Isla Corazón facts for kids

Isla Corazon is a naturally heart-shaped mangrove island. It is located on the Chone River estuary in Ecuador. You can find it near the city of Bahía de Caráquez in the Manabi region.

This island is not inhabited by people. It is a very important place for birds. It is home to one of the biggest groups of frigate birds in the Pacific Ocean. Many other bird species also live and nest there. Local fishermen helped to make the island bigger. They worked hard to restore its mangroves. Soon after, it became a National Wildlife Refuge. These same fishermen now offer tours of the mangrove ecosystem. They lead canoe trips from Puerto Portovelo, which is close to San Vicente.

Isla Corazon: A Heart-Shaped Island

Isla Corazon means "Heart Island" in Spanish. It gets its name because of its unique shape. From above, it looks just like a heart! This special island is made mostly of mangrove trees. Mangroves are amazing trees that grow in salty water. They have special roots that help them breathe and stand firm in the mud.

The island is found in the Chone River estuary. An estuary is where a river meets the sea. This mix of fresh and salt water creates a perfect home for many plants and animals. Isla Corazon is near the city of Bahía de Caráquez in Manabi, Ecuador.

What are Mangroves?

Mangroves are like nature's superheroes for coastlines. They are trees and shrubs that grow in coastal areas. Their roots form a thick, tangled network. This network helps to protect the land from strong waves and storms. They also stop soil from washing away.

Mangroves are also important nurseries for young fish and crabs. Many small creatures hide and grow among their roots. They are a vital part of the coastal ecosystem.

Amazing Wildlife on Isla Corazon

Isla Corazon is a true paradise for birds. It is especially famous for its large colony of frigate birds. Frigate birds are known for their long wings and for stealing food from other birds. They are also called "pirate birds" because of this!

The island is a safe place for these birds to build their nests and raise their young. It is one of the biggest frigate bird nesting sites in the entire Pacific Ocean. Besides frigate birds, you can see many other types of birds here. These include herons, egrets, and pelicans. They all depend on the healthy mangrove environment.

Helping the Environment: Mangrove Restoration

For a long time, some mangrove areas were damaged. But local fishermen understood how important these trees are. They started a project to restore the mangroves on Isla Corazon. This means they planted new mangrove trees and helped the existing ones grow stronger.

Their hard work paid off! The island grew bigger and healthier. Because of these efforts, Isla Corazon was officially named a National Wildlife Refuge. This means it is a protected area. It helps to keep the wildlife and the environment safe for the future.

Visiting Isla Corazon

The same group of fishermen who helped restore the island now offer tours. They call themselves Isla Corazon Tours. These tours are a great way to explore the mangrove ecosystem. You travel by canoe, which allows you to get up close to nature.

The tours start from Puerto Portovelo. This small town is just a short distance from San Vicente. On a tour, you can learn about the mangroves. You can also see the many birds and other creatures that live there. It's a wonderful way to experience nature and learn about conservation.