 Location
The Isla Bolaños National Wildlife Refuge is located at a
distance of 1.5 kms Off Punta Descartes, lying in the northwestern
region of the country. The island is some 281 kms away from the
capital city of San Jose. The terrain of the place is uneven and
rugged and it contains several layers of sedimentary rocks which
date back to some 40 million years. The waters around the island
are conducive for supporting marine life.
Kind of Habitat
The refuge was formed for the protection of seabirds and creatures
like frigate birds, brown pelicans and America Oystercatchers. It
is one of the very few known sites where these birds nest.
Floral Species
The vegetation is made up of stunted forests. The height of the
trees ranges in the region of 1.5- 2 meters, which grow on rock
soils with very low organic material. The forest goes on to lose
all its leaves during the autumn season. The vegetation mainly
consists of paira and certain medium-sized trees, such as
frangipani and lancewood. The frangipani trees and the crown trees
attract several birds when the fruit cycle gets completed.
Animal Species
The refuge is a nesting site for brown pelicans and beautiful
frigate birds. The beach has scintillating white sand beaches on
the eastern tip of the island. The island itself is in the shape of
an oval mound. While on the island you might also spot the mating
of the crabs. A splendid sight on the beach is a mound of shells.
It is one of the unique places where American Oystercatchers have
been found nesting. Around 200 pairs of pelicans are found nesting
atop the trees in the northern reaches of the place. The Southern
cliff is the region where the frigate birds mate.
 Climate
This place is one of the driest regions in the country receiving
around one and half meters of rain annually. The low rainfall
results in poor quality soil. There is short and stunted vegetation
with lowland shrubs and bushes. The dry season around the place is
windy.
Area
The place is spread around 25 hectares. It has no marked trails but
one can do hiking here during the season of low tides. This place
was formed to protect the nesting sites of sea birds and creatures
like frigate birds, pelicans and during the nesting season, from
December through March visiting this place isn't possible.
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