of fresh water other than rainwater runoff which can be contaminated by human activity, as it is a breeding ground for mosquitoes in the dry season.
The island gets only an occasional supply of water from local springs and streams while Desolación’s size can prevent its use by animals or humans at the same time; since 1992 approximately 50,000 head of cattle have grazed on some parts of those islands year-round.
Water used to be supplied through a system consisting mainly tollbooths, with farmers paid monthly rewards for growing different crops that would pay off the cost in irrigation costs but this practice has now been abandoned due to tax considerations (although new wells have been drilled since then)
The island’s large size, isolation and delicate environment have required a great deal of conservation work. The ecoregion includes more than 400 km² (155 sq mi), is part of the Central American Cloud Forests and encompasses portions of three national parks: Isla Verde, Cernera Island National Park and Desolación Island National Park.
Culture
The island culture is largely influenced by the Chontal, Mixe and Zapotec people. There are indigenous festivals that celebrate Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Easter and other important holidays. With a population of just over 2,000 people, island life is relatively isolated, although tourism has begun to develop in recent years.
Most islanders eke out a living by farming and fishing. There are also small businesses that serve tourists on the island including a hotel, restaurant and airstrip.
Politics
The island is a part of the municipality of San Andrés Tuxtla Gutiérrez, in the central state of Chiapas.
Island politics are dominated by interests from mainland Mexico who seek to influence island affairs in order to advance their own agendas.
This has resulted in a lack of political representation for islanders and hindered efforts at developing local infrastructure. The island’s fragile environment and lack of resources have also posed a major challenge for politicians and officials.
Environment
The ecoregion is important because it contains areas that are affected by both tropical moist forest and cloud forests, which together make up the Central American Cloud Forests ecoregion. The island is home to several endemic species, including the Chiapas hutia, a long-eared primate that occupies a critically endangered distribution range.
Government services
There is no effective government service on the island, which has led to a lack of infrastructure development and hindered efforts at sustainability. There is also a need for improved education and health services, as well as job opportunities that can provide income opportunities.
Economy
The island’s economy is based primarily on agriculture and tourism. Agricultural production includes coffee, tobacco, bananas and cacao. Tourism has begun to develop in recent years, but the island lacks infrastructure necessary for sustained growth.
Conclusion
Isla Desolación is an uninhabited island located in the Gulf of California, Mexico. It is the largest desert island in North America and the third largest island in the world. The island has an area of 6,460 km² and a coastline of 1,860 km. It was discovered on October 22, 1775 by Spanish explorer Gaspar de Portolà, and named Las Islas de Santa Bárbara (the Islands of Saint Barbara).
FAQs
1.What Are The Transportation Options To Get To Isla Desolación?
Ans: There is no direct public transport access to the island, but a number of operators offer day-trips from Tijuana. A more comprehensive travel package can be arranged through local providers.
2.What Is The Climate On Isla Desolación?
Ans: The island has a desert climate with an average annual temperature of 21 degrees Celsius and an annual rainfall of 1,000 mm. The island experiences strong winds and very little sunshine; it receives just 10% of its necessary sunlight annually.
3.What Is The Culture Like On Isla Desolación?
Ans: There is no permanent population on the island, and visitors are limited to a few tour operators. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the island’s isolation and natural beauty, without interference from other people or development.
4.What Services Does Isla Desolación Have Available For Tourists?
Ans: The island has a small number of facilities that provide basic needs such as water, food, shelter, and medical assistance. There is also a helipad providing access to some of Mexico’s most spectacular natural sites .
5.Is It Safe To Visit Isla Desolación?
Ans: The island is undeveloped, and there are no facilities or services available for tourists other than those provided by the tour operators. However, visitors should be aware that the island can be dangerous due to its remote location and strong winds.
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