Central Mexican matorral

The Central Mexican matorral is an ecoregion within the deserts and xeric shrublands biome in central Mexico, marking the southernmost part of the Nearctic realm. It spans 59,400 square kilometers on the southern Mexican Plateau, bordered by mountain ranges such as the Sierra Madre Oriental and the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt. The region transitions to tropical dry forests southwest and connects to other matorral areas northwest.

The climate is subtropical and semi-arid, featuring warm summers with occasional rains and cool winters, particularly at higher elevations. Vegetation includes shrublands dominated by cacti like Opuntia species, agaves, yuccas, and rosette plants, alongside shrubs such as Schinus molle and Acacia farnesiana.

Fauna encompasses mammals like white-tailed deer, coyotes, and armadillos, along with birds including great-tailed grackles, mourning doves, and hawks. The ecoregion hosts several cities, notably Mexico City, Toluca, and San Luis Potosí.

Protected areas cover about 5.4% of the region, featuring sites like El Gogorrón National Park and Sierra Gorda Biosphere Reserve, aimed at preserving this diverse ecosystem.