San Lorenzo Marine Archipelago National Park

The Parque Nacional Marino Archipelago de San Lorenzo is a Mexican National Park in the Gulf of California, including the San Lorenzo Archipelago as well as some islands north- west of it (Isla Rasa, Roca Partida and Isla Rasa or Raista ), and belongs to the province of Baja California. It is managed by the Secretaría de Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales.

The city of Mexicali belonging, separated from the mainland of Baja California by the Canal de Salsipuedes field contains on the islands and the waters surrounding a rich flora and fauna.

Flora and Fauna

The National Park has unique ecosystems and habitats. The ecosystems are important food sources for marine animals, birds and the surrounding human settlements. The rich waters of the Gulf of California harbor more than 800 species of fish and 2000 species of invertebrates.

The islands themselves seem less fertile due to lack of fresh water and the drought (60 mm annual rainfall ), there are only a few shrubs and cacti, otherwise is desert. The marine flora consists of several varieties of algae. The algae provides the ideal habitat for small marine animals.

The fauna includes the following endangered species: blue whale, humpback whale, killer whale, sperm whale, green turtle, hawksbill, olive ridley turtle, Totoaba. In the archipelago there are a large number of commercially important fish. Swordfish, hake and Risso's dolphin are also common. The island Rasa is an important breeding area for Heermann, Schmuckseeschwalbe, American oystercatchers, Craverialk and brown pelican. Heermann and Schmuckseeschwalbe are estimated at up to 260,000 or 200,000 individuals, about 95 % of their total population on earth.

The islands Salsipuedes, Las Animas and San Lorenzo are important habitats for the Brown Pelican, the average number of their breeding pairs is estimated on the three islands on 6000-18000.

On the islands there are also a large number of resident and migratory birds, which are attracted by the rich food supply. The most frequently observed species include: Cooper's Hawk, Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon, Columbidae, Prachtfregattvogel, brown pelican and Nazca boobies.