The ecological heart of the region is the Cabo Blance Absolute Natural Reserve. Located on extreme southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula, about 10 kms to the south, the Reserve is one of the most impressive natural reserves of Costa Rica. The entire ecological orientation of Costa Rica originated with the establishment of this, the nation’s first, protected area and National Park, founded in 1963.

 

The “White Cape,” was first recognized in the 1500s for the heavy coating of bird guano covering the rocks of the point and nearby island. Over 240 species of birds have been observed in the reserve. Under national reserve protections, it continues to be one of the most important seabird sanctuaries of Central America, and is home to thousands of brown pelicans, frigate birds, laughing gulls, common terns, ospreys and Costa Rica's largest community of brown boobies. In addition to the seabird population are many species of magpie jays, motmots, long-tailed manakins, egrets, crested caracaras, black-headed and elegant trogons, chachalacas, ringed kingfishers and dozens of types of parrots and parakeets.

 

The reserve encompasses 1,270 hectares of moist tropical forest, composed of over 150 tree species that include Madroño (Lance Wood), Guácimo (Bastard Cedar), Jobo (Hog Plum), Indio Desnudo (Gumbo Limbo) and Guarumo (Cecropia). The most abundant tree is the Pochote (Spiny Cedar) with some specimens over 40 m high. Exceptionally large examples of Ceiba (Silk Cotton Tree) as tall as 60 m, and the fast growing Espavel (Wild Cashew), and exceptionally rare species such as Camibar which does not occur anywhere else in the peninsula.

 

The forest refuge is home to white-tailed deer, pacas, armadillos, anteaters, howler and capuchin monkeys, coyotes, porcupines, raccoons and coatis. The reserve also includes several wild cats including ocelots, jaguarundis and margay cats but these are rarely seen. The adjacent protected waters also include 1,788 near shore hectares that are home many species of fish, lobster, and other sea life.