Gandoca-Manzanillo. 11/12/95; Limón; 9,445 ha; 09°37'N 082°40'W. Wildlife Refuge. A coastal lagoon consisting of coral reefs, seagrass beds, beaches and cliffs with flooded lowland areas between. The vegetation forms an unusual association of swamp forests composed of "yolillo" Raphia taedigera and Camnosperma panamensis, Prioria coparifera, and some mangroves. An important area for nesting sea turtles inhabiting the Caribbean. The site supports a high diversity of species, some of which are endangered or threatened, including birds, reptiles, molluscs and fish (marine, estuarine and freshwater), crustaceans, including lobster and 32 coral species. The fishery is an important source of revenue for local inhabitants. The site is part of the Talamanca-Caribe Biological Corridor and shares a border with Panama. Ramsar site no. 783. Most recent RIS information: 1995.

Limón