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Isla Espiritu Santo, Mexico
The Nature Conservancy in January 2003 announced the acquisition by the Mexican government of Isla Espiritu Santo, a 23,383-acre island in the Sea of Cortez—one of the most biologically diverse marine areas in the world. This island is one of ten the Conservancy is working to protect in the Sea of Cortez.
Isla Espiritu Santo, looking west
© Bill Evarts |
Ecological Importance: The Sea of Cortez is a global conservation priority, containing 31 species of marine mammals (one-third of the world's whale and dolphin species), 500 species of fish, 4,848 known species of marine macro-invertebrates and 626 forms of macroalgae. The area provides nesting sites and migratory habitat for about 210 bird species (both terrestrial and marine). It also provides breeding grounds for colonies of sea lions and several types of marine turtles. Many of these species are found only in the Sea of Cortez. In addition, the largely arid land rising from the coastal water is home to a number of endemic species, including the world's largest cactus and a variety of reptiles.
The island has the most intact ecosystem in the region. Several animals on Isla Espiritu Santo are found nowhere else in the world, including the blacktailed jack rabbit, ground squirrel and two species of snake. The island is home to 53 regional endemic plant species. The waters surrounding the island support coral reefs, resident colonies of sea lions, and 500 species of fish.
Plans: The Conservancy's ecoregional plans identify Isla Espiritu Santo as one of the most ecologically significant islands in the Sea of Cortez. It is part of a federally decreed Flora and Fauna Protection Area and a United Nations Biosphere Reserve.
The island was purchased from the local Ejido Bonfil community and then turned over to the Mexican government. It was designated as a protected area in 1978. The Conservancy will work with local partners to acquire critically threatened lands and encourage landowners and communities to implement sustainable land-use practices. Conservation strategies that may be pursued include legal protection mechanisms such as conservation easements, deed restrictions, management agreements or other voluntary, legally binding agreements that place conservation restrictions on threatened lands. The Conservancy is also funding studies to create a reserve design for a marine protected area surrounding Isla Espiritu Santo.
Partners: This vital acquisition took place with the support of local partners in Mexico, including the Fundación Mexicana para la Educación Ambiental A.C. (FUNDEA) and the National Commission for Natural Protected Areas (CONANP). Funding for the purchase was provided by The Nature Conservancy, the World Wildlife Fund, The Walton Family Foundation and FUNDEA. The David and Lucile Packard Foundation has also provided support for the long-term stewardship and protection of the island. |
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Isla Espiritu Santo Facts
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Size: 23,383 acres
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Location: Sea of Cortez, Mexico
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Animal Species: Blacktailed jack rabbit, ground squirrel, five species of marine turtles, resident sea lions, migratory and regional bird species
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Aquatic Species: Regional endemic plant species, rare cacti, one endemic cactus found only on Isla Espiritu Santo
Isla Espiritu Santo, looking south
© Bill Evarts |
Major Threats:
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Habitat destruction from tourism
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Limited federal enforcement capacity for private and commercial development on federal use-restricted properties
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State and federal jurisdictional issues surrounding federal use restrictions
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Uncontrolled fishing
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Introduction of invasive species
Learn More:
In the News:
Conservationists Praise Move to Protect Isles in Sea of Cortes
The San Diego Union-Tribune
An alliance between Mexican conservationists and The Nature Conservancy has preserved one of the world's most pristine regions.
Turkey vulture on cardon cactus
© Bill Evarts
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