Panama Real Estate Blog

Pedasi Iguana Reserve

An area comprising of 52 hectares and located within the province of Los Santos, in Pedasi is that of Iguana Island, a wildlife refuge. The area was declared a wildlife refuge in 1981 by the Government of Panama, which serves as an area for the protection of the various species located here.

The area has been heralded by researchers as being one of the most biodiverse, offering tourism and fishing resources that are really unparalleled in the world. The coral reef which is within the protected area has been found to be 4800 years old, making it the oldest in the world, and one of the largest protected coral reefs, measuring 14 and 15 hectares within the Gulf of Panama. The reef forms the basis for the breeding grounds for many commercially fished marine species and therefore forms the very sustainable source of this commercial sector.

A wide variety of marine life species can be found in this area and include over 170 different species of fish, and a number of different crustacean and bird species, although the frigate bird population has all but taken over the island. More than 5,000 frigate birds, locally known as tijerita, which means little scissors, inhabit the island, together with all the other and diverse creatures. Of the species of fish one may catch a glimpse of the spectacular spotted eagle rays, weasel sharks or the beautiful butterfly fish.

The site has furthermore gained popularity as an archaeological site too, due to the fact that fragmented pieces of pottery have been found at the site and which date back to pre-Colombian times. Security has further been stepped up in the area according to ANAM, who look after protected areas; this is to prevent illegal activities and possible poaching endeavors in the region, whilst an education drive continues with local fisherman for the implementation of conservation and sustainable development issues.

The region is exceptionally popular amongst eco tourists and students alike, with a recorded 2500 people having visited the island up to June of 2009. The management of the region charges an entrance fee of $10 per person or $5 per student, and the island can be accessed by boat from Pedasi. The short boat ride takes about ½ an hour, and one can negotiate a suitable rate with local fisherman who can provide transport to the island. Pedasi is located in the Los Santos province and is just over 320km from Panama City.

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