Monterrico Nature Reserve, Biotopo Monterrico, Monterrico, Guatemala

Picture of Monterrico Nature Reserve (Biotopo Monterrico) along Guatemala's Pacific Coast. Monterrico, Taxisco, Department of Santa Rosa, Guatemala, Central America



Monterrico Nature Reserve (Biotopo Monterrico) : A nature reserve with multiple objectives to conserve coastal wildlife such as the green iguana, marine turtle and crocodile. Its primary purpose is the protection of mangrove forests and sea turtles. This reserve is an interaction of subtropical ecosystems, estuaries of saline water and the seasonably flooded sea coast. Covering 6,918 acres, of which 657 are under water, it is habitat to a great variety of fish and crustaceans and a sanctuary for migrating birds. Its principal river system became the Chiquimulilla Canal when it was created in 1895 in order to navigate 785 miles of marshland, lakes and pools parallel to the south coast. Flora includes mangroves, bulrushes, white water lilies and bromeliads. On the coastal sand banks there are fruit, medicinal and timber trees.

Monterrico Department of Santa Rosa Guatemala
picture id: 109_guagua04c