National Parks

GUAYABO ISLAND, NEGRITOS ISLAND AND
PAJAROS ISLAND, BIOLOGICAL RESERVE.

Area:
147 Ha. (total)

Location: Guayabo Island is situated 8 Km south of Puntarenas. There are two Negritos Islands, oriented east and west, separated by the Montague Channel, 16.5 Km south of Puntarenas. Pajaros Island is only 500 meters from the eastern coast of the Gulf, 13 Km northwest of Puntarenas.

The reason for establishing the islands as biological reserves was to preserve large populations of marine birds, conserve the flora and fauna and ensure the permanent enjoyment of so much natural beauty.

Most of the vegetation covering the islands consists of shrubs and small plants; some of them, thorny species approximately half a meter high. The shrubs include guaco, which serves as nesting sights; wild figs, which are very scarce and stunted because of the poor soil and strong winds, and coyol and viscoyol palms.

The fauna consists almost entirely of birds. The most common species are the brown pelican, magnificent frigate bird, laughing gull and brown booby, which is one of the most common species of seabird in the tropics. During certain seasons, migratory seabirds visit these islands as well

The islands play a major part in protecting the bird life, particularly since one of the largest populations of brown pelicans, some 200 to 300 individuals, makes its nests here.

Also, the pregrine falcon spends the winter in this area.

Other species found on the islands include the fiddler crab and Sally lightfoot crab.