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The Laguna de la Media Luna lake in the central Mexican state of San Luis Potosí could become a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage site due to its plethora of archaeological remains dating back more than a thousand years, including skeletons of giant mammoths.

The small natural lake, located in the municipality of Rioverde, San Luis Potosí, is currently being considered by UNESCO for World Heritage status, according to the executive coordinator of the Council for the Heritage of Historic Areas and Centers of San Luis Potosí, Juan Carlos Machinena Morales.

“Specialist brigades and researchers are reviewing the archeological findings at that site, as well as the remains of mammoth skeletons. There are more than 500 vestiges that have been found in underwater explorations since the 1960s that are being evaluated for the UNESCO designation,” Machinena Morales said.

The UNESCO review could take more than 18 months to complete, he said, since United Nations scientists and researchers will have to validate the findings.

“Its waters have sheltered within it archaeological evidence of more than a thousand years. They have found figurines, vessels, pre-Hispanic pipes and bone remains that have remained inside the veneer,” added Machinena Morales.

According to preliminary findings, the archeological remnants that have been found in the strikingly transparent waters of the lake date from between 700 and 1,100 A.D. and include animal fossils discovered at a depth of 36 meters, which could be even older.

In June 2003, the Media Luna lake was declared a Protected Natural Area by the Mexican government for the sake of its conservation and protection.

The site is one of the most visited tourist spots in San Luis Potosí.