Wildlife includes the jaguar, puma,[4] ocelot, jaguarundi, coyote, coati, armadillo, skunk, white tailed deer, peccary, American crocodile, geckos, potoos, hawks, kites, storks, vultures, boas, vipers, coral snakes, toads, frogs, sea turtles, opossums, macaws, and woodpeckers.

In addition, the Pacific Slope region of Mexico and the reserve itself supports a high diversity of neotropical migratory bird species during the winter.

This area, also known as the core zone (zona nucleo), is managed as a strict nature reserve.

[5] Both the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and the Cuixmala Ecological Foundation, A.C, own most of the land in the reserve.

In 1971, the Biology Institute of the National Autonomous University of Mexico, built a research station.