The Mayan Civilization covered over a third of Central America, mainly resting on the Yucatan Peninsula. Their territory is about 900 kilometers north to south, and 550 kilometers from east to west. It's dotted with rain forests, and swamps with volcanic mountains in the highlands. February to May is known as the dry season there, as the air becomes intensely hot and uncomfortable. In the lowlands, the rainfall is as high as 160 inches per year. Dangerous animals also live in the Mayan part of Mesoamerica, such as the jaguar, crocodile, bullshark, and several species of poisonous snake. The fertile soil in this area allowed for great agriculture. The Mayans mainly grew crops that were meant for consumption, like corn, squash, beans, chili peppers, amaranth, and manioc. The volcanic highlands are a source of many precious metals used for trade and decorative artifacts. These include obsidian, jade, cinnabar, and hematite. The temperature in the highlands was much different than the temperature in the lowlands as they were both higher and cooler.