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El Banquito is full of wildlife which
prospers protected by its extreme isolation. Foxes, deer,
monkeys, small wild cats, big wild cats, wonder the deeply
knitted forest allowing visitors to get –on a regular
basis- casual glimpses of an unspoiled world. Clouds of butterflys
fill the air and all kinds of birds crowd the sky. Groups
of 50 or more pelicans are constantly patrolling the air looking
for prey which they sometimes dispute with dolphins just a
few feet away from the beach. It is not uncommon to see groups
of Ibis Scarlata (Coro Coro in the local slang) flying their
stunning red beauty against a perfect blue sky.
Periodically an inventory of species is done
by the Fundación Oscar Ochoa Palacios which have so
far identified 73 different species of birds divided in 31
families and 12 different orders.
Mammals: So far 20 different
species have been seen, among them: American Lion (Cougar),
Cunaguaro (Felis pardalis) and Matacán Deer, all three
species are in danger of extinction elsewhere, flourish here.
There are also foxes, different types of monkeys (cebus olivaceus,
aluatta seniculus), small marsupials (dedelphis marsupialis)
and much more to the joy of animal lovers.
Reptiles:
El banquito is home of 29 species (besides marine turtles).Iguanas,
Land turtles (Morrocoy), centrolenaridae frogs, small American
alligators and many different species of snakes, such as boa
constrictor, and some of them poisonous for which is much
recommended to wear appropiate boots and apparel when visiting
the woods.
Marine Life:
The long, oceanic cliff type coastline is a prolific Sea Turtle
nesting ground. There, the Oscar Ochoa Foundation together
with Procosta, another ecology group, manages a protection
program for the Sea Turtles, cataloging their eggs, keeping
track of their migratory cycles, sheltering their precious
eggs from their natural predators, the worst of them all,
man. There are periodical speeches to the local fishermen
stressing the importance of safeguarding this unique ecosystem.
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