Costa Rica National Parks / Atlantic/Caribbean / Gandoca Manzanillo

This important refuge protects the wildlife of the region, especially species in danger of extinction or with reduced populations. It also safeguards the only naturally occurring mangrove oyster beds to inhabit the reefs along the coastline. The remaining primary forest in this region is unique throughout the Atlantic coastal lowlands because of the relatively small surface area available to support the area's abundant wildlife. This area contains a wide range of lowland habitats with patches of primary forest and numerous rare and unique plants. The refuge also protects major freshwater and marine habitats, including one of the least spoiled coral reefs on the Atlantic coast of Costa Rica. This part of the Atlantic coast is classified as a tropical rain forest.