- Research & Conservation Projects -

Flora and Wildlife of Isla Contoy

Learn how park rangers and conservancy researchers helps to different species that inhabit in an emotional attachment to this beautiful island.
reef cancun underwater
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What is Isla Contoy National Park?

Isla Contoy is the oldest protected natural area in Quintana Roo (1961). It was declared a National Park on February 2nd, 1998.

The park is administered by the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas (CONANP). As permanent inhabitants, there is CONANP personnel in charge of conservation work, 4 Navy Marines, and a lighthouse from the Secretary of Communications and Transportation (SCT).

The Ixlaché reef, located in the southern part of the island, is considered the beginning of the: Mesoamerican Reef System, which is the largest barrier reef in the Americas and the second-largest in the world.

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Birds species

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Reptile species

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Marine species

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Isla Contoy National Park Management Program

The management program of Isla Contoy was presented and approved to the community on August 30, 1994, reflecting the effort of the Mexican Government through federal, state and municipal institutions to safeguard a natural environment, its biodiversity and its cultural heritage in harmony.
 
With the sustainable use of natural resources and the social development of the inhabitants of the northeast area of the State of Quintana Roo.
Our guides and photographers are trained under the tutelage of SEMARNAT to obtain the Tourist Guide permit.

 

What animals can we find in the Isla Contoy National Park?

The small size of the Isla Contoy land area limits the number of species that can be permanently established. The most studied group is that of birds since Contoy is the most important refuge for seabirds in the Mexican Caribbean, housing more than 173 migratory, resident and occasional species.

Another group of great interest is that of reptiles, because the island is a place of great importance for the nesting of sea turtles. In the particular case of mammals within the island, they cannot survive due to the lack of fresh water, which is the most important limitation for the absence of this group.

01 - 600x400 - Fragatas - Fregata magnificens - Isla Contoy

Frigatebirds

Fregata magnificens

Large seabird of warm tropical oceans and shores. Mostly black with a very long, deeply forked tail and angular wings.

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02 - 600x400 - Cormorán doble cresta - Phalacrocorax auritus - Isla Contoy

Cormorant

Phalacrocorax auritus

Dark body with bare orange skin at the base of the bill. He dives underwater to fish. Find open perches to spread wings and dry feathers. It can walk in large flocks or alone.

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03 - 600x400 - Pájaro bobo - Sula leucogaster - Isla Contoy

Brown Booby

Sula leucogaster

Large seabird, usually seen near the Pacific beaches, sometimes just behind the surf. It usually dives from very sharp angles, much closer to the water than the Blue-footed Booby. It nests in colonies on offshore islands, directly on the ground.

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04 - 600x400 - Pelícano café - Pelecanus occidentalis - Isla Contoy

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

Large conspicuous grayish brown seabird. Very long beak with a sack to remove fish from the water.

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05 - 600x400 - Gaviota risueña - Leucophaeus atricilla - Isla Contoy-1

Laughing gull

Chroicocephalus ridibundus

Common black-hooded gull on beaches and other coastal areas in summer.

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06 - 600x400 - Golondrina de mar - Thalasseus maximus - Isla Contoy

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

A large tern found strictly in coastal areas. It feeds in the open sea and saltwater bays, where it flies high in search of small fish.

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Yellow Warbler

Yellow Warbler

Setophaga petechia

The Yellow Warbler is an adaptable species that inhabits a wide variety of ecosystems.

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What flora can we find in the Isla Contoy National Park?

Isla Contoy is home to 98 species of plants that make up the vegetation of the island, such as: Coastal Dune, Low Forest, Coconut Palm and Mangrove

01 - 600x400 - Coastal Dune - Isla Contoy

Coastal Dunes

Coastal Dunes

Foredunes, support a resilient ecosystem and reduce coastal vulnerability to storms, arise from interactions between biological and physical processes.


 

04 - 600x400 - Palma de coco Isla Contoy

Palm Tree

Cocos nucifera

Every part of the tree is utilized in some form or the other. They can be found growing in aerated sandy soil near the shorelines, as they are not affected by the salinity of the seawater.
 
 

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02 - 600x400 - Mangrove - Isla Contoy

Mangrove

Mangrove

Mangrove swamps are coastal wetlands found in subtropical and tropical regions Because of their ability to survive in both salty and fresh water, are the only ones that thrive in these areas.

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bursera simaruba

Chaka Tree

Bursera Simaruba

Known in Mexico as palo mulato or indio desnudo, inhabits dry and humid tropical forests from Mexico to South America and the Caribbean.


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Chiit palm

Chiit Palm

Thrinax Radiatta

The Palama Chiit (Thrinax radiata), known as the hat palm or fan palm, is native to the Caribbean and Central America.
 
 

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opuntia stricta

Nopal

Opuntia Stricta

Opuntia stricta is a species of prickly pear cactus known for its thick, thorny stalks and showy yellow flowers.

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